Image Courtesy of TechPowerUp

VIA Labs, today announced its proprietary USB2Expressway Dedicated Bandwidth Technology for USB 3.0 Hubs which dramatically improves USB 2.0 performance when multiple devices are utilized. USB 3.0 Hubs featuring the technology eliminate USB 2.0 bandwidth limitations by providing full, dedicated bandwidth per port, allowing multiple USB 2.0 devices to be connected and operated at their maximum capabilities.

USB 2.0 provides 30-40MB/s of actual throughput, and this is shared across all connected devices. When multiple devices such as external hard drives, flash drives, and webcams are connected, they share available bandwidth which results in severely degraded performance. Compared to USB 2.0, USB 3.0 offers 10x more bandwidth and allows transfers as fast as 300-400MB/s. VIA USB2 Expressway Dedicated Bandwidth Technology allows USB 2.0 devices to utilize USB 3.0 bandwidth, eliminating bandwidth bottlenecks and freeing each connected device to reach its maximum performance potential.

“VIA Labs unveiled the world’s first USB 3.0 Hub at CES in 2010, introduced the VL811 second-generation USB 3.0 Hub controller with USB Battery Charging support in 2011, and for 2012, we are bringing true innovation in the form of USB2Expressway” said Terrance Shih, Product Manager, VIA Labs. “Even when copying files between two USB 2.0 drives, USB2Expressway can cut transfer times by 5x or more since we support simultaneous reading and writing of data. It breathes life back into your existing USB devices.”

Source: Press Release

Gelid Solutions reveals its first tower case of its gamer product line. This completely black painted 0.7mm steel ATX / Micro-ATX tower case is designed for gamers and includes a long list of features.

As Gelid Solutions certainly offers solid cooling options for this case and provides locations for up to 8 fans. Two silent 120mm fans (rear and front) come preinstalled with the case. The case even enables to mount a 80mm or 120mm fan with a max. 15mm thickness onto the side panel. The DarkForce supports a 120mm or 240mm radiator at the bottom of the case and offers 8+1 slots for extra connection of peripheral devices.

Next to the USB 3.0, two USB 2.0 and an eSATA port a top I/O with bay for a hotswap 3.5″ or 2.5″ hard disk or SSD is built in at the top of the case for easier connecting or cloning of hard drives. A 5.25″ to 3.5″ drive bay converter for any optional 3.5” device is included in the package.
The case features an extra large transparent acrylic side panel which enables the best view of the exclusive components inside the case. Then the DarkForce includes 6 individual HDD trays and a HDD cage which can be removed when using an extra-long VGA cards (up to 410mm) and the case offers enough space for large size CPU coolers (up to 165mm height) as well. The entire case design is based on a tool free optical drive mounting concept and includes 2 internal fan extension PCB’s. On the base of the case a dust filter is built in to prevent any dust coming from the floor. Most of the cables are sleeved in black to provide a fully black case and to keep all cables organized.

“No compromises were made in the design of this case, no costs were cut in order to provide PC enthusiasts looking to upgrade or replace their desktops with a high quality build”, said Gebhard Scherrer, Sales Director of GELID Solutions Ltd.

The “DarkForce” carries a 2-year warranty and has a MSRP of $119.99 or €91.

After years of waiting the much anticipated Cooler Master Cosmos II case is finally here. An Ultra tower monster-case, the Cosmos II is crafted from brushed aluminium and steel mesh. The Cosmos II maintains the trademark rails across the top of the case which the old Cosmos case had, this time they are constructed from reinforced aluminium. The case comes with a well decked from IO panel which includes e-sata, two USB 3.0, four USB 2.0 and the standard audio jacks. Cooler Master have also equipped a sophisticated integrated fan controller with LED speed indicators and this controls up to four different sets of fans which it has labelled front, top, gpu and hdd.

In addition to that you get support for up to e-ATX motherboards and unlike other cases when you use an e-ATX motherboard there are additional cable management holes to support this type of motherboard. Need more hard drives? Well the Cosmos II only supports 13! As well as having room in the roof and base of the case for two radiators. There are so many features to cover with the Cosmos II so for more information you can:

• Read the Full press release here.
• Or see a full in depth video review here.

Oh and the price is only €349.99!

MS-100 USB Speaker

The MS-100 is a compact stereo USB speaker set, powered entirely by a USB 2.0 (or 3.0) port, yet still capable of providing punchy sound without distortion. Its minimalist and strong Art Deco cone design mimics the classic speaker shape, making them a perfect feature for any home or office environment. Meanwhile inside, its large 54 mm speaker drivers can generate up to 93 dB of sound with less than 3% distortion for its rich highs, thumping mids and full low tones.

