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Lenovo To Ship Powerful And ‘Green’ Desktops

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Lenovo has launched the new ThinkStation brand – new workstations that aims to offer the ‘ultimate performance and reliability’ for professionals.


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Lenovo’s ThinkStation S10 and D10 workstations are based on the upcoming Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 5400 series and Intel Core 2 Extreme processors, the first processors based on new 45-nanometer manufacturing process that doubles the density of transistors on the chips for ‘new levels of energy-efficient performance.’

Lenovo’s Vice President and General Manager for Emerging Products Group, Peter Schrady said, “Lenovo designed the ThinkStation to be the highest performance, highest quality workstation, delivering an unparalled experience for professional users who work in graphically and computationally intensive environments where a standard desktop PC isn’t enough. Not only do the Lenovo workstations provide excellent performance and industry-leading acoustics, our environmentally responsible, user-centric design helps to increase productivity even more.”

Lenovo is also collaborating with leading independent software vendors to obtain the certifications that ensure seamless hardware and software interaction and the company will be offering a variety of storage, graphics adapters, memory, and rail kits for the workstations.

Lenovo’s new workstation will also be offering models that comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star 4.0 requirements to help users manage energy usage and costs. The workstations feature 80 percent efficient power supplies and contains more than 50 percent recycled plastics content, the company says.

The workstations include a removable top handle for easy transport as well as a side cover latch for easy access to the system. It will also have illuminated front I/O ports to help users work more easily in multiple system and low light conditions. Finally, the workstations come equipped with a range of ThinkVantage Technologies including Rescue and Recovery, Client Security System and Image Ultra Builder.

Pricing and Availability

The ThinkStation workstations will be available in January through Business Partners or the Lenovo website and will have an RRP of $1,100 and $1,765 for the ThinkStation S10 and the ThinkStation D10 respectively.

See: www.lenovo.com.au

Telstra To Gain Remote Access Of PCs

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Telstra has announced a new service tool that allows a Telstra helpdesk consultant to gain remote access to a user’s PC or smartphone.

According to the company, the remote access tool was one of many changes being implemented as a result of formal feedback programs involving more than 700,000 Australians.

The remote access facility is standard to the free helpdesk service and is expected to be used primarily to help set up a BigPond email account, diagnose a problem on a smartphone, or simply change an internet connection setting.

The company will be using LogMeIn Rescue which uses 256-bit SSL encryption, the same security levels used and trusted by major banking institutions. This remote access technology has been fully tested by the company before being offered to its customers.

Although this service may reduce the time it takes to resolve support issues, an information security expert has warned that it may be a bad idea as he/she may install malware, steal passwords, or even obtain sensitive documents.

Addressing the issue about privacy, a Telstra spokesperson said, “In relation to privacy, we take our customers’ privacy very seriously, and always have. We act in accordance with legislation in this area. A consultant can only access a customer’s device after the customer has entered their password into a secure screen.”

“They will be able to see what is happening on their device or computer, and if at any time the customer decides they don’t want the consultant to have access to their device, they can regain control or simply end the session,” concluded the spokesperson.

Ms Rebekah O’Flaherty, Telstra Consumer Executive Director said, “Customers tell us they want consultants to understand their service issues quickly so they can have a faster, simpler support experience. With remote access, customers can now enjoy more responsive technical support regardless of their physical location or technological knowledge.”

Apple Unveils New Xserve Server

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Apple today introduced the new Xserve, a 1U rack-optimised server that is up to twice as fast as its predecessor and includes an unlimited client license for Mac OS X Server Leopard.


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Starting at just $4,499, the new Xserve has up to two Quad-Core 3.0 GHz Intel Xeon processors for 8-core performance, a new server architecture, faster front side buses, faster memory, up to 3TB of internal storage and two PCI Express 2.0 expansion slots for greater performance and flexibility.
 
Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, Philip Schiller said, “With the latest Intel processors and no client access licenses, Xserve offers unbeatable server performance and value for under $4,500. Xserve’s power, storage and Leopard Server make it ideal for supporting Mac clients and mixed platform workgroups.”
 
