Expect More Than a Digital Photo Frame

Taipei, Taiwan, May 30, 2008 – In a marked shift from the analog to digital, many users utilize digital photo frames to showcase their loved ones or memorable events. ASUS recently launched a 7" digital photo frame, the ASUS UFOTO UF735, which not only displays your favorite digital photos with music accompaniment, but also doubles as a mini monitor on your desk to show information updates such as messenger windows, gadget information, picture viewer etc. Incorporated with a unique and exquisite design, the ASUS UFOTO UF735 truly deserves the accolade of winning the 2008 RedDot product design award in terms of innovation, functionality and product quality.

A Digital Album Comes with Excellent Display Performance
The UFOTO UF735 is embedded with a 7-inch high-resolution digital LCD panel to display brilliant photos. It is designed with an exquisite metal frame, lighting effects, symmetrical and intuitive control buttons that are easy to use for functional settings. Users can place their favorite digital photos and music into the UFOTO UF735 via memory cards, USB flash or syncing with the computer. They can also combine them seamlessly into a photo slideshow together with abundant transition effects for that perfect "storybook" feeling. With ASUS' innovative intelligent color enhancement – Foto-in-motion Technology, 5 modes can be selected according to users' preferences to showcase different photo display effects on the UFOTO UF735.

As a Sub-display of Your Monitor
What's more, the ASUS UFOTO UF735 has an exclusive "sub-display" function – allowing users an option to utilize it as a secondary display. This enables users to work unabatedly on the main monitor; while still receiving updates like messenger windows, gadget information, picture viewer etc. on the UFOTO UF735. It also offers three modes of capturing screen information; for example, you can drag and drop whatever forms from the main display of your PC or laptop to the UFOTO in an extended mode. It also provides users a convenient calendar and alarm – all providing great multitasking capabilities.

Additionally, there are more innovations that can be found in this digital photo frame. One such innovation is the reminiscence function – which allows users to search photos easily in the UFOTO UF735 according to a specific date. Also, with a rotatable stand for vertical, horizontal or wall-mount placement, users can easily place the UFOTO UF735 almost anywhere at home. It even incorporates an auto-rotation sensor which enables photo display for landscape or portrait positions; while the AI Light sensor intelligently adjusts the LCD backlight to achieve the best ambience brightness. All these features come together to provide users with the most comfortable viewing experience.

Specifications

For more information, please go to: http://event.asus.com/2008/DigitalHome/Ufoto/

via www.asus 

Asus Shows off Atom-based Eee PC

ASUS Eee Box B202 Details Emerge

A few weeks ago, we showed you some pictures of what was supposed to be the ASUS Eee Box desktop PC.  Initially, the images evoked mixed reactions from readers.  Some thought the Eee Box looked just like a Nintendo Wii, while others questioned whether or not the images were real at all.

In the weeks that followed, more news regarding the ASUS Eee Box desktop hit the web and any speculation that the images were 'faked' were eliminated.  And today, we can finally put an official stamp on the images because ASUS has revealed the final specifications for what will become the first batch of Eee Box desktop systems.  Take a look...


Name and Model: Eee Box B202
OS: Linux System / Hardware Compatible with Windows XP
Processor: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz, FSB 533)
Memory: DDRII 512 MB / 1 GB / 2 GB (see US configs below)
Storage: 80 GB / 120 GB / 160 GB / 250 GB (see US configs below)
Chipset: 945GSE + ICH7M
VGA: On-board Intel GMA 950, 1600 x 1200 maximum resolution
Networking: 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN, 802.11n WLAN, Bluetooth optional
SD/MMC/MS slot: SD, SDHC, Mini SD, (Micro SD through adapter) ; MMC, MMC plus, MMC4.x, RS MMC, RSMMC4.x (MMC mobile through adapter);MS,MS PRO
Audio: Azalia ALC888 Audio Chip

As you can see from the information above, the Eee Box is based on the low-power Intel Atom processor and configurations with 512MB, 1GB, or 2GB of RAM will be available.  Although we've have the actual dimensions posted here, we've also snagged an image from ASUS' booth at Computex that really gives a sense of scale.  In the image to the left, the Eee Box is standing next to a paperback book and if you disregard the stand, the Eee Box is actually smaller than the book.  Talk about tiny.

