NXP Semiconductors today launched a consumer electronics grade module for 802.11n wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. The new solution, MRX2000, enables higher throughput of rich content for quality critical applications, allowing for faster, more powerful wireless connectivity between everyday multimedia devices.Optimized for HD video streaming in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, the module can be integrated into a number of applications including set-top boxes (STBs), digital media adapters, TVs, residential gateways, routers, game consoles, media center applications, IP STBs, digital video recorders and home cinema systems. As a result, consumers can enjoy their multimedia content when and where they want to in the home. Together with a 2x3 transceiver and a MAC/baseband processor chip set, the NXP MRX2000 features RF front-end technology which enables customers and end-users to maximize the benefits afforded by the emerging IEEE 802.11n standard. Unlike its predecessors, the data throughput, spectrum availability, immunity to multipath interference, and picture quality required by HD video can be achieved in properly implemented 802.11n Wi-Fi networks using this module.The NXP MRX2000 features a convolution code and an advance code (LDPC), uses maximum likelihood, and includes a 2x3 MIMO detector - all of which boost performance. The 2x3 MIMO detector makes the solution more attractive and cost effective than 3x3 MIMO solutions, while the 5GHz band support (in addition to legacy 2.4GHz) ensures the network does not interfere with other household applications like microwave ovens, baby monitors, cordless phones and Bluetooth devices. The 802.11n feature set also includes advanced aggregation, which enhances MAC efficiency; fast link adaptation (FLA), which optimizes real home performance; and, the embedded quality of service (QoS) provided through EDCA plus admission control ensures that users can enjoy hours of picture perfect video without interruption. As well as the consumer, the new 802.11n module offers numerous benefits to NXP customers. The solution can be easily integrated through various electrical and mechanical interface choices (mPCI, NXP Semiconductors proprietary interface, ST Microelectronics proprietary interface, USB2.0, PCI Express) and supports drivers for all of the mainstream operating systems (Linux 2.4, Linux 2.6, Kernel Series, Windows CE 5.0-6.0, Windows XP and Windows Vista).

Corsair has unveiled what it calls the world's fastest production DDR3 memory rated at a 1,600MHz (PC3-12,800) and the world preview of the Corsair Dominator memory running at 2,000MHz (PC3-16,000).Live demonstration of the new Dominator memory will be on display in the Corsair VIP suite (#1334) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel during Computex Taipei 2007. The TWIN3X2048-1600C10D Dominator is the latest addition to the Corsair line of high-performance memory modules.Also on display is the upcoming generation of DDR3 Dominators, ranging from 1GB modules running at over 2,000MHz and 2GB modules showing performance promise for 64-bit based applications. All DDR3 products have been developed to support the new Intel P35 and X38 Express platforms.The TWIN3X2048-1600C10D Dominator will be available shortly after Computex. Both XMS3 DHX and XMS3 Classic products are currently available.All DDR3 modules operate at lower memory voltages to deliver better performance with the same amount of power when compared to DDR2. Dynamic I/O signal termination and on-die dynamic termination (ODT) reduce the reflective signals transmitted to standby RAMs, thereby enabling support for higher memory frequencies. A larger prefetch means more data is immediately available for the processor and the differential data strobe reduces noise while accessing data, especially at higher frequencies.As with their DDR2 counterparts, DDR3 Dominator and XMS3 DHX feature Corsair's DHX technology – a quad-layer heat sink design that optimizes memory performance and reliability by maximizing thermal dissipation. With DHX Technology, heat is removed via two paths – the leads of the BGA chips into the PCB (convective cooling) and the back of the BGA packages into the custom designed extruded aluminum heat sinks (conductive cooling)."The enthusiast community demands solutions that push the envelope and are capable of delivering the highest level performance experience, and very fast DDR3 is the next step in delivering cutting-edge computing," said Steve R. Peterson, director of chipset and graphics marketing, Intel.

Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD) has announced its first slim HD DVD-RW drive for mobile PCs, further extending high-definition (HD) recording capabilities to the IT arena. The new drive can read, write and rewrite to HD DVD-RW discs, as well as read and write to HD DVD-R discs and standard DVD and CD discs.Toshiba's SD-L912A enables mobile PCs to replace larger desktop systems in the home with this additional (HD) functionality. The drive allows the backup of large-capacity PC hard disk drives to reusable HD DVD-RW discs and provides capabilities to store HD digital content. HD DVD-RW functionality also opens the door to a wide range of applications involving storage and rewriting of large volumes of data, noted Toshiba.Scheduled for sample shipments in July, the SD-L912A supports high-speed read and write for standard DVD and CD discs. The new drive is compliant with the EU RoHS directive on environmentally hazardous substances, which came into effect in July 2006.Toshiba will feature the SD-L912A at Computex 2007 in Taipei, Taiwan, June 5-9, in the Toshiba Digital Media Network Taiwan Corporation booth (#B1234). Toshiba slim HD DVD-RW Specifications Model name SD-L912A Read/Write speed Write: HD DVD-R SL (single layer): 2x; HD DVD-R DL (dual layer): 1x; HD DVD-RW SL: 1x; HD DVD-RW DL: 1x; DVD-RAM: Max. 3x; DVD-R SL: Max. 4x; DVD-R DL: Max. 2x; DVD-RW: Max. 4x; DVD+R SL: Max. 4x; DVD+R DL: Max. 2.4x; DVD+RW: Max. 4x; CD-R: Max. 16x; CD-RW: 4x; High Speed CD-RW: Max. 10x; Ultra Speed CD-RW: 10x Read: HD DVD-R SL: 2.4x; HD DVD-R DL: 1x; HD DVD-RW SL:1x; HD DVD-RW DL: 1x; HD DVD-ROM: 2.4x; DVD: Max. 8x; CD: Max. 24x Interface ATAPI Buffer capacity 8MB MTBF 60,000 hours Power source +5V (allowance +/-5%) Operating temperature 5-50 degrees C (excluding media) External dimensions (W x H x D) 128.0mm × 12.7mm × 126.0mm Weight 170g (typical) Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, June 2007Toshiba SD-L912APhoto: Company

Nokia recently unveiled three new phones, the mid-range Nokia 6500 classic and Nokia 6500 slider phone and the Luna.The 6500 classic and 6500 slider are both third generation WCDMA phones. The 6500 classic has quad-band GSM is 9.5mm thick and comes with 1GB of internal memory. The phone also has a 2-megapixel camera with a dual LED flash and an integrated music player. A unified micro-USB connector simplifies charging, audio and data connectivity by consolidating them into a single compact port, noted Nokia. This allows for the Nokia 6500 classic to be easily used as a high-capacity flash drive or to be charged directly from a laptop computer – all with one cable. The Nokia 6500 classic is expected to be available during the third quarter of 2007 at an estimated retail price of 320 euros before taxes and subsidies.The Nokia 6500 slider phone features a 3.2-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and autofocus, a dual LED flash and 8x digital zoom. A TV-out jack allows pictures or video on the phone to instantly viewed on any television with standard RCA inputs. The Nokia 6500 slide is expected to be available during the third quarter of 2007 at an estimated retail price of 370 euros before taxes and subsidies.The Nokia 8600 Luna has quad-band GSM connectivity and a 2-megapixel camera. The Nokia 8600 Luna is expected to be available during the second quarter of 2007 at an estimated retail price of 700 euros before taxes and subsidies.The Nokia 6500 classic handsetPhoto: CompanyThe Nokia 6500 slider phonePhoto: CompanyThe Nokia Luna handsetPhoto: Company

Lanner Electronics has announced the addition of the FW-6440 and FW-6490, two entry-level network communication platforms designed for rapid deployment in low-power and cost-sensitive security applications. "Our customers have been demanding this technology, and today we are happy to deliver," said Lawrence Chao, Executive Vice President. "With VIA C3 platforms quickly reaching end-of-life, Lanner is pleased to offer system integrators a superior migration option with rich integrated features." The competitive small business market requires hardware that performs well and is cost effective, said Lanner. Based on VIA CN700 architecture, the FW-6440 and FW-6490 deliver a value-proposition for small business security solutions.With an onboard VIA C7 processor up to 2GHz which features the integrated PadLock Security engine, software engineers can leverage hardware acceleration engines to increase system performance. Furthermore, since these two models share a common architecture, customer's can interchange between both desktop and rackmount form factors, without modifying application code.Both models include four integrated Ethernet ports with one pair supporting abnormal state packet bypass, allowing easy deployment in front-line security applications where reliability is a key concern. Moreover, these products include optional networking modules inclusive of a 4-port switch or extra Ethernet port, allowing you to deliver innovative and value adding solutions, right out of the box, highlighted Lanner. More information about the Lanner FW-6440 and FW-6490 are available on the Lanner website.Lanner FW-6490 network appliancePhoto: Company

SiS has announced that its Windows Vista ready chipset, SiS671FX, has been adopted by NEC Computers Asia Pacific for the company's latest desktop PC L1030.Using the SiS671FX chipset as the core of the system, the NEC L1030 desktop PC supports Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs up to 1066MHz FSB, and DDR2 667/533 memory up to 4GB. The built-in SiS Mirage 3 graphics engine enables the NEC L1030 to fully release the potential of Windows Vista, and deliver excellent animation or gaming performance, said SiS. In addition, the SiS671FX equips a PCI Express x16 slot for an extra add-on high-end graphics card. The NEC L1030 PC also features the SiS968 southbridge chipset. NEC L1030 specification Item Detail CPU Intel Core 2 Duo CPU up to 1066MHz FSB Memory DDR2 667/533 up to 4GB VGA SiS Mirage 3 or PCI-Express x16 slot for discrete graphics cards Chipsets Northbridge: SiS671FX Southbridge: SiS968 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, May 2007NEC Desktop PC L1030Photo: Company

Kingston Technology has announced two USB microSD reader-plus-card bundles designed to enhance the moving of data between multiple mobile phones, PCs and digital devices. Available immediately, the new USB readers ship with either a 1GB or 2GB capacity microSD card. Designed with a USB connector and memory expansion slot that accepts the microSD card format, the mobile device-ready reader bundle eliminates the need to carry additional USB cables and reduces wait times typically associated with Bluetooth transfers between cell phones and PCs. The new USB microSD reader/card bundle features a red reader for the 2GB card combo and black for the 1GB version. When in use, the USB microSD reader appears as a separate drive letter (for example E:\) and data transfer is as easy as drag and drop. The USB microSD reader/card is ultra portable and with the included key loop, can be hung from a mobile phone as a convenient digital data moving solution. Kingston USB microSD reader plus card specifications Part number Product description MSRP (US only) FCR-MRR+SDC/2GB USB microSD Reader (Red) + 2GB microSD Card US$37.00 FCR-MRB+SDC/1GB USB microSD reader (black) + 1GB microSD card US$19.00 Source: Company Kingston USB microSD reader Features and specifications: Dimensions: 1.29" x 0.60" x 0.30" (32.89mm x 15.3mm x 7.66mm) Speed rating: Up to 13MB/sec read; 3.5MB/sec write Compliant standards: USB 2.0, SD 2.00 (reader); SD Association specification standard (card) Weight: 0.010 lbs. / 4.6g Operating temperature: 32° to 140°F (0° to 60°C) Storage temperature: -40° to 185°F (-40° to 85°C) System requirements: USB (1.1 and above); Windows Vista (ReadyBoost not supported), XP (SP1 and above), Windows 2000 (SP3 and above); Mac OS (10.x and above) Guarantee: Two-year warranty on USB microSD reader; lifetime on microSD memory card. Source: CompanyThe Kingston 1GB microSD card combo (black reader) or a 2GB card version (red reader). Photo: Business Wire

Fujitsu has announced that it has updated its lineup of hard disk drives (HDDs) for enterprise applications. The new product line includes 2.5-inch drives running at 15,000-rpm which support the mainstream Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and Serial ATA interfaces, providing a one-stop solution to meet an increasingly diverse array of market needs.Enterprise customers are looking for HDDs that deliver better I/O performance, lower heat levels, lower power consumption, more sophisticated processing performance, and higher reliability. With its new line of 2.5-inch drives running at 15,000-rpm and 2.5-inch drives supporting the SATA interface, Fujitsu can meet all of these needs, said the company. Supporting SAS and other traditional interfaces, the new line-up includes the MBB2 series of 2.5-inch drives running at 10,000-rpm, as well as Fujitsu's first 2.5-inch drives running at 15,000-rpm, the MBC2 series, and the MBA3 series of 3.5-inch drives running at 15,000-rpm. Each of these series boasts best-in-class specifications and are ideal for server and storage implementations, said Fujitsu.Fujitsu is also introducing the MHW2 BK series of 7,200-rpm 2.5-inch drives that are SATA compatible and designed for 24-hour continuous operation. Available in capacities up to 120GB, they are Fujitsu's first SATA-compatible HDDs that also include built-in functions designed to minimize the adverse effects of Rotational Vibration. All four new series of HDDs are RoHS-compliant, according to Fujitsu.For Fujitsu's fiscal year 2007 the company aims to sell 500,000 units of its MHW2 BK; two million units of its MBA3; two million units of its MBB2; and one million units of the MBC2 drives.Fujitsu's updated enterprise hard drivePhoto: Company

Dell has unveiled three consumer systems – the XPS 410n and Dimension E520n desktop PCs and the Inspiron E1505n notebook – that are now available with Ubuntu 7.04 Linux as the factory installed operating system.Dell is offering hardware options on each system that have the most mature and stable Linux driver support, according to the company, which added that these hardware options have been thoroughly tested and certified by Canonical (the commercial sponsor of Ubuntu). For hardware options not offered with this release, Dell is working with the vendors of those devices to improve the maturity and stability of their associated Linux drivers, and expects to have a broader range of hardware support with Linux over time. Model Inspiron E1505n Dimension E520n XPS 410n CPU Intel Pentium Dual Core T2080 Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Memory 512MB shared memory 1GB shared memory 1GB shared memory VGA Intel Media Accelerator 950 Graphics 256MB Nvidia GeForce 7300LE TurboCache 256MB Nvidia GeForce 7300LE TurboCache Price Starting at US$599 Starting at US$599 Starting at US$849 LCD 15.4-inch TrueLife WXGA display 17-inch flat panel display 19-inch flat panel display Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, May 2007Dell XPS 410n Photo: Company

Pioneer High Fidelity Taiwan (Pioneer Taiwan), Pioneer's marketing subsidiary in Taiwan, on May 23 debuted two new Blu-ray Disc (BD) optical drives for the PC, BDC-S02, a Blu-ray Disc combo drive, and BDR-202, a BD burner. The products are tentatively scheduled to launch in the Taiwan market in June and July or August respectively.BDC-S02 supports reading/writing of DVD+R/-R SL (single-sided single-layer), DVD+R/-R DL (single-sided double-layer), DVD+RW/-RW, CD-R and CD-RW as well as reading of BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-RE (rewritable), DVD-ROM and CD-ROM according to Pioneer Taiwan. BDR-202 supports all of the capabilities of BDC-S02 and adds support for the writing of BD-R and BD-RE (the difference between combo and burner), Pioneer Taiwan indicated. For the Taiwan market, BDC-S02 will be sold at the current global market recommended retail price of US$299, while the retail price for BDR-202 is tentatively set at NT$21,000 (US$631), Pioneer Taiwan pointed out.In related news, Pioneer adjusted the marketing organization of its optical disc drive business in April by assigning Pioneer Taiwan as its Asia Pacific (except Japan and South Korea) operational center for such products. This makes the office responsible for marketing in China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, according to Shannon Yu, general manager, optical disc drive business division, Pioneer Taiwan. Pioneer aims to sell four million optical disc drives of various types in these markets in 2007, Yu pointed out. Pioneer BDC-S02BK BD Combo drive, (BK is the suffix for black color)Photo: CompanyPioneer BDR-202BK BD BurnerPhoto: Company