Asustek recently announced its 13.3-inch widescreen U3 notebook based on the latest Intel Centrino Duo processors.The notebook comes with the Windows Vista operating system (OS) and a glare-type panel with exclusive Splendid Color Enhancement Engine that displays vivid colors and sharp details. The unit also has optional turbo memory, which speeds up the boot up time of notebooks and allows better operating power efficiency, 3G connectivity and a built-in global positioning system (GPS). The U3 has a magnesium aluminum alloy housing and a genuine leather bound palm rest.The U3 features Asustek's Power4 Gear eXtreme power management, which extends battery life up to 20-25%, stated Asustek. The U3 also has a special Power Saving key that allows users to switch between an internal graphics chip for optimal power consumption and an external graphics ship for a performance boost. When optimally utilized, the Power Saving option can save up to 50% of battery life, according to the company. Asustek U3 notebook specification Item Detail CPU Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 / T7300 / T7100 / T5450 / T5250 / CM540 processor Chipsets Northbridge: Intel GM965 Southbridge: Intel ICH8M VGA Nvidia GeForce G8400M G Memory DDR2 667 memory up to 2.56GB Display 13.3-inch widescreen Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007Asustek U3 notebookPhoto: Company

To accommodate requirements in mass storage and fast transfer speeds in intranet applications of SMBs (small and medium business), Asustek Computer recently launched its P5M2-E/4L quad-LAN motherboard designed for servers.The P5M2-E/4L, with a built in quad-LAN that integrates four high-speed Gigabit LAN ports into a single one, provides almost four times the transfer bandwidth. Even if an error occurs in one port, the network connection will not be affected in any way, according to Asustek.Strict networking performance tests have shown that the quad-LAN of the P5M2-E/4L can improve transfer performances up to 390% in comparison to a single LAN. Additionally, the four ports can also be used in individual sub-nets to provide secure data and smoother transfers.In terms of storage capacity and data reliability, the P5M2-E/4L has two built-in 4-port SATA controllers with doubled quad-SATA RAID protection. The P5M2-E/4L offers more than 4TB (terabyte) of storage expandability with reliable data protection, according to Asustek.The Asustek P5M2-E/4L motherboard comes in two versions the, P5M2P-E/4L and P5M2-E/4L. Asustek P5M2-E/4L motherboard specifications Model P5M2P-E/4L P5M2-E/4L Processor support One Dual-Core/ Quad-Core Intel Xeon 3000/3200 sequence processor Chipset Northbridge: Intel 3010MCH Southbridge: Intel ICH7R Northbridge: Intel 3000MCH Southbridge: Intel ICH7R Memory support Four DDR2 533 / 667 ECC / non-ECC unbuffered DIMMs up to 8GB Expansion slot Two PCI Express x16 slot (x8 link) One PCI Express x8 slot (x1 link) Three PCI 32bit/ 33MHz One PCI Express x16 slot (x8 link) One PCI Express x8 slot (x1 link) Three PCI 32bit/ 33MHz Storage interface 4-port SATA from ICH7R 4-port SATA RAID from Marvell 6145 Networking Four PCI Express GbE LAN Form factor ATX, 12×9.6 inches Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007

Silicon Integrated System (SiS) announced that the SiS671-based PCs from China-based Tsinghua Tongfang are now available in the China market. The PCs will have selling prices from RMB$3,999-5,999 (US$528-792).The SiS671-based Tsinghua Tongfang S8360 and S8160 desktop PCs are designed to be home multimedia centers. The PCs support Intel Core 2 Duo and Pentium D processors, respectively, and adopt the latest LightScribe technology for DVD burners. The systems also come with a 22-inch widescreen LCD monitor.The T5160 and T5150 desktop PCs are designed for the education market and feature Intel Celeron 420 processors and SiS' integrated Mirage 3 graphics engine, while the A300 and A210 desktop PCs are designed for the business marketThe SiS671 northbridge, combining with the SiS968 southbridge, support Intel Core 2 Duo/ Pentium 4/ Celeron D processors with a 800/667/533MHz FSB (front side bus), single-channel DDR2 667 memory plus Mirage 3 graphics engine. The SiS671/SiS968 supports a PCI Express port which enables further upgrades to the system. Tsinghua Tongfang PCs' specification Model S8160 S8360 T5150 A300 CPU Intel Pentium D E2140 processor Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 processor Intel Celeron 420 processor Intel Pentium D 925 processor Memory 1 GB DDR2 memory 1 GB DDR2 memory 1 GB DDR2 memory 512M DDR2 533 memory VGA Nvidia 7300SE ATI X1550 Mirage 3 Mirage 3 Source: Tsinghua Tongfang, VIA, compiled by Digitimes, Aug 2007Tsinghua Tongfang S8360/S8160 desktop PCsPhoto: CompanyTsinghua Tongfang T5160/T5150 desktop PCsPhoto: CompanyTsinghua Tongfang A300/A210 desktop PCs Photo: Company

BenQ recently unveiled its DC-E1000 10-megapixel digital camera.The E1000 features a 3-inch LTPS LCD display, a 10-megapixel image sensor, 3x optical zoom in both static and moving recording modes, automatic face-tracking function and an ISO of up to 1600. The camera has a metallic casing and a solid metal grip with brushing treatment on the front with a matted black finish.The camera has a Shake-Free hotkey located next to the shutter button that allows instant access to activate the Shake-Free function anytime. Capturing moving objects in a darkly-lit environment can now be achieved easily with BenQ's enhanced image stabilizer – the Super Shake Free function, which adjusts ISO and shutter speed according to the environment where the image is taken.With the camera's Face-Tracking function, the E1000 is able to detect up to nine faces within a scene to ensure that the faces are perfectly presented in terms of color, contrast and clearness in the photos, according to BenQ, adding that the camera also supports two output sizes that enable users to print, display and edit pictures on a widescreen displays (16:9) or traditional 4:3 displays.The BenQ DC-E1000 10-megapixel digital camera (front)Photo: CompanyThe BenQ DC-E1000 10-megapixel digital camera (back)Photo: Company

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) has announced the release of two G31 chipset series motherboards – the G31T-M and P33T-A, along with the 945GCT-M2/1333. All three motherboards support Intel processors based on FSB speeds up to 1333MHz.Both of the G31T-M and P33T-A deliver Intel Core 2 Quad / Core 2 Duo processor support and have integrated Intel GMA 3100 (Intel GMA 3100) graphics. Additionally, a PCI Express x16 slot is available for upgrades. The G31T-M's micro-ATX form factor is designed for entry-level users and for general usage, said ECS, while the ATX form factor P33T-A is designed for performance users on a budget. Both motherboards support up to 4GB of dual-channel DDR2 800 memory.The G31T-M and P33T-A integrated GMA 3100 graphics core supports Microsoft DirectX 9.0c and Shader Model 3.0 (software only) to deliver strong performance for multimedia applications and some gaming, noted ECS. In addition, the motherboards feature a PCI Express x16 slot supporting ECS EDGI. technology for digital multi-display output as well as future upgradeability.The ECS 945GCT-M2/1333 motherboard is based on the Intel 945GC chipset, supports 1333MHz FSB, and dual-channel DDR2 667 memory. The motherboard also has the Intel GMA 950 graphics core onboard. ECS motherboards specification Model G31T-M & P33T-A 945GCT-M2/1333 CPU Intel Core 2 Quad/Core 2 Duo / Pentium D/Celeron processors with 1333/1066MHz FSB Intel Core 2 Duo / Celeron D processor with 1333/1066/800/533MHz FSB Chipsets Northbridge: Intel G31 Southbridge: Intel ICH7 Northbridge: Intel 945GC Southbridge: Intel ICH7 VGA Intel GMA 3100 with Max Dynamic Video Memory up to 287MB Intel GMA 950 with Max Dynamic Video Memory up to 224MB Memory Dual-channel DDR2 800/667 up to 4GB Dual-channel DDR2 667/533/400 up to 2GB Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007The ATX form factor P33T-A is designed for performance users on a budgetPhono: CompanyThe G31T-M's micro-ATX form factor is designed for entry-level users and for general usagePhoto: CompanyThe ECS 945GCT-M2/1333 motherboard is based on the Intel 945GC chipsetPhoto: Company

VIA Technologies and Systemax Manufacturing announced a new energy efficient Systemax desktop PC powered by a 1.5GHz VIA C7-D desktop processor and VIA motherboard for the US market.The new PC features the VIA C7-D processor, which has a maximum power consumption of 20W, along with the low-power VIA pc2500 motherboard and VIA CN700 digital media chipset with an integrated VIA UniChrome Pro II graphics processor.The new Systemax PC model is available at several US online retail stores in two versions, one with Microsoft Windows XP Home for US$299.99, while the other is available for US$399.99 with Microsoft Windows XP Professional. VIA pc2500G motherboard specification Item Details Processor: 1.5GHz VIA C7-D desktop processor Chipset: North Bridge: VIA CN700 Digital Media IGP chipset South Bridge: VIA VT8237R Plus Graphics: VIA UniChrome Pro II integrated 3D/2D graphics processor with hardware MPEG-2 decoding acceleration Memory: 512MB DDR2 533/400 memory up to 2GB Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007VIA pc2500G motherboard Photo: Company

Logitech Taiwan is showcasing its VX Nano, a new cordless laser mouse for notebook PCs, at the ongoing 2007 Taipei Computer Applications Show, with the company claiming the 1.87cm-long USB receiver of the mouse to be the shortest in the world. Logitech in 1999 offered its first cordless mouse model for use in notebook PCs, with the USB receiver being 9.5cm in length and weighing 105 grams, the company pointed out. Through continued R&D efforts, the dimension of the USB receiver was reduced to its current size to meet the requirement of notebook users for a light-weight and small receiver, Logitech Taiwan indicated.The VX Nano is available for pre-sale order at a recommended price of NT$2,590 (US$79) at the show, Logitech Taiwan noted. Logitech VX Nano cordless laser mouse and USB receiverPhoto: Jimmy Hsu, Digitimes, August 2007

Asustek Computer recently released its P5K3 Premium motherboard with 2GB of onboard DDR3 memory, which the company claims can be overclocked to speeds of above 1500MHz.The company recommends that users install a CPU with a 1066MHz FSB (front side bus) or above to guarantee DDR3 memory overclocking above 1500MHz.Asustek pointed out the P5K3 Premium motherboard utilizes a "perfect T-tree" design to access memory, which provides users with simultaneous random data access on every memory chip, instead of conventional DDR3 fly-by topologies that requires time to be spent waiting for one by one random data access. This reduces clock cycle timing by 50% for random data access, thereby ensuring faster memory speeds, according to Asustek.Additionally, an innovative hyper PCB design provides good power delivery and cleaner signals with less crosstalk, stated Asustek. It also provides more ground layers to provide better heat dissipation for thermal purposes, thereby allowing users to enjoy faster speeds for better overclocking, according to the company. Asustek P5K3 Premium motherboard specification Item Detail CPU LGA775 socket for Intel Core 2 Extreme / Core 2 Quad / Core 2 Duo / Pentium Extreme / Pentium D / Pentium 4 processors plus supports Intel's next-generation 45nm multi-core CPU Chipset Northbridge: Intel P35 Southbridge: ICH9R FSB 1333/1066/800MHz Memory 2GB Dual Channel DDR3 1333MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007Asustek P5K3 Premium motherboard Photo: Company

Instant Technology has announced that it will launch new Abee-series power supply units (PSUs) in 380W and 420W versions later this month.The PSUs meet the newest Intel ATX 12V 2.2 standard and will support Intel and AMD's dual-core and quad-core CPUs, said the company. They also meet RoHS standards and have passed CE, FCC, CL, BSMI, CB and TUV safety testing.The PSUs feature Abee's Double ADT (Airflow Diversion Technology) and Silent Engine to increase heat flow while lowering noise, highlighted the company.Instant's new Abee PSUPhoto: Company

Taiwan-based Lanner Electronics has introduced a media storage and content server for the digital home or office. Featuring Gigabit Ethernet and IEEE 802.11g/b wireless LAN, the NS04-3100 is able to simultaneously stream multimedia content to multiple clients such as iTunes, Windows Media Center or any DLNA compliant appliance on the network, allowing users to consolidate their digital content library while still maintaining instant access to all their media, said the company. "The consolidated media server market has witnessed considerable growth since we released the NS04-4100 storage server for the SMB market. The home storage market is now at a point where consumers are realizing the benefits and are actively seeking cost-effective solutions for sharing content in and around the home," explained Allen Chang, associate vice president, Lanner storage group. "The NS04-3100 targets this rapidly growing market by delivering performance, functionality and ergonomics at a price that reflects market demands." Lanner's NS04-3100 4-Bay media storage server enables users to share digital media files such as video, music and images with everyone on a home or small office network. User's can store music, photos, and video collections on the NS04-3100 for safekeeping, and also enjoy the benefits of the built-in UPnP AV media server which allows the streaming of digital content to compatible media players anywhere on the network, Lanner explained. Featuring bays for up to four SATA 3Gbps drives, the NS04-3100 supports RAID 0, 1, 5 and JBOD, enabling users to select the required level of data integrity to meet their requirements. Furthermore, the NS04-3100 can also be bundled with Lanner's backup and recovery software, adding value for business and corporate markets, the company pointed out. The NS04-3100 specifications are available on the Lanner website. The NS04-3100 is available for sampling immediately with volume shipments scheduled for September 2007. Lanner NS04-3100 feature summary Item Description Marvel 88F5281 processor 35+ MB/s file sharing performance with minimal power draw Large storage capacity Four SATA drives RAID data protection RAID 0, 1, 5 and JBOD DHCP and FTP server Easy network integration UPnP AV and iTunes server Stream music directly to iTunes or network media device OS Support Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Linux and Mac OS X System backup and restore Optional software package for business orientated clients Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007The Lanner NS04-3100 is able to stream multimedia content to multiple clients on the networkPhoto: Company