Nanotech Mobile designed by Nokia and Cambridge

Nokia may not be too funky with their mobile phone designs for mass production but you have to admit, their concept designs are something that look, quite literally, out of this world. Morph, a joint Nanotechnology concept, developed by Nokia Research Center (NRC) and the University of Cambridge (UK) - was launched today alongside the "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition, on view from February 24 to May 12, 2008, at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Morph features in both the exhibition catalog and on MoMA's official website.
Morph is a concept that demonstrates how future mobile devices might be stretchable and flexible, allowing the user to transform their mobile device into radically different shapes. It demonstrates the ultimate functionality that nanotechnology might be capable of delivering: flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces. Dr. Bob Iannucci, Chief Technology Officer, Nokia, commented: "Nokia Research Center is looking at ways to reinvent the form and function of mobile devices; the Morph concept shows what might be possible".
Dr. Tapani Ryhanen, Head of the NRC Cambridge UK laboratory, Nokia, commented: "We hope that this combination of art and science will showcase the potential of nanoscience to a wider audience."The partnership between Nokia and the University of Cambridge was announced in March, 2007 - an agreement to work together on an extensive and long-term programme of joint research projects. NRC together with the University of Cambridge have decided to work on more projects that, to begin with, are centered on nanotechnology.
Elements of Morph might be available to integrate into handheld devices within 7 years, though initially only at the high-end. However, nanotechnology may one day lead to low cost manufacturing solutions, and offers the possibility of integrating complex functionality at a low price. Hopefully it won't take that long.Source

Cordless Wave Desktop introduced by Logitech

Logitech has unveiled its "Cordless Desktop Wave" comprising a cordless keyboard with 'Comfort Wave Design', and a cordless laser mouse.
The keyboard, according to Logitech, combines three elements; namely, a wave key-frame design, U-shaped constant curve, and cushioned contoured palm rest. While the ambidextrous laser mouse is designed to complement the striking curved style and comfort of the keyboard. The keyboard's 'Comfort Wave Design' addresses the fundamental principle that fingers vary in length, and cradles them in a shape or contour supporting their actual lengths.
The keys are placed high at the A and Enter keys that are typically hit by the little finger. Moving inward towards the pointer finger, the keys decrease in height reaching the D and K keys that are typically hit by the longer middle finger.
The keys then move up again in height to accommodate the pointer finger at the G and H keys. The maximum distance between the keys' peaks and troughs, the lowest and highest keys, is 4 mm, the company said.
The U-shaped constant curve, Logitech claims, features a 5-degree curve that allows users' hands to open up and take a natural position instead of forcing the wrists to bend.
The keyboard also offers large, hot keys that can be mapped to launch folders, Web pages, or applications with the help of software. For Windows Vista users, shortcut keys activate Flip 3D as well as Windows Sidebar and gadgets.
Meanwhile, the cordless laser mouse features pixel-precise laser tracking and a soft rubber grip. Both the mouse and the keyboard feature a battery indicator light that alerts users when battery power is low, eliminating the hassle of unexpectedly losing power.
Logitech's "Cordless Desktop Wave" is priced at Rs 4,995, and comes with a three-year warranty.Source

16GB JetFlash V60 by Transcend

Transcend's latest high-capacity USB flash drive, the 16GB JetFlash V60, is now available in the country.
About the size of an AA battery (61 x 18.6 x 9.8mm), the JetFlash V60 offers 16GB of data storage and is equipped with software tools for easy data transfer. The JetFlash V60 bundles the JetFlash Elite software suite, which can be installed to run directly from the JetFlash drive when plugged in. This software suite includes eight time-saving data management functions such as Web site AutoLogin, PC-lock, mobile favorites, secret-zip encryption, mobile email, DataBackup, online update, and the My JetFlash browser.
The new flash drive supports Windows 98 SE/Me/2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS 9.0/OS X, and Linux Kernel 2.4.2 or later, allowing seamless data exchange between different operating systems.
The JetFlash V60 16GB is available through Mediaman Infotech and Supertron Electronics for a MRP of Rs 4,400. It comes along with a lifetime warranty.Source

2.5" Hard Disk Drive with World-Class 500 GB Capacity

Fujitsu Limited today announced the release of its new series of MHZ2 BT 2.5" hard disk drives with world-class capacity of up to 500 GB. Sales of the new series will begin at the end of May 2008.The new series responds to the growing need for hard drives in the 2.5" form factor that can handle high-volume storage for such products as digital video recorders and external hard drives.The MHZ2 BT series requires only 1.8 W of power for read and write operations, ranking it among the most power-efficient drives in its class. The series is one of many new products announced as part of Fujitsu's Green Policy Innovation program, unveiled in December 2007 to promote energy-efficient products and services as a way to help customers lower their ecological footprint.With the global spread of digital broadcasts and Internet-based video distribution, along with the increased storage requirements stemming from the higher image quality of video content, there is an increasing need for high-capacity hard disk drives that can handle high-volume data storage.But with growing worldwide concern over global warming and other environmental problems, there is a demand for hard disk drives that consume less electricity.Fujitsu has responded to these needs with hard disk drives that have storage capacities of up to 500 GB for use in personal computers, Digital Video Recorders (DVR), Set Top Boxes (STB), and external hard disk drives, representing an environmentally friendly choice for customers who need hard disk drives with large storage capacities.As an environmentally friendly product, these hard disk drives use 1.8 W for read and write operations, ranking them among the most power-efficient 2.5" HDDs in the industry. They are also manufactured in compliance with the EU's RoHS Directive, which limits the use of hazardous substances.In addition, the series also supports the Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s interface for high-speed data transfers. Moreover, capitalizing on the vast experience and reputation for reliability that Fujitsu has accumulated through over 40 years of HDD development, the series delivers the superior quality that customers have come to expect from Fujitsu.Source

Cool and Colourful DAPs by SONY

People love variety and Sony seems to love people. Their latest range of MP3 players – the NW-E-Series are available in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB versions. But that’s not all; the new series are also available in a slew of colors and interchangeable panels. They support ATRAC/MP3/WMA/AAC formats and also come equipped with an integrated FM radio. Like most Sony Walkman DAPs the new series also incorporate USB for their data transfer and charging. They are light weight and weigh just about 28g.
Sony’s new NW-E-Series will be out soon in Japan for about in Rs. 5,925 (¥16,000) for the NW-E026F which is the 4GB model, Rs. 4,813 (¥13,000) for the NW-E025F 2GB model and Rs. $4,073 (¥11,000) for the NW-E023F which is the 1GB model.Source: Tech2