FIC intros Pine Trail-based SVE00 netbook

FIC announced a new netbook earlier this week, the SVE00. Designed for "socializing and education", the system features Intel's Pine Trail platform, with a 1.66GHz Atom processor, a 10.1-inch 1024x600 LED-backlit display, up to 2GB of DDR2 677MHz or 800MHz RAM, and up to a 320GB HDD or 32GB SSD.

The system weighs about 1.2Kg and also includes a 1.3 megapixel webcam, a mic, two USB ports, VGA-out, a four-in-one card reader, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, optional Bluetooth, WiMAX, HSDPA, and SIM card, an "ultra size" multitouch pad with support for two-finger gestures, a spill-proof keyboard, a three-cell battery, and the choice between Windows XP, Windows 7, or Linux.

Mozilla to issue frequent, small feature changes, drops Firefox 3.7

Modifying its development strategy, Mozilla will drop Firefox 3.7, and plans to issue incremental feature changes along with security updates every four to six weeks. Version 3.6 is still coming by the end of January, and Mozilla made the first RC build available last week.

The decision came from working on Firefox 3.6. "We learned an awful lot about what slows down our schedule, and that will help us plan for future releases," said Mike Beltzner, director of Firefox. One of the first additions planned after 3.6 is the separation of plug-in processes from the browser (not Electrolysis in its entirety), and there is a focus on Adobe Flash because it is responsible for more Firefox crashes than any other plug-in.

This approach will be "a huge advantage to users" as they will receive useful additions more frequently, and Mozilla can bypass the time-consuming beta cycles that come with larger releases. Not everything will trickle out in a security update, though, with changes such as the interface revamp for Windows Vista and 7 still requiring beta testing.

Leak reveals Ion 2 in upcoming Asus Eee Top

A leaked promotional document has revealed that Asus is working on an Nvidia Ion 2-equipped Eee Top PC. Geared toward home entertainment, the all-in-one ET2010PNT sits atop a carbon fiber stand and packs a 20-inch multitouch display with a resolution of 1600x1200, a 1.66GHz Atom D510 dual-core processor, a host of display outputs, and Windows 7.

It's worth noting that the marking blurb actually says the system houses an "Nvidia GeForce G310 Ion 2 graphics with hardware video decoding." That can imply one of two things: either the new Eee Top will have both an Ion 2 and a GeForce G310, or more likely, the just-released G310 chip will carry the Ion 2 branding. Reports suggest the Ion 2 will act more like a discrete graphics chip -- but your guess is as good as ours.

Asus hasn't announced a price or ship date.

Nvidia intros GeForce 300M series mobile GPUs

Without any fanfare, Nvidia introduced a new range of graphics processors this week, aimed specifically at the notebook market. A total of seven GeForce 300M-series GPUs stretching across the high performance, performance and mainstream segment were launched, but the new chips are not that different from the 200M series parts they are replacing.

In fact, the architecture is exactly the same. These new products all have 40nm graphics chips with support for DirectX 10.1 -- just with optimized performance or power consumption levels. The flagship GTS 360M, for example, sports the same number of cores (96), the same 128-bit bus width and support for GDDR5 memory clocked up to 2GHz as the GTS 260M, but is capable of processing slightly more gigaflops (413 versus 396).

The GT 335M makes the largest leap in performance of the entire series with 72 cores and up to 1,066MHz DDR3 memory. Below it, the GT 330M and GT 325M have the same 48 cores as Nvidia's previous mid range models and are primarily clock speed boosts compared the older GT 240M. The company is yet to fill the enthusiast segment, so we'll have to wait and see if a GTX 280M/260M rebadge is in order or they are holding out for Fermi.

Lenovo intros new AMD and Intel business desktops

Lenovo has launched a couple of new business desktop systems that can be configured with both AMD or Intel chips. First up is the $329 ThinkCentre A63, which is aimed at small to medium-sized businesses and can be outfitted with a slew of 45nm AMD processors including the Sempron, Athlon II, and Phenom II, as well as up to 500GB of storage, 1333MHz DDR3 RAM, DirectX 10-capable graphics, eight USB ports, a webcam, preloaded Skype software, and Windows 7.

