Foxit has axed development of its eSlick ereader, intending instead to focus on “platform-independent PDF technology” which it hopes to license to third-parties.  Initially unveiled back in December 2008, the eSlick was rebadged Netronix hardware that Foxit loaded up with their own custom software; it was priced at $199 though lacked any form of wireless connectivity.

That specification hole – together with the fact that Kobo began selling their own version of the Netronix hardware for $50 less – left the eSlick looking uncompetitive against discounted Kindle and nook devices.  According to Erik Bryant, Assistant Vice President Sales at Foxit, “We have been licensing our PDF and ePub technology to a number of eBook vendors. Our decision to discontinue eSlick is to eliminate the possibility of competing with our partners.”

[via The Digital Reader]

Press Release:

Foxit Corporation Licenses Industry-leading PDF Technology to eBook Providers

Converging on its core business strength, Foxit Corporation, a leader in PDF software solutions, today announced that it will license its industry-leading PDF and ePub technology to key players in the eBook market to help enhance digital rights management, content management, content distribution and viewing technology in the space. The company will cease development of the eSlick™ Reader, its own electronic reading device, to focus on providing platform-independent PDF technology and multi-device support to leading eBook providers.

Foxit’s unique ability to convert documents and images to any eBook device will support the rapidly growing market for electronic reading devices. While eBooks currently comprise an estimated three- to five-percent of the entire book industry, many experts predict that digital book sales will skyrocket in the coming years due to the growing number of devices such as the Apple® iPad™ and Amazon® Kindle™. By refining its ability to convert documents and images to PDF, ePub or eReader PDB files, Foxit’s core PDF technology will be invaluable to the growth of this market and to the standardization of eBook formats.

“We have been licensing our PDF and ePub technology to a number of eBook vendors. Our decision to discontinue eSlick is to eliminate the possibility of competing with our partners,” said Erik Bryant, Assistant Vice President Sales, Foxit Corporation. “We’re looking forward to making the most impact possible on the growing eBook market by providing our proven, top-of-the-line PDF software technology as an industry standard to the principal providers of electronic reading devices.”

Foxit is best known for its free PDF viewing software, Foxit Reader, which has an easy-to-use navigation system that enables the rapid download of PDF documents, reliable viewing and printing options, a tiny desktop footprint, single or multiple document interface modes, and rapid response security releases. Foxit recently announced Foxit Reader 4.0 : , the newest version of its small, fast and feature rich PDF viewer for Microsoft Windows.

In an effort to provide its partners with more flexibility in managing local markets, Foxit Corporation will close its European branch office and work directly with local distributors and resellers from its U.S. headquarters in Fremont, Calif. For more information on Foxit corporation’s reseller program, please contact sales@foxitsoftware.com : mailto:sales@foxitsoftware.com .

About Foxit Corporation

Foxit Corporation, a Microsoft Certified Partner, is at the forefront of cost-effective electronic document solutions. Customers of Foxit’s award-winning products include major technology and healthcare companies; global financial services firms and government agencies.
Founded in 2001, Foxit Corporation believes in innovative, standards-based technology and unrivalled customer support, with a deep commitment to sustainable, environmentally sound products and services.

ANNOUNCING A NEW GENERATION OF KINDLE: THE ALL-NEW KINDLE IS SMALLER, LIGHTER, AND FASTER, WITH 50 PERCENT BETTER CONTRAST

Kindle's revolutionary wireless delivery and massive selection of content-now in a 21 percent smaller and 15 percent lighter design, with 50 percent better contrast, 20 percent faster page turns, up to one month of battery life, double the storage, and more-only $189, and still with free 3G wireless

Amazon also introduces new Kindle family member: Kindle Wi-Fi-only $139

SEATTLE-July 29, 2010-(NASDAQ: AMZN)-Millions of people are already reading on Kindles and Kindle is the #1 bestselling item on Amazon.com for two years running. It's also the most-wished-for, most-gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon.com. Today, Amazon.com is excited to introduce a new generation of Kindle. The all-new Kindle has a new electronic-ink screen with 50 percent better contrast than any other e-reader, a new sleek design with a 21 percent smaller body while still keeping the same 6-inch-size reading area, and a 15 percent lighter weight at just 8.7 ounces. The new Kindle also offers 20 percent faster page turns, up to one month of battery life, double the storage to 3,500 books, built-in Wi-Fi, a graphite color option and more-all for only $189, and still with free 3G wireless-no monthly bills or annual contracts.

