Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Japanese Ministry of Self-Defense shows off a flying sphere robot (w video)
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
iPad makes it to Brazil, at eye-watering prices
Enlarge
Apple's iPad went on sale in Brazil from Friday, with customers lining up at stores to get their hands on the tablet computer whose entry into Latin America's biggest market faced pricing and other challenges.
Brazilians were being asked to fork over between 970 dollars for the cheapest version (a 16GB Wi-Fi model) up to 1,530 dollars for the top-of-the-line 34GB WiFi-plus-3G model.
Those prices were nearly twice the amount US customers were paying, due to Brazil's 100-percent tariffs on imported electronics imposed to protect the domestic industry.
The trendy computing device also ran into a problem with its name.
The word "Brazil to denote a South Korean-made defibrillator that has been used to restart patients' hearts in Brazilian hospitals for the past three years.
A brewing legal tussle between that medical unit's maker, CU Medical Systems Inc., appeared to have been settled to allow Apple's tablet to finally hit Brazilian shelves.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Graphics processing installation to boost Argonne's Blue Gene P visualization capabilities
(PhysOrg.com) -- The IBM Blue Gene/P Intrepid at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF), located at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, will soon have the data analytics and visualization capability to complement its distinction as the fastest computer in the world for open science and the third fastest overall computer in the world.
Argonne awarded GraphStream, Inc., Belmont , Calif. , a contract that will help to make data analytics and visualization at this scale possible through the world's largest installation of NVIDIA Quadro Plex S4 external graphics processing units (GPU). This new supercomputer installation, nicknamed Eureka , will allow researchers to explore and visualize the data they produce with Intrepid. The powerful installation will offer 104 dual quad core servers with 208 Quadro FX5600 GPUs in the S4s.
"During a massive computation on Intrepid, torrents of data can be unleashed onto the multi-petabyte parallel file system," ALCF acting director Pete Beckman said. "For example, in just a little over a minute, Intrepid can produce the equivalent of 1,000 DVDs of file data. Eureka will be used to peer ever deeper into scientist's data, from simulations of the electrical signals of the human heart to exploding supernova. Aided by Eureka , scientists will plow through the tidal wave of data produced by Intrepid faster than ever before, searching for new insights."
Most applications that run on large-scale systems like Intrepid generate huge volumes of data that represent the results of the calculations. An essential tool for understanding those results after the run has completed is to be able to explore rapidly the output data and convert it to a visual representation. To do so at the scale required by Intrepid applications requires a system with Eureka's power.
GraphStream, a supplier of scalable computer systems, will use the NVIDIA Quadro Plex (S4) visual computing system as the base graphics building block.
"With the addition of Eureka, the GraphStream/NVIDIA collaboration to provide the world's most advanced scalable visual computing systems now extends to the sites of the three most powerful supercomputers in the world," said Craig Dunwoody, CEO of GraphStream. "Using the NVIDIA Quadro Plex S4 visual computing system as the base graphics building block, Eureka will deliver a quantum leap in visual compute density, enabling breakthrough levels of productivity and capability in visualization and data analysis."
"Argonne National Laboratory's adoption of NVIDIA Quadro Plex visual computing solutions for their groundbreaking IBM Blue Gene/P supercomputer speaks volumes to the importance placed today on the role of visualization in scientific research and analytics," said Jeff Brown, general manager of the professional solutions business at NVIDIA. "The close partnership between NVIDIA and the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility has been key to this landmark installation. We are extremely excited to see the impact that GPU technologies will have on the quality and pace of the scientific research carried out there."
The cost-effective approach being used takes four very high-end graphics cards and places them in a 1U "pizza box." A very dense configuration, this solution handles all the power and cooling issues associated with the graphics cards. An alternative configuration using 4U servers with two cards each would take 10.5 racks to match the same number of graphics cards that the proposed approach provides in just four racks.
"This addition to the ALCF's high-end computing platform will provide a vital link between simulation and analysis by allowing scientists to probe and interrogate their data in an interactive manner," said Paul Fischer, a computational scientist at Argonne , who conducts reactor core hydrodynamics research on the Blue Gene/P.
The ALCF's Blue Gene/P Intrepid provides resources for the DOE's Innovative and Novel Computational Impact on Theory and Experiment (INCITE) program), which supports computationally intensive projects from industry, scientific researchers and research organizations.
The ALCF is a leadership-class computing facility that enables the research and development community to make innovative and high-impact science and engineering breakthroughs. Argonne operates the ALCF for the DOE Office of Science as part of the larger DOE Leadership Computing Facility strategy that is organized by the DOE Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research. DOE leads the world in providing the most capable civilian supercomputers for science.
