LG Electronics recently introduced two new PDP (plasma display panel) TVs and two LCD TVs in the Taiwan market, according to LG Electronics Taiwan Taipei (LGETT).The new 55-inch PDP TV (50PC1D) has a resolution of 1,366×768, a brightness of 1,000cd/m2 and a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 while its 42-inch PDP TV (42PC1D) features a resolution of 1,024×768, a brightness of 1,000:1cd/m2 and a contrast ratio of 10,000:1, according to the company.The company is offering 50-inch and 42-inch PDP TVs at NT$129,000 (US$3,938) and NT$79,900, respectively, LGE added. LGE also introduced 42- (42LC2D) and 37-inch (LG 37LC2D) LCD TVs in the Taiwan market. Featuring a resolution of 1,366×768, a contrast ratio of 1,600:1, a brightness of 500 cd/m2 and a viewing angle of 178 degrees, the 42- and 37-inch LCD TVs are priced at NT$89,900 and NT$69,900, respectively, said the company. The existing flat panel TV lineup from LGE in Taiwan include 32-, 37- and 42-inch LCD TVs and 42- and 50-inch PDP TVs.LGE offers a new 42-inch LCD TV (42LC2D) in TaiwanPhoto: Company LGE's new 50-inch PDP TV (50PC1D)Photo: Company

Albatron Technology announced its latest performance cards, the 8800GTX and 8800GTS, featuring support for the DirectX 10 standard that promises a faster, more exciting gaming experience for the market, according to the company.The 8800GTX features the Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX GPU (graphics processing unit) while the 8800GTS has the Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS GPU. In short, the 8800GTX GPU has more horsepower than the 8800GTS, according to Albatron.The 8800GTX will also bear a longer footprint than the 8800GTS at 280mm versus 241.9mm. The 8800GTX is expected to run several hundred dollars (USD) more than the 8800GTS, said the company.Both of these cards use PCI-Express, SLI compliant and include Nvidia's PureVideo technology and support HDR (High Dynamic Range lighting). These cards also support High Definition H2.64, MPEG-2, WMV hardware acceleration and High-Quality Scaling. They will support dual-link DVI ports supporting two displays with resolutions up to 2560×1600, according to Albatron.Aside from the driver CD and install guide, both of these cards will also come with an HDTV cable (S-video and composite out), S-Video 4-pin Cable, AV cable and DVI adapter. Albatron’s new graphics cards Item 8800 GTX 8800 GTS Stream Processors 128 96 Core clock 575MHz 500MHz Shader clock 1350MHz 1200MHz Memory clock 900MHz 800MHz Memory amount 768 (DDRIII) 640 (DDRIII) Memory interface 384-bit 320-bit Memory bandwidth 86.4 64 Texture fill rate 36.8 24 Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes.com, November 2006Albatron's 8800GTX and 8800GTS graphics cardsPhoto: Company

Biostar Microtech International has announced two new high-end solutions for PCI-Express x16 systems with SLI function, the Sigma Gate VP8803GX73 and Sigma Gate VP8803GS63.The VP8803GX73, with 768MB of onboard memory, and the VP8803GS63, with 640MB of onboard memory, represent the next generation of cards supporting DirectX 10, according to the company.The VP8803GX73 and VP8803GS63 feature Nvidia's SLI-Ready GeForce 8800 graphics processing units (GPUs). The world's first DirectX 10 GPUs feature a powerful unified architecture that delivers an incredibly true-to-life gaming experience, according to Biostar. Specifications Item VP8803GX73 VP8803GS63 GPU 8800GTX 8800GS Engine clock 575MHz 500MHz Memory type DDR3 DDR3 Memory size 768MB 640MB Memory clock 1800MHz 1600MHz Memory interface 384bit 320bit Interface PCIe PCIe Dual RAMDACs 400MHz 400MHz DVI Dual Dual HDTV Yes Yes HDCP Yes Yes SLI Yes Yes Source: Company, Compiled by DigiTimes.com, November 2006 VP8803GX73 and VP8803GS63 Features Nvidia unified architecture GigaThread technology DirectX 10 support Nvidia SLI technology Nvidia Lumenex engine:16x Anti-aliasing, 128-bit floating point High Dynamic-Range (HDR) Nvidia Quantum Effects technology Nvidia ForceWare Unified Driver Architecture (UDA) OpenGL 2.0 optimizations and support Nvidia nView multi-display technology Dual dual-link DVI support Built for Microsoft Windows Vista Nvidia PureVideo technology Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes.com, November 2006Biostar's VP8803GS63-640MB and VP8803GX73-768MB graphics cardsPhoto: Company

