Fujitsu Enhances Digital Entertainment with the new LIFEBOOK AH551

Sydney, Australia: 16 November, 2010 – Fujitsu today announced the launch of the LIFEBOOK AH551, an all-in-one notebook designed for users seeking the best performance and features, especially when it comes to digital entertainment and gaming. The LIFEBOOK AH551 is powered by the latest Intel® Core™ i7-640M processor and NVIDIA’s OPTIMUS technology for GFX, a fully automatic feature that enables users to experience amazing high-end graphics, photos and video applications as well as dynamic sound and extended battery life.

“The more advanced computing technology and applications become, users will anticipate more power and performance from their notebook computers. Our new technology and design enhancements in the LIFEBOOK AH551 deliver stunning visuals with a significantly better digital entertainment experience that are beyond expectations of customers” explains Mr. Ivan Chan, Country Director, Fujitsu PC Australia.

To give users the best multimedia experience, the LIFEBOOK AH551 features a 15.6-inch High Definition display with 350:1 Contrast Ratio and 60% Colour Gamut that is enhanced by NVIDIA’s 1GB discrete graphics card. Further boosting its performance is the Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system, which is supported by DDR3 memory. The LIFEBOOK AH551 also comes loaded with a Dual-Layer DVD Super Multi Writer, a built-in camera, and is compatible with the latest USB 3.0 specifications. Furthermore, the notebook also boasts enhanced surround sound and dynamic sound features.

For added convenience and enhanced user experience, the LIFEBOOK AH551 is also equipped with unique Scroll Wheel functionality, making it easier to zoom in/out and navigate documents and web pages. In addition, the touch pad and NVIDIA’s OPTIMUS technology for GPX are powerful illustrations of Fujitsu’s commitment to enhancing notebook usability and computing experience through continued innovation.
As a nod to its Japanese heritage, the LIFEBOOK AH551’s slim and smooth design flaunts flowing curved corners, thin, chromatic lines and high-quality coating, making it a stylish and sophisticated technology device that will impress even the most demanding notebook users.

Fujitsu remains firmly committed to the promotion of a cleaner environment and complies with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive (RoHS) across its entire range of products. In addition, Fujitsu has established a set of commitments that goes beyond RoHS requirements, thus allowing it to stay keenly focused on its customers’ health and well-being as well as to embrace a healthier environment for all. By adopting a green factory concept and being committed to the cause of energy-efficient computing, Fujitsu also fights to sustain the Earth as a sponsor and a member of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Fujitsu this year, a new brand promise ‘shaping tomorrow with you’ has been introduced to embody Fujitsu’s focus in building a progressive future with customers through excellence in computing products and services. As a leading provider of ICT-based business solutions in the global marketplace, Fujitsu exemplified “One Fujitsu” by the unification of Fujitsu’s personal computer lineup into the acclaimed LIFEBOOK notebook and energy-efficient ESPRIMO desktop series, assuring customers alike of Fujitsu’s consistently high levels of customer-centric support and service worldwide.

Pricing and Availability
Vendor: Fujitsu PC Australia
Model: LIFEBOOK AH551
RRP: from A$1,699
Website: http://au.fujitsu.com/pc
Customer Care Hotline: 1800 288 283
Distributors: Bluechip Infotech and Multimedia Technology
Availability: Now

Sydney, AUSTRALIA, November 16th 2010 – Living room legends stepped up for the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Battle Sessions final held in Sydney on Saturday 13th November , where Daniel Whitty_ from Victoria was crowned Australia’s official Demi-God of Rock and walked away with a cool $10,000 cash!

Competitors in each state played a series of tracks from Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock to make their way to the national Grand Final. At the final, held at the Sydney Metallic Death Magnetic show, Whitty found himself pitted against ­­­­­­­four other fierce competitors who battled for ultimate rock god status to the track Paranoid (Live) by Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne. The final score was 332,394 to the runner up’s 323,780.

Whitty and the other entrants, who have all been playing Guitar Hero for years, were needless to say very excited not only to compete but also meet Metallica in the flesh – the demi gods of rock themselves!

Touring the country throughout September and October 2010, the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Battle Sessions was Australia’s first ever official search for the nation’s ultimate Guitar Hero where players of all levels were invited to compete for a chance at over $10,000 worth of prizes via a guitar showdown.

English bowler Stuart Broad’s real Call of Duty – winning the Ashes?

No, it’s BLACK OPS!

Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Monday 15th November 2010 – In a sign that the English Cricket team’s minds may not be entirely on the job of retaining the Ashes, paceman Stuart Broad has lamented on Twitter his sadness at missing last week’s launch of the highly anticipated video game Call of Duty: Black Ops. The tweet read:

Acting in the national interest, Activision Blizzard Australia has taken on their own Black Ops mission by arranging for the video game to be delivered not only to Broad, but the whole English cricket team at their Hobart hotel today in a cheeky attempt to distract the team from the job at hand.

“We have happily provided the whole English team with a copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops in the hope they spend more time playing the game than preparing to take on our boys with The Ashes.” said Jeff Wong, Marketing Director, Activision Blizzard Australia.

Call of Duty: Black Ops has already set a new Opening Day Sales Record with approximately US$360 million in North America and United Kingdom alone.

Last year, Call of Duty: Black Ops’ predecessor, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 earned a Guinness World Record by being the fastest selling entertainment product ever in the first 24 hours on sale worldwide. Call of Duty is the most successful video game franchise of all time.

Call of Duty: Black Ops is available now.

Revenge is a dish best served ice cold. Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetherRealm Studios are sharing a new video giving fans insight into deadly assassin Sub Zero’s upbringing and why he entered the Mortal Kombat tournament to kill Scorpion. 

Mortal Kombat is the most brutal instalment of the landmark fighting game to date for release on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in 2011.  The game is being developed by the newly re-named NetherRealm Studios, led by Mortal Kombat creator and creative director Ed Boon.

Industry Accolades Continue for Plantronics’ Mobile and Gaming Personal Audio Communications Solutions

Sydney, Australia – November 15, 2010 – Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT) today announced that six of its latest products have been named CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards winners in three categories. The award recipients include the new Plantronics Savor™ M1100 Bluetooth® headset for mobile phones and the Plantronics Savi® 430, the first portable PC-based wireless headset system that incorporates DECT™ technology for brilliant audio quality with Skype® and other services.

“Plantronics is delighted to have six products named this year in the prestigious Innovations Design and Engineering Awards,” said Graeme Gherbaz, Managing Director, Plantronics Australia and New Zealand. “These awards reflect our commitment to design and innovation, and to developing new products and services that enable clear, comfortable communications.”

The following Plantronics products received CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards:

Plantronics BackBeat® 903+ (Headphones Category)
The Plantronics BackBeat 903+, an update to the popular BackBeat 903, is a stereo Bluetooth headset designed for users with active lifestyles. It provides rich wireless stereo music and the ability to answer/end a call with a single touch of a button. The BackBeat 903+ headset features ruggedised, sweat resistant-materials and a flexible design with three levels of earpiece adjustment for a secure and comfortable fit during long workouts.

Plantronics BackBeat 116 and 216 Stereo Headphones with Mic (Headphones Category)
The Plantronics BackBeat 216 is a certified headphone for iPod, iPhone and iPad. It enables users to get the most from their compatible devices by offering bold, rich audio for music, calls and multimedia applications. The BackBeat 116 features the popular earbud form factor with a simpler in-line controller and built-in mic. The standard 3.5mm stereo connector and interface makes it compatible not only with the iPhone, iPod and iPad, but also most Android based phones, BlackBerry® smartphones and other music phones. These corded stereo headphones provide plug-and-play simplicity and feature noise-isolating ear buds with neodymium micro-speakers that boost bass levels and deliver well-balanced high and mid ranges for an overall great audio experience.

Plantronics GameCom® 777 with Dolby® 7.1 Headphone Technology (Headphones Category)
The GameCom 777 Gaming Headset with virtual 7.1 surround sound enabled by Dolby Headphone and Dolby Pro Logic® IIx technologies combines immersive surround sound and Plantronics’ design excellence to deliver an unmatched sound and voice experience for PC gamers. This open-eared gaming headset with Dolby Headphone technology gives you an unparalleled audio advantage.

Plantronics Savi 430 (Personal Electronics Category)
The Plantronics Savi 430 is designed for professionals who travel frequently. It is ideal for use with laptops or netbooks for voice, video and data communications. It features a lightweight, noise-cancelling headset and DECT USB adapter to provide brilliant audio and up to 300 feet of range.

Plantronics Savor™ M1100 (Wireless Handsets Accessories Category)
The Plantronics Savor features three microphones that work in harmony to ensure every word is heard clearly during conversations. Two of the three microphones precisely capture the user’s voice and simultaneously cancel background noise. The third microphone automatically activates when in extremely noisy situations, helping to overcome the most challenging environments while maximising battery life.

To learn more about these winning products, please visit the Plantronics booth #31123 at CES 2011, January 6-9th, 2011, or visit www.plantronics.com.au .

About the International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards
The Innovations Design and Engineering Awards program recognises the most innovative consumer electronics (CE) products in the industry’s hottest product categories. Innovations has become a hallmark for the best designed products in consumer technology. The honourees are featured during the 2010 International CES in a special display.

Innovations honouree products are featured on www.CESweb.org/Innovations , where you can see a list of product categories, as well as each product name, manufacturer information, designer, description, photo and URL. Honourees for the Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Showcase are selected by a preeminent panel of judges consisting of independent industry designers, engineers and journalists.

About Plantronics
Plantronics is a world leader in personal audio communications for professionals and consumers. From unified communication solutions to Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers unparalleled audio experiences and quality that reflect our nearly 50 years of innovation and customer commitment. Plantronics is used by every company in the Fortune 100 and is the headset of choice for air traffic control, 911 dispatch and the New York Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.plantronics.com.au or call (+61) 3 9326 1653.

Plantronics, BackBeat, GameCom, Savi, and Savor, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. The Bluetooth trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of the mark by Plantronics, Inc. is under license. Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. iPad is a trademark of Apple, Inc. iPhone and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. BlackBerry is the property of Research In Motion Limited and is registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Sydney. 15 November 2010 – IPL Communications has joined forces with LG Electronics which will see IPL distributing LG’s range of digital signage and commercial panels. IPL is now able to offer a wider range of innovative products to its extensive national network of resellers.

According to IPL’s General Manager Paul Scanlan, the relationship will see IPL move into the digital signage market for the first time, enabling it to tap into an influential and emerging market for 2011 and beyond.

“IPL is delighted to bring LG Electronics into our family of leading vendors. It opens a broad range of opportunities for our resellers, equipping them to offer digital signage as part of an end-to-end solution for their customers in key vertical sectors. We see this collaboration as a very strategic move for IPL and expect it will open new markets and partners for IPL as well as driving significant growth,” said Mr Scanlan.

The LG products being distributed by IPL will include its bespoke panels, information monitors for call centres and specialist digital signage products. The expansive range of LG LCD monitors are designed to maximise content quality and effect, with all the monitors matched to the unique demands of each customer’s environment.

As part of the deal, IPL will also distribute LG’s new ‘SuperSign,’ an all-in-one turn-key digital signage solutionwhich provides access to content management software and starter templates as well as news and weather feeds from CNN.

IPL Communications will launch the LG Electronics product set to resellers from November.

Kingston Digital launches next generation SSD Technology for corporate client system use 

• New 96 GB drive extends existing range of capacities to cater for different needs and usage
• “Always on” garbage collection function allows SSD to be optimized in both TRIM and non-TRIM supported operating systems
• New Kingston SSDNow V+100 offers 25 percent performance increase over the previous generation thanks to improved controller

Sydney, Australia – Nov 15, 2010 — Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the launch of its next generation SSDNow V+ solid-state drive (SSD), the Kingston SSDNow V+100. The new V+100 provides corporations with a viable solution to extend the life of currently installed client systems while meeting user performance expectations.

The new range is not OS dependent and features enhanced ‘garbage collection’ making it a solid upgrade path to extend the life cycle of older client systems. The V+100’s drive performance has also been increased by 25 percent, enabling more efficient data transfer over the previous generation. In addition, a new 96 GB capacity has been added to the family offering a broader range of choices to enterprise customers.

“Kingston SSDNow drives have been extremely well received in the worldwide IT marketplace. Our customers have explained they need an SSD solution that ideally sits both price- and capacity-wise between the 64GB and 128GB drives,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston. “The feedback through our innovative customer facing programs have yielded the 96 GB V+100 as the perfect solution to meet these needs considering an SSD upgrade path is the preferred execution model rather than spending more on a new system in most corporate environments.”

“Managing costs while also meeting increased performance demands are the major factors driving more and more global IT decision makers to upgrade their PC assets with an SSD drive rather than purchasing new systems,” said Mark Peters, Senior Analyst at the Enterprise Strategy Group. “Kingston’s new SSDNow V+100 Series also enables a greater ‘straddling’ of operating systems; its compatibility (including the ‘garbage collection’ feature) with both XP and Windows 7, means that users can enjoy immediate benefits of cost-effective performance improvements for their XP systems and/or as they move to Windows 7.”

The new Kingston SSDNow V+100 also has an enhanced ‘always-on’ garbage collection feature, which cleanses redundant data from the drive to prevent performance degradation and maintains the drive over its life cycle. Since the ‘garbage collection’ scheme operates independently from the OS, it works with both modern, TRIM-supporting systems such as Windows 7, as well as older legacy OS’ such as Windows Vista and XP that do not support TRIM. This means the drive can maintain optimal performance levels without additional upkeep costs or manual software maintenance.

Due to an improved controller that enables more efficient data transfer, the new SSDNow V+100 drive has shown a 25 percent performance improvement over the existing V+ drive when tested with the PCMark Vantage benchmark.

Backed by a three-year warranty, free tech support and legendary Kingston reliability, the new series with a 2.5” form factor is available in 64GB, 96GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB capacities. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com/anz. To help IT decision makers quantify the financial benefits of upgrading to SSDs, Kingston Technology has created the Kingston SSDNow ROI calculator. To find out more please visit: http://www.kingston.com/anz/ssd/default.asp.