Technical information
The base server building block is the SuperMicro 6015-UR. The S4 attaches to a server on either side of it, forming a “sandwich.” To the servers, it appears as if they have two Quadro FX5600 graphics cards inside of them. While there are small system disks in the server, all of the data comes from the large storage system over the network.
Economical, low-latency modular switches represent the heart of the data-management system. The nine-switch complex supports up to 2,048 connections, each of which simultaneously exchanges data at roughly 1 billion bytes per second. The storage system offers a bank of more than 10,000 disk drives that will send and receive data from the Blue Gene/P's more than 100,000 processors. Altogether, this system can deliver nearly 80 billion bytes per second to and from the disk—the equivalent of transferring the content of 100 full CDs every second.
Provided by Argonne National Laboratory
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
New Lithium Ion Batteries With Industry's Highest Level of Energy Density
Sony Corporation announces the new line-up of lithium ion batteries, with industry's highest level of energy density, responding to the needs for high capacity and large current in secondary batteries for mobile products. Shipment will start from December 2004 onwards.
Accomplishment of higher capacities in secondary batteries continue to be required from the market, due to higher performance and enhanced features in mobile products such as note PCs, digital video cameras and mobile phones. At Sony, commercialization of the world's first high power density, small size, light weight and long life lithium ion battery was announced in 1991 and, in 1999, lithium ion polymer battery with flexibility in shape and enhanced safety was announced, further responding to such needs. As a result, the world-wide market size of lithium ion batteries (including lithium ion polymer batteries) has grown to a market of 1.2 Billion units.
In the cylindrical lithium ion battery and the lithium ion polymer battery announced today, industry's highest level of energy density has been accomplished, enabling long hours of operation in mobile products.
In the cylindrical lithium ion battery,
In the Lithium ion polymer battery, , characteristics such as high freedom in the ease of product design (in which the battery is to be used) and high level of safety from the polymer construction have been maintained and 830mAh (9%increase from Sony's conventional model, with the same size) have been realized, supporting long hours of operation in small portable products such as mobile phones.
In addition, targeting the expansion of business in the mobile phone market as well as expansion of lithium ion battery market, new models, the S Pack and V Cell, VT Cell Series are introduced.
S Pack is a lithium ion polymer battery pack dedicated to mobile phone use, where high efficiency is realized in a limited spacing from the convergence of the two technologies, lithium ion polymer and packaging.
In the V Cell and VT Cell Series, the challenge of large current discharge has been accomplished, enabling use of lithium ion batteries in power tools, cleaners, motor assisted bicycle where lithium ion batteries were not used in the past, leading to market expansion of high-power cylindrical lithium ion batteries.
Sony will continue making progress on technology development of batteries with respect to various aspects, such as safety, reliability in high performance, high capacity and consciousness to the environment, and by introducing new lithium ion battery line-up Sony will target to expand its battery business as well as the market.
• Main Characteristics of industry's maximum capacity Cylindrical Lithium Ion (G8 Series)
From the change to 'Can' and the cathode structure, high level of charging has become possible, leading to 6% increase* in capacity compared to conventional battery. Also, due to the fact that the change is focused on structural changes, the curve of discharge is negligible compared to the conventional cell, enabling usage of the in the same battery pack as the conventional one.
*2550mAH (comparison with conventional cell:2400mAH)
• Main Characteristics of industry's maximum capacity Lithium Ion Polymer (A8 Series)
By slimming of the external structure, 9% increase of the capacity has been accomplished, compared to the conventional battery. As it is of a higher capacity when compared to a same size rectangular lithium ion battery, it is appropriate for new generation mobile phones for multimedia purposes.
*830mAh (comparison with conventional same size battery : 760mAh)
• Main Characteristics of New Concept Battery Pack (S Pack)
Utilizing the characteristics of lithium ion batteries (no leakage, less swelling), the battery pack has been simplified, reducing the number of parts. Also, by using a stronger external film as it is as the exterior pack, maximum space efficiency has been achieved in the final products, which is the battery pack.
• High power Cylindrical Lithium Ion battery (V Cell, VT Cell Series)
By using Nickel/Manganese mixture in the positive electrode, stability in high temperature conditions have been achieved, also achieving safe usage with high level of current, this being the characteristics of V/VT series. By the combination with high-voltage, which is the characteristics of lithium ion batteries, usage in the high-power output application field (such as power tools, cleaners, motor assisted bicycles) will be ideal, where conventionally Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Hydrogen batteries were used. In the 18650V cell, maximum output of 10A, and in the 6650VT cell, maximum output of 50A have been achieved.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
DNF - Duken Nukem Forever daté
Son développement démarre en janvier 1997. 3D Realms est alors aux commandes, mais le retard se fait vite sentir et le jeu subit de multiple reports. Après de nombreux problèmes en interne ainsi qu'avec Take2, l'éditeur du jeu, le développement est confié à Gearbox et le transfert est rendu public le 3 septembre 2010. Plus de 10 ans de développement, dans le milieu on appelle ça un Vaporware (un jeu sans cesse retardé).
