With the new and much faster USB 3.0 port now available on many computers and notebooks, Apricorn has unveiled a new version of its Padlock that uses the new speedy port. The drive supports a PIN number that ranges anywhere from 6 to 16 digits and five different numbers can be assigned to various users. Encryption keys and PIN numbers are never exposed to the host system and are protected with a cryptographic algorithm.

The drive uses 256 bit AES-XT hardware encryption that is FIPS PUB 197 validated. The drive also has encryption circuitry that is sealed in epoxy to prevent the removal of the electronics to access the data. The drives are available in 1 TB to 3 TB capacities with prices ranging from $239-$369.

[via EverythngUSB]

Inside the Targus gadget is the DisplayLink DL-3900 hardware that allows the device to work. The HDMI output supports video and six-channel surround sound. It also supports HDCP so you can use it for watching Blu-ray videos. This card is the first use the 3900 in a product that only supports displays.

The 3900 chip can support gigabit Ethernet as well so this product could have been more of a docking station than a USB 3.0 video card alone. The outputs support resolutions of up to 2048 x 1152 making 1080p HD resolution easy to achieve. The Targus device sells for $99.

[via EverythingUSB]

This little monster might not seem all that fabulous to you if you’re not someone who uses such devices on the regular, but what it contains for those of us who need to transfer information back and forth quickly is the most massively awesome little bit of aluminum and contained board capable of holding all the music in the world ever! Think of how many movies you could hold on a 64GB USB stick, for goodness sake! Each drive also comes with a five-year warrantee so you never get fearful of the worst!

You can also download software for your Micro Vault MACH, downloads that include File Rescue and x – Pict Story. The latter app allows you to create automated photo presentations using the files stored on the Micro Vault, while the File Rescue app allows you to recover important data that you may have accidentally deleted – like magic! This device is set to be released sometime inside January 2012.

The new transceiver allows the USB 3.0 AOC to shoot multimedia over distances of 100 meters. VIA says that this AOC is fully compliant with SuperSpeed USB electrical specifications. The usages for USB 3.0 ports grow significantly with the much longer distances the new AOC allows. VIA Labs says that the port can now be used to power digital signage, surveillance, and zero client applications.

The new optical solution allows the 100m or 330-foot distance thanks to using light rather than electronic pulses. The light is highly resistant to EMI and doesn’t radiate EMI of its own. That lack of EMI will make the optical USB cabling solution appealing in places where EMI is a big issue such as medical imaging.

[via VIA-Labs]

Still, even at reduced rates, the difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 on tablets and phones should be marked. “What takes 15 minutes will roughly take 1 minute and 10 seconds” USB Implementers Forum CTO Rahman Ismail claims. Meanwhile, the group is working on new tech that should reduce power draw but keep speed rates high; “we’re coming out with new specs, new areas where we will make it very power efficient, power friendly” Ismail says.

Next up is reducing the size of a regular USB 3.0 port, as that’s fast becoming a limiting factor on how thin ultraportables and ultrabooks can be. “We’re next in line” after VGA ports, Ismail admits.

Another benefit of USB 3.0 on tablets and phones will be faster recharging. They’ll of course be backward compatible with USB 2.0 connections, if you don’t have USB 3.0.

Plug in to your notebook – USB 3.0 is best, though USB 2.0 is supported as well though you’ll lack the highest speeds of the integrated hub – and you instantly get a Full HD display, two USB 2.0, two USB 3.0 and ethernet connections. The webcam is a 720p HD unit, and the display can recharge your notebook too. It will go on sale in February, priced at $319.

As for the HP LV1911 and LV2011, they measure up at 18.5- and 20-inches respectively, use LED backlit panels running at 1366 x 768 and 1600 x 900 respectively, and each pack a single VGA input. Basic stuff, with pricing to match: the HP LV2011 will go on sale in February, priced at $135, with the LV1911 following on in March for $125.

HP also announced the Omni 27 all-in-one PC this morning, along with the HP Pavilion HPE h9 Phoenix performance PC.

The docking station has DisplayLink tech inside to provide video via USB to an external monitor, or two in this case. The dock has both a DVI port and a HDMI output. It supports resolutions up to 2560 x 1600 meaning you can put 30-inch screens on it and get full resolution. It also comes with an adapter to turn that HDMI port into DVI for dual DVI screens.

The dock also has USB audio via a headphone port and mic jacks as well. It has Ethernet connectivity with a Gigabit port. Rounding out the features are a pair of high-power USB 2.0 ports supporting Battery Charging Specs 1.1 to recharge your favorite gadgets. The dock sells for $199 and should be available soon.

[via EverythingUSB]

Hitachi 4TB Deskstar 5K4000 Hard Drive Retail Kit with CoolSpin Technology

This first of two drives is a 3.5-inch hard drive housing a 32MB cache buffer and 33 percent more capacity than Hitachi’s last drive solution. Inside you’ll also find CoolSpin technology which allows your hard drive to run both cooler and with much less power. Hitachi notes that with CoolSpin and other power management techniques, this drive has up to 28 percent idle power savings over the Deskstar 7K3000 7,200 RPM drives in addition to an idle acoustic level or only a tiny 2.5 bels.

This drive comes complete with instructions, mounting screws, and software downloads that make sure your 32- and 64-bit Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X, and Linux® systems are able to tap into the full capacity and power of the drive as “one big massive data drive” without having to install additional hardware. The Deskstar 5K4000 (bare drives and bulk pack) will be shipping to manufacturers, distributors, and channel partners around the world in the first quarter of 2012 — meanwhile the 4TB Hitachi Deskstar 5K4000 Hard Drive Retail Kit is currently shipping in limited quantities to online and retail stores with a suggested retail price of $399.99.

4TB Hitachi Touro Desk External Drive

Built to fit alongside the rest of the storage equipment you’ve got without a hitch, you’ve got a simple smooth black body on this drive with textured finish. Inside you’ve of course got the massive 4TB of space but you ALSO get a free 3GB of cloud storage from HitachiBackup.com with every purchase. You can access this cloud-stored data at any time from your computer or mobile device web browser. An upgraded account will yield 250GB of storage as well as iPhone and iPad companion apps.

You’ll be using the ultra-fast USB 3.0 interface on this monster, and the drive is compatible with both Mac and PC computers. You can get the Touro Desk External Drive in 4, 4, 2, and 1TB capacities. The 4GB version will be available in January for $419.99 MSRP. Think about getting one now!

You’ll be able to send and receive data simultaneously with USB 3.0, each through different data lanes, all while requiring less power than ever before. As IOGEAR notes, you’ll be able to move a 25-30GB HD movie to a media device in 60-70 seconds where the same transfer might have taken more than 15 minutes with USB 2.0. Each of these bits of gear available from IOGEAR works with USB 3.0 and is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices and connectors – no worries!

The IOGEAR SuperSpeed USB 3.0 4-Port Hub (GUH374) allows you to transfer data between your computer and up to four devices. You’ll be able to hot-swap between devices of your choice here, devices such as high-resolution webcams, hard-drives, storage devices of all kinds, docks, and USB 3.0 Multi-card readers. This device runs for $49.95 and is the most expensive of the three devices being announced today.

The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Multi-Card Reader/Writer (GFR381) costs $37.95 and is able to transfer data from 59 different memomry card formats to your computer at the ever so classic “blazing speeds” of 5Gbps. That’s fast! You’ll be able to insert multiple memory cards into this device at the same time. Finally there’s the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 SD/Micro SD Card Reader/Writer (GFR304SD) which at $16.95 allows you to work with SD, SDHC, SDXC, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, MicroSDXC, MMC II, RS MMC, Ultra II SD, Extreme SD and Extreme III SD at ultra low-profile portability. The size of a USB thumb drive and completely backwards compatible.

The massive supported media list for these devices reads as follows:

• Compact Flash/Micro Drive: CF-Type I, CF-Type II, CF-Ultra II, Microdrive, CF-Pro II, CF-Extreme, CFExtreme III, CF-PSP II, CF-Supper, CF-Ultra X

• SD/SDHC: SD, SDHC, SDXC, MicroSDXC, SD-Pro, SD-Pleomax, SD-Pro C, Ultra II SD, Ultra II Plus SD, SD-Extreme III, SD-Ultra X, SD-Turbo, SD-Supper, SD Max, Mini SD, Mini SD-Pro, Mini SD-Pleomax, MMC, MMC-Pleomax, MMC Pro, HS-MMC, MMC Plus, MMC-Plus Turbo, RS MMC, RS MMC-Pleomax, RS MMCSpeed, RS MMC-Max, MMC Mobile, MMC Mobile-ProC, MMC Mobile-Pocketnet, MMC Micro (adapter required)

• Olympus DC Card: Olympus DC Card, Olympus DC Card(M), Olympus DC Card(H)

• MicroSD / microSDHC: microSD / microSDHC, T-Flash

• Memory Stick: MS, MS-Magic Gate, MS-PRO Magic Gate, HS-MS-PRO Magic Gate, MS-DUO, MS DUO Magic Gate, MS-PRO Duo, HS-MS-PRO Duo, HS- / MS-PRO Duo Magic Gate, MS-PRO Duo-PSP, MS-PRO Duo-Gaming Memory Stick

• M2: Memory Stick Micro (M2)

Sound like the speed solutions for you in the very near future?

The Extreme has a USB 3.0 connection for your computer and uses Buffalo TurboPC EX software to enable data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps. That gives plenty of speed for transferring and sharing video and other large files and media. Inside the external enclosure, the HDD is placed inside a highly shock resistant body and has rubberized elements for additional protection.

The shock protection features meet MIL-STD-810F Procedure IV and have passed free-fall drop tests from up to 2.3m. The storage device will come in piano black, red, and silver colors and has an integrated USB cable that snaps to the chassis for easy portability. It will be offered in 500GB and 1TB capacities and has 256-bit AES FDE.

The storage device connects to your computer via USB 3.0 port and has a data rate of up to 5 Gbps making it perfect for lots of photos and video backups. The drive inside the unit uses 256-bit AES full disk encryption as well. That means the content you put on the storage device is automatically encrypted and protected from loss or theft.

