Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & Tips

Notebook Review: WinBook W364 Has Dual-Layer Drive

A dual-layer DVD±RW drive (still relatively rare in notebooks) is the highlight of the WinBook W364, says PC World reviewer Carla Thornton. Other advantages of this well-equipped $1899 laptop: a 15.4-inch wide-screen display; a three-in-one media card reader; a composite video-out adapter; and rich built-in sound.

Notebook Review: Massive HP Compaq Desktop Replacement

The HP Compaq Nx9600 is a big, black, heavy notebook (9.4 pounds) that will please gadget junkies, says our reviewer Carla Thornton. The desktop replacement offers lots of features: a 17-inch wide-screen display, an optional sharp native resolution of 1680 by 1050, an optional multiformat DVD burner, a six-in-one memory card reader; an ExpressCard slot for the latest connectivity and storage cards; a separate numeric keypad; and lots more. The big drawback is its 1 hour, 20 minute battery life--the shortest of any notebook we've seen.

Wireless News: Hackers Plot Mobile Viruses

Hackers are now concentrating on mobile phone viruses, among other nefarious deeds, according to security software vendor McAfee. Though only five mobile malware threats were detected in the fourth quarter of last year, the total number now stands at 50, according to McAfee. The good news (such as it is): Mobile phone attacks aren't expected to grow as quickly as computer threats because of the variety of operating systems and the fact that devices are only intermittently connected to the Internet.

Wireless News: Verizon Hotspots Get the Cold Shoulder

Verizon is decommissioning the 380 Wi-Fi hotspots in New York City that it's been offering its DSL customers for two years. Not many of the hotspots were being used, the company says. Instead, Verizon is steering mobile customers to its cellular BroadbandAccess service, which costs $80 per month.

PDA News: Run Palm OS Apps on a Pocket PC

Can't decide between a Palm OS and Pocket PC PDA? Maybe you won't have to. StyleTap Platform, currently in public beta, lets you use Palm OS applications and games on a Pocket PC device, according to the vendor. Bluetooth and HotSync conduits aren't supported, however. The beta software is currently available for a free 14-day trial, after which it can be purchased for $30.

PDA News: PalmOne's Wi-Fi Card Price Drops

PalmOne recently cut the price of its Wi-Fi Secure Digital Card by $30. The card, which gives Wi-Fi connectivity to Tungsten T3, Tungsten T5, Zire 72, or Tungsten E2 PDAs, now lists for $99; the PC World Product Finder has the latest retail prices.

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