Thermaltake Technology recently announced the launch of its iXoft Fanless Notebook Cooling pad, a completely fanless, passive, ultra-portable cooling device.The key to the iXoft Fanless Notebook Cooling pad is Thermaltake's patented Heat Shift Technology which consists of phase change material that exhibits cold and solid properties when not in use, but transforms into a liquid when dissipating heat away from a heat source, noted the company.Upon contact with a heat source, such as a notebook computer, iXoft quickly conducts heat away from the source and accelerates thermal dissipation by distributing the heat across all available surfaces on the iXoft and into the surrounding environment through natural convection, according to Thermaltake. All of this is done without any moving parts which guarantees iXoft can operate continuously without consuming battery power from the notebook and without producing any noise, says Thermaltake.The iXoft is one of the world's lightest notebook coolers available and can additionally be folded for easy transportation and storage, according to Thermaltake.The iXoft Fanless Notebook Cooling Pad is available in black or white. Specifications of Thermaltake's iXoft passive notebook cooling pad Item Details Product number R15ON01 R15ON02 Color Black White Weight (g) 640 Dimension (mm) 353×305×12 Material Sodium sulfate decahydrate Na2SO4.10H2O Noise level 0 dBA Thermaltake's iXoft passive notebook cooling padPhoto: Company

OCZ Technology has announced the availability of its PC2-6400 Gold Edition 4GB (2x2048MB) dual channel memory kit. These new modules are optimized for compatibility for extreme gamers transitioning their high-performance systems from Microsoft Windows XP to Vista, says the company. These new 800MHz modules are the ultimate upgrade for gamers taking advantage of the feature-rich, yet demanding operating system, according to OCZ.At 800MHz, the 2GB Gold Edition runs at 5-5-5 latency timings and offers stability on the latest AMD and Intel platforms, says OCZ, noting that as a Vista upgrader, the PC2-6400 4GB dual channel kit will provide maximum memory bandwidth and deliver the best possible gaming and productivity on Vista systems.According to Microsoft, 1GB of system RAM is recommended for PCs running premium editions of Vista. However, many in the industry are suggesting that 2GB or more should be the minimum. 2GB DIMMs, like the ones featured in this kit, are likely to become popular among enthusiasts, particularly those using 64-bit editions of Vista, which enable support for up to 16GB RAM in Vista Home Premium, and up to 128GB in the Business and Ultimate editions.OCZ 4GB memory kitPhoto: Company

Asustek has announced that its 22-inch MW221U and 20-inch MW201U LCD monitors are certified for Windows Vista, and compliment features of the new operating system, such as Windows Sidebar, and (apparently) Internet Explorer 7's tabbed browsing, says Asus.Both displays support a native resolution of 1680×1050 and have a 2ms response time thanks to Asus' Trace Free technology. A fast response time help reduce ghosting when high-motion images are displayed on-screen, making the LCDs suitable for gaming and watching video, according to Asus. Additionally, both LCDs include Asus' Splendid Video Intelligence technology to improve image quality and color reproduction to suit a variety of viewing modes.In terms of connectivity, both displays include a HDCP-enabled DVI-D port to allow the viewing of protected content such as Blu-ray and HD DVD movies, as well as a VGA D-Sub connector. The two LCDs also incorporate a pair of 1W speakers, and include a cable management system in the base.Asus's 22-inch MW221U LCD certified for Windows VistaPhoto: Company

D-Link on February 5 unveiled a family of 3G mobile broadband wireless routers designed to access and share an Internet connection virtually anywhere by blending Wi-Fi networking technology and a wireless broadband network. The D-Link 3G Mobile Wireless Routers allow users to create a 802.11b/g-compatible wireless hotspot anywhere within range of a cellular network.By plugging a compatible 3G notebook adapter into the D-Link 3G Mobile Router's built-in card bus slot, users can get immediate access to EV-DO, UMTS or HSDPA networks, according to D-Link, adding that the router can then share this signal via 802.11g/b Wi-Fi technology to notebooks, PCs or other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The D-Link routers are available in two versions: the DIR-450 (EV-DO) and DIR-451 (UMTS/HSDPA). For security, both versions of the 3G mobile router support wireless security features to prevent unauthorized access, including WEP, WPA and WPA2 that ensure a secure Wi-Fi network regardless of the connected devices, claims D-Link. They also employ dual active firewalls (SPI and NAT) to prevent potential Internet attacks. The D-Link Mobile Wireless Routers can be installed as a wireless network in minutes, and it can easily configure the user's Internet Service Provider (ISP) settings to quickly establish high-speed Internet connectivity, according to D-Link. The built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 switch allows seamless connection of Ethernet-based devices.Advanced firewall features include Network Address Translation (NAT); Media Access Control (MAC) and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and Website filtering; scheduling and Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass-through via Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) and Layer 2 Protocol Tunneling (L2PT) and IP Security (IPSec). Other key features of the wireless routers include: Built-in 10/100Mbps switch that allows users to connect up to four wired Ethernet-enabled networking devices; integrated 802.11g access point (AP) for wireless LAN support; 16/32-bit PCMCIA slot WAN interface for mobile broadband connection; integrated 802.11b/g wireless access point with detachable antenna allows connection of booster antenna; static and dynamic routing simplifies IP addressing on local network; support for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for easy device discovery on local network; Integrated web interface allows configuration through PC web browser; and support for Network Time Protocol (NTP) for synchronizing with a real-time server to keep accurate time. Without a mobile broadband connection data card, the DIR-450 and DIR-451 work as standard 802.11g wireless routers, such as the D-Link RangeBooster G models, said D-Link.The DIR-450 model of the D-Link Mobile Wireless Routers is available now at a suggested retail price of US$299.99. The DIR-451 is targeted to begin shipping later in the first quarter 2007 with pricing to be announced at that time, according to D-Link.The D-Link DIR-450 wireless broadband routerPhoto: CompanyThe D-Link DIR-450 wireless broadband router (back view)Photo: Company

Shuttle has added three new options to its list of pre-configured small form factor XPCs built around Windows Vista. These latest systems bank on recent Intel processors, fast memory and are compatible with the new Windows Aero user interface thanks to support of Microsoft DirectX 9.0c Shader Model 3.0. The latest Shuttle XPCs of the lineup are equipped with 32-bit editions of the new operation system.Three different pre-configured Shuttle XPCs are available with the following specifications: Shuttle XPC P2 3700GC with Windows Vista Home Premium Intel Core 2 Duo E6300, 1GB DDR2, 250GB SATA HDD, Nvidia GeForce 7600GT Graphics, Gigabit LAN, 22-in-1 Card Reader, Dual Layer DVD WriterShuttle XPC G2 3200BB with Windows Vista Business Intel Celeron D 352, 1GB DDR2, 80GB SATA HDD, Intel GMA 950 Graphics, Gigabit LAN, 22-in-1 Card Reader, DVD-ROMShuttle XPC G5 3200HC with Windows Vista Home Premium Intel Core 2 Duo E6300, 1GB DDR2, 250GB SATA HDD, Nvidia GeForce 7600GT Graphics, Gigabit LAN, 22-in-1 Card Reader, Dual Layer DVD Writer Additionally, the Shuttle Systems Configurator provides three different Shuttle XPCs that can be configured individually. Processors, memory modules, hard disks, graphics cards and accessories can be selected and compiled to meet personal requirements with the possibilities nearly endless for maximum individuality and choice, says Shuttle.Shuttle XPCs now shipping with Windows VistaPhoto: Company

Taiwan-based Asuka Semiconductor on February 1 announced the release of its PITTA module, what the company claims is the world's smallest DVB-T receiver module.The PITTA module is a total solution performing antenna-in video-out DVB-T TV reception. Combining a RF tuner, a high performance COFDM demodulator and a hardware MPEG-2 decoder, the PITTA can receive DVB-T signals over the air through antenna and generate versatile high quality video/audio outputs for display, says the company.Its miniature dimensions of 54×50×12.5mm, low power consumption at only 1.6W and mobility support up to 110 km/h make it the ideal subsystem for a wide array of portable consumer electronics products such as in-car entertainment, car navigation, portable TV, LCD/PDP TV, portable DVD players and DVD player/recorder, according to Asuka.The PITTA module contains UART and IR ports to facilitate communication requirements between the PITTA module and the host system. Its 20-pin connector provides a simple and easy interface for seamless integration, said Asuka, adding that apart from the power, antenna, I/O connectors, nothing else is required to use the PITTA.Asuka's PITTA DVB-T receiver modulePhoto: Company