Kingston SSDNow V+ 180 Features and Specifications:
• Sequential Speed1: 230MB/sec. read; 180MB/sec. write
• Capacity2: 64GB, 96GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• PCMark Vantage3:
64 GB – 35,046
96 GB – 34,971
128 GB – 35,073
256 GB – 34,795
512 GB – 34,697
• Performance: PCs boot 3 times faster than a standard HDD; applications opened 2.5 times quicker; enhanced productivity makes users more efficient
• Silent: Runs silent and cool with no moving mechanical parts
• Ease of Upgrade: Upgrade times can be reduced by up to 4 hours
• Support: Simplicity, speed and endurance of SSDs decreases calls to IT departments, freeing up staff to focus on core responsibilities
• Shock Resistant: No moving parts so the SSD handles rougher conditions than a hard drive
• Supports TRIM: TRIM notifies the SSD which data blocks are available to be written to
• Supports S.M.A.R.T.: Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology
• Guaranteed: Backed by a three-year Kingston warranty, free tech support
• Power Specs: .8W (TYP) Active / 0.05W (TYP) Idle
• Storage Temperatures: -40° C to 85° C
• Operating Temperatures: 0°C to 70° C
• Dimensions: 69.85mm x 100mm x 9.5mm
• Operating Shock: Operating 2.7G
• Vibration: Non operating 20G
• Weight: 64GB, 96GB, 128GB, 256GB=128g; 512 GB=150g
• Life Expectancy: 1 million hours MTBF

1 Based on internal testing. Performance may vary based on system settings.
2 Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the products. For more information, go to Kingston’s Flash Guide at kingston.com/flash_memory_guide.
3 Test System: Intel® DG45ID Desktop Motherboard; Intel® Core 2 Quad Q9550 CPU at 2.83GHz; 4GB system memory; on-board SATA 3Gbps with AHCI-enabled; Windows® 7 Professional x64

Pricing and Availability
Manufacturer: Kingston Digital
Product Name: SSDNow V+ 100
RRP:

Website: www.kingston.com/anz
Australian Distributors: Avnet Australia Pty Ltd, Ingram Micro, Simms International Pty Ltd., Synnex Australia PTY Ltd.
New Zealand Distributors: Ingram Micro NZ, Synnex NZ, Simms NZ
Warranty: Kingston Flash memory is backed by a three-year warranty and free technical support.
Availability: Now

To discuss this product on Kingston Blog, please go to www.kingston-blog.com. To try the game Challenge Your Memory, please go to www.kingston-blog.com/challenge_your_memory/en/. To get the freshest information on Kingston, please go to http://twitter.com/KingstonFEPR.

To find out if your Kingston product is genuine, Kingston also provides an online verification site: www.kingston.com/anz/verify. To try the game Search for Genuine Kingston, please go to anti-counterfeit.kingston-blog.com. For the interesting animation: The Adventures of Rex, please visit: www.theadventuresofrex.com.

About Kingston Digital, Inc.
Kingston Digital, Inc. (KDI) is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the worlds largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com/anz.

– New dungeon to open in Limo Desert – AUSTRALIA, 15.11.2010 – Frogster today announced that a new region, the Limo Desert, will be accessible to players with the release of Patch 3.0.6 of the online role-playing game, Runes of Magic. Brave adventurers will be able to test their resolve against five powerful guardians in ‘Kawak’s Tomb’ – the fiercely guarded resting place of the celebrated hero, Kawak Grollfang.

An ancient legend tells of Kawak Grollfang, former leader of the Iron Teeth, a barbarous tribe of canine people. During the Great Banishment, Kawak lured his enemies into a deadly trap and in doing so sacrificed himself for the benefit of his people. To keep the glorious memory of their brave leader alive, the Iron Teeth encased his remains in a golden sarcophagus, which has become an important tribal symbol. As a further homage to their revered leader, they constructed a pyramid-shaped burial chamber, and by carefully channelling runic power, talented craftsmen created mighty guardians to watch over Kawak’s golden sarcophagus protecting it from robbers and other enemies of the tribe.

In the depths of the pyramid lies a mystical subterranean dungeon designed for group play. The first obstacle to overcome is General Guzala Grollfang, a descendent of the legendary leader. Then, on their way to the golden sarcophagus, players must confront two mechanical guardians powered by rare runes, as well as a giant scarab. But these aren’t the only dangers lurking in the depths – many of the rooms have been equipped with deadly traps which can only be avoided through teamwork and skill. In the final chamber awaits the biggest challenge of all – a giant Anubis who personally guards Kawak’s golden sarcophagus and attacks all who dare to cross his path. Who will succeed in defeating him and bringing the mysteries of the legendary treasures he protects into the light of day?

For more information on the new zone and Runes of Magic, visit the official website: www.runesofmagic.com.au