iXBT Labs - Computer Hardware in Detail

Platform

Video

Multimedia

Mobile

Other

News Archive


 « Previous Day News Archive Next Day » 

Headlines


OCZ Announces PC2-8500 NVIDIA SLI-Ready Modules

Logitech Unveils New diNovo Edge Keyboard And ChillStream PS3 Gamepad

Iomega Announces REV 70GB Backup Drives With SATA Interface

Seagate Introduces New Maxtor Desktop And Notebook Hard Drives

DTS Master Audio Suite And DTS Surround Audio Suite Launched

SMART Modular Extends Lineup Of Registered and Unbuffered ECC SO-DIMMs

Creative Introduces Xmod - First External X-Fi Based Device

Toshiba Unveils First Slim HD DVD Recorder Notebooks

Apacer Presents 2GB, 1GB microSD Cards

Transcend Releases 8GB SDHC Card

abit Launches iDome Digital Speakers



OCZ Announces PC2-8500 NVIDIA SLI-Ready Modules

OCZ Technology Group announced the next addition to OCZ’s line of NVIDIA-certified Platinum DDR2 memory modules - the new PC2-8500 series (2GB dual-channel kit P/N: OCZ2N10662GK).

OCZ PC2-8500 Platinum modules operate at 1066MHz with 4-5-5 timings and are part of the certified NVIDIA SLI technology ecosystem compiled of a selection of “interoperable components,” all of which are meant for enthusiasts and gamers and are qualified under a series of rigorous tests conducted by NVIDIA.

As an SLI-certified SDRAM product, PC2-8500 Platinum memory modules are built with an EPP (Enhanced Performance Profiles) programmed SPD to provide a built-in overclocking feature.

All PC2-8500 Platinum SLI-Ready modules are 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and feature platinum-mirrored XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders. Each OCZ PC2-8500 module is backed by the OCZ Lifetime Warranty.

Source: OCZ Technology Group

Logitech Unveils New diNovo Edge Keyboard And ChillStream PS3 Gamepad

Logitech unveiled the Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard. The novelty, being 19.05 mm thick, with a high-gloss finish, is laser cut from a single, semi-translucent piece of black plexiglas and set into a brushed-aluminum frame. Its minimalist style is further evident in the limited number of buttons and the dynamic, backlighted icons embedded within the keyboard, which are invisible when not illuminated.

The diNovo Edge is Logitech's first rechargeable keyboard. It features an integrated touch-sensitive navigation and scroll panel, and includes embedded Bluetooth wireless technology.

The keyboard includes a touch-sensitive TouchDisc, which enables people to scroll and navigate a graphical user interface without having to reach for a mouse — for leaning back from the desk, for making a small adjustment when working at the desk, or for using a media PC in the living room. Moving a finger up and down or across the disc moves the cursor on the computer screen, and moving the finger in a circular motion around the perimeter of the TouchDisc enables people to scroll horizontally and vertically through documents.

Located above the TouchDisc, the keyboard's touch-sensitive volume slider makes it easy to quickly adjust the computer's volume. And on the left-hand side of the keyboard, three zoom buttons — zoom in, zoom out, and 100 percent view — enable people to navigate and edit digital photos with ease. A pointer button, used with the TouchDisc, enables two-hand navigation.

The diNovo Edge also features Logitech's PerfectStroke key system, featuring precision micro-scissor mechanisms that distribute force evenly across key surfaces.

The rechargeable diNovo Edge comes with a stylish stand that serves as both a recharging station and a display base; when inserted in the stand, the keyboard rests perpendicular to the desk, showing off its slim design and freeing up valuable desk space. A two-hour charge yields up to two months of battery life.

The Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in November. Its suggested retail price is $199.99 in the U.S.

The second novelty, the ChillStream controller for Playstation 3, is the company's first product designed specifically for Sony's next-generation gaming platform. It features a built-in fan-based cooling system designed to keep the hands of gamers cool and dry.

Logitech's patented ChillStream technology includes a built-in 40-mm fan that circulates up to 3.41 cubic feet of air every minute, while generating very little noise. Three narrow vents on each side of the controller push air directly onto the four fingers, the base of the thumb and the palm of the hand. The air stream can be used in one of three settings — high, low, or off.

The Logitech ChillStream controller comes in two finishes — metallic silver or glossy black — and features metal detailing on the mesh intake cover. In addition to the ChillStream technology, the controller's rubber grips make holding the controller comfortable even during intense action. The Logitech ChillStream controller for PS3 has a suggested retail price of $39.99 in the U.S. and will be available in the U.S., Japan and Asia when the PLAYSTATION 3 launches in November.

Source: Logitech

Iomega Announces REV 70GB Backup Drives With SATA Interface

Iomega Corporation announced the latest in its line of REV removable HDD technology: the new Iomega REV 70GB SATA Backup Drive, available now for stand-alone Windows PCs or as a backup kit for Microsoft Windows servers.

Two REV 70GB SATA solutions are available today as part of Iomega's announcement. For desktop PCs, the Iomega REV 70GB SATA Backup Drive includes a drive and a removable REV 70GB disk, complete with EMC Retrospect Express backup software. For servers, the REV 70GB SATA Server Backup and Disaster Recovery Kit includes a drive and five removable REV 70GB disks along with CA's BrightStor ArcServe Backup OEM edition software, including disaster recovery.

Iomega's new REV 70GB Backup Drives feature improved transfer rates of 30 MB/sec. (max.), versus 25 MB/sec for first-generation REV 35GB products. Both generations of REV products boast extensive third-party software support, estimated 30 year archival life, and an estimated one million rewrite durability.

The Iomega REV 70GB Backup Drive is now available worldwide in external USB 2.0 and internal ATAPI and SATA models. The Iomega REV 35GB Backup Drive is available in ATAPI, external USB 2.0, FireWire , SCSI, SATA and multi-disk autoloader configurations, including the desktop form factor REV Loader 280, which utilizes up to eight REV 35GB disks for a total of 280GB of native storage capacity. Coming soon is the new REV Loader 560, incorporating one REV 70GB drive and up to eight REV 70GB disks in same convenient automated desktop form factor.

The REV 70GB SATA Backup Drive with one removable REV 70GB disk is available now for $579.99; the REV 70GB SATA Server Backup and Disaster Recovery Kit with five removable REV 70GB disks is available now for $829.00 (prices are U.S. suggested retail). REV 70GB Backup Drives come with a worldwide three-year warranty. REV 35GB Backup Drives are warranted for 1 year in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, 2 years in Europe.

Source: Iomega Corporation

Seagate Introduces New Maxtor Desktop And Notebook Hard Drives

Seagate Technology announced the availability of new Maxtor-branded desktop and notebook PC hard drives to the worldwide distribution channel.

With the launch, Seagate is refreshing Maxtor's popular line of DiamondMax 3.5-inch desktop hard drives and introducing the new MobileMax 2.5-inch line for notebook PCs. DiamondMax drives initially will be offered in capacities up to 320GB and with mainstream features, cache sizes, and performance. MobileMax drives will feature capacities up to 80GB and a 5400-RPM spin speed to support mainstream laptop and white book applications.

The new Maxtor drives come with a three-year warranty, while the Seagate-branded hard drives offered through the channel, including Barracuda and Momentus drives, will continue to carry five-year warranty.

Source: Seagate Technology

DTS Master Audio Suite And DTS Surround Audio Suite Launched

DTS, Inc. announced the availability of DTS-HD Master Audio Suite and the DTS Surround Audio Suite, two new software suites to prepare audio streams for next generation and current optical disc media formats. Consisting of an encoder, a StreamPlayer decoder, and StreamTools bitstream editing and verification tools, the suites are compatible with both Mac OS 10.4.x and Windows XP. Both software suites are now available for the Windows XP platform worldwide through DTS’ network of distributors, with the Mac OS X platform following soon thereafter.

The DTS-HD Master Audio Suite (MAS) provides an easy-to-use interface for encoding audio bit streams for HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc as well as DVD and DTS 5.1 Music Disc. Features such as downmix setting and audition, as well as DTS Digital Surround backward-compatible Core playback, provide the audio professional with the ability to monitor DTS-HD encoded streams and emulate various consumer playback systems with confidence. Encoded bit stream formats include: DTS Digital Surround , DTS-ES 6.1 , DTS 96/24 , DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio lossless, which is bit-for-bit identical to the master soundtrack. The MAS is applicable to DVD-V, DVD-A and DTS Surround Music CDs, as well as the next generation HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats. DTS-HD bit streams support up to 7.1 channels of 96 kHz audio or up to 5.1 channels of 192 kHz audio. Additionally DTS-HD low bit rate (LBR) audio streams can be created for use as Sub or Secondary audio on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc with bit rates optimized for Internet delivery.

Included in the DTS-HD MAS, the StreamPlayer decoder can play any DTS bit stream, delivering audio to a PC’s sound card for quality control monitoring prior to disc authoring.

The DTS Surround Audio Suite (SAS), a limited version of Master Audio Suite, can encode bit streams compatible with standard DVD-V and DTS Surround Music CDs with a similar easy-to-use interface. The DTS SAS also includes StreamPlayer and can be upgraded to the DTS-HD Master Audio Suite with the purchase of an upgrade license.

The suggested retail prices of the suites are $1,495 for the DTS-HD Master Audio Suite, and $795 for the DTS Surround Audio Suite.

Source: DTS, Inc.

SMART Modular Extends Lineup Of Registered and Unbuffered ECC SO-DIMMs

SMART Modular Technologies announced the addition of registered SO-DIMMs (or SO-RDIMMs) and unbuffered ECC SO-DIMMs (or SO-CDIMMs) to its DDR2 Small Module product family.

SO-RDIMMs and SO-CDIMMs are typically used for Advanced Mezzanine and PCI cards, ATCA, telecom, and server blade systems that have less than half an inch of height allowance.

The new modules complement SMART's family of Mini-DIMMs by providing designers with more form factor and density options. For example, SMART's SO-DIMMs can be mounted with back-to-back style butterfly connectors to minimize routing and save space. For ATCA style systems, SO-DIMMs allow enough space to place mezzanine cards above the SO-DIMMs while meeting stringent height constraints.The module types listed in the following table are available immediately:

Module Densities Type # of Pins Module Config. Application Examples
SO-RDIMM 512MB-2GB Registered 200 x72 Blade Servers
SO-CDIMM 512MB-1GB Unbuffered w/ECC 200 x72 Embedded Computing
SO-DIMM 256MB-2GB Unbuffered 200 x64 Networking
SO-DIMM 128MB-512MB Unbuffered 200 x32 Telecom
SO-DIMM 128MB-512MB Unbuffered 144 x16 Ind. Control
SO-DIMM 64MB-512MB Unbuffered 144 x32 Instrumentation
Mini-RDIMM 512MB-2GB Registered 244 x72 Print Imaging
VLP Mini-RDIMM 512MB-2GB Registered 244 x72 Computers on
Mini-UDIMM 256MB-1GB Unbuffered w/ECC 244 x72 Modules (COM)
VLP Mini-UDIMM 256MB-1GB Unbuffered w/ECC 244 x72 Peripherals

Source: SMART Modular Technologies

Creative Introduces Xmod - First External X-Fi Based Device

Creative announced that it has invented the Creative Xmod, a device based upon its X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity audio platform. The Creative Xmod is a small device just about the size of a candy bar. It connects between stereo speakers or headphones and either a PC, Mac, iPod, ZEN or any MP3 player, and, according to the press release, improves the listening experience by upconverting the music during playback to the X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity standard - 24-bit surround audio.

The Creative Xmod enhances the low and high frequencies while improving audio dynamics for cleaner, richer sound that surpasses the original audio CD. For connecting iPod, ZEN or any MP3 players to the Creative Xmod, an optional AC power adaptor is required.

X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity provides two audio functions, X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi CMSS-3D. The X-Fi Crystalizer upconverts MP3 music by analyzing and identifying which parts of the audio stream have been truncated or damaged during compression. X-Fi CMSS-3D creates virtual surround sound through speakers or headphones.

The Creative Xmod will be available in October at a suggested retail price of US$79.99.

Source: Creative

Toshiba Unveils First Slim HD DVD Recorder Notebooks

Several days ago Toshiba announced the first slim HD DVD drive for notebook PCs that can read from and write to HD DVD, standard DVD and CD discs. Sample shipments of the new drive, SD-L902A, are scheduled to start by the end of this year.

SD-L902A integrates a blue-violet laser diode that can read and write to HD DVD-R discs and that offers support for high-density HD DVD-ROM discs, including high definition movie and video images. The drive also offers the functionality of a super multi-drive, with high performance, high-speed read and write to all flavors of standard DVD and CD discs.

At only 12.7 millimeters in height, SD-L902A meets the stringent space specifications for slim drives integrated into highly portable notebook PCs. This is due in part to HD DVD discs having the physical structure as standard DVD, allowing use of an optical pick-up head with only a single objective lens. The result is a space-saving solution, and a drive able to read and write to HD DVD-R discs, to read HD DVD-ROM discs, and to read and write to standard DVD and CD discs.

Toshiba is demonstrating the new drive at CEATEC JAPAN 2006, at Makuhari Messe from October 3 to 7.

Source: Toshiba

Apacer Presents 2GB, 1GB microSD Cards

Apacer Technology Inc. announced two new microSD cards of 2GB and 1GB capacities.

Incorporating System-in-Package (SIP) technology, the Apacer microSD card is dust-proof, shockproof and highly durable storage that is perfect for 3G phones, PDAs and GPS devices. Apacer microSD cards are compliant with SDMI 1.1 version specification developed by the SD Card Association (SDA) and are in line with the SDA's effort to make the microSD card the standard for mobile phones.

Part of Apacer's Mobile Series Flash Card family, the Apacer 2 GB/1 GB microSD card is covered with a lifetime product warranty and includes an SD card adapter.

Source: Apacer Technology Inc.

Transcend Releases 8GB SDHC Card

Transcend Information, Inc. announced its 8GB high-capacity SDHC card.

Features:

  • Fully compatible with the SD 2.0 Standard
  • 4GB and 8GB High Capacity
  • Supports Error Correcting Code (ECC)
  • Supports In System Programming (ISP) to load firmware
  • Supports power down and sleep modes
  • Mechanical Write Protection Switch
  • Original NAND Flash Chip
  • Lifetime Warranty

Source: Transcend Information, Inc.

abit Launches iDome Digital Speakers

abit introduced the abit iDome digital speaker set - two compact speakers and a separate subwoofer with built-in digital amplifiers. Compared to traditional digital amplifiers, the abit iDome does not go through an analog pre-amp during the DSP and amplification stages. Instead, it utilizes patented µGuru technology for digital control, low signal distortion and enhanced effect settings.

The abit iDome supports 24 bit/192KHz sampling frequency rate and has 6 different DSP modes that are accessible from the front panel: Normal Mode (as the original source), Game Mode, Music Mode, Movie Mode, Rock Mode, and Jazz Mode.

On the back of the abit iDome are connectors that allow for multiple ways of linking up your sound system. It supports optical S/P DIF as well as analog connections. The abit iDome is fully backwards compatible with older analog technologies. The iDome also features a Medium Density Fiber cabinet, which utilizes a pure cotton weave, preventing unwanted resonance.

The abit iDome subwoofer offers the patented DBX (Deep Bass eXhaust) technology. This kind of subwoofer enclosure can be physically described as a closed box with an opening in the bottom part. When the 6.5 inch driver moves in, the pressure is increased and when the driver moves out, it is decreased. Both movements create pressure differences between the air inside the enclosure and the air outside. The air will always move to equalize pressure levels, so the driver is constantly being pushed toward its "resting" state – the position at which internal and external air pressure are the same. It acts like a spring to keep the driver in the right position, which makes for tighter, more precise bass sound reproduction, according to the press release.

Source: abit

 « Previous Day News Archive Next Day » 

Write a comment below. No registration needed!




blog comments powered by Disqus

  Most Popular Reviews More    RSS  

AMD Phenom II X4 955, Phenom II X4 960T, Phenom II X6 1075T, and Intel Pentium G2120, Core i3-3220, Core i5-3330 Processors

Comparing old, cheap solutions from AMD with new, budget offerings from Intel.
February 1, 2013 · Processor Roundups

Inno3D GeForce GTX 670 iChill, Inno3D GeForce GTX 660 Ti Graphics Cards

A couple of mid-range adapters with original cooling systems.
January 30, 2013 · Video cards: NVIDIA GPUs

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1

An external X-Fi solution in tests.
September 9, 2008 · Sound Cards

AMD FX-8350 Processor

The first worthwhile Piledriver CPU.
September 11, 2012 · Processors: AMD

Consumed Power, Energy Consumption: Ivy Bridge vs. Sandy Bridge

Trying out the new method.
September 18, 2012 · Processors: Intel
  Latest Reviews More    RSS  

i3DSpeed, September 2013

Retested all graphics cards with the new drivers.
Oct 18, 2013 · 3Digests

i3DSpeed, August 2013

Added new benchmarks: BioShock Infinite and Metro: Last Light.
Sep 06, 2013 · 3Digests

i3DSpeed, July 2013

Added the test results of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 and AMD Radeon HD 7730.
Aug 05, 2013 · 3Digests

Gainward GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST 2GB Golden Sample Graphics Card

An excellent hybrid of GeForce GTX 650 Ti and GeForce GTX 660.
Jun 24, 2013 · Video cards: NVIDIA GPUs

i3DSpeed, May 2013

Added the test results of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770/780.
Jun 03, 2013 · 3Digests
  Latest News More    RSS  

Platform  ·  Video  ·  Multimedia  ·  Mobile  ·  Other  ||  About us & Privacy policy  ·  Twitter  ·  Facebook


Copyright © Byrds Research & Publishing, Ltd., 1997–2011. All rights reserved.