Memory Stick pro

Archive for August, 2011

THRASS UK is delighted to announce that it is to be a key partner in the forthcoming Memory 4 Teachers project, a major new ICT initiative in the UK education sector.

The THRASS (Teaching Handwriting Reading And Spelling Skills) synthetic phonics programme is widely accepted as having the potential to more than double the normal rate of progress for reading and spelling in English, and the inclusion of THRASS software in Memory 4 Teachers will make the THRASS programme readily available to thousands more teachers and educators across the UK.

The Memory 4 Teachers project has been developed in association with local authorities and teacher unions to provide support to teachers and educators in addressing their ever-increasing workloads. The project aims to provide 800,000 teachers in the UK with free fully interactive memory sticks, in which will be embedded free educational resources for their easy reference, as well as access to selected websites and free file storage. Worksheets, lesson plans, homework guides as well as many other useful tools will be readily available.

As part of the Memory 4 Teachers project, teachers have specifically requested the inclusion of guided training and speech, reading and spelling skills resources for teaching children with hearing impairments. In response to this demand, THRASS UK will be contributing the latest version of its groundbreaking Phoneme Machine software to the project. The Phoneme Machine uses moving human lips to pronounce the sounds (phonemes) in hundreds of frequently used English words and the latest version, Phoneme Machine 6.0, which will now be launched in January 2009 at the BETT Show (the world’s largest educational technology event), will include a Cued Speech option in which the shapes, positions and movements of the hands will be displayed alongside the moving human lips, with the cueing for each of the 500 basewords of English demonstrated in a video box.

But the Phoneme Machine isn’t just for teaching children with hearing impairments; it is an excellent resource for teaching children of all ages and abilities the fundamental building blocks of English in an entertaining and fun way. THRASS UK will also be contributing a range of other resources to the memory sticks, suitable for teaching learners of all ages and abilities, and there will be a link to the THRASS UK website, so that it will be easy for teachers to obtain further information.

The Memory 4 Teachers project is being promoted by RGS Europe Ltd. The RGS Media Group has been working with the public, voluntary and private business sectors providing creative and cost efficient media solutions specifically within the UK education sector since 1998. The education sector is a particularly sensitive and specialised market place, and RGS has worked on some of the largest projects ever undertaken within this sector including Sainsbury’s Active Kids, Tesco’s Computers for Schools and Tesco’s Great School Run. Memory 4 Teachers joins these prestigious campaigns as the latest education initiative that RGS is promoting.

Alan Davies, Executive Director of THRASS UK, is extremely pleased with this latest development: “THRASS UK is delighted to have been invited to be part of this exciting project and to have the opportunity to provide guided training and speech, reading and spelling skills resources for teachers of children with hearing impairments. However, the software that we are providing isn’t just for teachers of children with hearing impairments and we are sure that it will be extremely useful to all teachers. ”

And Simon Caplan, the Memory 4 Teachers Campaign Director, is also delighted: “We had a specific request from teachers of children with hearing impairments for access to guided training and speech, reading and spelling skills resources and we are extremely pleased that THRASS UK has accepted our invitation to undertake this fundamental role in the project.”

THRASS, pioneered by British Educational Psychologist Alan Davies, is a whole-school synthetic phonics programme for teaching learners of all ages and abilities using pictures and keywords. It helps learners to understand the building blocks of the English language by teaching them about the 44 phonemes (speech sounds) of spoken English and the 120 graphemes (spelling choices) of written English.

THRASS meets all the criteria for a good phonics programme published by the UK Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), and the THRASS programme is being used with resounding success in thousands of schools across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and the USA. Wherever it is used, it surpasses all expectations and using THRASS in a balanced language curriculum can more than double the normal rate of progress for learning reading and spelling for primary and secondary school children, and also for dyslexics and those for whom English is not their first language.

