Hardware

Apple's underwhelming refresh of its Mac desktop line shows just why the company needs to release a netbook. The company seems oblivious to the economy crashing around it, and continues to believe that it can thrive by selling champagne-priced computers in a beer-priced world. It's time for Apple to face reality and build a netbook.

My blogging compatriot Steven J. Vaughn-Nichols notes that Google CEO Eric Schmidt has been hinting that Google may release a Google netbook based on its mobile operating system, Android. That's old news to Microsoft: In late February, Steve Ballmer told Wall Street analysts that he fully expects Android-based netbooks.

Here are some sites that feature robust discussion about the Navy's first Littoral Combat Ship, the USS Freedom.

There's been lots of speculation that Google might launch its own Linux-based desktop operating based on its Android. Now, Google CEO in hinting that that's exactly what Google might be doing.

In Friday's IT Blogwatch, Richi Jennings watches a surprise Obama appointment: a CIO (confounding commentators' CTO conjectures). Not to mention MeggySeq...

The Apple fanboys most likely aren't happy today. The new Mac desktops are essentially more of the same, although more powerful --- and still too expensive. Analysts say that those buying the new Macs will pay a premium of up to 40% over equivalent PC hardware. One analyst even called the new lineup "underwhelming." I've got details in my blog.

Not since Apple branded its Airports as 'Extreme' have they used such a silly trademark name.  "Turbo Boost" is the new name for the Mac Pro's Nehalem processor GHz-increasing capability.  

This chip feature is actually pretty cool.  This Nehalem chip is something that Intel hasn't even officially announced yet.  Apple has been known to get Intel chips ahead of its competitors...

Three weeks into a new job, this developer starts to notice a recurring problem with the applications he supports -- and the solution always seems to be the same.

In a special IT Blogwatch extra, Richi Jennings watches Apple quietly revamp its entire desktop hardware line. Not to mention Square Root Day...

Apple, this morning, updated its desktop and wireless product line.  Nothing revolutionary, unfortunately, but they did bring all of their components in line with Mini DisplayPort technology as well as up to the latest and greatest in terms of processor performance. They also added VLAN capability to their wireless products.

There's been a lot of talk -- including from me -- that Linux is hurting Microsoft because of its big market share in netbook sales. But recent figures from the research firm NPD Group show that it's a myth. Windows now has more than 90% of all netbook sales. The game is over.

In Tuesday's IT Blogwatch, Richi Jennings watches bloggers watch the DEMO 09 conference. Not to mention what not to wear...

Monday afternoon at DEMO 09 was about mobile phones and hardware -- including a six-foot-tall phone designed for flirting singles. No, really.

It's Monday morning, and IT gets a panicky call from the company's CEO: There's an IT problem on the plant floor, and Distribution isn't able to ship anything.

Want a great Linux netbook for a great price? Then, give Dell's Ubuntu-powered Mini 9 a try.