Heureusement la fin est proche (celle du développement ne vous méprenez pas) et le jeu se voit enfin recevoir une date de sortie que l'éditeur semble déterminé à respecter. Je ne vous fait plus attendre, c'est le 3 mai aux USA et le 6 mai dans le reste du monde (2011 dans les deux cas) que cette suite d'un jeu mythique débarquera sur PC, Xbox 360 et PS3.
Maj :
Pour souligner cet évènement, un excellent trailer est mis à notre disposition. C'est simple, vous DEVEZ le voir.
· Voir le trailer de Duke Nukem Forever
· Forum Duke Nukem Forever
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Cybermind Promos @ IT Show 2005
Special Promo!
Cybermind is giving a special offer on their CORSAIR 512MBDDR400 CL2.5 ValueSelect Memory @ $ 99 w/GST for VR-Zone members! Price @ IT Showis $ 105. Just print this page out and get the memories at this special price.
Friday, March 15, 2013
ECS Releases M.I.B. II Tweaking Tool For Black Series Mobos
Taipei, Taiwan, February 26th, 2009 – Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), the world’s leading motherboard, graphics card, barebone system and notebook manufacturer, today introduces the latest cutting-edge M.I.B. II (Motherboard Intelligent BIOS II) tweaking utility for new-born Black Series motherboards, providing excellent solutions to meet the demands from the market without high price tag. Unleashing the full potential of hardware components that brings great benefits to users, ECS M.I.B. II incorporates plenty of detailed tweaking options especially in voltage control to enhance the overall system performance. In addition, gathering every tweaking option all in a single page is extremely convenient for users that spending precious time in searching merely a BIOS setting is never necessary. Just buy ECS’s Black Series motherboards now and enjoy the tweaking pleasure immediately.
For many users, getting additional benefits is always their concern which makes overclocking considerably popular nowadays. ECS M.I.B. II allows users to get higher system performance simply by several steps in entering certain numbers in BIOS if they’re not familiar with the BIOS settings. Comparing to the previous version of M.I.B. tweaking utility, more options and bigger range of voltage control are added as well for power users to reach the hardware limit. Moreover, it’s extremely convenient that options for system tweaking are gathered all in a single page that power users can focus on pushing the limit without searching required options in various pages.
Targeting at the performance segment, ECS Black Series motherboards stand for excellent solutions with the best price/performance ratio which always features all-solid-capacitor design for better durability, specifically designed cooling solution for faster heat dissipation, 4 or 6 phase power design for power stability, ECS Ultra I/O rear panel for USB peripherals connectivity, ECS Easy Button for easier installation, and ECS exclusive M.I.B. tweaking utility for sure. With great enhancement and advancement, ECS Black Series motherboards such as A780GM-A Ultra, A790GXM-A, X58B-A, and the latest A790GXM-AD3, now phase in the latest M.I.B. II tweaking utility to provide a powerful platform for users.
It is noticeable that ECS Black Series motherboards have become the best solutions in the market with the high quality, rich features and the great reputation. For more information about ECS Black Series motherboards and the latest M.I.B. II tweaking utility, contact your local ECS sales agent today.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
DFI Lanparty Launch of LANParty NF4 SLI-DR and LANPartyUT NF4 Ultra-D Motherboards launched
DFI®, a worldwide leader in industrial computing solutions and maker of the LANParty™ series of motherboards, today launched the new LANParty NF4 SLI-DR and LANPartyUT NF4 Ultra-D motherboards for the socket 939 AMD® Athlon™ 64 platform. Taking full advantage of the rich feature set the NVIDIA® nForce4 chipsets have to offer, the new DFI UV-sensitive motherboards bring more performance lead to high-end desktop computing than others.
SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) and DXG™ (Dual Xpress Graphics) Technologies
Based on the nForce 4 SLI chipset, the new LANParty NF4 SLI-DR motherboard is DFI’s first to fully support NVIDIA’s new SLI technology in the signature LANParty package. Delivering almost twice the performance of a single GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) configuration, SLI brings more graphics realism to desktop PCs than any other technologies. The multiple GPU support of SLI takes advantage of the increased PCI-Express bandwidth and enables DFI’s new motherboard to support two identical PCI-Express video cards simultaneously using a bridge connector. Seamlessly operating in parallel, the new LANParty motherboard provides the perfect solution for real time rendering, complex video processing or intensive game play.
Similarly, the nForce 4 Ultra chipset based LANPartyUT NF4 Ultra-D motherboard supports dual display cards to deliver the ultimate graphics experience. DFI’s proprietary DXG (Dual Xpress Graphics) Technology benefits from the multiple PCI-Express lanes the chipset supports, using the 16x and 2x configurations, to allow for versatile graphics support and utmost future-proof upgrade ability.
