Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Digital Content Creation (DCC) professionals who require maximum performance from their workstations can turn to AMD's new ATI FirePro V8700 graphics accelerator. Additionally, the new ATI FirePro V3750 delivers superior performance in an entry class professional graphics accelerator. Delivering on the AMD commitment to the professional graphics market, according to the company.By utilizing GDDR5 memory technology, engineers and designers can focus on project work without concerns for memory limitations that traditionally impact applications. This ultra high-end workstation solution with 1GB frame buffer memory also features 800 shader units. The ATI FirePro V8700 graphics accelerator features two DisplayPort connectors and a dual-Link DVI-I display output.ATI FirePro V3750 is the industry's first 3D workstation graphics accelerator in the entry space showing an average of 30% performance improvement over the previous generation accelerating certain CAD applications by as much as 40%. This entry-level graphics product features 256MB of frame buffer memory with 320 shader processing units, dual-link DVI and two DisplayPort connections, together generating a multi-monitor desktop of over 5000 pixels wide from a single accelerator.The new ATI FirePro V8700 graphics accelerator is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2008 with a price of US$1499, and the ATI FirePro V3750 graphics accelerator is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2008 with a price of US$199.

Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, and Freestyle Audio, revealed the design specifications for a limited edition waterproof MP3 player featuring a color mirasol display.The Freestyle Audio Soundwave with mirasol display, the FA300 will include a 0.9-inch color mirasol display, giving consumers a portable, waterproof music option for active, outdoor use. In addition to the inclusion of the mirasol display, the FA300 will have added Bluetooth capabilities.Additionally, the product will include a functional display button bearing Qualcomm MEMS Technologies' notable butterfly logo, reminding consumers of the nature-based genesis of the mirasol display. The phenomenon that makes a butterfly's wings shimmer is the same process used in Qualcomm's mirasol displays to create color. The screen relies upon thin films that reflect back color from incident white light to create crisp, bright images.Jim Cathey, vice president of business development for Qualcomm MEMS Technologies said that this is a very important milestone for us as we begin to move color mirasol displays into the market for the first time.Qualcomm's mirasol displays constitute a technology breakthrough that promises substantial performance benefits over competing display technologies. Based on a reflective technology called interferometric modulation (IMOD), mirasol displays harness ambient light and require no backlighting, thereby consuming significantly less power.The display works by reflecting light so that specific wavelengths interfere with each other to create color.Freestyle Audio waterproof MP3 player - FA300Photo by Qualcomm MEMS Technologies

Toshiba Digital Media Network, a subsidiary of Toshiba, on September 10 debuted two internal 1.8-inch hard disk drives, a 1-platter 120GB MKxx31GAL and 2-platter 240GB MK2431GAH, for order by vendors or channel distributors in the Taiwan market, according to Toshiba Digital Media Network Taiwan.Both models have a rotational speed of 4,200-rpm and external dimensions of 54 (W) × 71 (D) × 8 (H)mm. The 120GB model weighs 48g and the 240GB model 58g.The two models are intended for use in portable media devices, camcorders and ultra mobile PCs.Toshiba 1.8-inch hard disk drivePhoto: Company

AMD has announced the ATI Radeon HD 4600 series mainstream graphics offerings that deliver exceptional gaming and HD multimedia performance while consuming less power than a standard light bulb, according to the company.Comprising the ATI Radeon HD 4670 and the ATI Radeon HD 4650 graphics cards, the ATI Radeon HD 4600 series leverages the technology found in the ATI Radeon HD 4800 series, including support for DirectX 10.1, HD multimedia capabilities and excellent performance-per-watt, all delivered at affordable prices for the mainstream graphics segment.The ATI Radeon HD 4670 and ATI Radeon HD 4650 graphics cards feature AMD's TeraScale graphics engine, with 320 stream processing cores, and are based on AMD's second generation 55nm process.Both the ATI Radeon HD 4670 and ATI Radeon HD 4650 deliver substantial gaming horsepower with minimal power draw – the ATI Radeon HD 4670 operating at under 60W and the ATI Radeon HD 4650 operating under 50W under full load – eliminating the need for additional power connectors and making installation a cinch, the company highlighted.The ATI Radeon HD 4670 is immediately available with a frame buffer of 512MB GDDR3 memory and priced at US$79, while a 1GB DDR3-based variant is scheduled to ship later this month. The ATI Radeon HD 4650 features a frame buffer of 512MB GDDR2 memory and is expected to be available later in the month at a price from US$69.GeCube GC-AHD4670XTG3-E3 graphics card features the ATI Radeon HD 4670 GPUPhoto: Company

