Did you know... AMD’s enthusiast platform, code-named 'SPIDER', brings together an all-AMD processor, graphics card, and chipset for the most complete computing platform ever. Combining these best-in-class components gives you the ultimate computing experience with amazing scalability and exceptional efficiency. Note: Black Edition AMD CPU allows overclocking and does not equip with CPU fan and heat sink unit.

NEC debuts commercial-grade large-format LCDs August 13, 2008 NEC Display Solutions of America has announced a new family of commercial-grade digital signage displays with a new mechanical design, comprehensive input panels and robust functionality, for organizations that are deploying large-screen panels on a modest budget. The MultiSync 15 Series addresses the needs of multiple markets and applications with commercial-level features and functions, including panels with protection against permanent image retention, and advanced thermal technology to prevent overheating, designed for continuous operation in demanding environments. Among those technologies are the 32-inch MultiSync LCD3215 and 42-inch LCD4215 displays, for use as digital signage in retail and restaurant markets, as well as indoor venues, training facilities, corporate boardrooms and others. The displays come with 1366 x 768 resolution, 500 cd/m² brightness and 800:1 contrast ratio. They also include DVI with HDCP, advanced multi-level thermal control with high temperature protection and up to 4x4 TileMatrix capabilities. The public display-grade panels provide added long-term reliability and are touch- and protective-panel-ready. The LCD3215 display will be available for September 2008 shipment at an estimated street price of US$1,199, and the LCD4215 will be available for October 2008 shipment at an estimated street price of US$1,699. Microsoft VS2008 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 August 15, 2008 Microsoft has announced the release to manufacturing (RTM) of the .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Visual Studio 2008 SP1. These releases come just nine months after the release of the .NET Framework 3.5 and Visual Studio 2008, and include a substantial number of updates based directly on customer feedback. The service packs continue to address the needs of the developer community by making it even easier to develop applications for the latest platforms, with new features such as the .NET Framework Client Profile for faster deployment of Windows-based applications, multiple enhancements to ASP.NET, and unparalleled support for database application development through the ADO.NET Entity Framework, ADO.NET Data Services and integration with SQL Server 2008. The .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 includes the new .NET Framework Client Profile, the fastest and easiest way to deploy applications for Windows. With .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and the .NET Framework Client Profile, developers can more easily deploy client applications thanks to an 86.5 per cent reduction (197MB to 26.5MB) in .NET Framework size. This means that end users will be able to download and install Windows-based applications significantly faster than before. The .NET Framework Client Profile also makes it possible to extend the improved download and installation experience to existing .NET applications. Developers now can quickly and simply deploy new and existing rich-client applications to a broader audience. Any services connecting to these applications will also see up to 10 times the amount of performance improvement when running in Internet Information Services 7.0 (IIS7). Enhancements in Visual Studio 2008 SP1 build on the new functionality in the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, offering developers improved performance and reliability. Improvements include better-performing designers for building WPF applications, improved tools for developing AJAX applications, improved designers for working with the ADO.NET Entity Framework, a richer JavaScript development environment and a streamlined Website deployment experience. Visual Studio 2008 SP1 also extends the developer-focused innovations in SQL Server 2008, making the development of occasionally connected applications and spatial applications easier and offering developers additional controls for incorporating business intelligence into applications. Sony recalls notebooks due to burn hazard September 4, 2008 Sony has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Certain VAIO TZ-series Notebook Computers. Units: About 73,000. Manufacturer: Sony Electronics Inc. Hazard: Irregularly positioned wires near the computer's hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge can cause a short circuit and overheating. This poses a burn hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Sony has received 15 reports of overheating, including one consumer who suffered a minor burn. Description: The recalled notebook computer models are the VAIO VGN-TZ100 series, VGN-TZ200 series, VGN-TZ300 series and VGN-TZ2000 series. The computers' screen size is about 11.1-inch measured diagonally. Not all units are affected; consumers should contact Sony to determine if their unit is included in the recall. Sold by: The SonyStyle stores and Website, authorized electronics retailers, and authorized business-to-business dealers nationwide from July 2007 through August 2008 for between $1,700 and $4,000. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled notebook computers immediately and contact Sony to determine if their notebook is affected. The firm will arrange for an inspection and repair, if needed. For additional information, contact Sony toll-free at (888) 526-6219 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at http://www.sony.com/support. AMD new ATI Radeon HD 4600 series graphics cards September 10, 2008 AMD has announced the ATI Radeon HD 4600 series, mainstream graphics offerings. A mainstream graphics card is considered to be one priced under $100. Comprising the ATI Radeon HD 4670 and the ATI Radeon HD 4650 graphics cards, the ATI Radeon HD 4600 series leverages the leading technology found in the award-winning ATI Radeon HD 4800 series, including support for the latest DirectX 10.1 games, superior HD multimedia capabilities and industry leading performance-per-watt, all delivered at what AMD calls affordable prices for the mainstream graphics segment. The combined features and technologies and incredible prices makes the ATI Radeon HD 4600 series a superb all-around performer, ideal for playing the latest games or driving a high quality home theatre entertainment experience. The ATI Radeon HD 4670 and ATI Radeon HD 4650 graphics cards feature AMD's TeraScale graphics engine, with 320 stream processing cores, and are based on AMD's advanced second generation 55nm process. The result is that even in today's most demanding games like Crysis, AMD says the ATI Radeon HD 4600 series delivers up to double the performance of competing products at the same price. Both the ATI Radeon HD 4670 and ATI Radeon HD 4650 deliver substantial gaming horsepower with minimal power draw, the ATI Radeon HD 4670 operating at under 60 watts and the ATI Radeon HD 4650 operating under 50 watts under full load, eliminating the need for additional power connectors and making installation a cinch. The ATI Radeon HD 4670 is immediately available with a frame buffer of 512MB GDDR3 memory with an MSRP from US$79, while a 1GB DDR3-based variant is scheduled to ship later this month. The ATI Radeon HD 4650 features a frame buffer of 512MB GDDR2 memory and is expected to be available later in the month at an MSRP from USD $69.

Monthly Trivia What CPU/Chipset platform should I choose for my AMD system? Click here for the answer. New Products Announcing a new addition to the AMD Phenom™ processor family — the AMD Phenom X3 8000 Series triple-core processor. It’s dual plus one, with the power to perform. A step up from dual-core, this powerful processor features more cores for advanced productivity and entertainment software. Alone, it offers incredible performance, intense visuals, and striking efficiency: More power to take advantage of graphically rich applications and operating systems like Windows Vista® Cool‘n’Quiet™ 2.0 technology to help reduce heat and noise AMD Digital Media XPress™ 2.0 technology for sharp, lifelike 3D graphics An efficient design that makes it the smarter choice for your home and your pocket book Experience the power of HD with the ATI Radeon HD 3800 Series of GPUs - graphics processing designed for how you work and play. Click here for more information. ViewSonic's PJ503D DLP® projector is a good choice for small offices, classrooms and even home use. This versatile projector offers 1,500 lumens and a high 2000:1 contrast ratio (typ) in only 5.7 pounds. Click here for more information. ViewSonic launches its new small screen LCD HDTVs which are ideal for fans seeking small screen HDTVs for smaller living spaces such as the kitchen, office or garage without sacrificing performance. The new widescreen 19-inch N1930w and 22-inch N2230w deliver high-definition digital video content through integrated ATSC/NTSC/QAM TV tuners,and comprehensive inputs including component video S-video, composite video and a DVI-compatible HDMI port. These stylish, high-gloss TVs also feature super HD resolution, delivering up to 68 percent more pixel performance than traditional high definition LCD TVs. Click here for more information.