Tablet computers are fine in the home or office, but taking a 10-inch device everywhere isn’t convenient. There’s now a trend toward smaller slate computers and Toshiba has just introduced its Thrive 7” Tablet. It weighs under a pound and with its Easy Grip finish, it’s a comfortable handheld device. The tablet’s LED backlit AutoBrite multi-touch display features a 1280x800 resolution. It’s powered by Android 3.2 and the NVIDIA Tegra 2 platform. A built-in Gyroscope offers hands-on motion control for the latest Android games. The tablet also includes two HD cameras: a five megapixel camera with an LED flash on the back, plus a two megapixel camera on the front. Toshiba will offer the tablet in two configurations, 16GB or 32GB. Designed for continuity with other digital devices, this tablet includes built-in ports such as Mini USB, Micro HDMI and a Micro SD card slot. The tablet offers convenient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Users can browse the web with Adobe Flash support, take advantage of maps and location-based apps with integrated GPS and enjoy the full suite of popular Google Mobile Service applications and Android apps via the Android Market.
 

A new online program aims to keep children from ever trying a cigarette. The first step in the  “Real Parents. Real Answers” pledge program is to print out the pledge certificate available through www.RealParentsRealAnswers.com. Then, with certificate in hand, parents can talk with their child about the dangers of smoking — using advice available at the site. Once the child makes a pledge not to smoke, his or her name is listed at a pledge page so kids can experience the camaraderie of other young people that have also made the healthy choice to stay smoke-free. In another effort to keep kids safe, GDC and Web Wise Kids (WWK) are sponsoring a gaming title called, “Passing The Ball.” This game about digital safety for kids is designed to be played together by parents and children in order to create a platform for a conversation about online dangers and how to deal with them. Play it free at www.gdconline.com/passingtheball
 

By now you’ve probably heard of “the cloud.” It’s a place where data resides and can be accessed on demand through an Internet connection. Sounds like a lovely fantasyland, but the cloud is actually made up of cables and servers at data centers. INTERXION, a European provider of data center services, has released images revealing the inner workings of its European data centers. Usually concealed behind the fortress-like protection of CCTV, security guards and biometric scanning, the data center photographs illustrate different aspects of data center infrastructure, such as power, cooling, connectivity and security, all of which are essential to ensure 24/7 availability. To view the images visit: http://www.interxion.com/Data-Centres/gallery/
 

Many things are sold online, but it’s hard to imagine buying a violin for at least $600,000. Lorin Maazel’s Guadagnini Violin of 1783 will be auctioned on November 10 through Tarisio’s online auction. Estimates are that the famous musical instrument will sell for $800,000 to $1,200,000. The proceeds of the sale will fund an endowment for young artist development at the Castleton Festival. The violin is Lot 282 at www.tarisio.com/pages/auction/auction_view.php
 

Dell’s Inspiron One 2320 is a sleek, stylish machine, that will look great in any room. Finishing homework assignments, keeping track of household expenses, enjoying movies and music, the Inspiron One 2320 can handle them all. Available with Intel Core i5 or i7 processor options, and optional discrete graphics, the Inspiron One 2320 lets families keep up-to-date and share experiences with friends and loved ones with built-in Wi-Fi and an HD webcam. The desktop’s large HD display makes it perfect for double-duty as a home entertainment center. Hook up a gaming console through an HDMI-in connection. With immersive SRS audio and optional JBL speakers, the Inspiron One 2320 is also great for watching TV with the optional built-in TV tuner.