Mendelson Tiu

Samsung Australia has launched two new notebooks that sport a scratch-resistant casing that withstands bumps and knocks as well as a security software that tracks your PC when it gets lost or stolen.

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Launched at an event this afternoon, the Samsung R-Series range (R780 and R580) comes with an Intel Core i5-520M Processor, and sports a new red infused crystal finish. It also has an LED touchpad lighting, low profile island keyboard, and a numeric keypad.

The R-Series come with HD LED displays that support 16:9 aspect ratio and video playback, include a range of tools like a USB sleep-and-charge port, AnyPC remote PC access application, as well as a Phoenix FailSafe software that tracks your PC when it’s stolen. Samsung says that this service lets you track the location of a lost or stolen notebook and encrypt, manage, retrieve or erase your vital data.

Samsung Australia’s Product and Marketing Manager, Emmanuele Silanesu said, “The Samsung R-Series notebooks are the complete all-rounder. Offering outstanding mobile performance and entertainment in a distinctive standout design, this really is the device for Australians who need everything in one. With advanced graphics, multimedia capabilities and large hard drives the new R-Series notebooks are designed to satisfy the increasing demand of today’s consumers for systems that play incredible HD games and movies whilst multitasking with business applications.”

The Samsung R-Series is available now at selected resellers and retailers including JBHiFi, The Good Guys, Bing Lee, and Myer from $1099.

Kingston has announced that its DataTraveler Vault – Privacy Edition USB Flash drive is now compatible with Apple Mac operating systems.

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According to Kingston, files stored on the Data Traveler Vault are secured by a hardware-based, 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). The drive is protected from brute-force attacks by locking down after 10 unsuccessful login attempts.

 After lockdown, a reformat is necessary to make the Flash drive operable again. For additional protection, the DTVP is made of aluminum and is waterproof up to a depth of four feet.

Kingston Technology’s Regional Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Vaughan Nankivell said, “Our DataTraveler Vault – Privacy Edition has been popular with enterprise and government customers who use Windows-based systems and are looking for a safe and secure way to transport portable data. We are happy to add Mac support to this 100-percent secured drive so the Apple community can be assured they have an on-the-go storage solution that is the best on the market at safeguarding data.”

The Kingston DataTraveler Vault-Privacy Edition is available now with an RRP of $749 for the 16GB model and $1139 for the 32GB model.

See: www.kingston.com/anz

Lenovo has unveiled a new all-in-one desktop PC aimed at small and medium business.

The ThinkCentre A70z comes with Intel Pentium Dual Core or Core2Duo processors and claims to deliver fast boot up times. Its small profile saves 70 percent more space, takes less time to set up, and consumes less power than traditional desktops says Lenovo.

Lenovo’s Business Manager, Desktop and Monitors, Otto Ruettinger said, “We’ve heard from a number of IT managers in a variety of industries, from education, to finance to healthcare, and they’ve all told us they need desktops that conserve space, save on energy consumption and are easy to maintain and service. The new ThinkCentre A70z exceeds these needs – not only is it compact, super energy efficient and quick to service, but it’s also high performance and extremely affordable.”

The ThinkCentre A70z includes a 19-inch, 16:10 Widescreen LCD monitor, with users being able to mount the all-in-one to a wall. It also comes with a single power cable that minimises clutter, with the back of the monitor sporting a built-in handle for easy transport.

Other features include a choice of Intel Core2 Duo or Pentium Dual Core processors, Direct X10 support, a DVD drive, six USB ports, two audio speakers and optional Wi-fi, built-in webcam, and support for up to 500GB of data storage for lots of photos, music and work files.

The AIO also comes with Lenovo’s suite of ThinkVantage Technologies (TVTs) that can help businesses save money by speeding productivity and reducing downtime. Lenovo offers a variety of enhanced warranty options as well as its ThinkPlus Priority Support service plan on the new A70z.

The ThinkCentre A70z all-in-one will be available in early December with models starting at $999.00.

In addition to new high-speed SDHC cards, Lexar also unveiled a couple of new USB backup drives that provide users with a portable easy-to-use file backup solution.

