Sep 15 -Crucial Technology Introduces Hi-Speed USB
Flash Card Readers. Crucial Technology, a division of Micron and
one of the world's largest direct memory upgrade providers, today
introduced three new Hi-Speed USB flash card readers.
Crucial's new Hi-Speed USB readers make it easy to
transfer digital data from flash memory cards directly to a desktop
computer or notebook at speeds up to 480 megabits per second (Mbps),
40 times faster than original USB card readers.
"Many companies call their card readers Hi-Speed
USB, however few offer true Hi-Speed USB products with data rates
as fast as 480Mbps," said Crucial Technology Director of Marketing
Rafe VanDenBerg. "If customers want to take full advantage of
their Hi-Speed USB-enabled computer systems, Crucial's new readers
give them significant performance gains."
The card readers are now available on Crucial's Web
site at www.crucial.com and are priced
from $16.99 - $25.99.
Sep 15 - Washington State
Resident Wins $250,000 Spam E-Mail Case. Graham & Dunn law
firm announced that anti-spam activist Nigel Featherston has won a
$250,000 default judgment in the Superior Court of Washington State
for King County against a spam organization in Ohio known for sending
millions of spam emails ranging from multi-level schemes to diet pills.
This could be one of the largest anti-spam awards in the history of
the Washington spam law.
"This judgment sends a signal that people are not
going to stand for invasions from spammers," said Featherston.
"Some spammers have this warped idea that their freedom of speech
is guaranteed all the way into my hard drive, but it is my firm belief
that their rights end at my firewall." Featherston won the judgment
against Charles Childs and Linda Lightfoot, Ohio spammers doing business
as Universal Direct, Mega Direct and Ultra-Trim, among others.
An engineer and former Microsoft developer with several
patents, Featherston began fighting spam in 1998 when he was deluged
with unwanted emails that required him to change his email address.
He filed numerous complaints, often getting the senders' web sites
shut down. In April 2002, in retribution, spammers used his email
address in spam sent to others, which resulted in thousands of bounced
back emails coming to Featherston's address, overwhelming his system,
and in affect, causing a denial of service for Featherston.
Using an attorney and private investigator, Featherston
gathered evidence to take advantage of the state's tough anti-spam
law, which by statute, states that each spam can cost the sender $500.
In this case, Featherston could have sued for $29 million, but decided
to ask for a more reasonable $250,000. The court concluded that he
had sufficient evidence that he had received approximately 58,000
illegal e-mails due to the defendants' actions.
The private investigator found that the Federal Trade
Commission had taken legal action to shut down the Childs/Lightfoot
operation for reasons unrelated to spam. The information in the FTC
case proved invaluable as evidence in Featherstone's case. Featherston
encourages others to help fight spam. He also provided this advice
for others, "Anytime you are tempted to buy something from a
spam e-mail, remember that you will be encouraging and financing more
spam."
Sep 15 - America Online Launches
Enhanced AOLbyPhone Service. America Online, Inc., the world's
leading interactive services company, today introduced a significantly
upgraded AOLbyPhone(TM) service, offering new features and enhancements
to provide AOL members even more ways to communicate and stay informed
while on the go.
The AOLbyPhone premium service allows AOL members to check their e-mail
and access other popular AOL features conveniently through simple,
spoken commands, toll-free from any telephone.
Delivering what members say they want most, the newly
released version of AOLbyPhone now includes enhanced e-mail, directory
assistance, information services such as news, wakeup calls, and access
to AOL(R) Journals, making the service an even easier way to stay
in touch with the people and information users need.
AOLbyPhone also provides AOL members access to popular AOL applications
such as weather, sports, and movie guides, no matter where they are.
And the service is now priced at $3.95 per month, making it even more
affordable to AOL members.
AOLbyPhone provides the ability to keep up with e-mail
to the growing number of on-the-go cell phone users in the US. Today,
roughly half the country's population, or about 140 million people,
has a wireless phone, according to Yankee Group, up from 38 percent
three years ago, when the AOLbyPhone service was first introduced.
Cell phones are approaching landline phones in number as well, making
up about 43 percent of all US phones, according to the International
Telecommunication Union, up from 37 percent in 2000.
Ted Leonsis, Vice Chairman and President of the AOL
Core Service said: "More and more, people feel the need to be
connected to their e-mail wherever they are - whether at home, running
errands, in a meeting, at the mall or at the airport. AOLbyPhone makes
checking e-mail as easy as picking up the phone, and provides our
members easy access to a wealth of other must-have information from
their AOL accounts. With AOLbyPhone, where there's a phone, there's
AOL."
AOLbyPhone allows users to listen to e-mail from any
e-mail address over the phone, and respond either by recording a 60-second
audio message in their own voice or, in a new enhancement to the service,
use touchtone keypad strokes for enhanced privacy. AOLbyPhone members
can also call in to hear audio e-mail replies sent from another AOLbyPhone
member. Additional upgrades planned soon include the ability for users
to send e-mails and switch screennames in the middle of a session,
as well as access their AOL address book.
Using AOLbyPhone is simple and toll-free in the US.
Members call 1-800-AOL-1234 to access the service and then are greeted
by a friendly human voice host who guides them to the information
they want to find online. The AOLbyPhone service can be accessed in
the U.S. from home phones, cell phones, payphones and even rotary
phones. AOL members will need to register to use the service at AOL
Keyword: AOLbyPhone. The service is available to AOL members for $3.95
per month, in addition to the AOL membership fee.
Sep 15 - Macromedia Studio
MX 2004 Now Available. Macromedia(R) (Nasdaq:MACR) today announced
the immediate availability of Macromedia Studio MX 2004, which includes
major new releases of its industry-leading tools, Macromedia Flash(TM),
Dreamweaver(R), and Fireworks(R).
Studio MX 2004 provides an integrated workflow for
designing and developing the full spectrum of websites and Internet
applications. Studio MX, released in 2002, is the best-selling product
in the company's history, and this 2004 version delivers even deeper
cross-product integration. For advanced developers delivering rich
Internet applications, Studio MX 2004 will also be available with
Macromedia Flash MX Professional 2004.
Dreamweaver MX 2004, Fireworks MX 2004, and Macromedia
Flash MX 2004 were already awarded the CNET Editors' Choice seal by
the CNET/ZDNet Product Reviews Team, and Studio MX 2004 was selected
as a "Hot Pick" at the Seybold San Francisco trade show.
"Studio MX 2004 is the one-stop shop for professional
web development," said Norm Meyrowitz, president of products,
Macromedia. "From its cross-product support for CSS to its new
customizable workspaces, we can't wait to see what our customers will
do with it."
Studio MX 2004 delivers substantial new releases of
its leading professional tools. Dreamweaver MX 2004 simplifies web
site and application development, offering enhanced Cascading Style
Sheets (CSS) support, cross-browser validation, built-in graphics
editing, and updated support for ASP.NET, PHP, and ColdFusion server
technologies.
Flash MX 2004 makes it easier than ever to create rich interactive
content with new timeline effects, easy import of Adobe Illustrator
and PDF content, and CSS support. Fireworks MX 2004 delivers a broad
array of new design tools and effects. FreeHand(R) MX, released in
February, delivers new productivity tools and panels, and improved
Mac OS X performance.
Studio MX 2004 is available for immediate download today
from the Macromedia Online Store (http://www.macromedia.com/go/buymx2004/).
Sep 14 - Sunday Shopping
Watch.
Best Sunday Deals - See our Best Sunday
Ad Deals Table below for specific system prices.
