Sony on May 8 debuted the NW-A800 and NW-E010 series of Walkman digital music players for immediate launch in the Taiwan market. The players deliver excellent audio quality for market segmentation, according to Taiwan marketing president Hiroyuki Oda under Sony Taiwan.In addition to high audio quality, NW-A800 series players feature continuous playback of either 30-hour music or 8-hour video, Oda indicated.The two series were launched in the Japan market in March 2007, Oda noted. Sony NW-A800 and NW-E010: Specifications Item NW-A800 series models NW-E010 series models A806 A808 E013F/VM E015F/VM E016F Screen 2-inch 260,000-pixel LTPS (low-temperature poly-silicon) panel, with resolution of 320×240 N/A Storage capacity 4GB 8GB 1GB 2GB 4GB Dimension (W×H×D, mm) 43.8×88.0×9.1 22.4×82.9×13.6 Weight (g) 53, including built-in Li-ion battery 29, including built-in Li-ion battery Recommended retail price in NT$ 8,990 (US$271) 10,990 2,990 3,990 4,990 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, May 2007Sony's NW-A800 (right) and NW-E010 digital music playersPhoto: Jimmy Hsu, Digitimes

Kingston Technology has launched the MobileLite 9-in-1 USB card reader that helps mobile consumers navigate multiple expansion memory card formats more easily when moving between mobile phones, digital cameras, PCs and portable media devices.Three Secure Digital (SD) Flash memory card bundles join the MobileLite release: a 1GB standard SD card combo pack is available now and 1GB microSD and 2GB SD bundles will follow later this quarter. "There are so many flash memory card formats currently used by different digital devices that the Kingston MobileLite will be a welcome tool that simplifies managing digital content between one's cell phone, digital camera, PC and MP3 player," said Wendy Lecot, flash marketing manager of Kingston. "With nine different card reading options, MobileLite makes moving and accessing music, video, image and data files between cards and devices quick and easy – via one convenient reader."The new MobileLite USB Reader works with nine different memory card formats: microSD; miniSD; full-size Secure Digital; SDHC; MMCmicro; MMCmobile, RS-MMC; MMCplus; and full-size MMC. When in use, MobileLite appears as three drive letters (for example G:\, H:\ and I:\) and data transfer is as simple as drag and drop.Kingston MobileLite 9-in-1 USB reader Source: Business Wire

E-Ten Information Systems has introduced the X500+, its first to market high-resolution (VGA) Pocket PC Phone. The new product delivers the benefits of a larger screen-area, improved Auto-Macro camera, and the latest Windows Mobile 6 platform in an portable, ultra-thin form factor for entertainment, communications and productivity on the move, said the company.The Glofiish X500+ features a VGA display which offers up to four times the resolution of previous E-Ten handsets, highlighted E-Ten. With more pixels on the screen, images and movies viewed on the X500+ are sharper and show more detail making the X500+ the first choice for enjoying mobile multimedia, said the company. Additionally, the X500+ includes a 2-megapixel camera allowing users to capture high-resolution photographs and record home-video.The X500+ is based on the Windows Mobile 6 Professional platform and comes complete with the latest mobile applications for business and leisure. Updated Mobile Office applications add new functions and editing options to help users stay even more productive while working with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations on the move, while the new Windows Live for Windows Mobile suite helps them surf the Internet and communicate online. Additionally, E-Ten's exclusive suite of in-house developed software comes preloaded on the device including the new Namecard Manager. Namecard Manager is designed to simplify the process of updating contacts on the X500+. Using the built-in Auto-Macro camera, which helps capture images at close distances, Namecard Manager lets users photograph a business card, and then uses OCR technology to identify and extract contact information, adding it to the device's contact's list in just a few steps.As with the original Glofiish X500, the X500+ measures 113.5×60.5×15.5mm and is available in silver and black.E-Ten Glofiish X500+Photo: Company

