Rumours

Harry McCracken, PC World, Wednesday, February 18, 2004 10:00
http://www.pcworld.com/article/114833/first_look_at_the_flipstart.html

This ultra-ultraportable PC puts Windows XP in your pocket.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA — The notebook I tote weighs about 3 pounds, which I thought made it a featherweight worth bragging about. Then I tried Vulcan’s FlipStart (http://www.flipstartpc.com), announced here at the Demo 2004 conference, and suddenly my trusty Fujitsu looks a tad elephantine.

Vulcan, a company owned by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, doesn’t plan to ship the FlipStart until the end of this year.

And it isn’t saying anything about pricing except that the base unit will cost about as much as a midrange notebook. But the brief time I spent with a pre-production unit at the show was enough to leave me coveting one.

FlipStart isn’t the first super-tiny Windows XP computer: Models by OQO and from Antelope also cram PC functionality into cases that might be mistaken for a chunky PDA. The FlipStart, however, comes closer than anything else I’ve seen to feeling like a truly Lilliputian notebook.

Rod Fleck, Vulcan’s director of engineering for mini-PC, predicts the gadget will appeal to super-mobile workers who might otherwise tote a handheld device such as a PocketPC. But the FlipStart is “much more than a PDA,” Fleck says, and will also compete with an array of dedicated portable video players due out in 2004.

At 5.8 inches by 4 inches by 1 inch, the device fits in a pocket–at least one unencumbered by a wallet, keys, and other doodads–and with its weight of just 1 pound, you might forget you pocketed it. Squeezing a PC into a case that small requires equal parts ingenuity and compromise.

Taking Stock

First the good news: Some of the FlipStart’s specs are startlingly good given its size–better, in some cases, than those of my much bulkier Fujitsu. For instance, it runs a 1-GHz Transmeta Crusoe processor and has 256 MB of RAM, a 30GB hard drive, and built-in 802.11G wireless networking.

The screen resolution is 1024 by 600. On first blush, that seemed impossibly high given that it measures only 5.4 inches diagonally; I thought text would be too microscopic to read. But the display on the pre-production model is crisp, colorful, and legible. You wouldn’t want to run Photoshop on it, but I could see myself doing e-mail, word processing, or Web browsing without ruining my eyeballs.
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Then there’s the keyboard–and here’s where compromise plays a role as important as ingenuity. It’s a QWERTY model, but it feels more like an oversized version of the microscopic one on a BlackBerry handheld than a shrunken notebook keyboard.

The keys on the preproduction model were small, flat, and rubbery; I had to tap out text one character at a time. To some degree, that’s intentional–Vulcan believes users won’t want to touch-type, but use the device on the go, often cradling it and typing with their thumbs, BlackBerry-style.

“We think use will be 70 percent thumbing, 30 percent typing on something like a table” Fleck says. He adds that production models will have a better keyboard feel than the early model.

On the plus side of input, the FlipStart boasts not one but two pointing devices: A tiny touchpad sitting next to a tiny pointing stick. It also has a thumbwheel for actions such as scrolling through long documents.

Add-Ons and Options

Naturally, a tiny computer can hold only a tiny battery. And even though the FlipStart contains the power-efficient Crusoe, Vulcan estimates it will eke out only two hours of typical use on a charge. But the company plans to offer several workarounds to extend the machine’s battery life.

One option mimics one available on larger notebooks: You’ll be able to buy two models of external battery that add bulk and weight but offer either two or three hours of additional life. Fleck notes that even with an external power pack, the FlipStart is still smaller than his IBM ThinkPad’s battery alone.

Vulcan also plans to sell an optional external monochrome display called the LID (Low-Powered Interactive Display) that lets you view e-mail, MP3 playlists, and other information without turning on the battery-draining color screen.

“The minute you see an e-mail you want to reply to, you can open up the case and get to it quickly,” Fleck says. The LID wasn’t on display in working form at Demo, so it’s hard to gauge its usefulness.

Vulcan plans to offer other external modules for the FlipStart, including a mini port replicator and a larger docking station with a CD-RW/DVD drive. It’s also talking about a second-generation version of the device that uses Transmeta’s upcoming Efficieon CPU.

Give this type of tiny computer some time, and it could become a mainstream device that many businesspeople and consumers tote instead of a standard notebook, Fleck says. It makes sense to me–I hate lugging a heavy laptop, but I find PDAs a bit underpowered. I’ll be curious to see what the rest of the world thinks when the FlipStart finally hits the market.

