The Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone is now available for pre-order from AT&T. Subscribers who place early orders for Samsung’s new supersized smartphone will take delivery by February 17th, and the device is set to become available in stores on February 19th for $299.99 with a new two-year agreement. The Galaxy Note will be available in two color options, carbon blue or ceramic white, and the handset features a massive 5.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, Samsung’s S Pen stylus and 4G LTE connectivity. The Note will be released running Android 2.3 and is expected to receive an update to Ice Cream Sandwich within the next few months.

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Verizon may allow its customers to pre-order its highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the world’s first Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich-powered smartphone, on Tuesday, November 29th. Computerworld has reportedly confirmed with a seemingly reliable unnamed source that customers will be able to order the device on Tuesday, and that it will land on store shelves and in customer hands on December 8th — a date that corroborates with earlier rumors. The phone is expected to cost $199.99 with a new two-year contract, though it is unclear whether or not that price is part of a limited-time promotion. Verizon Wireless declined to comment when contacted by BGR.

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The highly anticipated sequel to ASUS’ convertible Android tablet, the Eee Pad Transformer, is now available for pre-order in North America. Set for release some time next month, the Transformer Prime features a 1.3GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor, Android 3.2 Honeycomb, a 10.1-inch display, 1GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, a microHDMI-out port and SD card support. ASUS has also promised that an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich isn’t far off. The tablet will cost $499.99 for the 32GB model and $599.99 for the 64GB model, and it is available in gray or champagne. ASUS had trouble keeping the original Transformer on store shelves for quite some time after it was released, so pre-orders are definitely recommended for those who hope to snag a tablet out of the first batch to ship.

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Verizon Wireless on Wednesday reaffirmed that the Motorola DROID RAZR smartphone will be available for pre-order starting tomorrow, October 27th. The hotly anticipated smartphone revives the famed RAZR line from Motorola, and we can’t think of a more appropriate device to fill those shoes. The DROID RAZR features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED qHD display, a dual-core 1.2GHz processor by Texas Instruments, 1GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel camera and a 7.1-millimeter thin Kevlar case. The handset will cost $299.99 with a two-year contract and pre-orders will ship no later than November 10th. Verizon Wireless’ press release follows below.

DROID RAZR^™ BY MOTOROLA AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER BEGINNING TOMORROW 

Customers can pre-order the DROID RAZR^™ starting tomorrow at 8 a.m. EST for $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement and data plan at www.droiddoes.com/DroidRazr.

The DROID RAZR not only shreds through the Web at blazing 4G LTE speeds, it does it in style with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED^™ Advanced display and measuring 7.1 mm thin. DROID RAZR is also packed with brains and security giving customers apps like MotoCast^™ and features like remote wipe, pin lock and government-grade encryption for email, calendar and contacts.

DROID RAZR customers can take advantage of the Super AMOLED Advanced display and 4G LTE speeds to stream videos with NFL Mobile, only from Verizon. Fans can stay up to date on news, schedules and scores from their favorite teams. NFL Mobile is included at no additional charge for 4G LTE customers for the remainder of the 2011 season. DROID RAZR customers will have access to Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network that now covers more than 186 million Americans coast to coast with additional markets planned before year end.

Customers may also pre-order in stores or by calling 1 800 2 JOIN IN.  Pre-orders of the DROID RAZR will ship no later than Nov. 10.

Set to launch later this month, Sprint’s version of the Samsung GALAXY S II smartphone is now available for pre-order from popular cell phone retailer Wirefly. While the highly anticipated Samsung Epic 4G Touch is set to launch at $199.99 from Sprint, Wirefly is offering early adopters an unusual discount — a pre-payment of $149.99 will secure anxious GALAXY fans an Epic 4G Touch as soon as they become available in mid-September. Announced late last month at a Samsung press event, Sprint’s Epic 4G Touch features a 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 16GB of storage, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and compatibility with Sprint’s 4G WiMAX network. The sleek smartphone will launch nationwide on September 16th, though the Wirefly site does not specify when pre-orders will ship.