Meanwhile, the ThinkCentre M90 and M90p are meant for large businesses and with Intel's Core i5 or i7 processor, the systems offer up to 81% more oomph than previous generation models, according to Lenovo. Details on the hardware is limited, but the machines reportedly boot up in 35 seconds and shutdown in under 10 seconds. The M90 and M90p will ship in tower, small form factor, and ultra-small form factors next month, with prices starting at $779 and $899.

Radeon HD 5670 brings DirectX 11 to budget segment

Continuing with its top to bottom Radeon HD 5000 series rollout, AMD has moved on to attack the mainstream value segment of the graphics market with a new sub-$100 card capable of supporting Microsoft's latest DirectX 11 engine. Just like its higher end siblings, the ATI Radeon HD 5670 also supports Eyefinity to spread your display over multiple monitors, and ATI Stream which allows the GPU to carry out non-graphics related tasks.

Based on a 40nm GPU codenamed "Redwood," the card's specifications include 400 stream processors operating at a clock frequency of 775MHz, offering more than 600 TeraFLOPS of raw computing power, and either 512 ($99) or 1GB ($119) of GDDR5 memory for a total bandwidth of up to 64 GB/s on a 128-bit bus. In terms of energy consumption, the single-slot Radeon HD 5670 offers an impressively power low draw of just 14W at idle and 61W under load.

The new card is said to consistently outperform Nvidia's GeForce GT 240, which was already an irrelevant product anyway, but since Nvidia is pricing it at $99 that's what AMD is positioning its 5670 after. Overall you can expect most games to run smoothly at 1680x1050 with anti-aliasing and detail levels cranked up.

Samsung unveils high-density NAND flash chips

Samsung Electronics today unveiled two new flash-based storage solutions for mobile use: a high-density 64GB moviNAND flash memory chip and a removable 32GB micro secure digital (SD) card. Both products are based on Samsung's 32Gbit NAND flash memory chips, which use 30 nanometer lithography technology, allowing large amounts of storage to be crammed into tiny packages.

The 64GB moviNAND memory is only 1.4mm tall and comprises of 16 Multi-level cell based NAND chips and a controller. Both Toshiba and Samsung are currently suppliers of flash memory to Apple, and the two have announced similar capacity modules, only Samsung's solution has been in mass-production since December and will be first on the market. The moviNAND line also includes 32GB, 16GB, 8GB, and 4GB products.

It's not too hard to imagine then that the next iteration of iPhone and iPod touch devices will feature higher capacity on-board memory using modules from both companies -- as might competing smartphones and other mobile devices. Meanwhile, for all kinds of gadgets featuring expandable storage through microSD cards, Samsung's newest 32GB offering should be on the production lines starting next month.

Yahoo backs Google's move to end censorship in China

Yahoo has responded to Google's move yesterday to end censorship in China after discovering a series of attacks that compromised the accounts of human rights activists. In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, Yahoo said it would back Google's decision.

"We stand aligned that these kinds of attacks are deeply disturbing and strongly believe that the violation of user privacy is something that we as Internet pioneers must all oppose," said Yahoo. The company didn't mention whether it was also targeted in the attacks discovered by Google.

It's worth noting that Yahoo sold its Chinese operation to Alibaba.com in 2005, but maintains a 39% financial stake in the company. Microsoft launched a Chinese version of Bing last June, and said there is no indication that any of its mail properties have been compromised.

Google to end censorship in China, threatens to pull out

In response to a series of cyber attacks, Google has announced that it will stop censoring search results in China -- and if the Chinese government doesn't like it, Google will exit the market.

In mid-December, the company discovered a "highly sophisticated and targeted attack" on its corporate infrastructure that originated from China, and the attackers made off with intellectual property of Google's. Upon further investigation however, it became evident that many other companies were similarly targeted, ranging such industries as finance, technology, Internet, media, and chemical.

Google believes the purpose of the attacks was to access the Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists -- a goal that was largely unmet. The search giant notes that only two Gmail accounts appear to have been accessed, and that activity was limited to things such as the date the account was created, rather than the content of its emails.

Google Docs receiving cloud data storage feature

Google today announced that it would roll out a new storage feature for Google Docs. The service will enable users to "upload, store and organize any type of file in Google Docs," allowing users to access their data from any Web-connected computer. The idea is far from new of course, but a useful implementation nonetheless given the popularity of Google Docs and the search giant's other services.

Users will have the ability to upload any file up to 250MB, with a total of 1GB of free storage for files that aren't of the Google Docs format. Beyond that, Google will offer additional space for $0.25 per GB per year. Shared folders can be used for the organization and collaboration of files, while a search function and the Google Docs viewer should help with finding recently uploaded or shared files.

