VR-Zone Technology News | Stuff for the Geeks! May 2011 Issue

May 3rd, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

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

Seagate announces 1TB per
platter hard drives
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/seagate-announces-1tb-per-platter-
hard-drives/12046.html
May 3rd, 2011

Seagate is asking for $299.99 (S$369) for the 3TB version,
while the two platter 2TB is priced at $199.99 (S$246). Seagate
also announced that it will have a 1.5TB and 1TB version of
the Barracuda XT, although no pricing was announced. Retail
If you've been waiting for a triple-platter 3TB hard drive, then
pricing is already a lot lower than Seagate's asking price and
we have good news, your wait is over as Seagate has as the first
we've spotted the 3TB drive for $229.99 (S$283) and the 2TB
hard drive manufacturers announced 1TB per platter drives.
model for $159.99 (S$197), although the difference is that
The new Barracuda XT series will the home for the new 347GB
the drives Seagate sells directly comes bundled with a SATA
per square inch 1TB platter disks.
cable, a power splitter, mounting screws and some software.
That said, we don't really think that's worth the extra money
If you've been waiting for a triple-platter 3TB hard drive, then compared to buying a bare drive, but even the retail kits can
we have good news, your wait is over as Seagate has as the first be had for a lot less than the MSRP.
hard drive manufacturers announced 1TB per platter drives.
The new Barracuda XT series will the home for the new 347GB
per square inch 1TB platter disks.
Razer Goliathus Mouse Mat
The Barracuda XT series does of course feature SATA 6Gbps Redesigned and Reinforced
interface, 64MB of cache, a 7,200rpm spin speed and all the Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/razer-goliathus-mouse-mat-
usual features you'd find on a modern high-end hard drive. redesigned-and-reinforced/12045.html
Seagate claims a sustained data transfer of 138MB/s with a May 3rd, 2011
random read seek time of 8.5ms. Hardly impressive compared
to modern SSDs, but bear in mind that the largest model can
store a massive 3TB.

Razer announces that the Razer Goliathus has been
redesigned and reinforced with a dense, anti-fraying and
long-lasting stitched frame. Price: Omega – US $14.99 /
EU €14.99, Standard – US $19.99 / EU €19.99, Alpha –
US $24.99 / EU €24.99, Extended – US $34.99 / EU
€34.99. Availability: May 2011
Full Press Release

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With its anti-fraying stitched frame, the edges last longer,
giving you the freedom to tear your opponent to shreds, and
not your mouse mat.

Price:
Omega – US $14.99 / EU €14.99
Standard – US $19.99 / EU €19.99
Alpha – US $24.99 / EU €24.99
Extended – US $34.99 / EU €34.99

Availability:
Carlsbad, Calif. – 3 May, 2011 – Razer, the world’s leading Razerzone.com – May 2011
high-end precision gaming brand, is proud to announce that Worldwide – May 2011
the Razer Goliathus has been redesigned and reinforced to
ensure your soft mouse mat swiping experience is more
hardcore than ever before. Product Features:
Heavily textured weave for maximum mouse control
Maintaining the same well-loved, speed-enhancing and Anti-fraying stitched frame extends mat durability
control-precise features, the redesigned Razer Goliathus
mouse mat delivers maximum performance to propel you to Pixel-precise targeting and tracking
gaming stardom. Now imbued with a dense, anti-fraying and Rubber base for a secure grip on smooth surfaces
long-lasting stitched frame, your mouse mat stays sharp for
Mat Dimensions (mm)
consistent tournament ownage.
Space-efficient (Omega): 270 x 215 x 3
Mid-sized (Standard): 355 x 254 x3
“The only thing wearing down should be your enemy,” said
Robert “RazerGuy” Krakoff, President Razer USA. “The Razer Large-sized (Alpha): 444 x 355 x 3
Goliathus is our pride and joy when it comes to soft mats, Desktop Length (Extended): 920 x 294 x 3
designed with professional gaming-validated weaves for an
exceptional mouse swiping experience. Now with anti-fray
edges, you can go forth and frag even harder, worry-free.” MSI's 990FX and 970 chipset
boards make brief European
About the Razer Goliathus Control Edition Mouse Mat:
appearance
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/msi-s-990fx-and-970-chipset-boards-
make-brief-european-appearance/12044.html
May 3rd, 2011

Details of three of MSI's upcoming AM3+ motherboards have
appeared on a European price comparison website and some
of the specifications of three different models have turned up.
On top of that we now know what these three models will cost,
at least in Euroland and for what it's worth, the boards seem to
be pretty competitively priced, especially against Intel based
motherboards.
The Razer Goliathus Control Edition gaming-grade mouse mat
takes your mouse’s superb precision up a notch by having it
matched with the mat’s specially textured weave capable of Details of three of MSI's upcoming AM3+ motherboards have
registering even the smallest of movements. This gives gamers appeared on a European price comparison website and some
an unprecedented level of targeting and tracking accuracy, of the specifications of three different models have turned up.
while maintaining a perfectly controllable yet consistent glide. On top of that we now know what these three models will cost,
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at least in Euroland and for what it's worth, the boards seem to May 3rd, 2011
be pretty competitively priced, especially against Intel based
motherboards.
Starting from the bottom we have the 970A-G45 which should
be one of the more basic AM3+ boards from MSI with the 900-
series chipset. As the name gives away, this board sports the
AMD 970 northbridge and the SB950 southbridge. The board These days there are four major Taiwanese motherboard
has two PCI Express x16 slots, although as far as we're aware, makers and then we have Biostar and Jetway somewhere down
the 970 chipset doesn't support split PCI Express lanes, so the bottom-end of the market. That said, Biostar has had some
we'd guess the second x16 slot only has four lanes worth of success with the overclocking crowd and now details of its first
bandwidth. There are also two PCI Express x1 slots and two Z68 based motherboard and although we can't say that this is
PCI slots. As with the SB850, the SB950 supports six SATA a board we'd rush out to buy.
6Gbps ports and various RAID modes.
Around the back we're apparently looking at six USB 2.0 ports,
These days there are four major Taiwanese motherboard
two USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet and 7.1-channel audio,
makers and then we have Biostar and Jetway somewhere down
but that's all we know so far. Internal connectors are meant to
the bottom-end of the market. That said, Biostar has had some
add two more USB 3.0 ports and another six USB 3.0 ports.
success with the overclocking crowd and now details of its first
Sadly we don't have any pictures of any of the boards, so we
Z68 based motherboard and although we can't say that this is
can only go with what's been listed by the price comparison
a board we'd rush out to buy.
site. Cost wise the 970A-G45 is listed at €82.10 (S$159) in
Germany. The TZ68A+ is so for the most spartan Z68 we've seen to date.
In fact, we have a feeling we won't see another Z68 board
Next up we have the 990FX-GD65 which again as the name
that has so few features from anyone else. That said, we're
gives away is based on the 990FX northbridge and again the
hopefully looking at a really affordable Z68 board and it should
SB950 southbridge. This board has two full PCI Express x16
be more than adequate for most users. On a brighter note,
slots, three PCI Express x1 slots and two PCI slots. Again we're
Biostar has at least added a trio of display connectors around
looking at six SATA 6Gbps ports with RAID support. The rear
the back which consists of an HDMI, DVI and VGA port. The
I/O is the same, with two USB 3.0 ports, six USB 2.0 ports,
only other ports around the back is a PS/2 port, two USB 2.0
Gigabit Ethernet and 7.1-channel audio. Internally the board
ports, two USB 3.0 ports (via an ASMedia host controller), a
has pin headers for four additional USB 2.0 ports, but we have
Gigabit Ethernet port and three audio jacks for 5.1-channel
a feeling there will be at least one for a pair of additional USB
audio.
3.0 ports as well. This board is listed at €124.43 (S$227), again
in Germany. The board layout is pretty clean if somewhat uninspiring with
a pair of x16 PCI Express slots where the second one is a x4 slot
Finally we have the 990FX-GD80 which is the top of the
rather than being a switchable slot, a single x1 PCI Express slot
range board and it too has the 990FX/SB950 chipset setup.
and two PCI slots. To Biostar's defence this does at least mean
However, this board has no less than four x16 slots and we'd
there are no blocked slots, nor any shared bandwidth from the
dare to wager that when all are in use they operate at x8 mode.
chipset, so anything you plug in will work as intended without
There's also a pair of PCI Express x1 slot and a single PCI slot.
on-board features being disabled. The board has the standard
Once again we have six SATA 6Gbps ports with RAID support,
four SATA 3Gbps and two SATA 6Gbps ports, but these are
although at least this time around we know that there's support
sadly not angled, although it's not likely that any of them will
for two internal USB 3.0 ports, as well as four USB 2.0 ports
be blocked by an add-in card.
and a FireWire port. Around the back we're looking at two USB
3.0 ports, six USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port, Gigabit Ethernet The board also has a power and reset button, oddly high-end
and 7.1-channel audio. This is also the most expensive of the features on what is otherwise looking like a fairly basic board.
three boards at €171.97 (S$314). There are also three headers for an additional six USB 2.0
ports, as well as a serial and parallel port header on the board.
We did find a fourth model as well, the 990FX-GD70, but
One of the more disappointing features, or lack thereof, is the
we haven't managed to track down any kind of specifications
fact that Biostar has only fitted a single 4-pin PWM fan header
for this model. However, we did find a price and it ends up
and it's for the CPU fan and even so there are only two other fan
between the GD65 and GD80 price wise, much as expected, at
headers on the board which seem stingy. The power regulation
€158.13 (S$288). So far it looks like MSI has a pretty decent
circuitry is also very basic which what appears to be a 4+1-
line-up of AM3+ boards coming and we'll make sure to bring
phase design. In as much as this is good enough, it doesn't
you all the detail of the new boards from Computex, if not
inspire a lot of confidence in the overclocking potentials for
before.
this board. Still, at the end of the day, it all comes down to cost
and this better be a cheap board is it's not going to do well.
Biostar's TZ68A+ motherboard
leaks ahead of launch
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/biostar-s-tz68a-motherboard-leaks-
ahead-of-launch/12043.html

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ONFI 3.0 forces Intel to move
to BGA NAND packaging
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/onfi-3.0-forces-intel-to-move-to-bga-
nand-packaging/12023.html
May 3rd, 2011

If you've ever seen a picture of an opened SSD or the inside of
an SD card, you'll have noticed that the NAND Flash chips used
are of the TSOP (Thin Small-Outline Package) variety, i.e. an It's possible that by the time that Intel moves to ONFI
oblong chip with small pins of the short ends. TSOP is a fairly 3.0 for its lower-end NAND Flash products we'll see an
standard packaging for a wide range of computer ICs, but it entirely different kind of packaging used for the NAND Flash,
seems like more advanced technology will soon see it passed something that's a bit more affordable than BGA. Cost is of
into the history books as far as NAND Flash is concerned. the essence and Intel knows that, but with increasing demands
for faster NAND Flash the chip makers don't have a choice
but to move to faster NAND Flash interfaces such as ONFI
If you've ever seen a picture of an opened SSD or the inside of 3.0 which offers chip level speeds of up to 400MB/s. Intel's
an SD card, you'll have noticed that the NAND Flash chips used current products use a DDR-200 interface, while ONFI 3.0
are of the TSOP (Thin Small-Outline Package) variety, i.e. an uses an NV-DDR2 interface which has been designed to work
oblong chip with small pins of the short ends. TSOP is a fairly better with NAND Flash. It's just a shame that in the SSD
standard packaging for a wide range of computer ICs, but it market space it's the enterprise section that gets the fast new
seems like more advanced technology will soon see it passed toys to play with first and not the consumers, but if you have
into the history books as far as NAND Flash is concerned. enough cash, you could always splash out on some enterprise
grade hardware for home.
According to Intel's NAND Flash roadmaps we're looking at a
move towards BGA (Ball Grid Array) packaging as TSOP isn't
advanced enough to handle the higher speeds required by new Gigabyte's Z68X-UD5 and
NAND Flash interfaces such as ONFI 3.0 (Open NAND Flash
Interface). As such, all of Intel's enterprise level NAND Flash Z68X-UD4 motherboards
is already being transitioned to BGA packaging, both SLC and
MLC products. For now the consumer (Intel refers to it as
detailed
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/gigabyte-s-z68x-ud5-and-z68x-ud4-
client) end of the market remains at TSOP as it's far cheaper motherboards-detailed/12042.html
to produce, but we'd expect things to look different come next May 3rd, 2011
year.

We're definitely getting close to the launch of Intel's Z68
chipset and more details of Gigabyte's upcoming boards have
turned up on the internet. Not only have we found pricing of
the three high-end boards, but the Z68X-UD5 and Z68X-UD4
have been given a thorough going over in a detailed preview, of
course without benchmarks as Intel don't condone benchmark
figures ahead of a launch.

Intel is planning to move its 20nm NAND Flash SLC and MLC
We're definitely getting close to the launch of Intel's Z68
products to ONFI 3.0 towards the end of this year, but as
chipset and more details of Gigabyte's upcoming boards have
you can see from the slide, this is likely to be its enterprise
turned up on the internet. Not only have we found pricing of
products. That said, the same roadmap also has a 20nm ONFI
the three high-end boards, but the Z68X-UD5 and Z68X-UD4
2.2 product on it, but this is likely to also be a TSOP package.
have been given a thorough going over in a detailed preview, of
Intel is also looking at increasing the capacity per chip in
course without benchmarks as Intel don't condone benchmark
the enterprise NAND chips, but the consumer level products
figures ahead of a launch.
remains at the same capacity, at least for now.

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The Z68X-UD5 is pretty much the same motherboard as the At the rear the Z68X-UD4 has a PS/2 port, seven USB 2.0
P67A-UD5 with the exception of the chipset of course. In fact, ports, two USB 3.0 ports, one eSATAp (USB/eSATA combo
the boards are so similar that if it wasn't for the red ports with power), one eSATA, a Gigabit Ethernet port, FireWire
around the back on the Z68X-UD5 and the silk screen on the port and 7.1-channel audio with optical and coaxial S/PDIF
board with the model name, we wouldn't be able to tell the two out. The same Australian retailer is listing this board for a
boards apart. If this is a good or a bad thing is a matter of what pretty affordable AU$239 (S$320) which looks like a much
you're after in terms of features, but it's pretty clear that there's better deal compared to the Z68X-UD5, despite the somewhat
no real reason to get the P67A-UD5 any more, especially as the peculiar board layout and lack of one expansion slot that might
price difference appear to be minimal. In fact, the Z68X-UD5 not be to everyone's liking.
has already appeared on an Australian online retailer priced at For those of you that are looking at going for the high-end
AU$319 (S$427) and the same company stocks the P67A-UD5 Z68X-UD7 we can let you know that the price of this board
for AU$305 (S$408). In as much as this is a price premium, is AU$399 (S$534), once again from the same Australian
we're sure it won't last for long. retailer. We'd expect these boards to be slightly cheaper in
the US of course and it's worth keeping in mind that the US
dollar is now worth less than the Australian dollar. For detailed
pictures of all three board models, hit the link below.
More pictures: Lab501

