Archive for the 'Hardware' Category
Today LaCie announced the general availability of the LaCie 12big Rack product range – an enterprise class 2U rack-mounted portfolio, targeted at corporate IT users and video professionals. The LaCie 12big Rack Fibre, LaCie 12big Rack Serial, and LaCie 12big Rack Network, provide (respectively) SAN, DAS and NAS storage solutions that are designed to target the most demanding uses through their performance, customization, minimized downtime and ease-of-use. The range features multipathed 4x 4Gb/s fiber channel connections, dual mini-SAS connection (SFF-8088) or dual 1Gb/s Ethernet connection – making the 12big Rack portfolio a comprehensive storage range.
“I’m very pleased to introduce the 2U rack product range, a natural evolution to LaCie’s 20 years of experience with professional storage solutions. The new portfolio is complementary to LaCie’s existing high end storage, and allows LaCie to support a wider range of professional applications from Corporate IT to content creation and post-production companies,” said Minh Le, LaCie’s Marketing Director. “The LaCie 12big Rack product range provides the highest performance, data security levels, and minimized downtime, with no tradeoffs. We’re now offering our customers a comprehensive, customizable and expandable enterprise solution – starting with 6TB and scaling up to 60TB per storage system.”
Built with Enterprise Class SATA disks, the LaCie 12big Rack product range will ensure data is always available through the redundancy of power supplies, cooling units and a dual-controller option for the LaCie 12big Rack Fibre and the LaCie 12big Rack Serial. The range also offers multiple RAID levels for data protection, from RAID 0, 1, 10, 5 and 50, up to RAID 6 – the 12big Rack storage systems will keep the most critical data safe against two-disk failure. Additionally, the LaCie 12big Rack Fibre’s Advanced Power Management feature and disk verify feature help ensure archived data is duly available upon the customer’s request.
While data security and integrity – even over a long period – is ensured, together with significant power saving features, the 12big Rack portfolio doesn’t compromise on performance. The LaCie 12big Rack Fibre supports a dual Active/Active controllers option and allows up to six streams of 422 uncompressed HD video. As such, the LaCie 12big Rack Fibre enables video-intensive users to edit uncompressed video streams on storage networks; the LaCie 12big Rack Serial is able to achieve similar performance as direct attached storage. Alternatively, the LaCie 12big Rack Network supports link teaming (IEEE 802.3ad) of its dual gigabit connections, allowing users to host critical backups, file sharing or archiving.
Every storage enclosure is expandable through miniSAS (SFF-8088) connections, and can support up to four daisy-chained 2U expansion enclosures depending on the 12big Rack product. Available with an impressive list of compatibilities, in terms of fibre channels switches, fiber channel HBAs, and RAID controllers, the LaCie 12big Rack portfolio has been designed to offer a diverse feature-set and comes with the LaCie Advance Care Option to provide customers with extra peace of mind.
For more information regarding specific features and capabilities, please visit http://www.lacie.com.
“The Expressionist PLUS (FX3021) subwoofer packs tremendous punch for its tiny size,“ says Don Milks, Altec Lansing’s Senior Manager, Product Management for PC Audio. “By doing away with the enclosure and making the satellites angle-adjustable, we’ve made it easy for the listener to enjoy a remarkably deep, precise soundstage, no matter what distance or angle they listen from. We think this is the best performing $99 PC speaker on the market.“
The new Expressionist PLUS is a 2.1 channel subwoofer-satellite system featuring a dramatic cone-shaped, bottom loaded subwoofer that at its base is about the size of a small Frisbee disc. This sleek, modern looking sub utilizes a 5.25-inch, long-throw driver for authoritative bass that extends down to 50 Hz, even when placed on a desktop. The bass output is conveniently controlled within fingertip reach, letting the user tailor the optimum balance between sub and satellites. The entire system is driven by an impressive 24 watts of power.
The dual 2-inch full range satellites of the Expressionist PLUS complete the system, and are remarkable achievements of design and simplicity. Their innovative form utilizes Altec Lansing’s Audio Alignment™ craftsmanship that precisely aligns the drivers, enclosure and electronics for natural-sounding audio performance, the way the artist intended. The satellites can be aimed in any direction to focus the soundstage for the ideal listening position, distance and height. The end result is a deep and realistic stereo image that’s exactly proportioned to the listening area.
The diminutive size of the Expressionist PLUS makes it a perfect accompaniment for desktop and laptop computers and other 3.5mm-connected entertainment such as an iPod®. Power and volume controls are conveniently located for easy access.
Altec Lansing’s Expressionist PLUS FX3021 PC Speaker System will be available in June of 2009 at consumer electronics retailers and at www.alteclansing.com.
The impressive list of hardware for the Axess HD includes a powerful Core i7 processor combined with dual 9800 GT video cards in SLI to deliver a stunningly visual1080p experience. MAINGEAR also teamed up with NVIDIA to integrate GeForce 3D Vision so that gamers with Mitsubishi DLP’s or Samsung desktop LCDs can experience an unparalleled 3D gaming experience. MAINGEAR further enhances the luxurious home theater gaming experience by being the first company to offer the Phantom Lapboard, a unique keyboard that liberates users from desktop settings through an innovative 360-degree rotating design. The Axess HD Gamer also offers cutting edge media center capabilities including 7 channel pre amplified audio, Blu Ray and DVD Movies, Music, Home Videos, HD TV, Internet TV, based on Microsoft® Windows® Vista Home Premium which also provides access to Netflix’s online streaming through the Media Center interface.
”The Axess HD Gamer was conceived to deliver unsurpassed gaming performance fused with advanced media center capabilities all contained within a low profile case, making it the perfect cornerstone for any home theater environment” said Wallace Santos, CEO and Founder of MAINGEAR. “A lot of the media centers currently on the market don’t specifically address the PC Gamer and we want to give our customers a solution to game from the comfort of the living room without sacrificing quality or performance.”
“We’re thrilled that MAINGEAR is providing a Games for Windows solution that complements the wide range of media functionality that Windows Vista Media Center already provides,” said Megan Both, Snr. Director of OEM Sales at Microsoft. “This high performance 3D gaming system combined with the advanced functionality of Windows Media Center make the Axess HD Gamer a phenomenal option for the home theater enthusiast as well as the avid gamer.”
Gamers can purchase the Axess HD Gamer at MAINGEAR’s Web site www.maingear.com or order by phone at (888-MAINGEAR). The base price is $1,799. Axess HD Gamer comes with MAINGEAR’s standard 14 month warranty and is backed by the best in-house support team in the country.
Adesso Inc., a leading manufacturer of computer input peripherals, today announced the release of its latest addition to its extensive line of keyboards, the WKB-3100, a wireless, mini keyboard with integrated optical trackball. This compact keyboard offers the freedom of wireless computing in a wide array of environments, and is available for $79.99 at www.adesso.com.
The WKB-3100 lets users work freely, without any space, angles or distance constraints. The enclosed optical trackball delivers distinct precision and smooth motion, requiring virtually no maintenance or cleaning. The compact size of this keyboard allows for ease of use in tight spaces, including living rooms, kiosk stations, conference rooms and workgroup project environments.
The innovative keyboard is compatible with modern PC systems, flat LCD monitors and tablet PCs in various office environments. The small, compact size also allows users to work remotely, fitting snugly in any briefcase or backpack.
The WKB-3100 features the following:
Limitless connectivity angle with a wide range
6500 IDs on 12 channels, offering 30 feet of wireless freedom
Optical trackball technology that provides precision and control
Measures less than 12 inches in size
Adesso’s various product lines are available through Ingram Micro, Synnex and D&H direct vendors, eRetailers, including AMAZON, Buy.com, PC Mall, CDW, Insight, Newegg and TigerDirect. In addition, they are also available at retail stores, such as Micro Center and CompUSA, and leading catalogs, including CDW, PC Mall and PC Connection.
