Seagate Unveils New External Storage Drives

Seagate has unveiled its 2008 lineup of FreeAgent external hard drives - that includes desktop and mobile options, for both Mac and Windows operated computers.


The flagship pocket-sized offering, the FreeAgent Go, is the slimmest external drive available today. At a height of 12.5 mm, the new FreeAgent Go includes advanced shock and vibration protection and is the first external hard drive to offer a docking option that is sold separately and comes paired with a black leatherette carrying case.

The FreeAgent Go is available in a variety of colors, including silver, black, red, and blue. The drive also ships with a USB 2.0 travel cable.

The FreeAgent Desk drive and FreeAgent XTreme drive are the family's two 3.5-inch high-capacity desktop offerings, and provide up to 1.5 Terabytes of storage. The design of these drives provides the flexibility to sit horizontally or stand vertically to maximize the workspace. The FreeAgent Desk drive comes with a brushed aluminum finish, with a USB 2.0 interface. The FreeAgent XTreme drive is a black, brushed aluminum high-capacity storage solution incorporating a triple interface of eSATA, USB 2.0 and FireWire 400.

Seagate has also unveiled external storage solutions designed specifically for the Mac community. The FreeAgent Go for Mac and FreeAgent Desk for Mac are both formatted for use with Mac OS X out of the box and are Time Machine ready with FireWire800/400 or USB 2.0 connectivity.

The Seagate FreeAgent Go drive is available for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of Rs. 5500 for 250GB, Rs. 7000 for 320GB and Rs. 12000 for 500GB.

The FreeAgent Go drive for Mac is available for an MSRP of Rs. 9000 for 250GB and Rs 10000 for 320GB, while the FreeAgent Desk drive for Mac is available for an MSRP of Rs. 9000 for 500GB, Rs. 14500 for 1TB and Rs. 19000 for 1.5TB

The FreeAgent Desk drive is available at an MSRP of Rs. 7500 for 500GB, Rs. 8000 for 640GB, Rs. 13000 for 1TB and Rs. 17000 for 1.5TB.

The FreeAgent XTreme drive is available for an MSRPof Rs. 9500 for 500GB, Rs. 10000 for 640GB, Rs. 14500 for 1TB and Rs. 17000 for 1.5TB.

The FreeAgent Dock and Case will be available for an MSRP of Rs. 1600.

Microsoft confirms new Zunes UPDATE

With most of its news already leaked out there, Microsoft on Monday confirmed the details of its fall Zune lineup.

On the hardware side, Microsoft will beef up Zune's capacity, expanding the hard drive-based model to 120GB and the flash-based player to 16GB.

More significant are the software and service improvements. Most notably, as is the case with the iPod Touch, Zune owners will now be able to use the device's built-in Wi-Fi to download songs.

Also new, the updated Zune will make recommendations based on the songs someone is listening to and there will also be new Zune "channels" programmed by experts and along themes like "work-out" music.

Zune will also come with two games--Hexic and Texas Hold 'em--and adds support for audio books in the Audible format.

Of course, this all comes a day ahead of an Apple event, at which the market leader is expected to announce changes to its iPod line.

In any case, I'm going to get a firsthand look at the Zune line later Monday and talk strategy with some Microsoft executives. So I should have more to say on the Zune front in short order.

Update: As for pricing, Microsoft plans to charge $249 for the 120GB model, $199 for the 16GB model and $149 for the 8GB flash model. It also plans to chop prices on some of the remaining older devices in the channel.

Via CNET

DisplayLink powers new Sony notebook dock

On Monday, DisplayLink announced that its network display technology is now available in the new Sony Vaio USB Docking Station VGP-UPR1.

The DisplayLink technology that allows users to connect multiple monitors to their systems via USB 2.0 is embedded in the docking station. The dock is compatible with Sony Vaio notebooks as well as other notebooks that have USB 2.0 connections. This could be useful for mobile users and travelers that have the rather rare and unique need of using more than one monitor to do their work.




The dock can be used with any display with an analog or DVI connection and which has a resolution of up to 1600x1200-pixels.

The dock includes the following connection options:

* Ethernet port
* VGA
* DVI
* Audio connections
* Four USB ports
* Headphone port
* Microphone port
* DC in

The dock supports Windows 2000, XP and, Vista 32-bit and 64-bit versions, which includes support for the Aero interface and costs $199.99.

