Laptops outsell desktops for first time

For the first time ever, May saw the value of laptop sales in the US exceed that of desktop machines, according to research firm The NPD Group. NPD's survey also revealed, again for the first time, that more LCD displays were sold during the month than CRTs. Of almost $500mn worth of computers sold in the US in May, more than 54 per cent was from laptop purchases. ...more

Telewest takes 3Mbit leap into wide Blueyonder

Telewest's fibre network will be upgraded to give nearly half a million of its Blueyonder customers connections of up to 3Mbit/sec this May - for free. Chad Raube, director of Internet services at Telewest Broadband, said: 'It's time to give customers a broadband boost for no extra cost and offer them something they can't get from any other broadband provider. Combined with the existing benefits of our Internet products, this will make choosing blueyonder a no-brainer. ...more

Apple updates iPod software

Apple has released the latest iPod software update, adding new features for users of the photo-enabled models. The update provides iPod photo Software 1.1, which adds support for the iPod Camera Connector, Apple's recently introduced device for importing and viewing photos directly from a camera, and provides updated slideshow transitions. ...more

Dixons takes hard look at Freeserve tie-up

Freeserve's deal with Dixons to promote its narrowband Internet service could see it replaced with AOL. The Sunday Telegraph reported yesterday that AOL had made an offer worth as much as a ?10mn that Freeserve has been unable to match. Any new deal would take effect from February of next year, with AOL's narrowband services taking Freeserve's place inside PCs from PC World, Currys and Dixons stores. ...more

Take-Two in trouble over Elder Scrolls IV topless mod

Take-Two is reportedly in hot water once again over hidden content within a game it co-publishes. Following the long-drawn out controversy over 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas', which was found to include a hidden 'pornographic' mini game, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has now apparently fallen foul of a US regulator. The US Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has changed the game's rating to 'mature' from 'teen', reports Reuters, which means it is deemed unsuitable for those under 17. ...more