Mendelson Tiu

Users can now own a Sony DVD burner for as low as $59 as the company released two new DVD burners (one external, one internal) that are 30 percent cheaper than its previous models.

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The external slim portable DRXS70UR and the internal DRUV200A DVD burners are supplied with Nero 8 software and will have support for multiple DVD and CD formats.

Sony DRXS70UR – Sony Slim Portable DVD Burner
– External Portable DVD Burner
– Supports all major DVD/CD formats
– Weighs 440g
– USB 2.0 interface
– Supplied with Nero 8 software
– Windows and Macintosh compatible

RRP: $149.00

Sony DRUV200A – Sony Internal 20X DVD Burner
– Internal 20X DVD Burner
– Multi-format Compatibility – supports all major DVD/CD formats
– IDE/ATAPI interface
– Supplied with Nero 8 software
– Windows 2000/XP/Vista Compatible

RRP: $59.00

See: www.sony.com.au

Kingston has a range of USB flash drives that are able to encrypt sensitive data.

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The new USB drives range from a $125 entry-level drive to a $982 high-end drive capable of storing and encrypting 32GB of data.

The Kingston DataTraveler Locker comes with two partitions – public or encrypted zone access. Its zone size is customisable and even has a drive lockdown function that reformats the whole drive after 10 failed attempts. It is available in 16GB for $125.

The DataTraveler Locker+ offers full encryption, with 100 percent of stored data is protected by hardware-based, 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). It offers a drive lock down with reformat function, enforced password protection, and comes with 5-year warranty. The DataTraveler Locker+ stores 32GB of data and is sold for $220.

In addition to the Locker and the Locker+, Kingston has also unveiled the DataTraveler 5000 – a waterproof and titanium-coated stainless steel USB drive that offers 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardware-based encryption. It is available for $434.

Finally, Kingston’s DataTraveler Vault – Privacy Edition has a hardware-based, 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), offers data transfer rates of up to 24 MB/sec. read and up to 10 MB/sec, locks down and reformats the USB after 10 intrusion attempts, and is waterproof. The 32GB model is available for $982. 

The new webcam from Logitech claims to shoot 720p videos and takes up to 8-megapixel photos with its Carl Zeiss optics.

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According to Logitech, the RightLight 2 technology intelligently adjusts to produce the best-possible images, even in dim or backlit settings. And with Logitech Video Effects, you can personalise your conversations by choosing from hundreds of avatars, face accessories, and masks that mirror expressions and movement.

Logitech Australia’s Product and Marketing Manager, Nick Angelucci said, “Our newest high-performance portable laptop webcam, coupled with our easy-to-use Logitech Vid video-calling software, provides people with an exceptional video-calling experience. In just the first three months since launching Vid, user registrations have reached a million accounts worldwide, showing that consumers want simple, hassle free and effective communication solutions.”

Logitech Vid simplifies video calling by offering a simple interface. You can set up Vid in fewer than half the steps required by the major instant-messaging programs. Logitech Vid is the latest in a series of Logitech innovations for video calling and is included with the recently launched Logitech series of Web cameras. Vid is a reliable source for high-quality video calling and is compatible with PC and Mac computers, as well as stand-alone and embedded webcams. Vid is available for download at www.logitech.com/Vid.

The Logitech 2 MP Portable Webcam C905 has an RRP of $199.95 and is available starting next month.

Sony Australia has released three new voice recorders that claims to have a unique Noise Cut function as well as stereo voice recording, MP3/WMA music playback, drag ‘n drop audio transfer, and convenient USB storage.

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Sony Personal Audio’s Product Manager, Suzanna Gan said, “Designed for today’s mobile consumers who are looking for an all-in-one solution for their recording needs, the ICD-UX notetakers are slim and stylish accessories, perfect for use in all situations.”

The ICD-UX notetakers feature a built-in stereo microphone, digital pitch control and voice operated recording that ensure optimum recording quality. Files are saved in MP3 format for easy audio sharing via e-mail.

The ICD-UX also comes with a Noise Cut feature that enhances the frequency range of human speech (500Hz – 3400Hz) for clearer and more audible files. At the same time, sound frequencies in lower and higher ranges are suppressed to eliminate ambient noise.

The ICD-UX notetakers include drag ‘n drop file transfer through USB connection to a PC or Mac and does not require pre-installation of any software. It also features FM radio recording and playback in MP3 and WMA format for easy playback.