Also today, Amazon introduced a new addition to its family of portable reading devices-Kindle Wi-Fi. Readers who don't need the convenience of free 3G wireless can now enjoy the new generation Kindle for the lower price of only $139. The all-new Kindle and Kindle Wi-Fi are now available for pre-order at www.amazon.com/kindle3G and www.amazon.com/kindleWi-Fi, and will ship to customers in over 140 countries and 30 territories beginning August 27.

Kindle offers the largest selection of the most popular books people want to read. The U.S. Kindle Store now has more than 630,000 books, including New Releases and 109 of 111 New York Times Best Sellers. Over 510,000 of these books are $9.99 or less, including 80 New York Times Best Sellers. Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are also available to read on Kindle. Kindle lets you buy your books once and read them everywhere-on Kindle, Kindle DX, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, Mac, PC, BlackBerry, and Android-based devices. Amazon's Whispersync technology syncs your place across devices, so you can pick up where you left off. With Kindle Worry-Free Archive, books you purchase from the Kindle Store are automatically backed up online in your Kindle library on Amazon where they can be re-downloaded wirelessly for free, anytime.

More than 235,000 books have been added to the Kindle Store in just the last six months, including New York Times Best Sellers “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest,” “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and “The Passage.” The Kindle Store also recently added 20 contemporary classics from the Wylie Agency's new “Odyssey Editions” imprint that are available for the first time as e-books and exclusively in the Kindle Store, including John Updike's Pulitzer Prize-winning Rabbit series, Vladimir Nabokov's “Lolita,” Norman Mailer's “The Naked and the Dead,” Philip Roth's “Portnoy's Complaint” and Ralph Ellison's “Invisible Man.”

“Kindle is the best-selling product on Amazon for two years running. We lowered the price to $189 and sales growth tripled. Now, we are excited to introduce a new generation Kindle that is smaller, lighter, and faster, with 50 percent better contrast. Readers are going to do a double take when they see Kindle's bright new screen and feel how remarkably light the smaller 8.7 ounce design feels in one hand,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Founder & CEO. “If you don't need the convenience of 3G wireless, we have an incredible new price point-$139 for Kindle Wi-Fi. Kindle Wi-Fi has all the same features, same bookstore, same high-contrast electronic paper display, and it's even a tiny bit lighter at 8.5 ounces. At this price point, many people are going to buy multiple units for the home and family.”

All New, High-Contrast E-Ink Screen, Read in Bright Sunlight: The new Kindle uses Amazon's all-new electronic ink display with 50 percent better contrast for the clearest text and sharpest images. No other e-reader has this screen or this level of contrast. Unlike LCD screens, Kindle's paper-like display looks and reads like real paper, with no glare, even in bright sunlight.

New Proprietary Screen Technology-Faster Page Turns, New and Improved Fonts: Kindle's all-new, high-contrast electronic ink display is further optimized with Amazon's proprietary waveform and font technology to make pages turn faster and fonts sharper. Waveform is a series of electronic pulses that move black and white electronic ink particles to achieve a final gray level for an image or text. Amazon tuned the new Kindle's waveform and controller mechanism to make page turning 20 percent faster. In addition, this waveform tuning combined with new hand-built, custom fonts and font-hinting make words and letters more crisp, clear, and natural-looking. Font hints are instructions, written as code, that control points on a font character's line and improve legibility at small font sizes where few pixels are available. Hinting is a mix of aesthetic judgments and complicated technical strategies. Amazon designed its proprietary font-hinting to optimize specifically for the special characteristics of electronic ink.

New Sleek Design, Lighter Than a Paperback: The new Kindle has a 21 percent smaller body while still keeping the same 6-inch-size reading area. At only 8.7 ounces, the new Kindle is 15 percent lighter and still 1/3 of an inch thin, making it lighter than a paperback and thinner than a magazine. With Kindle you can read comfortably and naturally with just one hand for hours. The new Kindle Wi-Fi is even lighter at just 8.5 ounces.

Double the Storage, Holds 3,500 Books: The new Kindle has double the storage so you can carry up to 3,500 books.
Up To One Month of Battery Life: The new Kindle has up to one month of battery life with wireless off. Keep wireless on and your Kindle will have battery life of up to 10 days.

Free 3G Wireless: Kindle offers free 3G wireless, which means no annual contracts and no monthly fees. Global Wireless Coverage: Kindle is the only e-reader that lets you travel the globe and still get books in under 60 seconds with wireless coverage in over 100 countries and territories.

New Built-In Wi-Fi: In addition to free 3G wireless, Kindle now has built-in Wi-Fi support. Kindle owners will now be able to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots at home or on the road. Readers who don't need the convenience of free 3G wireless can purchase the new Kindle Wi-Fi for only $139 and download content over Wi-Fi. Amazon is offering free Wi-Fi access at AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots across the U.S. for shopping and downloading Kindle content-no AT&T registration, sign-in, or password required.

