Canon Powershot G7 Digital Camera

CANON Powershot G7 digital camera
Price: $900
Verdict: Perplexing

Low-down: This is a compact 10 megapixel camera with an optical viewfinder and the latest model in Canon's top-of-the-line G series of compact cameras. It has a 6x zoom lens with optical image stabilisation. The focal length range is 35-210 mm, film equivalent. The styling is retro and it looks and feels like a real camera. It will function as a fully automatic point-and-shoot, but that is not its intended purpose. There is a full suite of manual controls, most of which are directly accessible - such as the ISO speed, which is set using an old-fashioned knob. Other settings are quickly accessible using the well-known (and liked) Canon Function button. The optical viewfinder is good, showing about 80 per cent of the picture area, and the LCD screen is a 60 mm, bright and high-resolution viewer. It is not articulated, unfortunately. There is an external flash shoe and a bayonet mount for optional extension lenses.

Like this: The camera will appeal to photographers who remember the days when a camera was not a fashion accessory. It is solid, black and weighty. It is too large for most pockets but will fit into a winter jacket.

Dislike that: Should a happy owner of a Canon G6 think of "upgrading" to a G7? The answer is no. Look at the price. The G7 is $200 cheaper than the G6. The price reduction has been achieved by leaving out RAW processing, an infrared remote control, articulated LCD screen and a fast lens. The G7 lens is a 6x zoom compared with the 3x of the G6 and the G7 has 3 million more pixels and neither of those changes can be called an advance. Using the camera at ISO400 and above (it goes up to ISO1600) picture noise is always evident. [SMH]

Verdict: This camera is a joy to use, except for the absence of the swivelling LCD screen. But the images are disappointing. The pixel madness has Canon in its grip - this is the second camera from the company that has disappointed by its excess pixel-induced image degradation. And to think that nine months ago Canon announced that the pixel race was over.

pictures source: Hardwarezone

IBM Lenovo 3000 N 100

The new Lenovo 3000 N100 notebook models deliver outstanding technology and features:

Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5500 (1.67 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 667 MHz front-side bus FSB) featuring Intel SpeedStep technology1 for maximum and battery-optimized performance
358.1-mm (14.1-in) widescreen display with 1280 x 800 resolution and VibrantView or antiglare
Integrated Intel 945GM Graphics chipset
Battery life of up to 3.282 hours
24x maximum CD-RW/DVD-ROM3 or DVD Recordable (dual layer) 5x maximum
One PC card slot (Type I- and II-compatible)
Standard 512 MB4 or 1 GB (2-512 MB DIMMS)4 PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz memory, expandable with optional SDRAM SO DIMM module to a maximum 2.0 GB5
56 K V.906 modem (V.92-designed)7 and 10/100 Ethernet
Standard ports: Four USB 2.0, external display, S-Video, RJ-45, RJ-11, and IEEE 1394 port (4-pin)
Microsoft™ Windows™ XP Professional or Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

The good: Inexpensive; high-end components, including Core 2 Duo; decent performance for typical office tasks; comfortable keyboard; impressive assortment of ports and connections; robust system-management and help utility.

The bad: One-year warranty is short for a business model; small touch pad; lousy speakers; few dedicated multimedia controls; lacks ExpressCard slot.

The bottom line: This Core 2 Duo version of the Lenovo 3000 N100 combines decent performance with the features and connections a small-business user will need, all at a competitive price.
Read Lenovo 3000 N 100 reviews at CNet

The Pantech C3

The Pantech C3 has just been added to Cingular Wireless, offering users "the world's smallest camera flip phone." As an update to the C300, the Pantech C3, it adds a few extra niceties that may be worth a gander.

It still has the same VGA camera and impossibly small form factor, but they've now included interchangeable faceplates (silver and blue come in the box), advanced email and instant messaging services. The footprint (2.72 x 1.69 inches) is among the tiniest in the business, and it's not exactly fat either at 0.8-inches thick.
[Source]

Intel And Vista are Expected To Speed Up Adoption Of SATA

Intel's P965 chipset and Microsoft's Vista operating system are expected to speed up adoption of SATA (serial advanced technology attachment) and displace ATAPI (ATA packet interface) as the mainstream interface standard for optical drives in the second half of 2007, according to optical disc drive (ODD) manufacturers in Taiwan.

