Apple is planning to introduce 15.4-inch MacBooks in the second quarter of 2007, according to industry sources in Taiwan. The new model will fill the gap between the company's 13.3-inch MacBooks and the 15.4- and 17-inch MacBook Pros that form its current notebook line up, and is expected to boost shipments of Apple's Intel-powered MacBooks, the sources add.MacBook shipments are expected to reach 700,000 units in the first quarter of 2007, after enjoying substantial gains in the second half of 2006, say the PC makers. However, shipment growth for the whole of 2007 is likely to be even greater than that of the first-quarter following the introduction of the 15.4-inch model in the second quarter, the sources noted. Currently, 13.3-inch MacBooks are manufactured by Asustek Computer, while the new 15.4-inch model will be made by Quanta Computer, which also manufactures the 15.4- and 17-inch MacBook Pros for Apple. Foxconn is said to have been in the running for the lucrative 15.4-inch manufacturing contract but was eventually unsuccessful, the sources report.Prices for the 15.4-inch MacBook models are likely to be more competitive than their 13.3-inch counterparts, due largely to the relatively lower cost of 15.4-inch LCD panels, and will therefore help push further sales of MacBooks, indicated the sources. The 13.3-inch MacBooks are currently available at US$1,099-US$1,499..The 15.4- and 17-inch MacBook Pros are currently available at a range between US$1,999 and US$2,799, and account for a relatively lower ratio to Apple's total notebook shipments, the source indicated. Apple's notebook shipments for 2006-1Q 2007 (in 1,000 units) Period Shipments Y/Y change 1Q 06 498 8.3% 2Q 06 787 59.6% 3Q 06 962 51.5% 4Q 06 1,000 70.0% 1Q 07(f) 700 40.6% Source: IDC Taiwan and sources at Taiwan PC makers, compiled by DigiTimes, February 2007Apple 13.3-inch MacBooks are to be joined by 15.4-inch models in 2Q07 according to sourcesPhoto: Company

Walton Chaintech has announced the Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS-based GAE88GTS-A1 with 320MB GDDR3 memory, offering the highest levels of sophisticated game rendering at the most substantial price, says the company.The GAE88GTS-A1 features 96 stream processors as well as support for HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), providing high-definition home theater experiences, notes Chaintech. Additionally, the card is equipped with the world's first DirectX 10 GPU, which adopts the latest Unified Shader architecture and full support for Shader Model 4.0, the company adds. By utilizing DirectX 10, the GAE88GTS-A1 is able to deliver realistic gaming effects and lets users take full advantage of all the features Microsoft Windows Vista Premium has to offer, including the new Aero interface, according to Chaintech.Positioned to target the high-end market, the GAE88GTS-A1 features Nvidia's latest advanced technologies including GigaThread Technology, which, through the use of a massively multi-threaded architecture, is able to create thousands of independent, simultaneous threads, providing extreme processing efficiency for advanced, next generation shader programs, says Chaintech. Furthermore, the GAE88GTS-A1 supports Nvidia's Quantum Effects Technology, enabling a new level of physics effects to be simulated and rendered on the GPU, the company adds. The card also features the Lumenex engine, which introduces 16x Anti-aliasing and 128-bit floating point High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) rendering for the most realistic lighting effects, Chaintech adds.Chaintech's Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS-based GAE88GTS-A1 with 320MB GDDR3 memoryPhoto: Company

Thermaltake Technology has introduced its latest addition to the Max4 series of external HDD enclosures – the 3.5-inch Max4 with eSATA and USB 2.0 interfaces. The eSATA (external Serial ATA) technology allows data transfer offers speeds up to a 300MB/s or 3Gb/s – up to five times faster than existing external storage enclosures such as USB 2.0 and/or 1394a, says Thermaltake. With 3.5-inch hard disk drives having already broken the 1TB (1,024 GB, 1 Terabyte) barrier and with disk rotational speeds above 10,000rpm, the Max4 allows both enterprise and home users to conveniently backup important files, songs, videos or pictures, says Thermaltake.However, with the increases in speed and capacity, thermal management also becomes a crucial aspect when designing an external enclosure, according to the company. To help dissipate heat buildup inside the enclosure and to maintain an optimal operational temperature for the hard disk, an 80×80×15mm low profile and ultra-quiet fan is included in the Max4.Finally, the Max4 eSATA also includes an aluminum stand for vertical placement, Thermaltake adds.Thermaltake Max4 with eSATAPhoto: Company

