ThinkPad gets new series

IBM has updated its ThinkPad line by introducing A, T and X Series models, featuring customisable UltraPort options. They include an UltraPort IrDA Module for wireless connectivity, an UltraPort Digital Array Microphone for audio input, an UltraPort Camera II for capturing still images (up to 640x480 resolution) and video (up to 320x240 at 30 frames per second) and an UltraPort Compact Flash Reader. Selected models in the A and T Series run with the new Mobile Intel Pentium III 1GHz1, which was officially announced on Monday. ...more

Nominet proposes changes to SLD creation

The UK domain name registry Nominet is asking the Internet community what changes should be made to the creation of new Second Level Domains (SLD) within .uk. An SLD is a domain name such as . ...more

UK families barred from massive Vista discounts

UK families are being denied savings of up to ?400 on Windows Vista, following Microsoft's decision to restrict a new discount scheme to US customers. American families are being offered the chance to buy two additional licences of Vista Home Premium for just $50 (?25) each, when they buy a retail copy of Vista Ultimate. Full retail copies of Home Premium will cost around ?220 in the UK. ...more

Macromedia accelerates streaming Flash uptake with content delivery deal

Macromedia has joined forces with Speedera, an application hosting and content delivery specialist, to develop a live video version of Macromedia Flash Video Streaming Service. The service will be delivered using Speedera's globally distributed on-demand network and server infrastructure and will enable enterprises and other organisations to stream live corporate communications events, deliver distance learning, stage live entertainment events, communicate with clients, and deliver other live streaming broadcasts to global audiences without having to set up and maintaining their own streaming server hardware and network infrastructure. The Flash Video Streaming Service includes: automatic tracking and report generation at the click of a button; video streaming that starts the instant viewers click 'play'; a global network of high- performance servers that ensures that video servers and network links won't get overwhelmed by high traffic levels; upload of Flash Video (FLV) files or live streams to a ready-to-go streaming network without having to set up and maintain video servers; and a live video encoder. ...more

Reports of PDA demise premature, according to Gartner

PDA shipments have risen by an eighth, according to research group Gartner. The 12 per cent rise in shipments for this quarter over last year's marks a decided upturn in the market. Figures had previously been ailing for two and a half years. ...more