Acer America today announced that it has expanded its line of Acer C7 Chromebook models for its commercial customers, including schools and businesses that need reliable, fast and affordable technology for their students and work forces. The two new models both have a fast 16GB Solid State Drives (SSDs), which enhance boot times and access to apps, as well as a 6-cell battery that delivers up to 6-hour battery life for all-day learning and productivity. Customers have the choice of two new models -- the Acer C710-2826 with 2GB of DDR3 RAM, and the Acer C710-2815 with 4GB DDR3 RAM.

Our new Acer C7 Chromebooks deliver exactly what the K-12 education market and so many businesses require -- solid performance at an affordable price with up to 6-hours of battery life," said Gregg Prendergast, vice president, U.S. Commercial Sales, Acer America. "Acer C7 Chromebooks will help our customers at schools -- students, teachers and administrators -- as well as our business customers, get to work and be productive right away for longer."

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, will introduce a new 32-inch-class (31.5" diagonal) LCD LED monitor, the PN-K322B. The thinnest in its class, this professional-use monitor features a Sharp developed high-sensitivity, high-precision touchscreen and delivers 4K Ultra HD resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) - four times the pixel resolution of Full HD.

As previewed at InfoComm and CE Week earlier this summer, the PN-K322B is Sharp's latest 4K Ultra HD monitor. Its high-precision touchscreen allows accurate onscreen handwriting of fine text and lines, with writing performed via a dedicated touch pen with a pen-tip width of just 2 mm. The display also supports up to 10-point multi-touch operation.

Japanese peripherals maker I-O Data announced the LCD-MF272CGBR, a new 27-inch monitor. Featuring an AH-IPS panel with LED backlighting, it offers a native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (WQHD), 178°/178° viewing angles, response time as low as 6.5 ms, and as high as 12.4 ms, 440 cd/m² maximum brightness, and 1,000:1 static contrast ratio. The panel features a contiguous piano-black front that makes it appear bezel-free, a matte-black rear, and a brushed aluminum stand that gives you basic tilt adjustments. It can be removed to reveal VESA wall mounts. Display inputs include dual-link DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI, and D-Sub. Measuring 650 x 240 x 200 mm (WxDxH), it weighs a little over 7 kg. Slated for late-July, it's expected to go for 79,800 JPY (US $800).

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the 24-inch MultiSync PA242W-BK color accurate display and color critical PA242W-BK-SV display solution with SpectraViewII calibration software and sensor. The PA242W display is built on a GB-R LED backlight, which provides a wider color gamut and more color control than a conventional white LED backlight.

Suitable for applications where accurate color is necessary such as photography, retouching, video editing and pre-press, the MultiSync PA242W monitor offers a robust design with a fully ergonomic stand for added comfort during use. It also features a 1920 x 1200 resolution and 10-bit wide color gamut LCD panel that provides the accurate, vibrant colors that professionals require.

Stealth.com Inc. (Stealth Computer), a leader in the industrial computer and peripherals market has released a new 26" Panel Mount LCD monitor, featuring a high definition widescreen 16:9 format with 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080). The Stealth model SV-2600W-PM is Stealth's largest rugged industrial monitor to date. The LCD is environmentally sealed to NEMA 4/IP65 specifications providing maximum protection from dirty, wet and hostile operating environments. The SV-2600W-PM 26" panel mount monitor was designed utilizing LED backlight technology for optimal energy efficiency while delivering up to 350 Nits (Cd/m2) of brightness, a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and wide viewing angles of 178. The SV-2600W-PM is well equipped with Capacitive Touch Screen, VGA and DVI-D video input connectors.

Samsung Display announced today that it is showcasing several industry-leading technologies and mobile to extra-large-sized display prototypes at the Society for Information Display's Display Week 2013, May 21-23, 2013, in the Vancouver Convention Centre (Booth 700). These include a Full HD (1920x1080) mobile AMOLED display with the world's broadest color gamut, and an 85-inch Ultra HD (3840×2160) LCD TV panel with extremely vivid color and low power consumption.

