BBC – Plastic Logic e-reader aims to challenge Kindle
UK firm Plastic Logic has launched its Que e-reader in a bid to challenge the dominance of Amazon’s Kindle.

BBC – Microsoft and HP show off ‘slate’ PC
Microsoft and HP have teamed up to introduce a slate computer ahead of Apple’s much rumoured device launch. The firms unveiled the Windows 7 powered touchscreen machine, otherwise known as a tablet, at CES this week.

The Financial Times – Sarkozy proposes ad tax on Google
The French government is considering levying a tax on the advertising revenues of Google and other internet portals, in the latest sign of a European backlash against the activities of the US internet search group.

The Financial Times – Intel re-enters market with smartphone
Intel unveiled a smartphone at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Thursday, marking its re-entry into the handset market after an absence of four years.

IT PRO – More signs of recovery as IT spending outlook rises
The IT market continues to show green shoots of growth that could be indicative of financial recovery, according to the latest research from industry analyst IDC.

IT PRO – O2 and 3 bosses want UK-based probe into Orange/T-Mobile
Rival mobile operators have called for Orange’s merger with T-Mobile to be scrutinised by UK regulators rather than their European counterparts.

CBR – Insurance firms see IT as a risk
Technology is a top concern for insurance companies, according to a global research report into the sector by HP. Bucking the recent global financial turmoil, insurance firms were highly active in 2009, investing, in particular, in modernising and streamlining applications, technology to improve the efficiency of internal processes and outsourcing.