Shuttle has announced the availability of its first quad-core powered small form factor (SFF) workstations. Shuttle's XPC P2 3700w full systems offer big performance in a compact package while retaining Energy Star compliance for low power consumption, says the company.In addition to quad-core, the XPC P2 3700w workstations can be configured with up to 8GB of DDR2 ECC memory – a perfect match for animators, says Shuttle. A 64-bit operating system is a necessity with 8GB of system memory so Shuttle offers the XPC P2 3700w workstations with Microsoft's Windows Vista Business 64-bit operating system (OS) or Windows XP Professional 64-bit to take advantage of higher memory configuration. Microsoft's Windows Vista Business 32-bit and Windows XP Professional are also available for those who would prefer it, the company adds.Additionally, the XPC P2 3700w workstations offer a variety of storage sizes and are configurable with up to 2.2 terabytes of storage space, says Shuttle.Finally, to suit a variety of workstation graphics-based tasks, Shuttle offers the XPC P2 3700w with a selection of ATI FireGL and Nvidia Quadro graphics cards.Quad-core powered Shuttle P2 3700w workstations are available immediately starting at $1649.Shuttle XPC P2 3700wPhoto: Company

While launching its new Windows Mobile 6 software platform at the ongoing 3GSM World Congress 2007 in Barcelona (Spain), Microsoft also displayed more than 10 new handsets powered by the new operating system (OS), including models from Taiwan-based High Tech Computer (HTC), Asustek Computer, Gigabyte Communications, Inventec, and Chi Mei Communication Systems (CMCS). The displays include the SPV E650 from Orange, which is manufactured by HTC and as Microsoft claimed, will be the first Windows Mobile 6-powered handset to be launched for the European market scheduled in the second quarter of 2007.For the Japanese market, HTC will cooperate with Toshiba to build Windows Mobile 6-based smartphones for Softbank Mobile, which is expected to launch the new handsets in June, according to Microsoft sources. In the US, new versions of Dash handsets from T-Mobile will also run on the Windows Mobile 6 OS, the sources indicated. Currently, T-Mobile outsources its production of Dash handsets to HTC. Other Windows Mobile 6-powered models include the BenQ-Siemens dual-brand E72 from BenQ, the P526 and the Aries from Asustek, and the t600 from Gigabyte Communications, as well as an ODM model built by Inventec for Dubai-based i-mate, the JAQ4. The BenQ E72 will be built using an OMAP 1030 260MHz processor from Texas Instruments (TI) and support UMA (unlicensed mobile access)/VoIP and push email technology, according to sources at the company. The JAQ4, which will be the first GPS-enabled PDA phone from i-mate, will be built using a TI 200MHz OMAP 850 processor and features built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions. BenQ's first UMA handset E72Photo: Daniel Shen, DigiTimes, February 2007The JAQ4 built by Inventec for i-matePhoto: Daniel Shen, DigiTimes, February 2007

Albatron Technology has announced the latest addition to its Nvidia 8800 series DirectX 10 graphics cards, the 8800GTST. The company says the card represents the first affordable DirectX 10 card available for a large segment of cost conscious consumers waiting for an opportunity to latch on to this revolutionary technology. The card still boasts the same powerful 500 MHz GPU as its sibling 8800GTS but with modified memory configurations allowing it to have a more palatable price tag, says Albatron. The 8800GTST will contain 320MB of DDR3 memory compared to the 8800GTS which contains 640 MB of DDR3. Aside from the differences in price and memory configurations, the 8800GTST and the 8800GTS are virtually the same card, both in features and dimensions, the company claims.The 8800GTST supports PureVideo technology, CineFX 4.0, Intellisample 4.0, UltraShadow II and support for HDR (high dynamic range lighting). The card also supports high definition H2.64, MPEG-2, WMV hardware acceleration and high-quality scaling (clear, crisp, clean images at any window size), according to Albatron. Finally, the 8800GTST will support dual-link DVI ports supporting two displays with resolutions up to 2560×1600, the company adds. Aside from the driver CD and install guide, this card will also come with an HDTV cable (S-video and composite out), S-Video 4-pin Cable, AV cable and DVI adapter.Albatron 8800GTST with 320MB DDR3 memoryPhoto: Company

Lanner Electronics has announced the FW-6430, a cost-effective barebone network security platform equipped with onboard CPU and RAM.Built around VIA's Eden V4 technology the FW-6430 includes integrated security algorithms through VIA's Padlock Security Suite. Moreover, with up to 256MB of RAM and 4 LAN ports on onboard, operators just simply need to add an OS via a CompactFlash socket and the unit is ready for deployment, says Lanner.Designed for cost-sensitive SOHO and small business security applications, the Lanner FW-6430 can be easily deployed in firewall, VPN, IPS, IDS, content security and load balancing applications, the company points out.Lanner FW-6430 mini-network appliancePhoto: Company

Although the Apple iPhone has not even hit the market, it has already become an industry measuring stick for any new multimedia handset being launched, with the latest comparison coming through the introduction of Samsung's Ultra Smart F700 on February 8th. Like the Apple iPhone, the F700 features a full touch screen. However, although Samsung noted that the device reflects the recent trend in the telecommunications industry by using a touch screen user interface, the F700 will still include a QWERTY key pad (unlike the iPhone) for users who are not yet familiar with a touch-screen-only user interface. The F700 also features VibeTonz technology which allows users to feel the buttons accompanied by responsive vibrations. A "Drag and drop" method of touch screen was adopted for easier menu navigation, Samsung indicated, and the device includes a music play list control. Volume, play lists, brightness of screens as well as other menu controls can be controlled utilizing the touch screen.Samsung has also touted the 3G capabilities of the Ultra Smart F700, with 3G not initially scheduled to be supported by the iPhone. Although a High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network is not yet fully deployed, the handset supports the standard. Samsung pointed out that once the 7.2 Mbps HSDPA network is completely deployed, F700 users can download an 4MB MP3 song in 4.4 seconds. Samsung added that a full HTML browser along with the QWERTY key pad enables access to the Internet for e-mail and data services. The device also features a 2.78-inch TFT LCD color display, a 5 mega-pixel camera with auto focus and Bluetooth support. The company did not say when the handset will hit the market and at what price.Samsung Ultra Smart F700 Photo: Company Samsung F700 handset Feature Specification Handset HSDPA 7.2Mbps, EDGE 900/1800/1900 MHz + 2.1GHz Camera 5 Megapixel with Auto-Focus Display 262744 TFT (2.78-inch, 440x240) Added features Full Touch Screen MPEG4/H.263/H.264/Real MP3/AAC(+)/eAAC+/Real QWERTY Keypad MMS / E-mail / JAVA / WAP 2.0 Bluetooth / USB Flash UI / Document Viewer Full HTML Browsing Offline Mode, BGM Memory microSD Size 104×50×16.4mm Source: Samsung, Compiled by DigiTimes.com, February 2007