The Daily VR-Zone News
Summary - 3 May 2011
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/the-daily-vr-zone-news-summary--3-
may-2011/12038.html
May 3rd, 2011

The Z68X-UD4 on the other hand is nothing like the P67A-
UD4, instead this looks like the P67X-UD4 which was shown
off at CeBIT but never launched. We can't say we're overly In today's news roundup: NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 590 gets
keen on the board layout, as Gigabyte has made a few peculiar pitted against AMD's Radeon HD 6990 to determine which
choices here. For starters the 16-phase VRM is taking up an company's hardware is capable of offering the better triple-
unusual amount of space on the PCB and this means you end display gaming experience; AMD's Phenom-II X4-980 BE
up losing the first expansion slot. The slot layout consists of a processor gets reviewed; Apple has updated its iMac line of
pair of x16 slots in a dual x8 configuration when both are used, all-in-one PCs to include Intel's Sandy Bridge platform, new
two x1 PCI Express slots and two PCI slots. graphics cards and the recently announced Thunderbolt port;
On the other hand, the Z68X-UD4 has an additional two SATA RIM's latest BlackBerry 7 OS has been confirmed to lack legacy
6Gbps ports beyond the two supplied by the Intel chipset, support, which means that older BlackBerry handsets have
which is also two more than the Z68X-UD5 which seems very officially reached a dead end with regards to software updates;
odd. Gigabyte has also fitted a pair of Etron USB 3.0 host Videos of Atelier Meruru's prologue and parts of the title's
controllers to the board, rather than using VLI USB 3.0 hubs gameplay has started showing up on major video streaming
and a single Renesas chip as per the Z68X-UD5. This means sites such as Youtube, and Rumour has it that Nintendo
that you'll actually be able to get better performance out of is ready to launch a 'Wii Select' line of heavily discounted
each of the four USB 3.0 ports, although you do lose out on an bestselling titles for its video game console.
additional four ports compared to the Z68X-UD5. Hardware news
SandForce SF-2141 Controller & Intel Z68 Chipset: Destined
to be Together?
Description: Today we are going to play a brief game of connect
the dots with information that is publically available. We are
going to mix two parts of facts and one part speculation. The
pinch of speculation has been verified by two sources and in
the media world that gives it enough validity to 'go to print'
so to speak. The overall picture will be a little cloudy, but I
think enough of a silhouette will pass through to give us a close
representation of what's to come. The good ole' "Things That
Might Be Happening, but What Do I Know?
Triple Monitor Gaming: GeForce GTX 590 vs. Radeon HD
6990
Description: By utilizing three monitors games can become
roughly 3x more demanding as the graphics card is required to
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render an overwhelmingly higher number of pixels. Whereas Description: The ASUS Maximus IV Extreme is the latest
we commonly test graphics cards at single monitor resolutions Republic of Gamers motherboard for the Intel socket 1155
of 1680x1050 (22”), 1920x1200 (24”) and 2560x1600 (30”), mainstream platform. The ASUS Maximus IV Extreme
today we are taking these and adding two more LCD features an updated sleek heatsink design, Extreme Engine
monitors for effective resolutions of 5040x1050, 5760x1200 DIGI+, DDR3-2200 (OC) support and 3-way SLI/CFX. The
and 7680x1600. Maximus IV Extreme also boasts a wealth of overclocking
options, including onboard debugging tools and switches as
AMD Phenom-II X4-980 BE Processor @ Benchmark Reviews
well as remote overclocking controls via Bluetooth devices or
Description: As is common with AMD CPUs, the next in
through a laptop. In order to achieve 3-way SLI/CFX support,
the Phenom-II X4 Black Edition series is being released; the
the ASUS Maximus IV Extreme is equipped with an NVIDIA
Phenom-II X4-980BE HDZ980FBK4DGM. The X4-980BE
NF200 chip located where the Northbridge is typically placed.
will take over as AMDs flagship quad-core processor and guess
The new B3 version of the Maximus IV Extreme has 10 USB
what, it is 100MHz faster than the current quad-core king
3.0 ports including two at mid-board for front panel support
at 3.7GHz. Without surprise the Phenom-II X4-980BE will
as well as four SATA 6Gb/s ports for high speed connectivity
be released at the same price the X4-975BE was released in
options.
January 2011 with an MSRP of $195. And because we are
just that reliable, Benchmark Reviews is here to give you the Consumer Electronics and Software news
run down on the Phenom-II X4-980BE to show you how it Apple updates the iMac: Thunderbolt I/O, quad-core and
stacks up against its younger brothers and the similarly priced more
(though slightly more expensive) Core i5-2500K. Description: Apple's desktop lineup has typically pushed users
Gigabyte H67A-UD3H ATX Review @ OCIA.net requiring plenty of fast I/O towards the Mac Pro - but the latest
Description: The majority of users that select an H67- iMac refresh has broken the tradition. While quad-core Sandy
equipped board do so to take advantage of Intel HD graphics Bridge CPUs and faster ATI Radeon HD GPUs are welcomed,
built into Sandy Bridge processors and thus, won't be using it's the addition of Thunderbolt ports (one in the 21.5-inch and
a high-end graphics card or really any other add-in cards. two in the 27-inch) that really ups the ante for a number of
Builds where a Micro ATX board would be suitable include professional users.
home theater PCs and small form factor builds where a small
Adobe CS5.5 Available for Download Now
footprint is needed. A quick check at Newegg revealed only Description: Adobe has just broken the seal on Creative Suite
three full size ATX H67 boards, one of them being the board 5.5, the latest installment of its design and development
we are taking a look at today, the Gigabyte GA-H67A-UD3H. software. Of course, the new release brings the usual round-up
HIS Radeon HD 6790 1GB IceQ X Turbo Video Card Review of improvements and tweaks, but the fireworks in CS5.5 lie in
Description: Just before the launch of the HD 6790, HIS the suite’s new HTML5 and mobile app-specific capabilities.
emailed us and asked if we wanted to get a sample of the Cooler Master NotePal Infinite Evo Duo Silent Fan Notebook
normal version, or if we were happy to wait a couple of extra Cooler Review @Hi Tech Legion
weeks for the IceQ X Turbo one. Since we had a reference Description: Cooler Master is ready to release their newest line
clocked card already on the way and the IceQ X and Turbo of NotePal coolers, starting with the NotePal Infinite Evo Duo
series being two great ones, it was a no brainer and we chose to Silent Fan Notebook Cooler. The Infinite Evo adds a bit of style
wait. Well, the card finally arrived and we got a chance to put and high performance and an excellent price. The design uses
it through its paces to see what this new mid-range card was a unique U-shape airflow method that intakes with two 80mm
able to offer. Being part of the IceQ X and Turbo series means fans. Fans can be controlled by a speed control wheel on the
we've got both an upgraded cooler and an overclock on offer. side by the USB power connection. The top of the Evo is made
Antec KUHLER H2O 920 Liquid Cooling CPU Cooler Review of a high quality aluminum pad that has a sand-spray finish. It
Description: Since I caught wind of the H2O 620, I assumed is USB powered and includes a 3 port USB 2.0/1.1 hub. There is
the "fat radiator" version was already in the works. Why not also an ergonomic design angle for optimal viewing and typing.
keep up with the Jones' if you are already basically mimicking There is support for 12" to 17" laptops.
a product already on the shelf is my take, and I was right, well, Plantronics Gamecom X40 Xbox headset Review @
sort of. Antec did release the thicker radiator design with the XSReviews.co.uk
920 moniker, and we are about to take an up close look at not Description: Recently we visited Gadget Show Live 2011 and
only the cooler, but the software that comes shipped along with while our article on that event did quite well, this one did a lot
this new cooler from Antec. better. Despite that however, the real highlights of the event
Thermaltake ToughPower Grand 850W Power Supply Review are checking out the hardware and one company was kind
@ Real World Labs enough to let us test a lot of it. Not only that, but Plantronics
Description: The latest addition in Thermaltake’s ToughPower were such fans it seems that they plied us with their entire
series called the Grand comes with an 80 Plus Gold range of Xbox headsets. Needless to say, we had to find bigger
Certification, high quality components, rock solid rail stability, bags. That aside though, today we test the first of this lineup,
elegant design and a rich bundle. the Gamecom X40.
ASUS Maximus IV Extreme P67 Motherboard Review @Hi Blackberry 7 OS abandons old handsets
Tech Legion Description: RIM has two Blackberry smartphones on the
way, under the banner of the Blackberry Bold 9900 and the