According to Apple, the Xserve is configurable with up to two Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5400 series processors running up to 3.0 GHz with 12MB of L2 cache per processor and features a new high-bandwidth hardware architecture, dual-independent 1600 MHz front side buses and up to 32GB of 800 MHz DDR2 ECC FB-DIMM memory for a 64 percent increase in memory throughput. Two PCI Express 2.0 expansion slots provide up to four times the I/O bandwidth of the previous Xserve to support the latest high-bandwidth expansion cards including multi-channel 4GB Fibre channel and 10GB Ethernet cards.

 

The new Xserve also has a built-in accelerated graphics to drive up to a 23-inch Apple Cinema Display and a new front-facing USB 2.0 port. Using Apple’s Server Monitor, an administrator can remotely turn Xserve on or off and manage server software from anywhere on the network. Each of Xserve’s three drive bays can be configured with 73GB or 300GB SAS drives or 80GB and 1TB SATA drives. Apple offers a hardware RAID card option that delivers hardware RAID levels 0, 1 and 5 with 256MB of cache and an included backup battery for up to 72 hours of cached data protection. The Xserve RAID card delivers up to 251MB/s RAID 5 performance for the most demanding server workloads, without using a valuable PCI Express expansion slot.
 
Every Xserve ships with a preinstalled, unlimited client edition of Leopard Server software and is fully UNIX compliant. It also introduces over 250 new features, including Podcast Producer, the ideal way to automatically publish podcasts to iTunes or the web; Wiki Server, allowing people to collaboratively create and modify their shared web sites with just a few clicks; and iCal Server, the world’s first commercial CalDAV standard-based calendar server.

The Xserve standard configuration includes:

· A single 64-bit 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Xeon processor with 12MB of L2 cache and a 1600 Mhz front side bus
· 2GB of 800 MHz DDR2 ECC FB-DIMM RAM, expandable up to 32GB
· A single 80GB SATA Apple Drive Module
· Dual Gigabit Ethernet on-board
· Internal graphics
· Two FireWire 800 and three USB 2.0 ports; and
· An unlimited client license for Mac OS X Server version 10.5 Leopard.
 
Pricing and Availability

The new Xserve is shipping next week and will be available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com/au) and Apple Authorised Resellers with an RRP starting at $4,499.

Billion Launches Portable Router

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The new BiPAC 7300GX router from Billion not only offers connections over a phone line, it can also connect to a mobile phone’s 3G/HSDPA, EDGE, UMTS or GPRS network.

According to Billion, the BiPAC 7300GX router provides broadband access via 3G mobile phone networks in case ADSL on a phone line drops out or is not available.

PC Range Managing Director, Raaj Menon said, “What really rocks is its mobility. To date, wireless data cards only let one person use a laptop when they were out of the office: The 7300GX allows you to share broadband access among several people when you’re out and about. What makes this unit so sweet is that it provides 3G access on top of standard ADSL2+ connectivity, so if your wired link drops out in the office, you get a broadband backup through the mobile phone network.”

With four Ethernet ports and 802.11g wireless networking, the BiPAC 7300GX can act as a “mobile hotspot” for road warriors. Users can purchase a 3G data card from their preferred mobile phone service provider, plug the SIM Card into a PCI card slot in the unit, connect to the 3G network, and surf the internet wirelessly. It also comes with a 12-volt car adapter for instant charging from the car’s cigarette lighter.

The four-port full-duplex 10/100 switch can directly link four PCs or attach more hubs and switches to create a larger network. The integrated router shares an ADSL2+ or 3G-based Internet connection with automatic fail-over to ensure an always-on Internet connection in the event one Internet service fails. The BiPAC 7300GX can also encode all 802.11g wireless LAN transmissions with WEP or WPA encryption to ensure that your data is protected and boasts a DHCP Server and a powerful SPI firewall to protect against intruders and most known Internet attacks. Secure WLAN setup is simplified by the web browser-based configuration for easy access to the Internet wherever a 3G connection is available, the company says.

The Billion BiPAC 7300GX will be available through Billion’s national distribution network in October and will have an RRP of $269.

See: www.billion.com

Logitech Keyboard Makes Waves

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Logitech aims to change the way a user types with its new Cordless Desktop Wave Laser – a keyboard that sports a design to enhance comfort without requiring people to change the way they type.


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According to Logitech, the Desktop Wave Laser sports an innovative wave key-frame design, a U-shaped constant curve and a cushioned contoured palm rest. In comparison to ergonomic keyboards, people can use a Wave keyboard immediately as there is no learning curve need.

Logitech’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Marco Manera said, “According to a study at Harvard, for Logitech, the average person types approximately 2 million keystrokes every year. That’s equal to 200 hours of typing. The Comfort Wave Design guides hands and cradles fingers to create a naturally comfortable, ergonomically sound typing experience.”

Product features are as follows:

Naturally Cradling People’s Fingers
As fingers naturally vary in length, the new Comfort Wave Design cradles them with a gradual wave-shaped contour regardless of size. The Wave keyboard keys are highest at the A and Enter keys, which are typically hit by the little fingers. Moving inward toward the pointer fingers, the keys decrease in height until reaching the D and K keys, which are typically hit by the longer middle fingers.

A Constant Curve
The U-shaped constant curve, compared to other curved keyboards, features consistently sized keys that let people type with confidence and comfort. The subtle 5-degree curve allows people’s hands to open up and take a natural position instead of forcing the wrists to bend. Each key is the same size and the same distance from one another, the learning curve is minimal; people can start using the keyboard right away. The space bar, the most frequently hit key, also incorporates the wave and curve design and its increased size makes it easy to hit.

 


Cushioned, Contoured Palm Rest
The cushioned, contoured palm rest mirrors the wave-shaped key frame and provides gentle indents that position hands comfortably on the keyboard. With its padded, soft upholstery, the palm rest offers a comfortable place to rest the palms between typing sessions.

Convenient Hot Keys
To further enhance ease of use, the Comfort Wave Design offers large, convenient hot keys that are easy to see and hit. On both the PC and Mac, with Logitech software installed, hot keys can be mapped to launch folders, Web pages, or applications, such as photo galleries and music applications. For Windows Vista users, shortcut keys activate Flip 3D as well as Windows Sidebar and gadgets.

Wireless Functions
The Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Laser features a cordless keyboard with the Comfort Wave Design and a cordless laser mouse. The ambidextrous laser mouse is designed to complement the striking curved style and comfort of the Wave keyboard. The mouse also features pixel-precise laser tracking and a comfortable, soft rubber grip. Both mouse and keyboard feature battery indicator lights that alert people when battery power is low, eliminating the hassle of unexpectedly losing power.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Laser is available for $179.

See: www.logitech.com

Telco Customer Service Responses Fall Short

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While ACMA has received over 120 submissions to its Reconnecting the Customer inquiry, it believes that response from the industry falls short of what has been expected.ACMA Chairman’s Chris Chapman said, “There has been a healthy response from members of the public and consumer representatives. But frankly the response from industry falls short of what we had expected, given the early positive signals from industry chief executives.”

“Too many of the submissions were little more than reiterations of the current self-regulatory framework and cautioned against any regulatory intervention. I was surprised the telcos did not come up with more constructive solutions to issues they admit are major problems,” added Chapman.

Telstra said in its submission that while it believes that customer service is a key differentiator in a competitive market, it “does not believe the current challenges impacting customer service and complaint handling warrant regulatory intervention.”

“While acknowledging that further improvement is required, Telstra believes it has taken significant steps during the past 18 months to identify key areas of customer dissatisfaction, and taken action to improve the standard of customer service and compliant handling,” said the company.

 

VHA said that transition to new services and technologies may lead to increased complaints. For example, the company has a measure in place to manage the incidence of bill shock and prevent it from reoccurring. However, the introduction of new technologies may increase in increase number ‘complaints’. VHA has received a number of complaints during the iPhone 4 launch and feels that customers were using the complaints process as a ‘means to upgrade their mobile for free to the iPhone 4.’

“VHA considers that these anomalous peak complaint times include some calls which are not genuine complaints. This fact should be taken into consideration when reviewing the statistics.”

Finally, Optus’s submission said that while all is not perfect in the telecommunications industry, it believes that the “existing regulatory regime is sufficiently flexible to address areas of concern; that appropriate consumer safeguards are already in place; that the competition-driven regulatory framework is undoubtedly delivering enormous benefits to Australian consumers and the broader economy; and that service providers are actively working on delivering improved customer care to their customers.” 

Internode Rolls Out Terabyte Plan

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Internode is set to take on broadband providers like iPrimus, iiNet, and TPG with the launch of its ‘true’ terabyte plan that can be used anytime.