The DriveStation Velocity will work with USB 2.0 ports as well. The TurboPC Ex software also helps to increase the speed the drive handles data. In June, Buffalo Technology unveiled a MiniStation Plus portable HDD for on the go data storage. Pricing and availability are unknown at this time.

All versions are pre-loaded with the software needed to perform backups on your computer. The software used is NTI BackupNow EX with step-by-step backups to make saving your data easy. The Canvio is also able to look at the files it is backing up and suggest which to back up on the cloud rather than local storage.

Toshiba is also showing off the new Canvio Basics line with USB 3.0 and 500GB, 750GB, or 1TB capacities. The Canvio 3.0 pricing ranges from $89.99 up to $139.99 depending on capacity. The Canvio Basics 3.0 line ranges from $79.99 to $129.99. The drives are available now.

The card is designed to operating in a PCI Express x1 slot and will work with PCIe 2.0 and 1.0 slots. The tech will work for PC host cards and add-in card applications as well. The VL800 is complaint with xHCI specifications and supports older USB ports so that gear not complying with USB 3.0 can still be plugged into the ports and used.

The controller also supports the Battery Charging Specification to allow for fast charging and the exchange of data with the computer while charging takes place. The new VL800 USB 3.0 host controllers is aimed at desktop and notebook use. The card is also able to be used in the server environment, docking stations, and as add-in cards for notebooks with PCI Card slots.

What that means is that when the user of the device running the VL811 controller hooks a USB device that is battery charging specification compatible it can charge more than three times as fast as a conventional hub or host is able to charge the device. Faster charging is one of the features that many people want out of their gadgets.

The charging downstream port allows the user to charge quickly and transfer data as well at the same rate the device would transfer when charging with an AC adapter. The VL811 allows for USB devices to be connected to a single downstream port on the host computer or another hub. The four ports are all backwards compatible for older devices. The new hub controller is also supported on all major OS’ including Windows 7 and it uses an in-house USB PHY with an advanced CMOS processor for low power consumption. It also supports low power states to conserve battier life.

Microsoft is also showing off the data transfer speeds in a demonstration to tease how much faster file transfers will be. It’s very impressive to see the claimed 10x speed difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0 in the real world. Once Windows 8 rolls around there should be native support for USB 3.0 in chipsets too.

To show off the gains for USB 3.0 Microsoft built a new test tool called Microsoft USB Test Tool or MUTT with 1,000 different USB devices on a single flash drive. Check out the video at the end of the post to see some of the USB 3.0 demonstrations from Microsoft in action. Microsoft’s Windows chief Steven Sinofsky said, when talking about updating the OS for USB 3.0 support or rewriting the OIS:

Don’t jump in. Instead, meticulously design a new USB software stack for the new controller while maintaining existing interfaces and behaviors, ensuring every device and driver will work. For older controllers, we retained our existing software stack.

[via Winrumors]

It looks like a smaller HDD crammed inside an external rectangular case for extra protection. Adata reports that the HDD has military grade water and shock resistance. That means that spills and drops won’t kill the HDD and lose the data you have stored on the drive. The drive is IPX4 rated for water resistance. Adata offers the storage device in several capacities to suit different needs.

The capacities include 500GB, 750GB, and 1TB. The SH14 ships with some interesting software installed. The drive has OStoGO tool that will convert the Windows 7 DVD to a digital format so the user can install Windows on a computer and boot from the USB HDD. The SH14 also comes with a 60-day trial of Norton Internet Security. Pricing is unknown but the HDDs are available.

Intended to co-exist with the current v1.2 specification, rather than replace it, the new standard boosts voltage and current values to cater to higher-draw devices. However, it also allows gadgets to negotiate both factors, so that low-power peripherals don’t get overwhelmed by higher-rated ports.

In fact, the USB 3.0 Promoter group reckon the next step for the connection standard is powering your notebook with it, rather than using your notebook to recharge other devices. “Charging the battery of a notebook PC, or simply powering that notebook PC while actively using the USB data connection, would be possible” group chairman Brad Saunders suggestions. “Conceivably, a notebook PC could rely solely on a USB connection for its source of power.”

The final details are expected to be ironed out in time for Q4 2011, though it’s not clear when we might see high-power ports show up on notebooks and other devices.

Two models are on offer, with either 500GB or 750GB of storage. Both GoFlex Turbo drives use 9mm 7,200rpm 2.5-inch HDDs, and Seagate bundles a copy of Memeo backup for PC and Mac so as to help you fill it up in the first place. As it’s a GoFlex drive, while it comes with a USB 3.0 adapter you can pop that off and replace it with a FireWire, eSATA or other connector, or indeed dock it into one of Seagate’s media docks.

You only get coverage of one incident under the bundled SafetyNet plan, but to be fair that’s more than most drives offer, and professional data recovery services can be expensive things to buy on their own. The new Seagate GoFlex Turbo HDDs are available now, priced at $119.99 for 500GB and $139.99 for 750GB.