It is an indication of the significance of THRASS that in South Africa it is being sponsored by Absa Bank, a member of the Barclays Group, through the THRASS Absa TalkTogether Project. In addition, the THRASS Accredited Certificate is already a compulsory module for Foundation Phase student teachers at six South African universities.

Sony DCR-HC90E (DCRHC90E) 3 Megapixel CCD DV camcorder launches March 2005. High picture quality Sony DCR-PC1000E (DCRPC1000E) DV Camcorder launches April 2005. Features include Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lenses, 5.1-channel Surround Sound capability, Widescreen LCD, True Widescreen, and still image capture on Memory stick DUO. Full story at http://products.sony.co.uk/new_dv_camcorders.asp

Sony DCR-PC1000E

Sony introduces the new DCR-PC1000E DV camcorder, equipped with three CMOS sensors and Enhanced Imaging Processor, enabling it to capture a wide dynamic range for precise image detail. The Sony DCR-PC1000E is intended for the experienced camcorder user, eager to shoot the best video picture quality, so it offers additional manual controls for professional use that can be accessed by an assignable dial.

Sony DCR-HC90E

Sony introduces the new DCR-HC90E DV camcorder, featuring a 3 Megapixel CCD with Primary colour filter and the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens system to realise maximum light and colour sensitivity as well as precise capture of moving images. Thanks to the CCD technology, the Sony DCR-HC90E is capable of shooting not only video but also still images with 3 Megapixel quality. The Sony DCR-HC90E Handycam is always ready to record in true 16:9 widescreen.

Main characteristics of the Sony DCR-PC1000E camcorder:

High Picture Quality

The Sony DCR-PC1000E camcorder, is equipped with three 1/6-inch 790k CMOS Sensors and enhanced imaging processor, together the combination provides a wide dynamic range insuring the precise capture of detail for a natural looking picture, with detail preserved in highlights and shadows.

Manual Functions

The Sony DCR-PC1000E offers a variety of manual functions. Focus, Exposure, AE Shift, White Balance Shift and Playback volume can all be controlled manually through the use of the assignable Dial. This consists of a dial for selecting the function and a button to switch the setting between manual and auto. The dial can then adjust the chosen setting, while the other manual functions are locked at their current values. Focus is assigned as the default setting, and so can be accessed and adjusted with ease.

Other advanced features include a Cinematic mode to look like film, an AE Shift Function to adjust the intensity of the Auto Exposure. Also included is a Histogram function to display luminosity values. Skin tones can be smoothed and a guide frame can be used to ensure a balanced composition for your video.

Main characteristics of the Sony DCR-HC90E camcorder:

3 Megapixel CCD

The unique Sony Primary Colour Filter on the 3 Megapixel CCD is comprised of RGB filters for more accurate colour reproduction.

The Sony DCR-HC90E provides true 16:9 widescreen recording, taking advantage of the full width of the 3 Megapixel CCD, results in a wider angle of view. This is ideal for playback on today.

EPAFactory, a leading provider of custom end point analysis (EPA) scans for the Citrix Access Gateway™ and Symwave, a leading supplier of high-performance analog/mixed signal ICs, today launched the AccessStick™, the culmination of the integration of EPAFactory USB based AccessStick™ onto the Symwave biometric hardware platform. The product will be showcased at the Infosecurity Europe Show 2007 on Dilgenter’s stand B138.

The EPAFactory AccessStick™ enables away-from-the-office total security. This is achieved using their new application virtualization & redirection tool called VirtuaWrapper™. VirtuaWrapper™ gives an organization the ability to simplify installing the components required to run and connect to Citrix Access Gateway™.

“A common problem with SSL VPN solutions generally is that they install components into the local browser, and many customers have reported issues with their users trying to connect from locked down machines on third party sites,” commented Brian DaBinett, Director, EPAFactory. “A user simply plugs in their USB AccessStick™ to the PC, swipes a finger to authenticate and they are automatically taken to their Citrix Access Gateway™ logon page; the user experience is simple, secure and foolproof. There are no prompts, no fuss and more importantly, nothing installed on the local machine. This delivers away-from-the-office total security while at the same time reducing support and administration costs of remote access,” concluded DaBinett.

