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CES 2008 — Las Vegas — Jan 07, `08 — Intel unveiled 16 products today, including the company’s first 45 nanometer (nm) processors for Intel Centrino Processor Technology based laptops.

With the introduction of the new processors, Intel will offer 32 desktop, laptop and server processors based on these innovations. Intel also announced continuing momentum in ultra mobile computing and WiMAX.

Mobility: Intel Announces Santa Rosa Refresh Product Line
Santa Rosa Refresh – Intel launched “Santa Rosa Refresh,” an update to Intel Centrino processor technology that includes the next-generation 45nm high-k (Hi-k) mobile processor (codenamed “Penryn”) and improved graphics capabilities.

• 45nm Hi-k Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processor for Centrino — Taking advantage of the Hafnium-based, Hi-k metal gate reinvented transistors inside, Santa Rosa Refresh-based notebooks deliver improved platform performance and great battery life. Graphics improvement focuses on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc support with an optional third-party decoder, as well as enhanced content and gaming capabilities.
• Santa Rosa Refresh for Desktop — Intel will also use this new mobile technology foundation with the energy-efficient performance of the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo processor to enable a variety of smaller, cooler and quieter, stylish desktop designs.

Mobile Internet Devices:
• Intel confirms “Menlow” platform shipments in the first half of 2008: Intel is getting ready to ship its first-generation low-power platform, codenamed “Menlow,” in the first half of the year. The Menlow platform is comprised of the “Silverthorne” processor and the “Poulsbo” chipset, both being designed from the ground up for MIDs and UMPCs. At CES, Intel provided a sneak peek of some of the upcoming “Menlow”-based devices and applications that are being optimized for this platform.
• Intel unveils customers planning to launch Menlow-based platforms at CES: In a sign of growing momentum behind MIDs and UMPCs, Intel is showcasing a range of Menlow-based devices from customers who expect to ship these products later this year. In its technology showcase, Intel has Menlow-based MIDs and UMPCs from Aigo, Asus, BenQ, Clarion, Compal, Digifriends, EB, Gigabyte, Lenovo, LG-E, LiteOn, Quanta, Toshiba, USI, and Willcom.
• Skype announces support for Intel-based MIDs: Skype announced a collaboration with Intel to develop a mobile Skype experience for MIDs based on Intel low power processors and chipsets. Mobile users will be able to make Skype voice and video calls and send instant messages on the move while harnessing the PC-like performance of Intel’s MIDs. This new category of small, truly mobile consumer devices with WiMAX and Wi-Fi capabilities will enable free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls and cheap SkypeOut calls to be made on open wireless networks.

WiMAX: Mobile WiMAX Takes the Stage in 2008
Intel’s integrated Wi-Fi/WiMAX module (codenamed “Echo Peak”) will debut in certain next-generation Intel Centrino processor-based laptops (codenamed “Montevina”) beginning in the middle of the year. The company’s low-power mobile WiMAX silicon specifically designed for mobile Internet and consumer electronic devices (codenamed “Baxter Peal”) will also be available this year.

Consumer Desktop PCs: 45nm Goes Mainstream this Quarter
• “Penryn” family of processors comes to mainstream desktop PCs – Intel announced three quad-core and four dual-core 45nm-based processors for consumer desktop PCs arriving later this month and throughout the first quarter of the year. The new 45nm Intel Core 2 Quad and Intel Core 2 Duo processors have a range of speeds and feature large L2 caches and Intel HD Boost, which delivers increased performance on such multimedia applications as video editing and encoding.
• Intel Core 2 Processor with Viiv technology – Intel will also extend the performance and energy efficiency of the new 45nm processors with Intel HD Boost to the Intel Core 2 Processor with Viiv technology platform. The company will also focus future plans on delivering silicon-driven capabilities that support the areas of better connecting, protecting and managing digital content – as well as delivering the performance required to view, share and enjoy it.

• Later this quarter:
– The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 Processor (3.2 GHz/1600 MHz system bus 45nm Hi-k metal gate processor formerly codenamed “Yorkfield”) and Intel X48 Express Chipset targeted at high-end PC users and enthusiasts. The Intel X48 Express Chipset continues to push the performance envelope with native support for XMP 1600 DDR3 memory.
– “Skulltrail” is a new dual processor-based platform that will provide extreme high-end enthusiasts with a fantastic professional media creation and gaming experience. The platform will feature two quad-core Intel Core 2 Extreme processors for 8-core performance and 4 PCI Express x16 Gen 1.1 slots with planned support for up to 4 graphics cards. More at Intel (in pdf).

