Taiwan-based notebook makers, including Micro-Star International (MSI), Gigabyte Technology, Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), Acer, GeCube, Dialogue Technology and Asustek Computer are showcasing several new notebooks at Computex 2008.MSI unveiled its 10-inch Wind series low-cost notebook (netbook) at the show, but not the previously reported 8.9-inch version. Representatives from the company explained that due to shortages of Intel's Atom processors, the company plans to focus on pushing the 10-inch model because most of the other players in the market do not yet have comparable models.MSI also plans to offer a line of accessories to accompany the Wind, including an external DVD drive and an external hard drive enclosure.MSI also showcased its Wind PC, a low-cost desktop (nettop) also adopting Intel's Atom processors. The system features a DVD drive, card reader and 160GB hard drive. The PC's chassis and panel can be available in a range of colors, however MSI said it will mainly focus this service to ODM customers.Finally, for the traditional notebook market, MSI showed a high-end 17-inch Centrino 2-based notebook, the GX720, which features an Nvidia GeForce 9600M graphics card and Dolby Home Theater technology for entertainment.While most companies are positioning their netbook devices based on price, Gigabyte's M912X differentiates itself from the crowd by offering more advanced features including a rotatable 8.9-inch touch panel display – allowing the device to be used as a tablet PC – and an ExpressCard expansion slot, ideal, the company points out, for a 3G wireless adapter.The M912X includes the Atom N230 processor at 1.6GHz, up to 1GB memory and a 2.5-inch HDD up to 250GB. Gigabyte representatives said the M912X is expected to become available in Taiwan in July and the US in August priced around US$700, slightly more than similar size products from other makers, but its unique feature set may make the additional cost worthwhile for some customers.Gigabyte also unveiled the M528, one of the first Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) based on the Centrino Atom (Menlow) platform. The M528 measures just 152×80×22.5mm, has an Atom processor running at 800MHz, 512MB memory and 4GB of storage. Input is available via either the 800×480 touch panel or slide-out 47-key keyboard. Gigabyte will ship the M528 with a customized Linux-based operating system.ECS this year has showcased the first generation Intel Classmate PC and the S21II Centrino 2-based notebook. Company representatives noted that since second generation Classmate PCs will not launch until later, the company will not be showing any related products at Computex.Acer is showcasing a series of Centrino 2-based TravelMate notebooks, including the 6293 with built-in GMA 4500MHD graphics, the 5730, featuring an ATI Radeon HD3470 discrete mobile graphics card and Blu-ray drive, and the 6493 which comes with a Radeon HD 3470 graphics card and WiMAX module.Acer's just announced 8.9-inch Aspire one netbook is also on display.Graphics card maker GeCube is showcasing a self-designed 10-inch netbook, the Genie SR, based on VIA's C7-M CPU. The device also features 512MB DDR2 memory and uses the built-in UniChrome Pro 2 for graphics. GeCube representatives said the company plans to sell the product to both OEMs and under its own brand.For users looking for a system offering higher-performance, but at the same time carrying a higher price tag than the Gigabyte M912X, Taiwan-based Dialogue Technology is showing its Flybook V5 mini-notebook which adopts Intel's Centrino (Napa Refresh) platform and a rotateable 8.9-inch touch panel. Representatives from the company noted that this PC will be priced at around US$2,500.Finally, in addition to three new Eee PCs, Asustek also introduced its Eee Box nettop which offers similar features to MSI's Wind PC but is much smaller due to the company's decision not to include an optical drive.MSI 10-inch Wind NotebookPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008MSI Wind Notebook accessories including a DVD drive and a hard drive enclosurePhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008MSI Wind PCPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008MSI 17-inch GX720 notebook based on Centrino 2 platformPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Gigabyte 8.9-inch M912X low-cost notebookPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008ECS 12.1-inch S21II notebook based on Centrino 2 platformPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008GeCube 10-inch Genie SR low-cost notebookPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Flybook 8.9-inch V5 mini-notebookPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Flybook 8.9-inch V5 mini-notebook in tablet PC formPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Acer TravelMate 5730 based on Centrino 2 platformPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008
Nanya Technology is displaying its Elixir DDR3 memory modules at the ongoing Computex Taipei 2008 IT tradeshow. The company is holding a joint promotion program targeting gamers along with Gigabyte Technology and a leading gaming company at its booth.Nanya is demonstrating its Elixir 1GB DDR3-1600 unbuffered DIMMs paired with Gigabyte's GA-X48T-DQ6 and Intel's Core 2 Quad Q950 CPU at its booth. The company stressed that its Elixir DDR3 is is designed to work with larger graphics and higher resolutions, feeding the requirements of gamers for speedy data transfer rates.The Elixir DDR3-1600 is built on a 128Mbx8 configuration and delivers a data transfer rate up to 25.6GB/s in dual-channel mode. Nanya highlights that systems will benefit from better stability and efficiency via On-DIMM termination (ODT) technology. The DDR3 DIMMs are based on DDR3 1Gb components which have been jointly developed by Nanya and its partner Qimonda.Nanya is featuring all of these products and more at its booth at the TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall, booths J1216-J1315.
