March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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VR-Zone.com | Stuff for the Geeks!VR-Zone | Stuff for the Geeks is a bi-weekly publicationcovering the latest gadgets and stuff for the geeks.

The Daily VR-Zone NewsSummary - 21 Mar 2011Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/the-daily-vr-zone-news-summary--21-

mar-2011/11668.html

March 21st, 2011

In today's news roundup: Digitimes discusses the impactlimited wafer availability will have on the DRAM market;Foxconn's A9DA-S motherboard gets reviewed; Motorola'sAndroid-powered tablet, the Xoom, gets reviewed; Gizmodoreviews the iPad 2; Microsoft's Kinect motion controller getshacked to run on the PlayStation 3, and The latest installmentof the Dissidia series, Dissidia 012 Duodecim: Final Fantasy ,gets compared against its predecessor

Hardware news

Foxconn A9DA-S Motherboard Review @ VortezDescription: To trade blows (and quite often better) a highend board like the Crosshair IV Extreme is something else. Ofcourse there are caveats in that updated chipset drivers couldhave a noteworthy effect on scores but in all honesty I couldn'tsee the boosts being so great that the A9DA-S would get leftbehind.

Digitimes Insight: Limited wafer availability good for DRAMindustryDescription: With major silicon wafer plants remaining closedfollowing the recent earthquake and tsunami that struckJapan, there is growing concern in the memory industrywhether chip companies are preparing for any possibledisruption to production.

Corsair Performance 3 Series 128GB SSD Review in RAID 0 @Legit ReviewsDescription: Corsair jumps feet first into the 6Gbps equippedSSD race with latest installment of their Performance seriesdrives. This time, they put a Marvell controller at the heartof their Performance 3 Series. With multiple manufacturers

using the Marvell controller and others using SandForce, howwill these drives measure up? Read on to see.

LG Super-Multi N2A2 2TB NAS ReviewDescription: when LG told us they had a new 2-bay NAS thatcosts less than $250 with a pair of 1TB hard drives included, wesat up and took notice. As we have repeatedly discovered whendealing with NAS products, there is much more to considerthan just storage capacity and price. These devices are highlydependent on the hardware and software that drives themand either can cause the product to fail. Realizing that, we'reextremely eager to find out what makes the LG N2A2 tick, let'stake a closer look...

Noctua NH-C14 CPU Cooler Review @Hi Tech LegionDescription: The Noctua NH-C14 may be the most versatile“convertible” CPU cooling solution around today. The NoctuaNH-C14 has the ability to go from ultra-low profile and silentto a dual 140mm fan enthusiast cooler with just a couple ofclips. Standing at only 105mm tall with a bottom mountedfan, the NH-C14 can fit into almost any case. Despite its smallheight, the NH-C14 still has six copper heatpipes runningthrough a 140mm square aluminum fin array, making theabsolute most of a small space. The included Low and Ultra-Low Noise Adapters throttle back the fan (or fans) to near deadsilence while still maintaining excellent cooling.

MSI 890FXA-GD65 Motherboard Review @Hi Tech LegionDescription: The MSI 890FXA-GD65 motherboard is a lowcost option for value-minded enthusiasts. The 890FXA-GD65 is part of MSI’s gaming series of motherboards,featuring Military Class II high quality components and highoverclockability. The MSI 890FXA-GD65 supports all thelatest AM3 processors and has two PCIE x16 slots for AMDCrossFireX. Despite being a budget 890FX board, the MSI890FXA-GD65 is rife with connectivity options, with eightUSB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports at the rear and support for upto six SATA 6Gb/s devices.

Deepcool Ice Blade Pro Review at Overclockers OnlineDescription: Deepcool has hit the intended mark again. TheIce Matrix Pro triumphs above its contenders with four heatpipes, 47 aluminum fins, and a single 120mm fan. The well-constructed base also contributes to the heat sinks exceptionalperformance. And who wouldn’t give an aesthetically pleasingCPU heat sink a second look?

Zalman CNPS5X-SZ Heatsink Review @ Frostytech.comDescription: Zalman's CNPS5X-SZ heatsink is an updated,vertical interpretation of a 2006-era heatsink Zalman releasedunder the CNPS8000 nomenclature. Like its forefather, the

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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CNPS5X-SZ fills the role of a lower profile, light weight coolerthat's ideally suited to sub-95W TDP processors. It's stackedaluminum fins are connected by three 6mm diameter copperheatpipes to a small aluminum base block with a thin bit ofcopper covering the otherwise exposed heatpipes.

Consumer Electronics and Software news

Introducing Nexus S 4G for SprintDescription: Recently, we introduced Nexus S from Google,the first phone to run Android 2.3, Gingerbread. In addition tothe UMTS-capable Nexus S, today we’re introducing Nexus S4G from Google, available for Sprint. Nexus S 4G is part of theNexus line of devices which provide a pure Google experienceand run the latest and greatest Android releases and Googlemobile apps.

T-Mobile USA Is Not Getting the iPhone (Yet)Description: A burning question among users followingAT&T’s $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA was: Will T-Mobile start offering the iPhone? The answer is no.

Thermaltake Black Gaming Mouse @ Benchmark ReviewsDescription: Thermaltake is best known for the variety ofcases they've released, aimed at budget-conscious buyersas well as high-end hardware enthusiasts. In contrast tothis, they have recently decided to expand their grip onthe market by releasing a new line of gaming peripherals,dubbed Thermaltake eSports. This lineup includes a handfulof gaming devices such as mice, keyboards and headsets.Thermaltake consistently pumps out quality cases, but arethey able to do the same with gaming peripherals? Within thisreview Benchmark Reviews takes a look at the ThermaltakeeSports Black laser gaming mouse (model MO-BLK002DT)and sees how this new competitor fares against the many well-established gaming peripherals manufacturers available.

Motorola Xoom Review @ TestFreaksDescription: The latest and greatest Android tablet is here,the Motorola Xoom that runs the newest version of Androidcalled Honeycomb. The Xoom is a 10.1 inch tablet that comeswith dual cameras and even a flash along with the ability tocapture 720p videos and play it back over HDMI. This tabletfeatures a dual core 1Ghz processor and 1 gig of ram and 32gigof memory. The Xoom is available right now on the Verizonwireless network for $600 on contract, and it’s well worth thecost.

Epson WorkForce 840 All-in-One Printer @ TestFreaksDescription: Today for review I’ve got the latest Epson printer,the WorkForce 840 that is an all-in-one style printer that doeseverything your home or small office might need it to do.The 840 is something for users that need a workhorse of aprinter like this. The 840 features dual paper trays so it canhandle a whopping 500 pages, and it has built-in double sidedprinting so you won’t waste paper on those less importantdocuments, like draft or like coloring pages for your kids. TheEpson WorkForce 840 is a worthy addition to the WorkForceline of printers, it certainly live up to the name.

Tt eSports Shock Gaming Headset Review on Technic3D(German)Description: (Machine translation) The Tt eSports ShockGaming Headset arrived Technic3D. -Thanks to its oversized40mm drivers and enclosed ear cups, ultra-crisp audio quality

with deep bass can be achieved at the same time and for almostevery types of game. In-line microphone control enables usersto easily mute or talk to teammates when needed-. We willcheck this and many more in the following Review.

iPad 2 ReviewDescription: Here's the simple truth about the iPad 2: Thereis nothing else like it. Maybe it won't make you feel the wayit makes me feel. Maybe it won't replace your laptop. Maybeit could be even thinner and lighter and faster. But there isnothing else like it.

Gaming news

GameSpy Reveals Six of the 3DS' Most Exciting UpcomingGamesDescription: With the 3DS nearly in gamers' sweaty, tremblinghands, Nintendo has graciously revealed some of what we'lleventually see on the system. Zelda, Star Fox, Animal Crossing,and -- yes, shock of shocks, a new Mario platformer -- are ontheir way. But beyond those obvious titles, what other gamescan we expect? Well, we here at the GameSpy Humor Divisionhave been working our (possibly imaginary) sources hard, andare ready to reveal, for the first time anywhere, six of the mostexciting games in development for Nintendo's new handheld.

DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] F ReviewDescription: When you first start playing Dissidia 012Duodecim: Final Fantasy (a mouthful, that title), you mightbe struck by how little progress has been made since thefirst Dissidia fighting/role-playing hybrid was released. If yougive it time, however, Duodecim reveals its unique strengths,building on the original in meaningful ways without sacrificingits cinematic energy.

Xbox Kinect Running on The Playstation 3Description: Microsoft's Xbox Kinect is hacked together toplay Killzone 3 in this early tech demo of the two rival consolesworking together.

Crysis 2 Launched: QuickPerformance PreviewSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/crysis-2-launched-quick-performance-

preview/11662.html

March 21st, 2011

The most anticipated game of the year has finally arrived!We do a quick performance runthrough and use the built-intimedemo facilities.

Quick Observations/Notes:

Still no DirectX 11 support

Day 1 Patch used

Uses 3-4 CPU threads hovering around 70% - doesn't scalewith CPU after 3ghz

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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Near 100% GPU usage - scales linearly with shader clocks/memory bandwidth.

