MS mystery device is like iPod

A video of a mystery device from Microsoft was discovered online over the weekend, fuelling new speculation about the company`s plans in a market dominated by Apple Computer`s iPod, according to a report in Seattle PI.

The Microsoft device, if released as seen on the video, will see people using the device not only as a music player, but also as a miniature personal computer.

The device appears to be a small version of existing tablet PCs that use Microsoft software for accessing the Internet, sending e-mail, editing photos and playing video games. It would give people the option of using a digital pen or a small keyboard for input. Buttons are positioned on both sides of the colour screen.

Microsoft plans six core offerings of its upcoming Windows Vista operating system, targeting how people use computers instead of PC hardware specifications.

Reuters reports that Microsoft plans three offerings aimed at consumers, two at business users and a stripped-down edition for emerging markets. Unlike the current Windows XP, there will be no versions designed specifically for advanced 64-bit computing, multimedia computers or tablet PCs.

Windows Vista, due out in the second half of 2006, is the much-anticipated upgrade to Microsoft`s flagship product. Windows, which is found in about 90% of all computer desktops, is also one of Microsoft`s earnings cash cows.

Ernst & Young appears set on establishing a laptop loss record in February. The accounting giant has lost four more systems, reports The Register.

A group of Ernst & Young auditors went off for lunch in early February, leaving their laptops in an office building conference room. According to security footage, two men entered the conference room and walked off with four Dell laptops valued at close to $8 000.

This theft follows a higher-profile incident in which an employee had his laptop stolen from his car. The laptop contained the social security numbers and other personal information of customers. One such customer happened to be Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy.