SanDisk recently announced the latest addition to its family of Extreme flash cards. The SanDisk Extreme III Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo is available in 4GB and 8GB capacities and is capable 30 MB/s read and write speeds.

SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today introduced the fastest card in its Memory Stick product family: the SanDisk Extreme III Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo with read and write speeds of 30 megabytes (MB)1 per second. The card, available in June in 4-gigabyte (GB)1 and 8GB capacities, is ideal for professional photographers and advanced amateurs who use Sony digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras.

SanDisk and Sony jointly developed Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo as an extension of the existing Memory Stick PRO format, to offer faster read and write speeds for PRO-HG capable Sony digital SLRs, point-and-shoot cameras and digital camcorders.
SanDisk Extreme III Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo cards will be available worldwide in June. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 4GB card is US $89.99 and for the 8GB card is US $149.99. Full details can be found here. Add a comment
With Samsung and LG already shipping 22x DVD writers, other drive manufacturers are scrambling to catch up. According to DigiTimes, Lite-On IT will begin production of its own 22x DVD writers in the third quarter of 2008 and has already secured orders from both Sony and BenQ.
Lite-On IT has obtained OEM orders for 22x DVD burners both from Sony and BenQ, with volume production to begin in the third quarter of 2008, according to industry sources.

Lite-On IT recently has been competing for orders for 22x DVD burners from Japan-based vendors and recently secured orders from Sony and BenQ, the sources indicated.

Taiwan-based Asustek Computer is evaluating the feasibility of offering 22x DVD burners and if it decides to offer such a product, Lite-On IT will most likely be the ODM or OEM maker, the sources pointed out. In addition to Asustek, Pioneer, Panasonic and other Japan-based PC vendor are expected to launch 22x DVD burners in the second half of 2008, the sources noted.
The article also mentions that Lite-On is working with Nero to incorporate SecurDisc into their drives. Drives with SecureDisc are also expected to go into production during the third quarter of this year. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment
EDGE Tech recently announced the release of its new secure flash drive, the DiskGO Secure GUARDIAN. This new drive feaures mandatory 256-bit AES hardware encryption and is capable of 25MB/s read and 16MB/s write speeds.

EDGE Tech Corp (www.edgetechcorp.com), a leading U.S.-based supplier of DRAM and flash memory upgrades, portable computing products, storage devices, and other experience-enhancing technology solutions, introduced its rough-and-tough, hardware encryption-secured flash drive, the DiskGO Secure GUARDIAN.

Utilizing mandatory 256-bit AES hardware encryption, the DiskGO Secure GUARDIAN exceeds the government standard for encrypting data. The GUARDIAN features absolute security and mega-fast transfers, including dual-channel SLC flash that boasts read speeds of 25MB/s and write speeds of 16MB/s. The GUARDIAN is encased in an incredibly rugged, anodized-aluminum housing that withstands rough treatment and extreme elements such as water, dirt, and sand.
The DiskGO Secure GUARDIAN is available now in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities with prices ranging from $69.95 to $249.95. More information can be found here. Add a comment
Iomega has announced a desktop version of its eGo hard drives. This new "Super eGo" drive offers 1TB of storage and is available in three striking colors: ruby red, midnight blue, and jet black.

Iomega Corporation (NYSE: IOM), a global leader in data protection and security, today announced that stylish data security has reached the 1TB plateau with the worldwide introduction of the Iomega eGo 1TB Desktop Hard Drives.

This new single-drive HDD "Super eGo" is now available worldwide in ruby red, midnight blue, and jet black. Its design is based on the popular Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive, one of Iomega's best-selling line of hard drives. The eGo Portable is currently available in 160GB, 250GB and 320GB capacities, and in several different colors, including new camouflage and leather-wrapped models. The new eGo Desktop model houses a 1TB, 3.5-inch hard drive with USB 2.0 connectivity that holds up to 4,000,000 photos, over 18,500 hours of music or 1,500 hours of video.
The Iomega eGo 1TB Desktop Hard Driveis now available worldwide for a suggested retail price of $269.95. Full details can be found here. Add a comment
Imation announced this week that its new Nano flash drive is now available in the United States. The Nano measures less than 1.75 inches long and half an inch wide and is available in capacities up to 8GB. It also offers password protection and drive partitioning as well as support for Vista's ReadyBoost technology.

Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), a worldwide leader in removable data storage, today introduced in the United States its smallest, never-lose swivel cap USB flash drive, the Imation Nano Flash Drive. Combining a professional design with the performance and storage capacity needed to easily manage and transfer digital files, the drive offers security features, Windows(R) Vista ReadyBoost compatibility, recyclable packaging, and up to 8GB of storage capacity in a durable yet lightweight design.

