Transcend Information recently introduced high-speed SATA flash modules specifically designed for use in thin clients, blade servers, ultra-compact sub-notebooks and space-limited industrial installations, Transcend's SATA flash modules offer solid-state reliability and speed in a lightweight compact package.With robust, non-volatile flash memory, the SATA flash modules are ideal for use in harsher, more demanding industrial environments such as in industrial PCs, embedded systems, medical instruments, factory automation systems, network infrastructure and other industrial equipment, according to Transcend.Besides being much smaller than conventional 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA hard disk drives, the SATA flash modules use less power and offer improved shock and vibration resistance, longer data retention durability, and instant access speeds with zero spin-up or seek time, according to the company. With built-in error correction code (ECC) and an advanced wear leveling algorithm, Transcend's SATA flash modules ensure highly reliable long-term data transfer and storage for professional computing applications.Transcend said it uses only name brand single-level-cell (SLC) NAND flash chips in its SATA flash modules to guarantee fast read/write speeds and smooth, delay-free software operation. Transcend's SATA flash modules are offered in capacities of 1GB and 2GB in both vertical (male SATA data and power connectors) and horizontal (female SATA connector with mini 2-pin power and mechanical write-protection switch) versions to satisfy industrial application requirements.Transcend SATA flash module (vertical)Photo: Company
Mio Technology has announced its Mio Moov product family – four new personal navigation devices (PNDs) that combine Mio's hardware expertise with a fresh user interface. This is the first set of Mio Technology products to incorporate software developed internally, using design and content proficiencies from the recently-acquired Navman. The Mio Moov 200, 210, 300 and 310 emphasize straightforward navigation and provide excellent value that makes quality GPS attainable for many consumers, according to the company.The Mio Moov 300 and 310 both feature a 4.3-inch widescreen display which allows for more on-screen information while the Moov 200 and 210 sport a 3.5-inch, square-shaped display with a bright, anti-glare screen.The devices incorporate text-to-speech functionality to call out actual street names when making turns, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road. These features are paired with a redesigned user interface and more than 3.5 million points of interest.Mio Moov 310 and 210 also come with a one-year paid Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) subscription. Powered by ClearChannel's network of affiliates, TMC provides real-time updates on accidents, detours and construction that could delay or prevent drivers from reaching their destination. TMC updates are automatically displayed by the Moov 310, along with suggestions for routes around the obstruction.The Mio Moov product line features new SiRFInstantFixII GPS receivers, which deliver faster GPS signal locks so users can begin navigating as soon as they are ready to drive. SiRFInstantFixII can find and lock a GPS signal in as few as five seconds during typical device start-ups, almost half a minute faster than other GPS devices. For users in cities where tall buildings can impede GPS signals – creating "urban canyons" – a fast signal requisition can be the difference between missing a turn and arriving on-time.The MSRP for Mio Moov 200, 210, 300 and 310 are US$179.95, US$199.95, US$229.95 and US$249.95, respectively. Mio Moov GPS navigators will be available at Radio Shack, Circuit City and other participating retailers on April 1. Mio Moov series PND specifications Item Moov310 Moov 300 Moov 210 Moov 200 GPS receiver channels 20-channel SiRFstarIII with SiRFInstantFixII 20-channel SiRFstarIII with SiRFInstantFixII 20-channel SiRFstarIII with SiRFInstantFixII 20-channel SiRFstarIII with SiRFInstantFixII Display 4.3-inch TFT Anti-Glare Touch Screen and 65k Colors; 480×272 color LCD 4.3-inch TFT Anti-Glare Touch Screen and 65k Colors; 480×272 color LCD 3.5-inch TFT Anti-Glare Touch Screen and 65k Colors; 320×240 color LCD 3.5-inch TFT Anti-Glare Touch Screen and 65k Colors; 320×240 color LCD Speaker Built-in speaker Built-in speaker Built-in speaker Built-in speaker TMC module Built-in module Not available Built-in module Not available USB V2.0 V2.0 V2.0 V2.0 Weight 0.4lbs (181g) 0.4lbs (181g) 0.3 lbs. (150g) 0.3 lbs. (150g) Dimensions (inches) 5.12×3×0.7 5.12×3×0.7 3.9×2.9×0.8 3.9×2.9×0.8 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, March 2008The Mio Moov 310 PNDPhoto: Company