Seoul, S Korea — On Dec 11, Seoul Semiconductor announced that it has launched the world’s thinnest chip-LED at 0.17mm, capable of producing more than two times the brightness of existing chip-LEDs. Seoul Semiconductor has applied for a patent for its new chip.

Seoul Semiconductor’s new chip-LED, WH108, measures 1.6mm in width, 0.8mm in length and 0.17mm in height, and represents a significant reduction in thickness. The WH108 is 15% thinner than the industry’s exiting thin chip-LED, which measures 0.2mm. The WH108 also delivers superior performance at a luminous intensity of 240 mcd, more than two times brighter than the existing chip-LED at a current of 5 mA.

WH108’s ultra-thin package and high brightness make it ideal for use in applications for cell phone keypad modules or touch pads, which will ultimately lead to thinner cell phones.

In addition, the WH108 is capable of producing the same brightness at a lower power, which helps extend the battery life of portable devices such as cell phones, digital cameras and laptops.

The WH108 has enhanced thermal characteristic, meaning it can withstand and perform reliably in demanding environments such as:
- Small lights: inner lighting of refrigerator, reading lamp of automobile
- Special illumination devices: endoscope illumination
- Automobile dashboard lighting

Prototype models of the WH108 in white, blue and green will be available to cell phone companies in Korea and globally in December 2007. Seoul Semiconductor will begin mass-production of the WH108 on a scale of more than 10 million LEDs per month in the first quarter of 2008. More at Seoul Semiconductor.

On  Dec 14 Intel announced the Intel Z-P140 PATA Solid State Drive (SSD), an ultra-small - smaller than a penny, weighing less than a drop of water - complete storage solution for mobile digital entertainment, and embedded applications, offering low-power, high performance, and durability, which is also 400x smaller than a 1.8″ hard-drive.

Using the industry standard PATA interface, the Intel Z-P140 PATA SSD offers the capacity and features to accelerate computing trends towards greater mobility.

Right Fit
Using the standard PATA interface, chipscale package-on-package technology, and a form factor significantly smaller than hard disk drives, the Z-P140 PATA SSD enables smaller and easier storage design.

Right Capacity
2, 4, 8, and 16GB capacities are enough to support operating system storage, applications, data, and media storage, meeting mainstream density requirements for most computing markets.

Right Performance
Fast to boot, load, and run applications, with low power and extended durability, solid state technology has no moving parts, allowing for faster system response and longer battery life.

More at Intel here and here (in pdf).

New low-power, rugged 1.8-inch HDDs feature up to 120GB capacity with an 80GB light-weight model for PC applications, along with a series of 60GB drives optimized for CE devices.

IRVINE, Calif — On Dec 12, Toshiba Storage Device Division announced expansion of its 1.8-inch HDD lineup with a series of five new HDDs for PC and consumer electronics (CE) applications.

Highlights include a high-capacity 120GB model for thin and light mobile PCs, as well as slim, single-platter 80GB and 60GB models for ultra-mobile PC and portable handheld CE devices.

Toshiba’s new 1.8-inch HDDs for PC applications include the 120GB MK1214GAH, the 60GB MK6028GAL and the lightweight 80GB MK8025GAL, weighing two grams less than traditional 5-millimeter-high 1.8-inch HDDs. All three models are equipped with a PATA interface, 2MB buffer and 512 byte-per-sector format for tablet, mobile PC, ultra-portable, ultramobile PC (UMPC) and other applications.

For CE applications, Toshiba introduced two single-platter, 60GB 1.8-inch HDDs in the slim, 5-millimeter-high form factor with special attributes for mobile and handheld products.

The MK6014GAL offers a 4,200 RPM spin speed and 2MB buffer for faster data throughput, while the MK6015GAA supports a 3,600 RPM spin speed for quieter operation. Toshiba’s two 60GB CE HDDs demonstrate the company’s lead in the design and manufacture of long data sector technology with 1K byte-per-sector formats optimized for CE.

