Gigabyte Technology and Leadtek Research introduced two PCI Express graphics cards based on Nvidia’s price-performance GeForce 7600 GT graphics processing unit (GPU), which was introduced on March 22. The new graphics cards comply with the European Union's Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation. Using Nvidia’s Scalable Link Interface (SLI) multi-GPU technology, Gigabyte's GV-NX76G256D-RH and the Leadtek WinFast PX7600 GS TDH feature 256MB of DDR2 memory, 128-bit memory interface and up to 12 pixel pipelines. With highlighted features including Microsoft DirectX 9.0c, OpenGL 2.0 and Intellisample 4.0, the two cards can support high-definition video up to 2560×1600. Companies that will offer graphics cards based on the Nvidia GeForce 7600 GS chip also include Albatron, AOpen, Asustek Computer, Biostar, Walton Chaintech and Micro-Star International (MSI), according to a press release from Nvidia. Gigabyte, Leadtek: 7600 GT graphics cards Item Gigabyte Leadtek Product GV-NX76G256D-RH WinFast PX7600 GS TDH GPU GeForce 7600 GS Memory 256MB 128-bit DDR2 Pipelines 12 Connector DVI-I/ D-sub/ TV-out HDTV-Out/ dual DVI-I/ DVI-I HDTV resolution 2560x1600 Highlighted features Microsoft DirectX 9.0c, OpenGL 2.0 Photo Availability April Now Source: Companies, compiled by DigiTimes, March 2006

The growing popularity of reusable energy has prompted Taiwan-based A-Data Technology and Micro-Star International (MSI) to introduce solar cells into their latest flash-based memory devices. A-Data is launching the Solar Disk thumb drive equipped with a solar cell module at CeBIT in Germany. The drive does not have a built-in battery and the solar cell module powers its LCD display to show remaining capacity. The product supports USB 1.1/2.0 connectivity and it is expected to be generally available in April. It will come in 128MB, 25MB, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB models. MSI will be showing a solar cell-equipped MP3 player at the show. This concept MP3 player uses the solar module to charge the built-in lithium battery and provide supplementary power to extend battery life. Solely relying on the solar cell to charge the battery would take two days under ordinary outdoor light and a fully charged battery allows ten hours of playback. MSI plans to move this product into mass production in time for Computex and the device will use a solar module supplied by a local solar cell maker. A-Data Solar Disk flash disk drive with solar power. Photo: Company. MSI’s solar cell MP3 player (concept model). Photo: company.

Corsair Memory is saying that it will launch the world’s fastest DDR2 and DDR memory solutions for Intel and AMD platforms at CeBIT 2006 in Hannover, Germany. Rated at 1066MHz, the new TWIN2X1024-8500 from Corsair targets Intel users, while the TWINX2048-4400PRO at 550MHz is aimed at the AMD platform. "Last year, Corsair was the first manufacturer to break the 1GHz DDR2 memory frequency barrier and brought the world’s first 512MB PC4400 memory to market. Looking ahead, we believe the future DDR2 speed standard for the enthusiasts will become 1066MHz, and Corsair is offering that speed now," stated Richard Hashim, director of Product Marketing at Corsair.

HIM Technology (formerly TaiwanSoft Technology), a vendor of digital consumer electronics under the Digimaster brand name, on February 8 unveiled its X8 Titanium Silver, an 8.2-megapixel auto focus digital camera equipped with a Samsung camera lens unit, for launch in the Taiwan market on February 15 at a recommended retail price of NT$8,690 (US$270). The X8 Titanium Silver is much cheaper than Japanese-branded 8-megapixel digital cameras which currently sell for between NT$15,000-17,000 (US$464-526) in the local market, local retail channels indicated. X8 Titanium Silver specifications Item Details Image sensor 1/1.8-inch CCD made by Sharp Resolution 8.2 megapixels Screen 2.4-inch 112,000-color TFT-LCD Zoom 3x optical; 4x digital Memory Embedded 32MB flash, compatible with external SD card of up to 1GB; able to record MPEG4 video/audio Battery Alkaline AAx2, with life of taking 388 8-megapixel photos or 175 8-megapixel photos using flash lamp or recording 640×480-pixel video/audio for 20 minutes and 41 seconds Dimension (W×H×D mm) 89×60.5×28.1 Weight (not including battery and SD card) 145 grams Source: HIM Technology, compiled by DigiTimes.com, February 2006 The Digimaster X8 Titanium Silver 8.2-megapixel digital camera Photo: HIM Technology

Swiss peripheral vendor Logitech yesterday introduced the G15 keyboard for gamers. Its adjustable-tilt, backlit LCD display shows users crucial information during game play and allows to set timers to keep track of game events, claims the company. The 18 programmable "G Keys" allows you to execute macros – like the casting of spells in World of Warcraft – with the press of a single button, said the company, adding that the G15 also features a switch that turns off the 'Windows' key. The gaming keyboard is slated to hit store shelves in Taiwan by the end of this month, with a suggest price of NT$2,590 (US$81), according to the company. Logitech G15 gaming keyboard Item Detail System requirements PC with Pentium processor or compatible Windows XP 256MB RAM 20MB of available hard disk space CD-ROM drive USB port Price NT$2,590 (US$81) including taxes Photo Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, January 2006

