DV Hardware

Win one of 3 Sennheiser PC350 Gaming Headsets

It is competition time here at Xtreme again (about time too) and we have teamed up with Sennheiser to offer you a chance to win one of 3 Sennheiser PC 350 Gaming headsets that were awarded our platinum award due to their outstanding performance and comfort. This is a Global Competition so entries are welcome from all countries.

You can enter at XtremeComputing.

Win one of 3 Sennheiser PC350 Gaming Headsets - More news at DV Hardware

The New Xbox 360 Experience, In-Depth, For Holiday Shoppers

Today HotHardware takes an in-depth look at Microsofts recent update to the Xbox 360s console and firmware...

Microsoft's recent Xbox 360 update overhauls the existing blade-style interface, moving to a much more flowing, intuitive design. It promises to keep and improve upon legacy features, while adding new content and functionality. The new Xbox Experience promises a lot but does it truly deliver in both increased usability and speed? Lets take a look at some of the features that have been revamped and added, and then we'll have a chat about what we think is still missing.

Check it out over here.

The New Xbox 360 Experience, In-Depth, For Holiday Shoppers - More news at DV Hardware

Shuttle D1416S for video surveillance unveiled

Shuttle debuts the D1416S, a new mini PC designed for video surveillance. The system has a MSRP of 898EUR (excl. VAT).

Shuttle Inc., the market leader in the Mini-PC segment and manufacturer of Multi-Form-Factor solutions, today presents its first product in the "Special Solutions" category. The new Shuttle D 1416S surveillance system offers a unique operating convenience through an easy to understand software interface. Up to 16 separately available CCTV cameras can be connected and video signals can be recorded.

This solution is based on the recently announced Shuttle Barebone D10 with its integrated 7" touchscreen display. Reliable performance is guaranteed by the use of a frame grabber card with four video chips, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and fast DDR2 memory. The "Shuttle SecurityCenter" surveillance software comes pre-installed and is easy to navigate. It was especially developed for use with a touchscreen and the Shuttle D 1416S without requiring its user to care for any extra input devices. The D 1416S can be connected upon delivery and can be used in both professional and private environments.

"Shuttle SecurityCenter has done away with complicated menu structures. There's quick access to any functions by the touch of your finger thanks to large buttons. Up to 16 cameras can be observed at once and every picture can be enlarged by touching it," explains Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. "As another great benefit, the Shuttle D 1416S can also be used as a workstation PC making it highly versatile."

Its small dimensions mean that it can be used in the smallest of spaces, while the VGA-output connects the Shuttle D1416S to a second screen, if desired. However, even without an extra screen the installed cameras can be monitored enabling the system to run fully self-reliantly.

Different image formats, image rates and recording modes can be selected. If "Motion Detection" is enabled, only camera images are recorded where motion is detected. A long lifespan and data security are guaranteed by a hard disk designed for 24/7 permanent operation. The recordings, saved as MPEG-4 files, can be backed up via the integrated DVD writer or by one of the four USB connectors. Access to the system is also possible via the Gigabit network interface.

Shuttle D1416S for video surveillance unveiled - More news at DV Hardware

Linux ported to iPhone, iPod Touch

Linux has been ported to the iPhone and iPod touch, check it out at Linux on the iPhone:

I'm pleased to announce that the Linux 2.6 kernel has been ported to Apple's iPhone platform, with support for the first and second generation iPhones as well as the first generation iPod touch. This is a rough first draft of the port, and many drivers are still missing, but it's enough that a real alternative operating system is running on the iPhone.

Here's a demonstration video:

Linux ported to iPhone, iPod Touch - More news at DV Hardware

BenQ Joybook U101 netbook unveiled

BenQ has released the Joybook U101 netbook in Taiwan, this system features a 10.1" LCD display with 16:9 aspect ration, 1024 x 576 pixel resolution and 8ms response time. AFAIK this is one of the first netbooks with a 16:9 panel.

The Joybook U101 base model features the Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor, Intel 945GSE chipset, 1GB DDR2 memory, 80 or 160GB HDD, optional 4 to 16GB SSD, three USB 2. ports, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, Ethernet, 4-in-1 memory card reader, 1.3MP webcam and headphone/mic ports. The operating system is Windows XP but there will also be a version with Linux.

The system weighs around 1.1kg and features a 4-cell battery life, which should provide up to four hours of battery life. BenQ also sells 6-cell batteries and has plans to release a Joybook U101 netbook with 3G connectivity. It's available in white, black, pink and blue.

BenQ Joybook U101 netbook unveiled - More news at DV Hardware

MSI introduces three new Wind netbooks

MSI has unveiled three new netbooks at a press conference in France; the MSI Wind U115, U110 and U120H.

The MSI Wind U110 will arrive in 2009, it will feature the Intel Atom Z530 1.6GHz processor and the Intel SCH US15W (Poulsbo) chipset which uses less power. The netbook has 1GB DDR2, 10" LCD display with 1024 x 600 pixel resolution, 120/160/250GB SATA HDD, 4-in-1 memory card reader, three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, mic/headphone ports, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, VGA output and a 1.3MP or 2MP webcam. The system weighs 1.1kg, measures 260 x 180 x 19-31.5mm and features a 6-cell battery which should result in a battery life of up to 8-10 hours.

