The future of the laptop and the tablet PC has been rolled up into one. German designer Evgeny Orkin has developed a concept design for The Rolltop. The Rolltop is constructed of a flexible OLED display that wraps around the removable power supply stand. Tucked into the power stand is a webcam, speaker sound bar, USB ports, and the power supply and power cord.

The screen can either be formed into a 13-inch conventional laptop (well sort of) or rolled flat for a 17-inch tablet with stylus. Another great feature is you can stand it upright with a fold out support leg and watch videos like a flat screen TV. And with multi-touch technology you don’t need a separate mouse and keyboard because everything is right on the screen. It might be hard to type on a digital QWERTY keyboard but it might be like a large iPhone.

I know its just in the concept form but it would really be cool to see one in person and maybe use one some day. To really appreciate the capabilities and possibilities of The Rolltop check out this video from Orkin Design.
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Popularity: 19% [?]

Out with the Old Zune, In With the New Zune HD

The Zune is joining the ranks of cast-off technology as Microsoft rearranges its product line to keep pace with morphing media consumption. Paul Thurott recently blogged, “I met with the Zune folks today and one bit of information than I can discuss immediately is that the Zune HD will be the only device type going forward.”

Microsoft currently produces several models of the Zune: 4GB Zune, 8GB Zune, 16GB Zune, 80GB Zune, and the 120GB Zune. All models wil effectively be discontinued. A backward glance at Zune’s history reveals a rocky three years of difficult competition with other media producers. Launched in an unsuccessful attempt to dethrone Apple’s domination of the mobile media market (still unsuccessful), the Zune somehow managed to gain a sizeable following.
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Popularity: 9% [?]

Duracell has come a long way in the battery charging world and now is trying their hand in Smart Power charging stations. The Duracell myGrid eliminates wires all together and allows you to charge up to 4 devices at one time. It is compatible with Nokia, Motorola, Blackberry, and Apple products like the iPhone and iPod. All you need to do is attach a Power Sleeve or Power Clip to your devices and then when you need to charge just lay it on the ultra-slim power pad. The myGrid will automatically shut off when it is being touched and can detect when metal or moisture comes into contact. It will charge in the same amount of time as your standard charger but without all of the cords.

Duracell also has introduced some new portable battery chargers and other portable device chargers. Their new portable battery charger can recharge AA or AAA NiMH batteries in about 60 minutes. If you are interested in the myGrid it will hit the shelves in October for around $80. And the other 10 Duracell Smart Power devices are in stores now. Here is a Press Release from Duracell that goes over their new line up.
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Popularity: 12% [?]

AT&T is angling to keep its exclusive iPhone deal until 2011. The arrangement is set to expire this year, but the telecom giant would like to keep the blockbuster device tied to its network — and away from other wireless rivals.

According to the Wall Street Journal, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson wants Apple to stick with Ma Bell for an additional few years as the company continues to expand and strengthen its wireless network. Stephenson plans to embrace wireless service as customers’ primary telephone service — he wants customers to be able to use a cell phone in a service bundle instead of a landline, for example. Because iPhone users tend to be extensive users of AT&T’s data service, AT&T likes keeping the device around to help “future proof” their infrastructure.
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Popularity: 3% [?]

As of last Thursday you can now purchase an iPhone without signing a contract. You can ether get a contract free iPhone at an AT&T store or directly through the Apple store. You can pay the full price of $599 for the 8GB model or $699 for the 16GB version.

If you are a existing customer of AT&T you can purchase only one for the full price. But you can buy as many as you want from Apple and you don’t need to have been an existing contract holder with AT&T. You can activate your new iPhone through iTunes from the comfort of your home.
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Popularity: 3% [?]

All of the new features that have been added to the Apple iPhone 3G are great but wouldn’t you rather have a battery you don’t have to charge every 5 minutes? Sources say they are not sure if the battery life is any shorter on the new iPhone, but it may have to do with the faster Internet or all the new applications built in. But whatever the cause is, I have some simple tips to make your battery last a little longer, without sacrificing any of your precious web surfing time.

1. Lower the Brightness - The iPhone 3G is brighter than the original iPhone, but do your self a favor and crank it down to 10 - 20%. Go to Settings, then Brightness.

2. Turn off your Wi-fi - If you are not using your Internet constantly, turn off your wi-fi connection. Also, you should disable the new wi-fi network scanner. This will save some of your valuable power bars. I would do the same with your Bluetooth option. Go to Settings then Wi-Fi.

3. Only use 3G when you are ready - Just use EDGE when you are checking email, the weather, and other simple tasks. Turn on 3G when you are surfing, watching videos, or downloading apps. Apple should have made this happen automatically but they didn’t so try it out. Go to Settings then General then Network.

4. Don’t use vibrate when playing games - If the game allows you to turn it off, then that is one more way you can save a little juice. Most games you will not even notice when it’s off.

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Popularity: 4% [?]