In addition to spurring miniaturization and mobility for PC and CE devices, 1.8-inch HDDs deliver better power efficiency, improved ruggedness and quieter acoustics for music and video playback over long periods of time, compared to larger form factor HDDs.

More at ToshibaStorage (in pdf).

MOSCOW, Russia — In an effort to bring people faster, lower cost and a truly mobile, data broadband technology, Comstar, Russia’s leading telecomm provider, and Intel Corporation on Tuesday, Dec 11, announced a collaboration to develop mobile WiMAX in Russia.

The joint effort will initially focus on building a city-wide mobile WiMAX network in Moscow. Comstar plans to use its 2.5-2.7Ghz spectrum footprint in the city to build the network and is targeting its commercial launch for late 2008. Intel will drive an ecosystem of the client devices with embedded WiMAX solutions.

Intel is already developing embedded mobile WiMAX solutions for notebook PCs and ultra mobile and mobile Internet devices. Starting in mid-2008 the company will offer its first embedded mobile WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, codenamed “Echo Peak,” with its next-generation Intel Centrino processor technology for notebooks and ultra-mobile devices. A solution optimized for mobile Internet devices with low-power consumption, codenamed “Baxter Peak,” is also expected to be available next year.

Mobile WiMAX is a broadband wireless technology that provides low-cost, multi-megabit speed, and great throughput for accessing large amounts of such data as movies and multi-media content. It is based on the IEEE 802.16e standard and is expected to be deployed around the world starting next year.

Intel will work manufacturers worldwide to develop and test notebook PCs and mobile devices to work with mobile WiMAX networks. A number of PC and device manufacturers have already expressed intent to embed these solutions into systems next year and more are expected in the next several months.

Comstar, part of services conglomerate Sistema, provides voice, data, Internet, pay-TV and other services. It has around 452K broadband Internet subscribers in Moscow. More at Intel.

LONDON — Dec 5, ‘07 /PRNewswire/ — OQO, creator of the world’s smallest fully-functional Windows Vista PC, today announced availability of the new model e2 with embedded HSDPA mobile broadband capability, providing customers in Europe and Asia with widely-available high-speed Internet connectivity.

The model e2 with embedded mobile broadband supports data access through UMTS/HSDPA at 2100MHz, and is downward compatible with GPRS/EDGE networks at 900MHz and 1800MHz. Download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps are supported. The product is available SIM-free and network unlocked, allowing customers maximum flexibility in selecting their preferred wireless operator and data plan. Users of the model e2 have their choice of connectivity options, including tri-band wide-area wireless, WiFi 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0.

Specs

The OQO model e2 with embedded HSDPA is currently not offered for sale in the United States.

With a suggested retail price starting at £1099 + VAT, the model e2 with embedded HSDPA is available immediately through multiple international distributors and resellers, including eXpansys.

Taipei, Taiwan — Nov 22, ‘07 –A few Taiwan-based OEMs who are working with Intel to promote the chipmaker’s mobile Internet devices (MIDs) have already started cooperation talks with telecom carriers in Taiwan in order to lower the price for the products and turn them into the next market mainstream, according to industry sources, says Digitimes.

Digitimes further writes, “The sources said Intel has high hopes for MIDS, which will not be volume produced until the second quarter of 2008.

Intel may place an average US$499 price tag on various MIDs, but the high prices would deter potential consumers, despite the fact that MIDs may be richer in features than iPhones, the sources said. In order to lower the prices, the OEMs are seeking to reach bundle deals with Taiwan’s telecom carriers, similar to the ones under which iPhones are currently sold, the sources disclosed.

Both the OEMs and telecom carriers are probing the possibility of lowering the MID prices to US$199-299, the sources added.” Digitimes.

White Plains, NY — Nov 19, ‘07 — Nokia announced today that the new Nokia N810 Internet Tablet has begun shipping nationwide in the United States.  With a new slide-out keyboard, built-in GPS, digital audio/video playback and Wi-Fi capability for VoIP calling, the Nokia N810 provides the functionality of a traditional computer but all in one sleek, stylish and portable device.

