Archives for November 2006
BenQ S700 Wireless Optical Card Mouse
Juniper Foo | Nov 09, 2006
Initial appearances can be deceiving. So after giving this a rather cautious lookover, being the oddest and most unergonomic-looking notebook mouse we've come across, this wireless BenQ rodent has one thing going for it. It has a collapsible hump. That's right. The Taiwan company touts a unique and patented mechanical technology that allows the S700 to retain a 13mm-thick card-sized form, which can then be levered up to a more ergonomic (we'll take their word for it) position of 15 degrees. Other than that, it's wireless at a speedy 1,000dpi that's designed for the road warrior. Comes only in silver. Rats.
See closed (off mode) | levered up (on mode)
Price: S$45 (US$28.80)
Availability: US and Singapore computer stores
Device: Wireless optical mouse
Basic specs: 1,000dpi, mouse: 90 x 55 x 13mm, receiver: 50 x 15 x 8mm, 2 AAA alkaline batteries, pouch, RF 27MHz wireless frequency, USB, up to 1m, Win and Mac compatible
Nvidia officially unleashes DirectX 10 GPU
Darius Chang | Nov 09, 2006
The next generation of graphics cards is here, with Nvidia leading the race with its first DirectX 10-capable graphics processor (GPU).
The GeForce 8800 GPU series incorporates Nvidia's Quantum Effects technology which eases the processor's load by taking on more duties such as physics computation and geometry creation. This enables more realistic and immersive 3D imagery. More importantly, it is DirectX 10-compatible, which futureproofs the card for upcoming games and Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system. The card can also whip up high-definition content without a hitch.
The first wave includes the high-end GeForce 8800 GTX and and entry-level GeForce 8800 GTS, retailing for US$599 (S$935.22) and US$499 (S$779.09), respectively. The former runs at 575MHz with 768MB of dedicated video memory (VRAM), while the latter clocks in at 500MHz with 640MB of VRAM. Both models will provide two DVI and an HDTV port for hooking up to external displays. The new cards will be available in from this month.
Samsung's transforming ultraportable
Darius Chang | Nov 08, 2006
Resembling those toy Transformers characters more than a notebook, the Samsung SPH-P9000 seeks to make the typing on an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) a revolutionary experience.
Showcased at the Mobile WiMAX Summit 2006 in Paris, the latest UMPC from the Korean chaebol may be a mite thick, but it twists and folds to uncover a full-size keyboard. Though this feature does make typing much easier, observers have commented that the small screen is still a major obstacle for the UMPC to be used as an everyday computing device.
Based on a Transmeta 1GHz processor, the 5-inch portable includes a Bluetooth radio, mini-USB connector and an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera in a 580g package. Potential buyers should note that the ubiquitous Wi-Fi has been replaced with Mobile WiMAX and CDMA EV-DO connectivity, which mean this unit can be used only in certain countries which offer such technologies. It is due to retail in Korea in the first half of 2007, while we await word from Samsung if this mobile will make its way to the rest of the world.
Click here for a larger image of the SPH-P9000
Fujitsu's new tablets 
Darius Chang | Nov 08, 2006
| Editors' note : The Stylistic ST5112 and ST5111 tablets have also joined the Core 2 Duo lineup. They are upgrades from the Stylistic ST5032 and ST5031, respectively. The Stylistic ST5112 will be available in stores from late November with a S$4,688 (US$3,084.21) price tag. Fujitsu will announce the prices and availability of the other new units at a later date. |
Besides refreshing the Fujitsu LifeBook T4215 to Core 2 Duo, the successor to its mini-tablet LifeBook P1510 gets a total facelift with the P1610.
The LifeBook T4215, an upgrade of the T4210, sports a Core 2 Duo chip in the same chassis as the latter. The LifeBook P1610, on the other hand, has been redesigned and now sports a classy black-and-silver body on a Centrino Core platform. Instead of only a CompactFlash slot in its predecessor, the new model now incorporates a Type II PC Card slot and an SD memory card reader. Utilizing the energy-efficient Core Solo 1.2GHz chip, it even offers biometric security in the form of a fingerprint sensor. The standard three-cell battery is said to last only 3.5 hours, but an extended six-cell option bumps it up to twice as long.
These models are due to enter the Asia-Pacific market soon, though at the time of going to press, Fujitsu has been unable to confirm the availability and prices for these models.
High fashion meets cable TV
Philip Wong | Nov 08, 2006
Ladies, behold. Here's another reason to pester your partner for a new, juicy flat-panel TV. StarHub announced yesterday the launch of its new Fashion TV channel, scheduled to go live starting November 13 on channel 79. This will be its first and only telecast dedicated to model wannabes with an eye on the latest international fashion, beauty and styling scenes.
Some of the highlights include inside scoops on the lifestyle of models and celebrities, an insider's style guide and the latest spring/summer 2007 designs from fashion shows round the world. Available to its digital cable customers, Fashion TV will come with a monthly subscription of S$8 (US$5.26) inclusive of complimentary usage of its digital settop box.
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