Kontron has introduced the COM Express compliant ETXexpress miniBaseboard with a footprint of 170×145mm.For applications designed to run on COM Express compliant designs, the Kontron ETXexpress miniBaseboard serves as a universal platform for rapid software validation, said the company. Additionally, it is a cost-effective alternative to time-consuming full custom designs for small volume projects based on COM Express compliant ETXexpress modules, it added. These include the ETXexpress-PM (Intel Pentium M / Intel Celeron M), ETXexpress-CD (Intel Core Duo), ETXexpress-MC (Intel Core 2 Duo) and ETXexpress-CN8 (VIA C7 processor).The Kontron ETXexpress miniBaseboard provides a range of communication interfaces including one PCI Express x1 slot, one ExpressCard54 slot, one 32-bit PCI slot, six USB 2.0 ports, and one Gigabit Ethernet interface. Also, storage media can connect to ETXexpress computer-on-modules via four SATA interfaces while a CompactFlash card slot and 44-pin IDE interface are also offered, the company detailedFlat panels are controlled via two standardized JILI LVDS interfaces while additional graphics can be connected through a DVI output (with VGA support). An SPDIF connector and pin header as well as HD audio with AC97 sound complete the feature set, said Kontron.Kontron ETXexpress miniBaseboardPhoto: Company

GeCube has launched its Radeon HD 3600 and 3400 series graphics cards targeting the mid-range and entry-level markets.The GeCube Radeon HD 3650 adopts the ATI Radeon RV635 GPU with 55nm process, 256MB GDDR3 memory and supports core frequency up to 800MHz and DDR memory frequency up to 2GHz, while the Radeon HD 3450 adopts the ATI Radeon RV620 GPU also with 55nm process, 512MB DDR2 memory and supports a core frequency up to 600MHz and DDR memory frequency up to 800MHz.Both GPUs features built-in HDMI, and support for HDCP, HD DVD, Blu-ray and UVD (unified video decoder) for high resolution viewing experience.The Radeon HD 3600 series also supports AMD's CrossFireX technology, which is able to connect up to four graphics cards together to boost performance. GeCube HD 3600 and 3400 series graphics card specifications Model GC-RX365XTG3-D3 GC-HD345PLS2-E3 GPU ATI RadeonTM RV635PRO ATI RadeonTM RV620LE Core/memory (DDR) frequency 800 MHz/2GHz 600 MHz/800MHz Memory bus 128-bit 64-bit Memory type GDDR3 256MB DDR2 512MB Interface PCI Express 2.0 support PCI Express 2.0 support TV-out S/HDTV-out S-video through cable DVI Dual DVI (Dual Link, HDCP) DVI (Dual Link, HDCP) D-sub Yes (by dongle) Yes Built-in HDMI Yes ( thru DVI to HDMI dongle) Yes HDTV HDTV by S to YPbPr cable (default included) HDTV by S to YPbPr cable (optional) Multi-VPU support Native ATI CrossFireX ready N/A Cooling Single slot fansink Single slot fansink Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2008GeCube Radeon HD 3650 graphics cardPhoto: CompanyGeCube Radeon HD 3450 graphics cardPhoto: Company

Asustek Computer has introduced a pair of overclocked AMD and Nvidia graphics cards aimed a gamers who want to squeeze every last bit of performance.The ATI Radeon 3850-based EAH3850 TOP/HTDI/512M offers core and memory clock performance boosts from the original 668MHz and 828MHz to 730MHz and 950MHz, respectively. The card also sports 0.8ns DDR3 memory modules to provide faster capabilities in memory speeds. The upgrades help the EAH3850's 3DMark06 score increase from 9883 to 11137, an improvement of 12% compared to reference design boards, according to Asustek.The GeForce 8800GS-based EN8800GS TOP/HTDP/384M features increased core, shader, and memory clock speeds from 550MHz, 1375MHz and 800MHz originally to 600MHz, 1700MHz, and 900MHz resulting in a 3DMark06 improvement of 8% (9571 to 10399), Asustek claimed.Both cards features the newly designed Glaciator fansink for better cooling, Asustek added. Asustek overclocked graphics cards specifications Model EN8800GS TOP/HTDP/384M EAH3850 TOP/HTDI/512M Graphics Engine GeForce 8800GS Radeon HD 3850 Video Memory 384MB DDR3 512MB DDR3 Engine Clock 600MHz 730MHz Shader Clock 1700MHz N/A Memory Clock 1.8 MHz (900MHz DDR3) 1.9MHz (950MHz DDR3) Memory Interface 192-bit 256-bit DVI Max. Resolution 2560 × 1600 2560 × 1600 Bus Standard PCI Express 2.0 PCI Express 2.0 DVI Output DVI-I DVI-I HDCP compliant Yes Yes Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2008Asustek EAH3850 TOP/HTDI/512M graphics cardPhoto: CompanyAsustek EN8800GS TOP/HTDP/384M graphics cardPhoto: Company

Transcend Information recently released a 32GB version of its 133x CF card.Transcend's 133x CF cards target users such as professional photographers, reporters and photography enthusiasts. To ensure compatibility and speed, these cards operate in both dual-channel and Ultra DMA mode 4 modes. Transcend's 133x CF cards achieve read/write speeds of up to 45MB/16MB per second on average, making consecutive shooting and non-stop video recording with today's high-performance digital single lens reflex cameras (DSLR) easier than ever, according to the company.Transcend's 133x CF cards feature built-in ECC (error correction code) to automatically detect and correct errors during data transfer, which prevents data corruption and missing files.Aside from the new extra-large 32GB version, Transcend's high-speed 133X CF cards are also available in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities.Transcend 32GB 133x CF cardPhoto: Company

Fujitsu Computer Systems announced a more powerful, more secure LifeBook P1620 convertible notebook, a 2.2-pound notebook featuring a 8.9-inch touch screen display. The convertible notebook now sports a powerful Intel Core 2 Duo processor and includes Fujitsu Portshutter data leak prevention software.The LifeBook P1620 convertible notebook meets the needs of mobile and field professionals in healthcare, field and sales force automation, and supply chain management who require the flexibility of a tablet for note-taking or navigating through forms-based applications, along with the traditional keyboard input of a notebook computer. To keep their data secure, mobile workers can use the included Fujitsu Portshutter software to restrict which I/O ports can be used and what types of USB devices are allowed. The software is designed to help prevent confidential information from being copied to removable devices, and even prevent the connection of external devices that might compromise security. The software can also temporarily restrict the use of ports when the computer is left unattended.The Fujitsu LifeBook P1620 convertible notebook's touch-sensitive display enables users to quickly and easily navigate through applications and the Web using either a stylus or a finger. Fujitsu has enhanced the display to make it even easier to read in normal working conditions. It is now brighter, has a higher contrast ratio, and offers better viewing angles in all four directions.The LifeBook P1620 notebook offers a bi-directional display hinge, which turns the screen in both directions for added convenience. This versatility is matched by the durability offered by the Fujitsu Shock Sensor utility, an accelerometer-based hard disk drive protection system that retracts the hard drive head if a sudden movement or vibration is detected, reducing the possibility of data loss. The sensor can also be set to password-lock the system if it is touched, preventing the unauthorized access of data. Fujitsu LifeBook P1620 convertible notebook specification Item Detail Processor Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low voltage U7600 processor Chipset Intel 945GMS chipset Memory One Micro-DIMM slot supports DDR2 memory from 512MB to 2GB. Display 8.9-inch WXGA touch screen display VGA Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950 Audio Realtek ALC262 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2008Fujitsu LifeBook P1620 convertible notebookPhoto: Company

OSD Displays (OSD) recently announced a 7-inch a-Si TFT LCD panel. The product (OSD-804805-6UFLWB) is capable of full video, offers a digital TTL 18-bit parallel interface, and a form factor common in the market.The WVGA display has competitive 65/65/55/65 viewing angles and features a 30 chip LED backlight providing 280 nit. The display includes a four-wire resistive touch layer, although alternate models are available without this feature. The outline of the module measures 166.6×107.0×11.5mm and has a very durable construction, according to the company.OSD latest 7-inch LCD panel Photo: Company

Seagate Technology on January 16 introduced the PipelineHD, a hard disk drive (HDD) series specifically designed to be built into digital video recorders (DVRs). Seagate will begin shipments of PipelineHD sometime in the first half of 2008, according to Seagate Technology Taiwan.The storage capacities of PipelineHD series models range from 320GB to 1TB, with the latter equivalent to store either 200 hours of high-definition TV content or 1,000 hours of standard-definition TV content, Seagate Taiwan pointed out. In addition, PipelineHD features quiet operation with very low noise to fit in with the living room or bedroom environment, Seagate Taiwan indicated.Seagate Technology's PipelineHD series hard disk drivePhoto: Company

BenQ recently announced the launch of what it claims is the world's slimmest 8-megapixel camera, the BenQ X800.At 9.8mm thick, the X800 is equipped with a 3-inch LCD display. The digital camera has a Prism Type 3x optical zoom lens, Face-Tracking and Super Shake-Free modes. The portable media player function of the device also allows consumers to watch video and listen to digital audio, according to the company.When zooming in on an image, all of the movement of the lens takes place inside the camera, which also has a 1cm micro shooting function. The X800, with its built-in MPEG-4 format, can record 30 frames per second at 640×480 VGA resolution and can capture images using up to an ISO 4000 setting.The BenQ DSC X800 will be available worldwide in the first quarter of 2008.BenQ X800 digital cameraPhoto: Company

After much speculation and rumors of its existence, Apple at Macworld 2008 unveiled an ultra-thin addition to its MacBook lineup, the MacBook Air.The new notebook measures 0.16-inches at its thinnest point, while its maximum height of 0.76-inches is less than the thinnest point on competing notebooks, according to Apple.The MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen display, a full-size and backlit keyboard, a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing, and a trackpad with multi-touch gesture support. MacBook Air is powered by a 1.6GHz or 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4MB L2 cache, and includes as standard features 2GB of memory, an 80GB 1.8-inch hard drive (and an optional 64GB solid state drive is available), and 802.11n Wi-Fi technology and Bluetooth 2.1.MacBook Air delivers up to five hours of battery life and includes AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi networking, which delivers up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, according to the company.The new notebook features a mercury-free LCD display with arsenic-free glass, and brominated flame retardant-free material for the majority of circuit boards as well as PVC-free internal cables, according to Apple.The MacBook Air will be shipping in two weeks through Apple's online store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of US$1,799.Since the notebook lacks an internal optical disc drive, Apple has also introduced the companion MacBook Air SuperDrive for US$99. The MacBook Air SuperDrive is powered by MacBook Air's USB port, eliminating the need to carry a separate power adapter, highlighted the company.Apple's MacBook AirPhoto: CompanyApple MacBook Air from the sidePhoto: Company

VIA Technologies and Maxdata have announced the launch of the Belinea s.book 1, a mini-notebook with weight less than one kilogram in the German market.Powered by the 1.2GHz VIA C7-M ULV processor, the Belinea s.book 1 delivers the performance, connectivity, and functionality of a conventional notebook PC in a sleek and light form factor that provides an ideal solution for today's increasingly mobile business users, according to the companies.The notebook is available now at qualified specialist dealers in Germany. Maxdata Belinea s.book 1 mini-notebook specifications Item Detail Processor VIA C7-M, ULV 1.2GHz Display 7-inch display Memory 1GB Hard drive 80GB HDD DVD-RW optional via USB WLAN 802.11 b/g Chipset VIA VX700 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2008