Smart Office

Menu

Mendelson Tiu

Develop Printer Secures Your Data

by

Imagetec has launched two colour multifunction printers from Develop that can print via Bluetooth and comes with security features to prevent unauthorised document tampering.


Click to enlarge
Develop’s new ineo+ range (280 and 360) offer mobile printing via Bluetooth, a searchable PDF function that turns any scanned document into a searchable PDF, biometric authentication that prevents unauthorised access to the printer, copy security, and improved print quality.

The ineo+ range has also been designed to run quietly on very little power with lower fusing temperatures, ensuring the system consumes approximately 50% less energy than similar models whilst also having more than 90% recyclable components. The printers have received the Blue Angel Mark, Energy Star and meets WEEE and RoHS standards for low noise and emissions.

Imagetec’s General Manager for Sales and Marketing, Greg Heard said, “Businesses are looking for printing solutions that are high-quality, secure and sustainable. DEVELOP’s ineo+ range with its High Definition polymer toner technology, advanced data security functionality and energy efficient features meets all these needs. In addition to offering a sleek design, it comes with a competitive price tag which is sure to attract some attention in the market.”

“Imagetec has a substantial installed base of devices throughout Australia and these products, combined with our commitment to outstanding customer service, will enable us to expand our direct and dealership customer base even further”, added Heard.

The ineo+ 280 and ineo+ 360 deliver a scan speed of up to 70 originals per minute and an integrated 250 GB hard disk allowing users to store scans ready for future print and copy output. The printers can easily be integrated into any corporate network providing fast access, automatic status updates, remote maintenance and individually programmable authentication and account data for each user.

Toshiba Rolls Out HD Notebook

by

Toshiba has launched a widescreen 16-inch notebook that allows a user to enjoy 16:9 movies and games while on the go.


Click to enlarge
The Satellite A350 is bundled with high-quality Harmon Kardon stereo speakers and Dolby Sound Room. It also comes with a Toshiba EasyMedia feature that aims to make communication, entertainment and computing easier.

Other specifications include: Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 16-inch widescreen WXGA TruBrite display, 400GB/640GB/800GB HDD, USB TV Tuner, and 4 USB ports.

In addition to this, Toshiba has revamped its notebook range, providing users with faster and more powerful Satellite, Portege, and Qosmio units.

Storage has also been increased across the range, with the new high-end Satellite P300 desktop replacement sporting a hard drive capacity of one terabyte. Additionally, another colour has been introduced to the consumer range with the launch of the ultra-portable Port_g_ R600 in pearl gloss white, expanding Toshiba’s colour offering of bubblegum pink, cherry red gloss, arctic white and mercury silver.

The Satellite A350 is available now with an RRP from $2299 – $2799.

See: www.toshiba.com.au

First Review: Smile, You Are On Lenovo’s New Consumer Notebook

by

Forget everything you know about a conventional notebook. The new in notebook gear has subwoofers, facial recognition and a tough new design and is made by of all people, Lenovo, a company that is serious about notebooks for consumers. We took a look at their latest offering and was impressed.


Click to enlarge

Out of the box, the IdeaPad Y510’s black ‘light weave’ texture lid gives a unique look to the notebook. The angled shape makes it easier for users to open as it is latchless. Another neat idea in the insertion of a speaker system along the inside of the screen hinges which have been specifically designed for easy opening.

Users can find the PCI Express card slot, IEEE 1394 connector, two USB 2.0 ports, VGA (D-Sub) port, Ethernet port, and AC power jack at the left side of the unit, while a security keyhole, Modem (RJ-11) port, Slot-in optical drive, S-Video out, a USB port, microphone jack, and Headphone / SPDIF jack can be found on the right side of the Y510. There is also a built-in array microphone, system status indicators, wireless device switch, a multimedia card reader (MMC, MS, MS Pro, SD, and xD card), and an IR port (for use with a Lenovo remote control) located in front of the unit.

Opening the lid reveals a 15.4-inch WXGA display with frameless screen and an integrated 1.3 Mega Pixel camera for photos, videos, video conferencing, and for ‘security’ purposes (which we will discuss later). A battery capacity indicator is located on the unit’s spine, making it easy for a user to see just how much power is left.

 


Click to enlarge
The brushed aluminium surface prevents unsightly fingerprint marks on the surface and gives it a ‘tough’ feel. Lenovo did not scrimp on the IdeaPad’s main input device and has provided a full-sized keyboard for comfortable typing. It also provided touch-sensitive buttons on top of the keyboard (for multimedia use), and 5.1 ‘Dolby Home Theatre’ audio speaker system for watching DVDs and downloaded movies.

