Micron Technology today introduced its new Aspen DDR2 memory family of energy-efficient products, featuring the low-voltage (LV) DDR2 in reduced chip count (RCC) memory modules. The new Aspen is designed to lower server power consumption. The memory is available for OEM customers now. Mass production is slated for the fourth quarter of 2007.The DDR2 components that are used in servers today typically operate at 1.8 volts but Aspen only requires 1.5 volts. Additionally, by upgrading to Micron's new 1Gb-based RCC modules from 512Mb-based modules, memory power can be reduced even further, providing a total savings of up to 50%, the company stressed. According to a recent study conducted by Jonathan Koomey with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) and funded by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), enterprise data center servers, such as the mega-computers that power the Internet or those used to house financial institution customer data, consumed 123 billion kilowatt-hours worldwide in 2005. That includes the overhead for power delivery and cooling of the servers. Based on Koomey's analysis, Micron estimates the portion attributed to the memory to be 25 billion kilowatt-hours. By implementing Micron's new Aspen memory modules, data centers could reduce system memory power consumption by approximately 24%, which is a reduction of six billion kilowatt-hours. Based on today's typical energy rates, this reduction could result in total annual savings of US$300 million. To better illustrate the point, these savings would be equivalent to the electricity used annually by about 500,000 households.

SiS announced that the first SiSM671-based notebook PC, the Clevo M721S/M720S, has been introduced to the market. The new notebook was co-developed by SiS and Clevo, and is designed to be compatible with the Windows Vista operating system (OS), according to SiS.The Clevo M721S/M720S features a 12.1-inch LCD monitor and supports high-speed UMTS/HSDPA network connections. The notebook is also equipped with fingerprint detection technology to ensure the security of information.The Clevo M721S/M720S supports Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium 4 and Pentium D processors. It also supports DDR2 667/533 memory up to 4GB and has an embedded SiS Mirage 3 graphics engine, which supports DirectX 9.0 and is capable of providing smooth animation in 2D and 3D with Vertex Shader 2.0 and Pixel Shader 2.0 technology. Clevo M721S and M720S notebook specifications Item M721S M720S CPUs supported Core 2 Duo, Pentium 4, Pentium D processor Memory DDR2 667/533 up to 4GB Graphics Mirage 3 graphics engine Northbridge SiSM671 Southbridge SiS968 Color White Silver Sources: Companies, compiled by DigiTimes, April 2007Clevo M721S and M720S notebooks Photo: CompanySiS M671 chipsetPhoto: Company

Power Quotient International (PQI) has introduced its new Traveling Disk i221 USB flash disk line up. The new disk supports USB 2.0 interface and comes in memory density ranges from 512MB to 8GB. PQI said it will later introduce a 16GB version but did give a concrete timetable for the launch. PQI highlighted that consumers could download software including password protection , PC lock, and Internet bookmark management utilities from the company website. PQI Traveling Disk i221: Specification Item Description Interface USB 2.0, 1.1 Memory density 512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB OS Windows Vista, XP, 2000, Mac 9.X, Mac 10.X Size 63 × 21 × 11.1 mm Weight 10g ± 0.2g Source: PQI, compiled by DigiTimes.com, April 2007 Photo: Company

Biostar announced its new Sigma Gate V8603TS21, V8603GT21 and V8502GT21 graphics cards with support for Windows Vista and DirectX 10.The Biostar Sigma Gate V8603TS21 and V8603GT21 are both based on the Nvidia GeForce 8600 while the V8502GT21 is built around the Nvidia GeForce 8500. All cards feature Nvidia's second-generation PureVideo HD technology.The Biostar Sigma Gate V8603TS21 and V8502GT21 also feature GigaThread technology, Nvidia's SLI technology, Lumenex Engine, Quantum Effects technology, ForceWare Unified Driver Architecture and nView Multi-Display technology.The V8603TS21 has a suggested retail price of US$269, while the V8603GT21 and V8502GT21 have a suggested retail price of US$169 and US$119, respectively. Biostar V8603TS21, V8603GT21 and V8502GT21 graphics cards specifications Item V8603TS21 V8603GT21 V8502GT21 GPU GeForce 8600GTS GeForce 8600GT GeForce 8500GT Engine clock 675MHz 540MHz 450MHz Memory type DDR3 DDR3 DDR2 Memory size 256MB 256MB 256MB Memory clock 2000MHz 1400MHz 800MHz Memory interface 128bit 128bit 128bit Interface PCIe x16 PCIe x16 PCIe x16 Dual RAMDACs 400MHz 400MHz 400MHz DVI Dual Dual Yes HDTV Yes Yes Yes HDCP Yes No No SLI Yes Yes No Suggested retail price (US$) 269 169 119 Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, April 2007Biostar Sigma Gate V8603TS21Photo: CompanyBiostar Sigma Gate V8603GT21Photo: CompanyBiostar Sigma Gate V8502GT21Photo: Company

