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Though Apple tends to keepquiet about its upcoming products, that doesn’t stop people from speculating about future developments from Apple. And thanks to some news from Toshiba, who makes the memory chips for Apple’s handheld devices, the iPhone rumors are abounding.

Today Toshiba announced that it will be offering a new 64 GB memory chip. This means that the next iPhone could have up to 64 GB of storage, and the next iPod Touch up to 128 GB of storage.

Another iPhone rumor concerns its mobile broadband situation. Verizon Wireless could start being an iPhone carrier next year, ending AT&T’s current monopoly. Personally, I think that would be a good thing, since it could force currently high AT&T fees to drop.

Another rumor (that I really hope is not true) says that the new iPhone will have a 2.8-inch display. The current and previous iPhones have all had 3.5-inch screens (which I personally find to be a most perfect size).

Via Brighthand.

Image via Apple.

You’ll be able to get an all new Gateway LT netbook from Verizon on Black Friday for only $30 bucks, with a 2-year 3G contract and $100 mail-in rebate.

The netbook weighs less than three pounds and offers Wi-Fi access, among other features. It runs on an Intel Atom CPU with a 10.1-inch screen, 160 GB HDD, and 1 GB of RAM.

Not interested? Verizon has a heck of a lot of other deals this Black Friday, courtesy of HotHardware:

• HTC Ozone: Wi-Fi capable global smartphone for only $9.99 (buy one get one free)
• LG Versa: the touchscreen phone for gamers, for only $29.99 (buy one get one free)
• MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot: Wi-Fi wherever you go for up to five people for only $49.99 after $50 mail in rebate. (Black Friday only.)
• Nokia 7705 Twist: offered this weekend for only $29.99
• Blackberry Pearl Flip: one of the most popular Blackberry phones for only $9.99 (buy any Blackberry device, get one free)

Now get up early, kids, and grab yourself one of these machines.

It’ll be Black Friday this Friday. Get excited. Get pumped. Get a Gateway LT netbook.

Verizon will be offering the Gateway LT netbook for a mere $29 on Black Friday. Usually selling for $99, this 10.1″ netbook has 1 GB of RAM and a 160 GB hard drive – pretty typical specs for a netbook but come on, it’ll only be $29! Of course, you’ll have to pay for the two year data plan contract, as is standard with netbooks subsidized by telecom companies.

We know killer netbook deals when we see them and Verizon’s Gateway LT netbook deal no doubt falls in that category. Other noteworthy Black Friday deals at Verizon include the HTC Ozone for $9.99, the LG Versa for $29.99 (both bogo deals in fact), and the Mifi 2200 for $49.99 (after a $50 mail in rebate). Deals will be advertised from November 27th to November 30th. If you’re interested in any of these, make sure to jump on them before they sell out.

Via Slashgear.

On the outside, the Sony Vaio P netbook is sleek and sexy, but its price tag was never exactly something to gawk at. Fortunately for consumers, Verizon will be adding this fine machine to its lineup of mobile gadgets. For a very reasonable $299 – and a signed two-year data plan contract of course – users will be able to buy their very own Sony Vaio P netbook. Considering that the Vaio P was priced near $1,000 at the beginning of 2009, this deal is rather hard to resist wouldn’t you say?

To recap, for $299 the netbook will come with 2 GB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, and the Windows 7 Home Premium OS, not to mention 3G capabilities. This could be a very good move for both Verizon and Sony.

Via CNet.

In addition to the HP Mini 311, it is reported that Verizon will continue to sell the HP Mini 110-1046NR netbook for a subsidized cost with the purchase of a two-year Mobile Broadband contract.

The machine runs Windows XP Home in a 1.6 GHz Atom CPU with 1 GB of RAM. It has a 160 GB HDD and a 1024 x 576 pixel screen.

The HP Mini 311, as reported earlier, will go for $250 after a $100 mail-in rebate. The HP Mini 110 netbook will be sold for $200 after the rebate and comes with a 250 MB, $40 monthly plan (with additional megabyte use costing $0.10 each) and a $60 plan offering 5 GB of data use with a $0.05 fee per additional megabyte.