Pricing and Availability:
ICD-UX71F: 1GB, Up to 257hrs, white or silver, $199
ICD-UX81F: 2GB, Up to 575hrs, silver or pink, $249
ICD-UX91F: 4GB, Up to 1152hrs, black or red, $349

See: www.sony.com.au

Intel has unveiled its fastest desktop processor to date. The Intel Core i7 processor claims to speed up video editing, games, and other computer activities by up to 40 percent without increasing power consumption.

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Intel i7: The fastest processor to date.

According to Intel, this new processor holds a new world record of 117 for the SPECint_base_rate2006 benchmark test that measures the performance of a processor. This score is remarkably good as this is the first time ever for any single processor to exceed a score of 100 points.
 
Intel’s Digital Enterprise Group Senior Vice President and General Manager, Patrick Gelsinger said, “Intel has delivered the fastest desktop processor on Earth to the most demanding users on Earth, the ones who are using their PCs for video, gaming and music. When you couple what is Intel’s biggest leap in chip design with other incredible innovations like Intel’s solid state drives, the Core i7 processor has redefined the computer of tomorrow.” 
 
Intel’s unique Turbo Boost Technology accelerates performance to match a computer user’s needs and workloads. Through a sophisticated on-die power control unit and using new “power gate” transistors based on Intel’s advanced 45 nanometer, high-k metal gate manufacturing process, Turbo Boost automatically adjusts the clock speed of one or more of the four individual processing cores for single- and multi-threaded applications to boost performance, without increasing power consumption.

The Core i7 also has the latest Intel power-saving technologies, allowing desktops to go into sleep states formerly reserved for Intel-based notebooks.
 
Intel claims that the Core i7 processor more than doubles the memory bandwidth of previous Intel “Extreme” platforms, speeding the transfer of computer bits and bites in and out of the processor with Intel Quickpath Technology. Designed with Intel’s Hyper-Threading Technology, the processor also allows multiple computing threads to run simultaneously, effectively enabling it to do two things at once.

It also offers unrivalled performance for immersive 3-D games – over 40 percent faster than previous Intel high-performance processors on both the 3DMark Vantage CPU physics and AI tests, popular industry computer benchmarks that measure gaming performance. The Extreme Edition uses 8 threads to run games with advanced artificial intelligence and physics to make games act and feel real.  
 
The Intel Core i7 processors and Intel X58 Express Chipset-based Intel Desktop Board DX58SO Extreme Series are available now.

See: www.intel.com.au

The new Omnia from Samsung claims to do it all. It comes with a great camera sensor, built-in GPS, DivX player, and various office tools to keep you connected. But is this smartphone just another jack of all trades, master of none phone?

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The Omnia is a solid unit despite its lightweight factor. Up front, users can find the earpiece, a secondary camera (for video calling), a 3.2-inch touchscreen (with a resolution of 400 x 240), a talk/speakerphone key, a trackpad, and an end/device lock key.

The Main Menu key, Volume keys, and Camera key are located on the right spine, while the unit’s multifunction jack (for PC Sync, Charging, and Hands-free use) is found on the opposite side. Finally, a 5-megapixel camera is located at the back of the unit, in addition to the SIM card slot and microSD card slot under the battery cover.

The Samsung Omnia runs on a 624MHz Marvell PXA312 processor with 128MB RAM and comes with a 8GB internal memory (expandable using microSD). It runs on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, but uses a proprietary skin to help simplify the ‘touch’ experience.

Users can customise the Omnia’s Today screen with the help of widgets. Tapping the arrow at the bottom left of the screen opens the toolbar which allows you to rearrange widgets or move them to the Today screen by dragging and dropping. Widgets include an analogue clock, games shortcut, photo album, world clock, today’s date, digital clock, music player, FM radio, service status, profile, and memo.

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Samsung has pre-installed a lot of programs on the Omnia to ensure it can do ‘everything.’ Programs include MS Office Mobile suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote, Outlook), Windows Media Player, Windows Live Messenger, Video Editor, an RSS Reader, Opera Browser, and even Google Maps and Launcher. It even comes with an FM tuner for on air music listening as well as a Smart Reader program that reads and stores business cards with a touch of a button.

The handset is HSDPA-enabled, giving users speedy Internet while on the go. It also comes with Wi-Fi built-in, which allows you to connect to any available wireless network and let you surf, check e-mails, chat, and download without the additional carrier fee. Bluetooth is also available for speedy headset or computer pairing. It also sports a GPS receiver, allowing users to use the Omnia as a navigation device.

It is easy to access programs on the Omnia as the icons were large enough. The on-screen QWERTY keyboard takes a while to get used to, but definitely gets easier over time. And depending on the unit’s orientation, you can view icons, movies, and photos in portrait or landscape mode.

The only problem we had with the unit’s touch screen is the fact that it is very sensitive: sometimes it launched programs while we were trying to scroll up/down the Main Menu or typed a button we didn’t even want to press. In addition, we also had problems clicking icons outside of the skin – we needed to accurately press some Windows icons and the only way to do that is to use a stylus. 

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The unit was speedy and ran Windows Media Player, Opera, and the Office suite without experiencing slowdowns. The only time it ran slow was after running 6 to 7 programs. But this is not Samsung’s fault: Windows Mobile runs an opened program in the background even after ‘closing’ it. The only way for a user to make the unit speedy again is by running the Task Manager (via Start -> Programs or by pressing the upper right button) and closing all the unneeded programs.

Multimedia files are not an issue as the Omnia can play MP3/AAC/AAC+/WMA/OGG/AMR files as well as movie files in DivX/XviD/WMV/MP4 format. The built-in speakers are loud enough, but users are recommended to use headphones instead. Unfortunately, users would have to hook up the proprietary hands-free adapter first (comes with a 3.5mm jack) before being able to use their headphones. A TV out function is also available, though users must purchase an optional jack separately.

The Omnia’s 5-megapixel camera is just as good as any other cameraphone in this range, providing us with sharp and colourful photos. The only problem with the phone is its image processing: we got some blurred photos because we moved the camera too early.

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The unit can also be networked, as it is compatible with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). DLNA is a collaboration of various companies that aims to provide seamless integration in the home. This means that the Omnia can download content from a DLNA-certified products (such as the PS3 or Vaio), and can stream audio to it. 

Better to bring your charger along if you plan to use the Omnia extensively. Our demo unit only lasted less than a day despite only checking a couple of e-mails, calling a couple of friends, and sending a few SMS’s to contacts. It will last even shorter if you turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so better keep the unit juiced up.

While it cannot compete with Apple’s iPhone, Samsung’s Omnia is one of those touch-based handsets that Windows owners can appreciate. It comes with Wi-Fi, HSDPA, can store a lot of data, help you get things done with its various software programs, and is fairly easy to use. Just make sure that you bring your stylus for easy button access.

See page over for product specifications and final rating.

Samsung Omnia SGH-i900 product specifications:

Band: GSM Quad-Band (850, 900, 1,800, 1,900MHz), UMTS 2,100MHz
Network and Data: HSDPA (7.2Mbps), EDGE, GPRS Class12
Browser: WAP 2.0 / Internet Explorer / Opera
Java: Java MIDP 2.0

Screen: 3.2-inch 65K TFT WQVGA (400×240)

Battery:
Talk time: Up to 6 hours
Standby: Up to 400 hours

Camera:
Resolution: 5-megapixel
Digital Zoom: 4x
LED flash: Power LED
Auto Focus: Yes
Shot mode: Smile, Panorama, Face Detection, Mosaic, Continuous

Business and Office:
Document Viewer
Mobile Printing
Offline Mode

Messaging: Email and SMS

Connectivity:
Bluetooth
USB
Wi-Fi
GPS
TV-Out
PC Sync Application

Memory: 8GB
External Memory: microSD up to 16GB

Dimensions: 112.0 x 56.9 x 12.5mm
Weight: 125g

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Samsung Omnia SGH-i900 | $849 |  | www.samsung.com.au

For: Can do just about anything; Big screen; Responsive Samsung skin; DLNA networking; Camera Output
Against: Hard to press Windows keys; Battery Life; Need to constantly run the Task Manager to free up memory
Conclusion: Samsung’s smartphone lets you do it all.

The third LG Black Label Series handset has finally been unveiled. The LG Secret KF750 is a slim 5-megapixel camera that comes with an innovative design and enriched technological features to satisfy any user.

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According to LG, the name Secret symbolises a slender and stylish handset that does not compromise the benefits and convenience of LG’s smart, digital technology. The handset aims to tantalise the user with the phones features and explore the inner workings of the handset that will never go out of style.