No additional software driver is required on Windows Vista or Windows 7 machines, making it suitable for any desktop or laptop that needs an immediate sound boost.

ASUS have not provided a picture yet unfortunately.

HS-W1 Wireless USB Headset

Providing clear, crisp sound in total comfort, the HS-W1 headset is built with large 70 mm leather earpads for long lasting, natural comfort. The 2.4 GHz wireless technology used with the HS-W1 headset allows CD quality sound (44.1 KHz/16-bit, uncompressed) to be transmitted from the tiny USB dongle to the headset, while also offering twice the remote distance of Bluetooth audio. Combined with the acoustic tuned 40 mm drivers with a built-in equalizer, it promotes voice tones and fine details, with a hint of extra bass punch where it’s needed.

The noise filtering microphone highlights speech tones, while its simple rotate-to-mute design is ideal compared to blindly searching for a small button while you’re on-call. The large on-ear volume controls also make it easily adjustable with a simple tap, without the hassle of a small and fiddly in-line remote.

With up to 8 hours operating time on its in-built rechargeable battery, the light 170 g folding design and bundled touring case means the HS-W1 is an ideal travel companion.

Specifications

HS-W1

Wireless Technology: Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz advanced 2-way digital transmission
Distance of Use: Up to 15 meters
Headset Speaker: 40 mm, ultra-high performance
Headset Mic: Noise cancellation clarity
Frequency Response: 20 ~ 20 kHz
Listening Time: Up to 8 hours
Battery Type: Lithium polymer
Product Dimensions: 180 x 175 x 65 mm
Weight: 170 g

MS-100

Speaker Driver Dimension: 54 mm high performance
Frequency Response: 100 Hz~ 20 KHz
RMS: 2x 1.5 W
Power Supply: 500 mA powered by USB (power-adapter free)
Connection: USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 compatible)
Product Dimensions: 152 x 104 x 133 mm

Source: Press Release

The Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station includes four USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports, for connecting portable accessories such as HD drives, smartphones, cameras and more. It also features 1x DVI-I to VGA adapter and a HDMI to DVI-D adapter. The audio In/Out ports allow you to connect speakers, headphones or a microphone, and a security lock slot helps secure the dock and avoid theft. It also includes a 6.5A AC adapter and a 2ft USB 3.0 cable to easily connect your device to a complete workstation – including dual monitors, a mouse, keyboard, printer and other peripherals you may need to connect. The docking station also has two high-powered USB ports (supporting Battery Charging Specification 1.1), providing extra power and remains powered on even when the laptop is disconnected.

The Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station (ACP70US) is currently available with a one-year limited warranty at an MSRP of $199.99.

Source: Press Release

The Japanese company Sanwa Supply has today announced the launch of their new pocket USB 2.0 hub; the USB-HMU403.

This hub allows you to expand the number of USB ports to four in total as well as offering the ability to charge your gadgets ( supports 400mA maximum, total for all ports).

A retractable standard USB 2.0 connector plugs into the host, giving the ability to further plug three USB 2.0 devices as well as a fourth micro-USB device (such as a tablet or smartphone).

The hub measures 70 x 43.5 x 9.6 mm (WxDxH) and weighs 26 grams, it is available in black and white colour options.

Available now in Japan, the USB-HMU403 is priced at ¥1,764 (approximately $22).

Source

I-O Data Japan has recently launched a new USB flash drive with some particular security features; the TB-PW.

In addition to the ‘mainstream’ 128-bit AES encryption found on most secure drives, this drive not only asks directly for the password as soon as it is inserted into the computer, but in order to facilitate its use around a familiar environment, three computer can be selected as ‘favourites’ so that when plugged in, no password is asked.

This is certainly a useful feature that allows your file to remain confidential even in the case of loss.

Further more, the QuickSecureAES feature, in addition to encrypting your data, allows you to delete your files without leaving any traces.

Available in 4GB and 8GB capacities, it’s equipped with a USB 2.0 interface and will be available in Japan starting January 2012. Prices haven’t been given yet.

Source 1; Source 2

Super Talent Technology today announced the Storage POD Mini, a portable SSD that they say will change how you think about external storage.

External hard disk drives have made it easy to back-up important data and move data from one machine to another but its performance was limited and always slower than the internal hard drive due to the USB 2.0 bandwidth constraints. Thanks to USB 3.0 and SSD technologies, it is now possible to create a USB storage solution that is smaller, lighter and faster than a traditional HDD. A blue anodized, all-aluminum enclosure enables this drive to be both lightweight and rugged yet measures in at just 110 x 68 x 10 mm (roughly the same size as an internal 2.5″ HDD; without the enclosure) It fits easily in your pocket and requires no power adapter.

The SSD boasts a top speed of over 260MB/s and Its on-board processor is able to accelerate real world performance by compressing your data, in real-time, as it writes and decompressing data as it reads. Your data now uses less space and transfers more efficiently than ever. Backing up your system now takes a fraction of the time it would take on rotating media.

Fully backward compatible to USB 2.0, the Storage POD Mini is also packed with many new features. This drive has a One-Touch Backup button that launches a backup routine that can support numerous machines. Just push the backup button and it will begin to back up all your pre-determined data areas at writes speeds of up to 174MB/s. And the Storage POD Mini also has a Read/Write switch to protect your data from unintentional writes, similar to an SD card.

Available in 60GB, 120GB and 240GB capacities, the Storage POD Mini is now shipping.

Source: Press Release

Toshiba already have a substantial variety of tablets out at the moment including the Portégé and Thrive tablets. They are by no means resting on their laurels though and are planning a new tablet. The WT301/D Wintel tablet is scheduled next and this one resembles a notebook in specifications. Packing a 10.1″ LED backlit screen at 1366 by 768, an Intel Atom processor (unknown model at this time), 2 GB of RAM, a 64 GB solid state drive, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, a 1.3-megapixel rear-facing camera, a 0.3MP webcam, stereo speakers, a micro HDMI output, and one USB 2.0 port.

There is not a word on pricing just yet but given the impressive specifications it certainly will not be cheap. It will launch first in Toshiba’s home market, Japan.

Source: TechPowerUp

Kingston, today announced the launch of the DataTraveler Micro – one of the world’s smallest USB Flash drives. The DataTraveler Micro is designed in an ultra-small form factor that can be left in devices such as tablet PCs, slim notebooks, netbooks or car audio systems while on the move. The drive’s light weight and compact size easily adds up to 16GB of extra storage to a device without increasing its footprint. It is simple to use and just needs to be connected to any device with a USB port. DataTraveler Micro blends in easily without blocking other controls and is simple to use for storing, transferring and sharing photos, videos, music and other favourite files while on the move.

“Kingston’s DataTraveler Micro is a versatile USB Flash drive that is perfect for use with different devices such as tablets that have a USB port or in slim notebooks. Due to its small size, it is also convenient to be left plugged in while on the go,” said Krystian Jaroszynski, Product Marketing Manager Flash, Kingston Technology.

Available in 8GB and 16GB, the DataTraveler Micro is backed by legendary Kingston reliability plus a five year warranty and 24/7 technical support. The DataTraveler Micro is only available in the EMEA (Europe Middle East and Africa) region.

The 8GB model costs £7.20 and the 16GB model costs £13.90.. Windows XP, Vista, 7, Linux v2.6+ and Mac OS X v10.5+ are all supported.

Specifications

• Capacities: 8GB, 16GB
• Standardised: complies with USB 2.0 specification standards Backwards Compatible: with USB 1.0
• Dimensions: 1.008" x 0.657" x 0.331" (25.6mm x 16.7mm x 8.4mm)
• Operating temperature: 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C)
• Storage temperature: -4°F to 185°F (-20°C to 85°C)

Source: Press Release

The Sapphire Pure Black 990FX is a full ATX sized board making full use of the features of the AMD 990FX and SB950 chipsets. Four dual channel memory sockets are provided capable of supporting up to 32GB. There are four USB 3.0 ports (two at the rear and two on a header supported by a high quality front panel kit) as well as eight USB 2.0 ports on the rear panel plus four more on headers.

Advanced connectivity is provided by Dual Gigabit LAN sockets plus Bluetooth with EDR (enhanced data rate). The board has eight SATA 3GB ports, featuring AHCI and RAID support, conveniently mounted on the edge of the board with right angle connectors and an additional SATA 3GB port brought out to the rear panel on an eSATA connector. The back panel also carries optical and SPDIF outputs as well as the standard I/O configuration for the on board HD 7.1 Audio.

Extensive expansion support is provided by six PCI-Express Gen2 slots which allow up to six single slot cards or three dual slot cards such as high end graphics cards in CrossFireX to be used. A standard 4-pin Molex connector on the edge of the board can be used to provide additional power when multiple cards are used.

Many user friendly features have been incorporated in the Sapphire Pure Black 990FX, such as digital debug display and a push button reset for the BIOS, as well as start and system reset buttons. These are especially useful for enthusiasts interested in performance tuning or overclocking. This is the first board to feature the Sapphire QBIOS – an easy to use UEFI BIOS with many overclocking features. The board has a Dual BIOS, allowing for experimentation and updates, and includes S_BIOS which allows the user to update and back up the BIOS from a BIOS screen – there is no need to boot from an external disk. For the hard-core enthusiast, voltage test pads have been brought out to the edge of the board for the critical voltages on the CPU and memory.

The build quality of the Sapphire Pure Black 990FX is high. It has a black multilayer PCB, and uses high quality gold plated connectors for USB 3.0 and LAN. It incorporates many of the high end features associated with the Sapphire brand, such as the use of high reliability solid capacitors throughout. The multi-phase PWM voltage regulation circuitry for both the CPU and memory modules incorporate the Sapphire Diamond Black chokes with coolers that have featured on Sapphire’s high end graphics cards. Low profile coolers on the PWM section give users a wide choice of CPU cooler without risk of obstruction.

Source: Press Release

The new GlacialTech Cooling Pad is the best way to keep your laptop cool. In order to achieve the best cooling performance, GlacialTech launched another two SnowPad series cooling pad in the title of A1 & A2 which fit laptop from 7” to 12” and the A1 series includes two 70 mm cooling fans with much superior air flow which provides the best cooling performance and not only this the light weighted and portable designed A1 series is convenient for use also. The ergonomic designed A1 series snowpad gives great comfort to the user. This can be accommodated with most of the notebooks, dimensions and wide screens wise. The A1 series snow pad consumes power directly from the notebook with ON/OFF power button. The Anti-slip rubber pads of the A1 series prevent the notebooks from sliding. It is available in black color.

The A2 series looks stylish and it is designed with metallic surface. It has built-in 85mm fan for silent and effective cooling and built-in USB cable case for easy storage. This can be tilted 15 degrees for comfortable hand placement and has got non -skid traction pads which prevent the notebooks from sliding. It has got USB power supply. It is available in silver color.

One might wonder how prolonged use of notebooks could effect on the upper thigh of the human. It can give first degree burns. Therefore, using laptop until it heats up would not only result in severe health disorder but can also damage the laptop in general. The tiny wirings and connections on the boards within the laptop are also sensitive to changes in temperature. Using the laptop for a long time after it is already heat up can cause these wirings and connections to melt could lead to the malfunctioning of the laptop.

This SnowPad Series laptop cooling Pad from GlacialTech is solidly built and is very stable. In fact, it is the most attractive looking notebook stands/cooling pads that are available in the market with slim and smart design for notebook models.

For the convenience of the users, the Snow Pad Series laptop cooling Pad has ERGONOMIC design and is comfortable for long time use.

Features:

A1

• Two 70mm cooling fans with superior airflow providing best cooling performance.
• Accommodate most notebook dimensions and wide screens.
• Ergonomically designed for great comfort.
• Consumes power directly from the notebook with ON/OFF power button.
• Anti-slip rubbers prevent the notebook from sliding.

A2

• Works with 7” to 12” netbooks.
• Stylish metallic surface design.
• Built-in 85mm fan for silent and effective cooling.
• 15 degrees tilt for comfortable hand placement.
• Non-skid traction pads.
• Built-in USB cable case with easy storage.
• USB power supply, no need external.

The South Korean company Han Jung Tech is reportedly expanding its European presence and has started selling two new PC cases the Tron 200 and Tron 200 EX midi-towers.

‘Both models measure 472 (H) x 180 (W) x 478 (D) mm, and have a black paint job (inside and out), a steel structure, four 5.25-inch bays, four internal 3.5-inch drive bays, a top-mounted SATA HDD/SSD docking station, a 2-channel fan controller, and four built-in fans – one 120mm model with blue LEDs in front, one 120mm spinner at the rear plus two more on top.’

The differences between the versions rest on the IO panel and pricing. The Tron 200 has a front panel with two USB 2.0 and the standard Audio ports while it has a plain side panel which supports two fans. The Tron 200 EX on the other hand has an additional USB 3.0 port over the Tron 200 (making two USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 ports), the standard audio jacks and a windowed side panel which does not support any fans.

The Tron 200 and 200 EX are selling for 39.90 Euro and 46.90 Euro, respectively.

Source: TechPowerUp

KINGMAX, announced the KINGMAX latest model UI-03 in the urban series. What would surprise you when you choose a USB drive? Whenever a new style of flash drives comes to the marketplace, of course we look for speed, capacity and the latest technology, but nowadays we also consider its added values, and where added value is concerned, for most people, it is a case of whether it is attachable or waterproof.

KINGMAX latest model UI-03 in the urban series, which really has got the “wow” factor! What is unique is its “paper-clip” design hook, making the UI-03 not simply a storage drive but also a handy USB drive that can also be used to attach pieces of paper together. It can even be attached to your collar as a discrete pendant.

In addition to the unique “paper-clip” design hook, UI-03 USB drive is waterproof also dustproof. What is more, being both innovative and practically-minded, KINGMAX has incorporated into the UI-03 the three main elements of minimalism, light weight, and user-friendliness, making it fresh and elegant at first glance! The UI-03 comes with orange and blue, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB storage capacity to suit your individual needs.
The new KINGMAX UI-03 flash drive meets RoHS regulations (Restriction of hazardous substances in electronic and electrical and electronic equipment), and is certified by Microsoft Windows 7, CE, and FCC. So product and system compatibility is never a worry. Moreover, all KINGMAX products have been 100% tested under strict quality control to meet all requirements before shipping. The KINGMAX product warranty service ensures premium product quality and flawless customer services.

• Paper-clip design hook on the back
• Ultra light in weight
• Waterproof
• ROHS approved
• Certificates: CE, FCC, BSMI
• Plug and play; no external power required
• Lifetime warranty

Specification

• Capacity: 2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB/32GB
• High speed 2.0 standard
• Size: 37 x 12.4x 4.26 mm (L x W x H)
• Color: Orange /Blue

The new GlacialTech Cooling Pad is the best way to keep your laptop cool. In order to achieve the best cooling performance, GlacialTech redesigned SnowPad series cooling Pad in the title of N1/ H2 which is compatible with 17”and smaller notebook / computers to include a multi air inlet and ultra – silent fan for super air flow and gives best cooling performance. The USB-powered Cooling Pad can be used comfortably on a desk or in your lap. The SnowPad Series have high quality and full range metal mesh design that looks good in any home or office and allows fast and efficient heat dissipation. The mesh pattern can help it work more efficiently and smoothly while its back props the pad (and your notebook) up at about a perfect-degree angle, both to increase airflow and to give users a better typing position. The Anti-slip design ensures the notebook safety and prevents the notebook from sliding.

The N1 series provides 2 USB ports extender while in H2 series, it’s power source supports easily by the plug and play USB connection as a self-power mode. The H2 series are ergonomically designed with patent, constructed with high-impact plastic material and it provides sturdy, stable and durable qualities. The H2 series is built in swivel base so that one can easily view the angle adjustments. The most attractive thing is it can be folded flat for compact storage and make your travel much easier. Both the series have silent 160mm fan of low power consumption which create low noise and which are ideal for notebook computers.

One might wonder how prolonged use of notebooks could effect on the upper thigh of the human. It can give first degree burns. Therefore, using laptop until it heats up would not only result in severe health disorder but can also damage the laptop in general. The tiny wirings and connections on the boards within the laptop are also sensitive to changes in temperature. Using the laptop for a long time after it is already heat up can cause these wirings and connections to melt could lead to the malfunctioning of the laptop.

This Snow Pad Series laptop cooling Pad from GlacialTech is solidly built and is very stable. In fact, it is the most attractive looking notebook stands/cooling pads that are available in the market with slim and smart design for notebook models.

For the convenience of the users, the SnowPad Series laptop cooling pad has ERGONOMIC design and is comfortable for long time use. The N1 & H2 series cooling pad comes in silver color.

Features:
N1

• Provides 2USB ports extender.
• Compatible with 17”and smaller notebook computers.
• Multi-air inlet and ultra-silent fan for super airflow and best cooling performance.
• Silent 160mm fan with low power consumption and low noise.
• Full range metal mesh allows fast and efficient heat dissipation.
• Anti-slip rubbers prevent the notebook from sliding.

H2

• Ergonomically designed with patent, constructed with high-impact plastic material, providing sturdy, stable and durable qualities.
• Folds flat for compact storage and travel.
• A built-in swivel base for easy-viewing angle adjustments.
• Silent 160mm fan of low power consumption and low noise ideal for notebook computers.
• 8-level adjustments for screen height and tilt for optimal viewing and good comfort.
• Power source supports easily by the plug and play USB connection as a self-power mode.