FOV options can be changed in console/launch command line(default 55 degrees)

We will provide a more in depth review and include moresystem configurations during the next few days after the gamelaunch on the 22nd March 2011, and hopefully include DX11numbers when available.

Hmmm.... the way its meant to be green?!!

Graphical Settings are now renamed to High, Very High andExtreme.

Additional options like details and antialiasing can be specifiedat launch/in the drop-down console.

Samsung launches newcompact digital camerasSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/samsung-launches-new-compact-

digital-cameras/11666.html

March 21st, 2011

Today, Samsung Asia held a media event to announce theirnew digital cameras - ST700 dual LCD; WB210 and PL210with high zoom and wide angle technology; SH100 with Wi-Ficonnectivity; and the stylish ST6500.

The WB210 boasts a 12x optical super zoom lens set in a slim22.4mm body, to make capturing distant subjects in perfectdetail easier. The new camera also includes the option of a21mm wide angle setting, through its super wide shot mode,to get deeper shots at close range.

The WB210 also includes 14-megapixel sensor for crystal clearpictures, and a large 3.5-inch touch screen with Samsung’snew Smart Touch 3.0 UI to deliver unprecedented usability.The camera delivers HD quality movie recording, as well asFace Detection technology.

With Smart Filter 2.0, users can change their still images andmovies with new modes including ‘Soft Focus’ for smootherlooking images, ‘Half Tone Dot effect’, ‘Old Movie’ for a retrostyle shot and an ‘Enhanced Movie Filter’ to capture the uniquefeeling of a special day within your films. The WB210 will beavailable end of March. Pricing to be announced later.

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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The ST700 features a 1.8-inch front LCD screen, the largestever incorporated into a dual screen camera, giving moreopportunities to take great self-portraits. It also featuresan impressive 3-inch Touch Panel featuring Samsung’sinnovative Smart Touch 3.0 feature on the back of the camera,16.1-megapixel image sensor and a 26mm 5x optical zoom lensfor closing up to your subjects.

The Smart Filter 2.0, which includes ‘Soft Focus’, ‘Half ToneDot’ and ‘Cinema’, sit alongside more common features suchas ‘Fish-Eye’, ‘Miniature’ and ‘Sketch’ in the ST700, givingentertaining and professional finishes at the touch of a button.The ST700 will be available end of March. Pricing to beannounced later.

The ST6500 incorporates the latest angled design, with thecamera’s body curved around the lens and angled at 7-degreeto make for a more ergonomic fit in the hand. It comesequipped with a 16-megapixel sensor, to guarantee crisp andclear images, alongside the powerful 5x zoom lens. With a newSmart Touch 3.0 User Interface which works with a wide 3.0-inch multi-purpose LCD touch screen, users can quick accessthe various modes and settings easily.

The ST6500 can also capture boasts the latest 720p HDMovie settings with additional voice recording, along with highdefinition (HD) shooting and playback. It is available at allretail stores now, with a price tag of S$429.

The SH100 is a compact, Wi-Fi enabled camera with 14.2-megapixel and 26mm Wide Angle Lens with 5X optical zoom.

The Wi-Fi capability lets you upload your pictures instantly toyour social networking sites such as Facebook, Picasa or PhotoBucket, or to email them to individual email addresses straightfrom the camera, meaning the people you care about can enjoyyour experience from wherever they are.

You can also use your Samsung Galaxy S smartphone or evenGalaxy Tab tablet device as a remote control and viewingdevice for your camera. If you are shooting over a crowd ata concert, you can enable the Remote Viewfinder function,meaning that you can hold your camera high over your headwhile you can see a preview of the picture in real time on yourphone screen. The Samsung SH100 is available at Courts, at S$399.

Futuremark Unveils PCMark 7,Windows 7 Only BenchmarkSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/futuremark-unveils-pcmark-7-

windows-7-only-benchmark/11667.html

March 21st, 2011

Futuremark announced PCMark® 7 today, a new benchmarkoffering complete PC performance analysis for Windows 7.PCMark 7 includes 7 separate test suites combining morethan 20 individual workloads covering storage, computation,image and video manipulation, web browsing and gaming. TheStorage suite is ideal for testing SSDs and external hard drivesin addition to the system drive. Pricing is unannounced yet andis to be available soon according to Futuremark.

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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HELSINKI, FINLAND – MARCH 21, 2011 – Futuremark®,the developer of the world's most popular benchmarkingsoftware, announced PCMark® 7 today, a new benchmarkoffering complete PC performance analysis for Windows 7.PCMark 7 includes 7 separate test suites combining more than20 individual workloads covering storage, computation, imageand video manipulation, web browsing and gaming. A releasedate has not been announced though the official website statesthat PCMark 7 is coming soon. http://www.pcmark.com/

"Hardware innovations like solid state drives (SSDs), andnew form factors such as netbooks and tablets are greatlyincreasing the range of PC performance available to businessesand home users," said Jani Joki, Director of PC Productsand Services at Futuremark. "With so much choice available,PCMark 7 is an essential and easy to use tool to test andcompare PC performance accurately and reliably across a widerange of usage scenarios."

PCMark 7 provides a set of 7 suites for measuring differentaspects of PC performance with a high degree of accuracy.Overall system performance is measured by the PCMarkSuite. The Lightweight Suite measures the capabilities of entrylevel systems and mobility platforms unable to run the fullPCMark suite. Common use performance is measured by theEntertainment, Creativity and Productivity scenario suites.Component performance is measured by the Computation andStorage hardware suites. The Storage suite is ideal for testingSSDs and external hard drives in addition to the system drive.

Platforms

PC: Windows 7

DirectX 9 graphics card required for PCMark score

DirectX 10 graphics card required for some additional tests

DirectX 11 graphics card required for some additional tests

Benchmark Suites

PCMark 7 includes more than 20 individual workloadscombined into 7 separate suites to give different views ofsystem performance.

• The PCMark Suite measures overall system performanceand returns an official PCMark score.

• The Lightweight Suite measures the capabilities of entrylevel systems unable to run the full PCMark suite.

• The Entertainment Suite measures system performancein entertainment, media and gaming scenarios.

• The Creativity Suite measures performance in typicalcreativity scenarios involving images and video.

• The Productivity suite measures system performancescenarios using the Internet and office applications.

• The Computation Suite contains workloads that isolatethe computation performance of the system.

• The Storage Suite contains workloads that isolate theperformance of the PC’s storage system.

Price : Unannounced

KiWi PC aims to sell Linux-loaded PCs to senior citizensSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/kiwi-pc-aims-to-sell-linux-loaded-pcs-

to-senior-citizens/11665.html

March 21st, 2011

What is the most user-friendly operating system in use today:Windows 7 or Mac OS X? Well, it seems that KiWi PC's answerto that question will be a resounding 'none'. Apparently, theAmerican OEM which claims to specialize in selling seniorcitizen-friendly PCs believes that Ubuntu is the OS usersshould be looking for if one intends to get aged people startedon the digital life the younger generation takes for grantedtoday. To that end, it has even rolled out its own KiWi PC forsale that is aimed squarely at senior citizens.

When it comes to building a PC meant to be used by an ageingsenior citizen, it goes without saying that raw performance andpower is no longer the top priority. Instead, you'd want such aPC to be as user-friendly as possible, if only just to ensure thatyou do not receive phone calls late into the wee hours of theday from the user asking for help over simple issues such ashow to press the 'Any' key.

Needless to say, the OS used in such PCs play an extremelyimportant part in ensuring that senior citizens feel right athome with their PCs at all times. And while most people willswear by Windows 7 or Mac OS X as the ideal operating systemfor such users, an American OEM which specializes in makingPCs for aged users believes that there exists only one OS whichis suitable for senior citizen use. Enter the KiWi PC, a seniorcitizen-friendly nettop PC which runs of....Linux. Or morespecifically, a Linux distribution known as Ubuntu.

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According to KiWi PC, the Linux-based PC which is currentlybeing sold under the same name as the OEM which assembledit will be pre-loaded with a customized version of Ubuntu10.10. The website goes on to claim that the customizationsmade to the operating system include a certain Me Menuwhich provides easy access to often-visited websites andprograms straight from the desktop. KiWi PC also states thatthe Me Menu will be completely customizable, and that thefont size has been increased to make onscreen text morereadable for senior citizens.

On the hardware side, the KiWi PC does not feature impressivespecs, although this is understandable if one takes intoconsideration its nettop nature and the variety of tasks itsintended user base might use it for. Powering the nettop isIntel's Atom processor clocked at 1.66GHz and 2GB of DDR3memory, while the other essentials include a DVD-RW drive,a 250GB hard disk for storage purposes and onboard IntelGMA 3150 graphics. Internet connectivity is achieved via anEthernet connection which is handled by the motherboard'sonboard Realtek controller.

Last but definitely not least, the KiWi PC comes bundled witha 19-inch monitor for complete out-of-the-box functionality,and 24/7 tech support ensures that senior citizens do not haveto call up their children every few minutes just to learn how tonavigate a Linux desktop.

