Don’t worry, folks — we’re just as shocked as you are to learn that HP will finally bring its first Windows 7-powered slate to market. Hewlett-Packard is setting its sights squarely on business users with its new HP Slate 500, a $799 tablet PC that sports an 8.9-inch (1024 x 600) capacitive multitouch display and weighs just 1.5 pounds. The Slate 500 also comes with a 1.86GHz Atom processor, 2GB of RAM, a 64GB SSD, a digital stylus (usable thanks to a Wacom active digitizer), a 3-megapixel rear camera, a VGA front camera for video chat, a battery said to last for about five hours of usage per charge, and the lovely diamond pattern on the back case that we all know and loathe. HP’s new tablet will not support cellular data connectivity — only Wi-Fi. Yes, $800 is a bit steep for Wi-Fi tablet, but less so when you slap an enterprise sticker on it. And yes, we definitely still want one.

Microsoft confirmed on Thursday what the world has known for quite some time… Windows 7 is a hit. Gates’ legacy sold more than 240 million copies of its latest PC operating system in its first year of availability. The massive sales figure is confirmed to be a record by Microsoft, which currently holds over 91% of the PC operating system market according to Net Applications. Apple, owner of the second most popular PC operating system, holds approximately 5% of the market. The most lucrative PC segment, enterprise, also happens to be a hugely successful segment for Microsoft; Windows is currently used by 89% of businesses according to the Windows division’s financial head, Tami Reller. Mac might be gaining ground but it will be a long time before the pricey Apple PC brand puts any kind of significant dent in Microsoft’s market share.

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Earlier today, while speaking to a group of students and journalists at the London School of Economics, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer revealed that there will indeed be iPad-competing slate products running Windows by Christmas. The catch? Steve didn’t clarify whether these products would be shipping, or just announced, nor who would manufacture them. With HP most likely changing course to offer a webOS-based tablet as opposed to a Windows 7 slate, we’ve got to wonder who will end up being first in this category…

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This coming Tuesday — August 10 — Microsoft will release a company record fourteen security bulletins to plug thirty-four vulnerabilities. Angela Gunn, a member of Microsoft’s Response Communications team, wrote: “For those who keep track of such things, this will be the most bulletins we have ever released in a month; we have released 13 bulletins on a couple of occasions. However, in total CVE count, this release ties with June 2010, so there’s no new record there.” Of the fourteen bulletins, eight are listed as critical and six are rated as important. Make sure to run your Windows Updates next Tuesday to get all the goodies.

[Via CNET]

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Today, Microsoft released an out-of-band patch for the Windows .lnk extension exploit that was announced several weeks ago. The exploit can allow unauthorized users to execute arbitrary code if an “icon of a specially crafted shortcut is displayed.” Microsoft said: “An attacker could disseminate a USB or other removable drive with a malicious shortcut file on it and when the target victim opens the drive in Windows Explorer or any other application that parses the icon of the shortcut, the malicious code would execute on the victim’s computer. An attacker could also embed malware in a malicious Web site, a remote network share, or in a Microsoft Word document.” Lately, the .lnk exploit, which is actually a vulnerability found in the Windows Shell, has been spreading via the Sality.AT virus, according to a Microsoft blog post. Regardless, the patch is out there and the bug is present in virtually all versions of Windows, if you’re a Windows user, we highly suggest you install it now.

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We thought it might be a good time to try and take the collective smartphone OS pulse of the BGR community. The question we are posing to you today: What smartphone operating system update are you most looking forward to? Now, your answer can be the OS that your phone currently uses, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re an Android user, but the BlackBerry 6 buzz excites you, feel free to give RIM a nod. iPhone user intrigued by Froyo? Go ahead, give Android a vote… we won’t judge. Let us know which OS you think has the most buzz!

This post is part of Samsung’s Mobile Trends content series. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Samsung or its partners.

Microsoft seems to be in a bit of a pickle – it has a fancy, schmancy OS in Windows 7 but a majority of its prized business customers are still clinging onto the now nine years old Windows XP operating system. On Monday at Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference, Tammi Reller, the CVP of Microsoft Windows, dropped the bomb that 74% of business PCs are still running Windows XP. The reason for this slow adoption was not provided but presumably it has to do with the poor reputation that has plagued Windows Vista and possibly its successor Windows 7, which, thought its not being adopted, has fared better than its counterpart in the reputation department. Economics may also play a part as businesses have apparently been slow to upgrade hardware with the average business computer boasting of 4.4 years of faithful service. Rather than take a pessimistic view, Microsoft is putting a positive spin on this circumstance and viewing it as an opportunity to compel businesses to jump into the latest generation hardware and software. Microsoft is pretty upbeat- according to CEO Steve Ballmer, the software giant expects to sell 350 million Windows 7 licenses in 2010 alone.

