Linux is the first choice when it comes to pre-loading an operating system onto ultra low-cost PCs, but not for long. Microsoft is making a move to make Windows XP an option as an ULPC OS, and it should be good news to those looking for more options in their budget laptops. More details in the full article.

People prone to putting their laptops in precarious situations (such as dropping it into water, or onto concrete) may want to consider getting one of NEC's ShieldPRO tablet PC. It's rugged build promises to offer some resistance against water, dust, and other harm that may befall the poor laptop. More details in the full article.

If the relatively expensive price tag of Research in Motion's BlackBerry 9000 puts you off, there's some hope for you to reconsider getting the device. Stolen shots of a certain BlackBerry "Niagara" hint that there's going to be a more affordable version of the 9000. It comes with a price, of course: it's possible that some features will be removed, such as 3G. More on this gadget in the full article.

From the world of the ever-informative FCC exhibits comes the new Motorola A810, a Linux-powered touchscreen mobile stuffed with all the necessary good stuff such as handwriting recognition, FM radio, among others. There's something amiss about it though: the lack of bandwidth required for it to work with U.S. mobile carriers. More on this intriguing device in the full article!

The Japanese really know some good ways on how to commemorate their games: in a tie up with SD card maker Hagiwara, Taito is doling out demos of their Space Invaders spin-off title Invader Chain for every purchase of specially-marked Hagiwara MicroSD cards. It's a good way of letting fans remember Space Invaders on its 30th anniversary. Read more about it in the full article.

LG Display isn't only all about expensive, ultra-slim monitors. The display manufacturer from Korea is now working on filling the demand of widescreen LCD monitors for low-cost computers. Check out the specs for three of their upcoming LCD display line-up in the full article.

Possibly encouraged by the success of their Eee PCs, Asustek is going to launch the second generation of these powerful yet cute midget laptops this month in Taiwan. So what can we expect from these notebooks? An Intel dual-core ULV processor, for one. More in the full article.

Being affordable is one of the main features of Asustek's Eee PCs, and many believe that this is due to the notebook's use of the open source Linux operating system. However, it doesn't seem to be the case: Windows XP Eees have been spotted in Best Buy, and guess what? They have the same price tag as the Linux-flavored Eees. More details in the full article.

It's about time: the official website of the Nokia N-Gage-branded mobile gaming platform is finally opened, a couple of weeks after N-Gage's First Access beta phase concluded. Users of a Nokia N-series phone can now download and try out games before purchasing them, and compete for high scores as well.

It's about time: the Guitar Hero madness just spread itself onto the BlackBerry handhelds (and other mobile sets), and we're sure that fans won't mind. Hands-on Mobile and Magmic Games is about to release one of the hottest franchises for the Research in Motion's handset series this month. More details in the full article.