Asus has released the ROG Striker II Extreme series of motherboards. Supporting NVIDIA’s nForce 790i Ultra SLI chipset for exceptional overclocking speeds, this powerful series of motherboards is also equipped with innovative technologies for enhanced graphical and thermal performance, versatile overclocking options; as well as a vast array of features that include device protection.

The Fusion Block System utilizes a Pin-Fin heatsink design that combines the ROG's renowned heatpipe design with the additional ability to connect to a water cooling system. By taking the entire integrated solution into design considerations, the user can enjoy 50% cooler thermal performance to the north bridge, south bridge, and even VRM with a single connection – providing them with a versatile, efficient, and advanced thermal system for better overclocking results. 

 The ROG Striker II Extreme series is currently available and retails at a whopping RM2,069. Read on for more info and specs.

Ricoh has launched the Aficio MP C6000 and MP C7500, two full-featured colour multifunction devices (MFDs) that boast a range of advanced capabilities including copy, print, scan and fax with built-in intelligent security functionalities. The all-in-one devices deliver impressive speeds with benchmark output quality and superb media flexibility.

Modular and upgradeable, the new Aficio series is ideal for large organizations that operate on a limited budget but need to produce fast, high quality colour printing. The new MFP device boasts a user-friendly interface which combines flexible finishing, large paper capacity and wide media versatility with advanced security features. Optimum productivity is guaranteed as the Aficio MP C7500 prints at a speed of 70 pages per minute (ppm) in full colour and 75 ppm in black-and-white, while the MP C6000 prints 55 ppm in full colour and 60 ppm in black-and-white. Both of these systems also provide standard duplexing at equally high speeds.  

The Aficio MP C6000 / MP C7500 series ensures an uninterrupted workflow with 3,400-sheet standard paper capacity. To optimize paper capacity, there is an optional 2,000-sheet and 4,000-sheet Large Capacity Tray (LCT). The standard 100-sheet Auto Reverse Document Feeder (ARDF) facilitates feeding of larger documents while the A4 tandem tray automatically replenishes paper during print and copy processes. With its intelligent business fax feature, the MP C6000 / MP C7500 automatically distribute all incoming faxes to a recipient’s email or folder. 

Read on for more info. 

For those of you who are into financial software tools, you might want to check out the Asia Trader & Investor Convention, ATIC happening from the 22 to 23 March at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. NextVIEW the organiser of the event will also be showcasing their NextVIEW Advisor software.

NextVIEW's flagship information product, NextVIEW Advisor, is a streaming real-time terminal designed for retail investors or professional traders. NextVIEW Advisor provides real time financial market information and content such as stocks/futures quotes and news from multiple exchanges and sources via the Internet or leased line connection. NextVIEW Advisor offers a wide range of tools like watchlists, market track, technical analysis charts, portfolio, alerts, and market screening filters

"iPhone arriving soon!" screams the headlines of some rumour mongers in a small island south of us. One can only look in awe as some of us in"Bolehland" wouldn't be much too bothered by it with the rampant use of the iPhone here in our country. So far rumours have it that SingTel will be bringing it in to Singapore and launching it in September and the estimated price is at S$690.

Not too bad a country which has an estimated 10,000 rogue iPhones running about, brought in through "different avenues". But will rumours just remain rumours or should some of the folks down south look forward to newer models such as  3G variant of the iPhone?

The big question is, will our "kiasu" neighbours opt for Apple's profit sharing plan which it already has with certain carries in the US and in Europe? 

Perhaps this is a question we should ask our own mobile carriers.  

Acer Malaysia and Microsoft Malaysia has announced the launch of their digital lifestyle showroom in Malaysia. Dubbed the "Acer-Microsoft Digital LifeStyle and WorkStyle Centre", the 2,100 square feet centre situated in Low Yat Plaza is the largest of its kind in the world. The centre features a cohesive blend of technology tools from both Acer and Microsoft.

Specific to these environments, the center showcases the newest Acer personal computers (PCs) and notebooks built to complement Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system. Some of which include the: Acer Aspire Gemstone notebook line, Acer TravelMate ProFile, the PC Aspire L320 and Aspire L3600 notebooks Multimedia PC, as well as the Quad-Core PC built for gamers and advanced users, all of which are available for visiting customers to demo-use with the assistance of on-site technical and service consultants.  

The Acer-Microsoft Digital LifeStyle and WorkStyle Centre is situated on Level One at Low Yat Plaza.  Read on for more info.

Norton has recently announced its 2.0 version of its Norton 360 solution. The newest version of Norton 360 now includes Symantec’s Browser Protection technology, which defends against drive-by downloads and other new or unknown threats that exploit vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer.

Also, now included in Norton 360 is Norton Identity Safe, which stores passwords and other personal information securely. Norton Identity Safe also offers convenient automatic form-filling capabilities and one-click log-in to trusted sites, and it works with Norton 360’s identity protection technology to safeguard against phishing sites. 