Fidelity Electronics this week announced the launch of the VPC - Very Personal Computer: a fully preloaded, Wifi portable netbook computer at a very affordable price.
Very portable: The VPC weighs only 1.5lbs and measures just 8.4” x 5.5” x 1”
Very functional: The VPC has both wifi and ethernet connections and a full function keyboard to connect, work and play.
Very affordable: All programs and applications are preloaded and ready to use.
“At a $199 SRP, the VPC is perfect for students and people on the go,” says Richard Kizner, Director of Marketing for Fidelity Electronics. “Preloaded programs include internet browser, spreadsheet, word processor, a media player for movies, music and pictures, e-book reader, dictionary, calendar, PDF reader, email, chat, calculator, file manager and much more. VPC comes with a full function keyboard, touchpad, 7” TFT display with 800 x 480 WVGA resolution, 802.11g Wifi, 100 MHz internet browser, 2 GB internal storage, 3 hour rechargeable battery, microphone and a headphone jack. It has onboard USB, SD and Ethernet ports that make the VPC an incredibly affordable yet versatile device,” he adds.
The VPC is expected to retail at $199.99 USD and should arrive in stores beginning March, 2009.
Fidelity Electronics Inc. is a leading provider of innovative personal electronics and consumer products including award winning Fidelity digital picture frames, digital memory and imaging accessories. Fidelity operates from Vaughan, Ontario; Buffalo, New York; Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China. For more information, visit Fidelity’s website at www.fidelityelectronics.com.
Got a ring of death on your X-Box 360? That PSP door damaged? The Wii optical drive doesn’t read those game discs anymore? Well, Rapid Repair wants to give your game console a look over because it thinks it can fix it and save you money in these difficult economic times. We’ve told you about this company before, and now it’s extending its expertise of repair into the gamers realm.
Aaron Vronko, co-founder of Rapid Repair, told SvenOnTech that he felt that Rapid Repair could take its know-how of repairing iPods and iPhones into the console market. Vronko felt Rapid Repair could also add value to customers by fixing damaged game machines at a fraction of a cost of a new unit which is a true win during a recession. Rapid Repair will take nearly any Xbox 360, PSP, PS3, or Wii in for a look and send it back in great shape to the customer at 20 to 50% of cost of new device. Knowing clients are not just looking for a working unit to come back but also good customer service, Vronko offers more than many other fix-shops with a crew bent in service.
Taking thirty minutes out of his day after returning from a trip to chat with SvenOnTech, Vronko took his time with us while on the phone never giving us the feeling that he had to rush off. His commitment was heard through the phone and its this same commitment the Vronko and his team will give your game console, Zune, iPod, or iPhone. Visit Rapid Repair for more information or to even sell them your 1st Generation iPhone!
Newer Technology, Inc. today announced miniStack(r), its award-winning powered hub storage solution that features up to four different interfaces - FireWire 800, 400, USB 2.0, and eSATA - offers FireWire 400 device connectivity, additional port flexibility, and expanded storage capacity up to 1.5TB to the newest Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro models.
Plug and Play FireWire 400 Devices with New Macs
The NewerTech miniStack solves the dilemma of how to use existing FireWire 400 devices with the new Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro 17″ models, which only come equipped with FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 interfaces. Each miniStack model features a unique ergonomic rear and side powered hub port configuration with up to three FireWire 400 (one uplink and two additional) and four USB 2.0 (one uplink and three additional) ports. With its port flexibility and with all interface connection cables included, miniStack eliminates the hassle and expense of buying extra cables or adapters and enables a new Mac owner to Plug and Play multiple digital devices, such as scanners, printers, memory card readers, digital cameras, and iPods, into one centralized hub simultaneously and clutter-free.
Big Performance From A Small Footprint
Designed to mirror the size and appearance of the Mac mini, miniStack is also an ideal space-saving desktop hub for use with the new iMac and MacBook Pro 17″ models. Its compact 6.5″W x 6.5″L x 1.5″H size houses a single Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive up to 1.5TB for data intensive uses such as Audio/Video editing, digital photography, MP3 music libraries, and high-speed back-up. Built for high performance, miniStack offers storage and retrieval of up to 1.5 million JPEG photos, 526,000 MP3 songs, or 750 DVD quality movies with data transfer rates up to 150MB/s.
Compliments Macs, PCs, Networks, Entertainment Systems
With its interface flexibility and 2.6lb bare weight, miniStack is the ideal portable external hard drive storage solution to move among multiple Macintosh computers and laptops and virtually any Windows(r) or Linux(r)-based computer with a USB or FireWire port. miniStack can also be added to an Airport Extreme(r) wireless network via USB to wirelessly share files, perform Time Machine backups, and share other devices like printers. Plus, miniStack is A/V rated for high-performance home entertainment systems and sharing content with Apple TV(r).
Maximum Features In A Mini Footprint
* Provides storage and retrieval of up to 1.5 million JPEG photos, 526,000 MP3 songs, or 750 DVD quality movies with data transfer rates up to 150MB/s.
* Up to 1.5TB storage capacity with energy efficient and Enterprise class hard drive models available
* Up to 32MB of data cache
* 7200RPM hard drive
* Oxford bridge chipset
* FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and/or eSATA bootable
* 6.5″W x 6.5″L x 1.5″H size
* 2.6lbs bare case weight
* External AutoSwitching 100~240v 50/60Hz 3 amp UL listed power adapter
* Auto-Power on/off automatically with computer
* Intelligent thermal monitoring for minimal fan power consumption and Whisper Quiet operation
* All supported interface connection cables included plus a FireWire 800-400 interconnecting cable (9-6 pin cable).
* Kensington security slot
* $200 retail value disk utility software bundle
* Three year solution warranty
Two Models Up To 1.5TB Starting At $104.99
The NewerTech miniStack is available in two models priced starting from $104.99, the “dual interface” miniStack v2.5 which features three FireWire 400 and three USB 2.0 ports and comes in 10 pre-configured 7200RPM solutions from 80GB to 1.5TB; and the “quad interface” miniStack v3 which offers one eSATA, two FireWire 800, one FireWire 400, and three USB 2.0 ports and comes in nine pre-configured 7200RPM solutions from 160GB to 1.5TB. Both models are available immediately from NewerTech’s exclusive distributor, Other World Computing, at www.macsales.com, as well as through the retail channel.
MSI Computer, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, is pleased to announce the newest addition to its world-class Gaming Notebook Series – GT628. The new GT628 combines a stylish chassis with cutting-edge technology to deliver the ultimate gaming experience. The GT628 features a stand-alone high-end NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 160M graphics card with 1GB of DDR3 graphics memory to create awe-inspiring ultra-realistic 3D graphics.
NVIDIA GeForce GTS 160M GPU increases game play performance by as much as 50% over the previous generation of GPUs. NVIDIA® PhysX™ technology provides real world gaming effects like natural water and lifelike explosions. When not gaming NVIDIA® PureVideo® HD technology allows GT628 users to experience the latest in high-def videos and Blu-ray movies with the sharp images and vibrant colors in full 1080p.
“We are thrilled to be launching a gaming notebook featuring the new NVIDIA GeForce GTS 160M graphics card,” said Andy Tung, Vice President of Sales, MSI US. “This GPU will allow us to offer our customers a gaming notebook with unmatched performance that delivers graphics never thought possible on a notebook.”
“GeForce GTS 160M delivers 50% more performance than its predecessor, and still has the best performance per watt ratio off any GeForce GPU we offer,” said Matt Wuebbling product manager for notebook GPUs at NVIDIA. ”By delivering more GeForce per square inch, we manage to make game-caliber performance and a superior multimedia experience affordable.”
MSI has also outfitted the GT628 with the latest Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology, a spacious 15.4” WSXGA (1680×1050) LCD, and MSI’s exclusive Turbo Drive Engine — capable of overclocking the notebook’s processor by as much as 15% when in AC mode. When on the go, users can conserve the GT628’s battery by taking advantage of the MSI’s Eco Engine technology and by utilizing NVIDIA’s® HybridPower™ technology, which allows gamers switch to a lower power integrated GPU.
The GT628 will be available in the United States for purchase in mid April at www.msimobile.com and MSI authorized resellers, retailers and distributors.
Launched at the Miami International Boat Show, the all-new electronic shift and control component of the Evinrude ICON control system features an advanced high-speed network controller that electronically delivers effortless shifting, precise throttle control and automatic engine synchronization in a reliable and intuitive package. The new system includes gear position indicators, neutral throttle advance, synchronized engine trim, RPM Tune and a unique PowerSync control for multi-engine applications.
The Evinrude exclusive RPM Tune is a virtual RPM cruise control ranging from idle to wide-open-throttle. The RPM Tune system allows the boat operator to fine tune the engine RPM slightly higher or lower, delivering exact trolling speed and optimizing fuel efficiency at cruise speed. For added control with multiple engines applications, PowerSync provides synchronization of RPM levels automatically and combines the shift and throttle functions into a one-handed operation by a simple push of a button. The operator can control a multi-engine boat by using a single control level. This delivers added convenience and ease of operation for boat owners.
Evinrude ICON is a fully integrated electronic shift and throttle control system with enhanced fuel management functionality. The Evinrude ICON control system, when completely integrated into all Evinrude E-TEC models, will be a comprehensive inter-active system designed to enhance the overall boating experience. With the Evinrude ICON, operators will have all-systems monitoring and control at their fingertips; all in an easy-to-use, touch-of-a-button tool. Fuel systems, oil levels, maintenance timers and many other informational guides will all be part of the new system. The full Evinrude ICON rollout continues throughout the year with new products that will enhance the Evinrude E-TEC experience.
WD today announced that WD ShareSpace network storage systems now offer 8 TB (terabytes) of capacity, up to 30 percent faster transfer speeds, and DLNA media streaming capabilities. Combined with its ease-of-use and small footprint, WD ShareSpace is now a more compelling solution for small offices and digital media enthusiasts who want to store, protect and share massive amounts of content.
Responding to small-business customers’ needs for increased shared storage, WD incorporated its industry-first 2 terabyte WD Caviar® Green™ drive into WD ShareSpace’s flexible four-bay design, creating a massive 8 TB’s of storage in a small footprint.
The included WD Anywhere Backup™ software provides automatic and continuous protection for the valuable data from every PC and Mac on the network.
To speed up both backup and storage, WD improved WD ShareSpace’s read and write speeds up to 30 percent for large media files. Current WD ShareSpace owners may download the new firmware update (http://www.wdc.com/en/products/wdsharespace/) to experience these performance improvements.
Twenty-six percent of broadband households worldwide find it very appealing to be able to play PC-stored content on their TV, and the majority of consumers buying network storage cite as important the ability to serve content to other devices (58 percent), according to a recent Parks Associates studies (Aug. 2008).
To meet the needs of digital media enthusiasts, WD added a DLNA Certified media server to the WD ShareSpace system, making it easy to stream music, photos and videos to popular DLNA-Certified devices including Windows® Vista® PCs, Playstation®3, and Xbox 360®. The previously included iTunes® Music Server lets anyone on the network stream the music collection on WD ShareSpace to any PC or Mac running iTunes.
“With its huge capacity and small footprint, WD ShareSpace has become a popular choice among small business owners. By doubling capacity and increasing transfer speeds, the new 8 TB WD ShareSpace offers more value to small business users,” said Jim Welsh, senior vice president and general manager of WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups. “Digital media enthusiasts, on the other hand, will really appreciate the new streaming support which lets them easily stream to PCs, Macs and game consoles. With the new WD ShareSpace, we have made important improvements for all our customers.”
Price and Availability
The new 8 TB capacity will be available this week at WD’s online store (www.shopwd.com). WD ShareSpace network storage systems also are offered in capacities of 2 TB and 4 TB. MSRP for the WD ShareSpace storage system with 8 TB is $1,699.99 USD
Features
The new high-speed network storage systems feature: