iXBT Labs - Computer Hardware in Detail

Platform

Video

Multimedia

Mobile

Other

News Archive


 « Previous Day News Archive Next Day » 

Headlines


VIA Launches NAB 7500 Specialized Network Appliance Board for UTM, VPN, and Firewall Applications

Sun Microsystems to Acquire MySQL

MSI Unveils NX8800GT DisplayPort Series

LaCie and Samsung Collaborate on 1.3-inch Form Factor Hard Drives

Iomega Announces New eGo Portable Hard Drives

Fujitsu Beefs Up the LifeBook P1620 Convertible Notebook With More Power, Greater Security

Elpida Set to Deliver x64-bit I/O Wide Bit Mobile RAM

Edirol Unveils R-44 Solid State Field Recorder



VIA Launches NAB 7500 Specialized Network Appliance Board for UTM, VPN, and Firewall Applications

VIA Technologies, an innovator and developer of embedded silicon and platform technologies, today announced the VIA NAB 7500 embedded board for advanced network security solutions.

Designed to address the needs of today's modern network security systems, the feature-packed VIA NAB 7500 is a highly integrated Network Appliance Board for network security or gateway applications, including Firewall, VPN, UTM, Anti-Virus and Intrusion Prevention System products. Other network applications include Proxy Server, Quality of Service and Load Balancer products.

To meet the demand for high performance, reliable and secure networks, the VIA NAB 7500 features five Gigabit Ethernet ports (4 of which through PCI Express) supporting LAN Bypass, a USB WLAN interface, four S-ATA ports for data logging or signature, serial ports for console redirection with an LCM power function, plus several other features for added reliability and security, including a TPM module for hardware-based data protection, all powered by a low heat, energy-efficient VIA C7 processor.

Powered by an energy-efficient 1.5GHz VIA C7 processor (with other speed options available for project customers) and the versatile VIA CN896 chipset, the VIA NAB 7500 supports up to 3.5GB of DDR2 system memory, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports on a high bandwidth PCI-e bus with an additional Gigabit LAN port on the PCI bus. The VIA NAB 7500 also supports a LAN Bypass feature for added protection from system hang-up and power failure, with control available through the Watch Dog Timer, GPIO or custom developed software.

System expandability is provided through a Golden Finger expansion module for discreet system expansion in a multi-board configuration or the addition of up to 3 PCI Cards. Data storage is simple with 4 S-ATA ports supporting RAID 0 and RAID 1, as well as a 44-pin IDE/Compact Flash socket. With an optional TPM chip for superior software and content security, a COM port, 8 GPIO ports, pin headers for PS/2 and VGA ports, LAN and LAN Bypass front panel LEDs and up to 6 USB 2.0 ports, the VIA NAB7500 offers tremendous design flexibility.

Security can be augmented by enabling the VIA PadLock Security Engine, a hardware based security technology that provides the latest military-grade encryption and protection with the world's fastest x86 security engine. VIA StrongBox is an application that uses the power of the VIA PadLock Security Engine allowing users to create up to 10 encrypted virtual drives.

Full specifications.

Pre-release samples are available now to project-based customers.

Source: VIA Technologies

Sun Microsystems to Acquire MySQL

Sun Microsystems announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MySQL AB, an open source icon and developer of one of the world's fastest growing open source databases for approximately $1 billion in total consideration. The acquisition accelerates Sun's position in enterprise IT to now include the $15 billion database market. The announcement reaffirms Sun's position as the leading provider of platforms for the Web economy and its role as the largest commercial open source contributor.

With millions of global deployments including Facebook, Google, Nokia, Baidu and China Mobile, MySQL will bring synergies to Sun that will change the landscape of the software industry by driving new adoption of MySQL's open source database in more traditional applications and enterprises. The integration with Sun will greatly extend the commercial appeal of MySQL's offerings and improve its value proposition with the addition of Sun's global services organization. MySQL will also gain new distribution through Sun's channels including its OEM relationships with Intel, IBM and Dell.

MySQL's open source database is widely deployed across all major operating systems, hardware vendors, geographies, industries and application types. The complementary product line-ups will extend MySQL's database reach and are expected to bring new markets for Sun's systems, virtualization, middleware and storage platforms.

MySQL's open source database is the "M" in LAMP - the software platform comprised of Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP/Perl often viewed as the foundation of the Internet. Sun is committed to enhancing and optimizing the LAMP stack on GNU/Linux and Microsoft Windows along with OpenSolaris and MAC OS X. The database from MySQL, OpenSolaris and GlassFish, together with Sun's Java platform and NetBeans communities, will create a powerful Web application platform across a wide range of customers shifting their applications to the Web.

