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Motorola Xoom set for preorders at Best Buy | Nanotech - The Circuits Blog - CNET News
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February 20, 2011 12:23 PM PST

Motorola Xoom set for preorders at Best Buy

by Brooke Crothers

Best Buy is taking preorders for Motorola's Xoom, a tablet that is expected to challenge Apple's dominance of the market.

Motorola's Xoom is priced at $799 with 3G, upgradable to 4G.

Motorola's Xoom is priced at $799 with 3G, upgradable to 4G.

(Credit: Motorola)

A new entry on Best Buy's site shows the Xoom priced at $799 for a version that is 3G-capable and upgradeable to 4G.

The 10.1-inch tablet is expected to give the iPad a run for its money, just as Motorola's Droid phones have done in the smartphone space. The Xoom will pack a dual-core Nvidia processor, a 1,280x800 resolution display, and dual cameras. Available in stores Thursday, the tablet has a 32GB flash drive and 1GB of system memory.

The iPad 3G--priced at $729 for a 32GB model--by comparison, has a single-core Apple A4 chip, no cameras, and a 1,024x768 display. The iPad is also not upgradeable to 4G. Of course, all of this could change when the iPad 2 makes an expected appearance. The second-generation iPad is expected to have a dual-core processor, improved graphics silicon, and dual cameras, among other new specs.

One of the most anticipated features of the Xoom is Google's Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) operating system that has specifically been designed for tablets and taps into Nvidia's dual-core Tegra processor to deliver "PC-like performance" and multitasking.

Best Buy also lists a number of accessories for the Xoom such as a dock, a Xoom case, speakers, and a wireless keyboard--all from Motorola.

(Via Engadget)

E-mail Brooke Crothers

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Brooke Crothers has been an editor at large at CNET News, an analyst at IDC Japan, and an editor at The Asian Wall Street Journal Weekly. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not a current employee of CNET.

Topics:

Apple,

Nvidia,

Ultramobile

Tags:

Apple,

Best Buy,

Motorola Xoom,

Nvidia,

iPad,

Tegra 2

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) Showing 1 of 2 pages (109 Comments)
by CoachDinho February 20, 2011 12:39 PM PST
I can't wait for the Xoom to come out. 4 more days seems like eternity. Also I've heard of the $600 Wi-Fi only version. Thats the one that I'm gonna get. If you think about it a Wi-Fi only iPad is the same price as the Wi-Fi only version for the Xoom ($600). If you get the Xoom Wi-Fi only version its the same price as the iPad's 32 GB version but much better specs and accessibility.
Reply to this comment 11 people like this comment
by KingOfTheJungle February 20, 2011 12:55 PM PST
i'll wait 3-4 weeks to review its feedbacks. I just don't want Motorola blames on me because i hold it wrong.
3G option is not necessary. Just activate Hotspot feature on my myTouch 4G and i'm good to go! Saving monthly bill!!
13 people like this comment
by fleurya February 20, 2011 1:55 PM PST
If 4 days is an eternity for ,then you're in big trouble if you want the wifi only version as it's not even scheduled for release yet. It could be months before Moto is satisfied enough with sales of the $800 unit to allow us mere mortals the pleasure of handing over $600 for on of their wifi only units.
9 people like this comment
by solitare_pax February 20, 2011 3:31 PM PST
Interesting that Motorola came out with the 3G/4G first, instead of the WiFi only like Apple did - and most folks would probably prefer the WiFi instead of yet another cellphone scheme...
3 people like this comment
by pghcraig1 February 20, 2011 6:02 PM PST
@solitare it is interesting, but we don't know what kind of contract they have with Verizon for the exclusive that might have made this a better go. However, locking into a carrier seems foolish as it alienates a lot of people who don't services with multiple carriers and will just wait for it to come to them. I think it's more interesting Moto didn't break from the carrier cycle and go to the mass market via an wider channel of retailers.

