Intel has announced a new lineup of NAND flash-based solid state drives (SSDs) that utilize 34nm multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash memory, and said the move to the more-advanced process will help lower prices of the SSDs by up to 60% thanks to the reduced die size and advanced engineering design.The Intel X25-M mainstream SATA SSDs come in standard 2.5-inch and 1.8-inch sizes, and are available in 80GB and 160GB versions. The new SSDs will begin shipping on 34nm flash memory later in the third quarter of 2009, according to the company."Our goal was to not only be first to achieve 34nm NAND flash memory lithography, but to do so with the same or better performance than our 50nm version," said Randy Wilhelm, Intel vice president and general manager, Intel NAND Solutions Group.Intel said its new X25-M on 34nm is drop-in compatible with the current 50nm version, and offers improved latency and faster random write inputs/outputs per second (IOPS). Compared to approximately 4,000 microseconds for a hard disk drive (HDD), the new 34nm SSD operates at 65-microsecond latency and provides a 25% reduction in latency.Random write performance increases twofold, further separating the X25-M from other competing SSDs, according to Intel. It delivers up to 6,600 4KB write IOPS and 35,000 read IOPS, compared to HDDs that only operate at several hundred IOPS.New channel prices for the X25-M 80GB are US$225 for quantities up to 1,000 units (a 60% reduction from the original introduction price of US$595 a year ago), and the 160GB version is US$440 (down from $945 at introduction), according to Intel.In addition, Intel noted its new SSD will also support Microsoft Windows 7 with a firmware update. The upcoming OS is scheduled to release in October.Intel X25-M SSD on 34nmPhoto: Company

VIA Technologies has announced its VIA Eden ULV processor is powering the Fujitsu Futro S100, a fanless and silent thin client and virtual workplace solution.Based on the VIA CoolStream Architecture, the VIA Eden ULV processor is capable of speeds up to 500MHz while maintaining a low power consumption of only one watt at peak and 100mW during idle.The CPU integrates VIA's StepAhead Technology Suite, which boasts an extensive array of performance-enhancing features to ensure the processor's low power consumption does not come at the expense of performance.The Fujitsu Futro S100 thin client is designed for server-based computing and virtual workplace solutions. The S100 supports 1GB of DDR2 system memory, and features two USB 2.0 ports, a VGA port, fast Ethernet networking and internal compact flash-based storage.The VIA Chrome9 HC3 integrated graphics core brings full DirectX 9.0 support while the VIA Chromotion video engine offers hardware acceleration of MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV9, VC1 video formats.Fujitsu Futro S100 thin client powered by VIA Eden ULV processorPhoto: Company

Lenovo has launched its first ultra-thin notebook, the U350, positioned under its consumer IdeaPad brand in Taiwan along with its 10-inch S10-2 and 12-inch S12 netbooks, the in-mold roller (IMR) treated G450 notebook and the 20-inch C300 series all-in-one PCs.The U350 adopts Intel's Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor and a 13.3-inch widescreen panel, while weighing only 1.6kg.Lenovo Taiwan president Benjamin Ou has noted that the company is also set to launch a 14-inch model in the future. Ou pointed out that the notebook market will be separated by three segments in the future: Netbook, which will account for 30-40% of total notebook shipments; ultra-thin notebook also 30-40%; and traditional notebook, which will account for the rest of the market.The company's C300 series all-in-one PCs adopt either an Intel Atom 230 or 330 processor and integrated Intel GMA 950 GPU or ATI Radeon HD 4350 graphics. The PCs will be priced at around NT$23,000 (US$700).Ou has noted that the penetration rate of all-in-one PCs in Taiwan is around 5%, less than the 17-18% in Hong Kong, and the double digit percentage rate in several first-tier cities in China, however he has forecast the rate will pick up to 10-15% by the end of 2009 with the price of all-in-one PC continueing to decline.Benjamin Ou, president of Lenovo TaiwanPhoto: Terry Ku, Digitimes, July 2009Lenovo IdeaPad U350 ultra-thin notebookPhoto: Terry Ku, Digitimes, July 2009Lenovo C300 series all-in-one PCsPhoto: Terry Ku, Digitimes, July 2009

eMachines has launched an new all-in-one PC, the EZ1601-01, for a price of US$399.99.The EZ1601-01 is available in black, and is accented with green LED lighting and silver trim. The PC also features Windows XP, an 18.5-inch widescreen LCD with integrated speakers, and matching keyboard and mouse.The EZ1601-01 adopts Intel's Atom processor with a fan-less design. eMachines EZ1601-01 all-in-one PC specifications Item Detail CPU Intel Atom N270 processor Chipset Intel 945GSE Express Memory 1GB DDR2 533MHz VGA Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Display Integrated 18.5-inch widescreen LCD with 16:9 aspect ratio Price US$399.99 Sources: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2009eMachines EZ1601-01 all-in-one PCPhoto: Company