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We have got our hands on some Verizon Wireless docs today, and they range from pricing changes on handsets, to new netbooks, to new handset launches. First up on chopping block is the Samsung N150 netbook which will officially debut on July 8th. If that’s not good enough, it will also launch in Best Buy stores starting tomorrow, ahead of Verizon Retail channel availability. If you’re not familiar, the Samsung N150 netbook comes with a 1.66GHz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM, a 10.1″ display, 160GB HD, Bluetooth, Windows 7 Starter, and is a Global netbook. We’re not sure on pricing, but we’d wager it won’t break the bank. Make sure to check out the full leaked document in our gallery!

Click on over to our Verizon Wireless Samsung N150 netbook gallery!

Today, Toshiba announced the release of their new concept PC called the Libretto. The Libretto provides its user with dual 7-inch multitouch displays, Intel Pentium U5400 1.2 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM, 62 GB solid-state HD, 1 megapixel webcam, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, micro-SD card slot, and Windows 7 Home Premium. This tight little package will weigh in at a mere 1.8 pounds and have an 8-cell Li-ion battery. The Libretto is set to hit the market in the coming months, and will retail for $1,099. The unit is priced several hundred dollars higher than the iPad and netbooks, but then again, it looks like you are getting quite a bit more. We’ve got the full press release for you after the bounce. Let us know what you think?

Toshiba Unveils New libretto Concept PC with Dual-Touch Screen Design

Revealed as Part of Toshiba’s 25th Anniversary of Laptop Innovation Milestone, libretto W100 Demonstrates Next-Gen Ultra-Mobile PC Design With Full Windows 7 Functionality

IRVINE, Calif. – June 21, 2010 – Embodying a quarter-century of innovation, Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the libretto® W100, a next-gen ultra-mobile concept PC. This limited-edition 25th Anniversary device goes beyond slates, netbooks and smartphones to deliver something more: a full Windows® 7 experience that can be enjoyed across two multi-touch touch screens.

“The libretto W100 continues the libretto brand’s heritage of defying convention by packaging a full Windows computing experience into highly compact ultra-mobile form factor,” said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “This concept PC sets the pace for Toshiba’s continued commitment to innovation, demonstrating what’s possible in the next generation of ultra-mobile PCs. “We will issue a limited run of the libretto W100,” continued Pinto. “We design our products around the way people actually want to use them, so getting this concept PC out into the hands of early technology adopters will allow us to gather invaluable feedback that we can filter into future product developments.”

Optimized for Versatility, Performance and Convenience The libretto W100 is powered by Windows 7 Home Premium and comes equipped with an Intel® Pentium® processor1, 2GB of fast DDR3 memory2 and a 62GB solid state drive3 – plenty of horsepower for enjoying rich Internet and multimedia content. With the libretto W100, users can take advantage of all the Windows applications they commonly use, including productivity apps like Microsoft Office and video chat like Skype™. Built-in connectivity features, including 802.11b/g/n4 and Bluetooth®5 give users the flexibility to connect from any hotspot or pair the device with their favorite wireless accessories, such as a mouse, headphones and more.

Innovative Design for Multi-tasking on the Go

With an ultra-portable weight of just 1.8 pounds6, the libretto W100 is designed to deliver a rich Internet experience, multimedia playback and the freedom to multi-task – just like a standard laptop – but with the advantage of two seven-inch diagonal touch screens7 to work, watch and play on. The multi-touch screens can work independently or together, giving users the flexibility to decide how they want to use them. Surf the Web on one screen while checking e-mail on the other, view two documents simultaneously or view a webpage across both screens. A built-in 3D accelerometer allows the libretto W100 to rotate into portrait or landscape modes, making the device look and feel more like a book, newspaper or magazine. Designed for portability, the libretto W100 features a compact and durable clamshell design with a brushed metallic finish. The traditional clamshell design allows the device to fold up for easier portability, while protecting the screens from breaks and scratches. Measuring a mere 4.84 inches by 7.95 inches when closed, the device fits easily into almost any bag or jacket pocket.

“Since producing the first Intel 286-based clamshell laptop 25 years ago, Toshiba has continued to take a leadership role in bringing new mobile computing technologies to market,” said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies. “This new libretto is yet another showcase of the company’s technological laptop prowess – they have their minds on the future and a unique, creative view on delivering innovations and form factors that provide a full computing experience in very small packages.”

Simplified Navigation with Premium Toshiba Apps

The libretto W100 features six virtual keyboard modes plus a virtual touchpad. The keyboards feature haptic technology, providing sensory feedback when the keys are selected, making typing fast, accurate and easy. Keyboard modes include simple, full, numeric 10-key and split thumb mode keyboard styles, providing users with options to fit their own personal style or task. To make navigation as easy as possible, the libretto W100 includes several premium Toshiba apps that enhance the computing experience.

