It’s been a long, long while since we’ve put any thought, let alone published a post regarding a calculator.  However, Texas Instruments this past week saw fit to spruce up their line of graphing calculators by introducing the TI-Nspire CX.

What makes it note worthy is the 320×240 16-bit color display.  Students and teachers can use TI’s accompanying software to draft and create documents, which can be transferred to the handheld via mini-USB.

TI says that it’s permitted for use on the SAT, AP, PSAT/NSMQT, IB, and ACT college entrance exams, as well as many state standardized tests.

There is no word on price or availability, but we can’t imagine kids lining up, or pining for this device given that their smartphones can eclipse any grahical elements that can be created by the TI-Nspire CX graphic calculator.

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Deal expires 2/10

Archos released a press release today detailing what is to be a ‘new ultra-thin Internet Media Tablet’.  Unfortunately, no pics we’re delivered but the device will combine Google’s Android mobile platform with ARCHOS’ multimedia framework and be supported by Texas Instruments OMAP3 processor, which is said to deliver a laptop like performance.   The big takeaways include HD video, Adobe Flash compatibility, 500GB of storage, 7 hour video playback, 5-inch screen, 3G connectivity, phone and a 10mm thin body.

Full release below

ARCHOS combines its multimedia framework and Android telephony stack to deliver a new type of breakthrough Internet Media Tablet

The new IMT will integrate voice capabilities to deliver robust, powerful mobile phone tablets addressing both entertainment and communications needs

DALLAS and IGNY, France, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Providing new ways for consumers to access feature-rich content and connect with others, ARCHOS, an award-winning technology innovator and leader in the portable media player market, announced plans to extend its product line with a new ultra-thin Internet Media Tablet (IMT) combined with a mobile phone, by merging Google’s Android telephony stack and the ARCHOS’ multimedia framework. This new IMT will also incorporate the OMAP(TM) 3 platform from Texas Instruments, Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN).

Android provides the IMT with all the functionalities of a premium smartphone and access to its fast-developing applications environment with ARCHOS’ rich and proven multimedia framework will deliver the best entertainment and web-browsing experience.

With the integration of voice, ARCHOS is looking to expand beyond portable media players to provide solutions for the converged space, where a foundation in high-quality video content delivery is a benefit. In addition to Android functionality and voice support, the new ARCHOS’ IMT will offer:

PC-like Internet experience enhanced by a high-resolution 5″ screen and full-width page viewing
Adobe Flash(TM) and Flash Video(TM) support, full screen
Access whenever and wherever to TV, movies, photos, music and games
Uncompromised TV recording and High Definition (HD) playback, all formats
Hundreds of hours of video storage, up to 500 GB
Innovative design: compact 10-mm ultra-thin tablet
Long battery life, 7 hours’ video playback
3.5G 7.2 Mb/s HSUPA
Laptop-like performance from the first implementation of OMAP3440 processor based on the ARM(R) Cortex(TM) superscalar microprocessor and DSP
ARCHOS selected TI’s OMAP 3 applications processor, connectivity and analog products not only for offering low-power, high performance solutions, but to leverage the company’s experience in developing compelling, highly-competitive products based on the Android telephony platform. The level of software investment made by TI on the Android platform allows ARCHOS to quickly and cost effectively deliver an Android-based device that supports advanced features such as the newly integrated voice capabilities.

“ARCHOS was proud to announce the introduction of its ARCHOS 5 HSDPA IMT last year with SFR. We are continuing to advance our efforts in the IMT space with the introduction of this new product,” said Henri Crohas, CEO and ARCHOS founder. “Support for an Android-based device represents a historical opportunity for ARCHOS to combine all the best of our IMTs with a phone in a single device delivering high quality video and a full web experience in true mobility.”

“TI remains committed to helping ARCHOS advance its product line and deliver a new class of devices that builds on a history of delivering rich multimedia experiences,” said Remi El-Ouazzane, vice president and general manager for TI’s OMAP platform business unit. “The OMAP 3 platform, with its support for the Android OS, is a powerful tool to support HD video, high quality multimedia and connectivity anytime and anywhere. ARCHOS’ use of TI technologies, including connectivity and analog solutions, helps to push the boundaries with new products and as we see today, new business models, to be a leading innovator with its new IMTs.”

ARCHOS is marrying its rich digital media history with voice functionality to tackle new markets. ARCHOS’ new Android-based IMT with voice functionality will be released in 3Q 2009.

After months of anticipation, Optoma has made the launch date of their Pico projector official. But as with all things ‘wanted’, there’s a catch. The ‘world’s smallest projector’ will be available for preorder December 1st in Japanese Apple stores only and will be sold in a package deal that includes an iPhone for the not so attractive price of $511, or ¥50,000. The 480 x 320 pixel projector with a 2-hour battery life and LED light light source is expected to ship on December 16th with no word on a US arrival.

[Slashgear]

Don’t forget Office Depot $25 off $75 coupon: 88440125 (enter this at the top of the billing page)

Rebate #1 here

Rebate #2 here

Features:

• TI’s most popular calculator perfect for anyone going back to school
• 160k flash ROM for electronics upgrades and new applications
• 24k of RAM _ 16 character display and 7 different graphing styles

Buy it: Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator – $25