BenQ recently introduced its E820 and C740i digital cameras.The BenQ C740i, an upgrade to the BenQ C740, features a 7-megapixel CCD image sensor, 3x optical zoom, continuous movie recording with optical zoom and a function that can automatically detect and track human faces. The high ISO portrait mode supports high sensitivity up to 1600 to ensure clear photos in a dark environment and the PASM (Program AE/aperture priority/shutter priority/manual) mode enables users to manually customize the aperture and shutter speed to one's own preferences, detailed the company.BenQ's E820, a successor to the BenQ E720, comes with an 8-megapixel CCD image sensor, 3x optical zoom, Pentax lens and a bright 2.5-inch LTPS display. Furthermore, the camera is equipped with direct printing mode, continuous movie recording with optical zoom, 13 scene modes and 3:2 and 16:9 special output sizes; 3:2 resolution mode for easy printing without trimming edges; 16:9 resolution mode for direct display on a 16:9 TV making the E820 an all-round, highly versatile high-performance camera. The E820 also features a face-tracking function and comes embedded with creative photo frames for photo decoration.The BenQ C740i digital cameraPhoto: CompanyThe BenQ E820 digital cameraPhoto: Company

Panasonic recently announced that the company will introduce, worldwide, write-once Blu-ray Discs (BD-R) with 4x writing speed. The new discs will be available in 25GB and 50GB capacities, which will be introduced in the market this July and September, respectively, according to the company.The new discs have the capability of 4x speed writing and reading, allowing users to handle large amounts of data or high-definition (HD) content with greater convenience. Panasonic said it is the first company to announce the market introduction of 4x BD-R Discs as of July 3, 2007.The new 4x discs have the maximum data transfer speed of 144Mbps, which means they can copy a 1GB folder in just one minute, while a DVD-RW (2x data transfer speed) needs six minutes, according to Panasonic. This is achieved by the application of new phase-change recording technology, which results in precise and stable recording even when writing at 4x high speed. Panasonic succeeded in applying this technology to not only single layer discs but also to dual layer discs, allowing users to write 50GB data at 4x high-speed without turning over the disc.Also the newly developed recording layer has a wide power margin at any writing speed from 1x to 4x. This enables high quality recording, even if the drive's laser power fluctuates, resulting in greater overall drive compatibility.The new discs offer low error rate thanks to a newly developed film forming technology which minimizes dust generated in the sputtering process. The error rate is reduced to 1/10 that of a conventional disc, ensuring high reliability and a high quality recording, said the company. Panasonic 4x BD-R Disc specifications Item Details Format name Blu-ray Disc Recordable Format Ver. 1.2 Model number LM-BR25LDE LM-BR50LDE Data capacity 25GB 50GB Layer constitution Single sided/single layer Single sided/dual layer Recording format Phase change recordable Laser wavelength 405nm (Blue-violet laser) Objective lens numerical aperture (NA) 0.85 Disc diameter/thickness 120mm×1.2mm Track pitch 0.32-micron Minimum mark length 0.149-micron Data transfer speed 36Mbps(1x)/72Mbps(2x)/144Mbps(4x) Hard coating Yes Source: Panasonic, compiled by Digitimes, July 2007Panasonic's new 4x BD-R DiscPhoto: Company

Taiwan-based second-tier motherboard maker ASRock recently launched its MCP 68-based motherboard, the AliveNF7G-HD720p, in China with a price ranging from US$55-60, targeting the entry-level market, according to sources at channel vendors.The AliveNF7G-HD720p adopts a GeForce 7050 graphics core but does not support HDMI, which is expected to save ASRock around 20% in costs compared to other HDMI-supporting MCP 68 motherboards, noted the sources.ASRock plans to grab more market share in China with the new MCP 68 motherboard in preparation to be listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE), added the sources. ASRock AliveNF7G-HD720p specifications Item Details CPU Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon 64FX / 64X2 / X2 / 64 and Sempron processors Chipset Nvidia GeForce 7050 / nForce 630A MCP Memory Dual Channel DDR2 memory technology Supports DDRII800 / 667 / 533 Supports up to 8GB Graphics Integrated Nvidia GeForce 7050 Price US$55-60 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2007ASRock AliveNF7G-HD720pPhoto: Company

Silicon Integrated System (SiS) has announced that Asustek Computer's P5S-MX SE motherboard, which adopts its SiS671FX chipset has officially launched.The P5S-MX SE motherboard supports Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium D, Pentium 4 and Celeron processors with 1066, 800 and 533MHz FSB. It supports single-channel DDR2 667MHz memory with bandwidth up to 5.4GB/s. The SiS671FX chipset also has HyperStreaming technology that can boost the overall PC performance plus built-in Mirage 3 graphics engine and an additional PCI Express x16 port, noted the company.The P5S-MX SE will adopt the SiS968 as the southbridge, added the company. Asustek P5S-MX SE motherboard specification Item Detail CPU Core 2 Duo, Pentium D, Pentium 4 and Celeron Processor with 1066, 800 and 533MHz FSB Memory Single-channel DDR2 667MHz memory Chipsets Northbridge: SiS671FX Southbridge: SiS968 VGA Mirage 3 graphics engine, or an additional PCI-Express x16 port. Source: Asustek and SiS, compiled by Digitimes, July 2007Asustek P5S-MX SE motherboardPhoto: Asustek