I want to see this in the wild before I have any feedback. Still no real idea how well it will perform, and comparing it to the iPad is a waste of expression. iPad is at end of life with it's replacement most likely weeks away. That's when the real fun will begin, and I'm suspecting Apple is not going to satisfy with the iPad 2 going their normal route of meager updates. At the time all the competition started to show their wares, Apple wouldn't have been able to change course which also makes me thing the rumors about the iPad 3 coming in the fall might be credible. I don't think Apple will be fine if they get caught with their pants down, but they'll surely want to moon the compeition the next time.
by Carvega February 21, 2011 6:01 AM PST
The wifi only version is set to come out in April unofficially. I don't want a tablet without the option to use it's on 3G/4G connection.... so I pre-ordered the Xoom today!!! I can't wait until Thursday!!!
by Random_Walk February 21, 2011 6:38 AM PST
So, err, in addition to the ~$800 you're paying for the tablet, you paid Verizon's $35 connect fee plus $30 for the minimum 1 month of 3G... bringing the total to $864 for the thing. If you bought it locally (instead of online), the tax (avg 6%) would bring the grand total to at least $915.84 (...unless you're blessed to live in a state with no sales tax :) ).

Nearly a thousand bucks is way the hell too steep for a tablet, IMHO.
2 people like this comment
by striderak February 20, 2011 12:45 PM PST
Went to pre-order at the local Best Buy and was turned away. Seems that because Verizon doesn't offer coverage in Alaska, then we Alaskans aren't allowed to get the Xoom. It really bugs me when stupid companies make stupid choices like this.
Reply to this comment 10 people like this comment
by Toulinwoek February 20, 2011 1:03 PM PST
Wow, that is pretty stupid! It's almost like Motorola needs 'permission' from Verizon to sell the thing. I would hope the WiFi-only version doesn't have that barrier. It sounds like somebody at Motorola didn't think things all the way through. That's really dumb!
6 people like this comment
by KingOfTheJungle February 20, 2011 1:10 PM PST
yep! really stupid. i hate when they lock something to only 1 carrier. Here is an article you might interest in.
http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=6513
2 people like this comment
by n_djinn February 20, 2011 4:47 PM PST
I got an iPhone before ATT was back up here, and I bet it would work on Verizon. Order it online put you billing address as a Verizon store and your shipping address as you place in Alaska. Boom, you have a Xoom.
by Renegade Knight February 20, 2011 7:47 PM PST
I can't remember if data worked on Verizon phone on my trip to Fairbanks last summer. IF it doesn't (no Verizon agreement with the local monopoly on towers?) You will need the WiFi Zoom anyway.
by trenen February 20, 2011 8:50 PM PST
Really, because VZW shows they service Alaska, and well.
by Random_Walk February 21, 2011 6:41 AM PST
"I got an iPhone before ATT was back up here, and I bet it would work on Verizon."

It likely won't (different radio tech in that phone for data - Verizon uses CDMA, not UMTS).

"Really, because VZW shows they service Alaska, and well."

They likely have roaming agreements for voice connectivity with the local telcos there.
by Toulinwoek February 20, 2011 1:09 PM PST
I got mine pre-ordered today! Not looking forward to the several days of eager anticipation. At least I know I'll be getting it before too long, though the days will probably drag on. I realize this thing isn't going to restore the planet to its former glory, but I have to admit it's been a while since I've been this excited over a gadget. I don't believe I'll be disappointed, but I hope I'm actually a little bit blown away. After all, $800 is a lot of money.
Reply to this comment 4 people like this comment
by Homeguy77 February 21, 2011 7:45 AM PST
I am afraid you will be disappointed. What applications will you be running on this?

Also Motorola's build quality is nowhere near what it used to be.
by Riverdome February 20, 2011 1:25 PM PST
No dice until the Wi-Fi only version hits the market. I'll spend $600 for Wi-Fi but no way I drop $800 + $20/mo for cellular when I can tether to my phone.
Reply to this comment 10 people like this comment
by dkunzman1 February 20, 2011 1:58 PM PST
Same.
Wifi only as I can turn either of my phones into a hotspot.