Apple Computer unveiled its new line of MacBook consumer notebooks that now include Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Just one-inch thin, the new MacBooks are up to 25% faster than the previous generation and feature a built-in iSight video camera for on-the-go video conferencing and Apple's MagSafe Power Adapter that safely disconnects when under strain, according to Apple.The new MacBook lineup includes three models: sleek white 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz MacBook models, and a black 2.0 GHz MacBook model. With Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processors, the new MacBook is up to 25% faster than the previous MacBook and up to six times faster than the iBook, said Apple. Consumers will also benefit from the added power in the new 2.0 GHz models, including double the memory and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a double-layer SuperDrive for burning professional-quality DVDs.The new MacBook features a 13-inch glossy widescreen display and at just one inches thin, includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing or chatting with friends or family using iChat AV, according to Apple.The MacBook includes Apple's MagSafe Power Adapter that magnetically connects the power cord to the MacBook and safely disconnects under strain, preventing the notebook from falling off its work surface. Apple now also offers a new MagSafe Airline Adapter that makes using a MacBook on an airplane even more convenient by connecting to in-seat power ports for continued productivity throughout the duration of a flight, said Apple. The MacBook also includes Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor, designed to protect the hard drive in case of a fall, and a simple and intuitive Scrolling TrackPad for scrolling through long web pages or panning across large photographs.The MacBook comes with iLife '06, the next generation of Apple's suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb. The MacBook also comes with the latest release of the Mac OS X version 10.4.8 Tiger, including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth, running natively on the Intel-based notebook. The new MacBook is available immediately through the Apple Store (www.apple.com ), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter is available for a suggested retail price of US$59 (US). New Apple MacBook specifications Item 1.83 GHz, 13-inch white 2.0 GHz, 13-inch white 2.0 GHz, 13-inch black Screen 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280×800 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness Processor 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor Front-side bus 667 MHz 667 MHz 667 MHz Memory 512MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB Hard drive 60GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor 80GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor Optical drive Slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive Slot-load 6x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive Slot-load 6x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive Graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Video Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately) Webcam Built-in iSight video camera Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet port Connectivity Built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR Ports Two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port Audio One audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog Misc Scrolling TrackPad, infrared Apple Remote, 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter Suggested retail price (US$) 1,099 1,299 1,499 Source: Apple, compiled by DigiTimes.com, November 2006Apple's white Core 2 Duo MacBookSource: Company

Epson on November 2 debuted its PictureMate (PM) 210 and 250 photo printers, featuring direct printing from handsets and game consoles, in the Taiwan market at recommended retail prices of NT$6,990 (US$211) and NT$7,990, respectively.According to market surveys by Epson, the global demand for 4"×6" photo printers will increase from 11.3 million units this year to 14 million next year, said general manager Victor Chen for Imaging & Information Solution Business Group of Epson Taiwan. For the Taiwan market alone, International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates the demand for 4"x6" photo printers will grow from 11,300 units in 2006 to 13,800 in 2007, Chen indicated. But Epson is more optimistic, projecting the Taiwan demand to be 14,000 units for this year and 27,600 units for next year mainly because the IDC forecast is based on photo printing from digital cameras mainly but demand from printing from phone cameras and digital TVs is growing, Chen pointed out. The demand for direct printing from phone cameras is expected to grow especially fast since the mainstream camera resolution is shifting from 1.3 megapixels to 2-3 megapixels which is suitable for color photo printing, Chen added. Epson PictureMate 210/250: Main specifications Specification PictureMate 210 PictureMate 250 Resolution 5,760 x 720 optimized dpi with Variable-sized Droplet technology Screen 2-inch color LCD 2.5-inch color LCD Printing speed 53 seconds for a full-color 4"x6" photo 42 seconds for a full-color 4"x6" photo Printing format USB direct printing, PictBridge Dimension (W×H×D, mm) 215×262×339 Weight (including inkjet cartridge) 2.5kg Source: Epson Taiwan, compiled by DigiTimes.com, November 2006 Epson recently launched its PictureMate 210 and 250 portable photo printers in TaiwanPhoto: Epson Taiwan

GeCube recently announced its RX1650XT graphics card series, which utilizes the ATI RV560 80nm chip. The series supports Native CrossFire Technology and has built in 256MB GDDR3 high-speed memory, according to the company. The use of the 80nm chip and an increased efficiency in cooling has increased performance-per-watt to 15%, which represents a 10% improvement in comparison to its predecessor that used a 90nm chip, according to GeCube. Moreover, the Native CrossFire Ready platform is supported, and only two sets of bridge jumpers are required to connect two graphic cards together, noted the company, adding that the RX1650XT can also support resolutions to as high as 2560×2048.The 1650XT product series not only supports Shader Model 3.0, but also has a 24-pixel pipeline, said GeCube. For HDTV digital output support, the Dual DVI (2 Dual Link) feature makes it far more efficient than products of the same level, and it also supports Windows Vista so you can upgrade your system in no time.GeCube's RX1650XT graphics cardPhoto: Company

