Smileys Celebrate 25th Anniversary :-)

NEC To Sample New 4.1-Inch LCD Modules

LaCie Announces New Little Disk Family of Mobile Drives

Fujitsu Announces LifeBook U810 Mini-Convertible Notebook

Creative Introduces Aurvana X-Fi Noise-Canceling Headphones

AMD Announces 'Triple-Core' Toliman (Phenom X3) Desktop CPUs

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Smileys Celebrate 25th Anniversary :-)

Today it's been precisely 25 years since the appearance of the first smiley, without which no Web talks are possible.

In early 80s, when Web communities were rapidly developing and BBSes were full of discussion topics, the first forum visitors quickly felt the lack of emotions in text messages. ASCII didn't provided for speech intonations of live communication that so often define the very sense of words.

Thus, the idea that came to mind of Scott Fahlman from Carnegie Mellon University on September 19, 1982 was truly revolutionary:

Today we use lots of various smileys that help us reproduce all kinds of emotions. But the initial two, the forefathers, are always the most popular. Happy smileys anniversary everyone! :-)

Source: SCS of Carnegie Mellon University

NEC To Sample New 4.1-Inch LCD Modules

NEC LCD Technologies, along with NEC Electronics America, today announced that they will begin shipping samples of a new 4.1-inch (10.6cm) thin-film transistor liquid crystal display module, part number NL8048HL11-01B, at the beginning of October. Incorporating low-temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) technology, the new module features WVGA resolution for portable devices such as UMPCs and portable multimedia players, and on-display devices for various small-size broadcasting equipment.

The main features of the new LCD module are as follows.

1. Higher density due to greater integration. NEC LCD Technologies has integrated peripheral circuits, including a gate driver, onto the TFT-LCD glass substrate, thereby reducing the peripheral wiring and the number of connections with external circuits. As a result, the LCD module achieves pixel density of approximately 227 ppi, allowing characters and images to be clearly reproduced on the screen, making for smooth transitions as the displayed images change.
2. High luminance and wide color gamut, even with high density. The 4.1-inch module boasts luminance of 350 cd/m2 and a wide color gamut of 72 percent (NTSC ratio). These features are realized by a combination of a high aperture ratio, achieved by the LTPS TFT, and optimization of the color filters, backlight system and cell design.
3. Smooth and precise color/grayscale reproduction. A 24-bit (8 bits each for RGB) source driver enables independent control of each RGB gamma value and achieves a gamma curve optimized for various purposes. The LCD panel is capable of displaying 16.77 million colors.
4. Touch panel, timing controller and DC-DC converter. The module is equipped with a touch panel, timing controller, and DC-DC converter that help manufacturers of portable information devices reduce development costs and lead time.

In addition to the 4.1-inch module, the company is also offering a new 4.3-inch (11cm) color TFT LCD module, part number NL4827HC19-05B, that boasts luminance of 500 cd/m2 and wide quarter video graphics array (WQVGA) resolution.

Samples of the 4.1-inch NL8048HC11-01B and NL4827HC19-05B are scheduled to be available for sampling in October 2007.

Source: NEC

LaCie Announces New Little Disk Family of Mobile Drives

LaCie announced its new Little Disk family of storage devices for the mobile market. The new family, designed exclusively for LaCie by Sam Hecht, incorporates a thin, lightweight form factor with features tailored for on-the-go mobility. With a clean high-gloss shine, and a removable interface cover for added protection and aesthetic symmetry, the LaCie Little Disk family has storage capacity from 30 to 250 gigabytes.

The LaCie Little Disk is driver-free and pre-formatted for simple, one-step installation across all platforms. Just plug and play using the integrated, extractable USB cable, or one of the two FireWire ports on the 2.5-inch combo drive. Bundled backup and synchronization software allows important data to be brought back quickly, or enables you to synch the drive with your files, emails, or personal settings. A simple-to-use shortcut button located on the 2.5-inch combo version facilitates one-click backup and synchronization, or program it to open your favorite application. For added security, Windows users can protect their data with AES 128-bit encryption.

The LaCie Little Disk 1.8-inch and 2.5-inch USB 2.0 drives are available now. The 2.5-inch Combo will be available in October. Suggested retail prices start at $100 for the 1.8-inch, $90 for the 2.5-inch USB 2.0 and $120 for the 2.5-inch Combo.

