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Bluetooth Range Extended

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Users looking for a bit more oomph from their Bluetooth peripherals can turn to this new dongle from Targus. With a 100 meter range the device delivers ten times the standard range.

The Bluetooth adapter also integrates PC and mobile phone technologies, so providing greater flexibility for voice and messaging communications – including the ability to use the PC to receive and respond to text messages sent to a Bluetooth mobile phone.

Its integrated aerial provides an operational range of up to 100 metres with data transfer rates of up to 1Mbps.

According to Targus product manager, David Radel, Bluetooth wireless technology provides real freedom from wired connections and is being fast accepted in Australia. “Bluetooth is specification for a small-form factor, low-cost radio solution,” he commented. “Class 1 now provides 100 metre cable-free linking between computers, mobile phones and other portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet.”

With a form factor (5.6 x 2 x1.1cm) like a USB drive the USB Bluetooth Adaptor connects up to seven 1.2/1.1 compliant peripherals and has an RRP of $99.95.

 

Maxtor Takes OneTouch III On Road

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Maxtor has released its first mini drive to address the increasing importance of mobile solutions.

It weighs in at less than 200 grams, but Maxtor’s OneTouch III still manages a 100GB storage capacity and priced at $299. A 60GB version is also available retailing at $199.

The Mini Edition drive comes fully loaded with the Maxtor’s digital content management software and  automated backup, data encryption, data synchronisation and System Rollback to restore applications and operating system while keeping digital files current.

The disk is housed in a case with Titanium metallic paint and black rubber side panels to protect against vibration and give the device a non-slip feel. Because of its rugged industrial design and compact size, the system can be stowed and transported easily in a purse, backpack or briefcase, says the company.

“There_s been mounting interest from our global network of retailers and distributors to provide a strong portable offering,” said Craig Davis, Director, Branded Products Group Sales, Maxtor Asia Pacific. “Our latest innovation lets people easily take their digital content with them so they can access it whenever and wherever they need it. It also makes it easy for people to back up and synchronise business data and files, or to share and enjoy photos, music and video while away from home or office. It safely and simply unleashes digital content from the desktop.”

“With the fast rise of mobile computing, our retailers are eager to supply the market with sleek and trusted storage for people on the go,” he said. “The Maxtor OneTouch III, Mini Edition provides a high level of security for mobile users, along with some innovative software features that make it easier to manage and protect files.”

For added data security, which is a particular concern for on-the-go business users, the Maxtor OneTouch III, Mini Edition drive includes two levels of security: software encryption to safeguard its contents if the drive is ever lost or stolen, and Maxtor DriveLock, embedded firmware that further restricts data access should it fall into the wrong hands. The firmware is designed to deny access without the correct password even if the internal hard drive is removed from the casing and attached to another computer.

Harris Technology, Dick Smith Electronics, Officeworks, Harvey Norman, and City Software are all signed on to sell the portable hard drives.

 

Autodesk Signs Agreement to Acquire Alias

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Autodesk has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Alias , a privately held developer of 3D graphics technology, for $182 million in cash. Alias is the maker of Maya.

The acquisition however is still subject to a number of closing conditions, including US regulatory approval. 

However when it goes through, this acquisition will grow Autodesk’s product offerings in; design of consumer products and automotive as well as in the media and entertainment markets. The company hopes the transaction will close within the next four to six months.

Carl Bass, COO of Autodesk said, “Alias’ technology spans several of our most important markets and augments the synergy between our design and media businesses. Our design customers are demanding more powerful visualization, animation and publishing capabilities. Our media and entertainment customers are increasingly using the data created by our design applications for broadcast, film and games projects. By combining the technology and talents of our two companies, we will be better able to continue delivering solutions that address our customers’ complex needs.”

Founded as Alias Research in 1983, the Toronto, Canada based company has customers from entertainment and manufacturing industry, including Industrial Light & Magic, DreamWorks SKG, Nintendo, General Motors and BMW. 

Alias revenues were US$83 million in the fiscal year ended June 30 2005; its product lines comprise sketching, animation, visual effects, design, modeling, rendering and reviewing solutions. Alias MotionBuilder is Alias’ 3D character animation product; Alias FBX is widely used in the exchange and use of 3D content, and Maya –the company’s Academy Award-winning 3D application. These products will be combined with Autodesk’s offering in the film and video and interactive games segments.  Alias StudioTools – software for design tasks from 2D sketches to production models – will add industrial design and visualization capabilities to Autodesk’s manufacturing solutions. The company will continue to develop the Alias product lines in conjunction with Autodesk’s complementary products and technologies.

 “This acquisition is designed to leverage the strengths of both companies,” stated Doug Walker, president and CEO of Alias.