Weekly Comparison. A very good weekend to go
out and buy a laptop or desktop computer.
This Sunday's Special Discounts and Financing.
In addition to sales on specific items, the following store-wide sales
are advertised this week. (Note that these
ads are for the Dayton, Ohio area. Prices or offerings may be different
where you live.)
Best Buy is offering 12 month no-interest financing on all desktop
and laptop purchases, and $100 mail-in rebates on advertised laptops
and $150 mail-in rebates on Pentium 4s with Hyper Threading desktop
packages.
Circuit City is offering
$150 mail-in rebates on advertised desktop packages and notebooks
plus 12 months no interest on all .
Office
Depot
has no store-wide promotions this Sunday.
CompUSA is offering $150 mail-in
rebates on advertised notebooks and 6 months no payment, no interest
financing on purchases over $199.
Staples has no store-wide promotions
this Sunday.
Compare
to Online Prices - Compare the Sunday ad prices to
those being offered at DealTime, it searches over 160 online computer
stores.
InfoHQ Related Shopping Pages
Shopping Alerts
- Our latest shopping advisories on buying digital cameras and camcorders,
desktop computers, laptops, and other computer items.
Windows XP
Upgrade Guide - All about upgrading to Windows XP.
What You Need to Know
About Dial-up Internet Service Rebates - The pros and cons of
'free' Internet service deals. Also see our latest InfoHQ Tech Watch
Newsletter; Free
PC and Free Internet Deals.
Definitions. A complete desktop system/package/complete
package is defined as a computer with monitor and printer
or scanner.
A build-to-order system is customized at the retailer
and then ordered from a computer manufacturer. In addition to the
computer's stated price, you still pay sales tax and shipping charges
(if you order direct from the vendor without going through the chain
store, you may not have to pay sales tax and you could get a better
warranty).
Caution about advertised prices.
When reading advertisements, read the fine print of the ad to make
sure you know what is being advertised and what it cost. For example,
many advertisers will show a complete system with computer, monitor,
and printer but advertise a price for the computer only.
* Prices discussed in this article. We report
prices after rebates and discounts are subtracted.
Items highlighted in Black are good deals.
Items highlighted in Red means prices have
gone up and the system is not a good buy this week.
Items in normal text means prices are about the same as the previous
weeks.
|
Best Sunday Ad Deals
|
|
Category
|
Product Description
|
Price* (see above)
|
Prices up or Down this Week
|
Store
|
|
Best Celeron Deal
|
None Advertised
|
|
|
|
|
1. Best Pentium 4 System
|
HP 2.4 GHz complete system with 17"
monitor , DVD/CD-R/W, and HT Technology
|
$869
|
-
|
Best Buy
|
|
2. Best Pentium 4 System
|
HP 2.6 GHz complete system with 15"
flat panel, DVD-R/W, and HT Technology
|
$1229
|
+$129
|
Best Buy
|
|
3. Best Pentium 4 System
|
HP 2.6 GHz Media Center complete system
with 15" flat panel, DVD-R/W, and HT Technology
|
$1569
|
-
|
Circuit City
|
|
4. Best Pentium 4 System
|
HP 2.6 GHz Media Center complete system
with 17" flat panel, DVD-R/W, and HT Technology
|
$1649
|
-
|
Best Buy
|
|
5. Best Pentium 4 System
|
HP 2.8 GHz Media Center complete system
with 17" flat panel, DVD-R/W, and HT Technology
|
$1749
|
-
|
CompUSA
|
|
Best AMD Athlon XP System
|
HP 2600+ complete system with 17"
monitor
|
$729
|
-
|
Best Buy, Circuit City($739)
|
|
1. Best Low-cost Laptop
|
Compaq 2 GHz Celeron with DVD/CD-RW
|
$749
|
|
CompUSA
|
|
2. Best Low-cost Laptop
|
Toshiba 2.2 GHz Celeron with DVD/CD-RW
|
$799
|
|
CompUSA
|
|
3. Best Low-cost Laptop
|
HP AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+ with DVD/CD-RW
|
$949
|
+$50
|
Best Buy
|
|
4. Best Low-cost Laptop
|
Compaq AMD Athlon XP-M 2400+ with DVD/CD-RW
|
$999
|
|
CompUSA ,Best Buy ($1049)
|
|
1. Best High-end Notebook
|
HP 2.4 GHz Pentium 4 with DVD/CD-RW
|
$999
|
-
|
CompUSA
|
|
2. Best High-end Notebook
|
Toshiba 2.6 GHz Pentium 4 with DVD /CD-
RW
|
$1199
|
-
|
Circuit City
|
|
3. Best High-end Notebook
|
Toshiba 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 with DVD -
RW
|
$1549
|
-
|
CompUSA
|
|
4. Best High-end Notebook
|
Toshiba 1.3 GHz Centrino with DVD/CD-
RW
|
$1199
|
-
|
CompUSA
|
|
|
|
Peripherals and Software
|
|
Best Sunday Deal
|
Maxtor 7200 RPM 250 GB hard drive with
8 MB buffer
|
$199
(after rebates)
|
-
|
CompUSA
|
|
Best Sunday Deal
|
Mad Dog GeForce FX 5200 128 MB DDR
|
$79
(after rebates)
|
-
|
CompUSA
|
|
Best Sunday Deal
|
PNY GeForce FX 5600 Ultra 128 MB DDR
|
$179
(after rebates)
|
-
|
CompUSA
|
|
Best Sunday Deal
|
ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128 MB DDR
|
$349
(after rebates)
|
-
|
CompUSA
|
|
Best Sunday Deal
|
ATI Radeon 9600 Pro 128 MB DDR
|
$169
(after rebates)
|
-
|
Circuit City
|
|
Best Sunday Deal
|
Sony 4X External USB 2.0 multiformat
DVD-RW
|
$329
(after rebates)
|
-
|
Best Buy
|
|
Best Sunday Deal
|
HP 4X multiformat DVD-RW
|
$179
(after rebates)
|
-
|
Best Buy
|
|
Best Sunday Deal
|
Sony 52X CD-RW
|
$49
(after rebates)
|
-
|
CompUSA
|
|
|
Additional Information. For additional technical
information, advice on how to buy a laptop or desktop, and vendor
and manufacturer links, please see our Computer
Buying Advice page.
About Sunday Shopping Watch. Sunday Shopping
Watch appears every Sunday (except some holidays like Easter and Christmas)
in our News and Rumors column. It is a review of local (Dayton, Ohio)
computer chain store advertisements. While we can not guarantee your
local chain store has the same items, this article can help you make
informed buying decisions.
Sep 12 - AMD Announces New
AMD Opteron Processors. AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the addition
of the AMD Opteron(TM) processor Models 846 and 146 to its lineup
of evolutionary server and workstation chips. Both processors provide
leading-edge 32-bit application performance while allowing businesses
to transition to 64-bit applications as their needs require.
The AMD Opteron processor Model 846 for 4- to 8-way-capable
servers gives the compute- and memory-intensive applications used
for large databases, business processing and decision support the
power, performance and reliability sought by IT managers. The scalability
of the AMD Opteron processor Model 846 brings investment protection
and flexibility to enterprises and high-performance compute centers
requiring high-performance on 32- and 64-bit applications.
The AMD Opteron Model 146 provides large memory and
scalable input-output support as well as the industry-leading performance
that end users such as digital content creators and engineering professionals
require in workstations. The AMD Opteron 100 Series also powers reliable
entry-level servers, such as those used by small businesses and Internet
and application service providers.
"The best in 32-bit and 64-bit server computing
begins and ends with the AMD Opteron processor," said Marty Seyer,
vice president and general manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business
Unit. "By introducing these two new processors, AMD is again
giving customers the industry's highest-performing x86 processor-based
server for the applications they use most with the flexibility to
run more powerful 64-bit applications when they choose. With the AMD
Opteron processor Model 146, AMD will re-energize the workstation
market."
Availability
The AMD Opteron processor Model 846 and servers based on the Model
846 are available immediately via the Validated Server Program from
system builders in North America. The AMD Opteron processor Model
146 is available immediately, worldwide. Systems based on the Model
146 are expected from system builders worldwide.
Pricing
The AMD Opteron processor Model 846 is priced at $3,199 in 1,000-unit
quantities. The AMD Opteron processor Model 146 is priced at $669
in 1,000-unit quantities. For additional pricing information, please
see www.amd.com/pricing.
Sep 12 - Apple's iTunes Music
Store Sells Ten Millionth Song. Apple® announced that music
fans have purchased and downloaded over ten million songs from the
iTunes® Music Store since its launch just over four months ago,
averaging over 500,000 songs per week. The ten millionth song, “Complicated”
by Avril Lavigne, was purchased and downloaded at 11:34 p.m. (PDT)
on September 3.
The combination of the iTunes digital music jukebox, the pioneering
iTunes Music Store and the market-leading iPod™ digital music
player provide users with a complete solution for buying, managing
and listening to their digital music collections anywhere. The iTunes
Music Store will be available to Windows users by the end of this
year.
“Legally selling ten million songs online in just four months
is a historic milestone for the music industry, musicians and music
lovers everywhere,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Apple
offers the only complete solution for digital music with iTunes and
the amazing iPod, which now holds 10,000 songs in your pocket.”
“We are honored and grateful to be one of the top selling artists
in the iTunes Music Store,” said Chris Martin, singer/songwriter
of the Grammy-award winning band Coldplay. “It’s clear Apple
has delivered a working and successful platform for music fans to
discover artists and purchase both albums and single songs instantly
with ease. We embrace these efforts enthusiastically and see them
as the future of our business.”
The revolutionary online music store offers songs from major and
independent music labels, groundbreaking personal use rights, and
one-click download directly into Apple’s integrated digital jukebox
software, iTunes—all for just 99 cents per song. Users can listen
to free 30-second previews of any song in the store, then purchase
and download their favorite songs or complete albums in pristine digital
quality. Songs can be burned at no extra cost onto an unlimited number
of CDs for personal use, played on up to three computers, and listened
to on an unlimited number of iPods.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with
the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with
the Macintosh. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing
experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers
around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet
offerings. For additional information, visit www.apple.com.
Sep 12 - Apple Announces Faster iMacs.
Apple® announced significant enhancements to its popular line
of iMac® desktop computers, including faster PowerPC G4 processors
running up to 1.25 GHz, faster 333 MHz DDR memory, faster NVIDIA graphics
and the move to the faster USB 2.0 standard.
“The iMac, with its high quality 15- or 17-inch widescreen displays
and bundled iLife applications, is the ultimate computer for working
with digital photos, digital music and digital video,” said Philip
Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product
Marketing. “The ease-of-use and stunning design of the iMac remain
unparalleled in the industry.”
The new iMacs sport faster PowerPC G4 processors running at 1.0 GHz
in the 15-inch model and 1.25 GHz in the 17-inch model. Both models
include 256MB of faster DDR SDRAM running at 333 MHz and an 80GB Ultra
ATA/100 hard disk drive. The 17-inch model also includes NVIDIA’s
GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics processor with 64MB of DDR video memory.
Designed around an ultra-compact base, the iMac’s flat panel
display appears to float in mid-air, allowing users to effortlessly
adjust its height or angle with just a touch. The iMacs offer two
FireWire® 400 and three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast, simple,
plug-and-play connections to devices such as digital cameras, DV camcorders,
the iPod™ and the iSight™ video conferencing camera.
The iMac also offers the latest in wireless communications with support
for 54Mbps AirPort® Extreme 802.11g wireless networking and optional
built-in Bluetooth for wireless connectivity to a range of peripherals
such as cell phones and PDAs.
Every iMac includes Mac OS X “Jaguar” and Apple’s
iLife applications, a completely integrated suite offering iTunes®
4 for managing and purchasing digital music, iPhoto® 2 for organizing
and sharing digital digital photos, iMovie® 3 for making movies
and iDVD™ 3 for burning Hollywood-style DVDs. Also included is
a collection of productivity and entertainment titles such as Quicken
2003 Deluxe, World Book 2003 Edition and the recently introduced Tony
Hawk’s Pro Skater 4.
iMac desktops are available immediately through the Apple Store®
(www.apple.com), at Apple’s retail
stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.
Sep 12 - Apple Introduces New 20GB and
40GB iPods. Apple® today announced new 20GB and 40GB models
of its best-selling iPod™ digital music player. The new 40GB
iPod holds up to 10,000 CD-quality songs (playing each song back-to-back
takes a month) in a stunning enclosure that is lighter and thinner
than two CDs.
iPods are available in three models: a 10GB model for just $299 (US),
the new 20GB model for $399 (US) and the new 40GB model for $499 (US);
and offer the perfect combination of ease of use, storage capacity,
audio performance and ultra-portable design.
“iPod is the best-selling digital music player and the ‘gold
standard’ to which all portable music players are compared,”
said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “The iPod and the iTunes Music
Store offer music lovers an unbeatable combination that our competitors
can't even come close to.”
iPod is the only portable music player with Apple’s patent pending
Auto-Sync, an innovative feature that automatically downloads your
entire digital music library onto iPod and keeps it up-to-date whenever
the iPod is plugged into your Mac® or Windows PC using FireWire®
or USB 2.0.
The ultra-portable iPods are designed with a solid-state “no
moving parts” navigation wheel and backlit buttons for precise,
effortless navigation through thousands of songs; an elegant dock
for easy syncing and charging with an audio line out for quick connection
to a home stereo or powered speakers; an “On-The-Go” playlist
so users can build a playlist right on their iPod; a customizable
main menu so users can promote the features they use most often to
their top level menu; and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for more
than eight hours of continuous music.
The iTunes® Music Store has sold over ten million songs since
its launch just over four months ago and is the perfect companion
to the iPod. Now listeners can easily find, purchase and download
their music online with one click.
Music purchased from the iTunes Music Store is downloaded right into
Apple’s popular iTunes 4 digital music jukebox, where users can
easily manage their music library, create playlists, burn custom CDs
and easily download their entire music library into their iPods for
on-the-go listening anywhere. The iTunes Music Store will be available
to Windows users by the end of this year.
Pricing & Availability
New iPods for Mac and Windows PCs are available today for a suggested
retail price of $299 (US) for the 10GB iPod, $399 (US) for the 20GB
iPod and $499 (US) for the 40GB iPod through the Apple Store®
(www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores
and Apple Authorized Resellers.
Laser engraving is available for $19 (US) and can include two lines
of text with up to 27 characters per line. The new iPods support high-speed
syncing via USB 2.0 with Windows; a separate USB 2.0 cable, available
at www.apple.com/ipod/accessories.html
for $19 (US) is required.
Sep 12 - Net Nanny's New Chat Monitoring
Program. BioNet Systems, LLC, the developer of Net Nanny(R) --
the most trusted name in Internet safety software for families --
today announced the widespread market availability of its comprehensive
and powerful Internet chat monitoring software, Net Nanny(R)'s Chat
Monitor(TM).