In addition, Samsung Display shows a unique new Diamond Pixel technology being highlighted at the show, and a featured LCD technology that enables local-dimming control in direct LED-based LCD panels. The world's first mass-produced 4.99-inch Full HD mobile AMOLED display offers the world's broadest color gamut with a 94 percent average rate of reproduction for the Adobe RGB color space. The Adobe RGB standard is about 30 percent broader than general sRGB standards.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the LED-backlit MultiSync E223W display, a desktop monitored designed for cost and environmentally conscious business customers. The Energy Star 6.0-compliant MultiSync E223W gives users tools to help them enhance their productivity. The widescreen display enables several applications to be open simultaneously, while it's fully ergonomic design includes 110mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel and pivot for improved comfort during use.

This MultiSync E Series model comes with ECO Mode to reduce power consumption and heat generation, and an ambient light sensor to detect external light sources and adjust the display's brightness accordingly. "NEC Display's strong commitment to the environment has been an industry hallmark for a number of years," said Kevin Christopherson, Director of Product Marketing for Desktop Displays at NEC Display Solutions. "The MultiSync E223W uses an LED-backlit LCD to increase energy savings by up to 40 percent in comparison to conventional CCFL-backlit LCD monitors. This is especially beneficial to our business customers that are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment, as well as save costs."

ASUS today announced the PA249Q ProArt Series LCD Monitor, a professional 24-inch display that is factory pre-calibrated for uncompromised color precision, straight from the box. The PA249Q ProArt Series LCD Monitor has a native 1920 x 1200 resolution with 16:10 aspect ratio and features AH-IPS (Advanced High-Performance In-Plane Switching) display technology for a bright and vibrant image with 178-degree wide viewing angles. The PA249Q also features ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio, and ASUS QuickFit Virtual Scale and Splendid Video Intelligence technologies for enhanced image quality.

Japanese display maker Iiyama announced the ProLite XB2776QS, a 27-inch PC monitor featuring an AH-IPS (advanced high-performance in-plane switching) panel. Featuring a native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, the LED-backlit LCD display offers 178°/178° (V/H) viewing angles, 5 ms response time, 350 cd/m² brightness, and dynamic mega-contrast ratio. It takes input from dual-link DVI, DisplayPort, and HDMI.

The ProLite XB2776QS features a typical power draw of 43W, which can be reduced by up to 26.3 percent using the EcoMode feature. Its stand allows for pivot (to portrait) and tilt. 1.5W stereo speakers come built in. Measuring 644 x 249.5 × 455.0 ~ 565.0 mm (WxDxH), it weighs about 8.8 kg. Slated for early April, it is expected to be priced at 65,800¥ (US $686).

In addition to the LaVie Z, NEC also announced its MultiSync EA244WMi line of 24-inch desktop monitors. Available in black (EA244WMi-BK) and white (EA244WMi), the monitors feature WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels) resolution, 6 ms response time, 350 cd/m² brightness, 25,000:1 contrast-ratio with dynamic mega-contrast, and 178°/178° (H/V) viewing angles. The LED-backlit IPS LCD monitors feature a nominal power draw of 41W, which goes down to 21W and 16W with EcoMode settings. Its stands feature a 90° pivot, 60° tilt, and 130 mm height-adjustment range. Display inputs include DisplayPort, DVI-D, HDMI, and D-Sub. 2W stereo speakers come built-in. The two are slated for market availability in mid-January, 2013.

BenQ announced the GL2055, a 20-inch consumer monitor targeting the entry-level market. It features an LED-backlit TN-film LCD panel, with 1600 x 900 pixels resolution, a low power draw of 15W with Eco Mode enabled, 700:1 contrast ratio, 200 cd/m² brightness, and 5 ms response time. It features 90° and 65° h/v viewing angles, which makes it ideal for PCs crowded public areas such as kiosks. Display inputs include DVI and D-Sub. Measuring 491 x 164 x 371 (WxDxH), it weighs about 3 kg. Expect a sub-$100 price.

Thin and light with long battery life, Acer America today announced availability of the new TravelMate B113 notebook PC for U.S. and Canadian customers. An ideal solution for institutional customers, the TravelMate B113 meets all the needs for productivity, communication and mobility needed in today's e-learning environment.

"Acer has had great success with the 11.6-inch form factor in the education market because their compact size is ideal in a classroom setting, even for the youngest of students," said Michael O'Beirne, Acer senior director, commercial product marketing. "The TravelMate B113 notebook is an important addition to our notebook portfolio, as it combines everything educators and students need, including exceptional performance, durability and reliability for a best-in-class mobile experience."

