High Tech Computer (HTC), on June 4, unveiled its advanced next-generation business phone, the HTC Touch Pro, which utilizes similar styling and functionality to its Touch Diamond and introduces a variety of business-focused enhancements that make getting work done on the go quick and easy, according to the company."The HTC Touch Pro and Touch Diamond have created a new generation of HTC touch devices that make the promise of the one-hand, one-touch mobile Internet a reality," company president and CEO Peter Chou said.In addition to its 3D touch interface TouchFLO 3D and enhanced Web browsing capability, HTC also introduced a new five-row QWERTY keyboard layout that it claims makes typing-intensive tasks like composing email or working on Microsoft Office documents easier. Built-in TV-out functionality means users can deliver PowerPoint presentations from the Touch Pro.The HTC Touch Pro will be available to customers across all major European, Asian and the Middle Eastern markets in late summer. North American and Latin American versions of the Touch Pro will be available later in 2008, the company detailed.In related news, HTC has declined to confirm or deny a newspaper report stating that Sony Ericsson may acquire the Taiwan-based smartphone maker, the Chinese-language Commercial Times quoted the company as indicating.HTC will not comment on rumors or speculation, the paper quoted the company as saying. HTC Touch Pro: Specifications OS Windows Mobile 6.1 Chipset Qualcomm MSM 7201A 528MHz Display 2.8-inch VGA touch screen Camera 3.2-megapixel with a second VGA camera for video calling Internal memory 512MB flash, 288MB RAM Expansion slot MicroSD memory card (SD 2.0 compatible) Connectivity WCDMA / HSPA: 900/2100MHz. HSDPA 7.2 Mbps Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11b/g GPS GPS/AGPS Talk time GSM: up to 8 hours Standby time GSM: up to two-weeks Size 102 × 51 × 18.05mm Weight 165g Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, June 2008

Taiwan-based TV card maker Compro Technology has showcased several HD quality-based products including TV box, TV stick, TV cards and home entertainment multimedia players during Computex.Compro has showcased a TV card with remote – the VideoMate Vista E900F which allows hardware image encoding, which significantly drops the time needed to record video, while the company also showcased a Full HD-based TV box – the VideoMate HDMI 1080P TV Box which allows input of HDMI signals and output to a monitor using DVI, and a USB TV stick – the VideoMate Vista U2800F, which can accept both digital and analog signals.The company also showed an entertainment multimedia player – the VideoMate Network Media Center, allowing users to play movies, images and music files. The machine features a company developed interface, which allows downloading through P2P software and connect an USB-based external DVD drive for DVD movie enjoyment. The player also features Full HD quality output. Representatives of the company noted that the player also has support for and optional Wi-Fi module.The company expects the VideoMate HDMI 1080P TV Box to launch in the third quarter this year, and the Network Media Center by the end of the third quarter or beginning of the fourth quarter.The company noted that its products and software are all self developed and self produced, enabling it to provide the easiest and fastest service for its clients.Compro VideoMate Vista E900F TV cardPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Compro VideoMate Vista U2800F TV stickPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Compro VideoMate HDMI 1080P TV Box Photo: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Compro VideoMate Network Media CenterPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008Compro self-developed interface for its VideoMate Network Media CenterPhoto: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, June 2008

AMD has launched several new graphics solutions for notebooks and new processors for servers – the ATI XGP (external graphics platform) technology, the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800, the ATI PowerXpress, and the quad-core Opteron 1300 series.XGP technology, a new external PCI Express (PCIe) 2.0 graphics platform, is designed to deliver enthusiast-class desktop graphics performance and true multimedia upgradeability to notebooks, according to the company.ATI XGP capitalizes on PCIe 2.0 to deliver graphics via a connected cable to an externally powered and cooled device, delivering up to 4.0Gb/s bandwidth in each direction between the notebook and external graphics. XGP is fully optimized for new AMD Turion X2 Ultra (Puma) notebook platforms, which AMD also announced.The Radeon HD 3800 offers notebook manufacturers the ability to deliver fast graphics performance, energy-efficient 55nm graphics processor technology, and for the first time ever, ATI CrossFireX technology for a mobile graphics solution, highlighted AMD.The Radeon HD 3800 series coupled with AMD Turion X2 Ultra processors, the AMD 7-Series chipset, and industry-leading wireless technologies such as 802.11n Draft 2.0, form the next-generation AMD notebook platform.According to AMD, ATI PowerXpress users can double or triple the performance of the IGP when plugged into a wall socket or extend their battery life by over an hour while on the go.Previously announced earlier this year as a variant of ATI Hybrid Graphics Technology for notebook computers, ATI PowerXpress allows notebook users to manually or automatically switch between an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3400 series discrete graphics processor and an integrated AMD M780G with ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics without rebooting their notebook.ATI PowerXpress features can also be accessible and user configurable via the Catalyst Control Center. The first notebooks to take advantage of ATI PowerXpress are available from Fujitsu-Siemens Computers, AMD said.Notebook vendors including Taiwan-based Acer, Asustek Computer and Micro-Star International (MSI) are all planning to release products based on the new platform.Addressing customer demand for higher performing, uni-processor x86 solutions, AMD has introduced three new quad-core AMD Opteron 1300 series processors for one-socket servers and workstations.The company said global first-tier OEMs including HP and Dell plan to incorporate the new processors into upcoming platforms, and global supercomputer leader Cray is now shipping Opteron 1300 series processor-based Cray XT4 systems and upgrading some of the world's fastest supercomputers to incorporate Opteron 1300 series processors.A trio of new Puma-based notebooks from Taiwan-vendors MSI, Acer and AsustekPhoto: Ricky Morris, Digitimes, June 2008

Seiko Epson has recently launched the Stylus Photo R2880 and Stylus Photo R1900, two A3+ color inkjet photo printers, in the Taiwan market at recommended retail prices of NT$29,800 (US$979) and NT$19,900 respectively, according to Epson Taiwan Technology & Trading.Epson Stylus Photo R2880, an A3+ color inkjet photo printerPhoto: Company

SanDisk has introduced a line of flash memory-based solid-state drives (SSDs) that are designed for ultra low-cost PCs. The SSD is expected to be available in August.The new SSD is built on both multi-level cell (MLC) and single-level cell (SLC) NAND flash from SanDisk, which is produced at its plant at Yokkaichi, Japan. Memory densities from 4GB to 16GB are available. The SSD delivers a streaming read speed of 39MB/s and a write performance of 17MB/s and supports the parallel ATA (PATA) interface, SanDisk detailed.SanDisk noted that low-cost PCs have caught on with adults, with manufacturers rolling out devices that are designed for general consumer use.SanDisk is exhibiting its SSD at the TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall, booth M320.The new SSD from SanDisk is designed for low-cost PCsPhoto: Company

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