News Bits: Logitech Notebook AudioHub, New Microsoft Mice, Targus EcoSmart Bag

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Logitech introduces AudioHub Notebook Speaker System 

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Logitech Tuesday introduced the AudioHub Notebook Speaker System with Integrated USB Hub. It is a 2.1 speaker system with three built-in high-speed USB ports. The AudioHub is compact and should fit behind most notebooks.

Logitech claims exceptional audio quality thanks to an adjustable one-piece, three-chamber speaker system with an integrated subwoofer, providing solid lows and clear highs. The AudioHub has a mute button that mutes the volume without cutting off power to the hub.

The AudioHub is three and a half inches high and has adjustable-width speakers. It will go on sale in the U.S. and Europe in October for a retail price of $99.99.

Read More (BusinessWire.com)

Microsoft introduces new notebook mice

Microsoft today introduced three new mice designed for notebook computers - the Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000, the Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000, and the Mobile Memory Mouse 8000.

Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000

The Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 is Microsoft's most portable notebook mouse. It connects via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for an external receiver. Key features include High Definition Laser Technology for precise tracking, an LED battery life indicator, an ergonomic design for comfort, an on/off button, and four buttons including a back button. Microsoft claims a batter life of over three months.

The Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 will retail for $49.95: Link to Product (Microsoft.com)

Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000

The Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000 is ergonomically designed for comfort and features a 2.4GHz wireless connection. Like the 5000, it also uses High Definition Laser Technology, has an LED battery life indicator, and an on/off button. Other features include a magnifier which enlarges a part of the screen, a snap-in receiver for convenience, and an Instant Viewer, which allows the user to select from all open windows with a click of the scroll wheel.

The Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000 will retail for $49.95: Link to Product (Microsoft.com)

Mobile Memory Mouse 8000

The most stand-out product in Microsoft's new lineup of notebook mice is the Mobile Memory Mouse 8000. It has both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections; switching between the two simply requires the flip of the switch on the transceiver. The transceiver also features 1GB of flash memory, so it functions as a flash memory stick. Like the 5000 and the 7000, it features High Definition Laser Technology and an LED battery life indicator.

One of the most innovative features of the mouse is the 3-contact magnetically-held charging cable that is used to charge the mouse on-the-go. It automatically sense whether the AAA battery inside is rechargable or non-rechargable.

The Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 will retail for $99.95 and will be available in October: Link to Product (Microsoft.com)

Targus introduces environmentally-friendly EcoSmart laptop bags

Targus introduced a new line of EcoSmart Bags as part of the company's commitment to becoming a more eco-friendly business. The production of the bags is less harmful to the environment thanks to their PVC-free construction. All plastics used in the bags is recyclable and the metal housing is nickel-free.

The EcoSmart initiative will be implemented into every aspect of the company's corporate culture, starting with the EcoSmart notebook cases.

There are four different styles of EcoSmart bags - the Sling (TSB109US), the Messenger (TSM068US), the Convertible Messenger/Backpack (TSB110US), and the Top Loading case (TST022US). All of the cases come with a padded notebook sleeve, a security strap, a variety of storage options, and carry Targus' lifetime limited warranty.

NASA develops CPU that runs at 500 degees Celsius

NASA has developed a CPU that can run for 1,700 hours at 500 degrees Celsius. The chip is called the &quot;silicon carbide differential amplifier integrated circuit&quot;. It uses more heat-resistant materials rather than external cooling solutions.

Read More (Engadget.com)

Firefox hits 400 million downloads

Firefox on Friday saw its 400 millionth download, a significant milestone for the Mozilla Corporation. Firefox reached 100 million downloads in February 2005 and 200 million in July 2006. Although the number of downloads does not represent the number of users, it is generally agreed that the worldwide market share of the browser is steadily increasing. It currently holds a 17.4 percent share of the browser market, an increase of 5.6 percent from the same time last year. Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser has lost 9.6 percent of the browser market share of the past year, and now has a 63.9 percent share. Opera has also seen an increase in market share of the past year.

Read More (ChannelRegister.co.uk)

 

I wonder if the scdaic NASA chips will ever be available to common folk.Interesting stuff.

 

then we would not need all the cooling...

 

and we can cook too or heat our coffee/tea while working.
Nice...

 

Next 3dMark record holder = NASA

I really like that first mouse.

 

Nice to see mainstream laser BT mice that are portable.

 

Microsoft is stealing my ideas again. I actually would have guessed Logitech to do this first, though.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=107283

 

What is the benefit to switching between bluetooth and 2.4Ghz? BT has higher power usage, but I just don't see the point. Looks cute though heh.

 

I think they owe you 10% to 15%.

 

I'd like to see the source for those browser share statistics. I haven't seen any (recent) ones that listed IE anywhere near that low (63.9%), nor Opera that high ( up one percentage point - I haven't even seen it at 1%). The one I usually check, hitslink.com, lists IE at 78.68%. I'm guessing perhaps W3Counter was used as the source? At any rate, the next-lowest IE rate one on Wikipedia after W3Counter was 77.5%, which indicates W3Counter (63.9%) is taking statistics in a significantly different manner than any of the others.

Well, I'm one of the 1% who use Opera. Hopefully it'll keep climbing. I've been slowly getting more of my friends to use it, so that's a start.

 

I found the statistics to be odd too, because IE has never been that low. It usually hovers around 80% but it is generally going down over time.

It's certainly accessories galore in this thread - I'm personally a fan of that Logitech speaker base. I'd be interested to hear what it sounds like.