Following LG, Plextor, Sony and Taiwan-based Asustek, Pioneer and Panasonic as well as Taiwan-based Lite-On IT will soon offer DVD-ROM drives or DVD burners equipped with SATA interfaces, the sources indicated.

Because retail prices of SATA DVD drives or burners are 20-30% higher than those for ATAPI models with the same functions, many OEM/ODM clients have not adopted SATA for the time being, the sources noted. ATAPI is expected to remain as the mainstream standard in the first half of 2007, but Intel's P965 chipset and Vista are expected to increase the proportion of DVD drives using SATA, the sources pointed out.

While ATAPI has a transfer speed of 100MB/s, SATA 1.0 can transfer data at 150MB/s, the sources indicated.
[Source]

Palm Launch Treo 680 Smartphone

Palm is continuing to support both Windows Mobile and Palm OS with the launch of its Treo 680 smartphone.

Following the release of the Windows-powered Treo 750v earlier this year, the 680 sees the company supporting the OS it originally developed.

The device supports email, web browsing and messaging in addition to mobile phone functionality.

The latest EMEA research from Canalys shows that year-on-year market growth for converged smart mobile devices (smart phones and wireless handhelds) in Q1 and Q2 2006 was 26 per cent.

Annual shipments will exceed 77 million units by 2009, compared to 26.5 million units shipped between Q4 2005 and Q3 2006 inclusive, according to forecasts from the analyst firm.

Roy Bedlow, Palm vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: "The device provides a broader demographic access to advanced functionality on the move."

The Treo 680 smartphone is available today from the Palm e-store, at a recommended retail price in the UK of £299.[Source]

Apple and ViewSonic Re-Introduce 17-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitors

LCD vendors such as ViewSonic and Apple are set to launch 17-inch widescreen LCD monitors by year-end or the first quarter of 2007.

LCD monitor vendors expect 17-inch widescreen monitors to replace entry-level and middle-range 15-inch and 17-inch LCD monitors in the future. The prices for 17-inch widescreen monitors will not necessary be higher than 17-inch 4:3 models amid more efficient panel cutting by makers.

Currently, LCD panel makers such as HannStar Display and China-based players have launched 17-inch widescreen panels in the market. A fifth-generation (5G) substrate from HannStar can be cut into fifteen 17-inch widescreen panels or fifteen 15-inch 4:3 conventional-sized panels, the sources said.
[Source]
That's a great news for us :-)

Kingston Releases 4-GB ValueRAM DDR2 DIMMs

Kingston Technology Company announced the release of 4-GB 533 MHz and 667 MHz ValueRAM DDR2 registered ECC DIMM memory modules. The advent of new larger capacity, high-performance memory, combined with AMD Opteron processors, the latest in processor technology, and cutting-edge TYAN motherboards meets the critical performance demands of high-end computing and server applications.

"The new Kingston 4-GB 533 and 667 MHz DDR2 DIMMs are designed to support the growing need for high-density memory in AMD Opteron processor-based servers," said Mark Tekunoff, senior technology manager, Kingston. "By partnering with technology companies such as AMD and TYAN, we are enabling our customers to deliver quality servers to the market," added Tekunoff.

Kingston ValueRAM DDR2 Registered ECC memory modules are available in 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB and now 4 GB configurations to support high-end computing. Each module completes 24 hours of burn-in reliability testing, extensive dynamic testing and visual inspection. ValueRAM DDR2 memory comes with a lifetime warranty and 24/7 technical support plus legendary Kingston reliability.

The new 4-GB 667 MHz modules are shipping immediately while the 533-MHz modules will be available beginning of December.

ValueRAM 4-GB 533-MHz and 667-MHz DIMM features:
* 1.8 Volts operation, delivering 50% less power usage.
* Memory signal termination inside the memory chip prevents reflected signal transmission errors.
* CAS Latency: 4, 5

Kingston 533-MHz, 667-MHz ValueRAM DIMM Memory Modules:
KVR667D2D4P5/4G 4-GB 667 MHz DDR2 Registered ECC CL5 DIMM $1,690
KVR533D2D4R4/4G 4-GB 533 MHz DDR2 Registered ECC CL4 DIMM $1,270

[]Source

Protects Your Laptop!

Laptop computers make getting around easier but it's also easier for your personal information to be stolen.

Laptop computers are everywhere. A lot of people use them to get on the internet with the help of a wireless or Wi-Fi connection. However, Consumer Reports experts have uncovered some very real privacy risks with laptops.
"Well, the worst situation is if someone physically steals your computer. But if you're logged into an unsecured wireless network, anybody on that network can be watching what you're doing online," said Dean Gallea of Consumer Reports.

Whether through theft or wireless eavesdropping, thieves can learn enough to make you a victim of identity theft. But there are things you can do to protect yourself:

Get a lock for your laptop.
Try one of the new biometric devices.
Enable your laptop's encryption software.

Consumer Reports says taking these steps will help you keep your private information much more secure no matter where you use your laptop.

Consumer Reports says there's also high-tech protection if your laptop is stolen. You can buy special software that secretly sends a coded signal with location information when the thief signs on to the internet.
[Source]

Asus And Gigabyte Compete In United

When Gigabyte announced its plans to bring Asustek Computers into its fold, there was a flurry of questions. Initially the two companies announced that a joint venture would be formed to produce Gigabyte branded motherboards and graphics cards. But this still left a lot of questions unanswered, especially pertaining to what would happen to Asus' motherboards.

Now a clearer picture has emerged. And that is in the form of Gigabyte United, a division of Gigabyte International, which will concentrate entirely on manufacturing motherboards and cards. While Asus will continue to function as a separate entity and will still be a competitor for Gigabyte United.

Working in favor of Gigabyte is also the fact that the channel and customers perceive that Gigabyte has takenover Asus. This way, its position has been strengthened further among the channel community.

By keeping the two companies separate, Gigabyte can ensure that it continues to meet the needs of two distinct set of customers without losing out to an external competitor like Foxconn.
[Source]

Nintendo Wii Funny Bug

Wii Sports: Automatic 91pin strike
Video of automatic strike in wii sports bowling

The PNY Verto GeForce 7950 GT 512MB Card

The basic design of the PNY Verto GeForce 7950 GT card is similar to a reference GeForce 7900 GT, with all the basics like GPU placement and GDDR3 memory location remaining consistent. The heatsink-fan is another nice holdover from the GeForce 7900 GT, and its diminutive size allows a single-slot design with no impact on adjacent peripherals. The heatsink-fan design is also very efficient and offers low noise and adequate cooling for our review card. PNY has chosen to go with the default clock speeds and the Verto GeForce 7950 GT 512MB is set at standard 550 MHz clock and 1.4 GHz memory speeds.

The card's physical design is also very standard and other than its PNY-branded heatsink-fan, its look is similar to reference designs. The backplate of the PNY Verto GeForce 7950 GT 512MB includes dual integrated dual-link DVI ports and an S-Video-out port. PNY also offers resolutions up to 2560x1600 and HDTV support up to 1080p. Like any other GeForce 7 Series card, the PNY Verto GeForce 7950 GT 512MB requires external power, and features a standard 6-pin PCI Express connector on the outside edge. PNY's retail bundle is ample, if not spectacular, and includes the Verto GeForce 7950 GT PCI Express card, a Quick Installation Guide, a driver/util CD, 2 DVI-to-VGA adapters, a S-video cable, a HDTV Break-out Pod, and a "Y" adapter power cable.
[Source]

Kingston Adds 4GB DDR2 Memory

Kingston Technology is now shipping 4-GB DDR2 DIMM memory, targeting AMD Opteron systems.
The firm said that the new memory are designed for AMD Opteron-based servers, and is shipping with TYAN motherboards.
The new memory runs at 533 Mhz and 667 Mhz in DDR2 registered ECC DIMM modules. The 667 MHz modules are shipping now with the 533 Mhz modules shipping in December.
Source

Microsoft Zune 30 GB Media Player

This portable music and video player boasts a sharp-looking screen and a beautiful interface, but its extras won't sway iPod owners.

What will it take to beat Apple's iPod at its own game? Microsoft is betting that its $250 Zune--a 30GB, Wi-Fi-equipped music and video player--can go toe-to-toe with the digital music giant.

A large, bright screen, an attractive interface, and innovative wireless media sharing illustrate the Zune's potential. But Microsoft's Wi-Fi implementation is currently so limited that the potential isn't realized. The shipping model of the Zune I tested shows impressive polish for a first effort, but its features don't seem compelling enough to make it a serious threat to take a big chunk out of iPod sales.

At $250 for 30GB of storage, the Zune costs exactly as much as the latest 30GB video-capable iPod and the Zen Vision:M. Like most non-iPod players, it includes an FM tuner and supports MP3 and WMA music files, as well as WMV, MPEG-4, and H.264 video files.

Unlike many Windows-based players, the Zune also supports unprotected AAC files--a nice touch for anyone who's been ripping CDs using iTunes' default settings. On the other hand, Microsoft's player lacks a built-in voice recorder, which most Windows-based players include.

The Zune is a bit larger and heavier than the latest 30GB iPod, but its bright, beautiful color screen is a half-inch larger (measured diagonally) than the iPod's. When you're watching videos on a screen that small, every extra bit of real estate counts.

Rounding out the package are a USB cable, a carrying case, headphones, and a 14-day trial membership in Zune Pass, Microsoft's $15-per-month, all-you-can eat music subscription service.

With Zune's built-in Wi-Fi access. Meet up with friends who have a Zune, and you can beam tracks, playlists, or photos to their players, so they can listen to or view them on their own time. Beamed tracks appear in the inbox of the recipient's Zune, where they'll remain for a maximum of three days or three plays. If you like a track, you can flag it for purchase through the Zune Marketplace, an online music store associated with the player.

Microsoft plans eventually to link the Zune up with PCs and Xbox 360 consoles using its wireless connection; but right now, the wireless connectivity is limited. There's no wireless syncing with your Wi-Fi-equipped PC at home and no wireless access to the Zune store.

Album art takes up two-thirds of the display during normal music playback, with the standard status indicators and track information filling the bottom third.

The Zune's audio sounds quite nice, too, on a par with that of the latest iPods and Creative players. On PC World's objective tests of audio quality, this player earned the best score.
[Source]

8Gb Secure Card From Toshiba

Toshiba plans to release another marvel next year, a Secure Digital (SD) card that can hold a whopping 8 GB of data. That's 2,000 songs or 2,500 pictures from a 6-megapixel digital camera.

Roughly the size of a postage stamp, SD cards are used in everything from digital cameras to camcorders to PDAs. What makes Toshiba's new card distinctive, outside of its capacity, is that it is capable of recording data at 6 Mbps.

At that speed, the card can be used for high-end consumer video cameras, such as Panasonic's HDC-SD1 AVCHD 1080i camcorder, which records directly to a Secure Digital card.
[Source]

AMD Joined At 4x4 Asus Exclusive

Motherboard manufacturers are dismayed that AMD's 4x4 team went with Asus alone, as supplier of the first 4x4 boards.
Chimpzilla's other partners did not receive a single set of 4x4 CPUs and they're unable to tell us if the 4x4 is going to work on their existing Opteron mobos or not.

AMD knows its 4x4 "QuadFather" won't beat Kentsfield on performance, and this opinion was also voiced by other people we talked with.

They are miffed that AMD is betting the house (or "platform") on a single horse.

Nvidia employed Asustek to manufacture all of its first-generation 8800 boards and 680a motherboards. Now AMD is doing the same thing - and miffing its far-eastern partners into the bargain.
[Source]

IBM's New Security Software For Small Business

IBM plans to unveil a scaled-down version of its federated security software in a move to reach out to small businesses.

IBM's new Tivoli Federated Identity Manager Business Gateway, a version of Tivoli Federated Identity Manager, aims to allow small companies of up to 5,000 employees to connect like spokes of a large company--or hub--to share information securely via a single sign-on.

Tivoli's business gateway is roughly a third of the size of the full Federated Identity Manager, in terms of data requirements. The product will generally be available November 24 and retail for $70,000 per server, with no limits on the number of users.
[Source]

Toshiba Has Announced The Intel Core 2 Duo Processor

Toshiba's Computer Systems Division has announced its support for the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor across its business and consumer notebook PC ranges, providing customers with greater performance for multitasking, improved energy efficiency and enhanced mobility.

Products will begin shipping with the new processor in December, and will include current models in Toshiba's Portégé, Satellite, Satellite Pro, Tecra and Qosmio notebook PC lines.

'As a pioneer and leader in mobile computing, Toshiba has always been committed to bringing customers the most advanced technologies and we are very excited about Intel's latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor,' said Ahmed Khalil, General Manager for Toshiba Computer Systems Division Middle East. 'The 64-bit platform, with breakthrough performance, dynamic power coordination and outstanding wireless connectivity, will enable our notebook PCs to provide users with an enhanced digital lifestyle experience.'
[Source]

$100 Laptop

According to the Mongabay News, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab founder Nicholas Negroponte, showed the first laptops to the US State Department last week.

Currently the book price of the machines is $125, but Negroponte wants to get the price down to $100 by 2008.

The first laptops will be followed by a 900-unit run early next year, many of which will go to programmers to help them write software. Then the machines will be mass produced in their millions.

The One Laptop Per Child Project is being bankrolled by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation which is putting in millions into the project for the next four to five years.
[Source]

Asus New Gaming Notebook, G1 And G2

Asustek's new G1 and G2 gaming notebooks feature Core 2 Duo processors, screens up to 17 inches, integrated Web cam, and shock-resistant stylings.

Taiwan's Asustek has unveiled two new gaming-oriented systems: the G1 and G2 notebooks. The systems will be available with a selection of Intel Core 2 Duo processors (from the T5500 all the way up to the T7600), up to 2 GB of RAM, and will be available with either a 15.4-inch or 17-inch LCD display. The systems also feature LCD covers with in-mold decorations made the G1 (green) and G2 (red) stand out from the crowd—and the covers feature Direct Flash sidelights, which offer a "graphic intensity indicator" via DirectX 9 so your notebook can let everyone know how massive your on-screen action is getting.

Total Gaming Package
To offer the best total gaming experience, ASUS has designed two notebooks that carries design details inside out. Incorporated with the latest platform

Suit of Armor
The LCD cover with special in-mold decoration design not only gives the notebook an instant game machine identity that simply stands out from the generic notebook design but it also makes the surface more resistant from paint chipping off.

Graphic Intensity Indicator
With Direct Flash sidelights, gaming spirit is shared when DirectX 9 support is activated for graphic intense moments. Get a boost and bring the game on anywhere!

Wireless Video Communication
Built-in high-resolution webcam and speaker allow wire-free video conferencing anywhere without the hassle of tangling wires. Gamers can now see and talk to teammates or opponents around the world, making gaming more real than ever before!

Interruption-Free Live Information Update
The ASUS Direct Messenger information side display updates instant messages, system status and reminder alerts with zero distraction to accommodate full screen game mode. This OLED window can also be customized to show personal messages and even caller IDs when Power4 Phone function is activated.

Gaming Hotkey Highlights
The full-sized keyboard makes mobile gaming ergonomically comfortable while the W, A, S and D keys are especially marked with color squares to match the rest of the notebook color scheme for convenient access at one glance.