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Blackberry Bold 9930. They'll sport its new OS, Blackberry Joining the Intel Z68 club is MSI's Z68A-GD80. We take a
7, which will not be available as an upgrade to customers peek at the features with which MSI hopes to make its board
with older devices. The long-rumoured mobiles will sport an stand out from the rest.
"iconic design" with a touch screen, RIM predictably says, Several of the MSI Z68A-GD80's features are prominently
shipping with Blackberry's new operating system, Blackberry advertised on its box, including of course the assurance that
7. Blackberry 7 does not have legacy support so users with you are getting the trouble-free stepping of the chipset.
older handsets will be stuffed if they want to run the improved
system.
OS X Lion to bring iOS-style uninstalls for Mac apps
Description: If you thought that the iOS method of uninstalling
apps was awesome, you’re going to love OS X Lion. The
latest developer version of the operating system revealed that
it features the same uninstalling method as iOS for apps
purchased from the Mac App Store. Users just click and hold
onto an app’s icon, and it will start to wobble just like how it
does on iOS. Then users can click on the X icon that appears
on the top left corner to delete the app.
Google Nexus One gets Android 2.3.4 early
Description: Android 2.3.4 software for the Nexus One
smartphone is now available for download as an early build
The Z68 PCH is passively cooled, which should come as no
that will require some bug fixes (ZIP). It will also arrive in
surprise given that the TDPs of Intel's recent chipsets have all
a more finished version over the air anytime now, however.
come in under 10 watts. The CPU power delivery system, on
Unlike the version of the software for the Nexus S, no support
the other hand, gets a more elaborate cooling solution.
exists for the Google Talk video and voice chat features.
Gaming news
Hector Badge of Carnage Review at PC Game Examiner
Description: Hector: Badge of Carnage marks a turn for the
ruder and cruder for Telltale Games. Although good for a few
laughs for the boob and fart joke crowd, the game's bleak and
soulless story doesn’t quite hold up to Telltale’s other offerings.
Put the kids to bed before you play this one folks.
Atelier Meruru Prologue and Gameplay Videos released
Description: Have a look at Gust’s Atelier Meruru through this
prologue and gameplay videos. The prologue which is four
minute long tells the background story of of the Arland series
starting from Rorona and Totori. The gameplay video shows
some world exploration though there is no battle. The MSI Z68A-GD80 provides 12-phase power to the CPU
Rumor: 'Wii Select' budget line launching this month using MSI's DrMOS system. DrMOS uses integrated circuits
Description: After only four and a half years, it looks like that combine the MOSFET and its driver into a single chip,
Nintendo is finally ready to introduce a line of budget titles in which MSI claims achieves 96% efficiency. By reducing the
North America. Kotaku reports that the "Wii Select" line will number of phases active when the system is not under load,
launch alongside the newly discounted Wii, which is rumored power consumption can also be reduced. The number of active
to drop to $150 two weeks from now. The first titles reported to phases is indicated by a row of LEDs along the top edge of the
be part of the $20 lineup include The Legend of Zelda: Twilight motherboard.
Princess, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Super Sluggers and
Wii Sports.

First Look: MSI Z68A-GD80
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/first-look-msi-z68a-gd80/12035.html
May 3rd, 2011

The memory and chipset each get 2-phase power. There is also
an additional PCIe 6-pin power connector, which MSI claims

7


will improve the overclocking capabilities of installed graphics
cards.

Known as the KX 370, KX 420 and KX 470, GIGABYTE
claims that the KX series of PSUs are compliant with the
ATX 12V v2.0 specifications set forth by Intel and feature a
Next, we'll be looking at the onboard features and expansion
120mm cooling fan, along with protection from over-voltage,
options offered by this motherboard.
over-current and short-circuits to ensure system stability.
In addition, the KX series of PSUs are reportedly capable
GIGABYTE shows off new of providing over 78% efficiency and a MTBF of over 100,000
hours.
entry-level PoweRock PSUs
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/gigabyte-shows-off-new-entry-level-
powerock-psus/12036.html
May 3rd, 2011

Need an entry-level PSU for use in building a cheap PC? Well,
leave it to GIGABYTE to deliver the goods once again with
a new addition to its value-oriented PoweRock line of power
supplies. Known as the PoweRock KX series, these PSUs are
available in three different ratings, all of which happen to be
lower than 500w. After all, we did mention that these PSUs
were designed to be used on entry-level PCs, no?
When it comes to having an extensive lineup of PSUs available
for the enthusiast with an entry-level PC, few can match what
GIGABYTE has offer with its PoweRock and PoweRock EX
lines of PSUs. However, it would seem that GIGABYTE is The hardware specifications of the PSUs are as follow:
not content with merely having two product lines for the
PoweRock KX 370
entry-level market, for the Taiwanese company has silently
introduced three new additions to its lineup of entry-level
PSUs, all of which will be sold under the PoweRock KX
branding.

PoweRock KX 420

8


platform will take place two weeks after the Asia release - on
26th June.

PoweRock KX 470

Judging by AMD's hectic schedule for June, the FX-Series and
Lynx platform (A-Series for desktops) will release sometime in
July.
After several years of anticipation, Fusion and Bulldozer are
finally about to release in the next 2 months. June and July will
undoubtedly be two of the most important months in AMD's
history.

LG launches new Xnote
notebooks in Korea
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/lg-launches-new-xnote-notebooks-in-
Once again, we should point out that the PoweRock series
korea/12034.html
of PSUs are designed to be used only by entry-level systems,
May 3rd, 2011
and the just-launched KX-series is no exception to the rule.
Therefore, if you are in need of a PSU to power a sibling's
PC that sees most of its uptime performing tasks such as
gunning meatbags down on Crysis 2, the KX-series of PSUs are
definitely not the ones you are looking for.