Via CNet

BenQ V2400W: The slimmest 24-inch LCD monitor

We've got our hands on the BenQ V2400W; their latest 24-inch LCD monitor which is also one of the slimmest 24-inchers available in the market today. The design is elegant and very Minority Report-ish. The V2400W has 24-inch WUXGA panel and supports a maximum resolution of 1920x1200 pixels and thus supports FullHD video content.


It has a 2ms response time, a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a max brightness level of 500 cd/m2. With D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI connectivity options a the back, the V2400W can be connected to three different sources at the same time.

The OSD buttons are lined at the bottom of the panel and are touch sensitive. Apart from that, it features common BenQ technologies like AMA and Senseye+Photo Image Technology.

The specifications look good and so does the monitor itself. I think this time the designers at BenQ have outperformed themselves and it's a great job indeed. But I think it's toon soon to pass a verdict so you'll need to wait till we run it through our line of tests and put up a review soon enough.

160GB PS3 and PSP coming in October

Details on the new PlayStation 3 have been revealed officially by Sony today. Among the announcements was the crucial release date of 31st October 2008. This launch date is for Europe only, it will hit the streets in the US in November. We could see the new 160GB PS3 coming to India only in 2009.

The new technology in the PS3 includes the wireless keypad which enables you to type on it.

On the other hand the new PlayStationPortable will come with a built-in microphone and an anti-reflective screen.

"Consumers also are utilising PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive," said Jack Tretton who is the head of the America Sony gaming division.

The 160 GB PS3 will cost about 450 Euros, and close to $500 in the USA. The PSP will be launched at an introductory price of $200.

120GB Zune coming to a store near you

A reader was casually perusing the aisles of his local Fry's Electronics today hoping to buy an 80GB Zune. To Joe's surprise, he found the only-recently-confirmed 120GB Zune there, right below the Product Red 80GB version.




There were "about six" of the 120GB versions that he could see, but no new signage advertising it.He paid $250 for the device.A Microsoft spokesman confirmed that this is "just the beginning" of the rollout of the newest Zune, and more retailers in other regions will start offering the device over the next few weeks.

Black-Box DVR - Smaalest DVR in the world

Actually, it's also smaller than $1,300 units, although those come with 20GB HDs and not just a slot for Mini SD 4GB cards.At 2.6 x 2.2 x 0.4 inches and 45 grams, the manufacturer says the Black-Box is the smallest DVR under $3,000.The camera connects to the DVR with a cable so you can easily place it in any clothing to record video at 30 frames per second. Like any other DVR, you can program it to start recording at any time you want. $499.95 will get you the whole package, including software, cables, pin-hole and screw mount and interchangeable buttons of different sizes.

Product Info

Genius Launches New 20 Watt RMS iPod Dock

Genius has recently unveiled it's latest addition to their long list of consumer electronics, the iTempo 800, iPod Dock. This dock incorporates built-in DRD sound effect technology to enhance sound quality. What it essentially does is use true 3D technology to control the bass EQ to try and produce a crisper sound without distorting the middle tone. The iTempo 800 also uses integrated custom-designed 70mm drivers to help provide better sound output from the 20 watt RMS speakers.

The iTempoTM 800 has an embedded iPod dock station and five different cradles for different types of iPods (except iPod shuffle). It also includes an S-Video connector to connect your TV or monitor if you need to transfer a video/photo from your iPod. The USB connector can be used to update your iPod through the dock and charge it as well from the PC. There is also an AUX socket for connecting other devices. The iTempoTM 800 also has a remote to contol the player and the dock. It also includes a universal power adaptor.

PSP clockspeed upped to 333MHz after 3.50 firmware update

Update: The availability of the PSP's full CPU speed only affects in-development titles, a SCE representative has told Shacknews. Previously released PSP games continue to operate at the speed they were originally programmed for, and do not see any sort of change in performance or battery life.
Original story: A Sony Computer Entertainment representative has confirmed to Shacknews that developers can now take full advantage of the PSP's CPU following the late May release of the system's version 3.50 firmware. Rumors of the unlocking were initially reported by fansite PSP Updates via an unnamed source.



Previously, developers were only able to run the CPU at 266MHz rather than its full potential clock speed of 333MHz, though most games ran at only 222MHz. High Impact Games' Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, released in February, is said to run at 266MHz. Hackers long ago discovered methods to run the PSP's CPU at full speed, the benefits of which include a smoother framerate for certain games, at the cost of reduced battery life. There is no word yet if this update enables previous PSP releases to run at 333MHz, something hacked PSP firmware has enabled in the past.

