Sony recalls VAIO TZ laptops

According to a report by CNET News.com, Sony has initiated a recall of some VAIO TZ laptops due to the possibility of overheating. This is due to some wiring and screw issues at the hinge of the notebook which may result in short circuits.

This recall affects VAIO with model numbers VGN-TZ1x, VGN-TZ2x and VGN-TZ3x. A Sony representative has commented that this is a precautionary measure to prevent the possibility of burns due to overheating. As such, owners are advised to contact their regional Sony support centers or check the online Web support for more information. Even if the units are out of warranty, affected VAIOs will be diagnosed and repaired without charge.

OLPC revives Give One, Get One program with Amazon.com

The One Laptop Per Child project is bringing back its two-for-one deal on its low-cost laptop.

It has tapped Amazon.com to handle its Give One, Get One program, launched initially last year. Through the program, anyone can pay for two XO laptops; one is shipped to the buyer, and the other is sent to a school kid in a developing nation. It will run from late November to late December this year.

An OLPC official told PC World the group is working with Amazon because the nonprofit just doesn't have enough manpower to handle the program.

In other OLPC news, the nonprofit also said that the delayed dual-boot version of the XO should arrive next month. Originally expected in August or September, the delivery date was pushed back.

The device will come loaded with both Windows XP and the Linux-based Sugar operating system created for the XO. The inclusion of XP stemmed from pushback that OLPC got from developing nations that wouldn't buy the laptops for its classrooms without the world's dominant OS on it.

Looking ahead, the XO maker has also said that the next version of the low-cost laptop, the XO-2, will be available beginning in the second quarter of next year. The XO-2 will have two touchscreens and no keyboard.

Via Crave CNET

Napbooks for snoozers

Here's a 2-in-1 offering that makes absolute sense--a notebook case that also doubles as a pillow. This would certainly make a comfy head rest for CNET Asia's hardworking reviewers who occasionally need to catch some Zzzs in front of their machines.
What's more, the heat from the laptop would keep this padded "pillow" deliciously warm for chilly, rainy days. As a matter of fact, this makes for one very toasty footrest--not like you'll be sharing this, right? So yes, designer Hafsteinn Juliusson gets thumbs up for the Napbook, handmade in Ikea-like hues. Though hopefully there'll be less gay colors for the chest-beating he-men in our CNET office.
Read more »

Give your Eee PC a facelift with Skinizi

With more and more Netbooks appearing by the day, it can be harder to tell one apart from the next.
Skinizi, a French company that makes skins for mobile devices such as laptops and iPhones, is getting in on the customization action with its newest set of skins for ultraportables including the ASUS EeePC 70X, ASUS EeePC 90X, and MSI Wind U100.

The skins should provide good protection against scratches and add a variety of visual effects, from avant garde to retro to cartoonish. You can choose from a collection of predesigned images, but unfortunately, you can't submit your own. For unlisted laptops, you can still find skins by providing the dimensions of the device.

All Skinizi's skins have graphics created by professional graphic designers and promise fast and easy application without air bubbles and easy removal without leaving marks on the device. You can get the skins now for about US$35 apiece.

Crave CNET

Dell launches Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook

After much anticipation, Dell's first Netbook has finally made an appearance in selected markets. Residents in US, Japan and some European countries will get dibs on the new system, while other nations will have to wait for the Inspiron Mini 9 to roll out in their respective regions.

Nothing groundbreaking about this Netbook. Available in black or white, the unit can be configured with the following components:

Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor

8.9-inch display

1,024 x 600-pixel resolution

Up to 1GB RAM

Up to 16GB SSD storage

802.11b/g, 10/100 Ethernet and Bluetooth radio

VGA output; three USB ports; Webcam

Memory card reader

Four-cell battery

Ubuntu Linux OS

So why go for this machine while there are other choices in the market? For one, the starting price of US$349 makes this one of the most affordable Netbooks. The other plus point is that the Inspiron Mini 9 has one of the best keyboards we've ever used on a Netbook. It is superior to the Acer Aspire One and even the larger ASUS Eee PC 1000, though still a touch smaller than the HP Mini-Note.

Cost and availability details for Asia are not available at this time, but if the US price is any indication, this is one Netbook to look out for.

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