Now that high-performance, ultra-thin notebooks are fast
Report: AMD to announce A- gaining popularity among consumers for their portability and
Series, FX-Series in June visual appeal, it would make sense that OEMs are starting
to funnel more of their resources into churning out such
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/report-amd-to-announce-a-series-fx-
notebooks in a bid to gain a greater share of the notebook pie.
series-in-june/12037.html
Of course, LG is not about about to let itself get left behind in
May 3rd, 2011
the competition; the Korean company has just announced in
a press release that it has launched two new additions to its
Xnote line of ultra-thin notebooks - the P430 and P530 series.
And yes, they are powered by Intel's Sandy Bridge platform.
AMD's extraordinary schedule for June kicks off at Computex If LG's new notebooks could talk, we'd wager that the first
2011, Taipei, where AMD A-Series will be announced, words they would probably say will be something along the
alongwith the VISION 2011 branding. AMD 900 Series lines of "Move over, Macbook Air", and for good reason. After
chipsets will also be announced. These three announcements all, ultra-thin notebooks boasting full-power processors are
will be held on June 1st. Fast forward to the next week, and starting to gain popularity among road warriors who need
E3 2011 - AMD will announce the FX-Series brand and logo, portability and performance bundled together in a single
alongwith the AM3+ platform - on June 7th. package, an offering which only Apple's Macbook Air could
These announcements will be shortly followed by the Asia fulfil back then. However, times have since changed, and
release of the Sabine platform (A-Series for notebooks), LG is seemingly keen to wrest back marketshare from the
around the same time as the AMD Fusion Developer Summit. competition with two new introductions to its ultra-thin Xnote
Llano will be formally announced for the rest of the world on line of notebooks, namely the P430 and the P530 series.
June 14th at AMD's 2011 Client Launch Event. Both the Sabine
(notebook) and Lynx (desktop) platforms for A-Series will be
announced. Finally, the the worldwide release of the Sabine

9


May 3rd, 2011

Okay, maybe equating a mundane device such as a tablet PC
to the principle known as love might be stretching it a little
bit, but it is quite hard to see it any other way, especially when
the company responsible for marketing this little device has a
name which makes a reference to the word 'love'. That being
According to the press release issued by LG, the P430 will said, does anybody fancy a five-inch ACHO tablet, all decked
be available in three different models, each with differing out in a brilliant white plastic body?
hardware specifications. At the top end of the scale is the Just when one thought that the tablet wars could not have
P430-KE7BK, which boasts an Intel Core i7-2620M processor gotten any fiercer, out comes OEMs with a new breed of tablets
clocked at 2.7GHz (3.4GHz under TurboBoost), 8GB of that skirt the fine line between that of a smartphone and a
memory and a 720GB hard disk. The mid-range configuration tablet PC. With screens no smaller than the three-inch displays
is provided by the P430-KE4BK, which utilizes a (slightly) used by most smartphones but also no larger than five inches,
weaker Core i5-2410M processor clocked at 2.3GHz (2.9GHz such mini-tablets can either be seen as the best or worst of
under TurboBoost), 4GB of memory and a 500GB hard both worlds, and are mostly aimed that users who want the
disk. Lastly, the P430-KE3UK offers users a Core i3-2310M versatility of a tablet in a pocketable form factor.
processor clocked at 2.1GHz, 4GB of memory and uses the
same 500GB hard disk found in the P430-KE4BK. In addition, And apparently, the idea of having a pocketable tablet has
all three models of the P430 will feature a 14-inch widescreen seemingly started to catch on on China. Indeed, reports have
capable of a native resolution of 1366 x 768, a gigabit Ethernet confirmed that a new mini-tablet device has been reported to
port, an 802.11bgn compliant WiFi card and an NVIDIA be making its rounds in China's domestic tablet market, and
GeForce GT520M graphics card which supports the Optimus is currently being sold under the ACHO brand name, with a
switchable graphics technology. model number of C902.

On the flip side, the 15-inch P530 series of notebooks have not
been officially unveiled yet, although LG claims in its press
release that the P530 series will be made available at a future As it was for the case of the seven-inch C901 released before
date after the P430 hits retail shelves some time in the early it in the later part of 2010, ACHO is making no attempt
parts of May this year. Lastly, we are as clueless about pricing to produce an iPad/iPhone/Galaxy /(insert name of device)
details as you are, simply because LG made no mention of such lookalike, a trait seldom found in most Chinese domestic
details on its press release, so we can only wait and see. designs. In addition to its original design, the ACHO C902
is also fitted with a Rockchip RK2818 processor which is
reportedly clocked at 1GHz, utilizes a five-inch touchscreen
In China, love comes in the display capable of a native 800 x 480 resolution. and will come
form of a five-inch tablet with version 2.2 of the Android operating system pre-installed
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/in-china-love-comes-in-the-form-of-a-
into the it. Also, word has it that the C902 will feature built-in
five-inch-tablet/12032.html
support for 3G and WiFi, along with hardware accelerated HD
movie playback at up to 720p. Unfortunately, no price for the
C902 has been revealed, although it is speculated that ACHO
may price the C902 anywhere between 399 - 499 yuan (approx
US$61-75)

10


HP's vice president for marketing in Asia Pacific and Japan,
Robin Seow, claimed that HP has always been taking a strong
HP partners with Branded Ltd interest into the music and digital entertainment segments.
to bring "Music Matters LIVE "HP has a very simple mission: to connect with our target
with HP" to Singapore audience out there. Music plays a very important role in
connecting to the audiences. Two years ago, we started a
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/hp-partners-with-branded-ltd-to-
partnership that has resulted in the creation of Beats Audio,
bring-music-matters-live-with-hp-to-singapore/12030.html
a technology which delivers studio-quality sound for users to
May 3rd, 2011
enjoy music the way songwriters and composers intend it to
be," he said.
Seow also claimed that Music Matters LIVE With HP event will
be a very meaningful platform where talents from all over the
world can utilize HP's technology and create music for others
to enjoy. To that end, he cited success stories such as Alicia
Do the words 'Music Matters' ring a bell? If it does, chances Keys and JJ Lin, both of whom are users of HP's Beats Audio
are you will have much to look forward to come 26 - 28 technology.
May this year. An Asia Pacific's pioneer music industry event Last but not least, Universal Music Group International's
has been confirmed to be heading down to Clarke Quay at president for South East Asia, Sandy Monterio, spoke about
sunny Singapore to "bring digital entertainment, music and the importance of talents familiarizing themselves with the
live music industries together under one roof for the first time trends of digital entertainment that will be touched upon in
in Asia". And to top things off, HP is going to be a major two companion events, Digital Matters and Music Matters (not
player at Music Matters; the company has partnered up with to be confused with Music Matters LIVE With HP).
Branded Ltd to offer its expertise in high-quality audio to
aspiring talents and artists.

"Every change in the music industry was actually pre-empted
(in Digital Matters and Music Matters). Universal is surviving
Mmusic lovers will probably be looking forward to what is because we paid attention to these changes. Those executives
about to take place in Singapore come 26 May this year, for who didn't pay attention...well, they are no longer in the
Branded Ltd has announced that Singapore will be playing business," he quipped.
host to the popular Music Matters LIVE with HP music
industry event this year. In addition to that, HP is also hopping The Music Matters LIVE With HP music event is organised
on board the event to expand its Beats Audio technology to by Branded Ltd and is slated to be held at various venues
"bands and music enthusiasts to pursue and achieve their all over Clarke Quay for three days, starting from 26 May
passion for music". this year. Branded Ltd has also confirmed that more than 40
bands will be taking part in this year's Music Matters LIVE

11


With HP, along with local talents such as 53A, Jack & Rai and keeps your earphones looking and sounding good — whether
Typewriter. you’re exercising or commuting to work. And the new Ultimate
Ears earphones come with a carrying pouch that easily fits
Music fans interested to know more about Music Matters Live
into your pocket or your bag while you’re on the go. Plus, you
With HP can hit up the Music Matters home page here.
can use your earphones with your iPod, MP3 player or any
laptop with a 3.5 mm jack. To express your personal style, the
Logitech launched Ultimate Ultimate Ears 200s are available in purple, grey or blue.

