Biostar Microtech on May 23 introduced its new T-series motherboards supporting AMD's AM2 platform and nForce 500 series chipsets, the TForce 590 SLI Deluxe and TForce 570 U Deluxe. The TForce 590 SLI Deluxe with the Nvidia nForce 590 SLI chipset belongs to the enthusiast motherboard segment, and features Nvidia technology like SLI(2x16), Linkboost and DualNet. The TForce 590 SLI Deluxe builds in a variety of I/O ports and strong overclocking hardware features such as flexible e-SATA 3Gb/s port, dual Gb LAN, LED diagnostic monitor and 6 MOSFETs with heatLimited sinks to stabilize CPU power. TForce 590 SLI Deluxe provides a complete overclocking solution to satisfy even the most demanding power user, The TForce 570 U Deluxe with Nvidia nForce 570 Ultra chipset is a performance motherboard. It integrates 6 SATA 3Gb/s with Nvidia RAID, Dual Gb LAN for more connectivity options and LED diagnostic to monitor motherboard status.The TForce 590 SLI Deluxe has a recommend price of US$139 while the TForce 570 U Deluxe has a recommended price of US$109. Both boards will be available for sale worldwide on May 26. Biostar motherboard main specifications Item TForce 590 SLI Deluxe–Limited Edition TForce 570 U Deluxe CPU Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon 64 X2/ Athlon 64 FX/Athlon 64/Sempron Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon 64 X2/ Athlon 64 FX/Athlon 64/Sempron Chipset Nvidia nForce 590 SLI Nvidia nForce 570 Ultra Memory 4 x Dual Channel DDR2 800 4 x Dual Channel DDR2 800 Slots 2 x PCI, 2 x PCI-Ex16, 1 x PCI-Ex1, 1 x PCI-Ex4 3 x PCI, 1 x PCI-Ex16, 3 x PCI-Ex1 Audio 8+2-CH HD Audio, Dual Gb LAN 8+2-CH HD Audio, Dual Gb LAN Ports 5 x SATA 3Gb/s with RAID, 1 x e-SATA3Gb/s, 2 x 1394a 6 x SATA 3Gb/s with RAID Form factor ATX Form Factor ATX Form Factor Photo Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes.com, May 2006

Foxconn Electronics (the registered trade name of Hon Hai Precision Industry) may hold a press conference to officially introduce self-developed own-brand graphics cards made by itself during the upcoming Computex 2006 exhibition, according to sources. Foxconn's first own-brand graphics card, the PX7900GTX based on Nvidia's GeForce 7900 GTX (G71) graphics processing unit (GPU) that was shown at the CeBIT show in March, was manufactured by Flextronics International, which partnered with Nvidia to co-develop G71-based card products for Nvidia's branded customers, according to market sources. The sources noted that it has been two years since Nvidia and ATI Technologies first planned to partner with assembly contract makers to co-produce high-end graphics cards for specific customers. The customers could simply attach their individual brands to the finished items and potentially reduce inventory risks because multiple companies could share the same basic design, the sources indicated. Foxconn will start volume shipments of the PX7900GTX card, manufactured by Flextronics, at the end of the second quarter, according to the sources. It is currently unclear when the company will begin shipments of the cards that it will manufacture itself, but this may be clarified if the press conference goes ahead at Computex. Computex will be held at the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) and the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC) from June 6 to June 10.

FSP Group member SPI Electronic on May 11 launched the Booster X3, a high-end power supply unit suitable for gaming-use graphics cards based on the ATI and Nvidia chips. The SPI Booster X3, showcased at CeBIT in March, offers two independent +12V/150W outputs for up to 360W. With reduced power consumption and lower electricity bills, the product also follows the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation, according to the company. SPI experienced a revenue slide of 23.26% sequentially in April. Company spokesperson Lien-fa Tsai stated that the drop was caused by falling shipments of PC-use power supplies due to inventory clearance for non-RoHS-compliant products. In addition, slow demand due to seasonal effects slowed shipments for the large-size LCD TV and industrial PC (IPC) segments slightly, according to Tsai. However, demand is picking up in the coming months, said Tsai, adding that inventory has almost been cleared. Booster X3 power supply unit for graphics cards Photo: Kung Tien Huang, DigiTimes, May 2006