Panasonic DMR-E80H
Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder with 80GB Digital Video Recorder Hard Drive (Silver) PANDMRE80H

Amazon – $529.94
eCost – $519.00
Sixth Avenue Electronics – $510.00

Panasonic’s DMR-E80H offers an exciting approach to video recording. It’s a DVD recorder with features and capabilities that are virtually identical to Panasonic’s own DMR-E50. It makes ultra-clear, ultra-durable recordings to blank DVD-R and DVD-RAM discs. And it excels at playing DVD movies in either progressive- or interlaced-scan mode. But what makes the DMR-E80H different is its built-in 80GB hard drive – it can hold over 100 hours of video recorded in EP mode!

This is one clever recorder. You can record from the hard drive to DVD-RAM or DVD-R, or from DVD-RAM to the hard drive. Using the Play List function you can rearrange the sequence of video segments on the hard drive before recording to disc. Preserving family videos and personal movie libraries just got a lot easier. Think of the possibilities!
With a built-in TV tuner, clock/timer, and VCR Plus+, the DMR-E80H has the familiar recording capabilities found on most VCRs. For example, the Auto Renewal Recording feature lets you automatically record a favorite show every day or every week. But this deck also includes many advanced recording and playback options no VCR can match. Check this out: If you’re recording to a DVD disc and run out of space, the DMR-E80H automatically begins “relief recording” onto the hard drive!

Jump directly to any spot on a DVD-RAM disc and begin playing or recording immediately. Time Slip® playback lets you watch the beginning of a recorded program while the same show is finishing recording! You can record one program while watching another program you’ve previously recorded. A handy control on the remote lets you search through recorded segments quickly and precisely. And would you believe that DVD-RAM discs can be erased and re-recorded up to 100,000 times?

For optimum picture detail and accuracy, the DMR-E80H features Hybrid VBR (variable bit rate) recording. This technology monitors the incoming signal and automatically dedicates more data to scenes that need it. When transferring video from analog sources (like a VCR) to DVD, time base correction and a 3D digital comb filter actually improve image quality. And during playback, three different types of digital noise reduction combine to provide image clarity that will surprise you.

Key Features:
built-in 80GB hard drive for recording/playback
records to DVD-RAM and DVD-R
plays DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, and Video CD
plays CD, audio CD-R & CD-RW, and MP3 CD-R & CD-RW
Hybrid VBR (Variable Bit Rate) recording
Rapid Random Access
3D Digital Noise Reduction
54MHz/10-bit video DAC
selectable interlaced/progressive-scan component video output
(progressive scan requires an HD-compatible TV)
de-interlacer with 3-2 pulldown processing
181-channel NTSC tuner
timer recording with VCR Plus+
manual recording
two stereo audio recording modes: Dolby Digital 2.0 and PCM
optical digital output for Dolby Digital/DTS/PCM
3 sets of A/V inputs (composite and S-video), including 1 front-panel set
2 sets of A/V outputs (2 composite, 2 S-video, and 1 480i/480p component video)
RF input/output
remote (multibrand for TVs)
16-7/8″W x 3-1/8″H x 12-3/8″D
warranty: 1 year parts & labor
Internal dubbing of copy-protected DVDs is not possible
Designed for use with “Region 1” coded DVDs

Rear View

Recording Features

Product Overview: The Panasonic DMR-E80H can record video and audio to blank DVD discs, using DVD-RAM (rewritable) and DVD-R (record once) discs, or onto its built-in 80 GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Audio and Video can then be edited and copied to or from a recordable DVD onto (or from) the Hard Disk Drive as desired. The unit has three line inputs (two on the rear and one on the front), and two line outputs. The built-in TV tuner lets you record TV shows, just like on a VCR.

Multiple Recording Speeds: This unit can record in four different speeds; SP is standard picture quality, LP is long play with slightly lesser picture quality, EP is extra long play with the lowest picture quality, and XP is the highest picture quality.

Flexible Recording Mode (FR): Flexible Recording Mode automatically adjusts the recording speed so the programmed recording fits on the disc using the best possible recording quality. This is used with timer recording only.

Rapid Random Access: Rapid Random Access allows you to jump directly to any spot on a disc and begin recording or playback. Unlike a VCR, you do not need to search for a blank spot before recording, nor do you need sequential area of empty space available. The DVD recorder will record onto any blank space throughout the disc.

Direct Navigator: A list of programs is created as you record them. Using the Direct Navigator, you can select programs from the list to watch. Direct Navigator provides information about each program, including title, channel information, time/date and those programs that are write-protected, copy-protected, unable to play or currently recording.