NEC announced the LCD-AS192WM line of 19-inch widescreen LCD monitors that are designed to go light on the power draw. Its LED-backlit TN film panels are mercury-free, and the materials used in general are simpler to produce, reducing your carbon footprint. The 16:10 panels feature 1440 x 900 pixels resolution, 16M color-palette, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 5 ms response time, and 250 cd/m² maximum brightness. Its panel provides decent viewing angles, of 170° horizontal, and 160° vertical. Display inputs include DVI and D-Sub. The series includes white (LCD-AS192WM) and black (LCD-AS192WM-BK) variants. Expect entry-level pricing.

Dell unveiled the 21.5-inch E2213H widescreen, and 17-inch E1713S square monitors. The two pack LED-backlit TN-film LCD panels, and a basic feature-set. The E2213H features 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, 160° H/V viewing angles, 5 ms response time, 250 cd/m² brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and inputs that include DVI and D-Sub. The E1713S, on the other hand, features 1280 x 1024 pixels resolution, most other features remain the same, except it lacks DVI display inputs. The two are priced under $150.

Japanese display maker Iiyama announced the ProLite E2080HSD, a 20-inch LED-backlit LCD monitor that promises as much as 36 percent lower power draw compared to other monitors in the market. Under typical usage, the monitor draws 16W, but the EcoMode feature can reduce that draw by a further 15% by tweaking its settings. The monitor embeds a TN-film panel, with a native resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels, 80°/85° H/V viewing angles, 250 cd/m² brightness, 1000:1 static and mega-contrast, 5 ms response time, and display inputs that include DVI and D-Sub. The monitor integrates 2W stereo speakers. Measuring 478.0 x 204.5 x 351.0 mm (WxDxH), it weighs about 3.2 kg. Slated for November 19, it is expected to be priced at 12,800 JPY (US $159.5).

Japanese display maker Mitsubishi Electric unveiled a pair of new DiamondCrysta Wide series 23-inch LCD monitors, the RDT234WX-Z and RDT234WX-3D (pictured in that order), enhanced for display input from smartphones and mobile devices. Both displays feature 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and as low as 3.2 ms (GTG) response time. While the RDT234WX-Z features 350 cd/m² brightness 178° viewing angles on both axes, and 5000:1 static contrast ratio; the RDT234WX-3D features 240 cd/m² brightness, 8000:1 static contrast ratio, 178° viewing angles, and includes stereoscopic 3D glasses. Both monitors need dual-link DVI to perform optimally, though HDMI and D-Sub are supported, while limiting refresh-rate.

BenQ announced the 21.5-inch GW2260HM and 27-inch GW2760HM, a pair of LED-backlit LCD monitors with vertical alignment (VA) panels. Both feature 1920 x 1080 pixels native resolution, 178° vertical and 178° horizontal viewing angles, 250 cd/m² brightness, mega-contrast, and 4 ms response time. Both models are no more than 16 mm-thick, and feature DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI display inputs. 2W stereo speakers come standard. The GW2260HM and GW2760HM from BenQ are priced at €189, and €259, respectively.

Dell introduced the E2013H, an energy-efficient 20-inch LED-backlit LCD monitor. With a standby power draw of less than 0.5W, the monitor draws no more than 14W under typical usage. It features 1600 x 900 pixels resolution, 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, 170° (H) 160° (V) viewing angles, 1000:1 static contrast ratio, and 5 ms response time. Display inputs include DVI-I and D-Sub. Measuring 163.5 x 478.8 x 366.9 mm, it weighs about 3.4 kg. Its stand allows for basic tilt adjustments. Expect it to be priced around $100.

ASUS has today announced the European release of its first VX Series monitors, the 23-inch VX238T and VX238H. Both models come in a sleek and slim (2.1 cm) chassis and feature LED backlighting, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, 250 cd/m2 brightness, a dynamic contrast ratio of 80,000,000:1, two built-in 1.5 W speakers, and the Splendid Video Intelligence Technology which optimizes video performance and image fidelity by enhancing color, brightness, contrast, and sharpness.

The VX238T costs €179 and has a 5 ms response time, plus D-Sub and DVI inputs, while the VX238H, which goes for €189, boasts a 1 ms (GtG) response time, and D-Sub and dual HDMI connectors. The displays are backed by a three-year warranty.

