The new Treo Pro is the best piece of hardware from Palm in some time. However, two big problems: It`s being sold in the U.S. with no carrier partner at an unsubsidized $550 price, and Windows Mobile makes it hard to differentiate it from other products
TV Conversion: Not Picture Perfect
When analog TV stations go dark next Feb. 17, so will old analog TVs that rely on over-the-air broadcasts. Converter boxes won`t let you take full advantage of digital signals.
Cameras: Tangled Up in Feature Creep
A discussion with Jay Greene, BusinessWeek`s Seattle bureau chief, about a bevy of features in the latest compact digital cameras. They don`t always make taking pictures any easier.
That`s Using Your Head
BusinessWeek`s Cliff Edwards takes a look at a new headset that can be tuned to read your thoughts and translate them into computer instructions so you can play a game or arrange photos without using your hands or speaking words
Broadband TVs: Are We There Yet?
BusinessWeek`s Cliff Edwards says that by next year, recent deals will allow Panasonic and other TV makers to build in cable converters, eliminating set-top boxes
A Stroll Through iPhone`s Apps Store
An even bigger deal than Apple`s July 11 announcement of its new iPhone 3G was the unveiling of its iTunes App Store to distribute third-party applications. The applications are varied and of mixed quality. The big lack: no turn-by-turn navigation.
The Future of Open Wireless Networks
Recent months have seen contradictory trends in wireless networks. Google`s Android and Verizon`s Open Network point to a greater consumer choice, but Apple`s iPhone 3G could be a step back.
Car Repair Costs Revealed
The availability of pricing information on the Web has revolutionized how cars are sold. Two new services, DriverSide and RepairPal are trying to do the same for repair services.
HP Tries Software Innovation
Computer makers other than Apple mostly withdrew from software 25 years ago and watched Microsoft turn their products into commodities. HP hopes to use its software chops to differentiate itself - its latest effort is a much improved TouchSmart family PC
Why iPhone Wannabes Don`t Cut It
Since the iPhone came out, handset makers have tried to replicate the touch-screen wonder. But software deficiencies mean that even a good copy, like the Samsung Instinct from Sprint, falls short. Now Apple is fostering more robust third-party software
Firefox Trots Ahead
Firefox browser, an open-source project based on Netscape code, is pushing toward a 20% share of the market. A new version features improved performance and anti-fraud protections.
No-Hands Search for Handsets
For mobile search with speech recognition and location awareness, Yahoo`s oneSearch and Microsoft`s Tellme have complementary strengths and weaknesses, but both are likely to improve.
Bluetooth Comes of Age
There`s more to Bluetooth these days, including wireless speakerphone kits for cars and setups that let your 3G phone work as a wireless modem for your laptop.
Streaming, Presented by Netflix
Netflix has made some titles available for streaming on PC for several months. Now, pony up $100 for a Roku Netflix Player and see them on TV. The drawback: A poorly designed Web site.
BlackBerry`s Bold Move
In the year since the iPhone launched, Research In Motion`s BlackBerry has gained market share. The new Bold, with added appeal for corporate users, is BlackBerry`s bid to counter Apple`s second-generation iPhone
A Touch of Genius
Since the iPhone, multitouch hardware is getting more relevant. It gives users a more natural interaction with electronic devices, but the software still has a long way to go
Tapping Into Mobile Video
There`s a lot of great video on the Web, but playing it on a handheld is a big challenge. vTap not only finds the video you want but reformats it so you can play it on your handset
HP Hits the Mini-Notebook Field
HP is the first top-tier U.S. laptop maker to introduce a low-cost mini-notebook aimed at the education market. The challenge is getting software that can fulfill the hardware`s promise
Photoshop`s Little Online Brother
Photoshop Express really isn`t an online version of the photo editing software. But a lot of Photoshop technology powers what may be the most capable site for fixing photos for Web display
File Syncing, Sweet and Simple
The SugarSync Manager and a Web service make it simple to get access to files of any sort from Windows PCs, Macs, Windows Mobile smartphones, or BlackBerrys.
Adobe Wants to Be a Player
Adobe`s Flash software is the standard for online video, but now it lets you watch TV shows, movies, and videos on one player that you can set up without calling on your teenager for tech support
The Payoff from Open Networks
Apple is opening the iPhone to third-party applications, Verizon is opening its network, Google`s Android is an open platform for handset software, and government rules require buyers of newly auctioned spectrum to be open to all
Microsoft Office Lurches Online
Despite its name, Microsoft Office Live has little to do with Microsoft`s suite of productivity applications. Instead, it`s a package of tools to help small businesses establish a presence online. Ironically, one flaw is a lack of integration with Office
The Danger Lurking in Public Wi-Fi
Most of public Wi-Fi networks are unencrypted--that means everything you send or receive can be monitored by anyone with a laptop and some software. The best protection: Use a virtual private network or stick to secure Web sites
Apple TV: Somewhat Improved
A free software download fixes Apple TV`s biggest shortcoming. You can now shop at the iTunes Store directly from your TV and rent as well as buy movies. But with just 500 movie titles available, Apple TV has a ways to go to become a compelling purchase
Lenovo`s ThinkPad X300
Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom says that the X300 is not as thin or as glamorous as the MacBook, but most mobile professionals will agree that it is better designed for the long haul
Fortifying the Handheld
Intel is readying two new generations of chips that will bring unprecedented power to handhelds. The Silverthorn will let mobile devices be smaller and run longer. The Moorestown may bring true computer-like performance to the iPhone and other handsets
My Windows Wish List
Microsoft is working on a successor to the poorly received Vista. My unsolicited advice: Make it a lot more like a Mac, if necessary by creating a separate consumer version of the software
FileMaker`s Bento
Databases are the workhorses of computing, but they are way too hard for most people to use. Bento, from Apple`s FileMaker, brings the power of databases within the reach of everyone--at least if you have a Mac
MacBook Air
The new MacBook Air is the sexiest laptop ever designed. But before long you`ll notice some deficiencies that will greatly impact those most likely to use it: mobile professionals
