A brand "new" 16GB Creative Zen V Plus
Edvarcl Heng | Aug 03, 2007
It's a sign of the times when precious few MP3 players from traditional big name manufacturers get launched in 2007. Though some are hinting that Apple will be announcing one in August, it's telling when Creative, the firm which used to launch a flotilla of players annually, is now satisfied with just upgrades to old stuff. Somehow we've a sinking feeling that there will be no spectacular hero product from it this year.
The Zen V Plus differs from its predecessors on two things--a white highlight to denote its new 16GB memory status. It's also more expensive (by S$100) than its closest equivalent model, the 8GB version (S$299).
Will Creative ever come up with something innovative like its Zen Vision and Zen Micro again? We are rather hoping it will.
Read more here
More images of new Zen V Plus cameras:
X-mini Capsule Speaker
Juniper Foo | Aug 03, 2007
It's almost impossible not to be impressed by the pocket-size X-mini Capsule Speaker. Given that we've never successfully located good third-party USB speakers to hook up to our notebook, the X-mini comes as a very neat and portable solution. We were even more impressed when, in a demo, Singapore-based XM-I Company's Ryan Lee gave the device a sideways twist and the X-mini extended upwards, accordion-style. And it's this extendable vacuum that acts like a loudspeaker, allowing the mini device to boom out in a surprisingly loud, full-bodied volume. According to Lee, this uses a patented technology that mimics the resonance of a sub-woofer. An on-off switch also doubles as a two-step volume control. To keep the sound even and not drain the player's own batts, there're rechargeable batteries built-in, although we stumbled upon some very minor glitches during the charging process. Still, for a 50g David that can best the Goliath boomboxes out there, who's complaining?
See bigger image here
Price: S$49 (US$32)
Availability: Just launched in Singapore
Device: External speaker
Specs: Hooks up to any 3.5mm audio jack, built-in rechargeable batteries, retractable charging cable-USB plug, 50g, in black though a red version should be out soon
SoftBank's Fullface 913SH, only for Japan
Damian Koh | Aug 02, 2007
Sure, full-face helmets are a common sight, but the Fullface 913SH by Sharp is nothing like the former, except in name.
It's a slider handset if you're still wondering what we are talking about. And it's available from SoftBank for use only in Japan. When closed, the uber-trendy slider exhibits a large 2.8-inch screen operated by a bunch of sensor keys. That's right, no hard buttons. Hello iPhone!
And as you would expect, the handset will come with the mandatory 2-megapixel camera, microSD expansion card slot, Bluetooth connectivity and a whole suit of Japanese-friendly features such as 1 Seg, S! FeliCa and Chaku-Uta. It even comes in eight different colors: Vivid pink, black, silver, pink, green, light blue, orange, gold. We are jealous already.
Via Japan Today
Laptop hardware shortage
Darius Chang | Aug 02, 2007
According to a report by Reuters, notebook vendors may soon face a minor crisis in which they may not be able to obtain enough supplies for hardware components.
Chip price tracker and electronics market researcher DRAMeXchange claims that laptop devices such as harddisks, LCDs, batteries, etc., were hard-pressed to meet market demand last quarter. For this quarter, things are not expected to improve and could, in fact, get more serious.
DRAMeXchange expects second-tier brands, which depend largely on volume for profits, to suffer the worst hit.
| Did you know?
Notebook brands are classified into tiers depending on their reach and support terms.
|
CNET Asia has contacted some second-tier vendors like Acer and Dell regarding the possible impact of rising hardware cost and component shortage dampening the holiday buying spree at year's end. We'll update you once we have more information.
Asia Xbox 360 Elite coming 
Philip Wong | Aug 02, 2007
Microsoft has officially announced the upcoming availability of its souped-up HD gaming console, the Xbox 360 Elite. Pitted squarely against the 60GB PlayStation 3, the new box will be going at an estimated S$799 (US$561.57) a piece. This is an interesting proposition which will give the Japanese's offerings a run for their money considering the Xbox's generous 120GB storage capacity and updated HDMI output.
| Editors' note:
The Microsoft Asia regional representative has indicated that the company has no immediate plans to revise the HD-DVD addon's pricing.
There will also be a similar pre-order offered in Taiwan at NT$15,980 for an Elite bundled with a Sanyo electric shaver (hmm?) and copy of Blue Dragon. Now available at Taipei Computer Application Show 2007 from August 2 to 6 There were no further details on an Asia-wide launch at press time but this will be carried out progressively following the Singapore release. |
The local package comprises a matt-black console, matching wireless controller, Xbox Live headset and HDMI cable. The accessories will also be sold separately, including a removable 120GB hard drive for owners of legacy models. Supplies are expected to reach Singapore retailers from August 13. If you can't wait to get your hands on one, head down to the World Cyber Games over at Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre hall 602 to pre-order. This will be available only from today till the end of the week.
Still undecided? Check out the following cheat sheet.
|
Xbox 360 Elite |
PlayStation 3 |
|
Storage capacity |
120GB |
60GB |
Wireless networking |
Optional via USB |
Onboard WiFi-G |
HD movie playback |
Optional via HD-DVD |
Onboard Blu-ray |
Dolby Digital Plus/True-HD/DTS-HD surround sound support |
N/A |
Yes |
Bundled HDMI cable |
Yes |
N/A |
Online gaming |
Subscription-based |
Free of charge |
HD disc-based titles (figures based on website catalog) |
94 (excluding Live Arcade titles) |
17 |
CNET rating |
On a separate note, we are awaiting updates on the launch details for Asia as well as the possible price revision for its HD-DVD addon.
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