Intel has officially launched its Atom series processors for low-power consumption, low-cost PCs designed to give users access to the Internet anywhere.According to Navin Shenoy, vice president and general manager, Intel Asia Pacific, Atom-based notebooks (netbooks) and desktops (nettops) have opportunities in emerging markets as affordable devices for first-time PC users, and in mature markets as a second home PC, in particular for children.Two platforms were officially unveiled today, the Atom N270 CPU and mobile 945GSE and ICH7M chipsets for netbooks, and the N230 CPU and 945GC and ICH7 chipsets for nettops. Both platforms offer CPU speeds up to 1.6GHz, 533MHz DDR2, PCI Express, USB and Intel HD audio.Atom-based products have been announced by most of Taiwan's top notebook and motherboard brands, including the new 8.9-inch Eee PC 901, 10-inch 1000 and Eee Box from Asustek, the Wind PC series from Micro-Star International (MSI) which includes netbook, nettop and motherboards, and the M912X netbook from Gigabyte, featuring a touch screen.According to Shenoy, 90% of the Atom-based devices currently announced are designed by Taiwan-based companies. Intel expects to have shipped 100 million Atom units by 2011.
Imaging specialist Plustek will be showcasing a series of its latest professional scanners, with products including its MobileOffice (portable scanner), SmartOffice (ADF scanner), KnowledgeOffice (book scanner), OpticPro (A3-size scanner) and OpticFilm film scanner) series at Computex 2008.Among the portable scanner models, the newest member of Plustek's MobileOffice family is the D600 model, which is the most up-to-date A6-size duplex scanner in the market today, according to the company. It is capable of scanning a wide range of documents such as business cards, ID cards, plastic cards and other thick cards including credit cards. Moreover, it has a scanning speed of 19PPM.Similarly, the SmartOffice PL2546 integrates the advantages of both ADF and flatbed scanners. Its large feeder capacity along with USB 2.0 transmission interface enables scanning speed of 25ppm/46ipm. Additionally, the PL2546 allows easy scanning of documents of various sizes from A6 to A3.The OpticBook 4600 is a scanner specially designed for book scanning at a speed of 3.2 seconds (A4, 300dpi). The scanned images can be saved in searchable PDF format, enabling users to efficiently manage and search for information needed.In addition to scanners, Plustek will also introduce communication solutions such as its MultiServer targeting SMBs and SOHOs. It features a user-friendly interface, control mechanism and supports Linux OS and open source software integration to make it a cost-effective server solution. Plus@com, another communication solution from Plustek, is a highly secure conference system that offers enterprises an easy way to instantly communicate with the members in a branch office without worrying about any potential data leak.Plustek will be exhibiting these products in Hall 1 at booths D126/128/225/227, during Computex 2008.Plustek MobileOffice D600Photo: CompanyPlustek MultiServerPhoto: CompanyPlustek SmartOffice PL2546Photo: CompanyPlustek OpticBook 4600Photo: Company
Top Eight, which has more than 20 years experience in the imaging market, recently introduced its new digital photo frame series (DPF 25) including 7-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch models.The innovative slim photo frames feature a contemporary design and are fitted with memory capacities of 128MB, while the LCD panels featured in the devices are sourced from AUO, guaranteeing high-quality for the LCD components. The DPF 25 series also supports SD, MMC, MS and CF cards and can connect to a PC via USB2.0 or USB 1.1 connections.The devices are powered by a powerful processor for viewing high-resolution media and can display JPEG/MPG/AVI files while the audio IC supports high-quality MP3 audio, according to the company. Other features include picture browsing, remote control for the speaker, alarm clock, calendar function and an easy to use UI.The digital photo frames also include two interchangeable frame designs, with the frames being designed for easy switching whenever the user is ready for a different look.Top Eight is exhibiting the DPF 25 digital photo frames at Hall 3, Booth G642, G644 at Computex 2008.DF-25072 digital photo frame with interchangeable framePhoto: Company