• Toshiba Bulletin Board gives users greater personalization of their desktops with fast access to daily activities, tasks and projects, plus the ability to drag and drop photos, videos, links, documents and application shortcuts into one place.
• Toshiba ReelTime™ helps users easily find files based on when they were opened with a simple visual history. With the flick of a finger, quickly scroll through automatically generated previews of documents, photos, videos and more, filter by file type or use the calendar to go back weeks or months.
• File Browser makes it easier to access file folders and applications.
• Quick access to the apps and keyboards are easily accessible via on-screen icons.

Features available on the Toshiba libretto W100 include:
– Dual 7.0-inch diagonal multi-touch displays7 (1024 x 600)
– 6-mode virtual keyboard with haptic response
– Windows® 7 Home Premium operating system
– Intel® Pentium® U5400 processor1 (1.2GHz)
– 2GB DDR3 memory2
– 62GB Solid State Drive3
– 1.0 megapixel HD Webcam with Toshiba Face Recognition
– 802.11 b/g/n wireless4
– Bluetooth 2.1+EDR5
– MicroSD card slot
– One USB 2.0 port
– TOSHIBA Bulletin Board, ReelTime™ and PC Health Monitor software
– 8-cell battery
– 7.95″ (W) x 4.84″(D) x 1.2″(H)
– 1.8 lbs.6

Availability

A limited number of the libretto W100 concept PC will be available for purchase later this summer from select retailers and direct from Toshiba at toshibadirect.com.

Image Gallery: http://bit.ly/librettoW100

Connect with Toshiba on Twitter at twitter.com/ToshibaLaptops and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToshibaLaptopsUS.

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Sony’s first VAIO P was a was quite a disappointment considering how poorly it performed and the huge price tag it carried, but Sony seems to be confident that its second-gen VAIO P will right the wrongs of the past. Shipping one week ahead of schedule, the “Lifestyle PC” comes pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium and has an Intel Atom Z530 processor and 2GB of RAM to help keep things flowing. Apart from that, the $900 rig has a 8″ 1600×768 display that’s straddled by optical trackpads, Everywair 3G, GPS, digital compass and an accelerometer. Of course if you lived elsewhere you’d have a lot more options than that to chose from, but who needs that much stress in their life?

[Via Pocketables]

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Another day, another software update from Apple. Unlike yesterday’s release of OS X 10.6.4, today’s release applies both Mac and PC users as it is iTunes 9.2 that has been released. For most people the performance enhancements will be the big draw, but if you’re planning on picking up an iPhone 4 or upgrading your current device to iOS 4 on Monday, you’ll definitely want to grab  iTunes 9.2 while it’s hot. Check out the changelog after the jump and then hit up the read link to grab the new wares.

iTunes 9.2 comes with several new features and improvements, including:

• Sync with iPhone 4 to enjoy your favorite music, movies, TV shows, book and more on-the-go
• Sync and read books with iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4 and iBooks 1.1
• Organize and sync PDF documents as books. Read PDFs with iBooks 1.1 on iPad and any iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4.0
• Organize your apps on your iOS 4 home screens into folders using iTunes
• Faster back-ups while syncing an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4
• Performance improvements make scrolling much faster

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It’s been a long time coming, but Flash Player 10.1 has finally been released. For Windows users with relatively new rigs this means that you’ll be able to put less of a strain on your system when watching streaming videos thanks to hardware acceleration for H.264 video. Sadly the Mac-specific version released today still lacks this feature, but it will be made available just as soon as Adobe is finished polishing up the “Gala” edition of Flash Player 10.1.

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Photo enthusiasts take note, as Adobe is rolling out the official retail version of Lightroom 3 today. Available as a public-beta since October 2009, the latest, official version of Lightroom features a brand new processing engine that improves performance and offers an enhanced, easier to use UI. Noteworthy features include: support for DSLR video files, improved noise reduction, lens correction and sharpening tools, and tethered shooting (with select Nikon and Canon cameras). Lightroom 3 is available for both Macintosh and Windows systems with a price point of $299; an upgrade licences retails for $99. You can grab a copy of this latest offering directly from Adobe today, or from a third party retailer in the near future.