“SSL VPN’s are always trying to attain the holy grail of leaving a zero footprint on the desktop. The AccessStick™ allows them to achieve it with no reliance on cache clean-up technologies,” said Dave Coombes, Chief Architect, EPAFactory, “When users have finished working, they simply remove the stick and there is nothing left behind on the machine. In addition the solution offers strong authentication through the recognition of each individual stick, use of biometric recognition information for the user combined with the option of single sign-on.”

Phil Laslett, Business Development Manager for EPAFactory added “A lot of our financial, local government and health sector customers are excited not only by the ease of use for their SSL connection but also because the biometric solution from Symwave enables secure file storage for the user, offering a complete remote access and data mobility platform.”

“We are pleased to offer our fingerprint sensor and biometric software development kit to provide strong authentication to remote access. The combined solution containing Symwave’s biometric authentication, EPAFactory’s virtualization layer and Citrix SSL VPN enables easy remote access and strong security on untrusted computers enabling employees to work anywhere while adhering to corporate policies.” said Sudhakar Avula, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Biometrics Products at Symwave.

Phil Montgomery, Director of Product Marketing for Citrix Systems commented, “We are delighted to see the partner eco-system building around Citrix Access Gateway™ with great offerings such as the EPAFactory AccessStick. We see this as validation of our position as market leaders. I tried an early AccessStick beta and I was really impressed at how easy it made connectivity when working away from the office.”

Availability

EPAFactory is accepting orders for AccessStick now. AccessStick will be available for shipment to Citrix resellers, Citrix customers and OEMs of enterprise solutions starting May 2007. Customization options available for memory density, color and branding. Further information and trials can be obtained by contacting EPAFactory directly.

About EPA Factory (http://www.epafactory.com)

EPAFactory is part of Accario Inc, a privately held company incorporated in the United States. EPAFactory specialises in SmartAccess and virtualization technologies providing a broad range of solutions and services for today’s on-demand enterprises. The company helps organizations to simplify their IT infrastructures, enable greater agility and derive increased value through additional solutions.

eFrameCentral.com has introduced three new digital picture eFrames just in time for holiday shoppers. eFrames are an excellent gift idea for anyone with a digital camera or those who enthusiastically embrace the newest gadgetry with a high-level “cool factor.”

No longer are PCs, printers, paper, ink or monthly subscription fees required to display digital photographs. All three eFrames enable users to transfer photos directly from a digital camera and instantly present a slideshow on vibrant, full-color active matrix screens.

Sony has announced three unique 24.3MP APS-C format cameras: the Sony alpha SLT-A77, SLT-A65 and NEX-7. Sony?s new alpha SLT-A77 and SLT-A65 are second-generation DSLRs that feature fixed translucent mirrors, which makes it possible to shoot exceptionally high-definition stills and video with zero image black-out, full-time phase-detection autofocus for stills and video, with full manual focus and exposure overrides. B&H Photo is the first to release camera information.

The top gun among the three cameras is the Sony alpha SLT-A77, a burly, weatherproof magnesium-alloy DSLR that?in addition to JPEG and RAW capture (up to 12 frames per second)?can also capture HD AVCHD 60p/60i/24p video, including uninterrupted sequences of up to 29 minutes in length. Other features found on the SLT-A77 include a 19-point / 11-cross AF system; ISO sensitivity levels up to 16,000; a built-in GPS for geotagging; Auto HDR and Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO); dual memory card slots (SD/SDHC/SDXC & Memory Stick PRO Duo & PRO-HG Duo); 1200-zone evaluative exposure metering; shutter-lag times as short as 0.05 second; and up to 530 exposures per charge.

The viewing system on Sony?s new top-gun SLT consists of a 3.0?, 921,000-dot hi-def, three-way tilt/swivel LCD that maintains alignment of the LCD and lens; and the world?s first 2,359,000-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), which enables clarity that simply blows away any other EVF in its class.

