Kindle Fire Sells Out — Just in Time for Kindle Fire 2?

Amazon dropped another hint that it’s planning to introduce the next-generation Kindle Fire at its press event in Santa Monica, Calif., next week: The company said Thursday morning that the original Kindle Fire has “sold out” on its website.

Amazon added that the Android tablet has captured 22% of the tablet market in the U.S., citing (presumably) estimates published by New York-based research consulting firm Frank N. Magid Associates late last month. The same study says that Apple’s iPad still dominates: Approximately half of all tablet owners have iPads.

Amazon has been greasing its PR wheels ahead of next Thursday’s big event. Since the invite was sent out on the 23rd, the company has announced an expanded content licensing agreement with NBCUniversal, sales figures for e-books sold exclusively through its Kindle Store and the international expansion of its Android Appstore, among other items. (Mashable.com)

Getting Rid of Your Old iPhone 4S? Apple Will Pay You For It

With mere weeks until the rumored release of the iPhone 5, Apple fanboys and girls may be clamoring to rid themselves of the old to make room for the new.

Looking to offset the cost of upgrading? If you own an iPhone 4S, then you’re in luck. Through its Reuse and Recycling program, Apple will offer $345 on an Apple gift card in exchange for the old device, depending on its condition, The Next Web reports.

The online wizard lets users select the model, color and condition of your iPhone 4S, and will then provide an estimated value of the device. Naturally, its value diminishes if there are scratches, water damage and other issues.

Reuse and Recycling extends to other Apple devices, including iPads, Macs and even PC computers. If your device qualifies after being sent in for assessment, the gift card you receive can be used at any Apple retail and online store. If not, the company says it will recycle it for you at no cost.

Other third-party retailers, such as eBay, also sell the iPhone 4S. A quick look at the site shows the device going for much higher prices, often upwards of $500.

Would you sell your iPhone 4s to Apple? And would you use the earnings on a brand-new iPhone 5? Tell us in the comments below. (Mashable.com)

Toshiba Unveils Tablet-Ultrabook Hybrid

Toshiba unveiled on Thursday during the 2012 IFA conference in Berlin a series of new computer devices, including a tablet-ultrabook hydrid.

The star of the announcement is a tablet-ultrabook hybrid called the Satellite U925t. The device — which converts into a tablet when a user slides the display back and up — runs as an ultrabook on Windows 8 and in tablet mode to access Windows apps.

Hybrids are becoming increasingly popular in the tech space, appealing to consumers who are looking for an ultra-lightweight device that can double as a tablet. But what’s strange about the satellite U925t is that the display folds up, instead of down.

Even still, the device packs a heavy punch under the exterior, boasting a third-generation Intel Core i5 processor with Intel Rapid Start, a 128GB solid state drive and fast DDR3 1600MHz memory.

Weighing in at only 3.2 pounds and measuring just 0.78 inches thick, the 12.5-inch diagonal HD touchscreen is made from Corning Gorilla Glass and features a front HD webcam, as well as a rear 3MP webcam with auto-focus. Other specs include Bluetooth v4.0, an HDMI port and USB 3.0 ports.

Toshiba also announced the Satellite U845W, the first-ever laptop with an ultra-wide 21:9 cinematic display (1792 x 768 resolution) designed for entertainment consumption. The company is touting the device as a conventional PC performer, but with slimmer styling, less weight and greater durability.

The device — which weighs 3.5 pounds — also includes a third-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with Intel Rapid Start, 500GB hard drive with 32GB SSD cache or 256GB SSD or 6GB DDR3 1600MHz memory. It features a 14.4-inch diagonal HD TruBrite display, a split-screen utility that supports multiple windows on the display in Desktop mode, as well as three USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port and a 1.3 MP Webcam.

Other announcements include the Satellite U945, a four-pound Windows low-cost ultrabook affordably-priced Ultrabook for everyday productivity and entertainment, with a third-generation Intel Core i3 or i5 processors (ULV) with Intel Rapid Start technology, one USB 2.0 port, and two USB 3.0s and a 14-inch diagonal LED Backlit TruBrite display.

Meanwhile, the Satellite P845t boasts a Windows 8 touch experience in a traditional clamshell laptop form factor with a 14-inch diagonal HD Capacitive touch display (1366×768).

Toshiba also detailed its Canvio Personal Cloud, a device which works with iOS, Android, PC and DLNA devices. It allows users to store, share and stream content with remote accessibility to the cloud. The Canvio Personal Cloud — which comes with 2TB ($219.99) and 3TB ($249.99) — is available starting in September.

All other products will be available starting Oct. 26. (Mashable.com)