Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry's largest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, and Vicor Corporation today announced the two companies have signed a global distribution agreement. Vicor Corporation offers a comprehensive portfolio of high efficiency, high density power distribution architectures that enable customers to efficiently convert and manage power from the wall plug to point-of-load and address a broad range of power system requirements including performance-critical applications. "Vicor is well known for its innovative, high performance modular, plug-and-play components ranging from bricks to semiconductor-centric power solutions, and its world-class manufacturing and applications development," said Jeff Shafer, Digi-Key's vice president of global interconnect, passive, and electromechanical products. "Adding these products to our premier power offering is a natural and beneficial decision for Digi-Key and our customers. We look forward to a successful partnership with Vicor." For more than thirty years, engineers have relied on the density, efficiency and flexibility advantages of Vicor components. Vicor offers tens of thousands of standard and customized high performance power conversion and management products designed to enable customers to achieve faster time to market, greater functionality and a competitive advantage. "Vicor's new relationship with Digi-Key represents an important element of our global growth strategy," said Richard Begen, Vicor's vice president of global distribution. "We expect that Digi-Key's expansive market reach will enable Vicor to expand our global footprint, while increasing our presence and revenue in critical growth markets worldwide." Vicor products are available for purchase now on Digi-Key's global websites (www.digikey.com)

MIPS Technologies, a provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital home, networking and mobile applications, has announced that it has joined the Renesas Electronics SoC Partner Program. Renesas, which provides advanced semiconductor solutions, is a long-time licensee of the MIPS64 architecture and processor cores including the MIPS32 74K, 24KE and 4KE cores.Renesas' SoC Partner Program promotes collaboration with its partners based around the Renesas SoC platform targeting the mobile, automotive, and home audio-visual device segments. MIPS will work with Renesas as a partner with a focus on the digital home market."We're very pleased to welcome MIPS Technologies to our SoC Partner Program in support of our SoC products for the digital home," said Tomohisa Arai, general manager of the Home Multimedia Business Division, SoC Business Unit, for Renesas Electronics."MIPS is committed to providing comprehensive solutions that meet the complex requirements and exacting standards of our customers developing products for the digital home, mobile and networking markets," said Gideon Intrater, vice president of marketing, MIPS Technologies. "Renesas Electronics is a long-time and important MIPS licensee, and we're excited to be a part of this collaborative effort that can benefit Renesas Electronics, its customers, and ultimately consumers in many of MIPS' key markets."

Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry's broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, announced the global addition of Dynastream Innovations products to its expansive line card. Dynastream Innovations is an industry leader in wireless monitoring products, specifically the ANT series of 2.4GHz wireless networking protocols and embedded system solutions. "We are pleased to partner with Digi-Key for the broad distribution of ANT and ANT+ products," stated Rod Morris, Director, ANT Wireless. "We have worked with Digi-Key for years as our engineering parts supplier and have great confidence in their capacity to efficiently service the vast development engineer market." The Dynastream ANT series is a proven wireless sensor network protocol and silicon solution for ultra-low power networking applications in sport, wellness, home and industrial automation. With an installed base of over a million nodes, ANT is engineered for ultra-low power, low system cost, ease of use, scalability and flexibility that enables sensors to operate for up to three years on a coin cell battery. The ANT protocol handles peer-to-peer, star, tree and practical mesh topologies. "We are delighted to welcome Dynastream Innovations into our family of quality suppliers," said Mark Zack, Vice President, Semiconductor Product, Digi-Key Corporation. "Dynastream's advancements and patents-in-motion analysis technology have propelled them into a leadership position in ultra-low power wireless solutions." Dynastream Innovations products are available for purchase now on Digi-Key's global websites. Additional information regarding the innovative products offered by Dynastream can be found within the newly updated Product Training Module: http://www.digikey.com/PTM/IndividualPTM.page?site=us&lang=en&ptm=25675

AzureWave Technologies, Inc., the world's leading DMSS solution provider and module maker for versatile wireless solutions, introduced the world's first production-ready 60 GHz WiGig Docking for robust functionality including multi-gigabit cordless computing, wireless display, wireless sync-n-go, I/O expansion and etc. over the new generation 60GHz wireless technology LIVE at 2012 CES. With the fast-growing adoption of mobile Internet devices in the global market, the AzureWave WiGig Docking with built-in HMC Module solution is made perfectly for versatile mobile computing, consumer electronics devices and peripherals. Whether at home, in the office, or on the go, users of laptops and mobile computing devices are able to experience uncompressed high-definition video/game streaming, wireless display, and cordless computing with robust USB 3.0, e-SATA, HDMI and more upgradable expansion functionality. The solution is able to achieve up to 10 times faster data transmission rates than existing Wi-Fi, achieving simpler and more intelligent wireless networking. "The engagement of AzureWave and Wilocity aims to build the tri-band wireless products including the world's first WiGig compliant wireless HMC module as well as docking," said Ted Lee, CEO of AzureWave. "We have been closely working with Wilocity to develop the first and best product offering to ecosystem partners and customers. By collaborating with Wilocity in product integration and optimization, we look forward to enable the multi-gigabit wireless for a wide range of computing and networking applications." "Wilocity is eliminating the need for cords and connectors allowing multiple mobile devices—such as a tablet, notebook, Ultrabook, or smart phone—to deliver next generation high-speed wireless connectivity," said Tal Tamir, CEO of Wilocity. "Wilocity's WiGig/802.11ad multi-gigabit chipsets integrate AzureWave's leadership in wireless modules to usher in the next Wi-Fi wave, bringing unbounded capacity and ten times faster speeds to any mobile platform. This important collaboration is helping to successfully deliver the tri-band module and wireless docking as part of the world's first WiGig 60GHz standard wireless solutions." The Wilocity DockingZone by AzureWave won the prestigious 2012 CES Innovations Awards honoree designation.AzureWave live demonstrated the world's first production-ready 60 GHz WiGig Docking for robust functionality including multi-gigabit cordless computing, wireless display, wireless sync-n-go, I/O expansion and etc

GigaFast E Ltd, a manufacturer of HomePlug power line communications (PLC) equipment, has expanded its nano product line for 2012. The only manufacturer focused on delivering OEM/ODM customers a full line of PLC products, GigaFast branched out in every HomePlug product segment with all new product offerings from every HomePlug chipset provider including Atheros, Broadcom, and Sigma.For the 2012 CES GigaFast is unveiling a new PN (Powerline Nano) line of HomePlug products. The product line features an all new industrial designed theme focusing on industry leading nano-size housings, low cost to build, and strong visual appeal. The PN product line includes the world's smallest designs using 200Mbps and 500Mbps HomePlug chipsets from Broadcom and Qualcom Atheros.The PN928-EBg uses the all new Broadcom BR60321 chipset with GigaFasts improved power supply designs to achieve a form factor of only 6.4x4.6x2.4 cm. The use of nano design technology makes this the smallest 200Mbps HomePlug Adapter available. In addition to decreased size, the new PN928-EBg power supply design increases efficiency and decreases power consumption without sacrificing performance. All these improvements are built on top of the newest performance leading 200Mbps BR60321 chipset from Broadcom.GigaFast is also introducing their latest 500Mbps HomePlug AV nano product, the PN958-EB2. This 500Mbps HomePlug AV product uses the latest and greatest AR7420 chipset from Qualcomm Atheros. GigaFast was able to cram the high performance AR7420 500Mbps HomePlug AV chipset with a 10/100Mbps Ethernet Port into the same nano form factor as the PN928-EB measuring only 6.4x4.6x2.4 cm. The all new PN928-EB2 provides 500Mbps performance with lower power and a smaller form factor than any other 500mbps HomePlug AV product before it.Both the PN928-EB and PN958-EB2 are available today in world wide voltages and plugs. Customers are welcome to visit GigaFast' website at www.gigafast.comGigaFast and HomePlugWe believe it is about time consumers get spoiled with a technology as easy as plug and play, and eliminating the hassle of pulling wires. Compared to wireless network, PLC is much more secure and covers more distance. After all, most consumer electronic devices already plug into power outlets, so why not make the existing wires and plugs do more than just providing power. Make the plugs talk, sing, view, and protect each other is what we do at GigaFast. Our complete line of PLC products can do all that through data, audio, video, and security applications.GigaFast is a OEM/ODM manufacturer building power line communications products to customer specifications. There are a number of methods for communicating over the power lines, but of all the methods, HomePlug is the one clear standard today. This has encouraged GigaFast to join and take an active roll in marketing HomePlug Association as the standard in PLC communications today.The all new PN928-EB2 provides 500Mbps performance with lower power and a smaller form factor than any other 500mbps HomePlug AV product before it.