Source: LaCie

Fujitsu Announces LifeBook U810 Mini-Convertible Notebook

Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation announced the availability of the palm-sized LifeBook U810 mini-convertible notebook (see the gallery below). Weighing 1.56 pounds (~700g) with a 5.6" LED backlit display, the company's smallest tablet convertible designed to run office applications and stay connected while on the road. An integrated camera also makes the LifeBook U810 notebook suitable for video conferencing and digital picture taking.

With the power to run all standard notebook applications, the LifeBook U810 convertible works as a traditional notebook with an ultra-slim QWERTY keyboard, or by swiveling the WSVGA Crystal View illuminated screen, as a handheld Tablet PC with a touch screen for finger or pen input.

The LifeBook U810 notebook, which complies with the new Energy Star version 4.0 guidelines, is equipped with the energy-efficient Ultra Low Power Intel A110 processor optimized specifically for mobile devices. With a standard four-cell battery, it delivers up to 5.5 hours of computing time. The LifeBook U810 notebook offers a choice of operating systems, including Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005.

The LifeBook U810 notebook is packed with a suite of advanced security features to safeguard information, including Trusted Platform Module support and two-level BIO lock, along with a fingerprint sensor for encrypting sensitive files with a finger swipe. The LifeBook U810 also features an SD Card reader and CF slot. An optional docking station is also available for those who wish to use the U810 as a desktop replacement.

The LifeBook U810 notebook, priced starting at $999 is immediately available through the Fujitsu direct sales force, etc. Users can choose from a recommended configuration, or they can customize their system using the Fujitsu Configure To Order (CTO) program.

The LifeBook U810 notebook is backed by a one- or three-year limited warranty.

Source: Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation

Creative Introduces Aurvana X-Fi Noise-Canceling Headphones

Creative Technology announced that its X-Fi audio technology will be available in noise-canceling headphones claimed to improve audio playback for the iPhone, iPod, PC, Mac, PSP, and other portable entertainment devices. These headphones are company's first to feature the X-Fi audio technologies.

According to the press release, the Creative Aurvana X-Fi Noise-Canceling Headphones reduce up to 90 percent of ambient noise and feature memory foam that moulds to the user's ears, providing comfortable listening. Users can independently select noise cancellation, X-Fi Crystalizer, X-Fi CMSS-3D and volume with controls on the headphones.

The headphones can work for up to nine hours from 2 x AAA batteries.

Each set of the Creative Aurvana X-Fi Noise-Canceling Headphones includes an iPhone-compatible cable in addition to a hard carrying case for secure transport.

Additional specifications:

• 40mm Neodymium magnet drivers
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Impedance: 450ohms (on), 72ohms (off)
• Sensitivity (1kHz): 105dB/mW (on), 95dB/mW (off)
• Noise Reduction Level: 20dB
• Oxygen-Free Copper cables
• Gold-plated connectors, including airline adapter
• 1.5m (5 ft) standard cable and 1.5m (5 ft) extension (iPhone compatible)

The Creative Aurvana X-Fi Noise-Canceling Headphones will be available in Singapore US$ 299.99 (S$499.00) from early October onwards.

AMD Announces 'Triple-Core' Toliman (Phenom X3) Desktop CPUs

AMD updated its desktop multi-core roadmap with "triple-core" Phenom X3 processors based on Barcelona architecture, adding them to dual-core Phenom X2 and quad-core Phenom X4. Speaking of the naming, according to sources, these products will be officially codenamed "Toliman".

The novelty will have features similar to those of Phenom X2 and Phenom X4: Socket AM2+, DDR2 controller, 512 KB L2 and 2MB of shared L3. Essentially, a triple-core processor is the same quad-core Phenom with one core disabled. This enables AMD to kill at least two birds with one stone: increase the yield and expand the offering with a "new" unusual processor.

From this point of view the company can actually claim that it offers a unique triple-core solution, further advancing multi-core into masses (that's what AMD is focusing on). And Phenom X3 will be cheaper than Phenom X4 (AMD also mentions a competitive price for Toliman).

The Phenom X3 will inherit a number of innovations from Barcelona: Cool'n'Quiet 2.0 (independent core clock rate adjustment) and power-saving features. Besides, the new CPU will operate through HyperTransport 3.0 providing up to 16GB/s of throughput.

As for the performance of triple-core solutions, AMD promises significant performance boost comparing to dual-core processors. At least, in SYSmark 2007 and 3DMark06 (digital content and gaming applications).

We should expect the official release of triple-core Phenom processors in Q1 2008, while the quad-core Phenom is to be released already in Q4 2007.

Sources: AMD, TGDaily, CNet, DailyTech, OCW

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