August 14, 2006, 9:11 PM PDT
Lenovo to Linux users: We've got your back
Posted by: Michelle Thatcher

At today's LinuxWorld conference in San Francisco, Lenovo is set to announce full support for Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop Version 10 (SLED 10) on two specific ThinkPad T60p mobile workstations. This is the first time Lenovo will release drivers to guarantee all the ThinkPad hardware works with a particular flavor of Linux. (Previously the company has "certified" three distributions of Linux to ensure basic functionality on ThinkPads, but a few features--such as the wireless card or the ability to hibernate--weren't always functional.) Better yet, users of the Linux-friendly T60p models will be able to call Lenovo tech support for help with hardware or driver issues--something that even users of "certified" Linux distributions haven't been able to do.

Though the move is a tiny step forward for Linux, it's not quite a triumph. While early reports implied that the Lenovo system would come preloaded with Linux, in actuality customers will receive just a blank hard disk from Lenovo. They'll have to obtain the SUSE Linux license and OS from Novell (and install it), then return to Lenovo's site to download the Linux drivers (and install them). Also, Lenovo's Linux support is available only for the two designated T60p workstation models--heavy-duty graphics machines designed for engineers and designers, not for average consumers.

In our briefing last week, a spokesman for Lenovo wouldn't reveal how far the company might go with Linux on ThinkPads, saying only that Lenovo is testing the waters with this release, which came in response to demand from customers in the engineering field.

Would you like to see more support for Linux from hardware manufacturers? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

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August 14, 2006, 5:03 PM PDT
Helio opening retail stores
Posted by: Nicole Lee

It looks like Nokia and Motorola aren't the only ones opening promotional retail locations to sell their products. Helio, that hip new "don't call it a phone company" MVNO will open its first flagship store in Santa Monica, California, come October with a few more opening in San Diego; Palo Alto, California; Denver; and New York later on. From what we could tell from the concept art, the stores' spa-like aesthetic mirrors the modern stylings of the Helio brand. The company wants to draw young customers to the store by adding unique entertainment and interactive elements, such as a lounge where they can check their MySpace accounts. It even aims to cut out the concept of a queue altogether by having customers browse and purchase their phones in a self-contained pod. It all sounds terribly ambitious for such a new company, but we're definitely intrigued.

Source: Slashgear

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August 14, 2006, 4:46 PM PDT
Wow, the Razr really is popular
Posted by: Kent German

Ever since Motorola introduced the Razr almost two years ago, it's been no secret that America is absolutely mad for the slim handset. We can't talk about cell phones anymore without discussing the Razr and the thin phone phenomenon is showing no signs of abating. Yet despite the fact that its enormous popularity is obvious--take a look around you--it was only this weekend that I learned just how popular the Razr is. Two nights ago I went to a Death Cab for Cutie concert at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. After a half-hour or so I noticed that scores of people in the rows below me were using their phones to take pictures, sneak a quick film clip, or hold up the display like a light. In addition to wondering whatever happened to cigarette lighters, I realized that almost every phone in the crowd below was some type of Razr (yes, I know that makes me a geek). It was really amazing actually to see so many versions of the same phone in one place. So, yes, Virginia, the Razr really is popular.

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August 14, 2006, 4:37 PM PDT
2007 Dodge Caliber R/T AWD
Posted by: Kevin Massy

You certainly can't accuse Chrysler of lacking creativity. From the company that brought us the PT Cruiser, the Pacifica, and the Crossfire comes another mold-breaking design in the shape of...well we're not sure what, but the 2007 Caliber certainly is distinctive.

With styling that will be liberally referred to as "bold" and "aggressive," the new compact crossover Caliber cuts a dash: flared wheel arches, bulky front and rear fascias, a Ram-style grille, and a raked roofline make it look like a Ford Focus on steroids. We just got back from a spin in our more-than-conspicuous Sunburst Orange tester, and on first impressions, the verdict is mixed.

Climbing into the Caliber for the first time is a memorable experience. A color-coded shifter bezel and instrument-panel bezel and two-tone orange-and-grey seats meant that the Sunburst experience continued into the cabin, but the clouds began to set in once we fired up the 2.4-liter engine.

The Caliber runs on the same platform as the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Patriot, and unfortunately, it also delivers the same SUV-like ride. Anemic throttle response, massive understeer, and bouncy, brittle suspension all rained on the parade of the Caliber's sporty exterior styling.

On the upside, we have to award it tech points for its continuously variable transmission, which delivers smooth joltless acceleration, although the lack of power means this is less like a train (as we observed in the CVT-powered Lexus GS 450h) than like a golf cart. An option to control "shifts" using the curiously positioned shifter (it sticks out of an almost- vertical housing) gives a little more control for passing maneuvers on the highway, but even when kicking down through the gears, torque is still in short supply.

In the cabin, we liked the fact that the upgraded six-disc in-dash stereo accepted MP3 files, and we found the navigation of files and tracks to be intuitive and easy to use. One thing that we would like to control, however, is the amount of time that the ID3-tag information stayed on the dot-matrix LCD screen. A dedicated hard button allows you to call up the folder/artist/track info, but this disappears after about five seconds, which we found frustrating. Another tech highlight was optional Sirius Satellite Radio. One bizarre aspect of the upgraded $320 head unit is that it does away with the auxiliary input jack that comes standard with the base stereo--kind of a less-for-more deal.

Our tester also came with the $400 upgraded sound system, comprising six Boston Acoustics speakers and two articulating liftgate speakers, which are attached to the hatchback by hinges--presumably to be deployed for tailgate parties outside the ballpark. The inclusion of the liftgate speakers and the fact that the stereo is tuned to be very bass-heavy suggest that the Caliber's sound system is aimed at a demographic more inclined to Beyonce than Bizet. Aside from the liftgate speakers, the Caliber incorporates a number of other original interior design elements including illuminated cup holders, a chilled glove box, a sliding armrest with cell phone/MP3 player holder, and an auxiliary 115-volt power outlet in the front center console.

We are looking forward to discovering more quirks and qualities of the Caliber over the next week. Look out for our full review and video coming soon.

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• See product information for 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T 4dr Wagon AWD (2.4L 4cyl CVT)
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August 14, 2006, 6:55 AM PDT
New Slingbox software and firmware update now available
Posted by: John P. Falcone

Sling Media has quietly released the latest build of the Slingbox desktop software. Version 1.3.176, available at CNET Download.com, adds better speed and resolution when streaming on a home network, a conflict manager for disconnecting unwanted remote logins (the player remains limited to one viewer at a time), the ability to skin the software viewer, and an audio-only mode that maximizes by utilizing bandwidth that would otherwise be used for video (perfect for satellite radio fans). Additionally, the software can now easily toggle between standard (4:3) and wide-screen (16:9) aspect ratios.

A detailed list of feature upgrades is listed on Sling's Web site. (The software upgrade also updates the Slingbox firmware.) Some features are appearing for the first time, while others--such as the software skins--have been seen in earlier beta releases.

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