Fujitsu Computer Products of America has launched its new travel-ready high-capacity 2.5-inch external hard disk drive (HDD) for the US market. Featuring up to 300GB of storage space in a sleek, compact design, the new external HDDs are built on Fujitsu mobile hard disk technology.Designed for the busy mobile professional, the Fujitsu external HDD comes equipped with all of the necessary components to enable users to take their data wherever they go. The slim device includes an integrated USB 2.0 cable to allow for quick and easy connectivity.Additionally, because the product is USB bus-powered, a notebook can lend the device the necessary power without external resources required. Users can also be assured that their data will be protected with the distinctive 16-point omnidirectional shock mounting design, which helps to reduce the effect of impact, said Fujitsu.For extra security and backup convenience, Fujitsu external HDDs are also bundled with a data protection suite for PCs. Apricorn's EZ Gig II for Windows enables a system to be backed up as an image or an exact clone, while at the same time permitting backups to be compressed into a single file, allowing individual files to be restored, and providing security with password protection. There is also the Cryptainer encryption program that helps privacy, with AES 256 or Blowfish 448-bit encryption. Finally, to ensure data integrity, Second Copy 2000 synchronizing software coordinates file sharing and backup between multiple computers."We are proud to launch the world's highest capacity 2.5-inch external HDD product into the marketplace at a time when consumers are demanding more storage, compact designs, and features that advance the level of data security," said Lorne Wilson, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Fujitsu Computer Products of America. The Fujitsu external HDD 300GB/4200RPM will be available for US$229 (MSRP) and also in a 120GB/5400RPM version for US$129 (MSRP) in the third quarter of 2007 in the US market.Fujitsu 300GB external HDDPhoto: Company

Qimonda introduced what it claims is the industry's first quad-rank DDR2 fully-buffered DIMMs (FB-DIMMs) for multi-core servers with a bandwidth up to 800MHz and memory densities including 1GB, 2GB and 8GB. Initial samples of the quad-rank 8GB modules have already been delivered to key enabling partners for validation testing.Fabricating the component on 75nm, Qimonda said the 800MHz version FB-DIMM will enable improved performance in next generation servers that are coming to market later this year. In the 800MHz modules the bandwidth per high speed lane is 4.8Gb/s – an increase of 50% compared to 533MHz and 20% compared to 667MHz versions.Besides higher bandwidth, Qimonda highlights that the FB-DIMMs achieve a power consumption reduction by up to 45%compared to using conventional modules. Qimonda says it now offers DDR2 components that operate at 1.5V, a supply voltage that is 17% lower than the current standard, without any performance loss.The quad-rank organization is enabled by Qimonda's internally designed and manufactured advanced memory buffer (AMB) chip, which acts as the data traffic director for the FB-DIMM, the company explained. The quad-rank FB-DIMM enables the enterprise to scale total memory module density while maintaining or lowering the power budget. This contributes to both power savings and reduced latency of the memory channel. Both the lower operating voltage and the use of quad-rank FB-DIMMs contribute to the significant potential for a reduction in power consumption using the new module type.Qimonda FB-DIMMs are now available in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB densities with a 2-rank configuration, and in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB densities with a quad-rank configuration. All of the FB-DIMM densities are available with data rates up to 800Mbps and operate at the JEDEC standard 1.8V or the industry target for low power of 1.5V. Qimonda's latest FB-DIMMPhoto: Company

Motorola recently announced the immediate availability of its Moto Z8 slider handset in Spain, with other parts of Europe and Asia to follow.The Moto Z8 is an HSDPA-enabled phone which features a QVGA resolution 16 million color TFT display and a 2-megapixel camera with 8x zoom and lumi LED light. The handset can capture video and play it back at 30 frames per second. The phone supports up to 80MB of internal memory and supports 4GB MicroSD memory cards.The Z8 is now available in Spain to Movistar clients through Telefonica and will soon be available in other parts of Europe as well as Asia, according to Motorola.The Motorola Moto Z8 handsetPhoto: Company

