The Zone

Microsoft Hardware recently held a Spicy launch for some new stuff. While Bluetrack mice have been on the market for quite some time, Microsoft Hardware are now launching more affordable Bluetrack mice targeted at the consumer market. Other stuff launched includes a Bluetooth ultra-thin keyboard and numeric keypad combo as well as a 720p webcam that works great in low-light conditions (notebook screen light only). For a full report on the event and the products released check it out in our latest issue of HWM.

After someone else's rather feeble attempt at blue laser mice that they said could track on glass, we were pleasantly surprised by Logitech's new Darkfield line of high-performance mice. The Darkfield mice utilize a new dual laser technology that allows it to track on thick glass and other reflective surfaces with ease. For those who still don't know about Logitech's Unifying Micro USB receiver check out the teeny tiny USB receiver in the picture. Check out the full report in our latest issue of HWM (December 2009).

Taking a shot of yourself or a self-portrait using your own camera is probably one of the most common shots in the world. Everybody's done it at one point or another and everyone has usually ended up with a mess or missed themselves altogether. Samsung have recently launched their new 2View line of digital cameras. One of them is the ST550 which bears two touchscreen LCD, one on the front and one on the back so you can frame yourself nicely without having to ask someone else for help. Check out the full event and details on the cameras in our latest issue of HWM!

We wish we could participate and try our luck in this simple survey, but we are employees and are barred from it! A lucky person can win a trip to Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort, have a holiday on us! Hurry, only three more weeks remaining till the end of the survey!

http://sites.hardwarezone.com/sea/readerssurvey/my/

JVC recently launched two new ProHD video camcorders aimed at the professional cameraman. With the ability to record direct into full HD Quicktime or MP4 file formats these SDHC based camcorders offer top-of-the-line video performance at a fraction of the size and weight of current full HD video cameras. With the smaller model weighing in at a scant 1.4kg and featuring some awesome performance using built-in lens, these ProHD video cameras should have the pros and fanatics drooling. For a full report on what went down at the product launch check out our latest issue of HWM.

In a move to bring touchscreen smartphones to the masses, Samsung recently launched their new Star S5233 touchscreen smartphone. Featuring everything that a full fledged smartphone can do complete with fingertouch user interface, the Star is retailing below RM1K. Trying to boost awareness, Samsung have also launched an idol type contest in conjunction with the launch called the Be a Samsung Star and Shine challenge. For more info on the Samsung Star smartphone and the contest, check out  the full report in our latest issue of HWM.

Yeo Sook Kuan, Brand Manager (DI Accessories), Sony (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Taku Taguchi, General Manager of Product Marketing Divison, Sony (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, and Naoi Sudo, Managing Director of Sony (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd posing with the X series S-Frame digital photo frame lineup

Sony Malaysia recently unveiled six new digital photo frames from a series of (X, V and D) S-Frame Digital Photo Frame lineup at the exclusive Seni Gallery in the heart of Mont' Kiara. Launched under the theme "Turning Life into Art", the ability to store up to 4,000 photos to be enjoyed on the vibrant Clear Photo LCD screens will bring an air of style to any room in your humble abode.

With the 2009 COMPUTEX TAIPEI just a month away, here are some of the highlights from the upcoming computer exhibition show.

Get the inside scoop on the six-day event at the International Press Conference and find out first hand, who are the winners of the Design & Innovation Awards at the TWTC (Taipei World Trade Center) NANGANG Exhibition Hall on June 1, starting from 1 PM.

There will also be a CEO Summit Forum themed "Mobile Technologies for a Green World", where high-ranking executives from ARM, Google, HP and TI will deliver their keynotes and a panel discussion to discuss the greening of the ICT industry and other technology trends. The forum will take place at the Taipei International Convention Center on June 1, starting from 2 PM. Please be sure to pre-register online as the seats are limited.