LG Electronics on July 14 unveiled the BD370 network Blu-ray Disc (BD) player for immediate launch in the Taiwan market at a recommended retail price of NT$12,900 (US$391). A special discounted price of NT$9,900 is offered for purchases during July 15-20, LG Taiwan indicated.BD370 features direct web link to YouTube for video sharing, full HD resolution, and dimensions of 430 (W) × 54 (H) × 245mm (D) and weight of 2.7kg.LG network BD player BD370Photo: Company

Micro-Star International (MSI) has launched its AMD 760G chipset-based 760GTM-P33 motherboard, with integrated ATI Radeon HD 3000 GPU.The motherboard also features MSI's Active Phase Switching (APS) technology, which is an IC chip that can automatically control various power supply demands to reduce total power usage, Easy OC Switch technology can help users to turn on overclocking with a click of the button, and TPM technology offers a more secure way to store files, highlighted the company.The motherboard uses solid capacitors to ensure working stability.MSI has also released its ATI Radeon HD 4890 GPU-based R4890 Cyclone series graphics cards, featuring 800 built-in stream processors and 1GB GDDR5 256-bit memory.MSI R4890 Cyclone series adopt military class components, including Hi-c CAP, SSC (Solid State Chock), and long-life solid capacitors, and a 10cm PWM fan, noted MSI.The MSI R4890 Cyclone series uses a 8mm heatpipe, which is 60% thicker than traditional heatpipes to help increase cooling efficiency by 90%. MSI 760GTM-P33 motherboard specifications Item Detail Socket AM2+ CPU support AMD Phenom processor HyperTransport bus Up to 5200MT/s for AM2+ CPU 2000 or 1600MT/s for AM2 CPU Chipset AMD 760G+SB710 Memory support Dual-channel DDR2 667/800/1066 memory, support up to 8GB Sources: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2009 MSI R4890 Cyclone series graphics cards specifications Item Detail Graphics engine ATI Radeon HD 4890 Bus standard PCI Express x16 2.0 Memory type GDDR5 Memory size 1024MB Memory interface 256-bit Core clock speed 880MHz Memory clock speed 3900MHz Memory bandwidth 124.8GB/s Texture fill rate 34 billion/sec Display output (Max resolution) 2560×1600 RAMDACs 400 Sources: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2009MSI 760GTM-P33 motherboardPhoto: CompanyMSI R4890 Cyclone series graphics cardPhoto: Company

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has launched several ProBook series notebooks in Taiwan with display sizes including 13.3-, 14-, 15- and 17-inch to mainly target small and medium-size business (SMB) clients, according to HP Taiwan.HP's ProBook series notebooks are outsourced to Inventec and are priced at NT$29,900-47,000 (US$900-1400). HP also offers customization options for the notebooks.HP ProBook series notebook for SMBPhoto: Terry Ku, Digitimes, July 2009

Asustek Computer has announced the Xtreme Design series motherboards featuring unique innovations, performance and reliability.Asustek's Xtreme Design-based P6TD Deluxe motherboard features an innovative Stack Cool3+ to enhance motherboard component longevity, while the motherboard also adopts an enhanced PCB layer to provide a stable and low operating temperature for optimized data transmissions.The P6TD Deluxe motherboard also features Xtreme phase technology to ensure stable and optimized power delivery and Turbo V technology for a real-time, dynamic processing boost. Asustek P6TD Deluxe motherboard specifications Item Detail CPU Intel Socket 1366 Core i7 Extreme or Core i7 processors Chipset Intel X58 / ICH10R System bus Up to 6400 MT/s Memory 6 x DIMM and support up to DDR3 2000 memory with max capacity up to 24GB Expansion slot Three PCI-Express 2.0 x16 Sources: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2009Asustek P6TD Deluxe motherboardPhoto: Company

Biostar Microtech International has introduced an Intel G41 chipset-based motherboard series which includes the T41 HD, G41D3G, G41 DVI and G41-M7.Biostar's G41-based motherboards integrate Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 GPU, supporting high-definition video playback, as well as Intel's Clear Video Technology, highlighted the company.The T41 HD motherboard also comes with a DVI to HDMI adapter.Biostar G41 chipset-based motherboard seriesPhoto: Company

Microsoft Taiwan has launched several new wireless mice in Taiwan including the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 and 6000, Wireless Mouse 5000 and Arc Mouse, according to the company.The Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000 and Wireless Mouse 5000 feature Microsoft's exclusive BlueTrack technology, which provides more accuracy.Microsoft Wireless Mouse 5000 mousePhoto: Terry Ku, Digitimes, July 2009