Sony will launch three of its latest Cyber-shot digital cameras, the DSC-T30, DSC-W70 and DSC-W100, in the Taiwan market on May 11, according to Sony Taiwan. Sony Cyber-shot digital camera specifications Item DSC-T30 DSC-W70 DSC-W100 Screen 3-inch 230,000-pixel LCD 2.5-inch 115,000-pixel LCD 2.5-inch 115,000-pixel LCD Resolution 7.2-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor 7.2-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor 8.1-megapixel 1/1.8-inch CCD sensor Zoom 3x optical, 2x digital 3x optical, 2x digital 3x optical, 2x digital Built-in memory; external memory format 58MB; Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo 58MB; Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo 64MB; Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo Battery life 420 pictures 290 pictures 300 pictures Photo printing format PictBridge (USB direct print) PictBridge (USB direct print) PictBridge (USB direct print) Dimension (W×H×D, mm) 95× 56.5×23.3 88.9× 57.1×22.9 94.2×60.6×24.8 Weight (including battery, in grams) 162 127 161 Recommended retail price (NT$) 14,980 12,980 15,480 Source: Sony Taiwan, compiled by DigiTimes.com, May 2006 The Sony DSC-T30 digital camera Photo: Sony Taiwan, May 2006 The Sony DSC-W70 digital camera Photo: Sony Taiwan, May 2006 The Sony DSC-W100 digital camera Photo: Sony Taiwan, May 2006

Asustek Computer yesterday introduced two white colored dual-core notebooks in the Taiwan market – the ASUS W5F and ASUS W7J – with suggested retail prices of NT$62,800 (US$1,993) and NT$60,800, respectively. The two models feature widescreen displays and weigh 1.6kg for the W5F and 1.9kg for the W7J, including integrated optical drives and battery packs. Asustek’s offering of white colored dual-core notebooks comes after Acer’s May 5 introduction in the Taiwan market of its TravelMate 3020, a white colored dual-core notebook that features a 12.1-inch widescreen display and weighs 1.5kg, with a price tag of NT$55,900 (NT$1,766). ASUS’s W5F and W7J notebook specifications Item W5F W7J CPU Intel Core Duo T2400 Core speed 1.83-2.33GHz, 667MHz, (2MB L2 Cache) 1.83GHz, 667MHz, (2MB L2 Cache) Chipset 945GM 945PM Display 12.1-inch widescreen TFT 13.3-inch widescreen TFT Graphics Intel 945GM VGA Nvidia GeForce 7400 256MB HDD 100GB, 5,400rpm Memory 1GB (512MBx2) 1GB (1GBx1) ODD Built-in DVD Super Multi Built-in DVD Super Multi (double layer) Wireless 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth V2.0+EDR   Integrated webcam 1.3-megapixel Weight 1.6kg (with ODD and 3-cell battery) 1.9kg (with ODD and 6-cell batter) Price NT$62,800 NT$60,800 Photo Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, May 2006

GeCube recently announced its GeCube X1900GT product line, further strengthening its offerings featuring ATI’s graphics platform. The RoH-compliant X1900GT product line is based on Shader Model 3.0 with the best frame rates in the industry, claims the company. Moreover, the X1900GT line includes 36 internal pixel shaders with a core memory refresh rate of up to 575MHz/1.2GHz. The X1900GT line can simultaneously initiate HDR and anti aliasing (AA) functions, according to the company. The high dynamic range (HDR) capability processes light sources cast on highly animated objects in such a way that human eyes perceive images as virtual objects. With tiny variations in background light, the performance approaches reality. Moreover, the product simultaneously executes anti-aliasing (AA), which in terms of processing graphics and background features achieves new levels of quality and detail. The GeCube X1900GT line supports CrossFire platforms with functions such as AFR, SuperTiling, scissor and graphics provided by super AA rendering mode. Resolution can reach 2048×1536 with existing dual graphics cards can initiate 12x multi-sampling AA effects as well as 2x super-sampling AA mode. GeCube X1900 GT specifications Item Details Product name GC-X1900GTD-VID3 Core clock speed 575MHz/1.2GHz Memory interface 256-bit Memory GDDR3, 256MB Pixel shader processor 36 Vertex shader 3.0 TV output S/HDTV-out DVI-I Yes (double dual link) Cooling    ATI original fan (single slot ) Recommend selling price (RSP) US$299 Photo Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, May 2006

1-2-1View, a digital signage solution provider, has announced the immediate availability of a new industry wireless media player. The M210 is a powerful box that relays content and display management information wirelessly and plays back video content stored in its built-in hard disk. It enables location owners and operators to deploy a full digital signage system to pinpoint audiences with targeted content such as advertising and promotions, without the hassles of wiring or laying cables. Based on open standards and flexible IPTV technology, the M210 is built on a consumer electronics platform as opposed to commonly used PC technology, offering the best price/performance ratio compared to other media players, according to the company. Powered by a Linux operating system and supporting formats, including MPEG-4 and H.264, the M210 operates fanless, has low power consumption and small footprint of just 22×15×7 cm. The player is equipped with a 2.5-inch hard disk and a CF slot enabling manual updates whenever remote access is not available. Featuring a serial port for screen control, the M210 can also control screen functions such as switching on/off, brightness, volume and others, which makes it cost effective and convenient to operate. 1-2-1View’s latest digital signage media player, the M210 Source: Company

