Acer America announced that its Aspire 5920 and 4710 Gemstone-series notebook PCs are now available in North America.The Aspire 5920 is a highly-versatile multimedia PC, combining Acer's exclusive Empowering Technology together with the Acer Arcade software suite, according to the company. The 15.4-inch wide display HD-DVD notebook features Acer CrystalBrite, a technology that ensures maximum screen brightness in all lighting conditions. The Aspire 5920 features Dolby Home Theater, which allows users to enjoy music, movies, and games in vivid surround sound using two to six speakers or any pair of headphones.The Aspire 4710 is a 14.1-inch entertainment notebook delivered in Acer's new chassis design and backed by a selection of powerful Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processors and radiant graphics. The Aspire 4710 packs in Dolby surround sound with S/PDIF support providing dramatic video playback and solid multimedia performance. The notebook utilizes the one-click Acer Video Conference solution, including the Acer CrystalEye webcam for easy real-time video and voice connections, ideal for the budget-conscious consumer. The Aspire 5920 and 4710 notebook PCs are available through Acer authorized resellers and selected retailers throughout North America, with pricing beginning at US$1,999 for the Aspire 5920 and US$599 for the Aspire 4710. Acer Aspire notebooks specifications Model Aspire 5920 Aspire 4710 CPU Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 processor Intel Core 2 Duo T2450 processor Chipsets Intel PM965 Express Intel 945GM Express Memory DDR2 667 SDRAM up to 4GB 512MB DDR2 Memory, upgradeable to 4GB VGA Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics, 256MB dedicated GDDR2 VRAM Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with up to 224 MB of shared system memory Display 15.4-inch WXGA (1280×800) TFT LCD 14.1-inch WXGA (1280×800) TFT LCD Price US$1999 US$599 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007Acer Aspire 5920 notebookPhoto: CompanyAcer Aspire 4710 notebookPhoto: Company

Micro-Star International (MSI) has announced a new notebook for gamers, the MSI GX600.The GX600 features MSI's Turbo Drive Engine Technology. While the GX600 is in CPU Turbo mode users can increase the speed of the CPU and system by 20% by pressing the silver turbo button above the keyboard, according to MSI. In battery mode, pressing the silver turbo button switches to Power-Saving mode, extending battery time by 15%, added MSI. MSI GX600 notebook specification Item Detail CPU Intel Core 2 Duo processor Chipset Intel PM965 Express chipset VGA Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT, built-in 512MB graphics memory Memory 512MB/1GB DDR2 533/667 up to 4GB Display 15.4-inch WSXGA+/WXGA ACV(Amazing Crystal Vision) Display Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2007MSI GX600 notebookPhoto: Company

VIA Technologies has announced the VIA EPIA NR Nano-ITX motherboard, powered by a fanless 1GHz VIA C7 processor and VIA CX700 system media processor for compact, quiet and durable embedded systems.Measuring 12cm × 12cm, the VIA EPIA NR is the first Nano-ITX motherboard to natively support LVDS in two single or one dual-channel monitor configuration without the need for a daughterboard; this makes it suitable for a range of compact embedded devices requiring two displays, such as healthcare, industrial control, retail and signage systems, according to VIA. VIA EPIA NR-series Nano-ITX motherboard specifications Item Detail Processor VIA C7 1GHz processor Chipset VIA CX700 IGP chipset System Memory One DDR2 533 SO-DIMM socket up to 1GB VGA Integrated VIA UniChrome Pro II 3D/2D AGP graphics with MPEG-2 video decoding accelerator Form Factor Nano-ITX (8-layer), 12 cm × 12 cm Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2007VIA EPIA NR-Series Nano-ITX MotherboardPhoto: Company

ASRock has launched its ConRoe1333-series motherboards featuring FSB support up to 1333MHz.ASRock adopts the Intel 945GC A2 stepping chipset for the series. Although Intel's official maximum FSB support for the chipset is only up to 800MHz, ASRock has been able to reach 1333MHz allowing the motherboards to support the new Core 2 Duo E6050-series processors.The ConRoe1333-series including ConRoe1333-D667 (with IGP) and ConRoe1333-GLAN (non-IGP) have channel prices in China around RMB$445-495 (US$58.85-65.46), noted the sources.In additional news, ASRock's 2006 revenues were NT$12.84 billion (US$390.5) with net incomes after tax of NT$1.78 billion, and an EPS (earnings per share) of NT$23.94, while its first half of 2007 revenues were NT$5.29 billion. The market predicts ASRock's 2007 net incomes after tax will have a chance to increase 30% on year, while EPS will jump to over NT$30. ASRock's goal of shipping 12 million motherboards in 2007 is also expected to be achieved. ASRock ConRoe1333 series motherboards specification Model number ConRoe1333-GLAN ConRoe1333-D667 CPU Intel Core 2 Extreme / Core 2 Duo / Pentium D / Pentium Dual Core / Pentium 4 / Celeron / Celeron D all FSB1333/1066/800/533MHz processors except Quad Core Chipset Northbridge: Intel 945GC A2 Southbridge: Intel ICH7 Memory Dual channel DDR2 667/533 memory up to 4GB VGA N/A Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with maximum 224MB shared memory Sources: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2007ASRock ConRoe1333-GLANPhoto: CompanyASRock ConRoe1333-D667Photo: Company

Silicon Integrated System (SiS) has announced that the SiS671-based Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) 671T-M motherboard has entered mass production. The ECS 671T-M motherboard adopts the SiS671 chipset which supports Intel Core 2 Duo/ Pentium D/ Pentium 4/ Celeron D processors and supports DDR2 667/533 memory up to 4GB. SiS's HyperStreaming technology manages data flow between the northbridge and southbridge, from peripherals to core logic chipsets, and to the FSB, memory and graphics interface, the company detailed. The Mirage 3 graphics engine is integrated into the SiS671 chipset to support 2D and 3D playback. The SiS671 chipset also provides one PCI Express x16 slot, noted SiS.The SiS968 southbridge is paired with the SiS671 to strengthen the ECS 671T-M motherboard, said SiS. ECS 671T-M motherboard specification Item Detail CPU Intel Core 2 Duo/ Pentium D/ Pentium 4/ Celeron D processors Memory DDR2 667/533 up to 4GB VGA Mirage 3 graphics engine one PCI Express x16 slot Chipsets Northbridge - SiS671 Southbridge - SiS968 Sources: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2007ECS 671T-M motherboardPhoto: Company

Fujifilm has announced a top-of-the line compact digital camera, the FinePix F50fd. Combining a 12-megapixel, seventh generation Super CCD with a 3.0x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch high-resolution 230,000-pixel, wide angle view LCD, the FinePix F50fd is a compact powerhouse that incorporates all the features users have come to expect from Fujifilm's more advanced digital cameras.With the addition of dual image stabilization, Face Detection 2.0 technology with automatic red eye removal function, and ISO settings of up to ISO 6400, the F50fd takes compact digital cameras to the next level.Fujifilm's proprietary Face Detection 2.0, as with the original version of Face Detection, can detect up to 10 human faces in a scene in as little as 5/100's of a second, correcting focus, exposure, and white balance automatically, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. Face Detection 2.0 adds to this technology by being able to identify faces at much more extreme camera angles than before. No longer does the camera need a head-on shot to identify a face, because now even a profile will do-with up to 90-degrees movement in either direction for profiles, and up to 135-degrees for leaning or lying down in either direction, for a total range of 270-degrees, said the company.The FinePix F50fd builds on the strides previous Fujifilm digicams have made with low light photography and allows users to effortlessly capture the moment as their eye sees it, with clarity and low noise, using Fujifilm's Real Photo technology. Thanks to the seventh generation FinePix Super CCD-HR chip and the RP Processor II, the FinePix F50fd can utilize ISO settings of up to ISO1600 at full resolution and an amazing ISO 6400 at reduced resolution, said Fujifilm.FinePix F50fd Photo: Company

Genius, a brand division of Taiwan-based KYE Systems, has announced the availability of a new ultra-sensitive digital pad, the Genius PenSketch 9X12.Designed for graphic designers, artists and professionals, the PenSketch 9X12 has a large work area and is cordless to maximize comfort for long work hours and extended use, according to the company. Additional features include a pen holder and a programmable "hot cell" feature that allows users to fine-tune their craft while using short cuts and preprogrammed moves for repeated motion.The rubber-coated cordless pen has two buttons that can be programmed as left and right mouse buttons. Small and sleek, the pen can control all kinds of shapes and is built with 1024-levels of pressure to make thickness control, editing and design an easy task, claimed the company.The Genius PenSketch 9X12Photo: Company

BenQ on July 24 unveiled its new notebook PC, the Joybook R56 – featuring an 8ms response display, Intel Core 2 Duo processor, Nvidia GeForce 8400M G graphics processing unit and built-in dual 2W speakers with a 3W subwoofer, according to the company.The Joybook R56 features a bright 15.4-inch widescreen enhanced by BenQ's patented UltraVivid technology, the company said.The R56 comes outfitted with a HDMI output connector that provides transmission of high-definition (HD) digital video and audio up to 1080p resolution via a single cable – allowing easy connection of HD enabled equipment such as HD monitors, HDTVs, or HD projectors, BenQ noted.The Joybook R56 also features an eSATA port delivering data transfer rates 300% faster than USB 2.0 to allow fast access to external hard disk drives. It also comes with a built-in 1.3 megapixel QEye webcam and an internal mic with noise suppression and echo cancellation functions. Additionally, by clicking the exclusive QShot hotkey, images can be easily captured and saved from the desktop, QEye webcam or DVD films, said the company.BenQ Joybook R56Photo: Company

Hewlett-Packard (HP) will showcase a white-colored 15.4-inch notebook at the upcoming 2007 Taipei Computer Applications Show from August 2-6, according to sources at HP Taiwan.The Santa Rosa-based HP Pavilion dv6546, the first white-colored notebook ever introduced by HP, is equipped with an Intel T7300 CPU, a 200GB hard disk drive, and an Nvidia GeForce Go 8400 discrete graphics card, the sources noted.The HP Pavilion dv6546 will initially be launched in the US, South Korea and Taiwan, with only 500 units to be assigned to the Taiwan market. Pricing will be NT$59,900 (US$1,826), said the sources.HP's white-colored Pavilion dv6546 notebookPhoto: John Hsu, Digitimes

Taiwan-based Thermaltake Technology recently announced its Soprano FX chassis.The Soprano FX features ten 5.25-inch drive bays and eight 3.5-inch drive bays in standard ATX mode and is able to support extended ATX form factor motherboards. The chassis also includes an eSATA port on the I/O panel.Based on recommendations from consumers, Thermaltake made the 3.5-inch cage removable for easy installation. This feature saves users time changing hard disc drives (HDDs) and provides more space for installing long VGA cards, according to the company.Soprano FX's ventilation design provides a stable system environment. It has three standard system fans with another LED silent fan. An optional 23cm fan equipped on the side panel can further enhance airflow.The Soprano FX has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$216 and will be first released in Western and Southern Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Southeast Asia at the end of August, according to the company. Thermaltake Soprano FX chassis specifications Item Details Model VH1000BWS Case type Full tower, transparent window Dimensions (H×W×D) 540.0×220.0×580.0mm (21.3×8.7×22.8inches) Cooling system Front (intake) : 120×120×25mm, 1300rpm, 17dBA Rear (exhaust) : 120×120×25mm blue LED fan, 1300rpm, 17dBA; 90×90×25mm, 1800rpm, 19dBA Top (exhaust) : 90×90×25mm, 1800rpm, 19dBA Drive bays - Accessible - Hidden 11 Up to 10x 5.25'', 2x 3.5'' 6x 3.5'' Material Chassis: 1.0mm SECC Front door: Aluminum Color Black Expansion slots 7 Motherboards Micro ATX , ATX, Extend ATX PSU Standard ATX PSII (Option) I/O Ports USB 2.0 x 2, e-SATA connector x 1, HD Audio Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2007Thermaltake's Soprano FX chassisPhoto: Company