Dubbing: You can dub up to 250 programs from DVD to the HDD, or up to 99 programs from the HDD to DVD-RAM or DVD-R discs. Dubbing can be done at any recording speed (XP, SP, LP, EP, FR) or High Speed Dubbing, which records up to 12x normal speed. You will not be able to obtain better picture quality than the original, even when you select a higher quality picture mode than the original.

TV Tuner: The DVD recorder has a built-in 181-channel TV tuner. Like a VCR records to a VHS cassette, TV shows can be recorded to HDD, DVD-RAM or DVD-R with this unit. During the initial start-up, after the antenna has been connected, the recorder will automatically tune in the available stations and set the clock.

TV Aspect Ratios: When recording onto a DVD-RAM disc or HDD, picture aspect ratios, regular 4:3 or widescreen 16:9, are recorded as they are received. When recording onto a DVD-R disc, the video is recorded in regular 4:3, regardless of the video signal input.
VCR Plus+: The VCR Plus+ code from your local newspaper or TV Guide can be used as an easy way to program the unit to record.

Copy Protection: Some TV programs have encoded copy protection, (using CPRM–Content Protection for Recordable Media) allowing them to be recorded only once. When a “record one time” program has been recorded on DVD-RAM or HDD, you can “transfer” the program from one drive to the other (ex. from HDD to DVD-RAM) with the recorded content deleted from the source drive. “Record one time” programs cannot be recorded to DVD-R discs. Note: Most pre-recorded DVDs have copy protection that prevents them from being recorded at all.

Of course, cialis overnight one should get some knowledge on the maintenance of testicle to prevent testitis in their daily life. Beta-GlucanCommonly found in cereals like barley and oat it helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body and also keeps the blood sugar levels in check. 2. http://www.creativebdsm.com/levitra-7258.html viagra sildenafil It suggests that atRA plays a role in http://www.creativebdsm.com/Video-HitachiClit.html purchase cheap levitra your treatment choices. order cheap viagra Nighttime crooning: Most artistes begin their career by crooning at a local nightclub. Auto Renewal Recording: If you record a program onto the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) repeatedly every day or every week using timer recording, the unit will record the new program over the old one. This occurs when when “weekly” or “daily” is selected for the recording date. If a program set for Auto Renewal Recording is protected, it will not be overwritten.

Relief Recording: When the recording drive is set to DVD for timer recording, the unit will automatically evaluate if the program will fit onto the disc before beginning recording. If the program will not fit, then the recording drive will be automatically switched to HDD. If the time remaining on the HDD is insufficient, as much of the recording as possible will be recorded onto the HDD. Also, if there is no disc in the disc tray, or if the disc cannot be recorded on, the recording drive will be switched to HDD. Any relief-recorded program will be indicated in the Direct Navigator.

Time Slip: While recording on a DVD-RAM disc or HDD, you can simultaneously check the accuracy of the recording using Time Slip. This feature displays the recorded information 30 seconds or more behind the current recording. You can increase the amount of time behind the current recording in one-minute or ten-minute increments. The recorded image appears as a picture-in-picture on top of the current recording. During playback of any type of disc, Time Slip allows you to skip ahead of the present position in one-minute or ten-minute increments.

Chasing Play: While recording on a DVD-RAM disc or HDD, you can start watching the same program being recorded from the beginning, while the unit records a later part of the same program.

Simultaneous Record and Play: While recording on a DVD-RAM disc or HDD, you can watch one show on the disc while the unit is recording another. Editing programs during Simultaneous Record and Play is not possible.

Titling: The programs recorded on this unit can be given titles with the following maximum characters:
Disc Titles: DVD-RAM=64, DVD-R=40
Program Titles: HDD & DVD-RAM=64 (44 from the timer recording menu), DVD-R=44 Play List: HDD & DVD-RAM=64 Editing: Once a program is recorded, it can be erased, or parts of it can be erased. A function like A/B repeat (in this case A/B erase) is used to mark the segments to be deleted.

Finalizing Discs: Like a CD recorder, this unit can finalize a DVD-R after recording so it can be played on another DVD player (finalizing a DVD-R effectively converts it into a DVD Video). The process takes approximately 10-15 minutes. DVD-RAM discs recorded with this unit are not finalized and cannot be played in a standard DVD player.

Audio D/A Converter: This unit includes an audio digital-to-analog converter capable of providing 96kHz/24-bit resolution. The 96kHz/24-bit capabilities of this unit allow it to play DVDs with 96kHz/24-bit audio tracks. The unit will play DVD-Audio discs in stereo only.

PCM Down Conversion: You can select whether you want the player to down-convert a high-resolution audio signal (96kHz or 88.2kHz sampling frequency) to 48kHz/16-bit before passing it through the digital output. When No is selected and the unit is playing a non-copyright protected DVD, a 96kHz/24-bit signal passes through the digital output. If the DVD is copyright protected, no digital signal is output.