Panasonic on January 31 announced a slew of new digital cameras to its Lumix series, all of which feature Panasonic's Intelligent Image Stabilization system, 6.0-megapixel-and-above resolutions, and on most, Leica lenses.Included in the new lineup is the DMC-FX30, what the company claims is the world's slimmest digital camera with a 28mm Leica wide-angle lens. The FX30, which has a 2.5-inch LCD screen, incorporates Panasonic's Intelligent Image Stabilization (IIS) system, which automatically adjusts for camera shake and motion blur, and has a 7.2-megapixel resolution. The DMC-FX30 accepts large capacity SDHC memory cards and will be shipping in February at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of US$349.95.The 7.2-megapixel DMC-TZ3 and 6.0-megapixel DMC-TZ2 each feature a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens (equivalent to 28-280mm on a 35mm film camera). The DMC-TZ3 boasts a 7.2-megapixel resolution and a 3.0-inch LCD screen while the DMC-TZ2 has a 6.0-megapixel resolution and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The TZ3 and TZ2 both feature 10x optical zoom. The Lumix DMC-TZ3 will be available in March 2007 at an MSRP of US$349.95.For those wanting a little more zoom in taking pictures, Panasonic's DMC-FZ8 features a 12x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-432mm on a 35mm film camera) with f/2.8 brightness. The camera also has a 7.2-megapixel resolution and the Venus Engine III, Panasonic's image-processing engine that can record at a sensitivity setting as high as ISO 1250 with full resolution.Also among Panasonic's new cameras are the entry-level 7.2-megapixel DMC-LS75, DMC-LS70 and 6.0-megapixel DMC-LS60. These models incorporate optical 3x zoom (equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm film camera) and LUMIX DC VARIO lenses.Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FX30 digital cameraPhoto: CompanyPanasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ3 and TZ2 digital camerasPhoto: CompanyPanasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ8 digital cameraPhoto: CompanyPanasonic's DMC-LS75, DMC-LS70 and DMC-LS60 digital camerasPhoto: Company

Thecus Technology has announced the 1U4500 rackmount storage device combining four SATA hard disk bays, an optional redundant power supply, advanced configuration features, and an LCD display in a 1U rackmount form factor.Equipped with an ultra-low voltage 1.5GHz Intel Celeron M processor and 512MB of DDR memory, the 1U4500 is capable of handling data processing tasks quickly and effectively, while enabling over 30% savings in energy consumption, claims Thecus.The 1U4500 features four hot-swappable hard disk trays that accept standard 3.5" SATA 3Gb/s hard disks for up to three terabytes of storage. Support for multiple RAID modes including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD allows administrators to choose the mode that best fits the enterprise's computing environment, and with the 1U4500's Quick RAID feature, the RAID can be built within minutes on first use. The 1U4500 also has RAID migration and RAID expansion capabilities, which allow administrators to change the RAID configuration and add new RAID volumes after the original RAID mode as been set, ensuring that system changes are smooth with limited downtime, The 1U4500 also comes with several other features to help ensure that data is always accessible and secure, adds Thecus. Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports with 802.3ad-based load balancing and failover capabilities enable better throughput and non-stop connectivity and an optional 250W redundant power supply provides uninterrupted service in the event of a power supply failure.The 1U4500 also includes a built-in eSATA port for even more storage expansion options, and support for multiple languages. An LCD display displays critical system status information and enables quick changes to IP addresses and link aggregation making administration easy.Thecus Technology 1U4500 rackmount storage devicePhoto: Company

Chi Mei today announced six of its Chimei-brand widescreen LCD monitors, including 19- and 22-inch models, received certification for the Windows Vista operating system (OS). Chi Mei is set to launch more widescreen LCD monitors before the end of February, according to the company.Chi Mei's 938A, 946A and 221A monitors have gained Vista Basic certification while its 938D, 946D and 221D models now have Windows Vista Premium certification.Chi Mei will offer a new widescreen 22-inch LCD monitor with built-in HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital-content Copy Protection) in April.Chimei's widescreen 22-inch LCD monitor Source: Company

When it comes to Bluetooth, it's clear that accessory maker GG Telecom is a big fan. The company's latest headset, the Baby-G, is said to be one of the smallest and lightest headsets in the world and yet it also makes little compromise in sound clarity. Big claims for such a small device, but then the Baby-G has a 2007 CES design and engineering award to back it up.The Baby-G headset supports Bluetooth 2.0 EDR for improved reception and lower power consumption. Talk time is quoted at 9 hours, with standby up to 250. Charging is done over USB and the device also acts as a Bluetooth dongle which is a nice extra. The Baby-G can be paired with up to eight Bluetooth devices at a time, and supports functions that include voice dialing and redial.The Baby-G Bluetooth headset from GG TelecomPhoto: Company