IEEE Ratifies Final 802.11n Certification...Seven Years Later

So, here's a question. Did you realize that the 802.11n WLAN router you purchased three years ago, your shiny new 802.11n-equipped notebook and your 802.11n dongle you bought for your grandmother wasn't actually certified? It's true! 802.11n--which is widely known as the quickest of the Wi-Fi transmission protocols available today (trumping 802.11a/b/g)--has been mulling around in one "Draft" status or another for years now. Seven whole years, in fact.

Over the weekend, however, the IEEE working group responsible for making sure 802.11n was rock solid from top to bottom decided that everything was finally just right.The Standards Board finally ratified the 802.11n-2009 amendment, which defines "mechanisms that provide significantly improved
data rates and ranges for wireless local area networks (WLANs)." Over one million 802.11n units already ship per day worldwide, but now you can finally rest assured that one product will cooperate with another. Here's a simple overview of what this certification means:

"The IEEE 802.11 standard defines how to design interoperable WLAN equipment that provides a variety of capabilities including a wide range of data rates, quality of service, reliability, range optimization, device link options, network management and security.

The 560-page 802.11n amendment-"…WLAN Enhancements for Higher Throughput"1-will enable rollout of significantly more scalable WLANs that deliver 10-fold-greater data rates than previously defined while ensuring co-existence with legacy systems and security implementations."

Publishing of the actual document is scheduled for next month, and users shouldn't really have to worry over their current products not working right. The goal here was to make sure Draft-N items didn't get put out of work when the final specification was published, so the average consumer shouldn't even notice a difference. Still, it's nice to see all the i's dotted and t's crossed so we can get to work on the next fastest thing.

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CableCARD Now Open To All, No Need For OEM Installations

For HTPC owners, most thought this day would never come. It's a liberation celebration, and frankly, it's coming way too late. Still, we'll take late over never almost all of the time, so we can't help but thank those involved for finally freeing CableCARDs of the OEM chains. This past week at CEDIA, Microsoft announced that anyone could now purchase an off-the-shelf CableCARD and install it into their system. This has absolutely not been the case in years past.

Up until now, users have had to purchase an entirely new system from a certified OEM (think Dell, HP, etc.) with a CableCARD installed at the factory. If you even attempted to install a loose CableCARD into your own machine, you'd never get anything to work. Without that OEM touch, CableCARDs were worthless. Obviously, this ensured that only the affluent ponied up for a CableCARD-equipped HTPC. After all, who wants to buy an entirely new rig just to use one $100 part?

As Windows 7 enters the fray, users will be able to add CableCARDs to their own systems with little to no hassle. These cards will allow users to access all of their carrier's cable channels right on their HTPC, eliminating the need for a cable box and a media center PC. Switched Digital Video support was also added into Windows Media Center for Windows 7, which definitely comes in handy for those looking to tune into SDV channels.

Switched Digital Video (SDV) Support Added for Windows Media Center

In response to customer requests and cable providers' deployment of SDV, Microsoft now supports SDV in Windows Media Center for Windows 7. In conjunction with a device known as a tuning adapter, supplied by a customer's cable provider, Windows Media Center and a digital cable tuner with CableCARD will be able to tune to SDV channels. Customers can enjoy SDV broadcasts on PCs running Windows Media Center in Windows 7 and a digital cable tuner with CableCARD.

End Customers Can Now Add Digital Cable Tuners With CableCARD to Their PCs

Microsoft and CableLabs announced that customers will now be able to add digital cable tuners with CableCARD to a Windows 7-based PC with Windows Media Center. A new tool will be provided by Microsoft that assesses the PC's ability to support the solution. This tool will analyze the customer's PC and enable digital cable support if the PC meets requirements, opening digital cable options to Windows Media Center customers across the country. Microsoft also announced that, with Windows 7, it has increased the number of TV tuners that can be connected to the PC from two to four per tuner type, thereby allowing customers to simultaneously record or watch as many as four digital cable TV channels.