Ears 100, 200 and 200vi
earphones and headsets
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/logitech-launched-ultimate-
ears-100-200-and-200vi-earphones-and-headsets/12028.html
May 3rd, 2011

Logitech has launched their new Ultimate Ears 100 and 200
Ultimate Ears 200vi Noise-Isolating Headset
earphones and headset that claim to deliver secure noise-
isolating fit with distinctive patterns and colors for the trendy For your iPhone or Blackberry, the new Ultimate Ears 200vi
users. The Ultimate Ears are available in stores now. Noise-Isolating Headset offers an integrated microphone and
a 3.5 mm jack (volume control functionality not available with
Today, Ultimate Ears, a product unit of Logitech, has
BlackBerry devices.) For iPhone users, the on-cord controls
introduced the Ultimate Ears 100 Noise-Isolating earphones,
let you switch seamlessly between music and phone calls with
the Ultimate Ears 200 Noise-Isolating earphones and the
the push of a button, and give you the ability to pause songs,
Ultimate Ears 200 vi Noise-Isolating headset in five distinctive
adjust volume and take phone calls all without taking your
patterns and three colors.
smartphone out of your pocket.
Pricing and Availability
The suggested retail price for all variations of the Ultimate Ears
100 Noise-Isolating Earphones is S$25. The suggested retail
price for the Ultimate Ears 200 Noise-Isolating headphones
and Ultimate Ears 200vi Noise-Isolating Headset is S$39 and
S$49 respectively.

Samsung launches GALAXY S
WiFi 4.0 and 5.0, and HMX-Q10
camcorder
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/samsung-launches-galaxy-s-wifi-4.0-
Ultimate Ears 100 Noise-Isolating Earphones
and-5.0-and-hmx-q10-camcorder/12027.html
Ultimate Ears latest earphones offer 24dBs of noise isolation, May 3rd, 2011
giving comfortable, secure fit that helps block outside noise
and envelop you in sound. Plus, every set of Ultimate Ears 100
Noise-Isolating Earphones comes with four soft ear cushions
— from XXS to M — to guarantee a comfortable fit.
Featuring artwork from well-known graphic album artist
Chuck Anderson and images from established Rock Star
photographer Greg Watermann, the Ultimate Ears 100 Noise- Samsung Korea has announced their new GALAXY S WiFi 4.0
Isolating Earphones’ five new genre-based styles allow you to and 5.0 smart players that offer users entertainment on the
express your musical style. move. In addition, the company has also launched the full high
definition HMX-Q10 camcorder, which is retailing in stores
Ultimate Ears 200 Noise-Isolating Earphones
now.
The Ultimate Ears 200 Noise-Isolating Earphones deliver 26
Samsung today launched GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and the
dBs of noise isolation, so you can really get in the zone. With
GALAXY S WiFi 5.0. Featuring 4- and 5-inch screen
five pairs of soft silicone ear cushions, you won’t have to worry
sizes respectively, both can deliver the powerful application
about getting the right fit. A durable, sweat-resistant design
experiences as the original GALAXY S. The two versions give

12


users an unrivalled entertainment experience through a clear
display, a swift 1GHz processor and the Android 2.2 Froyo
platform. The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 will be first available in
Russia and will be gradually rolled out in other countries. The - HD Video & Images: A camera lets you shoot and share your
GALAXY S WiFi 5.0 will be first available in Switzerland. life, capturing high-quality video or still images. The Samsung
GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 support DivX HD, allowing high-
definition video playback; Support for various codec standards
The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 claim to deliver rich including MPEG4, H264, DivX, XviD, WMV codecs ensures
smartphone experiences of the GALAXY S smartphone. With you can enjoy huge catalogues of content from all over the web.
video communications via VoIP services and rich video and
music entertainment with multi-codec support, the Samsung
GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 will keep users constantly
entertained. - Audio excellence: The Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and
5.0 Smart Player put entertainment at its core, designed to
deliver the best possible audio and video experience. Samsung
SoundAlive technology provides unrivalled sound quality,
Key Features: with deeper bass and greater tone articulation.
- Display: The clear display makes web surfing and multimedia
viewing a joy. Enjoy movies, favourite TV shows, photos
and web-browsing anywhere. Samsung’s latest mDNIe image
- Enhanced Memory Capability: Packed with generous 8/16
engine technology ensures that video and images look
GB memory, plus mircoSD slot and powered by a powerful
stunning.
1GHz for an industry leading performance, the GALAXY S
WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 are equipped to handle any user demand.
- Android 2.2 Froyo: The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 feature
the Android operating system, with possible upgrade option to
2.3 Gingerbread.
Sony hit by hackers again
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/sony-hit-by-hackers-again/12025.html
May 3rd, 2011

- Application Customization: With access to over 150,000 apps
available on Android Market, the Samsung GALAXY S WiFi
4.0 and 5.0 are fully customizable smart devices. Integrated
GPS support further expands the capabilities of the device, In addition to the theft of over 70 million account details from
letting you benefit from Google’s map services and directory Sony's PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, hackers
applications. have also stolen the personal information and credit card
details of users from another Sony network. Read On.

- Google Mobile Services: Enjoy premium Google services such
as Gmail, Google Talk and YouTube. Utilize voice recognition
technology to search with Google faster than ever on the
Internet.

- Samsung Social Hub: Your entire social life in your
hand. Simultaneously post messages and pictures on Flickr,
Facebook, and Twitter using Samsung’s Social Hub. The
integrated address book provides the ultimate command &
control station for the most popular SNS services. Synchronize
While Sony is still recovering from the fallout of its Playstation
your personal calendar with friends, family, and the latest
network and Qriocity services being compromised, there is
events.
more bad news. Sony has just announced that hackers may
have stolen the personal information of 24.6 million Sony
Online Entertainment (SOE) users. Sources claim that 12,700
credit card details were stolen in this attack. All of Sony Online
- VoIP Voice & Video Calls: The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0
Entertainment's games services have been taken offline.
utilize cost-effective video and voice communications services.
The Qik application allows video chat which can be shared over An advisory on the SOE website has stated that the stolen
social network services. credit card information are from an oudated 2007 database.

13


The notice assures consumers that the main database has not
been compromised.
Sony Online Entertainment is best known for its MMORPGs
(Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) such as
Everquest, Everquest II and DC universe online.
Unfortunately, little else about Ice Cream Sandwich has been
revealed save for the information that had been previously
It is official: Honeycomb's announced months ago: that Ice Cream Sandwich will feature
successor will be known as the 'best of both worlds' by incorporating elements of both
Gingerbread and Honeycomb. Also, word has it that Ice Cream
Ice Cream Sandwich Sandwich will be the first version of Android that is designed
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/it-is-official-honeycomb-s-successor- to work well with both smartphones and tablets with larger
will-be-known-as-ice-cream-sandwich/12026.html displays, but we shall wait for the final build to be released
May 3rd, 2011 before making any judgements. That being said, we cannot
help but feel the need to satisfy a certain craving for ice cream
right now...

The Daily VR-Zone News
Summary - 2 May 2011
We have danced around the issue for quite some time, but Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/the-daily-vr-zone-news-summary--2-
nothing beats having the official word (or endorsement) to may-2011/12016.html
confirm (or deny) what we have already suspected. As it May 3rd, 2011
turns out, Google has unintentionally confirmed that the next
Android release will go by the name of Ice Cream Sandwich
after sending off an email about various bugfixes in the Linux-
based operating system for smartphones and tablets.

