hardware systems - News, Features, and Slideshows

News

• IT pros ape Apple manager charged with bribery

  Most IT professionals share one thing with the Apple manager accused of accepting millions in bribes and kickbacks, a firm that develops secure file transfer software said today.

• Dell Streak teardown: Go ahead and drop the tablet

  The Dell Streak tablet, which goes on sale Friday in the United States, is a sturdy device just daring you to drop it. But if you do need to take it apart and fix it, that's not a problem, according to iFixit, which this week tore the device open for peek inside.

• Apple won't change antenna for Verizon iPhone, says expert

  If an iPhone does appear on Verizon, don't expect Apple to change its antenna design, an expert said today.

• Scientists build robot that can learn emotions

  Lead researcher Lola Caamero interacts with a robot that can respond to human emotions. Researchers in the U.K. are working on a robot that will develop emotions as it interacts with people.

• Netbook failure rate disappoints major user

  Netbooks are cheaper, lighter and generally operate more slowly than an ordinary laptop -- but should their expected lifespan be shorter?

• Samsung to show off Android 2.2-based tablet next month

  Samsung is expected to show off an Android-based tablet dubbed the P1000 Galaxy Tab at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin next month, according to multiple reports. The tablet is said to feature a 7-inch touchscreen and offer live video chat capabilities.

• Apple plans online support changes

  Apple has announced plans to revamp its support forums to add a personalized start page where users can collate their questions and track potential answers.

• Samsung unveils its densest 2TB desktop hard drive

  Samsung Electronics Co. today announced what it's calling the world's highest-density hard disk drive for desktop systems.

• What Could You Do With a $35 Tablet?

  India unveiled a <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/201769/indias_35_pc_is_the_future_of_computing.html">prototype of a tablet PC</a> it hopes to sell for $35 or less. Assuming India can find a partner to mass-produce the tablet and can get anywhere near its price target, what can you expect to accomplish with a practically-disposable tablet PC?

• Texas, IBM spar over IT contract

  The state of Texas may be preparing to terminate a contract signed with IBM four years ago to consolidate the state government's IT operations because of missed goals and excessive employee attrition.

• Dell warns of malware on server motherboards

  Dell is warning customers that "a small number" of its server motherboards may contain malicious software.

• Dell proposes settlement in SEC investigation

  Computer maker Dell has proposed a settlement in a long-term investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission into the company's accounting and financial reporting practices, the company said Friday.

• HP closes Palm deal, confirms WebOS tablet

  Hewlett-Packard on Thursday finalized its acquisition of Palm and confirmed it will use the company's WebOS in future tablets and netbooks.

• Oracle Q4 profit jumps 24 percent

  Oracle reported fourth-quarter earnings of US$0.46 per share on Thursday, a 24 percent jump over the same period last year. Revenue rose 39 percent to $9.5 billion.