Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) has launched a new mainstream motherboard for AMD platforms. Powered by AMD's 770 northbridge and SB600 southbridge controller, the A770M-A motherboard is designed for users who demand the latest technology, including support for AMD Phenom processors and HyperTransport 3.0 technology, said ECS.In addition to AMD's latest Phenom processors, the A770M-A also provides full-scale support for Athlon and Sempron family processors, PCI Express 2.0, dual-channel DDR2 800 memory up to 32GB, four SATA 3Gb/s ports, Gigabit LAN and 8-channel high-definition audio output, while featuring ECS's Ultra I/O Rear Panel equipped with six USB 2.0 ports and one eSATA port. ECS A770M-A motherboard specifications Item Detail CPU support AMD Phenom, Athlon 64 FX, 64 X2, 64 and Sempron processors with HyperTransport 3.0 support Chipset Northbridge: AMD 770 Southbridge: AMD SB600 Memory support Dual-channel DDR2 800/667/533/400 memory up to 32GB (currently only up to 8GB) VGA support One PCI Express x16 slot Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, November 2007ECS A770M-A motherboard Photo: Company

Taiwan-based Oculon Optoelectronics will show two tiny business liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) front projectors at CES 2008 in Las Vegas (January 7-10). The pocket projectors, each weigh in at 10 ounces, fit into a purse, coat pocket or the palm of a hand, according to the company.Hikari Pro920, which is a basic VGA model (640×480) will be available in December 2007 at a suggested retail price of US$299. Hikari Pro1440, which has resolution of SVGA (800×600) will have a suggested retail price of US$399, according to Oculon.Oculon claims that the Hikari Pro 920 will be the world's smallest front projector. Oculon pocket-size front projectors specifications Model name Hikari Pro920 Hikari Pro1440 Method of projection LCOS LCOS Resolution 640×480 800×600 Panel size 0.44-inch 0.62-inch Aspect ratio 4:3 4:3 Light source LED LED Brightness 20 ANSI 70 ANSI Maximal projection size 15-inch 20- inch Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, November 2007Taiwan-based Oculon Optoelectronics rolls out tiny projector Photo: CompanyHikari Pro920photo: Company Hikari Pro1440Photo: Company

