In addition to the three new HDCA-UT Series models, I-O Data has announced a couple more HDCA-U HDDs, 1 TB and 2 TB external hard drives boasting a USB 2.0 interface. Like their USB 3.0-capable cousins, the HDCA-U HDDs measure 39 (W) x 185 (D) x 120 (H) mm, they have a fanless design, they can be installed horizontally or vertically, and can be connected directly to HDTVs to record your favorite shows. They can also be hooked up to camcorders for some PC-free video/photo storing.

The new 1 TB and 2 TB HDCA-U drives cost about $133 and $173, respectively, and will be available in black and white as of mid-November.

Apple's new iMac and MacBook Pro owe their sleek, slim design to the lack of optical drives, a feature consumers found very much wanting, which can still be overcome using external USB optical drives. In an interview with Tom's Hardware, Apple senior VP of global marketing, Phil Schiller stressed the importance of letting go of optical drives. "These old technologies are holding us back. They're anchors on where we want to go," he said. "We find the things that have outlived their useful purpose. Our competitors are afraid to remove them. We try to find better solutions - our customers have given us a lot of trust. In general, it's a good idea to remove these rotating medias from our computers and other devices. They have inherent issues - they're mechanical and sometimes break, they use power and are large. We can create products that are smaller, lighter and consume less power."

On how newer media like Blu-ray don't quite make optical drives an obsolete component, given that it's fast taking over as the mainstream physical home video medium, Schiller said that customers have stopped asking Apple for Blu-ray drives, and that it comes with its own set of issues that make it unfit for desktops and notebooks. "Blu-ray has come with issues unrelated to the actual quality of the movie that make [it] a complex and not-great technology…So for a whole plethora of reasons, it makes a lot of sense to get rid of optical discs in desktops and notebooks." Apple, with its iTunes service is one the leading digital content distribution businesses, including movie rentals and purchases.

Japanese peripherals maker Sanko unveiled a new optical mouse with a built-in heater that keeps the mouse warm, to prevent numbness to the palm in cold rooms. Called the USHOTM04, the mouse uses a low power heating coil that can make do with power draw from a single USB port. The coil can keep the mouse anywhere between 35°C - 45°C. It features four buttons, and a typical 1600 DPI sensor. Measuring 70 x 40 x 70 mm with a 1.4 m cord length, the mouse weighs about 77 g. It is priced at 1,480¥ (US $18.6).

DisplayLink, the world leading provider of USB graphics, today announced that its DL-165 USB 2.0 chipset has been selected for the new universal USB 2.0 docking station by Acer, the world's number two notebook PC brand.

The new Acer universal USB2.0 docking station is optimized for the cost conscious business user to benefit from a single plug-and-play cable expansion solution, enabling easy peripheral expansion to the notebook while also providing businesses the ability to easily setup hot desking solutions, which can connect to the whole PC portfolio. The dock includes one external video port for DVI/VGA display connectivity, 10/100 Ethernet support and USB2.0 ports to expand connectivity further.

DisplayLink, the world leading provider of USB graphics today announced that the new USB3.0 universal docking station by Acer is powered by DisplayLink's latest SuperSpeed USB3.0 engine, which offers simultaneous dual-video graphics output and Gigabit Ethernet.

Acer's new universal USB3.0 docking station provides the ultimate multi-monitor productivity and hot desk expansion with two simultaneous video ports for HDMI and DVI/VGA displays, as well as Gigabit Ethernet, headphones and mic audio jacks, supporting up to 5.1 channel audio via HDMI, and USB3 and USB2 expansion ports.

Audio Precision, the recognized standard in audio test, today demonstrated its new ASIO driver, used to bypass Windows audio when testing pro audio PC interfaces connected by USB, Firewire or PCI.

ASIO is a PC audio driver technology developed by Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH (and since adopted across the pro-audio industry) that allows audio software to communicate directly with connected audio hardware with extremely low latency, high channel count and bit-transparent transfer of data.

Brother International Corporation, a leader in small business technology, today announced the launch of its new NW-1000 webcam and VT-1000 speakerphone. This expansion of hardware, plus the recent launch of the cloud-based OmniJoin Web Conferencing service, marks the arrival of a complete, and affordable, web conference experience from a single company.