But before you go gung-ho for the Verizon netbook plan, make sure you know what it could cost you.

Via HTLounge.

Verizon Wireless has just expanded their overall 3G netbook selection to four different models. Previously, the company launched the Gateway LT2016u and HP Mini 1151NR, and HP Mini 311-1037NR, and now they’re adding the HP Mini 110-1046NR netbook.

The Mini 110 being launched will operate in the CDMA 1x EV-DO Rev. A network within the U.S. and in quad-band EDGE and triband 3G HSPA mode in foreign countries. Consumers that sign up for a global data plan will get an EDGE/HSPA SIM card at time of sign up.

The HP Mini 110-1046NR netbook will be on sale starting in mid-November for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in-rebate (in the form of a debit card) with a new two-year data plan contract. Mobile broadband plans start at $39.99 per month for 250MB of data, with overage costs of $0.10 per MB.

Via Twice.

Image via Engadget.

Verizon is set to introduce the HP Mini 311 netbook to its lineup with subsidized pricing under the two-year contract. Running the Intel Atom N270, the 11.6-inch netbook comes with a 1366 x 768 pixel HD capable screen, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

 The Nvidia ION graphics chipset means you can play 1080p video, though you’ll want to display it on an external display because the resolution of the netbook only supports up to 720p.

The machine sells for $250 after a $100 mail-in rebate.

Via I4U.

We haven’t seen a Verizon device running Android just yet, but word has it the wireless carrier intends to join the club quite soon.

Google came forward with Verizon today, announcing a new “family of [Android] devices” for the consumer market. The selection will include two smartphones powered by Android, and while there was no mention of a netbook just yet, it seems like a possibility considering other Verizon offerings.

A number of manufacturers are already petitioning Verizon to have their devices offered with Android, including some netbook manufacturers.

Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam dropped a comment that might be construed as a quip about Apple, saying that Google Voice will work on the Android phones because “you are either open, or you are not.”

Via IntoMobile.

PC World’s Jeff Bertolucci is calling foul on Verizon’s latest netbook deal, which gets you a Gateway LT2016U netbook with mobile broadband for $150 post-rebate and a 2-year contract.

His claim? That even at $150, the Gateway netbook is overpriced. I quote:

“The LT2016u is a ho-hum netbook. Its specs — a 10.1-inch SD 1024 x 600 display, Intel Atom N270 processor (1.60 GHz), 1 GB RAM, and a 160 GB hard disk — are virtually identical to those of the Acer Aspire One D250, which sells for about $300 at Amazon. The Gateway system does include built-in 3G broadband; but customers are locked into Verizon’s usurious monthly fees. “

Verizon’s monthly fees are $40 for a 250 MB monthly allowance (read: this sucks) and 10 cents per MB of overage, or $60 monthly for a 5 GB allowance and a 5 cent overage fee. With the $60 plan, you’ll be down $1590 after two years.

I think enough has been said about that, so do yourselves a favor and opt out.

It’s looking like starting Sunday, October 4th you’ll be able to buy a Gateway LT2016U netbook at Verizon Wireless for some potentially interesting numbers. Here’s are your options:

• $499 with no contract
• $319 with a $60/month one-year wireless broadband contract
• $150 after a $100 rebate with a $60/month two-year wireless broadband contract

If you’re into the wireless broadband thing that’s a competitive deal. The 10.1-inch Gateway LT2016U netbook has a 1024 x 600 pixel screen, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 chip, a Gig of RAM, 160 GB HDD, and Windows XP.

Retail versions sold elsewhere cost around $300 but don’t include the 3G chip.

Via CrunchGear.

So with all this (successful) competition between existing telecom companies (especially AT&T and Verizon) in selling subsidized netbooks with monthly data plans, Qwest Communications thought it would jump in and grab a piece of the action.