Gigabyte United, Micro-Star International (MSI) and Asustek Computer have announced new product lines based on AMD's latest ATI Radeon HD 3800 series GPUs.Gigabyte United's GV-RX38 series includes the GV-RX387512H-B featuring 512MB of 256-bit GDDR4 memory and the GV-RX385256H-B with 256MB of GDDR3 265-bit memory. With PCI Express 2.0 compatibility, easy AMD CrossFireX scalability, built-in HDMI and 5.1 surround audio, the GV-RX38 series allows users to completely immerse themselves in a total HD gaming experience, said Gigabyte.MSI unveiled RX3870 and RX3850 series graphics cards with an all-copper pipe cooling solution and fanless design to provide a silent and quiet working environment.MSI offers an exclusive image quality enhancement technology, Vivid, allowing adjustment of screen display settings, according to the company.Asustek introduced the EAH3800 TOP series the EAH3850 TOP/G/HTDI/256M and the EAH3870 TOP/G/HTDI/512M. The cards are overclocked for an 8% performance boost over reference design boards, Asustek noted.The EAH3800 series also comes with the exclusive Asustek GamerOSD that is able to deliver GPU overclocking from onscreen displays during game play. Asustek Radeon HD 3800 series graphics cards specifications Model EAH3870 TOP/G/HTDI/512M EAH3850 TOP/G/HTDI/256M EAH3870/G/HTDI/512M EAH3850/G/HTDI/512M EAH3850/G/HTDI/256M Graphics Engine Radeon HD 3870 Radeon HD 3850 Radeon HD 3870 Radeon HD 3850 Radeon HD 3850 Video Memory 512MB DDR4 256MB DDR3 512MB DDR4 512MB DDR3 256MB DDR3 Engine Clock 850MHz 730MHz 775MHz 668MHz 668MHz Memory Clock 2.28GHz (1.14GHz DDR4) 1.9GHz (950MHz DDR3) 2.25GHz (1.125GHz DDR4) 1.65GHz (828MHz DDR3) 1.65GHz (828MHz DDR3) Memory Interface 256-bit 256-bit 256-bit 256-bit 256-bit DVI Max. Resolution 2560×1600 2560×1600 2560×1600 2560×1600 2560×1600 Bus Standard PCI Express 2.0 PCI Express 2.0 PCI Express 2.0 PCI Express 2.0 PCI Express 2.0 DVI Output DVI-I DVI-I DVI-I DVI-I DVI-I HDCP compliant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes D-Sub Output Yes, via DVI to HDMI adaptor Yes, via DVI to HDMI adaptor Yes, via DVI to HDMI adaptor Yes, via DVI to HDMI adaptor Yes, via DVI to HDMI adaptor HDTV Output YES, via DVI to D-Sub adaptor YES, via DVI to D-Sub adaptor YES, via DVI to D-Sub adaptor YES, via DVI to D-Sub adaptor YES, via DVI to D-Sub adaptor TV Output YES, via HDTV Out cable YES, via HDTV Out cable YES, via HDTV Out cable YES, via HDTV Out cable YES, via HDTV Out cable Adaptor/Cable Bundled YES, via S-Video to Composite YES, via S-Video to Composite YES, via S-Video to Composite YES, via S-Video to Composite YES, via S-Video to Composite DVI-to-D-Sub adapter HDTV-out cable DVI-to-D-Sub adapter HDTV-out cable DVI-to-D-Sub adapter HDTV-out cable DVI-to-D-Sub adapter HDTV-out cable DVI-to-D-Sub adapter HDTV-out cable Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, November 2007 Gigabyte Radeon HD 3800 series graphics cards specifications Model GV-RX385256H-B GV-RX387512H-B Chipset ATI Radeon HD 3850 ATI Radeon HD 3870 Memory 256MB 512MB Memory Bus 256-bit 256-bit Memory Type GDDR3 GDDR4 Card dimension ATX ATX Bus Type PCIe 2.0 PCIe 2.0 D-SUB Yes Yes TV-OUT Yes Yes DVI Port Y (DVI-I) Y (DVI-I) VIVO No No Multi View Yes Yes Source: Company compiled by Digitimes, November 2007MSI ATI RX 3870 graphics cardPhoto: CompanyGigabyte GV-RX387512H-B graphics cardPhoto: CompanyGigabyte GV-RX385256H-B graphics cardPhoto: CompanyAsustek EAH3870 graphics cardPhoto: Company

Transcend Information recently announced the arrival of its new SD/MMC Card Reader S5.The S5 plugs directly into any USB 2.0 (or 1.1) port and is capable of data transfer rates up to 480Mb/s. In addition, it supports the latest SDHC standard for high-end large capacity memory cards, according to the companyThe all-white colored Card Reader S5 has a sleek design that makes it compact and portable, with rounded edges for easy handling.Transcend SD/MMC Card Reader S5Photo: Company

E-Ten Information Systems has announced the launch of its Glofiish M800 handset.The Glofiish M800 features a sliding QWERTY keyboard, 3.5G and Wi-Fi connectivity as well as a VGA display. The Windows Mobile 6 platform device comes with built-in features including a mobile office suite for productivity, search, and support for push email, according to the company.Compared to handsets from competing vendors, few, if any, can equal the complete feature list of the M800, according to E-Ten. While there are some models on the market that feature 3.5G and a sliding keyboard design similar to the M800, these products only have a QVGA display, one-quarter the resolution of the M800's VGA (640x480) screen, noted the company.Since it is based on the Windows Mobile 6, the Glofiish M800 supports the extensive library of software written for Pocket PC platforms. With thousands of titles available ranging from simple freeware utilities to commercial applications, the M800 gives users the choice to expand and customize their devices in any way they need, noted E-Ten.E-Ten M800 handsetPhoto: Company

