ALTech Computers Site - ALl of TECHnology you need - Компютри, компютърни компоненти, новини

Seagate and Western Digital Reduce Warranties for Some Hard Drives

Altech Team — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:12:11 +0200

Seagate and Western Digital, which supply hard drives to most of the major computer brands, will soon reduce warranty coverage on several of their storage devices.

The companies said reducing the warranty periods would allow them to invest in areas of innovation that would benefit customers more. But they did not specify what areas of innovation they might be investing in.

For Western Digital, warranties for the Caviar Blue, Caviar Green and Scorpio Blue hard drives will be reduced to two years from three years. The company said the new warranty policy was unrelated to the floods in Thailand that crippled component factories in July 2011. It said the reduced warranty would allow it to put resources into improving technologies, support and reliability, but did not elaborate.

Seagate’s warranties for internal desktop and laptop drives will be reduced to one year from five years, while warranties for “hybrid” drives — combinations of solid-state drives and traditional hard-disk drives — will be trimmed to three years from five years. Warranties for Seagate’s external drives and enterprise-oriented drives will remain unchanged. Seagate did not say in its statement whether the policy changes were related to the Thailand floods.

Steve Duplessie, an analyst with the Enterprise Strategy Group, said that reducing a warranty was highly unusual and that he could not think of another such instance. He suggested that it was related to the Thailand floods.

“They don’t have components to fix things, so they can’t afford to fix things. They can only sell things now,” Mr. Duplessie said. “It’s bad for the consumer, but it’s kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation for the manufacturers. They’re going to back off warranties in order to support revenue, or else Wall Street will slaughter them.”

Seagate’s new warranty policies will become effective on Dec. 31, and Western Digital’s changes will begin Jan. 2, 2012. Hard drives bought before those dates will retain their original warranty policies.

AMD Unlocked FX Processors Announced

Altech Team — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:55:47 +0300

AMD unleashed the AMD FX family of CPUs, delivering a fully unlocked and customizable experience for desktop PC users. The AMD FX series of desktop CPUs includes the first-ever eight-core desktop processor, enabling extreme multi-display gaming, mega-tasking and HD content creation for PC and digital enthusiasts – all for less than $245 (suggested U.S. retail price). This marks the first retail availability of processors that use AMD’s new multi-core architecture (codenamed “Bulldozer”), which is included in AMD’s upcoming server CPU (codenamed “Interlagos”) and the next-generation of AMD Accelerated Processing Units.
All AMD FX CPUs offer completely unlocked processor clock multipliers for easier overclocking, paving the way for PC enthusiasts to enjoy higher CPU speeds and related performance gains. Additionally, these processors use AMD Turbo Core Technology to dynamically optimize performance across CPU cores enabling maximum performance for intense workloads.

Source: Techpowerup

ViewSonic Intros New 27-inch Monitors for Gamers and Professionals

Altech Team — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:42:52 +0300

ViewSonic released two new 27-inch PC monitors, the VG2732m-LED and VP2765-LED. Part of the gamer-oriented VG series, the VG2732m-LED has low response time of 3 ms. The VP2765-LED, on the other hand, is fine-tuned for graphics professionals, making use of an Advanced MVA (AMVA) panel, with a response time of 5 ms, and packs 2W stereo speakers. Both displays make use of a slim bezel design, use LED-backlit illumination, full-HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution, 300 cd/m² brightness, and 20 million to 1 dynamic contrast ratio. Further, both displays feature 4-port USB 2.0 hubs, display inputs that include DVI, D-Sub, and DisplayPort; and stands that allow 90° pivot, tilt and height adjustments. The VG2732m-LED is priced at US $429. The VP2765-LED goes for $459. Both are expected to be released next week.

Source: Techpowerup

WD Slims 1 TB Hard Drive to Fit Mainstream Notebooks

Altech Team — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:12:22 +0300

Western Digital, a leader in the desktop, mobile, high-capacity enterprise and consumer markets for hard drives, today announced that it has commenced volume shipments of its WD Scorpio Blue 9.5 mm, 2.5-inch mobile hard drive with 1 TB capacity. Designed for mainstream notebook computers, the new WD Scorpio Blue 1 TB hard drive utilizes 500 GB-per-platter areal density and is now available in the highest capacity for 2.5-inch hard drives in the industry-standard 9.5 mm, two-platter (2-disk) form factor.
WD Scorpio Blue mobile hard drives are designed with ruggedness, reliability and data-protection features that actively watch over valuable data. The WD Scorpio Blue 1 TB mobile hard drive also achieves excellent power and performance, making it an ideal solution for notebook computers and other portable devices that require extended battery life and cool, ultra quiet operation.
"With the release of the 1 TB WD Scorpio Blue notebook drive in a 9.5 mm package, WD is able to offer the greatest storage capacity available for use in portable computing environments," said Matt Rutledge, vice president and general manager of Client Storage for WD. "Mobile users no longer need to choose maximum capacity over thin and light, WD is ready with storage options, achieved without compromise to performance and reliability, that prove ideal for mobile digital devices of all kinds including PC and Mac notebook computers; external storage; and digital media players."

Source: Techpowerup

Toshiba Announces Qosmio F750 Glasses-Free 3D Laptop

Altech Team — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:43:38 +0300

Toshiba UK today announces the launch of the Qosmio F750 3D – a revolutionary new laptop with the ability to display mesmerizing 3D images without the need for 3D glasses. The Qosmio F750 3D can also display a combination of 2D and 3D images on screen at the same time, while a range of powerful, high-performance multimedia features ensures the laptop is perfect for even the most demanding tasks.
The Qosmio F750 3D is designed for those looking for the ultimate 3D experience. Like the world's first glasses-free 3D television – the Toshiba REGZA GL1 – the Qosmio F750 3D uses a special lenticular 3D screen to give users the freedom to experience all the benefits of 3D entertainment, without the restrictions of having to wear 3D glasses. Glasses-free 3D technology adds a truly immersive element, perfect for experiencing 3D in a more natural and comfortable way, particularly for those that may already require prescription glasses. The 39.6cm (15.6") screen also offers Full HD resolution for clear, vivid images, while a 120Hz refresh rate eliminates blur or ghosting with the fast moving images seen in action films and games.

Source: Techpowerup

NVIDIA Gives Notebook Gamers New Levels of Power, Portability With GeForce GTX 560M

Altech Team — Tue, 31 May 2011 11:58:15 +0300

NVIDIA today unveiled the first gaming notebook graphics processing unit (GPU) in its award-winning GeForce 500M Series of notebook GPUs. The GeForce GTX 560M graphics processor hits the "sweet spot" for gaming notebooks by delivering a no-compromise gaming experience at full 1080p resolution in the hottest new DirectX 11 titles. For the first time, leading OEMs will also be offering GeForce GTX gaming GPUs with NVIDIA Optimus technology.
"The GeForce GTX 560M and NVIDIA Optimus mean gamers get 50 frames per second in Duke Nukem Forever and five hours of battery life in Microsoft Office," said Rene Haas, general manager of notebook products at NVIDIA. "That's real power and real portability." Available only with NVIDIA GPUs, NVIDIA Optimus technology enables extra-long battery life by automatically switching on and off the GPU so that it runs only when needed. The smart convenience of NVIDIA Optimus technology is designed into over 80 percent of GeForce 500M Series notebooks and is used by every major notebook OEM.
For thin-and-light notebooks, NVIDIA also refreshed its entry-level GeForce GT 500M GPUs with the arrival of the new GeForce GT 520MX GPU. GeForce GT 520MX offers better performance, wider support and a more advanced feature set than integrated graphics and offers a step forward from the existing GeForce GT 520M GPU.