The 2007 Taipei Game Show is currently running at the Taipei World Trade Center, Hall 1, from February 8-12. From the top upcoming gaming titles, to hot hardware bargains, DigiTimes Hot Systems brings you exclusive coverage of the the show's highlights.Microsoft has gone all out to make the Xbox 360 the star attraction of the show. An expansive stage in distinctive white and green colors, and a packed gaming floor gives visitors a chance to enjoy first-hand some of the games the Xbox 360 has to offer. Microsoft's partner on the games floor is BenQ, which has supplied enough LCD TVs to ensure that everyone gets to experience next-gen gaming in all its high-definition glory. Through an exclusive Taipei Game Show deal, gamers can take home an Xbox 360 Core package and a BenQ 37-inch or 42-inch HD LCD TV for NT$49,900 or NT$69.900 (US$1,210 or US$2,116).For those who just want an Xbox 360, Microsoft is also offering a bundle pack including console, hard drive, two controllers, a headset, and the top title of 2006, Gears of War, for a special-show price of NT$13,980.Though the Xbox 360 has a big presence at the show, both the Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3 are conspicuously absent.On the PC side, small form factor PC maker, Shuttle has teamed up with Microsoft Games Studios to supply several XPC systems on which visitors can play Microsoft Flight Simulator X and Age of Empires III.After selling over two million copies on the first day of its release in Europe and the US, World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (WoW:BC) is getting ready to launch in Taiwan in the first half of this year. As befitting a fantasy-based role-playing game, WoW:BC's presence at the show includes lots of people dressed up in costume. Also 5-on-5 player-versus-player (PvP) tournaments are being held to let gamers show off their skills.Another hot title that's coming to Taiwan this summer is post-apocalyptic RPG, Hellgate: London. Visitors brave enough to enter the darkened show area are brought face-to-face with life-size models of monsters from the game. Those with the stomach to make it through to the next area are rewarded with the opportunity to play the game thanks to the game's publishers and hardware supplied by Asus. Details for the 2007 Taipei Game Show Item Detail Venue Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1 Dates: Feb 8, 2007 (Thu) - Feb 12, 2007 (Mon) Opening Hours 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (2/10, 11 extended to 8:00 p.m.) Source: Taipei Game Show, compiled by DigiTimes.com, February 2007Experience next-gen gaming in high-definition with the Xbox 360 and BenQPhoto: Ricky Morris, DigiTimes.com, February 2007Xbox 360 and Gears of War bundle pack – cheapPhoto: Ricky Morris, DigiTimes.com, February 2007Go head to head on Project Gotham Racing with the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing WheelPhoto: Ricky Morris, DigiTimes.com, February 2007The Shuttle XPC SN27P2 and Age of Empires IIIPhoto: Ricky Morris, DigiTimes.com, February 2007World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, coming soon to TaiwanPhoto: Ricky Morris, DigiTimes.com, February 2007Get ready to enter Hellgate: London, summer of 2007Photo: Ricky Morris, DigiTimes.com, February 2007A character from Hellgate: London – Big!Photo: Ricky Morris, DigiTimes.com, February 2007

Sony Ericsson released three new Bluetooth headsets, the HBH-PV702, HBH-PV710 and HPM-75, on February 6. Lightweight, compact, and long-lasting talk and stand-by times make the HBH-PV702 a great value Bluetooth device for anyone new to handsfree devices, according to the company. The headset comes in a black or white finish.The HBH-PV710 Bluetooth headset has talk and standby times of up to 12 and 300 hours, respectively, and comes in a silver body with glittering brown or red covers, says Sony Ericsson.The stereo portable handsfree HPM-75 builds on the success of the HPM-70, delivering excellent sound with an attractive metallic finish, according to the company. Designed for the best possible fit, spare ear buds of different sizes are supplied in the box and can be easily swapped out to ensure a perfect fit that helps block out external noise and seals in the bass punch, noted the company. Call handling is also easy with a microphone and call answer button on the cord where a 3.5mm jack allows different ear phones to be used.The PV702 is available from early second quarter of 2007, the PV710 is available from late first quarter while the HPM-75 will be available from the middle of the second quarter, according to Sony Ericsson.The Sony Ericsson HBH-PV702 Bluetooth headsetPhoto: Company