Samsung and Sprint have announced this morning that they will be brining the Nexus S line to Sprint with the new Nexus S 4G that will be the firs pure Google 4G device in the market.

The phone will come with the same specs as the original Nexus S but will take advantage of Sprints 4G WiMax network, mobile hot spot ready and will have tight Google Voice integrated service as you will be able to use your Sprint number as your Google Voice number without have to port the number over. Sweet stuff here and a great announce from Samsung and Sprint just before CTIA in Orlando. Read key features and press release below.

Additional key features include:

• 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to six Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
• Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
• Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, syncing with Google Calendar™, Voice Actions and YouTube™
• Corporate email (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync^®), personal (POP & IMAP) email and instant messaging
• Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the device to read information from everyday objects, like stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips
• 16GB Internal Memory (ROM)/512MB (RAM)
• Wi-Fi^® – 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth^® 2.1 + EDR
• Integrated GPS
• 1500 mAh Lithium-ion battery

Full Press Release:

First Pure Google 4G Device with Android 2.3 in the U.S., Nexus S 4G from Google and Samsung, Coming to Sprint this Spring


First 4G device powered by Android 2.3 boasts pure Google experience, Google Voice integration, Super AMOLED display and Mobile Hotspot capability is Sprint’s 20^th 4G device and fourth 4G phone announced to date

Visit www.sprint.com/nexus to register to receive more information


OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – March 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) extends its 4G device innovation lead once again with the upcoming availability of the 20^th 4G device and fourth 4G phone, Nexus S™ 4G¹ from Google™.  Coming to Sprint this spring, it will also be able to take advantage of the unprecedented controls and services enabled by Google Voice™ integration built into the Sprint Network.

Manufactured by Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), a leading global mobile phone provider and the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States², Nexus S 4G comes packed with a pure Google experience using Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, the fastest version of Android available for smartphones.  It is powered by a 1GHz Samsung application processor that produces rich 3D-like graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content along with a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to make playing mobile games, browsing the Web and watching videos a fast, fluid and smooth experience.

“Nexus S 4G shows the strong commitment Sprint has to Android, and when combined with our 4G network capabilities, it gives customers the option of a pure Google experience,” said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development, Sprint.  “As the first 4G smartphone with Android 2.3, Nexus S 4G delivers on the promise of the advanced data capabilities of 4G to deliver an incredible Web browsing experience, offers quick and easy access to future Android updates and access to the services built into Google Voice.”

It is designed with Samsung’s brilliant Super AMOLED™ touchscreen technology providing a premium viewing experience.  The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more comfortable look and feel in the user’s hand or along the side of the face.  It also offers a screen that is bright with higher color contrast, meaning colors are incredibly vibrant and text is crisp at any size and produces less glare than on other smartphone displays when outdoors, so videos, pictures and games look their best and the sun won’t wash them out.

Sprint Nexus S 4G customers will be among the first to receive Android software upgrades and new Google mobile apps.  In many cases, the device will get the updates and new apps as soon as they are available.

"We’re excited to partner with Sprint on Nexus S 4G, which brings innovative hardware by Samsung and innovations on the Android platform, to create a powerful smartphone experience,” said Andy Rubin, vice president of Engineering at Google.

Nexus S 4G features a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and camcorder and front-facing VGA camera.  In addition, Nexus S 4G features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user tilts the device up or down or pans the phone to the left or right.

Additional key features include:

• 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to six Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
• Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
• Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, syncing with Google Calendar™, Voice Actions and YouTube™
• Corporate email (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync^®), personal (POP & IMAP) email and instant messaging
• Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the device to read information from everyday objects, like stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips
• 16GB Internal Memory (ROM)/512MB (RAM)
• Wi-Fi^® – 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth^® 2.1 + EDR
• Integrated GPS
• 1500 mAh Lithium-ion battery

“Samsung is thrilled to work with Google and Sprint to create the next generation Nexus S. Adding 4G capabilities takes this iconic device to the next level,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile.  “Nexus S 4G integrates Samsung’s best-in-class hardware and the exciting features of the Android 2.3 platform with the impressive speed and connectivity of Sprint’s 4G network.”

Nexus S 4G from Google will be available exclusively from Sprint this spring for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade (taxes not included) in all Sprint retail channels, including the Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), as well as select national retailers.