Performance:

The system is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 (2.5GHz) processor, uses an Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card, and has 2GB of RAM. The IdeaPad also comes with a 250GB hard drive (in two partitions), giving users the needed storage space for photos, videos, music, and other important files.

The IdeaPad comes pre-installed with Microsoft Vista Home Premium and comes with a 90-day subscription to Norton AntiVirus, as well as a 60-day Microsoft Office 2007 trial. Lenovo has also included a couple of programs to make computing as easy as possible. The CyberLink Power2Go programs can burn data straight to any CD or DVD drive, while the ShuttleCenter II functions like the Windows Media Center and can play movies, pictures, music, and videos.

Both the Lenovo EasyCapture and Lenovo VeriFace programs utilise the 1.3-megapixel camera of the Y510. The EasyCapture is a program that can be used to take photos and record videos for sharing via e-mail or online blog sites. Although quite gimmicky, the Lenovo VeriFace is still a worthy addition to the Y510. All users have to do is to register their ‘face’ and the next time you log into Windows the Veriface software will automatically log you in to your account. This software also takes a photo of ‘intruders’ trying to gain access to your notebook by automatically taking a photo of the ‘Stranger’ and saving it to your computer’s hard drive.

 


Click to enlarge
We have played several videos and music files on the Y510 and have found the screen to be a bit dim even at its maximum setting. However, the colours produced were rich and vibrant and still managed to give us a good viewing experience. The speakers on the Y510 were better (and louder) compared to other notebooks as it has four speakers (2 x Two Watt speaker with chamber and 2 x 1 Watt secondary speakers) and a subwoofer (2.5 Watt).

Found on the left side (above the keyboard) are three touch-sensitive buttons that automatically puts the system on mute, launches any pre-defined program, and adjusts the computer audio. There are also five touch-sensitive buttons used for multimedia (play/pause, stop, previous track, and next track) and four buttons for the unit’s pre-set Equaliser (Jazz, Pop, Dance, Classical, and Normal). These two sets are ‘divided’ by a small multimedia button (that looks like a sync button) that lights up a set of buttons at a time.

If something goes terribly wrong and users have to restore the notebook to its previous working state, all they have to do is to press the Novo button to recover the OS. This button also functions as a toggle for adjusting the power schemes when the EnergyCut software is installed, which extends your battery life when the unit is set to Quiet mode.

Lenovo promises up to 195 minutes of battery life, but expect it to be significantly lower if you are going to use the notebook to watch movies, play audio files, or use the optical drive excessively.

 

Conclusion:

Despite being on the heavy side (2.96kg), Lenovo’s IdeaPad Y510 is a notebook that can handle home or office work and can help you unwind at the end of the way with its powerful specifications and multimedia functions. Starting at just $1,499, the Lenovo Y510 is definitely light years ahead of some notebooks and is a product well-worth recommending.

Product Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9300
CPU Speed: 2.50 GHz
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
Hard Drive: 250GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA
Memory: 2GB DDR RAM (2 x 1GB) 667 MHz (can support up to 4GB)
Display: 15.4-inch widescreen WXGA LCD (1280 x 800)
Video Graphics: nVidia GeForce 8600M GS 256MB DDR2 VRAM with Turbo cache up to 512MB
Optical Drive: Dual Layer CD/DVD Recordable
Audio: 4 speaker, 1 sub-woofer Dolby Home Theatre (2x 2 Watt speaker with chamber, 2x 1 Watt secondary speakers and 1x 2.5 Watt Sub Woofer).
Integrated Communications: Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, Intel PRO/Wireless 3945AGN, Bluetooth

Expansions: 3 x USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, VGA, S-Video, 6-in-1 card reader (SD/SD Pro,
MS/MS Pro, MMC, XD), Express Card, microphone jack, headphone jack

Included Software: Lenovo One Key Recovery, Lenovo Shuttle Centre, Energy Cut 2.1, Cyberlink Power2Go, Norton Anti-virus (90 day Trial), Veriface 2.0, Easy Capture 2.5, Microsoft Office (60 Day Trial)

Weight: 2.96kg (system only)
Dimensions: 360mm x 262mm x 36.2mm
Battery Life: 3 hours and 15 mins

————————————
Lenovo IdeaPad Y510 | From $1,499 to $2,399 |  | www.lenovo.com/au

For: Build; 15.4-inch Widescreen; Touch-sensitive keys; Notable audio quality; Easy-to-use programs; Innovative features; Price point
Against: ‘Heavy’ for some; Screen not that bright
Verdict: A computer with a chockfull of fresh ideas

New D-Link VPN Router For Home Offices

by

D-Link has rolled out a new VPN router with 4-port switch designed for small and home offices.


Click to enlarge

The D-Link DIR-330 can create a secure, encrypted Virtual Private Network (VPN) allowing up to eight remote users to access a central network through the Internet simultaneously. It can be connected to a cable or DSL line to share high-speed Internet access and doubles as a 4-port full-duplex 10/100 switch to connect up to 4 Ethernet-enabled devices.

The router also functions as a wireless 802.11g/802.11b access point to connect wireless devices to your network. The DIR-330 encrypts all wireless transmission using WPA or WPA2 to ensure wireless security. It also protects the network from online intruders and potential attacks with Dual Active Firewall protection using Network Address Translation (NAT) and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) technologies.

D-Link Australia and New Zealand’s Marketing Director, Maurice Famularo said, “With small businesses becoming increasingly network dependent, the need to invest in a reliable networking and security solution is crucial,” said Maurice Famularo, Marketing Director, D-Link Australia & New Zealand. “The D-Link DIR-330 offers high return on investment through robust security features, flexible configuration and superb network protection for small and home office networks.”

The D-Link DIR-330 Wireless G NetDefend Broadband VPN Router with 4-Port Switch is available now with recommended retail prices of $275.

World First 12x Blu-ray Writer

by

Pioneer unveiled the first 12x Blu-ray Disc Writer for single- and dual-layer Blu-ray Disc (BD) media.


Click to enlarge

According to Pioneer, the BDR-205 is ideal for video authoring providers and system builders, with the drive providing accurate, rapid performance for demanding applications.

When used with a suitably configured PC, the drive’s Low Vibration Mechanism Design improves overall writing accuracy, especially for those preserving copious amounts of critical data.

Rob Thompson, General Manager of Optical Disc Sales for Pioneer Australia, said, “With a potential of 50Gbytes of storage space on a dual-layer Blu-ray Disc, professional users can utilise the BDR-205 to rapidly test high definition video during the authoring process, as well as to back up large volumes of data with ease.”

In addition to offering up to 12x write speeds for Blu-ray Disc media, Pioneer’s BDR-205 also provides read and write speed performance up to 16x for DVD and 40x for CD media

“The BDR-205 drive further confirms Pioneer’s commitment to Blu-ray, and this next generation Blu-ray Disc writer is a great example of our no-compromise approach to optical disc product development. We are bringing to market the fastest Blu-ray Disc writer to date, and it is just one of the many ‘firsts’ that have come to define Pioneer’s 30-year heritage in optical disc innovation and leadership,” added Thompson.
 
The new BDR-205 Blu-ray Disc writer will be available this month for $349.

Thin Lenovo Notebook Revealed

by

Lenovo launched a new notebook designed for users who want a thin but powerful PC.


Click to enlarge
The new ThinkPad T400s was formally unveiled in a press conference this morning, with the company claiming that they have made significant changes in order to make the notebook easier to use.

Lenovo ANZ’s Product and Marketing Director, Chris Kelly said that while the T400s has powerful specifications, it still sports a slim form factor that users look for.

“Lenovo continues to raise the bar on innovation with its commitment to ultraportability, strong performance and usability. The ThinkPad T400s is designed to balance the power and features of the T-series with the mobility of thinner and lighter technology,” says Kelly.

The T400s is 21mm thin, weighs 1.77 kilograms, and sports a 14.1-inch LED screen. Unlike other slim notebooks out in the market, Lenovo was able to squeeze in a DVD burner on the device, giving it that added versatility that business users need.

Lenovo was able to keep the T400s light with the help of its ‘Top Cover Roll Cage’ which was introduced in the X300.

 

The T400s is also customisable, with users being able to choose their processor, hard drive, optical drive, as well as card slots. It will support up to two monitors via its VGA-out port and comes with built-in USB and eSATA ports.

In addition, Lenovo has also redesigned its keyboard in an effort to satisfy its users. The Escape and Delete keys are now bigger, the spaces between the keys are tighter, and it now comes with a dedicated microphone and speaker buttons that mutes the notebook.

Lenovo has also launched three new docking stations for added connectivity. The ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, ThinkPad Mini-Dock Series 3 and ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus 3 include a range of multi-monitor support while meeting a variety of needs including support for USB, Display Port and eSATA.

Lenovo’s Business Development Manager – Notebooks, Lindsay Tobin said that these new docking solutions are not backward compatible but are compatible with future models.

The ThinkPad T400s is available now starting at approximately $2,899.

The ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, Mini Dock Series 3 and Mini Dock Plus Series 3 are available for $199, $279 and $299 respectively.

Samsung Returns With New Notebooks

by

Samsung has finally re-entered the notebook market after its two year absence with the launch of four new notebooks.


Click to enlarge
The NC20 mini-notebook offers a 12.1-inch LED wide screen and has a native resolution of 1280 x 800. Samsung claims that the NC20 incorporates the largest keyboard in a mini-notebook for easy typing, placing less strain on the wrists and enables faster typing with fewer errors.

It runs on a VIA Nano processor, has a battery life of up to seven hours, comes with an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera, and weighs 1.5 kilograms.

The Samsung N120 comes with two speakers and a dedicated sub-woofer, a 1.3-megapixel camera, a bright LED screen, and promises up to 9.2 hours of continuous usage. This 10-inch mini-notebook also comes with a full-sized keyboard that will make typing fast and easy.

Samsung Electronics’ Director for its IT Division, Philip Newton said, “The launch of the NC20 and N120 into the Australian market represents a big step forward for Samsung’s IT offering. Together with our newly launched range of notebooks, we now offer consumers the ultimate in choice for the latest in portable computing.”

“Our mini-notebooks are first in their class. Answering consumer’s needs, Samsung has tied together the convenience of a large screen and full-size keyboard with superior battery life to make the mini-notebooks the ultimate internet and lifestyle accessory. We believe the style and size of these products will meet consumer expectations, as they have in other markets,” he added.

 


Click to enlarge
Samsung X460
In addition to the two mini-notebooks, Samsung has also launched the X460 and R610.

“These notebooks provide the perfect opportunity to present consumers with the features that meet their needs like brighter screen and longer battery life, all in an incredibly light and stylish body,” said Newton.

The 14.1-inch X460 utilises Samsung’s SuperBright LED backlit LCD display, which according to the company, means that the screen is thinner, up to 33 per cent brighter and consumes less power than a traditional LCD screen. It weighs 1.8kg, comes with a built-in optical drive, and has up to five hours of battery life.

The Samsung R610 sports a piano-black finish and a Protect-o-Edge casing to ensure durability and reliability on the move. The R610 offers a large, 16-inch LED backlit screen, comes with a full sized keyboard, and can last up to 4.8 hours. The R610 can also be connected to HD televisions or home theatre systems to enjoy all of their photos, videos and content.

RRP:
NC20: $999
N120: $899
X460: $2,999
R610: $1,999

See: www.samsung.com.au

Slick Ultraportable HP Notebook

by

While the HP Mini-Note 2133 is heavier than other ultraportable notebooks out in the market, it is still the best device for users who want to work and can’t help but stay connected. We take a look at this small wonder and find out whether this device is a worthy addition to your home or office.


Click to enlarge
Various companies like Asus, Intel, and even HP have released sub-$1,000 notebooks that run on various operating systems, has enough grunt for simple office processes, and has enough storage space to store various files. The HP Mini-Note 2133 is no exception – it runs on Windows Vista, utilises a VIA C7-M ULV processor running at 1.2Ghz (1.6GHz for the $999 model), supports up to 2GB of RAM, and has a storage capacity of up to 160GB.

The notebook makes do without plastic and adds a touch of class by using a tough, magnesium alloy chassis. The D-Sub out port, USB port, microphone jack, and headphone jack can be found on the left side of the notebook while a Kensington port, AC port, Ethernet port, USB port, ExpressCard54 slot, and SD card slot can be found on its right. In addition, a power and a wireless switch are located up front for easy access.

Opening the lid of the Mini-Note reveals a surprisingly ‘big’ keyboard for easy and comfortable typing, a touchpad with the mouse buttons situated on both sides, an 8.9-inch WXGA screen, speakers, and a webcamera for video conferencing.

 


Click to enlarge
Despite using a 1.2GHz VIA processor, users can still be able to run basic office applications and surf the Internet without experiencing major slowdowns. The 8.9-inch screen can display Windows in 1,280×768, giving us additional space to work on. The unit is also Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g) enabled, allowing users to connect to any wireless network or device instantly.

HP has also included a suite of proprietary programs to help a user troubleshoot their notebook. Programs like HP Battery Check, HP Health Check, HP Home Network Centre, HP System Information, HP Update, and Wireless Home Network Setup can be accessed via HP folder under the Start Menu.

Under the power saving mode (HP Optimised), the unit lasted a little more than two hours. Increasing the brightness and using heavy programs significantly decreases the battery life, so it may be wise to purchase a six-cell battery for the unit or keep the unit plugged altogether.

Overall, the HP Mini-Note 2133 is a great ultraportable notebook for users who just want a simple device they can work on. The keypad is large enough to prevent annoying typos, the screen is just the right size, and the most basic essentials are offered, giving users more than what they are going to pay for.

See page over for product specifications and final rating.

 

HP Mini 2133 Notebook PC Specifications:

Standard features: 
– VGA web camera
– 3-cell battery
– Up to 256MB shared graphics
– 92% full-size keyboard + touchpad
– HD audio stereo speakers
– Weight: 1.19kg

FJ100PA ($899)
Processor: VIA C7-M 1.2GHz
Screen Size: 8.9″ WXGA
Storage: 120GB
Connectivity: Ethernet, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth
RAM: 1GB
OS: Vista Business

FH441PA ($999)
Processor: VIA C7-M 1.6GHz
Screen Size: 8.9″ WXGA
Storage: 160GB
Connectivity: Ethernet, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth
RAM: 2GB
OS: Vista Business

————————————
HP Mini-Note 2133 | $899 and $999 |  | www.hp.com.au 

For: Construction; Large keyboard; Runs on Windows Vista; Connectivity ports; Form factor
Against: Slow processor will cause major slowdowns at times; Battery life is normal for a notebook but not as an ultraportable notebook
Conclusion: A sturdy notebook you can bring along anywhere.

BenQ Announces World’s Slimmest LED Monitors

by

BenQ has launched two new LED monitors that claim to be the slimmest in the world.


Click to enlarge
According to BenQ, the V2420H and V2420HP are the world’s slimmest LED monitors. These new monitors use LED backlighting that consume around 44 percent less power and up to 71 percent less whilst used in BenQ’s exclusive ‘Eco’ mode compared to CCFL monitors. The shell of the new V Series monitors is produced from 28 percent recycled plastic, giving the product a distinct environmental edge.

In addition, the new monitors offer full 1080p High-Definition (HD) at 16:9 aspect ratio, with images being enhanced with BenQ’s Senseye Human Visual Technology.

BenQ Australia’s General Manager, Chee Chung said, “The new V2410 provides an amazing 5,000,000:1 ultra-high contrast ratio, while the new ultra-slim 15mm thick V2420 Series provides an amazing 10,000,000:1 ultra-high dynamic contrast ratio.  This equates to picture quality that is brighter and more balanced, but most impressively, they cost significantly less to run than their predecessors.”

“LED technology is the revolutionary way forward for display monitors and televisions offering a reduction in power consumption, more balanced display properties, a longer lifespan and lighter weight,” added Chung.

The company is also set to launch the V2410T, a monitor that is height adjustable for added versatility and comfort.  

The BenQ V2420H, V2420HP, and V2410T are available now for $479.00, $479 (glare panel), and $549, respectively.

New Portable HD Projector From Sharp

by

Sharp has launched a new projector that comes with a carry handle, making it suitable for mobile use says the company.


Click to enlarge
The Sharp PDG3750W promises superb image and colour nuances with its BrilliantColour technology, has a brightness of 3700 ANSI lumens and a 2200:1 contrast ratio. It features a Wide-XGA (1280 x 800) image with 1080p capability.

The projector includes an HDMI terminal, two RGB component inputs, S-video, composite video and stereo audio, an RS-232C port and a USB input for mouse control. There is also an RJ-45 LAN connection for remote control and web browser access for diagnostics and automatic e-mail of product status.
 
An built-in high power output stereo speakers (5W per channel) are sufficient for use without the need for a peripheral audio system. Low maintenance filter-free design with sealed DLP optical system further contributes to low total cost of ownership.
 
Other useful features include system lock, key lock function as well as presentation assist functions by remote control (page up/down, pointer, spotlight and mouse control).
 
The Sharp PG-D3750W projector is available now for $3,299.