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Toshiba introduces Camileo Pro digital video camera

Toshiba looks set to release a new digital video camera for those interested in a little point and shoot action, with its new Camileo Pro offering some slight advantages over the previous plain old Camileo. This one boasts a 7 megapixel sensor, according to Le Journal du Geek, and will capture 640 x 480 video in either MPEG-4 or AVI formats, with a 2.5-inch LCD, 3x optical zoom, SD card slot, and 64MB of internal storage rounding out the specs. While there doesn't appear to be any word of a North America release, those in Europe will be able to get their hands on one for 199€ ($268).


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Microsoft Surface computer

Surface takes user involvement with digital media to the next level.

Microsoft is looking to today make the same breakthrough in interface technology with "Surface" that the mouse did back in the 1980s. Surface, which will be demonstrated today at the Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital conference, provides instant interaction between people and digital content using hand gestures on a touch screen.

"With Surface, we are creating more intuitive ways for people to interact with technology," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "We see this as a multibillion dollar category, and we envision a time when surface computing technologies will be pervasive, from tabletops and counters to the hallway mirror. Surface is the first step in realizing that vision."


In its current form, Surface is incorporated into a 30" display mounted into a table. This allows user involvement to expand beyond just one person. Surface is capable of recognizing input from not just one finger, but up to dozens of inputs simultaneously.

This technology isn’t exactly new as Apple uses a less complex version on its iPhone and “multi-touch” technology was demonstrated by Jeff Han to much fanfare last year. Microsoft, however, is bringing multi-touch to the masses.

Users can perform tasks such as browsing through pictures and music files by simply using their fingers. For users operating Surface in restaurants, a simple touch of the screen could allow you to order a beverage during a meal.


For More Info!

Toshiba's G900 and E01 with Windows Mobile 6

Toshiba's new duo may not steal the show together, but the G900 is officially ready to help redefine high-end smartphone devices. The behemoth features, as we mentioned an utterly unreal 3-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display, rear biometric scanner, 2 megapixel rear camera, front-facing video conferencing camera, 64MB of internal memory, miniSD expansion, tri-band HSDPA (yes!), 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, USB, video calling, and USB On-The-Go. The E01 is far more lower end, but still manages HSDPA, a 65k color display, A2DP Bluetooth, and that same 2 megapixel camera.

BOSE Acoustic Wave® music system II

The best all-in-one music system is now even better. The Acoustic Wave® music system II offers more lifelike sound for larger spaces, with improved functionality and versatility, yet remains refreshingly simple to use.

Award-winning sound, finely tuned

Acclaimed waveguide speaker technology still lies at the heart of this system's performance, so it rivals the sound of much larger, more complicated stereos. An all-new Bose® digital platform fine tunes the sound for more accurate, consistent music reproduction—even at louder volume levels. Vocals sound cleaner. Instruments ring truer. The result comes closer to music in a natural, live-performance setting.

Hear it here and there

The Acoustic Wave® music system II plays your home-burned CDs as well as regular discs and AM/FM radio. You'll find a new headphone jack for private listening, auxiliary inputs and an updated informational display. A variety of accessories adds to your listening enjoyment at home or on the go. And you can add our optional 5-CD changer for even more continuous listening.

To Buy

Gamepark GP2X

This is an outstanding handheld entertainment device. It plays video games (including many of your long time favorites), movies, music, displays photos, and even e-books. The GP2X keeps life simple because it supports all major media formats. It is well-designed and fits your hand comfortably. It has TV-out, so you can play games or watch movies on your plasma, as well as the internal screen; the GP2X even resizes video for best fit automatically. There is 64mb of internal memory, and an integrated SD-slot (2gb SD cards are available separately). The thing that really sets the Gamepark apart is the company's embrace of the open source community.

To Buy

World`s Thinnest flip phone

The NEC L1 is the thinnest flip phone in the world. If you are a Blackberry/Sidekick user who carries a second phone for primary voice use, or if you just want an ultraslim phone, the NEC L1 is a must have.Our favorite aspect of the L1 is its speed; some tiny phones seem to lack processing power leading to slow response-time. But the NEC L1's response is instant. The made-in-Japan L1's rock solid quality and fast response time make it a joy to use. Another neat feature is an included cable that allows you to use any headphones for handsfree; use the Amadana 117 bamboo earphones for style, or use noise-cancelling headphones to combat a noisy environment. There is also an integrated 1.3-megapixel CCD, 26mb internal storage, integrated Bluetooth, external OLED display, and an MP3 player. Please note that the L1 has English menus but a Chinese file structure (ex. the folder containing MP3s has a Chinese name). There is a useful software suite (English) loads your own videos, photos, and sounds/MP3 files, to use as ringtones.

