Acer America recently introduced the new P series LCD monitors which are ideal for home and educational environments, along with multimedia, gaming and video applications, according to the company.The new P Series includes four widescreen sizes – 19-, 20-, 22- and 24-inch –each outfitted with either HDMI or DVI for high-definition (HD) capabilities and multimedia use.The Acer P series displays are available now. Pricing starts at US$229.99 for the P191Wd, US$269.99 for the P201Wd, US$329.99 for the P221Wd, and US$499.99 for the P241Wd. Acer's new widescreen LCD monitor series key specifications Item Details Model name P191Wd P201Wd P221Wd P241Wd Screen size (inch) 19 20 22 24 Resolution 1440×900 1680×1050 1680×1050 1920×1200 Brightness (nits) 300 300 300 400 Contrast ratio 2,000:1 2,500:1 2,500:1 3,000:1 Response time (ms) 5 5 5 2 Viewing angle (H/V) 160/160 160/160 170/160 160/160 Quotes (US$) 229.99 269.99 329.99 499.99 Inputs VGA and DVI (with HDCP) VGA and DVI (with HDCP) VGA and DVI (with HDCP) VGA and HDMI inputs Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007 Acer's new widescreen monitor series Photo: Business Wire

Leadtek Research has announced a new entry-level graphics card, the WinFast PX8400 GS TDH Extreme with low profile form factor and Rifle bearing fan design to keep the card life longer, while lowering noise. Its exclusive airflow system drastically cools both GPU and components to render another 30% higher performance in visual experience, claims the company.Based on new 80nm technology and powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8400 GS GPU, the WinFast PX8400 GS TDH Silent comes with 256MB DDR2 of video memory and a GPU/Shader clock of 500/1200MHz.In addition, the WinFast PX8400 GS TDH Extreme with H.264 hardware acceleration decoding delivers high-definition image quality on any display with minimal CPU usage, added the company. The new card integrated HDTV encoder and dual-link DVI-I connectivity provides TV-out functionality up to 1080p resolutions and support for 30-inch LCD displays up to 2560×1600 resolutions at 32-bit. Leadtek WinFast PX8400 GS TDH Extreme graphics card specification Item Detail Model PX8400 GS TDH Extreme Graphic Bus PCI Express GPU Nvidia GeForce 8400 GS GPU Clock 500MHz Memory Data Rate 1000MHz Shader Clock 1200MHz Memory Size 256MB GDDR2 Memory Interface 64-bit Stream Processors 16 Output Dual-Link DVI-I, D-Sub, HDTV Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Leadtek WinFast PX8400 GS TDH Extreme graphics cardPhoto: Company

Kontron has released its latest 3.5-inch embedded computing platform, the KEEX-4000. This compact SBC (single board computer) supports low-voltage Intel Pentium M and ultra-low-voltage Intel Celeron M processors with the Intel 852GM/ICH4 chipset. The low-power design allows the KEEX-4000 to run fanless, reducing noise and increasing system reliability. The KEEX-4000 is ideal for a broad range of embedded applications requiring high performance and low power consumption such as POS/Kiosk, industrial automation and other small panel PC industries, said Kontron.The KEEX-4000's performance is enhanced by DDR 266/333 SO-DIMM system memory up to 1GB. It features a Fast Ethernet port, four serial ports and five USB ports. The integrated graphics (IGP) controller supports 24-bit dual-channel LVDS and dual display. A PCI-104 interface completes expansion capabilities and PS/2 and parallel legacy ports are also provided.The KEEX-4000 will be available in fourth quarter 2007. Kontron KEEX-4000 motherboard specification Item Detail CPU Intel Pentium or Celeron M processor Chipsets Intel 852GM GMCH + ICH4, Memory DDR 266/333 SO-DIMM up to 1GB Communication Gigabit/Fast Ethernet, USB 2.0, COM ports, PCI-104 Form factor 3.5-inch Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Kontron KEEX-4000 motherboardPhoto: Company

Silicon Integrated System (SiS) announced that the SiS761CX/SiS966 embedded chipsets have been implemented in the IEI Kino-761AM2, an industrial PC (IPC) motherboard designed for the AMD platform.The motherboard adopts a Mini-ITX form factor and is RoHS-compliant. It supports AMD Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, and Sempron processors and DDR2 800 memory up to 4GB. The motherboard also features VGA, LVDS, and HDTV outputs.The motherboard has an integrated Mirage 1 graphics engine with the SiS307LV video bridge chipset to support dual display and wide screen output. The SiS307LV video bridge chipset integrates a NTSC/PAL video encoder for TV display and a dual link LVDS transmitter with bi-linear scaling capability for TFT LCD panel display, according to SiS.The SiS761CX chipset integrates SiS's HyperStreaming technology to efficiently manage the data transmission process so that the system performance can be optimized, according to the company. IEI Kino-761AM2 motherboard specifications Item Detail CPU AMD Athlon 64, AMD Athlon 64 X2, AMD Sempron Socket AM2 processor with 2000MHz HyperTransport technology support System chipset SIS 761CX + SIS966 System memory Dual channel DDR2 400/533/667/800 MHz up to 4GB Expansion 1 x PCI Display Interface Integrated Mirage 1 graphics engine Composite output for NTSC/PAL TV out function Component output for up to 1080i HDTV out function and 24-bit dual channel LVDS by SiS 307LV (Kino-761AM2-LVDS only) Audio AC'97 codec with Realtek ALC655 Source: IEI Technology and SiS, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007IEI Kino-761AM2 motherboardPhoto: Company

Seiko Epson on September 6 debuted three EcoPoint (environmentally friendly) inkjet printers, the Stylus C110, Stylus CX7300 and CX8300, for immediate launch in the Taiwan market. This is the first time EcoPoint products have become available in Taiwan, according to Epson Taiwan Technology & Trading.EcoPoint-brand products offer lower power consumption, as low as 12W, and high recyclablility, with over 86% of components able to be recycled, according to Epson Taiwan. EcoPoint printers specifications Item Stylus C/110, business printer model Stylus CX7300, (print, photocopy, scan) MFP (multi-function peripheral) model Stylus CX8300, (print, photocopy, scan) MFP model Lower weight than predeceasing model 7.1% < Stylus C88 10.8% < Stylus CX4900 11.9% < Stylus CX5900 Lower power consumption than predeceasing model 60.8% < Stylus C88 7% < Stylus CX4900 9% < Stylus CX5900 Proportion of components that can be recycled 88.3% 86.9% 86.2% Recommended retail price in NT$ 3,990 (US$121), 4,990 for Wi-Fi connectivity option 3,990 5,490 Source: Epson Taiwan, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Epson EcoPoint printer: Stylus CX8300 MFPPhoto: Company

Leadtek Research has announced its latest hybrid TV capture card, the WinFast PxDVR3200 H adopting a PCI Express interface. With the combination of the latest technology and hardware interface, the card can provide users with a stunning visual experience, said Leadtek.The WinFast PxDVR3200 H adopts a chip from Conexant which supports analog TV, DVB-T, FM radio and full screen stereo/SAP with HDTV/AC3 support. Users can also choose from MPEG-4/2/1, WMV, VCD, DVD and SVCD formats when recording.The card features technologies including DirectBurn, Time Shifting, Scheduled Power-up, Power on/off by Remote and Twin View, and also comes with an all-in-one sensor remote control.Leadtek WinFast PxDVR3200 H hybrid TV capture cardPhoto: Company

Texas Instruments (TI) recently announced the introduction of a new chipset, the DarkChip 4, for DLP (digitial light processing) products. The new chipset is reported to deliver up to a 30% increase in native contrast ratio depending upon the application. The new DarkChip 4 will be available in a number of products in 2008. All DLP product lines, including DLP HDTVs, DLP 1-chip projectors and DLP 3-chip projectors currently feature products with various chipset iterations of DarkChip technology. DLP uses a streamlined optical system that efficiently reflects light to the screen, resulting in crisper whites, ultra-rich blacks and images that "pop" on-screen, according to TI. DLP-based products are known for their native contrast ratio levels, which ultimately sets minimum product contrast ratio level for all scene content. Native contrast ratio also sets the "black level" of the system. TI is demonstrating the capabilities of the new chipset during the CEDIA EXPO 2007 (at booth 620) in the US. The DLP DarkChip 4 Theater featuring the new chipset produces trillions of colors combined with a native contrast ratio of 15,000:1. Additionally, there is a demonstration of a DLP HDTV with DarkChip 4 and LED illumination with a native contrast performance beyond 100,000 to 1. TI latest Darkchip 4 for DLP productsPhoto: Company

Silicon Integrated System (SiS) has announced that the Fujitsu Siemens' Esprimo Mobile V5515 notebook based on the SiSM672/SiS968 chipset has entered volume production and is available in the market.The Esprimo Mobile V5515 supports Intel Core 2 Duo, Core Duo and Celeron M processors and DDR2 667 memory up to 2GB. It also features the Mirage 3+ graphics engine and a 15.4-inch TFT LCD display.The SiS968 chipset (southbridge) is paired with the SiSM672 chipset (northbridge) to support various functions on the notebook, including three USB 2.0 connectors, high-definition audio, and Gigabit Ethernet. Fujitsu Siemens Esprimo Mobile V5515 notebook specification Item Detail CPU Intel Core 2 Duo, Core Duo, Celeron M processors Memory DDR2 667 up to 2GB VGA Mirage 3+ Chipsets Northbridge: SiSM672 Southbridge: SiS968 Display 15.4-inch TFT LCD Source: Fujitsu Siemens, SiS, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Fujitsu Siemens Esprimo Mobile V5515 notebook based on SiSM672/968Photo: Company

The hype and expectations of a revamp of Apple's iconic iPod product line came to a head with the company's unveiling of a touch screen version of the ubiquitous multimedia player and a video version of the iPod nano as well as a refresh of the company's classic iPod and the announcement of the ability to wirelessly purchase music, at a press event on September 5. The company also announced that the price of its 8GB iPhone will be slashed to US$399.Apple unveiled it's new 8mm-thin iPod touch, which features a widescreen display with a multi-touch user interface that was first introduced on Apple's iPhone. The device includes Wi-Fi wireless networking, the first on any iPod, allowing Internet surfing with the included Safari web browser and the ability to wireless watch videos on Apple's YouTube application. Users are also able to wirelessly browse, preview and buy songs and albums from Apple's iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store.The new iPod touch is scheduled to be available later in September in 8GB and 16GB versions and will retail for US$299 and US$399, respectively.Aside from the new iPod touch, the iPod nano got a makeover and now features a larger two-inch display with 204 pixels per inch, allowing users to play back video at a 320×240 screen resolution. Apple says its revamped iPod nano delivers up to 24 hours of audio playback or five hours of video playback on a single charge. Still sporting a click wheel, the new iPod nano does get a new software interface in the form of Cover Flow.If listening to music and playing back videos wasn't enough to occupy your time, the new iPod nano comes pre-loaded with a number or games with additional games to be available later from Apple's iTunes Store.The new iPod nano is encased in anodized aluminum and polished stainless steel and comes in five new colors. Available immediately worldwide, the 4GB iPod nano comes in silver for US$149 while the 8GB model is available in silver, black, blue, green and a red special edition for US$199.In addition to the announcements of the new iPods, the old iPods did not get left out of the limelight either. Apple unveiled its "iPod classic," which features either 80GB or 160GB of storage. Apple says the 160GB model allows for 40 hours of music playback and seven hours of video playback, while the 80GB model allows up to 30 hours of music playback and five hours of video playback.Now in its sixth generation, the new iPod classic now has an enhanced user interface featuring Cover Flow and a new thinner all-metal enclosure. The iPod classic is now available worldwide at US$249 for the 80GB model and US$349 for the 160GB model.Besides new hardware, Apple also announced its Wi-Fi Music Store, offering music fans the ability to browse, search, preview, purchase and download songs and albums from the iTunes Music Store over a Wi-Fi network directly onto an iPod touch or iPhone.With the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, people can start enjoying music they purchase immediately on an iPod touch or iPhone with no computer required. Once they connect their iPod touch or iPhone back to their PC or Mac, downloaded music will automatically synchronize back into their iTunes library, said Apple. If users have only partially downloaded a song or album onto their iPod touch or iPhone, their computer will complete the download automatically. Prices and selection on the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store are the same as on the regular iTunes Store.In addition, iTunes customers will now be able to create custom ringtones from select songs purchased on iTunes for US$0.99 per ringtone. Both the new iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store and custom iTunes ringtones for the iPhone will be available later this month.If the ability to wirelessly preview and purchase songs through Wi-Fi wasn't convenient enough, Apple and Starbucks announced a partnership to make grabbing music while grabbing a cup of java, easier. Customers can now wirelessly browse, search for, preview, buy and download music from the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store at Starbucks onto their iPod touch, iPhone or PC or Mac running iTunes while at a participating location.Capable devices will automatically recognize the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store using a high-speed Wi-Fi wireless network with no connection fee or hotspot login. Customers will be able to browse, search and freely preview millions of songs, including a new "Now Playing" service which displays the name of the song playing in the Starbucks store at that moment, then easily buy and download songs or albums directly to their device, according to Apple. The service will make its debut at more than 600 Starbucks company-operated locations in New York and Seattle on October 2.Apple announced that it is on track to sell its one millionth iPhone before the end of September, and is chopping US$200 off the price of the 8GB model to US$399. Apple stated that the 4GB version of the iPhone will be discontinued but will continue to be sold until supplies run out.The Apple iPod touchPhoto: CompanyApple's new iPod nano familyPhoto: Company

Apparently Asustek was not satisfied with the minimalist appearance of its previous microATX chassis, the TM-21, and so has refined its design to create the TH-22.Of course to preserve the spirit of minimalism Asus could not make excessive changes – so it limited itself to just one. According to the press release, "[T]he TM-22 brings about all the advantages of its predecessor with one small change in the power button area – a metal-like decoration instead of whole mirror-polished plastic."Such a masterstroke in minimalist design is not the only thing the chassis has to offer, the release goes on to assure us, as the TH-22 also includes a blue LED on/off button and hard drive indicator.Amused commentary aside, the TH-22 seems to be an adequate microATX package. If you like the external design then inside there is space for two fans (80 or 90mm at the rear and 80mm at the front), four expansion slots, and a total of seven drive bays (two 5.25-inch external, two 3.5-inch external, and three 3.5-inch internal). The chassis also includes the usual set of front I/O ports as well as a lock. Asustek TM-22 series chassis specification Item Detail Dimension w/bezel 170×55×395 mm (W×H×D) Motherboard form factor support microATX System fans Rear: 80mm or 90mm Front: 80mm Expansion slots 4 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Asustek TM-22 series chassisPhoto: Company