;)
3 people like this comment
by Synthmeister February 21, 2011 9:55 AM PST
The idea of having Verizon be involved in enabling wifi is absolutely brain dead. I had to read that stipulation fives before I could wrap my brain around it.

Only the clueless telcos could come up with a "solution" like that.

And Moto is brain dead for shipping the 3G version before the wifi version. The vast majority of people out there DO NOT want another subscription.
by Jon889 February 20, 2011 1:28 PM PST
Hurry up Apple.
Reply to this comment 7 people like this comment
by ballmerisanape February 20, 2011 1:33 PM PST
For what? A version of the iPad that requires you to sign up with Verizon just to use it?
13 people like this comment
by Grigsby_51 February 20, 2011 2:12 PM PST
Apple is going for the ability to connect a USB port to their device. They've always had the technical capability but they didn't want to spoil the artistic balance. Seems 99% of apple users didn't know what a USB port was anyway so it didn't hurt their sales.
8 people like this comment
by solitare_pax February 20, 2011 3:35 PM PST
@Grigsby_51

Seems like Apple was among the first to add USB to their boxes, while dumping ADB and SCSI connectors, while PC boxes clung to the PS/2 and Serial connections for the LONGEST time...
9 people like this comment
by pghcraig1 February 20, 2011 6:10 PM PST
actually apple users are over USB. Microsoft didn't even have USB drivers much less the ports and Apple was already on their way to firewire after having USB for awhile before you ever even knew what it was troll.

And don't flame me as a fan boy. I hate when people talk out of their butts and embarrass themselves with uneducated garbage. Google before you speak. It's a good thing :-)

And as my post above says, I think the iPad 2 is going to be disappointing amongst everything we've previewed recently. Though you can stuff a lot of hardware into a a tablet, put as many ports as you want on it, but how it performs is where it really matters. Battery life, performance, durability... those things are very important, and are the three things NO EDUCATED PERSON would ever associate with a Motorola product. They've done better with the Droids, but still have all three of those issues if not as bad as they usually do.

I want to see Toshiba and few others get their products to market. I just have a hard time embracing Moto.
by edfranco11 February 21, 2011 1:03 AM PST
I want an Apple ipad 2 my self.
2 people like this comment
by joodi3k February 21, 2011 8:35 AM PST
Seems that 100% of Grigsby doesn't know what dropbox is, but that doesn't hurt his trolling anyway.
by fleurya February 20, 2011 1:59 PM PST
Nice to see how Moto/Verizon are playing the consumers to sell their higher end model while holding out on the wifi only version. If this werre the same situation but an apple logo on the back and AT&T, people would be lighting their torches and sharpening their pitchforks at yet another BS Apple trick. But since it's Moto and Verizon it's somehow not an issue at all. Speaking of double standard,s anyone check out the price of the dock! Holy moly, talk about manufacturer premium!!
Reply to this comment 9 people like this comment
by SteveChicago February 20, 2011 3:28 PM PST
You are correct. Also, Congress needs to investigate the choke hold that these wireless companies have over the manufactures. They should be able to release the product to all providers that want to carry one. What is with this????
1 person likes this comment
by pghcraig1 February 20, 2011 6:15 PM PST
Blame Moto for that Steve. They're old school and think like a mobile device vendor and not a device manufacturer. Samsung didn't get the market going the wireless carrier route, why does Moto think they will? I'd have put this baby in the regular retail outlets to get it in view and more hands of people.

