Although first-tier notebook makers have taken most of the the spotlight, second-tier makers including Mitac Technology, First International Computer (FIC), Clevo and several China-based makers have been promoting their own product lineups at Computex 2008.Mitac Technology showcased several own-brand rugged notebooks, handheld and tablet PCs. Its Getac B300 rugged notebook features an over 1200 nits display to enable users to read even in sunlight and also has a battery life up to 12 hours. The company also had on display the Getac PS535E, a completely rugged PDA.In addition to rugged notebooks, the company also showcased an 18.4-inch Blu-ray notebook for the ODM market. The notebook is based on the Centrino 2 (Montevina) platform and will be able to support Full HD quality movies with its GeForce 9600M GS graphics card.Currently, Mitac is focusing on its own-brand Getac rugged products and will continue to maintain its ODM business, noted a company representative. The company currently does not have any low-cost notebook (netbook) products.FIC showcased its 8.9-inch CW0A1 and CE2A1 netbooks using Intel's Atom and VIA's C7-M platforms. The company also has a 10.2-inch model, the CW001.Like Mitac, FIC also showcased the XY680D, an 18.4-inch, Centrino 2, and GeForce 9600M GS, "Blu-ray" notebook targeting ODMs.Although FIC has its Everex brand business, a company representative noted shipments for own-brand products are not a lot and the company will continue to focus on its ODM business.Clevo also showcased a netbook, the TN70M. Although the screen size is only 7-inch, it features similar rotate and touch screen functions as Gigabyte Technology's M912X. Clevo, like the other second-tier notebook makers, also showcased a Blu-ray notebook, but this model included only a 17-inch panel and GeForce 8800M GTX graphics.Clevo noted that mass production of its TN70M will start at the beginning of August.At VIA Technologies' booth, the company showcased netbooks from several China-based second-tier notebook makers all adopting its C7-M platform including Tsinghua Tongfang's Imini SI Mini-Note, Newbyte's S10 Mini-Note, Great Wall's A81 Mini-Note and Nagai Lilk 8010A Mini-Note.Getac PS535E rugged PDAPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Getac B300 rugged notebookPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Mitac 9070D 18.4-inch Blu-ray notebookPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008FIC XY680D 18.4-inch Blu-ray notebookPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Clevo TN70M 7-inch low-cost notebookPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Clevo M570TU 17-inch Blu-ray notebookPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008

Digital camcorder and camera vendor Aiptek recently launched a pocket-size media player and a digital photo frame with a built-in camera at Computex 2008.Aiptek's PocketCinema V10, is a pocket-size media player projector equipped with 3M's revolutionary miniature projection technology, which can project a 50-inch image. The display content can come from a cell phone, iPod, Wii or other video capable device via the 3-in-1 AV jack. The device can also playback videos and photos from the 1GB internal memory or the SD/MMC/MS Pro card. The V10 supports JPEG, ASF, AVI and MPEG-4 formats and features a stereo speaker and built-in battery.The other product Aiptek is showcasing at Computex is its Mona Lisa picture frame, which features a built-in 5-megapixel camera. Through the Mona Lisa, old photos can be captured and displayed easily. The picture frame has 1GB of internal memory and a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery.The PocketCinema V10 and the Mona Lisa can be viewed at Aiptek's booth in Hall 1, C1100.Aiptek PocketCinema V10 pocket-size media player projectorPhoto: CompanyAiptek Mona Lisa picture frame with built-in cameraPhoto: Company

Wi-Fi access device maker Lanready is featuring its A300 industrial Wi-Fi access point at Computex 2008.The A300 industrial wireless access point can function in multiple modes such as bridge, repeater, WDS and access point. The A300 supports the wireless 802.11b/g standard and its transmission power is compliant with EU regulations limiting output to 100mW and operates in the 2.4 GHz radio frequency.The A300 supports wireless distribution system (WDS), allowing it to create links to other WDS-capable access points for added robustness where needed. The A300 also supports eight BSSIDs, allowing for eight different wireless networks to be supported by just one device.For added reliability the PoE ports also support fail-over switching. The A300 has two antennas that can easily be replaced with more powerful antennas for added gain. The A300 is encased within an anti-dust IP50 compliant housing.Lanready can be found at the TWTC in Hall 1, booths C120 and C122.Lanready A300 industrial Wi-Fi access point Photo: Company

