Western Digital (WD) announced it is now shipping its 250GB WD Scorpio 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives. The drives employ perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) technology to achieve one of the highest capacities available in a small form factor drive and have WD proprietary features that make the drive quiet, use less power and run at cool operating temperatures, according to the company.The new WD Scorpio drive further expands the company's breadth of 2.5-inch mobile hard drive offerings to capacity points ranging from 40GB up to 250GB.The WD Scorpio features WD's exclusive WhisperDrive technology, which combines state-of-the-art seeking algorithms to yield one of the quietest 5400RPM, 2.5-inch drives available, according to the company. ShockGuard technology combines firmware and hardware advancements to protect the drive mechanics and platter surface to meet the highest combined shock tolerance specifications required for mobile and notebook applications. Another unique WD Scorpio 250GB feature is its IntelliSeek technology, which proactively calculates an optimum seek speed to eliminate hasty movement of the actuator that produces noise and requires power, which is common in other drives, stated WD. With IntelliSeek, the actuator's movement is controlled so the head reaches the next target sector just in time to read the next piece of information, rather than rapidly accelerating and waiting for the drive rotation to catch up. This smooth motion reduces power usage by more than 60% compared with standard drives, as well as quiets seek operation and lowers vibration, according to the company.Western Digital's 250GB Scorpio 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) hard drivePhoto: Company

Transcend Information has released its latest Hi-Speed USB 2.0 microSD card reader, the S2. Transcend's S2 Card Reader measures 44×19×11mm and weighs seven grams.The portable S2 card reader can read data directly from the popular microSD card used in cell phones and other mobile devices. It is equipped with a USB 2.0 connector, so a USB cable is not necessary. Besides, the S2 features high-speed transfer rate (up to 480Mb/s), user-friendly operation, and a small and stylish design.The S2 microSD card reader has a red LED light that shows when data is being transferred. Without any installation hassle, Transcend's S2 microSD card reader can be easily plugged into the USB port on any desktop or notebook computer, for a high-speed data transfer.The S2 is now available in pearl white and is compatible with Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP/Vista, Mac OS 9, and Linux Kernel 2.4 and later versions. Transcend S2 card reader Features Fully compliant with the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 specification and supports USB 1.1 Supports the direct input of microSD card Hi-Speed data transfer rates up to 480Mb/s USB powered (no external power or battery required) LED indicates card insertion, and data traffic Compatible with Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP/Vista, Mac OS 9, and Linux Kernel 2.4 and later versions Part number: TS-RDS2 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, May 2007Transcend S2 card readerPhoto: Company

Yageo announced the release of X5R dielectric multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) in 100μF, 1210 size package targeting applications in today's ultra compact electronic devices where component stability under high temperature is a key concern for manufacturers.Yageo's X5R 1210 100μF surface mount MLCC, which are under 2mm in dielectric thickness, under 1mm in electrode thickness with 800 layers, are available in temperature operating ranges of -55 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius and capacitance tolerance of ±15%.Yageo's release of the X5R dielectric MLCC in 100μF, 1210 size package will lead to changes in the 100μF capacitor markets, which were traditionally dominated by tantalum capacitors. X5R 1210 100μF chip ceramic capacitors provide superior temperature stability and are widely applied to LCD TV, LCD monitor, power supply, and portable consumer electronics with low power consumption, according to Yageo. It is expected that the X5R dielectric MLCC in 100μF, 1210 size package will effectively replace tantalum capacitors, noted the company.In anticipation of strong customer demand for specialty MLCCs, Yageo has been focusing on X5R and Y5V product development with its strength in advanced technologies. Currently, specialty MLCCs contribute to 40% of Yageo's turnover.

Power Quotient International (PQI) has released the Traveling Disks H series. Current models in the H series are Cool Drive U310H, U350H and U339H, all of which support Windows Vista ReadyBoost. In addition to performance, Webaroo offline browser comes built-in in every H series Traveling Disk. Webaroo downloads and saves Internet packets of the website the user chooses, allowing the user to browse online content offline on a notebook, PDA or a smartphone, said the company.The H series is placed in the mid-range to high-end category of USB flash drives and is available from 512MB to 4GB capacities, noted PQI.Apart from ReadyBoost support, the H series also boasts faster read and write performance over standard multi-level-cell (MLC) USB flash drives. Extra effort was placed on aesthetics as well to differentiate the H series from their siblings using techniques such as sand blasting, hairline treated, and mirror finishes, said PQI.PQI ReadyBoost-supporting Traveling Disk H seriesPhoto: Company

D-Link has introduced its new D-Link Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge which allows users to add 5GHz Draft 802.11n capabilities to an existing router.Wireless 802.11n operating at 5GHz makes it possible to stream high-definition (HD) multimedia content throughout the home, from PCs to home entertainment centers, with minimal interference and congestion from legacy (2.4GHz) networks, according to the company. The new D-Link Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge (DAP-1555) helps avoid interference by allowing the user to use the 5GHz frequency band to provide a stable high-performance wireless link for streaming HD video and more.To provide Draft 802.11n wireless performance to an existing router, the DAP-1555 attaches to an Ethernet port and then sends the dual-band draft 11n signal throughout the home. Users can utilize two MediaBridge adapters for optimal performance by connecting one to the router and the second to an Ethernet capable device in the home entertainment center. The D-Link DAP-1555 can connect up to five devices – including game consoles, Digital Video Recorders (DVR) and Digital Media Adapters (DMA) – all at the same time.The DAP-1555 includes D-Link's MediaBand technology, which helps provide a stable high-performance wireless link for streaming multiple HD videos, according to D-Link. By allowing users to operate in a clear wireless band for multimedia streams, it avoids interference that may slow down and limit the range of current wireless technologies such as 802.11b/g and draft 802.11n.The Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge is the latest addition D-Link's Xtreme N product family. The DAP-1555 works with next generation dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) 802.11n wireless devices as well as legacy 802.11a/b/g products. It is designed for users looking to get a faster wireless connection capable of handling HD video streams while providing the maximum home coverage they need.The D-Link Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge with MediaBand technology (DAP-1555) is expected to ship early in the third quarter to D-Link's network of retail outlets, value-added resellers and distributors. Pricing will be announced when the product ships.

Panasonic has announced the availability of the company's next generation Blu-ray Disc (BD) player, the DMP- BD10A.The DMP-BD10A features an audio upgrade package that brings high-end surround audio to the viewing experience via the inclusion of 7.1 channel surround, Dolby True HD and 'dts-HD ' High Resolution Audio decoding technology, according to Panasonic. The DMP-BD10A also incorporates Panasonic's proprietary EZ-Sync system for integrated one-touch operation of Panasonic home-theater components.In addition to playing pre-recorded BD movie discs, the DMP-BD10A plays conventional standard-definition DVDs (with automatic 1080p up-conversion via HDMI) and conventional CDs. Other key features of the DMP-BD10A include proprietary P4HD technology for performing IP conversion at the pixel level for ultra-fine details, a 297MHz 14bit Video D/A converter with 4X oversampling, video noise shaping that improves signal-to-noise ratios by shifting noise to an unused band, and theoretical support for nearly 4400 billion colors. The DMP-BD10A also incorporates Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital and dts decoding, and BD-J (Java application) interactive capability.The Panasonic DMP-BD10A comes bundled with five BD movies and is selling at a suggested retail price of US$599.95.

Motorola presented its 2007 mobile devices collection, which included the RAZR 2 series, MOTO Z8, MOTO Q 9 and ROKR Z6 handsets.The RAZR 2 features a slimmer exterior than its RAZR predecessor, along with new features designed to facilitate communication, according to Motorola. Select models of the RAZR 2 series feature CrystalTalk technology for better call clarity, up to 2GB of on-board memory, external texting with the phone closed and full HTML Web browsing and email access. The RAZR 2 V8, V9 and V9m will offer GSM, 3G HSDPA and EVDO CDMA connectivity, respectively. The phones will be available worldwide starting in July, according to Motorola.Motorola's Z8 is a HSDPA-enabled handset which offers an ultra-high resolution mobile screen that operates in both portrait and landscape modes and can capture and playback video at speeds of up to 30 frames-per-second. Select versions of the Z8 features ROKR-like music capabilities and up to 32GB of expandable memory. The phone allows for mobile TV access to streamed content from select content providers as well as mobile gaming with access. The Z8 will launch across Europe and Asia in June.Motorola also introduced the Q 8 (GSM/EDGE) and Q 9 (HSDPA) to its MOTO Q series of phones. The Q 9, a global quad-band 3G QWERTY, based on the Windows Mobile 6.0 operating system, couples a new sleek form factor with a dual-processor HSDPA/UMTS engine, enabling broadband over-the-air at up to 3.6Mbps . The Q 9 will hit shelves in Italy this week, according to the company.Motorola announced that its newest ROKR, the Z6, will roll into Europe and Asia, following the success of the touch-screen ROKR E6 in China and India. The Z6 is a slider phone with a focus on music playback functions. The Z6 has dedicated music keys and a navigation wheel for instant access to the music library and allows for the transfer of songs using a USB 2.0 connection. The Z6 supports up to 2GB of optional removable memory and supports Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology for wire-free listening on stereo Bluetooth headsets such as the recently available ROKR S9.Ed Zander, Motorola's chairman and chief executive officer, introduces the RAZR 2Photo: Company

Kingston Technology has announced it is first to market with production volume of its ultra low-latency DDR2 800MHz HyperX memory modules. Available immediately, the new modules are the fastest performing memory available providing speed and performance without the need for overclocking. "In lowering the latency even more, going to 3-3-3 with our new HyperX ultra low-latency 800MHz DDR2 modules, Kingston is offering both gaming and tech enthusiasts the flexibility to drive performance and benchmarking scores to the limit," said Mark Tekunoff, senior technology manager at Kingston. "Gamers and reviewers have been waiting for memory vendors to achieve the ‘holy grail' of 800MHz 3-3-3, and they wait no more." Squeezing a little more performance out of current DDR2 technology, Kingston achieved the highest performance gaming memory without overclocking memory bus frequencies. The ultra low-latency HyperX is shipping in 512MB and 1GB modules as well as 1- and 2GB memory kits. Kingston ultra low-latency DDR2 PC2-64000 DIMM memory module specifications Part Number Capacity and Features MSRP (US only) KHX6400D2ULK2/2G 2GB 800MHz DDR2 Ultra Low-Latency HyperX DIMM (Kit of 2) US$255.00 KHX6400D2UL/1G 1GB 800MHz DDR2 Ultra Low-Latency HyperX DIMM US$128.00 KHX6400D2ULK2/1G 1GB 800MHz DDR2 Ultra Low-Latency HyperX DIMM (Kit of 2) US$138.00 KHX6400D2UL/512 512MB 800MHz DDR2 HyperX Ultra Low-Latency DIMM US$69.00 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, May 2007Kingston HyperXSource: Business Wire

SanDisk has announced that the Microsoft Windows Hardware Qualification Lab (WHQL) has certified the new SanDisk 1.8-inch UATA solid state drive (SSD), which is being used as a substitute for hard drives in selected laptop computers. The announcement was made at the 2007 Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC 2007) at the Los Angeles Convention Center, where SanDisk is showcasing its comprehensive line of storage products for use in computing systems. On display at the exhibition are the SanDisk SSD products, which also include the 2.5-inch SATA SSD, as well as USB flash drives, the SD card family, uDOC memory modules and other flash-based storage products. With WHQL certification, the SanDisk UATA SSD is now compatible with Windows Vista and Windows XP and identified as a product that delivers a high-quality computing experience with Windows operating systems. SanDisk now can use the Works with Windows Vista and Designed for Windows XP logos on its SSD product. The SanDisk UATA SSD scored 5.4 out of 5.9 when tested with the Windows Experience Index utility, a new feature in Windows Vista. The results indicate that the new Windows Vista operating system will run optimally when installed on the SanDisk SSD. Using a scale ranging from 1 to 5.9, the Windows Experience Index measures performance capabilities of PCs and their components and calculates a score telling users how well the operating system will run using those components. Products receiving a score of 5.0 or higher are defined by Microsoft as the highest performers in their respective categories, according to SanDisk."Compared to a score of between 3 and 4 for a typical rotating hard disk in the same environment, we scored quite well," said Iri Trashanski, director of business development for the SanDisk Computing Solutions Division. "With results like these and certification from Microsoft, PC manufacturers and consumers will find it even more worthwhile to move away from conventional HDDs in order to enjoy the improved performance, durability and reliability delivered by our SSD product line." SanDisk SSDSource: Business Wire

Positive about the outlook of the ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) market, Gigabyte Technology recently debuted its first UMPC in Taiwan. The U60 will be available in Taiwan on May 22 with initial shipments of 500 units and hit the global market in the second half of 2007, said the company.Gigabyte is offering the UMPC with price tag of NT$26,900 (US$808), said the company. The model, features VIA Technologies' C7-M processor and is made by Arima Computer, according to sources. Gigabyte is also partnering with Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) to provide 3G/3.5G service.The motherboard maker said it will launch another UMPC model in the second half of 2007. UMPC market has the chance to exceed two million units in 2007, Gigabyte estimated.Gigabyte U60 ultra-mobile PCPhoto: Company