Albatron Technology has announced the 680i SLI, 680i LT SLI and 650i Ultra motherboards as part of a joint project with Nvidia to deliver a new generation of performance-class motherboards.The 680i SLI uses the nForce 680i SLI chipset and is capable of supporting Intel CPUs including the Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, and Core 2 Extreme. The 680i SLI has FSB (front side bus) speeds of 1333MHz and is geared up with three available PCI-E x16 slots, highlighted Albatron.The 680i SLI also supports the latest dual-channel DDR2 memory specification, EPP (Enhanced Performance Profiles) that can increase memory performance significantly.The 680i SLI also comes with dual Gigabit LAN connectors that support called LinkBoost, designed to increase networking performance efficiency. This technology takes advantage of dual LAN ports, designating one port for input and the other for output. In contrast to a standard LAN port that must manage both input and output, each LinkBoost LAN port can specialize in one-directional transmissions increasing the efficiency of data throughput. 680i SLI, 680i LT SLI and 650i Ultra motherboard specification Feature 680i SLI 680i LT SLI 650i Ultra Chipset nForce 680i SLI nForce 680i LT SLI nForce 650i Ultra FSB 1333MHz 1333MHz 1333MHz SLI 2×16 2×16 N/A DDR2 Memory 800MHz 800MHz 800MHz With EPP Memory 1200MHz N/A N/A Source: Companies, compiled by Digitimes, May 2007680i SLI, 680i LT SLI and 650i Ultra motherboardsPhoto: Company

Walton Chaintech has released its Apogee low-power SO-DIMM series memory modules pitched for the newest high-end notebook computers requiring ultra-responsive and stable memory to support the Windows Vista operating system and applications. The Apogee low-power SO-DIMM series use premium-grade DRAM chips for guaranteed reliability and long operating life, claims the company. At 1.8V, Apogee low-power SO-DIMM series can reduce power consumption about 40%. Furthermore, standby hours can be extended up to 10% better than industry standard, noted Walton. Apogee low-power SO-DIMM modules work with the newest chipsets making their way from desktop to compact and notebook systems, said Walton, and it is believed that these lower power consuming SO-DIMMs would complement power-conserving CPUs and extend battery life of notebook computers for greater mobility and productivity. Apogee low-power SO-DIMM series will launch in four versions: DDR2 667 512MB/1GB and DDR2 800 512MB/1GB. Walton will work for higher level products to meet future high-performance notebook markets in the near future. All chips on the modules undergo strict sorting and are required to complete a high-temperature burn-in test with the most advanced process at the second largest memory packaging and testing companies. "All-in-House" process is implemented with the solid "wafer-in, module-out" model, giving the most quality control and production efficiency, highlighted Walton. Produced under the newest manufacturing processes with strict quality control and testing, Apogee low-power SO-DIMM series memory modules meet all JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council) specifications to ensure the highest performance, reliability and compatibility. Walton Chaintech Apogee low-power SO-DIMM series will launch in DDR2 667 512MB/1GB and DDR2 800 512MB/1GB versionsPhoto: Company

Thermaltake recently announced its Max4 2.5-inch eSATA and USB 2.0 interface external enclosure. The Max4 2.5-inch eSATA and USB 2.0 enclosure fully complies with the eSATA standard capable of delivering up to 3Gb/s of bandwidth for ultra-fast data transfer. Included is a reinforced eSATA cable to further strengthen the unit's ability to guard against EMI (electromagnetic interference) and ESD (electrostatic discharge), noted Thermaltake.A brushed aluminum body improves thermal dissipation efficiency without the need for additional fans, Thermaltake highlighted, while a proprietary hard drive install and removal mechanism makes it user friendly.The Max4 2.5-inch eSATA and USB 2.0 enclosure weighs 118g and its compact design allows users to carry it anywhere with ease. An AC Adapter, USB cable, eSATA cable and eSATA PCI adapter bracket all come standard.The Thermaltake Max4 2.5-inch eSATA and USB2.0 interface external enclosurePhoto: Company