Macpower is featuring its HS1-3500 media player series at Computex 2008.Macpower's HS1-3500 media player allows users to store entire DVD, CD, and photo collections on an internal 3.5-inch hard drive housed in a durable aluminum casing. A high-speed USB 2.0 interface allows quick transfer of media files and the brush metal exterior finish provides a professional look to match any home theater system, according to the company.The next generation HS3-3500 will incorporate a Sigma 8623 chipset allowing for up to 1080p video quality output and compatibility with both ISO and H.264 video formats. An additional true HDMI interface will be provided to make set up to the latest TV units easy and simple. Also, a 802.11 b/g wireless kit will allow users to connect to other computers via network to broadcast media, noted the company. Plus, dual USB 2.0 host ports will provide additional external devices to be connected to the media player for instant playback.Macpower can be found in Hall 3, booth G602.Macpower HS1-3500 media playerPhoto: Company

Leadtek Research is presenting its latest products in line with its "Digital Life" theme at Computex Taipei 2008. Products on display include the company's latest graphics cards, TV tuners, GPS location trackers, security monitoring devices and infant care devices.Leadtek's WinFast PalmTop DTV200 H is a palm-size device with USB2.0 plug and play interface that allows for not only high performance TV and radio reception on a notebook PC, but also input video from a VCR, camcorder or even video game consoles. In addition, with new de-interlacing technology, the WinFast PalmTop DTV200 H offers perfect quality video without flickering. The PalmTop DTV200 H supports HDTV and Dolby Digital AC3 audio, allowing the transformation of a notebook into a multifunctional multimedia center.Also on display at Computex is Leadtek's LR8M03 LBS tracker, a small and powerful GPS/GSM/GPRS tracking device developed for personal remote positioning and emergency reporting. The LR8M03 is equipped with a 20 channel SiRF-Star III LP GPS chip and is suitable for applications such as vehicle security, monitoring the position of an injured person or whereabouts of a pet. The device can transmit longitude and latitude coordinates not only to a cell phone by SMS, but also to a PC through a GPRS Internet connection, which can then display the location with dedicated map software.Leadtek's Network CarePhone NCP3680 is an ergonomic, compact and simple-use network-based home security and home surveillance camera equipped with MPEG-4/H.263 duo video and G.711/G.729 duo audio compression technologies. The device can also double up as a door security system, replacing the door bell and acting as a visitor video answering machine. Even more, it can also be programmed as a home care camera for families and patients.Leadtek's Health Baby is a single-lead ECG and body temperature recorder. The device is designed for long distance medical care and self-monitoring. Health Baby has an easy-to-use interface and doesn't require any cable connection during monitoring. Users simply place the device on their chest or put two thumbs on the electrodes and push a button to start recording. Recorded data can be transmitted via a USB cable to a PC or mobile phone, and forwarded to a health management center through the Internet for advanced daily monitoring.Leadtek is also displaying its WinFast PX9800 GTX graphics card at Computex 2008. The PX9800 GTX has 512MB of GDDR3 memory and features the Nvidia GeForce 9800 GTX graphics processor. The PX9800 GTX runs at 675MHz and supports Microsoft DirectX 10 with full Shader Model 4.0 support and 3-way SLI technology.Leadtek is also featuring its WinFast PX9600 GSO Extreme graphics card. Based on the Nvidia GeForce 9600 GSO core chip, the PX9600 GSO is equipped with 384MB of GDDR3 on a 192-bit memory bus design and 96 stream processing units, which makes overclocking performance easy.The graphics card also uses Leadtek's exclusive S-fanpipe cooler. The innovative cooling system can effectively conduct GPU heat through an S-shape copper heat pipe to the fan for a dramatic cool down effect.Leadtek can be found at the TWTC Hall 1 in booths A926 to A1031.Leadtek WinFast PX9600 GSO Extreme graphics cardPhoto: Company