New Storage Standard
The new LANParty NF4 SLI-DR and LANPartyUT NF4 Ultra-D motherboards bring several important technological breakthroughs to the AMD socket 939 platform. Designed for users to run multiple applications without bottlenecks, both motherboards support Serial ATA II hard drives and Native Command Queuing (NCQ). Serial ATA II delivers a high-speed transfer rate of 3GB/second, more than twice as fast as traditional ATA133. NCQ introduces asynchronous I/O and increases drive reliability in heavy workloads by eliminating much of the mechanical wear and tear.
To provide a reliable and scalable data environment, the motherboards support RAID through NVIDIA’s new NV RAID Utility software. NV RAID allows for both Serial ATA and IDE 0, 1, 0+1 RAID configurations. Through its Window’s based utility suite, users can now easily partition hard drives and configure RAID.
In addition to the multiple RAID functions, the SLI version brings RAID 5 to the desktop with its integrated Silicon Image 3114 chip. RAID 5 is one of the most popular RAID levels, where it stripes both data and parity information across three or more drives, removing the bottleneck that the dedicated parity drive presents and improving write performance.
Performance and Stability Enhancement FeaturesBoasting the industry’s most complete and advanced BIOS options, the new LANParty and LANPartyUT motherboards raise the bar even further with new additions. For the overclocking minded enthusiasts, both motherboards now support memory voltage from 2.5V to 4.0V, CPU core voltage up to 2.1V, chipset voltage from 1.5V to 1.8V, HTT ranging from 1.2 to 1.5, adjustable multiplier control up to 20x and a large range of Async settings. Combined with DFI’s CMOS Reloaded™ technology, both motherboards enable users to maximize performance potentials while enjoy the convenience of saving all the BIOS settings on the fly, renaming to customize CMOS settings, and recalling using a user-defined hot key.
To provide rock solid stability, both nForce4 chipset based motherboards feature Japanese aluminum electrolytic capacitors, magnetic levitation north bridge cooling fan with fan speed control, and all aluminum heat sink on mosfets. The conductive polymer (electrolytic) aluminum solid capacitors provide high resistance to over-voltage and reverse voltage as compared with other capacitors, making them the ideal choice for overclocking and mission critical motherboards. To further provide maximum cooling on-board, both motherboards feature DFI’s first magnetic levitation chipset cooling fan that moves almost twice the air compared to standard chipset fans while producing extremely little noise. Thanks to magnetic levitation technology, the spinning fan blades “float” in a magnetic field and thereby dramatically reduces friction, wear and tear, and heat generation. All of these hardware implementations directly contribute to cooler, quieter and longer lasting motherboards.
Most Extensive Integrated Features
Designed to lead in most features per value, both LANParty NF4 SLI-DR and LANPartyUT NF4 Ultra-D motherboards comprise of DFI’s proprietary EZ On and Reset buttons to make testing and installation easy, dual Gigabit LAN (PCI and PCI Express based) for blazing fast network connection, and NV Active Armor Firewall to protect clients from security attacks at a decreased CPU utilization rate. Audiophiles are entertained with the proprietary Karajan 8-channel audio solution. With its independent audio riser card, unwanted static noise and other audio interference are eliminated to produce a superior sound quality.
Availability and Package Details
The LANParty NF4 SLI-DR package includes matching colour UV reactive round and SATA cables, PC Transpo computer carrying case, FrontX break out box, SLI bridge and on-board SLI switch caps. The LANPartyUT NF4 Ultra-D motherboard is bundled with matching colour UV reactive round and SATA cables and SLI bridge. Both LANParty NF4 SLI-DR and LANPartyUT NF4 Ultra-D motherboards are currently available in limited quantities through DFI’s authorized resellers worldwide. For more information on where to buy and the complete specifications, please visit http://www.dfi.com.tw or email sales@dfiweb.com.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Dell releases Alienware X51 affordable gaming PC
Dell has released the Alienware X51, its latest gaming PC, offering an affordable performance rig with room for upgrades.
