Mar 14 - Philips Announces New Electonic Devices
for the Connected Home. In its Connected Home concept, based on
the increasing availability of broadband and recent developments in
wireless connectivity of consumer electronics devices, Philips is
developing a range of solutions to facilitate content entering the
home and being distributed around it, creating a Connected Home entertainment
experience for a broad scope of consumer needs.
Philips revolutionizes control of home cinema and
home automation products with iPronto: the dashboard for the digital
home.
The iPronto - the latest member of the Philips Pronto
family of universal remote controls - provides a single device to
control all video, audio and home appliances at the single touch of
a button. It learns any infrared code from another remote by simply
pointing it to the iPronto and pressing a button - or by selecting
it from over five hundred brands in its on-board database.
But that's far from all: Using display and connectivity technology
to get TV listings from the Internet, the iPronto Electronic Program
Guide displays it on its LCD touch screen. So no more wasting your
time by surfing through TV channels to find the programs you want
to watch or record. One touch to select the show you want will automatically
change the channel on your TV.
Philips brings the freedom of wireless connectivity
to online music with the new Streamium MC-i250 Broadband Internet
Audio System.
The MC-i250 is the latest addition to the Streamium
family. It includes all the advantages of its predecessors - broadband
Internet audio connection, automatic music streaming, enviable sound
quality in a sleek micro system - with the added bonus that it can
be wirelessly connected through your home network to all the PCs in
your house, wherever they are, at the click of a button.
So now, with one audio system, you're able to:
- Personalize your Internet radio station just by picking and playing
whatever suits your taste, thanks to our partnerships with the biggest
names in online music. Immerse yourself in the very best and latest
sounds from your preferred genre, through access to dedicated online
music charts.
- Have access, as a Streamium owner, to my.philips.com that lets
you access and manage your online music collection, get special links
to our partners, download the latest software updates, receive news
and information, and make online purchases.
- Wirelessly connect to not just one PC, but also all the PCs connected
to your home network via PC Link. Now you can liberate your vast store
of digital music files stored on your PCs - at the touch of a button.
- Find out which track is playing and which artist recorded it by
hitting the INFO! button, no matter which medium you're using. And
if you're listening to a CD, the MC-i250 will display the disc's details,
courtesy of Gracenote's CDDB CD-recognition service. No need to search
the house for the CD insert.
New Philips Wireless Digital Multimedia Receiver brings PC-based
audio, video and streaming Internet content into the living room.
Now consumers can enjoy all their PC-based audio and video content,
as well as a tremendous choice of streaming Internet media, in the
comfort of their living room with the new Wireless Digital Multimedia
Receiver from Philips. For the first time this new receiver offers
an easy-to-install and easy-to-operate solution to bring the increasingly
popular world of PC-based multimedia to the normal audio systems and
TV sets in consumers' living rooms or anywhere else in the home.
This means users can now enjoy all this PC-based multimedia content
together with family and friends in the convenience and comfort of
their normal home setting, without all the restrictions in terms of
location, as well as viewing and listening freedom, that use of the
PC brings with it.
The new Wireless Digital Multimedia Receiver brings content from
the PC into the living room using a standard IEEE 802.11b ('WiFi')
wireless link, so no complex wiring is needed for installation.
Philips DesXcapeTM 150DM detachable monitor gives users access
to PC data and applications anywhere in the home.
The time of having to sit behind a computer screen to access the
information you need, is over. The DesXcape [pronounced Desk Escape]
from Philips allows you to access the data stored in your computer,
or surf the Internet with all the convenience of a hands free telephone.
The ubiquitous state of technology today means you don't have to
be sat behind your desk in order to be able to pick up emails, surf
the web, or chat to friends. DesXcape is a multifunctional 'smart
display' based on Windows technology. It enables you to access PC
applications and data via a wireless network from anywhere in your
home. It even comes in it's own cradle, so when docked, the DesXcape
transforms from a cutting edge detachable monitor, to a top-of-the-range
LCD computer screen.
For more information, visit www.philips.com.
Mar 14 - Fujitsu Combines Performance,
Functionality, Style With New LifeBook S6000 Notebook. Fujitsu
PC Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702),
today unveiled its latest LifeBook S Series notebook --the LifeBook(R)
S6000 notebook. Featuring Intel(R) Centrino(TM) mobile technology,
the LifeBook S6000 notebook offers groundbreaking performance in a
"thin & light" form factor. Yet it still retains the
same impressive design and dimensions users have come to expect in
this award-winning series.
"The LifeBook S Series has rightfully earned a reputation for
excellence in its design and functionality," said Sara Nelson,
vice president of marketing, Fujitsu PC Corp. "With the addition
of Intel Centrino mobile technology, the LifeBook S6000 notebook takes
the LifeBook S Series family to new heights, combining superior performance
and exceptional functionality with a lot of style."
The LifeBook S6000 notebook is powered by the Intel(R) Pentium(R)
M processor 1.40GHz and features the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless Network
Connection 802.11b and Intel(R) 855GM chipset. This combination of
technologies was designed specifically for mobile applications and
works in concert to deliver the best mobile experience.
Fujitsu will begin shipping the LifeBook S6000 in late April. Models
will start at $1,499. More information on complete line of Fujitsu
mobile computing solutions is available at www.fujitsupc.com.
Mar 14 - Fujitsu Brings High-Speed
Wireless Internet to Notebook, Tablet Users. Fujitsu PC Corporation,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702), today announced
it has teamed with wireless carrier T-Mobile USA Inc. to offer T-Mobile(R)
HotSpot(SM) Wi-Fi(R) (802.11b) wireless broadband (WLAN) service to
LifeBook(R) notebook and Stylistic(R) tablet users at HotSpot locations
across the nation.
With the T-Mobile service, subscribers have instant high-speed wireless
access at more than 2,200 T-Mobile HotSpots in airports, coffeehouses,
bookstores and many other locations. They can use their Wi-Fi-enabled
Fujitsu notebook or tablet to surf the Web, check e-mail or access
their company network. And as an added incentive, for a limited time,
anyone who purchases a Wi-Fi-enabled LifeBook notebook or Stylistic
tablet directly from Fujitsu (www.fujitsupc.com)
and signs up for T-Mobile HotSpot service will receive 2,000 free
minutes of wireless Internet access.
"Fujitsu has continually redefined the concept of 'mobility'
with each new generation of LifeBook notebook and Stylistic tablet,"
said Sara Nelson, vice president of marketing, Fujitsu PC Corporation.
"By adding T-Mobile service to our list of offerings, we are
enabling our customers to get a jumpstart on a 'truly mobile' lifestyle."
"T-Mobile HotSpot offers customers over 2,200 mobile office
locations nationwide," said Laurie Stixrood, executive director
and general manager of T-Mobile's HotSpot group. "By combining
the carrier-class quality and reliability of T-Mobile's HotSpot service
with the next generation wireless enabled notebooks and tablet PCs
from Fujitsu, we are uniquely positioned to offer customers a truly
amazing mobile experience."
All Fujitsu LifeBook notebooks and Stylistic tablets are available
with wireless LAN (802.11b) capabilities -- from the sleek and powerful
LifeBook S Series notebooks to the innovative and highly portable
Stylistic ST4000 Tablet PC. Fujitsu customers have the option of choosing
the T-Mobile HotSpot plan that best matches their particular needs.
More information on Fujitsu mobile computing solutions and the T-Mobile
HotSpot service can be found at www.fujitsupc.com.
Mar 14 - SuSE Linux Introduces New Linux
Version for Home Users. SuSE Linux today unveiled its latest version
of Europe's most popular, and the U.S.'s fastest growing, Linux package
- introducing an easy to use, application rich desktop for home users.
Available April 14, SuSE Linux 8.2, sets a new milestone for ease
of use - incorporating the latest version of KDE 3.1 - giving home
users who want the stability and security of Linux easy transition
from other platforms. Also, the wide variety of the latest Linux tools
and applications provide customers a feature-rich and comprehensive
Open Source operating system.
Desktop Comfort and Feature-Rich Applications for the Home PC
SuSE Linux 8.2 desktop features include:
-- KDE 3.1 - which includes a new look -- eases Internet access
with a new tabbed browsing functionality and includes a
download manager that greatly simplifies downloading. The
scheduler application KOrganizer now supports Exchange 2000
servers, enabling customers to easily sync their KOrganizer
data with Exchange.
-- GNOME 2.2 desktop - with improved usability and the accounting
application GNU Cash that includes the home banking standard
protocol HBCI.
Complete Office Solution
OpenOffice.org 1.0.2 delivers advanced word processing,spreadsheet,
and presentation tools, together with mature filter functions for
data exchange from/to various formats. Also included are advanced
fax and phone capabilities for ISDN cards-- incoming fax messages
can be received by e-mail and calls can be automatically received
by e-mail as sound files.
Everything for Multimedia and Mobility
In addition to CD/DVD writing applications, sound mixing, editing,
and an integrated synthesizer, SuSE Linux 8.2 is the first distribution
to include MainActor, a professional video editing application, enabling
customers to compose and edit digital movies. The KDE scanning application
Kooka and the commercial OCR tool Kadmos enable users to scan both
printed and hand-written texts into the word processing application.
Quick, Easy Installation
SuSE Linux 8.2's unique installation and configuration tool --YaST2
-- gives users the fastest, most comprehensive and secure set-up package
in the industry - quickly and easily installing the software, identifying
hardware components, setting up user administration, and configuring
Internet access. The new SuSE Watcher also automatically informs users
about security-related enhancements, enabling them to keep their systems
always up-to-date.
Availability and Pricing
On April 14, SuSE Linux 8.2 will be available directly from the manufacturer
via www.suse.com and at computer retailers.
The recommended retail price for SuSE Linux 8.2 Personal (3 CDs, User
Guide, 60 days of installation support) is $39.95; the price for SuSE
Linux 8.2 Professional (5 CDs, 2 DVDs, User Guide + Administration
Guide, 90 days of installation support) is $79.95.
More information is available at www.suse.com.
Mar 14 - SOYO Poised to Enter the Wireless
Networking Market With the Launch of Aerielink. SOYO(R) Group,
Inc. (OTCBB:SOYO), the leading global maker of award-winning motherboards,
computer peripheral, portable USB flash devices, and barebone systems,
today introduced a new line of complete wireless networking products
for the expanding home and SOHO users. SOYO's Aerielink(R) wireless
router kit is the first in the new line of high reliability wireless
routers and access points, network interface cards (NIC), and wireless
gateways.
Based on the maturing IEEE 802.11b standard, the Aerielink Wireless
Router Kit, AS-WRO1401, features a wireless router and wireless USB
adaptor for desktop and mobile devices. To capture the high volume
entry-level market, Aerielink's kit is aggressively priced and features
a user-friendly setup interface enabling plug-and-play capability.
Packing in an incredible transfer rate of 11 Mbps, the Aerielink
wireless adapter for desktop and notebook PC features a convenient
USB connector, support for 64- and 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy
(WEP) encryption for secured networking, and two antennas (internal
and external) for extended transmission range.
The Aerielink wireless router demystifies wireless networking with
its full feature set and universal compatibility. Simple set up and
configuration makes this product perfect for first time users. It
offers IP sharing, firewall, power over Ethernet, and can double as
a 4-port switch or home gateway. Once connected with other networked
PCs, the wireless network allows users to share hard drives, DVD and
CD drives, printers and provides shared access to a cable or DSL modem
for Internet access.
"Wireless home networking has taken off among savvy, more technical
home PC users who have installed such systems on their own,"
said Bruce Lin, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "However,
we see a growing demand among entry level home and SOHO users who
seek cost effective solutions. The Aerielink Router Kit offers the
best of both worlds, a full feature set at a competitive price."
"Upgrading from a wired to a wireless network can be intimidating,"
said Ming Chok, President & CEO. "In addition to the price
incentive, we offer online troubleshooting and free technical support
to ensure high customer satisfaction."
The Aerielink Wireless Router Kit is available immediately through
authorized SOYO resellers at a MSRP of $169. Further information on
SOYO products can be found online at
www.soyousa.com.
Mar 14 - DVD Recorder Sales Will Pass DVD
Players Within Three Years. According to new research from Strategy
Analytics, DVD video recorders are set to become the next hot trend
in digital consumer electronics. The findings, released to subscribers
to the Broadband Device Strategies service, show that worldwide sales
this year will reach 2.7 million units and be worth $1 Billion in
retail revenues.
By 2005, consumers will spend more on DVD recorders than on play-only
DVD players. Falling DVD recorder prices are being driven by competition
between different format vendors and by new suppliers in the Far East
and China.
Japanese consumers are already rapidly switching to DVD recorders,
and this trend is now set to hit both the US and European markets.
The average price of a DVD recorder will fall to $600 this year and
to $450 in 2004, encouraging DVD owners to replace and upgrade their
existing players.
"The arrival of DVD video recorders kick-starts the first wave
of DVD player replacement," notes Peter King, Director, Broadband
Device Strategies at Strategy Analytics. "The rivalry between
different recording formats such as DVD-RAM and DVD+RW is actually
proving beneficial by driving down prices more rapidly. Consumers
can rest assured that all recorders will play all DVDs, and that's
what counts."
The report predicts annual sales of DVD video recorders worldwide
will reach 42.1 million in 2008. By 2008, ownership of DVD recorders
will be in 40 percent of homes in the US, 33 percent of homes in Europe
and 62 percent of homes in Japan.
For more information, see www.strategyanalytics.com.
Mar 14 - Notebook Manufacturer SOTEC America
Changes Name to AVERATEC. SOTEC America, an emerging leader in
innovative computing products, today announced an exciting branding
transformation that entails a corporate name change to AVERATEC, Inc
with an ensuing message of "mobility without boundaries."
"Today, we officially unveiled our new corporate identity,"
said Saeed Shahbazi, President of AVERATEC. "The AVERATEC brand
will continue to symbolize a company whose key initiatives are to
create innovative, stylish, high-quality, high-volume portable electronic
products, backed by superior service."
This transition is extremely timely since AVERATEC will launch its
next-generation thin and light notebooks in April 2003. Customers,
partners, and channel alliances will again experience the company's
commitment to bringing innovative products to the mobile computing
world market with a 100% customer satisfaction program. AVERATEC's
sister companies, AVERATEC Europe and AVERATEC Asia, will further
expand the company's global presence.
This brand enhancement is representative of the increasingly important
role the company plays in providing products that enrich people's
lives in an all in one package at a fraction of the cost. At the same
time the company is driving the personal computing market forward.
AVERATEC will continue to support all products purchased under the
SOTEC America brand. For more information about AVERATEC, visit www.averatec.com.
Mar 13 - Intel Launches
Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology. Intel Corporation
today introduced Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology, integrating
wireless capability into a new generation of mobile PCs that will
bring business users and consumers greater freedom to connect in new
places and in new ways.
Representing
Intel's best technology for mobile PCs, Intel Centrino mobile technology
includes a new mobile processor, related chipsets and 802.11 wireless
network functions that have been optimized, tested and validated to
work together. In addition to wireless communications, Intel Centrino
mobile technology includes features designed to enable extended battery
life, thinner and lighter notebook designs, and outstanding mobile
performance.
"Unwiring the PC will change the way people use computers, allowing
them to communicate, be productive or be entertained wherever and
whenever they want," said Craig Barrett, Intel's chief executive
officer. "Our focus on integrating all the elements of mobility
allows Intel Centrino mobile technology to deliver an outstanding
wireless computing experience and marks the first time we've put a
combination of technologies under a single brand. This breakthrough
innovation, together with industry-wide investment and Wi-Fi hotspot
deployments, brings new computing and communications capabilities
to businesses and consumers, adding value to mobile PCs."
Intel Centrino mobile technology-based notebook PCs are available
immediately from leading computer makers worldwide. System pricing
will start as low as $1,399, comparable to today's mainstream notebooks.
Computer shoppers can identify these notebooks by a Centrino brand
logo featuring a striking magenta color and the Intel Inside®
mark.
The Technology Inside
The technology represented by the Intel Centrino mobile technology
brand combines the Intel® Pentium® M processor, the Intel®
855 Chipset Family and the Intel® PRO/Wireless 2100 Network Connection.
All components were optimized, validated and tested to work together
with mobility in mind.
The processor is based on a new mobile-optimized microarchitecture
that delivers higher performance and lower power consumption to enable
longer battery life in today's mainstream systems. Key features include:
Micro-Ops Fusion, which combines two micro-operations into one, enabling
it to execute faster and at lower power; Advanced Branch Prediction
-- a new implementation technique -- to help to reduce overall latency
in the system contributing to higher performance at lower power; and
the Dedicated Stack Manager, which reduces the overall number of micro-operations
required to generate higher performance at lower power.
The processor is manufactured using Intel's industry-leading 0.13-micron
process technology and consists of 77 million transistors. It also
includes a 400 MHz power optimized system bus, a 1 MB low-power L2
cache (which turns off parts of the high-speed memory when it's not
needed), and technology to reduce overall platform power consumption.
It also provides support for Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® technology
with multiple voltage and frequency operating points, and Streaming
SIMD Extensions II.
The
Intel 855 chipset family includes two new chipsets developed exclusively
for the mobile market segment, the 855PM supporting discrete graphics
and 855GM with integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics 2 technology.
The new chipsets also support Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology,
Deeper Sleep Alert State and an internal timer that automatically
turns off the chipset clock when the chipset is inactive. The 855GM
chipset also includes a low-power graphics power management mode.
Both chipsets include a 400MHz processor system bus and support for
up to 2GB of DDR 266 memory, along with support for USB 2.0 and Intel's
I/O Hub Architecture.
The Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 Network Connection has been designed
and validated to connect easily to 802.11b Wi-Fi certified access
points. It also supports advanced wireless LAN security including
802.1x, WEP and VPN technologies, and will be software upgradeable
to support WPA. In addition, through strategic collaboration with
Cisco Systems, Intel Centrino mobile technology will support Cisco*
LEAP and will be software upgradeable to Cisco* Compatible Extensions.
The Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 network connection has also been verified
with leading VPN (virtual private network) suppliers. The wireless
card is also available with Intel® PROSet Software, which offers
many ease-of-use and low power features. It also supports an Intel
developed technology that reduces interference with 802.11 signals
and certain Bluetooth™ devices.
Measuring Mobile Performance And Battery Life
As measured by MobileMark™ 2002, the industry's first benchmark
testing a combination of battery life and performance, Intel Centrino
mobile technology-based systems can deliver up to five hours of battery
life or more,* compared to about four hours on mobile Intel® Pentium®
III processor-M-based system and about 3 hours on mobile Intel®
Pentium® 4 processor-M-based systems.
On the same benchmark, Intel Centrino mobile technology offers 41
percent faster performance on multitasking office productivity applications
compared to a mobile Intel Pentium III processor-M 1.2 GHz, and a
15 percent improvement compared to the mobile Intel Pentium 4 processor-M
2.4 GHz system.
In addition, users of Intel Centrino mobile technology based-systems
will find 59 percent better performance in their Internet experience
as measured by the WebMark* benchmark when compared to the mobile
Intel PentiumIII processor-M 1.2GHz and a 13 percent improvement gain
when compared to the mobile Intel Pentium 4 processor-M 2.4GHz.
Product Pricing
Intel Centrino mobile technology pricing includes the Intel 855PM
chipset, Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 network connection, and the Intel
Pentium M Processor at speeds of 1.60, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30 GHz priced
at $720, $506, $377, $292 respectively in 1,000 unit quantities. Intel
Centrino mobile technology also is available in a low voltage processor
at 1.10 GHz and an ultra-low-voltage processor at 900 MHz priced at
$345, and $324 respectively.
These prices represent the cost of each component (processor, chipset,
WLAN) that together make up Intel's Centrino mobile technology. Intel
also sells each device separately.
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.
Mar 13 - Toshiba Announces Full Suite
of Intel Centrino Notebooks. Toshiba's Computer Systems Group
(CSG), today announced a full suite of Intel(R) Centrino(TM) mobile
technology-based notebooks for mobile professionals who value advanced
performance, integrated wireless LAN capability and extended battery
life benefits.
Toshiba's Satellite Pro(R) M15 represents the first Intel Centrino
mobile technology notebook in retail stores. In addition, the new
Satellite Pro M10, Tecra(R) M1, Tecra S1 and Portege(R) R100 notebooks
offer corporate customers and traveling professionals the latest technology
designed for optimal productivity through increased battery life performance
and wireless connectivity.
"Intel's development of the Intel Centrino mobile technology
architecture strengthens Toshiba's wireless initiatives and directly
compliments our strong focus on innovative mobile design," said
Oscar Koenders, vice president product marketing and worldwide product
planning for Toshiba CSG. "Our new products are a direct result
of our collaboration with Intel to drive the proliferation of mobile
and wireless computing, while bringing Toshiba customers exceptional
performance and extended battery life to enhance the notebook experience
and increase productivity."
"Intel and Toshiba share a strong vision to bring new mobile
and wireless computing choices to mainstream consumer and business
customers," said Anand Chandrasekher, vice president and general
manager, Intel's Mobile Platforms Group. "Our combined efforts
provide PC users with the notebook devices that allow people to work
and play remotely, wirelessly and in a variety of usage scenarios."
Satellite Pro M10/15 Combines Consumer and Professional Features
The newly designed Satellite Pro M10/15 Series adds the perfect balance
of multimedia features and style for both work and home use. It combines
Intel Centrino mobile technology, 15-inch diagonal display, NVIDIA(R)
GeForce4(TM) 420 Go graphics, Harman/Kardon(R) stereo speakers, a
DVD-ROM/CD-RW multi-function drive, convenient CD and DVD playback
buttons and a swappable Slim SelectBay(TM) for added flexibility and
expansion capabilities.
It also includes dual mouse control (Accupoint(TM) pointing device
and touchpad) functionality, one-touch TV-out button to easily connect
to a television with a touch of a button, Secure Digital(R) slot and
an i.Link(TM) (IEEE 1394) port and featuring 5.5 hours of battery
life(a) with one battery and up to nine hours with two batteries.
Tecra M1 Series Designed For Corporate Customers and IT Managers
Weighing only 5.7 pounds and featuring more than six hours of battery
life(a) (10 plus hours with optional second battery), the Tecra M1
Series incorporates Intel's Centrino mobile technology and provides
customers with advanced power, battery optimization and wireless connectivity.
Meanwhile, IT managers will enjoy the Tecra-family benefits of a stable,
configurable notebook with a long product lifecycle.
The Tecra Series M1 also includes enhanced features such as a brightness
sensor to control the 14-inch diagonal display in different environmental
settings and a one-touch presentation button so the user can easily
connect to a projector. A variety of communication options provide
access to information on a corporate network and/or Internet via integrated
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/b or 802.11b), Bluetooth, integrated 10/100/1000
Ethernet port and built-in V.92 modem.
The unit also includes a Secure Digital Media slot and an integrated
i.Link(R) (IEEE 1394) port for ultra-fast data transfer from a variety
of multimedia products.
Tecra S1 Series Provides Professionals and IT Managers A Scaleable
Desktop-Replacement
Toshiba's latest addition to the Tecra family, the Tecra S1 Series,
incorporates Intel Centrino mobile technology, providing advanced
power, battery optimization and wireless connectivity delivering corporate
customers a stable, scaleable notebook with an easy-to-configure platform.
This desktop replacement offers heavyweight performance and features
in a mainstream, notebook platform.
At just more than six pounds, customers don't have to sacrifice portability
in order to gain desktop functionality. Comfort, style and convenience
are also provided with a full-sized keyboard, 15-inch diagonal display
(XGA/UXGA), integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b or 802.11b) and Bluetooth.
Portege R100 Series Offers the Ultimate in Mobility
At 2.4 pounds and 0.6 inches thin, the Portege R100 Series is the
consummate ultraportable productivity tool for the highly mobile executive.
The notebook includes Intel Centrino mobile technology and integrated
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/b or 802.11b).
In addition, a 12-inch diagonal poly silicon display, 1.8-inch 20-30GB(b)
HDD and optional PC Card DVD drive and slim port replicator round
out the advantages. The primary battery offers up to two hours of
battery life(a) and up to six and one half hours can be enjoyed with
the second battery that is included with the unit.
ConfigFree(TM) Software Takes the Hassle out of Wireless Connections
All of Toshiba's Intel Centrino mobile technology notebooks ship
standard with Toshiba's own uniquely designed ConfigFree software
which allows easy control of communication devices and Wi-Fi connections.
It enables the end user to find communications problems, offers the
user suggestions and also creates profiles for easy switching between
locations and communication networks.
This cuts down on an organization's overall support costs and eliminates
needless trouble shooting calls to Toshiba's service and support call
center. And most importantly, it keeps the end user productive by
minimizing unnecessary down time.
Common Components Reduce Qualification Time and Further Lower
TCO
Toshiba is building on its reputation for reducing TCO (total cost
of ownership) by incorporating common components, accessories and
docking solutions. The Satellite Pro M10, Tecra M1 and Tecra S1 share
common components such as memory, most Slim SelectBay options (up
to six including optical drive options, weight saver and added storage),
wireless components, hard drive and SD Memory slot, so IT managers
reduce the qualification time that would be required for differing
components.
This compatibility allows IT managers to standardize hardware throughout
their corporate enterprise, simplify product procurement and reduce
support and inventory costs.
Pricing and Availability
The Satellite Pro M15 is available immediately at Toshiba's retail
distribution channels including computer superstores and consumer
electronic stores. The Tecra M1 and Portege R100 are available via
corporate direct, shoptoshiba.com, mail order and traditional distribution
channels.
The Tecra S1 is available via corporate direct and traditional distribution
channels. The Satellite Pro M10 is available via shoptoshiba, mail
order and traditional distribution channels. Estimated prices are
as follows:
-- Satellite Pro M15 $1,999
-- Satellite Pro M10 $2,079
-- Tecra M1 $2,154
-- Tecra S1 $1,979
-- Portege R100 $2,199
For more information, visit www.toshiba.com.
Mar 13 - Dell Delivers New Family of
Innovative Latitude Notebook Computers. Dell (Nasdaq:DELL) today
announced a redesigned line of its award-winning Latitude notebook
computers and docking solutions, incorporating advancements derived
from two years of customer feedback.
The first two models, the Latitude D600 and D800, offer combinations
of features and designs that include a Tri-Metal(tm) chassis and integrated
wireless networking technology. Both can be paired with the D/View
stand, which uses the notebook's flat-panel display as its primary
monitor, saving space and cost for corporate customers.
"We've been working for two years with customers and IT managers
to develop this new portfolio of notebooks for business users,"
said John Medica, senior vice president and general manager, Dell
product group. "Through direct customer feedback we've designed
these notebooks to meet, and in many cases exceed, their specific
needs, including innovations in form factor, features, materials and
usability."
The new Latitude "D-Family" builds on the award-winning
"C-Family" of Dell notebooks, which set the industry standard
for commonality and compatibility of accessories, including docking,
media modules and AC adapters. Introduced in 1997, the Latitude C-Family
became one of the most popular selling notebooks worldwide, helping
Dell achieve the No. 1 position in medium and large business notebook
sales since 2000. Dell will continue to sell C-Family notebooks for
customers this year during a transition to the D-Family products.
The moonlight silver notebooks feature user-friendly design elements
that will be common across the new product line. An improved layout
provides easy access to the side module bay, and the smart-port location
simplifies cable management. Each D-family notebook will also ship
with QuickSet, a customizable software application that allows users
to easily control power management settings, monitor system status,
enlarge icons for high-resolution displays, and more.
For desktop functionality and convenience, the D-family notebooks
will utilize the D/Port advanced port replicator or D/Dock expansion
station, as well as the new space-saving D/View notebook stand. This
unique docking station takes advantage of the new bottom docking port,
allowing users to elevate the notebook display to eye-level and making
an external monitor optional.
The D/View notebook stand was developed in collaboration with customers,
including a Fortune 500 company in the automotive industry. Over the
past two years, Dell met with a variety of customers to gather feedback
and demonstrate progress. End users and IT mangers attended customer
advisory councils at Dell's Round Rock, Texas, headquarters, or discussed
the products and ways to reduce costs in deploying them during traveling
"tech tours" in major cities around the world.
Based on customer requirements for investment protection and "future-proofing,"
D-Family notebooks include integrated smart card and Gigabit(b) Ethernet
capability, dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless antennas and optional
Bluetooth connectivity. Both the D600 and the D800 feature come equipped
standard with Intel's Centrino(tm) Mobile Technology, featuring Intel's
new Pentium(tm) M processor, which delivers high performance with
lower power requirements, contributing to longer battery life, and
Intel's PRO wireless 2100 (802.11b). Customers can also choose Dell's
TrueMobile(tm) 1300 (802.11b/g) or the TrueMobile 1400 (802.11a/b/g)
wireless solution.
About the Latitude D600
The new Latitude D600 is designed for the user who needs full function
in a thin and light package. With a starting weight of 4.68 lbs and
a starting price of $1,399, the D600 delivers an optimal combination
of price, performance and portability.
About the Latitude D800
The new Latitude D800 represents a revolutionary step forward in
performance notebooks, optimized for graphic intensive solutions and
multimedia applications. Starting at $1,699, the D800 utilizes the
same docks and accessories as the D600, and offers several additional
features for the power hungry user, including: 15.4-inch wide aspect
display, leading-edge graphics with up to 64MB of dedicated memory,
and an IEEE 1394 port.
Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.
Mar 13 - AMD Jump-Starts Competition in
Thin-and-Light Notebook Market; Unveils 12 New Mobile Processors.
At CeBIT today, AMD (NYSE:AMD) boosted competition in the notebook
PC industry by introducing 12 new mobile processors for thin-and-light
and high-performance notebooks. AMD partnered with leading notebook
manufacturers such as EPSON DIRECT, Fujitsu Siemens Computers Consumer
Division and Sharp Corporation to deliver on-the-go productivity and
extended battery life for virtually all major notebook categories.
"AMD continues to bring competition to the PC marketplace while
helping OEMs differentiate their mobile solutions and provide their
customers with a choice of outstanding notebooks," said Rob Herb,
executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer for
AMD. "Today's announcement means that notebook PC manufacturers
can select from a wide array of mobile AMD Athlon(TM) XP-M processors,
combining them with a variety of best-in-class wireless and chipset
solutions to meet the needs of both business and home consumers."
Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processors are designed with an open architecture,
helping to ensure that the best available 802.11 wireless solutions
from leading companies can be easily integrated into AMD processor-based
mobile systems. OEMs can choose any wireless solution, including 802.11a,
802.11b and 802.11g, to best meet the needs of their customers.
AMD Processors for Thin-and-Light Notebooks
AMD is introducing the low-voltage mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processors
1800+, 1700+, 1600+, 1500+ and 1400+ with micro PGA packaging for
the thin-and-light notebook market. This marks the first time AMD
mobile processors will be featured in thin-and-light notebooks weighing
less than four pounds, providing outstanding portability and extended
system battery life for end users.
"The thin-and-light market represents the largest and fastest-growing
segment of the notebook PC market," said Matt Sargent, director
of research, Personal Computers, ARS. "The ability of manufacturers
to customize their mobile solutions and offer a broad range of choices
to notebook buyers becomes even more critical as small-business and
home consumers join enterprises in the quest for portability and connectivity."
AMD Processors for Full-Size Notebooks
AMD is also introducing new mobile processors designed for end users
who require high performance and extended system battery life in a
full-size notebook. Featuring 640KB of full-speed, on-chip cache,
the mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processor 2500+ outperforms competitive
mobile PC processors by up to eight percent on a variety of industry-standard
benchmarks.
AMD is now offering the AMD Athlon XP-M processors 2600+, 2500+,
2400+, 2200+ and 2000+ to meet the high-performance needs of business
and home users. Both the AMD Athlon XP-M processors 2400+ and 2200+
are available in desktop replacement and mainstream notebook form
factors.
Worldwide Availability
AVERATEC, Inc. plans to have thin-and-light notebook PCs based on
new AMD mobile processors in major retail businesses in the U.S.,
Europe and Asia in the second quarter of 2003.
Fujitsu PC is expected to offer the thin-and-light LifeBook S2000
powered by the low-voltage mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processor in the
U.S. immediately through retailer and reseller channels.
Sharp is expected to offer the thin-and-light Mebius Muramasa PC-MV1-VC1
notebook PC featuring the low-voltage mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processor
in Japan by the end of March.
EPSON DIRECT in Japan plans to offer new mobile AMD processor-based
full-size notebook PCs in April. HP plans to offer models based on
AMD's new processors for mainstream notebooks in the first half of
2003. Fujitsu Siemens Computers plans to offer AMILO A notebooks for
the consumer market beginning March 12 throughout Europe.
Pricing
All pricing is in 1,000-unit quantities. The new mobile processors
for thin-and-light notebook PCs are priced from $71 to $147. New mobile
processors for full-size notebook PCs are priced from $87 to $246.
About the Mobile AMD Athlon(TM) XP-M Processor
The mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processors are compatible with AMD's Socket
A infrastructure, and support the advanced 266MHz AMD Athlon front-side
bus. The low-voltage mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processors are pin compatible
with Socket A infrastructure, but are packaged in a smaller uPGA package.
Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processors are manufactured using AMD's 0.13
micron copper process technology at Fab 30 in Dresden, Germany.
For more information, visit www.amd.com.
Mar 12 - Intel Xeon Processors Speed Past
3 GHz. Intel Corporation today introduced its fastest Intel(R)
Xeon(TM) processors, exceeding 3 GHz, for dual processor servers and
workstations. The company also said that more than 9,000 companies
around the world are now selling components or systems based on the
Intel Xeon processor family.
The Intel Xeon processor at 3.06 GHz features a 512 KB level two
cache and a 533 MHz system bus and the Intel Xeon processor at 3 GHz
includes a 512 KB level two cache and a 400 MHz system bus.
"Intel continues to raise the bar on system performance and
manufacturing execution by delivering the first processors to exceed
3 GHz for dual processor servers and workstations to system vendors
worldwide," said Richard Dracott, director of marketing for Intel's
Enterprise Platforms Group. "In 2003, we will continue to enhance
the Intel Xeon processor family with industry leading performance
and scalability."
Systems based on Intel Xeon processors are used as general-purpose
servers for Web hosting, data caching, search engines, security and
streaming media, and as workstations for digital content creation,
mechanical and electrical design, financial analysis, and 3D modeling.
The Intel Xeon processor at 3.06 GHz is drop-in compatible with existing
systems designed with the Intel(R) E7501 or Intel(R) E7505 chipsets,
which have shipped in volume since November 2002, while the Intel
Xeon processor at 3 GHz is drop-in compatible with systems designed
with the Intel(R) E7500 or Intel(R) 860 chipsets.
The Intel Xeon processor at 3.06 GHz and the Intel Xeon processor
at 3 GHz are available worldwide. Intel's suggested list prices are
$722 and $658 respectively in 1,000-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.
Mar 12 - AMD Chairman Jerry Sanders Discusses
Accelerating Recovery of Semiconductor Industry. Founder and Chairman
Jerry Sanders delivered a keynote address at Semico Research's annual
summit this morning, stressing that the adoption of a customer-centric
approach to technology development --listening to customers and delivering
truly innovative solutions based on their needs -- is essential to
help increase information technology spending in the enterprise. Sanders
defined "True Innovation" as innovation which makes the
greatest possible technology relevant and available to the widest
possible audience.
In addition to his keynote, Sanders was honored by Semico Research
with its Bellwether Award. The Bellwether Award recognizes semiconductor
industry leaders for their unique contribution to the advancement
of their company's products and success. The award was presented to
Sanders by Walden Rhines, Chairman and CEO of Mentor Graphics, the
recipient of the award at the 2002 Summit.
"I am honored to be recognized by Semico Research for a lifetime
of passionate dedication to an industry that truly has changed the
way people work and live all over the world," said Sanders. "During
the course of my career, the semiconductor industry has endured its
peaks and valleys. However, one thing that has remained a constant
is that truly innovative technology has always been the catalyst for
our industry's growth.
"The great challenge our industry faces in maintaining the 10
to 12 percent compound annual growth rate I predict is not discovering
a new phenomenon that will ignite our growth, but instead preserving
the very foundation of True Innovation: free and open competition."
Sanders focused his remarks on how the semiconductor industry might
accelerate its own recovery by strategically encouraging IT spending
in the enterprise sector. "Enterprise customers are not saying
they do not need new technology. They are not claiming that technology
is not a priority. They are saying that for the first time since the
start of the technology boom 10 years ago, spending is tight and there
will be a much more disciplined look at which technology can best
deliver on its promise while existing in today's economic realities.
To get the enterprise buying again, we should develop technology with
radical and relevant advances in functionality at dramatically lower
costs."
Sanders pointed to the divergent choices available in 64-bit computing
as a prime example of how the new spending criteria of the enterprise
may impact semiconductor industry growth. "On April 22nd, AMD
is scheduled to launch a 64-bit technology that lets the customer
-- not the supplier -- decide just which machines and how many people
need 64-bit power."
Sanders urged Semico Summit attendees to respond to the economic
crisis facing enterprise customers by following the principles of
True Innovation, even if it threatens the very business models that
made the semiconductor industry rich during the tech boom. "The
engine for growth in the semiconductor industry has always been offering
greater functionality at lower cost. We must get back to the roots
that made our industry one of the most important in the world. We
must get back to competing openly and fairly by creating breakthrough
technology that is available to the widest possible audience."
Sanders' presentation is available in AMD's virtual pressroom at
www.amd.com/virtualpress/speeches.
Mar 12 - VIA Announces Serial
ATA RAID Controller. VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator
and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions,
today announced the VIA VT6420 Serial ATA RAID Controller, the first
controller to feature, SATA, RAID and a Parallel ATA-133 interface
in a single chip package. Providing platform providers and system
builders with the flexibility to reach multiple market segments and
price points, the VIA VT6420 incorporates the very latest in IDE technology
and is compatible with hard drives and IDE devices from all leading
vendors.
The VIA VT6420 features two Serial ATA channels, supporting up to
4 devices, as well as one Parallel ATA channel supporting up to two
devices. For even more flexibility, the VIA VT6420 has a SATALITE
Interface which, when paired with a single Silicon Image Sil3012 external
PHY chip, adds 2 more SATA channels at very low cost. The VIA VT6420
will be demonstrated at the upcoming CeBIT 2003 in Hannover, Germany.
"The combination of the new ultra fast dual channel Serial ATA
interface at 150MB/s, the flexibility of multi level RAID configurations
and backwards compatibility with Parallel ATA, delivers a whole new
value proposition to the marketplace," commented Richard Brown,
Director of Marketing at VIA Technologies, Inc. "We believe the
VT6420 will propel Serial ATA toward mainstream market penetration
in Q4 2003."
"Maxtor believes that Serial ATA hard drives and products such
as these are paving the way for mainstream adoption of Serial ATA
and will help ease the integration of Serial ATA into storage solutions
designed for performance-oriented and bulk storage applications such
as video editing and near-line storage," said Robert Wise, director
of product marketing, Maxtor Corporation. "We look forward to
continuing our relationship with VIA and applaud their effort to help
accelerate the adoption of SATA into a broad variety of applications."
About the VIA VT6420 Serial ATA RAID Controller
The VIA VT6420, with dual channel Serial ATA for up to four devices,
offers a genuine 150MB/s data transfer rate between storage devices
and CPU, giving a significant performance improvement in data intensive
and bulk storage applications. The Serial ATA interface also offers
much simpler and more practical cabling and installation that will
help system builders improve airflow within the system chassis. The
VIA VT6420 also boasts the unique SATALITE interface that leverages
the Silicon Image Sil3012 external PHY chip to add an additional two
Serial ATA Channels.
In addition to Serial ATA, the VIA VT6420 provides multi level RAID
support including RAID level 0 for maximum performance, RAID Level
1 for maximum security, RAID level 0+1 and JBOD. To ensure backwards
compatibility the VT6420 also integrates a single channel parallel
ATA-133 controller, eliminating the need for adaptors. The VIA VT6420
is compatible with a complete range of Intel, AMD and VIA based processing
platforms, Microsoft Windows® 9X/ME/NT4/2K/XP and major Linux
based Operating Systems.
A single chip solution with a small 15mm square BGA package, the
VIA VT6240 is sampling now and will start volume shipment in April.
For further information on the VIA VT6420, please see the VIA website
at: www.via.com.tw/en/Products/vt6420.jsp.
Mar 12 - MPEG LA Resolves Apex Lawsuit.
MPEG LA is pleased to report that the action it filed against Apex
Digital Inc. for failure to pay royalties was amicably resolved at
the end of 2002. Apex has paid all amounts due as reflected in its
royalty reports, and the fact that the matter could be resolved in
such an expeditious fashion is a credit to Apex, and will benefit
both Apex and MPEG LA in the future.
MPEG LA, LLC
MPEG LA successfully pioneered one-stop technology standards licensing
beginning with a portfolio of essential patents for the international
digital video compression standard known as MPEG-2, which it began
licensing in 1997. One-stop technology standards licensing enables
widespread technological implementation, interoperability and use
of fundamental technologies covered by many patents owned by many
patent holders. MPEG LA provides users with fair, reasonable, nondiscriminatory
access to these essential patents on a worldwide basis under a single
license.
For more information, please refer to http://www.mpegla.com,
http://www.1394la.com and http://www.dvbla.com.
Mar 12 - February Component Order Index
Shows Modest Gain. Electronic component orders increased in February
compared to last year, but falling prices kept revenue growth flat
according to the monthly index issued by the Electronic Components,
Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA).
"Despite the geopolitical uncertainty facing most companies
today, business is better than last year and growth appears to be
poised for upward movement over the next six months," says Bob
Willis, ECA president. Willis expects that pent-up demand will increase
growth in most segments of the electronics economy, but the question
remains whether prices will begin to rebound.
"Units are up, but it is hard in this climate to eek out any
real sales success," says John Denslinger, ECA chair and senior
vice president of sales for Murata Electronics. "The industry
is continuing to adjust its infrastructure to reduce costs, as manufacturing
in Southeast Asia continues to grow rapidly."
The Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association
(ECA) represents manufacturers and producers of passive and active
electronic components, component arrays and assemblies, and materials
and support services. It is a sector of the Electronic Industries
Alliance (EIA), comprising more than 2,100 members that represent
80 percent of the $430 billion U.S. electronics industry. ECA members
benefit from a dynamic link into a network of programs and activities
in areas such as business and technical information, market research
trends and analysis, access to industry and government leaders, technical
and education training, and others.
For more information, visit www.ecaus.org.
Mar 11 - NVIDIA Unveils New GeForce FX
GPUs. NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA), the worldwide leader
in visual processing solutions, today introduced its top-to-bottom
family of NVIDIA® GeForce™ FX graphics processing units (GPUs),
designed to bring cinematic computing to all desktop PCs.
The NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200, the industry’s first
value DirectX® 9.0-class GPU, and the NVIDIA GeForce FX 5600,
the industry’s highest performing DirectX 9.0-class GPU for the
mainstream market.
“Today, NVIDIA is changing the way computer games look and feel,”
said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO of NVIDIA. “With prices
as low as $79, the GeForce FX family gives every consumer and PC gamer
a platform for experiencing cinematic graphics the way it’s meant
to be played. With more than 1.5 million GeForce FX GPUs planned to
be available by the end of April, the cinematic computing era is in
full swing.”
Joining the award-winning, enthusiast-class GeForce FX 5800 GPU,
the new GeForce FX mainstream GPUs are designed to address a full
range of price and performance levels, all sharing the same cinematic
computing feature set, including the CineFX™ architecture with
advanced vertex and pixel shaders for stunning special effects.
In addition, the GeForce FX family of desktop graphics processors
is supported by the NVIDIA Unified Driver Architecture (UDA)—the
industry’s only true binary-compatible software architecture,
guaranteeing software compatibility and stability, enabling the industry’s
most reliable graphics platform.
The new additions to the GeForce FX family of GPUs include:
The GeForce FX 5600 GPU—Delivering cinematic graphics for the
mainstream market, the GeForce FX 5600 GPU incorporates the full GeForce
FX feature set, including Intellisample 2.0 for stunning quality enthusiast
gaming. The GeForce FX 5600 GPUs deliver 30% more performance at half
the price of the GeForce4 Ti 4600.
The GeForce FX 5200 GPU—The industry’s first value DirectX
9.0-class GPU, the GeForce FX 5200 GPU delivers GeForce FX cinematic
computing and market-leading performance with best-in-class features
and reliability for as low as $79 USD MSRP.
“In 2003, NVIDIA celebrates a decade of innovation and technology
leadership in the graphics industry,” stated Huang. “We
continue this tradition by delivering a full series of DirectX 9.0
GPUs in record time, approximately 100 days from the release of the
new DirectX 9.0 API.”
“New technology announcements are always very exciting, but
the latest and greatest graphics features have traditionally been
expensive and limited to the hard core audience. With the GeForce
FX family, NVIDIA is providing a platform for the masses to get the
best gaming experience possible, at prices they can afford,”
said a representative at Blizzard Entertainment. “This achievement
is particularly exciting for Blizzard and we applaud NVIDIA for reaching
this significant milestone in PC gaming.”
Available in April 2003, the GeForce FX family of cinematic graphics
processors is being offered by a record number of add-in-card partners,
including Abit Computer, AOpen, ASUSTeK, BFG Technologies, Chaintech,
Creative, eVGA.com, Gainward, Leadtek Research, MSI, Palit Microsystems
Inc., Pine XFX and PNY Technologies.
For additional details, log on to www.nvidia.com.
Mar 11 -Transmeta Reveals Features of
Next Generation TM8000 Processor. Transmeta Corporation (Nasdaq:TMTA),
the leader in efficient computing, today disclosed initial information
about the company's next generation TM8000 processor. The TM8000,
internally code named Astro, provides significant improvements to
performance and energy efficiency for thin-and-light notebooks, tablet
PCs, quiet desktops, small office/home office servers and high-density
blade servers.
"Transmeta is a leader in mobile computing, first with the Crusoe
processor and now with its next generation TM8000 processor,"
said Tim Bajarin, mobile market analyst and president, Creative Strategies.
"When computer makers evaluate processors for the next generation
of mobile devices and market applications, the TM8000 should be seriously
considered for use in any new mobile system."
Transmeta's next generation TM8000 processor focuses on improving
the user experience by increasing computing efficiency. It incorporates
advanced versions of Transmeta's Code Morphing software and LongRun
power and thermal management technologies. It also provides an industry
leading capability to execute up to eight instructions per clock,
compared to only four instructions per clock for most competing processors.
The TM8000 includes three new high performance bus interfaces. It
has an on-chip 400 MHz HyperTransport(TM) bus interface, for increased
input/output efficiency. The new processor also includes an on-chip
Double Date Rate 400 (DDR-400) SDRAM memory interface.
DDR-400 SDRAM substantially increases throughput over earlier DDR-266
interfaces. The TM8000 has an on-chip AGP-4X graphics interface for
industry standard, high performance graphics solutions. All three
of these new interfaces allow the TM8000 processor to achieve more
work per clock, which results in greater energy efficiency and longer
battery life for mobile computer users.
"By incorporating an AGP interface directly on the TM8000 processor,
Transmeta will be able to achieve design wins in new product platforms
that were previously unavailable for TM5000 series processors,"
said Dr. Jon Peddie, a leading graphics industry analyst. "Transmeta
is the first to incorporate a high-performance AGP interface on the
processor chip, which continues the company's innovative strategy
of incorporating key chipset functions onto the processor. This is
the kind of cost saving and performance enhancement that PC manufacturers
desire."
The TM8000 processor also incorporates the industry standard Low
Pin Count (LPC) bus, allowing it to communicate with new, high-density
LPC Flash memories. This bolsters Transmeta's goal of efficient computing
by enabling fewer components, design flexibility and enhanced security.
"The leading edge of renewed corporate IT spending and the synergy
of mobile computing with wireless connectivity will drive mobile PC
shipments in 2003," said Shane Rau, senior research analyst,
IDC. "We estimate that mobile PC unit growth will, in turn, drive
mobile PC processor revenues up by over 10% this year to $5 billion."
The TM8000 was first demonstrated to original equipment manufacturer
(OEM) customers at COMDEX in November 2002 and is scheduled for mass
production in the third quarter of 2003. The formal introduction of
the TM8000, and its new brand name, will occur later this year. The
TM8000 will be fabricated in TSMC's advanced 0.13 micron semiconductor
technology.
To learn more about Transmeta visit www.transmeta.com.
Mar 11 - Sharp Expands Actius Notebook
Line. Sharp Systems of America today announced that they are adding
two new notebooks to their Award-winning Actius notebook line.
The new notebooks, the Actius MM10 and the Actius RD10, feature innovations
that break new ground in the market making significant advancements
in mobility and multimedia performance. As a global leader in LCD
and miniaturization technologies, Sharp has again leveraged its core
competencies to engineer one-of-a-kind notebooks.
The Actius MM10 -- Seamless Mobility
Weighing in at only 2.1 lbs and just 0.54 inches thick, the quiet,
fan-less Sharp Actius MM10 notebook computer is the thinnest and lightest
full-featured notebook computer on the market. Equipped for wireless
connectivity via integrated Wi-Fi, the Actius MM10 notebook will provide
users never-before-seen functionality through the Sharp Connection
Cradle, enabling a multi-PC usage model in which users are able to
maintain data consistency with other computers.
In order to provide the ultra-slim Actius MM10 with the mobility-enhancing
ability to maintain data consistency between itself and multiple computers,
Sharp has partnered with Iomega Corporation to develop SharpSync(TM).
Powered by Iomega(R) Sync software, SharpSync allows Actius MM10 users
to seamlessly maintain data consistency between separate computers.
Reaping the rewards of Sharp's original high-density technology and
the flexibility that Transmeta's 1 GHz Crusoe(TM) TM5800 processor
offers, the Actius MM10 has been designed as the thinnest and lightest
full-featured 10.4-inch notebook on the market. And because the Transmeta
Crusoe(TM) Processor 5800 hardware architecture requires fewer transistors
to achieve performance-level computing, the Sharp is able to maximize
battery power in the Actius MM10 computer (up to 2.9 hours with the
standard battery, and up to 9.0 hours using the extended life battery).
The ultraportable Actius MM10 integrates built-in IEEE 802.11b wireless
technology alongside 100Base-TX LAN Ethernet connectivity, 256 MB
DDR memory, a 15 GB hard drive, two USB 2.0 ports and Microsoft(R)
Windows(R) XP Home Edition. The unit also includes the Sharp Connection
Cradle (complete with battery-recharging functionality), PCMCIA modem
card, and free external CD-R/RW & DVD-ROM through a rebate offer.
The Sharp Actius MM10 is competitively priced with an estimated street
price of $1,499.
The Actius RD10 -- Unrivaled Multimedia Performance
Designed for high performance, the Sharp Actius RD10 muscles its
way into the market boasting true desktop performance. Based on the
Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 2.8 GHz processor and driven by Microsoft(R)
Windows(R) XP Home Edition operating system, the Actius RD10 is perfect
for professional imaging, as well as memory intensive video and gaming
applications. Complete with a 60GB hard drive, the Actius RD10 combines
the performance and capabilities of a desktop computer with the flexibility
of a notebook.
Leveraging Sharp's leadership in the LCD arena, the Actius RD10 boasts
an extremely bright LCD display that is much brighter than standard
notebook displays and provides viewing angles comparable to those
of an LCD desktop monitor -- 160 degrees horizontally and 135 degrees
vertically. The 15-inch XGA (1024 x 768) LCD screen provides bright,
clear pictures in which even small letters are clearly legible. Featuring
a bright button, the Actius RD10 LCD screen can quickly be switched
to its highest brightness for movie/picture viewing, or to a lower
brightness for typical office application usage. The Actius RD10 provides
users with unparalleled video performance.
Maximizing the advantage of having the most advanced notebook LCD
screen on the market, Sharp has partnered with NVIDIA(R) to include
the GeForce(TM)4 420 Go graphic processing unit with 32 MB of dedicated
graphics memory. The GeForce(TM)4 420 Go delivers a host of video
enhancements that include power management (via the NVIDIA PowerMizer(TM)
technology) and high-resolution anti-aliasing to deliver amazing detail
and performance for all applications.
The Actius RD10 is competitively priced with an estimated selling
price of $2,199.
Availability
Sharp Actius notebook computers are available immediately through
Sharp directly (http://sharp.smartermall.com),
or through Sharp's network of retail partners and reseller channels.
Mar 11 - Toshiba and Intel
to Advance Adoption of Wireless Hotspots Across United States.
Toshiba's Computer Systems Group (CSG) today announced it is working
with Intel Corp. on a joint marketing campaign to advance the adoption
of wireless broadband hotspots.
The program coincides with the forthcoming launch of Intel(R) Centrino(TM)
mobile technology for notebook PCs that features built-in wireless
capability. Toshiba will support the Intel Centrino mobile technology
introduction with new mobile and wireless computing products on March
12.
Toshiba and Intel are working together to drive awareness of wireless
broadband hotspots at public locations such as coffee shops, hotels
and convenience stores. The co-marketing agreement will include direct
marketing, advertising and point-of-sale materials. Additionally,
the companies are performing interoperability verification on Intel's
Centrino mobile technology with Toshiba's network, through Intel's
Wireless Verification Program, to enhance the end users' wireless
experience.
"We will strive to give our customers the most innovative mobile
platforms, but we are also looking to fill the void in wireless access
in public spaces," said Oscar Koenders, vice president of product
marketing and worldwide product planning, Toshiba CSG. "We have
an aggressive hotspot strategy and plan to wirelessly enable public
locations across the country and believe that wireless technology
combined with the notebook computer is a powerful and even addicting
combination based on our customers' feedback."
Toshiba's Wireless Broadband Hotspot solution allows end users with
Wi-Fi enabled notebooks or PDAs to connect with the access point,
or hotspot to launch an Internet browser and access e-mail, surf the
Web, watch streaming video or download multimedia presentations. Using
Wi-Fi technology, also referred to as 802.11b, Toshiba's hotspot service
makes it convenient for people who are traveling to connect to any
Toshiba hotspot, reducing the complexity of data connection around
the ability to gain remote access.
Intel's new Centrino mobile technology includes a mobile processor,
chipset and built-in Wi-Fi capability that have been designed to work
together to enable a great wireless notebook experience. The Intel
Centrino mobile technology represents Intel's best technology for
mobile computing and delivers an unwired computing experience while
enabling extended battery life, outstanding mobile performance and
thinner and lighter system designs.
"Intel and Toshiba are working together to advance wireless
computing for mobile PC users by enabling broadband hotspots across
the country," said Anand Chandrasekher, vice president and general
manager, Intel's Mobile Platforms Group. "Our joint efforts provide
business customers and consumers with the mobile computing devices
and the network that enables the freedom and flexibility to wirelessly
work and play."
The Toshiba Wireless Broadband Hotspot Solution is a new business
opportunity that enables dealers and resellers to enter the hotspot
market with little capital and minimal time. Toshiba's hotspot solution
can generate revenues through connection for wireless access at each
hotspot deployed by the hotspot operator.
Hotspot operators simply sell and install the hardware and conduct
maintenance at the hotspot location, while Toshiba and Accenture maintain
responsibility for back-end service and support to end users. Interested
dealers may visit www.hotspot.toshiba.com
for more information.
Mar 11 - HP Announces More
Powerful Media Center PCs. HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced two new
additions to its HP Media Center PC line, bringing increased speed,
power and functionality to home entertainment enthusiasts.
The new HP Media Center PCs 864n and 854n enable users to record
live TV -- similar to personal video recorders (PVRs) -- burn the
content to the DVD writer, and then watch the DVD in many standard
home DVD players. Additionally, both Media Center PCs feature a six-in-one
media card reader, improved graphics, faster processors and larger
hard drives than previous models.
"Working in the music industry, I needed a computer that was
reliable and effortless to use, that included great graphics, exceptional
sound, was expandable, and had more than enough memory to store large
digital audio and video files," said Bruce Morel, a music artist
manager. "The HP Media Center PC enables me to download new audio,
video and graphic material quickly and easily and is great for gaming
online, as well as recording and playing back TV shows. HP has created
a machine that provides connection, convenience and control over my
digital world. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this
line of home entertainment PCs."
All HP Media Center PCs include Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Media
Center Edition, which allows users to enjoy the ultimate in digital
entertainment features, including recording and pausing live television,
a free electronic program guide and the ability to download, alter
or burn their own digital music, digital photos, digital video and
DVDs. The system can be operated in a standard PC format with a keyboard
and mouse or with an easy-to-use remote control.
HP Media Center PC 864n and 854n Product Details
The new models now come standard with a DVD+RW/CD-RW drive (DVD writer
and CD writer combo drive), providing increased storage options and
advanced viewing capabilities. Users also can now record television
and burn to DVD for viewing with most standard home DVD players with
new Sonic MyDVD(R) software.
In addition to the features mentioned above, the powerful HP Media
Center PC 864n includes an Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 2.66/533-MHz processor,
more than 100 hours of recorded TV storage with a 160-GB hard drive
and 512-MB DDR SDRAM. The 864n also provides plenty of memory to store
digital music, images and video files and features superior sound
quality with Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX-certified 200-watt speakers
and the Creative Labs Audigy 5.1 multi-channel sound card.
Representing a tremendous value for users looking to purchase an
advanced home entertainment PC, the HP Media Center PC 854n features
an Intel Pentium 4 2.53-GHz/533-MHz processor, 512-MB DDR memory and
80 hours of recorded TV storage capacity on a 120-GB hard drive. HP
Media Center PC 854n users also can now choose to upgrade the PC audio
system by adding speakers separately.
Both models also offer more than double the graphics memory than
previously available with a high-resolution 128-MB NVIDIA GeForce4
MX 440 graphics card, providing users with an advanced, high-quality
graphics experience whether watching DVDs, editing video or playing
favorite 3D PC games.
All the PCs in the HP Media Center line include a remote control,
48x CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, PVR TV tuner card, HP Media Center
keyboard providing easy access to entertainment features and volume
control knob, an infrared (IR) receiver, TV-out, one front-access
and four rear-access USB 2.0 ports, one front-access and one rear-access
IEEE 1394 port, an IR blaster to control a set-top cable or satellite
box, a 10/100 Base-T network interface and an optical mouse.
Pricing and Availability
The HP Media Center PC 854n retail model will be offered on-shelf
in retail outlets including Circuit City, CompUSA, Best Buy, Fry's
Electronics and Micro Center starting March 16 for an estimated U.S.
street price of $1,399.
The 864n will be available at Circuit City, CompUSA, Best Buy, Fry's
Electronics, Micro Center and Office Depot, and at select retailers
in Canada starting March 23 for an estimated U.S. street price of
$1,699.
Both models also will be available direct from HP online at www.hpshopping.com
and through HP retail kiosks in the United States.
Mar 10 - ATI Launches Three New Graphics
Processors. ATI Technologies Inc. (TSX: ATY) (NASDAQ: ATYT), in
a first for the graphics industry, today simultaneously launched three
visual processors for desktop PCs. With these processors, ATI cements
its leadership at the high end and offers the best performance through
the volume mainstream segments. The processors are being rapidly adopted
by OEMs, system builders and retail partners.
Today's launch introduces three new RADEON(TM) product families,
each with features, performance and value unmatched in their respective
classes. The RADEON(TM) 9800 PRO is the fastest available and will
win the hearts of hardcore gamers everywhere. The RADEON(TM) 9600
series delivers high-end features and performance with price tags
that appeal to the broader market. The RADEON(TM) 9200 series, designed
for the mainstream market, matches great value with performance and
features suitable for today's 3D games.
"Last year we took the performance crown in the high-end. This
year we deliver performance to the whole market," said Rick Bergman,
Senior Vice President, Marketing and General Manager, Desktop, ATI
Technologies Inc. "By rapidly driving our high-end technologies
into the mainstream, we bring a compelling game experience to users
across the board. Delivering three extremely sophisticated visual
processors at once underlines the strength of our engineering teams
and our ability to execute."
Gateway, Fujitsu Siemens and NEC are all announcing systems powered
by the new RADEON boards. Gateway has chosen the RADEON 9800 PRO as
the graphics powerhouse in their new 700XL system, which will be available
soon. Fujitsu Siemens has selected the RADEON 9200, RADEON 9600 and
RADEON 9800 products for its Scaleo PCs and NEC has chosen RADEON
9200 products for its Packard Bell range and the RADEON 9800 PRO for
the NEC iSelect.
All the major gaming-focused system integrators have also chosen
the new RADEON products. ABS Computers, Alienware Corp., CyberPower,
Falcon Northwest, iBuyPower, MDG, and Voodoo PC will include RADEON
9800, RADEON 9600 and RADEON 9200 products in their current and upcoming
systems.
ATI and its board partners, which include Connect3D, FIC, Gigabyte,
Hercules, Hightech, PowerColor, Sapphire, Tyan, Visiontek, Wistron
and YUAN, will announce and ship products based on RADEON 9800, RADEON
9600 and RADEON 9200 technologies starting this month.
RADEON 9800
Targeting the ultra-high-end/enthusiast segment, the RADEON 9800
products deliver unequaled performance, features, image quality and
stability, which are the key criteria for hardcore gamers everywhere.
A 256-bit memory interface and eight powerful pixel pipelines provide
the brute force and finesse to deliver real-time, Hollywood-caliber
graphics - even for the most demanding next-generation games - and
sets it apart from anything on the market. Programmable shader engines,
full speed, full floating-point precision and support for the latest
Microsoft(R) DirectX(R) 9.0 and OpenGL(R) feature sets ensure games
look great even at breakneck speeds. RADEON 9800 products illustrate
an important point - you don't have to sacrifice performance for image
quality.
RADEON 9600
Delivering the best product in the enthusiast segment is also crucial
to winning mind share in the performance and mainstream segments,
which represent large portions of the graphics hardware market. The
RADEON 9600 series brings cinematic realism and unprecedented power
to the performance segment, where customers are looking for the most
advanced features and performance, at a more affordable price.
Driven by its full floating point architecture featuring quad pixel
pipes and dual vertex engines, the RADEON 9600 series of visual processors
deliver amazing performance, full support for the latest Microsoft(R)
DirectX(R) 9.0 and OpenGL(R) feature sets and advanced anti-aliasing
and anisotropic filtering technologies. The first of ATI's products
to be developed using an advanced 130 nanometer production process,
the RADEON 9600 products offer an excellent entertainment value.
RADEON 9200
Powered by an advanced quad-pipe rendering architecture, the RADEON
9200 series delivers a dazzling visual experience with the highest
performance in its class. With a full suite of performance and image
quality-enhancing technologies including full support for the AGP
8X and Microsoft(R) DirectX(R) 8.1 standards, and streaming video
de-blocking capabilities, features unique in this segment, RADEON
9200-based products deliver sharp, clear graphics and video imagery.
RADEON 9200 products offer an unbeatable value, with prices right
for the most price-conscious consumer.
CATALYST(TM)
All of ATI's products, including these newest additions, are supported
by CATALYST(TM), ATI's unified suite of software. CATALYST includes
the only DirectX 9 driver that is Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality
Labs (WHQL) certified, a key criterion for OEMs and corporate customers.
For more information on these products or ATI's current lineup of
award winning products, visit www.ati.com.
Mar 10 - AMD Increases Worldwide Market
Share in Windows-Based PC Markets in 2002. AMD (NYSE:AMD) today
announced that Gartner/Dataquest Worldwide Quarterly PC Statistics
4Q/02 show AMD processor-based desktop and mobile computers increased
worldwide unit market share to 19 percent among buyers of Windows(R)-based
PCs in 2002.
"Despite the difficult economic climate and very competitive
market conditions in the technology industry, PCs based on AMD's industry-leading
microprocessors gained market share between 2001 and 2002," said
Rob Herb, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer
for AMD. "We attribute this success to the most diverse portfolio
of computer processors in our history, now led by the highest-performing
desktop PC processor in the world today, the AMD Athlon(tm) XP processor
3000+.
"AMD doubled its worldwide market share among buyers of Windows-based
mobile PCs in 2002," Herb said. "With the upcoming launches
of the low-voltage mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processor and the 64-bit
AMD Opteron(tm) processor for servers and workstations, AMD will expand
into the thin and light mobile PC market and the 4- and 8-way enterprise
server market, strengthening AMD's portfolio of computer processors
across new markets."
AMD's efforts to target emerging markets delivered market share gains
from 2001 to 2002. Among buyers of Windows-based desktop and mobile
computers in Latin America, AMD's market share increased from 16 percent
to 28 percent between 2001 and 2002. In the Asia/Pacific region, which
does not include Japan, AMD's market share among buyers of Windows-based
desktop and mobile computers grew from 11 percent to 15 percent between
2001 and 2002. AMD's worldwide unit market share of Windows-based
desktop and mobile PCs in 2001 was 18 percent.
For more AMD news and product information, please visit our virtual
pressroom at www.amd.com.
Mar 10 - Immersion Debuts Force Feedback
Software for All PC Games. Immersion, a leading developer and
licensor of force feedback technology, (Nasdaq:IMMR), today previewed
(booth No. 536) an industry-first consumer innovation, a beta version
of a new software product called TouchWare(R) Gaming that can bring
the sense of touch to every PC game.
"For the gaming market, the implications of this new technology
are enormous," said Dean Chang, Chief Technology Officer and
Vice President of Technology Adoption and Partner Services at Immersion
Corporation. "Less than 5% of the PC game titles on the market
today have built-in force feedback effects. TouchWare Gaming software
can breathe new life into PC-Windows games by instantly adding realistic
and fun force feedback effects with a simple download. These effects
can then be experienced by the gamer through the many force feedback
peripherals on the market today."
TouchWare Gaming, which can bring force feedback effects to all PC
games for Windows 95 or later, helps broaden Immersion's partners'
market reach and affords significant advantages over the large numbers
of PC gaming products without touch. After months of research, Immersion
devised an intelligent way to analyze sound effects, convert them
using advanced algorithms, and map them to appropriate haptic effects.
The breakthrough is more evidence of Immersion's depth of expertise
and commitment to the gaming industry.
According to The NPD Group, only about 300 of the over 6000 PC-Windows
game titles have pre-programmed force feedback effects. At the same
time, the market research firm's data confirm that the force feedback
market share of PC hardware peripherals continues to grow year over
year. These numbers indicate a large, growing demand among gamers
who want force feedback peripherals. Until now, gamers with haptics-enabled
hardware have been limited to pre-programmed force feedback software
titles and effects. TouchWare Gaming software fundamentally changes
the gaming experience, enabling players to enjoy force feedback in
any PC game by easily installing the software.
Immersion plans to announce the pricing and availability of TouchWare
Gaming software by this summer. For more information, visit www.immersion.com.
Mar 10 - New Mac Utility Allows File
Sharing with Windows XP. Apple has released a new utility in its
.Mac system tools that allows online file sharing between a Mac and
Windows XP user.
Per Apple, "If you have friends or colleagues using Windows
XP (or if you use Windows occasionally yourself), a new utility available
to .Mac members greatly simplifies file sharing.
"Send your friends to the .Mac website, where they can download
the new iDisk Utility for Windows XP. Once they’ve installed
the free utility, they’ll be able to access your iDisk Public
Folder, retrieve files from it, and place files in it for you. A great
way to distribute documents too large for email (like a PowerPoint
presentation, FileMaker database, or Photoshop file), it’s also
a convenient way to exchange resumes."
To learn more about .Mac and iDisk Utility for Windows XP, visit
the .Mac website.
Mar 10 - Symantec Urges Businesses to
Use Full-Application Inspection Firewalls. Given the rise in newly
discovered network vulnerabilities, including the recent Sendmail
Header Process Vulnerability, Symantec strongly recommends that organizations
use their Internet-facing firewalls in full-application inspection
mode.
"Network-layer security mechanisms dominate current deployments,
but are proving inadequate in the face of more frequent application-layer
attacks," said Mark Bouchard, META Group. "Vendors and users
alike need to increase their focus on application-layer security controls
in order to proactively protect networks from an increasing number
of vulnerabilities."
The total number of moderate and high severity vulnerabilities documented
in 2002 was 84.7% higher than the total documented in 2001, according
to the Symantec Internet Security Threat Report, released last month.
On average Symantec analysts documented seven new vulnerabilities
each day over the past year.
"The increasing rate at which vulnerabilities are being discovered,
coupled with the growing sophistication of malicious code that exploits
these vulnerabilities, leaves organizations more open to attack than
ever before," said Greg Gotta, vice president of product delivery
at Symantec. "Stateful inspection firewalls examine the source
of the information packet, but don't look at its contents in depth.
By using externally facing firewalls in full-application inspection
mode, organizations can examine the contents of the information packets
for anomalous activity and further prevent attacks."
Symantec's full-application inspection firewalls employ advanced
security features up to and including the application layer. In the
case of an attempt to exploit an application in an anomalous manner,
Symantec Enterprise Firewall, Symantec VelociRaptor, and Symantec
Gateway Security protection solutions will detect this attempt and
block it by default.
On March 3, 2003, a remotely exploitable vulnerability was discovered
in Sendmail, a widely deployed email server. The vulnerability is
due to a buffer overflow condition in the SMTP header-parsing component.
Remote attackers may exploit this vulnerability by connecting to target
SMTP servers and transmitting to them malformed SMTP data. Since these
attacks violate parameters defined in the RFCs, no configuration changes
to the default settings in Symantec's full-application inspection
firewalls are required to protect against this Sendmail exploit.
Full-application inspection technology utilizes application layer
proxies to offer the highest level of security for an enterprise firewall.
Instead of traffic being scanned after only a cursory inspection at
the IP or Session layer, the entire contents of the packet can be
scanned through all of the layers of the TCP/IP stack. This allows
for a much greater range of security features, as unique protocols
are understood and examined. Stateful or network-layer inspection
firewalls do not examine traffic at all layers of the TCP/IP stack,
instead making a determination about the individual information packets
based on headers rather than contents.
For more information, visit www.symantec.com.
Mar 09 - Sunday Shopping
Watch.
Best Sunday Deals - See our Best
Sunday Ad Deals Table below for specific system prices.
Weekly Comparison. Prices were generally
lower this Sunday compared to last weeks prices.
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 MSN with any desktop or laptop
purchase. They are also offering $150 mail-in rebates on all desktop
packages and laptops. In addition, they have 18 month no-interest
financing on all desktop packages and 12 month no interest financing
on laptops.
Circuit City is offering
12 months no-interest financing on laptops with Intel processors.
Office
Depot
has 12 months no-interest financing on computer purchases over $298.
CompUSA is running Unadvertised
Specials that you can print from their web site and take to your
local store. In addition, they have 6 months no payment, no interest
financing for purchases over $198.
Staples has no store -wide sales this
Sunday.
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