"We are excited that digital cable customers will now be able to take advantage of this new opportunity to bring great cable TV programming to the PC," said So Vang, vice president of OpenCable at CableLabs. "We are dedicated to helping customers get the most from their cable service, and this will be a great win for both the customer and the cable operators."

Digital Cable Customers Can Now Enjoy More TV Portability in Windows Media Center

Microsoft and CableLabs also announced that they worked together to enable digital cable tuner with CableCARD customers to enjoy more portability for digital cable TV that is marked as "copy freely" (CF). Customers will be able to play CF-marked digital cable recordings, such as those from local channels, on other PCs, devices and portable media.

Windows Media Center Features in Windows 7 Highlighted

Using new Windows 7 features such as Windows Touch, HomeGroup, Remote Media Streaming and PlayTo, sharing recorded TV, videos, music and pictures throughout the home, while on the road and to remote locations has never been easier. There is also support for the AVCHD format. This allows customers to view HD video from many popular HD video cameras.

In addition, support for the international broadcast TV standards that was released with the Windows Media Center TV Pack 2008 will also be included in Windows Media Center in Windows 7. This includes native support for both ATSC and QAM, the ability to remap channels, and support for subchannels.

New Firmware for ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuners

In conjunction with the Microsoft and CableLabs announcements, Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) will be providing a new firmware update that is available to all ATI TV Wonder digital cable tuners being used with Windows 7 and Windows Vista. This firmware update will allow existing digital cable tuner with CableCARD customers to enjoy more portability for digital cable TV marked as CF. Customers will be able to play CF-marked digital cable recordings, such as those from local channels, on other PCs, devices, and portable media. In addition, the firmware will contain support for SDV. When installed on a Windows 7-based PC with a digital cable tuner with CableCARD and a tuning adapter from a cable provider, it enables access to switched digital channels in locations where SDV has been deployed.

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Sony's New Slimline PS3 Won't Be Backwards Compatible, Won't Support Linux

Sony hasn't sold a PS3 that offered a hardware-level backwards compatibility mode in several years, but with the announcement of the PS3 Slim, fans of the feature were hopeful it might reappear in the new, slimmed-down version. Ars Technica recently had the chance to sit down and talk with Sony's director of hardware marketing John Koller, and the company executive was quick to dismiss any notion that backwards compatibility would reappear.

"It's not coming back, so let me put that on the table," Koller told Ars. "It's not as big as a purchase intent driver as you may be hearing. We've got such a substantial lineup of titles on the PS3; most people are buying the PS3 for PS3 games. They've buying it for PS3 games and Blu-ray movies. That (backwards compatibility) won't be returning." Sony has ample reason not to build PS1/PS2 support into the PlayStation 3 . The PS2 is still available, it's cheap ($49-$99 depending on whether you buy refurbished or new), and new games are still being developed for the platform over ten years after it debuted. PS2 owners with a massive game library they aren't willing to give up are therefore "invited" to buy a new system.

The old-style PS3 on the left, the newer, PS3 Slim on the right.

In the interview, Koller also addressed the quesetion of why Sony was removing the PS3's ability to install Linux. "There are a couple of reasons. We felt we wanted to move forward with the OS we have now. If anyone wants to use previous models and change the OS, they can do so." Koller said. "We wanted to standardize our OS."

Frankly, that doesn't make much sense. The homebrew, Linux-using PS3 market may account for just a fraction of PS3 owners, but Sony has actively encouraged the cluster computing and high performance computing (HPC) markets to consider using the PS3 (with some success.) Sony's own OS certainly isn't up to the task of running an HPC node, when the company announced the first Cell-powered rendering server, the BCU-100, the system was running Yellow Dog Linux. Documentation from Sony's website states: "Yellow Dog Enterprise Linux (YDEL) combines a minimal-interaction graphical installer with support for a wide range of Power architecture hardware...This cross-system binary support grants BCU-100 users a great deal of flexibility through compatibility with other Power architecture compute nodes and workstations."

The BCU-100—widely announced, now curiously absent

"In conjunction with the Y-HPC Cluster Construction Suite from Terra Soft...YDEL offers a complete end-to-end, server-to-compute-node solution with technical and engineering support from the industry leader in Linux solutions for the Power architecture." Pay no mind to the horrendous screech from outside, it's merely Fixstars Solutions (the developers of YDEL) being thrown under a bus. While it's possible that Sony has a pre-arranged deal to provide the older, Linux-compatible hardware to its enterprise customers and potential clients on an indefinite basis, the idea of buying a handful of PS3's and setting up a small-scale node for whatever reason is gone...

Assuming Sony has any success keeping the platform locked at all. Removing the specialized hardware and software that allowed for PS2 emulation is one thing, but the company can scarcely stop the Cell at the heart of the system from executing properly compiled PPC code. As soon as PS3 Slim's are available on store shelves, you can bet there'll be hackers dissecting system with a fine-toothed comb. Historical precedent indicates this isn't a fight Sony is going to win.

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Lenovo And Samsung Delaying Ion Netbooks For Windows 7 Launch

Hey, here's a quick quiz just to see how well you've been paying attention over the past few months. Do you remember Lenovo's Ion-powered IdeaPad S12? What about Samsung's Ion-powered N510? If not, you're certainly not alone. Both machines have gone radio silent since debuting a few months back, and yes, it's intentional.

Various reports are now flying around suggesting that both of these cutting-edge netbooks have been delayed for a few months yet. The reason? Windows 7. Reportedly, both Lenovo and Samsung are waiting until Windows 7 ships to actually ship their newest netbooks. The rationale here is simple: with only two months to go before Win7 hits the shelves, why not wait and give consumers an upgraded software experience from the start? And since we all now know that Windows XP can't be upgraded to Windows 7 without losing all of one's data, the choice to hold back makes even more sense.

Early reports suggest that Windows 7 runs like a champion on Atom-powered netbooks, and we have no doubts that it will run great on Ion-powered notebooks as well. These decisions leave us to wonder whether buying a netbook now is even a smart move. You'll have a tough time upgrading, you'll have to deal with the upgrade, and you'll get only two months of use from it before being tempted by an all new version of Windows. Who knows--maybe patience really is a virtue at this point.

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Asus P7P55D Premium Lynnfield Motherboard Sneak Peek

As we creep ever closer to the official launch of Intel's Lynnfield platform, more news and information regarding the processors, motherboards, and chipset seems to be hitting the web almost daily. The latest piece of interesting Lynnfield-related information we have for you comes in the form of Asushigh-end P7P55D Premium P55-based motherboard.

The Asus P7P55D Premium packs some interesting features to compliment Intel's upcoming Core i5 and Core i7 socket 1156 processors...

Asus P7P55D Premium Motherboard
As you can see, the board sports a dark PCB, with some aggressive looking heatsinks on the VRM and chipset. An interesting note about the VRM design on this board is that it has a hybrid 32+3 phase configuration, where 32-phases are dedicated to the processor core and three to the CPU's integrated memory controller. In addition, the VRM is made up of low RDS (on) MOSFETs, Ferrite core chokes, and 100% Japanese-made, high quality conductive polymer caps. There's even a heat-plate on the underside.

Other interesting features of the P7P55D Premium include an integrated Asus T.Probe chip which detects and balances power phase loads and temperatures in real-time. According to Asus, T.Probe allows the components in the VRM to run cooler with more even power distribution across phases, which should extend the board's lifespan while offering more stable power ouput as well.

The P7P55D Premium also sports Asus' Turbo V EVO chip for real-time overclocking and tweaking assistance. And the Turbo V EVO chip is complimented by the Turbo V Remote, which gives users the ability to overclock / underclock and adjust EPU settings directly from the controller, without having to exit whatever application may be loaded on the system.

