2008 has been a big year for business phones, especially after the introduction of Apple iPhone and the Google Android-based G1. I am reproducing a list of top 10 business phones of 2008 compiled by Clare Hopping of ITPro. But before that let me wish all Hot Launches readers a very happy and prosperous new year.
With a new mobile platform appearing on the market by the name of Google Android, the smartphone market has seen an explosion in the last year. In an attempt to compete, the major handset manufacturers have been spitting out business-centric handsets like there's no tomorrow.

HTC Touch Pro
The HTC Touch Pro is, as the name suggests, designed for business professionals. With a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, plus super-slick touchscreen interface, the Touch Pro is the most versatile HTC offering. On the business side, there's everything you'd expect from Windows Mobile, including push email with document viewing and editing.


BlackBerry Bold
The BlackBerry Bold is RIM's first true all rounder. A QWERTY keyboard replaces the awkward SureType keypad, and you can sync all your sever-based information to it thanks to BlackBerry's Enterprise Server. The original push email service is also onboard, not to mention the wealth of multimedia capabilities on offer.



iPhone 3G
Although not produced with the business user in mind, Apple's iPhone 3G is used by businessmen everywhere. With a simple to use virtual QWERTY keyboard, super-speedy computer synching in addition to push email, third party business apps galore, plus that stunning Safari-based browser, it's no surprise this is such a popular device.



Nokia E71
Nokia's S60 devices will always be a perfect solution for business, because they're so good at handling multiple tasks at once. The E71 also throws in a QWERTY keyboard for good measure, plus it's super-slim so will slide into - and out of - your pocket like a dream.


Samsung i8510
Samsung's Symbian-based i8510 made us take the Korean manufacturer seriously this year. It features everything a compact business phone should; push email, GPS, document editing and viewing, plus an optical navigation key that behaves just like the track pad on your laptop.


LG KC910
Although the KC910 concentrates on multimedia, there are a number of handy apps for business too. An email wizard ensures you're up and running quickly, plus the browser makes surfing the net seamless. You can even view your documents up close and personal.


Sony Ericsson Xperia X1
The Xperia X1 is the first of Sony Ericsson's business-targeted mobiles. It runs on Windows Mobile to ensure you have push email, plus software for reading and editing important documents. It will sync to your PC, plus there's a QWERTY keyboard so you can type efficiently.


Samsung Omnia
The Omnia is Samsung's first handset to run on Windows Mobile, and with that the Korean manufacturer has crammed in a whole package of business apps and functionality. There may not be a QWERTY keyboard, but the virtual typewriter does a good job when writing long emails or documents.


BlackBerry Curve 8900
Quite simply, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 is the most impressive business and multimedia BlackBerry to date. The fully-featured device includes Wi-Fi and GPS, a super-responsive Qwerty keyboard and an ultra-impressive battery life of two days, even when used frequently. One minor disappointment is a lack of 3G connectivity, which may cause grief for some, but this can be overlooked when you have a decent email service and browser.

And last, but not least...

T-Mobile G1The launch of the Android-based T-Mobile G1 just added to the open operating system phenomenon that hit in 2008. The G1 features a slide out QWERTY keyboard and touch screen. Although there's no exchange connectivity, as you'll find on BlackBerrys, there is support for IMAP and POP email. If the G1 doesn't come with all the apps you want or need preloaded, just take a look at the extensive Android Market for anything and everything.

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When people talk about laptops, everyone assumes that all laptops are wireless. Traveling with a laptop is easier today than it once was, the laptops have gotten smaller and lighter. The new mobile laptops make computing easy for many people. When purchasing a laptop, make sure a wireless connection is built in so you can reach the internet if you are in a wireless area. The laptop is replacing the big desktop computer; but the mobile computer needs to provide the ability to accept components for expandability. Many people today keep all of the information on their computer, so if the computer goes down many people will not have that data. In today's modern world the laptop or sometimes called notebook is a must have.

If you do not have a laptop computer yet, you should know that one of the most important aspects of having a laptop computer is having a great power supply. Every laptop computer needs to be equipped with some type of warranty; the laptop should have at least a one year manufacturer warranty. You may even be able to play movies on them with crystal clarity. Purchasing a laptop computer is not an easy job to do because there are so many important things that should be considered before purchasing.

The type of work you do can affect the screen size and type that is most suitable for you. If you are not worried about graphics a screen size of 12-14" is acceptable. If the work you are doing is graphically intensive than a 15-17" is better. Screen sizes range from 12 to 19 inches. A laptop computer with smaller screen is great option if you do not plan to use laptop too much.

Going from 512MB of RAM to 1GB or 2GB RAM will speed up your laptop. If your needs are somewhat mundane - email, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. 1 GB of RAM should be plenty, if you are on Windows Vista. RAM is to a computer what location is to real estate.

You also need to think about the hard drive in the laptop you are considering. The hard drive is also a very important specification to consider in buying a laptop. The speed of a hard drive is normally calculated in rotations per minute. A hard drive of about 120 GB or over is a good rule of thumb.

Click here to see a list of TOP 10 ALL-PURPOSE LAPTOPS OF 2008

In addition to the processor, you will probably want to upgrade your system with memory, monitor, a graphics card or video card, and pointing device and keyboard. Finding cheap components is easy today due to the internet, many sites have popped up and made all of these components accessible. The important thing to remember when shopping for components is that you need to make sure they are compatible with your system.

Click here to see a list of TOP 10 ULTRA-PORTABLE LAPTOPS OF 2008

Laptop cases are an important computer accessory you should make sure you acquire. They have many sections that accommodate important office documents. Another important type of carrying case is the wheeled roller case. But, their safety and protection is equally important. A laptop case is specially made for carrying a laptop but a backpack is just a bottomless pit. Getting a quality bag is very important since you are carrying around an expensive piece of equipment. Your notebook is going to be at least 6 pounds, probably more. The portability of laptop computers is both a boon to busy business people. Your notebook should be sturdy and rugged. Expensive notebooks should be protected properly.