Sprint Nexus S customers also will be able to easily use their current Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number without having to port their number, avoiding porting charges and potential service disruptions.  Google Voice makes it easy for people to manage and access most of their voice-based communication. It lets users manage up to six different phones through one number with intelligent call routing and advanced features like call screening, blocking and recording.

Now Sprint subscribers can use their Sprint number across their office, home and wireless phones, and personalize settings so calls from friends ring their wireless device and home phone, while calls from the boss only ring at the office.  Google Voice users can receive transcribed voicemails and read or listen to them online.  They can also read, send and search text messages and call logs online at www.google.com/voice.

Nexus S 4G requires activation on one of Sprint’s Everything Data plans, plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, Anytime^SM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (excluding Verizon’s Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).

Sprint customers get more with unlimited data plans on the Sprint Network. Sprint offers real simplicity, value and savings versus competitors, making it easy for customers to get the most out of their phones without using a calculator to tally up costs or worrying about how much data they’ve used.

Sprint Everything Data plans qualify for automatic enrollment in the Sprint Premier^SM loyalty program³.  Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.

As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint is America’s Favorite 4G Network⁴.  Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states.  For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 49.9 million customers at the end of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com orwww.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

About Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices across 61 countries, the company is recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands. Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Pictures and specs have surfaced of the new touchscreen blackberry which is codenamed malibu. Check out the specs inside.

The specs here are for a CDMA version so we have to assume Verizon or Sprint will be getting this but I’m sure there is a GSM version will be on tis way as well.  Also even though the specs are high this is still slated to be an entry level Blackberry.

• Processor: Qualcomm MSM 8655 800MHz CPU
• Radio: CDMA – EvDo Rev A
• Display: 3.25" 480×360 HVGA
• Navigation: Trackpad & Nav Keys
• Keypad: Virtual QWERTY
• Camera: 5 MP (with HD Video recording)
• Memory: 1GB Flash + 512MB RAM, Hot Swap MicroSD slot
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• GPS: Autonomous & A-GPS
• Connectivity: NFC, Micro USB, Bluetooth 2.1
• Sensors: Ambient Light Sensor, accelerometer

Let’s take a quick hands on look at the Samsung Nexus S.

The Nexus S is a the next phone in the Nexus line of phones from Google and developed by Samsung. There are a few reviews out giving positive reviews and we’ll take a quick hands-on. The phone is the first Android 2.3 gingerbread phone out there with a 1 GHz processor and 16 GB of internal memory. The phone is one of the first to support NFC.  The phone also has a unique curved screen which is suppose to provide a better viewing angle. Check out the video, specs and pictures below.

Spec List

Availability and Networks

Availability
T-Mobile (United States)
T-Mobile (United Kingdom)
Vodafone (United Kingdom)
Orange (United Kingdom)
3 (United Kingdom)
O2 (United Kingdom)

Buy From
Best Buy (United States)
The Carphone Warehouse(United Kingdom)

Battery

Type
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) (1500 mAH)

Talk time
6 hours

Standby time (max)
428 hours

Storage and Memory

RAM
512MB

Internal storage
16384MB

Connectivity

Network support
Quad-band GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 Tri-band HSPA: 900, 2100, 1700 HSPA type: HSDPA (7.2Mbps) HSUPA (5.76Mbps)

WiFi
802.11 b/g/n

Bluetooth
Bluetooth 2.1

Infrared

GPS

Android

OS Version
Android 2.3

UI
Android

Size and Weight

Dimensions
63.0 mm (w)
123.9 mm (h)
10.88 mm (d)

Weight
129.0 grams

Display

Screen size
4.0 inches

Screen resolution
WVGA (800 x 480)

Touch screen

Hardware

CPU
1GHz Cortex A8 (Hummingbird) processor

USB
USB 2.0

Audio / headphone jack
3.5mm

FM Radio

Physical keyboard

Accelerometer

Camera

Primary
5.0 megapixels

Features
Flash
Video

Additional Features

Contour Display, Near Field Communications (NFC), Three-axis gyroscope, Anti-fingerprint display coating, Internet Calling support (VoIP/SIP)

Today Google sand Samsung officially announced the long rumored Nexus Two phone officially called the Nexus S.  Check inside to specs, videos, pictures and more!

