We’ve heard talk of competitors delaying products to see what the competitors from Cupertino are up to. Before this, it was HP making some last minute pricing and feature adjustments to its Slate. Now we’ve got DigiTimes’ sources claiming that Lenovo is holding up its Linux-based Skylight smartbook — pushed from April to July – for some similar reasons. Specifically, “control is not able to act as smoothly as the iPad.” Guess even a 1GHz Snapdragon can’t fix a poorly implemented UI.

Yeah yeah, the Apple Store is down globally, on a Tuesday, and we’re sitting on a pile of overdue MacBook Pro and Mac Pro rumors. Next.

Update: AppleInsider has a last minute tip showing refreshed MacBooks Pro across the entire range of 13.3-, 15.4-, and 17-inchers. Each ships with 4GB of memory and new Intel Core processors with clocks ranging from 2.4GHz to 2.66GHz with options for glossy, high resolution glossy, and high resolution glossy with anti-glare displays. Some models are expected to offer a 512GB SSD option as well.

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Giving up all expectation for a MacBook Pro refresh seems silly! As, isn’t a spec bump for Apple’s flagship laptops a total inevitability? Though, the arduous wait has begun shake our faith, and we’re happy to see even this sliver of evidence to snap us from our stupor. An internal Microcenter system is listing four new laptops with new part numbers, which, if legitimate, almost definitely harbor new Core i5 and Core i7 processors (maybe even those NVIDIA Optimus graphics if we’re lucky). According to the Microcenter employee who sent this out, a similar thing happened in November with a correct model number and price for the new MacBook. Mac Rumors claims to have been able to receive independent confirmation on the numbers, so we might really have something here. Now, as for a specific launch date, the best we have so far is that April 13th rumor, but with a tips box buzzing with rumors, we believe that we have a new MacBook Pro this century.

Still hunting for alternatives to the iPad?? ASUS’ 10-inch Eee PC T101MT is definitely for those that can’t make the call on netbook vs. tablet, and like clockwork the Atom N450-powered netvertible is creeping up on stateside order pages in search of $500 of your hard earned cash. Sadly, for that price you’ll only be getting single touch input since its Windows 7 Starter OS lacks multitouch support, but our guess is that slightly more expensive SKUs with Win 7 Premium will start popping up soon. We’d certainly urge you to wait on our full review, but if you’re keen enough to put your fingers all over that capacitive screen and chiclet keyboard, then get ready to bore holes into your pockets n get those links.

Our team was taken aback when Adobe’s PR team gotin touch to inform us that Fusion Garage “has no direct relationship with Adobe.” Citing the young startup’s non-participation in the Open Screen Project and use of “a public beta release [of Flash] designed only for desktop use, Adobe is in for partitioning itself from JooJoo, and it has been urginf us to look at the alternatives from its partners like HP, Dell and Lenovo. Brining to your notice that not one of those companies is till date selling a competing tablet, and it’s not like there’s some magical formula that will make 720p Flash video run smoothly on a bare Atom CPU (remember, Ion GPU acceleration is not yet available for the Linux-based JooJoo), but we do not have any right or authority to stand in the way of carefully worded damage limitation statement? Given below are the words of Adobe .

JooJoo has no direct relationship with Adobe and has not worked with us as other manufacturers have to ensure a great Flash experience. By attempting to use a public beta release designed only for desktop use, we’re not surprised by the lackluster performance and disappointing browsing experience.

Silicon and device platforms from companies who have worked with Adobe as part of the Open Screen Project are setting the bar for a great Flash experience on this exciting device category and we encourage you to check out devices from Dell, HP, Lenovo and other partners.

Are you still longing for those refreshed, possibly Core i5- / i7-equipped MacBook Pros that have been long rumored? Incase a source close to the Australian MacWorld has any fortune, we’ll be lucky enough to have updates of the features of the new model Pro and Air, by this Tuesday April 13th. As of now there are no clues as to what the features would really be, but with out an event all its own, the best we can expect is probably a spec boost. Best Buy seems to be adding some fuel to the fire, first by showing a proverbial mark of death in its database last month, and now by making the 15-inch model unavailable on BestBuy.com. There is no doubt to the fact that the retailer’s awaiting new shipment of potent portables.