I'm sure the Xoom will hit other carriers eventually, but Moto seems to have a pretty good contract with Verizon. I think the iPad being so accessible really helped make it the hit it was. You walk into Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Apple Store, and several others and there it is. Not everyone reads these sites or follows along with tech news. The first exposure a lot of people had to the iPad was probably on a diaper run at a discount store.
1 person likes this comment
by Renegade Knight February 20, 2011 7:49 PM PST
It's not an issue for me since I'm not getting one. I don't see any more use for a Xoom than I did for an iPad.
1 person likes this comment
by jwr53 February 20, 2011 2:02 PM PST
Count me in for a wi-fi only version. These hardware companies need to distance themselves from the carriers.
Reply to this comment 7 people like this comment
by CDubber February 20, 2011 2:08 PM PST
"The 10.1-inch tablet is expected to give the iPad a run for its money, just as Motorola's Droid phones have done in the smartphone space."

Yes, but Motorola doesn't have the advantage of Apple's AT&T exclusivity to help them out this time.

The playing field has been leveled, and to mix metaphors, Motorola has a long, hard climb ahead in the tablet game.
Reply to this comment 4 people like this comment
by Grigsby_51 February 20, 2011 2:15 PM PST
10" is too big to carry around and use. Very difficult to work the touch while holding the unit unless you grab an edge or you hold it like a chick holds a book. The 7" is about the biggest you can actually grasp with your other hand while you are free to see and touch the screen with the other.
1 person likes this comment
by razorslim February 20, 2011 3:03 PM PST
To my knowledge The ipad wifi only & 3g versions were never exclusive to AT&T.... from day 1 it was said that if you trim a t-mobile sim card it would work. There was no carrier lock.
3 people like this comment
by Amusal February 20, 2011 3:10 PM PST
"Like a chick holds a book" made me smile. I immediately got a mental image.
by shane--2008 February 21, 2011 8:46 AM PST
More important question, " just as Motorola's Droid phones have done in the smartphone space." What now? Apple's biggest constraint on iPhone sales to date is their inability to make phones fast enough. If that is giving them a run for their money, Apple isn't going to feel real pressured by this....
by Synthmeister February 21, 2011 10:02 AM PST
The fact that Verizon was willing to sell it's soul to Apple to sell iPads should give MOTO (and Android users) pause.

Think about it. Verizon was willing to sell the iPad with NO CDMA chip and NO two year contract, in spite of being the premier Android vendor in the U.S. and in spite of all the great Android slates lined up for the coming year. Verizon was reduced to being just another brick and mortar outlet for iPads.

Apple completely sidelined the telcos with the iPad. Android tablets would be very wise to do the same.
by chatins February 20, 2011 2:08 PM PST
Sounds like the $1199 inventory price did not include the Verizon subsidy. Don't hold your breath for a wi-fi version with no contract.
Reply to this comment 5 people like this comment
by cbscowards February 21, 2011 8:00 AM PST
There is no Verizon subsidy, the contract is month-to-month.. The $1199 price was a placeholder that those morons at Best Buy put on their site so nobody would pre-order it too early.
by mholman341 February 20, 2011 2:23 PM PST
Only interested in wi-fi. Will not be locked in by the phone companies. Also will not buy for Best Buy due their return policies costing 15%. So I guess I'm waiting until it reaches other outlets and not tied to the phone companies.
Reply to this comment 3 people like this comment
by aspnetgeek February 20, 2011 3:31 PM PST
Amazon has been toying with it on their tablets page and it has had links saying it was available on Amazon on Feb 24th. Only time will tell if the wi-fi version will be magically available on Amazon on the 24th.
by openMinded0101 February 20, 2011 4:19 PM PST
I thought Best Buy changed their return policies.
by cartman0082 February 20, 2011 2:24 PM PST
Still no specs on actual battery life? No sale Motorola for this paperweight that needs to stay indoors to be close to power at all times apparently. What are we going to get, 4 hours, 5 hours?