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The new Internode T-shirt Plans.

Called XXL Easy Broadband, this 1TB ADSL2+ plan is free of any off-peak impediments but includes both uploads and downloads. The plan will cost $159.95 if it is unbundled or $149.95 when bundled with its NodeLine telephone service.

The company will also be launching T-Shirt plans ranging from S (100GB) to XXL (1TB) from next week.

Internode managing director Simon Hackett said the XXL Easy Broadband ADSL2+ plan was the first ‘real’ 1000GB plan on the Australian market. “Our plans let you use your quota whenever you want,” he said.

“That’s in stark contrast to existing high-end market plans that have split their quota into peak and off peak amounts, with the off peak only available for a minority of the time,

“Our M and L plans offer great value and progress cleanly from the entry-level Easy S plan while the XL and XXL plans offer huge quotas for those whom too much is never enough.  

“Our new T-shirt plan table is a major extension of Internode’s enormously successful Easy and Naked Easy broadband plans. It’s worth noting that there are no changes to our other plan tables. These new plans just add value and additional choice for any customer who has an appetite for large data quotas.”

The new Internode Easy Broadband plans will be available next week from www.internode.on.net/easy.

Targus Reveals Wireless Presentation Controller

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In order to make PowerPoint presentations a lot easier, Targus has come up with the Wireless Presenter, a controller that has been purposely designed to help professionals during their presentations.


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According to Targus, the Presenter has a simple, logical button layout that is easy to navigate by feel, with two buttons representing the Forward and Back commands. A raised button located on the side of the presenter activates the integrated laser pointer that directs the audience’s attention to a particular portion of a projected slide.

The unit also has a wireless range of over 15 metres, allowing a user to control presentations even from afar. The 2.4 GHz Presenter is easy to set up and easy to pack away, with installation simply involving plugging the receiver into a computer’s USB port. The Targus Wireless 2.4 GHz Presenter also has an average battery life of six months with frequent use, the company says.

RRP: $79.95

See: www.targus.comau

Buffalo App Streams Stored Content To iPhone

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Buffalo has launched a free application which is able to stream content from its network attached storage to an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad.


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Buffalo Webaccess app for the iPhone

The company claims that the WebAccess app allows a user to view photos, listen to music, or watch videos stored on any Buffalo network storage solution via a Web browser, iPhone, iPod touch or iPad over 3G or Wi-Fi. Its multiple device support allow users to manage digital assets from multiple Buffalo NAS devices.

Buffalo Technology’s Group Manager, Southeast Asia and Oceania Group, Asia-Pacific Sales, Akihito Kondo said, “Buffalo’s new WebAccess i apps allow our customers to enjoy and share their digital life at any time from an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad, rather than tuck it away on a computer or external hard drive.”

Buffalo’s WebAccess i app for iPod touch and iPhone and WebAccess i HD app for iPad, are available free at the Apple iTunes Store. It is available for use in conjunction with any currently shipping Buffalo LinkStation (except the LinkStation Quad – LS-QL series) and TeraStation network storage device.

WD Rolls Out Powerline Kit

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Western Digital has launched a powerline AV kit that allows a user to stream audio and video files using a power outlet.


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The WD Livewire Powerline AV Network Kit comes with four ports on each of the two adapters, allowing users to connect their router and up to seven additional devices to their high-speed network.

WD claims that the Livewire Powerline AV Network Kit provides data transfer speeds up to 200 megabits per second (Mbps) and is simple to set up. All a user needs to do is to simply plug one of the two adapters in the kit into their router and an electrical outlet then plug the other adapter into another outlet where they need access to wired network connections.

WD’s Vice President of Marketing for its Branded Products Group, Dale Pistilli said, “Consumers are accumulating an increasing number of Internet-capable connected TVs, video game consoles and media players providing access to exciting online content through services such as YouTube. Wireless networks, while popular, don’t always deliver the reliable high-speed connections needed to sustain HD video streaming. Meanwhile, drilling holes for new Ethernet cables is complicated, expensive and messy. With the WD Livewire Powerline AV Network Kit, it’s truly easy to enjoy all the HD streaming and broadband Internet capabilities of these great new devices anywhere there is an electrical outlet.”

The Western Digital Livewire is available now for $169.99.