VIA is currently working on an extremely low power dual-core Nano 3000 processor that aims to see it compete against Intel’s Atom processor. This is good for the market, since it competition tends to bring out the best in one another and we certainly don’t like to see a monopoly of things by just one company. The dual-core Nano 3000 will probably debut sometime later this year or early next year, which might be too late to the game to introduce a paradigm shift to the industry though. There is a possibility that VIA might use Fujitsu’s 45-nanometer or TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) 40-nanometer manufacturing process.

We’re excited to know that Mio will be rolling out its Spirit interface at CES 2009, offering more information on the operating system including touchscreen features support normally not found on other GPS navigation systems, such as dragging interface elements on the display, viewing geotagged photos as well as 3D representations landmarks and complex junctions. There is no further information concerning the hardware side of things, but it will be part of the next generation of Mio devices so it is probably a safe bet to see it included in more than a single model. Other features include a 4.3″ display, MP3 playback support and voiced street names for your convenience.

Not all netbooks are created equal, and the NEC Versa N1100 is definitely no beauty, looking as unattractive as its initial pres shots. You get an traditional boxy design complete with sharp corners instead of round or tapered edges, making it look a whole lot bulkier compared to what we have on the market. The comparatively large bezel around the display doesn’t help in its quest for elegance, either, while the location of buttons beside the touchpad will need some getting used to compared to a standard touchpad layout, although it does help free up some space for a near full sized keyboard.

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NEC Versa N1100 Hands On

Love skateboarding and various forms of it? The UrbanMover UM70sx Usurfer Usurfer Wireless PowerBoard might not have a price tag attached to it yet, but it is one mean beast, featuring a 36V/800 electromagnetic-watts engine that offers stepless acceleration and deceleration thanks to a fully progressive throttle. This powerboard is able to hit a maximum speed of 32kph (20mph) and comes with a battery backup that lasts between 4 to 6 hours. Just in case you’re wondering how it stops, it comes with a wireless electronic ABS motor regenerative braking system (AMBS) which is able to stop the board even if rider jumps off board - something cool that is ripped off the pages of the future.

eBay is a place where you can find virtually everything, and today we have a pink iPhone 3G popping up that is not a modification from the masters of color, Colorware themselves. It features a standard print on the back that has been reprinted over with pink, making us wonder whether the iPhone 3G will get a color boost as with its iPod nano brethren when MacWorld rolls around. What do you think? Is it a mere replacement cover, or is this a work of art done by hand? What colors would you like your iPhone 3G to come in?

HP executives are currently negotiating with Intel to relax its current restrictions that limit the use of Atom series processors only in netbook PCs with a maximum screen size of 10.2″, in view of HP hoping to use the same Atom processor in newer netbook models that feature a much larger display. HP’s 2009 roadmap has revealed that the company wants to roll out an 11.6″ model sometime in the second quarter of this year, while a 13.3″ model is tipped to be released this coming June, and both will have the Intel Atom processor running. It is expected for both parties to reach a conclusion by the end of this month, and HP’s sheer sales volume and brand image could probably cause Intel to grant their consent. Does this mean other netbook manufacturers will follow suit?