P
O
S
Reply to this comment 4 people like this comment
by kojacked February 20, 2011 2:38 PM PST
Wow! No that's not a bassless Apple fanboy comment now is it? Why are you so afraid of a competitor to the iPad? Competition better for everyone. Of course you may not know that since you are only 3 years old.
8 people like this comment
by cartman0082 February 20, 2011 8:45 PM PST
@ kojacked

No you have me quite wrong. I want very much for a viable competitor to the iPad and am just not seeing a single package yet with the bang for the buck. The competitors keep throwing in higher powered cpu's and claiming that makes it superior while costing hundreds more for the base price as well.

I haven't put my money down on anyone in the tablet race yet, but I am looking to this year. I have yet to see anything yet beyond the current Samsung Galaxy tab that interests me, especially with the higher prices.

As a brief aside, to me, with Apple usually being one of the highest priced device makers out there in any category they enter, if you can't even match their price, you are basically DOA.
2 people like this comment
by Carvega February 21, 2011 6:05 AM PST
They have said a 10 hr battery life. If you know anything about Tegra chips, you already know they are very energy efficient. But know one has had a chance to actually test them out yet... within a week of release, there will be plenty of reviews which include battery performance... so just chill out.
2 people like this comment
by swilner51 February 20, 2011 2:26 PM PST
Surprised that nobody has mentioned the fine print - that Verizon 3G service "must" be activated for a minimum of 1 month to enable Wi-Fi functionality. ***?
Reply to this comment 7 people like this comment
by Renegade Knight February 20, 2011 7:50 PM PST
If that's the case (and I'd hate to think it is) Then Motorola sold out and Verizon's got it's hooks into yet another device and made it worse.

Lets hope this isn't true.
by Carvega February 21, 2011 6:30 AM PST
Yes, this is true... but it also is not a big deal. I'm buying a 3G/4G tablet... OF COURSE I'm going to activate the feature for use any way! There is a wifi model coming out in another month or two... if you don't anticipate the need for 4G access sometime in the future, just wait for the wifi only model.
by Synthmeister February 21, 2011 10:07 AM PST
It may not be a "big deal" but it is still shows you how brain dead the execs at Moto and Verizon are.

That is an absolutely backa$$wards way of setting up a device for the consumer. It is simply there to trick people into subscribing to a data plan.
by PSUDad February 20, 2011 2:29 PM PST
Saw the ad in today's paper that they were taking pre-orders. Called the store to confirm. Drove down to place my pre-order, unfortunately, no one had any idea what to do. After about thirty minutes, they said they had no way to take a pre-order because they had no pre-order SKU. Finally, someone came out and said they were not taking pre-orders until tomorrow (Monday 2/21) - contrary to their website and the printed ad in today's paper. Nice waste of my Sunday and no apology.
Reply to this comment
by Carvega February 21, 2011 6:07 AM PST
I did my pre-order yesterday! It did take about 30 min though b/c most of the employees did not know how to take the pre-order. I got passed to 4 different people before we found someone able to help me. It was worth it though... Thursday can't come soon enough!
by PSUDad February 20, 2011 2:31 PM PST
Saw the ad in today's paper that they were taking pre-orders. Called the store to confirm. Drove down to place my pre-order, unfortunately, no one had any idea what to do. After about thirty minutes, they said they had no way to take a pre-order because they had no pre-order SKU. Finally, someone came out and said they were not taking pre-orders until tomorrow (Monday 2/21) - contrary to their website and the printed ad in today's paper. Nice waste of my Sunday and no apology.
Reply to this comment
by techie_guy4 February 20, 2011 3:43 PM PST
Find this thing very costly,, for $799 and with contract its too much..
Reply to this comment 3 people like this comment
by swilner51 February 20, 2011 4:08 PM PST
No contract...the data service for tablets is month-to-month after the mandatory first month ($20) is completed.
1 person likes this comment
by ballmerisanape February 20, 2011 5:07 PM PST
No contract? You cant even use wifi until you sell your soul to verizon.
4 people like this comment
by trenen February 20, 2011 8:56 PM PST
There is no contract, and the 32GB iPad is 729 so a whopping $79 difference in price for a far more powerful device. Let's be factual here...
by ballmerisanape February 21, 2011 6:03 AM PST
Yes, lets.