Nvidia has introduced the GeForce 8800 Ultra graphics processing unit, the company's newest product for the high-end performance market. Compared to previous top-dog the 8800 GTX, the new Ultra model has increased core, shader, and memory clock speeds at 612MHz, 1500MHz, and 1080MHz, respectively, versus 575MHz, 1350MHz, and 900MHz. These translate into an average of between 10% and 15% faster performance, according to Nvidia. Graphics cards equipped with the GeForce 8800 Ultra GPU and 768MB of video memory will be available at retailers worldwide by May 15. Launch partners include Asustek, BFG, EVGA, Gainward, Galaxy, Gigabyte Technology, Innovision, Leadtek, Micro-Star International (MSI), PNY, Point of View, Sparkle and XFX. Prices range from US$829 and higher.Nvidia GeForce 8800 UltraPhoto: Company

Lexar Media announced the introduction of its new ExpressCard solid-state disk (SSD) that features auto-backup software. Memory density of the card includes 4GB, 8GB and 16GB.The bundled auto-backup software allows automatic regular (daily, weekly, or monthly) backups without user intervention after the initial setup, thus protecting data stored, said Lexar. During this setup, users will be able to set the folder and specific file types to be included or excluded from the backup process. In addition, this automatic backup software can also support multiple computers by recognizing the computer name and the appropriate backup setting for each computer, noted Lexar.The ExpressCard SSD interface supports a direct connection to the chipset, allowing users to enjoy all of its extensive backup and Windows Vista's ReadyBoost capabilities without having to unplug the card after every use; users simply keep their ExpressCard SSD in the slot as an external storage device, the company noted.Price and a shipment schedule have not been disclosed yet.Lexar introduces new SSD for notebooksPhoto: Company

Corsair recently unveiled its Flash Survivor super rugged line of USB 2.0 flash drives.Flash Survivor drives are water-resistant, encased in a CNC- (computer numerical control-) milled aluminum casing and shockproof to safely store information and files in the most demanding environments, according to the company. The drives come in two versions: the Flash Survivor GT 8GB and Flash Survivor 4GB.Sealed with an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) waterproof seal, Flash Survivor drives are designed to provide 200 meters of water resistant durability. Additional protection from shock and vibration is provided through a rubber molded collar shielding.Each Flash Survivor drive delivers sustained read/write performance up to 34MB/sec and 28MB/sec, respectively, according to Corsair. Engineered with highly screened NAND flash and an advanced memory controller, the new Flash Survivor drives features enhanced dual channel and interleave memory technologies, resulting in fast file transfers, noted Corsair.The Flash Survivor family of USB drives is pre-loaded with a security application that allows users to create a hidden, password-protected partition on the drive. The password is encrypted with 256-bit AES encryption, one of the most secure encryption algorithms currently available, stated Corsair.The Corsair Flash Survivor GT 8GB and Flash Survivor 4GB are available immediately at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of US$129.99 and US$59.99, respectively.The Corsair Flash Survivor 4GB USB 2.0 flash drivePhoto: Company

OCZ Technology announced its VBoost USB 2.0 flash drives, which are optimized for Windows Vista ReadyBoost. Vista ReadyBoost enables the OCZ VBoost to double as supplemental cache memory for faster retrieval and storage of system data and applications. By providing an instant supply of additional memory, this drive is a cost-effective alternative to expensive RAM upgrades, according to OCZ.As Microsoft's next generation operating system, Vista has many new features. As consumers make the switch to Vista, it is beneficial for users to expand on compatible accessories and take full advantage of what Vista has to offer. Here the VBoost prevails, not only by acting as a high-capacity storage device, but by supporting ReadyBoost to impact application loading and closing time.Unlike flash drives with easy-to-lose caps, the VBoost features a retractable USB key that is unsheathed from its housing with the click of a switch. Typical removable caps may get lost and leave the connector plug exposed to possible damage, but the VBoost design eliminates the possibility of losing the cap along with providing protection. Like all OCZ flash drives, portability and size is a defining factor; users are able to operate adjacent USB ports without needing to unplug other peripherals, noted the company.The VBoost flash drive is available in 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB capacities to truly personalize the size needed for maximum ReadyBoost execution and desired increase in system responsiveness. Although OCZ offers a full line of upgrade memory modules for Vista desktops, the VBoost flash drive family is an effective stand-in and is backed by a three year warranty.The OCZ VBoost USB 2.0 flash drivePhoto: Company