On June 2, the official Opening Ceremony comes packed with key speeches by leading government representatives and the ICT industry. Be sure to join this momentous occasion at the 4th Floor of the TWTC NANGANG Exhibition Hall, starting from 10 PM. On June 6, the Final Day International Press Conference will take place at Hall 1's TAITRA VVIP Lounge in TWTC to give an overview of 2009 COMPUTEX TAIPEI while looking forward into 2010 COMPUTEX TAIPEI.

While you're at it, head on to the new 2009 COMPUTEX TAIPEI's press registration site and try out the online personal planner today. Or you can log on to MyCOMPUTEX to check out the scheduled events from the show calendar and map your schedule online with ease!
 

Acer unveils classy product portfolio at sign.of.the.time event in Beijing

HWM was recently invited along with other media from APAC to attend a special presentation by Acer in Beijing as part of the final phase of the company’s multibrand initiative. Themed as sign.of.the.time, the multibrand initiative tied-in with the company’s recent acquisition of leading brands – Gateway, Packard Bell and eMachines.

Dell recently launched the world's thinnest laptop, the Adamo. Featuring scalloped keys, a backlit keyboard, solid state drive (SSD) hard disk drive and carved out of a solid block of aluminum with a clear glass screen, these laptops are targeted at the ultra-premium market especially people who place as much importance on how awesome a laptop looks as how good it performs. Check out the event and more details on the Adamo in our latest issue of HWM.

Gigabyte recently held their GO OC (Gigabyte Open Overclocking Competition) 2009 Pan Asia Finals in Bangkok, Thailand. HWM Malaysia was invited to cover the overclocking competition that pitted nine teams from around the Asia region (and South Africa) for the title of Regional Champion. The winning team will then head off to Taipei in June 2009 for the GO OC 2009 Worldwide Finals, coinciding with COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2009. Look out for the full report on the event in the upcoming issue of HWM.

If you've seen the Pulse Smartpen in action and wondered when or if you'd ever get your hands on this mini computer - translator - digital transcriber - audio note taker device then wonder no more. K-One recently signed a partnership deal with Livescribe, the company that first made the Pulse Smartpen such a big name. For more info on the event, check it out in our latest issue of HWM.

From left to right; Li Chang , Deputy Secretary General of the Taipei Computer Association and Walter Yeh, Executive Vice President of TAITRA answering questions from the media during a press conference about the upcoming COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2009

Computex Taipei 2009 is going strong despite the current global economic downturn. Taking place from 2^nd to 6^th June at the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) Nangang Exhibition Halls and Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), the show will host 1700 exhibitors using 4600 booths to showcase their best products and solutions and is expected to attract 35,000 international buyers. Products from wide-ranging categories will be found in such dedicated areas as Components & Parts, Data Storage Devices, Software, Computer Systems, Peripherals and Displays & Digital Entertainment Products. This year’s show will also feature a 700-booth WiMAX & Communication Products area to paint a clearer picture of a more wireless future.

The Computex 2009 show is expected to be an important technology and product launch platform for numerous IT giants such as Intel, AMD, ASUS and Acer. Two “New Product Launch Sites” both located in TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall and Hall 1 will be set up to accommodate the growing needs of exhibitors from home and abroad to stage their new products. Altogether 40 companies are to demonstrate their new products in these dedicated areas. This new service can also help buyers and the media to easily discover the hottest products and latest trends.

Another highlight of this year's event is the dedicated pavilion for China, a driving force in the computing market, thanks to the country's vast resources as well as manufacturing abilities. Computex 2009 will feature a dedicated area where wares and services from 100 Chinese companies will be showcased, in a total area that spans 200 booth spaces. It is definitely a show not to be missed!

HP recently launched their new Pavilion dv2 Series entertainment notebooks in the flavours and colours of high-grade coffee. Coming in Espresso Black and Moonlight White the new 12" screen notebooks are powered by AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 processors and features AMD-ATI 3000 series graphic cards. As an added plus these new performance ultra-mobile notebooks come with their own external DVD drive at a price of RM2399. For a full report on the event check it out in our latest issue of HWM.