Free Soft

China will be getting its own version of an Android device in the first quarter of 2009, but rather than going with HTC's G1 handset, China Mobile is opting for a Lenovo Mobile version of the Google phone instead. Details on the Lenovo Android are scarce, but considering the G1's already available through less-than-legal channels in the country, it'll be interesting to see how it fares. Though the black market version costs a pretty ridiculous $550 right now, it's possible that unauthorized resellers are keeping the price high until other Android sets hit the streets. [Shanghaiist and Electronista]

Tagi: legal channels, china mobile, google, phe, g1, resellers, handset, first quarter, lenovo

The STAFDA trade show is traditionally where manufacturers come together and solicit current distributors to carry their products thus increasing their overall reach. This show does not have as many product launches as the larger and more end user focused show like the www.BuildersShow.com or www.WorldofConcrete.com but there were some cool new products that were launched or at least that were available to touch and feel for the first time. Many of the larger vendors also had private meetings to unveil future plans and products however those products weren’t ready to launch.

Some of the highlights (more to come):

The Senco Fusion was one of the bigger product launches of the show. They didn’t have any marketing material ready and currently nothing on their website but they did have several working models of the 15 gauge and 18 gauge finishing nailers which I got to try out. These should be available sometime in the first quarter 2010 with other finishers on the way shortly afterwards. The framing nailer they said was in the works but we would not see it anytime soon.        

The Milwaukee 2790-20 JobSite Radio for M12, M18, V18, V28 & NiCds was also at the show along with all the new Milwaukee Test & Measure tools. I have probably already had too many posts on these items already but it was nice to get chance to see them in action and answer a few questions like how can the radio take every kind of battery? Answer 3 different battery slots so probably not going to see any other universal tools coming.

Tagi: nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp, framing nailer, stafda, cool new products, universal tools, private meetings, specialty tools, v28, acti, m18, jobsite, fasteners, gauge, first quarter, trade show, slots, amp, milwaukee, alg, models