Specs:

• · First Android 2.3 device
• · 4.0 in AMOLED Screen 800 x 480 res that is curved a bit for better viewing
• · 1Ghz processor
• · 5.0 Megapixel Camera + VGA Front Facing Camera
• · HD 720p 30FPS video recording
• · Bluetooth 2.1
• · Wifi N
• · 16GB of flash storage
• · Improved ergonomic design which makes it better to hold in your hand.

Android 2.3 features:

• · Support for Near Field Communications which is allows you to scan nearby objects into your phone that have a NFC chip inside them.
• · Improved Virtual Keyboard with better Multi Touch support
• · Internet VOIP calling
• · Improved Copy/Paste features
• · Gyroscope sensor support
• · And improved UI overall

The Nexus S can be purchased starting December 16th online and in store at Best Buy and the UK after December 20th at Carphone Warehouse retailers

[poll id=11]

Energizer gives us a look at their new Inductive charging pad for wireless charging of your mobile devices.

ENERGIZER(R) Introduces New Inductive Charger to Meet Consumer Demand for Wireless Power

Leads the Way with One of the First Universal Qi Technology Products to Market

ST. LOUIS, Sep 02, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –

As consumers rely more heavily than ever on devices such as smartphones and cell phones for everything from texting and talking, to working and shopping, their demand for more power and more convenient charging options has skyrocketed. Energizer, a leader in innovative power solutions that make consumers’ lives easier, recognized this growing need and responded with the introduction of their first inductive charger built with Qi technology, the new universal charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC).

Widely anticipated and considered to be one of the most compelling new developments in charging technology, Qi (pronounced chee) will bring consumers the freedom to charge their smartphones, MP3 players, cameras – any device 5 Watts or less – on a single charging station, regardless of manufacturer.

"We believe that a universal standard is the future of charging, and by leading the way with one of the first Qi products – theEnergizer_(R) Inductive Charger – we are meeting a clear need for a product that makes charging devices easier by eliminating cords and clutter," said Jim Olsen, Vice President of Marketing for EnergizerNorth America. "This next generation charger is a natural extension of an innovative product portfolio that brings more freedom for people to live and to work using power that’s reliable and convenient."

According to market research firm iSuppli, Corp., shipments of electronic products with wireless charging capability are anticipated to increase from 3.6 million units in 2010, to 234.9 million units in 2014. An open, standardized system will create a healthier competitive environment and prompt manufacturers to join forces.* The WPC had this very goal of global compatibility in mind when they formed an international group of more than 55 companies to develop this universal standard.

"The WPC and dedicated members like Energizer have been hard at work developing and testing this universal standard, and we are honored to have a brand with the global reach of Energizer as one of the first to market with a Qi inductive charger," said Menno Treffers, Chairman of the Wireless Power Consortium. "They are helping to establish and educate about Qi and drive adoption, benefiting consumers and the industry as a whole."

Designed in cooperation with WPC co-founder ConvenientPower, the first generation of the Energizer_(R) Inductive Charger is designed to conveniently charge up to three devices at one time. It features two large inductive charging zones that don’t require locking the device into a precise position, so consumers can simply set down their phone and be sure that it will be charged and ready to go. It also has a USB port so it’s easy to charge an additional device such as a phone, headset, mp3 player, camera or GPS. Two LED charge lights indicate that the device is charging.

The Energizer_(R) Inductive Charger will be introduced with a Qi Sleeve for the iPhone(R) 3GS/3G and a one-time replacement Qi Door for the BlackBerry_(R) Curve(TM) 8900, so consumers can enjoy the convenience of Qi right away. Soon, consumers can expect to have Qi built right into many of their devices.

"As one of the first to market with a Qi device, we want to make it easy for consumers to experience how easy and convenient it is to charge their devices using this new universal standard," added Olsen. "We focused on accessories for popular smartphones, but anticipate that it will not be long before manufacturers roll-out devices with Qi built right in."

The Energizer_(R) Inductive Charger will be available at retail this October. Suggested retail price is $89. The removable Qi sleeve for the iPhone(R) 3GS/3G and the Qi door for the BlackBerry_(R) Curve(TM) 8900 will be sold separately for $34.99 each.

For more information, visit www.energizer.com/inductive.

About Inductive Charging and Qi

Inductive charging is what happens when two devices–one designed to send power and the other designed to receive it–touch one another and energy is transferred between them. By using an electromagnetic field to transfer energy, charging pads are able to intelligently communicate back and forth with the devices they’re charging.