LG Electronics’ Marketing Manager of Mobile Communications, Carli Wilson said, “The success of the previous models in the Black Label Series confirmed that consumers are looking for timeless elegance, personal style and digital sophistication with their mobile phones. LG Secret is designed to diversify the way users interact with their handsets.”

LG Secret will always look new thanks to the materials incorporated into the phone. Carbon fibre, one of the strongest composite materials used in aerospace and high-performance automotives, adds to the handset’s durability without compromising its sleek design. Tempered glass, adding sheen and strength, shields the front LCD with a polished simplicity and enhances the quality of multimedia experience. Neon Touch Navigation buttons sensitively respond to commands with illustrious effects in lavish blue.

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Equipped with an advanced 5.0 megapixel camera, the LG Secret has 120 fps video and recording and playback. It also comes with various photo and video editing features including Morphing (facial editing) and SmartLight that automatically adjusts the picture’s light settings. Users can also take advantage of the Movie Maker software in the handset to create their own music videos.

Entertainment features include Touch Media that takes advantage of the touch screen to directly access five multimedia functions in a single button – music, photos, games, documents, and FM radio. Users can simultaneously flick through photos on the screen while listening to music. Word, Excel and PowerPoint files are easy to open and the handset is loaded with a Google Package that enables the user to surf the Internet, log into their email, use Google Maps and watch YouTube videos. Also inside are motion games that have a gyroscope-like effect enabled by the accelerometer sensor. With a tilt or rotation of the handset, the user can throw a dart, hook a fish, or navigate a maze.

LG Secret makes life easier with Bluetooth auto-sync that automatically synchronises with the PC and users do not have to be hassled by tangled USB cables. The Auto Rotating Display shifts the image on the screen for viewing in any position. Simply switch your view from narrow to wide by holding the phone horizontally. The Auto Luminance Control adjusts the screen lighting according to ambient brightness which results in viewing that is always clear.

LG Secret is coming soon to Optus, 3 and Vodafone with an RRP of $899.

See: www.lge.com.au

BenQ announced that it now has 27 different LED monitors to suit any user. The new screens use less energy, are greener, and brighter than conventional displays.

According to BenQ, LED panels are mercury free making them more readily recycled at end of life, while their manufacture does not pollute our waterways making them the clear environmental choice. Its entire range of LED-backlit monitors are thinner, lighter and provide a contrast ratio up to 10,000,000:1. They are also extremely energy efficient, using around 30 per cent less energy than conventional CCFL displays.

“When set to ‘eco mode’ a feature of BenQ Proprietary Senseye 3 technology found on all BenQ LED-backlit monitors, the monitors consume a further 30 per cent less power again, making the full power saving in excess of 60 per cent and on some models, up to 71 per cent is evident, which theoretically means that a household or business could more than halve the amount of energy they currently consume powering their computers,” says BenQ.

BenQ Australia’s General Manager, Chee Chung said, “With more than twenty years expertise in developing display products of the highest standards, BenQ will continue to lead the market with strong competencies and market intelligence, and it is BenQ’s belief that Full HD16:9 LED monitors will quickly become the benchmark for visual enjoyment.”

“LED panels offer a number of benefits over conventional LCD displays. While it might take a few minutes for LCD to power up, LED is ‘instant-on’ and flicker-free.  In a nutshell, you will get a clean crisp, stable picture in a sophisticated looking product which draws less energy and may actually pay for itself in energy savings within it’s lifespan, depending on how much it is used,” added Chung.

BenQ’s range, incorporating 27 different models of Full HD 16:9 LED monitors range in price from $149.00 to $549.00.

Mitsubishi Electric has announced a projector that comes with built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a direct cable connection to your PC during presentations.

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The XD530E DLP projector is a 3000 ANSI lumens projector that includes a built-in antennae to provide wireless connectivity (802.11 b/g) and comes with a 6-segment colour wheel that guarantees to produce brilliant colours.

The projector also features a 2000:1 rich contrast ratio, splash screen and wall colour support, and a centre lens design for easy symmetrical installation. It also comes with an instant shutdown feature for quick shutdown, as well as DVI connectivity, a filter free design, and a top access lamp cover for easy lamp replacement.

For added security, the XD530E has a reinforced anchor bar and password protection.

Availability and Pricing

The XD530E is now available with an RRP of $2,599.

See: www.MitsubishiElectric.com.au