The specifications of the MSI Wind U115 are very similar to the U110, the main difference seems to be that the U115 has a hybrid hard disk with flash memory and optional upgrade to 2GB DDR2 memory. The U115 will feature 80/120/160GB HDDs with 8/16/32GB SSDs.

Last but not least is the MSI Wind U120H, this netbook will feature a 3.5G HSDPA data network module from Ericsson. It will feature a Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, 945GSE + ICH7-M chipset, 1GB DDR2 memory, 10" LCD with 1024 x 600 pixel resolution, 80/120/160GB SATA HDD, 4-in-1 memory card reader, VGA-output, three USB 2.0 ports, mic/headphone ports, Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi and 1.3/2MP webcam. The netbook measures 260mm x 180mm x 9.75-33mm and just like the other two models it weighs just 1.1kg. The battery pack features 6-cells, but MSI doesn't list the battery life for this model.

MSI introduces three new Wind netbooks - More news at DV Hardware

High-end MSI graphics cards in Tomb Raider Underworld bundle

MSI informed us their Radeon HD 4800 series, GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 260 and GeForce 9800 GTX+ video cards are now bundled with Tomb Raider Underworld.

Before the launch of the game, MSI and EIDOS have worked very closely together to make the MSI graphic cards and Gaming Notebooks achieve the highest performance and compatibility in Tomb Raider Underworld.

MSI, considers Gaming as one of its main focus markets and is always trying to deliver the best gaming experience to gamers. Therefore, before the game was released, MSI tested the game with MSI graphics cards to verify and ensure the most smooth gaming experience and maximum performance can be obtained.

The Tomb Raider series, one of the best selling game series in the last 10-years, have been considered as one of the best classic action adventure games of all time. Tomb Raider Underworld, released by EIDOS after the huge success of its predecessor Tomb Raider Legend, features a totally new graphic engine developed exclusive for this game with DirectX® 10 support.

High-end MSI graphics cards in Tomb Raider Underworld bundle - More news at DV Hardware

MSI Wind Box mini PC attaches to your screen

French computer site Le Journal du Geek published pictures of the MSI Wind Box, this new mini PC solution turns your LCD display into an all-in-one PC. The Wind Box is attached to VESA 75 or VESA 100 mounts, it features a Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor, 1GB or 2GB DDR2 memory and a HDD with a capacity of 160GB or 250GB. It also has 802.11b/g WiFi, three USB 2.0 ports, a memory card reader, 7.1 audio, Ethernet and Windows XP.

The MSI Wind Box measures 300 x 240 x 65mm and weighs just 500g. It will be available for around 200EUR in Q1 2009.

MSI Wind Box mini PC attaches to your screen - More news at DV Hardware

ECS lists motherboard with Socket AM3 support

Motherboard maker ECS has published a list of its motherboards that will support AMD's upcoming Socket AM3 Phenom II processors:

A790GXM-A (V1.0)
A780GM-A Ultra (V1.0)
A780VM-M2 (V1.0)
A780VM-M3 (V1.0)
A780GM-A (V1.0)
A780GM-A (V1.1)
A780GM-M (V1.0)
A780GM-M3 (V1.0)
GF8100VM-M3 (V1.0)
GF8100VM-M5 (V1.0)
NFORCE9M-A (V1.0)
GF8200A (V1.0)

ECS lists motherboard with Socket AM3 support - More news at DV Hardware

The Simpsons mock Apple, Steve Jobs

Last night's episode of The Simpsons featured some pretty funny (m)Apple mockery:

The Simpsons mock Apple, Steve Jobs - More news at DV Hardware

Nikon D3x 24.5 megapixel dSLR launched

Nikon officially introduced the D3x dSLR camera, this model features a 24.5 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5FPS image shooting (7FPS in crop mode), ISO 100-1600 (expandable to 50-6400), 51 AF points, EXPEED image processing system, shutter lag of just 0.04 seconds, and 3" LCD display. The camera has a MSRP of $7,999 (7,999EUR) and you can find the full specifications over here (PDF).

Nikon Inc. today announced the D3X, an FX-format digital SLR featuring extreme 24.5-megapixel resolution and superb low-noise capabilities, which provides professional photographers with commercial-quality image performance in a familiar and extraordinarily versatile D-SLR form factor. In conjunction with the groundbreaking Nikon FX-format D3, the D3X tops off a collection of flagship level, rugged, professional caliber digital single lens reflex cameras engineered to excel in all types of professional photographic disciplines from photojournalism and sideline sports, to commercial in-studio applications.

The foundation of the enhanced performance of the D3X is its FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor providing commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers with the extreme resolution, dynamic range, color depth, detail and sharpness that clients demand. Whether creating catalogs, magazine covers, billboards or gallery prints, the large 5.94-micron pixel size and high signal to noise ratio produces vibrant images with breathtaking image fidelity while reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise. With full resolution shooting speeds of up to five frames-per-second (fps), and 14-bit files, that when processed are approximately 138 MB, the D3X offers today's photographic artists an extreme level of performance and versatility ready for demanding assignments in the studio or on location.

In 2007, the 12.1-megapixel FX-format D3 delivered groundbreaking digital SLR image quality, coupled with incomparable high ISO, low noise performance and high-speed handling. In doing so, the D3 broke photographic barriers, enabling photographers to work in ways never before possible, said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. Now, the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format D3X D-SLR provides the extreme resolution and high dynamic range capabilities needed to meet the extraordinary needs of photographic disciplines such as high fashion, commercial advertising and fine art. The D3X delivers this remarkable capability while fitting seamlessly within the Nikon system, taking full advantage of Nikons world-renowned collection of NIKKOR lenses and Speedlights.

To re-emphasize the importance of image quality above all else, the D3X delivers an incredible level of digital SLR performance to provide photographers with extremely high resolution, exceptional dynamic range, phenomenal total gradation and outstanding color reproduction. Image files can be recorded as TIFF, JPEG or NEF (RAW) formats in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats, and recorded to UDMA compatible CompactFlash cards for optimum speed. Photographers can save image files directly to the dual card slots as overflow, backup, or as separate file formats to different cards. Building on the D3X's flexibility, users have the creative option to shoot in the 5:4 crop mode with 20.4-megapixel resolution, the ideal format for creating 8 x 10-inch portraits. While using DX-format lenses, faster continuous shooting of up to seven frames per second can be achieved at a resolution of 10.5 megapixels.

The exceptionally low noise of the D3X is essential to any professional commercial application, and it provides photographers with an ISO range of 100 to 1600, expandable to 50 (Lo-1) and 6400 (Hi-2). The ultra smooth tones and lack of grain at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings result in smooth, natural skin tones and exacting detail that, before the D3X, required larger and far costlier studio-bound camera systems.

Nikon D3x 24.5 megapixel dSLR launched - More news at DV Hardware

ASUS Eee PC 1002HA released for $499

ASUS has launched the stylish Eee PC 1002HA netbook in the US for $499, this model features a 10" LED-backlit LCD display and the Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor. It has an argent grey chassis with classy brushed aluminum finish and features Super Hybrid Engine, this technology enables you to change the speed of your processor by pressing a button.

This netbook has the Intel 945GSE + ICH7-M chipsets, 1GB DDR2 memory, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, 160GB HDD, 1.3MP webcam, stereo speakers, 4-in-1 memory card reader, VGA-output, three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet and headphone/mic ports.

With a size of 264mm x 181mm x 27.6mm (W x D x H) and weight of 1.2kg the 1002HA is thinner and lighter than the 1000H, but at the cost of 2 hours of battery life. The new Eee PC 1002HA has a 4200mAh battery which should provide 5 hours of battery life in Windows XP, while the 1000H has a battery life of up to 7 hours.

ASUS Eee PC 1002HA released for $499 - More news at DV Hardware

AMD Phenom II, Athlon X2, X3 and X4 launch details

HKEPC compiled two tables with all the launch information of AMD's upcoming Phenom II processors and the new 45nm Athlon processors which will be released in the first half of 2009:

AMD Phenom II, Athlon X2, X3 and X4 launch details - More news at DV Hardware

Windows Vista SP2 improvements detailed

TechARP published a list of the improvements you'll find in Windows Vista Service Pack 2, which is expected to go RTM in April 2009.

What's New In Windows Vista SP2?

Adds Windows Search 4.0 for faster and improved relevancy in searches.
Contains the Bluetooth® 2.1 Feature Pack supporting the most recent specification for Bluetooth Technology.
Ability to record data on to Blu-Ray media natively in Windows Vista.
Adds Windows Connect Now (WCN) to simplify Wi-Fi Configuration.
Enables the exFAT file system to support Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) timestamps, which allows correct file synchronization across time zones.

What's New In Windows Server 2008 SP2?

Adds Microsoft® Hyper-V Server release to manufacturing (RTM).
Power profile changes yielded a 10% improvement.

Windows Vista SP2 improvements detailed - More news at DV Hardware

Windows Vista SP2 RTM expected in April 2009?

TechARP claims Microsoft plans to ship Windows Vista SP2 to OEMs in April 2009. A publicly downloadable version should be available sometime later.

A confidential source has revealed that Microsoft will deliver a Release Candidate in February, 2009 with the final SP2 binary scheduled for RTM (Release To Manufacturing) in April, 2009.

As always, do remember that when Microsoft announces that a product is RTM, it doesn't mean you will be able to download it right away. RTM merely means it is "released to manufacturing", including OEMs. Actual public release will be sometime later. Release to web (RTW) will also occur sometime after RTM.

Windows Vista SP2 RTM expected in April 2009? - More news at DV Hardware