Next week's premier Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas will feature sleeker, smarter mobile phones, tablets, and netbooks, as companies unveil their latest gadgets.

Google's juggernaut sensation as the top Internet search and advertising system has made it the focus of regulators concerned that the company will crush free market competition.

In an unconventional move, Dell Inc announced this week that it would begin offering systems with the older Microsoft Windows XP operating system for an extra $150 beyond what it charges for machines running Windows Vista.

By Womack, Brian A couple of local computer industry veteransLap Shun "John" Hui and Wayne Inouye-may come out of retirement to take on Europe. Hui, who sold eMachines Inc. to Irvine-based Gateway Inc.

By Donna Fuscaldo Dow Jones Newswires CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- No news is good news. That's what industry watchers are saying about the progress of Dell Inc. and Apple Computer Inc.'s laptop battery recalls.