1. You say no contract.. but you are required to purchase a 1 month plan with Verizon just to use the Xoom. How is that not a contract? Yes.. it's not 2 years.. but it's a contract nonetheless.

2. You are comparing the Xoom to Apple's last year product. I would hope the Xoom was more powerful and has more "features".

3. You must add the price of that required 1 month data plan to the Xoom. The iPad does not require a data plan just to use it.. so the price difference is even greater.

Those are the facts.
2 people like this comment
by Macincrash February 20, 2011 4:05 PM PST
Wait for the Toshiba Tablet!

http://www.thetoshibatablet.com/
Reply to this comment 1 person likes this comment
by kjam_productions February 20, 2011 4:26 PM PST
As the proud owner of their Portege, I will definitely hold out for this. Looks kickA$$!
2 people like this comment
by n_djinn February 20, 2011 5:01 PM PST
I love how at the best buy web site there are 13 reviews. No one even owns it and it has stellar reviews. All of you who are going to buy it, you are really going to reward Moto with a sale after forcing you to buy a data plan to activate wifi? That kind of behavior is a deal breaker for me.
Reply to this comment 1 person likes this comment
by KingOfTheJungle February 20, 2011 6:17 PM PST
Lol maybe best buy's reviews are suck. They're setting up a trap.
by trenen February 20, 2011 9:02 PM PST
stellar reviews? I see more negative ones than positive. The whole thing is idiotic. They shouldn't have the review option available yet.
by pejorative35 February 20, 2011 5:02 PM PST
Has anyone purchased the Asus eee slate? The specs look good on it.
Reply to this comment
by ballmerisanape February 21, 2011 6:06 AM PST
It's the OS that makes a difference. You could have the best "specs" on paper.. but if the OS/GUI is not optimized for its intended use.. then the specs don't matter.

The Xoom, with its "made for a tablet" OS is the first real alternative to the iPad.

Let the Games begin! Looking forward to what happens in the next few years. When the optimized WebOS tablets come to market.. this should get very interesting.
by dalemanor February 20, 2011 6:53 PM PST
Tell me why I would want one of these again?

Battery life??? This is one of the best features of the current iPad....if it is not close to or better than 10 hours, what's the point.

How many Apps are current;y available for Honeycomb.......a ton of power to run what? iPad is up to 50,000 or so.

And another phone contract (for any length of time) of any kind is ridiculous. I have an iPad 3G and have never needed to use AT&T's monthly data service. And don't even get me started on 4G. I pay extra each month for premium service which only seems to be available on Sprints webpage.

And all the hoopla about dual cameras....if they're anything like the ones on my Evo, who needs them!

Just glad I don't have to wait for one of these and can take mine on a business trip with me tomorrow and leave my laptop home!
Reply to this comment 3 people like this comment
by trenen February 20, 2011 9:01 PM PST
If you actually follow the Xoom, you would know the battery is ranged 10-12 hours, the current Android apps are compatible with Honeycomb and for those that need a graphical boost - ONE LINE OF CODE needs to programmed into the application for optimal rendering on Honeycomb. Having to signup for one month of service is not a contract, it's month-to-month. The dual cameras are great for those who need them.
by FredC1212 February 21, 2011 4:22 AM PST
"Following" vaporware before it is actually tested in the marketplace by impartial testers is, well, just vaporous.
1 person likes this comment
by silentbobdrummer February 21, 2011 6:09 AM PST
And yet that didn't stop people from following the iPad last year before it came out...
by ballmerisanape February 21, 2011 6:10 AM PST
It is a contract.. it's just a month long. What makes it a contract is you are FORCED to sign up in order to use the XOOM. Otherwise, it wouldn't be such a big deal. It's very strange that you can't even use WiFi unless you sign up for that 1 month, ahem, contract.