More than 100 million copies of MySQL's high-performance open source database software have been downloaded and distributed and an additional 50,000 copies are downloaded daily. This broad penetration coupled with MySQL's strength in Web 2.0, Software as a Service (SaaS), enterprise, telecom and the OEM embedded market make it an important fit for Sun. With MySQL, Sun will have the ability to deepen its existing customer relationships and create new opportunities with companies seeking the flexibility and ease-of-use of open source systems.

Following completion of the proposed transaction, MySQL will be integrated into Sun's Software, Sales and Service organizations and the company's CEO, Marten Mickos, will be joining Sun's senior executive leadership team. In the interim, a joint team with representatives from both companies will develop integration plans that build upon the technical, product and cultural synergies and the best business and product development practices of both companies. MySQL is headquartered in Cupertino, CA and Uppsala, Sweden and has 400 employees in 25 countries.

As part of the transaction, Sun will pay approximately $800 million in cash in exchange for all MySQL stock and assume approximately $200 million in options. The transaction is expected to close in late Q3 or early Q4 of Sun's fiscal 2008. Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The deal is expected to be accretive to FY10 operating income on a GAAP basis.

Source: Sun Microsystems

MSI Unveils NX8800GT DisplayPort Series

MSI, a manufacturer of computer products, unveils its latest MSI NX8800GT-PTD1GE Series graphics card, base on NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT Series GPU, DisplayPort output capable and increase onboard graphics memory to 1GB(1024MB).

MSI NX8800GT-PTD1GE Series has the next generation I/O interface - DisplayPort, which is dedicated for extra high resolution flat-panel displays and also has audio signal integrated in. In order to make the signal cable as less as possible, DisplayPort protocol further pull in the auxiliary channel which can let other peripherals such as USB HUB, webcam and touch screen device share the very same cable with video/audio signal. This design makes PC connectivity even more extended and convenient at the same time.

In order to give power users more privilege on over-clocking and advanced tweaking, MSI NX8800GT-PTD1GE Series loads with MSI's 1-slot, dual-pipe high efficient thermal solution - X-type Fan-pipe. With this single slot fan which can lower the GPU temperature to 60°C. According to the press release, MSI X-type Fan-pipe's cooling capability is very close to ZALMAN VF1000 Series, 2-slot Fan-pipe for MSI most high-end Zilent Series graphics card.

Source: MSI

LaCie and Samsung Collaborate on 1.3-inch Form Factor Hard Drives

LaCie and Samsung announced the end results of their collaboration in implementing 1.3-inch hard disk technology for LaCie micro storage devices. Available in 30GB or 40GB versions, LaCie will be offering its smallest Little Disk yet, as well as an update to the popular credit card sized USB Key Max. Both products are USB 2.0 powered and include their very own connection cable for true on-the-go mobility in an ultra compact form.

The Samsung 1.3-inch drive was designed to be the most efficient use of capacity per volume, while its size is equal to that of Compact Flash II cards. The development of such technology allowed LaCie to overcome current size limitations and to achieve innovative design with massive storage capacities for pocket-sized devices.

With easy plug-and-play installation, the 1.3-inch Little Disk and USB Key Max could not be any simpler to use. The devices are driver-free and are compatible with any computer running Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Linux 2.4 or 2.6. The devices are preformatted FAT32 for cross platform versatility.

The devices come preloaded with LaCie's '1-Click' Backup Software for PC and Mac and SilverKeeper Backup Software for Mac to regularly back up data. Also bundled for Windows is LaCieSync synchronization and encryption software that syncs updated files, emails, or personal settings to your office or home computer. For added security AES 128-bit encryption keep data safe from unwanted eyes.

LaCie's new 1.3-inch Little Disk and USB Key Max, with capacities up to 40GB, can hold approximately 36,000 digital photos, 12,000 songs (MP3 files), or 60 hours DVD quality video.

Both the 1.3-inch Little Disk and the USB Key Max are available now starting at $119.99 and $109.99, respectfully.

Source: LaCie

Iomega Announces New eGo Portable Hard Drives

Iomega Corporation, a global leader in data storage and protection, introduced new higher capacity and dual interface models for its hugely popular Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive, which has changed the way computer users view design and function in portable hard drives.

The newest additions to the Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive family include 160GB and 250GB models with dual USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 interfaces, available in Cherry Red, Jet Black and Alpine White. Iomega also announced today new 250GB USB 2.0-powered models in Cherry Red, Midnight Blue and Jet Black.

