Gigabyte's second-generation UMPC

Though better known for making mainboards than consumer electronics, Gigabyte's first foray into the UMPC market--the U60--was surprisingly competent and incorporated a few innovative features such as split keyboard and GPS/TV tuner expansion slots.

Engadget spotted the next revision in the form of the Gigabyte M704. Though the link they provided was supposed to point to the M704 product specification on Gigabyte's Web site, the last time we checked the Web page was not available. Fortunately, we have captured a screen shot of the product page.

This time, the changes are mostly cosmetic, though the VIA processor is bumped up to 1.2GHz and the screen is given a 7-inch 1,024 x 600-pixel treatment. The latter upgrade is particularly interesting, as it means that the user would no longer have to scroll sideways on some Web sites designed for viewing in 1,024-pixel resolution. Despite the larger display and faster processor, the battery life remains similar to the U60 at around 3 hours. However, that is rather mediocre considering models like the Everun and Kohjinsha SA1 can go on for a couple more hours. Other features include:

• 1.2GHz VIA processor
• 768MB RAM
• 40GB or 60GB HDD
• 7-inch LED-backlit screen
• 2 x USB 2.0; VGA output; SD/MMC card reader
• Built-in Webcam
• 780g weight

Its availability is still up in the air at the moment as our Gigabyte contact has yet to get back to us at press time, but we hope that the pricing will be attractive if it were to compete in the UMPC arena.

Targus launches new notebook bags

When it comes to protecting your notebook, one of the first rules is to get a proper laptop bag with sufficient padding. Gone are the days when one had to live with boring black, over-the-shoulder laptop bags which came with the portable. Targus has just announced a new range of notebook bags which include backpacks, slipcases and more.

Slipcases
Slipcases are particularly popular with students who can use them in conjunction with their favorite bags while not compromising on protection. There are two ranges available: The Apple Slip Case which fits the MacBook and MacBook Pro range as well as the CityLite Slip Case for notebooks ranging from 12.1- to 15.4-inch screens. The 17-inch Apple Slip case goes for S$55.90 (US$41.10), while the CityLite models (which come in black, green or gray) range from S$35.90 (US$26.40) to S$48.90 (US$35.96).

Backpacks and messenger bags
If you need to carry a load of books along with your portable, backpacks are the way to go. A properly design pack will not only evenly distribute the load between both shoulders, but should also help keep the spine in a natural curve. Targus has three lines of backpacks: The Revolution for those with rugged lifestyles; the Voyager for the urban traveler; and the Wanderer for those who need additional storage space. For protection against rain, Targus has integrated a PVC rain cover inside a hidden pocket across all models. The Revolution holds up to 14.1-inch models and costs S$119.90 (US$88.16) while the 15.4-inch Voyager goes for S$159.90 (US$117.57) (the 17-inch version retails at S$179.90 (US$132.28)). The 13.1-inch and 15.4-inch Wanderer models are priced at S$119.90 (US$88.16) and S$129.90 (US$95.51), respectively.

Messenger bags are becoming a common sight even among professionals as the single strap makes it easy to access the contents compared with backpacks. The S$89.90 (US$66.10) Targus Revolution Messenger bag can hold a 14.1-inch laptop with ease.
Read more »

A USB alarm for your notebook

Now here's a keeper. Yours truly hasn't had her notebook pilfered before (touch wood), unlike a friend's unlucky husband who thought tucking his S$4,000 machine away under the car seat was a deterrent. So for a paltry US$25, this keeps tabs on your portable by shrieking its metal lungs out if someone yanks your laptop away. To secure, you attach the base unit to an anchor and plug the cable to a USB port on your notebook. To deactivate, you insert a key into the base unit of Belkin's USB Laptop Security Alarm. Disconnect without the key and let's just say even those hard of hearing will hear those decibels. Note that this works as a passive watchdog since nothing will stop even the most determined thug short of tasering him. Too bad that's illegal where we come from in Asia. So the best prevention? Keep your eyes on your laptop. 'Nuff said.

Via Everything USB

LG makes a move in the 13.3-inch market

The 13.3-inch form factor seems to be gaining popularity recently, as the Korean chaebol has announced that its first 13.3-inch notebook will be making a maiden appearance at the upcoming SITEX show in Singapore.

Note that it is not a Centrino machine as the LG E300 is based on Intel's Core 2 Duo processors with an ATI chipset. Nor will the integrated ATI Express 1250 graphics engine be breaking any benchmark tests anytime soon. But we expect that this integrated video solution should to help lengthen battery life.

Weighing in at 2kg, it's lighter than the Apple MacBook but a little hefty compared with the 1.79kg Dell XPS M1330 and the 1.89kg Toshiba Portege M600.

There are two configurations available: The S$1,799 (US$1,322.79) model sports a Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz processor with 160GB storage space, while the high-end S$2,199 (US$1,616.91) unit has a faster Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz chip with a 200GB harddisk. Both will be available at the upcoming SITEX show, though their appearance in other Asia-Pacific markets has yet to be confirmed.

Giving data thieves the finger

As anyone who has ever lost or crashed a harddisk knows, the agony is not so much the cost of replacing the software, but trying to get the content back where it belongs. With portable external harddisks becoming cheaper and storage size getting larger, one of the most overlooked areas is the issue of data security.

Some enclosures feel that password encryption is enough, but we all know it takes a determined hacker nothing more than a few hours to break through. Sarotech's new enclosure, the Cutie Bio, has integrated a fingerprint scanner into an external USB 2.0 2.5-inch enclosure. With a swipe of your finger, the data is instantly accessible. Once it's removed from the PC, the information becomes encrypted gibberish.

At only S$89 (US$65.44), we would say it's a must-have for everyone... except for one small detail. The fingerprint software works with only Windows machines, which takes Mac users out of the equation. There is a version which is not only Mac compatible, but also Linux-friendly. However, the latter uses the more expensive 1.8-inch drives and the availability is yet to be confirmed.

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