Consumers have a choice of an Intel Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7 processor, a 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 545 or GTX 555 graphics card, and 4GB or 8GB of DDR3 RAM, all on a Mini-ITX motherboard. Other features include a 1TB hard drive and a slot-loading dual layer DVD burner, with the option to add a more expensive Blu-ray disc reader.It also comes with an Alienware 240 Watt PSU, which can be upgraded to a 330 Watt version, which are not exactly the most powerful for a gaming system, but they will do for lower specs.It supports internal high-definition 7.1 performance audio and comes with Waves MAXX Audio Software. Other software includes the Alienware Command Centre, and, of course, Windows 7 Home Premium.Connectivity wise, there are six USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a HDMI 1.4 output, a RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port, and the usual headphone and speaker ports. It also supports Wi-Fi.US and Canadian buyers can get access to the Alienware Gaming Services, which offers technical support for the latest games, such as setup, performance optimisation, customisation, and troubleshooting.Lets not forget the chassis, which, like other Alienware rigs, looks pretty awesome.The base price for the X51 starts at $699, £699 or €799, considerably lower than other Alienware systems, making it one of the more affordable gaming computers.Monday, March 4, 2013
ASUS Xonar To Retail @ US$ 199
ASUS held a special press conference during Computex to demonstrate its new range of sound cards to complement its "Sensory Euphoria" concept of all encompassing Audio Visual experience. Sean Lai, the product manager in charge of Xonar and XG Station gave the press a peek of what's coming from ASUS. The Xonar D2 will retail at US$ 199.
Here's some slides for you to see what the "Sensory Euphoria" experience is about.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Arctic Cooling Launched Accelero Xtreme 9800
Swiss cooling solutions provider ARCTIC COOLING today announced the launch ofthe Accelero XTREME 9800, a new exceptional cooler of the Accelero Xtreme seriesfor the latest nVIDIA GeForce 9800 series graphics cards.
33% cooler than stock cooler
Designed based on the acclaimed Accelero XTREME 8800, the Accelero XTREME 9800is an even more powerful cooling solution for enthusiasts. Five 6mm heat pipesand 107 fins dissipate heat from the GeForce 9800 GTX card. Together with three80mm PWM fans that transfer heat efficiently, the Accelero XTREME 9800 achieves240 Watt cooling capacity, resulting in a 29°C temperature reduction from thestock cooler. In addition to the outstanding cooling performance, using theAccelero XTREME 9800 will also bring gamers a better overclocking experience andan extended service life of the graphics card.
Quietness matters
Same as other ARCTIC COOLING products, the Accelero XTREME 9800 not only excelsin cooling, it also offers excellent noise management. Its three 80mm PWM fansare equipped with low noise impellers and installed in a unique fan holder inorder to eliminate any buzzing sounds. The efficient noise control designenables the Accelero XTREME 9800 to minimize the noise level to 0.7 sone. Enjoythe coolness and quietness brought by the Accelero XTREME 9800 today!
The Accelero XTREME 9800 offers a 6-year limited warranty. It will be availablein June 2008. The MSRP is US$ 53.95 and 34.95€ (excl. VAT).
Monday, February 25, 2013
ATi R560 amp; RV570 Info
Market SegmentQ1 '06Q2 '06Q3 '06EnthusiastR580(90nm)
X1900 XTX : 16PP/48PS/8VS, 650/775MHz
X1900 XT : 16PP/48PS/8VS, 625/725MHzR580(90nm)
X1900 XL : 16PP/48PS/8VS, 500+/600+MHz?
R520 (90nm)
X1800 GTO : 12PP/12PS/6VS, 500/500MHzPerformanceRV570(80nm)
RV570XT/XL : 12PP/36PS/6VS
RV560 (80nm)
8PP/24PS/4VSMainstreamRV535 - 80nmValueRV505 - 80nm
ATi will be releasing RV560 and RV570 in Q3 this year and be based on TSMC80nm process technology. It will employ R580 architecture 1 PS : 3ALU. RV570will have 12 pipelines with 36 Pixel Shader processor and 128-bit memoryinterface. RV570XT performance will surpass X1800XL and 7600GT. RV560 will have8 pipelines, 24 Pixel Shader processor and 128-bit memory interface. Itsperformance will surpass X1600XT and 7600GS. RV570 and RV560 will support ATiCrossfire including Gemini GPU (Quad Crossfire).
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
World of Warships s'illustre en images.
World of Warships est prévu exclusivement sur PC pour 2013.
· Forum World of Warships
Sunday, February 17, 2013
ASUS Launches Ultra-portable P30A Business Notebook
Taipei, Taiwan, April 21, 2009 – ASUShas launched the P30A business notebook,designed for professionals who desire portability, dependability, data security and long battery life. Powered by an Intel® Core™2 Duo processor, the P30A features a suite of technological innovations designed to provide effortless computing to business professionals everywhere.
Business users will also appreciate ASUS Xpress Charge, which allows them to charge their ASUS P30A to 90% of its battery life in 90 minutes. With ASUS Smart Assist, users can access troubleshooting resources through 'live' interactive chat or e-mail correspondences with ASUS technical support.
Sturdy and Robust Design with Data Protection for Secure and Reliable Computing
Measuring only 1-inch in profile and weighing just 1.49kg, the ASUS P30A is a portable business performer capable of all rounded data protection. Data is equally protected with ShockShield Data Protection, in which the scanning needle of the hard disk drive moves away from the disc in the event of an impact, thus preventing any scratching which would otherwise damage the data written within.