The storage solutions come in two colors with Caribbean blue and hot pink version available. The storage device has 500GB of internal storage so you can back up your photos or videos and take them with you wherever you go. The drive also ships with Nero BackItUp and Burn Essentials software for full system backups and restore functionality. The software also allows you to schedule backups.

The drive software also allows for the encryption of data backed up. Verbatim formats the HDDs in FAT 32 for use on a wide range of computers. However, that format can be changed to NTFS or HFS+ using the included Formatter Software. The drive also has cool Green Button software that allows you to press a button and save power when the drive isn’t in use. The 500GB storage solutions are available now for $99.99.

[via Verbatim]

The Gateway ID47H02u has a Core i5-2410M 2.3GHz processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 500GB 5,400rpm hard-drive, DVD burner and Intel HD Graphics 3000 GPU, and is priced at $699.99. If you don’t mind taking a trip to Canada, however, and spending CA$799, you can get the ID47H03h, which has the same CPU but throws in 6GB of DDR3 memory, a 750GB hard-drive and NVIDIA GeForce TG 540M graphics with 1GB of video RAM and Optimus auto-switching. Canadians will also get the CA$899 ID57H03h, with a 15.6-inch display and 8GB of DDR3 memory, along with the same GPU and HDD as the ID47H03h.

In the US, the 15.6-inch segment is catered for by the NV55S05u, a $629.99 notebook with an AMD A8-3500M quadcore 1.5GHz APU (that can overclock to 2.4GHz), AMD Radeon HD 6620G graphics, 6GB of DDR3 RAM, a 640GB hard-drive and DVD burner. All of the models have an HDMI port, a USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, WiFi b/g/n, stereo speakers and a copy of Windows 7.

Battery life on the 14-inchers is up to 8hrs, while the ID57H03h can also run at up to 8hrs. The AMD-based NV55S05u can go for up to 4hrs, and has a smaller battery as standard. All of the new ID and NV models are on sale now.

The Plus version of the MiniStation is inside an attractive looking lightweight and shockproof chassis. It will work with a Mac or a PC and offers data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps thanks to the speedy USB 3.0 port. The drive is also USB powered so it needs no external AC adapter. That is great news for mobile users and for desktop users that are tight on AC outlets.

The Ministation Plus will encrypt the data stored on it with 256-bit AES encryption and a password will unlock the data you store on the drive. Controlling the MiniStation Plus is done with included Buffalo Tools utility suite for Windows computers. The MiniStation Plus has a 1-year warranty and will ship this month. The 500GB version is $84.99 and a 1TB version is $119.99.

There’s also Dolby Home Theater v4 Audio, HDMI, USB 3.0 – which is persistently powered even when the notebook is shut down, so as to continue charging external devices – and an HD webcam running at 1280 x 1024 resolution. Connectivity includes WiFI b/g/n and gigabit ethernet as standard, with Bluetooth an option.

The Aspire TimelineX 3830T is 4.12lbs and 0.87 to 1.15 inches thin; the Aspire TimelineX 4830T and 5830T are 4.88lbs and 5.6lbs respectively. The latter two also have DVD burners and dedicated numeric keypads. Pricing for the range – which is available now – kicks off at $599.99.

Press Release:

Acer TimelineX Notebook PCs Deliver Big on Style, Mobile Performance, Long Battery Life

Award-winning line delivers new slim sophisticated design with more entertainment features including Dolby Home Theater v4 Audio

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 7, 2011 – Acer America today elevates its highly-touted Acer Aspire TimelineX series notebooks with a new sleek and stylish, thin and light design complemented by long battery life and the latest technology and new entertainment features, including Dolby Home Theater v4 Audio.

The Acer Aspire TimelineX Series is a best-in-breed notebook line that combines performance and portability in an incredibly beautiful and refined form factor. The notebook’s upscale look and feel centers around its uncluttered, elegant design. The notebooks have a clean layout with a large touchpad and chiclet keyboard to promote both enjoyment and productivity. Available in three sizes – the 13.3-inch 3830T, 14-inch 4830T and 15.6-inch 5830T – the designs measure about an inch thin and are very light-weight.

Powered by the latest second-generation Intel Core i5 and i3 processors with Turbo Boost technology, the Acer TimelineX notebooks deliver the performance that savvy consumers, students, small businesses and families have come to expect for running multiple websites, videos, email, games and more. In addition to providing superb performance, Acer PowerSmart Technology provides extra long battery uptime of up to nine hours on models with integrated graphics and up to eight hours for models with discrete graphics, as well as a long battery lifecycle of up to four years(1).

The new Aspire TimelineX notebook PCs are perfect for entertainment thanks to new High- Definition audio support with Dolby Home Theater v4 Audio that delivers crisp and clear sound through its two built-in 3DSonic Stereo speakers and when connected to a home theater system. The notebooks also have HDMI 1080p output, so customers can use a convenient single cable connection to deliver HD video and audio to an external source. In addition, the notebooks have a USB 3.0 port for fast transfers. Plus, the port can charge USB devices even when the notebook is turned off.