Source: Asus

Another noteworthy feature of the P7P55D Premium in the integration of a Marvell 9123 6G SATA controller. Instead of connecting directly to the PCIe Gen 1 lanes available in the P55 chipset though, the Marvell 6G SATA controller is linked to the chipset via a PLX8613 PCI Express Gen 2 bridge. The PLX8613 connected to the P55 via four Gen 1 PCIe lanes, but links to the Marvell controller via single Gen 2 lane. Although the 500MB/s available with a single Gen 2 PCIe lane is 100MB/s lower than the SATA 6G spec, Asus notes, "The 600MB/s is the theoretical transfer rate. Due to the limitation of current SATA 6Gb/s HDDs, the 500MB/s is quite Enough for the SATA 6Gb/s HDDs."

We'll be taking an in-depth look at the P7P55D Premium in the not too distant future, so be sure to come back after the Lynnfield launch for the full scoop.

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Nokia Intros 12 Hour, Windows-Powered Netbook: Booklet 3G

Score another one for the rumor mill, as those whispers we heard way back in February about a newfangled Nokia laptop have proved legitimate. After sticking to cellphones forever, Nokia has finally decided to hop on the netbook/smartbook bandwagon while things are still hot in order to catch the attention of those loyal to the brand.

The company's first foray into the notebook arena will be called the Booklet 3G, which is described as a "new breed" of portable device for the company. The "mini laptop" has yet to be fully detailed, but there are some tidbits that have been made public. As the title of the machine implies, this one will arrive with a built-in 3G WWAN module that will enable it to hop online anywhere that cellphone data service is available.

Like we'd heard earlier, the machine won't use Android. Oddly, it won't even use a Symbian-based system which is used on a plethora of its smartphones. As with most every other netbook, this one will also run a Windows-based OS. We're guessing Windows XP, but who knows, maybe it'll be Windows 7! Another staggering detail is that the Booklet 3G will boast a 12 hour battery life. Presumably in response to all the attention that has been placed on battery claims of late, Nokia does go out of its way to exclaim that the 12 hour figure is with "normal daily use," and that you'll never get 12 hours of solid Quake gameplay. Still, if this thing can really pull off 12 hours of use with "normal" activities, it'll absolutely tip the netbook world on its head. To date, the longest lasting netbooks only make it around 6 hours. To double that would totally rule, and it would probably get us wondering why no other PC maker has utilized whatever battery technology Nokia is tapping.



Other specifications include a 10.1" LCD, an HDMI video output, a 2cm thin body, a 1kg weight, a SIM card slot, assisted GPS, Bluetooth, and a built-in SD card reader. Nokia tells us that more details (include a price and ship date) will be published at Nokia World 09, which kicks off in Germany next month.

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Rhapsody App Coming To iPhone, Requires $14.99/Month Plan

If there's ever been an iPhone app that runs a good chance of being blocked at the point of entry, it's this. Real has just submitted its Rhapsody app to the App Store for approval, and if it passes, it'll bring an all new source of music to iPhone users everywhere. In fact, it'll be the "fully on-demand subscription music library app on the iPhone," but of course, one could easily argue that this functionality is already available through the iTunes app. Particularly if you're getting your checks from Apple.

If all goes well, users will get full access to Rhapsody's eight million songs, all of its radio stations and the ability to create your own playlists right on the iPhone itself. Heck, the app will even sync with one's account in order to listen to playlists you've already created on the PC. At least for now, it looks like the app will only work when you're online, which means it'll drain the battery quite quickly, and it may not work so well in spotty 3G/EDGE zones (if it will use cellular data at all). We're told that version 2.0 would include offline support if Apple would allow it, which would definitely make it one of the App Store's hottest downloads.

Real hopes that it will be approved and available to download within a few weeks, and while the app itself will be available gratis, you'll need a $14.99/month Rhapsody To Go plan in order to take advantage (Rhapsody Unlimited users are out of luck). Of course, a Spotify app could make this look a lot less appealing, but for those already hooked on Rhapsody, it's certainly worth keeping an eye on.

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Wikipedia Could Add Checkpoint Layer To Curb Bogus Information Posting

Wikipedia. What would you ever do without it? It really makes you wonder how difficult homework is these days given that nearly every subject on the planet is covered in one form or another on the know-it-all website. Of course, that "easy homework" is really only easy if the information that one finds is accurate, and that's why the site's founders are cracking down on misinformation in hopes of making the pages we frequent so often more trustworthy.