The latest product in the Net Nanny family of solutions, Chat Monitor(TM)
filters and monitors popular chat and instant messaging programs and
notifies parents when children are in a potentially dangerous online
situation, limits time spent online chatting, and stops children from
giving out personal information.
Chat Monitor records both sides of a chat conversation, analyzing
the actual content of a conversation. Based on the analysis, Chat
Monitor's reactions include masking objectionable comments (rendering
them unreadable on the screen), providing real-time email alerts and
warnings when customizable conversational thresholds are reached,
and disconnecting the chat session or preventing future conversations
and interaction for that user.
The United States Internet Crime Task Force, Inc. (www.usict.org)
projects that this year alone, 1 out of 5 children will receive an
online approach by a predator. Last year, 19.5 million children went
online and the USICT reports that 65% were solicited in chat rooms
and 10% of children were asked to meet someplace. 77% of those children
were under 14 years of age.
"Children and teenagers have quickly adopted instant messaging
and chatting as a primary method of communication," remarked
Andrew Tull, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BioNet
Systems, LLC. "Unfortunately, there is a dangerous side to chatting
online. With the release of Chat Monitor, our goal is to give parents
a powerful new tool for managing those risks, by helping parents detect
and deter the kinds of online behaviors that lead children into danger."
"We have been anxiously awaiting the release of Net Nanny's
Chat Monitor," said David Evangelista, Executive Director of
the United States Internet Crime Task Force, Inc. "The USICT
has closed 40,000 chat rooms that pose threats to children online.
Cutting-edge technology such as Chat Monitor and our VIPER Project
greatly reduces the risk for children online, while providing a valuable
tool for parents and investigators. Chat Monitor is a tool that no
parent should be without."
Pricing and Availability
Net Nanny's Chat Monitor is available at major electronics and computer
retail locations and online from the Net Nanny store at www.netnanny.com
and other online retailers. It has a Manufacturer Suggested Retail
Price of $39.95 and includes 30 days of technical support and on-demand
list updates. Volume pricing is also available.
Sep 11 - Record Companies
File First Lawsuits Against Computer Users Illegally Sharing Copyrighted
Music. Computer users who illegally download and distribute copyrighted
music through Internet file-sharing services could be facing serious
and costly consequences.
Record companies filed the first of what could ultimately be thousands
of lawsuits against computer users who have been illegally distributing
copyrighted music through peer-to-peer services such as KaZaA and
Grokster. However, the industry is granting amnesty to file sharers
who promise to mend their ways.
The Recording Industry Association of America filed the lawsuits
because educational efforts over the past year haven't made enough
of a difference in stopping online music theft, which has grown to
three billion illegal song downloads per month. Instant Messages went
out to millions of computer users distributing copyrighted music earlier
this year, warning them that they were breaking the law and could
be sued or prosecuted.
Record companies are offering amnesty to music fans who voluntarily
come forward and promise to stop file sharing copyrighted music without
permission. For more information on the amnesty program, go to www.musicunited.org.
[Editor's note: I couldn't find any information on the amnesty
program at the listed site.]
Sep 11 - Schlumberger Announces First
Commercial Launch of 128K Java SIM Card. Schlumberger Smart Cards
and Terminals, business unit of Schlumberger Limited, today announced
the world's first commercial launch of its 128K USIMERA (Java) SIM
card with one of Asia's leading mobile operator, Globe Telecom.
The new 3G-ready 128K Java SIM card is set to create a substantial
impact on the market with its unprecedented memory and processing
capabilities, thus enabling mobile operators to provide more personalized,
sophisticated and innovative value-added services (VAS).
With the first shipment in early August 2003, the USIMERA 128K cards
had been launched by Globe Telecom as the new G-plan Opti-SIM. This
powerful SIM can store up to 750 phonebook entries, 100 text messages,
and run applications such as organizers with easy-to-use menu interfaces.
Based on Java(TM) technology that is renowned for its open programming
standards, the interoperable SIM card is able to run applications
created for Java card platforms, provides faster development time,
and offers more efficient deployment of value-added services to individual
mobile handset users. It gives mobile operators such as Globe Telecom
a platform to evolve and customize services constantly, helping them
to better address the needs of their customers.
The G-Plan opti-SIM is now being offered by Globe Telecom exclusive
to their plan subscribers. New Globe plan subscribers can get it for
FREE while existing subscribers may also upgrade their existing SIM
cards with the convenience of maintaining their current mobile numbers.
This 128K Java card platform clearly gives Globe Telecom the tool
and opportunity to maintain their leadership in service and technology
in the Philippine market.
For more information, visit www.smartcards.net.
Sep 11 - Samsung Launches Mass Production
of 576Mb RDRAM. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader
in advanced semiconductor memory technology, today said that it has
begun mass production of 576-Megabit (Mb) RDRAM(R). The high performance
memory device, which achieves a record data processing speed of 1,200-Megabits-per-second
(Mbps), will provide a competitive edge for manufacturers of high
performance computers such as supercomputers, and high-end servers
and network systems.
"Samsung's migration to higher density RDRAM devices demonstrates
the company's continued commitment to high performance systems makers
that depend on RDRAM," said Tom Quinn, Samsung's U.S. vice president
of memory sales and marketing. "Rambus DRAM provides memory performance
advantage for manufacturers of supercomputers, advanced servers and
OC-48 and higher network equipment developers."
The 576Mb RDRAM-based module is available in densities of up to
1-Gigabytes (GB) in a wide selection of memory module options including:
16-bit RIMM, 32-bit RIMM, SoRIMM, NexMod, and 4-channel RIMM.
Based on 0.11 micron process technology, the new RDRAM operates
at an industry leading 2.4 Gigabyte-per-second (GBps) on a single
channel and reaches 9.6GBps in a 4-channel system -- one and a half
times the bandwidth of dual-channel DDR400.
For more information, visit www.samsungsemi.com.
Sep 11 - Logitech Introduces ClickSmart
820 Digital Web Camera. Logitech, the leading manufacturer of
Web cameras, is making it even easier for people to capture high-quality
pictures and share them with family and friends.
With the company's newest DualCam product, the Logitech® ClickSmart®
820, people can take pictures and videos on-the-go and tag images
directly on the camera for email- the pictures will be sent automatically
as soon as they are downloaded to the computer. What's more, this
same camera can be used as a webcam, allowing friends and family to
stay connected, in real time, through free video instant messaging
software.
As Logitech's premier DualCam, ClickSmart 820 is an ideal way to
capture high-quality pictures at or away from the PC. It features
true 2.1-megapixel resolution, 2X Digital Zoom, a 1.5 inch color LCD
screen, a built-in microphone and flash. Its 8MB of internal memory
can store up to 12 2.1 magapixel images, 64 VGA (640x480) images or
60 seconds of continuous video.
People who want to take more pictures or longer video clips can
add additional memory to the camera's removable SmartMedia™ memory
slot. The camera includes QuickSync™ and QuickSend™ software,
which enables pictures and videos to be instantly downloaded to the
PC, and automatically emailed to family and friends. It also comes
with an adjustable swivel base, lens cover, wrist strap, and four
AAA batteries.
The Logitech ClickSmart 820 is currently available in U.S. retail
outlets and online at www.logitech.com
at a suggested retail price of $179.95.
Sep 11 - Linare Corporation Officially Launches
Linux Desktop OS Software for $19.95. Linare Corporation, an integrator
of software and hardware focused on the Linux platform, is officially
launching its Desktop OS software Linare Linux this week. This user
friendly, reliable and cost efficient operating system, which provides
everything needed in a typical office environment, is available for
just $19.95 and offers round-the-clock technical support.
Linare Linux is based on the Linux kernel and KDE, a user-friendly
and more powerful graphical environment. Linare Linux also comes with
Open Office, a full office suite compatible with Microsoft Office,
which includes word processing, spreadsheet, drawing and presentation
software.
Features of Linare Linux include a full Internet suite, bundled with
a GAIM messenger that can be used with Yahoo, MSN, AOL and ICQ protocols.
Linare Linux includes Mozilla mail software, the increasingly popular
Outlook-styled email program, and the Mozilla Internet Browser.
The software also comes with several popular add-ons for playing
digital audio, sending instant messages, burning CDs, videoconferencing,
and synchronizing data filed on handheld computers. Multimedia support
includes Real Player, provided by the global leader in digital media.
Home users will find everything they need bundled onto one CD, with
all packages featuring the easy-to-use, graphical desktop environment.
Purchasers have access to Linare's 24-hour, seven-day-a-week technical
and installation support, and will find Linare's Linux platform to
be very user friendly.
Linare Corporation CEO Soma Sundaram said, "Now more than ever
before, people are looking for a reliable, virus-free operating system.
This is a great opportunity for home and business users to get a high-quality,
reliable, user friendly and secure system."
Linare Linux can now be purchased by visiting the Linare website
at www.linare.com.
Sep 10 - Intel Introduces First Single-Chip
Processor For Phones Running Advanced Wireless Data Networks.
Intel Corporation today announced the industry's first single-chip
processor for cellular phones using Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution
(EDGE) wireless networks. EDGE is an emerging technology that sends
and receives data two to three times faster than today's GSM/GPRS
(2.5G) networks, enabling higher quality multimedia and other broadband
applications for mobile phone users.
The Intel® PXA800EF cellular processor-the latest product to
use Intel's advanced "Wireless Internet on a Chip" technology-combines
the key components of today's cellular phones and handheld computers
onto a single microchip to enable advanced features, new data capabilities,
longer battery life and more innovative designs for mainstream phones.
High-speed wireless networks such as EDGE promise to significantly
increase the amount of data processed on a handset, turning the traditional
cell phone into a "converged" device capable of high-performance
computing and communications. As carriers offer new wireless applications
and services to take advantage of the higher data rates, the new processor
will be well-equipped to manage the requirements of a converged device
to provide a high-quality experience for users.
The new cellular processor is a key component of the Intel® Personal
Internet Client Architecture (Intel® PCA), Intel's development
blueprint for designing wireless handheld communication devices that
combine voice communications and Internet access capabilities.
"The Intel PXA800EF processor demonstrates the ability of Intel's
'Wireless-Internet-on-a-Chip' technology to support multiple cellular
networks on a single piece of silicon," said Hans Geyer, Intel
vice president and general manager of its PCA Components Group. "This
enables phone makers to develop a range of phones using a single platform
design, offering leading performance and connectivity from entry-level
GSM/GPRS to faster EDGE cellular networks."
The Intel PXA800EF cellular processor is sampling today with production
volumes expected in the first quarter of 2004. Cellular phones using
the new processors will be available later in 2004. The Intel PXA800EF
cellular processor has a suggested list price of $29.15 (US) in 100,000
unit quantities.
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer
of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information
about Intel is available at www.intel.com.
Sep 10 - Industry's Lowest-Cost
Bluetooth Adapter Developed for USB-Enabled Peripherals. CSR (Cambridge
Silicon Radio), the Bluetooth technology leader, and Cypress Semiconductor
Corporation (NYSE: CY), the industry leader in USB, today announced
that they have jointly developed the industry’s lowest-cost solution
for true ad hoc Bluetooth connectivity for off-the-shelf USB-enabled
peripherals.
The result is CSR's USB Bluetooth printer dongle example
design, which enables a total bill of materials of under $15, bringing
together CSR's BlueCore™ Bluetooth chipset and Cypress’s
USB On-The-Go (OTG) semiconductor technology.
The printer dongle design allows standard USB-enabled printers to
receive and print Bluetooth data from laptops -- or eventually PDAs,
digital cameras or mobile phones -- without turning on the printer’s
host PC. In time, the design will be applied to other USB peripherals,
such as storage devices, web cams and audio speakers, creating a range
of affordable, host-free wireless connections between Bluetooth and
USB devices. CSR is already providing samples of its complete example
design to several manufacturers worldwide, and is expecting volume
quantities of products featuring the technology to be available in
Q4 this year.
"Products that address both consumer and business markets will
help move Bluetooth into a pervasive stage," said Joyce Putscher,
director, at high-tech market research firm In-Stat/MDR. "Technology,
such as the wireless printing solution from CSR and Cypress, can accelerate
this process by offering Bluetooth wireless connectivity and building
upon standard USB ports."
"This is the first marriage of Bluetooth and USB of its kind,"
said Paul Novell, managing director of Cypress’s Wired Business
Unit. "The fact that CSR, the world leader in Bluetooth, has
selected Cypress for this project speaks volumes about their recognition
of Cypress as an industry leader in USB."
Simon Finch, vice president, strategic marketing (software), CSR
added, "We are happy to be working with other technology leaders
such as Cypress to deliver new and innovative solutions to our customers
– a list which already includes more than 130 companies making
over 60 percent of the Bluetooth products on the market." Finch
continued, "Having combined USB technology from Cypress with
our own BlueCore Bluetooth technology, we have enabled an entirely
new range of Bluetooth printer adaptors ideal for ad hoc communication."
CSR and Cypress's new USB-to-Bluetooth dongle plugs into standard
USB printer ports, and the technology may eventually be integrated
into printer designs. Cypress's EZ-Host™ USB controller inside
the dongle acts as "host," mediating data "traffic"
between the portable device and printer. CSR and Cypress are developing
the technology to ensure full compatibility with all USB-enabled printer
makes and models and other USB devices.
More information can be found at www.csr.com www.csr.com
and the partner web site www.btdesigner.com www.btdesigner.com.
More information about Bluetooth can be found on the SIG web site
at www.bluetooth.com.
Sep 10 - LaCie Races Ahead
with New Line of Hard Drives and DVD-RW Drives. LaCie, a leading
producer of storage devices, will ship an exciting new line of hard
drives and DVD drives designed by the celebrated agency Porsche Design
GmbH beginning in September.
With prices beginning at only $99 dollars, the LaCie
Hard Drive gives desktop users room to store up to 250GB of valuable
data. Available with Hi-Speed USB 2.0 or FireWire® interface makes
switching between a PC or Mac effortless.
Boasting fast data transfer rates (up to 480Mbits/s using Hi-Speed
USB 2.0 connection) and up to 7200 rpm fast 3.5” disks, the LaCie
Hard Drive is perfect for the vast amount of data utilized by digital
technologies, such as digital photos, music editing or archiving home
videos.
The new DVD drives feature DVD-RW and DVD+RW technologies
in one device, and eliminate the need to choose one format over another.
LaCie DVD±RW Drives are available with high-speed FireWire®
or Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connection, and can be connected to any PC or
Macintosh computer.
The LaCie hard drive and DVD range will be available
beginning in September through LaCie authorized resellers. For more
information, visit www.lacie.com.
Sep 10 - Canon's New I860
Desktop Photo Printer Creates Realistic Photos And Quality Text.
Fast, flexible and photographically fine, Canon's new i860 Desktop
Photo Printer is also a super-efficient all-purpose printer that achieves
up to 4800 x 1200 color dpi and speeds of up to 23 pages-per-minute
(ppm) in black text and up to 16 ppm in color.