In today's news roundup: AMD has lanched a new embedded
MCM video card, the AMD Radeon E6760, which is
reportedly derived from the company's mobile 6700M series
GPUs; GIGABYTE has introduced yet another factory-
overclocked version of the Radeon HD 6970 graphics card,
the GV-R697OC2-2GD, otherwise known as the HD 6970
WindForce-3X OC2; Research In Motion (RIM) has officially
unveiled its latest addition to the BlackBerry line of corporate-
centric smartphones, the BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930; Nokia
has announced that its flagship Symbian smartphone, the
Nokia N8, will soon be made available in a pink version
and is said to come bundled with the 'Anna' upgrade for the
operating system pre-installed; Sony is taking steps to resume
its PlayStation Network services after it has been taken offline
due to security compromises, and GameSpy talks about its
It has long been speculated that the first version of the Android experience with two classes in the upcoming Star Wars: The
operating system to be released after Honeycomb will be Old Republic MMORPG - the Bounty Hunter and the Imperial
named after the ice-cold dessert that many people from all Agent.
over the world know and love, and for good reason. After all, Hardware news
hints about an ice cream-based release have been dropped by
various developers working on the operating system, and ice MSI GeForce GTX 560 Ti HAWK Video Card Review
cream does start with the letter 'I'. Which, as we all know, is Description: As much as I love the recently looked at Lightning
directly after that of Honeycomb's 'H'. cards from MSI, their high price tag continues to let us know
that they're not for everybody. This is ultimately where the
And as it turns out, it seems that the speculations were correct HAWK series comes in to the picture. Essentially the HAWK
after all, for an internal email sent by Android developer series is very similar to that of the Lightning when it comes to
Romain Guv has essentially confirmed what everybody had what MSI want to achieve, but instead of aiming for the fastest
been suspecting all this while; that the next version of Android card overall like they do with the Lightning, they aim for the
will indeed be known as Ice Cream Sandwich. fastest at the easier to swallow mid-range price point.
Intel Core i7 990 X Review @ ocaholic

14


Description: With the Core i7 990 X Intel has a new flagship in Consumer Electronics and Software news
its portfolio. Therefore they decided to increase the multiplyer Apple to Roll Out New iMacs?
by one step which results in a clock speed of 3.46 GHz. Thanks Description: At last, Apple will refresh its line of iMac all-
to this CPUs six cores and twelve threads one can expect it to in-one computers, adding the latest Intel Core i5/i7 “Sandy
get the performance crown. Bridge” architecture and that new Thunderbolt port, according
DIY Guides: How To Install/Remove Intel Socket 1366 CPU @ to reliable sources.
PCSTATS Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS Shock Spin Gaming Headset Review
Description: PCSTATS receives a good deal of questions from @Hi Tech Legion
readers who don't know how to install an Intel Core i7 CPU Description: Thermaltake has a new addition to the gamer
into a fresh motherboard, or upgrade a socket 1366 processor audio market with the Tt eSPORTS Shock Spin gaming
to a faster model. We thought we'd run off a quick DIY Guide headset. The Shock Spin puts a bit of style in the mundane
illustrating the procedure for installing a socket 1366 CPU for headset market. Amongst the Shock Spin's looks are some
the benefit of our readers. good features as well. Driving the sound are two neodymium
Xigmatek Loki SD963 Heatsink Review @ Frostytech.com magnet speakers for enhanced performance. There is an
Description: On the test bench today is Xigmatek's mid- optional in line volume controller. Instead of an attached
compact Loki SD963 heatsink. The Xigmatek Loki SD963 mic on the Shock Spin, it is included separately. For comfort
stands 134mm tall, weighs 430 grams, comes equipped with a there is an auto adjusting rubber head strap and ergonomic
92mm fan mounted on rubber vibration absorbing fan posts shaped velvet ear cushions. The input is a 3.5mm connector
and will support a second 92mm fan if desired (not included). which means it can be used with compatible devices as well
Over the next few pages Frostytech will tell you if the Xigmatek as the computer. Thermaltake offers 3 colors; Shining White,
Loki SD963 heatsink is worth its weight in aluminum, or junk Diamond Black, an Royal Red.
for the recycling bin. Let's begin. Logitech G27 Racing Wheel Review @ Real World Labs
Enermax Hoplite Midi Tower PC Case Review @ Real World Description: Higher quality materials, improved dual force-
Labs feedback motors, 900-degree wheel rotation, improved
Description: With an impressive range of features, high build response and RPM/Shift indicator LEDs are just some of
quality and a very tempting price tag the latest Hoplite midi the improvements found on the latest G27 Racing wheel by
tower by Enermax is proof enough that they've got what it Logitech compared to its predecessor, the award winning G25.
takes to also dominate the PC Case market. Beginners Guides: Understanding and Creating Batch Files
AMD Launches Radeon E6760: The Next Embedded Radeon Description: Batch files can save time by automating specific
Description: Lately we’ve been working on expanding our GPU actions taken on the computer down to one simple click.
coverage to include more GPUs that aren't directly sold to They can also potentially hide damaging code, so a good
consumers discretely or as part of a package. Up until now understanding of what they are, how they work, and how to
we’ve mostly focused on 4 classes of GPUs: Desktop, Mobile/ create your own, is crucial to today's IT force.
IGP, High Performance Computing (HPC), and we’ve spent Watch How the Police Raid a Cellphone
some time dabbling with System on a Chip (SoC) GPUs for Description: Everyone knows the cops have tools to get inside
smartphones/tablets/netbooks. This range of products mostly your phone. But what do they do? They suck your iPhone's
covers the different GPUs seen in consumer products and in entire soul in 15 minutes. With one single click. This is what
commercial supercomputing, but there is still a large gap in it looks like.
there for non-consumer business uses. This is the embedded
market, and today we’re expanding our GPU coverage to BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 officially unveiled
include those GPUs. Description: RIM has officially unveiled the latest addition to
their lineup of BlackBerry Bold phones. Called the BlackBerry
Elpida drops some 30nm DDR3 info Bold 9900/9930, it will be RIM’s thinnest BlackBerry phone to
Description: Elpida just announced that their 30nm DRAM date. The Bold 9900/9930 will finally make the transition to a
process is ramping up, and the release has a bunch of goodies touchscreen phone. For all you dedicated QWERTY keyboard
buried in it. 30nm production has been in process for a while lovers, don’t worry, RIM hasn’t gotten rid of them, the Bold
now, but the details have not been widely dispersed. 9900/9930 will still have one and this time RIM claims it’s
Gigabyte Intros Faster HD 6970 OC2 WindForce3X Graphics their best keyboard to date.
Card Nokia N8 to come in pink with Symbian Anna update
Description: Gigabyte rolled out its second factory- Description: Nokia has announced a pink version of its
overclocked custom-design Radeon HD 6970 graphics card flagship Symbian phone, the Nokia N8. It will come preloaded
model, the GV-R697OC2-2GD, or the Gigabyte HD 6970 with the Symbian Anna update, at around the same time as the
WindForce-3X OC2. The card makes use of the same exact update will become available to all other N8 users.
Ultra Durable VGA+ PCB used on the GV-R697OC-2GD, as
well as the WindForce-3X cooler, but comes with higher clock Gaming news
speeds of 920 MHz core and 1375 MHz (5.50 GHz GDDR5 Sony to Resume PlayStation Network Services, Says “No
effective) memory; compared to 900/1375 (5500) MHz on the Evidence” Credit Card Info Stolen
GV-R697OC-2GD, and 880/1375 (5500). In all three cases, Description: Sony will resume some PlayStation Network
Gigabyte didn't tinker with memory clock speeds. services and beef up its security nearly two weeks after a hacker

15


attack forced Sony to shut it down. The company made the May 3rd, 2011
announcements during a press conference in Tokyo. Kaz Hirai,
Sony’s executive deputy president and the likely successor
to CEO Howard Stringer, started by offering “our deepest
and sincerest apologies” for the outage of the PlayStation
network, as well as apologizing to customers whose personal
information has been compromised.
The Interrogation Room: Star Wars: The Old Republic As always, everyone wants to cash in on the latest trends in
Description: We got a chance to play the first 10 levels of Star the industry and in this case we're talking about SSD caching.
Wars: The Old Republic's Bounty Hunter and Imperial Agent If you're not thinking about upgrading to Intel's Z68 chipset
classes -- and we got a peek at the upcoming MMO's space but like the sound of SSD caching technology, then HighPoint
combat as well. Is it better than the prequel films? Hell, what might just have what you want in the shape of its RocketHybrid
isn't? 122x series of HBAs (Host Bus Adapter). This is a family of two
dainty PCI Express x1 cards which offers pretty much the same
functionality as Intel's Z68 chipset, except you can fit it to any
Worldwide OS Market Grew to system with a PCI Express x1 slot in it.
$30.4 Billion in 2010, Gartner
says. As always, everyone wants to cash in on the latest trends in
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/worldwide-os-market-grew-to-30.4- the industry and in this case we're talking about SSD caching.
billion-in-2010-gartner-says./12024.html If you're not thinking about upgrading to Intel's Z68 chipset
May 3rd, 2011 but like the sound of SSD caching technology, then HighPoint
might just have what you want in the shape of its RocketHybrid
122x series of HBAs (Host Bus Adapter). This is a family of two
dainty PCI Express x1 cards which offers pretty much the same
functionality as Intel's Z68 chipset, except you can fit it to any
system with a PCI Express x1 slot in it.
The two cards are the RocketHybrid 1220 and 1222 with
As we all already know, Microsoft is still the biggest company the only difference being that the 1220 has two internal
for PC operating systems, at least according to the amount SATA ports and the 1222 has two external eSATA ports. Both
of revenue it generates. A new study from Gartner Research cards sport Marvell's 9130 controller which does all the hard
reports that Microsoft had $23.848 billion in revenue from work. However, unlike Intel's Smart Response technology, the
its OS business in 2010 which gave it a 78.6 percent share of Marvell 9130 controller isn't limited to using small-ish size
the entire worldwide OS market for that year. Overall, Gartner SSDs for the chaching. That said, looking at HighPoint's own
said in its press release earlier this week that worldwide numbers, it doesn't seem to make too much of a difference if
revenue for OS software came in at $30.4 billion, which... you're using a large SATA 6Gbps SSD or a smaller size SATA
...was an increase of 7.8 percent compared to 2009. While 3Gbps SSD, as the end result appears to be close to the same.
Microsoft still has a commanding lead in OS revenue, the
report did say that Apple's Mac OS was the fastest growing in
revenue in 2010 in terms of the client based OS business. The
Mac OS grew by 15.8 percent that year and with revenues of
$580 million. Even with that growth the Mac OS only has a 1.7
percent market share of the Client based OS systems. Overall
the client OS section of the business grew by 9.3 percent in
2010 while server based OSs grew its revenue by 5.7 percent.
IBM and HP were the number two and three companies in
worldwide OS revenue, respectively, in 2010. IBM owns three
OSs and showed the highest growth with its AIX OS with 9.2
percent growth. HP's HP-UX OS shows a 3.2 percent growth
in 2010. Red Hat's version of Linux is the biggest in the overall
Linux server market. Its revenues went up to $592 million in The Marvell 9130 controller is of course SATA 6Gbps
2010, an 18.2 percent growth and a whopping 58.2 percent compliant and HighPoint claims that its controllers with an
share of the entire Linux server OS market. SSD and HDD in caching mode offers 80 percent of the
performance you'd get from just using the SSD on its own.
There are two different modes available, safe which caches on
HighPoint announces SSD the SSD and then copies the data onto the HDD, or capacity
caching RAID card which stores the data across the two drives in a sort of RAID
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/highpoint-announces-ssd-caching-raid-
0 mode.
card/12022.html

16


At US$59.99 we can't say that we think it offers great value for The portable DVD is effortless to set-up and comes complete
money, but we'd expect prices to come down fairly quickly, as with CyberLink Media Suite pre-loaded. Users are notified of
something like this needs to be about $40 or less before it will the drives current status by LED lights, blue indicating that
gain any real popularity. At least it offers a way for owners of DVD drive is ready and red showing that the DVD power
motherboards without SSD caching to get their hands of one supply is low.
of the two selling points of the Z68 chipset without having to
buy a new system. The sleek, smart design combined with the ease-of-use and
portability makes the new DVD drive the ideal optical storage
device for any consumer says Paul Hudson, Sales Director for
Buffalo Ships New Portable Northern Europe at Buffalo Technology. The portable DVD
DVD Drive drive is the latest Buffalo product to transform into the new
stylish design and we welcome it to the family.
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/buffalo-ships-new-portable-dvd-
drive/12021.html
May 3rd, 2011

The Portable DVD is available for purchase immediately
at leading outlets such as Amazon.co.uk, Misco.co.uk, and
dabs.com

Buffalo Technology has begun to ship its latest external DVD Key Features
drive. The compact device features integrated USB cables, a
LED Power Indicator (power supply stability), Bus Power LED • USB Bus Powered - No additional power supply required
(power supply sufficiency), and supports up to 8x speeds for
• Integrated USB Cables - USB cables snap to the chassis
DVD+/-R Read/ Write. It is backed by a two year warranty and
for easy mobility
comes bundled with CyberLink Software.
• LED Power Indicator - LEDs indicate power supply
BUFFALO PRESS RELEASE
stability
Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, • Includes CyberLink Software for writing data content to
development, and manufacturing of storage and wireless CD-Rs and DVDs
networking solutions, is today announcing a stylish and • 8x DVD+/ -R Read/ Write
convenient design for its optical storage range.
• Bus Power LED lets you know when the power supply is
short
• Easy set-up
The compact and sleek portable DVD device will allow users to
watch DVDs and burn data to CDs/ DVDs at their convenience, • Warranty - 2 years
anytime anywhere. The drive is powered by integrated USB
cables which snap to the chassis for easy mobility, contributing
to the compact design. The lightweight and slim drive fits Plextor Launches PX-LB950UE
comfortably into any travel bag, making it an ideal product for
laptop and netbook users on-the-go.
External 12X Blu-Ray Writer
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/plextor-launches-px-lb950ue-
external-12x-blu-ray-writer/12020.html
May 3rd, 2011

Plextor has announced the PX-LB950UE External 12X Blu-
Ray Writer, expanding its Blu-ray lineup. Dubbed the "fastest
Blu-ray writer available in the market today", it features both
USB 3.0 and eSATA connectors, a 8Mb buffer, Lightscribe
technology support, and writes single-layer (SL) Blu-ray discs/
dual-layer (DL) BD-R media at speeds up to 12x/ 8x. The
PX-LB950UE comes bundled with PlexUTILITIES and can
be purchased from authorized distributors and retailers at a
MSRP of US$239.99.
PLEXTOR PRESS RELEASE
17

VR-Zone Technology News | Stuff for the Geeks! May 2011 Issue

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