Intel detailed more than 20 new products, technology innovations and industry initiatives aimed at making the Internet, computers and consumer electronics devices much more responsive, friendlier and secure, at the ongoing Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in Beijing.Intel executives at the IDF disclosed new performance details for the company's next-generation Penryn processor family. The company also unveiled two product roadmaps for Intel architecture (IA)-based System on Chip (SOC) consumer electronic (CE) devices and business uses.Patrick Gelsinger, senior vice president and co-general manager of Intel Corporation's Digital Enterprise Group provided performance indicators for Intel's upcoming Penryn family of processors. For desktop PCs, he said to expect increases of about 15% for imaging-related applications; 25% for 3-D rendering; more than 40% for gaming; and more than 40% faster video encoding with Intel SSE4 optimized video encoders. The indicators were based on pre-production 45nm Hi-k Intel quad core processor running at 3.33 GHz with a 1333 MHz front side bus (FSB) and 12MB cache versus an Intel Core 2 Extreme processor QX6800 introduced last week at 2.93 GHz with 1066 FSB and 8MB cache.For high-performance computing (HPC) and workstation systems, Gelsinger said to expect gains up to an estimated 45% for bandwidth intensive applications and a 25% increase for servers using Java. These indicators were derived from pre-production 45nm Hi-k Intel Xeon processors with 1600 MHz front side bus for workstation and HPC, and a 1333 MHz front side bus for servers versus today's quad-core Intel Xeon X5355 processors.Gelsinger said that Intel has begun planning products based on a highly parallel, IA-based programmable architecture codenamed Larrabee. It will be easily programmable using many existing software tools, and designed to scale to trillions of floating point operations per second (Teraflops) of performance. The Larrabee architecture will include enhancements to accelerate applications such as scientific computing, recognition, mining, synthesis, visualization, financial analytics and health applications.The company also has plans for Intel QuickAssist Technology, a comprehensive initiative to optimize the use of accelerators in servers. Accelerators increase the performance of a single function, like security encryption or financial computation, while reducing power consumption. This initiative includes support for acceleration using IA-based multi-core processors and third party accelerators working together in Intel-based servers, and developing new integrated accelerators inside the IA-based processor itself.Gelsinger unveiled Tolapai plans, the first in what will be a family of enterprise-class system-on-chip (SoC) products that integrate several key system components into a single Intel architecture-based processor. The 2008 Tolapai product is expected to reduce the chip sizes by up to 45% and power consumption by approximately 20% compared to a standard four-chip design, while improving throughput performance and processor efficiency. Tolapai will include the new Intel QuickAssist Integrated Accelerator technology.Gelsinger also outlined product plans, including one for Intel's high-end multi-processor servers (codenamed Caneland). The quad- and dual-core Intel Xeon processor 7300 series will arrive in the third quarter in 80 and 50Wt versions for blades. The new servers will complete the company's transition to its Intel Core microarchitecture for Xeon processors. Sun Microsystems demonstrated its Solaris operating system running on an Intel Xeon 5100 series processor based system using Intel Dynamic Power technology, a new capability focused on reducing the power required for a memory subsystem.Further bolstering PC security and manageability benefits, Intel will introduce the next generation Intel vPro processor technology, codenamed Weybridge in the second half of the year and using the new Intel 3 series chipsets, formerly codenamed Bearlake.This will follow the launch of Intel Centrino Pro processor technology, bringing the business-centric features of vPro systems to notebooks for the first time.Finally, Microsoft demonstrated Windows Server code name Longhorn and two complementary technologies: Windows Server Core, and its new hypervisor-based virtualization solution, Windows Server virtualization, running on the Intel quad-core Xeon processors. The integrated platform combination, demonstrates running up to eight core virtual machines, delivering increased efficiency and uptime for IT managers.Also at IDF, Eric Kim, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Home Group, said Intel is focused on developing products and technologies that provide consumers with greater control, choice, clarity and community, the 4C's, across computers and CE platforms spanning PCs, laptops, televisions, set-top-boxes and other networked media players.Kim detailed Intel's strategy to deliver a common, unified IA-based processor foundation across PC and CE platforms. He said the Intel CE 2110 Media Processor, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) architecture for CE devices will help manufacturers accelerate time to market for smarter, more cost-effective designs that provide necessary performance, flexibility and headroom. Kim said the company will deliver its first CE-optimized IA-based SoC in 2008.Intel also plans to deliver a number of desktop computer products later this year, including updates to its Intel Viiv processor technology roadmap, and a new high-end enthusiast and gaming platform codenamed Skulltrail.Future generations of Intel Viiv processor technology will be based on the Intel 3 series chipsets arriving this quarter and delivering improved graphics support with features such as enhanced Intel Clear Video technology and hardware support for Microsoft DirectX10 for smoother high-definition playback and 3D visuals. Intel 3 series chipsets also boost system performance with a faster 1333 MHz front side bus and support for DDR3 memory, PCI Express 2.0 and Intel Turbo Memory for application acceleration and faster boot times.

Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD) has announced collaboration with Intel to provide a family of 1.8-inch hard disk drive (HDD) solutions for the newest-generation ultra mobile PC (UMPC) and MID (mobile Internet device) platform architecture, which made its debut at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) 2007 Conference in Beijing, China.Toshiba's 1.8-inch HDDs provide the small footprint, high capacity, low power and ruggedness needed to deliver the UMPC experience using Intel's new Intel Ultra Mobile Platform 2007, according to Toshiba.Available in 30GB, 40GB, 60GB, 80GB and 100GB capacities, Toshiba's 1.8-inch HDDs deliver the storage capacity and responsiveness necessary to support the new platform's advanced computing capabilities while meeting the longer battery life, durability and small footprint requirements of the mobile environment.The Intel Ultra Mobile Platform 2007 represents a significant step in the creation of a new category of connected mobile devices that support the full range of PC functionality including a seamless Internet experience, location adaptability and anytime connectivity for wireless email, instant messenger chat and VoIP. "Toshiba's dedication to the advancement of 1.8-inch form factor storage solutions is realized in the new UMPC and MID platforms," said Robert DeLine, director of marketing of the Ultra Mobility Group at Intel. "These storage solutions, combined with Intel's high-performance, energy efficient processor and chipset, are well-suited for the demanding consumer." As the first company to successfully market the 1.8-inch HDD form factor, Toshiba cited IDC as indicating that it commands over a 75% market share in the category, and it has shipped more than 40 million 1.8-inch HDDs since introduction in 2000. "Toshiba's continued technology leadership in mobile HDDs has enabled us to offer a robust storage solution for Intel's next-generation UMPC and MID platforms," said Maciek Brzeski, vice president of marketing at Toshiba Storage Device Division. "Storage is a key factor in propelling the UMPC platform forward."

Albatron Technology has announced three new Nvidia GeForce 8-series GPU-based cards, the 8600GTS, 8600GT and 8500GT, which target the larger mainstream gaming market. Since the launch of the high-end 8800GTX GPU in November 2006, users who been waiting a long time to get their hands on an affordable DirectX 10 (DX10) supporting card, said the company. In addition to DX10 which will allow support for improved visuals and effects in the latest games, the new cards feature PureVideo HD technology which delivers clarity, smooth video, and precise image scaling for all movies and videos. It also supports H.264, VC-1, WMV and MPEG 2 decoding and is able to offload 100% of Blu-Ray and HD DVD playback, leaving the CPU free to perform other tasks and reduce power consumption. The 8600GTS and 8600GT cards come with dual DVI connectors, while the 8500GT comes with one DVI and one D-Sub connector. All three cards provide TV-Out and support SLI technology. Albatron 8600GTS, 8600GT and 8500GT: Specifications Card GPU Core Clock Memory Type Memory On-board 8600GTS GeForce 8600GTS 675MHz DDR3 2000MHz 128-bit 256 MB 8600GT GeForce 8600GT 540MHz DDR3 1400MHz 128-bit 256 MB 8500GT GeForce 8500GT 450MHz DDR2 800MHz 128-bit 256 MB Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, April 2007Albatron 8600GTSPhoto: CompanyAlbatron 8600GTPhoto: CompanyAlbatron 8500GTPhoto: Company

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