The new Acer Aspire TimelineX models feature an HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-backlit display with 16:9 HD True Cinematic View and excellent 1366×768 resolution for stunning clarity and viewing at any angle. Several models in the new lines come with integrated NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M and Nvidia 520M graphics with NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology to deliver crystal-clear images, brilliant color and lifelike video while maximizing battery life. Additional models feature Intel® HD Graphics to provide superb visual performance with sharp images and rich color.
“From its inception, the Acer Aspire TimelineX Series has hit the mark in style, mobility, performance and battery life for ultimate PC productivity,” said Eric Ackerson, senior product marketing manager, Acer America, “The new updated models build upon this proposition to provide even more value for our customers.”

The thin and light TimelineX Series is ideal for staying in touch on the go. The HD webcam has a high 1280×1024 resolution and is placed in the center of the notebook for convenient video-chatting and capturing photos and video. The built-in digital microphone supports the webcam to convey excellent voice quality, while minimizing background noise and echoes. All of the new models have 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi for connecting to wireless networks as well as Gigabit Ethernet LAN for a reliable wired connection. Also, many configurations include Bluetooth.

A Range of Sizes to Meet Customers’ Needs
The Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830T thin and light notebook has a 13.1-inch display, weighs only 4.12 pounds and measures only 0.87-1.15 inches thin.

The Acer Aspire TimelineX includes models for customers that want extra features along with portability, battery life and performance capabilities. Both the Acer TimelineX 4830T (14-inch screen, 4.88 pounds) and Acer Aspire Timeline X 5830T (15.6-inch screen, 5.6 pounds) come with integrated DVD drives and feature a dedicated numeric keypad for quick and easy number input.

Software, Pricing and Availability
The new Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830T, 4830T and 5830T models are ready to use right out of the box with Windows Home 7 as well as useful extras including Nook for PC, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Reader, WildTangent Demo Games, Skype, Norton Online Backup, and Microsoft Office 2010 (preloaded for online purchase).

The new Acer Aspire TimelineX notebooks also come with Acer clear.fi, a cross-platform solution for media enjoyment and sharing with DLNA-compliant devices, so customers can easily access, store and enjoy digital media from almost anywhere in an office, home or from the cloud.

The products are available at retailers now. The Acer TimelineX Series starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $599.99.

Limited Warranty
The new Acer Aspire TimelineX models come with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service. All Acer netbooks are backed by toll-free service and support.(2)

The specs are generally in line with a decent netbook, so you get a 320GB hard-drive, GMA 3150 graphics with a VGA output and WiFi b/g/n, along with Bluetooth 3.0. There’s a front-facing 1.3-megapixel webcam along with a USB 3.0 port for high-speed connectivity, a USB 2.0 port, gigabit ethernet and an audio socket, along with an SD card reader.

3.5G WWAN is an option, and the whole thing measures 270 x 173 x 14.94 mm. Gigabyte has added dedicated hotkeys for scrolling and handwriting recognition, along with an optical mouse with buttons built into the bezel for two-handed navigation. Battery life from the regular 4,000 mAh pack is expected to be around 4hs, with another 3hrs if you slap on the 100g extended battery.

Meanwhile there’s an optional docking station, which adds an optical drive, stereo speakers and a keyboard. No official word from Gigabyte at this stage on pricing, but we’re already seeing the S1080 pop up online to order for around $625.

Press Release:

GIGABYTE Launches an Exciting New Slate PC

Introducing the GIGABYTE S1080

GIGABYTE recommends Windows® 7.

Taipei, Taiwan – January 4, 2011. GIGABYTE, a longtime leader in computer technology and innovation, today announced an exciting new 10.1-inch slate PC, the S1080. The S1080 features a Windows® 7 operating system and is powered by an Intel® Atom™ N550 dual core processor.

“The S1080 is designed to be the ultimate mobile device to fit the demanding needs of consumers who need a high-performing multitasking slate that offers the full productivity of a PC,” said Stephen Lee, Sales Director at GIGABYTE Notebooks. “With the S1080, users now have constant access to all their business needs including email, internet and other important applications.”

Weighing under 0.90kg (1.98lb), the S1080 is both sleek and light, making it the premier choice in mobile computing. With a massive 320GB of built-in storage, users can add all their important applications and files without worrying about whether there is enough space. The large hard drive also makes it the perfect device to load custom business and enterprise applications. The S1080 also comes with USB 3.0, which provides incredibly fast transfer speeds making it very useful for a mobile device.

Featuring a striking 10.1” multi-touch backlight TFT-LCD 1024×600 display, the S1080 produces bright and clear images. With its stunning display, the slate can be used as a captivating tool during business meetings and presentations. The S1080 also comes equipped with a built-in VGA port, which allows users to hook up an external monitor or projector whenever a larger display is needed.

For onscreen navigation, the S1080 features the best of both worlds to maximize effectiveness. The 10.1” capacitive multi-touch display featuring the Windows 7 on-screen keyboard and handwriting recognition software makes navigating the display by fingertips both fun and a breeze. Or, for a more traditional PC approach, users can navigate the display using the navigator button and left and right mouse buttons to easily move the cursor around the screen to conveniently access applications and edit documents.