The new webcam and speakerphone work with virtually any web conferencing service, but are optimized to work with the OmniJoin Web Conferencing service. They will quickly and easily provide users with crystal clear audio and HD-quality video experience1, all using 'plug-and-play' hardware via universal USB connection.

Gigabyte unveiled the S1082, a 10.1-inch tablet PC powered by Windows 8 (and optionally, Windows 8 Pro). Based on the x86 platform, the tablet is driven by Intel Celeron 847 dual-core processor clocked at 1.10 GHz, with up to 8 GB of DDR3 memory, and Intel HD 2000 graphics. Its 10.1-inch multi touchscreen packs 1366 x 768 pixels native resolution. Storage options include 320/500 GB HDD; or 64/128/256 GB SSD. Connectivity includes WiFi b/g/n, gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0, and 3.5G WWAN; with HDMI and D-Sub display outputs; two USB 2.0 ports, 5-in-1 card reader, and 1.3 megapixel web-cam. Measuring 270(W) x 173(D) x 14.94(H) mm, it weighs 790~850 g (SSD/HDD). Its dedicated docking station includes additional battery and DVD SuperMulti drive. Expect this one to go for anywhere between $599 to $799.

Leading memory storage brand, SP/Silicon Power today announced its newest Firma series, a metallic collection of USB flash drive. The Firma F80 features a sleek unibody with remarkable 64 GB capacity and is the perfect storage solution for fashion-conscious users.

The all new Firma F80 combines exquisite design and artistic craftsmanship. Inspired by the postmodern design concept, the F80 highlights a ring shaped metallic unibody exterior in silver gray. The robust zinc alloy case is sand blasted to create a delicate metallic shine and can resist scratches and fingerprint marks from daily usage. The F80 is ultra compact yet extremely durable; with only 4.5 mm in thickness, the drive utilizes COB (Chip On Board) packaging technology to be water, dust, shock and vibration proof.

Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it is shipping the Kingston DataTraveler Workspace USB Flash drive. DataTraveler Workspace is certified for Windows To Go, a key feature of Windows 81 Enterprise. DataTraveler Workspace enables enterprises to provision a corporate desktop on an external USB drive, thus allowing users to boot and operate Windows 8 from portable devices. This new drive is a unique external USB 3.0 device that is capable of SSD-like performance.

DataTraveler Workspace is made specifically for organizations that want to use the new Windows To Go feature found in Windows 8 Enterprise. The drive is designed to help IT administrators support their mobile user base - from remote employees to contractors and consultants. DataTraveler Workspace helps companies and organizations meet both bring your own device (BYOD) initiatives and disaster recovery requirements.

Earlier this year, iKey, the world's premier innovator of rugged computer peripherals, introduced the SBW-97-TP, the industry's first rechargeable wireless keyboard designed for infection control. Now iKey's most innovative and flexible user-friendly keyboard is back in black: Introducing the SBW-97-TP-BLACK designed with industrial applications in mind.

The SBW-97-TP-BLACK is the first fully sealed, rechargeable, wireless keyboard on the market using QuickPair technology. QuickPair is the unique ability to pair to a USB dongle over a 802.11G wireless frequency without interacting with the host PC. Unlike traditional wireless keyboards, iKey's latest product does not require the user to press any buttons on the dongle or interact with the computer's operating system.

ranscend Information, Inc., a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today introduced its 8X slim portable CD/DVD writer, which at just 13.9 mm high, is currently the thinnest external CD/DVD writer on the market. Whether playing movies, installing software, or backing up files on the go, Transcend's new ultra-slim portable CD/DVD writer is the perfect companion for today's thin-and-light laptops and Ultrabooks.

To complement the new breed of cutting-edge notebooks that do not feature a built-in disc drive, Transcend's portable CD/DVD writer provides a slim and stylish solution designed to enhance the Ultrabook user experience. Its ultra-thin (13.9 mm) and sleek design fits comfortably into the sleeve of any laptop bag or backpack and offers around 44% weight savings over standard external optical drives. Moreover, because the CD/DVD writer draws its electric power directly from the computer's USB ports, users can enjoy more diverse entertainment and enhanced productivity wherever they are.