That being said, the user interface found on the customizedUbuntu 10.10 Linux distribution does not appear to beanything more than a slightly tweaked version of the Unitydesktop environment. Which, for those who are unfamiliarwith the Ubuntu distribution, is currently an an experimentaluser interface ported over from the netbook versions of theoperating system. While it is debatable as to just how muchuser-friendlier a PC can get by ditching Windows for a Linuxdistribution, users will be hard pressed to deny that they canrest easy at night knowing that they will not have to deal with

phone calls from parents asking for help in disinfecting theirPCs from various Windows-specific malware.

If that sounds like the kind of PC you'd want to set up for yourparents, perhaps you'd want to start saving. This is because theKiWi PC is not going to be the cheapest nettop in the marketwith its retail price of US$499.99.

LG's passive 3D televisionsets to be available for sale inKorea soonSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/lg-s-passive-3d-television-sets-to-be-

available-for-sale-in-korea-soon/11664.html

March 21st, 2011

Do you remember the news about LG announcing its new lineof passive 3D television sets way back during CES this year?Well, the good news is that the aforementioned television setsare no longer just display units; LG has just announced that thecompany plans to release the devices for sale in its domesticKorean market soon.

Do the current batch of 3D television sets making use of activeshutter 3D glasses give you a nasty case of giddiness? If so, LG'slatest announcement might be just the news you need to perkup your Monday, especially if you eventually plan to get a 3Dtelevision set someday. This is because the Korean electronicsgiant has just announced in an official press release that itsnew line of passive 3D television sets that were first introducedway back in this year's CES will be made available for sale inKorea soon.

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According to the press release, the new LW6500 smart TVsare touted as being the solution for "the next generation" of3D imaging as its use of passive 3D technology means thatusers do not have to splurge on expensive active-shutter 3Dglasses. In addition, LG claims that the aforementioned glassesare responsible for various discomforts viewers commonlyexperience when viewing 3D images, such as vertigo and eyefatigue.

Furthermore, LG claims that its new LW6500 3D TVs arecapable of achieving a 180-degree viewing angle, which makesit idea as a living room television.

The LW6500 line of 3D television sets will be made availablefor sale in Korea soon, although LG claims that early birds whopurchase these TVs before the end of April will be able to enjoy"special offers" in the form of a 3D Blu-ray player and variousfilm titles. For those who decide to pass up on the offer, theLW6500 will be available in three different display sizes: the55-inch version will cost 4.5 million won, while the smaller 47-inch and 42-inch versions will be sold at the retail price of 3million won and 2.3 million won respectively.

HTC clone surfaces in China,looks nothing like the originalSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/htc-clone-surfaces-in-china-looks-

nothing-like-the-original/11663.html

March 21st, 2011

Clones of popular consumer electronic devices are usuallyavailable at a dime a dozen, especially when China has gotanything to do about it. That being said, one common featureabout cloned devices is that they often bear an uncannysemblance to the original product in terms of design, right?Well, it seems that this is not always the case, considering howthis little device right here has little to no similarity to theactual device its design is allegedly based off on. Read on tofind out more.

We have been featuring Chinese clones of various well-knownconsumer electronic devices like notebooks, smartphones andtablet PCs for quite some time already, and in most cases theclone's biggest selling point is usually involves being able tomimic the original device's design and most of its functionalitywhile retailing for only a fraction of the former's asking price.After all, no one is going to buy a clone if it is does not looksimilar to the real deal, or is going to cost an arm and a leg,right?

Well, it seems that the latest clone to make its wayout of the factories of Shenzhen has completely doneaway with 'clones-are-supposed-to-look-like-the-real-deal'practice, opting instead to produce an imitation which bearslittle to no semblance to the original product. After all, onewill be quite hard pressed to find any similarities betweenthis device and a certain seven-inch HTC device which it issupposedly modelled after.

According to Chinese gadget website Shanzhaiben.com, thetablet shown in the image above does not have a name yet,although its hardware configuration appears to be somewhatdecent. Apparently, the tablet will feature a seven-inchresistive touchscreen that sports a native resolution of 800x 480 and will be preloaded with version 2.2 of the Androidoperating system. On the hardware side, a Marvell PX166processor based off the ARM11 processor family is usedto power the device and is clocked at 800MHz, and iscomplemented with 256MB of memory and 2GB NAND flashfor storage purposes.

The back of the tablet is kept simple with nothing more thana simple speaker grille, along with a decorative array of dotssituated at the lower right corner which make up the Androidmascot.

Shanzhaiben.com claims that the biggest selling point of theunnamed tablet stems from the fact that it features a built-in GPS module, a feature which is generally found only inhigher-end tablet devices. This allows consumers to use thedevice as though it were a GPS navigational system, a factwhich is further backed up by the assortment of car mountingaccessories available for the unnamed tablet.

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With that being said, chances are you will be just a little curiousas to how much this unnamed HTC clone will be retailingfor, right? Well, according to Shanzhaiben.com, the device iscurrently being sold to wholesalers at the low price of 825yuan, or approximately US$130.

New Apple iPhone ads look tomock indirectly at users whodo not own oneSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/new-apple-iphone-ads-look-to-mock-

indirectly-at-users-who-do-not-own-one/11661.html

March 21st, 2011

Apple has a new iPhone ad which shows that if you do not havean iPhone, you cannot do a lot of things. Somewhat indirectlymocking users who do not own the phone and missing out onthe wonders of what the iPhone can bring. Read on.

Apple has a new TV ad for their iPhone and it began tellingthe audience that if one does not have an iPhone, one cannotdo and enjoy a lot of things - access the App store, downloadthe apps, show your mobile boarding pass, pay for coffee etc.This is unlike its previous ads that focus more on the apps thatare available on the App store and what they can bring to theiPhone users.

And the new ad ends with "If you don't have an iPhone, well,you don't have an iPhone" which looks to be indirectly mockingusers. While the Android camp may not surpass the AppleApp Store in terms of the number of apps or downloads,however, it does have a huge number of apps of 170,000and growing. On top of that, there are Android versions ofthe various airlines that lets you access your flight bookingand even mobile boarding pass, and with more smartphonescoming up with built-in NFC technology, you can pay for yourthings with your smartphone.

Of course, like what the ad said, if you don't have an iPhone,you don't have an iPhone. But you do have other choicesavailable that can do the same.

NTT establishes free wirelessLAN networks in areasdamaged by the Great TohokuKanto EarthquakeSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/ntt-establishes-free-wireless-

lan-networks-in-areas-damaged-by-the-great-tohoku-kanto-

earthquake/11660.html

March 21st, 2011

Even as Japan struggles to recover from the disastrousearthquake and tsunami that has claimed the lives ofthousands of Japanese, digital information still needs to bedisseminated around the wrecked places in order to facilitateeveryday life. To that end, the NTT Group has announced theirlatest contribution to the country's disaster relief efforts: freewireless LAN networks in various areas for all to access.

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Even though natural disasters such as the recent quake thatlevelled much of North-Eastern Japan may have knocked outmuch of the region's digital infrastructure, it should be oflittle surprise that service providers and telecommunicationoperators are working to ensure that the dissemination ofdigital information suffers from as little impact as possible.After all, information about disaster recovery efforts anddevelopments are vital for survivors, and anything than canfacilitate such efforts will be important to ensure that thepopulace remains calm and do not panic.

Apparently, in a bid to ensure that areas affected by the recentearthquake and tsunami do not suffer from a communicationsblackout, the NTT Group has announced that it is settingup free wireless LAN spots in various locations around theaffected areas. To prevent people from abusing the freenetworks, each user will only be allowed to sign in onto thefree networks for a maximum of 30 minutes, after which he orshe will be disconnected from the network to ensure that otherusers can utilize the service.

The free networks will remain operational until June 30. Acomplete list of the areas which will be receiving the servicecan be found at NTT's press release here.

Rumour: iPad 3 to debut inSeptember this year?Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/rumour-ipad-3-to-debut-in-september-

this-year-/11659.html

March 21st, 2011

Sure, Apple's iPad 2 has just been released to widespreadfanfare across the world, but it seems that the Cupertino giantis not about to stand still, especially with the competition inthe tablet space is starting to heat up. Once again, leave it to therumour mill to churn out a never-ending stream of juicy tidbitsregarding Apple's upcoming products, and the latest bit of infofrom China seems to suggest than an iPad 3 might just makeits appearance on the market by September this year. Read onto find out more.

So Apple has just released their iPad 2, and it is getting anextremely warm reception in countries all over the world.That is to be expected though: after all, Apple does have animpressive track record for producing well-designed, drool-worthy consumer electronic devices that always have a knackfor fitting neatly into a user's digital lifestyle.

However, it is also a given that Apple does not believe instanding still and letting the competition catch up to it in termsof innovation and design, especially when it concerns theirbest selling devices. To that end, the rumour mill is churningout information claiming that the Cupertino giant is not aboutto give its competitors any breathing room, for some sourcesclose to Apple are claiming that an upgraded version of theiPad might be well on its way to making an entrance on themarket by as early as September this year.

