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Slim Samsung LED Monitor Saves Money

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Samsung Australia has unveiled a new line of LED monitors that are 19mm thick and come with power saving features.


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The 50 Series LED monitor range features a charcoal grey finish and stand on a chrome base. It claims to consume up to 40 percent less power when compared to conventional Samsung monitors and offers a Magic Eco feature which allows users to adjust the monitor’s brightness based on energy consumption levels. There are four pre-set energy saving options including 100 percent, 75 percent, 50 percent and Power-Saving Off.

In addition, the new 50 Series LED monitors support Samsung’s proprietary Magic Angle technology that claims to eliminate distortion and provides the best viewing angle.

Samsung Electronics Australia’s National Product and Marketing Manager – IT, Emmanuele Silanesu said, “Samsung’s 50 Series LED monitor range illustrates our ongoing commitment to bringing products to market that address the broadest possible range of consumer needs. We’ve made significant inroads into the Australian monitor market over the past year and we expect the energy efficient performance, design and build of this new range to continue to strengthen our leadership within Australia.”

The new BX2250 and BX2450 monitors also feature Full High Definition (HD) 1080p, two millisecond response times,16:9 aspect ratio, and Magic Return that automatically moves content from a screen that is abruptly turned off to the screen that is still on.
 
The Samsung 50 Series monitors are available now with RRP $319(BX2050), $399(BX2250) and $499(BX2450).

13mm Thin Monitor Hangs On The Wall

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AOC Australia will tomorrow launch its 12.9mm thin LED monitor that can be wall-mounted.


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The new Razor e2043F monitor claims to have an ultra slim cabinet measuring just 12.9mm thin. The 20-inch LED panel promises a dynamic contrast ratio (DCR) of 50,000,000:1, saves power with its LED backlighting and comes with an “e-Saver” technology which enables the user to set the monitor to a lower power configuration when the PC is in screen saver mode or powered off.

The Razor monitor’s base can also be turned into a wall mount, allowing users to elevate the monitor and has a tilt function for ergonomic viewing.

Other features of the Razor include a response time of 5ms, a native resolution of 1600×900, HDCP compatibility, and RGB and DVI input, as well as plug-and-play compatibility.

Various online website have begun selling the product for as low as $166 (RRP is said to be $199).

Convenience Fuels Mobile Shopping Growth

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A research study conducted by Pure Profile has found that more users are shopping online using their mobile phones because of the convenience.The research conducted on behalf of eBay has found that as of July 2010, more than 87,000 shoppers have visited the online shopping site via a mobile phone. This is double compared to January 2010 where only 44,000 have shopped on the site. 

eBay said  that Australians have so far purchased more than one million items on their site using mobile devices. The research also found that nearly 25 per cent of Australians now use their mobile phone to shop online,  43 per cent of Australians spent $50 – $250 a month shopping on their mobile phone and 17 spend over $250 each month.

It was also revealed that the reason why users shop on their mobile was because of convenience (44 per cent), being able to shop 24/7 (23 per cent) and as a cost comparison with retail stores (16 per cent).

Deborah Sharkey, Managing Director, eBay Australia & New Zealand Pty Ltd said, “We’ve seen a huge increase in 2010 in the number of eBay customers using mobiles to shop as people realise they can buy anywhere and at anytime. In fact, eBay mobile sales are growing faster in Australia than in any other eBay market with one item bought every 15 seconds.”

NetComm Kits Simplify Home Networking

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NetComm has launched new home networking products that instantly connects home entertainment products to the Internet.


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NetComm NP203

The NP203 Home Entertainment Connection Kit consists of a 4-port desktop powerline adapter and a single port desktop powerline adapter that claims to deliver data rates of up to 200Mbps. It is able to connect up to four devices, has a range of up to 300 metres (point to point) and has a security push button for simple setup of powerline network.

The company has also unveiled the NP121 Wireless Home AV Connection Kit, two pre-paired wireless routers that allow users to set their wireless network connection instantly. This AV kit supports wireless N for speeds of up to 300Mbps and four Ethernet ports for wired connections at each end, eliminating Ethernet cables running across the floor.

Both products in NetComm’s AV Series are capable of high speed data transmission for streaming HD media and come with advanced security features to ensure network security from unauthorised outside sources.

NetComm’s General Manager, Danny Morrison said, “The products in the NetComm AV Series have been simplified to make the user’s experience as easy as possible. Every household is unique so we have launched both the NP203 Home Entertainment Connection Kit and NP121 Wireless Home AV Connection Kit to ensure a seamless connection between the modem and home entertainment area whatever the size, layout or location of the household.”

Pricing will be announced at a later date.

D-Link Wireless Router Fits In Your Pocket

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D-Link has launched a rechargeable, battery-powered wireless router that can be carried in a pocket.


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The myPocket 3.75G HSUPA Router connects to a 3.75G mobile network by inserting a UMTS/HSUPA SIM card and share their mobile Internet connection with up to 16 wireless devices within the area.

In Wi-Fi mode, the DIR-457U supports 802.11g and 802.11b, WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption, and comes with a built-in firewall to prevent potential Internet attacks.

The D-Link myPocket 3.75G HSUPA Router can also be configured to work as a 3.75G Modem with the flick of a switch and connected to a PC or laptop for dedicated Internet access.

Storage installed via a built-in microSD slot also conveniently supports sharing of files between connected Wi-Fi devices.

D-Link’s Marketing Director, Maurice Famularo said, “D-Link’s new 3.75G myPocket Router can be used to share a high-speed mobile Internet connection almost anywhere, even when users are on the move. It is battery-powered and small enough to be easily carried around.”

The DIR-457U myPocket 3.75G HSUPA Router is now available for $329.95.

Sony Vaio 3D Notebooks Coming In 2011

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Sony has announced that it will be launching notebooks that can display 3D video and games in Full HD quality. However, users would still need to wear glasses in order to utilise this feature.


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Photo from: techon.nikkeibp.co.jp

The company has revealed a couple of prototypes at IFA that come with a 3D button that instantly displays a video or game in 3D.

According to reports, the 3D Vaio notebooks is able to display video at 240 frames per second and will utilise a function called “black frame insertion” that improves pixel response.

Sony’s Chief Executive, Howard Stringer said that the new 3D Vaios will debut next spring, with pricing to be announced at a later date. 

Hitachi Drive Syncs With Online Content

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Hitachi has today launched its new line of external hard drive that not only backs up data, but is also able to automatically organise content stored on the network and online.


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According to Hitachi, the LifeStudio family automatically pulls in, organises and protects stored digital content – photos, videos, music and documents – and unifies it with online content from social networks such as Facebook and photo sites such as Flickr and Picasa Web Albums. The digital content will then be laid out in chronological order on a ‘3D’ visual wall.

Consumers will also receive both local and cloud backup within one single application, making it easy to view, download, and share protected cloud content from any web browser, anywhere.

The Hitachi Backup offers default options that cover virtually every Mac or PC users’ backup needs. When using Hitachi’s cloud service, all content is stored in its natural format, so files are protected and easy to view, download and share from any web browser, anywhere, even from an iPhone and iPad.

Every customer receives 3GB of online storage for free and for more storage there is an option to upgrade to 250GB for only US$49 per year, which includes multiple computer protection.

 

In addition, the LifeStudio Plus family also comes with an integrated 4GB USB key, allowing a user to remove the key and take what they need. On return, the key docks on the drive to automatically sync everything back together.

Hitachi’s Vice President for Asia Pacific, Robert Chu said, “Our LifeStudio drive starts where others stop. These drives aren’t just about interfaces and capacity, or backup. While these elements are important in an external storage solution, the value comes in creating lifestyle solutions that become part of the way we organise and relive digital memories.”

“Our LifeStudio solution connects consumers to their online and local content in a more intimate way than ever before. For the first time, consumers truly have an integrated experience – one solution to find, view, protect and relive their digital memories. This is a huge milestone for our category,” concluded Chu.

Hitachi LifeStudio external drives will be available exclusively at JB Hi-Fi at the end of this month.

LifeStudio Mobile: $119 (320GB); $149 (500GB)
LifeStudio Mobile Plus: $149 (320GB); $179 (500GB)
LifeStudio Desk: $159 (1TB); $249 (2TB)
LifeStudio Desk Plus: $189 (1TB); $279.99 (2TB)

Optus Reveals Galaxy Tab Pricing And New $279 Tablet

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Optus has announced that the Samsung Galaxy Tab will be available on Wednesday, 10 November, for $0 on a $59.95 mobile broadband plan. The company is also set to launch a $279 tablet that will take on Telstra’s T-Touch Tab from mid-December.


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Galaxy Tab Pricing For Optus

According to the company, the $0 on a $59.95 cap plan includes $800 worth of data (about 10GB on-peak or 20GB off-peak), as well as unlimited access to popular social networking sites and webmail.

The Galaxy Tab will also be available to Optus small and medium business customers on the $55 business class mobile broadband plan which includes 2GB of data, accelerated web browsing and access to 24/7 IT certified business technical support specialists.

In addition, customers who purchase a Samsung Galaxy Tab on a 12 or 24 month contract will be given free access to The Australian newspaper’s Android application (valued at $8.99 per month) for the length of their contract.

The Optus My Tab will be available on Pre-Paid from mid-December for $279 and includes up to 3GB of on Pre-Paid data and unlimited access to Facebook, Twitter and MySpace within Australia.

 

The Optus My Tab which is made by ZTE will run on Android 2.1 and comes with a 7-inch screen, a 3-megapixel camera, upgradable memory (2GB MicroSD included) and WiFi compatibility.

Michael Smith, Managing Director of Optus Consumer said, “The tablet market has well and truly exploded. Offering these two devices to our existing device range gives our customers the option to choose the device, pricing structure and contract length that best suits their needs.”

“Optus has consistently brought cutting edge products to our customers, and this new category of device truly pushes the boundaries for what is possible in a mobile internet device. Both the Samsung GALAXY Tab and the Optus My Tab will allow Optus customers to experience The Optus Open Network’s high performance mobile broadband network and stay connected to the content and people that are important to them at all times,” added Smith. 

More Data And Longer Expiry For Telstra Pre-paid Mobile Broadband

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Telstra has revealed that some of its popular pre-paid mobile broadband plans will get additional data allowances and extended recharge expiry periods.


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New Telstra Pre-Paid Plans

According to the company, customers who recharge $30 will receive 700MB of data (up from 400MB) while its $150 plan will now have 10GB of data (up from 4GB). In addition, the new 4GB allowance can now be used for 60 days and the 6GB allowance will offer 90 days of use before credit expires.

However, those on the $20 recharge option will now have to use their data allowance in 21 days (from 30 days) although it now comes with 250MB of data (from 225MB). All pre-paid mobile sessions will be charged per MB.

In addition, customers will also receive an additional credit which can be used to make standard national calls or SMS.

Telstra Consumer Executive Director Rebekah O’Flaherty said, “Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband is a great choice for people who want to keep track of what they’re spending month to month as there are no bills or fixed term contracts.”

“Couple this with the speed and reliability of Telstra’s Next G network – the largest and fastest national mobile broadband network in Australia – and you’ve got an attractive solution for customers at home and on the move,” Ms O’Flaherty said.

The new recharge allowances coincide with the upcoming launch of Telstra’s new Elite Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband Modem and Pre-Paid Mobile Wi-Fi on 26 October.