Dec 08 - Sunday Shopping Watch.
Best Sunday Deals - See our Best
Sunday Ad Deals Table below for specific system prices.
Weekly Comparison. It's
another very good weekend to go out and buy a new computer.
Prices were even lower this week than last week. Details follow.
Laptops - Low-end and high-end laptops prices
were lower than last week.
Desktops - Prices on almost all desktop PCs
were lower.
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 6 months of free MSN with any computer purchase.
They also have 12 month no-interest financing on all laptops. In addition,
they are offering mail-in rebates of $100-$200 on all desktop packages
and laptops.
Circuit City is offering
$100 instant gift cards for all Intel processor desktop packages and
laptop purchases.
Office
Depot
has 6 months no payments, no interest financing for new computer purchases
over $298.
CompUSA is giving 12 month no
interest financing for desktop complete systems and laptops $749 and
higher. They are also offering $100-$150 mail in rebates on AMD XP
processor laptops, Intel Pentium 4 processor laptops, and Intel processor
desktops with monitors.
Staples is offering $100 mail-in rebates
an all desktops and laptops..
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, and laptops.
Windows XP
Upgrade Guide - All about upgrading to Windows XP.
What You Need to Know
About Internet Rebates - An in-depth discussion of Internet Rebates.
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
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Category
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Product Description
|
Price* (see above)
|
Prices up or Down this Week
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Store
|
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Best Celeron Deal
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HP 1.7 GHz complete system
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$699
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+$100
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Best Buy, CompUSA
|
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1. Best Low-cost
Pentium 4
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Compaq 2.0 GHz system with 17 inch monitor
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$799
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-
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Staples
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1. Best High-end Pentium 4 System
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Compaq 2.40 GHz complete system with
17 inch LCD
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$999
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-
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CompUSA
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2. Best High-end Pentium 4 System
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Sony 2.53 GHz complete system
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$1199
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-
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Circuit City
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Best Low-cost Athlon XP System
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HP 2200+ complete
system
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$999
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-
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Office Depot
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Best High-end
Athlon XP System
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Sony 2400+ complete
system
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$1149
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CompUSA
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Best Low-cost Notebook
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Compaq Athlon XP 1500+ with DVD/CD-RW
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$749
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-
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Best Buy
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1. Best High-end Notebook
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Toshiba Pentium 4-M 2.0 GHz with DVD/CD-RW
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$1299
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-$150
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CompUSA
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2. Best High-end Notebook
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Sony Pentium 4-M 2.4 GHz with DVD/CD-RW
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$1599
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-$400
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Best Buy
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Peripherals
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Best Sunday Deal
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Memorex DVD+R/CD-RW
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$229
(after rebates)
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+$29
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Best Buy
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Best Sunday Deal
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Sony 48X CD -RW
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$59
(after rebates)
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-
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Best Buy
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Best Sunday Deal
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Linksys Powerline Router
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$79
(after rebates)
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-
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Circuit City
|
|
Best Sunday Deal
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ATI Radeon 8500 LE 64 MB
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$69
(after rebates)
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-
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CompUSA
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|
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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.
Dec 06 - AMD Raises Fourth
Quarter Sales Expectations. AMD (NYSE:AMD) today announced it
is raising its financial guidance for the fourth quarter of 2002 based
on stronger than expected PC processor demand and continued strength
in AMD high-density Flash memory products.
AMD is currently projecting fourth quarter sales to approach $700
million, an increase of approximately 35 percent over third quarter
2002 sales of $508 million. AMD had previously stated an expected
sales increase of 20 percent or more in the fourth quarter of 2002
compared to the third quarter ended September 29, 2002.
The company said its Flash memory product sales, particularly in
the high-end mobile phone market, continued to be strong. AMD also
forecasted better than expected sales across its PC processor line,
the result of a more competitive and richer product mix and increased
seasonal demand for personal computers.
AMD will report its fourth quarter 2002 results on January 16, 2003.
For more AMD news, visit www.amd.com .
Dec 06 - Despite Flat Spending,
2003 Will Be a Battle for PC Dominance. World economic conditions
and the threat of war in the Middle East may be keeping technology
markets down, but the top PC vendors are gearing up for a serious
battle in 2003 to gain dominance and make up for a lackluster year,
according to new PC vendor and market research from Giga Information
Group, Inc. (OTCBB: GIGX).
According to the recent report, "Quarterly PC Vendor and Market
Update: Fourth Quarter 2002," the current tier-one vendors --
Dell, Hewlett-Packard (HP), IBM and Toshiba -- are all aggressively
going after the few buyers our there. And with the successful execution
of the Hewlett-Packard/Compaq merger to date, gains made during the
merger proceedings by Dell and Toshiba may be vulnerable. IBM, meanwhile,
is banking on utility computing through its On Demand initiative,
which could emerge as a strong move against Dell and Microsoft.
"There has been no major event that will drive money back into
the PC segment, but on the positive side, recent financial results
from HP and Dell are better than expected, indicating there are grounds
for an improved financial outlook for 2003," said Giga Vice President
and Research Fellow Rob Enderle.
Dell continues to drive hard in the PC segment and remains best in
class in terms of financial performance, making it the company against
which all other PC companies are measured, according to Enderle. It
also has the strongest small form-factor desktop PC in terms of industrial
design showing new and surprising strength in this area.
"This may be enough to eliminate much of the marginal design
advantages, if this new focus on design transitions to the laptop
space, enjoyed by IBM, HP and, in some cases, Toshiba," said
Enderle. "The only real risk is one of fighting on too many fronts.
Dell has entered the handheld computer segment, printer segment and
networking equipment segment in the same time period, which could
become an issue for it since two of these markets require skills it
has yet to demonstrate."
HP's financial performance was significantly better than expected
in the third quarter, showing better than expected merger execution
so far. "It lost the market share lead to Dell in this segment
but appears to be slowing the erosion," said Enderle. "Like
Dell, HP is expected to roll out a new hardware line early next year
and if its market-leading tablet is any indicator, this could be an
attractive product set."
According to recent market share numbers, Toshiba is an even bigger
success than Dell and has once again taken over the lead in laptop
mindshare if not market share.
"In what can be described only as a massive recovery still in
process, Toshiba arguably has the strongest designs in the notebook
computer space in the current quarter," said Enderle. "With
both Dell and HP slated to renew their lines early next year, it is
not clear if Toshiba can hold this leadership position but we don't
expect it to be overwhelmed either. However, one thing is certain
-- Toshiba is back, and back with a vengeance."
IBM, meanwhile, has just rolled out its On Demand computing initiative,
which elegantly positions IBM as the leader in a future where computing
technology is delivered as a utility.
"This is one of the more likely futures and we believe it could
emerge as a strong move against Dell and Microsoft," said Enderle,
adding that it also appears to forecast a period when IBM will be
out of the PC business -- around 2008 -- if the future it anticipates
becomes the norm. So while next year looks to be a heated battle among
the top-tier PC vendors, longer term the future of personal computing
looks to be much different as economic recovery takes place and technologies
such as modular and utility computing take hold.
"In that potential future world, most of the other vendors would
likely have to drop out as well," said Enderle. "We see
a much stronger emergence of desktop equipment from large-scale equipment
manufacturers that are not at all similar to the mostly private-branded
PCs of today."
For additional information, visit www.gigaweb.com.
[InfoHQ Comment: Not sure what all of this means, e.g. "Toshiba
is an even bigger success than Dell and has once again taken over
the lead in laptop mindshare...", but I thought most of it was
interesting reading. Ed]
Dec 06 - PDAs Will Challenge
Tablet PC Sales. New Tablet PCs have been introduced to take on
the corporate market. Allied Business Intelligence (ABI) projects
the IA (Internet appliance) market value to increase to $14 billion
in 2002, up from $13 billion in 2001. Over the longer term, the IA
market is forecast to grow to $32 billion by 2007.
Many devices in the IA market suffered from misdirected marketing
at the outset. As vendors try to re-position products to compliment
PCs in the home, rather than replace them, their acceptance and use
will catch on.
Microsoft's Tablet PC re-invents pen-based computing in the workplace
and may be the needed boost in the arm to lagging PC sales. Wireless
solutions will gain attention as broadband access becomes more widespread.
Although IA devices will experience faster growth rates, they will
not overtake PC shipments over the forecast period.
"Microsoft's commitment to the Tablet PC will bring mobile computing
to a new class of corporate users. These corridor warriors will account
for revenues of nearly $10 billion by 2007" said Laraine Tunick,
Analyst and report author. "However, handwriting recognition
and form factor issues will need to be addressed in future releases
after road testing. The Tablet PC will also have to fend off advances
being made by personal digital assistants (PDA) as devices with mobile
and wireless functionalities proliferate."
IAs also represent a point of convergence for PC technology and consumer
electronics. Home entertainment systems and home appliances will increasingly
incorporate functionality allowing Web surfing and communications.
Price constraints will be an issue until vendors find a way of either
reducing their costs or subsidizing them with additional services.
Allied Business Intelligence Inc is an Oyster Bay, NY-based technology
research think tank Details can be found at www.alliedworld.com.
Dec 06 - U.S. Robotics Announces Commitment
to 802.11g Standard Technology. U.S. Robotics(R) announced today
its commitment to forthcoming IEEE 802.11g standard-based wireless
local area network (WLAN) products. Ratification of the 802.11g standard
is scheduled for March 2003, when U.S. Robotics' 54 megabits per second
(Mbps) 802.11g wireless family will be available for purchase through
authorized retail, reseller, and distribution partners worldwide.
"In continuing its legacy of providing first-class industry
standard products, U.S. Robotics will deliver the most technically
advanced products that meet the IEEE 802.11g specification,"
said Kevin Goulet, director of product management for U.S. Robotics.
"We will not rush to market before the IEEE 802.11g standard
is ratified in the March 2003 timeframe, because pre-standard products
cannot be guaranteed to be fully compliant with the final 802.11g
specification."
Goulet added that U.S. Robotics upcoming 54 Mbps industry standard
equipment would remain fully compatible with all 802.11b Wi-Fi devices
and interoperable with its current 22 Mbps family.
U.S. Robotics comprehensive wireless networking suite includes products
designed for quick and easy installation and allows users to securely
share Internet access, files and printers. Its products are capable
of networking multiple PCs without the hassle of running cables or
wires, expanding an existing 802.11 wireless network or creating a
new WLAN.
U.S. Robotics is privately held and headquartered in the Chicago
area. For further information regarding the company and its products,
visit www.usr.com.
Dec 06 - ADS Technologies to Demo New
DV Capture & Storage Solutions. ADS Technologies, Inc., a
leader in FireWire/IEEE 1394 devices, today announced that it will
demonstrate three new PYRO 1394/FireWire products at DV Expo West,
Los Angeles: PYRO DV Drive, PYRO DV RaidRT, and PYRO A/V Link.
PYRO DV RaidRT
PYRO DV RaidRT is a hardware-based FireWire RAID array enclosure
designed for DV content designers who edit, create and store large
mission-critical video projects. The PYRO DV RaidRT provides more
reliable storage and faster speeds than a single hard drive alone.
PYRO DV RaidRT is a four-bay RAID enclosure that accommodates Ultra
ATA 100 hard drives; these drives are converted to FireWire/IEEE 1394
using internal dual channel RAID controllers. PYRO DV RaidRT utilizes
an Intel i960(R) RM RISC Microprocessor and also includes 64 MB SDRAM
for cache memory.
Availability
PYRO DV RAID will be available through ADS Technologies' network
of online and retail channels worldwide late December at an estimated
street price of US$1500 without drives. For more information, visit
(URL) http://www.adstech.com.
PYRO A/V Link
PYRO A/V Link is a 1394/Firewire-based universal video capture device
designed for both analog and digital video. Video projects are no
longer limited by incompatible video formats. With the PYRO A/V Link,
users can now combine their older analog collections with newer digital
videos, then output to either analog or digital format.
The external 1394/FireWire device captures analog video through RCA,
S-VHS or Component Video to DV video format. Video can then be transferred
to a computer where it can be edited and then output to DV or analog
tape, or saved as MPEG2 then burned in DVD format. PYRO A/V Link includes
Ulead VideoStudio 6 DVD (Full Version) for editing, adding video filters,
transition effects, video overlays, narration, background music and
more.
PYRO A/V Link also enables users to connect analog and digital devices
without a computer. Users can record from a digital video camera to
a VHS recorder and tape to make distributing and sharing video simple.
Users can convert between devices (from DV to Analog or Analog to
DV) without using a computer.
Pricing and Availability
PYRO A/V Link will be available through ADS Technologies' network
of online and retail channels worldwide in late December 2002. Pricing
for the complete hardware/software package will sell for an ESP of
US$249.
PYRO DV Drive
With the push of a button, the ultra-portable PYRO DV DRIVE enables
videographers to capture digital video files directly from their DV
camcorder to its hard drive via 1394/FireWire without having to connect
to a computer. PYRO DV Drive features a 20 GB high performance hard
drive and a built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery enclosed in
a sleek silver and charcoal grey case about the size of a PDA.
PYRO DV DRIVE features a 20 GB 2.5" IDE hard drive and the Oxford
911 chipset from Oxford Semiconductors. With a record/stop button,
users can transfer digital video to the drive via FireWire while the
DV camcorder is either in record or playback mode. This simplifies
the process and eliminates the need for software-based video capture.
It can accommodate up to one hour and 40 minutes of digital video,
which can be imported via FireWire to any non-linear editor for PC
or Mac.
PYRO DV DRIVE Pricing and Availability
PYRO DV DRIVE will be available through ADS Technologies' network
of online and retail channels worldwide late December 2002 at an ESP
of US$599.
For more information, visit www.adstech.com.
Dec 05 - AMD Announces AMD Assured Motherboard
With ASUS, NVIDIA. AMD (NYSE:AMD) has teamed with ASUS and NVIDIA
to offer the ASUS A7N266-VM/AA motherboard, a mainstream micro-ATX
motherboard certified in the stringent AMD Assured(tm) Program.
The ASUS motherboard will offer customers enterprise class performance
with NVIDIA's nForce platform processors and GeForce(tm)-based graphics
processing unit (GPU).
The AMD Assured Program classifies a select group of AMD processor-based
motherboards to help ensure long-term availability of motherboards
that provide reliable components, planned technology transitions,
and manageable platforms for use in commercial desktop systems. AMD
Assured motherboards have passed AMD's stringent manageability and
validation tests, and are available for use in commercial offerings.