Taiwan-based maker EBN Technology has shown a portable POS (point of sale/service) device at its Computex booth.Sharing a similar form factor to a TV remote control, the device is equipped with a touch screen and wireless communications, and was designed for use in restaurants to enable servers to transmit orders from the table to the cashier and kitchens.The POS device have been adopted by restaurants in Japan, EBN indicated.EBN Technology demos a POS device specifically designed for use in restaurantsPhoto: Ninelu Tu, Digitimes, June 2008

With low-cost PCs based on Intel's Atom CPUs a main focus of Computex 2008, Shuttle's years of experience in pioneering the small form factor (SFF) PC market could mean the company is set for a comeback.The last few years have been tough for Shuttle. As enthusiast level systems began to demand more powerful multi-core processors and dual-graphics card configurations, the company has found it more and more difficult to cram top-end components into a chassis typically one-third the size of a regular desktop PC. At the same time, the company's other key highlight, portability, has come under attack from the growing popularity, and lower cost, of notebooks.As a result, Shuttle struggled with drops in revenues for two consecutive years between 2005 and 2006 prompting it to shift its strategy to include product lines for cost conscious markets, Windows- and Linux-based software solutions, and other markets beyond desktops. In 2007, Shuttle managed to bring in a modest 7% increase in its revenues on year.For 2008, the company looks to be continuing to pursue its new found direction, with the products it has on show at its booth and VIP lounge at Computex 2008 reflecting several months of hardware and software development that Shuttle hopes will help secure its systems a place in markets such as the living room PC, home server and surveillance sectors.Shuttle Digital HomeShuttle's flagship product for this year's show is currently known by the product code U31. While superficially, the U31 clearly shows its XPC heritage with a similar design and dimensions as Shuttle's G-series, the company has actually designed the product to more closely target set-top box (STB) type devices such as the Apple TV, Media Center Extender products, and even game consoles such as the Xbox 360 and Wii, offering simplified access to multimedia content online or off a home network.Probably the most prominent feature of the U31 is the 7-inch color, 800×480 pixel touch panel on the front of the chassis. In the past, Shuttle has shipped some of its home theater XPCs (the D'VO series) with a VFD-display capable of showing limited system and playback information. But the panel on the U31 Shuttle is able to provide a full GUI that can be used to access and control any multimedia content stored on the system or local network. Combined with a bundled remote control, which features a joystick and mouse buttons, Shuttle's aim is for the U31 to be completely usable without a keyboard, while offering features including TV and PVR functions, music, picture and video playback and access to free online content, among others.Another key ingredient of the U31 is a self-developed media shell application that Shuttle has been working on for over four months which provides tab-based access to all of the system's functions. According to Shuttle, its interface is easier to use than Microsoft's Media Center solution, and offers the benefits of OS independence (versions for both Linux and Windows XP are being developed), is multi-language and can be customized to meet the needs of different markets.For example, Shuttle revealed it is currently working alongside content providers such as Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), which operates a subscription-based Multimedia on Demand (MOD) service in Taiwan, and hopes to be able to ship localized systems that are preconfigured for access to such paid-for services, replacing the need for customers to have multiple STBs attached to their TV. At its core the U31 is based on Intel's 945G-series chipset but Shuttle said it plans to tailor other system specifications for each market.Alongside the U31, but of less interest to consumers, Shuttle is also demonstrating a system based on the same hardware but targeting the surveillance market. Minus the remote while adding additional surveillance and video capture hardware, this system utilizes the 7-inch panel for the display and control of closed circuit images. Shuttle has developed this system with two Taiwan-based partners from the surveillance industry and plans to bring it to market later in the year.On Linux and AtomCommenting on the growing popularity of vendors shipping Linux-based options, Shuttle said that it would support both Linux and Windows in the future, depending on market demand, but did not want to get involved in persuading its customers to choose one platform over another. The company said it has been pleased by shipments of its KPC K45 – a Linux-based system launched in February this year targeting cost conscious markets such as office terminal client and libraries – and said it plans to launch the slightly larger K48, which includes support of an optical drive, later in the year. Shuttle believes the K48 will be popular in the second home PC market.Shuttle will also expand the KPC lineup with two further products, the K55 and K58. These share the same features of the K45 and K48 but will adopt Intel's Atom CPUs. These products are currently expected to start shipping in July, once Intel beings to release Atom supplies.Also waiting for Atom is the X27, a new slim (7cm) value desktop that will compete for a share of the new nettop market along with products such as Asustek's Eee Box. While this market is relatively new for all companies involved, Shuttle hopes its reputation in SFF design should help make this new product popular.Looking to the future, Shuttle revealed it is already working to shrink its Atom-based nettop products down to 4cm, and said it also has ideas for iMac-type systems, although it is still too early to talk about those. The company also stressed that it is still committed to its XPC product lines and will release new products as the chipset makers (Intel, AMD, Nvidia) come up with new models.Shuttle U31Photo: CompanyShuttle K48Photo: CompanyShuttle K58Photo: CompanyRemote control bundled with the Shuttle U31Photo: CompanyShuttle Media Shell softwarePhoto: CompanyThe X27 measures just 7cm tallPhoto: Ricky Morris, Digitimes, June 2008

