First dot-com success for unions?

American media are reporting what they believe to be a first: the unionisation of dot com companies. It seems that a petition to certify union representation for 36 new-technology workers has been filed with the National Labour Relations Board, with a final vote on certifying union representation expected to happen within a month. The companies involved are etown. ...more

HP confirms UK job losses

HP has confirmed that 968 of its workers in the UK are to lose their jobs. The redundancies are part of a cost cutting measure that will see 6,000 European jobs axed. A spokesperson for HP said the company was 'still in a consultation process with employees', and no further details could be released. ...more

The PDA that thinks it's a laptop

Part laptop, part handheld, the AlphaSmart Dana, which has just been released in the UK, is designed as a low-cost alternative to notebooks. The Dana comprises a full-size keyboard and a wide, 560x160 pixel display in a 0.9kg package just 31. ...more

Amazon settles $40m patent lawsuit

Amazon's finances have taken a bit of a hit after it agreed to pay $40mn to settle a patent lawsuit. The online retailer was sued by Chicago-based Soverain in January 2004, which alleged that it infringed several patents relating to network sales systems and Internet server access and monitoring technologies. Investors were clearly happy with the agreement; Amazon shares rose by around one per cent yesterday. ...more

Smartphone makes and broadcasts movies

It's not a smartphone, it's a camcorder phone - the Pantech PH-L4000V is a taste of things to come from South Korea. Described as the first handset to be designed for use as a mini digital camcorder, the 2.14 megapixel device features a swivelling display-style display and zoom controls along the edge of the phone. ...more