If you are looking for a cheap Vista Laptop, consider the HP Compaq Presario C501NR.  The Unit is currently available at Best Buy for $499.99 after mail-in-rebate.  The machine is equipped with an Intel Celeron M 1.73 GHz Processor, 512MB of main DDR2 RAM, 80 GB hard drive, and a DVD-Rom/CD-RW combo drive.  The laptop also features built in Ethernet, VGA, and S-Video ports.  Also the unit is wireless ready with an 802.11b/g wireless LAN.

Via TF + Laptoping

The oldest newspaper in the world will no longer release a printed version of the paper. Founded in 1645 by Sweden’s Queen Kristina, Swedish newspaper Post-och Inrikes Tidningar effective January 1st 2007 will only be available online.

Via AP

The wealthy Middle Eastern nation of the United Arab Emirates a Cultural District is being planned which will include several of the super stars of the world of architecture and design.  The cultural center will be based on an Island jut off the coast of Abu Dhabi.  The design team will include the influential Frank Gehry of Guggenheim fame, who will design a cotemporary art Museum for the project.  Also planned is a.  Jean Nouvel will design a classical museum, which possibly will be in association with Paris Museum Le Louvre.  Zaha Hadid will create a performing arts center, which is pictured above.  The plan also calls for a number of other structures, museums, and art schools. The project is set to open within the next 10 years.

Via NYT

The Luxembourg government announced that Apple – one of its corporate citizens – will be launching a video sales service through iTunes this spring. Luxembourg finance minister Jeannot Krecke who confirmed that Apple had been in discussion with the government for several months over the issue broke the news. Apple has been the home of iTunes since 2005 due to its relatively low VAT for online services in comparison to its EU neighbors.

Via Forbes

Tech Commentator John Dvorak yesterday shared his thoughts on Microsoft’s latest OS Vista.  Dvorak gives a historical perspective on the matter stating that originally OS were mere file loaders, which performed the job very well.  However Dvorak sees the modern day Operating Systems as being as clunky comparing it to a “Park Avenue hooker using too much makeup to hide the fact that she’s old”. Dvorak sees Vista as being a very superficial upgrade in technology with sizzle lacking steak.

My take is Vista should be huge; it presents itself in a more graphically attractive interface like a Mac, which should prove popular with consumers.  Hardcore computer users will however opt to run Linux, which is growing stronger everyday in ease of use and functionality. Dvorak, although brining up many valid points, ultimately dwells on what consumers should demand rather in what they want, the “sizzle.”

For 2007 Nissan is producing two versions of their popular Altima four door sedan, one with standard fueling the other is a Hybrid.  If you think you will have pay an arm and a leg for the Hybrid think again after rebates it could cost you as little as $1,250 more.  After tax credit the car costs $22,050.  Also you wont sacrifice power with Hybrid, due to the electric motor, the car has a 198 horsepower compared with 175 hp for the base model.

Via Wired

According to an article in USA Today Cingular was not the first choice to be the exclusive US service provider for its iPhone. Apple originally approached US’s number two carrier Verizon. However, Verizon did not agree to the strict requirements that Apple demanded. Not only did Apple want a cut of the monthly subscription fees, it wanted to control the relationship with the customer. Apple wanted to restrict the sale of the phone outside of Apple and Verizon stores. Also Apple wanted to control the return policy of iPhones that needed repairs. Verizon however made it clear that it saw no problem with the phone but it could not agree to Apple’s demands not only in terms of customer relations but also financial which they refused to discuss.

Apple has today released their popular iPod Shuffle in five bright colors of blue, pink, green, orange, and the original silver. The iPod Shuffle measures a cubic inch, and weighs a half an ounce, with an aluminum casing, and featuring a built in clip. If you pay retail for the thing, expect to shell out $79 plus tax. The capacity of the Shuffle is 1 GB, which can hold up to 240 songs, with a 12-hour battery life.

If you are annoyed by the limited capabilities of music downloaded from Apple’s iTunes the government of Norway is on your side.  The government has declared the store illegal under Norwegian law.

Via PCW

If you love those “charming” Apple ads that compare the Windows PC’s and Apple, wait to you see them with a British accent. Apple UK has produced the adverts featuring David Mitchell and Robert Webb some of which are remakes of US ads however not all. This follows Apple Japan’s ads. Watch them here.
Via MacRumors