Update: UK retailer John Lewis is also showing its MacBook Pro and MacBook Air options as out of stock, though it suffers no such shortages with MacBooks.

Who knew that getting mobile broadband devices activated was such a lengthy and complicated procedure, perhaps that is not the opinion of most of the Dell customers. These disagreements are so many in number that the company had to come up woth Mobile Activation Centers. The procedure is small and error -  proof. All you need to do is purchase your mobile broadband-packin’ notebook or netbook on Dell.com, you’ll be prompted to activate the data card and select your data plan (adding to your existing account or setting up a new one). Rebates even get flipped back to your Dell shopping cart.

Now, what you see here is a Lenovo product. Yes never heard of it before because its information is secretly leaked out before the official announcement. We are so keen on giving you the information inspite of the updates of this S10 being so minimal is that if ever you have felt that the earlier models of Lenovo Notebooks were a bit too large then this product is definitely going to get you spinning. The S10-3 introduced at CES is an inch thick. It seems to have ben on that P90X routine That’s making the rounds, as it measures just 0.6inches thick and the tips the scales at 2.4 pounds. The soft structure of this model has been renovated — the S10-3 comes with Intel’s Atom N450 / N470 processors, RAM of upto 1 GB and your choice of 160/250/320GB hard drives. All this variety right from the measurements to the choice of Internal components at a flat price of $379. The S10-3 comes with a luscious chiclet keyboard that can take Lenovo to the extreme front. But the fial verdict is still to be declared until its release in mid – April and we see it for our selves.

What would you do to make the Apple logo on your Macbook more of eye candy? The camouflaging aluminium is just too irritating and causes high sense of damage to the Macbook’s appeal.. right? So its time to change it and get updated with the new skins that have been newly opened. KARVT the online store is where the unabashed Apple fans can find things of absolute sophistication. The service that this online store is providing is a 100% wooden skin to your very own Macbook. Now you can flaunt your Macbook with the new skin and the Apple logo being more boldly visible. KARVT has tried to incorporate all possible shades of cherry, bamboo, pine and walnut on offer and there’s even an artists’ section where some design flair is added to your timberrific purchase. The skins are attachable to all the latest Apple laptops with the price ranging from $35 to $50 with deliveries starting from 1st May.

The Latitude E Series which is already out in the domestic and international markets has plenty of stuff that its user couldn’t care less about, like “Distributed Device Management” and “Client Configuration Toolkit” to handle massive rollouts of identical computing environments across a company. Inspite of all this there are a lot more features in addition to the ones mentioned above for users with simpler requirements and lower volume tastes. The new E6410 (14.1-inch, pictured) and E6510 (15.6-inch) start at $1,129 and $1,164, respectively, with a rugged version of the 14.1-incher, the E6410 ATG rounding out the crew. All the laptops under this series offer Core i5 and Core i7 processors and DDR3 RAM, with the options for distinct NVIDIA NVS 3100M 512MB (non-switchable) graphics and the Latitude ON instaboot auxiliary system. Apart from the provision of those basic facilities it has other hilarios features which dell is known for..4-cell batteries come standard on the 1-inch thick systems, but you can ramp up to a 9-cell, or even add on a 12-cell battery slice, and Dell assures an additional hour with every battery with the integrated graphics. The configuration of the ATG model can be done exactly like the E6410 outside of a lack of distinct graphics, but adds in MIL spec STD 810G for shock, temperature, humidity, altitude resistance and vibration.

DELL UNVEILS NEW E-FAMILY LAPTOPS AND INTELLIGENT MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES DESIGNED TO HELP ORGANIZATIONS SIMPLIFY PC REFRESH

• Refreshed mainstream Latitude E-Family laptops unite enterprise-class control, design and collaboration for mobile computing needs
• New suite of management capabilities help customers simplify deployment, management and recovery of assets
• Dell Migration Services provides easy transition and deployment of Windows 7, with automated processes to help reduce costs

ROUND ROCK, Texas, April 8, 2010 – New additions to the line of popular Dell Latitude™ E-family laptops – and complementary software and services solutions- will make it simple and affordable for public and private sector organizations worldwide to refresh laptops.