Source: Techpowerup

Intel, Micron Extend NAND Flash Technology Leadership, Introduce 20 nm NAND Flash

Altech Team — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:25:39 +0300

Intel Corporation and Micron Technology Inc. today introduced a new, finer 20-nanometer (nm) process technology for manufacturing NAND flash memory. The new 20nm process produces an 8-gigabyte (GB) multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash device, providing a high-capacity, small form factor storage option for saving music, video, books and other data on smartphones, tablets and computing solutions such as solid-state drives (SSDs).
The growth in data storage combined with feature enhancements for tablets and smartphones is creating new demands for NAND flash technology, especially greater capacity in smaller designs. The new 20nm 8GB device measures just 118mm² and enables a 30 to 40 percent reduction in board space (depending on package type) compared to the companies' existing 25nm 8GB NAND device. A reduction in the flash storage layout provides greater system level efficiency as it enables tablet and smartphone manufacturers to use the extra space for end-product improvements such as a bigger battery, larger screen or adding another chip to handle new features.
anufactured by IM Flash Technologies (IMFT), Intel and Micron's NAND flash joint venture, the new 20nm 8GB device is a breakthrough in NAND process and technology design, further extending the companies' lithography leadership. Shrinking NAND lithography to this technology node is the most cost-effective method for increasing fab output, as it provides approximately 50 percent more gigabyte capacity from these factories when compared to current technology. The new 20nm process maintains similar performance and endurance as the previous generation 25nm NAND technology.
"Close customer collaboration is one of Micron's core values and through these efforts we are constantly uncovering compelling end-product design opportunities for NAND flash storage," said Glen Hawk, vice president of Micron's NAND Solutions Group. "Our innovation and growth opportunities continue with the 20nm NAND process, enabling Micron to deliver cost-effective, value-added solid-state storage solutions for our customers."
"Our goal is to enable instant, affordable access to the world's information," said Tom Rampone, vice president and general manager, Intel Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group. "Industry-leading NAND gives Intel the ability to provide the highest quality and most cost-effective solutions to our customers, generation after generation. The Intel-Micron joint venture is a model for the manufacturing industry as we continue to lead the industry in process technology and make quick transitions of our entire fab network to smaller and smaller lithographies."
The 20nm, 8GB device is sampling now and expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2011. At that time, Intel and Micron also expect to unveil samples of a 16GB device, creating up to 128GBs of capacity in a single solid-state storage solution that is smaller than a U.S. postage stamp.

Source: Techpowerup

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 590 Is World's Fastest Graphics Card

Altech Team — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:45:13 +0300

NVIDIA introduced the GeForce GTX 590, the fastest dual graphics card available today which also happens to be the world's quietest too. Powered by dual NVIDIA Fermi-class GPUs on a single card, the GTX 590 is designed for über enthusiasts and those looking to build the ultimate PC gaming rig.
With a combined 1024 NVIDIA CUDA architecture cores, 3GB of GDDR5 memory, 6 billion transistors and over 2200 individual components all packed into an 11 inch dual slot card, the GTX 590 delivers a staggering 32 tessellation engines that can power today's cutting edge DX11 games at resolutions of 2560x1600 and higher. With four separate video outputs on each card, consumers can configure their PC with four independent displays, or they can span their gaming across 3 3D displays, at a resolution up to 5760x1080 for an intense, immersive, stereoscopic gaming experience utilizing NVIDIA 3D Vision Surround technology.
Like all NVIDIA "DX11 Done Right" GPUs, the GTX 590 delivers the world's fastest performance for DX11 games(i). And with NVIDIA SLI technology, the industry's most scalable multi-GPU platform, gamers can increase their PC's gaming performance by adding a second GeForce GTX 590, for an incredible Quad SLI gaming mode.
NVIDIA engineered the GTX 590 to be the world's quietest dual GPU product. It features a special cooling system and dual vapor chambers which deliver both astounding performance and acoustics. Measured with a standard decibel meter, the GTX 590 clocks in at 48dB, more than two times quieter than the closest competitive product under full graphics load. To the human ear, this difference means the GTX 590 delivers a 3D gaming experience that is typical of a quiet library. In comparison, the competition's product is more on par with a busy freeway.

Source: Techpowerup