Centrino gets 802.11a flavour

Intel has introduced PRO/Wireless 2100A network connections for Centrino notebooks. Previously, Centrino technology involved built-in support for wireless networking using the 802.11b standard (via the Intel PRO/Wireless 2100). ...more

CIA agents find themselves Googled

The Chicago Tribune [reg required] says that Internet searches have revealed private and personal details of thousands of CIA operatives. The paper conceded to the CIA's request not to publish either its findings or the methods it used. But it says the searches it conducted through free and paid-for online databases turned up a 'virtual directory' of 2,653 CIA staff, 50 internal agency phone numbers and the sites of two dozen secret facilities across the US. ...more

HP 'gambling' on battery recall

Industry experts have accused HP of risking its reputation by refusing to recall its Sony-made laptop batteries - despite Sony itself issuing a global recall. Dell, Apple, Lenovo and Toshiba are among the companies that have collectively recalled millions of laptop batteries potentially affected by a manufacturing flaw that can result in them exploding. Sony last week finally issued a global recall of its own, although its own VAIO subsidiary was still 'considering whether to participate in this voluntary replacement program,' several days later. ...more

Comdex on the skids?

Exhibition organiser Key3Media was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy even as its showcase event Comdex Fall opened its doors in Las Vegas yesterday The event specialist, which organises IT trade shows around the world, reported third quarter losses of US$315.7 million and said it was in negotiations with creditors and considering restructuring or filing for bankruptcy. The company blamed weaker demand as the IT sector struggles to overcome its recession, with exhibitor and attendee attendance down at shows across the board. ...more

Novell joins OSDL

Novell has strengthened its commitment to the GNU/Linux operating system with membership to the Open Source Development Labs. Novell's vice president Jeffrey T Hawkins will also join the OSDL board as a director. Chris Stone, Novell vice chairman, said: 'By joining forces with OSDL, Novell aims to take a leadership role in helping the industry overcome the many challenges that still exist to help Linux fulfill its promise as an end-to-end enterprise computing platform. ...more