Mobile, mobile, mobile! All the tech sites are a’buzz with mobile news. It looks like tablets, e-readers, and other mobile devices are going to be the hot items this holiday season. Every gadget maker is announcing their latest and greatest trying to generate excitement. If you’re like me, you’re having trouble remembering which ones have already been released, which ones are due before Christmas, and which ones are not expected ’til next year. Here is a roundup. Enjoy.
Apple released new iPods this month, and they are currently on sale. There is also a rumor that a new 7″ version of the iPad is on the horizon. Unfortunately, it is not expected until mid-2011.
Dell released the Streak in August, and they are releasing another 7″ tablet in the next few weeks. Rumor has it, a 10″ tablet will follow in early-2011.
Earlier this year, HP announced the Slate PC, which was discontinued before it shipped. Since their acquisition of Palm, HP has been working on the PalmPad, which is slated for release in the first part of 2011.
Barnes & Nobel has been competing with Amazon for the e-reader market. The Nook, B&N’s answer to the Kindle, is selling great and will likely be on everyone’s wish list this holiday season.
Windows Phone 7, Microsoft’s latest and greatest mobile OS, went RTM last month, and is expected to be released in Europe next month.
Earlier this year, Amazon updated the Kindle, and it sold out before the first one even shipped. These things are selling like hotcakes! They will no doubt be a hot item this holiday season. Get yours now!
Motorola is introducing a special edition of the famed Droid smartphone. The new version resembles the iconic R2D2 character from Star Wars, and will be appropriately called the Droid R2D2. It should in stores this week.
ASUS unveiled the Eee Pad at Computex back in June. This iPad competitor will be available for purchase in early-2011.
Samsung has announced the Galaxy Tab (the Tablet version of the Galaxy smartphone) which should be in stores before the end of 2010.
The next generation Android-powered tablet, the eLocity A7, is currently available for pre-order. An actual ship date has not yet been finalized.
Nintendo raised the bar for mobile gaming when they announced the 3DS at E3 back in June. It is expected to be on sale in Japan this coming February. The US version should follow in March.
Nokia started taking pre-orders for their new Symbian-powered N8 smartphone back in August. Sources say it will likely be released in the next few days.
Blackberry-maker RIM unveiled the PlayBook this past Monday, and it is scheduled for release in Q1 of 2011. They are touting it as the world’s first professional tablet.
And finally, Kno introduced a new dual screen e-textbook earlier this year. They are expected to ship in December of this year. This week, Kno announced a single screen version which should be available about the same time. The Kno is a hybrid e-reader/tablet targeted at educational markets.
Jeesch. Is your head spinning? 
KALE: A geek who works in the IT Security field and lives in Omaha, NE. He is also a local musician and has played in several bands in the area. Previous to his IT career, Kale worked as a photojournalist. He brings technical advice and artistic counterpoint to the podcast. 