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Citing a renewed focus on security thanks in part to a recent series of cyber attacks originating in China, The Financial Times is reporting that Google is abandoning support for Microsoft’s Windows. Citing several anonymous employees of the search giant, the FT said that as recent as January, new Google employees were permitted to run Windows on their laptops, but the use of the OS on desktops was strictly forbidden. The continued use of a Windows machine is said to require authorization from high ups, and any employee that requests a Windows rig will need approval from the CIO. At the moment, authorized OSes are said to include Linux and Apple’s OS X. But for all of the talk of security concerns, the FT’s sources allege that the move also has as much to do with Google’s desires to ween its employees off of competing products as it prepares to launch its Chrome OS. Not surprisingly, Google declined to comment on the matter.

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Computex 2010 started off with a bang as ASUS unveiled the two newest products in its Eee product line, the Eee Pad and Eee Tablet. Being two dissimilar devices with different markets in mind, let’s start off with the consumer-friendly Eee Pad which just so happens to come in two flavors. The first and no doubt most appealing will be the EP121. Featuring a 12″ touch screen display, webcam and USB port, the EP121 is powered by a CULV Intel Core 2 Duo processor, runs Windows 7 Home Premium, and said to have a battery that can withstand up to 10 hours of continual use. When it comes to market, EP121 owners will have the option of picking up what is billed as “innovative hybrid keyboard/docking station”. More portable than the EP121 is the EP101TC. Exactly what it brings to the table is unclear for now, but we do know it has a 10″ display, webcam, USB port and comes pre-loaded with Windows Embedded Compact 7. The two Eee Pads are said to range in price from around $399 to $499 and are tentatively due for release in Q1 2011. Moving on we have the Eee Tablet. It’s probably not as fancy of a device as you might have predicted, but it’s definitely a notetaker’s dream thanks to its stylus-dependant 2450 dpi resistive touchscreen display (which obviously makes no sense, but according to ASUS means the screen is really striking and “gives the user the feel of writing on paper”). The Tablet’s 2 megapixel camera is said to be useful for taking pictures of whiteboards and lecture notes, while the OS’s support for tagging allows for quick retrieval of information while super speedy 0.1 second page load times make navigation a dream. Wi-Fi, a USB port, support for microSD cards and a battery life rated at 10 hours round out the rest of the known specs. The Eee Tablet should be available come September in the neighborhood of $199 to $299. You know where to click for the press releases.

Stay Connected and Multitask with the Eee Pad

Engineering excellence meets stunning design in the ASUS Eee Pad, an ultra-slim and light yet high-performance slate device designed to provide users with a real time cloud computing experience. The Eee Pad will be available in two configurations.

The 12″ Eee Pad EP121 is a full-featured slate computer that serves as a multimedia player, e-reader, and compact computing device. Powered by a CULV Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor and the Windows® 7 Home Premium operating system, it effortlessly handles multitasking tasks whether enabling users to check their email and calendars, have video conferences, or process Microsoft Word and Excel documents simultaneously. The ASUS Eee Pad EP121 offers two convenient modes of character input-an embedded virtual keyboard or an innovative hybrid keyboard/docking station design. All of this power is available in a personal computing device that delivers up to 10 hours of usage.

For users seeking additional mobility, ASUS is proud to present the 10” Eee Pad EP101TC that runs Windows Embedded Compact 7, which provides an engaging user experience and delivers instant connectivity to the Windows world. It also provides a familiar full-featured user experience across various connected devices and cloud computing services.

* * *

Fremont, California (May 31, 2010) – ASUS’ leadership in innovation and design will once again be the focus at Computex 2010 in Taipei, Taiwan. ASUS will proudly showcase a wide range of products across five major categories: cloud computing, gaming, enthusiast-level PC components, multimedia and green computing. As a technological leader in cloud computing, ASUS offers a broad lineup of cloud-connected devices featuring on-the-fly data and multimedia sharing capabilities that consumers crave in today’s market.

The Notepad Goes Digital with the Eee Tablet

Innovation meets cloud computing at Computex 2010 with the ASUS Eee Tablet. With a 2450 dpi touch resolution screen, the Eee Tablet is one of the world’s most accurate and sensitive digital note taking devices, and gives the user the feel of writing on paper. Users can select one of the built-in notepad templates and have the option to store, sort and tag, organize or browse through them. Real time text annotations can also be made on-the-fly. The Eee Tablet makes reading easy, with text file page turns taking just 0.1 seconds-nine times faster than the page turns of normal e-readers. Reading documents or books remains easy on the users’ eyes even after prolonged viewing periods.

The ASUS Eee Tablet features a built-in 2 megapixel camera that captures detailed images, letting the user grab screenshots of lecture slides and write notes on them instantly. It easily syncs up with a PC or notebook via USB or Micro SD to ensure that all notes, content, and calendars are constantly kept up-to-date. With up to 10-hours of battery life, the Eee Tablet has enough power for a variety of tasks. At the end of the day, users not only have an electronic notepad, but a media player and e-reader as well.