Launched in June as a 160GB USB 2.0 Powered portable hard drive, the Iomega eGo Drive has received media accolades around the world for its style and its substance, including PC Magazine, Money magazine, the CBS Early Show and inclusion in TIME magazine's once-a-year "Tech Buyer's Guide (November 12, 2007 issue), as well as a coveted spot in TIME magazine's "Top 10 Gadgets" of 2007.


Iomega's eGo Drive is a stylish and sassy 2.5-inch drive that easily fits in a briefcase or purse, giving users dependable portable storage and allowing them to express their own personal palette, popular today with colored laptop computers. The eGo Drive has an elegantly curved chassis available in several different eye-catching colors, each with chrome endcaps that sets the eGo Drive apart from other portable hard drives.

But the Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive is also about function. No power supply is required when utilizing the USB port on any of the eGo Drive models. The dual interface models are ideal for seamless storage, backup and archive support on both PC and Mac computing systems. All Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drives come with a version of EMC Retrospect software for automatic backups, scheduled backups, or on-demand backups. DropGuard technology, another data safety advantage for eGo Drive users, protects the eGo drive from accidental damage caused by drops of up to 51 inches - far superior to the drop height specifications of other branded portable hard drives.

Talk about style and lots of storage space, too - the 160GB eGo Portable Hard Drive can carry up to 640,000 photos, over 2,900 hours of music or 240 hours of video with confidence, while the 250GB eGo Portable Hard Drive can carry up to 1 million photos, over 4,600 hours of music or 375 hours of video.

All Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drives are compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Home/XP Professional/XP Professional x64, and Windows Vista. The eGo Portable Hard Drive is also compatible with Mac OS X 10.1.5 or above.

The Iomega 160GB USB 2.0 Powered eGo Portable Hard Drive is now available worldwide in several different colors for $139.95. The 160GB Dual Interface eGo Portable Hard Drive is also available in different colors for $159.95 each, as well as the 250GB Dual Interface eGo Portable Hard Drive for $229.95. The 250GB USB 2.0 Powered eGo Portable Hard Drive is now available in various colors for $209.95. (Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive models vary by colors in the U.S., Europe and Asia. All pricing listed here is suggested U.S. retail.)

Source: Iomega Corporation

Fujitsu Beefs Up the LifeBook P1620 Convertible Notebook With More Power, Greater Security

Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation announced a more powerful, more secure LifeBook P1620 convertible notebook, a 2.2-pound feather-light powerhouse packed with full PC functionality and an 8.9-inch touch screen display. The convertible notebook now sports a powerful Intel Core(TM)2 Duo processor and includes Fujitsu Portshutter(TM) data leak prevention software.


Click for a larger image.
More images.

The highly reliable LifeBook P1620 convertible notebook meets the needs of mobile and field professionals in healthcare, field and sales force automation, and supply chain management who require the flexibility of a tablet for note-taking or navigating through forms-based applications, along with the traditional keyboard input of a notebook computer. To keep their data secure, mobile workers can use the included Fujitsu Portshutter software to restrict which I/O ports can be used and what types of USB devices are allowed. The software is designed to help prevent confidential information from being copied to removable devices, and even prevent the connection of external devices that might compromise security. The software can also temporarily restrict the use of ports when the computer is left unattended.

The Fujitsu LifeBook P1620 convertible notebook's touch-sensitive display enables users to quickly and easily navigate through applications and the Web using either a stylus or a finger. Fujitsu has enhanced the display to make it even easier to read in normal working conditions. It is now brighter, has a higher contrast ratio, and offers better viewing angles in all four directions.

The LifeBook P1620 notebook offers a bi-directional display hinge, which turns the screen in both directions for added convenience. This versatility is matched by the durability offered by the Fujitsu Shock Sensor utility, an accelerometer-based hard disk drive protection system that retracts the hard drive head if a sudden movement or vibration is detected, reducing the possibility of data loss. The sensor can also be set to password-lock the system if it is touched, preventing the unauthorized access of data.

The convertible notebook makes it easy to connect to the office network or the Internet with options including the Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965ABG (802.11 a/b/g ), or Atheros Super AG (802.11a/b/g) WLAN, Gigabit Ethernet LAN, modem, and optional Bluetooth. In addition, the LifeBook P1620 notebook offers Smart Card support via a PCMCIA card slot (adapter required).

The Fujitsu LifeBook P1620 notebook is priced at $1,599 for a base configuration.

