Lenovo was kind enough to send me two of its most current netbook models, and this video is a tour of both. The S10-2 is as small as netbooks go while retaining full usability, in my view, and the S12 pushes the limits of netbooks with a 12-inch screen.

The video gives an overview of both netbooks and shows the size comparison of the two models. This gives a glimpse into how little additional size and weight you gain with the larger S12. The higher screen resolution of the S12 (1280×800) is a nice benefit for such a small size penalty over the S10-2.

The S10-2 is $350 and the S12 is $499 from Lenovo, so the extra size and screen resolution come at a price.

Yes, I’m in a video “frame” of mind this week. Here’s another quickie to show off a fun and useful utility called Freeze. Phoenix Technologies created Freeze and it normally sells for $14.99. The Phoenix folks tell me there’s an intro price of $9.99 right now, however.

I decided to take advantage of the 14-day free trial, so I’m running around the home office testing the utility. Freeze pairs your Windows XP or Vista computer with Bluetooth phone and then uses that wireless signal as a proximity detector. When you leave your PC, Freeze will lock it, turn off your screen or put the PC to sleep. You can configure the actions as well as the lock and unlock distance.

I’ve got it just about right for my home office, although I seem to have added a step by locking myself in the room, too. I hope someone with a Bluetooth phone shows up at the door soon. The cats are in here and they look very hungry. Plus they’re staring at me strangely. Nice kitty?

I meant to pick up my Windows Home Server experiment where I left off, but I think I need to do some rewiring first. Since the only coaxial cable jack upstairs was in Barb’s office across the house, I’m using my FiOS mainly over Wi-Fi. As a result, I’m not always getting the full benefit of 20 MBps uploads and downloads. Before I tackle my Windows Home Server usage again, I’ve got some hard wiring to do. It doesn’t look too complicated, but it’s a good 70′ run from the basement to my second-floor office. Here’s a walk-through of my next weekend project before I start using my WHS again.

I apologize for the focus issues, but I’m not thrilled with the auto-focus feature when recording video on the Canon T1i: It takes too long, and the motor noise is easily picked up by the internal mic. I’ll definitely work on that in the future with my DSLR. Or perhaps I should just use an iPhone 3G S? I would have, but I know that some of you are clamoring for videos of cows, not cables.

I just can’t help it. When I put the Altec Lansing BackBeat 903 wireless stereo headset on, I have to dance. (Notice, I didn’t say “I have to dance well.”) The sound from this review unit sent by the Altec Lansing is quite good — better than I expected, actually. I can wirelessly control music playback, volume, and even use these to take phone calls. Yesterday, I used these with my Palm Pre to participate in a 2.5-hour conference call, and they worked out very well. The only issue I had was the tiny mute button, which I think needs a little improvement. Bass isn’t the deepest, but holding the Play/Pause button for two seconds gives a bit of a boost to assist in that area.

For $99, I think these offer an excellent value. The sound won’t be quite as good as a high-end wired headset that costs far more, but unless you’re a true audiophile, these should work out nicely. Plus, you gain the convenience of wireless connectivity. As in all things mobile tech, it’s a trade-off.

Got questions I didn’t cover in the video review or here? Just post ‘em in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer ‘em.

Right after I put together our first 10 Tips and Tricks for the Palm Pre, I realized I forgot one of the best ones. That’s OK. This is one that’s better off seen and not heard read about. It has to do with getting the cursor exactly where you want it on your Pre in a text field. I got so used to the iPhone’s magnifying glass that I was actually bummed to learn there was no similar feature in text fields for the Pre. Luckily, the Palm rep at my Sprint store heard me grumbling and showed me this great trick.

My coverage of the Viliv X70 and S5 UMPCs has been very popular and I am getting asked by a lot of people how the two devices compare during use. This is not an easy question to answer, however, as even though they are comparably configured they are very different devices to use due to their respective sizes. The easiest way to demonstrate how I use each UMPC is on video, so have a look and hopefully you’ll get a feel for how each of the two devices feel.

The X70 is the first up on camera and has a 7-inch screen. Last up is the S5 with the little 5-inch screen and I show how both of them are used in portrait orientation in the hand. Have a look and see what you think about these UMPCs from Korea.

I have been awash in new gadgets this week and today the gadget that arrived is the Viliv X70 UMPC. The X70 is just getting released and the fine folks at Viliv were kind enough to send me an early evaluation unit to share with you. I will be putting the X70 through its paces but as I just received it I wanted to give you a first look at the UMPC. The X70 is a 7-inch slate form with a 1.33 GHz Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, 32 GB SSD, integrated 3G, webcam, USB slot, SD slot…whew, I can’t remember any more than that. Take a look at the X70 in the video and leave your thoughts in the comments. So far I’m pretty impressed; it reminds me of a thinner, lighter, svelte Samsung Q1.

A loaner MiFi 2200 just showed up from Verizon Wireless, and James has already been putting it through the paces. Before he burns out the integrated EVDO and Wi-Fi radios, let’s have a look-see at this small device that doubles as a broadband modem and wireless router. I was already impressed with the device when I played with it at this year’s CTIA Wireless show; for someone like me who uses different devices, the MiFi is certainly appealing.

I’ve been getting asked by folks how I use the Viliv S5 UMPC most often; I can narrow it down to two distinct scenarios. In this video I show how I am able to use the UMPC in my hands in portrait orientation and I then show it off as a little desktop.  Enjoy.

Wow, talk about surprised! The Viliv S5 that left Korea only yesterday showed up at Mobile Tech Manor this afternoon. This video gives you a first look at the S5 along with me as I had only just received it when this was shot. I will be shooting a better HD video soon but meanwhile give the S5 a look.