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

Memory module vendor GeIL is preparing to jump on the latest bandwagon with a new line of DDR3 products.The company is planning to launch RAM at 1066MHz with timings of 6-6-6 and 7-7-7, and at 1333MHz at 7-7-7, 8-8-8, and 9-9-9.Capacities planned include 1GB and 2GB single channel DIMMs, and 2GB and 4GB dual-channel kits.The modules will come fitted with aluminum heat spreaders, and are backed by a lifetime warranty.Pricing and availability were not supplied.GeIL DDR3 modulePhoto: Company

Walton Chaintech has come to the rescue of notebook owners looking to expand their system memory to make the most of Windows Vista or 64-bit software. The company has just announced the availability of is Apogee SO-DIMM memory now in 2GB capacities.The speed of the newly released memory is given as 667/800MHz DDR2 which should be enough to match up with even the latest Intel Santa Rosa platforms.Pricing and availability were not supplied.Walton Chaintech launches 2GB SO-DIMMsPhoto: Company

Shuttle has announced two new D'VO home multimedia entertainment series small form factor (SFF) PCs, the D'VO SG33G5M and SG33G5M Deluxe.The D'VO series adopts the Intel G33 Express chipset with built-in HDMI (HDCP) support. The systems also have integrated sound with Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect 7.1 certification. Dual monitor output is also available for better working efficiency, noted Shuttle.The D'VO series can support Blu-ray and HD DVD, while with the Deluxe model users can use the remote control to act as a keyboard and mouse for the system. The SG33G5M Deluxe has built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g to connect to the Internet, and Speed Link technology to transmit files between two systems with a USB cable. Shuttle D'VO series SG33G5M and SG33G5M Deluxe specification Item Detail Chipset Intel G33 Express / ICH9DH Processor Intel Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo E6000/E4000 series, Pentium D E2000 series, Celeron 400 series processors, 1333MHz FSB Memory Dual-channel DDR2 800 up to 4GB VGA Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 supports HDMI/HDCP Size 310 × 200 × 185mm (l×w×h) Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2007Shuttle D'VO series - SG33G5M and SG33G5M DeluxePhoto: Company

Thermaltake recently introduced its Muse X-Duo RAID network storage device.The Muse X-Duo RAID uses two SATA 3.5-inch hard drives for storage, built-in hardware support for RAID 0, 1 and JBOD and is connected through the Internet with a T4 hub (a variant of Fast Ethernet). The device can be used as an internal file server to share resources throughout an office or home, and with the RAID 1 function there are "no worries about losing valuable data archives", claimed the company. Sharing files over the Internet is also easy while the Muse X-Duo still maintains a high level of security, according to Thermaltake.The Muse X-Duo has the ability to act as a music server, being able to use programs such as iTunes to access music on the Muse X-Duo. In addition to being a media server, the Muse X-Duo can act as an FTP server and a print server, noted Thermaltake.On the front of the X-Duo, there is a One Touch Backup button to easily transfer files from a digital camera or a USB flash drive onto the device, which can be done without the computer being on, according to Thermaltake.The Thermaltake X-Duo RAID network storage devicePhoto: Company

Kingston Technology has introduced a microSD Collegiate card in 1GB and 2GB capacities that offers college-themed content. Partnering with Movaya and 2Thumbz, the Kingston cards give students, faculty, alumni and fans across the US access to fight songs, school logo wallpapers and related content that can be used to personalize one's mobile phone. Kingston microSD Collegiate cards come preloaded with access to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) official content for more than 250 universities and colleges via www.BustedThumbs.com and a unique user code that provides the pathway to a wide choice of ringtones and wallpapers which will be delivered directly to a mobile phone via the Movaya Distribution Platform. Each microSD Collegiate card includes instructions on how to install and launch the content. Consumers who buy the Kingston Collegiate microSD cards get the choice of one ringtone or wallpaper for the mobile phone and the opportunity to purchase additional ringtones, wallpapers and content. Kingston microSD Collegiate card specifications Part Number Product Description MSRP (US only) SDC/2GB-EDU 2GB microSD Collegiate Card US$34.99 SDC/1GB-EDU 1GB microSD Collegiate Card US$19.99 Kingston microSD Collegiate card Photo: Business Wire