Acer's upcoming Aspire TimelineX 1830T ultra-slim notebook based on the Intel Calpella platform is closer to release with press-images making it to the public domain. The new 11.6 inch notebook uses an Intel Core i5 520UM dual-core processor with integrated graphics, with clock-speed of 1.06 GHz. It is aided by 2 GB of DDR3 memory, and a HDD with over 160 GB of storage. It has a 11.6 inch screen with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels, integrated web-camera, a typically-sized keyboard. Connectivity options include gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth and HSDPA (optional), HDMI display output, and 802.11 b/g/n WiFi. Apart from the usual number of USB ports and audio connectors, the notebook features a multi-format card reader. The Aspire TimelineX 1830T will be released later this month.

Zotac is working on five new MAG nettops under its ZBOX series. Each of these "anywhere PCs" measure 18.8 (L) x 18.8 (W) x 4.4 (D) cm, and offer enough power for basic computing. The five new models are based on a variety of nettop platforms. As standard features, these have 160 GB HDDs, SDHC card reader, USB 2.0 and eSATA, Gigabit Ethernet and WiFi. Zotac's new nettops will debut next month. Specifications and expected price of each of these are as follows:

• HD-ID11 model - 1.66 GHz Atom 510 dual-core CPU / 1GB of RAM / Next-gen ION (GT218 GPU with 512MB dedicated memory) / $255
• HD-ND21 model - 1.3 GHz Processor SU4100 dual-core CPU /2GB of RAM / ION (first-gen) / $300
• HD-ND02 model - 1.6 GHz Atom 330 dual-core CPU / 2GB of RAM (DDR3) / ION (first-gen) / $217
• HD-AD01 model - 1.5 GHz Athlon X2 Neo L325 dual-core CPU / 2GB of RAM / ATI Radeon HD 3200 / $242.

Without making much noise, Acer introduced its new D241H LCD monitor. This one stands out of being yet another 24" HD-ready PC display, in having its own instant-on operating system, and WiFi. Its built in OS lets you do some very basic tasks such as web-browsing, media playback (music and videos), and browsing through photos, without needing a PC. It can connect to the internet over both wired Ethernet and WiFi. As a monitor, the 24-inch panel has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels with a response time of 2 ms, and dynamic contrast ratio of 80,000:1. Display inputs include DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI. Other accessories built into it include a 2-port USB 2.0 hub and a multi-format memory card reader - both of which are of use to its OS, and can also be used by the PC it's connected to. Alas for what this 'monitor' is trying to be, a built-in webcam, and speakers are missing (standard issue on many premium displays). Pricing and availability are not known as yet. Finer details can be found on the product page.

Intel Corporation today unveiled its 2010 Intel Core vPro processor family to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes for PCs with greater, more flexible performance, theft prevention and cost savings in a rapidly changing business computing environment. These and several other capabilities are at the heart of many new Intel-based business laptop and desktop computers beginning to roll out from computer manufacturers worldwide.

The Intel Core vPro processors arrive as business computing evolves with the emergence of video, Internet telephony, social networking and other heavyweight applications - in many cases running at the same time - making a computer's performance an even bigger priority.

Support for the latest generation of Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 takes the ZOTAC H55-ITX WiFi to performance levels previously unattainable by the mini-ITX form factor. The ZOTAC H55-ITX WiFi supports Intel QuickPath technology for lightning-fast communications to high-speed dual-channel DDR3 memory for superior bandwidth and quicker memory access that delivers the chart-topping performance enthusiasts and performance-hungry users desire.

"Since Intel announced its latest generation of Nehalem CPUs, there's been great demand for a mini-ITX platform for the CPUs, unfortunately the power consumption and heat output of the original Intel Core i7 900 series would've been too high for such a small form factor," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International (MCO), Ltd. "With the latest generation of Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors, greater energy efficiency and improved thermal management, the ZOTAC H55-ITX WiFi is able to deliver a mini-ITX platform capable of accommodating the new high-performance processors with no compromises."

LaCie today unveiled LaCinema Mini HD, the all-in-one WiFi High Definition media center. Its amazingly small and stylish design packs a big punch, bringing your HD movies, photos and music collections to your widescreen TV in full 1080p resolution.

LaCinema Mini HD bridges the gap between the computer and entertainment worlds in full HD quality. Featuring built-in high-speed 802.11n WiFi, LaCinema Mini HD brings a DLNA media player and server to your home without wires.

Transferring content to the LaCinema Mini HD is easy through the bus-powered USB connection for maximum transfer speeds, or by connecting the drive to a home network. Users can conveniently load files wirelessly from their computer or via the Ethernet connection.

Lenovo today announced the Lenovo Skylight, the first ARM-based smartbook based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset platform. Skylight harnesses the best of smartphones and netbooks to create a new mobile consumer device. With a stunningly sleek and slim design, all day battery life, robust wireless connectivity and custom interface with live web gadgets, Skylight is designed to transform the mobile Internet experience. The Skylight smartbook connects with AT&T 3G mobile broadband service in the U.S.

"The web has become the window to the world for more and more people, helping them connect with friends and family across town or thousands of miles away," said Peter Gaucher, executive director, Mobile Internet Product Management, Lenovo. "Skylight combines the long battery life and connectivity of a smartphone with the full web browsing and multimedia experience of a netbook to create one of the first devices in this developing smartbook category. Consumers want choices. They can now choose from a full portfolio of Lenovo mobile consumer devices including netbooks, smartbooks and laptops."

Lenovo today announced the ThinkPad X100e, the company's first professional-grade ultraportable laptop starting below $500. The introduction pioneers a new category of PCs for today's business users that blends professional performance, usability and design with new color options at an extremely affordable price. The X100e also represents the first time Lenovo and AMD have collaborated to offer AMD processors on ThinkPad laptops and to leverage AMD's VisionPro branding.

"By listening to our customers and observing market trends, we identified an opportunity to create a new type of ultraportable laptop for business users," said Sam Dusi, vice president, ThinkPad Product Marketing. "Customers asked us for low cost and extreme portability without sacrificing usability or the manageability needed to run a business. By expanding the ultraportable ThinkPad X Series to reach prices under $500, the X100e delivers on all counts."

LaCie today introduced the most complete HD multimedia hard drive player, combining Full HD 1080p playback, unsurpassed format compatibility and DLNA media server functionality - LaCinema Classic HD, design by Neil Poulton. Users can browse, play and share HD media collections from anywhere in the home, directly on HDTV.

The LaCinema Classic HD offers a timeless and sleek design making it a great addition to any TV setup. Providing the widest media format compatibility, LaCinema Classic HD will play all your files without concern - from the most popular DivX format to high-quality MKV H.264 video format via its HDMI 1.3 connection. Uncompromising support for Dolby Digital audio quality enhances the LaCinema Classic HD, as well as your entertainment viewing experience.

Acer America today introduced the Acer Aspire AS8940G-6865 notebook PC, featuring the new Intel Core i7 Quad-Core 720QM processor and Windows 7 Home Premium. This mobile processor delivers extremely fast performance for the most demanding applications such as playing games and editing digital photos and videos.

Designed for entertainment and multimedia enthusiasts, the Aspire AS8940G-6865 offers superior performance, innovative features and advanced technology for mobile users. This new notebook boasts a large 18.4-inch widescreen HD display for extraordinary visual quality, advanced NVIDIA graphics, Blu-ray technology, a high-quality audio system, a large hard drive and ample memory, making it a mobile powerhouse. The addition of Windows 7 to this new notebook provides users with a new level of performance, simplicity and ease of use.

ASRock's ION NetTop series, thanks to its specifications, apparently has what it takes to be a home theater PC in itself. It already has a Blu-ray drive equipped model, the ION 330-BD to its credit. To further project it as a home theater product, its makers have decided to carve out two more variants: the ION 330HT, and ION 330HT-BD. What set these apart from the non-HT models, is the provision of the Windows MCE remote. The rest of the specifications remain the same. Also planned is the ION 330Pro, a lite version of the original ION 330.

Packed in its compact chassis measuring 195mm (W) x 70mm (H) x 186mm (L), is a full-fledged system based on the NVIDIA ION platform. It is powered by the Intel Atom 330 dual-core processor, and the ION chipset, which embeds an NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics. It is aided by 2 GB of DDR2 800 memory, and offers 500 GB of storage. On the connectivity front, it has gigabit Ethernet, and WiFi. While a standard DVD writer is available on the ION 330HT, the ION 330HT-BD has a Blu-ray Combo drive. ASRock also carved out the ION 330Pro, a lite version that is aimed to provide the bare essentials. It lacks the WiFi controller. The pricing and availability of these three models are yet to be known.

Bringing affordability to the ultraportable notebook platform, Acer America today announced the new Acer Aspire AS1410 Series. These new notebooks integrate enough power for enjoying digital entertainment in a very sleek, stylish design for just $US399.

"With the rising popularity of social networking, consumers are more connected than ever to the online world," said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America. "When it comes to selecting a notebook, they're increasingly concerned with size, weight and style. The AS1410 Series is small enough to be carried in a backpack or even a large purse but with enough power for spreadsheets and presentations. Aggressively priced, the AS1410 is an affordable mobile solution for checking Twitter updates, viewing YouTube videos and handling productivity applications on a plane, at school or a coffee house. Those in the market for a netbook should consider this notebook as an option, due to the step up in processing power."