One drawback to the diminutive Eee Box's form factor is that the machines do not feature an optical drive.  But there is plenty of connectivity, so we don't view the lack of an optical drive as a big detriment.  The addition of a simple USB DVD will do the trick.

We haven't fired up an Eee Box for ourselves just yet, but it is safe to say these systems will feature Linux and Windows operating system installations that are very similar to the Eee PC mini-notebooks.  Pricing is said to be in-line with the Eee PC philosophy as well.  A 2GB model with a 160GB hard drive will cost only $299.

We’re expecting the Eee Box to hit the market in the US in mid-July. For French-speaking Canadians, a French Linux version will be available the following month...

via hothardware 

Asus offers £10 high-capacity battery upgrade for Eee PC 900

Asus has finally decided to throw a bone to Eee PC 900 buyers who are unhappy that their laptops came with a smaller battery than expected.

Owners can send their original 4400mAh battery to an Asus service centre and for £10 + VAT (but inc P&P), they'll get a 5800mAh battery in return. Not quite the same as the free battery upgrade Asus extended to unhappy Hong Kong Eee PC 900 buyers, but better than nothing – and Asus was really under no obligation to anything at all, in this case

The offer is expected to be available from 10th June and in the meantime, Eee PC owners can download a BIOS update that Asus claims will add half an hour to battery life. Full details of the Asus announcement and the whole Eee PC 900 battery imbroglio after the cut.

Complaints about the Eee PC 900’s battery arose because review units in the UK were sent out with a 4400mAh battery. Since the Eee PC 701 had a 5200mAh battery, cautious reviewers were quick to check with Asus about what battery would ship with final production models.

When Mobile Computer reviewed the Eee PC 900, an Asus spokesperson told us that the battery capacity hadn’t been finalised yet, but it would probably be a higher capacity cell than the one we had – so that’s what we said in the review. In fact the Eee PC 900 eventually shipped in the UK with the same 4400mAh battery as those first review units.

So far, this was just a case of bad luck – that “probably” statement from Asus is hardly binding and anyone buying an Eee PC 900 hoping to receive a bigger battery would have done well to check its specifications with the vendor first.

But here’s where things get a little more convoluted.

Eee PC 900s sent out for review in the US came with a 5800mAh battery, and that’s just what customers got. Review units in Hong Kong also had a 5800mAh battery, but retail units actually came with a 4400mAh battery – and that obviously made customers angry.

So angry, in fact, that Asus eventually claimed that review units were sent out with bigger batteries by mistake. In a wise PR move, it also offered Hong Kong and Singapore buyers a free battery upgrade to the 5800mAh cell.

Alas, despite howls of protest from UK buyers feeling similarly hard-done by failed to impress Asus UK. Its official response was that it “offers different solutions in different markets. In EU countries, we use 4400mAh battery. However, we give a two-year warranty within the country you bought the Eee 900.” So, longer warranty > bigger battery.

However, Eee PC 900 owners weren't buying this (the official response, that is – they’ve already bought the Eee PC 900) and in a lengthy debate taking over at EeeUser, some owners demanded a bigger battery for free, while others are more sanguine and think Asus are in the clear.

So, this announcement from Asus is something of a surprise, though some forum posters stated they they were given advance warning by Asus when they called to complain. All credit to Asus, however, for recognising that the customer is always right, even when they might be wrong. Let's just hope that it's going to recycle those returned 4400mAh batteries in an environmentally responsible way...

Asus has also released a BIOS update that it claims will extend battery life by 30 minutes or so. Version 0601 of the BIOS update is available to download from the Asus support website.