Norton 360 version 2.0 is also available in the following packages: Norton 360 version 2.0 Upgrade (Online ONLY) – MYR249.00, Norton 360 version 2.0 Premier Edition – MYR359.00 ,Norton 360 version 2.0 Premier Edition AP Upgrade (Online ONLY) – MYR319.00, Norton 360 version 2.0 Small Business Edition 5 User Pack (Retail ONLY) – MYR489.00, and Norton 360 version 2.0 Small Business Edition 10 User Pack (Retail ONLY) – MYR909.00. 

Read on for more details. 

Lenovo has announced their ThinkCentre M57/M57P “Eco” ultra small desktop PC, which is what they claim to be the first desktop PC from any manufacturer to receive GREENGUARD certification, and Lenovo’s most environmentally responsible desktop PC to date. The ThinkCentre M57/M57P is EPEAT Gold rated, Energy Star 4.0 rated, and the first ThinkCentre with recycled material from consumer plastics.

The ThinkCentre M57/M57P family is comprised of the quietest running ThinkCentre offerings ever. With acoustic levels measured at 4.0 bels or lower in all modes of operation, the M57/M57P provides a consistently quiet operation.  It also features Lenovo’s full suite of ThinkVantage Technologies. With the touch of a single button the user can recover from viruses, update the system, clean up the hard drive and find help. The ThinkCentre M57/M57P also comes with Intel vPro technology. The ThinkCentre M57/M57P “Eco” also features the latest Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security chip, which uses hardware to encrypt keys, passwords and digital certificates.

Lenovo also announced additional ThinkCentre models: The M57e, a high-performance, value desktop PC for large businesses; and the A57 PC, a rock solid desktop designed for small and medium businesses. Both include some of the latest technologies, including Intel 45nm processors, Intel Quad Core technology and Direct X10 graphic cards. 

The ThinkCentre M57 “Eco” ultra small desktop PC is priced starting at RM2,999. The base price for the A57 is RM1,349. The Vertical PC Stand is priced at RM299. Monitors are sold separately.  Read on for more info.

Nokia has unveiled the minimalistic and elegant Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte, a brand new design inspired by refractions of natural light in minerals that captures the essence of timeless beauty and fine craftsmanship. Materials include exquisite leather and precious stones and panels are crafted from premium leather sourced in Eastern India.

The Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte includes an exclusive soundtrack of from producers Kruder & Dorfmeister with visuals by Fritz Fitzke. In addition to the 3G capabilities and 3.2 megapixel auto focus camera, the Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte has an OLED display and 1 GB built-in memory space. A unique silencing mechanism is activated when the phone is turned over, screen-side down. Meanwhile, Nokia’s new anti-fingerprint coating reduces smudges on metal and glass.

To complete the look, Nokia has designed an exclusive range of accessories. These include a touch-sensitive volume control earpiece, a stylish desk stand and a leather carrying case complete with linen interior.  The Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte is now available at authorized Nokia dealers nationwide at a recommended retail price of RM5,990.

The Chinese government has cracked down on international media coverage of the unrest in Tibet, blocking websites and censoring the local feeds of broadcasters including BBC World and CNN.

China's internet clampdown came over the weekend, following the outbreak of widespread unrest and violence in Tibet last week, and has hit websites including Yahoo, YouTube and Guardian.co.uk.

In an example of YouTube's influence, blocking access to the video-sharing site is now a sort of scarlet letter for governments. The site, which allows individuals to communicate with mass audiences, has become a symbol of free speech to many, and governments that forbid it are immediately branded around the world as repressive.

This kind of image can't be welcomed by China as it prepares to host this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing.

[ Source : CNet, Guardian UK, RedHerring ] 

Hewlett-Packard (M) Sdn Bhd has announced the HP “Cheer to Beijing” contest, inviting all Malaysian to submit their most creative and unique cheer for the Malaysian Beijing Olympics 2008 contingent. The HP “Cheer to Beijing” contest is divided into two independent contests, namely the Purchaser contest and Non-purchaser contest. The Purchaser contest is opened to customers who have purchased any HP notebook, desktop or iPAQ product. The non-purchaser contest is a weekly contest open to all residents of Malaysia.

This contest offers more than RM70,000 worth of prizes including cash and the grand prize of an all expense paid 5 days/4 nights trip to Beijing for two persons with RM8,000 spending money. Other prizes include a Samsung 46” LCD TV, and 10 units of HP iPAQ 512 Voice Messenger. Both the Purchaser and non-purchaser contest will run from 14 March 2008 to 29 June 2008.  

As for the non-purchaser contest, participants can obtain the contest entry form from any HP outlets or authorized HP resellers. The winners for each Week contest will be announced no later than one week from the end of the contest. 32 units of the HP iPAQ 512 Voice Messenger will be up for grabs over the16-week contest, with two units to be won each week.

Love your Eee PC but not the OS? Well if you've been following the developments of the Eee PC online, you'd have found various hacks to further "enhance" your Eee PC, including installing XP onto it. However, Asus has made it easier now by unveiling its Eee PC pre-intsalled with Windows XP.

Pre-installed with Windows XP, the Eee PC provides an easy, convenient and fuss-free platform to seamlessly integrate multiple devices, applications and services. On top of this flexibility, the consistent interface provides a safe and dependable operating environment. Complementing this ease-of-use is Microsoft Works*, which equips the user with numerous applications that include word processing, spreadsheet, database management and address books.  

Officially the Windows XP version of the Eee PC has not reached our shores yet though you might find some parallel imports making its way soon to a IT shop near you. So stay tuned for local pricing and availability once it hits our shores. 

U Mobile, Malaysia’s newest 3G and Mobile Live TV
service provider today announced the launch of Surf with U, the company’s first ever high-speed mobile internet plan for the mass market. Combining affordability, simplicity, ease of use and convenience all in one plan, U Mobile is confident that Surf with U will appeal greatly to its young, dynamic and highly mobile target market who appreciates value for money.

Surf with U taps into U Mobile’s unique HSDPA-driven high-speed network to deliver a true broadband-like experience to mobile users. Priced at only RM78 per month, the plan which includes one of the smallest HSDPA USB modems currently available in the market as part of its package, is considered to be one of the most affordable plans of its kind in the country.

The milestone launch is a result of U Mobile’s continuous quest for intimate consumer understanding which revealed that there was a desire in the market for an affordable yet powerful data-driven plan that is also easy to use. This underlines U Mobile’s commitment to continue to develop products, services and content that is always relevant and more importantly, truly enriching for its target audience.

What's unique about Malaysia's night life? Find out with the just-announced Nokia Nseries Soul of the Night City Guide at www.nseries.com/soulofthenight! This unique platform enables users to discover, capture and share the best night time entertainment, activities and little-known locations in their cities across Malaysia through their mobile devices.

As part of SOTN initiative, Nokia Nseries also announced that it will be organizing the sequel to its highly successful Nokia Nseries Wireless Adventure. The Nokia Wireless Adventure 2: ‘Discover the Soul of the Night' race will challenge members of the public to race around the streets of Kuala Lumpur in search for the ‘coolest' and ‘best-hidden' gems in Kuala Lumpur's night life.

To participate in this nocturnal adventure, all you have to do is surf over to www.nseries.com/soulofthenight, register as a member, and sign-up for the race. Eight lucky participants will be chosen to discover the Soul of the Night and stand a chance to win a Nokia N82 and a trip to Hong Kong for two.

The closing date to sign-up is March 25, 2008 and the selected participants will be notified via email. Read on for more info.

AsiaSoft has officially launched Cabal Online which has been undergoing closed beta testing in late February. The game which has drew over 11,000 registered players from Singapore and Malaysia over its 42 testing period will go live with a public celebration party on 21^st March 2008 at the Suntec City Tropics Atrium. AsiaSoft will also  be having its Malaysia launch at Berjaya Times Square on the 22nd and  23rd of March.

AsiaSoft also announced the company’s inaugural Game Fest, a celebration of all games hosted by AsiaSoft with a series of offline events and in-game competitions. This year’s event will feature the GetAmped World Festival, an international gaming competition that will see competitors from 11 different countries, as well as the regional CABAL Guild Battle with participants from all over South East Asia.

  “2008 is a very exciting year for AsiaSoft as we have many exciting activities for different segments of gamers. CABAL Online, a successful MMORPG in Korea, Thailand and Taiwan, is catered to the more demanding market of young adult gamers,” said Sherman Tan, Chairman of AsiaSoft. “As for the AsiaSoft Game Fest, we wish to give back to our loyal players by hosting an event to get all gamers together in one spot. We are proud to host the GetAmped World Festival in Singapore for the very first time and we hope this international event will boost the gaming scene in Singapore and in the South East Asia region.”

abit has made available here in Malaysia their abit AX78 motherboard which is based on the AMD AMD 770 chipset. This is abit's first motherboard with native support for AMD Phenom quad-core processors delivering performance for true quad-core processors, HyperTransport 3, Dual Channel DDR2 1066 memory, PCI Express 2.0 and CrossFire X.

The board comes with abit's patented Silent OTES heatpipe, 4-phase PWM for AM2+ processors, 100% Japanese made capacitors for lasting durability and the external EZ CCMOS switch to reset your BIOS without the need to open your computer case. The abit AX78 is equipped with two PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (1 x16, 1 x4 bandwidth) supporting ATI CrossFire X dual graphics.

For further upgrades with add-on cards, one additional PCIe x1 und three PCI slots are provided for. The integrated high definition audio is scalable up to 7.1 channels for a fully cinematic surround sound soundscape. Supporting a total of 10 USB 2.0 ports of which 4 are already accessible through the back panel the user has sufficient connectivity for other multimedia devices of all kinds.

The board is already available in Malaysia at a RRP of RM310. Read on for specs and more info.