The Nokia N810 provides a premier, portable internet experience with its large color display, touchpad screen, slide-out keyboard, 400 MHz processor, Mozilla-based browser and up to 10GB of memory (an optional 8GB memory card combined with 2GB internal memory).  To access the Internet, users simply connect via the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot or over Bluetooth on a mobile phone.  Connecting to the Internet allows the user to stay connected with friends and family through VoIP calling, instant messaging and e-mail.  Users can also access their online communities by checking Facebook or Flickr accounts and see what’s new in the lives of those they care about.

With up to 45 hours of music playback, storage for up to 7,500 songs and built-in GPS, the Nokia N810 is perfect for the person on the go.  The Nokia N810 comes with free maps preloaded for users to browse detailed locations, search for street addresses, find various points of interest (POI) as well as nearby Wi-Fi hotspots.  Wayfinder will offer subscription based service for navigation over the Maps application; a 3-year license for $129.99 available in December.

The Nokia N810 is powered by maemo Linux-based OS2008, updatable in December also on the Nokia N800, the earlier internet tablet generation hardware.  The maemo Linux-based OS2008 features a highly customizable user interface and contains various novelties such as a Mozilla based browser with Ajax and Adobe flash 9, Bluetooth headset support as well as enhanced video and audio features. 

The Nokia N810 is available at Amazon.com for $459.99.

Ever wished you had some way to magically extend the battery life of your most frequently used gadgets when you need them most? You can now do so with the new Duracell PowerSource Mobile 100.

The Duracell PowerSource Mobile 100 is the portable, rechargeable AC and USB power solution for all your mobile needs. It will extend the runtime of all of your mobile electronics such as an iPod, BlackBerry, video camera, cell phone and more. It will provide up to two hours of extended run time for your laptop. The Duracel® PowerSource Mobile 100 has one AC outlet and two USB charge ports, so you can run or charge multiple devices simultaneously. You no longer have to carry extra cords, chargers and device-specific batteries.

Get yours for $100 at Amazon.

A lightning-fast, full-functioning PC that fits in your pocket, this astoundingly compact device puts world-class computing in the palm of your hand. Says Sony about its VAIO VGN-UX490N/C Micro PC.

Featuring a cutting-edge, 48GB Solid State Drive and three to seven hours of battery life with a large capacity battery, the VAIO UX Premium Micro PC is small enough to fit in your pocket and powerful enough to tackle the most complicated tasks. An Intel Core 2 Solo ULV processor and a Windows Vista Business operating system make the VAIO UX a perfect fit in today’s mobile computing landscape where power and portability are essential.

Specs:

- Intel 1.2 GHz Core 2 Solo U2200 Ultra Low Voltage, 533MHz FSB
- Microsoft Windows Vista Business
- 4.5″ 1024×600 Wide SVGA LCD Touch-Screen
- 1GB 400MHZ DDR2 RAM
- 2 Built-in Cameras (front: 0.3M pixels and back: 1.3M pixels) Built-in microphone
- 48GB Ultra ATA NAND SSD
- Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
- 251MB Video RAM
- Memory Stick Media Slot
- Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG, 802.11 a/b/g, Integrated Bluetooth
- 1.5 to 3.5 Hrs Battery Life with Standard Battery and 3 to 7 Hrs with Large Capacity Battery
- 5.91×3.74×1.27-1.50, Weighs 1.2 lbs with Standard Battery
- Available for $2500

Get yours at SonyStyle.

Web 2.0 Summit 2007, San Francisco, CA - Nokia today introduced the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet, signifying a new phase in portable internet communication.  You have ability to connect this pocket-sized device to the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot or over your Bluetooth mobile phone. The Nokia N810 allows you to make internet calls; check your Google Mail or Facebook Account; watch the latest videos on YouTube or update your blog using the device’s slide-out keyboard along with its stunning touch screen. Its built-in maps and satellite navigation helps you to find your way. It is expected to start shipping mid November with an estimated retail price of 479 USD.

Quick Specs:

• CPU: 400MHz OMAP 2420

• Memory: 128MB RAM, 256MB ROM

• Display 4.13″ 800 x 480 WVGA

• OS: Nokia’s Linux Maemo

• Storage: 2GB Internal

• Connectivity: 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Mini USB 2.0

• Integrated GPS, Front Camera

• Audio Playbacks: MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, AMR, AWB, M4A, MP2, Real audio

• Video Playbacks: MP4, WMV, MPEG-4, ASF, 3GP, AVI, H.263, H.264, , Real video

• Battery life: 4 hrs of Movies, Internet access etc, 10 hrs Music only and 5 Days Standby, 2 Weeks Idle-Time

• Dimensions: 5″ x 2.83″ x 0.55″, 7.97 ounces

• Availability: In November for $479

More at Nokia

UMPC Portal reveals info on Samsung’s new ultra-UMPC SPH-P9200 thru their find of full manual (pdf, in Korean).

Specs:

• • Via C7-M processor
  • 512MB RAM
  • 30GB hard drive
  • Windows XP Home edition.
  • Standard battery (20Whr, 2-2.5hours)
  • Extended battery (40whr, up to 5 hours)
  • 1.3 MP Camera
  • Wifi, Wibro and HSDPA, No Bluetooth (?)
  • SIM card slot.
  • 15 pin accessory port (unclear. Could be for headset, dongles)
  • Port replicator (2xUSB, power, LAN, VGA)
  • 5″ 800×480 screen (and higher res interpolated modes)
  • Deluxe Launcher with enhanced systems tray.
  • Includes Samsung MyPen software.
  • Icon lens and MyZoom software
  • Optical joystick (and mouse buttons)

More at UMPC Portal

Digitimes is reporting according to its OEM sources, ” Apple reportedly is considering adopting Intel’s Moorestown MID (mobile Internet device) platform processor in a new iPhone, according to OEM sources.

Intel revealed a Moorestown-based MID product with functions similar to Apple’s iPhone at the recent Intel Developer Forum (IDF) San Francisco. The Moorestown platform is expected to launch in 2009 and Apple is considering developing an iPhone based on it, stated the sources.

Some channel vendors think that if Apple adopts Intel’s platform in its iPhone, it will reposition the MID market place and affect both notebook and handset markets.”

Wired adds to the story, “Moorestown will be based on Intel’s much-hyped 45nn manufacturing process, that could mean your future iPhone will see an exponential boost in power-efficiency (both in active and idle modes) and performance. Good news considering Moorestown will also likely support 3G (HSDPA), Wi-Fi, and WiMax.

Electronista also notes that the processor change would also bring the iPhone’s software closer in step with that of the company’s Mac computer range.”

More at Digitimes, Wired…

Earthtimes reports, ” Duracell today announced the introduction of Mobile Charger, which offers gadget-loving consumers a more convenient way to power personal devices anytime, anywhere. The innovative Duracell Mobile Charger serves as a portable power hub, delivering power to a variety of high-drain, USB enabled devices ranging from digital cameras and portable gaming systems to PDAs, iPods, MP3 players through three different ways - 1.) via Pre-Charged NiMH batteries, 2.) by plugging the Mobile Charger into a wall outlet or 3.) by plugging the Mobile Charger into a car adaptor. It’ll be available in Fall ‘07 for $24.99″

More at EARTHtimes…

According to HTC press release ,  today HTC has launched three new devices from its Q4 2007 product portfolio to further cements its position as an innovator of Windows Mobile based smart devices and computers for business and enterprise users. The HTC Shift will be available across Europe from November this year, the HTC S730 from October and the HTC P6500 from November.

HTC Shift

Specs: Intel Stealey 800MHz & Qualcomm 400MHz processors, Windows Vista Business,  7″ 800×400 touch sensitive ’slide-n-tilt’ screen, 1GB RAM for Vista + 64 MB for SnapVUE & 128 MB ROM, 40/60 GB HD, 3.5G / Tri-band HSDPSA with Quad-band GSM/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, Standalone GPS, Slide out QWERTY, 1 USB 2.0, VGA out and fingerprint sensor.

HTC P6500

Specs: Windows Mobile 6.0 Pro, 3.5” Screen, 3MP camera, GPS, Tri-band HSDPA with Quad-band GSM/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, 1 GB internal memory, 2 SDIO slots, 2D barcode & business card reader, fingerprint sensor.

HTC S730

Specs:  400 MHz processor, Windows Mobile 6.0, 2.4” TFT screen, Auto-slide QWERTY keyboard, 3G/HSDPA with Quad-band GSM/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, 256MB Flash, 64MB RAM, Micro SD slot.

More at HTC Europe…