The S1080 is the perfect mobile device to stay connected while on the go. The slate comes with wireless 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0®, which makes it incredibly easy to access email and the internet whenever the slate is in range of wifi or a mobile hotspot. The built-in 1.3mp webcam is also an excellent feature to give users convenient mobile videoconferencing options.

It uses the USB 3.0 port and supporting tech to provide very fast performance, the read speed is up to 100MB/s and the write speed is up to 70MB/s in USB 3.0 ports. In the USB 2.0, port the drive is good for read and write speeds of about 30MB/s. The new flash drive comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities. The fast speed of the flash drive family means that the thing is not cheap.

The 16GB version sells for $77, the 32GB version is $116, and the 64GB version is $213. “Kingston is committed to help drive market adoption of the new USB 3.0 standard and make it more accessible to the mass market,” said Andrew Ewing, Flash memory business manager, Kingston. “The growing number of platforms and computers supporting the USB 3.0 standard as well as the benefits of the single chip controllers that allow better compatibility and performance are helping drive the adoption of USB 3.0 technology.”

“On the PC side, everybody seems to be content with the expansion of USB 3.0″ Lauwaert continued. “Do we need to go into more fancy solutions? Not convinced yet.” HP’s recently revealed consumer desktops offer USB 3.0 connectivity but no Thunderbolt option, leaving Apple the only company with the high-speed 10 gigabit-per-second port.

Although the comments have frustrated some would-be HP buyers, who see the company as reacting in a blinkered way to the new connector, the decision arguably makes sense for the firm. So far there are no Thunderbolt-enabled peripherals to plug into Apple’s 2011 MacBook Pro or iMac models, with the first hardware expected later this year.

That means HP would face including a port – making its PCs more expensive in the process – with little in the way of obvious benefit for consumers today. Apple’s refresh cycle is generally much slower than in the PC market: the new iMac is likely to be around for twelve months, whereas HP will most likely launch a new line of desktops in a few months time, giving it the opportunity to reconsider Thunderbolt then.

The VIA VL701 is the first fully-integrated 5V switching regulator allowing it to achieve the highest power efficiency possible while offering data transfer rates of up to ten times that of USB 2.0 solutions. The device allowed VIA to be the first company to achieve USB-IF Bus-Power certification using a traditional HDD rather than a SSD. The adapter allows the end-user to connect any SATA HDD, SSD, or optical drive to their computer via a USB 3.0 port and get power directly from the port.

The VL701 will mean that we have more devices that can be used with a USB 3.0 port soon. “The VL701 is an advanced, highly-integrated USB 3.0 to SATA Bridge that lets users experience the benefits of USB 3.0 using hard drives, optical drives, and even SSDs,” said David Hsu, Associate Vice President, VIA Labs, Inc. “The low power aspect is compelling for both end-users and manufacturers by enabling lower operating temperatures and longer battery life without sacrificing performance.” The VL701 is shipping now.

[via VIA]

The drive is very small at only 3cm long and it has a removable cap that is attached to it via a lanyard. The flash drive uses something called COB encasement technology that surrounds the components and helps keep them cool by helping to dissipate the heat generated in use. Heat is the enemy of anything high-tech, especially memory that looses performance as it heats up. The outside of the flash drive is glossy white for style.

The flash drive can be had in capacities of 4GB up to 32GB and it measures in at 3.15 x 14.8 x 7.3mm. The official weight is 3.6 grams and the drive will work with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. The data transfer when connected to a USB 3.0port is claimed to be up to 5Gbps. Pricing in the flash drive is unknown, but I wouldn’t expect these flash drives to be outside the realm of normal price on similar devices.

[via PQI]

The design of PQI’s Intelligent Drive U819V follows Apple’s aesthetic of sleek and simple with a slight curving trim. It comes in three different colors: a brushed aluminum model as well as a glossy piano white and black. There is an LED at the tip that flickers to indicate when data is being read.

Now if you’re thinking the cap on that thing is bound to be lost, then worry not. PQI has thought about that and implemented a cap retention design involving a soft rubber contraption that attaches to the end of the disk, but can also be used to hang the device as a cellphone ornament.

Although only half as fast as the recent Apple exclusive Thunderbolt connector, this USB 3.0 is still 10 times faster than good old USB 2.0. The Intelligent Drive comes in capacities ranging from 4GB to 32GB.

[via PQI]

This drive can be used for your typical data backups on your computer, and it supports direct connectivity with Toshiba Regza TVs to allow you to record programs right to the 3TB of storage inside. All you need to do for that Regza recording capability is plug in the USB cable. The case is designed to allow the user to place the HDD vertically or horizontally depending on how much room is available. The drive has a suite of computer software that uses can download called IO.APPs.

The 3TB version of the drive is expected to ship in the middle of May at 26,400 yen in Japan. The device is also offered in 2TB and 1TB capacity as well at 18,900 and 12,500 yen respectively. The drive will work with Mac and PC machines and is backwards compatible with USB 2.0. It ships with the USB cable needed and an AC adapter.

CNET reports that Intel has now announced that it will be supporting both USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt on the chipsets that it has in the pipe for next year. Intel’s Kirk Skaugen said at IDF in Beijing, “Intel is going to support USB 3.0 in the 2012 client platform. We’re going to support Thunderbolt capability. We believe they’re complementary.” As it stands today, the machines on the maker supporting USB 3.0 are all using a third party chip.

The Intel Ivy Bridge chipset that is set for 2012 will put USB 3.0 support directly on the Intel silicon. The move will mean that by 2012 when the ivy bridge chipsets land both major chipmakers will support USB 3.0 natively making the speedy ports commonplace.

[via CNET]

AMD has announced that it will build support for USB 3.0 into its upcoming A75 and A70M Fusion chipsets. AMD’s Phil Hughes told CNET in an email that the chipsets are shipping today. That should mean machines running the new chipsets will starting hitting the market before long bringing native USB 3.0. Intel will be the only major chipmaker that doesn’t support USB 3.0 natively.

One of the reasons that support for USB 3.0 isn’t more widespread today is that both AMD and Intel didn’t offer support for the standard in their silicon from the start. Once this support is integrated, the ports will become much more common. The USB 3.0 port is backwards compatible with all older USB protocols and with chipset support, we will see all USB ports on notebooks and desktops move to USB 3.0 speed. Intel still maintains that it will support USB 3.0 in the future and that the ThunderBolt tech it is pushing with Apple right now will complement USB 3.0, not replace it.

[via CNET]

The little external optical drive is blazing fast with 12x speed and connects to your rig via USB 3.0 making it one of the highest performing Blu-ray drives around. The burner uses OTS technology inside and comes with Magic Cinema technology.

That Magic Cinema tech allows the drive to play 3D Blu-ray movies and convert 2D to 3D content. The drive also has a cool design that is black and has diamond facets to it. The gadget has Dolby Digital EX and DTS-HD surround sound support and lots more. Pricing and availability are unknown at this time.

That, as Apple suggests, would allow for “one or more standardized connector components to speed connector design and manufacture of new electronic devices such as media players, thus reducing their time to market.” The “media player” reference is an obvious nod to the iPod line, though the iPhone and iPad both use the same connector; by shrinking it down, as well as boosting connectivity from mere USB 2.0, Apple could reduce sync times, make its iOS gadgets smaller, and potentially even support things like turning an iPad into an external display when plugged into a MacBook Pro’s DisplayPort/Thunderbolt connector.

There’d also be all the usual provision for controlling playback and similar with external controls, so that an in-car audio system could remotely navigate through the iPod’s tracks. Some of Apple’s plug designs include pivoting flaps to protect the contacts, along with retracting barbs to hold the plug in place.

[via Patently Apple]

In fact, it will go all the way up to 2048 x 1152 resolution, and demands just 400mA. Output is via a single HDMI port, and you can either mirror or extend your existing desktop. Up to four VGA2788 units can be used at any one time (assuming your computer’s CPU can keep up).

It’s backward compatible with USB 2.0, of course, though you’ll probably lose some pixels in the process. No word on pricing or availability at this stage.

[via Everything USB]

Storage on both models is up to 500GB of regular HDD, and there’s WiFi b/g/n and a choice of Bluetooth 2.1+EDR or 3.0+HS. RAM is up to 2GB on the ASUS Eee PC 1015B and up to 4GB on the 1215B. Connectivity, meanwhile, includes three USB 2.0 ports, a USB 3.0, 10/100 ethernet, VGA, HDMI, audio in/out and a multiformat memory card reader.

The 1015B display runs at 1024 x 600, while the 1215B steps that up to 1366 x 768. ASUS reckons the 10-incher will run for up to 8.5hrs (C30)/7.5hrs (C50) on the 6-cell battery, or 3.5hrs (C30)/3hrs (C50) on the 3-cell battery, while the 12-incher will run 8hrs on its standard 6-cell. No word on pricing or availability at this stage.

[via NotebookItalia]

The small yet sturdy looking hard drive is encased in ‘aircraft aluminum’ and has no need for an external power adapter since it will be powered via the USB connector. Plextor has also preloaded some software onto its speedy new hard drive making it ready to interface with different system setups. Users will be able to maximize read and write speeds with the Turbo HDD utility and can backup and restore their data with FNet PC Clone EX.

Plextor plans to release a 750 GB version as well, the PX-PH750U3 sometime in April. The 500 GB PX-PH500U3 will be on sale in Europe starting in March for £90 and the 750 GB version can be yours for £120.

[via GeekyGadgets]

The Duo comes in 2TB, 4TB, and 6TB capacity and is a dual-bay RAID enabled external storage solution that supports RAID 0 and RAID 1. The quad offering is a four-bay device with four drives that has RAID 0, RAID 5, and RAID 10 capability.

The Quad solution has 4TB and 8TB offerings available with a 12TB version coming later in the year. All versions of the DriveStation Duo are available right now with the Quad version coming in March. Pricing for the Duo offering ranges from about $250 to over $600 for the 6TB version.

That allows you to use the all-in-one as a standalone display, useful if you want some downtime with your PS3. There’s up to 1TB of HDD storage, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory and four USB ports – two each of USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 – along with WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0+HS.