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The Echo SE plugs into a computer’s USB port to perform automatic backup and transfer of files, at read speeds up to 28MB/s and write speeds up to 10MB/s. Echo ZE, which measures 20.1 by 15.1 millimetre size and has a ‘plug-and-stay’ design, backs up essential files at any time. Both drives are interoperable between Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7, as well as Mac OS X operating systems.

Lexar’s National Sales Manager, Richard Clarke said that a recently survey revealed that about 1/3 of users expressed interest in a flash-based drive with automatic backup software.

“The Echo line has been designed specifically for users on the go. Whether it’s backing up business proposals when travelling or your university assignments whilst in the library, the Echo SE and ZE drives provide secure, high-capacity options to meet the needs of today’s netbook and notebook user without the cables and external drives that traditional backup solutions require,” said Clarke.
The drives include built-in Echo backup software developed by Dmailer for Lexar. Other features include targeted file backup, file versioning, and offers optional AES 128-bit encryption.

The Lexar Echo SE and Lexar Echo ZE backup drives are available now on Lexar.com, for the recommended retail prices of:

–    Lexar Echo SE 16GB AU$83.50 / 32GB AU$148.45 / 64GB AU$278.35
–    Lexar Echo ZE 8GB AU$46.40 / 16GB AU$83.50 / 32GB AU$148.45

Canon Australia has launched three new laser printers designed for SMBs.

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According to the company, it has engineered LASER SHOT and imageCLASS printers to be speedy, yet energy-efficient when not in use. The printers respond immediately from Energy Saver Mode and prints instantly. And with an all-in-one printer cartridge system, it’s fast and easy to refill and get back to business.

The new range, which includes the mono LASER SHOT LBP6750dn, the colour imageCLASS MF9220Cdn and imageCLASS MF9280Cdn, will be available this month through Canon distributors and resellers.

The LASER SHOT LBP6750dn delivers up to 40 pages-per-minute (ppm) in black and white. It also comes with PCL & optional PostScript support as well as the ability to load up to 1600 pages.

The imageCLASS MF9220Cdn offers colour printing, faxing, copying and scanning in one unit. The imageCLASS MF9220Cdn allows you to scan your documents quickly and easily for direct distribution via email, network file server, FTP server, internet fax or USB key. The 3.5 inch colour TFT display with easy-scroll wheel allows easy access to all the features.

Finally, the imageCLASS MF9280Cdn colour multifunction laser offers all of the features of the MF9220Cdn and larger inbuilt memory (768MB). It also adds PCL & Post-Script support as standard and support for a flash memory card.

All three models combine the “Intermediate Transfer Unit”, “Photosensitive Drum”, and “Waste Toner Container” into a single drum cartridge, meaning fewer consumables to stock and less disruption of staff’s time. This translates into less down time, and fewer service calls so you can keep your business running smoothly.

Canon Australia’s Brand Manager for Laser, Jeff Peake said, “In every business, time is money. Canon’s new multifunction laser printers have been engineered to provide instant printing and copying, with no wasted time spent standing around the printer. In addition to speed, their smaller size makes them well-suited for departments like HR and finance that handle sensitive data, as well as places where space is at a premium such as meeting rooms. Low energy consumption of the new machines had resulted in reduced running costs in the long term.”

The LBP6750dn (RRP $1,099), MF9220Cdn (RRP $1,999) and MF9280Cdn (RRP $2,999) are available through Canon resellers and distributors. Each printer also comes backed by a 12-month on-site warranty through Canon.

Intel has just unveiled its new Centrino 2 Processor Technology products for laptops. These new processors will give notebooks faster performance, better wireless performance, longer battery life, and up to 90 percent faster performance on intensive multimedia applications.

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According to Intel, close to 250 innovative consumer and business notebook PC designs are on the way, including those equipped with the right combination of powerful processors, graphics and battery life to enjoy viewing stunning high definition videos and myriad other computer and Internet activities.

Intel said it also plans to unveil eight processors within 90 days that will include first-ever mobile quad-core products and second-generation products for ultra-thin and light notebooks. In total, Intel will bring 14 diverse new processors into the marketplace as laptop sales continue to outpace desktop PCs.

Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology and Intel Centrino 2 with vPro Technology improve upon every facet of a laptop’s main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities.

Intel Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the company’s Mobile Platforms Group, Mooly Eden said, “When we first introduced Intel Centrino back in 2003, there were very few Wi-Fi hotspots, YouTube videos and social media didn’t really exist, ‘thin and light’ only referred to weight goals and desktop PCs outsold notebooks by a very wide margin. Today, we’re paving the way to HD entertainment, rich online gaming, faster broadband wireless speeds and an easier and more secure way for businesses to manage, update and repair their notebook fleets.”

General Manager for Intel Australia and New Zealand, Philip Cronin said, “The local market is demanding a better mobile computing experience and Intel Centrino 2 processor technology delivers this in spades.  Whether it’s displaying HD multimedia more vividly, connecting via wireless faster or strengthening battery performance, with Intel Centrino 2 processor technology our OEM, reseller and retail partners are ready to help their customers realise this higher quality experience.”

Intel is introducing five dual core processors based on Intel’s reinvented transistors (high-k metal gate formula) and advanced 45-nanometer manufacturing process. These processors come with a faster 1066MHz front side bus and up to 6MB of L2 cache, and three versions reduce laptop processor wattage about 30 percent, down to just 25 watts. Also featured is Deep Power Down Technology that turns off processing components such as core clocks and cache memory when the laptop is idle for greater energy savings.

Switchable graphics, a new optional power-saving feature available on Intel Centrino 2-based notebooks, provides both integrated and discrete graphics on a single notebook, enabling users to easily switch between the two options. Switchable graphics delivers greater 3-D performance when needed while providing the option for greater power savings for the best of both worlds.

For consumers, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology delivers the horsepower and battery life to enjoy a typical full-length, Blu-ray high-definition video on a single battery charge for the first time, plus the ability to play a variety of online games, download music or post videos faster than before.

For businesses, Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology offers enhanced manageability and security options. This is increasingly important as companies replace desktops with notebooks and need to remotely diagnose, update and repair systems over a wireless network. Improved manageability with AMT 4.0 has also been added that provides wireless manageability during system sleep states, ongoing remote configuration capabilities, support for next-generation management standards (WS-MAN and DASH 1.0) and the ability for an employee to initiate communications to IT from outside a company’s firewall.

The new installation projectors from NEC are designed for corporate conference rooms and classrooms and will allow wired/wireless content streaming without the need for additional software.

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The NP905G and NP901WG projectors include Windows Network Projector functionality within Windows Vista, enabling users to share information from their laptops or desktops via a wired or wireless network without the need for proprietary software.

Remote desktop connection enables these projectors to connect to a networked computer remotely, allowing complete control of the remote computer with the connection of a USB mouse and keyboard directly to the projector’s USB input. Remote diagnostics enable the administrator to monitor and make adjustments to the projector remotely via a network.

National Sales Manager at NEC’s Commercial Displays Solutions Division, Steven Macdonald said, “The NP905G and NP901WG are powerhouse projectors that provide high-definition and essential networking capabilities. They offer best-in-class image quality and a full list of features that customers have come to expect from NEC, while still remaining affordable.”

Other advanced features included with the NP905G and NP901WG are the geometric correction tool, which allows users to project on spheres, cylinders and more without distortion, as well as advanced color management, which automatically adjusts for the specific input type, whether it is a presentation, movie or graphics.

Input panels include HDMI for high-definition video content, as well as an audio input for every allotted video input.  Additionally, the NP905G and NP901WG include closed captioning capability for the hearing impaired and a direct power off feature, which provides instantaneous shutdown of the projector.

The NP905G and NP901WG feature Silicon Optix HQV (Hollywood Quality Video), providing unparalleled scaling of computer signals and high-performance video processing for standard or high-definition video.  The technology produces superior video processing using pixel-based, motion-adaptive de-interlacing to remove undesirable motion artifacts typical of interlaced signals. This processing brings home-theater-quality images to meeting rooms and classrooms.

Pricing and Availability

The NP905G (available now) and NP901WG (available late July) will carry an RRP of $3,311 and $3,410, respectively.

See: www.nec.com.au