Have you ever noticed when using ATMs that gradually you also use them to transfer and pay bills as well. There are immense changes in today's fast paced world. While you've already got used to many new technologies such as digital signage in front of cinemas, surveillance cameras on the streets, and smart cards for transit, you might not know that a quiet revolution, led by smart technology, has been taking place and slowly changing our lives, pushing us toward a better future. Imagine the future So what kind of future awaits us. Well, let's enter into a world of the imagination. In your future house, you'll seldom use an air conditioner remote control because the system will automatically adjust indoor temperatures via smart sensors which are hidden within the walls. You will also be able to control interior ambience such as lighting, audio and heating via the control panel through a single touch screen or even voice activated interface. When you are driving your electric car, you will find the city you now live in is a very green place with fresher air, because the sunlight and wind have become major energy resources. Smart grids have already been built and provide the infrastructure with optimal allocation of energy resources. Driving on roads, the best route to your destination has been set in advance, allowing you to travel in comfort. Even if there are hold ups or accidents, the vehicle's computer can provide alternative routes and calculate the exact travel times for you. If you need to go to the hospital for medical treatment, you won't need to stay in the waiting area after registration. Instead, you can go to the lobby to drink a fruit juice or read newspapers and the system will inform you when it is your turn to see the doctor. And if you have to apply for admission, some of your treatment can be performed at the bedside. Nurses can take your blood pressure or change dressings via Mobile Medical Carts. Meanwhile, the doctor will consult his tablet PC which is connected to the back-end system to call up your medical records instantly. The changes described above are not in the far, or even near future, they are already here, and will increasingly appear in our lives through advanced smarter technology. Intelligent technology changing lifestyles But is there any difference between past and present technology? What is its future direction? The answer to both questions is the same - Intelligence. One of the main features of previous technology was independent "single function" operation. For example, cellphones were just used to communicate by voice but now smart phones can take pictures, access the Internet, play video and music as well as many other functions. For fleet management, monitoring systems inside vehicles can automatically avoid transit problems and secure the safety of goods with the implementation of image control software. With the help from GPS satellites and smart tracking technology, fleet owners can calculate a truck's location and send data to the back-end system to facilitate fleet management control. In the past, a monitoring system only provided a passive "watch" function, but now with "intelligent control" features, the system can process data from pre or post-events to provide accurate responses that can prevent unwanted incidents. This kind of Intelligence is being gradually applied to all kinds of equipment. Intelligent applications integrate existing technologies with a careful assessment of customer needs to design a system that can act and respond independently. Ubiquitous Embedded Systems According to a UK IEE definition, an embedded systemis "fully embedded within a controlled device, designed for specific applications and has a dedicated computer system". Embedded systems are ideally suited for enabling "Intelligent Planet" applications as devices are everywhere such as mobile phones, GPS devices, digital signage, KIOSKs, as well as systems embedded in manufacturing or medical equipment for specific purposes. They have become an important cornerstone to support the operation of modern society. In the beginning, embedded systems evolved from the architecture of PCs, and they focused on general-purpose applications due to the limitations of PC technology and the immaturity of the Internet. But with the advance of PC technology and intense competition, embedded devices began to dominate vertical markets and many special-purpose devices appeared in the construction, in-vehicle, medical, and other vertical fields. Now, embedded devices have become an integral part of modern life with their wide deployment making alternative technologies difficult to follow. Building an Intelligent Planet via a five-year plan As a leader in the industrial computer industry, Advantech never places limits on itself and always looks beyond the industrial manufacturing sector. With the maturity of embedded technology, Advantech took the lead to engage in diverse fields over many years. Nowadays, a ubiquitous embedded landscape is gradually emerging and this not only creates blue ocean market opportunities but also pushes Intelligent applications into all our lives. Based on the company's core vision of "Enabling an Intelligent Planet", Advantech has a clear business development strategy by strengthening internal R & D capabilities and aggregating application experiences in different fields. These approaches quickly leverage Advantech's market advantage and give power to their products into intelligent applications in a range of vertical markets. A new wave of automation solutions enables intelligent platforms to flourish in many areas, and as IoT is gaining momentum this will lead to a quiet revolution that will drive the future growth of Advantech. In response to this quiet intelligent revolution, Advantech initiated four strategies to promote the company's growth, including the niche SBU Cluster Growth Model to expand Strategic Business Units (SBU), Geo-Region Reconstruction to restructure and integrate resources, GIE 2.0 (Globally Integrated Enterprise) to create dedicated business groups and teams, and AOnline to expand theglobal base for Advantech's distribution. Through these four strategies, Advantech will deepen market penetration in a range of vertical markets, and more closely integrate the frontline business units and product groups to provide optimal product solutions as well as achieving maximum synergy. No matter what Advantech does, all plans focus on the core concept of "Intelligence" and extend embedded technology to each vertical market so as to create an enhanced vision of the "Intelligent Planet". With the increase in embedded applications, more smarter intelligent devices are gradually being implemented into all kinds of equipment.