TomTom recently unveiled its new TomTom ONE XL GPS navigation device, which features a 4.3-inch touch screen.The extra large screen of the TomTom ONE XL allows for an expanded view of the driving area, showing more street names and side roads, according to TomTom. The TomTom ONE XL is traffic-ready, giving drivers access to real-time updates and road conditions through a subscription to TomTom traffic. Additionally, the device comes with the most up-to-date maps, QuickGPSfix software for a faster connection with GPS satellites, and quick route calculation.With the TomTom ONE XL, customers will have access to all the TomTom PLUS services including real-time traffic and weather reports, updates on road conditions and TomTom Buddies feature. The TomTom ONE range offers optional accessories such as carry cases, alternate mounting solutions and a fast home charger, according to the company.Through TomTom HOME, TomTom's free software application, customers can manage, download, store, and transfer content from their computer onto their TomTom device. Users can plan routes, download celebrity or character voices, obtain traffic alerts, and install maps to customize and update their TomTom.TomTom ONE XL will be available for US$399 at major retailers across the US and Canada in June 2007.TomTom ONE XL GPS navigation device with 4.3-inch touch screenPhoto: Company

Toshiba recent introduced a 200GB 2.5-inch USB 2.0 portable external hard drive, the highest capacity of any backup solution in the compact 2.5-inch hard drive class, the company claimed.Available in 200GB, 160GB, 120GB and 100GB capacities, the new personal storage line aims to offer consumers convenient and simple options for storing digital files.The drives come bundled with the NTI Shadow software, a click-free, switch-free and button-free backup solution which enables users to simply connect the drive, set the backup parameters, and enjoy peace of mind in knowing critical and personal digital information is protected, making it ideal for any home or small business, according to Toshiba.The portable external drives are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and come with a four-foot USB cable to enable users to easily plug in to any notebook or desktop PC and access their stored files.Toshiba's new USB 2.0 portable external hard drives are available through major online retailers and outlets. The 200GB version has a suggested retail price of US$299.99, while the 160GB version is selling for US$179.99, the 120GB one for US$149.99 and the 100GB unit for US$129.99.The Toshiba 200GB 2.5-inch USB 2.0 portable external hard drivePhoto: Company

D-Link recently introduced its DES-1228P Web Smart Switch, a 24-Port, 10/100 smart switch with Power over Ethernet (PoE) and a web-based graphical user interface (GUI). The DES-1228P is a smart switch for businesses looking for a cost-effective solution for network infrastructure with the added benefit of centralized access point (AP) management.The 4-gigabit DES-1228P, designed for businesses with up to 200 employees, features centralized AP management for easy deployment, configuration, replacement and monitoring of multiple APs through a built-in browser-based management interface. With WEP, WPA and WPA2 security built in, the DES-1228P switch offers configuration templates for easy setup, quick discovery of APs, an AP mapping utility, full-time AP status controls and the ability to maintain all AP traffic history and generate reports with statistical diagrams.Another popular feature is AP load balancing, which automatically disperses traffic equally among multiple APs.In addition to the wireless features, the DES-1228P offers the functionality of a smart wired switch, such as virtual local area network (VLAN) segmentation, quality of service (QoS) prioritization and denial of service (DoS) prevention, according to D-Link.The DES-1228P includes plug-and-play functions like 10/100Mbs auto-negotiation, Universal UTP cable recognition, full/half duplex support, IEEE standards support. The switch boasts 15.4 watts of PoE power per port to support devices such as phones, Internet cameras and access points. The DES-1228P helps reduce additional costs often associated with delivering electrical power to remote or difficult to reach locations.The switch will support the soon-to-be-released D-Link DWL-3140AP, a smoke detector-sized wireless access point.The D-Link DES-1228P Web Smart Switch is available now through D-Link's network of value-added resellers, solution providers and distributors for the manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$529.99. The DWL-3140AP and firmware to enable centralized AP management for the DES-1228P will be available by the end of the second quarter of 2007. The wireless upgrade for existing wired-only DES-1228P switch owners will be free.The D-Link DES-1228P Web Smart SwitchPhoto: Company

Intel announced its Storage Server SSR212MC2, a 2U, 12 drive, integrated quad-core storage server. Powered by the quad-core Intel Xeon 5300 processor series, the new rack mount server can be configured as a broad range of enterprise and small business storage solutions, including Network-Attached Storage (NAS), Storage Area Network (SAN) and application servers, according to IntelThe SSR212MC2 also comes with an option of including one or two dual-core Intel Xeon 5100 series processors, as well as a choice of enterprise-class Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) or high-capacity Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives.SSR212MC2 uses Xyratex's 2U chassis, which delivers power, package and cooling technology.The Intel SSR212MC2 will cost US$2,800 with no RAID controller and US$3,600 with Intel SRCSAS144e RAID controller and will be available from participating Intel channel partners in May. Intel SSR212MC2 hardware specifications Item Detail Raw storage capacity Expandable to 9.0TB - using twelve 750 GB (7.2k RPM) SATA drives Expandable to 3.6TB - using twelve 300 GB (15k RPM) SAS drives Data drive bays 12 Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or Serial ATA (SATA) Hot Pluggable Processor 5100 series (dual core) Intel Xeon processor, 1066MHz FSB with 4MB of L2 cache 5300 series (quad core) Intel Xeon processor, up to 1333MHz FSB with 8MB of L2 cache Memory capacity 8 slots, expandable to 32GB maximum Memory type Fully buffered DIMM technology (FBDIMM) memory. DDR2-533 and DDR2-677 FBDIMMs DIMM slots Eight 240-pin FBDIMM sockets Sources: Intel, compiled by DigiTimes.com, April 2007

Toshiba recently announced its new 15.4-inch widescreen Satellite A205 and 17-inch widescreen P205 notebook computer series.Select models in the Satellite A205 and P205 line feature Intel's new Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN supporting draft 802.11n wireless connectivity. Select models of the A205 line feature Lableflash technology while models in the P205 line all come with Lableflash, which allows users to burn images and text onto special Labelflash DVD-R disks, according to Toshiba. The two notebook lines feature an embedded webcam and built-in microphone.Models in the Satellite A205 series range in price from US$1,000 to US$1,550 while prices in the Satellite P205 line range from US$1,000 to US$1,350. Specifications of Toshiba's new Satellite series notebook computers Item P205-S6237 P205-S6267 P205-S6287 A205-S4577 A205-S4617 A205-S4639 Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit version) CPU Intel Pentium Dual Core processor T2080 1.73 GHz, 1MB L2, 533MHz FSB Intel CoreDuo processor T2350 1.86 GHz, 2MB L2, 533MHz FSB Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5300 1.73 GHz, 2MB L2, 533MHz FSB with 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5300 1.73GHz, 2MB L2, 533MHz FSB with 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5500 1.66GHz, 2MB L2, 667MHz FSB with 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5300 1.73GHz, 2MB L2, 533MHz FSB with 64-bit Memory 1024MB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory 2048MB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory 1024MB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory 2048MB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory Hard drive 120GB (5400 RPM) serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive 200GB (4200 RPM) Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive 160GB (5400 RPM) Serial-ATA (SATA) hard disk drive 250GB (4200 RPM) Serial-ATA (SATA) hard disk drive 280GB (5400 RPM) using two Serial-ATA (SATA) hard disk drives Primary: 120GB + Secondary: 160GB Optical drive DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash drive supporting 11 formats DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive supporting 11 formats DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash drive supporting 11 formats Screen 17-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite display 1440×900 native resolution (WXGA+) 15.4-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite display 1280×800 native resolution (WXGA) Graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 8MB-256MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory Nvidia GeForce Go7300 with 128MB DDR2 discrete graphics memory Audio Built-in stereo speakers Built-in Harman Kardon stereo speakers Built-in stereo speakers Built-in Harman Kardon stereo speakers WLAN Atheros 802.11b/g wireless-LAN1 Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965 AGN (802.11a/g/n) Others Embedded webcam with built-in microphone Embedded webcam with built-in microphone, fingerprint reader Suggested unit price (US$) 999.99 1,199.99 1,349.99 999.99 1,349.99 1,549.99 Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes.com, April 2007A Toshiba Satellite P205 17-inch widescreen notebook computerPhoto: Company

Asustek Computer has announced the EN8600GTS graphics card based on the Nvidia GeForce 8600GTS GPU. Aimed a gamers, the EN8600GTS is equipped with 256MB of DDR3 memory and is able to support SLI technology.The EN8600GTS utilizes Nvidia unified architecture with GigaThread technology and offers support for SLI multi-GPU technology, Microsoft DirectX 10, and Shader Model 4.0. Also featured is true 128-bit floating point high dynamic-range (HDR) lighting and Nvidia Quantum Effects technology – allowing users to bring out the best parts of the gritty and atmospheric portions of any game.The EN8600GTS is also fully HDCP compliant – allowing users to playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray Discs and other protected content at full HD resolutions. Furthermore, the ASUS EN8600GTS comes with a a range of input and output solutions to fit any situation. Utilizing the PCI Express slot, the card supports TV-Out, HDTV-Out, Dual DVI-I and VGA outputs. The EN8600GTS is available bundled with the recently released Stalker, as well exclusive Asus applications such as Asus Gamer OSD, a utility which enables overclocking and chat options during gameplay. EN8600GTS Specifications Item Description Graphics engine GeForce 8600GTS Video memory 256MB DDR3 Engine clock 675MHz Memory clock 2GHz (1000MHz DDR3) Memory interface 128-bit Max. resolution Up to 3840 × 2400 Bus standard PCI Express x16 VGA output Via DVI to VGA adapter HDTV output Via HDTV Out cable TV output Via S-Video to Composite DVI output DVI-I Dual DVI output Yes HDCP compliant Yes Adaptor/cable bundled DVI to VGA adapter power cable HDTV-out cable Software bundled Stalker (optional) ASUS Utilities & Driver Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes.com, April 2007Asus EN8600GTS graphics cardPhoto: Company