Other unique Sony technologies found on the SLT A77 include a choice of 2D or 3D Sweep Panorama mode; a Handheld Twilight mode for tripod-free shooting under the lowest of lighting conditions; SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization with all Sony Minolta AF optics; in-camera Auto HDR, a detailed onscreen graphic display; and a Shot Result Preview, which allows you to preview the visual effects of your exposure, WB, DRO, DOF, and other mode choices before you press the shutter button.

The Sony SLT-A77, which is compatible with all Sony alpha A-mount optics, also features an HDMI output for viewing your stills and video on Sony BRAVIA and other Sony-compatible HDTVs.

Slightly smaller and less expensive?though equally able?is the polycarbonate-bodied Sony alpha A65 which, along with Sony?s new 24.2MP APS-C imaging sensor, shares most all of the features found on the pro-oriented Sony alpha A77. Aside from the size, price and body construction materials, the only other differences between the A65 and A77 are continuous burst rates (10 frames per second vs. 12 frames per second); the number of focusing points (15-point AF system with three cross sensors vs. 19-point with 11 cross sensors); and the number of pops per battery charge, which at 560 exposures is actually 30 more than the 530 pops you can get out of the A77.

The third new camera from Sony is the pocket-sized Sony alpha NEX-7, which shares the same 24.2MP APS-C imaging sensor found in its larger DSLR siblings. A huge improvement over its very capable but LCD-only predecessors, the Sony NEX-7 features the same 3.0?, 921,000-dot tiltable LCD and the 2,359,000-dot OLED electronic viewfinder found on the A77 and A65.

Other features found on the NEX-7 include 10-frame-per-second image capture; HD AVCHD 60p/60i/24p video capture; full-time phase detection AF with 25 focus points for still capture; Live View; movie modes; an Intelligent AF mode; ISO 16,000 sensitivity; JPEG, RAW, and JPEG/RAW still capture; shutter-lag times as short as 0.02 second; P/A/S/M operating modes; an iAUTO mode; up to 400 exposures per charge; and Auto HDR and Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) for enhanced shadow and highlight detail.

Additional Sony-specific imaging features found on the Sony alpha NEX7 include a choice of 2D or 3D Sweep Panorama modes; a Handheld Twilight mode for tripod-free imaging under the lowest of lighting conditions; SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization; Object-Tracking AF for quick-moving subjects; in-camera Auto HDR; a built-in flash (GN6); a Peaking function for precision manual focus; an HDMI output; Auto HDR and Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) for enhanced shadow and highlight detail; and an Intelligent AF mode that pre-focuses the scene as you compose it.

The Sony alpha NEX-7 is compatible with all Sony E-mount optics, as well as optics from other manufacturers, via optional lens adapters.

Sony is also rolling out a replacement for its original alpha NEX-5, the Sony alpha NEX-5N, which features a number of updates, including a new 16MP APS-C format imaging sensor; 1080/60/50p (H.264) HD video with full manual-focus and exposure overrides; Dolby Digital 2-channel sound; an ISO sensitivity range of 100 through a low-light piercing 25,600; improved AF object racking; touch-screen controls including touch focusing; improved AF response times; and shutter response times as short as 0.02 seconds.

The new Sony NEX-5N, which will be available in silver or black, should begin arriving on our shelves by the end of August, 2011.

About B&H Photo Video

As the world’s largest source of photography, video and audio equipment, B&H Photo-Video is known worldwide for their attentive, knowledgeable sales force, and excellent customer service, including fast, reliable shipping. Visitors to the website can access a variety of enlightening articles and educational videos. B&H has been satisfying customers worldwide for over 35 years.

PC Dynamics, Inc., is pleased to announce the public preview release of SafeHouse Explorer, the newest member of its award-winning SafeHouse family of PC privacy and encryption products.

SafeHouse Explorer is free encryption software designed for USB memory sticks. Keeping files safe and secure is now easier than ever using SafeHouse Explorer’s simple drag and drop user interface. “It’s a lot like Windows Explorer with three extra buttons,” said Peter Avritch, president of PC Dynamics and publisher of the privacy software. “The only difference being that SafeHouse Explorer uses passwords and strong encryption to protect your files.”

Even more impressive than SafeHouse Explorer’s sheer simplicity is that it can be run directly from memory sticks without needing to be installed. Copy the small 5MB program file to any memory stick and you’ll always have instant access to all of your encrypted files. “Now your files are both portable and safe” claimed Avritch. “With SafeHouse Explorer, you’ll be able to access your protected files from anywhere, any time, from any computer – just click.”

Another key feature of SafeHouse Explorer is that its files are 100% compatible with the entire suite of SafeHouse family privacy software, including SafeHouse Professional Edition, PC Dynamics’ popular desktop security software for Windows PCs. “The tight integration between SafeHouse Professional and SafeHouse Explorer makes it incredibly easy and convenient to keep all of your files safe and secure, no matter where they’re located, or where you’re located,” said Avritch. “Many of us find ourselves using more than one computer on a regular basis, and it’s important to have a privacy solution which can follow us wherever we go. SafeHouse does just that.”

SafeHouse family products work by creating large storage vaults to hold your confidential files. These vaults can only be opened up using a secret password or smartcard, but once they’re open, they appear as new disk drive letters in Windows, making them completely compatible with all of your favorite Windows applications. You can create an unlimited number of vaults which range in size from a few megabytes to 2,000 gigabytes (2TB).

Full product information, free download and video tutorials are available on the web at Memory Stick Encryption.

About PC Dynamics, Inc.:

Headquartered in Oak Park, California, PC Dynamics has developed trusted hard drive encryption and other software products for more than 20 years. Its core product is the SafeHouse data privacy and protection software which is in widespread use in companies of all sizes throughout the world.

If you think the Apple iPod is a major hit – then take a look at the phenomenal “secondary” market in accessories and add-on toys that the iPod’s popularity has spawned: sound systems and speakers for home and auto to play your tunes wherever you are, wireless remotes, voice recorders, skins and cases to cover every conceivable fashion moment…one Japanese company even offers coolers and purses with iPod speakers, so you can “share” your music on picnics or shopping!

According to Bob Schroeder, owner of Licensed to Sell, an EBay store that specializes in NCAA licensed college and sports logoed gifts, one of the hottest Christmas gifts is a new leather iPod case, emblazoned with college logos.

“Not being an iPod owner myself, I had no idea how popular these would be,” says Schroeder, a 25 year veteran of the gift industry. “But we seem to have a “triple play” going on with college logoed “techie toys” – we carry optical mice, Flash memory sticks and the iPod cases, all with licensed school logos – and a large percentage of iPod case buyers are getting all 3 items!”

iPod cases are black leather with an embossed logo, while the optical computer mice and Flash memory sticks show the collegiate logos in the official school colors. All products are officially licensed NCAA approved products, and are available for Christmas delivery if ordered by the 15th. And yes, if you just can’t make it to your computer by then – Overnight Delivery is available after the 15th for an additional fee.

About Licensed to Sell:

Licensed to Sell specializes in a full line of licensed, logoed sports related products, from tailgate chairs and coolers, to blankets and pillows, for Pro Sports (MLBA, NFL, NBA, NHL and NASCAR) and more than 100 different Colleges and Universities around the country.

Be sure to check out the “Little Fan” section – specializing in NFL uniforms, cheerleader outfits, and chairs for the littlest fans on your gift list!