The successor to the multi-award winning Canon i850 printer, the i860
printer features ContrastPLUS, an advanced five-color ink system that
is the next evolutionary step in digital printing.
Key to the extraordinary flexibility of the i860 printer,
ContrastPLUS features a dye-based photo-grade black ink tank for photo
printing, delivering improved image contrast and overall sharpness,
particularly when used on photo paper. The i860 Desktop Photo Printer
also has a pigment-based black ink tank to achieve crisp, fast, high-quality
black text.
New features on the i860 printer include PictBridge
technology, the newly adopted industry standard for cross-brand direct
printing from PictBridge compatible digital still and digital video
cameras, and a photo paper tray that supports 4x6 inch photo paper
that can act as a dual paper feed allowing the i860 printer to simultaneously
accommodate 8.5 x 11 or 5 x 7 inch paper as well as 4x 6 inch photo
paper.
The photo paper tray has a cover to protect the 4x6 photo paper and
is set into the main auto sheet feeder. This new feature allows users
to alternate printing modes or printing sizes without stopping to
change paper.
Shipping in mid-September, the Canon i860 Desktop Photo
Printer carries an estimated street price of $149.99. For more information,
visit www.usa.canon.com.
Sep 10 - Wireless Computing
Technology Is Becoming Crucial To Business. Business travelers
view wireless computing technology as a business necessity only a
year after "hotspots" - places where people can tap into
a wireless Internet connection with their notebook PCs - became available
in cafes, hotels and airports. Today, there are approximately 20,000
hotspots worldwide, a number expected to grow sixfold by 2005.
According to an international survey of business travelers released
today by Intel Corporation, 71 percent of road warriors are convinced
that Wi-Fi - short for wireless fidelity - will enable business travelers
to seize a communications advantage over their competition. While
only one in ten road warriors has tried Wi-Fi, nearly 90 percent see
wireless computing in their future. A third of Asian road warriors
said they plan to try Wi-Fi within the next three to six months.
The survey also revealed that being without Internet access while
traveling puts businesspeople in an awkward position with bosses,
co-workers and customers who have become accustomed to expect prompt
email responses. When working in the office, 31 percent of road warriors
reply to email within one hour. When road warriors are traveling,
only seven percent respond within that same time frame. Thirty percent
of road warriors do not respond to email for 48 hours or more while
on a business trip.
One third of survey respondents said they have suffered significant
consequences - such as missed meetings, lost revenue, irate customers,
disappointed family members and even job termination - as a result
of not having timely access to the Internet while on the road.
While business travelers predictably identified airports (77 percent),
hotels (76 percent) and airplanes (60 percent) as the places where
they most need hotspots, they also expressed a desire to have wireless
Internet access in automobiles, trains and hospitals.
With built-in Wi-Fi viewed as the next logical step in mobile computing,
70 percent of road warriors said they intend to buy a Wi-Fi-enabled
notebook when they make their next notebook PC purchase. Analysts
foresee dramatic growth in sales of wireless-enabled notebook PCs.
Market research firm IDC predicts that wireless-enabled notebooks
will represent 42 percent of all mobile PC sales in 2003 and 95 percent
in 2006.
"Road warriors were the first consumers to make cell phones
part of their daily business lives more than 10 years ago, and Wi-Fi
is following a similar life cycle," said Sean Maloney, executive
vice president, Intel Corporation, and general manager of the Intel
Communications Group. "Right now, we see business travelers and
technology buffs using Wi-Fi, but the technology is spreading to general
consumers even faster than it did with cell phones."
More details from the Intel "Road Warriors & Wi-Fi"
survey are available at www.intel.com/unwire.
Sep 09 - Intel Expands Reach
of Intel Itanium 2-Based Systems with Two New Processors. Intel
Corporation today introduced two Intel(R) Itanium(R) 2 processors
optimized for dual-processor systems, expanding the processor family's
reach and enabling lower-cost, lower-power systems for technical
computing and front-end enterprise applications.
The number of server and workstation models based on the Itanium
processor family, including systems from Dell, HP and IBM, is expected
to double this year to more than 40 two- and four-way systems. In
addition, Intel offers to manufacturers a rack-optimized,
dual-processor Intel server platform for these new Intel Itanium 2
processors.
The two new processors are the Intel Itanium 2 processor
at 1.40
GHz with a 1.5 MB level three (L3) cache, providing leading
price-performance for technical computing applications, and the Low
Voltage Intel Itanium 2 processor at 1.0 GHz with a 1.5 MB L3 cache,
which consumes approximately half the power of existing Itanium 2
processors.
Complementing the existing large-scale Itanium 2-based
systems
with up to 128 or more processors per system, the new processors allow
for lower-cost and lower-power dual-processor systems for use in
network edge, security and software engineering applications. These
dual-processor platforms can help IT managers realize increased
flexibility and efficiencies in broadening their Itanium
architecture-based environments.
"Itanium 2 processor-based systems deliver industry-leading
performance, business value and choice for data-intensive,
business-critical enterprise solutions," said Richard Dracott,
group
marketing director for Intel's Enterprise Platforms Group. "With
these
new processors, Itanium 2-based systems can now power virtually all
facets of the data center, from entry-level systems to supercomputers
and massive database servers."
The Intel Itanium 2 processor at 1.40 GHz with 1.5
MB of cache is
optimized for dual-processor, high-performance technical and
scientific computing systems and clusters and entry-level, front-end
enterprise systems. Enabling systems for less than $7,000, it also
delivers outstanding floating point performance per compute node,
resulting in an industry-leading price per gigaflop (billion
calculations per second), a measure of price-performance for
compute-intensive workloads.
The Low Voltage Intel Itanium 2 processor (formerly
code-named
Deerfield) supports entry-level, front-end enterprise systems,
offering a compelling alternative to entry-level RISC-based platforms.
With maximum power consumption of 62 watts -- less than half the power
of existing Itanium 2 processors -- it is optimized for lower-power
and lower-cost systems. These solutions are typically used in network
edge and software engineering where power consumption and cost are
primary considerations.
The Intel Itanium 2 processor at 1.40 GHz with 1.5 MB
of cache and
the Low Voltage Intel Itanium 2 processor at 1.0 GHz with 1.5 MB of
cache are now available worldwide for $1,172 and $744 in 1,000-unit
quantities, respectively.
Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com.
Sep 09 - Fujitsu Offers Adds
Convertible LifeBook T3000 Tablet PC to Product Portfolio. Following
through on its commitment to "anytime, anywhere" computing,
Fujitsu PC Corporation today introduced yet another addition to its
Tablet PC product line, the LifeBook(R) T3000 Tablet PC.
The company has artfully blended its award-winning LifeBook notebook
and Stylistic(R) Tablet PC product lines to produce one of its most
versatile PCs ever. With a flip of its screen, the LifeBook T3000
Tablet PC transforms from a traditional notebook into a highly mobile
Tablet PC.
Fujitsu has more than a decade of experience under
its belt and remains the technology leader in pen computing. The convertible
LifeBook T3000 Tablet PC will compliment its already extensive line
of Stylistic tablets and touch screen LifeBook notebooks.
"Having offered pen-enabled PCs for more than 10
years, Fujitsu brings a depth of experience to addressing its customers'
needs," said Alan Promisel, analyst for International Data Corporation.
"Touch screen notebooks and Tablet PCs have become viable tools
for companies seeking to improve the productivity of mobile workers.