AMD has announced that the AMD Imageon M180 media processor is powering the the new LG KC550 mobile phone. AMD's processor technology helps enable LG to deliver the latest multimedia features that consumers demand, said the chipmaker.The LG KC550 includes features not typically found on mobile phones in its price range, such as the 5-megapixel camera with Schneider-Kreuznach auto focus lens, an image stabilizer and video capture resolution up to 720×480 pixels at 30 frames per second, according the company. The LG KC550 is currently available in Europe.

Dell has officially unveiled its Inspiron Mini 9 netbook PC.The Mini 9 series starts at a weight of 2.28lbs with a 8.9-inch (1024×600) glossy LED display.The netbook also offers built-in Wi-Fi and can be further customized with optional webcam and Bluetooth.Dell has teamed up with Box.net to offer web-based file storage, access and sharing, including a free basic plan with 2GB of remote storage space, expandable to 25GB.Dell offers two color choices – black or white with pricing starting at US$349.Dell Inspiron Mini 9 netbook with 8.9-inch panelPhoto: Company

Lanner Electronics has announced the launch of a new fanless embedded computer based on the Intel Celeron M processor and Mobile Intel 910GMLE Express chipset.The Lanner LUGE EM-F343 embedded computer is designed for flexible deployment in any scenario, said the company. Its robust fanless design makes the EM-F343 ideal for video applications such as digital signs, outdoor advertising, POS systems, kiosks and embedded gaming computers. It includes S-Video and VGA out video interfaces, COM port, LAN and six USB 2.0 ports for administration and software input, and SATA and CompactFlash support for storage. The onboard 600/1000MHz Celeron M processor couples low power consumption with minimal cooling requirements, resulting in improved stability and longevity and allowing for completely fanless computer design, highlighted Lanner.The LUGE EM-F343 is made with a rugged aluminum chassis and is tested for deployment in temperatures from -20 to 50-degrees Celsius. Measuring 36mm in height, the Lanner LUGE EM-F343 includes wall mounts and optional VESA mounting brackets for installation on the back of a large-screen digital display or any other location where space is critical.The LUGE EM-F343 is available now.Lanner LUGE EM-F343 embedded computer Photo: Company

Sony, on September 3, unveiled two new Cyber-shot series digital cameras, DSC-T700 and DSC-T77, for launch in the Taiwan market on September 11 at recommended retail prices of NT$13,980 (US$440) and NT$10,980 respectively, according to Sony Taiwan.Both models feature smile shutter and automatic face detection. The DSC-T77 is as slim as 13.9mm, Sony Taiwan pointed out.Sony is the largest vendor of digital cameras in the Taiwan market with a market share of 25-30% currently, according to industry sources. Sony DSC-T700 and DSC-T77 specifications Item DSC-T700 DSC-T77 Image sensor & resolution 10.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD Screen 3.5-inch 921,000-pixel TFT-LCD at 16:9 3-inch 230,000-pixel TFT-LCD at 16:9 Zoom 4x optical, 8x including digital Built-in memory capacity 4GB 15MB Dimension (W×H×D mm) 95×58.4×16.4 93.6×57.2×13.9 Weight (g, not including battery and external storage device) 135 126 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2008Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 digital camera in five colorsPhoto: Company