Elecom Japan announced two new lines of foldable gaming headsets, the 3.5 mm plug-compatible HS-HP20 series, and USB-compatible HS-HP20U series. The two are available in four color options, including black (HS-HP20xBK), blue (HS-HP20xBU), red (HS-HP20xRD), white (HS-HP20xWH). The basic design is common between both models, featuring 40 mm stereo headphone drivers, 32-ohm impedance, 100 mW maximum input, and 20 to 20,000 Hz frequency response; and a microphone that's suspended on a hinged flexible arm, with poly-directional pickup, 2.2-ohm impedance, 100 to 10,000 Hz frequency response, and -46 ± 3 db SNR. The headset can be folded along three joints. Slated for mid-November, the HS-HP20 is expected to be priced at 2,940 JPY (US $37.3), while the HS-HP20U is expected to go for 3,360 JPY (US $42.6).

Japanese company Marshal announced the MAL-4725NAS, a compact NAS box which can enclose a 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD. Driven by a 750 MHz ARM 11MP processor, the box features 256 MB of RAM and the same amount of NAND flash storage to house its Linux-based operating system (Fedora 12 ARM). Its software provides most consumer NAS features including FTP, SMB, print server, NFS, AFP, DLNA, and iTunes. Gigabit Ethernet is its only network interface. The 2.5-inch drive bay supports drives as thick as 12.5 mm. Its limited local storage can be expanded with flash drives, enclosures, and other mass-storage devices thanks to an eSATA and two USB 2.0 ports. Measuring 123 x 123 x 33 mm, it weighs about 536 g. Slated for October 20, it is priced at 13,800 JPY (US $176).

MSI announced the AE1921 series entry-level all-in-one (AIO) PCs. Available in pearl-white and piano-black color options, the AE1921 derives its model name from its 19-inch (18.5-inch, to be precise) screen, which packs 1366 x 768 pixels resolution, matte surface, 5 ms response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and 250 cd/m² brightness. Under the hood is an Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor clocked at 1.80 GHz, featuring 1 MB cache, HyperThreading, and x86-64 instruction set. The system features two DDR3 SO-DIMM slots, which is loaded with a 2 GB module.

Storage features of the AE1921 include a 320 GB 5400 RPM HDD, a DVD SuperMulti drive, and a 4-in-1 memory card reader. Connectivity includes 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, 8-channel HD audio with built-in 6W stereo speakers, and a 1.3 MP web-camera. Measuring 476 x 365 x 49 mm (WxDxH), the AE1921 weighs about 7.7 kg. USB mouse and keyboard come included. Prices vary by region.

Following a successful premiere at Computex 2012 (6/5-6/9), world-renowned memory manufacturer KINGMAX announces the October 5th launch of the world's most revealing COB (Chip-on-Board) type USB flash drive.

Flash drive UI-05 features dynamic casing design in which the chip is housed under a clear glass ceiling that is both waterproof and dustproof, made possible with PIP technology. Innovative imBGA engineering allows the glass casing on the top side of the UI-05 to reveal the drive's inner flash die and wire-bonding structure. A bright blue LED light on the tail end of the device indicates working status and helps forgetful users reminds users not to leave the drive behind.

Small businesses are grappling with how to manage the dramatic growth of critical files, email and media. Meanwhile consumers are creating and purchasing vast amounts of digital content, including music, movies, photos, e-books and videos. To help them have greater control over of their data, Intel Corporation today announced its next-generation Intel Atom processor-based storage solution.

Recognizing the ongoing, real-time growth of storage demands, this solution, powered by the Intel Atom processor D2550 or the Intel Atom processor D2500, combines impressive multimedia capabilities, energy efficiency and excellent performance to deliver the personal cloud to businesses and consumers.

iFrogz, a creative, value-priced lifestyle mobile accessories brand, has introduced the Boost Plus, a new iteration of its portable, external wireless speaker for smartphones and MP3 players. The Boost Plus allows consumers to fill living spaces and outdoor entertainment areas with music by simply placing a sound-producing mobile device on top of the speaker.

Powered by Near-Field Audio Technology, the Boost Plus picks up the audio from a consumer's mobile device and pumps it out of three high-quality 2W x 2RMS speakers, eliminating the need for wires, cords or pairing configurations. Although designed primarily for wireless connectivity to portable electronics, the Boost Plus also features an auxiliary 3.5mm input for connecting to additional audio sources, such as a computer or television.