Source: Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation

Elpida Set to Deliver x64-bit I/O Wide Bit Mobile RAM

Elpida Memory (Elpida), Japan's leading global supplier of Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), announced the release of a new x64-bit wide I/O 256-megabit Mobile RAM dubbed the "ECK2664JACN." The new product represents an optimum solution for the bandwidth critical image processing systems and achieves twice the bandwidth of existing 32-bit products while operating at an ultra-low voltage of 1.2V I/O (VDDQ). It features Elpida's unique product characteristics: enabling the highest possible performance for mobile phones and other mobile products and low-power consumption.

Main features of the new product:

  • x64-bit 256-megabit DDR Mobile RAM with a clock frequency of 166MHz that enables a 2.6GB/sec high-speed data transmission rate.
  • Ultra-low voltage of 1.2V I/O (VDDQ) based on world-leading technology to enable low-power consuming mobile products.
  • Edge-pads for easy implementation in small form-factor MCP and SIP.
  • Partial array self refresh (PASR), automatic temperature compensation self refresh (ATCSR), deep power down (DPD) and other standardized Mobile RAM special low-power functions enable a longer battery operating time.

Elpida has already begun sampling the "ECK2664JACN" Mobile RAM. Volume production is expected to get underway in the second quarter of 2008.

Source: Elpida Memory

Edirol Unveils R-44 Solid State Field Recorder

Today at the NAMM Show, Roland Systems Group announced and demonstrated the new Edirol R-44 a compact, four channel, solid-state field recorder. The R-44 uses SD or large capacity SDHC cards as the storage media enabling quiet and reliable recording for all of your professional audio needs. The R-44 is a small, compact field recording device designed for professional use. Capture up to 4 channels of uncompressed audio with selectable bit depths (16-bit or 24-bit) and sampling frequencies (44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz). Onboard effects include limiter, low cut filter, 3-band EQ, 6-band GEQ, Enhancer, and DeEsser.

Weighing just less than 3 lbs including batteries makes the R-44 a perfect high quality recording solution for videographers, musicians, teachers, and sound designers to take anywhere. Get up to 4 hours of record time with four NiMH or alkaline AA batteries (Not included).

The four combo input jacks supports both XLR and 1/4 inch plugs. XLR inputs are equipped with phantom power. Eleven steps of input sensitivity enable the connection of multiple devices with a variety of inputs levels from microphones to musical instruments. The high speed USB 2.0 port allows you to copy and archive your captured audio to a computer quickly and easily.


Click for a larger image.
More images.

Details:

  • Built-in stereo microphones and monitor speakers.
    Although the R-44 is compact, all the necessary functions are included. Built-in high quality microphones and speakers make recording and monitoring without external devices possible.
  • Built-in limiter, low-cut filter and studio class effects.
    An on-board limiter helps suppress sudden peaks in sound from an input source. A low-cut filter is included to help prevent things like wind noise or mic handling noise. Studio class effects such as 3-Band EQ, 6-Band GEQ, Enhancer or DeEsser can be used as tools to greatly improve audio quality. Effects can be applied while recording or simply for monitoring/playback.
  • Pre-Record function ensures you never miss that important moment again.
    The Pre-Record function buffers input signals for a certain amount of time. When the REC button is pressed, the material from the previous few seconds (selectable) is included. This also helps reduce sound bites at the beginning of a recording by not having to start the recorder too early.
  • Combo type analog jacks and digital output enables connection with a variety of devices.
    The combo input jacks (4) supports the connection of both XLR and 1/4 inch plugs. XLR inputs are equipped with phantom power. Eleven steps of input sensitivity enable the connection of various devices with a variety of inputs levels from microphones to musical instruments. High quality analog circuitry in the preamp ensures superior recording results.
  • High-contrast Organic LED display and operation-oriented user interface.
    The high contrast, high response organic LED screen, viewable from wide angles ensures fluid operation in field recording situations. The high response of level meters makes precise level adjustments possible. All the necessary switches and knobs are located on the top and front panels. Self-lit buttons on all the key controls enable clear-cut recording operations.
  • Capture eight channels by linking two units.
    The Control Sync terminal enables synchronized operation of 2 units. Control the second unit from the master by simply connecting two with a stereo mini cable. The master unit can remotely control REC standby, REC start and REC stop of the slave unit. This function enables 8-channel recording in a compact space and at an affordable price.
  • Link to computer via high speed USB.The R-44 can be mounted on computers with a simple USB 2.0 connection. It is seen as an USB storage device on a computer. You can copy data back and forth with a simple drag & drop operation.
  • Four hours of recording with four AA batteries.
    The R-44 can be operated with 3 types of power supply, AC adaptor, external battery and AA batteries. Four hours of operation is possible with NiMH or alkaline batteries (at 16-bit/44.1kHz stereo; no phantom power and pre-record disabled).
  • Complete specifications.

Source: Edirol

 « 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.