Buffalo MiniStation PX series introduced in India

Buffalo has announced the availability of the MiniStation PX series drives in India. The series includes the 320GB HD-PX320U2 and the 500GB HD-PX500U2. These drives resemble a small paperback book.

The Flex Connect USB 2.0 cable is a part of the design of PX series. When not in use, the cable can be wrapped around the drive and tucked away. This eliminates the need to carry the USB cable separately. The PX series includes Buffalo’s BumperBody shock absorbers that protect the data from damage.

The body of the hard drive incorporates rubberized protectors on the outside. The integrated hardware encryption feature can be turned on to automatically encrypt the data on the drive.

Full Disk Encryption (FDE) protects data from unauthorised access if lost or stolen. E-Z Logon allows users to enter their password only once. E-Z Logon can remember password on the computer and allows users to log on automatically. The MiniStation PX Series helps store, back up and transport digital files.

The pre-loaded Google Picasa software allows users to organise photos and Turbo USB ensures increased file transfer rates. It is USB powered so no external power supply is needed. Users can back up their data with Memeo Auto Backup for Windows and Macintosh. Also the MiniStation can be used with Time Machine.

Available in three colours -- red, black and white, Buffalo's MiniStation PX Series comes with a warranty period of three years and in two capacities -- (HD-PX320U2) 320GB and (HD-PX500U2) 500GB. The MiniStation HD-PX320U2 (320GB) is available for Rs 9,000 and MiniStation HD-PX500U2 (500GB) is priced at Rs 14,000.

Belkin outs six new KVM switches in India

Belkin has unveiled six new KVM switches for controlling multiple systems without the use of additional computer peripherals.

It is said to be apt for places with space constraints as users can connect multiple systems with one KVM switch. It comes along with a wired/wireless remote which enables sharing a keyboard, display, mouse and audio speakers between two computers.

While traditional KVMs are battle-tested only for a server room, the Belkin offering hands over the control of managing multiple computers to home consumers. Belkin KVM for home users come equipped with wired/wireless remote with which they can easily share a display, keyboard, mouse and audio speakers between two computers, with just a click.

Belkin has classified these KVM switches into three categories: the entry level, mid level and high-end KVMs switches. The entry-level switches include the two-port PS/2 switch. Two-port flip wireless KVM switch and two-port flip USB KVM switch. All the flip switches have a stylish appearance with colored coated cable and a wired/ wireless remote for easy switching. The entry-level switches are for SOHO users who would like to elevate the number of computers at home or in office.

Sony B140 and E440 MP3 players launched in UK

Sony has now rolled out E series E440 video MP3 and B series B140 MP3 players, in UK.

The E440 is just 9.3mm thick and users can easily slip this device into their pockets. It bundles up 2-QVGA color LCD screen, Sony Clear Audio technology, Clear Stereo, Clear Bass, 5-band equalizer, Dynamic Normalizer, Content Transfer software and FM radio tuner.

The 2-inch QVGA Color LCD screen offers a crisp, detailed view of photos, videos, album art, playlists and other functions while the Clear Audio technology provides high-quality soundstage.

The E440 is available in 4, 8 and 16GB capacities, while the B140 comes in 2 and 4GB versions; both have an FM radio and voice recorder function, together with being able to record from the radio. The B140 boasts 18hrs of playback, with a 3 minute charge good for 90 minutes runtime, while the E440 can play music for 30hrs or video for 6hrs, with an 80-percent recharge in 45 minutes. No word on pricing for the UK, but they’ll arrive in stores from the end of July.

Super Talent unveils Windows 7 compatible flash drive

Super Talent has introduced the Luxio drives. These drives are currently offered in 64GB and 128GB storage capacities.

These Luxio drives are compatible with Windows7 platform. They feature the AES-256 as their standard hardware encryption format.

Measuring 77mm x 21mm x 10mm, the 128GB Luxio is smaller compared to most of the 64GB drives available in the market. This dainty drive is capable of storing up to 40,000 six-megapixel images or up to 32,000 songs in MP3 format. Both 64GB and 128GB drives are compatible with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0.

With the capacity up to 64GB, the XPG Xupreme 200X flash drive is the perfect blend of high performance and simple flash drive to improve your digital lifestyle, and maximize your storage.