Gateway rolled out two new all-in-one PCs that boast of multi-touch capable displays. The Gateway One ZX6800 (23-inch), and Gateway One ZX4800 (20-inch) PCs come with everything expected from PCs in this quickly growing category. While the ZX6800 offers a full-HD screen resolution of 1920 x 1080, the ZX4800 give 1600 x 900. Under the hood, the ZX6800 packs an Intel Core 2 Quad 2.33 GHz processor, 8 GB of memory, and ATI Radeon HD 4670 1 GB powering the graphics, DVD Writer, 64 GB SSD to store the OS and installed applications, 1 TB hard drive for storage, gigbit Ethernet and WiFi b/g/n, a hybrid TV-tuner, and 5.1 channel audio (outputs).

The ZX4800 on the other hand, is powered by an Intel Pentium Dual-Core 2.10 GHz, 4 GB memory, Intel GMA X4500 integrated graphics, a 750 GB hard drive (no SSD here), the rest of its specs is identical to its sibling, except that it doesn't pack the TV-tuner. Both come with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit pre-installed. The multi-touch capabilities may come of use thanks to Windows 7's finger enhancements, and the various applications the company will be bundling. Slated for a time-frame between late October and early November, the Gateway One X6800 will carry a price-tag of US $1399, while the X4800 will sell for $749.

Combining a high-performance NVIDIA ION graphics processor with a choice of energy-efficient dual-core Intel Atom 330 or single-core Atom 230 processors, the ZOTAC MAG delivers an eco-friendly computing experience that still packs a performance punch in a compact 186mm x 189mm x 38mm package.

"As users start equipping every room in their house with computers for a true networked digital home experience, space and power conservation becomes an issue, especially for larger houses," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "With the ZOTAC MAG series, we're providing users with a system suitable anywhere inside a house. The compact size, performance and energy efficiency makes the ZOTAC MAG perfect for all computing uses."

"ZOTAC always listens to user requests for features. End users loved our ION ITX series motherboards, but some requested PCI Express expansion. We listened and thus the ZOTAC ION ITX F series was born," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "Our engineers managed to integrate PCI Express x16 expansion without sacrificing any of the award-winning features either."

The ZOTAC ION ITX-F series receives power from a high-performance NVIDIA ION graphics processor and energy-efficient dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor for a power packed combination that's ready to take on high-definition video playback and everyday computing tasks.

LG Electronics introduced a new Network Attached Storage option for consumers looking to protect their multimedia entertainment files, this week at Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) EXPO 2009 (Booth #2623).

To help safeguard treasured family memories, photos and music, LG's Network Attached Storage (NAS) model N2R1 uses a proven system of multiple hard drives used for sharing and replicating data to prevent possible damage or loss. Called RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Discs), this system automatically backs up and restores files for added security in the event of a hardware failure.

Remember EPoX? A reminiscent of that company now operates under the name SUPoX, and seems to have an entire range of PC motherboards including the Core i7 compatible AP58+ GTR. The company is gearing up to cater to the LGA-1156 socket processors with a new feature-rich motherboard based on the Intel P55 chipset called AP55+ GTR. The socket supports Core i5 series processors, along with support for Intel Flexible Display Interface (FDI), that relays display handled by embedded graphics controllers on Intel processors to their DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI outputs. The PCI-Express x16 slots (electrical configuration not known) support ATI CrossFireX, although NVIDIA SLI support for most LGA-1156 motherboards largely remains unknown. Along with support for as much as 16 GB of DDR3 memory, the motherboard provides connectivity in the form of gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1, and WiFi. The motherboard should release towards the end of Q3 2009.

After several technical hurdles and some controversy with Intel, NVIDIA was able to go ahead with its Ion platform initiative, where partners are allowed to use Intel Atom processors (both single and dual-core variants) with NVIDIA MCP79-class chipsets. The most distinct feature on offer is the powerful integrated GPU in the form of GeForce 9400M. NVIDIA partner Zotac is ready with two ULPC-friendly mini-ITX motherboards based on the platform, that promise features filled to their brims.

The Zotac IONITX-A-U and IONITX-B-E are powered by Intel Atom 330 dual-core or Atom N230 single-core processors respectively. The only other difference is that the former features an onboard DC-DC power supply. Both feature NVIDIA MCP79 chipset with onboard GeForce 9400M graphics, that comes with clock speeds of 450/1100 MHz (core/shader). Two 240-pin standard DDR2 DIMM slots support DDR2-667/800 MHz memory. There are three SATA II ports provided on the board, with the fourth one placed as an eSATA connector. RAID 0/1 modes are supported. Display outputs are taken care of by D-Sub, DVI and HDMI connectors. The 8-channel audio also provides co-axial and optical SPDIF connections. Six USB 2.0 ports on the back, four through headers, a gigabit Ethernet and WiFi make for the rest of the concoction. It is indicated that the two will hit Japanese stores at prices of JPY 29980 (US$303) for the IONITX-A-U and JPY 19980 ($202) for the IONITX-B-E.

Iomega, an EMC company and a global leader in data protection, today added to its ScreenPlay series of Multimedia drives with the new Iomega ScreenPlay Pro HD 1.0TB Multimedia Drive.

The new ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive creates a convenient link between the home network and the home theater, giving users a convenient way to show off their family photos, play music, and enjoy their videos from the best seat in the house.

A free WiFi service has been launched in London, provided by Free-hotspot.com and WiFi infrastructure firm MeshHopper. The service, which covers a 13.6 mile stretch of the River Thames from Millbank to Greenwich, provides users with a free 256kb/s internet connection if they agree to watch one 15-30 second advert every 15 minutes. If users refuse to watch the ads, they will be charged either £2.95 an hour or £9.95 a month to use the service, with download speeds of 512kb/s. "This really marks the arrival of free Wi-Fi in Greater London," said Dan Toomey, chief executive of Free-hotspot. "Millions of Londoners, as well as commuters, visitors and tourists, can now expect to find free Wi-Fi as they work or play along the Thames." The service is being marketed at website Online-4-free.com, and the coverage should be extended to 22.3 miles by August this year.

NTT DoCoMo a Japanese company announced today that it plans to begin testing on an experimental "Super 3G" system for mobile devices. Japans largest mobile carrier stated that they hope to achieve an impressive 300Mbps down in its tests over the wireless network. The company has already begun accepting proposals from suppliers and hopes to implement the Super 3G system in Japan by 2009.

The first Super 3G experiment was scheduled to be in an indoor enviroment with one transmitting antenna and one receiving antenna. NTT DoCoMo takes the experiment to a new level by using four Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antennas on both the transmitting and receiving side.Their goal is not just to achieve 300Mbps down but also to look at how well handovers will be handled between towers.

You might be pleased with your new wireless equipment that can transmit signals as far as a few houses down the street, but Ermanno Pietrosemoli (president of the Escuela Latinoamerica de Redes, which translates as networking school of Latin America) has managed to establish a WiFi link between two computers placed 382 km apart - that's about 238 miles. Using this connection, Pietrosemoli managed to achieve transfer rates of about 3 megabits per second, which is quite impressive considering the distance involved. This figure represents a new record for a WiFi connection, and was achieved using a combination of technology from Intel and some "off-the-shelf" parts, set up to transfer data to a specific point rather than in all directions. The previous record was held by a group of Swedish scientists that managed to create a WiFi connection between a hot air balloon and an Earth-bound station 310 km apart, so this exceeds that by almost 25%.

Apple plans to launch new iPods featuring Wi-Fi in the second half of 2007. USI will produce the Wi-Fi modules and Foxconn will perform as the OEM system assembler. USI will begin shipments later in April, while Foxconn may do so in the third quarter. Wi-Fi equipped players stand a chance of becoming the mainstream for all portable music models.

You may have heard some things about the very interesting unfinished 802.11N wireless standard. D-Link can officially claim that they are the first to release a device compatible with a wireless standard that isn't even released yet. Anyone with at least an ExpressCard 34 can plug this card in an access 802.11N networks, assuming they're running Windows XP or later. The device only works on 802.11B/G/N networks on the 2.4GHz band, instead of the much less crowded 5GHz band. We can expect to see the DWA-643 in America sometime in May for $120 USD. There is no word as to when we can see this in the UK or elsewhere.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), the technology used to secure many wireless networks around the world, has been demonstrated to be extremely insecure in new research by a team of cryptographic researchers at the University of Darmstadt in Germany. Using information collected by previous studies that demonstrated correlations in the encryption used by WEP, the team found that they could recover a 104-bit WEP key 50% of the time using just 40,000 captured packets, increasing to a 95% success rate with 85,000 packets. To put it into perspective, 40,000 packets can be captured in under a minute, and a 1.7GHz Pentium M can them work out the WEP key in about three seconds. WEP has been known to have security flaws since 2001, but this latest research demonstrates how weak the technology has become in recent years - if your hardware supports WPA or WPA2 it is highly recommended that you shift to that if you are worried about keeping hackers out of your wireless network.Source:University of Darmstadt via The Inquirer