ATP, a leading manufacturer of DRAM and flash memory solutions, will be showcasing its comprehensive line of highly reliable DRAM modules and solid state flash memory products at Computex Taipei. The company will be displaying the world’s fastest ProMax II 300X CompactFlash, the world’s first 8GB DDR2 modules, and Industrial Grade flash cards. ATP will also be unveiling the latest addition to its world’s smallest USB flash drive series, the 4GB Nano Vision. At 1.4″ (3.6cm) and with a robust, metallic housing, the Nano Vision USB drives provide maximum portability and ease of use for convenient personal data storage and transfer.

“ATP continuously focuses on bringing to market products and solutions with the highest level of build quality, performance and reliability,” said Tim Hsieh, ATP President. “As a manufacturer, we have the capability to strictly control the quality standards of our products and to provide the highest level of technical support — advantages which provide added values to our end-users.”

The Ultra DMA capable ProMax II 300X CompactFlash cards, offering transfer speed rating of up to 45MB/sec, are designed specifically to maximize the performance of current and next generation DSLR cameras by optimizing write transfer speeds for high resolution continuous shooting. The cards will allow professional photographers to take full advantage of the features of their newest high end digital SLR cameras.

The ATP 8GB DDR2 modules are designed for mission critical applications and embedded systems with the largest demand for memory space. These tall DIMM modules are cost-effective, the highest capacity solutions available in the marketplace in comparison to stacking solutions and higher density IC type solutions.

In addition, ATP will also unveil an On-The-Go GPS Recorder, which embeds GPS tags in photo data files. This device allows users to map the location and log the time of their photos. The device is compatible with SD, CompactFlash and Memory Stick. Mass production is scheduled for late Q3 ’07.

Remote monitoring of heavy duty industrial diesel and gasoline engines is now possible with a new line of digital instrumentation panels from Chetco Digital Instruments. vGauge Pro™ is a multifunction color gauge system offering built-in data logging via a USB memory stick. User programmable sensor calibrations and display graphics allow vGauge Pro to work with just about any existing engine package while providing display and logging of engine tachometers, temperatures, pressures, fuel consumption, voltage levels, and more. The vGauge Pro includes an USB interface port to allow field upgrade of graphics and firmware. A limitless number of display themes and gauge graphic styles can be downloaded from the internet and copied directly to the unit. A serial interface port provides expansion options including remote switching and network interface for viewing and remote data logging. vGauge Pro offers many advanced features such as an integrated USB controller which allows common USB memory devices to be connected directly to the unit for long term data logging of all engine operational parameters. Remote logging provides a capability for continuous monitoring while equipment is stationed in the field. A single 4 GB memory stick can provide up to 100 continuous days of information and over 2400 work hours. Logged data can be easily viewed and graphed using popular spreadsheet and plotting programs.

One of the many uses for the instrumentation system is in remote monitoring of leased equipment deployed in the field. In a recent installation for a rock crusher used in quarry operations, the equipment owner wanted to observe how the equipment was being used and the type of load it was being subjected to. By adding boost pressure and exhaust gas temperature sensors to the existing gauge panel, engine load could be easily determined as different grades of rock material were processed. Engine hours could also be logged at both low and high RPM for billing purposes. “We were able to replace the existing analog panel with expanded functions including an industrial color display panel in only a few hours … enabling the leaser to meet the operators delivery schedule” commented Steve James, President of Chetco Digital.

In another application, a European based ferry boat being outfitted with new engines was equipped with the vGauge Pro system so the operator could monitor the dual diesels for warrantee and government record keeping purposes. The vessel was in service in a remote location so being able to log each ferry run directly to the memory sticks allowed a service technician to collect them in 3 month intervals while performing other scheduled service. “We worked with the customer to create a custom engine monitoring package that worked in parallel with standard government mandated equipment and provide automatic data collection for documentation purposes” said CTO, Joe Burke.

The large 8.4” color touch panel option has room to show all instrumentation required for dual engines on one screen. vGauge Pro gives users the ability to migrate to full color digital displays in existing power plants while keeping the original OEM senders. Integrated functionality allows for increased instrumentation by including fuel flow data in the same compact unit. Up to 10 user defined gauge arrangements can be designed with supplied PC software and downloaded to the unit for real time display. Individual High/Low alarms can be programmed for each gauge with both audio and visual indicators.