 

Portable & Rugged Hard Drive From LaCie

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The portable LaCie Rugged All-Terrain drive offers the speed of FireWire 800 along with FireWire 400 and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interfaces for universal connectivity.


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Conveniently bus-powered and plug and play, it’s deisgned for backup, video storage, and large data volume exchange on the go.

Its scratch-protected aluminum shell and shock-resistant rubber bumper make this drive especially resistant to harsh elements for extra protection along the road of your adventures.

Features include:

    * Rugged, portable storage for people on the go
    * Scratch-protected aluminum shell and shock-resistant rubber bumper
    * Triple interface bus-powered, plug and play
    * Maximum speed up to 800 Mbps with FireWire 800

 

System Requirements:

    * Mac
          o Mac OS 9.x or OS X v10.x
          o PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 or Intel Core processor
          o 128MB RAM minimum
    * Windows
          o Windows Vista/2000/XP/98SE/Me
          o Intel Pentium II 350MHz-compatible or later
          o 128MB RAM minimum

Specifications include:

    * Capacity: 320GB
    * Interface ports: FireWire 800 (9-pin), FireWire 400 (6-pin), mini Hi-Speed USB 2.0
    * Interface transfer rate: FireWire 800: up to 800 Mbps; FireWire 400: up to 400 Mbps; Hi-Speed USB 2.0: up to 480 Mbps
    * Maximum sustained transfer rate: FireWire 800: 40-50 MBps; FireWire 400: 30-40 MBps; Hi-Speed USB 2.0: 30 MBps
    * Rotational speed (rpm): 5400
    * Average seek time (Write): <12ms
    * Buffer: 8MB or greater
    * Maximum drop height: 90 cm in non-operating mode (not recommended in operating mode)
    * Dimensions (WxHxD): 3.5 x 1.0 x 5.7 in./9.0 x 2.5 x 14.5 cm
    * Weight: 8.8 oz./250 g

see www.lacie.com.au/products

Pioneer Goes Back To School With Digital Pen

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Pioneer Computers has entered the school digital classroom presentation market with its new range of products, which are also suitable for business presentations and various other applications.


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One of the new products in the range is the iPen, based on new technology, which is designed to be one step ahead of the interactive whiteboards.

The presentation tool is in the shape of a pen, instead of the board.  Thus users are not restricted to one board.  The tool can be moved from classroom to classroom with minimal fuss and there is no need to use the keyboard.

The product is simple to install and user friendly and users can start using with minimal training.
Interactive whiteboards are also on offer.  The DreamVision iBoard is available in different sizes, namely 77 inch, 85 inch and 101 inch.

See www.pioneercomputers.com.au/products/info.asp?c1=98&c2=147&id=2639

Mining Boom Equals IT Boom

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For those IT distributors who think that digging holes in the ground and selling laptops are not related, think again, as Queensland-based Infortech Distribution has found that the two industries are virtually linked at the hip.


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According to managing director Joseph Espinoza, IT and mining are proving to be a winning combination.

“Every time a new mine is set up, they need computers, laptops, networks, routers and that means more business for companies like ours”, says Espinoza, adding that was one reason why his company has opened a new office in Western Australia. “WA is booming with the mines just like up here in Queensland”, says Espinoza.

Infortech distributes for a number o brands like Canon, Epson and Fujitsu and is also the exclusive distributor of SnapGear routing and network products, which he says are also selling like hotcakes thanks to the explosion in mining in the state.

At present says Espinoza, “we are selling about $100,000 per month of SnapGear products and that is certainly on the increase”.
The company at present is turning over some $5 million annually but notes Espinoza, “we are looking at that increasing by up to 50 per cent in the next 12 to 18 months- all thanks to mining”.

Although to be fair, Espinoza notes that another big sector for the company is the Government one, because “government departments turn over their IT equipment every couple of years”.

And Espinoza concludes, the Queensland IT market is “Beautiful one day, booming the next”.

Verbatim Adds Keyboards To Range

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Storage products specialists, Verbatim, has a new business in multifunction keyboards.

It is not the company’s first foray into the world of PC interface accessories, Verbatim announced a large range of wireless optical mice back in November last year.

There are five in the range, one even has a mouse. Verbatim has announced a standard 109 key model; 9 and 19 function multimedia models; an illuminated laptop-style model; and a wireless model that includes a rechargeable mouse.

Verbatim Super Multimedia Keyboard (P/N 41876)

This stylish 32-function multimedia keyboard provides the expert controls required to help you access your computer’s applications quickly and efficiently. Use the 5-enhanced Hot Key groups to instantly access Office, Clipboard, Internet, Multimedia and other commonly used programs and functions. The Super Multimedia Keyboard also features a unique 4-way scroll function and customisable hot keys. It is an indispensable accessory for XP and Window’s users.