Should this information be true, it will mean that Apple isgiving itself less than six months of development time todesign, test and finalize its new product. To put things inperspective, the iPad 2 was only launched an entire year afterthat of the first iPad; this suggests that Apple might havealready had new features and designs planned for the iPad3, but decided to release an iPad 2 as a stopgap to ensurethat consumer interest in its tablet PCs remain high. Thiswill make sense, considering that the rapid introduction ofequally well-design Android-powered tablets are starting totake some attention away from Apple's iPad; indeed, Microsoftalso adopted a similar approach with its Windows Mobileplatform when it introduced Windows Mobile 6.5 to maintainits market presence while it focused on Windows Phone 7.

In addition to the estimated release date of the iPad 3, therumour mill is also claiming knowledge of certain new featuresthat are most likely to make their way into the new tablet.Examples of such features include the introduction of iOS5, which is extremely possible considering how the iPad 3will debut after the iPhone 5's introduction, which is almostdefinitely going to come bundled with the aforementionedversion of Apple's iOS platform.

Other features that are speculated to make an appearancein the rumoured iPad 3 include a Retina Display in orderto truly position the tablet as the real media consumptiondevice Apple markets it to be, along with a built-in cameraflash and HDMI-out, most of which are standard features inall of its competitors' products today. Last but definitely notleast, it is said that the iPad 3 will finally feature a built-in SDcard reader, a feature which has been conveniently missing in

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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Apple's entire Mac (until recently) and existing iPad productlines.

Last but not least, all the information shown above are nothingbut the latest churnings produced by the rumour mill, sochances are their accuracy is anything but. Therefore, it willbe wise to take in the news with nothing less than a hugetruckload worth of salt.

Android Gingerbread updatecoming to LG Optimus OneSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/android-gingerbread-update-coming-

to-lg-optimus-one/11658.html

March 21st, 2011

Korean manufacturer LG has announced that the AndroidGingerbread update will be coming to the Optimus One,and it could arrive around May. Definitely good news forOptimus One owners over here who had bought the phonesince October last year.

For Android phone owners, the main concern is whether theirphone is able to get future update in order to have a better userexperience. And while phone manufacturers have promisedupdates to their various Android phones, some had failed todeliver their promises.

The latest Nexus S from Google and Samsung is equipped withthe new Android 2.3 Gingerbread mobile operating system.And apparently, from a recent FaceBook post, the OptimusOne (LG P500) may be getting the update this May.

The LG Optimus One is currently retailing at S$428 (withoutcontract).

Sony rumoured to launchChrome notebook and hybridPCSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/sony-rumoured-to-launch-chrome-

notebook-and-hybrid-pc/11657.html

March 21st, 2011

Details of what is said to be future VAIO notebooks fromSony have turned up online and if they turn out to be true,we have a couple of rather unusual and intriguing productsto look forward to from Sony later this year. ApparentlySony is not only working on a Chrome notebook powered byNvidia’s Tegra 2 SoC, but also some kind of hybrid notebook/desktop solution which is said to feature support for Intel’sThunderbolt interface.

Details of what is said to be future VAIO notebooks fromSony have turned up online and if they turn out to be true,we have a couple of rather unusual and intriguing productsto look forward to from Sony later this year. ApparentlySony is not only working on a Chrome notebook powered byNvidia’s Tegra 2 SoC, but also some kind of hybrid notebook/desktop solution which is said to feature support for Intel’sThunderbolt interface.

The Google Chrome OS model is interesting in more than oneway, as Google’s on Cr-48 notebook is using an Intel AtomCPU, whereas apparently Sony is going for an ARM basedTegra 2 SoC from Nvidia. We’re not sure how demandingGoogle’s Chrome OS is, but 1GB of RAM seems a bit on thestingy side, but might very well prove to be sufficient. Wedoubt that this will be upgradable, although this wouldn’t beimpossible, just improbable.

For storage Sony has gone with 16GB of eMMC memory whichis an embedded type of memory that doesn’t quite offer theperformance of an embedded SSD such as the one on offerfrom SanDisk, mainly due to the different interface used forthe Flash memory. Other features include an 11.6-inch display,Wi-Fi of some kind, a regular notebook size keyboard said to besimilar to that on Google’s Cr-48 notebook and finally it’s saidto feature both a GPS and Bluetooth functionality, but neitherwill apparently be working from day one. The notebook is said

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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to be weighing in at around 1kg, yet offer up to 8h worth ofbattery life.

As for the hybrid PC, well, here things get complicated. Thenotebook part is said to feature an Intel Core i7 CPU, an SSDand Intel’s Thunderbolt technology. This means that it’ll havea mini DisplayPort connector, although it’s also said to havean HDMI port and support for Intel’s second generation WiDitechnology. It’s meant to weigh a mere 1.13kg yet offer 8hbattery life, although this can be extended to 16.5h presumablyvia an optical battery solution of some kind.

However, this is said to be only half of the system, so if thatwasn’t impressive enough, Sony will be offering an add-onunit which presumably connects via Thunderbolt and is saidto feature a Radeon HD 6700M series graphics card with1GB of memory, a Blu-ray drive, a further HDMI port, a D-sub connector, Ethernet port, USB ports and presumably amini DisplayPort connector, although oddly enough this isn’tmentioned specifically. This units weighs in at 680g althoughpresumably it’ll be some kind of dock that you’d leave at homemost of the time, hence the duplicated ports.

It sure sounds like Sony will have some interesting toys cominglater this year, although we’d expect the hybrid PC to bequite expensive while the Chrome OS notebook might be thecheapest notebook yet from Sony.

Intel First 25nm SSD On March28th, Pricing UnveiledSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/intel-first-25nm-ssd-on-march-28th-

pricing-unveiled/11655.html

March 21st, 2011

Apparently, things are going so well over at Intel that they aregoing to launch their 25nm MLC based 320 Series (PostvilleRefresh), ahead of schedule, on the 28th of March. Intel 320series SSD is set to replace the current X25-V and X25-M seriesat the same price point targeting mainstream consumer, SMB,data center and embedded markets. VR-Zone first revealedabout the Intel 320 series earlier this month and now we aregoing to bring you the finalized specs and estimated retailpricing.

Apparently, things are going so well over at Intel that they aregoing to launch their 25nm MLC based 320 Series (PostvilleRefresh), ahead of schedule, on the 28th of March. Intel 320series Gen3 SSD is set to replace the current X25-V andX25-M series at the same price point targeting mainstreamconsumers, SMBs, data centres and embedded markets.

VR-Zone first revealed about the Intel 320 series earlier thismonth and now we are going to bring you the finalized specsand estimated retail pricing.

• Up to 39,500 IOPS random 4 KB reads; up to 23,000IOPS random 4 KB writes

• Full Disk Encryption via AES 128 bit EncryptionTechnology

• Enhanced power loss management

• 1.2M hours MTBF

• Intel® 25nm compute NAND

Available in 6 capacities; 40GB, 80GB, 120GB, 160GB, 300GBand 600GB, they are estimated to be priced at $109, $189,$239, $329, $569 and $1119 respectively.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 590listed in E-tailSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/nvidia-geforce-gtx-590-listed-in-e-

tail/11653.html

March 21st, 2011

Canadian e-tailer EXPC has jumped the gun and listed NVIDIA's upcoming flagship, GeForceGTX 590. The card in question is a GTX 590 and comes with a straight "Buy Now" buttonand complete specifications and price. As expected, the GTX 590 combines two of massiveGF110 GPUs on one package. All units are enabled and the GTX 590 is essentially GTX 580SLI with severe downclocks. The final clock is 612 MHz for the core, 3420 MHz for the 3GBGDDR5. The card features 3x DVI outputs, 1xHDMI and even 1xMiniDP - finally bringingNVIDIA's 3D Surround to a single graphics card.

Needless to say, the GTX 590 is one massive card, 11" long and4.5" thick. That makes it slightly shorter than the HD 6990, butslightly thicker, and right on the limit for dual-slot graphics

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card. While TDP is not mentioned, the GTX 590 is expected toconsume 375W.

The price? CA$799. That is more than $100 more expensivethan the HD 6990, setting up an intense fight between the two.Of course, the final pricing may vary.

The GTX 590 was originally scheduled for 22nd, but is nowset to release on 24th. The reason cited has been last minutedriver tweaks, especially for Crysis 2 which releases around thesame time.

You can view the EXPC listing here.

Cubitek Announces MagicCube Modular ChassisSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/cubitek-announces-magic-cube-

modular-chassis/11652.html

March 21st, 2011

Taipei-based Cubitek Co. Ltd has expanded its line-up of PCchassis aimed at enthusiasts with the addition of the modularMagic Cube series. Available in two models (Magic CubeB210 and Magic Cube B211), the aluminum chassis sports aanodized black coating, and boast a modular design i.e. madeup of three "boxes" - one for mainboard, expansion cards, &PSU, one for 5.25" optical drives, and a third one for 3.5" SSDs/HDDs.

