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We’ve known about the existence of Nokia’s Booklet 3G Netbook for months now.

We knew the cell phone giant was about to release a Netbook which will connect to someone’s 3G wireless data network – but we didn’t know much else. Now we do.

In a New York City press conference, Nokia and partners AT&T Wireless, Best Buy and Microsoft formally and proudly announced the eminent release of the Booklet 3G.

The 3G will run on a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor – with one GB of memory – a 120 GB hard drive – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a wireless connection to the Web via AT&T’s 3G data network. More about that in a minute.

The 3G comes in three cool colors – and has lots of cool software bundled inside – the most important of which is Microsoft Windows 7.

In a very, very brief play session, the 3G seemed to run very well on the new OS. Of course, we’ll know a lot more when both hardware and software are finalized for release.

As for the time frame, all the participants say Best Buy will be the exclusive reseller of the Nokia Netbook – at least through the end of 2009. They will begin taking orders for the device within the next few weeks. Delivery is expected sometime mid-November.

As for price, the Booklet 3G will retail for $299 with a two-year AT&T data contract. And the contract – of which very little was said at the press conference – will cost you $60 per month for connectivity.

Add that all up and the total cost comes out to more than $1,700 (plus tax and tip) when you’re done. I think that’s a pretty steep price for a Netbook – connected or not.

Even without fully testing the new design, I’m guessing that the Booklet 3G will live up to Nokia’s high standards and should be a terrific device.

I’m wondering, though, about AT&T’s ability to handle much more data traffic on their wireless network. It seems that every person I know with an Apple iPhone (original, second and third generations) has to suffer through a plague of dropped phone calls and sometimes slow data download speeds.

Not every other device I’ve tested suffers from the same dropout problem – or to the same extent – as iPhones. But it’s something to think about.

Full test results will be coming ASAP.

T-Mobile, says there’s still a chance that some affected Sidekick owners might be getting a little good news in the next few days.

There may still be a way to retrieve all of their personal information that disappeared from the giant Sidekick computing “cloud”.

In a late night press release, T-Mobile says they “…and Microsoft/Danger continue to do all we can to recover and return any lost information. Recent efforts indicate the prospects of recovering some lost content may now be possible. We will continue to keep you updated on this front; we know how important this is to you.”

And now, the number four cellular provider has an offer for those affected:

“In the event certain customers have experienced a significant and permanent loss of personal content, T-Mobile will be sending these customers a $100 customer appreciation card. This will be in addition to the free month of data service that already went to Sidekick data customers.

This card can be used towards T-Mobile products and services, or a customer’s T-Mobile bill. For those who fall into this category, details will be sent out in the next 14 days – there is no action needed on the part of these customers. We however remain hopeful that for the majority of our customers, personal content can be recovered.”

They recommend that Sidekick owners Sidekick continue to visit T-Mobile Sidekick Forums on a regular basis to access the latest updates, as well as FAQs regarding this service disruption.

T-Mobile Forums are said to offer tips and suggestions for rebuilding content on Sidekick devices.

Sprint’s HTC Hero is a great smartphone.

I was really impressed when I first saw one at a sneak preview a few months ago.

Since then, the hardware has changed a bit – but HTC’s innovative, new “Sense” interface/home screen is still a terrific addition to a basic Android phone- and the Hero is now even better than I remembered it.

Here’s what you need to know: Sprint’s 3G-connected touchscreen device measures 4.5 by 2.2 by 0.5 inches and weighs 4.5 ounces.

The rechargeable, 1,500mAh Lithium-ion battery is estimated to be good for as much as 5 hours of talk time. Remember: your mileage may vary!

The still/video camera on the back measures 5 megapixels.

Features include: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth, GPS navigation, a microSD memory card expansion slot, media player (audio and video), Web browsing, Voice Command and voice activated dialing, Visual voicemail, Android Market downloads, Document viewing, full Gmail/contacts and calendar synchronization, NFL Mobile network, NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, Sprint TV Live and lots more.

I think you’re getting the idea. This is one heckuva mobile device.

Here’s the best part: everything works! The 3G has locked onto a signal nearly everywhere I’ve tried – even far Eastern Long Island (where you have to choose your location very carefully to get any cell phone to work at all).

Haven’t had to deal with a single dropped voice call anywhere.

The phone was easy to set-up and a dream to use. I took to the HTC Hero immediately and it responded in a like manner. I take it with me everywhere I go. I follow NFL games wherever I am. I watch Sprint TV whenever I can. My Gmail is easier to read and respond to on the Hero than on my BlackBerry or other smartphones.

You get the idea. I really, really like the Hero.

I did find a few things I would like to see improved. The processor is OK – but in light of some future designs I’ve gotten to play with recently, the Hero could use an overall speed boost.

The on-screen keyboard is a touch small. I’m not a big fan of tiny, touchscreen keyboards and the Hero’s in no exception. A Hero with a larger screen might also provide a larger keyboard.