In an effort to curb the rampant posting of bad information, the company is hoping to impose new restrictions on article editing, a move that will certainly anger those who favor a more hands-off approach yet please those who want a little more control from the men and women at the top. For sure, the choice to leave well enough alone or intervene is a tough one. The site was born out of a love for open information, and with its founders looking to keep a closer eye on content, it certainly makes you wonder if personal bias will ever enter the equation.

The changes aren't set in stone just yet, but it's suggested that while anyone will still be able to edit articles, the changes won't be approved and posted until a seasoned and trusted Wikipedia author checks it for accuracy. The site is currently testing the process, and if it's successful, it could apply to all entries within the next month or so. Thankfully, you don't have to be a Wiki expert to be one that signs off on changes; in other words, the creators are just looking to add a small screen in order to prevent bogus information from being posted. If information is entered and someone that's trustworthy feels that nothing is wonky, it's probably good to go. So long as this whole process doesn't slow down the rapid-fire updates, we're 100% fine with it. More accuracy in the information we digest daily? Sure!

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Lenovo Ideapad S10 Netbook Full Evaluation

Every sign we've seen thus far leads us to believe that netbooks are going to be very popular this holiday shopping season. With good reason, too – they fill a void which has existed since the dawn of mobile computing. Truly cost efficient, rugged, little notebook computers with enough processing power and screen resolution to get basic tasks done – nothing more, nothing less. Given that pocketbooks are hurting in the current economic climate, these new low-cost mobile systems become that much more attractive, besides being a downright exciting product category.

Many of the large-scale PC vendors have already developed, or are developing a netbook product for the end of the year. Dell’s Inspirion Mini 9, along with the Asus Eee PC and MSI’s new Wind netbooks appear to be some of the more popular models. As this year comes to a close, the pace of netbooks hitting the market has certainly accelerated, and we expect that to continue for the next month or so. One of the more exciting netbook models that came to market just recently is Lenovo’s IdeaPad S series.

Lenovo's IdeaPad S10 - From the left..

.. and the right!

There are a number of reasons why Lenovo’s IdeaPad is one of the more exciting releases to date. First off, they are offering 10” diagonal screens on the IdeaPad S10, which appear to be what most consumers are drifting towards when looking at netbooks. Secondly, Lenovo’s build quality is generally perceived as one of the best in the notebook market, as their rugged ThinkPad series designs are likely to be seen in some form on the IdeaPad models. Thirdly, Lenovo is being aggressive with their pricing, offering the S10 out to market at $399 with an well-rounded feature set and a sleek, simply designed exterior.

The IdeaPad S10 is what we'll be looking at today. Designed for cheap, low-powered light mobile computing, it almost seems to be the polar opposite of Lenovo’s other recently released workstation notebook, the monster Thinkpad W700. These two products are designed for very different markets, but their close release showcases that Lenovo is really covering the entire range of notebook offerings, from low-end to high-end. Let’s see if their new foray into the sub-$500 mobile market is worth all the hype.

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Asus Eee PC 1005HA Seashell

It's hard to believe that the machine we'll be inspecting in the pages ahead is actually real and shipping. It's not so much a feat of engineering as it is a feat in product development. You see, we just wrapped up our evaluation of Asus' 1008HA Seashell three weeks ago, and already we're being treated to the second "Seashell" model to ship stateside.

The 1005HA is undoubtedly a member of the expanding Eee PC lineup, and while it's numbered lower than the aforesaid 1008HA, there are actually a few aspects that we prefer on this model versus its predecessor. Actually, maybe predecessor isn't the proper term; it's not like the 1005HA is taking the place of the 1008HA. In fact, we envision them both hanging around on store shelves for some time to come.

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Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2 Netbook

Lenovo's S10-2 is an somewhat of an odd proposition for netbook buyers. For those who completely missed out on the IdeaPad S10, this is a welcome update and a solid overall contender in the netbook space. For those familiar with the original, two feelings are apt to surface: bitterness and / or confusion. Indeed, the changes found on the IdeaPad S10-2 are minor, with most of the hardware remaining exactly the same. In fact, the vast majority of the tweaks are completely cosmetic, though we do think much thought went into this overhaul.

Rather than dishing out a completely new netbook at the 10.1" level, Lenovo instead opted to stick with its S10 label and push out a new revision. Here's a rundown of what's new compared to the original IdeaPad S10:

• 0.2kg (0.44lbs.) lighter
• 4mm thinner
• New top lid with special cover pattern and color design
• New Dolby sound enhancements
• 89% full-size keyboard with enlarged right-Shift key
• Larger touchpad
• Optional 3G built-in
• One extra USB port (now a total of three)
• OneKey Rescue System
• Lenovo QuickStart
• Up to six hours of battery life, or around 30% more than before

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Wireless Resonant Energy Link: Efficient Wireless Power

Intel - August 24, 2009 - With the dramatic rise in the number of electronic devices we each use in our everyday lives powered by batteries that often need recharging; the costs, resources and management of multiple, incompatible power cords, and adapters have become cumbersome and time consuming for the typical user. Intel Labs Seattle researchers demonstrated recently, at Research@Intel Day, "Wireless Resonant Energy Link" (WREL) - the transfer of electricity without using any wires. This technology could allow people to cut the last cord that keeps mobile devices tethered.

Research@Intel Day,WREL On Display

See the video below for more information on this research. Which we first showed you back in Februrary in an article titled, "Projects From The Intel Research Laboratories". We saw WREL live, in action at that event and have to say the technology could offer some very interesting possibilities.

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Maemo to Power Nokia's E900

On Thursday, Nokia unveiled its first phone using a Linux OS. The N900 uses Nokia's Linux-based Maemo OS, but for the first time in an actual cell phone as opposed to an Internet Tablet that requires wi-fi or cell phone pairing.

The N900 runs Nokia's new Maemo 5 software. Nokia makes sure to emphasize the device's ability to run "dozens of applications simultaneously." Size-wise, it compares favorably with the iphone 3GS, at 110.9 mm x 59.8 mm x 18 mm vs. 115.5 mm x 62.1 mm x 12.3 mm. Yes, yes, it loses out by about 50% in the thickness category, but otherwise, it's pretty similar. Why that extra thickness? A slide-out QWERTY keyboard, of course.

Unlike other recent smartphones (Android, iPhone, Pre) the N900 uses a Mozilla-based browser, instead of a Webkit-based one. The N900 has a TFT 3.5" resistive touchscreen, with 16M colors, 800 x 480.

Additional specs: 32GB of storage, with microSD card expansion, and a 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics. Also, A-GPS, an FM receiver / transmitter, compass, accelerometer and up to 9 hours of talk time (emphasis on the "up to").

Clearly, Nokia wants this to be an iPhone killer, but what it doesn't have, naturally, is the App Store.

Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Markets, Nokia, said in their press release announcing the N900:

"With Linux software, Mozilla-based browser technology and now also with cellular connectivity, the Nokia N900 delivers a powerful mobile experience. The Nokia N900 shows where we are going with Maemo and we'll continue to work with the community to push the software forward. What we have with Maemo is something that is fusing the power of the computer, the internet and the mobile phone , and it is great to see that it is evolving in exciting ways."

The N900 will carry a retail price of €500 before carrier subsidies. It will launch in "select markets" in October, wherever that means. Unfortunately, no word on U.S. pricing or availability yet.

Watch a video from Nokia:

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Super Talent Goes Green With Latest DDR3 Memory

If you’re looking for some new memory for your computer and love the idea of being green, you might want to check out Super Talent’s latest DDR3 offering. The company’s latest RAM uses 38% less PCB material and 47% less packaging material than Super Talent’s standard DDR3 DIMMs. Check out full details in the press release below.

Super Talent Develops Green DDR3 Memory

Eco-Friendly DDR3 DIMM with Ultra-Slim Package

Saves Energy, Materials, Shipping Costs

Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, developed a new line of green DDR3 modules that use 38% less PCB material and 47% less packaging material than the company’s standard DDR3 DIMMs.

Super Talent VLP vs. standard memory

In this product line Super Talent has taken two major steps toward developing more eco-friendly DRAM. Using JEDEC standard schematics Super Talent developed very low profile (VLP) DDR3 unbuffered DIMMs for use in standard DDR3 based x86 motherboards. These DIMMs use 38% less FR4 material, which is the fiber glass epoxy substrate most PCBs are made of, and one-third less copper. These DIMMs have already been tested exhaustively with a variety of hardware and software to ensure they meet Super Talent's rigid quality standards, and are backed with Super Talent's lifetime warranty.

Super Talent also redesigned their package for these green DIMMs to use about half as much plastic in a clamshell that occupies 57% less volume. These reductions in material usage result in a packaged module that weighs 35% less than a standard DDR3 packaged DIMM, which translates to significant savings in shipping costs.

	Standard DDR3	Green DDR3	% Improvement
HeightDIMM	30.1mm	18.8mm	38%
LengthPkg	175mm	161mm	8%
WidthPkg	57.9mm	46.9mm	19%
HeightPkg	13.0mm	7.6mm	42%
WeightPkg	15.0g	8.0g	47%
WeightDIMM+Pkg	30.4g	19.8g	35%

“Our goal with these green DDR3 DIMMs is to offer a greener memory choice for regular desktops that uses less raw materials, produces less industrial waste and consumes less fuel to transport with absolutely no tradeoffs in functionality or price”, explained Super Talent Director of Marketing, Joe James. “When multiplied by the hundreds of thousands of memory modules we produce monthly, this can have an enormous environmental impact.” Super Talent’s first green 1066 and 1333 MHz 1GB and 2GB DIMMs will begin shipping in September.

Super Talent VLP vs. standard package

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Canon Redefines Mid-Range DSLRs With New EOS 7D

Canon just announced the new EOS 7D DSLR with a fast burst rate of eight fps continuous shooting, 18-megapixel resolution, and Full HD video recording with variable frame rates and manual exposure controls. Other enhancements to the EOS 7D include a completely new 19-point Autofocus system, a new Canon iFCL Metering System (Intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance), and a new Intelligent Viewfinder.

Canon’s CMOS sensor and the Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors in the EOS 7D make it possible for the camera to capture eight frames per second up to 126 Large JPEGS when using a UDMA CF card. In terms of video recording capabilities, the EOS 7D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p, or 30p.

The EOS 7D’s redesigned Autofocus system features a new multi-axis cross-type 19-point AF grid with points that are evenly spread out across the image plane and displayed through Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder.All of the 19 points are f/5.6-sensitive for both horizontal and vertical cross-type focusing. The center AF point is especially sensitive, adding high-precision diagonal cross-type sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses. The new AF system also enables new AF area selection modes including Spot AF, AF Point Expansion, and Zone AF.

Another first for an EOS system camera, Canon has redesigned the exposure metering system for the EOS 7D to complement the new AF system. Canon’s iFCL metering includes a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that considers both illumination and color to deliver consistent results in all lighting conditions and keep exposure levels stable from shot to shot, even if the light source changes.

The pop-up flash on the EOS 7D features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter for control of multiple off-camera EOS Speedlites. The camera also supports an ISO range from 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800).

Finally, Canon improved the ergonomic feel of the EOS 7D with a new super-fluid body design and a revised grip that fits better in a user’s hand. The camera also has a new Quick Control Button for easy access to camera settings and a RAW/JPEG toggle button.

The Canon EOS 7D will be available at the end of September in a body-only configuration for $1,699. A kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens will be available for $1,899.

A new WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter is also available for the EOS 7D. This transmitter offers photographers a range of connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet. This transmitter will be available in early November for $699.99.

Canon EOS 7D with WFT-E5A

In addition to the 7D announcement, Canon is making its first lens with Hybrid Image Stabilization available. The new EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens can compensate for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake up to four shutter speed steps. The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is scheduled to be available at the end of September for approximately $1,050.

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