Computer Hardware
Is this North Korea’s netbook?
Jun 9th
The North Korean netbook highlighted in a state TV report in March appears to be made in China.
After posting an entry about the device and two other computers, both available in North Korea according to the TV report, several readers pointed out that one of the computers bears a remarkable similarity to low-cost netbooks on sale in several countries around the world.
Most often cited was the “Sylvania” netbook on sale at CVS stores in the U.S. A similar laptop is also available in several other countries and can be found on several online stores and eBay.
So, where does it come More >
North Korean laptop PCs
May 25th
The North Korean state TV evening news recently provided a glimpse at one slice of the country’s PC manufacturing industry. (Update: A similar PC has been spotted in the U.S. Read below)
The report took viewers to the factory and introduced the three computers being made, two of which are laptops and one of which is intended to be used with a television.
The report aired on March 10 and I was intending to write about it on March 11 … then the earthquake struck. I’ve finally had time to do it, and you can read my piece here on PC World: More >
IP Phone system developed
Jan 29th
Kim Il Sung University’s Information Center has developed an IP phone system, according to a brief KCNA report on Thursday.
IP phone systems send calls as digital data over IP (Internet protocol) based networks. While widespread access to the Internet is not available in North Korea, the same IP technology is used on Kwangmyong, the nationwide intranet that connects universities and government offices.
The new system supports calls between computers, between PCs and telephones and between telephones, said KCNA.
It has various options, including video phone call and telephone meeting. It makes it possible to use telephone, IP telephone and soft telephone. – More >
A look at Kim Il Sung University’s computer labs
Nov 26th
The visit of group of Chinese graduates of Kim Il Sung University to their alma mater has provided a chance to see some of the computer labs in the establishment.
Coverage of the visit was carried by both KCNA and state television, which broadcast a 40-second report on November 25th.
I’ve posted some stills from the TV report below. They show what appears to be a modern, well-equipped classroom with numerous flat-screen computer monitors and keyboards.
This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Kim Il Sung University is the DPRK’s top place of learning and a computer science school was established there More >
North Korea gets a new PDA
Nov 5th
North Korean shops have begun selling a new PDA (personal digital assistant), according to the blog of a Russian studying in the country.
The Pyongyang Show and Tell blog, which also introduced us to Red Flag Linux, has some pictures of the PDA and a few technical specs.
It appears to be very much in the style of the PDAs or multimedia players that were popular in the early to mid part of the last decade. There’s no branding on the case that’s visible from the images.
I contacted the student, who doesn’t want to be identified, and asked him a little bit More >