Quieter Page Turn Buttons: Quieter page turns means you can read all night without disturbing your partner.

Share Meaningful Passages: Share meaningful passages with friends and family with built-in Twitter and Facebook integration.

Simple to Use: Kindle is ready to use right out of the box – no setup, no software to install, no computer required.

Books in 60 Seconds: With fast, free wireless delivery, you can start reading books on Kindle in less than 60 seconds.

Massive Selection: The Kindle Store has over 630,000 books, including 109 of 111 New York Times Best Sellers, plus audiobooks, periodicals and blogs.

Free, Out-of-Copyright Books: Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books such as “Pride and Prejudice” are available to read on Kindle.

Low Book Prices: Over 510,000 of the 630,000 books in the Kindle Store are $9.99 or less, including 80 New York Times Best Sellers.

Free Book Samples: First chapters of Kindle books are available to download and read for free before you decide to buy.

Read Everywhere with Whispersync: Kindle books can be read on your Kindle, iPhone, iPad, PC, Mac, BlackBerry, and Android-based devices. Amazon's Whispersync technology syncs your place across devices, so you can pick up where you left off.

Worry-Free Archive: Books purchased from the Kindle Store are automatically backed up online in your Kindle library on Amazon where they can be re-downloaded wirelessly for free, anytime.

Improved PDF Reader: The new Kindle uses an improved built-in PDF reader with new dictionary lookup, notes and highlights, and support for password protected PDFs.

New WebKit-based Browser (experimental): The new Kindle uses a new web browser based on the industry-leading open source Web browser engine, WebKit. The updated browser is faster, easier to navigate, and provides a new “article mode” feature that simplifies web pages to just the main text- based content for easier reading. Web browsing with Kindle over 3G or Wi-Fi is free.

New Voice Guide: With Text-to-Speech, Kindle can read out loud to you. New Text-to-Speech enabled menus allow customers to navigate Kindle without having to read menu options. In addition to listening to books aloud, users now have the option of listening to content listings on the home screen, item descriptions, and all menu options.

New Lighted Leather Cover: The all-new Kindle cover features an integrated, retractable reading light that lets you read comfortably anytime, anywhere. The light is a permanent part of the cover, so it's always with you, and hides away into the cover when not in use. The high-quality LED light illuminates Kindle's entire paper-like display, adding brightness without adding glare. Amazon's patent-pending hinge system secures Kindle in place and conducts electricity from Kindle's battery to the reading light, eliminating the need for batteries. The conductive hinges are gold-plated to ensure a reliable electrical connection. Gold is used because of its ability to make good electrical contact even with low force and for its corrosion resistance. The Kindle cover is sold separately.

Customers can discover full details and pre-order the new Kindle and Kindle Wi-Fi starting today at www.amazon.com/kindle3G and www.amazon.com/kindleWi-Fi. For new high-resolution images of the new generation Kindle, visit www.amazon.com/pr/kindle/images.

Buying a new laptop computer can be a daunting task. There are literally millions of makes and models out there, all with prices ranging from $200 to a whopping $5000 or above. The key is to figure out what you are looking for in a personal or business computer. Do you like gaming? Email? Surfing the Internet? Are you looking for a strictly 'work' computer, or do you want to have some fun too? Do you need something child friendly? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before diving into the wide world of computers. However, once you have figured out what you are looking for check out some of these notebooks. These are examples of different makes and models that are the 'best of the cheap' when it comes to laptop computers.

Lenovo ThinkPad T61 $900.00

This ThinkPad is a Consumer Reports “Best Business Laptop”. The compact design creates a ensures ease of transport and durability. With specs including up to a 320 GB hard drive, powerful duo processors, and an exceptional battery life, this little machine could be considered a powerhouse computer. It has the ability to do a little bit of everything.

HP Pavilion Dv7T $900.00

According to a PC World review this laptop is another compact durable power machine. While the multimedia experience falls short, the DV7T makes up for it in performance speed, battery life and ease of use. This handsome machine contains a 400GB hard drive has the ability (and the price) to replace any desktop computer on the market.

Dell XPS M1330 PC Notebook $749.00

A 13.3-inch widescreen display, Windows Vista, Intel Core Duo processor and up to a 200 GB hard drive this notebook packs a lot of punch for a little price. With a weight of under 4 lbs and color options galore the XPS M1330 represents the peak of a new era in computer design and performance.

HP COMPAQ Presario CQ60-215DX $349.00

Subject to some harsh reviews, this laptop is as basic as a notebook will come. Gamers be ware this computer is not for you. Short battery life and slow processing speeds make it hard to justify almost $400. However, if you are looking for a computer with nothing too fancy, this is it. A 2GB memory, 250 RAM and semi-speedy internet allow for a pretty basic, but functional, laptop experience.

Acer Aspire One AOA150-1786 (or other models) $299.00

A 15.4'' display, 1280×800 resolution and 6.4 lbs combine to form a not so bad notebook computer. This little guy has been described as “remarkably productive” with “great efficiency” by reviewers. A 120 GB hard drive, SD card reader, USB ports and preloaded software come standard in most Acer models. The light weight and sleek design allow owners the ease of travel and durability expected from any laptop computer.

Consumers be aware, when it comes to computer performance, you get what you pay for. For the most part, the more money you spend on a computer the higher ones expectations can be. However, there are thousands of computers out there that are perfectly capable of doing the jobs you need while keeping your wallet happy too. Take the time, and do the research, and you might just end up with the perfect laptop computer.

References:

http://www.nextag.com/acer-aspire-notebook/search-html

http://www.consumersearch.com/laptops

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/31947/review/pavilion_dv7t.html

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m1330?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

Have you noticed lately all the 'new improved' commercials there are on TV toting the acclaims of the newest vacuum cleaner designs on the market?

Turbo motors, twin designs, hepa filters, cordless, even robotic models that claim to vacuum your room with no hands on interference from the housekeeper! Yet the biggest debate out there seems to be if a bag style vacuum is obsolete or if the new bag-less versions really are the best way to go. In the market for a new vacuum cleaner? Which should you choose to get the job done, bag or bag- less? Let's take a look at a few things to consider before putting down your hard earned money.

First and foremost consider the job you expect your new vacuum cleaner to handle. Are you a single apartment dweller with Berber carpeting at work all day and little traffic? Then you may not even need much more than a simple non-motorized carpet sweeper. However most of us have at least a moderate amount of traffic, ground in sand and maybe even pet hairs to contend with.

How often do you vacuum and how much dust dirt and grime actually gets collected with each use?

If you only use your vacuum cleaner occasionally, say once a month or less, than a bag-less vacuum cleaner may be a good option as the amount of use as well as the quantity of messes you need to clean up is probably not a large issue. You probably would only need to empty the canister once per use and clean the filter as directed replacing it every 6 months (or less).

Do you suffer from allergies, have numerous pets or a pet that sheds heavily? Are you finding yourself reaching for the vacuum at least weekly or maybe even several times a week?

If so, consider sticking with the tried and true bag type vacuum cleaner. The newer bags are made nearly dust free and will hold a larger amount of debris between changes. Bag-less vacuums often leak dust when in use and there is no way around handling the dust and being exposed to the contents when emptying the canister. Most allergy specialist recommend the use of a bag-style vacuum with triple lined bags and a hepa filter for use several times per week to reduce expose to known allergies to dust and dust mites.

Once you have decided which type vacuum cleaner you are in the market for, shop around! All vacuum cleaners are not created equal! Not long ago some friends of our decided on a vacuum cleaner that used triple layer bags. and got a good price for it. They got home, inserted the bag that came with it and happily put it to use cleaning an over abundance of pet hairs, sand and sawdust from some construction, out of their carpets. They filled the first bag and replace it with the second free bag that was included with their purchase. When it came time to replace that bag they went back to the store to obtain a new supply of replacement bags only to find the store didn't carry the bags because they had obtained a limited number of that style vacuum cleaner at a 'one time only' purchase. They have a slightly used vacuum cleaner sitting in the closet next to another new vacuum cleaner that they are able to find bags for! Buyer beware! You get what you pay for.

When it comes to 'solving' the debate between which vacuum cleaner is best to buy, a bag type vacuum cleaner or a bag-less vacuum cleaner, consider your personal needs, they types of carpet and cleaning you will be dealing with and shop around for the best options.

When it comes to a vacuum cleaner purchase, bag or bag-less, the choice is yours to make!

Resource:
The Vintage Vacuum Cleaner Museum.
May 14, 2007
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See all here!

My husband and I decided to take advantage of the after Christmas sales and purchase a vacuum. We went down to the local big box retailer with a budget of one hundred dollars for a new vacuum. We were not sure we could purchase a quality vacuum for that amount of money.

The Eureka model 8806 Pet Lover Bagless vacuum rang up at $107.97 after tax. We were anxious to get it home and fire it up to see if we got a good deal. The Eureka model 8806 comes with instructions (thank goodness!), extra belt, power paw, dusting brush, crevice tool, extension wand, self cleaning duster and stair hose.

The set up looked elementary on the instruction sheet but did take a little longer than expected. The handle and attachments were somewhat awkward to screw in but all in all we were ready to roll within twenty minutes. All attachments, screws etc were included in the box. The only additional item needed to assemble was a phillips head screwdriver.

I can't say I enjoy vacuuming and especially dislike the noise so I was pleased that the Eureka model 8806 was not nearly as loud as our previous vacuum. Sporting twelve amps of power which is the most power household vacuums have the Eureka model 8806 went to work. With a cleaning path that is fifteen inches wide my living room carpet was done in no time. Using the included crevice tool I vacuumed out my couch and recliner (I don't know how they get that dirty!) I was amazed at the sheer brute force that the vacuum sucked all the dust and icky stuff out. The extra long cord makes it easier and quicker to vacuum the house as I don't have to stop and unplug it to find another closer outlet as I make my way through the rooms. The crevice tool and extension wand worked quite well on my stairs. There is also a dusting brush included but I have not used that yet. What I have used and absolutely love is the self cleaning duster. Attached to the side of the vacuum ready to pull out at any time is a dusting wand that telescopes. This wand is superb at eliminating cobwebs, dusting door frames and moldings. Having it attached to the vacuum is one less thing I have to haul around while cleaning and shortens my cleaning time which is another plus for me.

The Eureka model 8806 is named the Pet Lovers Bagless because it comes with a trademarked Power Paw and charcoal built into the filter which helps combat two of the drawbacks of pet ownership: the smell and the hair. The Power Paw is terrific at sucking up the pet hair (along with anything else) leaving your home clean and smelling fresher.

There are only two minor drawbacks to the Eureka model 8806. The first is it is recommended to empty the canister after each use. I would like to note though that the canister is very simple to empty so this doesn't make it too much of an inconvenience. The second drawback is a design flaw which makes the stair hose difficult to reattach to the vacuum after using. Given how often I vacuum my stairs, this isn't that big of a deal.

To sum up I would definitely recommend the Eureka 8806 Pet Lovers Bagless whether one has a pet or not. The power, the suction, ease of use and variety of attachments paired with the wider cleaning path and longer power cord makes this a well thought out and very useful product.

See all

Miele Vacuum Cleaners in general are very well made vacuum cleaners. They are engineered in Germany by the Miele company. Since their founding in 1899, they have always manufactured top of the line products.

All Miele vacuum cleaners are great quality that besides for picking up dirt on carpet and wooden floors, also eliminate dust and air pollutants. Their vacuum cleaners are one of the best HEPA vacuums, which is great for people with allergies and asthma.

All of the Miele vacuum cleaners are very well designed and maneuvers very easily. They don't weigh much and are quite easy to lug around the house. They are priced a little higher than other vacuum cleaners out there, but they're definitely worth every penny. They last for a long time. I have my Miele vacuum cleaner for more than 10 years, I basically use it once or twice a week and it has never had a service call. I call that quality and well built.

Miele vacuum cleaners come in both versions; canisters and uprights. Whatever the style or model, all Miele vacuums cleaners share some key features:

1. Miele vacuum cleaners have one the best HEPA filters available that traps even the tiniest particles of dust.

2. None of the Miele vacuum cleaners weigh more than 14 lbs.

3. All Miele vacuum cleaners have a sealed system construction. When something enters the vacuum bag, it has no way of escaping. This feature makes the Miele vacuums so good for people with dust and air allergies.

4. All Miele vacuum cleaners have self winded cords. You just press a button and the cord easily winds back into the vacuum cleaner.

5. All Miele vacuum cleaners come with a super powerful motor.

6. All Miele vacuums are very quiet. They are definitely quieter than other vacuums out there.

Miele vacuum cleaners – Canister models

The Miele canister vacuum cleaners are easy to move around and have very good suction. Miele vacuum cleaners come in a variety of models, colors and price ranges so you can choose one that fits your needs.

Basically there are Miele S4 models and the newer S5 models. Ranging in price from cheaper to more expensive the S4 models include: Miele Orion S4780, Miele Luna S4580, Miele Neptune S4212, and Miele Polaris S4212 vacuums.

The Miele S5 vacuum cleaner models are: Miele Pisces S5281, Miele Callisto S5281, Miele Earth S5481, and Miele Capricorn S5981.

Miele vacuum cleaners – Upright models

Miele also manufactures upright vacuum cleaners of exceptional quality. The S7 models of uprights are: Miele Twist S7210, Miele Jazz S7280, Miele Salsa S7280, Miele Calypso S7280, Miele Bolero S7580 and the Miele Tango S7580.