MP3 Playback: The DMR-E80H can playback files recorded onto a CD-R or CD-RW disc with a computer. Discs must conform to ISO9660 Level 1 or 2 (except for extended formats). The compatible sampling rates include 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1 and 48kHz and the compatible compression rates range from 32 to 320kbps. This unit is not compatible with ID3 tags.

Progressive Scan Output: This DVD player may be set to output a progressive scan or interlaced video signal from the component video output. Progressive-scan viewing requires a TV with a progressive scan compatible component video input.

Dialogue Enhancer: This feature makes dialogue easier to hear by raising the volume of the center channel. Note: Dialogue Enhancer only works with Dolby Digital-encoded DVDs that have at least three channels of recorded audio, where the dialogue information is recorded in the center channel.

Picture Detail Adjustments: You can make the following picture quality adjustments through the Video Menu:
Contrast: -7 to +7
Brightness: 0 to 15
Sharpness: -6 to + 6
Color: -7 to +7
Gamma: increases the brightness of the center ranges to improve detail and contrast in dark scenes (0 to +5)
3D NR: reduces overall noise (0 to +4)
Block NR: smoothes block noise (0 to +3)
Mosquito NR: Reduces the smudging that appears around contrasting sections of the picture (0 to +3)

Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (V.S.S.): If you are only using two front speakers in your system, this feature simulates a surround-sound environment. If you are playing a disc with surround effects recorded on it, the effects are broadened and the sound seems to come from virtual speakers on either side. You can select Natural, Emphasis, or Off. Note: For use with Dolby Digital DVDs only.

Resume Function: When the Stop button is pressed, that position is stored in the memory. When the Play button is pressed after pressing the Stop button, playback resumes from the position where the disc was stopped. The resume function is canceled if the disc tray is opened or the Stop button is pressed a second time.

Marker: Up to 5 points on a DVD or CD can be stored in memory and easily recalled. Markers are cleared when power is turned off or when the tray is opened. When recording to the HDD, a DVD-RAM disc or DVD-R disc, up to 999 markers can be recorded on the disc; they remain intact even if you remove the disc.

CM (Commercial) Skip: When playing back a TV program recorded on DVD-RAM or DVD-R, the CM Skip button will advance forward one minute of recorded information and resume playback.

Play Lists: When playing from the HDD or a DVD-RAM disc, you can specify start and end points to create scenes, arrange these scenes into play lists, then play them back in any order you choose. You can create a total of 99 play lists and 999 scenes.

Quick View: When playing from the HDD or a DVD-RAM disc with Dolby Digital, you can increase the speed of play without disrupting the soundtrack by using Quick View. This feature increases the speed by 1/3 and the audio output is in stereo.

Karaoke: When playing a karaoke DVD, the vocals can be turned off. You can select on/off for solo vocals, and select Voice 1, Voice 2, Voice 1+2 or off for duet vocals. Note: This unit does not have a microphone jack.

Parental Control: You can select a parental control rating from 0-8, which is protected by a 4-digit password.

Remote Control

EUR7624KB0 Multibrand Remote Control: The remote is pre-coded to operate the basic functions of several different brands of TVs, so you can control the DVD player and the basic functions of your television with one remote. The remote control code can be set to one of three codes so this remote doesn’t interfere with other Panasonic DVD equipment in the same system.

Inputs and Outputs Notes

Audio/Video Inputs/Outputs: The DMR-E80H has three sets of audio/video inputs and two sets of audio/video outputs, each with stereo RCA jacks, a composite and an S-Video jack.

Front Panel Inputs: The unit has a set of inputs on the front panel under a fold-down door. The inputs include stereo audio RCA jacks, RCA composite video jack, and an S-video jack. Unlike the rear panel inputs, if you are connecting a mono source to the front panel inputs, you can use the left channel audio jack and both channels will be recorded onto the disc–no “Y” adapter is necessary.

Optical Digital Output: In addition to the stereo analog audio outputs, this unit has an optical digital output, compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS. To enjoy multi-channel surround sound, you will need to connect a receiver/amplifier with a built-in Dolby Digital/DTS decoder.

Component Video Output: In addition to the composite video outputs and the S-video outputs, this unit is equipped with a set of component video outputs on the rear panel. The component video output can be set for interlaced or progressive scanning depending upon the compatibility of the connected TV.

RF Input/Output: The RF Out connection is a pass-through output for the antenna or cable signal fed to the RF In connector. When a DVD is played, the DVD audio/video signal is not output through the RF Out connection.

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