What quickly becomes clear as you walk among the various booths of Taiwan's motherboard and graphics card makers at this year's Computex is that the main attraction is boards based on Intel's new 4-series chipsets. With practically everyone offering the same basic lines – G43 for the low-end, G45 and P45 for mid-range, and X48 for the high-end – each vendor is trying to find a unique way to make its products and booth stand out among the many others in the Nangang exhibition hall.Gigabyte is demoing a range of motherboards which are targeted at overclockers, including a pair of "Extreme" models sporting the company's extravagant Hybrid Silent Pipe cooling solution. A Gigabyte representative said the company has listened to feedback from professional overclockers, reviewers and its customers and rolled several unique features into its boards specifically aimed at enthusiasts, including the ability to tweak voltage increments by as little as 0.002V and onboard power and reset switches for when the boards are set up on a test bench.On some new mid-range Gigabyte motherboards, system builders will now find Diagnostic LEDs scattered around the board that can help pin-point the source of a hardware issue, for example, incorrectly inserted RAM when putting together a new system, while high-end boards include the company's Debug LEDs system which goes even further in helping to resolve problems.In addition to showing off its Dynamic Energy Saver (DES) technology which can be found on the majority of the company's motherboards, Gigabyte is also introducing TPM-based security on select models which is particularly useful to users who want to secure their data using encryption such as Windows BitLocker. The company is highlighting another new feature called Smart Backup on some motherboards, which consists of a RAID controller chip from Silicon Image that allows hardware-based, operating system independent (no need for drivers) support for RAID 0 or 1. Gigabyte seems to be a pioneer of this feature and it is, in our opinion, one of the more interesting developments at Gigabyte's booth, if not all the motherboard booths.Over at the booth of Micro-Star International (MSI), you will find another host of Intel 4-series motherboards. MSI is also highlighting is own DrMOS energy-saving technology, but at the moment this solution is not as sophisticated as Gigabyte's DES.However, one stand out product at the booth of MSI is the P4S8D, a DRR2/DDR3 "hybrid" motherboard with a total of eight memory slots (four DDR2/four DDR3). Models like this usually appeal to cost-conscious enthusiast as they let you build a system using cheap DDR2 memory now, while making it possible to upgrade to DRR3 when prices come down. However, boards in the past have only supported up to six slots (four DDR2/two DDR3) meaning users had to compromise a little.Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry) continues to try and promote itself as an enthusiast brand and is hosting live demonstrations at its booth with professional overclockers trying to push the company's Quantum Force series motherboards as far they can, with a little help from liquid nitrogen (LN2). Meanwhile, Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) is also trying to break back into the high-end segment with its Black and Black-Extreme series.More Intel 4-series boards and products can be found at the booths of Albatron, Abit, Biostar International and Shuttle. To see something slightly different, however, you need to head over to Zotac where the company is showing a complete range of Nvidia chipset-based motherboards, including the high-end nForce 790i-Supreme.Among all the traditional motherboards are scattered a couple of Atom-based boards for people hoping to build their own systems like the Eee Box and Wind PC. Gigabyte has one but says it will not be available in the channel, MSI has one also. ECS has two, including one based on the AMD-founded DTX form factor rather than the usual mini-ITX, while Foxconn also has several versions, some offering a mini PCI slot rather than the typical full size PCI. According to an ECS representative, the company expects to start offering these products in the next few months priced around US$50-60.To take a look at the booth of Taiwan's other top motherboard maker, Asustek Computer, you have to leave the Nangang exhibition hall and take a shuttle bus to the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC). There you will find yet more Intel 4-series, motherboards, another take on energy saving technology – Energy Processing Unit (EPU), and more motherboards that encourage you to tweak every last drop of performance out of them. That isn't to say Asustek's lineup isn't strong, it's just the 30-minute journey is a long way to go to see more of the same.However, what does make the trip worthwhile is the opportunity to take a look at the new 10-inch Eee PC and the Eee Box, as well as the Eee Stick GMC, a motion control device similar to the Nintendo Wiimote, which looks like it could become a more natural way to control your PC or play games, turning the Eee Box into a family room entertainment system.Finally, Asustek is showing some concept devices, including a notebook that has two touch screen displays. The demo shows how you can interact with the system using touch and gestures with the displays changing to suit different activities, e.g. showing a traditional-looking soft-keyboard and track-pad when editing documents. With Microsoft recently revealing that Windows 7 will place a large emphasis on touch-based controls, this prototype could be a design that is quite common within just a few years.Gigabyte's Hybrid Silent Pipe can be found on its Extreme series motherboardsPhoto: Ricky Morris, Digitimes, June 2008MSI's P4S8D has a total of eight memory slotsPhoto: Ricky Morris, Digitimes, June 2008Asustek's concept notebook with two touch screensPhoto: Ricky Morris, Digitimes, June 2008

