“Microsoft Corp. plans to cut up to 5,000 jobs over the next 18 months, including 1,400 immediately, as its profit tumbles amid PC market weakness. The software giant said Thursday the moves were driven by deteriorating global economic conditions and lower client revenue, resulting from weakness in the PC market and a shift to lower-priced notebook models. ” [Link]

“The CEO announced that a nearly final ‘beta’ test version of Windows 7 will be available Friday for regular PC users to download and tinker with. The new operating system — which could be available for purchase on PCs within a year — uses much of the same underlying technology as its predecessor, the much-maligned Vista.” [Link]

“The Asus Eee PC 1000HA provides the power of a full-sized laptop in a compact body with an extra-large 10-inch screen, and is now powered by the latest Intel mobile processor. Designed specifically for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry–which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors–to conserve energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. Coupled with the ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine, you’ll also enjoy up to 7 hours of battery life with this Windows-powered laptop.” [Link]

“At the CES expo in January, Lenovo will roll out its latest workstation laptop. The ThinkPad W700ds mobile workstation offers a unique configuration that supports two displays. In addition to the 17-inch display that Lenovo used with the original ThinkPad W700 workstation, Lenovo engineers were able to incorporate a second, 10.6-inch LCD display into the laptop” [Link]

“According to a rather sizeable thread over at the Apple discussion forums, a number of users are experiencing a curious problem that causes the track pad on their new Macbook to freeze up and stop registering clicks after 50 or so successful pushes. The freeze seems to last for 5-10 clicks, after which the button begins functioning again.” [Link]

“The HP Mini 1000 comes in three versions, with starting prices ranging from $379 to $699, and will be available at retailers worldwide starting Wednesday. HP first dipped its toe into the mini-notebook market back in April with the Mini-Note 2133, which it claimed was strictly for K through 12 students and some business travelers. At the time, HP was adamant that this was not meant to play in the same arena as the consumer-oriented Netbook from Asus, the Eee PC. Though it won’t break out the numbers, HP now says the sales of the 2133 ‘exceeded all expectations.’ ” [Link]