Kingmax Group is marking its presence at Computex Taipei 2008 by unveiling its first SSD lineup, as well as showcasing memory module and NAND flash applications that offer increased functionality and support higher memory densities.Channel demand for SSD to emerge in 2H08Foremost among the latest offerings is the company's SSDs. The company is introducing its SSDs in two form factors –ExpressCard and SATA drive formats. Maximum memory density for both the ExpressCard and 1.8-inch SATA drives is 64GB, with the 2.5-inch SATA drive version supporting a maximum density up to 128GB.All SSDs displayed by the company are equipped with NAND flash chips fabricated under 50nm. The company also aims to employ 40nm NAND flash in its SSD lineup once the technology matures, said Kingmax Digital president Lawrence Chang. Most of the chips that are equipped in the SSDs will be supplied by Samsung Electronics, Hynix Semiconductor and Micron Technology, the company stated.SSD in ExpressCard form are designed for upgrade purposes, as the device can easily plug into existing ExpressCard slots in notebooks. Chang anticipates that demand for SSDs in ExpressCard form will start picking up in the second half of 2008 in the channel.Memory card: More and more densityIn addition to SSDs, Kingmax is also featuring an 8GB microSDHC card, produced using die stacking and package-in-package (PIP) technology. The card is connectable with an adapter and compatible with general SD application products. Chang stressed that SDHC, or microSDHC, has already gained a strong penetration in consumer electronics and that consistent memory upgrade is necessary. For the SuperStick memory card, Kingmax has boosted the memory density to 8GB this year.Despite the memory card market facing uncertainty, the migration to DDR3 is well under way. Kingmax is featuring DDDR3-1600 and DDR3-2000 memory modules at Computex. Kingmax noted that the modules are not prototypes and are available for sale in the channel.Kingmax is featuring all these products and more at its booth at TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall, J0506.Kingmax 128GB SSDPhoto: CompanyKingmax 8GB microSDHC memory cardPhoto: Company
Hitachi will integrate its seven group companies to participate in Computex Taipei 2008. This year, Hitachi will exhibit with the theme, "Into the Next IT Life," with exhibits spanning a wide range of areas including, communications, storage, security solution, automotive electronics, and high-functional components and materials.Exhibits include the latest Blu-ray Disc recorders, huge-capacity storage devices, high-definition (HD) camera modules, car audio systems, novel portable Internet communication products, high-tech communication components and materials. Visitors can also experience the company's finger vein authentication technology on-site.The Hitachi Group offers system solutions, products and services in various market sectors, including information/communication systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, digital media/consumer products, high-functional materials, logistics and financial services.In the future, based on the foundation of group management, Hitachi aims to fulfill the different needs of clients in creating the best product value and growth by integrating the Hitachi Group's broad range of businesses, technologies and expertise.Hitachi can be found in the TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall at the Overseas Exhibitors section at booth N606.Hitachi GA10N slim slot Super Multi DVD rewriterPhoto: Eric Mah, Digitimes, June 2008
Shuttle, a leading designer and manufacturer of small form factor (SFF) computers and accessories has expanded its line of mini PCs with the introduction of classic XPCs, simple-and-smart KPCs and all-in-one digital home appliances.With the long-term success of the XPC product line, Shuttle has been continuously devoted to innovation. The XPC Prima series SX48P2 E and SX48P2 Deluxe feature Intel's latest high-end X48 Express chipset, supporting up to 8GB of memory. Featuring ATI CrossFireX technology, the Shuttle SX48P2 E and SX48P2 Deluxe provide the flexibility to ramp up performance to meet versatile computing demands from video editing to gaming.HD audio effects are also brought to users by 7.1-channel Dolby Digital Live! and DTS Connect. Shuttle technologies such as Speed-Link technology for fast and easy data transfer between two PCs, all solid capacitor designed motherboards and 802.11 b+g wireless LAN and Bluetooth 2.0 are included in the SX48P2 Deluxe.In the Shuttle Glamor series, a silver stripe and mirror band embellish the chassis. The Glamor SN78SH7 features Nvidia's latest GeForce 8200 chipset and supports the newest AMD Phenom X4 quad-core processors, bringing high-definition graphics quality, lower power consumption and fantastic system performance. Shuttle's new SG45H7 offers multimedia entertainment for players seeking to push the limits of graphic performance.The Glamor Series is a quiet platform which produces less than 30dBs when running heavy software loads.The Korporate Perfect Cube (KPC) series provides solutions to simple-task users in the home and corporate market. Following the success of the KPC-K45 launched early this year, Shuttle is now presenting the newest KPC-K48 and K58, targeting home users who require only simple PC functionality in a second PC for the home. Also, Shuttle's unique changeable front panel "MyKover" can be customized to fit each user's personal style.The K48 allows accessing the Internet and enjoying multimedia entertainment at an affordable price. The KPC lineup consumes very little power and is cost effective. When in full-use mode, power consumption is only 55W and 30W when in idle mode. All components are RoHS compliant. The KPC K48 is shipped as a bare-bone PC while the K58 is shipped as a system equipped with Intel Atom processors.The Shuttle D-series D10 is a digital home appliance. The D-series is designed as a standalone media center delivering a complete digital entertainment with a touch screen or a remote control. The D10 comes with an embedded 7-inch touch panel. Users no longer need to rely on a keyboard and mouse to operate the D10 to still enjoy the functionality of a PC. Based on the same hardware and using surveillance software and equipment, the D10 can be utilized for surveillance purposes as a convenient way to secure your home. The D-series can run Linux or Windows operating systems.Shuttle can be found at booth numbers M511, M512, M517 and M518 in the TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall.Shuttle K48Photo: CompanyShuttle K58Photo: Company
Biostar Microtech International has announced the launch of a number of Intel 4-series-based motherboards, including its TPower I45.Biostar launched a number of motherboards based on Intel's 4-series chipsets for different user groups at different price points, including the TPower I45, TP45 HP, TP43 HP, TP45D2-A7, TP43D2-A7 and P43-A7 paired with either the ICH10R or ICH10 southbridge chipset.The TPower I45 features a full set of BIO-TEX technologies and the latest TPower utility. The multi-functional TPower I45 uses 100% solid capacitors, while supporting 8+2 channel HD audio, two PCI-Express x16 and Cooler Harbour thermal solution.The TPower I45 supports native FSB up to 1600MHz and dual channel DDR2 memory up to 1200MHz.The motherboard also supports ATI CrossFireX and will be priced at US$179. Biostar TPower I45 motherboard specifications Item Detail CPU support Supports Intel Core2 Extreme/Core 2 Quad/Core 2 Duo/Pentium D/Pentium 4/Celeron 400 Series/Celeron D processor FSB support 1600MHz Chipset Intel P45/ICH10R Socket LGA 775 Memory DDR2 1066MHz x4 PCI-E x16 Gen. 2 x2 (Crossfire 2x PCI-E x8) PCI-E x1 Gen.2 x2 SATA II 3Gb/s x6 e-SATA II 3Gb/s 2 GbE 1 USB2.0 x10 RAID 1, 5, 10 Audio 8+2 channel HD audio Thermal solution Space-pipe, Cooler Harbor Voltage regulators 4 phase power Solid capacitors 100% BIO-TEX Rapid Debug2, Rapid Switch2, EZ-SATA, BIOS-Flasher, BIOS-ReLife, Clean-Tone, M.I.T., 1 Click Tweak, Driver-Genii Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, June 2008Biostar TPower I45 motherboardPhoto: Company
One Laptop per Child (OLPC) announced that work is already underway on a second- generation version of its XO notebook computer. Leveraging new advances in technology, the primary goal of the XO-2 will be to advance new concepts of learning as well as to further drive down the cost of the laptop so that it is affordable for volume purchase by developing nations, according to OLPC.The first generation XO notebook went into production in early November 2007, and there are approximately 600,000 units in deployment in a number of countries including Peru, Uruguay, Mongolia, Haiti, Rwanda, Mexico, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the US and Canada.Set in early 2005, the original target price of the XO notebook was US$100. Although that target has not yet been met, it is clear that OLPC must aim for an even lower target price of US$75. New developments in display, processor and other hardware and software technologies will make it possible to achieve the US$75 target in the future, noted the organization.While the first generation XO notebook already requires just one-tenth of the electrical power necessary to run a standard notebook, the XO-2 will reduce power consumption even further to one watt. This is particularly important for children in remote and rural environments where electricity is scarce or non-existent. Lowering the power consumption will reduce the amount of time required for children to generate power themselves via a hand crank or other manual mechanisms.The XO-2 notebook will be about half the size of the first generation device and will approximate the size of a book. The new design will make the XO notebook lighter and easier for children to carry with them to and from school or wherever they go. The XO-2 will continue to be in a green and white case and sport the XO logo in a multitude of colors that allow children to personalize the notebook as their own possession.Dual-touch sensitive displays will be used to enhance the e-book experience, with a dual-mode display similar to the current XO notebook. The design provides a right and left page in vertical format, a hinged notebook in horizontal format, and a flat two-screen wide continuous surface that can be used in tablet mode. Younger children will be able to use simple keyboards to get going, and older children will be able to switch between keyboards customized for applications as well as for multiple languages. The dual-touch display is being designed by Pixel Qi, which was founded in early 2008 by Mary Lou Jepsen, former chief technology officer of One Laptop per Children and a leading expert on display technology.Availability of the XO-2 is planned for delivery in 2010. XO-1.5 will be released in the spring of 2009 with the same design as the first generation but with fewer physical parts and at a lower cost than XO-1.OLPC XO-2 notebookPhoto: Business Wire