The full announcement from Asus is below.  ..

via mobilecomputermag 

Splashtop comes to ASUS Notebooks

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- DeviceVM today announced the release of their award winning Splashtop™ software on numerous ASUS notebooks. Splashtop is a light-weight operating system that allows consumers to use their computers seconds after hitting the power button. Models spanning a wide range of segments are to ship with Splashtop pre-installed by ASUS starting in June this year.

"The integration of Splashtop into notebooks represents a big step forward in portable computing, where instant 'on' and 'off' is essential," said Mark Lee, co-founder and CEO of DeviceVM. "We are pleased to introduce Splashtop to portable computing together with our partner ASUS."

With Express Gate, users will experience a new, fast, and secure way to surf, chat and play on ASUS notebooks for a new computing experience.

"ASUS is always committed to bring customers the most innovative solutions," said Henry Yeh, General Manager, ASUS Notebook Business Unit. "With Express Gate, users will experience a new, fast, and secure way to surf, chat and play on ASUS notebooks for a new computing experience."

ASUS booth will showcase Express Gate at Computex in Taipei International Convention Center TF1L & 101B, June 3-7. Please come by for more information.

About DeviceVM
DeviceVM, Inc. is a privately held software company offering Splashtop, an award-winning 'instant-on' platform that improves the personal computing experience. In cooperation with OEMs and system vendors DeviceVM integrates Splashtop into personal computers worldwide. Founded in 2006, DeviceVM is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices in Taiwan and China. Discover more at www.splashtop.com.

Useful Links:
http://www.splashtop.com/blog/
http://www.computextaipei.com.tw/

Press contact:
David Speiser
Stage Two Consulting
david @ stagetwoconsulting.com
650-515-6635

via emediawire 

Asustek stops taking Eee PC 900 orders in preparation for upcoming 901 launch

Asustek computer has stopped taking orders for its Eee PC 900, launched just one month ago, in order to prepare for the upcoming launch of the Intel Atom-based Eee PC 901, according to industry sources.

The Eee PC 900 was unveiled for the Asia Pacific market during late April and for the US market on May 12. But Asustek is said to have stopped taking any more Eee PC 900 orders as the Eee PC 901 is set to launch on June 3, the sources said.

Industry players commented that the Eee PC 900, based on an Intel Celeron processor, was a transitional product launched to compete with Hewlett-Packard's (HP's) VIA Technologies C7-M-based Mini-Note PC, while Asustek waited for Intel to start deliveries of Atom CPUs...

via digitimes 

Asus to launch 10-inch Eee PC on Tuesday: Confirmed

ASUS Eee Stick motion controller brings Wii to the Eee

ASUS seems to be bringing a lot of new toys out to play at Computex, but we're suddenly most intrigued by the Eee Stick, a pair of motion-sensing game controllers that looks like nothing more than a pair of Wii nunchuks. We're hearing that the left nunchuck can also work as a 3D mouse, but it'll be interesting to see if ASUS plans to actually pitch the $70 set to game developers, or if it's just another gimmicky controller that'll inevitably get dumped for the comforts of WASD. Gameplay video after the break...

via engadget 

Gigabyte to apologize to Asustek

he legal battle between motherboard makers Gigabyte Technology and Asustek Computer looks set to be over before it even started, with Gigabyte agreeing to issue a public apology.

Tensions between the two companies flared up over "defamatory" comments and comparisons Gigabyte made in a internal document which challenged Asustek's claims of using high-quality components in its motherboards, and the merits of Asustek's EPU energy saving technology and its own DES equivalent.

Asustek took issue with the particularly strong wording used in the document and that Gigabyte failed to present independent test results. Problems also arose from the juxtaposition of an image of "blown" capacitors on an unidentified maker's product alongside an Asustek motherboard, which Asustek alleged was an attempt by Gigabyte to imply Asustek products were of equally poor quality. In response Asustek lodged a complaint with Taiwan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) and initiated legal proceedings against the Gigabyte employee responsible for writing the document.

While stressing that it stands by the original intent of the document – that its DES technology is superior to Asustek's EPU – Gigabyte said it acknowledged the grievances raised by its competitor and has agreed to issue an official apology which will be published, at its expense, in Taiwan newspapers on June 1.