Asustek recently introduced a 20.1-inch, widescreen LCD monitor (ASUS PW201) with a built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam and LifeFrame software bundle that enables the display to be used for video conferencing. The company claims that its "Splendid" video intelligence technology optimizes individual regions in the picture and adjusts colors, brightness, contrast and sharpness to be most favorable to the human eye. It offers five modes (standard, scenery, game, night view and theater) and three skin tones (natural, reddish and yellowish). The monitor offers 1,680×1,050 resolution; 800:1 contrast ratio; 300nits brightness; composite, s-video and component (YPbPr) support and DVI-D and D-SUB inputs; built-in 3W stereo speakers and headphone jack; flexible tilting angle and height adjustment; portrait and landscape viewing options; security lock; and three-year system and panel warranty. ASUS PW201 20.1-inch widescreen LCD monitor with built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam Photo: Company.

Tul on May 5 launched the PowerColor X1900 GT graphics card, the latest addition to its flagship X1900 series. The X1900 GT is an enthusiast graphics card for the price-conscious with a suggested retail price of US$349, the lowest price in the X1900 series to date, according to the company. The card uses the ATI Radeon R580 core, with a clock speed of 575MHz, 1.2GHz memory clock and 256MB of DDR3. The 36 pixel shader processors and 8 vertex shaders support today’s latest games, according to the company. The PowerColor X1900 GT is CrossFire ready and supports DirectX 9c, Open GL 2.0 and Shader Model 3.0, enabling anti-aliasing with HDR, said the company. An Avivo engine also ensures accelerated video decode and encode of the latest video formats and support for High-Definition (HD) videos, the graphics card maker noted. PowerColor X1900 GT specifications Item Details Core clock speed 575MHz Memory speed 1.2GHz Memory 256MB DDR3 Memory interface 256-bit Pixel shader processor 36 Vertex shader 8 VGA output By DVI to VGA converter TV output S-Video DVI-I DVI X 2 VIVO (Video In/Video Out) Yes H.264 Support Yes Geometry transform rate (vertices/sec) 1.15 billion Memory bandwidth 38.4GB/sec Pixel fill rate 6.9 billion/sec Photo Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes.com, May 2006

Acer on May 4 launched a white-colored dual-core notebook in Taiwan, the TravelMate 3020, which features the Intel Core Duo processor and a 12.1-inch TFT LCD display with wide XGA (WXGA) resolutions, with a suggested retail price of NT$55,900 (NT$1,766). In addition to the Acer TravelMate 3020, other available white models in the Taiwan market also include the Compaq Presario B2800 from Hewlett-Packard (HP), the W6A from Asustek Computer, Sony’s VAIO FE590 series and the Joybook S53W from BenQ. Notebooks with a white chassis and a slim profile specifically target female consumers. Scott Lin, president of Acer’s Taiwan and Hong Kong operations, stated that among Acer’s total sales of dual-core notebooks in the second quarter, the contribution from 12.1-inch models will increase with monthly sales climbing to 5,000 units from 3,000 units in the first quarter. According to Lin, sales of dual-core notebooks will account for 34% of Acer’s overall notebook sales in Taiwan in the second quarter of 2006, rising from 13% the previous quarter. The contribution will further increase to 50% in the third quarter and 70% in the fourth quarter, said Lin. Acer’s sub-NT$20,000 offerings for Sonoma notebooks shook the Taiwan notebook market in the third quarter of 2005 but Lin indicated that prices of Acer’s dual-core models will not see such significant reductions this year. Price cuts for dual-core notebooks will depend on price cuts by Intel, Lin said. The Chinese-language Apple Daily reported today that Intel’s price-cutting schedule will go into effect on May 14, a week in advance of the original planned date. Xbitlabs.com, however, has reported that Intel already has released new prices for its CPUs. Acer’s notebook sales in Taiwan topped 51,000 units in the first quarter of 2006, up almost 40% from 37,000 units during the same period of 2005. With rival Asustek Computer, the two companies grabbed a 53.1% share of the Taiwan notebook market in the first quarter. Acer TravelMate 3020 specifications Item Detail CPU Intel Core Duo T2300/ T2400/ T2500/ T2600 Clock speed 1.66/ 1.83/ 2.16GHz (2MB L2 Cache) FSB 667MHz Chipset Intel 945GM/PM Express Network Intel PRO/ Wireless 3945ABG Display 12.1-inch WXGA TFT Memory DDR2 533/667MHz (up to 2GB), two SODIMM extension slots (upgradable to 4GB) HDD 80/100/120GB SATA Built-in camera 1.3-megaxel, 225-degree rotating Dimension 297.5×210×2 4.5/32.4mm Weight 1.5kg (3.3lbs) Retail price (Taiwan) NT$55,900 Photo Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, May 2006 The Acer TravelMate 3020 Photo: Andrea Liu, DigiTimes