Express Mouse, Microsoft’s most recent addition to its line of BlueTrack-capable mice, features an attractively colored red or grey rubber wire, scroll wheel, and a glossy white egg-shaped design with a unique off-centered USB cable to reduce resistance when the mouse is used on the right-hand side.

This new release allows users to navigate their computer with its BlueTrack technology that is touted to outperform laser and optical mice. It can be used on more surfaces, from a picnic table, the living room floor, the armrest of a lobby chair, to the leg of a pair of pants. Because it is wired, it eliminates the worry of battery life for a trouble-free performance.

With a suggested retail price of P790, the Express Mouse is compatible with both Mac and Windows.

Microsoft hardware products are exclusively distributed in the Philippines through MSI-ECS. For more details, please call 688-3181 or e-mail your inquiries to marketing@msi-ecs.com.ph.

Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd, a Taiwan-based manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards and computing hardware solutions, announced its latest EZ Smart Response utility that allows users to install Intel Smart Response Technology with the click of a mouse, even if their system is set to IDE mode, without having to reinstall their Windows operating system.

The Gigabyte Smart Response utility is a simple application that allows users to quickly and easily configure their system for Intel Smart Response Technology. In the past, enabling Intel Smart Response meant users needed to enter the BIOS in order to configure their system for RAID mode, which then required a complete reinstall of the operating system. Once that processes was complete, users then needed to install the Intel Rapid Storage Utility as well as configure Intel’s Smart Response Technology. Gigabyte EZ Smart Response does all of this automatically, without users having to perform a complicated install process.

With the launch of the EZ Smart Response utility, Gigabyte is, thus, the only motherboard manufacturer today that gives its customers, whether they are using a standard SSD or onboard mSATA, the ability to quickly set up and install Intel Smart Response technology with the simple click of a mouse.

For small and medium-sized businesses, Iomega is offering its StorCenter network-attached storage (NAS) devices which it says are ideal for SMB data protection and storage. According to a company statement, StorCenter NAS devices are easy to install and configure; they don’t require specialized IT knowledge, and can be attached anywhere on the network to store and protect files.

Iomega’s StorCenter products also have built-in remote access capabilities that enable users to upload and download files from any web-enabled computer. Users can simply log in to the StorCenter from any web-enabled computer to upload or download documents and images – even large ones – quickly and securely. With StorCenter, users can modify documents and spreadsheets, transfer photos from a digital camera, or even view recorded video from a network video surveillance camera.

StorCenter also lets users set up secure guest access to specific files, making it easy for employees, partners and contractors to download or upload documents and images. As a result, StorCenter provides welcome relief from complicated FTP transfers, oversized e-mails or burning and mailing DVDs.

In addition to remote access, StorCenter offers easy-to-use remote administration capabilities. Using an intuitive web-based console, users can change settings, create and assign storage folders, schedule backups and receive system alerts in the event of a problem. And all these can be done without specialized IT skills or training.

For more information on all of Iomega’s products, including direct-attached portable and desktop HDDs, multimedia and network storage solutions, please contact MSI-ECS at 688-3181 or e-mail marketing@msi-ecs.com.ph.

Gigabyte Technology Co. Ltd., a Taiwan-based manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards and computing hardware solutions, has announced its new Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3-iSSD motherboard based on the Intel Z68 Express chipset and pre-bundled with the 20GB Intel Solid-State Drive 311 Series. The included mSATA-based single level cell (SLC) solid-state drive (SSD), allows users to take advantage of the performance benefits of Intel Smart Response Technology straight out of the box. The package is expected to be available to end-users in early June from selected online retailers internationally.
“We are thrilled to deliver the world’s first motherboard to come pre-bundled with an Intel SSD 311,” Richard Chen, Gigabyte vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, said. “Our customers realize the performance benefits that Intel Smart Response Technology has to offer, and the Z68XP-UD3-iSSD is the easiest way for them to instantly take advantage of the performance boost.”
Equipped with the Intel Smart Response Technology, Gigabyte Z68 series motherboards allow users to experience system performance similar to SSD-only systems. Intel Smart Response technology works by using intelligent block-based caching of frequently used applications to improve system performance and responsiveness. According to a company statement, Gigabyte Z68 motherboards with Intel Smart Response Technology are able to outperform hybrid drive systems by more than four times (PC Mark Vantage HDD test score) and deliver a 60% performance improvement over HDD-only systems in PC Mark Vantage Suite.

Transcend Information Inc., a global provider of storage and multimedia products, launched its JetFlash 200 USB flash drive as part of its JetFlash Security lineup. The JetFlash 200 incorporates enterprise-level data security through an unbreakable 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption. As for the other security series flash drives, the JetFlash 220 features an extra built-in fingerprint reader, while the JetFlash 620 offers the JetFlash SecureDrive password protection software for maximum protection. The JetFlash Security series is engineered to eliminate the threat of unauthorized security breaches.
The JetFlash 200`s hardware-based encryption utilizes the 256-bit AES algorithm that meets Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) to deliver unmatched USB protection, flexibility and management control. This hardware-based encryption ensures the encryption keys never leave the hardware device, thus providing superior protection against unauthorized access and malicious threats.

The JetFlash 220 fingerprint USB flash drive is aimed at the most demanding users seeking unbreakable data security. This upgraded JetFlash 220 features powerful 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption as well as the JetFlash 200. Instead of using a password, the JetFlash 220 fingerprint USB flash drive provides data protection by requiring the user’s fingerprint to access files. Its unique fingerprint sensor turns one’s fingerprint into the only key allowed to access any files stored on the flash drive.

The JetFlash 620 comes with Transcend`s exclusive JetFlash SecureDrive software, allowing users to protect their important data by creating a password-protected Private Zone. For extra convenience, the JetFlash 620 also allows users to easily resize the Private Zone and frequently change their password. This security flash drive is ideal for common users who need a cost-effective storage solution.

All Transcend JetFlash drives offer a free download of the advanced new Transcend Elite software for easy data backup, recovery and synchronization. The JetFlash 200 is now available for a suggested retail price of $19 for the 4GB model, $29 for the 8GB model and $52 for the 16GB model. The JetFlash 220 starts at $28 for a 4GB capacity, and the JetFlash 620 starts at $17 for a 4GB capacity.

Buffalo LinkStation Pro LS-VL network storage offers instant storage expansion and file access on the home network and over the Internet. Significantly faster than a USB hard drive, LinkStation Pro features a fast 1.6 GHz processor for maximum transfer speeds up to 76 mbps. The user simply plugs it into any network Ethernet port or into the back of a wireless router and instantly access it on any networked computer in the house.

With the availability of WebAccess i for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad; and WebAccess A for Android smartphone, the user can remotely access files over the Internet.  He or she can simply download the applications from iTunes store or at www.buffalo-asia.com, and follow the simple set-up instructions for sharing pictures, music, videos or other files with friends and family.

Users also don’t have to worry about running out of storage when taking photos and videos on the go.  They can save them to their NAS unit.  Other documents such as PDF files can also be uploaded. In addition, NovaBACKUP Professional software for Windows and Time Machine support provide a whole home backup solution for every PC and Mac on the home network.

With available capacities of 1TB and 2TB retailing at P9,685 and P11,990 respectively, LinkStation Pro makes central storage, sharing and backup easy. Buffalo is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by MSI-ECS. For more product information and other inquiries, e-mail marketing@msi-ecs.com.ph, visit www.msi-ecs.com.ph, or call 688-3180/688-3181.

Seagate, a global provider of hard drives and storage solutions, has unveiled the world’s first 3.5-inch hard drive featuring 1TB of storage capacity per disk platter, breaking the 1TB areal density barrier to help meet the worldwide demand for digital content storage in both the home and office.

Seagate’s GoFlex Desk products are the first to feature the new hard drive, delivering storage capacities of up to 3TB and an areal density of 625 Gigabits per square inch, the industry’s highest to date. Seagate is on track to ship its flagship 3.5-inch Barracuda desktop hard drive with 3TBs of storage on three disk platters – enough capacity to store up to 120 high-definition movies, 1,500 video games, thousands of photos or countless hours of digital music – to the distribution channel in mid-2011. The GoFlex Desk 3TB has a suggested retail price of P11,950. The drive will also be available in capacities of 2TB, 1.5TB and 1TB.

GoFlex Desk external drives are compatible with both the Windows operating system and Mac computers. Each drive includes an NTFS driver for Mac, which allows the drive to store and access files from both Windows and Mac OS X computers without reformatting. The GoFlex Desk external drive’s sleek black 3.5-inch design sits either vertically or horizontally to accommodate any desktop environment.

To supplement its existing server and storage offerings, Dell recently launched the 5500 and 7000 PowerConnect switch families to enable technology infrastructures where scalability, flexibility and value are key requirements. According to a Dell press statement, both families implement technology features to streamline deployment, simplify management and help reduce operating costs with power-saving Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) design and Power-over-Ethernet operation.

The PowerConnect 7000 family is designed to deliver scalable performance and enhanced functionality for midsized business deployments, distributed offices and large server farms. Businesses, according to the statement, benefit from high availability wire-speed performance and simplified management of multiple switches with a single IP address, enabling them to power business applications while maintaining flexibility and control of the network. The 7000 series delivers the connectivity to support Dell’s PowerEdge servers, in addition to seamless, automated provisioning and iSCSI operation with Dell’s EqualLogic storage arrays.

Meanwhile, the PowerConnect 5500 series provides a solution to basic, non-managed Gigabit Ethernet switches deployed in small-to-medium offices and remote locations, which require rapid wire-speed deployment with flexible features. Efficient energy operation and simplified switch configuration can reduce operating costs while providing customers cost-effective performance they need to scale with their growing business needs, Dell said.

The PowerConnect 5500 and 7000 series are available at prices starting from US$1,297 and $3,704.00, respectively.

At the launch, Dell also announced the appointment of two channel partners, namely ICS (Integrated Computer Systems) and IMVI (International MicroVillage, Inc.) supporting Dell’s networking solutions business for distribution and systems integration, respectively.

HP unveiled a redesigned consumer PC portfolio at the recent “A New HP World” event that features sleek looks and the latest technologies to enhance the way consumers connect to the people, entertainment and information that matter to them.

According to a company statement, the redesigned HP Pavilion notebook PC line and new HP TouchSmart 610 Consumer PC are built on inspirations from culture, art, fashion and HP‘s MUSE (Materials, Usability, Sensory appeal and Experience) design philosophy.

MUSE includes a mix of materials such as metals, alloys and plastics; easy-to-use features for improved usability; a blend of artisanal elements for sensory appeal; and intuitive features for streamlined experiences.

The new HP Pavilion dv series notebook PCs include such features as HP CoolSense Technology, HP TrueVision HD webcam and HP SimplePass). Select models of the HP Pavilion dv series also feature Beats Audio for improved audio experience.

With a sleek, clean appearance, the new HP TouchSmart610 Consumer PC reclines from upright to almost flat, providing increased comfort for longer-term use and the freedom to position it on a kitchen counter, or anywhere the family gathers.

“From enjoying music, to playing games, to enabling intuitive touch experiences, the new range of consumer notebooks and desktops offers style, performance, entertainment and security features that work together to present a seamless connected experience,” said Albert Mateo, country general manager, Personal Systems Group, HP Philippines.

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minimum System requirements

Operating Systems Supported

• Microsoft^® Windows^® XP (32-bit) Home/Professional/Tablet PC/Media Center (32-bit) with Service Pack 2 or later
• Microsoft Windows Vista^® (32-bit and 64-bit) Starter/Home Basic/Home Premium/Business/Ultimate
• Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) Starter/Home Basic/Home Premium/Ultimate

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• 300 MHz for Microsoft Windows XP, 1 GHz for Microsoft Windows Vista/Microsoft Windows 7
• 256 MB of RAM
• 300 MB of available hard disk space
• CD-ROM or DVD drive (if not installing via electronic download)

Browser Plug-In Support*

• Microsoft Internet Explorer^® 6.0 or later** (32-bit only)
• Mozilla^® Firefox^® 3.0 and later** (32-bit only)

Email scanning supported for POP3-compatible email clients

* For Vulnerability Protection.

**As made available by Symantec within your service period.