Featuring the smallest form factor among Imation's swivel flash drives, the Nano flash Drive measures less than 1.75 inches long and half an inch wide, and weighs less than an ounce. The compact design provides a convenient and simple way for mobile consumers and business professionals to access and transport digital files such as presentations, email, audio and video even in tight spaces like airplanes. The 360-degree rotating, never-lose swivel cap protects the USB connector and data stored on the drive from loss. Further, Imation's environmentally-friendly Nano Flash Drive package is made from 100 percent recyclable paperboard.
The Nano is available now through resellers located in the United States. Prices range from $14.99 to $89.99, depending on the capactity. If you'd like to read more, Imation's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

Acer Aspire 6920G @InsideHW
Apevia Warlock 900 Watt Power Supply @HardwareLogic
Asus Eee PC 900 @HotHardware.com
Asus EN9800GTX 512MB Videocard @HardwareLogic
Asus Striker II NSE nForce 790i SLI Motherboard @Benchmark Reviews
Cyber Snipa Stinger Laser Mouse @ThinkComputers.org
MSI N9600GT Hybrid Freezer @Hardware Zone
Noctua NH-C12P CPU Cooler @TweakTown
S3 Graphics Chrome 430GT @VIA Arena
Samsung SC-HMX20C Full HD Camcorder @BCCHardware
Thermaltake M9 Case @ASE Labs
ThermoLab Nano Silencer CPU Cooler @BCCHardware
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Earlier this year, Plextor introduced two combination Blu-ray/HD DVD drives, the PX-B920SA and PX-B300SA. Plextor Japan has now released some details on a new Blu-ray Disc writer, the PX-B910SA. While lacking support for HD DVD, the PX-B910SA is capable of writing to both single and dual layer BD-R media at 4x. Here are some of the drive's specs:



Writing Speeds:
BD-R: 4x
BD-R DL: 4x
BD-RE: 2x
DVD±R: 16x
DVD±R DL: 8x
DVD+RW: 8x
DVD-RW: 6x
DVD-RAM: 5x
CD-R: 40x
CD-RW: 24x

Read Speeds:
BD-ROM: 4x
BD-R: 4x
BD-R DL: 4x
BD-RE: 2x
DVD-ROM (Single): 16x Max
DVD-ROM (Dual): 12x Max
DVD±R: 16x Max
DVD±RW: 8x Max
DVD±R DL: 8x Max
DVD-RAM: 5x Max
CD-R/ROM: 40x Max
CD-RW: 32x Max

Access Times:
BD-ROM: 210ms
DVD-ROM: 170ms
DVD-RAM: 1200ms
CD-ROM: 150ms

Buffer Size: 8MB


Judging by its specs, the PX-B910SA is most likely based on the Panasonic SW-5583. The PX-B910SA is shipping now and can be picked up for about 40,000 Yen ($379US). More information, including a full list of specs, can be found here. Add a comment
TDK Japan sent out a press release this morning, announcing its HS1 series of 1.8" µSATA Solid State Drives (SSD). These new drives are available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities and feature a SATA interface capable of 100 MB/s burst read and 50 MB/s burst write speeds.

TDK Corporation announced today that it has completed development of the GBDriver HS1 solid state drive (SSD) controller for SSDs used in laptop PCs and industrial system hardware that employs PC platforms and completed commercialization and began shipments of the HS1 series of SSDs equipped with this controller.

Currently, SSDs that use NAND flash memory are employed in industrial system hardware and laptop PCs, but in addition to high prices, there are limits to NAND flash memory reliability and technology, and many users including PC manufacturers are hesitant to use NAND flash memory for applications that require the highest levels of reliability. Against this background, TDK focused on providing security and reliability adequate for memory systems and developed the original NAND flash memory control system. The result was development of a controller that can provide high-speed, high-reliability storage functions and the commercialization and start of shipments of the HS1 series of SSD equipped with that controller.
TDK plans to produce 10,000 units a month, with sample prices ranging from $900 for the 16GB drive to $2000 for the 64GB version. Full details can be found here. Add a comment
For a change of pace, CDRLabs has taken a look at one of Western Digital's new portable hard drives, the My Passport Elite. This top of the line drive offers a number of unique features including a soft-touch finish, built in capacity gauge and a collection of backup, synchronization and remote access software.

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the My Passport Elite and see how it performs. Is it the best choice for the person on the go? You'll have to read the review to find out.


Western Digital 320GB My Passport Elite Portable Hard Drive
If you have any comments or questions about this review or the Western Digital My Passport Elite, please post them in the forum. Add a comment
Buffalo Japan has announced the release of its new 22x "Super Multi" drive, the DVSM-X22FB. Based on what appears to be the LG GH22N, the DVSM-X22FB features 22x DVD±R, 10x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds. Here are some of the specs:



Writing Speeds:
DVD±R: 22x
DVD±R DL: 10x
DVD+RW: 8x
DVD-RW: 6x
DVD-RAM: 12x
CD-R: 48x
CD-RW: 32x

Read Speeds:
DVD-ROM (Single): 16x Max
DVD-ROM (Dual): 12x Max
DVD±R: 16x Max
DVD±RW: 12x Max
DVD±R DL: 12x Max
DVD-RAM: 12X Max
CD-R/ROM: 48x Max
CD-RW: 40x Max


The DVSM-X22FB will hit store shelves around mid-June and is priced at 7400 Yen ($71US). Full details can be found here. Add a comment