Before Qi, transmitters and receivers had to be designed to work together, or speak the same "language." Now, Qi is the common language for inductive chargers and devices to talk to one another, so any device with a Qi-enabled accessory or with Qi built directly into it can charge on any Qi inductive charging pad.

About Energizer

Energizer Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: ENR], headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of primary batteries, portable battery-powered devices, and portable flashlights and lanterns. Energizer is a global leader in the dynamic business of providing power solutions with a full portfolio of products including Energizer_(R) brand battery productsEnergizer_(R)MAX_(R) premium alkaline; Energizer_(R) Ultimate Lithium; Energizer_(R)Advanced Lithium; Rechargeable batteries and charging systems; and portable flashlights and lanterns.

Energizer continues to fulfill its role as a technology innovator by redefining portable power solutions to meet people’s active lifestyle needs for today and tomorrow with Energizer_(R) Energi To Go_(R) chargers for rechargeable portable devices; charging systems for wireless video game controllers; and specialty batteries for hearing aids, health and fitness devices, as well as for keyless remote entry systems, toys and watches. Energizer is redefining where energy, technology and freedom meet to bring to market consumer-focused products that power the essential devices that help people stay connected and on the go at work and at play. Visit www.energizer.com, www.facebook.com/energizerbunny or www.facebook.com/energizer.

iPhone is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. "Made for iPhone" means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPhone and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards."

BlackBerry and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research in Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6416009&lang=en

SOURCE: Energizer Holdings, Inc.

Blick & Staff CommunicationsBrian Gaffney, 314-727-5700, ext. 106

Yeah just as weird and a shocking as the title sounds there is really a Nexus Two and it sounds like it is made by Samsung. The Nexus Two is said to be real and made by Samsung. Not much is currently known outside of what Gizmodo has from a hands on from a reliable source knows about.   This could lead to the planned  Samsung event coming little more than a week from now. So be sure to read the excerpt and vote in the poll.

[poll id=9]

The Nexus Two is real. It’s made by Samsung, and a friend of ours got to play with it. It’s not going rock your face like the Nexus One did. But it will record it with a front-facing camera.

"When I first saw it from 10 feet away, I thought it was the Galaxy S," says our source, who got to handle one. "I was a little surprised it was the Nexus Two," because it’s so different from the Nexus One.

It’s black and shiny, built with glossy plastic. Up close, though, it’s "got this curve to it." While the screen, which our source thinks is the same 4-inch AMOLED affair from the Galaxy series, is flat, the front is "sort of concave" with hard edges. And the back is curved. The tapering makes it feel thinner than Galaxy S, though it might be about the same thickness. "It feels really similar to the Galaxy S in a lot ways." (Note: Our mockup is very approximate.)

Externally, the main difference from all of the current Galaxy S variants in the US is that it’s got a front-facing camera, and it’s running a stock build of Android that was still "really buggy." (Update: Forgot about the Epic 4G, which has a front camera.) Our source wasn’t sure if the internals were any different. Google’s supposedly trying to building video chat into Gingerbread, using the same protocol as Google Talk. So it makes sense that the flagship phone for the next year—the one that most Googlers will probably be developing on—comes with a front-facing camera, even if video chat doesn’t quite make it into Gingerbread.

At first blush, it’s a little disappointing that Google possibly isn’t pushing things forward in the same way they did with the Nexus One, since it seems like the Nexus Two is a refreshed Galaxy phone. On the other hand, it says a lot that the Android ecosystem is so stocked with high-powered phones, from the Evo to the Droid X, that even Google won’t radically jump ahead of its partners with a new flagship. Hopefully their plan for selling it is a little better.

 

Via Gizmodo

Verizon and RIM announce the Blackberry Curve 3G which looks to be low cost smartphone solution for users looking to get into the smartphone game. The Phone will cost $30 after a $100 mail-in-rebate (mail in rebate FAIL)  and will come with Blackberry 5 OS upgradable to Blackberry 6 in the future, 2 Megapixel Camera, wi-fi b/g and your 3G data speeds coming via Verizon EV-DO network. Check out the press release below for full details.