"The AMD Assured Program ensures that system builders have a
reliable source for commercial components enabling them to deliver
quality systems that will provide ongoing stability, longevity and
compatibility that business customers demand," said Ed Gasiorowski,
director of AMD developer relations, Computation Products Group. "The
new ASUS motherboard shows AMD's commitment to bringing our commercial
customers world-class technology and enhanced value."
"ASUS is committed to delivering stable, manageable platforms
to our commercial system builders," said Cathy Yu, Marketing
Director of ASUS Computer International. "We designed the A7N266-VM/AA
platform with our customers' needs in mind, helping them build systems
that lower their total cost of ownership by providing a mainstream
solution with outstanding components."
"The NVIDIA nForce platform processors incorporate high-level
features, including the GeForce2 MX GPU, that are integral to commercial
computing environments," said Drew Henry, senior director of
platform product management at NVIDIA. "Businesses using the
ASUS A7N266-VM/AA motherboard benefit from a system that can drive
the high-resolution displays required for today's advanced corporate
applications, including complex spreadsheets, graphic-heavy documents,
and live Internet/Intranet Webcasts."
AMD Assured motherboards comply with Microsoft's System and Device
Requirements 2.0, incorporate the essential management elements of
Wired for Management 2.0, and provide an interoperable solution in
any networked environment. In addition, the AMD Assured Program requests
motherboards be available in the market for at least 12 months.
For more information, visit www.amd.com.
Dec 05 - Hitachi Introduces
``Reduced Size MultiMediaCard ''. Hitachi Semiconductor (America)
Inc. today announced the Reduced Size MultiMediaCard , approximately
half the size of the existing MultiMediaCard, while boasting the same
level of data storage capacity. The small, rugged removable cards
are an ideal data storage medium for mobile devices including next-generation
mobile phones and PDAs, and portable imaging products such as digital
cameras.
To meet the growing demands for smaller size memory devices with
large data storage capacity and high speed processing performance,
Hitachi built the compact size cards in 16-, 32- and 64-Megabyte (MB)
densities, using Hitachi's unique multi-level cell (MLC) AND flash
technology. The RS-MMC only weighs 0.8 g, with dimensions of 18 mm
x 24 mm x 1.4 mm. The size advantages also enable the cards to be
used as ultra-compact built-in memory modules that can be easily added
or replaced.
The RS-MMC devices achieve write speeds of 1.0 MB/sec, equal to Hitachi's
current industry-leading MultiMediaCards. At the same time, the new
cards achieve very low power consumption, with a read current of 28
mA (typ.) and a write current of 33 mA (typ.) to help extend the battery
life of power sensitive mobile devices. By snapping on a simple mechanical
adapter, the RS-MMC can be used for products designed for standard-size
MultiMediaCards.
Specifications for the RS-MMC were approved by the MultiMediaCard
Association (MMCA), the MultiMediaCard standardization body recently.
(http://www.mmca.org/). Hitachi's cards are the first commercial models
of RS-MMC, featuring the world's smallest flash card in response to
the needs of downsizing end products and the future advent of even
smaller, wearable devices.
Hitachi plans to release 128- and 256-Mbyte models in the latter
half of 2003.
MultiMediaCard is a trademark of Infineon Technologies AG of Germany,
and is licensed to the MMCA (MultiMediaCard Association). Hitachi
is an MMCA board member. www.mmca.org.
For more information, visit: www.hitachi.com.
Dec 05 - EZQuest Offers 52x CD-RW Drives
for PCs and Macs. EZQuest is now shipping its new, super-fast
Boa 52x24x52 external CD-RW drives for Macs and PCs.
The FireWire version can burn a 74-minute CD in 90 seconds. The USB
2.0 version can match this speed when used with a USB 2.0 enabled
computer. Both drives can re-write a CD in 3.08 minutes, and their
52x read speed is the fastest available on a CD recorder.
In addition, they feature a 2MB buffer size and buffer under-run
technology to eliminate under-run errors in fast-write modes. These
high-speed drives can be moved from computer to computer without restarting
or rebooting -- and are ideal for data archiving and desktop publishing,
and for MIDI and recording studio applications.
The Boa 52x drives are housed in light-gray, streamlined cases and
are fully shielded with 0.6 metal. They come ready to use, and include
a built-in universal 50-watt auto-switching power supply, a cable
and software (Charismac for Mac and Nero for PC burning software).
The drives are compatible with Mac OS 8.6 plus later (9.2) and OSX
versions, as well as WIN 98SE and later versions, including XP. They
have a one-year warranty and are priced at $189 MSRP. A downloadable
Boa 52x spec sheet and a list of dealers is available at www.ezq.com.
Dec 05 - TDK Systems Improves Free Bluetooth
Mobile Phone Software . TDK Systems has introduced software that
allows Bluetooth devices to exchange voice, images and data. This
enables a wide variety of new applications such as Internet Telephony.
The software's Audio capability allows users to make international
phone calls at local ISP rates by using a Bluetooth headset with their
PC and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
TDK Systems' Bluetooth application, version 1.3, supports the latest
MMS mobile handsets, allowing users to wirelessly transfer images
between picture phones, laptops and PCs. By transferring pictures
via Bluetooth from a phone to a PC - free of charge - the new generation
phones immediately evolve from being the source of larger bills to
a convenient and ubiquitous digital camera.
A Personal Area Networking (PAN) profile also allows users to set
up an ad hoc network incorporating up to eight devices, simultaneously.
This enables users to exchange files, graphics and pictures without
cables, or even set up a small wireless network in a small office/home
office (SoHo) environment.
"Ease of use and presentation are very important - TDK Systems'
R&D team has worked long and hard to ensure that people don't
have to be technical wizards to use Bluetooth technology," said
Nick Hunn, managing director at TDK Systems. "In fact, we've
installed a 'wizard' in the software that prompts users with straightforward
questions to allow them to do whatever they want to do with wireless
connections."
TDK Systems has also improved the Bluetooth pairing process so that
users can connect devices more easily. A Bluetooth Hardcopy Cable
Replacement Profile (HCRP) enables users to print on Bluetooth-enabled
printers in the same manner as any other printer.
The software is packaged with new TDK Systems Bluetooth PC Cards
and USB Adapters. The thousands of users who have already invested
in these devices can obtain a free download of version 1.3 from www.tdksystems.com.
Dec 05 - Toshiba Develops Nano-Scale Random
Number Generator. Toshiba Corporation today announced development
of an ultra-compact real random number generator (RNG) that is dramatically
smaller and more power efficient than other real RNG, and that can
be used in small mobile equipment that transmits and receives encrypted
information.
Hacker-proof encryption is essential for e-commerce and secure information
exchanges. The most effective encryption algorithms rely on random
numbers, and on a high quality random number generator that assures
non-periodicity and non-reproduction of the numbers generated.
However, real random number generators, which rely on random physical
phenomenon, are so large and consume so much power that their use
has been limited to large-sized computers and PCs. Mobile terminals
have had to rely on pseudo-RNG, which require additional circuitry
to assure the quality of random number generation. Such circuitry
impedes miniaturization.