Features:

• High Performance up to 30 MB/sec read speed
• Compatible with Microsoft® Windows® 7
• Certified for Microsoft® Windows Vista™
• Support Windows® ReadyBoost™
• Support USB 2.0, backward compatible with USB 1.1
• Dashing, durable, lightweight Aluminum casing
• Hot Plug and Play
• Color: Dark metallic grey

Specification:

• Capacity: 8GB/16GB/32GB/64GB
• Dimension: 66.0*19.0*10.0 mm (LxWxH)
• Weight: 15g

Toshiba presents Artful Lineup of Notebook PCs

Toshiba Artful Notebook PCs Toshiba has unveiled its Artful lineup of notebook PCs. This lineup includes NB200 Notebook, Satellite M500, Portege M900, Satellite L500 and Satellite L510. Let’s take a look at each of them.

The NB200 Notebook bundles up 10.1-inch diagonal wide LED screen, full QWERTY keyboard, laptop-sized touchpad, Windows XP OS, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, two USB 2.0 port, USB port along with Sleep-and-Charge function, Wifi (802.11 b/g), 1.60GHz Intel Atom Processor N270 / 1.66GHz Intel Atom Processor N280, Intel 945GSE graphics chipset, 10/100 Ethernet interface and 3.5 hours of battery life.

The most stylish product of the range is NB200 Notebook. Its vibrant colors and textured design patterns make it a truly stylish mobile companion. This 10.1-inch diagonal wide LED screen mini notebook meets consumers' mobility needs and reflects their modern digital lifestyle and comes in two distinct designs—Cosmic Black Color with Fusion Stripes and Black Flat Keyboard and Satin Brown Color with a unique matt finish and compelling pleated textured cover design with a chrome hinge.

The full QWERTY keyboard and a generous laptop-sized touchpad make the typing and surfing comfortable and typo-free. A 3D-accelerometer monitoring system dynamically detects free falls, shocks or vibrations. It rapidly moves the HDD head from between the platters protecting valuable data stored on the high capacity (up to 160GB) HDD. Powered by the latest 1.60GHz Intel Atom™ Processor N270 / 1.66GHz Intel Atom™ Processor N280 with Intel 945GSE graphics chipset and comes preloaded with Windows XP Home.

Thanks to Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, Wifi (802.11 b/g), and 10/100 Ethernet interfaces, the NB200 easily connects with peripherals or Internet access points. It also comes with two USB 2.0 ports and a unique USB 2.0 port with Sleep-and-Charge function that enables users to charge portable electronics and mobile phones even when the unit is turned off.

Apacer Handy steno AH325 USB Flash drive

Apacer has launched its new flash drive called Handy steno AH325.

This device features a contemporary architecture style called Zen. The environment friendly design of this device displays an engraved design on the drive’s black surface. Its front side adorns comes embedded with an Apacer logo in a brush finish. It represents simplicity and style at the same time.

The four screws imprinted on corners portray the endurance and robustness of the drive. This retractable drive is an answer to the common problem of loosing USB covers. Users can simply slide out the connector to access their data.

This drive with its noble appearance is available in varying capacities ranging from 2GB to 32GB. The 4 GB model is priced at Rs. 699, while the 8 GB model costs Rs. 1099. The first impression about the Handy Steno AH325 from our Tech Labs was that the flash drive looked simple yet elegant.

The USB flash drive has a cap-less design, so you don't have to worry about losing the cap. Instead, it has a retractable USB design, which lets you eject the USB plug with your thumb. This is also advantageous as the USB plug remains inside the body of the drive when not in use and prevents dirt accumulation, which is a major cause of USB Flash drive failure.

The company claims that the drive is eco-friendly as it bears no additional painting or components. Instead, it just has a brushed finish with the Apacer logo engraved on it. There is also a provision to attach the lanyard to the drive, so you don't have to worry about it getting lost.

iPhone OS 3.0 Beta 3 is out

If you’re a developer dabbling away with the latest builds, you’ve got an update waiting for you. Apple has just pushed iPhone OS 3.0 Beta 3 out the door.

The changes seem minor, but here’s whats been noticed so far:

• Obligatory performance improvements
• MMS now works on T-Mobile in Germany, if you modify the carrier bundle
• Spotlight now saves the last search
• Spotlight search options (Want to only search apps, or everything but music?)
• Minor UI tweaks
• iPod Touches can now change the function tied to double tapping the home button

It’s a small one at face value, but likely fixes a number of bugs sneaking around behind the scenes. We’ll let you know if anything else pops up.