The “edge access” offers a trigger to the Media Gallery if you tap the VAIO logo in the corner, while other areas allow for navigation and zooming of documents and webpages, switching between on-screen windows, pulling up the on-screen keyboard or opening the user guide. No word on pricing, but the Sony VAIO L Series will go on sale from the end of March 2011.

Press Release:

A touch of brilliance: new VAIO L Series by Sony

All-in-one multimedia PC with 24” Full HD touch screen and “Edge Access”,
Blu-Ray Disc and one-touch web

Slim, space-saving desktop PC with large multi-touch screen
Control functions easily with innovative touch sensor in screen bezel
24” (61cm) Full HD VAIO Display Plus with LED backlight
HD web camera powered by “Exmor” for clearer video chat
Blu-ray Disc (selected models) and S-Force Front Surround 3D for thrilling entertainment
Use as Full HD monitor to enjoy PlayStation®3 and other connected devices, even when PC is switched off
Surf the Internet in seconds with one-touch WEB access

Everyone in the family can enjoy a beautiful view of their favourite videos, photos, games and more with the stylish new VAIO L series multimedia PC from Sony.

The all-in-one VAIO L Series makes an elegant focal point for your home multimedia collection. Ideal for any living space, the slim, space-saving design features a glossy black finish, with the tilt-adjustable ‘floating’ display resting on a sleek V-shape stand.

The stunning design of new VAIO L Series is accented by a 24” (61cm) Full HD VAIO Display Plus screen with LED backlight. This super-size display brings all your movies, photos, music and games vividly to life with superb clarity and contrast.

It’s beautifully easy to interact with your media collection using the full-frame multi-touch screen. Open and scroll through files, zoom and rotate images with intuitive fingertip gestures… and no mouse or menus needed.

In an exciting innovation by Sony, the LCD screen of VAIO L Series is surrounded by a touch sensitive new “Edge Access” that gives friendly ‘no mouse’ access to key functions.

Touching the VAIO logo in the top corner of the bezel launches Media Gallery – the intuitive way to browse and enjoy your collection of photos, videos and music. Other touch-sensitive regions of the bezel let you navigate or zoom documents and web pages, flick between on-screen windows, launch an on-screen ‘virtual’ keyboard or view a handy operation guide. There’s also an illuminated Sony logo on the bezel that dims at a touch for comfortable viewing in darkened rooms.

With the latest generation of speedy Intel® Core™ i7 or i5 processors inside, VAIO L Series provides all the power you need to manage today’s media collections. Latest NVIDIA® graphics with DX11 support assure an even more satisfying HD video experience with the new generation of PC games designed for multi-core processors.

Depending on configuration, a Blu-ray Disc™ writer lets you create, edit and store HD content with up to 50GB of storage on a single Blu-ray Disc. And whether you’re playing games or watching HD movies, S-Force Front Surround 3D complements your HD entertainment experience with powerful, ultra-realistic audio.

The integrated HD web camera powered by “Exmor” delivers a crisp, clear High Definition image. It’s ideal for more realistic, satisfying web chats and video calls.

With a touch of the handily-placed WEB button you’re powered up and online in seconds. There’s also an ASSIST button that launches VAIO Care software, troubleshooting problems and keeping your VAIO in top condition.

An HDMI output connects VAIO L Series to any HD Ready television to watch video, photos, graphics and games on your TV screen. There’s also an HDMI input that turns VAIO into a Full HD monitor, even when the PC’s not booted up. You’ll enjoy a superb view of PLAYSTATION®3 games and other connected HD sources, with incredible detail and contrast.

Wireless data transfers are accelerated by Bluetooth® 3.0, while SuperSpeed USB 3.0 boosts file transfer speeds by up to ten times compared with USB 2.0.

The all-in-one 24” VAIO L Series family multimedia PC by Sony is available from the end of March 2011.

The adapter is called simply enough the eSATA to USB 3.0 Adapter and it sells for $29.95. The idea is that you can adapt the eSATA drive to USB 3.0 to enjoy the data transfer speeds up to 5Gb/s. I would imagine that the USB 3.0 port would become more common on many notebooks and desktops leaving your eSATA gear with no love.

The kit includes the adapter and the USB 3.0 cable. The device will also adapt the eSATA storage devices to USB 2.0 as well. That allows you to be able to access your data even if the machine you are on lacks eSATA and USB 3.0 ports. The adapter will work with eSATA HDDs and SSDs and needs no drivers.

The ten times faster data transfer rate of the USB 3.0 port will make streaming HD resolution video smoother and removes the USB 2.0 video streaming bottleneck that limited video resolution to 640 x 480. The USB 3.0 solution promises to use the higher bandwidth to eliminate skipping and delays in playback caused by low bandwidth USB 2.0 ports.

The USB 3.0 chip inside the projector is an ET12U320A from Evolution Technology Corporation. Key specifications on the projector like brightness and contrast ratio are not offered. Poor brightness is the biggest issue with any of the pico-projectors I have ever used. I hope that this USB 3.0 projector has some improvement in that area as well.