Following AMD's recent announcement of its Radeon HD 3850 and 3870 graphics chips, Tul (PowerColor) and GeCube have launched their latest AMD-based graphics cards.PowerColor announced standard and overclocked versions of its HD 3850 and HD 3870 cards, both targeting the enthusiast market. The overclocked versions included a unique cooling solution dubbed PCS (professional cooling system).GeCube announced several HD 3800 series-based graphics cards including some with its new X-Turbo III cooling fan. The company also launched overclocked versions of the cards. PowerColor: Radeon HD 3800 series graphics cards specification Model Number HD 3850 HD 3850 PCS HD 3850 Xtreme PCS HD 3870 HD 3870 PCS Core Speed 668MHz 720MHz 720MHz 775MHz 800MHz Memory Speed 828MHz 900MHz 900MHz 1126MHz 1200MHz Memory Size 256MB 512MB 512MB 512MB 512MB Memory Controller 256-bit Memory Type GDDR3 GDDR3 GDDR3 GDDR4 GDDR4 CrossFireX YES PCIe 2.0 HDMI Interface w/ Dongle w/ Dongle On-board w/ Dongle w/ Dongle Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, November 2007 GeCube: Radeon HD 3800 series graphics cards specification Model Number GC-HD3850PG3-D3 (BBA) GC-XHD3850PG3-E3 (O.C Version) GC-HD3870XTG4-E3 (BBA) GC-XHD3870XTG4-E3 (O.C Version) Chips RV670PRO (55nm) RV670PRO (55nm) RV670XT (55nm) RV670XT (55nm) Core/Memory Frequency 668MHz/ 828MHz 700MHz/ 875MHz O.C to 720MHz/950MHz 775 MHz/1126 MHz 800MHz/1200MHz O.C to 857MHz/1250MHz Memory Bus 256-bit Memory Type GDDR3, 256MB GDDR3, 512MB GDDR4, 512MB GDDR4, 512MB DVI Dual DVI (2 Dual Link, HDCP) D-Sub Yes (By Dongle) Built-in HDMI Yes ( thru DVI to HDMI dongle) VC-1 Yes HDR+AA Yes HDTV HDTV by S to YPbPr cable (default included) Cooling Single Slot Fansink Dual Slot Fansink (X-Turbo III) Dual Slot Fansink Dual Slot Fansink (X-Turbo III) Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, November 2007GeCube GC-HD3850PG3-D3 graphics card based on AMD's Radeon HD 3850 chipPhoto: CompanyGeCube GC-HD3870XTG4-E3 graphics card based on AMD's Radeon HD 3870 chipPhoto: CompanyPowerColor HD 3850 graphics cardPhoto: CompanyPowerColor HD 3870 graphics cardPhoto: Company

Kontron recently introduced its first lightweight, plastic-housed panel PC specially designed for medical equipment OEMs.Kontron's MediClient offers medical OEMs a highly reliable platform with flexible mounting options and the longevity required by the medical industry. Kontron's scalable x86 CPU boards and a range of I/O options are assembled into a complete medical human machine interface (HMI) with a light and cleanable plastic housing made in accordance with the OEM's individual corporate design.The 15-inch touchscreen offers graphics on a high contrast 1024×768 TFT display. It is usable with gloves and stylus pens and is resistant to disinfectants and detergents. The front panel of the Kontron MediClient offers IP65 protection against dust and liquids and allows the cleaning of fluid-born contaminants with alcohol. The extremely tough, light and cost-effective plastic housing (ABS UL94V0) is scratch-proof, corrosion resistant and chemical resistant for long life and easy cleaning. Mounting options include traditional panel mounting as well as VESA arm mounting.In addition to its mounting options, the Kontron MediClient offers flexible and scalable processor performance up to 600MHz with the Intel Celeron M processor. The dual LAN, dual USB 2.0 and serial RS232 (RS422/RS485 optional) interfaces add to the MediClient's versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of medical applications.Kontron's MediClient medical panel PC features a touchscreen panelPhoto: Company

Samsung Electronics on November 14 unveiled three Bluetooth-enabled digital music players, the P2, S5 and T10, and a localized version of its online audio/video platform, Samsung Play. The digital music players will launch in the Taiwan market soon, according to Samsung Electronics Taiwan, and are the first Bluetooth-enabled models available in Taiwan, it emphasized.Of the Samsung digital music players sold in the Taiwan market, 60-70% are entry-level models, such as the U3, with, currently, only 30-40% in the medium and high-end range, Samsung Taiwan pointed out. With the launch of the three Bluetooth models, the ratio is expected to reach 50:50, Samsung Taiwan indicated.Samsung sold about 70,000 digital music players in Taiwan in 2006, taking the second largest market share proportion at 10%. Samsung became the largest foreign brand in August 2007, said Samsung Taiwan general manager Chul-young Lee. In line with the trend of increasing storage capacity, Samsung plans to offer 16GB models in the first quarter of 2008, Lee noted. Samsung aims to grow its Taiwan market share to 15% in 2008, Lee indicated. Samsung's three new digital music player specifications Item P2 S5 T-10 Screen size and resolution 3-inch 480×272-pixel TFT-LCD 1.8-inch 220×176-pixel TFT-LCD 2-inch 320×240-pixel TFT-LCD Built-in flash memory capacity 4GB, 8GB 2GB 2GB, 4GB Battery service time: Music or video playback in hours 35 or 5 24 or 4.5 30 or 4 Dimension (W × H × D, mm) 52 × 100 × 9.9 46.5 × 96 × 14.95 41.5 × 96 × 7.9 Weight (gram) 85 85 43 Recommended retail price (NT$) 7,290 (US$225) for 4GB, 8,990 for 8GB 5,500 4,290 for 2GB, 5,290 for 4GB Source: Samsung Taiwan, compiled by Digitimes, November 2007Samsung's new P2 Bluetooth digital music playerPhoto: CompanySamsung's S5 Bluetooth digital music playerPhoto: CompanySamsung's T10 Bluetooth digital music player is available in five colorsPhoto: Company

HTC recently launched the HTC Touch Cruise in Europe, the third member of the HTC Touch product family and the first to feature in-built GPS for personal navigation.The new Touch Cruise features HSDPA/3.5G connectivity plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as GPS functionality. The device has a 2.8-inch screen and runs on Windows Mobile 6.The HTC Touch Cruise utilizes mapping and navigation solutions from TomTom, which come with the option of full maps of Western Europe. Other key features include a 3-megapixel auto focus camera, FM radio and Micro SD memory card slot for adding to the 128MB of RAM.The HTC Touch Cruise will be available from both retailers and SIM-free from HTC from this month.HTC Touch CruisePhoto: Company

SanDisk unveiled a solid-state storage solution, Vaulter Disk, that works in conjunction with a PC's hard drive to store and launch the computer's operating system and software applications. This new solution aims to provide enhanced performance over a PC that has only a hard drive. Vaulter Disk will be offered to OEMs in early 2008 in capacities of 8-16GB.By introducing the Vaulter Disk, which is a flash-based PCI Express module, both laptop and desktop computer manufacturers are able to harness the speed of embedded flash memory for frequently accessed files while continuing to use a spinning hard drive for bulk storage of less frequently accessed data, said SanDisk.The Vaulter Disk requires only enough memory to host the computer's operating system (OS) and selected optional user data that is benefited by the faster access time using flash memory. The hard drive stores files, user-generated content and applications that do not require or benefit from faster seek times. The two drives operate in parallel, thereby increasing the overall speed and performance of the PC.The SanDisk Vaulter Disk's storage concept, for which patents have been applied, transparently speeds up data retrieval for boot and application load operations, as well as unexpected user access to new files, according to SanDisk. With Vaulter Disk there is faster response time when a user randomly accesses many small files for repeated operations, such as opening applications, and for unexpected behavior, such as retrieving new applications or entries on the Internet, stated the company.SanDisk Corporation's new solid-state storage solution, Vaulter Disk, works simultaneously and in conjunction with a PC's hard drive to store and launch the computer's operating system and software applicationsPhoto: Company