VIA Technologies has announced that China-based PC OEM Tsinghua TongFang has adopted VIA's C7-M CPU and VX700 chipset to power its S1 imini netbook series. The S1 imini has a maximum power consumption of 15W, with a distinctive, lightweight design, highlighted VIA.Powered by the 1.6GHz VIA C7-M processor combined with the VIA VX700 chipset, and sporting a 10.2-inch screen, the S1 imini provides all the functionality of a standard notebook plus an array of special features, such as a business card manager, portable hard drive with battery pack, and digital photo frame or DVD playback functionality outside of the Vista environment, said VIA. Add wireless connectivity and optional GPS navigation, and the S1 imini looks set to bring the allure of truly mobile computing to the China market, according to VIA.The S1 imini will be available in white, blue, pink, gold or black from PC stores in all major cities across China. Tongfang S1 imini specifications Item Detail Screen 10.2-inch panel with a resolution of 1024×600 CPU 1.6GHz VIA C7-M processor Chipset VIA VX700 Unified Digital Media IGP Chipset OS Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, with Linux dual interface Graphics Integrated VIA UniChrome Pro II IGP with 3D/2D graphics and video acceleration Memory 1GB DDR2 667 RAM Storage 80GB hard disk drive Webcam 1.3-megapixel camera Wireless 802.11 b/g Audio HD audio with 2 ports for speaker and microphone I/O Ports USB x 3, Ethernet LAN, 4-in-1 card reader Battery 6-cell or 3-cell Dimensions 190(w)×249(d)×21-33.5(h)mm and 1.2kg (with 3-cell) Color white, blue, pink, gold or black Price 3998 RMB (US$583) Source: Company and VIA, compiled by Digitimes, September 2008Tongfang S1 iminiPhoto: Company and VIA

Micro-Star International (MSI) has announced three new notebooks – VR440, GX720 and GX400, all featuring MSI's exclusive ECO Engine, a power management function to extend the battery life when performing different tasks.The VR440 adopts Intel Pentium processors with a 14.1-inch LCD panel. The notebook has a slim appearance and a weight of around 2.2kg making it suitable for consumers on the run, according to MSI.The GX720 features a 17-inch LCD display and is equipped with the Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT GPU.The GX720 features Intel Centrino 2 processor technology, Intel Core 2 Duo processor and Intel PM45 Express chipset, and a 2-megapixel webcam.The GX400 also features a similar specification as the GX720, but the webcam is 1.3-megapixel and it has a smaller 14.1-inch display. MSI: Notebook specifications Model GX400 GX720 VR440 CPU Support Intel Core 2 Duo processor Intel Core 2 Duo processor Intel Dual-Core processor (Penryn) Chipset Intel PM45+ICH9M Intel PM45 Chipset SiS M672 + SiS 968 LCD 14.1-inch TFT LCD display 17-inch TFT LCD display 14.1-inch LCD display with 1280×800 WXGA resolution Memory DDR2 667/800MHz memory supports up to 4GB DDR2 800MHz supports up to 4GB Supports up to 4GB VGA Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT with DDR3 256MB memory Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT with DDR3 256MB memory UMA Webcam 1.3-megapixel 2-megapixel 1.3-megapixel Storage 160 / 250 / 320 / 500GB SATA HDD and DVD Super-Multi or Blu-ray DVD drive 160 / 250 / 320 / 500GB SATA HDD and DVD Super-Multi or Blu-ray DVD drive 160 / 250 / 320GB SATA HDD and DVD Super-Multi or Blu-ray DVD drive Power 90W 120W N/A Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2008MSI VR440 notebook features a 14.1-inch panelPhoto: CompanyMSI GX720 notebook features a 17-inch panel and Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT GPUPhoto: CompanyMSI GX400 notebook with a 14.1-inch panel and Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT GPUPhoto: Company