Magic Cube B211

Taipei-based Cubitek Co. Ltd has expanded its line-up of PCchassis aimed at enthusiasts with the addition of the modularMagic Cube series. Available in two models (Magic CubeB210 and Magic Cube B211), the aluminum chassis sports aanodized black coating, and boast a modular design i.e. madeup of three "boxes" - one for mainboard, expansion cards, &PSU, one for 5.25" optical drives, and a third one for 3.5" SSDs/HDDs.

Magic Cube B210

The main "box", compatible with all Micro-ATX, ATX, and E-ATX motherboards, has seven expansion slots, two rear holesfor water-cooling tubes, and a top-side I/O panel with twoUSB 3.0 ports, eSATA and audio connectors. It comes withthree pre-installed fans (x1 rear 120mm, x1 front 140mm, & x1top 140mm fans) and supports both long graphic cards (up to310mm) and tall (up to 180mm) CPU coolers.

Main "Box"

Main "Box"

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Main "Box"

Main "Box" - Stripped Bare

The B210 comes with a "box" that holds three HDDs (cooledby x1 80mm fan), whilst the B211 has a "box" that houses eightHDDs (equipped with x2 140mm fans). Last but not least, the5.25" "box" has room for up to two 5.25" optical devices or 3.5"drives via a bundled adapter.

5.25" "Box"

5.25" "Box"

B210 3.5" "Box"

B210 3.5" "Box"

B210 3.5" "Box"

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B211 3.5" "Box"

B211 3.5" "Box"

B211 3.5" "Box"

The Magic Cube B210 and Magic Cube B211 are availablenow from www.caseking.de at MSRPs of €179.90 and€199.90respectively.

News via [Techconnect]

ASUS launches P6X58-E WSworkstation motherboardSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/asus-launches-p6x58-e-ws-

workstation-motherboard/11651.html

March 21st, 2011

Designed for professional users, the new ASUS P6X58-E WSworkstation motherboard is based on the tested-and-provenIntel X58 Express chipset. Notable features include dual IntelGigabit LAN, an NVIDIA NF200 bridge chip, USB 3.0 andASUS-exclusive Xtreme Phase 16+2 power delivery and EPUenergy saving optimizations. The new board ships with theASUS '24X24' pledge - 24-hour non-stop operation and 24-month guaranteed market availability.

Singapore (March 15, 2011) - Proving the Intel® X58architecture's enduring potential and value, the P6X58-EWS ships with multi-GPU support for both NVIDIA® SLI™and AMD CrossFireX™, SATA 6Gb/s and USB 3.0. It alsoincludes built-in server-class Intel® LAN, as well as ASUS-developed highlights such as Xtreme Phase power deliveryand EPU energy consumption optimization. The new boardships with the ASUS '24X24' pledge, meaning 24-hour non-stop operation and 24-month guaranteed market availabilityto reduce costs due to involuntary product replacement.

Flexible multi-GPU configuration

A dedicated expansion slot controller ensures increasedbandwidth availability for each connected graphics card,hence the P6X58-E WS supports up to 3-way NVIDIA® SLI™,with each of the triple PCI-E channels working at full X16speeds. For AMD CrossFireX™, the P6X58-E WS offers up toquad-GPU arrangements, with each PCI-E channel working inX16.

This graphics flexibility and capacity aims to serve theneeds of workstation users who require advanced graphicsprocessing capabilities for professional ventures, includingcomputer-aided design, graphics rendering, high definitionvideo editing, animation, engineering and modeling.

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SATA 6Gb/s and USB 3.0

The P6X58-E WS represents the first appearance of SATA6Gb/s and USB 3.0 data transfer standards on an Intel®X58-based workstation motherboard. USB 3.0 works up toten times faster than USB 2.0, offering significant timesavings when handling large amounts of data. SATA 6Gb/slikewise doubles the throughput of SATA 3Gb/s, expeditingtransfer rates and creating a more reliable and efficient workenvironment.

Dual server-class Intel® Gigabit LAN

Two hardware-accelerated Intel® Gigabit LAN ports doublethe connection bandwidth available to users, while at thesame time reducing CPU utilization. The implementation byASUS of server-grade Intel® LAN reduces CPU load in halfwhen compared with competing workstation motherboards bycarrying out net-related calculations off the main processor.As a consequence, connections become faster and more stable,featuring reduced packet loss and lower latency. Users alsobenefit from an overall faster system, as greater CPU resourcesremain free to tackle other tasks. These accelerated Gigabitports support dedicated server operating systems as wellas VMWare® virtualization for increased functionality andefficiency on streamlined hardware.

Exclusive ASUS Features

To better handle professional applications, the P6X58-E WSfeatures ASUS Xtreme Phase power delivery componentsfor more efficient, cleaner power, improved stability andincreased reliability. Users also benefit from the inclusion ofthe exclusive Energy Processing Unit, or EPU, a proprietaryASUS programmable microchip that supervises energyconsumption across the system to reduce power wastage. TheAI Suite II application center brings together a wide range ofutilities and ASUS tools, offering users greater control oversystem performance, capabilities and features, among themthe versatile TurboV overclocking interface.

Specifications

CPU 1 x Socket LGA1366

Intel® Core™ i7 desktopprocessorsIntel® Xeon 5500 / 5600 /3500 / 3600 series serverprocessors

Chipset Intel® X58 ExpressNVIDIA® NF200

Memory 6 x DIMM, max 24GB

DDR3 2000(OC) /1866(OC) / 1800(OC) / 1600(OC) / 1333 / 1066MHz,ECC / non-ECC unbufferedmemory

Power delivery Xtreme Phase 16+2Expansion slots 2 x PCI-E 2.0 x16 (@x16 or

x8)2 x PCI-E 2.0 x16 (@ x8)

1 x PCI-E 2.0 x16 (@ x16)

1 x PCI-E x1 (@ x1)Multi-GPU support NVIDIA® 3-Way GeForce

SLI™AMD® quad CrossFireX™

CUDA support Up to 4 NVIDIA® Tesla™GPUs

Gigabit LAN 2 x Intel® 82574LStorage 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s

6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/sUSB 2 x USB 3.0 (at back panel)

12 x USB 2.0 (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)

Audio Realtek ALC889, 8-channelHD

Firewire 2 x 1394a (1 port at mid-board, 1 port at back panel)

Back I/O 1 x PS/2 KB / Mouse, 1 xIEEE1394a, 2 x Intel LAN,1 x S/PDIF Out (optical andcoaxial), 8 x USB (2 for USB3.0 and 6 for USB 2.0), 1 x 8-channel audio

Form factor ATX, 12" x 9.6"

Source: ASUS Press Release

ASUS prepares new M5Amotherboards, BIOS updatesfor AMD AM3+ CPU supportSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/asus-prepares-new-m5a-

motherboards-bios-updates-for-amd-am3-cpu-support/11650.html

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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March 21st, 2011

ASUS has announced the release of the industry's first AM3+CPU enabled motherboard solution based on the existingAMD 8-Series chipsets. Current owners of an AM3-basedboard can make their AMD 8-Series motherboards compatiblewith the latest AM3+ CPUs with a simple BIOS update fromthe official ASUS website.

Singapore (March 16, 2011) - ASUS, the worldwide leader inmotherboard design and sales, today announced the releaseof the industry's first AM3+ CPU enabled motherboardsolution based on the existing AMD 8-Series chipsets. Currentowners of an AM3-based board can make their AMD 8-Seriesmotherboards compatible with the latest AM3+ CPUs with asimple BIOS update from the official ASUS website.

ASUS provides options for users to be the first to enjoy AM3+

AMD's new AM3+ CPU is a complete microarchitectureredesign from previous AMD CPUs, and offers betterperformance over the previous generation. As such, ASUSis committed to provide continuous support for the latesttechnologies, and is the first to market for a product solutionfor user's needs. Current ASUS 890FX and 890GX seriesmotherboards can be upgraded to enjoy the extra performanceoffered by future AM3+ CPUs. ASUS will also be releasingAMD 8-Series Chipset motherboards based on 880G and 870as well as the 760G with the AM3+ socket for increasedselection so users can enjoy AM3 and AM3+ CPUs.

Current AMD 8-Series chipset based motherboards featureaward-winning overclocking utilities, along with ASUS CoreUnlocker which was widely recognized by global media at its

debut while Turbo Unlocker offers real-time adjustments toenhance system performance. All utilities are designed to helpthe user achieve maximum performance from their systems.

BIOS upgradable models:

AMD 890FX / SB850 AMD 890GX / SB850Crosshair IV Extreme M4A89GTD PRO / USB3Crosshair IV Formula M4A89GTD PRO

M4A89TD PRO / USB3 M4A89TD PRO

Upcoming ASUS M5A models (AM3+ socket):

AMD 880G AMD 870 AMD 760M5A88-V EVO M5A87 M5A78LM5A88-M EVO M5A78L LE

M5A88-M M5A78L-M / USB3 M5A78L-M PLUS M5A78L-M LE M5A78L-M

Note: Current BIOS updates are beta releases. Please check theASUS support site for continual updates.

Source: ASUS Press Release

Why UPS systems are ratedin VAs and PSUs in Watts;Explaining Watts, VAr and VASource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/why-ups-systems-are-rated-in-vas-

and-psus-in-watts-explaining-watts-var-and-va/11473.html

March 21st, 2011

When shopping for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS),almost everyone would have noticed that they are eitherrated in VA's only or in both VA's and Watt's. This is not sowith the vast majority of household equipment, including thevery power supply unit (PSU) of the computer itself whichcomes rated in Watts only. As a result, this usually leads toconfusion as most people either lack the technical knowledgeto understand the difference between VA and Watt units or,even worse, do not even realize that there is a difference.

When shopping for a UPS, almost everyone would havenoticed that they are either rated in VA's only or in bothVA's and Watt's. This is not so with the vast majority ofhousehold equipment, including the very power supply of thecomputer itself which comes rated in Watts only. As a result,

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this usually leads to confusion as most people either lack thetechnical knowledge to understand the difference between VAand Watt units or, even worse, do not even realize that thereis a difference.

Of course, this is something natural because such knowledge isusually limited to electricians and electrical engineers, peoplewho are educated and work on the AC power grid. To makematters worse, not only VAs (Volt-Amperes) and Watts aredifferent but there is even a third "form of electrical power",Volt-Ampere reactive or VArs.

In this article, we will try and explain in terms comprehensiblefrom the majority of users, who possess only basic skills andlittle to no knowledge on the matter, the difference betweenthe three types of power.

Tt eSPORTS Unleashes MEKAMechanical KeyboardSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/tt-esports-unleashes-meka-

mechanical-keyboard/11649.html

March 21st, 2011

Tt eSPORTS has announced the MEKA Mechanical Keyboard,adding on to its line-up of peripherals aimed at gamers.Measuring 370 x 150 x 3.5mm, it has a smaller footprintcompared to the original MEKA G1 Mechanical keyboard andfeatures a 1000Hz polling rate, two USB 2.0 ports, CherryBlack mechanical switches (50 million keystrokes beforefailure), anti-ghosting function (up to 16 keys), and a 1.8mbraided cable with gold plated USB connector. Prices andavailability is unknown so stay tuned for more news.

TTESPORTS PRESS RELEASE

Tt eSPORTS are very excited at being able to announce theimminent release of our new and exciting MEKA MechanicalKeyboard, which was on display last week at Cebit 2011 inHannover, Germany.

The MEKA keyboard is the first USB Mechanical Keyboardthat is offering Anti-Ghosting without the use of a PS2 adapter.This gaming keyboard has been designed and manufacturedusing the popular Cherry Black Switch, which allow for up to50 Million Keystrokes and by using this product an increase inAPM (Actions Per Minute) is a high possibility.

Tt eSPORTS spoke to gamers around the world about whatthey wanted to see from the MEKA and as a result added twoadditional USB ports to allow plugging additional devices into the keyboard. The MEKA has been designed to allow forthe 1.8m braided cable to be positioned based on the usersrequirement, whether left, right or centre of the keyboard.

The MEKA is a smaller design compared to the original MEKAG1 Mechanical keyboard but as Tt eSPORTS grows, it shallcontinue to develop a complete range of gaming peripheralsto meet different gamers requirements. Tt eSPORTS aimto continue releasing a range of gaming products to allowall gamers to find their right equipment, whether a social,hardcore or professional gamer.

New MEKA Keyboard Joins The Tt eSPORTS MechanicalProduct Rangehttp//www.ttesports.comproductsproduct.aspxs=19

For more information, please visit http//www.ttesports.comindex.aspx

Genius Announces Traveler6000 MiceSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/genius-announces-traveler-6000-

mice/11648.html

March 21st, 2011

Genius has started shipping its Traveler 6000 series ofwireless mice in both America and Canada. Available intwo variants (Traveler 6000 & Traveler 6000 Classic), theseambidextrous mice boast a 1200 dpi optical sensor, a 2.4 GHzwirelss interface (via bundled pico receivers), three buttons(with scroll), and are powered by one AAA battery.

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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Genius has started shipping its Traveler 6000 series ofwireless mice in both America and Canada. Available intwo variants (Traveler 6000 & Traveler 6000 Classic), theseambidextrous mice boast a 1200 dpi optical sensor, 2.4 GHzwirelss interface (via bundled pico receivers), three buttons(with scroll), and are powered by one AAA battery. TheTraveler 6000 is available in Diamond Black, Royal Blue orRuby Rose patterns whilst the Traveler 6000 Classic has a'elegant top cover design'. They can be purchased from majorresellers and e-tailers at a MSRP of US$14.90 and US$16.90.

News via [Techconnect]

Rumour: AMD preparingPhenom II X4 980 BESource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/rumour-amd-preparing-phenom-ii-

x4-980-be/11647.html

March 21st, 2011

Just as we thought the Phenom II X4 975 BE was the lasthurrah for the Phenom II X4 series, AMD is rumoured to bepreparing yet another top Phenom II X4 part - the 980 BE. Assuggested by the nomenclature, the 980 BE is another minorspeed bump, to 3.7 GHz. It retains the same 125W TDP and isexpected to release sometime between April to August.

With all the anticipation focussed towards AMD's next-genFX and A series processors, releasing in June/July, it iscommendable that AMD has been eking out these minor speedbumps at regular frequencies. The close proximity to the next-gen releases also suggest the 980 BE will release closer to Aprilthan to August. Pricing is an unknown, but is likely to end upunder $200.

Surely, the 980 BE will be the final Phenom II X4 product.However, given AMD's track record, we are not entirely readto dismiss a future 985 BE!

Toshiba's Satellite L750 SandyBridge notebook leakedSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/toshiba-s-satellite-l750-sandy-bridge-

notebook-leaked/11646.html

March 21st, 2011

Notebooks with Intel's second generation of Core i processorsare slowly starting to trickle out to retailers and today we foundan unannounced model from Toshiba on sale online. Themodel is the Satellite L750 which appears to be a replacementmodel for the current Satellite L650. It's a consumer modelthat should end up somewhere in the middle of Toshiba'snotebook range.

Notebooks with Intel's second generation of Core i processorsare slowly starting to trickle out to retailers and today we foundan unannounced model from Toshiba on sale online. Themodel is the Satellite L750 which appears to be a replacementmodel for the current Satellite L650. It's a consumer modelthat should end up somewhere in the middle of Toshiba'snotebook range.

The L750 is a 15.6-incher with a standard 1366x768 resolutionscreen which is driven by a GeForce GT525M which is pairedwith 1GB of DDR3 memory, although we couldn't find anydetails of Optimus support, but it might be supported. It hasa Core i5-2410M CPU which has a base clock of 2.3GHz;although we're sure other CPU models will also be available.It only comes with 2GB of RAM as standard, but again thismight differ between the various markets it's sold in. The harddrive configuration on the models we found on sale includeda 640GB 5,400rpm drive, but again we'd expect other optionshere. You do of course also get an optical drive.

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Other features include 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 + HS,an HDMI port, two USB 2.0 ports, a USB 3.0 port, a GigabitEthernet port, a D-sub connector, a memory card reader and apair of audio jacks. The webcam is a standard VGA resolutionaffair and Toshiba is using its own keyboard type which shouldfall in the “floating island” category. The touch pad is offsetto one side thanks to the inclusion of a numerical keypad andlooks quite small considering the size of the notebook.

The standard battery pack is a 6-cell unit, but sadly it's onlygood for about 4.5h of usage and that's with the discretegraphics switched off and the battery life will fall to about 2hwhen it's enabled while on battery power. The L750 weighs inat 2.6kg, it will be available in at least brown and white andWindows 7 Home Premium is the operating system of choice.The retail price is NT$32,800 in Taiwan which is about S$1409/US$1107 which seems a little bit on the expensive side,but it's worth keeping in mind that consumer electronics andcomputers, especially by Japanese brands, aren't all that cheapin Taiwan.

The Daily VR-Zone NewsUpdate - 18 Mar 2011Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/the-daily-vr-zone-news-update--18-

mar-2011/11645.html

March 21st, 2011

To round up this week's news: Review of the KingstonHyperX PC3-2133 CL9 memory modules; Foxconn NT-535

has a volume of just 0.6 of a litre, but it can handle HDstreaming and playback; Dell has introduced the Inspiron RSeries Of Notebooks ; The world's first LTE phone, the HTCThunderbolt, is now officially available from Verizon; HP isbetting on the Cloud and WebOS , and Angry Birds developerRovio aiming for IPO.

Hardware news:

Description: Now equipped with the next-generation heatsink, HyperX T1 memory kit is Kingston’s latest offering forthe most exquisite overclocking memory product one couldask for. Featuring an all new heat sink construction, theHyperX T1 is capable of challenging the limits to deliver a newoverclocking experience like never before.

Description: The Xigmatek Aegir SD 128264 features the latestin stacked Heatpipe Direct Touch design, taking layering andheatpipe mass to a new level in cooling. Breaking down themodel number of the Xigmatek Aegir SD 128264, we know thatit features a 120mm fan, 2 8mm pipes and 4 6mm pipes, whichis quite an impressive array.