Mio, a subsidiary of Mitac International, launched two GPS phones and a GPS navigation device at Computex 2008.Mio launched its Leap K1, a dual-sided GPS navigation phone with a dual side display, at Computex 2008. One side of the device is a feature phone with an easy to use interface, while the other side is a fully-functioning flat panel navigation system. Users can switch between functions by pressing a button, according to the company. The Leap K1 features MioMap 2008, dual navigation modes a built-in camera and Bluetooth and runs on the Windows CE 5.0 operating system.Mio also announced its Leap G50 navigation phone, which features the functionality of a GPS navigation system, camera and PDA phone. The Leap G50 runs on Windows Mobile 6.1.Both phones will be launched in Asia in the third quarter, according to the company.In addition to handsets, Mio also announced the launch of its Moov 380 PND, which features built-in SIM card support for full phone features and GPRS connectivity. The company also introduced a concept GPS camera product at Computex.Mitac expects to ship 9.5-10 million units for all types of its GPS devices in 2008, including shipments on an ODM/OEM basis, according to a report in the Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN).Mio Leap K1 GPS handsetPhoto: CompanyMio Leap G50 GPS handsetPhoto: CompanyMio Moov 380 PND with built-in SIM card supportPhoto: Company

First International Computer (FIC) unveiled its latest 8.9-inch netbooks, the CE2A1 and CW0A1.The CE2A1 features a 1.2GHz VIA C7-M ULV processor with VIA VX800 chipset and can support Windows Vista Basic, Windows XP Home Edition and Linux operating systems.Sharing the same industrial design, the CW0A1 uses a 1600MHz Intel Atom N270 processor with Intel 945GSE chipset and can run either Windows XP Home Edition or Linux.With only a negligible increase in weight, and a few more millimeters in thickness, the CE2A1 and CW0A1 now sport larger displays with an 8.9-inch WVGA panel, while also featuring a revised, centrally-located touchpad, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, 802.11b/g wireless LAN, 4-cell Lithium-Ion battery (6-cell optional) and a 1.8-inch hard disk drive with up to 160GB of internal storage. FIC's latest netbook specifications Model CE2A1 CW0A1 CPU 1.2GHz VIA C7-M ULV processor 1600MHz Intel Atom processor N270 Memory DDR2 533/667 MHz SO-DIMM slot (up to 2GB) DDR2 533 SO-DIMM slot (up to 2GB) Display 8.9-inch WVGA glare LCD (1024×600) 8.9-inch WVGA glare LCD (1024×600) OS Windows Vista Basic, Windows XP Home Edition or Linux operating system support Windows XP Home Edition or Linux operating system support Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, June 2008FIC 8.9-inch CE2A1/CW0A1 netbookPhoto: Company