Advansus, a joint-venture company of Asustek Computer and Advantech, has introduced a mini-ITX modular open frame panel computer, the FPM610, equipped with a 15-inch color TFT LCD display and a CPU selection from Intel Core 2 Duo to Celeron M.The company offers four different versions of the FPM610 based on Intel 945GME, 915GME, 910GMLE or 852GM motherboards. All support LVDS and DVI dual view displays, 5.1-channel audio with an additional 5W audio amplifier, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.The computer is suitable for digital signage, kiosk, POS (point of sale) and other multimedia demanding applications, according to the company. Advansus FPM610 mini-ITX open frame panel computer specifications Item Detail CPU Celeron M 600MHz up to Intel Core 2 Duo processor Display Built-in 15-inch TFT LCD Display Output Onboard LVDS/DVI, supports dual view Sound Realtek ALC888 / 655 with 5W audio amplifier LAN Realtek RTL8111B / 8110SC Gigabit LAN card Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2008Advansus FPM610 mini-ITX open frame panel computer Photo: Company

Leadtek Research has launched a brand new TV tuner card – the WinFast PVR2100 – which supports analog TV reception including PAL, NTSC and SECAM, while it can also receive FM radio. With built-in MPEG2 encoding hardware, users can record videos with the minimal system workload, highlighted the company.The TV tuner card comes with Leadtek's exclusive WinFast PVR2 software which enables users to change their settings in a two-layer user-friendly menu. Live Broadcasting software can turn a PC into a TV broadcasting station and let the users share their videos with their family and friends. Finally, DirectBurn software allows users to transfer home videos and movies from camcorders, VHS tapes, and personal DVDs into a blank CDs or DVDs, the company said.The card also features TwinView technology to provide PIP (picture in picture), POP (picture on picture) and PAP (picture and picture) viewing options, noted the company.Leadtek WinFast PVR2100 TV tuner cardPhoto: Company

Shuttle has launched its XPC Barebone SX38P2 Pro, a mini-PC barebone designed for 45nm Intel processors and which can accommodate two graphics cards.The SX38P2 Pro supports PCI Express 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and 8-channel HD-sound with Dolby Digital Live! and the DTS Connect certification. Up to three internal hard disks can be installed inside the system which can also be expanded via the two external eSATA ports.A Mini-PCIe slot is available for used with Intel Turbo Memory to help accelerate system boot up and the loading of programs, the company highlighted.The Shuttle XPC Barebone SX38P2 Pro is available now in specialist stores at a recommended price of 429 euros (excluding VAT) (US$499). Shuttle XPC Barebone SX38P2 Pro Item Details Chipset Intel X38 Express / ICH9R chipset Compatible CPUs Supports 45nm processors and/or current models of the Intel Core 2 Extreme / Core 2 Quad / Core 2 Duo Series with Socket 775 (up to FSB 1333) Memory Max. 8GB Dual-channel DDR2 800 (OC up to 1066MHz) Audio 8-Channel HD-audio with Dolby Digital Live! and DTS Connect PCIe 2x PCIe 2.0 x16 (ATI CrossFire), 1x Mini-PCIe Connectivity Gigabit LAN, 2x FireWire, 8x USB 2.0 4x SATA, 2x eSATA Other USB Speed-Link, Fingerprint Scanner Power 450W power supply (80 PLUS) Dimensions 325×220×210mm Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2008Shuttle XPC Barebone SX38P2 ProPhoto: Company

Transcend Information recently introduced a 16GB version of its JetFlash V10 USB 2.0 flash drive.The JetFlash V10 has a cap-less design, which includes a retractable USB connector with lock-switch, which makes the drive easier to use and protects the connector from damage when not in use. The JetFlash V10 measures 64×21×10mm and weighs only 11g.For added value, the 16GB JetFlash V10 comes bundled with Transcend's JetFlash elite software package, which focuses on the needs of mobile computer users and is specifically developed to help manage data more efficiently and increase productivity, claimed the company.The JetFlash V10 works with Windows Vista and also supports Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP, Mac OS 9.0 /OS X or later, and Linux Kernel 2.4.2 or later.Transcend's 16 GB JetFlash V10 is available at a suggested pre-tax retail price of US$105.Transcend 16GB JetFlash V10 USB drivePhoto: Company

Everex launched an ultra-mobile PC featuring the latest Open Source operating system from gOS at the ongoing 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.Measuring nine inches in length and two pounds in weight, the Everex CloudBook caters to users seeking the latest in mobile computing. With its 1.2GHz VIA C7-M ULV mobile processor, the notebook averages five hours of battery life on a 4-cell, lithium-ion battery. The CloudBook also features 30GB of internal storage, DVI output, 4-in-1 card reader and 1.3-megapixel webcam, highlighted the company.The CloudBook, model CE1200V, showcases the gOS operating system and familiar applications from Mozilla, Skype, Google, Facebook, Faqly and OpenOffice.org. Available January 25, the computer will be available at Walmart.com for US$399.The Everex CloudBook ultra-mobile PCPhoto: Company

