Slim and Trim

Samsung has unveiled its smart and stylish designed external slim slot-in drive. The model, named SE-T084L is a slot-in type DVD writer with USB connection for both Lap-top and desktop users. With easy insert and eject function that slot-in drives give (just push the disc to insert), this drive has special features that sets apart it from other external slim or slot type drives is the point that this drive supports disc burning from USB BUS power.


While most of drives in the market support USB BUS power reading, SAMSUNG supports both reading and writing media, unleashing you from heavy carriage. It means that you don’t have to carry AC adaptor (which is as heavy as the drive itself) with you. 8cm disc support is another attractive point that only SAMSUNG ODD presents.SE-T084L supports 8cm disc reading and writing so that you can have much compatibility with your Disc Camcorder which uses 8cm disc inside.

In case of black out or damaged PC, or in case you turned off the DVD writer forgot to take the disc out SAMSUNG slot-in DVD writer suggests an easy and simple way. You can pull the disc out by just tipping the emergency hole with included pin. No need to connect the drive to PC or AC adaptor again. The drive reads and writes DVD+R and DVD-R at 8X speed and DVD-RAM at 5X. It reads DVD+R Dual Layer at 8x and write at 6X, about DVD-R Dual Layer reading and writing speed is 8X and 4X each.

HP Launches a Range of Accessories

HP Middle East has announced the launch of its new range of accessories for its latest notebook and desktop PCs that have been designed to ensure users get the most from their PC. Whether it’s increased data storage or easy docking, they are intelligently designed to enhance performance and increase convenience. HP claims that with its Notebook QuickDock, users can plug in their HP notebook and instantly gain access to all their connected peripherals. Alternatively consumers can integrate their notebook into their home entertainment solution with ease.

With one quick and simple connection, consumers can seamlessly maximize their mobile lifestyle, taking advantage of peripherals such as a widescreen monitor, internet connection and printers or connecting to their television and audio system. Elena Danici, the Consumer Products Category Manager for PSG at HP Middle East, said, “HP aims to provide its customer with stylish accessories to make the most of their computing experience, whether at home, in the office or on the move. HP’s entire range of accessories is optimized to enhance the user experience, enabling consumers to store more, share more and achieve more.”

The HP xb3000 Notebook Expansion Base is a solution for comfort and organisation in the home or office. With an ergonomic design, users can elevate and angle their notebook to an optimum viewing position, whether working on presentations or viewing movies and photographs with friends. Compact in size and with a single cable, the expansion base maintains connection to the internet, networks, power sources and peripherals whilst simultaneously saving space and minimising desktop clutter.

With a sleek high-gloss silver exterior, the expansion base is purposefully designed to compliment the new HP Imprint notebook line-up and look just as great in the home as it does in the office. The integrated Altec Lansing speakers produce immersive stereo sound, perfect for enjoying movies and music from HP’s latest entertainment notebook PCs, such as the HP Pavilion dv9500 Entertainment Notebook PC. In addition, a wireless keyboard and mouse (sold separately) provides increased convenience and maintains the sleek appearance of a notebook PC.

For securely backing up, storing and transferring media and other files, the HP Pocket Media Drive offers up to 160GB of additional storage. Users can share entire photo albums and digital videos with friends or family by simply saving them to the drive and conveniently transferring it to another PC. Small and slimline, at just 1.6 cm in height and 13.6 cm wide, this device fits in the pocket, connects via USB to any desktop or notebook PC and docks in a select range of HP Pavilion PCs.

LG Redefines TV Design with its Latest LB9 Series

LG Electronics has announced the launch of its latest LB9 LCD TV range, the first in the company’s Design Art series. With tempting black pearl-inspired LCD TVs, LG hopes to build its reputation for design-focused TVs with quality to match. A unique ring-shaped stand is the key feature of the LB9 series. The ring, available in red and black, is utilitarian as well as stylish. Perched atop a ring, the LB9 series incorporates the high glossy piano black frame and a wave-design at the bottom of the panel.


The LB9 series offers viewers a vivid and lifelike viewing experience with LG’s exclusive XD Engine and enhanced 10,000:1 contrast ratio, which creates deeper black levels and provide a fuller range of colours. The LB9 series incorporates LG’s intelligent Eye technology to optimise brightness and contrast, accounting for ambient light.



LG’s proprietary Simple Link technology allows greater control of other compatible equipment such as DVD players and home theatre systems. Also incorporated into the LB9 series televisions are LG’s Dimple Speakers, which create a complete movie watching experience by providing dynamic and powerful sound through minimised air flow turbulence, without disrupting the television’s sleek aesthetics. The LB9 series is currently available in 32-inch, 42-inch and 47-inch models.

After JAM, KJAM and a Hundred Words Funny, Imate Launches JAMA

i-mate has announced the arrival of its latest Pocket PC for people who want to be instantly mobile without all the fuss of complicated technology. The i-mate JAMA perfectly combines ease-of-use with a very light and extremely compact design and the Instant Messenger Mobile allows you to stay in touch all day with your friends and colleagues while on the move.


Heavily packed with Windows Mobile features, the conveniently priced JAMA has proven to be a hit with customers and will be soon available in stores in UAE, Egypt, Jordon, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. JAMA has an attractive, 15.6mm slim and a stylish form that allows for a rich multi-media experience with a high quality 2.4-inch touch screen for easy navigation and a 2 MP effect-digital camera.

It is also equipped with Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC giving the user the familiar benefits of all Microsoft Office Mobile applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile, Direct Push e-mail via Outlook Mobile and Media Player 10 Mobile. The JAMA comes with three useful i-mate applications to enhance the user experience such as i-mate Profile Controller for easy profile and ringtone management.

i-mate Media Controller is a handy application that allows you control your Windows Media Player content with one easy tap on your homescreen. The i-mate Configurator is a utility that automatically sets your GSM, GPRS, Web, MMS and WAP service for many countries, making it out-of-box ready to use.

Samsung Launches the U3

Samsung Electronics has announced the launch of its latest in its range of MP3 player, the Samsung U3. Samsung U3 is driven by flash memory and equipped with USB that weighs only 22.8-gms. The U3 is available in five colours such as white, black, green, pink and blue, with colour-matched EP360 earphones and reel. Models range from 1GB to 4GB with 12 preset equaliser settings to suit the users’ tunes or customise their own settings.

Samsung claims that its U3 has removed the need for cables, cords or docks, or the need to install programs. Its USB allows easy charging and managing of music files by simply dragging and dropping them to the player. The U3’s Samsung Media Studio (SMS) provides Automatic Mood Playlist that enables songs to be organized according to the users’ mood. Other features included in the MP3 players are voice recorder and flash drive with up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge. The U3 is available in all major electronics outlets and is retailed at $199 for 1GB, $299 for 2GB and $399 for 4GB.

The Smallest FM Transmitter for iPod: Says Promate

Promate has launched what it calls is the smallest FM Transmitter for iPods. The product looks sleek and cool - similar to the new iPod Shuffle. It is compatible with iPod 4GB, iPod Mini, iPod Nano, iPod Photo and iPod Video.



According to the company, the product comes packed with the latest hi-fi stereo radio audio frequency chip, PLL technology, provides music quality comparable to CD players, and allows you to listen to your favourite music through your car stereo system. For more info, visit: www.promate.net

LG Looks Forward to Good HomNet Sales

LG Electronics has underlined its keenness to be at the forefront of the Middle East’s thriving hospitality industry with their latest concept in digital lifestyle – HomNet, where it expects to achieve significant turnovers by the year-end.

The LG HomNet Server

Partnering with leading system integrators in the region, LG will be looking to further demonstrate the versatility of their Home Networking division for the hotel industry. In one comprehensive package, LG HomNet integrates eight different solutions - Community Portal, Home Tasking, Home Management, Home Entertainment, Home Safety, Home Communication, Well-Being and Community Management.

LG's PR shot of something that is possible with the HomNet solution.

Last month, LG Electronics confirmed contracts with Sungwon, and Bando & Royal House to outfit more than 1,200 homes in the UAE with comprehensive and tailored HomNet solutions valued at $8.17 million. These include prestigious projects such as Santeville Tower and U-Bora Tower, both in Business Bay, Santeview in Cultural Village as well as Al Naseem Towers in Sharjah.

While technologically enhanced features enable the apartments and villas to be connected through a centralised community server. The residential units are also connected to each other for better community living and homes can be controlled through internet or WAP mobile phones without huge monthly charges. LG HomNet links apartments using a variety of devices and technologies including televisions, internet and mobile phones and offers a more convenient and safer lifestyle.

Loud and Clear

Having a conversation in and out of the car is about as simple as talking to yourself, thanks to Nokia’s first speakerphone, the stylish Nokia Speakerphone HF-300. This detachable Bluetooth speakerphone hosts a powerful speaker and microphone. Its audio quality is enhanced even more with Digital Signal Processing (DSP), canceling out excess noises and echoes.


No need to concern yourself with the power button – this clever device knows when to turn off (auto power off) after you stop talking. The Nokia Speakerphone HF-300 offers a number of elements that enable easy communications, in and out of the car. It is operated with battery power, so you’re not confined to using it with a power outlet. The speakerphone comes with a sunvisor clip, so you can easily position it for use in the car.

You can talk freely too – the speakerphone has illuminated keys for easy use, without all the fuss of blinking lights. For those extended conversations, take this lightweight (80g) speakerphone outside, into your home or office, and mount it to a surface with its rubber feet. You can enjoy up to 20 hours of talk time! The speakerphone will automatically turn off after five minutes after the connection to the mobile device has been severed. When the battery runs low, the LED battery indicator will light up to alert you.

Available globally, the Nokia Speakerphone HF-300 is compatible with a wide range of Nokia mobile devices supporting Bluetooth Specification 1.1 and higher and Handfree Profile 1.0 and higher. It is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2007 and will cost an estimated $123, excluding taxes.

A Screwless 3.5-inch External Hard Drive Enclosure

Crema Technology has launched a simple and elegantly designed MB664 Series of hard drive enclosures.


The entire series is compact, slim, and lightweight and is built for 3.5-inch external storage devices. The device comes with a hot swappable screw-less design to enable you to exchange, expand and manage your data with ease.


Protected with a layer of solid aluminum plate plus a partial glossy finish, MB664 Series makes your data mobilisation attractive and secure.
The enclosure is convertible from horizontal lay to vertical standing utilising the retractable foot stands built within the device. According to the company, the enclosure is design to fit and enrich all high-tech lifestyle.

Titan's TTC-G7TZ Notebook Cooling Pad

Titan Computer, which designs and manufactures a range of computer cooling solutions, has announced the availability of a new notebook cooling pad, TTC-G7TZ. This cooling pad is lightweight and contains two 80x80x15mm fans, and it is compatible with most notebooks, with screen sizes of up to 15-inch.


Today's mobile processors generate a lot of heat. If you put your notebook through long hours of work or play, you will definitely need a cooler. With two powerful fans, the TTC-G7TZ is able to provide great ventilation to your hard-working notebook and keep your notebook cool. Also, the TTC-G7TZ is an economy model with a low price, and it definitely one of the choices for budget users.

The use of this cooling pad is quite simple. Just place your notebook on top of it and connect the USB power cable to a free USB port on your notebook. No batteries or any power adapter is required. For more info, check out the company's web site at http://www.titan-cd.com/em/g7t.htm.

AMD Unleashes the ATI Radeon HD 2600 and ATI Radeon HD 2400 Series

AMD has announced the arrival of the ATI Radeon HD 2600 and ATI Radeon HD 2400 series, the mid-range and entry-level graphics processors in the ATI Radeon HD 2000 series. These next-generation graphics processing units (GPU) bring premium support for Windows Vista with feature-rich DirectX 10 graphics, and built-in multimedia functions for an immersive HD video experience on the PC.



Ranging from $89-$149 for the ATI Radeon HD 2600 series and $50-$85 for the ATI Radeon HD 2400 series, the new graphics solutions deliver compelling performance and image quality at an unbelievable price point. The ATI Radeon HD 2600 and ATI Radeon 2400 series have enjoyed broad customer adoption and are designed into a significant number of major OEM mainstream and value DirectX 10 PCs to be shipped in 2H07.

The ATI Radeon HD 2600 and ATI Radeon HD 2400 series deliver remarkable gaming performance and maximise the HD visual effects within Windows Vista and DirectX 10. The powerful second-generation unified shader architecture introduces the era of immersive HD gaming, delivering an ideal balance of high performance, advanced visual effects and breathtaking realism for both the casual and avid gamer. Gamers wanting more horsepower will discover that both series feature native ATI CrossFire technology, allowing for a wider variety of multi-GPU configurations.

The ATI Radeon HD 2600 series and ATI Radeon HD 2400 series provide powerful graphics performance for quick multitasking between applications with the Windows Aero 3D user interface. ATI Catalyst graphics management software is certified for Windows Vista and is designed for quick and easy setup of graphics, video, and multiple displays. Both series feature the Unified Video Decoder (UVD) for advanced hardware HD video processing and HDMI with built-in HD audio controller for stunning big-screen entertainment.

Home theatre aficionados will be captivated by ATI Avivo HD technology that delivers sharp images and vibrant colour fidelity for Blu-ray and HD DVD content. With support for Blu-ray discs and HD DVDs, CyberLink’s PowerDVD Ultra, now offers support for UVD technology from AMD, ensuring enhanced video quality with low CPU utilisation. Using an energy-efficient 65nm process technology to reduce power consumption, certain ATI Radeon HD 2600 series and ATI Radeon HD 2400 series models are designed to be passively cooled for a quieter home theatre experience.

Get a Grip on Hot Spots

Buffalo Technology has launched its Wireless-G High Gain Omni Directional USB2.0 Adapter (WLI-U2-SG54HG). Designed for consumers and business travelers seeking improved wireless Internet signal, the device attaches to the back of any laptop screen or any flat surface with its suction pads, offering a convenient way to achieve high-speed connectivity on the move.


The Wireless-G Omni Directional Adapter can connect to a laptop with an available USB port via its USB 2.0/1.1 interface. It features a built-in multi-directional high gain antenna, providing consumers with better coverage in wireless hot spots than the standard 802.11g wireless network and also features Buffalo’s AOSS (One-Touch Secure System) technology, which allows easy, one-touch wireless security installation.

The device can reach distances up to twice as far as Buffalo’s existing adapter and being on the 802.11g network, hot spot users will be able to experience data rates of up to 54-Mbps. In addition to AOSS, the device incorporates advanced security features such as WPA-PSK with AES/TKIP and 128/64-bit WEP. Backed by a limited two-year warranty, the Wireless-G High Gain USB 2.0 Adapter (WLI-U2-SG54HG) will be available immediately at an estimated street price of $44.99.

Nokia's Communicator Gets Cool

Nokia has launched its newest version of the Communicator - the Nokia E90. The mobile phone giant claims that the Nokia E90 Communicator sets the standard for an uncompromised “mobile office” experience.

The Nokia E90 Communicator is now based on the S60 platform. It also comes with an integrated GPS and Nokia Maps application, which allows users to find routes and locating services. For increased personal convenience, the Nokia E90 Communicator is equipped with an FM radio, a music player, a video player and two cameras - a 3.2-megapixel auto focus camera with flash and a second camera for videoconferencing.

PSP's new Video Camera Accessory - the Go!Cam

Sony has announced the arrival of the PSP (PlayStation Portable) camera, called the Go!Cam. According to the company, Go!Cam promises to bring the creativity of film, photos and the fun of PSP together to create a camera for all ages and all occasions.


With a retail price of $54, Go!Cam, Sony says, "this is yet another example of how PSP is a mobile entertainment system with no limits." With up to two and half hours video recording time and the ability to take and store over 40,000 photos, Go!Cam seamlessly converts PSP to a portable, functional and fun camera.

Go!Cam offers a built in microphone to ensure continuous audio, the ability to change the direction of the camera lens vertically by 180 degrees and Go!Edit, an editing software package which allows users to save and edit photos, video and audio clips. The Go!Edit editing software, which is downloadable from here allows you to transform your PSP into a portable editing suite, letting you edit on the move.

With the ability to enhance movies and photos with sounds and graphical effects, Go!Edit provides everything to make a mini masterpiece. Go!Edit also allows you to upload creations onto the internet directly from the PSP, meaning that nothing need stand in your way to share your masterpiece with the world.

And now... the Media Player Review

I am back to Dubai from my trip to Taipei. I was there to cover Computex Taipei 2007. During my 7-day stay, I visited the computer street in Taipei and bough myself a hard disk drive case, which also doubles up as a multimedia player.

As promised in my post, here's the review. I bought the hard disk drive case for about AED190 (NTD 1800). While such cases are also available in Dubai, they cost on the higher side. For instance, the case I bought from Taipei for AED 190, would easily cost around AED350 (NTD 3500). The build quality of the case is awesome and the UI is quite easy to use.

Yesterday evening, I went to Computer Plaza here in Dubai and bough myself a 120GB 2.5-inch hard disk drive for use in the multimedia player case, for AED260.

Last time I checked in Taipei, a 120GB 2.5-inch hard disk cost about NTD 2000 (AED200). But I was a bit wary buying a hard disk from Taipei - what if the hard disk refused to work, once I was back in Dubai? There would definitely be no way for me to get it replaced or exchanged.


I removed the hard disk drive from its packing and connected it to my Compaq Presario laptop. My laptop immediately recognised the hard disk.


Next, I downloaded CompuApps SwissKnife V3.22 to do the partitioning and the formatting bit. True to its name, the tool worked wonders - the 120GB spanking new hard disk was partitioned into two different parts and formatted within a matter of seconds.

I then proceeded to transfer some DivX, MPEG, VOB, MP3 and some images onto it, to check out the compatibility of such file formats.

Everything seemed to play well. In fact, the quality of the playback was awesome. In fact, it also automatically played subtitle files!