Toshiba developed its ultra-compact real RNG through development
of a nano-scale structure that uses the phenomenon of the characteristic
appearance of a single electron in a semi-stable location. In practical
terms, this achieves a real RNG that is only one hundred millionth
of the size of conventional real RNG. Reduced size is complemented
by a significant reduction in power consumption, to a level of only
one ten millionth that of other real RNG.
Toshiba's random number generator
The new RNG circuit is shrunk down to one square micron (1 micron
x 1 micron), approximately 1/100,000,000 that of current real physical
phenomenon RNG. Power consumption is 1.5nanowatt, approximately 1/10,000,000
of that of current high-quality real physical phenomenon RNG.
Note: 1 nanometer = one billionth of a meter
1 nanowatt = one billionth of a watt
Toshiba can be found online at www.toshiba.com.
Dec 04 - Intel Compilers
Pave the Way for Hyper-Threading Technology. Intel Corporation
today introduced updated tools to help software developers optimize
applications for Intel's expanding family of architectures with key
innovations such as Intel's Hyper Threading Technology.
Version 7.0 of Intel(R) C++ and Intel(R) Fortran compilers for Windows*
and Linux* can improve the performance of applications for Intel(R)
Itanium(R) 2, Intel(R) Xeon(TM) and Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 processor-based
systems up to 40 percent when compared to compilers currently available
from other vendors.**
Software developers use compilers to translate a programming language,
such as C++ or Fortran, into the machine language understood by the
processor. A more efficient compiler results in better application
performance. Intel's compilers are designed to help software developers
deliver improved performance for their applications running on Intel-based
computing and communication systems.
"Intel compilers enable software developers to make their applications
more competitive with improved performance," said Jon Khazam,
director of Intel's Software Products Division. "Intel's high-performance
tools are also compatible with leading development environments for
Windows and Linux."
Because of Intel's expertise in processor architecture, its compilers
have been highly optimized for the Intel Itanium 2, Intel Pentium
4 and the Intel Xeon processors, resulting in a better compiled application
for faster operations. Types of applications that will achieve enhanced
performance when built using Intel compilers include commercial, transaction-oriented
computing, computationally intensive financial, engineering and scientific
applications, digital media, gaming and special effects.
Intel's compilers also help developers produce multi-threaded applications
and take advantage of Intel's Hyper-Threading technology. Threading
is a software development technique that identifies tasks that can
be done simultaneously. Intel's Hyper-Threading technology enables
a single physical processor to create a simulated logical processor
to run multiple tasks at the same time.
Version 7.0 of the Intel C++ Compilers for Windows and Linux are
now available for the suggested list prices of $399 each. Version
7.0 of the Intel Fortran Compilers for Windows and Linux are now available
for the suggested list prices of $499 and $699 respectively. The compilers
are available today from Intel and resellers worldwide for download
and will be available on CDROMs by the end of the month.
More information is available at www.intel.com/software/products.
Dec 04 - Canon Introduces
PowerShot S45 Digital Camera. Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary
of Canon, Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), continues to strengthen its position in
the digital camera marketplace with the introduction of the new PowerShot
S45.
The PowerShot S45 is the successor of the award-winning PowerShot
S40 and is aimed at the advanced user who wants full photographic
control in a compact digital camera. The new model joins one of the
largest branded selections of digital cameras in the industry ranging
from the economical PowerShot A200 to the feature-packed PowerShot
G3.
The
4.0 megapixel Canon PowerShot S45 features a high-resolution 3X f/2.8
optical zoom lens and a compact, silver-toned aluminum exterior for
a rich and elegant appearance.
In addition, the S45 includes Canon's exclusive "DIGIC"
Imaging Processor to help improve overall image quality, increased
processing speed and enhanced camera features including a 9-Point
AiAF autofocus system for faster and easier focusing; 9-position White
Balance; selectable metering modes for precise exposure in almost
any shooting condition; selectable Second-Curtain sync flash; an improved
Movie Mode that captures clips up to 3 minutes apiece with sound;
and Direct Print capabilities with Canon's CP-100 dye-sublimation
printer and several Canon Bubble Jet Printers.
"The new PowerShot S45 is an excellent example of Canon's philosophy
of offering unique digital camera features and outstanding performance
at every price point," says Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president
and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A. "Canon
will continue to provide consumers with the most attractive selection
of digital cameras on the market."
The PowerShot S45 will be available in December and
have a suggested retail price of $649. For more information, visit
www.usa.canon.com.
Dec 04 - PGP 8.0 Announced
for Windows and Macintosh. PGP Corporation, the recognized worldwide
leader in secure messaging and data storage solutions, today announced
the release of PGP Enterprise 8.0, PGP Desktop 8.0, and PGP Personal
8.0 for Windows and Macintosh. These new products offer significant
advancements to current PGP offerings, including substantial new features.
PGP Desktop 8.0 for Windows includes Windows XP and XP Office support;
new enhanced user interface, directory integration with Microsoft
Active Directory, iPlanet Directory Server, Novell NDS, OpenLDAP Keyserver,
Novell GroupWise 5.5 and 6.0 messaging client.
PGP Desktop 8.0 for Macintosh includes full support for Mac OS X
(10.2 and later); new enhanced user interface; plug-in for Apple Mail
that supports PGP/MIME (RFC 3156); Microsoft Entourage integration;
dock and services integration; expanded Unicode support for multiple
language and country support in keys and data; PGP Disk format compatibility
between Mac OS X and Windows; encrypt using Advanced Encryption Standard
(AES) in PGP Disk
PGP Enterprise 8.0 includes additional decryption key (ADK) management
for safe enterprise data encryption; automatic key setup/generation,
certificate request, approval, retrieval, smart card integration;
silent pre-configured installs for easy mass deployment; automatic
LDAP policy and keyring synchronization; extensive policy integration
between PGP Keyserver and PGP Desktop.
PGP Personal 8.0 includes PGP Disk and PGP Mail for individual users
that do not require such enterprise features as integration with Exchange,
Notes, or GroupWise servers, access to higher levels of Support, or
Upgrade Insurance.
PGP Freeware 8.0 includes PGP Mail only, without plug-ins for use
with email or instant messenger clients, for personal non-commercial
use only.
"When we announced the formation of PGP Corporation just 16
weeks ago, we focused on three things: technology continuity, building
customer relationships, and innovation," said Phil Dunkelberger,
President and CEO of PGP Corporation. "In our announcement today,
we are delivering PGP 8.0, a significant technology update and expansion
of our product line for both businesses and individuals. We remain
committed to building what our customers need to protect their confidential
information."
Pricing and Availability
PGP 8.0 is available and is shipping immediately. Subscription pricing
for PGP Enterprise (PGP Disk, PGP Mail, PGP Admin, PGP Keyserver)
begins at $125 per seat. Subscription pricing for PGP Desktop (PGP
Disk and PGP Mail) begins at $80 per seat. A promotional price of
$39 is available for PGP Personal (PGP Disk and PGP Mail) through
the holiday season. More information is available at www.pgp.com.