VERIZON WIRELESS AND RIM LAUNCH A NEW MODEL OF THE POPULAR BLACKBERRY CURVE 3G SMARTPHONE
Stylish 3G Addition to the Popular Curve Family Is Fast, Easy to Use, Feature Rich, and BlackBerry 6 Ready
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and WATERLOO, Ontario – Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced a new 3G addition to the popular BlackBerry Curve family of smartphones. Running on the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless voice and 3G data network, the new BlackBerry® Curve™ 3G smartphone (model 9330) will be available in business sales channels beginning Sept. 16. It will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the coming weeks.
Colors: Charcoal or Fuchsia Red
Key features and specifications:
· Stylish new design (4.3" x 2.4" x .55" and 3.7 oz.) with face finished in a mirror-like trim; black, soft-touch sides; and textured back for a comfortable, secure feel in the hand
· 35-key full QWERTY backlit keyboard for fast, accurate typing and optical trackpad for easy and fluid navigation
· Dedicated media keys integrated along the top of the smartphone, so music lovers can easily access their tunes while on the go
· BlackBerry® Media Sync to easily sync music as well as photos with the smartphone*
· 512 MB Flash memory and microSD/SDHC slot that supports up to 32 GB memory cards for media storage
· Built-in GPS with support for geo-tagging and location-based applications, including VZ Navigator®, which provides audible turn-by-turn directions to millions of points of interest and the option to share the directions with others
· Built-in Wi-Fi® (802.11 b/g) for fast browsing; smooth music streaming; and the ability to talk on the phone while browsing the Web, instant message with BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), and share location with friends on popular social networking sites
· Camera with video recording (requires a separately sold microSD card)
· Industry-leading BlackBerry e-mail and messaging capabilities
· Easy mobile access to Facebook®, Twitter™, MySpace™ and Flickr® as well as popular instant messaging services
· Support for BlackBerry App World™, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones
· Premium phone features, including voice-activated dialing, speakerphone, and Bluetooth® (2.1)
BlackBerry® 6 ready:
· The BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone ships with BlackBerry® 5 and is BlackBerry® 6 ready. BlackBerry 6 is a new operating system for BlackBerry® smartphones that retains the trusted features that distinguish the BlackBerry brand while delivering a fresh and engaging experience that is both powerful and easy to use. BlackBerry 6 is expected to be available for the BlackBerry Curve 3G, upon network certification, in the coming months.
Pricing and availability:
· The BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone (model 9330) will be available in business sales channels on Sept. 16, and it will be available online and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the coming weeks for $29.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan. Data plans for the BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone begin at $29.99 when added to any Nationwide voice plan. Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
· For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers can contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.
· To learn more about the new BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone, visit www.blackberry.com/curve3G. For more information about BlackBerry 6, go to www.blackberry.com/6.
*Certain music files may not be supported, including files that contain digital rights management technologies. Photo syncing is currently only available for Windows-based PCs.

Post your comments and thoughts below!

We’ve all had to deal with the pain of using a laptop touchpad to try to get the work done of a regular mouse and the experience is less than stellar. Swiftpoint Mouse is here to change all that and give you the best mouse experience you’ve ever had on a laptop. Does it stand up to its claim. Read on inside for the full review.

Design & Hardware

The design philosophy behind the Swiftpoint  was to aim for a more comfortable feel when using it on your laptop. They found though though the near two years of testing and development that a pen like grip was the best way to go and prototyped 50 different models to get to the design they have now. From a hardware aspect the mouse has a solid build quality and comfortable grips that feel good on your fingertips.

Another major key in design was portability and with the mini usb docking station they have achieved probably the best portability a laptop mouse could have. The magnet has a solid grip and no matter how you shake it the mouse will stay put. The mouse has 1000dpi range and a cool quick charge feature that if you leave it on the charger for 30 seconds you will get a 1 hour charge and if you leave it on for a full 90 minutes you will get 2-4 weeks of battery life. Overall hardware design is solid and the best portability and battery life I’ve seen for a laptop mouse.

Usability

The mouse is totally plug and play so no need for any drivers. At first is going to be a bit strange to use with its uncommon grip style but doesn’t take very long to get used to.  The mouse does work on most common surfaces as it worked fine on the desk and slides and scrolls smoothly.  The scroll is also unique with being able to use your flinger to scroll like an normal scroll wheel or use the surface to do it as well. Very unique idea with scroll and a cool option to have. While the buttons are not in your traditional positions there is an automatic comfort you feel when using them as it feels just as natural as the traditional mouse button placement.

When using it on the front of your laptop it does work with most surfaces but you will want to put on the include parking accessory which will give you the whole bottom surface of your laptop and cover your touchpad so you don’t accidently touch it. They do tough that its 30-40% more efficient than a touchpad and without a doubt it is and couple possibly be even higher than that. One the parking accessory there is a magnetic spot that you can “park” your mouse on so  you can freely type and not worry about accidently mouse movements and clicks. This like the usb dock will make sure the mouse stays right where its at no matter how you shift or move around.

Overall

Swiftpoint shows that 18 months of development can really pay off as this mouse works and works very well right out of the gate. There is a small learning curve that doesn’t take long to overcome and they have really come in a solved a pet peeve of a lot of people (include myself) of having to use touchpads on laptops that are just inefficient for people who do heavy work on their laptops when they use them. If you are a designer or video editor and you use a laptop this mouse is what you have been waiting for as the portability is there and the experience is solid.

The Swiftpoint Mouse retails for $69.95 and the links are below to where you can order one. At  this price point its in the mid-high range of higher end mice and hopefully in the future we can get more customization with a software suite that you do get with mice in its price range and what you get with touchpads as well. If your looking to game this isn’t geared towards a gaming mouse so you may be disappointed there but this first version it made to come in and immediately replace your touchpads basic features and it does this extremely well. They are also looking to make a left handed version of the mouse as well

If you hate touchpads on laptops and your looking to upgrade to a full mouse without losing portability the Swiftpoint mouse should be one of your top options.

Swiftpoint Website

BWOne.com is back in action and we have a brand new review and its the Zune HD. Microsoft has decided to take on Apple head on against the iPod dominance and the Zune HD focused against the iPod Touch.

The Zune HD is the latest portable media player from Microsoft in their Zune lineup. Its the first touch screen portable media player in the Zune HD lineup and packs some great features.:

• Mutli-Touch screen
• OLED Screen
• Nvidia Tegra Processor
• HD Playback up to 720p (With external docking station)
• Wi-FI
• Browser
• HD Radio
• Apps

With that list of specs you expect either great player or a hot mess and this is isn’t just a great player. Its an Awesome player. Starting with the size and the looks of the Zune HD which are great and feel good in the hand. The screen is solid and looks awesome which is on par and somewhat better than the Cowon S9 AMOLED screen. The menus system works great and is a refreshing and different interface than from the iPod which most people are used to so there will be a small learning curve but not much as its simple to navigate. The Audio quality is great and every sounds clear and crisp when playing music and videos.  There is a EQ on the Zune HD but its far below and lacking in customization that the Cowon S9 EQ settings have. Hopefully they will step it up in this department but it shouldn’t be  dealbreaker.

The Zune HD matches the iPod in every category with the exception of two which would be Apps and Browser.  The browser is a very good first start for the device but isn’t as good and featured as Safari on the iPod Touch or other mobile browsers but this should pick up with updates. There are some free available right now in the Zune Marketplace but its limited to about 8 or 9 right now and since the SDK for the Zune HD was released the same day it came out its going to take some time before we start seeing more apps. However the apps and games should be good as Microsoft has approached iPhone/iPod developers for porting their apps to Zune and Xbox live games can be ported over as well. The Zune desktop software is probably the best media player I have ever used. Its quick, simple, beautiful and has iTunes beat hands down.  With the Zune Pass which for $15/month you can download and stream all the media in the store and get to keep 10 songs free with no DRM. This is great for those that love music and want to get as much as that can and always have their player full.

That’s just a small list of features the Zune HD has and with the combination of Zune Desktop Software which is amazing and Zune Pass it makes it a complete portable media package. I believe this is a great competitor to the iPod and if your in the market for a new portable player check out the video review.

The Blackberry Curve 8520 has been announced by RIM and is coming to T-Mobile available August 5th.  No word on pricing just yet. The biggest change from other blackberries is the trackpad that replaces the longstanding scroll ball.  Click the link below for the full spec list and link to RIM page.

Full spec list includes:

• 2.0MP Digital Camera
• Video Camera Capabilities
• Supports BlackBerry App World™
• 256MB Flash Memory
• Wi-Fi® enabled
• Bluetooth® enabled
• Multimedia Player
• Wireless Email
• Organizer
• Browser
• Phone
• SMS/MMS
• 320×240 display
• 4.5 hrs of talk time
• Dimensions  H4.29in x W2.36in D0.54

Click here for RIM Blackberry Curve 8320 Page