Nokia N79 Active Includes Polar Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor, Gps, And Geotagging

Nanofinder’s Gps Tracker’s Take Design Seriously

We’ve come across so many GPS locator’s over the past year, it’s ridiculous.  The worst part is every one we’ve looked at functions the same and looks the same as all the others.  Finally, we have something a little different.

nanofinder has a variety of GPS tracking devices that are similar to other competing products in terms of specs, but are uniquely designed.  Take, for instance, the nanofinder NT2000 PetFinder.  Sure, it’s a typical pet tracker with GPS and geofencing options, but it has personality.  With a variety of color options and funky patterns, the PetFinder might be an accessory your pet would be proud of.  Maybe not, but it sure looks a whole lot better than the clunky, black, convict looks of some other pet finders.

nanofinder also has a FriendFinder with cellular connectivity and the ability to update your social network accounts such as Facebook, a Personal Finder, Car Finder, Time Finder (you know you’re in trouble when…), and a bunch of software options.

A few of nanofinder’s products haven’t been released yet, though they will be in the next few months.  Prices range from $149.00 for the Personal Finder up to $259 for the CarFinder.  nanonavi service plans are priced at $11.90/month or $142.80/year.

Garmin Announces Etrex Legend H, Vista H And Pc-based Trip Planning Software, Basecamp

Want to get your hands on a 2009 Garmin GPS navigator for under $200?  You can.  The company has announced a couple of updated eTrex models for rough-and-tumble types.  The outdoor handhelds–named eTrex Legend H and eTrex Vista H–both have a 2.4-inch greyscale display, high-sensitivity GPS receiver that can easily acquire and hold a signal in dense forest, USB interface, 24 MB of memory, and basemaps of North and South America.  The Vista H also has an electronic compass and barometric altimeter.  The Legend H and Vista H will set you back $149.99 and $199.99, respectively.

Garmin has also unveiled BaseCamp, a PC or Mac-based tool used to plan and manage outdoor trips.  All the planning and organizing can be down on the computer and then transferred to Garmin outdoor handhelds.  It will be available sometime in the first quarter, shipping with TOPO US 100K DVD’s and TOPO US 24K DVD’s.  Those who already own the software will be able to download BaseCamp from Garmin’s website at the end of the first quarter.

Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Netbook Gets Gps But Unknown Price Or Release Date

Dell unveiled its Inspiron Mini 10 netbook at a CES press conference this morning.  Sitting squarely between the smaller Mini 9 and larger Mini 12, Electronista reports that the Mini 10 is more advanced than both.  Its 10-inch display manages 1366 x 768 pixels (720p resolution) and the netbook features a multi-touch trackpad that simplifies scrolling, zooming, and moving back to the home screen.

Quite a few netbooks we’ve seen launched at CES are featuring larger keyboards making it a little easier for sausage-fingered folks to type.  The Inspiron Mini 9 is no exception, expanding the keyboard edge-to-edge improving the spacing between keys.

The same 1.6 GHz Intel Atom chip found in the Mini 9 will also power the Mini 10 which will feature 802.11 Wi-Fi, 3G cellular connectivity, GPS (this one doesn’t require a hack), and a built-in TV tuner.

Unfortunately Dell didn’t elaborate on the full specifications or availability and pricing details.  If you can’t wait for the Mini 10, Dell did say that the normally $449 3G-capable Mini 9 will now be available for $99 but the catch is you’ll have to sign up for a 2-year, $60 per month AT&T plan.

(Image Credit: Pocket-Lint)

Intel’s Atom moving into new embedded markets

Intel has joined Advanced Micro Devices in spinning off some manufacturing capacity. In Intel’s case, the chip maker has partnered with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). According to an Intel press release, the two companies have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding saying “Intel would port its Atom processor CPU cores to the TSMC technology platform including processes, IP, libraries, and design flows.”

TSMC has been in business since 1987 and has compiled a large portfolio of intellectual property. With the partnership, Intel will be able to distribute Intel Atom SoC’s (system-on-chip) capable of powering a greater range of consumer products.

In fact, Intel has also said a number of Atom-based product enhancements are on the way to power in-vehicle infotainment devices, media phones, eco-technologies and other industrial applications. The four segments will all have a unique Atom processor within the Atom 5xx series and will have an additional pair of system controller hubs. To speed up its embedded options, Intel will also release a media phone reference design including schematics when the new products are released in the second quarter.

I found it funny to hear that Microsoft will be one of the first companies to take advantage of the new Atom 5xx series with its new Auto 4.0 vehicle infotainment system. Designed to afford developers low-cost, quick-to-market head units, Auto 4.0 will also support ARM and SH-based processors. Maybe Microsoft’s new foray into the automotive market explains the recent TomTom patent suit.