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The HP TouchPad 4G with HSPA+ support is now available for pre-order from Amazon. The online retailer doesn’t give a specific launch date and instead says “this item has not yet been released,” and that customers “may pre-order it now and [Amazon] will deliver it to you when it arrives.” The TouchPad made its debut on July 1st as a Wi-Fi only device with a 1.2GHz processor. In our review we said the device was “just good” and that its software needed a “shot of adrenaline.” However, AT&T’s upcoming version will sport a faster 1.5GHz processor, the aforementioned HSPA+ support and HP’s latest webOS 3.0.2 software. Amazon is currently listing the TouchPad 4G for $699.99, which means you’ll be paying a big premium for 4G, but that’s also probably before any AT&T’s subsidies.

[Via Netbooknews]

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Right on schedule, Hewlett-Packard’s first webOS-powered tablet is now available for pre-order. The HP TouchPad becomes available on July 1st but those who want to ensure they get their supersized webOS fix as soon as possible can pre-order the device through a number of different retailers. Best Buy and Amazon, among others, have the TouchPad available for pre-order at $499 for the 16GB model and $599 for the 32GB model, as expected. BGR took a hands-on look at the TouchPad when it was first unveiled back in February, and we were impressed. WebOS translates very well to a large form device, and the interoperability with HP’s upcoming Pre 3 smartphone is fantastic, though we still have no word on when HP might launch the Pre 3.

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Sony just took the wraps off of its new S Series VAIO laptop, a notebook with a 13.3-inch 1600 x 900 display that measures just 0.95-inches thick and weighs 3.8 pounds. Under its hood, the new VAIO is powered by Intel’s second-generation Core i7 processor, has AMD Radeon HD 6630 graphics with 1GB of VRAM, a Blu-ray drive, an LED backlit keyboard, and Intel Wireless Display 2.0 support, which allows you to share your laptop screen with your HDTV. Sony says its new S Series should offer 8 hours of battery life, and an optional $150 “sheet battery” can double that to 16 hours. The VAIO S Series starts at $1,350 and customers can pre-order the laptop now. Hit the jump for the full release.

Sony Brings More Power to Go With New S Series Laptop

Optional Sheet Battery Doubles Battery Life Up to 16 Hours

SAN DIEGO, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sony’s newest S Series VAIO® laptop combines for the first time portability, performance and power in a thinner, lighter design perfect for everyone from students to business travelers.

The new S Series continues Sony’s efforts to offer users more personalized options and flexibility that fits their lifestyle.  Select S Series models sport elegant design in burnished brown, jet black or platinum silver with magnesium and aluminum materials, and incorporate a built-in lithium polymer battery that when coupled with the advanced large-capacity optional sheet battery, can stay mobile and unplugged for up to 16 hours with solid state drive configurations. Intelligent charging enables you to charge the optional sheet battery separately and attach it to the system without shutting down for maximum flexibility.

“Users these days want a laptop that will last for hours without charging, is small and light enough to carry around with you but doesn’t sacrifice any of the performance and power that you’d find in a full-sized PC,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Networked Technology and Services Division at Sony Electronics. “You can fly nonstop from Los Angeles to Tokyo or attend a full day of classes on just one charge with this S Series laptop when combined with the optional sheet battery.”

This 13.3-inch S Series is packed with powerful performance—all in a thin 0.95-inch profile that only weighs 3.8-pounds with the standard battery. Incorporating all the mobility of VAIO laptops, this new model delivers impressive portability and performance with the available second generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor.  Coupled with Hybrid Graphics as well as dual channel solid state drive options (select models), the S Series laptop is truly top of the line.

Ultra Mobility and Performance

Performance is top priority with the second generation Intel Core i7 processor that delivers even more performance automatically when you need it. With Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, the processors increase speed automatically delivering the performance needed for multitasking.

AMD Radeon™ HD 6630 1GB Hybrid Graphics card (select models) with 1GB VRAM gives a premium visual quality and intense HD performance without placing huge demands on the CPU. Plus, it offers a performance boost to your day-to-day processor functions for a faster, more optimized overall computing experience.

For maximum performance and ample storage, select models feature dual channel solid state drive with RAID 0 technology.

The S Series laptop comes with one-touch VAIO, ASSIST and WEB buttons, for launching Media Gallery™ software, VAIO Care™ software and access to the web without full boot-up into Windows®, all with a touch of a button.

The new S Series models offer a built-in web camera powered by an Exmor™ sensor that allows for great low-light performance. With exceptional picture quality, the 13.3-inch (1600×900) widescreen display includes an LED backlit keyboard, illuminating the lettering for typing in low-light situations. And with the built-in microphone you can video message with family, friends and coworkers. Face tracking technology allows the camera to automatically adjust focus and follow you as you move around while video chatting.

Packed with Multimedia

Sony knows entertainment is always at the forefront and the VAIO S Series delivers. Whether you’re watching a stunning Blu-ray Disc™ movie (select models) or enjoying video captured from your compatible camcorder. The versatile Blu-ray Disc drive on the VAIO S Series laptop (select models) combines the power of HD video playback with the convenience and utility of DVD and CD read/write functionalities.  Providing the best picture and the best sound with stunning clarity, Blu-ray Disc technology is the ultimate way to enjoy your entertainment.

With Intel® Wireless Display 2.0, you can sit back and experience your favorite videos, photos and music on your TV. Stop crowding around a laptop screen and view and share content from your hard drive, home network or the internet wirelessly on your HDTV utilizing the adapter (sold separately; restrictions apply).

Pricing and Availability

The VAIO S Series laptops are available for pre-sale today at www.sonystyle.com/sseries starting at about $1,350, and the optional sheet battery at about $150.

Additionally, Sony added two new colors to its existing S Series line. The new pink and blue S Series models will available at www.sonystyle.com/sseries starting in June.

Sony Ericsson’s first PlayStation certified phone, the Xperia PLAY, can now be pre-ordered from Verizon Wireless for $199.99. The Xperia PLAY runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon II processor. It also has a 4-inch display, a 5-megapixel rear camera, and a VGA forward facing camera for video chats. When you’re ready for action, just slide-out out the full PSP-style gamer pad and load up one of 7 pre-installed titles. We gave the phone, and Star Battalion, a test run during CTIA and were left impressed with the quality of the controls. The pre-loaded games include Madden NFL 11, Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior, Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, The Sims 3 , Star Battalion, Crash Bandicoot, and Tetris. If you pre-order the device, it should be in your hands by May 26th.

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RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook will make its U.K debut on June 16th. The 7-inch QNX-powered tablet will be available from a number of retailers, including Phones 4u and The Carphone Warehouse, and the 16GB model will start at £399.95 ($648). iPhone 4u will also sell a 64GB version online for £559.95 ($907), while The Carphone Warehouse will also carry a third 32GB model for £479 ($777). U.K. customers can pre-order the PlayBook from either retailer beginning today. [Via Engadget]

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We just got off the phone with a number of RadioShack locations, and each one has confirmed that the retailer is now quietly taking pre-orders for Sprint’s HTC EVO 3D. We were told that, interested users should rush to the store as pre-order quantities are very limited. Employees did not confirm when the EVO 3D would be available for pickup, although we suspect it won’t be a very long wait. Best Buy also began taking pre-orders earlier this month, but it too neglected to reveal when the phone would become available. We went hands-on with the EVO 3D during CTIA and were impressed by its glasses-free 3D display. We also loved the solid, albeit beefy, industrial design.

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Verizon just officially announced that pre-orders the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY will begin on May 19th and that the device will land in stores on May 26th for $199.99. The Xperia PLAY  — which we most recently saw during CTIA — runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and is equipped with a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon II processor with an Adreno 205 GPU, a 4-inch multi-touch display, a full slide-out PSP-style gaming pad, a VGA front-facing camera for video chats, and a 5-megapixel rear camera. Hit the break for Verizon Wireless’ full press release.