Users can also conduct their businesses on the ASUS P30A securely, with AI Pre-boot Finger Logon which enables users to authorize the system to boot up by scanning their fingers via the in-built fingerprint scanner. The ASUS P30A also incorporates Anti-theft technology whereby an embedded Intel® security chip tracks the stolen notebook and secures the data within even before the perpetrator can access it. With AI Secure Delete, users can securely delete any sensitive data completely with no opportunity for others to retrieve them.
A Feature-packed Companion for the Business User of Today
The ASUS P30A features the ASUS Xpress Charge, which lets users charge their notebooks up to 90% injust 90 minutes, bringing convenience to users especially when time is of the essence. A 1.3-megapixel webcam provides the ability to conduct video conferencing while on the move, while a full range of ports - including a HDMI port - allows for versatile connectivity to other multimedia devices at work or at home.
Source: ASUS
Model P30AProcessor and
Cache Memory Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor
SU9400 : 1.4GHz
FSB: 800MHz, 3M L2 CacheOperating SystemGenuine Windows Vista® Ultimate
Genuine Windows Vista® Business
Genuine Windows Vista® Home PremiumMain MemoryDDR2 800MHz SDRAM, 2x SO-DIMM sockets for expansion of up to 4GB SDRAMDisplay13.3" 16:9 HD (1366x768) LED-backlit, Anti-Glare Type, supported by ASUS Splendid Video Intelligence TechnologyHard Disk DriveSingle SATA HDD 2.5" 9.5mm
- 320GB, 5400rpm/7200rpm 250GB, 5400rpm/7200rpm Optical Drive Ultra Slim DVD Super Multi Double LayerVideo Camera 1.3 Megapixel web cameraFax/Modem/ LAN/WLAN Built-in Bluetooth® V2.1+EDR
3G/3.5G Antenna support (in selected territories)
Intel® WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5100 10/100/1000 bps
LAN PCIe controller Azalia Compliant MDMDimensions and Weight32.3cm x 23.2cm x 2.61cm (W x D x H); 1.5kg (with 4 cell battery)
Sunday, February 3, 2013
AMD, Seagate Demonstrate 6-Gbit s SATA interface
Extremetech reports that AMD and Seagate will demonstrate a next-generation 6-Gbit/s SATA interface on Monday.
Here are some of the interesting features that the new interface will bring
Offering twice as much bandwidth as the existing SATA interface, the 6.0-Gbit/s also contains improved streaming characteristics that 3.0-Gbit/s drives with Native Command Queuing lacked.
In addition, a new power management specifcation allows the always-on SATA interface to power on and off, like older Parallel ATA drives.
Seagate has also mentioned that the new 6-Gbit/s interface is needed for flash-based solid-state drives (SSDs) which stream data instantly from flash memory.
The target markets will be gaming PCs and servers.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
ASUS 7800GTX-DUAL Card
ASUS has previously came out with their 6800Ultra-DUAL and6800GT-DUAL cards but sadly they never really make it into the market.Nevertheless, ASUS has again kicked off development on the 7800GTX-DUAL cardthis time round as evident from the PCB layout above though no components arebeing soldered on yet. It will be interesting to see how the final version ofthe card will look like.
Monday, January 28, 2013
ASUS rolls out BC-1205PT Blu-ray Drive with Smart Laser Driver
To cater to users who require high-performance optical drives that can enable high resolution movie playback and high capacity data backup, ASUS has released the next generation high-speed DVD rewriter – the ASUS BC-1205PT Blu-ray Drive. The BC-1205PT is a BD-ROM/DVD±R/RW/CD-RW drive that is capable of reading data from and writing data at 12X DVD+/- write, 4X DVD+/-R (DL) and 5X DVD-RAM speeds. This innovative drive utilizes a with a SATA interface that provides users with five times faster data transfer rates when compared with current DMA33 standards.