Memoright, a leading provider of solid state drive (SSD) products, has unveiled its first 7mm ultrathin FTM Plus Slim SATA III SSDs that can be fixed directly on HDD slots of the next-generation Ultrabook models to optimize the performance of STAT III 6Gb/s interface.While SSD has become a standard specification for enthusiast PC gamers owing to its features including high-speed read/write performance and high shock resistance that can break through the performance bottleneck of PC systems, the introduction of SATA III 6Gb SSDs further highlights the advantage of SSD's read/write performance.For users of enthusiast notebook models such as ThinkPad X220/T420s/E420s, an upgrade in SSD will not only improve substantially boot speed and read/write performance, but also increase battery life and shock-resistant capability. Many next-generation sleek notebooks are built to fix with 7mm HHDs or SSDs, but most of SSDs currently available in the market have a standard thickness of 9.5mm, making a number of Ultrabooks unable to access high-speed storage performance through a direct upgrade to SSD.The roll-out of 7mm FTM Plus Slim SATA III SSDs from Memoright enable direct performance upgrading for next-generation notebooks, delivering a read/write speed of up to 550/500 MB/s. It also allows users to fix the FTM Plus Slim SSDs directly on notebook models having a 7mm SSD slot without the need of an upgrade, while maintaining the durability of the products.The FTM Plus Slim SSD, which is comparable to Memoright's FTM Plus lineup, comes with exclusively-designed built-in voltage-stabilizing protection circuits. By employing built-in OVP (over-voltage protection) and OCP (over current protection) ICs and ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection chips, the FTM Plus SSD is able to shut down power to protect its data when facing irregular voltage and current.The well performance of Memoright's FTM Plus SSDs has received a high-degree of recognition from the world's renowned hardware review Websites including Tom's Hardware and AnandTech. Memoright's FTM Plus SSD takes the number one position in comprehensive performance rating among 40 branded SSDs in Tom's Hardware's SSD Charts 2011. The FTM SSDs have also received awards as well as strong recommendations from US-based Website Tweak Town and UK-based Website KitGuru.Memoright is renowned for its durable and reliable ruggedized SSD solutions, extending the applications of its devices not only to the military segments in the US and Europe but also to civic aircraft manufacturers worldwide. Memoright's flagship SSD solutions have been employed in aircraft cockpit instruments and digital systems, as well as in aviation systems in a number of cruises in Europe. This proves that Memoright has been taking a steady way to pursue product quality and build up its brand as the best choice of high-performance storage devices.About MemorightBased in Taipei, Taiwan, Memoright is one of leading SSD innovator dedicated to collaborating with customers and partners on developing world-class excellent performance, high reliability, and cost effectiveness SSD products.The design of Memoright SSD is centered around corporate (enterprise and industrial/ military/vehicle) users, who need incredibly fast performance & unique, 100% data integrity. In addition to a standardized range of products, we also deliver customized services to meet our customers' needs. To accommodate supporting our extensive product range and rapid increasing needs all over the world, we have set up R&D and support centers in the US, Europe, Wuhan and Taipei. We have also constructed state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Wuhan with ISO: 9001 certified quality management system.Marketing and PR contact:Memoright Corp.Charles ChouMarketing DivisionTel: ��886-2-22183789ext5134Fax: ��886-2-22185155Email: charleschou@memoright.comMemoright 7 mm ultrathin SATA III FTM Plus Slim SSD