Dec 04 - Best Buy Survey Shows Popularity
of Technology Gifts. Technology will play a large role in the
holidays this year -- from family bonding to gift giving. According
to a national Best Buy survey, this season, people will use technology
to bond with loved ones by watching holiday movies together on DVD
players/VCRs (72 percent); listening to holiday music together on
CD players (68 percent); talking to friends and family on wireless
phones (64 percent); and capturing special moments via digital cameras/camcorders
(57 percent). So it's no surprise that tech gadgets top America's
holiday gift wish list this year. The No. 1 most-wanted tech gifts
are digital cameras/camcorders (33 percent), followed by laptops (30
percent), DVD players (28 percent) and TVs (21 percent).
All in the Family
For many, the best holiday memories involve watching classic films
with family. And according to the survey, movies can reflect real
life. Thirty percent say the movie "It's a Wonderful Life"
best represents what their family is like during the holidays. Others
say their holidays are full of chaos and humor as in "Christmas
Vacation" (23 percent); all about the perfect gift as in the
movie "A Christmas Story" (16 percent); and a mixture of
"ba-humbug" and enjoying family time as in "The Grinch"
(15 percent).
Shop `Til You Drop
It will be a movies and music holiday for shoppers, as nearly 70
percent will buy DVDs and CDs as gifts. More than half of people (52
percent) hope to give or receive a DVD player, with many likely purchasing
some of this year's new movie titles, including: "Episode II
- Attack of the Clones" and "Austin Powers 3: Goldmember."
Twenty one percent want to create their own "movies" by
receiving digital cameras/camcorders.
One out of four gift givers (25 percent) plan to wrap up MP3 players/CD
players, and hot-ticket tunes from Paul McCartney's latest CD and
the new "James Bond Die Another Day" soundtrack are sure
to make "must-have" lists. Also notable, 35 percent plan
on buying stereo equipment and gaming systems for loved ones.
Holiday Spending
Sixty percent of people plan to spend the same amount of money on
holiday gifts as in 2001. More than any other age group, 25 to 34
year olds plan to spend more this year than last year (32 percent).
In 2002, more than half (54 percent) of people will spend up to $600
and 20 percent will spend more than $1,000.
However, for those looking to save money, purchasing one large family
gift instead of individual gifts may be the best solution. Top gifts
people consider purchasing for the whole family include: flat/big
screen televisions (32 percent), DVD players (20 percent), laptops
(16 percent) and gaming systems (8 percent).
Something Fun for Everyone
Holiday shopping doesn't have to be stressful, even with "hard-to-buy-for"
people on the list. According to the survey, the following tech toys
are perfect gifts for people of all ages: DVD players (28 percent),
digital cameras/camcorders (24 percent), digital TVs (17 percent)
and notebook computers (16 percent).
For more information about Best Buy, visit www.bestbuy.com.
Dec 04 - America Online Brings McAfee Anti-Virus
Services To AOL Members. America Online, Inc., the world's leading
interactive services company, and Network Associates (NYSE: NET),
a leading provider of network security and availability solutions,
today announced that America Online will offer online anti-virus services
to AOL members and users of AOL web properties. These new services
will be powered by Network Associates' world-class McAfee(R) anti-virus
technology and research.
There are two main components of the agreement, designed to extend
computer security for AOL members and users of AOL web properties.
The first is a "Basic" service that will deliver free virus
scanning of all emails that will be integrated into the AOL service
(domestic and international), as well as CompuServe(R), Netscape(R)
and AOL.com(R). The email service will automatically scan attachments
to incoming and outgoing emails and attempt to fix any attachments
found to have known viruses.
The second component is a new "Premium" subscription service
that extends the virus protection beyond e-mail to the user's personal
computer (PC) system. This heightened level of security will offer
AOL subscribers an additional layer of protection while keeping with
AOL's hallmark ease of use. While the "Basic" service will
secure the e-mail that travels through AOL, the "Premium"
service will scan the user's PC system for viruses and attempt to
repair and/or remove infected files that originated from the Internet,
disks and CD ROMs.
Because several new viruses are discovered every month, up-to-date
virus protection is critical. In keeping with AOL's ease of use, both
services will be regularly and automatically updated, in an effort
to create a safer and more secure computing environment -- all the
while saving users the burden of manually downloading anti-virus updates
themselves.
Both services are scheduled to launch in the first half of 2003.
Pricing details for the premium service will be available at that
time.
McAfee's managed Web security services employ a patented system and
process of delivering software through an Internet browser to provide
these services to users online through its Web site www.mcafee.com.
Dec 03 - ATI Announces PCI ALL-IN-WONDER
VE. ATI Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:ATYT)(TSX:ATY) announced the
new ALL-IN-WONDER(R) VE, now shipping to retail outlets across North
America.
ATI's newest value multimedia video card, ALL-IN-WONDER
VE, is available for USD$129.00.
"There are many low cost PCs available on the market today for
well under $1000, many without an AGP port. The ALL-IN-WONDER VE enhances
any low cost PC by drastically improving the graphics performance
and giving the PC the richest multimedia capabilities on the market
today," said Rick Bergman, Senior Vice President, Marketing and
General Manager, Desktop, ATI Technologies Inc.
"According to NPD Intelect, sales of PCI video cards in September
2002 accounted for 36 percent of the total card volume. ALL-IN-WONDER
VE is designed to deliver a variety of multimedia TV and game graphics
features for this PCI upgrade market."
ALL-IN-WONDER VE provides the following value-packed features:
-- ATI's MULTIMEDIA CENTER version 7.9 is backed by ATI's
industry-leading multimedia software expertise and offers a
full range of critically-acclaimed multimedia functions
including improved DVD playback, new Tranquility 'skin',
MULTIMEDIA CENTER Library, support for SVCD compliant video
capture, and more;
-- 125-channel stereo TV-tuner;
-- Enhanced TV-ON-DEMAND(TM) PVR for instant replays, pausing
live TV or recording live broadcasts for later viewing;
-- Gemstar's GuidePlus+ provides an intelligent free integrated
program guide (North America only) allows user to view and
search TV listing by category, actor/performer, or date.
Schedule and record programs at the click of a mouse - all the
benefits of a PVR without the monthly fees;
-- Pinnacle Studio 8 (ATI Version) is a full-featured product
with additional ATI-based bonuses and delivers powerful
features for consumer video editing;
-- ATI's THEATER(TM) 200 for exceptional video and stereo audio
quality viewing during live TV and video input and capture -
all based on technologies from ATI's digital television
research and development;
-- 64MB (megabyte) DDR (double date rate) memory for quality 3D
graphics and gaming;
-- Analog Video capture and editing including DVD authoring
compatibility;
-- Security/monitoring camera functionality (using attached
separate camera);
-- Video output to NTSC/PAL TV or VCR as an independent display
within Windows;
-- Support for the ATI's REMOTE WONDER(TM) (sold separately);
and,
-- Backed by quality ATI customer support and a 3-year limited
warranty.
For more information, visit www.ati.com.
Dec 03 - Worldwide Chip Sales Continue
Growth. Global semiconductor sales reached $12.5 billion in October
2002, a 1.8% sequential increase from the $ 12.3 billion in revenue
reported in September 2002 and a 20% increase from the $10.4 billion
total recorded in October 2001.
"If there are any doubts remaining about the strength of the
global chip industry, a healthy recovery continues as we move into
the fourth quarter," stated SIA President George Scalise. "Having
achieved three quarters of continually rising growth, including 5.6%
in the first quarter, 5.8% in the second and 8.2% growth in 2002's
third quarter, our forecast calls for moderation in the year's final
quarter, consistent with normal year-end patterns - steady but sustainable
growth across broad product sectors."
The wireless sector is growing the most briskly. New subscriber growth
continues to break previous norms in Asia, and replacement units now
account for more than half of all cellular handset sales, as consumers
seek to replace older units with new phones offering additional features
and functionality. Flash and Digital Signal Processors were up 6.9%
and 4.4% in the month.
PCs continue to be the single largest consumer of semiconductors
and currently account for 30% of total chip consumption, making this
a closely watched sector. In the month, DRAM sales were up 1.2%, while
microprocessor revenue rose 6.5%.
"The price of a bit of DRAM fell by more than 99% between 1995
and 2002, to the tremendous benefit of the consumer," stated
Scalise. "An average, retail desktop PC that cost $1800 in 1995
cost $950 in 2002, yet had 50 times the power, 20 times the speed,
and the added functionality of a modem, graphics, CD ROM and DVD."
Chip sales rose 1% in October in the Asia-Pacific market and sales
were up 2% in Japan. Semiconductor sales in Europe grew 6.2% led by
a strong wireless market, while sales in the Americas rose .5%, as
electronic equipment production continues to migrate from US-based
facilities to the Asia Pacific region.
The SIA's Global Sales Report (GSR) is a three-month moving average
of sales activity. The GSR is tabulated by the World Semiconductor
Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization, which represents approximately
66 companies. The moving average is a mathematical smoothing technique
that mitigates variations due to companies' monthly financial calendars.
More information about the SIA can be found at www.sia-online.org.
Dec 03 - Black Friday Rings-Up 4th Highest
Sales Amounts for 2002. The traditional first day of the holiday
shopping season, Black Friday, or the day after Thanksgiving, produced
one of the highest online retail sales days for the year according
to BizRate.com.
Black Friday produced a spike in online sales as $234.2 million was
spent, a 61% increase over November 23, 2001 which was last year's
Black Friday, according to BizRate.com's feedback monitoring network
of over 2,000 online retailing merchants.
Online spending has been brisk in November, with month-to-date (November
1-29) sales up by 37% to $5.4 billion, compared to the same period
last year. This year's gain is even more impressive considering that
Thanksgiving occurred six days earlier last year. Therefore, the online
holiday shopping period had six more days last year when compared
to this year.
"Consumers in this ho-hum economy are ho-ho-ho-ing about the
number of deals and special offers made available to them this year,"
said Chuck Davis, president and chief executive officer of BizRate.com,
the leading comparison shopping site on the Web. "All over the
Internet, consumers are finding better prices, free shipping, and
more retailers wooing consumers' limited budgets this season."
BizRate.com's site alone has over 140 free shipping sites featured
this week, about 20% more than the same time last year.
The virtual shopping aisles have been abuzz as Computer Hardware,
Electronics, and Toys & Games categories were among the top growth
categories on Black Friday. The most searched for products in those
categories on Black Friday included Digital Cameras, Camcorders, and
Action Figures.
While Monday November 25th was the busiest online shopping day this
year, ringing-up $263.4 million in sales, BizRate projects that Monday
December 9, 2002 will be the peak online shopping day with sales of
$387.7 million. Last year, the peak shopping day was December 10,
2001 with $253.8 million in sales. The second and third busiest shopping
days this year were Tuesday November 26th and Monday November 20th,
with $260.9 million and $245.9 million in spending respectively.
BizRate.com forecasts holiday sales of $8.0 billion this year versus
2001's holiday sales of $6.4 billion. For the fourth quarter, BizRate.com
projects a 35% increase to $16.8 billion versus the same quarter last
year.
BizRate.com can be visited at www.bizrate.com.
Dec 03 - Symantec Survey Reveals Growing
Concerns Over Spam. According to a recent survey of 1,000 consumers
conducted for Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq:SYMC), the world leader in Internet
security, by InsightExpress, spam is a growing problem at home and
work and is considered offensive, time-consuming, and difficult to
control.
"At best, spam is annoying; at worst, it's objectionable and
a real threat to productivity and resources," said Steve Cullen,
senior vice president, Consumer and Client Product Delivery at Symantec.
"As consumers face a steady increase in spam e-mails every day,
it is clear that unsolicited e-mail is a problem that must be addressed
if users are to continue to enjoy the benefits of online computing."
The survey measured consumers' experience with spam as well as their
general and specific concerns about receiving unsolicited e-mail.
According to the survey, 37 percent of respondents receive more than
100 spam e-mails each week at home and work, with 63 percent receiving
more than 50 spam messages weekly.
Sixty-nine percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that
spam is generally harmful to e-mail users. Another 77 percent of respondents
with children under the age of 18 noted that they are concerned or
very concerned about their children reading spam. Eighty-four percent
agreed or strongly agreed that spam places a burden on their individual
time. In addition, 65 percent of respondents reported spending more
than 10 minutes each day dealing with spam; 24 percent reported dealing
with it for more than 20 minutes per day.
Respondents also ranked their specific concerns about spam. Pornographic
or otherwise inappropriate spam content was considered the primary
concern by 38 percent of respondents. Thirty-six percent responded
that it takes too much time to delete or unsubscribe to spam messages.
Tying for the third-most prevalent complaint about spam, with 18 percent
of respondents each, was that it takes up limited computer and e-mail
resources, it is difficult to unsubscribe to or block, and it is unsolicited
and unwanted.
Respondents also indicated that the volume of spam they are receiving
is on the rise; 74 percent reported that it is increasing while only
4 percent said it is decreasing. While agreeing that spam is a current
and growing problem, 42 percent of respondents also reported that
they didn't use a spam filter.
Norton Internet Security 2003 includes Norton Spam Alert, which
filters out incoming junk mail from Microsoft Outlook Express, Eudora,
Netscape Messenger and other POP3 e-mail clients. It detects spam
messages and flags them as spam in the subject field. Users can then
set a rule to automatically file spam messages in a specified folder
or simply delete the message.
For more information, visit www.symantec.com.
Dec 03 - Other World Computing Releases
Faster CD and DVD RW Drives. Other World Computing (OWC) today
introduced six new models of its popular Mercury-brand external optical
storage line. Offered with FireWire and USB/FireWire compatibility
options, add-on software, writable and re-writable media, and complete
one-year warranties, these drives are more than hardware devices --
they are high-value, high-speed information storage solutions.
The CD Read/Write (R/W) solutions come with Roxio Toast 5.2.x Lite,
25 pieces of CD write once/read many media, and one piece of rewritable
media and all necessary cables. The 44x24x44 CD/RW models also come
with Yamaha Safe-Burn & Exclusive Disc T@2 Labeling Technology,
while the 48x12x48 models come with Lite-On SMART-BURN technology.
The Mercury DVD R/W solutions ship with CharisMac Discribe 5.x, five
pieces of DVD-R 2X Media in Jewel Case, 25 pieces of CD-R media, one
piece of CD-RW media, and all the necessary cables.
"Our new Mercury optical storage drives make data and file management
more efficient and more affordable than ever before," said Larry
O'Connor, president and chief executive officer of OWC. "These
drives have started selling at a pretty good clip before we even had
a chance to formally announce them. This validates both the high-value/performance
level of these drives, as well as the fact that people are doing more
and more with their computers, increasing the need for faster file
transfer rates and larger data storage capacities."
Designed to work with both Macintosh and Windows-based personal computers,
the OWC Mercury and Mercury Pro drives weigh approximately 7 pounds,
have the speed to transfer large quantities of data very quickly and
the capacity to store thousands of MP3 files, hundreds of large digital
images, and/or backup an entire internal hard drive.
Pricing for the new drives is as follows:
-- OWC Mercury Pro 48x12x48 CD-RW External FireWire Solution - $139.99
-- OWC Mercury Pro 48x12x48 CD-RW External FireWire & USB 2.0/1.1
Combo Solution - $159.99
-- OWC Mercury Pro 44x24x44 CD-R/W FireWire Solution - $229.97
-- OWC Mercury Pro 44x24x44 CD-R/W FireWire/USB 2.0+1.1 Solution
- $249.97
-- OWC Mercury DVR-105 DVD-R/RW + CD-R/RW FireWire Solution -$439.95
-- OWC Mercury Pro DVR-105 DVD-R/RW + CD-R/RW FireWire & USB
2.0/1.1 Combo Solution - $459.95
The Mercury and Mercury Pro optical storage solutions are available
exclusively from OWC at www.macsales.com.
Dec 02 - ATI Ships RADEON 9500 PRO.
ATI Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:ATYT)(TSX:ATY) today announced that
the RADEON(TM) 9500 PRO is now shipping to leading retailers and add-in-board
partners worldwide. Based on the highly acclaimed RADEON(TM) 9700
PRO visual processing unit (VPU), the RADEON 9500 PRO brings many
high-end features, including Microsoft(R) DirectX(R) 9.0 support,
to the performance mainstream market.
"ATI is dominating in every market segment with the addition
of RADEON 9500 PRO to the holiday line-up," said Rick Bergman,
Senior Vice President, Marketing and General Manager, Desktop, ATI
Technologies Inc. "Over the past couple of months, ATI has revolutionized
the graphics industry with the sheer power and performance of the
RADEON 9700 PRO. Now, ATI is continuing to lead the industry by bringing
DirectX(R) 9.0 to the performance mainstream market."
Microsoft's DirectX(R) 9.0 is the platform for which many game developers
are creating their new titles. ATI's RADEON 9500 PRO, RADEON 9500
and RADEON 9700 are the only products that allow performance mainstream
users to access high-end DirectX(R) 9.0 features this holiday season.
With DirectX(R) 9.0 support, eight rendering pipelines, 275/540 clock
speed, and 128-bit memory architecture, the RADEON 9500 PRO crushes
the nearest competing product in performance and visual quality -
making it the best graphics card for the performance mainstream market.
The RADEON 9500 PRO is available from ATI and from the company's
add-in-board partners.
For more information about the RADEON 9500 PRO and ATI's award-winning
holiday product line, visit www.ati.com.
Dec 02 - HP Claims No. 1
Worldwide Position for UNIX, Windows and Linux Servers. HP (NYSE:HPQ)
has taken the No. 1 position in total worldwide UNIX(R) server revenue
and has maintained the No. 1 position in Standard Intel Architecture
Servers revenue for the third quarter of calendar year 2002, according
to figures released today by market research firm IDC.
HP also is No. 1 in total worldwide server shipments (30.3 percent),
shipping more than twice as many servers as IBM. In addition, HP leads
the emerging Itanium(R)-based server market with 80 percent of market
revenue.
HP took the No. 1 spot over a dropping Sun in total worldwide UNIX
servers with 32.9 percent market share. Additionally, it gained 15.8
market share points sequentially (35.6 percent) to take the No. 1
position in high-end worldwide UNIX server revenue, demonstrating
the success of HP Superdome servers and AlphaServer supercomputers
over competitive high-end offerings.
HP's high-end worldwide UNIX revenue increased by 33.9 percent from
Q2 to Q3 2002 as compared with Sun's revenue, which decreased by 44.8
percent, and IBM's, which was down by 57.9 percent in the same period.
In the high-volume worldwide market for Standard Intel Architecture
Servers (SIAS), industry-standard HP ProLiant servers continue to
hold a commanding No. 1 position with 32.2 percent of market shipments,
more than 10 percent over its nearest competitor. In the United States,
HP remains No. 1 in customer revenue market share for industry-standard
servers with 33.3 percent.
HP continued its leadership in Windows(R)-based server shipments,
with HP ProLiant servers holding 35 percent customer revenue market
share worldwide. In the important emerging category of blade servers,
the HP ProLiant BL family held 53.9 percent unit share worldwide,
setting the pace for competitors trying to enter this segment. HP
also maintained its long-standing No. 1 position in the rapidly growing
Linux server market across all server platforms with 31.7 percent
customer revenue market share worldwide.
"HP continues to dominate the highly competitive industry-standard
server category in both unit and revenue market share worldwide,"
said Mary McDowell, senior vice president and general manager, HP
Industry Standard Servers.
"We are showing solid gains in unit share sequentially in EMEA,
where we hold No. 1 market share in every country, and in Latin America
as well. With our commitment to leadership worldwide in four-way,
eight-way and the emerging blade server market, we are well-armed
to continue to drive the success of ProLiant servers further in the
data center."
HP maintained its dominant No.1 position in worldwide midrange UNIX
servers, again gaining share with 42.5 percent of worldwide market
revenue and shipping more than half of all servers in this segment.
By comparison, Sun lost 40.4 percent revenue sequentially in this
market segment. In the entry-level worldwide UNIX market, HP maintains
a No. 2 position, narrowing the gap for the No. 1 spot with Sun, which
lost 7.4 percent market share sequentially.
"HP's strength in the UNIX market is shown by our No. 1 positions
in total, high-end and midrange worldwide UNIX revenue," said
Scott Stallard, senior vice president and general manager, HP Business
Critical Systems. "At this critical time in the market, HP's
results, in contrast to some of our competitors', show solid customer
acceptance and a positive trend for the future."
More information about HP is available at www.hp.com.
Dec 02 - ATI's MOBILITY RADEON Processors
Available in Apple Notebooks. ATI's (NASDAQ:ATYT) (TSE:ATY) award-winning,
industrial-strength mobile visual processor, the MOBILITY(TM) RADEON(TM)
9000 with up to 64MB of integrated DDR RAM is now available in Apple's
elegant and powerful Titanium PowerBook G4 notebook, and the powerful
MOBILITY(TM) RADEON(TM) 7500 with up to 32MB DDR RAM is now available
in the world's most popular consumer and education portable, the Apple
iBook.
"The MOBILITY RADEON 9000's version 1.4 pixel shaders bring
exciting new special effects to Apple's mobile users, while the MOBILITY
RADEON 7500 accelerates 3D visual effects and enables crisp full frame-rate
DVD video to deliver a truly immersive multimedia experience to consumers"
said Reuven Soraya, Director of Marketing, Mobile Business Unit, ATI
Technologies Inc. "ATI is delighted to be working closely with
Apple to deliver impeccable 3D graphics and an outstanding overall
visual experience to Apple's PowerBook G4 and iBook customers."