Vibrant Visual Enjoyment
To satisfy the most demanding viewing standards, ASUS Splendid Video Intelligence Technology integrates different multimedia data sources to reduce noise and conversion rate for a vivid display. Users can enjoy vivid images with better contrast, brightness, skin tone and color saturation for all video applications. The Game and Night View Modes are great for extra gaming effects that not only sharpen the image details but also enhance the outlines ideal for underlying stealth actions.

Extensive Connectivity
Bluetooth 2.0 enhanced data rate transmits three times faster than the standard Bluetooth for increased connectivity and synchronization between digital devices. In addition, a complete range of input/ output ports offers dynamic data transfers and storage including, USB ports, TV-out port, card reader and express card slots.

High-speed Internet Access
Enjoy high-speed wireless Internet for data access and transfers with integrated WLAN 802.11 a/b/g. In addition, ASUS exclusive Net4 Switch Utility detects available network in the surrounding environment and allows users to select and make a switch anywhere, ensuring smooth connection transitions on the go.

Long Lasting Battery Life
Mobility is further fueled with extended battery life that empowers better productivity. ASUS Power4 Gear+ power management extends battery life up to 20-25%, providing a reliable and continuous operation power.

G1 & G2 Gaming Notebook Series
Intel Centrino Duo Mobile Technology
- Intel Core2 Duo Processor T7600/T7400/T7200/T5600/T5500
- Mobile Intel 945PM Express Chipset
- Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Genuine Windows XP
- Genuine Home
- Genuine Professional
- Genuine Media Center (G2)
DDRII 533/667MHz, up to 2GB
15.4" WXGA/WSXGA (G1)/ 17" WXGA (G2); Color Shine LCD
ASUS Video Intelligence Technology
NVidia GeForce Go7700 512 Physical VRAM (G1)
ATI Mobility™ Radeon® X1700 512 MB Physical VRAM (G2)
SATA 80/100/120/160 GB HDD
DVD Super-Multi, Light Scribe
Built-in 1.3M pixel webcam ASUS Direct Flash+ ASUS Direct Messenger
10/100/1000, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth V2.0+EDR (optional)

Dell Quad-Core XPS 710

Dell has released product updates for the discerning gamer out there. With Intel having now officially announced its quad-core processors, Dell has introduced its quad-core XPS 710 gaming desktop which can be equipped with Intel's Core 2 Extreme QX6700 processor.

According to Dell, the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 enables the XPS 710 to provide up to 55% better performance than the previous Core 2 Extreme dual-core processor used in the XPS 700. CNET put those claims to the test and found that the XPS 710 wasn't exactly topping the performance charts in comparison to its dual-core rivals from Gateway and ABS.

The Windows Vista Premium-Ready XPS 710 starts at $3,699 for a Jet Black chassis, Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 processor, 750W power supply and Dell's 2-year limited XPS warranty. For $100 more, you can upgrade to the Special Edition Formula Red model with a 1kW power supply.
[Source]

Windows Vista and Office 2007 By The End Of 2006

Microsoft has announced that their new operating system, Windows Vista, will be released on November 30 this year, at an event in New York City.

The company said that Windows Vista would, however, be available only to businesses at first. The consumer version would be available to the mainstream public early next year, the release date for which is rumored to be January 30, 2007.

But, the November release of Windows Vista would be the first new release of a Windows operating system since 2001. It has been dubbed a world-wide release, and will also include the launch of the new Office 2007 and the Exchange Server 2007 software.

The Exchange Server 2007 launch will give businesses access to Microsoft s latest e-mail server and e-mail client, Outlook 2007.

Microsoft had previously planned to release Windows Vista and Office 2007 to both business and retail customers by the end of 2006. But, in March, the company said it would delay the retail launches, after determining that it was not possible to meet the schedule required by some PC manufacturers and others in the industry.

Even though Windows Vista and Office 2007 will be available to business customers later this month, many business customers have said likely they will not upgrade to Vista right away, but that they will hold off until such a time that they do hardware upgrades, or are able to justify the cost of the new operating system. Meanwhile, Microsoft is hoping customers will deploy Windows Vista and Office 2007 together. Source