Twintech announced their TwinBox HL-N Series ION™ Mini PC today, which is powered by Intel Atom Processor D525 CPU with Next Generation NVIDIA ION graphics technology.

TwinBox HL-N Series ION Mini PC enables you to immerse in a qualified game and 1080P HD movie content. Linking to the TV to play 1080P HD movie is one of the important uses of a full function PC.

TwinBox HL-N Series ION™ Mini PC provides 6 x USB2.0 interfaces,1 x E-SATA interfaces,1x 6in1 interface for card reader (SD/SDHC/MS/MSPRO/XD/MMC) and 1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1 x SPDIF-out interface. It is with on-board 802.11 Wi-Fi, Gigabit 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN Cards and supports Bluetooth® function as well. Included 2GB of DDR2 memory and optional 250GB/320GB/ 500GB HDD at suggested MSRP US$339 ~US$365.

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ThermalTake launches a special AMD Leo edition of the Armor A60, this case features a red and black design and has a small side window. NewEgg is selling the case for $109.99.

Thermaltake, leading DIY chassis brand, is launching the world’s first SideClick EasySwap HDD docking mid-tower with integrated USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connector particularly designed for AMD Leo gaming PCs, the ARMOR A60 AMD Leo Edition. Thermaltake lined up with AMD to design a computer chassis particularly catering to the latest AMD Leo gaming platform. It shows the typical bullet-proof armory contours of this series while the front panel has gotten an even fiercer AMD-red color ornamentation, with the left side panel sporting an AMD Leo tattoo. The otherwise entirely black design with metal mesh elements lend the ARMOR series an extremely stylish and powerful appearance that attracts gamers and enthusiasts alike. The top and front red LED-fans enhance the overall combat ambience, resembling the typical MMORPG ambience but also providing ideal cooling characteristics for the AMD Leo platform . A special lock mechanism for your mouse and keyboard ensures that you’ll always stay in arms.

The AMD Leo platform is specifically targeting gaming enthusiasts who are planning to use high end systems with AMD .45 process multi-core CPUs, AMD 8 series chipsets and DX 11 graphics cards. At present a vast amount of gamers are already eagerly assembling this high-end gaming platform.

With Thermaltake’s exclusive SideClick EasySwap design in the left side panel of the ARMOR A60 AMD Leo, it’s now easier than ever to access removable hot-swap capable 3.5” hard drives. You simply place your HDD (SATA, SATA 2, SATA 3) in the drive tray, slide it into the SlideClick slot till a tiny “click” let’s you feel that the drive is connected. Without any further installation your drive will automatically be detected by your Windows operating system.

Optimized multimedia connectivity is provided for by one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port in the front panel of the case. An additional eSATA connector on the top makes it most convenient to connect your mobile storage device, while the HD microphone and headset connectors in the front offer you quick and short access.

As characteristic for Thermaltake chassis, special attention had been paid to optimized ventilation and airflow. Therefore one 20 cm red exhaust LED-fan on top and one 12 cm intake red LED-fan in the front have already been pre-installed and increase the combat spirit with light-effects. One more 12 cm exhaust turbo fan on the backside top further increases air circulation. For power-users there are still four more options to install additional fans. A red geometric window on the left side panel let your graphics card shine and allows for a look at your hardware.

The feet elevate the ARMOR A60 high enough as to allow for improved ventilation of the bottom based ATX PSII power supply. To avoid outside dust to find its way into your power supply a removable dust filter is positioned underneath, providing users with an easy way to keep it clean.

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Aerocool announced the Strike-X, a new dual-bay 5.25″ fan controller that lets you regulate its five 8W channels via a touchscreen. The device has interchangeable face plates (black and red) and features five temperature sensors, two USB 2.0 ports and audio ports. The Strike-X can be found for as low as 50.28EUR at German e-tailers.