With the addition of the convertible LifeBook T3000 Tablet PC, Fujitsu
has enhanced its suite of pen-enabled portables, providing its customers
with a greater number of computing options."
The Fujitsu LifeBook T3000 Tablet PC comes well equipped
to tackle anything mobile professionals, students and frequent travelers
are likely to do. Featuring Intel(R) Centrino(TM) mobile technology,
the system is powered by an Intel Pentium(R) M processor operating
at 1.4 GHz and comes with the Intel 855GM chipset and Intel PRO/Wireless
Network Connection 802.11b. The combination of technologies delivers
excellent performance and battery life, allowing users to stay mobile
for extended periods of time.
"We understand that small things, such as a bridge
battery and port replicator, can make a world of difference for mobile
users," said Paul Moore, director of product marketing for Fujitsu
PC Corporation.
The LifeBook T3000 Tablet PC's bridge battery can last
up to five minutes while users replace a spent main battery for a
fresh one. This gives users the ability to stay mobile for the entire
workday. When they choose to return to their desks, they are likely
to fall in love with the LifeBook T3000 Tablet PC's optional port
replicator. It has all the ports users need to connect desktop peripherals.
A quick release mechanism, combined with the unit's tight integration
with the operating system, allows for instant removal, enabling users
to take their LifeBook T3000 Tablet PC with them at a moment's notice.
Both models of the LifeBook T3000 Tablet PC are currently
shipping and sold through the Fujitsu direct sales force, Web site
and channel partners. Pricing starts at $1,799 for a base configuration.
More information on the complete line of Fujitsu IT solutions is available
at www.fujitsupc.com.
Sep 09 - Canon Premieres a
Pair of Powerful and Popularly Priced All Purpose Printers. Phenomenal
photos fast and brilliant black text even faster are but two of the
benefits of the new Canon i455 and Canon i475D Desktop Photo Printers.
Successors to the enormously popular Canon i450 and Canon i470D printers,
this dynamic duo adds PictBridge compatibility, the newly adopted
industry standard for cross-brand direct printing from PictBridge
compatible digital still and digital video cameras.
Both the i455 and i475D printers offer a maximum 4800
x 1200 color dpi with microscopic ink droplets thanks to Canon's precision
print head design and construction using advanced MicroFine Droplet
Technology(TM). Utilizing Canon's revolutionary nozzle system that
ejects consistent, prescribed-volume ink droplets in sizes as small
as 2 picoliters, these printers deliver professional photo quality
results.
The i455 and i475D printers also feature true edge-to-edge
borderless printing in 4x6, 5x7 and 8.5x11 inch sizes, and can easily
serve as an every day, all-purpose printer with a top speed of up
to 18 pages-per-minute (ppm) in black and up to 12 ppm in color. The
i455 and i475D printers use Canon's BCI-24 pigment-based Black ink
cartridge and Canon's BCI-24 color cartridge.
"We designed the i455 and i475D printers for users
who are on a budget that do not wish to compromise on print quality,
printer versatility and reliability," states Yukiaki Hashimoto,
senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group,
Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). "These
printers reinforce Canon's commitment to providing value, versatility
and very high quality products at every price-point."
The i475D Printer Advantage
In addition to the high-definition print quality and high-speed
print capability shared by the two printers, the i475D Desktop Photo
Printer has the added advantage of onboard media slots that permit
direct printing from a wide variety of digital camera memory cards.
This added compatibility makes the i475D printer the ideal choice
for cost-conscious digital camera enthusiasts. Media formats supported
by the i475D printer include CompactFlash(TM), MicroDrive(TM), SmartMedia(TM),
Memory Stick(TM) (excluding PRO(TM)) SD Card(TM) and Multimedia Card
(TM). Memory Stick Duo(TM), xD PictureCard(TM) and mini SD Card(TM)
can be used with the addition of a special adaptor sold separately.
PictBridge Compatibility
Among the significant technological advances found on the i455 Desktop
Photo Printer and i475D Desktop Photo Printer is the inclusion of
the new PictBridge technology standard. The new industry standard
for digital printers, digital cameras and digital camcorders, PictBridge
allows the direct printing of images from PictBridge compatible digital
cameras and camcorders to PictBridge compatible printers, regardless
of brand or manufacturer without the use of a computer.
The Canon i455 and Canon i475D printers carry estimated street prices
of $79.99 and $129.99 respectively. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
Sep 09 - Symantec's Norton
Internet Security 2004 Protects Against Spyware and Spam. Symantec
Corp. (Nasdaq:SYMC), the world leader in Internet security, today
announced Norton Internet Security 2004, an easy-to-use and comprehensive
online security and privacy suite for home and small office PC users.
Norton Internet Security 2004 will provide comprehensive
protection against today's most prevalent Internet threats and will
now offer expanded protection against spyware and unwanted email.
Scheduled to be available by mid-September, Norton Internet Security
2004 will include Symantec's best-of-breed antivirus, firewall, intrusion
detection, privacy protection, spam filtering, and content filtering
solutions in a single tightly integrated suite.
"Users are at risk from an increasing number of
Internet threats such as the recent Blaster and Sobig worms. This
increase in attacks is driven in part by the growing use of always-on
broadband services and laptop computers," said Steve Cullen,
senior vice president of Consumer and Client Product Delivery at Symantec.
"With the release of our effective yet simple-to-use Internet
security suite, Symantec is making it easier for all users -- from
novices to professionals -- to secure their systems."
Protection Against Viruses and Spyware
Norton Internet Security 2004 will include Norton AntiVirus 2004,
which introduces expanded threat detection. This new technology identifies
certain emerging non-virus threats such as spyware, adware, and keystroke
logging programs. These rogue applications can compromise system security,
pry into confidential data, and track online behavior.
Norton AntiVirus 2004 will also proactively protect users of file-exchange
services such as peer-to-peer networks by scanning for viruses in
compressed file archives. Norton AntiVirus scans both incoming and
outgoing email and automatically removes viruses, worms, and Trojan
horse infections as well as viruses hidden in email and instant message
attachments. In addition, worm- and script-blocking technologies automatically
defend users against known and unknown threats without the need for
virus definitions. As a result, Norton AntiVirus will effectively
protect Norton Internet Security 2004 users against an expansive range
of malicious online code.
Filtering Unwanted Email
Norton Internet Security 2004 will also include the new Norton AntiSpam
2004, which will automatically detect and filter out unwanted commercial
email, or spam, at the desktop. Spam is a growing threat both to productivity
and security. It can clog email systems and often proliferates online
scams.
Norton AntiSpam 2004 will work with any standard POP3 email program
and will integrate automatically with the latest versions of Microsoft
Outlook, Outlook Express, and Eudora to efficiently filter and eliminate
incoming spam directly from the user's email in-box. Norton AntiSpam
2004 will offer multiple filtering layers to minimize the false positives
that typically plague other spam-fighting products. As a result, users
will be able to continue to receive the email they want while unwanted
messages are filtered out.
Securing Users On Wireless Networks
Norton Internet Security 2004 will include Norton Personal Firewall
2004 as well. This new version of Norton Personal Firewall will introduce
innovative technology to help laptop users get immediate protection
from online threats regardless of the network to which they connect.
When a laptop user connects his or her PC to a new or previously saved
network, Norton Personal Firewall 2004 will adjust firewall settings
accordingly. This technology ensures that users who connect to multiple
networks in multiple locations enjoy appropriate online protection
wherever they go. Norton Personal Firewall 2004 will also include
a new usability component that gives users control of firewall settings
from the convenience of their Internet Explorer Web browser.