Sapphire Technology is now shipping the AGP version of its latest graphics card offering based on the ATI Radeon X1600 Pro graphics chip, which offers complete support for DirectX 9.0 and Shader Model 3.0 and utilizes ATI's Avivo Technology. With 12 Pixel pipelines, the Sapphire Radeon X1600Pro AGP is equipped with 256MB of DDR2 memory and features 500MHz in core speed and 400MHz in memory speed. Sapphire Radeon X1600Pro AGP Item Detail Chipset Radeon X1600 Pro AGP Engine clock 500MHz Shader units 12 Memory clock 800MHz DDR2 Memory interface 128-bit Memory support 256MB Bus interface AGP Variable display outputs VGA/ DVI/ TV out Max. 3D resolution 2560x1600 (dual-link DVI), 1024x768 (TV out) Hardware feature DirectX9, Shader Model 3.0 Software feature Avivo Photo Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, January 2006

Canon late last week announced the launch of its Pixma iP1200, its latest entry-level photo printer model, in the Taiwan market at a recommended retail price of NT$1,680 (US$53). Pixma iP1200 has many competitive advantages among all entry-level photo printer models with retail prices below NT$2,000 (US$63), the company claimed, adding that the Canon Pixma iP1200 features resolutions of 4,800×1,200dpi and as many as 1,152 inkjet nozzles for fast printing. A 4”×6” photo takes only 70 seconds to print, the subsidiary pointed out. Canon’s Pixma iP1200 photo printer Photo: Canon Marketing (Taiwan)

Micro-Star International (MSI) today launched the S262, its first notebook based on Intel’s new Centrino Duo mobile technology, featuring a carbon-fiber cover and a 12.1-inch widescreen LCD display. With Intel’s Napa platform, the MSI S262 supports 65nm dual-core Yonah processors, the 945GM chipset series and the Intel PRO/ Wireless 3945 a/b/g network solution. The Napa-based model also provides tri-band 802.11a/b/g wireless connectivity, enabling users to use the Internet wherever they are. In addition, the S262 series delivers Dolby surround sound capability and has a DVD burner, offering up to 8.5GB in storage capacity. MSI S262 specifications Item Detail Platform Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology: 65nm dual-core Yonah processor, Intel 945GM chipset, Intel PRO/ Wireless 3945 a/b/g network solution, Microsoft Windows XP Home/ Professional Display interface UMA System memory Two DDR2 SO-DIMM slots, 256/512/1,024 MB DDR SDRAM (up to 2GB) Display 12.1-inch WXGA LCD (1280×800) PC card slot PCMCIA 2.1 compliant, Type 2 Card reader 4-in-1 MMC/ SD/ MS/ MS Pro HDD Up to 100GB Optical drive Combo/ DVD dual/ DVD Dual-layer Network interface Built-in 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet LAN and modem module. Built-in mini-PCI Intel 3945 a/b/g WLAN card Connector ports One monitor (VGA) port (15-pin mini D-Sub), three USB 2.0 ports, one IEEE 1394 port, one microphone-in port, one headphone out, one RJ11 MODEM port, one RJ45 10/100 LAN port Audio AC’97 2.2, SoundBlaster compatible Battery 2400/4800mAh lithium 4/8 cells Dimension 303x225×28-30mm Weight 1.95kg Photo Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, January 2006

Motherboard maker Micro-Star International (MSI) yesterday introduced the DRE16-B, an external DVD/CD burner that supports single- and dual-layer DVD solutions as well as the DVD-RAM format. The 16x DVD burner can record four hours worth of DVD-quality video or 16 hours of VHS-quality video or store 8.5GB of data on a dual-layer disc, according to the company’s website. MSI DRE16-B external DVD burner specifications Item Detail Writing speed CD-R 40x DVD+R 16x DVD-R 16x DVD+R9 8x DVD-R9 4x DVD-RAM 5x Re-writing speed CD-RW 24x DVD+RW 8x DVD-RW 6x Reading speed CD-ROM 40x DVD-ROM 16x Front panel LED indicator (writing: red, reading: green), emergency eject hole and eject button Reader panel Device on/off switch, power connector, USB connector Dimensions 180×60×260mm Photo Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, January 2006

Micro-Star International introduced its 975X Platinum, a new motherboard based on the Intel 975X Express chipset series with volume shipments slated for the end of this month, according to the company. The 975X Platinum series, which follows the EU's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation, supports CrossFire dual-graphics technology from ATI Technologies. The 975X-based motherboard also supports Intel’s Pentium D and the latest 65nm processors (codenamed Cedar Mill and Presler). Specifications for MSI 975X Platinum motherboard Item Details CPU LGA-775 Intel Pentium 4 FSB 1066/ 800MHz Chipset Intel 975X (with ICH7R) Memory DDR2-667 Expansion slot Two PCIe X16, two PCIe X1 SATA connector Four SATA2 support Intel Matrix Storage Audio 7.1-channel HD Audio RAID RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 Photo Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, January 2006