books

Could Hewlett-Packard trump the iPad?

With Windows 8 general release due on October 26, it's a good opportunity to take a look at the competition coming down the pike.

In this case, from Apple's Silicon Valley neighbor, HP.

It took way too long -- Apple announced the iPad in 2010 -- but HP now has a real iPad alternative -- the Envy x2.

Or, put another way, should I think about swapping my iPad for the x2?

Personal musings aside, HP has a different design philosophy from Apple -- so it's not simply a question (for me … Read more

More photos claiming to depict the parts, and in fact, a working version of Apple's unannounced 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, have surfaced.

MacRumors points to a forum post on Chinese technology site WeiPhone that features a slew of inside and outside of shots of what is said to be the smaller notebook.

Today's additions show the configuration of six battery packs arranged within the inside of the machine (see the photo on the right), as well as the left- and right-hand sides of the assembled computer. These sides may not be all that exciting, but they … Read more

The rumored 13-inch version of Apple's MacBook Pro with a Retina Display will cost some $500 more than Apple's existing, non-Retina 13-inch model, according to a new report.

Citing "wholesale prices," 9to5Mac says the 13-inch model of the notebook will start at $1,699 when it goes on sale next week. That's $500 less than the entry-level version of Apple's 15-inch model with a Retina Display, but also $500 more than the entry-level 13-incher on the non-Retina side.

Apple, of course, has not announced the smaller version of the Retina-equipped Pro, but its arrival … Read more

We'll cover everything you can expect to see at Apple's next event. iPad Mini? Check. MacBook Pro 13-inch with Retina Display? Most likely. New iMacs and Mac Minis? Highly likely. Even CNET Senior Editor Rich Brown, who covers PC desktops, will be attending the event, and he usually only goes when Apple announces desktops.

So what are YOU most excited to see at Apple's October 23 event? Let us know in the poll.

There are still lines for the iPhone 5, and there are plenty of reasons why. Plus, we have an awesome iPad giveaway from our … Read more

Amazon is considering acquiring a Brazil-based bookseller, according to a new report.

The e-retail giant is currently in talks with Saraiva to acquire the bookseller, Bloomberg is reporting today, citing sources. The publication's sources did not divulge how much Amazon would be willing to pay for Saraiva.

Amazon has been rumored for months to be considering an acquisition in Brazil, and Saraiva's name has been floated before as a possible acquisition target. The acquisition could give Amazon a foothold in Brazil, Latin America's biggest economy, and help the company expand its Kindle efforts in that area.

Saraiva, … Read more

Google Play Books for Android is a free application that allows you to purchase books and read them on your electronic device, i.e. mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

The plain gray interface isn't very exciting, but it did prove very easy to use. A prominent Menu button gives access to the settings and allows you to change the screen view. To start reading, you just choose a book and it automatically starts at the beginning or, if you've use the app to read the book before, to the last page you were reading. For those who like … Read more

Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite and the Barnes & Noble Simple Touch with GlowLight duke it out in this Prizefight slobber-knocker.

The Kindle brings its all-new Paperwhite technology to the table and Amazon's massive ecosystem. How will it match up against the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, which was the first true backlit e-reader with touch and physical controls?

These two e-readers continue to innovate and bring the best the e-reader market has to offer. So which e-reader is your Prizefight king of the ring?

Cast your vote!

Amazon seems to have pulled the plug on its Kindle DX.

A peek at the product's Web site shows that Amazon is no longer directly selling the DX. Only used versions are up for grabs from third-party resellers, at prices ranging from $230 to $350.

The DX also is missing from the Kindle family lineup. The e-book reader's heave-ho comes about a week after Amazon cut its price to $299 from $379, according to blog site The eBook Reader.

There's no indication from Amazon as to whether new supplies are on their way. But it's unlikely. … Read more

The iPad Mini isn't the only thing reportedly slated for an event later this month. Pencil in a new Retina MacBook Pro, too -- so a report is claiming.

Apple will unveil a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Retina display alongside the iPad Mini, a report at 9to5Mac says, citing a "consistently reliable source" at a "high-profile U.S. retailer."

That would support a CNET report last week that said production of the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro is on track.

This wouldn't be Apple's first MacBook with a Retina display, of course. … Read more