Why Choose Blu-ray? Blu-ray technology allows users to utilize Blu-ray discs to store large amounts of data; 25GB for a single layer and 50GB for a dual layer disc. With such data capacities, users will have equal to 23 hours of standard definition TV or 6 hours of HD content on a single disc. This translates into 5X to 10X more data capacity than standard DVDs. With Blu-ray, users can experience the best in high resolution TV, and will enjoy a more cost-effective way to view high definition movies. Additionally, Blu-ray technology provides data transfer speeds of 4500 Kb/sec – 3 times the speed of normal DVD data transfer rates.Versatile Media Format SupportThe BC-1205PT offers both 12X DVD-Write and 12X DVD+Write, making it able to read and write on DVD-Writeable/Rewriteable and DVD+Writeable/Rewriteable formats. With such dual-format support, the BC-1205PT can create DVDs that can be played and read by most DVD-ROM drives and DVD players. It also allows users to utilize 6X DVD-Rewrite, 6X DVD+Rewrite, 12X DVD-ROM, 32X CD-Write, 24X CD-Rewrite, 5X DVD-RAM and 32X CD-ROM formats – providing flexible and high-speed operations.ASUS Unique Technology DDSSII – Operate with exceptional stabilityThe DDSS II (Double Dynamic Suspension System II) technology is a patented anti-vibration technology from ASUS. This innovation is designed to minimize the vibration caused by the spindle motor and resonance between components as well as the drive and PC case. The ASUS DDSS II stabilizes the pick-up head both horizontally and vertically, achieving more precise tracking while reducing vibration and noise produced by high-revolution spindle motors.Liquid Crystal Tilt Technology – Precision on Uneven DiscsThe LCT (Liquid Crystal Tilt) technology provides enhanced pick up head accuracy during recording and playback on discs with uneven curvature and thickness, this allowing users to enjoy less skipping during disc backups and media playback.Smart Laser Driver – Advanced Technology For Stabilized Recording Quality The smart laser driver technology combines the strategy circuit into the laser driver in the OPU. The main PCB only sends the data and clock signal through the connectors and cables. Even if there is distortion in the data and clock signal, the strategy circuit in the OPU will correct these irregularities back to normal and not allow them to affect the recording quality. The Smart Laser Driver technology is the key for stable recording quality – especially for high-speed recording drives.SpecificationsWrite SpeedDVD-R12X, 8X, 6X, 4X, 2X, 1XDVD-RW6X, 4X, 2X, 1XDVD+R12X, 8X, 6X, 4X, 2.4XDVD+RW6X, 4X, 2.4X, 3.3XDVD+R(DL)4X, 2,4XDVD-R (DL)4X, 2XCD-R32X, 16X, 10X, 4XCD-RW24X, 20X, 16X, 10X, 4XDVD-RAM5X, 3X, 2XRead SpeedBD/R/RE (Single)5X max. (CAV)DVD-ROM (Single)12X max. (CAV)CD-ROM32X max. (CAV)DVD-RAM5XAccess TimeBD:250 ms, DVD: 150 ms and CD: 15080 msInterfaceSATAData Buffer4 MBBundle SoftwareCyberlink BD SolutionDiscDisc FormatsWrite: DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, CD-R, CD-RWRead: BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-RE, DVD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, Photo CD, Video CD, CD-DA, CD-Extra, CD-Text, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-RAMDisc Diameters12 cm and 8 cmConfigurationsVertical and Horizontal (+5° ~ -5°)148x42.3x185mm980g
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
AMD Released X1950XT Design Kit To AIBs
Monday, January 21, 2013
ASUS will ship Padfone with Ice Cream Sandwich preloaded
Remember our coverage about ASUSs upcoming smartphone-tablet hybrid mobile computing device that was eventually revealed to be the Padfone in Computex this year? Well, if you happen to be interested in getting your hands on one of these Padfones on launch day, wee have got an additional bit of good news for youu. Apparently, the Taiwanese OEM has announced that it plans to ship the Padfone with Googles upcoming version of the Android operating system, which has been dubbed "Ice Cream Sandwich", preloaded into the device.
As most people will undoubtedly know by now, hopes and expectations forr Ice Cream Sandwich are high, as it is with this particular version of the Android operating system that Google is aiming to merge both the smartphone-centric and the tablet-optimized branches of Android back into a single unified release. This makes sense, considering how the Padfones biggest selling point is its ability to switch between smartphone mode and tablet mode in an instant as soon as the smartphone component of the Padfone is locked into its tablet-sized cradle. As such, a unified version of Android which is capable of working well on both form factors is integral to the Padfones success; this might explain why ASUS has chosen to hold out on the Padfones official launch until such an operating system is made available for it to run off on.
Lastly, there has also been some whispers of what appears to be a Padfone successor currently in the works over at ASUSs labs, along with some unverfied claims that the next-gen Padfone might certain additional technologies such as support for mobile broadband connectivity via 4G and glassless 3D display. However, considering how the first-generation Padfone has yet to even see the light of day on retail shelves, lets just say that we will cross that particular bridge when we actually come to it.
Source: Netbooknews.com
Sunday, January 20, 2013
AMD Reported Loss, Hurt By ATi Charges amp; Price War
Sunday, January 13, 2013
AT amp;T iPhone 5 to launch mid or late September
A source from within AT&T has confirmed with BGR that the iPhone 5 will launch on the carrier on the third or fourth week of September.
As per the same source, AT&T is gearing for the launch with a large training event, which undoubtedly is for the sake of keeping iPhone nuts from ransacking the stores. September 12 seems to the date that Apple will make an official announcement concerning the iPhone 5 and perhaps other iOS devices such as the iPad mini.