With the latest powerful 3rd generation Intel Core processor the 14-inch Q2440 is an excellent mainstream notebook built for multitasking delivering blazingly quick performance. It is convenient for everyday computing to satisfy all your needs for study, work and play. Encased in its slim body is a built-in Super-Multi DVD Drive. Just pop in your DVD and you are ready to go.

The Q2440 comes with USB3.0, Bluetooth 4.0 and HDMI. That means transferring files are blazingly quick, adding visually stunning multimedia output, and playing games has become the next best thing on your notebook. The Q2440 also has huge storage and supports up to a 750GB HDD(optional) so that you can save all your important games, media and other important data on your notebook.

SP/Silicon Power, the world's leading provider of memory storage solutions today launches a limited edition of LuxMini 720 and Touch 830 USB flash drives for the upcoming seasonal holidays. With the iconic seasonal colors and patterns, the 2012 limited edition series is designed as a gift to light up the holiday spirits and share your cheerful joy to your loved ones.

Both 2012 limited edition flash drives represent different holiday gestures by their designs. LuxMini 720 limited edition is built-up in an exquisite metallic case with silky touch. The combination of holiday red and joyful festival patterns genuinely gives out a sense of warmth in this winter. It's the ideal gift choice for your special someone.

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced that its popular high speed USB flash drives - the USB 3.0 JetFlash 760 and Ultra Speed JetFlash 600 - are now available in astonishing new 128 GB capacities. Combining blazing fast data transfer speed with huge storage space, Transcend's high capacity flash drives are an excellent way to effectively transport, share, and backup a huge amount of data.

Available for the first time in capacities up to 128 GB, Transcend's JetFlash 760 and JetFlash 600 allow users to store and carry many more personal files, music, digital photos, and full-length movies than ever before. Each 128 GB flash drive can hold more than 60,000 images (jpg compression, 2 MB file size), 32,000+ mp3 songs (4min per song, 128 Kbps quality), or over 56 hours of DVD quality video (2.25 GB per hour).

Mobile Monitor Technologies (MMT), innovator of portable displays, today announced the availability of its next generation products. Building upon its success with Field Monitor Pro, the industry's first full-size laptop companion, MMT has once again changed the mobile landscape by creating an entirely new portable display for iPads, iPhones, iPods, Macbooks and iMacs as well as other portable devices and computers.

With a stunning 15.6" HD+ screen, Monitor2Go boasts a resolution of 1600 x 900. And with its ultra-portable, super-slim design, Monitor2Go extends and adds a second screen to Macbook, iMac and Mac Pro displays via USB, and also functions as a second display for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices through HDMI.

PNY Technologies, global leader in memory and peripheral products, has released the next addition to their popular and diverse attaché series, the classy Mini Hook Attaché USB flash drive. The Mini Hook Attaché incorporates a unique hook and lock mechanism that ensures maximum security and portable storage and sharing of images, videos, documents and more.

The smooth and polished steel metal frame makes it the perfect epitome of style and technology suited for the modern and tech savvy world. The slim yet sturdy design makes the drive shockproof and secure data. The cap less and futuristic design offers easy plug and play operation and fast transfer of data files and media. The integrated hook can be easily fastened onto a wallet, backpack, key chain or any other accessory.

Taiwan -based Genius is an international leading company in computer peripherals proudly presents the Genius -Ergo 7000, latest 5-button mouse, compact to carry and easy to use in a comfortable design.

Ergo 7000 uses the most advanced 2.4GHz auto frequency -hopping technology to reduce interference for ultimate smoothness. Its Pico receiver is small enough to leave in one's notebook and the stick-N-Go mount keeps the mouse stationary when one is moving around. It also features two extra buttons for programmable functions and the power saving technology can extend battery life up to six months.

PNY Technologies, Inc., a worldwide leader in memory products, today announced the newest addition to their pen drive product line, it's the innovative Opener Attaché USB flash drive. The Opener Attaché is a high speed data storage device with a built in handy bottle opener for opening your favorite beverage, perfect for gadget lovers on the go.

The integrated bottle opener mechanism, encased in stainless steel and durable structure, opens the toughest of bottle caps quickly and easily. It also doubles as a hook that can be conveniently attached to key rings or backpacks for the ultimate portable use. The water resistant and shockproof body protects important data for long and continued use.