This high-speed Internet company will offer the 10″ Dell Inspiron Mini netbook at the subsidized price of $199. Customers will be able to choose between 3 different data plans: 7 Mpbs, 12 Mpbs, and 20 Mpbs. This offer was launched on August 1st and is planned on continuing through September 30th.

As a side note, AT&T’s subsidized netbook and data plan packages were so successful that the company is rumored to soon be extending the program to the rest of the United States.

Via eWeek.

Image via LaptopReviewsUK.

For a limited time, customers signing up with Verizon’s FiOS Internet bundle with a connection of 25 Mbits/15 Mbits or higher, FiOS TV Extreme HD, or FiOS Essentials will get the choice of a free Compaq Mini netbook or a Flip Ultra camcorder.

To get in on the deal you need to sign up for service by August 15 and activate by September 30. Verizon will send the device if you have no overdue bills for 60 days, while tacking on a one-year service contract and a $120 cancellation fee.

The second option is signing up for a triple broadband bundle of FiOS internet with a 15/5 Mbit or higher connection, FiOS TV Essentials and the Freedom Essentials voice service get a Flip Ultra camcorder for free or the option to buy the $299.99 netbook for a mere $99.99.

If you use DSL instead, the free netbook/camcorder promo can be enacted by customers signing up for “one-year, double- or triple-play DSL bundles that includes either the 3 Mbits/768 Kbits or 7.1 Mbits/768 Kbits service.”

Verizon’s 10.1-inch Compaq Mini netbook uses an Intel Atom with Windows XP. Verizon will be sending out $299.99 coupons redeemable at HP Home & Home Office, but users need to pay $50 of taxes and shipping.

Via PCMag.

Netbooks are about to get a new module for mobile Internet, with which netbook users will be able to connect through plans offered by providers like Verizon and AT&T.

The broadband module comes from Ericsson and is called the Ericsson F3307. It’s specifically designed for netbooks and is certified with cellular networks in 75 countries.

It uses the HSPA standard, which is similar to the one used by AT&T’s 3G network. HSPA is popular worldwide, boosting the accessability of the Ericsson module.

As it is netbook-oriented, the Ericsson F3307 is designed for low power consumption. Offering download speeds up to 2 MB/s, the module is about the same size as a Wi-Fi module usef in laptops. Ericsson is working with Intel to get the F3307 validated with the Pine Trail-M netbook platform planned for the post-Atom netbook world.

Via CNet.

Eight days from now the very first Verizon netbook is coming to to town, bearing an HP logo and flashy features to boot. Take a look:

The HP Mini 1151NR is to be launched the same day as the Verizon MiFi personal hotspot. We don’t know pricing just yet, but rumors put it at $199 post-rebate with a 2-year contract. The monthly fees are a bummer, at around $40-$60/month, but consumers happy enough with current netbook plans should be compatiable with the new setup.

More info as we have it.

Via BoyGeniusReport.

Today we’ll be focusing on something that seems to be on everyone’s mind – 3G netbooks. I’ve gotten several emails asking about the matter, so today’s ASK NBB hopes to conquer the question once and for all.

QUESTION:

“I’m curious about 3G netbooks. Could you tell me about some netbook models that use 3G and what the future of 3G is for the industry? And what is the best mobile broadband plan for netbooks?

Thanks a lot!”

Steve M.

ANSWER:

I’m glad you asked, Steve. Since the release of the iPhone 3G the usefulness of the feature has been demonstrated in the hands of everyone lucky enough to get their hands on one. Adding 3G to netbooks makes them truly wireless tools, released from the bounds of the internet you’re getting at home or at work.

With 3G capability, you can use your netbook as a GPS system in the car, for last-minute work during a morning train commute, or while relaxing in a park far from Wi-Fi access. Sounds pretty good. So what netbooks out there will get you 3G?

Recent weeks have brought a horde of new 3G netbook releases, with both the Neo 101 and 720p Dell Mini 10 being released in the past few days alone. Lenovo also updated its virulently successful IdeaPad line with a new 3G netbook just four days ago.