In turn, Asustek has agreed to drop all proceedings related to the issue...

via digitimes 

ASUS Launches World's First VGA and Multimedia Docking Station with ASUS ROG XG Station

Taipei, Taiwan, May 26, 2008 – ASUS, leading provider of high-performance graphics solutions, today launched the world´s first VGA and multimedia docking station – the ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamer) XG Station. With extremely detailed and impeccable design, the XG Station has attained the honorific of being conferred with the red dot design award honourable mention 2008. The XG Station is also bundled with the EN8600GT/HTDP/256M graphics card, and equipped with an Express Card interface – seamlessly integrating notebook computing with powerful PC graphical power. It also incorporates 4 USB 2.0 ports and Dolby Technology – doubling as a USB hub that delivers true AV enjoyment.

Reddot Design Award Honourable Mention
With more than 7,000 submissions from 60 countries, the international reddot Design Award ranks among the largest and most renowned design competitions in the world. In the first time in the history of these prestigious awards, the jury of design experts have honoured 137 products that have stood out from the others through especially refined and detailed solutions. The ASUS ROG XG Station is certified to be one such honourable mention, and is recognized as a product that sets itself apart from the competition with its successful design solution for providing a unique user experience.

Engage Mobility with Powerful Graphics Processing
With the explosion of popularity of high-performance, powerful laptops in recent years, there is an ever-increasing desire for computing users to utilize the same laptop computer at home, in the office, and also on the road. However, in order to conserve space, weight, and functionality, many of these sophisticated laptops have made sacrifices in terms of graphics, audio or processing power. By providing the power of a dedicated 3D graphics engine, users simply have to connect the XG Station to any LCD monitor, connect to the notebook via an Express Card connector, and then they are ready to game in with enhanced graphics. This setup easily provides users with a complete mobile notebook computing solution while retaining the advantages of high powered 3D gaming and multimedia experiences.

Sensational A/V Enjoyment
The XG Station also features enhanced audio and video functions with incorporated Dolby Technology – which encompasses Dolby Headphone, Dolby Virtual speaker, Dolby Digital Live, and Dolby Pro LogicIIx. This allows dynamic true-to-life quality audio to be achieved during PC gameplay, music or video playback. The Dolby Headphone enables 5.1 surround sound through any pair of headphones, while the Dolby Virtual speaker lets users experience 5.1-channel surround sound from just two speakers. Dolby Digital Live enables users to enjoy audio from the PC or game consoles through their home theater setups, and Dolby Pro LogicIIx transforms any stereo or 5.1 channel source into 6.1 or 7.1 channel surround sounds. Furthermore, with the XG Station, real-time overclocking can be easily controlled with the ergonomic knob design for simple GPU clock speed adjustments – providing the best audio and video experiences.

Large Information Display and Easy Controls
With the adoption of a large LED screen, the XG Station is designed with ease of use in mind. This easy-to-read screen provides clear displays of critical system status statistics that include:
• System master volume
• GPU clock speed
• Current GPU temperature
• Dolby® Headphone feature status
• Current actual Frames Per Second (FPS)
• GPU fan speed indicator
The XG Station also utilizes a dedicated control panel to let users control the settings through a GUI based interface; and can also easily switch modes between the notebook screen and the external LCD monitor.

Fast and Upgradeable Graphics Power
The XG Station is the world´s first docking station to provide a standard PCI Express slot for additional graphics computing power for notebook computers to deliver VISTA Premium graphical performances. It also conveniently accommodates future graphic upgrade possibilities for technologies such as HDCP. Lab experiments made on a notebook based on Intel 945GM and 965GM graphics connected to the XG station with an ASUS EN8600GT graphics card showed an astounding 12 and 6.7 times faster graphics acceleration respectively.

Specifications

•Specifications, PCB color and bundled software versions are subject to change without prior notice
•Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies
•Please visit the company website at www.asus.com for the most updated compatible model list

via www.asus