Hasselblad H3D DSLR: 39 Megapixels

The Hasselblad H3D is the world’s first 48mm. full-frame, large-sensor, medium-format DSLR camera system. The H3D has been developed around a brand new digital camera engine producing increased lens performance and a new level of image sharpness. By focusing solely on digital camera architecture, Hasselblad is able to offer photographers the full benefits of professional medium-format digital cameras as well as the ease of use of the best 35mm DSLRs.

Hasselblad unveiled its next masterpiece, the Hasselblad H3D, a digital SLR camera to be offered in 22-megapixel and 39-megapixel trim. Inside are some relatively gargantuan image sensors, the largest ones in the world at 48x36mm. But you'd better have plenty of storage on hand—the dimensions of that 39-megapixel frame are 5412x7212 pixels, filling up well over 110MB per pic. Bring plenty of money, too, because the price of this camera, made by the company whose cameras were the first on the moon, will be almost enough to finance your own personal moonshot.

Product Info

Nokia's aeon cellphone concept

Nokia's research and development team have kicked it up a gear with an attractive "aeon" concept phone showing up in the R&D section of the company's website. The most prominent design feature of aeon is a touchscreen that stretches over the full surface area of the phone, similar to BenQ-Siemens's Black box concept phone we saw recently. Currently mobile technology isn't quite up to realizing this fantasy, but we'll sleep better tonight knowing that at least one of the cellphone industry's biggest names shares the same dream as we do -- BenQ's dream didn't count, unfortunately.

The Assention - A Sleek sophisticated kiosk

The Assention is a sleek sophisticated kiosk which is suitable for a wide range of applications. Some examples include corporate and hotel foyers, retail environments, conventions and information environments. The Assention features stylish curves that highlight the natural shape of the unit. There is a prominent are for signage on both the front and back of the unit. The standard monitor is a 15-inch LCD flat screen that has a viewable area equivalent to a 17-inch CRT. There is an optional freestanding base and for permanent installations the kiosk can be bolted to the floor for added stability and security with the power and data cords directed through the base.

HP iPAQ rx4240 Mobile Media Companion

Get ready to connect, entertain, organize, and impress with HP's iPAQ rx4240 Mobile Media Companion. Connect via wireless LAN and Bluetooth. Listen to music, surf the Web, play games. Organize your work and personal life with Windows Mobile 5.0. Impress with the sleek design. The iPAQ rx4240 is fun and easy to take everywhere!

Connect


• Stay in the know: access the Internet and e-mail at home, in the office, on campus, and in public places that have wireless LAN access (e.g., airports, hotels, coffee shops with 802.11b/g)1
• Go wireless with Bluetooth: enjoy convenient short-range communication with other Bluetooth devices; you can also wirelessly synchronize personal data, surf the Web, print to a Bluetooth printer

Entertain


• Listen to high-quality music with stereo headphones
• Sync your own music (ripped, purchased, or subscription) to your iPAQ
• Listen to music and watch videos with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile
• Store music and videos onto SD and MMC memory cards via the Secure Digital slot (which supports SDIO)
• Show people your photos on the vibrant, wide-angle display

Organize


• Work more efficiently with the Premium edition of Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC, which includes versions of familiar Microsoft programs
• Create and edit documents with Word Mobile and Excel Mobile
• Practice presentations with PowerPoint Mobile
• Check e-mail with Outlook Mobile; you can also sync your calendar, contact, and tasks at a WLAN hot spot and at your desk
• Retain data, settings, and applications if you remove the battery or forget to charge it, thanks to the persistent storage
• Carry in your pocket or purse: the compact design won't cramp your style

To Buy Click Here

Nokia releases PC Suite Enterprise Edition

Nokia PC Suite Enterprise Edition is synchronization and a connectivity tool between the mobile device and a Windows PC, that can be redistributed within companies and organizations.Nokia PC Suite Enterprise Edition is targeted specifically for business use. The IT administrators will download the software, customize it to fit to the corporate needs and deliver within the organization.

To read more about PC Suite and for a list of all compatible devices please go to:www.nokia.com/pcsuite