Recent economic turmoil, technology shifts, hardware advances, and changing workforce needs have created an opportunity for CIOs to rethink their IT infrastructure status quo and unlock new efficiencies. This has created a situation in which many IT organizations are now facing aging client infrastructures that, while letting them save capital expenditures today, sets them up for far greater operational expenses in the future.

According to IDC, the industry can expect to see 27 percent growth in commercial laptops alone the next three years as organizations begin to realize the cost and impact of holding on to an aging infrastructure. [i]
“Companies have a great incentive to refresh today,” said Bob O’Donnell, Program VP, Client Computing, IDC. “With new technologies such as Intel’s processors and Microsoft Windows 7, CIOs can drive greater workforce efficiency and IT automation. In addition, a modern system running a modern operating system offers greater efficiencies when it comes to desktop virtualization, data protection, asset monitoring and remote management.”
Dell Latitude E-Family
The award-winning Latitude E-Family line has been extended with the availability of the Latitude E6410, E6510 and E6410 ATG laptops. Based on direct feedback from customers, Dell improved reliability and durability while evolving the Latitude family. Enhancements include the addition of new Intel Core i5 and Corei7 processors, fast DDR3 memory, HD displays and other new features, bolstering a product lineup that already features breakthrough battery life and professional style – including a choice of three colors. Additionally, these new Latitude laptops offer a new Fast Response Free Fall Sensor with exclusive technology that can help prevent data loss from drops.

New additions to the Dell Latitude family support a range of usage needs:

• Mainstream – The dependable and stylish Dell™ Latitude™ E6410 and E6510 are 14.1-inch and 15.6-inch professional laptops, available now, that start at $1,129 and $1,164 USD, respectively. The systems, which include a 3-megapixel camera and optional discrete graphics from NVIDIA are designed for easy mobile collaboration and advanced productivity with feature advancements in manageability, durability and security that can help empower IT and lower total cost of ownership.
• Semi-Rugged – The Latitude E6410 ATG is a 14.1-inch semi-rugged laptop, engineered to increase productivity regardless of location or terrain. It is built and tested to meet the MIL STD 810G for shock, vibration, temperature, humidity and altitude.

Available as an option with select Latitude E-Family systems, Dell Latitude ON™ technology provides access to e-mail, calendar and contacts without needing to boot up. The technology, Latitude ON Flash, also supports virtual remote desktop control for flexible computing models. Additionally, select configurations of the Dell Latitude E6410 are qualified for Microsoft® Office Communicator.

With an emphasis on stability, inter-compatibility, global support and enterprise-class mobility features and systems management capabilities, the refreshed lineup of Dell Latitude E-Family laptops can reduce organizational costs while helping IT organizations drive towards greater client efficiency and control.

Designed with the Planet in Mind
These latest additions to the Latitude E-family continue the line’s reputation for environmentally conscious design. Approximately 85 percent of an E-family laptop can be recycled, and they feature motherboards containing halogen-free laminates and plastics. Organizations can help reduce their own impact on the environment with Latitude’s:
• Energy Smart power management settings for low energy consumption, which result in longer battery life;
• Inverted motherboard for improved thermals;
• ENERGY STAR and EPEAT certifications; and
• Energy-efficient LED displays and backlighting.

Client Energy Smart consulting services are also available to help optimize organizations’ client-related power consumption.

More information on the Latitude E-Family can be found at www.dell.com/latitude.

Intelligent Management Solutions
Dell offers a comprehensive set of imaging and asset management solutions that help customers efficiently image, deploy, manage and recover assets to extend productivity and savings. To help customers manage their computing environments in the most efficient way, Dell allows them to manage on their terms with a Dell management offering or through Dell’s industry-leading partners, automate management tasks or take advantage of lifecycle services.