LG Electronics (LG) today reported a solid third-quarter performance with the third consecutive quarter of positive net income and all four companies recording strong operating profits. Better-than-expected performance in the mobile and home appliance businesses helped offset a slight decline in overall year-over-year sales for the third quarter.

Third-quarter net profit of KRW 157 billion (USD 138.57 million) with operating profit recording KRW 221 billion (USD 195.06 million) showed significant improvements from the loss in the same period last year. Third-quarter revenues fell 4 percent year-over-year to KRW 12.38 trillion (USD 10.93 billion) due to the continuing decline of feature phone sales and overall weak demand.

A Samsung employee told Korea Times that the company has stopped making touchscreens for Apple, a major component of the iPad. Despite legal tussles between the companies over design patents of smartphones and tablets on a near-global scale, Samsung maintained a supplier relationship with Apple, making touchscreens and contract-manufacturing ASICs at its semiconductor fabs. According to the employee's statement to the newspaper, Apple has become a troublesome customer paying less and less for LCD screens, resulting in the Korean company to cut back on orders. Apple has been paying half of what it used to for screens in the iPad 2. The upcoming iPad Mini, which will be launched a little later this week, will not feature Samsung screens.

LG released the M2352J-PM, a 23-inch Smart TV/monitor in Japan. It embeds an IPS LCD panel with LED backlit illumination. As a monitor, it features 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution (no surprises here), 178° V/H maximum viewing angles, 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, mega-contrast (5,000,000:1), and 14 ms (GTG) response time. Display inputs (relevant to PC display) include three HDMI, and a D-Sub (VGA) connector. As a TV, it features Home Dashboard software that gives you access to most common internet features, including YouTube, a web-browser, and access to e-mail. It features a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port for internet connection. TV connectivity and subscriber access technologies local to Japan are included. It is slated for late-October.

Iiyama introduced the ProLite XB2485WSU 24.1-inch monitor. For a refreshing change, this monitor conforms to the WUXGA standard, with 16:10 aspect ratio, and native resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. The ProLite XB2485WSU packs an IPS LCD panel with LED illumination, which gives it 178-degree viewing angles. The monitor also includes Iiyama's ECO Mode technology that chops power consumption down by 48 percent. The monitor draws as little as 36W. Other vital specs include 5 ms response time, 300 cd/m² maximum brightness, and mega-contrast. Inputs include DisplayPort, DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI. Its stand allows swivel and tilt adjustments. 3W stereo speakers come built in. Slated for October 12, the ProLite XB2485WSU is expected to be priced at 35,800 JPY (US $457.3).

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solution products, today announced its brand new VX70Smh-LED Series, with several size options including the 27" VX2770Smh-LED, 23" VX2370Smh-LED and 22" VX2270Smh-LED.

The VX70Smh-LED Series features a professional grade widescreen SuperClear IPS panel with a frameless bezel for displays that look as good as they perform. The Full HD 1920x1080 screen resolution with an impressive 30,000,000:1 MEGA Dynamic Contrast Ratio and wide 178-degree viewing angles deliver an extraordinary level of visual clarity. Base mounted speakers with SRS Premium Sound and an external power supply allows for an ultra slim design. Paired with several video inputs including HDMI and DVI with HDCP (High Definition Content Protection), this Series is an excellent choice for entertainment and gaming.

Japanese display maker Iiyama introduced two additions to its ProLite series of desktop monitors, the 24-inch E2473HS and 27-inch E2773HS. The two feature X-Res technology, an image-enhancement feature that benefits blurry or low-resolution content, simulating higher resolution. The two utilize conventional TN-film LCD panels with LED backlit illumination. 1920 x 1080 pixels is the standard resolution for both models. The E2473HS features 2 ms (GTG) response time, 1000:1 CR with mega contrast DCR; while the E2773HS supports response time as low as 1 ms, 1200:1 CR with mega contrast DCR. 300 cd/m² is the maximum brightness for both models. Display inputs for both include D-Sub, DVI, and HDMI. Slated for late-November, the E2473HS is expected to be priced at 21,800 JPY (US $280), while the E2773HS goes for 25,800 JPY (US $331.2).