The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas is beginning. Etron Technology, Inc. (Taiwan GTSM: 5351) launch at the show: (1) a new four-port USB 3.0 Host Controller IC EJ198; (2) a new optimized cost-performance four-port USB 3.0 Host Controller IC EJ188; (3) a new top performance dual-channel USB 3.0 Flash Drive Controller IC eV268; (4) the eSP768 chip captures 3D images and video; (5) the eSP868 chip recognizes 3D motions and enables various gesture-controlled functions.(1) Launch of Innovative Two-Lane PCIe Gen2 to Four-port USB 3.0 SoC ChipEtron's EJ198 USB 3.0 Host Controller IC conforms to PCIe Gen2 and USB 3.0 standards to support an I/O serial bus interface with a high data transfer rate. This IC achieves high system compatibility, low power consumption, and optimal performance. With two Lanes of the PCIe Gen2 inputs, the EJ198's transfer rate of 5Gbps by each Lane can be doubled to output 10Gb per second to the USB 3.0 ports under a full duplex transmission, which has achieved a total of USB 3.0 performance up to 10Gbps.(2) Introduction of One-Lane PCIe Gen2 to Four-port USB 3.0 SoC Chip with optimized cost-performance resultsEtron also launches a high performance EJ188 USB 3.0 Host Controller IC for cost effectiveness. The product is also a PCIe Gen2 to USB 3.0 host controller, with only one Lane PCIe Gen2 in comparison to EJ198, but its transfer rate can also reach up to 5Gbps signaling rate, as defined in the USB 3.0 standard. The EJ188 has been adopted by Etron's strategic customers of USB 3.0 system manufacturers. In terms of hardware specifications, both EJ198 and EJ188 have four USB 3.0 ports and reserve backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and both are housed in 88-pin QFN packages with an individual external size of 10 by 10 mm2.(3) Advent of the Dual-channel Flash Drive Controller SoC ChipAs Etron's USB 3.0 host controller products have become the mainstream of the market, the Company has also begun to introduce new USB 3.0 device products. The high-performance eV268 USB 3.0 Flash Drive Controller IC that is going to show up at CES has possessed a dual-channel flash memory interface. The eV268 chip has 60 bit ECC function, which supports Error Check and Correction capability on all SLC/MLC/TLC NAND Flash memories made of 3x nm, 2x nm, and 1x nm advanced CMOS technologies from different flash memory manufacturers. This eV268 product line has two products. The first one is labeled as eV268H, which features supporting 8CE (Channel Enable) and has achieved optimal values between fast data transfer rate and cost effectiveness. The second product is labeled as eV268K, which shows very high performance with using various synchronous or toggle-mode MLC flash memories. The eV268K expands its operation up to 16CE and presents 230 megabytes per second. The products have been adopted by some of Etron's customers in manufacturing high performance flash drives. The eV268 achieved the USB-IF certification and may use the SuperSpeed USB logo, which means it passed the USB-IF's certification and compliance program and is compliant to the world-class standard.These products are made with Etron's completely self-developed USB 3.0 hardware and software technologies, and provide customers with a total solution of using both Etron's host and device ICs to enjoy the most exciting data transfer experiences. Etron has further strengthened her leading position of supplying various USB 3.0 controller chips for fast growing USB 3.0 application markets, and creates win-win opportunities with her strategic system customers.(4) The eSP768 chip captures 3D images and videoThe eSP768 chip can simultaneously control both timing and image quality of two horizontally placed HD cameras to mimic the function of human eyes in capturing 3D images or video. It features a patented timing control mechanism to synchronize the left and the right images up to 30 frames per second. In addition, it automatically aligns both left and right images in both x and y directions to compensate the unavoidable manufacturing discrepancies between two cameras on both left and right sides. The unique synchronization and self-aligned features in this eSP768 chip ensure a high quality of 3D images/ video and minimize both flickering and blurring noise effects, which are commonly seen in previous 3D image/video capturing systems. With its flexible and programmable output image format, the eSP768 chip supports various kinds of 3D displays using Anaglyph, Shuttered, Polarized and Auto-stereoscopy (Lenticular and Parallax Barrier) technologies.