Management Consoles – DMC, DDM, KACE KBOX Appliance
• Dell Management Console is available at no cost and helps customers manage their Dell commercial client laptops and desktops. The DMC streamlines desktop to datacenter infrastructure management and enables centralization, remote visibility and control, and common task automation.
• Dell Distributed Device Management (DDM) is a SaaS‐enabled solution that automates processes to help enable effective, real‐time management of commercial client PCs virtually, regardless of their location. DDM services include: Dell Asset Management, Dell Software Distribution, Dell Patch Management and Dell Anti‐Malware & Virus Management.
• The KACE KBOX Systems Management (KBOX 1000 Series) and Deployment (KBOX 2000 Series) Appliances (both physical and virtual appliances) provide mid-sized organizations comprehensive, end-to-end systems management and deployment capabilities via affordable and easy-to-use appliances.

Dell has developed tools to help customers image, deploy and manage laptops and desktops, including:, Dell Deployment Pack for System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to help simplify deployment and Dell Update Catalog for SCCM to help simplify system updates.

Automation Tools – Helping customers drive efficiencies and get more value out of their consoles
Dell developed several utilities available at no cost that help customers automate several deployment and management tasks, including the following;
• Dell Client Systems Deployment CAB – A simplified file directory that has the latest drivers for a specific Dell commercial desktop or laptop to help greatly reduce the amount time spent building a complete software image.
• Client Configuration Toolkit – Software tool that helps enable IT to update and/or configure BIOS without a desk side visit either one-to-one or one-to-many
• OpenManage Client Instrumentation – A management tool that helps enable deep insights into assets to assess the health and state of components (processors, batteries, monitors, fans, etc.) in a system. It also helps third-party management consoles to communicate with Dell hardware.
• Dell Client System Update – Helping solve a leading driver for help desk calls, the easy-to-use tool scans a system’s drivers and compares what is available on www.support.dell.com and updates the systems as needed. The tool can be scheduled to run on a regular basis and users can customize what updates are downloaded and installed. IT can set parameters for updates (schedule and define what is downloaded) via command line interface or script.

Dell Services
Dell offers a comprehensive of set of services that help you automate the deployment and management of commercial laptops and desktops, as well as the ability to help you securely dispose of outdated or retired assets. The modular services include:
• Deployment Services – End-to-end deployment services are designed to simplify and accelerate the customization and utilization of your new systems. Dell Deployment Services include everything from order consolidation to coordination of deployment resources.
• Managed Deployment – Services are for customers who need a complete, end-to-end deployment solution. Managed deployments are useful within complex logistical environments which require a single point of contact.
• Hardware Customization (CFI) – Services to help accelerate your system deployments. Dell can perform a range of services such as custom configuration, consolidation, and integration in our factory so that you can deploy your systems right out of the box.
• Asset Recovery Services – Safe and environmentally-appropriate disposal solutions for outdated or end-of-life IT assets. This service includes transportation, flexible logistics, equipment processing, detailed data security and environmental reports at an affordable price.

Dell Distributed Device Management is a SaaS‐enabled solution that automates processes to help enable effective, real‐time management of client PCs virtually, regardless of their location. This service utilizes a software agent that resides on each asset that collects information that is then transferred securely to the systems housed in the data centers. Dell Distributed Device Management services include:
• Dell Asset Management ‐ Enables you to discover, inventory, track and manage distributed desktop and notebook computers to help improve system‐wide security, risk management, and compliance.
• Dell Software Distribution ‐ Provides the ability to distribute and control software and versioning in dispersed desktop and notebook environments.
• Dell Patch Management ‐ Helps automate and centralize patch management processes to help ensure security and identify vulnerabilities.
• Dell Anti‐Malware & Virus Management ‐ Protects your PCs and helps ensure end‐point security by centrally deploying Symantec® and McAfee® anti‐virus software and updates for distributed desktop and notebook computers –whether or not they’re on the corporate network.

Organizations also have the option of having Dell remotely manage the entire desktop environment using the Distributed Device Management Platform, providing Service Desk, onsite Field Service, along with additional services of choice, relieving IT organizations from the burden of desktop management and freeing them to work on mission critical, revenue generating projects.

About Dell:
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they need and value. For more information, visit www.dell.com.