Thanks David.

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I was reading the latest issue of Fortune and found an interesting article about how RIM (Research in Motion) is fighting back the likes of Apple and Google.
The fortune report says that, ‘The challenge comes at a crucial time for RIM. Its stock is down more than 64% from a 52-week high of $148 a share, similar to the performance of rivals Nokia and Apple. And while fiscal 2008 revenues and profits doubled, to $6 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, growth is slowing slightly. In the most recent quarter, ended in August, revenues increased 88% compared with a year earlier, and profits jumped 72%.’



With this on one hand and global economy slumping on other hand, RIM launched three new models viz. Pearl flip, Bold and Storm. (Read full article here)
The report also had a graphic (which I slightly changed, click on above image to enlarge) showing the Top 4 PDAs. The Fortune rates Nokia E71 the Best Pick among Blackberry Bold, HTC Google Android G1 and Apple iPhone.
I have Nokia E71. Which one do you have? Please share your experiences.

Watch this space for more information about Google Android G1’s launch in India.

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Apple today unveiled an all new MacBook family that redefines notebook design, and at the same time dramatically lowers the entry price for advanced notebook features including all-metal enclosures and pro-performance notebook graphics by $700 to make them far more affordable.

The new MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro both have a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, resulting in thinner, more durable and incredibly beautiful designs. In addition, every member of the new MacBook family includes state of the art NVIDIA graphics, brilliant instant-on LED-backlit displays and new large glass Multi-Touch trackpads that offer almost 40 percent more tracking area and support more Multi-Touch gestures.

The entire new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold and RoHS environmental standards, and leads the industry in the elimination of toxic chemicals by containing no brominated flame retardants, using only PVC-free internal cables and components, and using energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass.

"Apple has invented a whole new way of building notebooks from a single block of aluminum. And, just as important, they are the industry's greenest notebooks," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO.

Every member of the new MacBook family features an LED-backlit display for brilliant instant-on performance that uses up to 30 percent less energy than its predecessor and eliminates the mercury found in industry standard fluorescent tube backlights. The ultra-thin displays provide crisp images and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies, and the edge-to-edge cover glass creates a smooth, seamless surface. Every display in the new MacBook line uses completely arsenic-free glass.

The new 13-inch full-featured aluminum MacBook is an incredibly compact and durable notebook starting at just $1,299. The new MacBook is available in two models: the 2.0 GHz MacBook with a 160GB 5400 rpm hard drive, and the 2.4 GHz MacBook with a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a backlit keyboard.


Click Here to compare all three.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro offers ultimate performance and extensive expansion features in a remarkably portable design starting at $1,999. The new MacBook Pro is available in two models: a 2.4 GHz model with a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a 2.53 GHz model with a 320GB 5400 rpm hard drive.

Today Apple also updated MacBook Air and the 17-inch MacBook Pro. Starting at $1,799, MacBook Air is available with a 120GB 4200 rpm hard drive, a 50 percent increase from the previous generation, or a new 128GB solid state drive. The updated 17-inch MacBook Pro keeps its original aluminum design, and now comes standard with a high resolution 1920 x 1200 LED-backlit display and a larger 320GB hard drive or an optional 128GB solid state drive.

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Inquisitr.com reports that Apple might announce a new MacBook series with an unbeleivable price tag of $ 800 (approximately Rs. 40,000). Apple’s latest series of MacBooks having Leopard is having a price tag of little over $1100. The MacBook Air is their ‘Business Class’ model having a much higher price tag.

Inquisitor, in its exclusive report, says that an Apple retailer sent them a copy of a new price sheet that includes a MacBook at the $800 price point.
The sheet, which is apparently sent to retailers about 10 days in advance of launch, lists 12 price points (including options for MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air) between $800 and $3,100. Older price lists only have eight trim levels. Specifications were not included on the sheet.

Let’s wait and watch what Steve has to say about this. As far as Indian market is concerned, this move might give an edge over prevalent competitors like HP, Dell, Lenovo and others.

Read other view on this here.

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Last month Apple launched new series for their hot selling music players, iPod. Steve Jobs announced new improved Nano and Touch. One of our colleague got his first iPod Nano from California and let me tell you - the product is simply amazing! It is just getting slimmer and slimmer. I remember when we had our first 'family' Nano some 3 years ago. It was like a new baby coming your home. In three years of time, the baby got new shine and is ready to rock the market.

The new iPod nano has an oval, tapered shape with a black wheel. The new iPod nano can create Genius playlists (Get iTunes 8 to know more about Genius Playlist) and it also got the accelerometer from the iPhone and iPod touch for viewing Cover Flow album art, photos, and video when turned sideways. The iPod nano is also gaining a number of new hardware and software features that typically could only be had through third-party accessories, such as a built-in voice recorder and the ability to shake it to shuffle.

Other new iPod nano features include an iPhone-like headphone set with a new clicker, volume control, and microphone. You can double-click to skip to the next song, press once to pause, three times to go to the previous song, and record voice memos with a microphone on the other side.

Apple claims a great battery life for the iPod nano with 24 hours of music and 4 hours for video. The new iPod nano will cost:
Rs. 7500 to 8500 for 8GB
Rs. 8500 to 9500 for 16GB



Apple has also introduced the new improved iPod touch with some unique features adapted from iPhone. It has the same 3.5" display but gets thinner with a tapered, stainless steel back to differentiate it from the iPhone. So, Apple wants it to be different from iPhone and at the same time it wants to power it with iPhone features.

Click here to find an Apple Store in your city.

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