Asustek Computer has showcased several notebooks at CES 2008, including the G70 with dual GPUs, M50 and M70 with terabyte capacity hard drives and U2E with a SSD (solid state drive), according to the company.The gaming notebook G70 features dual Nvidia GeForce 8700M GT GPUs with 1GB dedicated memory using SLI technology, and a 17-inch diagonal widescreen display with a native resolution of 1920×1200 plus support of dual hard drives and 8GB system memory.Multimedia notebook PCs including M50 and M70 both feature two Hitachi's 5K500 2.5-inch hard drives for a combined one terabyte capacity to provide large storage capacity for high-definition media and personal data, said the company.The U2E notebook features a 32GB SSD which allows the notebook to be shock resistant and reliable. The notebook only has size of 11-inch and weight of 2lb and is eco-friendly thanks to its SSD and LED back-lit panel, claimed Asustek.Asustek U2E notebook features a 32GB SSDPhoto: Company

Transcend Information recently introduced the latest addition to its T.sonic family of digital media players, the T.sonic 850.The new digital media player has dimensions of 81.5×41.5×12.7mm and weighs 48g. With a bright 1.8-inch high resolution full-color TFT-LCD screen, the T.sonic 850 is designed not just for great-sounding music playback, but also for viewing video and photos while on the go, the company highlighted.The T.sonic 850 supports JPG, BMP, MTV, MP3, WMA, DRM10, and WAV formats. The device has up to 8GB of storage capacity and is equipped with seven equalizer effects, including a customizable mode that lets users create their own music style. On a full charge, the T.sonic 850 supports up to 22 hours of continuous playback, according to the company.The T.sonic 850 also has a digital voice recorder, a recordable FM radio with 20 station presets, and a time-zone adjustable world clock. The T.sonic supports 13 languages, not only in the user interface, but also in the included e-book text file viewer and during synchronized song lyrics display.With its adjustable playback speed and A-B repeat functions, the T.sonic 850 can also help users review foreign languages, voice memos, meetings, and class lectures more effectively, suggested the company.Transcend's T.sonic 850 is now available in two capacities: 4GB (Ivory) and 8GB (Onyx Black), for US$96.40 and US$126, respectively, before tax, and comes with a protective silicone cover.Transcend T.sonic 850 digital media playersPhoto: Company

SanDisk recently announced it has begun to sample its microSDHC memory card in 12GB memory density and class 4 data transmission standard to major mobile phone vendors for testing and evaluation.SanDisk also said it has embarked on a 'slot education' program to raise awareness of both the card slot included in the majority of new mobile phones available today and the benefits to the consumers who use it. More information is available at the company website.SanDisk has begun sampling its 12GB microSDHC memory card to mobile phone vendorsPhoto: Company

Panasonic announced the development of a SecureDigitial High Capacity (SDHC) memory card with a Class 6 data transmission speed 32GB capacity at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 7-10.Panasonic highlighted that this high-density SDHC memory card is ideal for advanced-video codec high definition (AVCHD)video recording, which is experiencing growing demand with the recent expansion of camcorders supporting HD video. This card is able to record approximately eight hours of 1440×1080i HD video and approximately five hours and 20 minutes of 1920×1080i full HD video. The card has a Class 6 speed specification and maximum data transfer speeds of up to 20MB/s, the company added.No price nor shipment schedule was revealed yet.On the sideline of the new 32GB SDHC memory card introduction, Panasonic also introduced two new full HD camcorders, the SD9 and HS9, during the show. Both camcorders offer full HD video format in 1920×1080 resolution (24 frames per second) and the AVCHD video format. For camcorder details, please visit the company's website.Panasonic introduces a high-density SDHC card at CESPhoto: Company

Micro-Star International (MSI) has announced a new member to its notebook product line, the VR420, which features a 14.1-inch LCD monitor with a weight of 2.2kg, making it a suitable choice for consumers that need mobility, according to the company.The VR420 supports Intel Pentium M/Celeron processors and DDR2 533/667 memory up to 3GB, noted the company. MSI VR420 notebook specifications Item Detail CPU Intel Pentium M/Celeron processors Chipset Intel GL960 + ICH8-M Display 14.1-inch WXGA TFT-LCD VGA UMA, shared with system memory Memory DDR2 533 / 667 memory up to 3GB Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2008MSI VR420 notebookPhoto: Company