Again, what makes it a contract is you have to sign up just to use the Xoom. No different than buying a phone.. and having to pay up front to some other company just to use it. Just because it's not 2-years doesn't make it "not a contract".. 1 month, 2 month, 2 years.. if you are forced to sign just to use the devise, it's a contract.
2 people like this comment
by Carvega February 21, 2011 6:40 AM PST
The dual cameras on the Evo are awesome for one...and the lack of cameras on the iPad is just lame, though they should be correcting that with the iPad 2. And unlike the iPad (or Galaxy Tab for that matter), all of the current Android apps scale perfectly for Honeycomb. Even more interesting is the fact that the Honeycomb apps that have been shown so far do look much better than their iOS counterparts! CNN and YouTube in particular! So if this is the trend, I will definitely be looking forward to using my Xoom more than my iPad!!!

And there is no contract. When you need it, you can pay for it... if you don't need it, you don't pay anything. Simple. And if you've read reviews on Verizon's 4G network so far, you'd know it's literally nothing like Sprint's. It is DEFINITELY worth having on a tablet. We're talking cable broadband speeds on the go, on a much stronger network than the other carriers offer. I'm a Sprint customer as well, and the 4G is great in the city but spotty in areas outside of it. Verizon's is a lot more reliable (for their 4G aircards).
by Homeguy77 February 21, 2011 7:57 AM PST
So all these wonderful Android apps that will scale to a 10 inch screen, makes the Xoom what? Oh yeah, a big phone. Noone likes it on an iPad, why would this be better on this?
by jimmydent1 February 20, 2011 7:18 PM PST
im intrested in a tablet only, and its true the phone companies have too much leverage over the manufacturers. i dont want to have to make a deal to but something. makes moto look like a goldigger.
too many strings turn into a noose.
Reply to this comment 2 people like this comment
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  • mollywood: Let's say there's a video on YouTube and my phone supports Flash. Why would it say "video cannot be played on mobile"? Spite? RIAA? Both?

  • b1g1nj4p4n: Great set, random musician who forgot to introduce himself to the audience. I don't think I've ever seen that before...

  • malusbrutus: Dr. Dre may have invented Burning Man, but Frank Zappa invented P2P FILESHARE: http://goo.gl/XqyXc

  • malusbrutus: Uxorious - Foolishly affectionate toward one's wife, aka Wussy Pipped http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/uxorious

  • b1g1nj4p4n: At the Rickshaw, watching Bobby Joe Ebola and soon the Phenomenonauts

  • malusbrutus: opening Facebook picture thumbnails in a new tab displays full-sized images in the classic viewer, with "Copy Image URL" intact #FYI

  • declanm: Westboro Baptist's blog site (sparenot.com) is up for me but only barely. DDoS? RT @SeanFlaim And their website is already down

  • Rafe: Great that some SF stores are carrying only CFL lightbulbs now, but every socket in my house is on a dimmer. I am incompatible w progress.

  • brian_tong: Can't wait to see the new kicks at the All-Star game!

  • b1g1nj4p4n: interesting story about how Congressional attempts to de-regulate the EPA may backfire: http://slate.me/edodyG

  • Report: Groupon looks to launch operations in China

  • b1g1nj4p4n: nothing pisses me off more than underachievers... http://ind.pn/hIcnbj

Mobile phone e-wallets get closer to reality

Visa will launch a mobile payment system that lets people add a microSD card to their smartphones to make payments. It touts the system as safer than using a plain old credit card.

'Unfortunate' slivers of Google Street View

photos German photographer Michael Wolf traverses Google's urban landscapes to capture the "virtual reality that I see on the screen." He wins an award, but is it photojournalism?

About Nanotech - The Circuits Blog

Brooke Crothers has served as an editor at large at CNET News, an editor at Dow Jones' Asian Wall Street Journal Weekly, and a senior editor at InfoWorld. His CNET blog covers chip technology and computer systems, and how they define the computing experience. He also contributes to The New York Times' Bits and Technology sections. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.

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