Taiwan-based multimedia PC company KWorld Computer is offering a pair of Windows Vista-ready DVB-S TV-tuner cards, one for desktops and the other for notebooks, according to information on the company website.The Plus TV DVB-S PI210 enables almost any PC with a free PCI slot to receive free-to-air digital satellite broadcasts, as well as analog TV and FM radio. KWorld bundles the PI210 with its HyperMedia software package which supports functions including picture-in-picture (PIP), time-shifting and access to electronic program guides (EPGs) and allows scheduled recording even when the PC is powered off, according to specification listed on the website.The compact Plus TV DVB-S 300U offers similar capabilities as the PI210 but uses USB connectivity.Both products come packaged with a remote control allowing the PC to be controlled at a distance.The Plus TV DVB-S PI210 enables almost any PC to receive free-to-air digital satellite broadcastsPhoto: Company

BenQ has announced a new line of LCD monitors targeting high performance and value-focused home and business users. The new E-series offers 13 models ranging from traditional 4:3 to 16:10 widescreen, and all models feature a 5ms response time and a viewing angle of up to 170-degrees plus BenQ's proprietary Senseye+Photo Technology.BenQ's Senseye+Photo Technology offers preset modes that provide instant settings for different usage scenarios including standard, dynamic, movie, photo and sRGB mode, explained BenQ. The sRGB mode ensures color accuracy on-screen for precise color editing to reflect accurate colors that are compliant with the industry-standard sRGB color space and ensures color consistency when connecting to sRGB-compliant devices such as digital camera, scanner and printer, added the company.The E Series not only offers a sleek appearance, but also comes with a speaker bar hung beneath the screen, making it a fit to any desktop or room, according to BenQ.All models from the E-series offer a 5ms response time, making them suitable for business, home entertainment and other applications that require high display performance, said BenQ. With a fast response time, graphics and fast-moving scenes are rendered on the monitor screen, with no lagging or blurring, the company pointed out.Furthermore, all models offered in the E-series are Energy Star certified with reduced power consumption to minimize environmental impact.Availability of the monitors varies from region to region. The E-series will be first available in Asia in late July. BenQ E-series monitors specification Model Size Response time Contrast ratio Brightness Input connector Speaker E700 17-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D 1W x 2 E700A 17-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub 1W x 2 E700N 17-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D N/A E900 19-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D 1W x 2 E900A 19-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub 1W x 2 E900N 19-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D N/A E900W 19-inch widescreen 5ms 700:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D 1W x 2 E900WA 19-inch widescreen 5ms 700:1 300 nits D-sub 1W x 2 E900WN 19-inch widescreen 5ms 700:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D N/A E2000W 24-inch widescreen 5ms 1000:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D/ HDMI 1W x 2 E2000WA 20-inch widescreen 5ms 1000:1 300 nits D-sub 1W x 2 E2200W 22-inch widescreen 5ms 1000:1 250 nits D-sub / DVI-D 1W x 2 E2200WA 22-inch widescreen 5ms 1000:1 250 nits D-sub 1W x 2 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) has announced the entry-level P4M900T-M motherboard which provides support for Intel's Core 2 Quad processors.The P4M900T-M supports 1066 MHz FSB CPUs including Intel Core 2 Quad processors such as the Q6700 as well as Core 2 Duo, Pentium D/4 and Celeron D series. Users can optimize the overall performance of their computers at a reasonable cost without giving up the flexibility to upgrade, said ECS. ECS P4M900T-M motherboard specification Item Detail CPU Intel Core 2 Quad /Core 2 Duo / Pentium D/ Pentium 4 / Celeron D processor with 1066/800/533 MHz FSB Chipset Northbridge: VIA P4M900 Southbridge: VIA VT8237A VGA Integrated Chrome9 HC IGP with shared memory up to 256MB One PCI Express x16 port Memory Single-channel DDR2 667/533/400 memory up to 4GB Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007ECS P4M900T-M motherboardPhoto: Company

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