Features:

* Sleek X theme design with Innovative “Touch” LCD technology.
* Monitors and controls 5 sets of temperature and fan speed individually .
* LCD backlight on/off .
* Switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit
* Overheating alarm temperature warning
* Fan working display
* “Lock”function provided to prevent careless miss-touch
* 2xUSB , Mic & Headphone (AC’97 / HD audio)
* Maximum power per fan channel allowed is 8 Watts(0.66A@12V)

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Nice but expensive, I wish IPS screens would become more affordable. Color precise monitors sure do rock alright. The 324i has the new 10-bit P-IPS LCD display with wide color gamuts (102 percent NTSC, 98 percent Adobe RGB), anti-glare coating and backlight stabilization.

The screen has a 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution and features a 1,000:1 contrast ratio. Outputs include DisplayPort, DVI-D, HDMI and Component, and the screen is also equipped with a three-way USB 2.0 hub and an integrated cable manager.

This model is very expensive at $1,249, and optionally offers are a hood and blue eye colorimeter.

Lifelike Clarity
The LaCie 324i P–IPS panel offers a realistic presentation without discoloration or inconvenient pattern distortions. Distinguished by its impressive gamut spectrum, the LaCie 324i color is rated at 102% NTSC and 98% Adobe RGB. With wide gamuts that are not disturbed by irregular patterns, digital artists can rely on true colors that maintain the integrity of their work.

“For years, LaCie has designed monitors for digital artists who demand color precision,” said Ahcene Tirane, LaCie Product Manager for Displays. “From concept to creation, LaCie developed the 324i with the highest level of color accuracy, and with a firm belief that when professionals have a tool that enhances their workflow, they can deliver their best work.”

Enhanced Workflow
Designed for versatility in any office or studio, the LaCie 324i 178° viewing angle provides the same visual experience and quality from numerous axes, without distorting the picture or losing color. Further, its anti–glare panel guarantees that you will not have to worry about unwanted reflections often found on glossy panels.

With 24 inches of usable workspace and a native 1920×1200 resolution, users can enjoy two projects at once, with room for toolbars and palettes. If Landscape is not the desired display mode, simply pivot the LaCie 324i 90° to Portrait mode. The multifunction stand glides effortlessly when raising, lowering, swiveling, tilting, or pivoting the display.

Additionally, the 324i comes with a 3–year Gold Protection Plan that includes a robust 3–year advance care warranty. If you experience a problem, LaCie will ship a replacement monitor immediately – so you never have to worry about downtime.

Absolute Accuracy
In addition to its 1000:1 contrast ratio and backlight stabilization – for the brightest whites and darkest blacks – the LaCie 324i can be further enhanced with the optional LaCie blue eye calibration tool. The included software also provides prepress professionals with the option to enhance soft proofing accuracy using test and report features approved by UGRA (the Swiss Center of Competence for Media and Printing Technology).

Enhanced Connectivity
The LaCie 324i has four display and video inputs, making it compatible with most computers and video devices. Use DisplayPort or DVI–D for connecting the monitor to a computer and HDMI or component for video sources. The 324i also has three USB 2.0 ports for a convenient USB hub to your computer. All cables are neatly arranged in the 324i’s handy cable manager.

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the VIA EPIA-M850 Mini-ITX board, the first board to feature the latest VIA VX900 media system processor, creating the ideal solution for today’s HD-intensive, commercial multimedia-centric devices.

The VIA EPIA-M850 is targeted at OEM and ODM manufacturers of commercial multimedia embedded devices. Featuring a 64-bit, high performance VIA Nano E-Series processor and the VIA VX900 unified all-in-one media system processor, the VIA EPIA-M850 delivers a highly optimized platform that boasts comprehensive HD video performance, HD audio and HDMI support in a compact, power-efficient package.

VIA EPIA-M850: Mini-ITX with Multimedia Muscle
Measuring 17cm x 17 cm the VIA EPIA-M850 Mini-ITX board features the VIA Nano E-Series processor, available in both 1.6GHz and fanless 1.2GHz SKUs. The VIA Nano E-series is paired for the first time with the VIA VX900 MSP, supporting up to 8GB of DDR3 system memory and featuring the VIA ChromotionHD 2.0 video processor.

The VIA ChromotionHD 2.0 video engine boasts comprehensive hardware acceleration for the latest VC1, H.264, MPEG-2 and WMV9 HD formats at screen resolutions of up to 1080p without affecting CPU load. Display connectivity support includes onboard HDMI and VGA ports with pin headers for dual channel 24-bit LVDS.

The VIA VX900 boasts the VIA Chrome9™ HCM 3D integrated graphics core with full DirectX 9.0 support and a 128-bit 2D engine with hardware rotation capability. The VIA VX900 also features the VIA Vinyl HD audio codec. Storage includes ports for two SATA drives.

Rear panel I/O includes a Gigabit LAN ports, PS/2 support, HDMI port, VGA port, four USB 2.0 ports, a serial port connector and three audio jacks. An on board a PCIe x4 slot is accompanied with pin headers providing dual channel 24-bit LVDS support (including backlight control), an additional three COM ports, a further four USB 2.0 ports and one USB device port, LPC support, Digital I/O, SPDIF out and an SMBus header.

VIA EPIA-M850 Product Highlights:

* High-performance 64-bit VIA Nano-E Series processor
* Hardware acceleration for VC1, H,264 and WMV9 HD video
* On board HDMI and VGA ports, plus dual channel 24-bit LVDS
* Support for up to 8GB of DDR3

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ZOTAC announces an ION platform with the processing power of Intel consumer low-voltage, or CULV, processors for new platforms with superior performance capabilities while maintaining class-leading energy-efficiency. The new ZOTAC ION platforms powered by Intel CULV processors include the new ZBOX HD-ND22, HD-NS21 mini-PCs, ION-ITX N series and ION-ITX P series mini-ITX platforms.

An Intel Celeron SU2300 processor powers the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ND22 and ION-ITX P series with dual-cores clocked at 1.3 GHz for multi-threaded processing power that delivers unprecedented performance levels in an energy-efficient mini-PC for demanding users. A Single-core Intel Celeron 743 processor powers ZOTAC ZBOX HD-NS21 and ION-ITX N series platforms for outstanding single-threaded CPU performance.

“Intel CULV processors have previously been exclusive to ultra-portable notebooks, but not anymore. We’ve taken the award-winning Intel CULV processors and paired them with our award-winning ION platforms to produce the world’s first mini-PCs and mini-ITX platforms that combine the power of Intel CULV processors with NVIDIA ION graphics processing for the perfect combination of CPU and GPU performance with superior energy-efficiency,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International.

NVIDIA ION graphics empower the Intel CULV-powered ZOTAC ZBOX and ION-ITX platforms with outstanding 3D capabilities and support for Microsoft DirectX 10, DirectCompute and NVIDIA CUDA-enabled applications for energy-efficient GPU computing. NVIDIA PureVideo HD technology delivers flawless GPU-accelerated high-definition video playback with breathtaking clarity and details.

ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ND22 and HD-NS21 mini-PCs with Intel CULV processors feature class-leading flexibility with an easily customizable tool-less chassis and room to accommodate a 2.5-inch SATA 3.0 Gb/s HDD or SSD, two DDR3 SO-DIMM memory slots, integrated 802.11n WiFi and four different placement positions – flat, on a stand, on the back of a monitor or on a wall with the included VESA75/100-compatible mount. External expansion options include plenty of USB 2.0 ports, a 6-in-1 memory card reader that supports SD, SDHC, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro and xD memory card formats, and an eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port for plug ‘n play expansion.

ZOTAC ION-ITX O and P series are world-class platforms that combine the miniature size of mini-ITX with big-system expansion capabilities including a PCI Express x16 slot, two DDR3-1066 DIMM slots, three SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports, up to 10 USB 2.0 ports and an eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port. Onboard 802.11n WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet port enables lightning-fast network transfers for stutter-free high-definition video streaming.

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Thermaltake is introducing their first mid-tower chassis with integrated single bay docking station on the case top for convenient easy-swap of 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives. Users can handle data access and transfer on-the-go without the need to install their hard drives or having to add an external docking device.

Two USB 2.0 connectors as well as HD audio microphone and earphone jacks on the top of the front bezel put all major multimedia connectors right in your hand’s reach. The tool-free, all black Thermaltake V6 BlacX Edition offers a total of 8 drive bays for maximum storage expansion and 7 PCI expansion slots.

As characteristic for Thermaltake chassis, special attention had been paid to optimized ventilation and airflow. Therefore one 20 cm blue LED exhaust fan on top and another 12 cm exhaust TurboFan in the back warrant that heat dissipated by the CPU is immediately blown out of the case. Further airflow is created by 2 pre-drilled ventilation hole areas on the right side panel and the top of the case.

The feet elevate the V6 BlacX Edition high enough as to allow for improved ventilation of the bottom based ATX PSII power supply. To avoid outside dust to find its way into your power supply a removable and cleanable dust filter is positioned underneath, providing users with an easy way to keep it clean.

The V6 BlacX Edition mid-tower with integrated docking station on the top of the chassis is available for a suggested retail price of US$ 69.

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Power Quotient International (PQI) released its latest USB flash-drive, the CoolDrive U368. Among a small, growing group, the U368 is USB 3.0 SuperSpeed compliant, and offers transfer-rates on par with hard drives, with access times comparable to those of SSDs.

Its casing is typically-shaped, measuring 90.1 x 22 x 11.1 mm, and weighing 25 g. When connected using USB 3.0, the drive offers transfer speeds of around 105 MB/s, which can be improved with the bundled TurboFlash USB software. It is available in capacities ranging from 8 GB, all the way up to 128 GB. It is backwards-compatible with USB 2.0, albeit with lower transfer-rates. Pricing and availability are yet to be known.

Icy Dock reveals the MB561US-4S-1, a new quad-bay SATA enclosure with USB 2.0 and eSATA support. Introducing the MB561US-4S-1 Quad Bay SATA External Enclosure featuring USB and eSATA Port Multiplier, and newly added, User Defined Fan Settings with Smart Cooling Technology.

We have taken our tried and true multi bay, the MB561US-4S, and added new features to further enhance your complete storage experience. Using all the features that you know and love, we have upgraded the 80mm cooling fan to allow the user to choose the speed of the fan, or to select “auto” so that the fan adjusts its speed using our Smart Cooling Technology. Our auto function determines the temperature of your drives, and changes its RPM according to the airflow and cooling demand. This results in decreased power consumption, an increased lifespan for your fan, and unnecessary excess noise. Along with the auto function, the user can also choose a high setting, best used for intense applications such as home server use, or a low setting, best used with lighter work loads such as hourly back ups or network attached storage (NAS).

-Standard Features from the MB561US-4S
* 4 Bay 3.5” SATA I / II removable external hard drive enclosure support SATA hot-swap.
* Backplane with 1x high speed USB 2.0 and 1x e-SATA ports (port multiplier).
* Plug & Play USB 2.0 quick connection for any computer system.
* Multi-drive exchangeability & maintenance capabilities with simple removal of drive tray.
* White LED light indicates power and HDD access.
* Aluminum alloy body covering with distinctive design and protection.
* Anti-vibration HDD tray design making the HDD stable while in operations.
* Detachable 80mm ball bearing rear cooling fan for easy maintenance
* Built-in fan-less power supply, making it a quiet device.
* Rubber padded soles for scratch protection.
* Mac mini design concept.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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I’m fairly sure this is actually forbidden by EU legislation tying products, but somehow Seagate announced a deal with Paramount Pictures to preload some of its portable hard drives with Paramount movies. The 500GB FreeAgent Go for instance will be sold in the US with 20 preloaded movies, which can be unlocked online for $9.99 each.

Seagate and Paramount’s digital entertainment division will announce on Monday that some of Seagate’s pocket-sized 500-gigabyte FreeAgent Go portable hard drives sold in the US will be preloaded with 20 popular movies including contemporary movies such as GI Joe and The Love Guru, which will cost from $9.99 each to unlock.

Consumers will be able to buy the license keys needed to unlock each movie online and then watch them as many times as they want. In addition, consumers who buy the specially marked hard drive packages will be able to activate Paramount Pictures’ popular 2009 film, Star Trek, for no additional fee.