Description: The Kühler H2O 620 from Antec is another all-in-one water cooler which does not need any maintenance duringits lifetime, and it is recommended for people who want a veryeasy installation, without the hassle of building a completewater cooling loop from scratch.

Description: Rosewill recently released Thor case is an XL-ATX tower able to support the extra large motherboards likethe EVGA X58 Classified 4-way SLI, Gigabyte 890FXA-UD7and others. This XL-ATX case enters a rank in terms of sizethat few other cases venture to, so let's see if it can hold up tothe competition and rise above the rest.

Description: With a volume of only 0.6 of a litre, the FoxconnNT-535 is a significant step forward from its predecessor withan upgrade to DDR3 memory and the inclusion of two specificchips to enable true Blu-ray standard of HD streaming andplayback.

Consumer Electronics and Software news::

Description: Dell has introduced the Inspiron R series, whichfeatures Intel's new and improved Sandy Bridge series ofprocessors. These new rigs are designed for style-focusedconsumers, with loads of color options and an interchangeablelid option standing out.

Description: Bored bloggers at a German website tried typingthe expected address of Amazon's forthcoming app store, andwere rewarded with a glimpse of the initial stock and pricing.

Description: The Mozilla wiki page lists March 22 as the shipdate; when asked if that was accurate, a Mozilla spokeswomansaid the company was "trying to make that decision today."

Description: The Razer Ferox portable speakers boast bigsound for a pair of speakers that are barely bigger than astandard computer mouse, and they are outstanding audio-enhancing companions for virtually any portable mediaplayers (iPods, iPhones, Droid phones, etc) and gaminglaptops.

Description: It’s becoming increasingly clear that with lastyear’s purchase of smartphone maker Palm and its WebOS, HPis going to develop its own cloud offering.

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Gaming news:

Description: The company that turned a game based aroundmisshapen birds into mobile app gold is planning on makingan initial public offering in New York, according to Finnishmagazine Talouselämä. Rovio recently wrapped up a round offunding where it secured $42 million in investments, all butguaranteeing that the company would make an IPO in the nearfuture.

Description: Though it's a bit pricey, the Nintendo 3DSsuccessfully offers a glasses-less 3D experience that needs tobe seen to be believed. A weaker-than-usual launch lineup andsome inactivated online features dampen its launch, but thefuture certainly looks bright.

Description: The premise behind it is that Grandma hasescaped from the nursing home as she can’t stand being thereanymore. Granny hops on her scooter and away she goes. Thegame is fast paced, and a lot of fun and certainly worth the lowprice.

LEPA Debuts N-Series and W-Series PSUsSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/lepa-debuts-n-series-and-w-series-

psus/11644.html

March 21st, 2011

LEPA, subsidiary of Ecomaster, is preparing to releaseits N-Series and W-Series non-modular PSUs, targetingmainstream users and gamers. The N-Series, comprising400W, 500W and 600W variants, feature active PFC, one 12Vrail, 120mm PWM fans for cooling, and various protectionscircuits (Over Power, Over Voltage, Over Current, Short-Circuit, and Brown Out).

LEPA, subsidiary of Ecomaster, is preparing to releaseits N-Series and W-Series non-modular PSUs, targetingmainstream users and gamers. The N-Series, comprising400W, 500W and 600W variants, feature active PFC, one 12Vrail, 120mm PWM fans for cooling, and various protectionscircuits (Over Power, Over Voltage, Over Current, Short-Circuit, and Brown Out).

The W-Series consists 80 Plus certified 450W, 500W and600W models, boast active PFC, one 12V rail, two 8-pin PCIepower connectors, and 120mm fans for cooling. The N-Series/W-Series PSUs start at €34.90/ €59.90.News via [Techpowerup]

Silverstone Preps GrandiaGD06 HTPC CaseSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/silverstone-preps-grandia-gd06-htpc-

case/11643.html

March 21st, 2011

Taipei based SilverStone Technology, well-known for its highperformance PC cases, is preparing its Grandia GD06 HTPCCase for release.

Taipei based SilverStone Technology, well-known for its highperformance PC cases, is preparing its Grandia GD06 HTPCCase for release.

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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Measuring 440 x 150 x 340mm and weighing 5.6kg, thealuminum case has one external 5.25" bay, four 3.5" drive bays,one 2.5" bay, a front aluminum door, five expansion slots,support for 11" long video cards, and a front side I/o panel withtwo USB 3.0 ports and audio connectors. The GD06, cooled bythree 120mm fans operating at 1,200 RPM, supports all micro-ATX, mini-DTX and mini-ITX motherboards and is expectedto hit store shelves come Friday (March 18) at a MSRP of€120.30.

News via [Techconnect]

iGo Launches Arctic NotebookCoolerSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/igo-launches-arctic-notebook-

cooler/11642.html

March 21st, 2011

Measuring 324.6 x 279.4 x 35.6mm and weighing 635g, thecooler supports laptops up to 17" and features a "mobile" fanfor cooling. It is available through authorised resellers and e-tailers at a MSRP of US$30 now.

News via [Techconnect]

Sharkoon AnnouncesQuickStore Portable Pro HDD/SSD EnclosuresSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/sharkoon-announces-quickstore-

portable-pro-hdd-ssd-enclosures/11633.html

March 21st, 2011

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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Sharkoon Technologies has expanded its line-up of externalenclosures for HDD/ SSD with the addition of the QuickStorePortable Pro, supporting 9.5mm/ 12.5mm thick HDDs/SSDs.Measuring 134 x 82 x 18.5mm and weighing 80g, thesetool-free enclosures are available in black or silver colorswith either USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 connectors. The SharkoonQuickStore Portable Pro can be purchased from authorisedretailers and e-tailers at a MSRP €9.99 (USB 2.0) and €16.99(USB 3.0).

SHARKOON PRESS RELEASE

Sharkoon is expanding its line of external hard drive casesand presents the Pro version of its QuickStore Portable. Bothmodels offer an elegant housing for 2.5 inch SATA hard drivesand SSDs. The Pro version now allows more flexibility in theassembly height: Hard drives in both heights of 9.5mm and12.5mm can be inserted.

With help from the accompanying compensation plate, theinternal height of the case is adjustable so that both harddrive formats sit securely and vibration free. Assembly isfast and completely tool free with a few simple steps: Thehousing frame easily unlocks and slides open. With the optionof either a black or silver brushed metal cover, the SharkoonQuickStore Portable Pro is also visually impressive. A blueLED illuminates during operation and data transfer. ThroughWindows a practical Backup function is available, which canbe easily installed using the included software.

Sharkoon External Case for 9.5 and 12.5mm HDDs

Besides the color version, users can also select the externalinterface: Sharkoon offers the QuickStore Portable Pro with

either USB2.0 or USB3.0 interfaces. The connector plug of theUSB2.0 model folds out from the case frame. The QuickStorePortable Pro measures 134 x 82 x 18.5 mm (L x W x H) andweighs 80 grams. Shipping includes brief instructions plusa Tool CD with Backup software, detailed PDF instructionmanual and depending on the model a USB2.0 Y-cable or aUSB3.0 cable.

Product video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWR1l9esUzA

End customers will find the Sharkoon QuickStore Portable Proavailable from authorized retailers.

Price:

Sharkoon QuickStore Portable Pro / Black or Silver: MSRP9.99 eurosSharkoon QuickStore Portable Pro USB3.0 / Black or Silver:MSRP 16,99 euros

For further questions, to request samples and/or photos,or other information please contact us or go to http://www.sharkoon.com

GeForce GTX 590 LaunchDelayed To March 24thSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/geforce-gtx-590-launch-delayed-to-

march-24th/11640.html

March 21st, 2011

VR-Zone learned that the launch of the GeForce GTX 590is being pushed back 2 days to March 24th. It is supposed tolaunch together with Crysis 2, a "The Way Is Meant To BePlayed" game which is still on target for March 22nd release.One possible reason is that NVIDIA is trying to get a SLI profileworking for Crysis 2. Also, we have yet to hear a DX11 supportfor Crysis 2 either so it won't do justice to GeForce GTX 590 ifthat option isn't available at all. Press driver is now at version267.71 and this card overclocks really well at this moment.

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VR-Zone learned that the launch of the GeForce GTX 590 isbeing pushed back 2 days to March 24th. It is supposed tolaunch together with Crysis 2, a "The Way Is Meant To BePlayed" game which is still on target for March 22nd release.One possible reason is that NVIDIA is trying to get a SLI profileworking for Crysis 2. Also, we have yet to hear a DX11 supportfor Crysis 2 either so it won't do justice to GeForce GTX 590 ifthat option isn't available at all. Press driver is now at version267.71 and this card overclocks really well at this moment.

Creative ZiiO 7 gets Android2.2 Froyo updateSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/creative-ziio-7-gets-android-2.2-froyo-

update/11639.html

March 21st, 2011

For those of you who own the Ziio 7 Android tablet, orhave bought one at the recent IT Show, you will be pleasedto know that Creative has announced the Android 2.2 Froyoupdate for the tablet. For free.