"The Titanium PowerBook G4 and the new iBook deliver cutting-edge
features in stunning, thin and light portable designs," said
Greg Joswiak, vice president of Hardware Product Marketing. "By
choosing the world's fastest, most feature-rich mobile graphics processors
for both the PowerBook and iBook, we're delivering best-in-class graphics
performance to our professional and consumer portable customers."
The MOBILITY RADEON 9000 is the world's most powerful mobile visual
processor, and is the first and only mobile visual processor to support
version 1.4 pixel and vertex shaders, which deliver breathtaking realism
to the latest 3D games.
The MOBILITY RADEON 7500 graphics processor brings all the features
and performance of a desktop PC to the notebook space, including lightning-fast
3D acceleration, superior video editing capability, smooth DVD (digital
versatile disc) playback, integrated TV-out, multi-monitor support,
and the ability to run the industry's most graphics-intensive applications.
All of the new Titanium PowerBook G4 and iBook models take advantage
of Quartz(TM) Extreme in Mac OS X Jaguar. Quartz Extreme uses the
OpenGL-based graphics engine rather than the G4 processor to accelerate
the compositing and rendering of 2D, 3D, and QuickTime content. The
entire desktop becomes a fully accelerated OpenGL scene to dramatically
improve overall system performance and make the graphical user interface
more responsive. For all-day mobile use, the new notebooks also offer
industry-leading battery life.
For more information, visit www.ati.com.
Dec 02 - Visioneer Announces 2 Megapixel
Digital Cameras Starting At $99. Visioneer, Inc., a leader in
intelligent imaging solutions, today announced three new entry-level
digital cameras -- the Visioneer MX 200, Visioneer MX 230 and Visioneer
LX 200. The lightweight and easy-to-use cameras are designed specifically
for the entry-level digital photographer desiring to take digital
pictures affordably.
"Not everyone who wishes for a digital camera is ready to spend
hundreds of dollars, especially with visual technology changing so
fast," said Murray L. Dennis, Visioneer's president and CEO.
"Our new digital cameras offer a great value for someone who
takes pictures casually or who wants to venture into digital imaging
for the first time. It also will make a great second camera for your
spouse or kids."
All three cameras offer multi-megapixel resolutions capable of generating
sharp, richly colored photos and prints up to 8 x 10 inches. The MX
200 and LX 200 are true 2.0 megapixel cameras with digital zoom for
$99.99 after instant rebate, while the MX 230 is a true 2.0 megapixel
camera with a 3x optical zoom for $179.99 after instant rebate.
The Visioneer MX 200 is available immediately at OfficeMax. The Visioneer
LX 200 is available at Tiger Direct, PC Connection and from Visioneer's
Web site at www.visioneer.com.
The suggested retail price of the MX 200 and the LX 200 is $99.99
after $30 instant rebate through the holidays. The Visioneer MX 230
will be available in the next 30 days from Visioneer's Web site and
through authorized retailers, computer superstores, on-line services
and mail order catalogs. Its suggested retail price is $179.99 after
$20 instant rebate.
Dec 01 - Sunday Shopping
Watch.
Best Sunday Deals - See our Best
Sunday Ad Deals Table below for specific system prices.
Weekly Comparison. It's
another very good weekend to go out and buy a new computer.
Prices were even lower this week than last week. Details follow.
Laptops - Low-end and high-end laptops prices
were lower than last week.
Desktops - Prices on almost all desktop PCs
were lower.
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 6 months of free MSN with any computer purchase.
They also have 24 month no-interest financing on all Pentium 4 desktop
packages and 12 month no-interest financing on all laptops. In addition,
they are offering mail-in rebates of 100-$150 on all desktop packages
and laptops.
Circuit City is offering
12 month no-interest financing for all laptop and desktop package
purchases. They are also offering instant $100 gift cards for all
Pentium 4 processor desktop packages and for all laptop purchases.
Office
Depot
has 6 months no payments, no interest financing for new computer purchases
over $298.
CompUSA is giving 12 month no
interest financing for desktop complete systems and laptops $749 and
higher. They are also offering $100 mail in rebates on AMD processor
desktop packages and $200 mail in rebates on AMD processor laptops.
Staples is offering 12 month no interest
financing for purchases over $798.
Compare
to Online Prices - Compare the Sunday ad prices to
those being offered at DealTime, it searches over 160 online computer
stores.
New Oct
27 ** Shopping Alert on Lower Priced Celerons. The 1.7
GHz Celeron has replaced the 1.4 GHz and slower Celerons in the low-end
retail market. As the 1.7 GHz Celeron is socket compatible with
the Pentium 4, it is potentially upgradeable to faster Pentium 4 processors.
The older 1.4 GHz and slower Celerons cannot be upgraded without a
conversion kit.
Again, most of these low priced desktops have no AGP video expansion
slot, no onboard dedicated video RAM, no CD-RW drive, and very few
empty PCI expansion slots. These computers will be very difficult
to upgrade, and they have poorer performance than other desktops that
do not have integrated video chips on the motherboard.
Often by spending $200-$400 more for a Pentium 4 or Athlon XP based
system, you can get twice the performance, more features, and you
will have an upgradeable computer that will serve you well for another
3 years.
If you choose the $600 Celeron system to save a few bucks, keep in
mind that in a year or two you will probably want to replace it.
Shopping Alert on Lower Priced
Laptops - AMD Duron, AMD Athlon 4, and Intel Pentium III
laptops should only be purchased at significant discounts. These processors
have been superseded by the newer mobile AMD Athlon XP+ and the Intel
Pentium 4-M processors.
About Windows XP. It has been a little over 12
months since Windows XP began to be bundled with new computers. Windows
XP became available for separate purchase on October 25, 2001. For
more information on Windows XP see our Windows
XP Upgrade Guide.
Internet Rebates. Most stores are no longer
advertising 3 year Internet rebates. Check with your local store before
you buy. Please see our article, What
You Need to Know About Internet Rebates and Free PCs, for an in-depth
discussion of Internet Rebates.
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
|
HP 1.7 GHz complete system
|
$599
|
-$100
|
Best Buy
|
|
1. Best Low-cost
Pentium 4
|
Compaq 2.0 GHz system with 17 inch monitor
|
$799
|
-
|
Staples
|
|
2. Best Low-cost
Pentium 4
|
Compaq 2.0 GHz complete system
|
$999
|
-
|
CompUSA, Circuit City
|
|
1. Best High-end Pentium 4 System
|
Sony 2.40 GHz complete system
|
$1099
|
-
|
Best Buy
|
|
2. Best High-end Pentium 4 System
|
HP 2.53 GHz complete system
|
$1249
|
-
|
Circuit City
|
|
3. Best High-end Pentium 4 System
|
HP 2.53 GHz complete system with DVD+RW
|
$1349
|
-$150
|
Best Buy
|
|
4. Best High-end Pentium 4 System
|
HP 3.06 GHz build-to-order
system with 17 inch monitor
|
$1349
|
-$150
|
Best Buy
|
|
Best Low-cost Athlon XP System
|
HP 2000+ build-to-order
system with 17 inch monitor
|
$649
|
-
|
Staples
|
|
Best High-end
Athlon XP System
|
HP 2200+ build-to-order
complete system
|
$899
|
|
Staples
|
|
1. Best Low-cost Notebook
|
Sony Athlon XP 1600+ with DVD/CD-RW
|
$1049
|
-
|
Best Buy
|
|
|