And finally, I found a sharp edge on the bottom of the phone. I was able to “hammer it down” a drop so that all the edges are smooth. I’m guessing this was a pre/early production flaw and will never been noticed by another end user.

The Hero should be hitting Sprint stores this week (if they’re not in stock right now). It will cost you $179.99 with a 2-year service contract. (That’s $479.99 minus $200 instant rebate – plus a $100 mail-in rebate. I’m not sure why they don’t just charge you $180 and get the whole thing over with.

Sprint/HTC’s Hero is just one of more than a dozen Android-based smartphones hitting the market before the holidays, this year. If they’re all this good – smartphone owners will have to take notice.

Sprint’s HTC Hero is highly recommended.

It was official a few seconds after 8pm, last night.

WQXR, New York City premiere classical music radio station was transferred to its new owners WNYC and began broadcasting as a public radio station on a new frequency.

As part of a complicated financial deal, Univision gave ultimate buyer WNYC a lot of money to complete the transaction. WQXR would then switch dial position with Univision’s WCCA. Actually, not only dial position but WCCA would then own a more desirable class of FCC broadcast license.

So, last night, WCCA switched to WQXR’s highly desirable 96.3 MHz and WQXR bounced to WCAA’s less desirable 105.9 MHz.

WCAA (which once was known as WHBI) now calls themselves “X96 Mix” and plays what they term “Spanish Tropical” music.

WQXR now announces that they’re “WQXR, Newark and New York.”

For the record, WQXR’s seller was The New York Times. If they hadn’t sold their radio station their daily newspaper would probably have to sell for $10 a day in the near future.

If you don’t know the history, WQXR has been around for long, long time. According to the new WQXR Website:

The nation’s first commercial classical radio station began in 1936 when W2XR owner and founder John Hogan joined with advertising executive Elliott Sanger to create the Interstate Broadcasting Company. The company’s chief asset was W2XR. In December 1936, W2XR’s call letters were changed to WQXR. It was a 50,000 watt, AM radio station operating at 1560 KHz.

The Times Company completed the sale of the AM station to Radio Disney in 2007.

Now, that station’s call letters are WQEW.

I still miss the ability to hear classical music on the AM band. Actually, I miss the ability to hear any music on the AM band. Especially now with the modern advantage of better sounding AM HD radio broadcasts.

Speaking of HD radio, the new WQXR now broadcasts in HD – something the NY Times refused to do when they owned it. In my northern Manhattan outpost the new WQXR sounds fantastic. Even though the new frequency’s reception map says WQXR’s broadcast signal won’t reach as far as the old station did reception is much more stable in my location.

In addition, just like new owners WNYC’s other radio stations, there is more than one HD broadcast “stream” available on the frequency.

That means there are now two new WQXRs to listen to: WQXR 105.9 and something called Q2 described as an “eclectic 24/7 online music stream that celebrates 500 years of new music and provides a companion for the musically curious.” I have no idea what that means.

If you don’t have an HD radio yet you can listen to both new WQXRs and both WNYCs via audio streams on the WQXR Website.

The next move for WQXR would probably be not up but off the dial. Future generations of New Yorkers need to be able to listen to WQXR. I hope you listen to the new station(s) and support them.

Ishikawa Prefecture (or State) is located near the center of Japan’s main island – on the western coast – surrounded by the Sea of Japan.

It benefits from warm southern currents during the summer (hot and humid) as well as cold winds (and snow) in the winter.

It’s largest city is Kanazawa.

The area is best known for the beautiful natural landscapes, textile and semiconductor factories, their lacquer ware and porcelain, their bountiful seafood, their rice (and that means excellent sake), their Ishiri (fermented fish sauce), natural salt, hospitality and New York Yankee super-star Hideki Matsui.

Haksuan National Park

With all that fish, rice, salt, fresh vegetables and all the other available fine ingredients you may have already guessed that Ishikawa is also known for its fine cuisine.

That brings me to Tuesday night’s amazing display of culinary dexterity brought to us by Cedric Vongerichten, Chef de Cuisine at New York City’s Perry Street Restaurant in lower Manhattan.

Yes, in case you were wondering. Cedric is the son of super master chef Jean Georges Vongerichten but don’t hold that against him. He’s pretty spectaculafr in his own right.

Chef Cedric prepared a amazing nine course tasting menu based on what he learned during an intensive week of training with Ishikawa Prefecture’s most famous chefs. Cedric is one of a number of chefs who have benefitted from real Japanese training made possible by New York’s Gohan Society.

Our meal consisted of everything from Egg Caviar (pared with Alfred Gratien Rose Champagne Brut) to Madai Sashimi, Black Truffles with Noto no Suzo Shio (pared with Kagatobi Jummai Daiginjo sake) to Rice Cracker Crusted Tuna (pared with a wonderful Riesling), a Chicken Broth with Vegetables (with Gruner Veltliner), Sauteed Snapper with Sea Beans, Radish and Lily Bulb Salad and Butter Poached Lobster (both paired with sake), Grilled Beef Tenderloin (Beaune Bressandes Premier Cru), Black Trumpet Dusted Lamb with an amazing Soy Bean Puree (with III Sommes, Napa Valley) and finally three great desserts served with 2003 Taylor Vintage Port.