Creative Technology has upgraded its Creative ZiiO 7 Android-based tablets to Android 2.2. Current Creative ZiiO 7 ownerswill be able to enjoy a free upgrade via support.creative.comor the ZiiO Space portal found on their tablets, beginning 25March 2011.

In addition, the Creative ZiiO 7 with Android 2.2 will beginshipping on 18 March 2011, while the Creative ZiiO 10 isexpected to ship with Android 2.2 by April 2011.

Users of the Creative ZiiO tablets with Android 2.2 can lookforward to enjoying these enhancements:

- Flexibility to install apps using either on-board memory orexternal storage media- Flexibility of viewing pages in both desktop and mobileformats – which means that pages can now be seen in theiroriginal lay-out without truncation

- Improved security with the addition of numeric pin or alpha-numeric password options to unlock device

- Greater localised language support added

- Text-to-Speech Engine

HTC Shooter with Android 2.3Gingerbread and qHD screenleakedSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/htc-shooter-with-android-2.3-

gingerbread-and-qhd-screen-leaked/11637.html

March 21st, 2011

First, it was the HTC 10-inch Android 3.0 tablet, then the threesmartphones - HTC Ignite, HTC Prime and HTC PyramidZ710e. And now, it looks like the company has another HTCleak this week. This time, it is a smartphone known as HTCShooter.

Yet another leak from Taiwanese manufacturer, HTC.The third one this week, and it is about the HTCShooter smartphone. From the above screenshot of thedevice information, the HTC Shooter (model: PG86100)is preinstalled with Android 2.3.2 Gingerbread, features a1.2GHz dual core Qualcomm MSM8660 processor + Adreno220 GPU, and a 960x540 qHD display resolution. It seems likethe HTC Shooter will be carried by Sprint in the US.

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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Pentax launches Optio RS1500digital camera, targetsfashionistasSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/pentax-launches-optio-rs1500-digital-

camera-targets-fashionistas/11636.html

March 21st, 2011

Pentax has launched their new Optio RS1500 digital cameradesigned with good quality specifications, features and fun.It also comes with 10 interchageable skins for users to easilycustomize the looks of their image capturing device.

Pentax looks to be going after the fashionistas withtheir newly launched Optio RS1500 digital camera. In thespecifications department, it features a 14-megapixel sensor,4X optical zoom lens (27.5mm to 110mm) and a 3-inchLCD screen. Althought the camera comes in the originalsilver or pearl white finish, the manufacturer has included 10interchangeable skins for users to customize their RS1500.

Users can choose to upload the skins they have designed tothe gallery for others to enjoy and print. On top of that, userscan also download the Pentax Personal Skin Designer from thePentax website and the Adobe Air-based software allows usersto create their own designs and save them as PDFs.

Samsung introduced Nexus Sin SingaporeSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/samsung-introduced-nexus-s-in-

singapore/11634.html

March 21st, 2011

The wait is over: the successor to the Google Nexus One is nowavailable in Singapore. Powered by Android 2.3, the SamsungNexus S (or also known as Google Nexus S) features a 4-inch

SUPER CLEAR LCD display, 5-megapixel rear camera and16GB memory.

Today, Samsung announced the Nexus S which claims tobe the world’s first smartphone to feature the latest versionof Google’s Android platform. Powered by Android 2.3Gingerbread, the Nexus S offers users a seamless experiencein navigating through functions, applications and the web.

The Nexus S features a 4-inch SUPER CLEAR LCD screenthat delivers a brighter viewing experience for enjoyinggames, videos and browsing the web. The Contour Displayalso features a curved design for a more ergonomic feelfor greater user comfort. Powered by a 1GHz Samsungapplication processor, Nexus S produces rich 3D graphics,faster upload and download times and supports HD-likemultimedia content.

Nexus S is equipped with a 5-megapixel rear facing camera andcamcorder, as well as a VGA front facing camera. In addition,Nexus S features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluidgaming experience when the user is tilting the device up ordown or panning the phone to the left or right. The phone alsocomes with 16GB of internal memory.

The Nexus S also includes popular Android features such asportable Wi-Fi hotspot, true multitasking, access to Googlemobile services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps,Voice Actions, Google Voice and YouTube, and access to over100,000 apps and widgets on Android Market.

The Nexus S is available from all mobile phone retailers atthe recommended retail price of S$828, without contract andinclusive of GST.

The different types of UPSsystemsSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/the-different-types-of-ups-

systems/11589.html

March 21st, 2011

Technology enthusiasts and experts know that the presenceof an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) can be vital to thelongevity of their technology equipment, especially when they

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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are powered by unstable and / or badly maintained powergrids; however most people are unaware of the advantages thatowning a UPS can have. But the real frustration starts whensomeone begins a research on which product to buy becausemost people cannot understand the differences betweenthe several different UPS types available, especially whenexcessive marketing hype is involved. Thus, it is very commonfor most users, even technology adepts, to be confused over thedifferent UPS systems or even be unaware of their existenceat all. The largest percentage of users who understand what aUPS does believe that there are only two type of UPS systems,the "on-line" and the "off-line" UPS, and / or believe that UPSproducts are designed only to protect computers; that is simplynot true as there are at least seven different types of UPSsystems and a few of them are able to power entire buildingsor industrial facilities.

Technology enthusiasts and experts know that the presenceof a UPS can be vital to the longevity of their technologyequipment, especially when they are powered by unstableand/or badly maintained power grids; however most peopleare unaware of the advantages that owning a UPS canhave. But the real frustration starts when someone begins aresearch on which product to buy because most people cannotunderstand the differences between the several different UPStypes available, especially when excessive marketing hypeis involved. Thus, it is very common for most users, eventechnology adepts, to be confused over the different UPSsystems or even be unaware of their existence at all.

The largest percentage of users who understand what a UPSdoes believe that there are only two type of UPS systems, the"on-line" and the "off-line" UPS, and / or believe that UPSproducts are designed only to protect computers; that is simplynot true as there are at least seven different types of UPSsystems and a few of them are able to power entire buildingsor industrial facilities.

What is a UPS?

UPS stands for "Uninterruptible Power Supply", which isan electrical system designed to monitor and, if necessary,regulate the main (grid) power source of a load and provideemergency power to the load whenever the main power sourcefails, without any interruption to the load's power feed and/or effect on the load's operation and/or performance. UPSsystems are commonly used wherever power generators areineffective. A power generator needs some time to start,ranging from some seconds to several minutes, depending onthe generator's size; a UPS will provide power to the loadalmost instantaneously, allowing it to continue its normaloperation without any interruption.

For business / industrial applications, UPS systems andgenerators are being used side by side because the runtimeof UPS systems is very limited but nevertheless is more thansufficient to power the load until the generator (or any otherauxiliary power source) to come online. Because of theirinstantaneous reaction, UPS systems are being used to power

any critical load. Critical computers, data centers, medicaland surgical equipment, emergency lighting and militaryequipment are but a few examples.

The technology and manufacturing advancements of the past20 years made some of the battery-powered UPS typesaffordable by small businesses and most home users, thereforeit is quite common to find a sub-$200 UPS protecting a smallhome or office PC. In this article we are going examine the fivemost affordable types of battery powered UPS systems, thosewhich are affordable by home consumers and small businessesand suitable for power computer/electronics equipment.

Foxconn launches QuantumForce RattlerSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/foxconn-launches-quantum-force-

rattler/11632.html

March 21st, 2011

It was widely rumoured last year that Foxconn was pullingout of the consumer motherboard market, but it seems likethere's still some life left in the beast. Foxconn has launcheda new addition to its Quantum Force series of gaming andoverclocking motherboards called the Rattler which is basedon Intel's P67 chipset. The board seems to borrow heavily interms of features from many of Foxconn's competitors, but thisis part for the course so to say.

It was widely rumoured last year that Foxconn was pullingout of the consumer motherboard market, but it seems likethere's still some life left in the beast. Foxconn has launcheda new addition to its Quantum Force series of gaming andoverclocking motherboards called the Rattler which is basedon Intel's P67 chipset. The board seems to borrow heavily interms of features from many of Foxconn's competitors, but thisis part for the course so to say.

The basics of the board include two x16 PCI Express slotswhere the second one shares bandwidth with the primary slot,three x1 PCI Express slots and a single PCI slot. The board alsohas four SATA 3Gbps and two SATA 6Gbps ports and oddly

March 21st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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enough an IDE connector. Pin headers for six USB 2.0 portsand a FireWire port are also present, alongside power andreset buttons, manual overclocking buttons, Voltage readoutpoints, a POST80 debug LED and what appear to be as manyas three BIOS chips.

The rear I/O is made up of six USB 2.0 ports, two USB3.0 ports, a PS/2 port, a pair of Gigabit Ethernet ports, aFireWire port, two eSATA ports and 7.1-channel audio withoptical and coaxial S/PDIF out. There's also what appears tobe a clear CMOS button here. Foxconn has gone for whatlooks like a 12+2 PWM design which is cooled by a pair ofheatsinks connected with twin heatpipes. Overall this lookslike a decent enough board, but not quite good enough ifFoxconn is serious about making a comeback in the high-endconsumer motherboard market.