Verbatim Illuminated Mini Notebook Keyboard (P/N 41903)
This quality compact keyboard is fully portable and ideal for notebook users or business travellers. Featuring Electroluminescent (EL) blue backlit keys, it is perfect for typing, gaming or surfing the net in a dark environment. The laptop-style flat keyboard layout including soft-touch keys encourages better keying rates and quieter typing.

Verbatim Wireless Keyboard & Rechargeable Mouse Kit (P/N 41902)

This functional keyboard/mouse combo features a wireless RF receiver with built-in battery charger for uninterrupted computing. The keyboard includes 19 customisable Hot Keys for quick access to the Internet, multimedia and application functions. The two button wireless mouse features a scroll wheel and 800dpi resolution for precision and accuracy. Package includes wireless keyboard, wireless optical mouse, dual function charger/receiver, PS/2 adaptor, driver, rechargeable batteries and manual.

Recommended Retail Prices are as follows:
Verbatim Standard Keyboard Standard (#41874) – $9.95
Verbatim 9-function Multimedia Keyboard (#41875) – $15.95
Verbatim Super Multimedia Keyboard (#41876) – $33.95
Verbatim Illuminated Mini Notebook Keyboard (#41903) – $38.95
Verbatim Wireless Keyboard and Rechargeable Mouse (#41902) – $66.95  

Volante "Leap Of Faith": Commander

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In the latest round in Commander’s hostile takeover bid for Volante Group, the bidder has advised Volante shareholders to lock in their losses.

Responding to the Volante Group Target’s Statement released last week, Commander argues that the “hockey stick” earning outlook proposed by the Volante Board and independent expert Lonergan Edwards & Associates, relies on unsecured “contracts” with little supporting disclosure.

Describing a decision to retain shares as a “leap of fair” Commander CEO, Adrian Coote, attacked Volante’s record in meeting revenue and earnings forecasts and advised Volante shareholders to quite the company stock.

“As far as I am concerned, Volante’s board and management are treating their shareholders with contempt,” said Coote.

“The fact that the Volante Board is relying on unsecured and potential income to underpin their future earnings and valuation speaks volumes for how they treat their shareholders and the market,” he said.

“As a result of Volante’s history of overpromising and underdelivering, shareholders should be extremely sceptical that the hockey-stick earnings increase over the next 18 months, as foreshadowed in the Target’s Statement, will be anywhere near fulfilled.

“Volante shareholders, who saw the value of their shares plummet after the recent earnings downgrade, have to ask themselves whether they believe these blue sky forecasts.

Pointing out that it has been almost 6 years since Volante closed above its $1.70 IPO issue price the Commander figures show that shareholder value (including dividends reinvested) has declined by 1.6% over 3 years, 22.9% over 2 years and 37.7% over 1 year.

Commander is sticking by its $1.01 offer for Volante which is scheduled to close on 10 February 2006.

 

Not So Smart Fone

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While at one end of the spectrum Vodafone is building out its new 3G network and by all accounts planning some pretty slick handsets to target the feature hungry upwardly mobile, at the other end it’s targeting the simply simple.

Telstra Launches Small Business Service

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Telstra is launching a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform called T-Suite to supply on-demand business applications more efficiently to Australian businesses.


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Telstra Business Group Managing Director Deena Shiff said: “Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are the ‘engine room’ of the Australian economy and with the launch of with T-Suite they will be able to access the latest on-demand business applications previously only available to big businesses that could afford their own IT departments,” Shiff said.

 “For the first time, when it comes to business applications, small businesses will be on a level playing field with the big end of town,” she said.

SaaS enables software to be hosted on a remote third-party server rather than on a business’ own computer network. A business subscriber can use the software at any time simply by accessing it over the internet.
 
The SaaS market in Australia and NZ is expected to grow at a rate of 65 per cent annually, worth $506 million by 2010. Shiff said Telstra’s plan was to help foster and be part of that growth.

 

 
“T-Suite will be a one-stop shop where established software names will share ‘shelf space’ with up-and-coming Australian companies. If an Australian software designer comes up with an innovative program it means they will have access to a national market in Australia and can use it as a springboard to the world”.

 Telstra Business Executive Director, Charles Agee, said Telstra was in advanced talks with local and global software providers: “Until now they couldn’t afford it because of the licence fees, the costs to maintain and update and the fact that the applications itself is often over engineered for a small user. We will begin tests with a limited number of businesses at the end of this month with a full scale launch in early 2009,” he said.