VERIZON WIRELESS AND SONY ERICSSON TAKE MOBILE GAMING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH THE SONY ERICSSON XPERIA™ PLAY

The World’s First PlayStation^® Certified Smartphone Combines PlayStation^®-Quality Gaming Experience with the Latest Android Smartphone Technology

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Take conference calls, send emails and win football’s biggest game, all on one device.  The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, for Verizon Wireless, redefines mobile gaming by combining all the features customers expect from a fully-featured smartphone with the ultimate gaming experience.

Powered by Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY will come pre-loaded with seven game titles, including Madden NFL 11 (EA Sports), Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior (Digital Legends), Asphalt 6: Adrenaline (Gameloft), The Sims 3 (EA), Star Battalion (Gameloft), Crash Bandicoot (Sony PlayStation) and Tetris.  Customers can expand their video game library with more than 50 game titles available at launch for download via V CAST Apps. Customers easily become gamers with the slide out game pad revealing a directional keypad, dual analog touch joystick, two shoulder buttons and the four iconic PlayStation^® symbol keys: circle, X, square and triangle.

Additional Features:

• 1 GHz Qualcomm^® Snapdragon^® II processor with Adreno 205 GPU
• Adobe^® Flash^® Player
• 4-inch multi-touch display
• 5-megapixel rear-facing camera
• VGA front-facing camera for still shots and video chatting
• Support for Google Mobile Services including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk™, Google Search™, Google Maps™, and access to more than 200,000 apps available to download from Android Market™
• Mobile hotspot capability– share 3G connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices

Pricing and Availability:

• The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY will be available for pre-order online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning May 19 and in stores on May 26 for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.
• Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and a smartphone data package.  Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access and an unlimited smartphone data plan is $29.99 for monthly access.

Game Developers:

• The gaming experience can only get better as additional games are being created. Developers have the flexibility to focus on content and not worry about binary file sizes when submitting apps to V CAST Apps. Developers can visit http://developer.verizon.com/play for additional information about game development for the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY.

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. To learn more about the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, visit www.sonyericsson.com.

Samsung sold more than 10 million Galaxy S phones in 2010, and if early figures are any hint, Samsung’s Galaxy S II could turn out to be more popular than its predecessor. On Monday, Samsung announced that 3 million pre-orders for the phone — which will launch in 120 countries across 140 mobile operators — have already been placed. The Galaxy S II sports a dual-core Orion processor clocked at 1.2GHz, TouchWiz 4.0, Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) and an 8-megapixel camera capable of recording 1080p HD video. But the real star of its spec sheet is its 4.27-inch Super AMOLED Plus display that, during our hands-on with the phone, we found to be remarkably crisp and bright with deep, inky, blacks. We’ve spotted the Galaxy S II passing through the FCC with AT&T frequency bands, so our fingers are crossed for a U.S. announcement soon.

[Via Mobile Crunch]

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The HTC Sensation is now available for pre-order from Vodafone UK, and the carrier says early birds should have the phone in their hands as soon as May 19th. We had a chance to go hands-on with the Sensation early last month and fell in love with the phone. It runs a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and packs HTC’s brand new Sense user interface, an 8-megapixel camera capable of recording 1080p HD video, 4GB of internal storage, and a stunning 4.3-inch qHD display. It’s scheduled to land on T-Mobile with HSPA+ connectivity, too, although a launch date hasn’t been announced — we’ve only heard rumors it could be available as soon as June 8th.

[Via Engadget]

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According to information acquired by blog Android Central, Best Buy — or at least one Best Buy — has begun taking pre-orders for HTC’s highly anticipated EVO 3D handset. The offer is not being advertised or promoted in any way (present article excluded), but a company memo instructs Best Buy team members to offer the pre-order to those that ask about the dual-core handset. “This is meant to capture only those customers coming into our stores inquiring about the EVO 3D who are otherwise not purchasing another phone today,” reads the memo. ” In other words, if a customer asks, you can tell him or her about the pre-sale. Otherwise, mums the word.” Yes, mum indeed. Hit the jump to see an image of the memo in question.

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