With the optional vSwitch relay module, customers can add remote switching for up to 12 circuits allowing alarm conditions to trigger switches and shutdown or activate equipment.

With concerns for high fuel prices, smart engine monitoring systems are becoming a popular method to increase performance and lower operating costs. Retro-fitting older diesel engines by replacing inoperative mechanical gauges with digital display panels are now possible.

Converting to digital instrumentation on older diesel systems can improve reliability by eliminating mechanical senders. Some mechanical oil pressure gauges for example, still perform measurements by piping oil and hydraulic fluid long distances from the engines to the operator station where breaks and leaks in the line are common. Single mode digital gauges require a bundle of wires to be run from the engine to operator panel which degrades readings. The vGauge Pro instrument panel improves on this by installing a 16 function remote sensor interface near the engine which converts all the engine data into a CAT5 network cable that can then be run to multiple display panels. Bluetooth and WiFi options even allow wireless transmission in industrial environments up to 300 feet

According to Joe Burke CTO for the company, “Remote monitoring of heavy equipment is becoming important as companies improve their asset monitoring and service policies. Previously, operators would manually record gauge readings in a log book that would then need to be transcribed.” “ Now we can provide a fully automated record keeping system that tracks several times per second for months at a time” he added. A large sunlight viewable color touch display and built-in electrical interfaces to tachometers and fuel flow senders give customers many additional features over existing OEM units. The sealed ABS plastic case and sensor cables resists the effects of moisture and exposure to the elements found in industrial environments.

The vGauge Pro is bundled with the company’s vDash software program which allows users to customize the unit by picking from a selection of graphic display options and arranging one of several pages quickly accessed via the touch panel interface. Using the software tool on a Windows XP or Vista platform attached via USB interface, users can compose summary instrumentation screens with additional more detailed formats as desired. The program provides for sensor calibration thereby allowing the system to fit into virtually any application.

Psystar has phased out the mini-tower for a slim form-factor that provides a smaller footprint and more powerful processor options. The specifications of the new, third generation Open Computer, now include Intel’s E7400 Core2Duo running at 2.8GHz as the default processor which is over 50% faster than the previous processor used. CPU performance can be further increased with the availability of select Core2Quad processors, for the first time, on the Open Computer. The new chassis is, at 47% smaller, significantly improving space-efficiency and versatility by allowing for standard PC pedestal orientation or horizontal placement.

Psystar president, Rudy Pedraza, stated, “We are making the Open Computer a better fit for our users’ environments in more ways than one. The smaller size will definitely make it easier to place in a home or small office but, at the same time, the increased performance will allow it to easily take the place of traditionally-sized machines.” Core2Quad processors greatly enhance performance in computationally-intense applications such as 3D rendering and movie editing. “A quad-core in a desktop that is under four inches thick is the direct result of the feedback we’ve received from the public,” said Pedraza about designing the Open(3).

The chassis and processor are not the only aspects of the Open Computer to be revamped. Standard configuration now includes a 500GB SATA hard drive, and GeForce 8400GS video card with 256MB of dedicated video memory which are both improved from the previous models. Optional equipment includes an 802.11n wireless adapter, Firewire card, and an All-in-one Card Reader which reads popular removable media such as SD cards, Compact Flash, and Sony’s Memory Stick formats.

Psystar has also refreshed the OpenPro offering with the most requested custom options including a rack mount chassis and bootable RAID support. Standard configuration now includes a 1TB SATA hard drive, 8 gigabytes of system memory and dual-DVI GeForce 9500 video card with 512MB of dedicated video memory.

The new Open(3) and refreshed OpenPro retain the operating system compatibility of their predecessors and starts at $ 599** and $ 1154** respectively and available exclusively through the PSYSTAR Online Store.