The swift gains in 3G netbooking are no surprise – China Mobile, a 3G wireless provider, recently partnered with six other netbook manufacturers in order to spread 3G far and wide. The Dell Mini 10 was a product of that union, and with manufacturers “Lenovo, Founder Technology, Tsinghua Tongfang, Haier Group, [and] Hewlett-Packard” on board as well it’s looking like China Mobile’s netbook 3G is going to get very big very quickly.

So what about mobile broadband plans for netbooks? The main contenders are Verizon, which plans to subsidize the HP Mini 1000 according to a recent leak, and AT&T, which intends to offer a wide variety of netbooks including the Dell Mini 9 for as little as $49.99 nationwide.

It’s hard to say which plan is better – the cheap netbooks are a huge bonus, but both plans can get quite pricey as one unfortunate Oklahoma woman recently learned. I can’t give you a definitive answer about which to choose, but be sure to take into account more than just the initial cost of the netbook or the monthly rate – many mobile broadband companies charge extra fees for going above storage allowances, which could end up punishing your wallet if you aren’t careful.

In the end, 3G is an extremely useful feature which has become more and more widespread in the very recent past. It won’t be long before nearly all netbooks come with 3G, and if I may say so myself, that sounds pretty damn good.

Good luck to you, and as always, happy netbooking!

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Interested in getting your own question answered on ASK NBB? Here’s how! Be sure to check out our first ASK NBB for some guidance on buying a new netbook.

A recent leak by Verizon is suggesting that the cellular provider is thinking of subsidizing HP Mini 1000 netbooks for its 3G mobile broadband plans in the near future.

The document in question is an employee training manual which features the Mini 1000 netbook in a variety of upcoming plans. The netbook, which has a massive keyboard, 10.1-inch display and 80 GB HDD, runs XP and has a traditional 1.6 GHz processor.

This is as much info on the leak as we have for the time being, but check back soon for updates.

Via CheapLaptops.

AT&T’s experiment in selling subsidized Dell Mini 9 and Mini 12 netbooks in Atlanta and Philadelphia for a miniscule $49.99 has turned out to be beneficial for the company. One spokesperson announced that these trials were successful and that AT&T is considering offering the netbooks at that price across America.

While the deal is currently only offered at eight Atlanta retail locations, AT&T is “very pleased with the early results.” Furthermore, Verizon is rumored to be offering similar deals later this spring.

Via BusinessWeek.

Yesterday Verizon announced that it intends to begin a netbook program, selling 3G-capable netbooks by June this year. Verizon isn’t new to netbooks, offering a huge rebate on Sony Vaio P netbooks back in February.

Rumors circulating say that the netbook of choice will be the HP Mini 1000 netbook, the approximately $330 machine famous for the flashy Vivienne Tam edition released a while back. The netbook will go for a mere $99 in Verizon stores with the purchase of a 2-year contract.

Be careful, though – some 3G netbook plans have had dire consequences for their subscribers, especially one woman from Oklahoma who got burned with a $5000 bill by AT&T.

Via Wireless and Mobile News.

The headline-making Sony Vaio P has been getting everyone hot and bothered ever since its release at CES 2009. Is it a netbook, or just a netbook lookalike? Does it define all categorization? The device is a serious contender for netbook market share, however, although it’s price – a heart-wrenching $899.99 -  is far above the range of most similar machines.

Aside from the major turnoff of the pricetag, the Sony Vaio P not-netbook has some awesome specs, including an 8-inch LCD screen with extra backlighting, a 60 GB HDD, and Vista Home (as well as dual-boot to XMB).

If the cost soured the Vaio P’s prospects of wide distribution, then Verizon is its boon. The cell-phone and mobile broadband company recently decided that it wants to offer a $200 mail-in rebate for the Sony Vaio P netbook.

As always, there’s a catch. Naturally, you need to activate a two-year wireless broadband plan with Verizon in order to score the rebate. Two hundred dollars sounds pretty good at first, but $60 a month for two years?

The choice is in your hands, consumers. Is the Verizon-Vaio P netbook deal worth it, or just a scam?

Via TomsHardware.