Google will gradually introduce the service to accounts over the next couple of weeks, and the company welcomes all feedback.

Asus UL80JT offers discrete graphics, 12-hour battery life

Although high-end laptops usually guzzle battery life, Asus recently showed performance-oriented notebook with 12 hours of run time. Like Dell's Alienware M11x, Asus' UL80JT is outfitted with two graphics chips, an Nvidia GeForce 310 and an Intel GMA, and it can switch between them on the fly. The UL80JT also adjusts the speed of its Core i7 processor based on load.

Similar dual-GPU features have been around for a while, such as the MacBook Pro's ability to switch between the GeForce 9400M and 9600M, but that requires users to log out. The beauty of Asus' implementation is that it's virtually user-transparent, switching on its own.

The GPU swapping, dynamic clocking, and other power management features allow the UL80JT to consume less than half as much power as the unibody MacBook while browsing. Despite that, the system can instantly kick into high gear, with performance matching similarly-specced laptops.

Asus plans to launch the UL80JT this year for just over a grand.

Mozilla releases the first Firefox 3.6 release candidate

Mozilla has pushed out the first release candidate (RC1) of Firefox version 3.6 for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. The jump from Firefox 3.5.7 (the latest stable build) to 3.6 brings many changes, including a new Gecko rendering engine, a quicker start-up, and improved browser responsiveness.

Other additions include single-click appearance modifications via Personas, notifications for outdated plugins, improved automatic form fill, and support for the WOFF font format, HTML 5 File API, CSS, and DOM. Web and add-on developers should swing by Mozilla's official developer page for more information about the changes.

It's noted that over 75% of existing add-ons are already compatible with Firefox 3.6, so you should be okay to jump the gun. If you run into any compatibility trouble though, we published a workaround last year, and a stable release is expected soon. For those already running a 3.6 beta, it should be updated automatically.

Lexar intros two new USB flash drives, Echo SE, ZE

Lexar has introduced a new pair of USB flash drives, the Echo SE and ZE. Both offer a backup solution that activates when the drives are connected to a computer. The software is compatible with both PC as well as Mac systems, and automatically encrypts data (128-bit AES) and backs up "any files in use".

Capable of read and write speeds of 28MB/s and 10MB/s, the Echo SE will be available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities, while the ZE is more compact in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB sizes. The former will ship with a five-year warranty, and the latter with a two-year warranty.

Both drives are expected to land in February, but an exact date and price have not been announced.

Samsung revamps R series with Touch of Color, Arrandale, Blu-ray

Like most manufacturers, Samsung has prepared some new notebooks powered by Intel's latest mobile platform. While the company has adorned its R series notebooks with a new gradient color scheme, not all of them have a Core i3 or i5 inside. To keep prices down, the R430 ($670) and R530 ($929) still run on Intel's Core 2 Duo.

Just above those are the R480 ($829) and R580 ($949) systems, which have 14 and 15.6-inch 1366x768 displays, Core i3-330M and i5-430M processors, GMA 4500 and GeForce GT 310M graphics, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500GB HDD, a Blu-ray drive, and 802.11b/g/n wireless. The largest of the bunch is Samsung's R780 ($929), with a 17.3" LED 1600x900 display and GeForce GT 330M graphics.

The R430, R530 and R780 are available now, but Samsung says the R480 and R580 won't ship until March.

OCZ shows external USB 3.0 SSD, new PSUs

Along with OCZ's upcoming Vertex 2, SAS and PCIe SSDs, the company has also unveiled a 2.5-inch USB 3.0 external SSD, a couple of power supplies. The portable SuperSpeed USB SSD features MLC flash memory in capacities of 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, is encased in aluminum, measures 56 x 120 x 10 millimeters, and weighs 87.7 grams.

The company's new PSUs include the 750W Fatal1ty, which features an 85% power efficiency, four +12V rails with a combined power of 650W, a 120mm fan, and is backed by a five-year warranty. The company also introduced its Mk II line, with units ranging from 500W to 950W. The latter boasts 88% power efficiency, over 83A on the +12V rail, and a 135mm double ball-bearing fans.

Some new DDR3 memory from the company has also seen at CES, among which is 2300MHz Reaper RAM.

HP Envy 15 and 13 get updates, price drops

HP has launched an updated model of its Envy 15 notebook with AMD's hot-off-the-press Mobility Radeon HD 5800 GPUs. Starting at $1,300 -- a $400 price drop -- the Envy 15 ships with a 15.6" (1366x768) LED display, a 2.4GHz Core i5-520M processor, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 1GB Mobility Radeon HD 5830, a 320GB 7200RPM HDD, 802.11n Wi-Fi, a webcam, a six-cell battery and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.


Available upgrades include a 1080p display, Core i7 processors, up to 16GB of RAM, dual 160GB SSDs, an external Blu-ray drive and more -- but those additions quickly add up. HP has also introduced a $300 cheaper Envy 13, with new specs including a 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo SL9300, a 512MB AMD Mobility Radeon HD 4330, and a four-cell battery.

MSI demos concept Projector PC, more

MSI demoed a few "industry-first" PCs at CES this week, which are a bit more interesting than the barrage of Arrandale-based notebook updates. Unfortunately, being concept units and all, there isn't a ton of information about them. Two of the systems resemble standard all-in-one PCs -- one simply boasts 3D-capable hardware, while the other is more of a mouthful.


Supposedly inspired by the elegance of a jellyfish expanding and contracting as it moves through the ocean, MSI's "Sliding Screen" all-in-one computer allows the user to slide the screen up and store the keyboard behind it when not in use. What's more, the wireless mouse can be used as a remote control as well as an IP-phone.

The final computer is the company's "Projector PC", which is a full-featured PC that includes a built-in HD projector rather than a monitor. The system can project up to 60 inches of full HD video onto a screen, wall, or ceiling with the help of an attachable stand.

As noted, these are advertised as concept PCs, so there's no telling when -- or if --they'll hit the market.

Zotac announces Clarkdale-ready mini-ITX motherboard

In addition to its two ultra-small form factor, Pine Trail-toting motherboards, Zotac has unveiled a new H55-based mini-ITX board. The H55-ITX WiFi can accommodate Intel's new 32nm Core i3 and i5 processors and features two DDR3 DIMM slots with support for up to 8GB of RAM, a PCIe 2.0 x16 slot, and six SATA II ports (one eSATA on the I/O panel).

Other details include 802.11n wireless, gigabit Ethernet, ten USB 2.0 ports, a PS/2 port, 7.1-channel HD audio, optical S/PDIF output as well as DVI and HDMI outputs, which serve video directly from the IGP in Clarkdale CPUs.

Zotac notes that the motherboard is also compatible with Core i7 processors, so you should be able to use a quad-core Lynnfield chip. By going that route though, you'll have to occupy the PCIe x16 slot with a graphics card.

Price and availability weren't mentioned in the press release.

AMD unveils DX11 Mobility Radeon HD 5000-series

AMD has introduced the mobile counterpart to its DirectX 11-ready desktop graphics cards. The Mobility Radeon HD 5000 series is comprised of three different graphics chips that span the usual markets: mainstream, performance, and enthusiast. The Tech Report has compiled a table with the new GPU.
It's worth noting that none of the GPUs are based on Cypress, which AMD claims is too hot and large for notebooks. The 5400 line is based on Cedar, the 5600 and 5700 chips are built on Redwood, and the 5800 series uses the same 40nm Juniper technology as the Radeon HD 5700 desktop cards. All of the Mobility Radeon HD 5000 cards support up to 1GB of GDDR5 RAM and hexa-displays -- except the 5400 parts, which can "only" handle quad-display setups.

The company also announced that it has shipped two million DirectX 11-capable graphics processors, and you'll be pleased to know that TSMC's 40nm issues are a thing of the past, so AMD's DX11 products should be landing in stores and systems near you.

Microsoft intros minimalist Arc Keyboard

Microsoft has announced its new Arc Keyboard. Following the naming convention and style of its Arc Mouse, the company's new keyboard features a sleek, minimalist design -- lacking even a number pad. Given its lightweight, compact design, the Arc Keyboard seems destined for use in home entertainment setups, where wires and other bulkiness is a burden.
The 2.4GHz wireless keyboard measures 12.2 inches wide and 6.06 inches tall, features a stowable nano transceiver, and is compatible with Windows XP and Mac OS X 10.4 or later. The Arc Keyboard will be available "exclusively" through Best Buy stores on February 21 for $60.