Norton Personal Firewall will feature robust intrusion detection
technology to thwart serious threats such as Bugbear, Nimda, and Code
Red. This system will add another full layer of security to the perimeter
protection of the firewall. The intrusion detection system will inspect
the actual content of the Internet traffic, automatically and effectively
blocking Internet attacks.
Norton Internet Security 2004 will also include powerful privacy
protection technology. This feature prevents confidential information
from being sent without user authorization to unsecured Web sites
or through email, Microsoft Office attachments, and instant messaging
services. For additional security, Norton Internet Security will provide
tamper-proof password protection that prevents security settings from
being turned off manually or by a Trojan horse virus.
Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional/Norton Personal Firewall
2004
Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional and a stand-alone
version of Norton Personal Firewall 2004 are also set for mid-September
availability. Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional will include
all of the components of Norton Internet Security 2004 and will add
advanced features for small office or home office users and professionals.
Data recovery technology will protect and restore important applications
and files from accidental deletion and virus damage. Data cleaning
technology will eliminate all traces of unneeded confidential files.
Advanced Web tools will promote productivity by deleting unneeded
files left over from Internet sessions as well as preventing dial-up
Internet sessions from being interrupted. Norton Internet Security
2004 Professional will also enable a workgroup administrator to create
multiple user profiles to limit Internet access to certain categories
of Web sites that could thwart productivity. Norton Internet Security
2004 Professional will be available as a single license as well as
in 5- and 10-user packs for small offices.
Pricing and Availability
Norton Internet Security 2004, Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional,
and Norton Personal Firewall 2004 are available now for preorder at
www.SymantecStore.com for an estimated retail price of US$69.95, US$99.95,
and US$49.95, respectively. Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional
5- and 10-user packs have an estimated price of US$449.95 and US$799.95,
respectively.
All products are expected to be available in mid-September at various
retail locations, the Symantec online store at www.SymantecStore.com,
as well as other online retailers.
Sep 09 - Game Boy Advance Celebrates Sales
Milestone. Nintendo of America Inc. today reported its industry-leading
family of Game Boy(R) Advance portable game systems surpassed U.S.
sales of 15 million units and, to celebrate, announced two new casing
colors: Flame (red) and Onyx (black) for the new Game Boy Advance
SP model.
The front-lit, flip-top Game Boy Advance SP is an unprecedented
hit, in recent months accounting for 40 percent of all gaming systems
sold. Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP models have sold an
average of more than half a million units per month; a rate of more
than one unit sold every six seconds since the introduction of the
Game Boy Advance in June, 2001.
"With the depth and breadth of games we offer for people of
any age, it's no surprise that both systems are selling at record
levels," says George Harrison, senior vice president, sales and
marketing, Nintendo of America. "The new hues are just our next
step in leading the portable gaming industry, allowing consumers to
match their personality or enhance their style with this gaming device."
Game Boy Advance SP is available now at an MSRP of $99.99. For more
information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.
Sep 08 - Panasonic Premieres
Industry Firsts At CEDIA. Panasonic appeared here today at the
CEDIA Expo 2003 with an impact statement: consumers' and custom installers'
need for innovation has been met with a series of technological firsts.
Panasonic's HDTV displays, DVD recorders, home theater packages and
other high-end products shown here today continue the company's tradition
of bringing innovative digital electronics products to market.
The nation's first cable-ready digital TV set, the
widescreen (16:9) 53-inch PT-53WXD63 (diagonal screen measurement),
high definition projection TV, sets the tone of this show for Panasonic,
and raises the bar for the industry. The PT-53WXD63 is the first to
be certified by CableLabs. This TV can connect directly to a digital
cable and terrestrial broadcast system.
With the use of an authorized CableCARD (which may be available from
some cable operators, at a fee), this TV can receive digital cable
services, including premium channels, without requiring a cable set-top
box. Home theater designers can also enjoy their first look at Panasonic's
new series of flat panel screens: two plasma displays and two LCDs.
All are HDTV models and incorporate a full range of features and appealing
style details.
Four DVD recorders are at CEDIA for the first time,
with the DMR-E50, DMR-E60, DMR-E80H and DMR-E100H all stating a clear
case for the unique features available with DVD-RAM technology. And
the E80H and E100H each add an 80 GB and 100 GB hard drive, respectively,
making these among the most versatile and capable home theater devices
on the market.
Panasonic puts innovation into its home-theater-in-a-box
systems as well. The SC-HT1000 is the first HTiB to feature a built-in
DVD recorder. The SC-MT1, SC-ST1 and SC-HT900 include a set of acoustically
matched home theater speakers plus subwoofer, and these three HTiBs
all feature a high-quality, progressive scan DVD player.
The SC-HT800V, SC-HT810V, SC-HT425D and SC-HT405D also feature HighMAT,
which was co-developed by Panasonic and Microsoft. HighMAT sets a
new standard for sharing digital media between PCs and a variety of
consumer electronics devices making it easier to play back personal
music, photos and video collections. All of the HTiB systems support
DVD-Audio.
The best seat in the house to watch these products
in action will be the Panasonic EP1061K massage chair lounger. This
chair incorporates some of the most advanced technology in massage
therapy with the techniques of soothing Swedish massage and strong
Shiatsu style massage, all in one unit, appropriately called Swede-Atsu(TM).
Panasonic has been a leader in massage chair design for more than
20 years, and this chair continues that strong tradition.
Panasonic is also giving special attention to its IP/networking
products, including the KX-HGW600, the perfect product for home offices
or small businesses. Users can create a home or small office Local
Area Network (LAN) by seamlessly linking computers to each other and
to enabled peripherals, like printers and scanners, via an Ethernet
network all without complicated connections or expensive re-wiring
of homes or workplaces.
Also among Panasonic's networking products is the KX-HCM280 network
camera. This device allows remote viewing, via the Internet,of homes
or businesses. Users remotely control the camera's movement a full
360 degrees, record still pictures or full-motion video, or have the
camera e-mail them an alert when a connected security device is triggered.
For more information, visit www.panasonic.com.
Sep 08 - Microsoft Corporation
and Be Incorporated Reach Agreement to Settle Litigation. Be Incorporated
(Nasdaq:BEOS)(OTC:BEOSZ.PK) and Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq:MSFT)
today announced that the parties have reached a mutually acceptable
mediated settlement of an antitrust lawsuit filed by Be Incorporated
in February 2002, which is currently pending in the United States
District Court for the District of Maryland in Baltimore.
Be will receive a payment from Microsoft, after attorney's
fees, in the amount of $23,250,000 to end further litigation and Microsoft
admits no wrongdoing. All other terms of the settlement will remain
confidential. Both parties are satisfied with the Agreement and believe
that it is fair and reasonable. This is the second private antitrust
lawsuit Microsoft has settled this year.
Be is currently in the process of completing its dissolution
pursuant to the plan of dissolution approved by Be's stockholders
in November 2001. In accordance with that plan and upon completion
of its dissolution, Be's net cash will be distributed to shareholders
of record as of March 15, 2002 after payment of any taxes, officers'
and directors' compensation, and other expenses, and the satisfaction
of any and all of Be's remaining liabilities.
More information can be found at www.beincorporated.com.
Sep 08 - Epson Introduces
$1,299 Home Theater Projector with Widescreen Display. Epson America
Inc. continues to expand its presence in the home theater market with
the introduction of its EPSON PowerLite Home 10. This projector enters
a new market segment by delivering a dramatic 16:9 widescreen cinematic
experience in any home for only $1,299.
"This product opens the door to a
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