Current status as to the launch dates of the iPhone 5 for other carriers are unknown, but if the trend continues as it did for past iPhones, then Verizon might be the next in line to claim the coveted Apple smartphone.
If you’re an AT&T customer and your contract is about to run out later this month, make sure to stay up to date as to the official AT&T launch date, or else you might not get an iPhone 5 until Christmas!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
ASUS TS-8 Slim Chassis Series
TS-8A1
TS-8B2
ASUS has introduced the new TS-8 slim chassis series to accommodate users whowant a stable and flexible chassis solution. With its compact dimensions and theability to dissipate heat efficiently, the TS-8 is a perfect mini PC addition tosmaller homes and offices.
Perfect Thermal Efficiency
Heat dissipation is a critical issue for mini-PCs. Venting holes located on theside panel draws cool air into the system, while the attached air-duct and sidefan funnel the air toward the processor and graphics card. The heat gatheredfrom these components is then expelled out of the system via two high-efficientfans located at the rear of the system. Additionally, the TS-8 series’ thermalcapability fully supports Intel’s P5 Prescott 3.8GHz CPU and SATA hard drives.
Compact and Expandable
In locations where every square inch counts, a chassis that has a size advantageis ideal. The TS-8 series provides the best of both worlds – being both compactand expandable. Based on the mATX form factor, the TS-8 chassis provides drivebays for two optical drives, one 3.5” drive and three hard drives; and space forfour add-on card expansion connections for future upgrades.
Hassle-free Installation
With tool-free drive cages, installing optical drives is a simple process.Simply slide the drives in, and they are ready to go. The detachable hard drivecage permits users to easily install hard drives away from the computer –eliminating the need for users to contort their hands in a chassis’s crampedenvironment. Thumbscrews are also implemented on the side panel for easy removaland access to system interior.
Monday, January 7, 2013
ASUS CrossLink Cable is all you need to data sync two PCs
Taipei, Taiwan, October 20, 2009 – The new easy-to-use and lightweight ASUS CrossLink cable offers a highly efficient way of transferring and synchronizing data, as well as sharing Internet access and optical disc drive (ODD) functions. With its flexible and customizable file management system, users can organize their data with minimal effort, as well as synchronize their emails, contacts, calendar entries, journals, tasks and notes. Doubling as a removable flash drive, the CrossLink cable comes in two colors—black and white. The black version is equipped with 2GB storage and features a full suite of PC functions, while the white option is available in 2GB or 4GB storage, and can be used on both PC and Macintosh platforms.
Data Synchronization with ODD and Internet Sharing Functionality
The ASUS CrossLink cable is designed to allow for rapid transmission and synchronization of data between two PCs. Users can browse, copy and transfer files and folders to and from the PC they are connected to via USB. Users can also use the CrossLink cable to utilize another PC or notebook's ODD. For instance, to perform a CD-based software installation on a computer without an ODD, users can simply hook up the Crosslink cable to a notebook or PC equipped with one and run the installation off it. Users can also synchronize their folders using the Folder Link, ensuring their data are kept up-to-date. Likewise, other essential data such as mail, contacts, calendar entries, journals, tasks and notes can also be synchronized between two PCs via the Outlook Link. Finally, the CrossLink cable allows users to share the Internet connectivity of a connected PC*.
An Effortless Data Storage and Management Solution
The ASUS CrossLink cable is available in two colors. The black ASUS CrossLink cable serves as a 2GB removable storage device. The white CrossLink cable is available in both 2GB and 4GB capacities, and features a Macintosh-compatible data-link—perfect for cross platform usage. Users can monitor storage levels, transfer data, and even toggle between full interface and icon display modes for easy data storage and retrieval. For further file management flexibility, the interface allows data to be sorted by symbol marks or file types. The symbol mark can be customized to suit users' requirements. File filters also allow users to sort and locate with a few convenient clicks.
Source: ASUS
SpecificationsModel ASUS CrossLink CableConnectorUSBUSBColorBlackWhiteDimensions52.5mm x 20mm x 12mm52.5mm x 20mm x 12mmWeight0.04kg0.04kgStorage Space2GB2GB 4GB Cable Length1.2m1.2mContentsCrossLink & USB cable Quick installation guide CrossLink & USB cable Quick installation guide System RequirementsWindows XP / Windows Vista/ Windows 7
1.0GHz CPU or later
RAM: 512MB minimum
Storage space: 100MB minimum
Built-in USB port: 1.1 or 2.0Mac OS X 10.4 or later
PowerPC G4 processor or later
RAM: 512MB minimum
Storage space: 100MB minimum
Built-in USB port: 1.1 or 2.0Launch DateOctober 2009December 2009