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Optus Takes On Telstra $0 Notebook Deal

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Following Telstra’s announcement that it will be selling Acer laptops, Samsung has revealed that it is going to sell its netbook with built-in wireless broadband to Optus customers for $0 upfront.

According to Samsung, the NC10 will be available exclusively for $0 to Optus customers who sign up for a 24-month My Wireless Netbook 2GB ($49.99) or 5GB ($69.99) plans.

The Samsung NC10 is a 10.2-inch netbook that will come with an Optus Wireless Broadband SIM and pre-installed wireless broadband connectivity software. It promises a battery life of up to 8 hours.

Optus’ Consumer Marketing Director, Anthony Hearne said “Optus customers can now purchase a complete mobile computing package with us, allowing them to take possession of a new netbook and wireless broadband service with no upfront cost.

“We’ve partnered with Samsung because they’re a market leader in consumer electronics, we wanted to ensure our customers benefited from a powerful netbook while accessing Optus’ high speed wireless broadband network,” added Hearne.

 

Samsung’s National Product And Marketing Manager, Emmanuele Silanesu said, “This is the first time we have partnered with a telecommunications provider to further enable consumer take-up and awareness of our IT solutions. By leveraging our existing relationship with Optus, together we have succeeded in delivering an all in one solution to meet Australian customers’ demands out of the box.”

The Samsung NC10 is available at Optus dealers nationally and through Optus telesales from today.

Both 2GB and 5GB My Wireless Netbook plans offer customers the Samsung NC10 netbook computer with an embedded Optus Wireless Broadband (OWB) service that works on the Optus dual band (900/2100MHz) mobile network for $0 upfront over 24 months; with a total minimum spend of $1209.71 on the My Wireless Netbook 2GB plan or $1689.71 on the My Wireless Netbook 5GB. 

Vodafone Responds To Optus

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Hours after Optus announced a new monster phone cap, Vodafone has responded into what seems to be a brutal war between the two vendors as they fight to capture 3G customers.


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Vodafone’s Single Business Cap Plans
Last week, Vodafone announced their new 3G network with management indicating that they are set to target Optus customers as opposed to Telstra customers in an effort to grow traffic. In their latest announcement, the company has launched a new range of Single Business Cap plans that delivers up to 1300 minutes of calls, 400 texts, and unlimited Blackberry e-mail and Internet usage.

Vodafone’s Single Business Cap plans are priced at $69, $79 or $99 per month on a 24-month contract and offer customers a bundle of ‘minutes’ of talk-time with no voicemail charges. The caps also include text and picture messages, unlimited BlackBerry email and internet, a monthly data allowance, plus a choice of the very latest smartphones from Vodafone’s extensive device range.

Vodafone Australia’s General Manager of Business Markets, Hugh Humphrey said, “Vodafone is celebrating bringing 3G services to a wider audience across the country by launching a new range of plans that incorporate a generous data allowance to enable our customers to make the most of our network investment.”

“We are committed to offering Australian small businesses a high quality of service and best value 3G services where they’re needed most. There has never been a better time to be with Vodafone,” concluded Humphrey.

Optus Goes Naked For The Sake Of Speed

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Optus is now offering naked DSL broadband plans for customers who do not want to pay for monthly phone rentals. They now join the likes of iiNet and other telcos that offer naked DSL packages.


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Optus will offer 24 month plans ranging from a $49.99 7GB plan (bundled with an Optus Post-paid mobile plan) to a $109.99 30GB plan (no Optus service bundled). See inset photo for the complete list of bundled and unbundled plans.

The company will also offer ‘month to month’ plans for customers that ‘can’t commit to set term contracts.’ The bundles start from $39.99 per month for 5GB, with a 30GB plan available for $99.99. Optus has advised however that customers must bundle with an Optus Home Phone or Post-paid mobile plan to avail of this ‘month to month’ plan.

Click on this link for more details.

Tough NEC Notebook Takes On Panasonic

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It looks like NEC has plans of taking Panasonic head-on in the notebook department with the launch of its new range of ruggedized notebook.


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According to NEC, the FC-Note Series ShieldPRO N22A is a robust and reliable computer designed to withstand the varied environments of corporate, industrial and military mobile workforces.

Released at MILCIS 2008, the Military Communications and Information Systems Conference in Canberra, the ShieldPRO N22A is the latest addition to NEC’s existing ruggedized notebook portfolio and expands its offering further into the industrial and military sectors.

NEC’s Network and Service Infrastructure Group Manager, David Cooke said, “Building on NEC’s rugged notebook and netbook line, the ShieldPRO N22A is designed to meet the demands of the mobile workforce, particularly in the military and industrial sectors. This notebook is designed to stand up to the rigours of modern life.”

The NEC ShieldPRO features a Dual Core CPU and promises up to 12 hours of battery life. Its 12.1-inch LED-backlit screen is bright (750cd/m_) enough, allowing users to view documents under challenging and varied light conditions.

 


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It has an IP rating of IP-55, which means that this notebook is able to withstand harsh environmental elements including heavy rainfall. Constructed to survive a drop of 90cm onto a concrete surface, the ShieldPRO N22A can operate between the varied temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius up to 50 degrees Celsius.

The ruggedized notebook is also bundled with various software and service solutions, providing users with improved performance and usability. The ShieldPRO offers high reliability and minimal risk of data loss as well as improved service capabilities.

NEC’s FC-Note Series ShieldPRO N22A notebook computer comes with a three year warranty and is available now through NEC distributors.

NEC ShieldPRO N22A Key Technology Specifications

  • High performance CPU installed
  • Bright LCD
  • High-capacity battery
  • Proven in wide operating temperature range
  • Improved dust and splash resistance
  • Offer a model equipped with fingerprint authentication
  • High-reliability fanless design
  • Equipped with IEEE1394 port, ExpressCard Slot
  • Equipped with Bluetooth
  • Three USB Sockets
  • HDD and removable battery capability

NEC ShieldPRO N22A Key Features

  • Durable design preventing ingress of water or dust from all directions
  • Can be used at temperatures between -20 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius
  • Passes drop test from a height of 90cm
  • Vibration and shock resistant design for on-vehicle use

See: www.nec.com.au

Fujitsu Netbook For On The Go Computing

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Fujitsu is set to roll out its netbook in the last quarter of this year.According to Fujitsu, its M1010 will target internet-savvy and casual users with its multitude of user-friendly features, great connectivity, and attractive price.

Fujitsu PC Australia’s Country Director, Ivan Chan said, “Consumers who demand ease of use and the availability of connectivity features in a mobile footprint will be glad they waited for the Fujitsu M1010. Committed to delivering a rewarding experience with quality mobile computing solutions to our customers, the M1010 is a great product for casual users who are in search of a comprehensive package for both work and fun.”

The Fujitsu M1010 comes with an 8.9-inch widescreen display, wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, an integrated 1.3-megapixel web camera, and digital array microphones. It weighs 1kg and sports a small form factor, making it easy for users to put it inside their bag.

Fujitsu has also designed removable clip-on covers that allows you to personalise your netbook.

See: au.fujitsu.com

New BenQ Notebook Faster Than Ever

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BenQ has just released the Joybook S42, a Victorian-inspired notebook that sports the latest Intel Centrino 2 Processor, Mobile Intel GM45 chipset, and Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics engine.


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According to BenQ, the S42 also comes with an enhanced, ultra-bright 14.1″ WXGA LED screen, hybrid power function, integrated webcam, microphone and speakers, HDMI and SRS TruSurround XT Technology.

The 220-nit widescreen utilizes LED backlight for exceptional brilliance, lighter weight, slimmer design, and mercury-free, power-conserving environmental friendliness. Exclusive UltraVivid technology amplifies visuals with DBEF (Display Brilliance Enhancement Film) for vibrant, razor-sharp image quality; and an 8ms response time ensures video and gaming are super-smooth and artifact-free.

A low-reflectivity, anti-glare coating takes the Joybook from office to outside where details and colors remain bold and rich even in brightly-lit environments.

 

Smart hybrid power function also distinguishes the S42’s effortless sophistication. It makes the S42 achieve the perfect balance of performance and battery duration – depending on 3D load and battery state, dGPU intelligently powers down and migrates applications to iGPU for optimum performance and power management. Essentially the S42 has two graphics cards on board a high end independent NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics card and an integrated graphics card for every day applications

An integrated 2.0-megapixel QEye webcam and built-in microphone make videoconferencing and chatting a breeze, while SRS TruSurround XT Technology with noise suppression and echo cancellation bring video conferencing, movies and music to life with virtual surround sound through two 1.5W built-in speakers.

Integrated HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi compatibility, power DVD and Windows Vista Premium Certification additionally enhance mobile work and play.

The S42 series will be available throughout Australia from the 25th of August.

See: www.benq.com.au

Toshiba Business Notebooks With Windows 7

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Toshiba has unveiled 25 business notebooks that come pre-installed with Windows 7.

According to the company, all of its new B2B notebooks are ROHS compliant, Energy Star 5.0-qualified, and incorporate the features of reliability, connectivity, entertainment and environmentally efficient technologies.

Additionally, Toshiba has introduced a new look and feel to the Satellite Pro range and smartened its appearance with a metallic breeze finish, while its Satellite Pro U500 is now available in red.

Toshiba Australia’s Managing Director, Mark Whittard, said, “Our new range of business notebooks is designed to enable you to work efficiently anywhere at anytime. Our partnership with Microsoft has also enabled the introduction of a range of smart features that help users organise their workflow more effectively.”

Each of the models features Toshiba LifeSpace, an application designed to help users keep their desktop clear through a virtual Bulletin Board. It also comes with a ‘ReelTime’ feature that helps you find your files easier and faster by creating automatic shortcuts.

 

The Tecra range is rugged on the outside with a magnesium alloy chassis and a spill-resistant keyboard. The Tecra M10 and P10 also come with a 128GB SSD and built-in 3G mobile broadband. In addition, its USB and combined USB/eSATA ports offer a Sleep-and-Charge function that charges a device without having to turn on the computer. Toshiba’s EasyGuard offers advanced security, protection, connectivity and management features. Active Management Technology makes it easier for IT Support to monitor, protect and maintain your notebook’s health.

Toshiba’s Satellite Pro series offers a range of notebooks with a choice of screen sizes ranging from 11.6-inch up to a 17.3-inch desktop replacement. A metallic-breeze finish is standard across the range and even comes in red. The new range of Satellite Pro notebooks includes the TouchPad Multi-touch Control allowing you to use gestures to scroll, point, click and zoom.  Several models across the range feature a backlit keyboard, allowing you to continue working in dimly lit environments.

The entire range of business notebooks also have the unique Toshiba’s Eco Utility software, which can instantly lower and monitor your notebook’s power consumption at the touch of a button and is rated Energy Star 5. Selected models come with an HDMI or HDMI-CEC connection, allowing users to output 1080p video.

Furthermore, Toshiba has also updated its Port_g_ series. Available in three models, it uses a solid state drive and comes with an integrated webcam. Bluetooth is also available, allowing users to synch their smartphone and other portable devices without cables.

 

Included as standard across all 25 Tecra, Satellite Pro and Port_g_ Notebooks:
– Windows 7 Premium or Business operating system
– Intel Core2 Duo Processor
– USB Sleep and Charge and  eSATA/ USB Combo
– 3D Hard Sensor
– Eco Utility Software
– Webcam/ microphone
– Integrated wireless
– 6 Cell Battery

Tecra Series
Tecra M10 Series: ($1760 – $3300)
– Available in four models
– 14.1- inch Widescreen TFT Active Matrix XGA
– 160GB HDD/ 2GB RAM up to 128GB SSD/ 4GB RAM
– Integrated 3G Mobile Broadband (mid end only)
– NVIDIA QUADRO Dedicated Graphics (excluding entry level)
– Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (with Genuine Windows XP Professional media downgrade)

Tecra A10 Series: ($1292.5 – $1732.5)
– Available in four models
– 15.4- inch Widescreen TFT Active Matrix XGA or Widescreen SXGA+ TFT
– 160GB HDD/ 2GB RAM, 250GB HHD/ 2GB RAM or 320GB HHD/ 2GB RAM
– Integrated 3G Mobile Broadband (high end only)
– Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (with Genuine Windows XP Professional media downgrade)

Tecra P10 Series: ($1870  – $3300)
– Available in three models
– 15.4- inch Widescreen TFT Active Matrix XGA or HD Widescreen
– 160GB HDD/ 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD/ 4GB RAM or 128GB SSD/ 4GB RAM
– Integrated 3G Mobile Broadband (2 of 3 models)
– NVIDIA QUADRO Dedicated Graphics
– Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (with Genuine Windows XP Professional media downgrade)

 

Satellite Pro Series
Satellite Pro U500: ($1248.50)
– 13.3- inch Widescreen XGA TFT Active Matrix
– 250GB HDD/ 2GB RAM
– HDMI-CEC (Regza Link)
– Luxurious Red Chassis
– Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Business (with Genuine Windows XP Professional media downgrade)

Satellite Pro L510: ($1199)
– 14.0- inch Widescreen TFT Active Matrix
– 320GB HDD/ 4GB RAM
– Metallic Breeze Chassis
– Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (with Genuine Windows XP Professional media downgrade)

Satellite Pro L500: ($598.40 – $1624.70)
– Available in five models
– 15.6- inch Widescreen TFT Active Matrix
– 160GB HDD/ 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD/ 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD/ 4GB RAM or 500GB HDD/ 4GB RAM
– RGB/HDMI (excluding entry level)
– Metallic Breeze Chassis
– Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Business (with Genuine Windows XP Professional media downgrade)

Satellite Pro L550: ($1398.10 – $1598.30)
–     Available in two models
– 17.3- inch Widescreen TFT Active Matrix
– 320GB HHD/ 4GB RAM or 500GB HHD/ 4GB RAM
– RGB/HDMI
– Metallic Breeze Chassis
– Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (with Genuine Windows XP Professional media downgrade)

Satellite Pro T110: ($1124.20)
– Celeron ULV/C2D ULV
– 11.6-inch screen
– 250GB HHD/ 2GB RAM
– HDMI
– 3D HDD Sensor
– Iron Red Twister colour
– Win 7 Pro

Satellite T130: ($1248.50)
– Celeron ULV/C2D ULV
– 13.3-inch screen
– 250GB HHD/ 2GB RAM
– HDMI
– 3D HDD Sensor
– Iron Red Twister colour
– Win 7 Pro

Port_g_ R600 Series: ($3080 – $4999)
– Available in three models
– 12.1- inch Tranflective screen
– 200GB HDD/ 3GB RAM, 128GB SSD/ 3GB RAM or 512GB SSD/ 3GB RAM
– Integrated 3G Mobile Broadband
– Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (with Genuine Windows XP Professional media downgrade)

Hitachi Unveils Tough Portable Drive

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Hitachi announced its first tough portable external hard drive that claims to be water and shock resistant.


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Hitachi claims that its SimpleTough drive can take more falls, knocks and spills than an average external drive. It includes a foldaway USB cable, is designed for easy carrying, and uses the company’s Travelstar hard drives, which provide shock protection at 400G (operating) and 1000G (non operating). The SimpleTough portable drive is USB-powered and comes in capacities of 320GB and 500GB.

Hitachi’s Director for Asia Pacific South Distribution, David Chua, said, “Today’s announcement further extends the Hitachi GST brand into the worldwide consumer market with the reliability, confidence and dependability you would expect from global hard drive supplier. Given the global strength of Hitachi, we are well positioned to move our Branded Business and the industry forward.”

In addition to the SimpleTough, the company has also launched the SimpleDrive, a portable external drive that comes in two colours. The SimpleDrive Mini drive uses Hitachi’s hard drive and is available in blue dusk (320GB) or carbon fibre (500GB).

Both models come pre-loaded with Hitachi Local Backup software that saves all files and folders stored on your Mac or PC. The included software also provides step-by-step wizards for restoring backed up content in case data gets accidentally erased.

The SimpleTough is now available for $139 (320GB) and $199 (500GB), while the SimpleDrive will sell for $119 (320GB) and $169 (500GB).