Asustek Computer recently launched its latest 1U server, the RS100-E5/PI2, a quad-core/dual-core Intel Xeon 3000 series platform, which supports Intel 45nm processors with a FSB up to 1333MHz.As a uni-processor server, the RS100-E5/PI2 provides 4-dimm slots to support up to 8GB DDR2 800/667 ECC memory, while offering RAID 0, 1 functions for cost-effective data protection.Equipped with dual PCI Express (PCIe) Gigabit Ethernet functions, the RS100-E5/PI2 is capable of higher bandwidth aggregation and reliable networking based on failover and load balance functions.An optional Asustek ASMB3-SOL Card (out-of-band monitor/troubleshooting) provides security and extends remote offline serviceability functions with IPMI2.0 Serial Over LAN standards – significantly saving MIS efforts for maintenance and minimizing system downtime.The server is an ideal platform for home users, SMB, SOHO, IDC, telecom and client systems that require quiet working environments. Asustek RS100-E5/PI2 server specifications Item Detail Processor support Quad-core Intel Xeon 3300 series, dual-core Intel Xeon 3100 series, quad-core Intel Xeon 3200 series (G0 stepping) and dual-core Intel Xeon 3000 series processors FSB FSB 1333/1066/800MHz Core logic Intel 3200 MCH Intel ICH7R Memory support DDR2 800/667 memory support up to 8GB Storage Two internal SATA2 HDD One slim-type optical device (Optional) NIC Two Broadcom BCM5721 PCIe GbE LAN Onboard VGA XGI Z9s VGA controller / 32MB Expansion slot One PCIe x16 slot (x8 Link) (default) Power supply 220W 80+ PFC single power supply Dimensions (mm) 381×430×43.4mm (1U) Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, March 2008Asustek RS100-E5/PI2 serverPhoto: Company
Asustek Computer has announced its Splendid HD1 video enhancement card, which is able to increase picture quality for HD content to deliver sharper, more vividly colored visual outputs. It can also enhance lower-resolution inputs by recovering image clarity when viewing legacy content for viewing on LCD TV or monitors as well as provide true HDMI with audio and HDCP.The Splendid HD1 is able to automatically select the best possible display modes to deliver exceptional quality visuals in photos, video and games, according to Asustek.Asustek Splendid HD1 video enhancement cardPhoto: Company
Asustek Computer has announced the M50 notebook with features including Blu-ray, Altec Lansing speakers and Dolby Home Theater support.The M50 provides a high-definition digital video and audio experience, and its touch pad doubles up as a multimedia control panel for easy control of video or music files, highlighted the company.The M50's cover is built using Asustek's exclusive Infusion technology. This not only gives the cover a polished shine but also creates a tough coat, highly resistant to abrasions, Asustek pointed out. Asustek M50 notebook specifications Item Detail CPU Intel Core 2 Duo T7100-T7700 processor, Intel Core 2 Duo T8100/T8300/T9300/T9500 processor Chipset Intel PM965 VGA Nvidia GeForce 9500M GS with 512MB VRAM (M50SV) or ATI mobile Radeon HD3650 with 1GB VRAM (M50SA) or ATI mobile Radeon HD3470 with 256MB VRAM (M50SR) Display 15.4-inch WSXGA+/ WXGA+/ WXGA, Color Shine Memory DDR2 667MHz memory up to 4GB / 1GB Turbo Memory Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, March 2008Asustek M50 notebookPhoto: Company
Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) has unveiled its G10IL netbook (mini-notebook) available with either a 10.2- or 8.9-inch glossy display.The netbook features a built-in tri-band HSDPA and HSUPA modem to allow a download speeds up to 7.2Mb/s or 2Mb/s. It also comes with three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet networking, a 56kbps analog modem, WLAN, Bluetooth, a four-in-one card reader, and 1.3-mega pixel camera.And ECS representative said pricing for the G10IL will be available in April. ECS G10IL netbook specifications Item Detail CPU Diamondville Chipset Intel 945 GSE (w/o S-Video) + ICH7M Memory Support up to 2GB Display 8.2-inch/10.2-inch Webcam 1.3 mega pixel CCD Storage HDD/SSD Battery 4 cell/6 cell Dimensions 259×180×28.5 (mm) Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, March 2008ECS G10IL netbook Photo: Company
Asian consumers (not including Japan) bought more than 53 million televisions in 2007 in the 13 countries measured. Volumes are expected to increase to nearly 60 million televisions in 2008, driven by continued strong demand for flat panel televisions across the region. The market volume of flat panel televisions in Asia is forecast to reach 22 million sets in 2008, according to GfK Asia. In the TV category, seven out of ten dollars are spent on flat panel technology, the firm stated.In Asia total, retail volumes for flat panel televisions measured 62% higher in the second half of 2007, as compared to the same time frame in the previous year.In the flat panel television category, LCD TVs outsold PDP TVs 5 to 1 overall and registered an on-year unit growth rate rise of more than 60%. Retail sales of PDP TVs increased 37% on a unit basis during the second half of 2007 compared to one year earlier. "In particular, 32-inch plasma TVs posted strong sales gains in China," said Steven Kaiser, commercial director of consumer electronics, GfK Asia. "The recent spike in plasma TV sales should continue in 2008, as more brands market 32-inch screens to consumers."The average retail price of a flat panel television in Asia was above US$1200 in 2007, and could dip below US$1100 in 2008. Says Kaiser, "Retail prices all across Asia for flat panel televisions continue to fall, even as the manufacturers improve the technology offer and Asian consumers increasingly opt for larger screen sizes. However, some signs suggest that the supply side is tightening; this could slow the speed of price erosion considerably, especially if paired with a surge in demand."The third quarter is historically measured in Asia as the slowest sales period for televisions. However, expectations are that third quarter demand for televisions in 2008 should be above historical norms for Asia, due to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Summer Games. "The Beijing Games will be broadcast live and in Asian prime time," says Kaiser. "As a result, we expect that the demand in Asia for flat panel televisions will be unseasonably strong in July and August, similar to a spike we measured during the 2006 FIFA World Cup."In 2008, the market size of DVD players across 12 countries in the Asian Region is forecast to stabilize, reaching 21 million units for the second consecutive year. The value of the DVD player market in Asia declined in 2007, as average retail prices for DVD players dropped to US$85. In Asia total, unit sales increased both for DVD recorders and DVD portable players in 2007, however, combined the two segments make up less than 10% of the DVD hardware market in Asia.The 13 countries surveyed for Television are China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia, while 12 countries surveyed for DVD Player, DVD Recorder, DVD Portable, and Home Theater System are China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia.
Leadtek Research has announced its latest portable hybrid TV box, the WinFast DTV200 HU. The TV box features a palm-size design with USB 2.0 plug-n-play interface and supports both analog and digital TV and FM radio.The WinFast DTV200 HU supports high-definition terrestrial DVB-T and worldwide analog TV reception, including NTSC, SECAM and PAL standards. With new de-interlacing technology, it provides quality video without flickering, the company highlighted. The hybrid TV box also supports HDTV and Dolby Digital AC3 audio.Leadtek WinFast DTV200 HU hybrid TV boxPhoto: Company
Advansus has announced the i965GM-DCQI, an Intel GME965-based mini-ITX motherboard designed for high definition video gaming machines and digital signage systems.The i965GM-DCQI is based on Intel's GME965 chipset and Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processors combined with dual-channel DDR2 667 memory up to 4GB. It also features Intel's integrated GMA X3100 graphics engine.The i965GM-DCQI offers dual 24-bit LVDS and DVI display capabilities with a built-in Chrontel CH7307C DVI transmitter. The motherboard supports dual-view display at resolutions up to 2048×1536. Advansus i965GM-DCQI mini-ITX motherboard specifications Item Detail CPU Intel Core 2 Duo/Solo, Core Duo/Solo mobile processors Chipset Intel GME965 Express Memory Dual channel DDR2 533/667 memory up to 4GB VGA Intel integrated GMA X3100 Display output DVI, dual 18/24-bit LVDS Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, March 2008Advansus i965GM-DCQI mini-ITX motherboardPhoto: Company