(5) The eSP868 chip recognizes 3D motions and enables various gesture-controlled functionsThe eSP868 chip with its unique software can not only provide all the features supported by the eSP768 but also generate a depth map from both left and right images, and therefore can have real 3D image recognition capabilities. As a result, the eSP868 chip can produce both 3D images and video while simultaneously enable 3D motion recognitions of both gesture and body controls. The eSP868 chip includes a special image signal processing engine, which is used to optimize image qualities under various ambient conditions and to alleviate the well-known correspondence and divergence problems stemming from traditional stereo-vision cameras. After being integrated with complete hardware and software solutions, the eSP868 provides an all-new user-friendly digital control function; for example, a user can simply wave one's hand in front of home multimedia AV equipments to change displayed channels, to adjust volume, or to switch viewing contents.Both eSP768 and eSP868 chips are highly integrated SoC's with a full blown image signal processor, USB2.0 interface with an image compression engine, four built-in LDO's, the 40KB ROM, 6KB RAM, 8KB OTP (One Time Programming) memories and an embedded CPU. Both chips support Windows, Mac, Linux and Android operation systems, and are available in either 64 LQFP (7x7 mm2) or 68 aQFN (6x6 mm2) packages. For more information, please surf http://www.etron.com.tw/Etron's EJ198 USB 3.0 Host Controller IC conforms to PCIe Gen2 and USB 3.0 standards to support an I/O serial bus interface with a high data tranfer rate.

New Delhi, January 5, 2012: Strontium Technology announced that it took 30% share of the Indian PC memory module market in year 2011 at its sales conference held in Bangkok. Strontium Technology is a leading PC and flash memory producer with headquarters in Singapore. With share of almost one third of the Indian market, Strontium has the top spot among global vendors in Indian memory module market for 2011.At Strontium Sales Conference in Bangkok, India Country Manager, Mr Ajay Kogta, said "We have established ourselves as a leading memory module manufacturer. Presently we are enjoying around 30 per cent market share for memory modules in India. For us achieving leadership position is to continue to have this 30 per cent market share this year and for the years to come. Our strength has been our channel and our service standard and moving forward we will give all the support we can to our channel with marketing and schemes. We will continue to engage our channel and consumers by keeping competitive and honest prices.""In 2012 we will continue our focus on NAND Flash products like microSD cards, USB drives and SSD markets which have the potential for strong growth of around 20 per cent year-on-year. We will push for market share of 30 per cent in flash storage devices in 2012. We will also invest around Rs 10 crores to fund our flash products expansion plans" Ajay added.Strontium plans to drive growth primarily not only in India, but also in other emerging markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America. "There are 4.5 Billion people with rising disposable incomes and high savings rates living in emerging markets. With our strong local presence and the right products, we are excellently positioned to capture an above-average share of the growth taking place in these markets," said Strontium CEO, Mr Anshuman Gupta.About Strontium Technology: Strontium is a global leader in PC and flash memory manufacturing currently based out of Singapore. Its operations and businesses are spread across Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, India, China, US, Canada and Latin America.Strontium sales conference 2012 in Bangkok

Since Acer rolled out the first ultrabook in September 2011, the company has extended the product's unique features across its mainstream line of notebooks with 14-inch and 15-inch models. Acer has unveiled the Aspire Timeline Ultra featuring eight hours of battery life, high performance and a 2-spindle design in an ultrabook. They feature Acer Green Instant On for fast boot and resume, and Acer Always Connect technology, which lets users manage their multimedia and data.The new Aspire Timeline Ultra are slimmer and lighter than earlier generations of the Timeline series, which reach a delicate equilibrium between computer lightness and battery life, providing an entire day of computing on a single charge, the vendor said. Aspire Timeline Ultra measure just 20mm thin, boast more than eight hours of battery life.The Aspire Timeline Ultra features the latest Intel Core i series processors, an SSD/HDD storage option, Dolby Home Theater v4 surround sound, as well as HDMI and USB 3.0 ports. They also retain the Timeline design heritage of more than eight hours of battery life via the PowerSmart long-life battery pack.The Aspire Timeline Ultra will start shipping in the first quarter of 2012.Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra notebookPhoto: Company