Needless to say, it was an exquisite meal – a wonderful introduction to ingredients from Ishikawa Prefecture along with many Western influences as well.

Based on that dinner I can’t wait to visit Ishikawa Prefecture and experience the tastes there for myself. Then I would have to start calling this site “Buy Me, Get Me, Feed Me!”

Afterwards, I spoke with Chef Cedric about his trip to Ishikawa:

PS: Go Hideki! And go Yankees!

I have to admit that I’m not a big Kindle fan. I think it’s an OK device for reading books and stuff – if you read books and stuff.

My problem with it is that they charge you too much to purchase the device in addition to continously paying them to buy your software (books, subscriptions) through the Amazon purchasing system. It’s a closed system.

I used to feel the same way about Polaroid cameras and film when there was a Polaroid. Companies like Amazon should be nearly giving the hardware away for all the profit they’re going to make selling your reading material.

Which brings me to this morning’s announcement. Amazon.com has lowered the price of their best-selling Kindle book reader. That’s the model which was less expensive to begin with.

Amazon lowered the price of its “#1 bestseller Kindle” from $299 down to $259. Not earth-shattering news or a huge price slashing but a step in the right direction especially considering renewed competition from Sony and others (cheaper hardware) as well as the book-reading abilities of nearly every new smartphone hitting the marketplace (free software).

But, there was an even more interesting announcement from Amazon.com today: a Kindle with U.S. & International Wireless access.

The newest Kindle now enables readers to wirelessly download content in more than 100 countries and territories.

Both versions of this Kindle with a 6-inch (diagonal) screen are 8 by 5.3 by 0.36 inch devices and hold up to 1,500 book titles.

The only difference is the built-in modem. Unlike the U.S.-only version which works on Sprint’s high-speed EV-DO data network, the International version uses AT&T’s worldwide, GSM/3G Whispernet system. That also means Kindle users could find themselves competing with Apple iPhone users on the same 3G network.

This International version should be a really big deal for Amazon. Europeans actually read books. Not only in the privacy of their own homes but on buses, trains, in parks, standing in line (everywhere) and even sitting in sidewalk cafes. Book stores can be found on nearly every street corner (not just in regional shopping malls).

The new International Kindle is being released in English, French, Spanish, German and Japanese editions. They should all be huge hits.

In early trading following the announcement Amazon.com stock (AMZN) is a big gainer. Investors understand what a great deal this is.

Amazon wants you to know that you can pre-order the new Kindle with U.S. & International Wireless starting today for $279.

New Android devices are about to hit the marketplace in huge numbers.

Every morning when I boot-up the computer I read at least one or two e-mails telling me about another new device which runs on Google’s Android operating system which will be available in the next few weeks.

Some of them look very intriguing.

As for cell phones, there are new designs coming from Motorola to T-Mobile and Verizon. T-Mobile announced pre sales of the Motorola CLIQ – with a slide-out keyboard and Motorola’s new MOTOBLUR social management service.

This morning, T-Mobile announced the brand new Samsung Behold II. The press release tells us that the Android phone features a 3.2-inch AMOLED screen and Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface.

Behold II has three different home screens along with Samsung’s cube menu which provides quick access to six top multimedia features (music, photos, videos, Web, YouTube and Amazon’s MP3 store.

T-Mobile is mum about the price or about exactly when we’ll see the Behold II. All they say is it’s “currently scheduled to launch before the start of the holidays”.

Verizon is rumored to be launching another Motorola model, the Tao or the Sholes (depending on which industry leak you believe) in time for the Christmas shopping season. That’s industry speak for the next few weeks.

Sprint’s new HTC Hero is just hitting retails stores now. I’ll have a full review very soon – as soon as I stop marveling at how great a device it is).

And those are just some of the cell phones that are being touted for the holidays. AT&T – still the exclusive home of the Apple iPhone – has been very quiet about any Android phone plans).

Android is also an open-source operating system or what industry professionals call a “platform” being built into desktops, laptops, notebooks, netbooks and portable media players. For instance, France-based Archos is releasing their first Android-based “Internet tablet” handheld: the Archos 5.

Archos believes the 5 achieves the convergence of the Internet, entertainment, TV, and GPS in one small, handheld device.

As a matter of fact, they think their new device lets you discover and download applications and games while performing the best multimedia experience of any handheld device.

You can connect your 5 to your smartphone via Wi-fi or Bluetooth for a very portable wireless experience.

Thems fighting words, Apple. Based on previous experiences with Archos portable products, I can tell you that this little player could very well be a big contender in the marketplace.

This is sizing-up into what could be a very interesting gadget holiday season.