Tul, a Taiwan-based graphics card supplier, has announced the PowerColor X1650 XT, its second graphics card to include a chipset manufactured at 80nm process and to feature the new CrossFire Bridge Interconnect. The PowerColor X1650 XT clocks at 600MHz, with memory at 700MHz (1400MHz effective) 256MB DDR3 RAM and 24 pixel processors. This board is also HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and Windows Vista ready. The PCIe version will be priced under US$150, while the AGP version will be just under US$170, according to Tul. Tul's PowerColor X1650 XT Key features 2nd GPU manufactured at 80nm process New CrossFire Bridge Interconnect Simultaneous anti-aliasing with HDR for smooth graphics Support for DirectX 9c, Open GL 2.0 and Shader Model 3.0 High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) ready H.264 playback with ATI's Avivo Video- & Display Engine Windows Vista ready Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes.com, October 2006Tul's PowerColor X1650 XTPhoto: Company

OSD Displays has introduced a new 7-inch WVGA transflective TFT LCD with white LED backlighting. This new low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) TFT LCD is fully Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant, according to the company.The OSD070WGEA1 offers a 500:1 contrast ratio and provides a uniform brightness of 500 cd/m2.The display supports extended operating temperatures from minus 20 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees and storage temperature from minus 30 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees.The WVGA module offers a simple interface. It has a built-in timing controller and includes all the high and low voltage power supplies need by the panel. The signals required are the logic power supply, the display data lines, the data clock and sync signals.Ideal for mobile applications and portable multimedia players (PMPs) , the OSD070WGEA1 is available in sample quantities now. Sample pricing starts from US$120.00.OSD 7-inch WVGA LED-based TFT LCDPhoto: Company

VIA Technologies and Everex Systems on October 26 unveiled the StepNote NC1500 notebook, the first Everex notebook to make use of the advanced VIA C7-M processor. Employing a 15.4-inch widescreen display with DiamondBrite Technology, built-in wireless LAN and DVD burner, the US$498 computer utilizes the VIA C7-M processor to provide ultra-low power consumption, advanced security features and 1.5GHz performance at a mere 12W peak power, according to the companies. "Teaming up with VIA, Everex has been able to create an exciting new category of energy efficient portable computers," stated John Lin, vice president of sales for Everex.With a shared commitment to developing energy-efficient, environmentally friendly products, the results of the collaborative effort is expected to aid users in reducing their overall electricity usage, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership. According to the two companies, utilization of VIA Enhanced PowerSaver technology and VIA TwinTurbo allow the laptop to dynamically transition between intermediate power states, providing users with a 20% longer battery life than comparable systems. Key specifications of the StepNote NC1500 Item Details Processor 1.5GHz VIA C7- M Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2 Graphics VIA UniChrome Pro with Chromotion CE Video Display Engine Memory 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (2 slots) Hard disk drive 60GB, 4200 PATA Optical drive DVD+/-RW with dual layer support Display 15.4" TFT, 1280×800 (WXGA) with DiamondBrite technology LAN 10/100 Ethernet Wireless IEEE 802.11b/g I/O (1) DB 15-Pin VGA, (3) USB 2.0 ports, (1) RJ45, (1) RJ-11, (1) headphone/line out, (1) microphone/line in Battery Lithium ion Dimensions (W×D×H, inches) 14.1×10.7×0.9-1.5 Weight (lbs) 5.3 Suggested retail price US$498 Photo Source: VIA, compiled by DigiTimes.com, October 2006

Logitech Taiwan, recently unveiled three Logitech QuickCam web cameras, the Ultra Vision, the Sphere MP and the Communicate STX, to the Taiwan market at recommended retail prices of NT$4,290 (US$129), NT$3,790 and NT$1,690, respectively.The three webcams all have a CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 1280×960 pixels for photos and 640×480 pixels for video, according to Logitech Taiwan.With growing demand for webcams by users of Microsoft MSN, Yahoo!, Skype and other IM (instant messaging) services, the global penetration rate of webcam use is expected to rise to 30-40% this year, Logitech Taiwan noted. In the Taiwan market, the emerging demand for HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) service, commonly called 3.5G, is expected to boost use of webcams in video conversation, Logitech Taiwan added.The Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision webcamPhoto: Company