Dell has introduced two new portable systems – the ultra-mobile Latitude D430 notebook and Dell Precision M4300 mobile workstation.The 12-inch widescreen Latitude D430, starting at three pounds, is designed for customers who want mobility that fits their on-the-go lifestyle, yet still provides performance, productivity and all-day computing, said Dell. The system is available with the option of Intel Core 2 Duo processors and extended batteries. In addition an optional solid state drive can improve Latitude D430 performance up to 23% and can reduce boot time by up to 34%, the company claimed.The Dell Precision M4300 is targeted at customers who want workstation productivity wherever they work. Dell Precision workstations are tested and certified with several working applications, helping to save customers' time and resources, claimed Dell. The notebook can provide average performance boosts of up to 110% over its predecessor product.The Dell Latitude D430 notebooks and The Dell Precision M4300 mobile workstations are complied with the Environmental Protection Agency's newest Energy Star 4.0 standard.The Latitude D430 starts at US$1,509 and is available now, while The Dell Precision M4300 is also available now starts at US$1,750. Dell new mobile PCs specification Model Latitude D430 Precision M4300 CPU Intel Core 2 Duo up to U7600 processor Intel Core Solo up to U1400 processor Intel Core 2 Duo up to T7700 processor Memory 1GB DDR2 memory, supports up to 2GB Dual-channel DDR2 memory up to 4GB VGA Intel GMA 950 graphics core Nvidia Quadro FX 360M Display WXGA (1280×800) WUXGA UltraSharp(1920×1200) WSXGA+ UltraSharp TrueLife (1680×1050) WXGA (1280×800) Price US$1,509 US$1,750 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, June 2007Dell Latitude D430Photo: CompanyDell Precision M4300Photo: Company

TUL (PowerColor) and GeCube have announced the availability of mainstream and value DirectX 10 graphics cards, the ATI Radeon HD 2600 and HD 2400 series. Each offer DirectX 10 support, high-definition (HD) 1080p, Universal Video Decode (UVD), and HDMI with surround sound.PowerColor's HD 2600 will be introduced in several models: HD2600 XT GDDR4, HD2600 XT GDDR3, HD2600 PRO 512MB and HD2600 PRO 256MB, while the PowerColor HD2400 will be introduced in: HD2400 XT GDDR3 with HDMI dongle, HD2400 XT, HD2400 PRO Passive Edition, and HD 2400 PRO DDR2. The HD 2400 PRO DDR2 will be available in both PCI Express and AGP versions.The products are scheduled for availability beginning in July.GeCube will bring out the HD 2600 in HD2600XT and HD2600PRO versions with GDDR4, GDDR3 and DDR2 high-speed memory models with 256MB or 512MB options, while the HD2400 will come as a DDR 256MB model. PowerColor ATI Radeon HD 2600 series Model number HD 2600 XT 256MB GDDR4 HD 2600 XT 256MB GDDR3 HD 2600 PRO 512MB DDR2 HD 2600 PRO 256MB DDR2 Core speed 800MHz 800MHz 600MHz 600MHz Memory speed 1100MHz 700MHz 400MHz 400MHz Memory size 256MB 256MB 512MB 256MB Memory controller 128-bit 128-bit 128-bit 128-bit Memory type GDDR4 GDDR3 DDR2 DDR2 VIVO YES - - - Sources: Company, compiled by Digitimes, June 2007 PowerColor ATI Radeon HD 2400 series Model number HD 2400 XT 256MB GDDR3 HDMI HD 2400 XT 256MB GDDR3 HD 2400 PRO 256MB SCS3 HD 2400 PRO 256MB DDR2 Core speed 700MHz 700MHz 525MHz 525MHz Memory speed 700MHz 700MHz 400MHz 400MHz Memory size 256MB 256MB 256MB 256MB Memory controller 64-bit 64-bit 64-bit 64-bit Memory type GDDR3 GDDR3 DDR2 DDR2 AGP YES Sources: Company, compiled by Digitimes, June 2007PowerColor HD 2600 XT 256MB GDDR3Photo: CompanyPowerColor HD 2400 XT 256MB GDDR3Photo: CompanyGeCube HD 2600 XTPhoto: CompanyGeCube HD 2400 ProPhoto: Company

Pentax Imaging has announced the entry-level Pentax K100D Super digital single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera with features usually found on more advanced, higher-priced cameras, according to the company. The newest member of the K series of digital SLRs combines the Pentax Shake Reduction (SR) system, a Dust Removal (DR) system, and full compatibility with Pentax SDM lenses.The K100D Super builds on the Pentax K100D digital SLR camera that first shipped in July 2006. The DR system, previously available only in more advanced models, helps keep the CCD surface dust-free.Compatible with any Pentax SLR lens ever produced, K100D Super offers a large 2.5-inch LCD display with 210,000 pixel resolution and a friendly Mode Dial featuring Auto Picture and Picture modes as well as new Scene modes for even simpler photography.The 6.1-megapixel APS-C size CCD, 11-point autofocus mechanism, and sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering delivers outstanding image reproduction, while the bright, high-precision Penta mirror viewfinder features a 96% field of view and 0.85x magnification.Priced at US$599.95, the K100D Super with 18-55mm lens will ship in August 2007. Body alone is US$519.95.