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The Miniature ARM-Based Linux Desktop

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CompuLab launches the Utilite-- an ARM-based miniature PC promising high performance inside a miniature form factor ideal for applications of the media player, home theatre PC (HTPC) and small-footprint desktop replacement variety.

UtiliteIt carries a Freescale i.MX6 system-on-a-chip featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU, up to 4GB RAM and dual-head 1080p (1920x1080) output inside a "zero-screws" housing measuring 13.5 x 10 x 2cm.

The GPU supports OpenGL ES, OpenVG and OpenCL EP plus multi-stream 1080p H.264 on-chip decoding.

Power consumption clocks at 3-8W (using a 10-16V supply) and connectivity options include dual ethernet, x5 USB, 802.11 wifi and Bluetooth. Audio comes through stereo line-out and line-in and 3.5mm jack.

The operating system of choice is either Ubuntu Linux or Android.

CompuLab should start Utilite shipments from August 2013.

Go CompuLab Utilite

Microsoft Management Gets Major Reshuffle

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Following a few weeks' worth of rumours Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announces "a far-reaching realignment"-- a massive management reshuffle effort creating a so-called "One Microsoft."

Steve Ballmer"Our strategy will focus on creating a family of devices and services for individuals and businesses that empower people around the globe at home, at work and on the go, for the activities they value most," Ballmer writes in an internal memo.

"As the times change, so must our company," Ballmer continues.

The reshuffle divides the company by function-- Engineering, Marketing, Business Development and Evangelism, Advanced Strategy and Research, Finance, HR, Legal, and COO. It is the first significant Microsoft reorganisation since 2008, when Ballmer split the platforms and services division in 3, namely Windows, online services and server and tools.

What is Going On at Dell?

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Back in February 2013 Michael Dell announced a grand plan to bring a struggling Dell back on its feet-- a leveraged buyout (LBO) worth $24 billion. However the past months proved complicated for Dell, as shareholders division made efforts for Dell's privatisation difficult. But what exactly is going on within the Dell boardroom?

Icahn vs DellSpearheading efforts against the buyout is one Carl Icahn. A billionaire with a 6% stake in the company, Icahn opposes the buyout. He demanded a "leveraged recapitalisation" (meaning a recalculation of the PC maker's value) back in March 2013 together with other investors, chiefly Southeastern Asset management, who argue Dell's going price ($13.65 per share) is too low.

"We believe management is intentionally emphasizing declining PC sales in order to justify its inadequate buyout price," a March 2013 Southeastern statement claims.

Fast forward by four months, and Icahn fires another assault-- a letter with a very unsubtle title, "Why Does Dell Keep Attacking Its Own Business?"

IHS: Worst Mobile PC Q2 in 11 years

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According to IHS PC Dynamics Market Brief Q2 2013 is the worst 2nd quarter (on a Q-o-Q basis) for the WW mobile PC market in 11 years-- shipments drop by -6.9% Q-o-Q, while H1 2013 sees the worst performance since 2003.

Mobile PCsIn the past 10 years the global mobile PC market always saw Q-o-Q shipment recovery ranging from 0.5% to as much as 6.5% during Q2.

The analyst also says H1 2013 shipments are down by -11.2% compared to H2 2012. In contrast, mobile PC shipments had surged by a spectacular 41.7% during H1 2010.

“The mobile PC industry on the whole is struggling to find any momentum for growth as upheavals rock the market,” IHS says. “In particular, more nimble devices like tablets have taken over among consumers given their ease of use and unique form factor. Meanwhile, innovation in PCs has stagnated, and the recent influx of low-cost tablets has further eaten into an already decimated mobile PC space. With such dire numbers, many are wondering whether this signifies the start of more record declines for mobile PCs, or if the industry has hit rock-bottom.”

Extreme microSD Cards from SanDisk

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SanDisk promises faster storage for you mobile and camera using customers with the Extreme microSDHC and microSDXC UHS-1 memory card portfolio.

Extreme microsdAccording to the company the Extreme cards reach up to 80MB/s read and 50MB/s write speeds, as well as class 10 and UHS speed class 1 (U1) video recording ratings.

The cards are water-, shock- and X-ray proof, and SanDisk offers a download of RescuePro Delux data recovery software in the case of accidentally deleted images. Also included in the package is an adapter for use with full-size SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slots.

The Extreme microSD card portfolio is available now in capacities ranging from 16 to 64GB.

Go SanDisk Extreme microSD Memory Cards

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