a)INTEL Launches First Dual-Core® Celeron Processor

The 1.6GHz Celeron Dual-Core E1200 processor is based on Intel's Coremicroprocessor architecture and is manufactured using a65-nanometerprocess. The chip has 512K bytes of cache and uses an 800MHz Front-sidebus to connect with main memory and other components inside the PC.

b)Sony: Alpha 300 and Alpha 350 DSLR Cameras

It's the camera launch period once again. Sony has introduced two newDSLR cameras- the Alpha 300 and the Alpha 350. These two cameras wereannounced at PMA 2008.

The Sony Alpha 300 DSLR is a 10.2 mega pixel camera which is powered by Sony's Bionz image-processing engine.

Features of the Sony Alpha 300 DSLR camera series:

# ISO 3200

# Sensor-shifting image stabilizer

# Tilting 2.7-inch LCD display

# Pop-up flash

# Two levels of anti-dust protection for the CCD

More importantly, Sony claims that the Alpha 300 series of DSLR camerasfeature a screen that never blinks off in burst mode. This camera comesin two models, the Alpha 300K and the Alpha 300X, the first of which isthe entry level version of the camera that comes with a SAL-1870 DT18-70mm (27-105 35mm eq) f3.5 zoom lens. It will cost $799. The Alpha300X DSLR camera comes with two lenses, the SAL-1870 and the SAL-55200DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens.

The second camera unveiled by Sony is the Alpha 350, which happens tobe the advanced version of the Alpha 300 DSLR camera. Thus, it includesmost of the features of the Alpha 300. The only feature that seems tobe different in the Alpha 350 is that it is a 14.2 mega pixel camera.

This camera too comes in two versions- the body-only version of theAlpha 350 will be available in the US market for $799, while the Alpha350K version which comes with a SAL-1870 zoom lens costs $899. The Alpha 350X DSLR version includes SAL-1870 and the SAL-55200 telephotozoom lenses. It will ship from March 2008.

c)Gateway GT and GM Series Desktops With Intel Processor

Gateway has rolled out its two new GM and GT series of desktops in theAmerican market. The new GM5664 and GT5662 desktops don't incorporateIntel's processor, but instead include the AMD Phenom Processor andDirectX 10 Technology.

Also with these new arrivals, Gateway is introducing a newHybrid-SuperMulti drive on the GM5664, which will allow users to enjoyBlu-Ray and HD-DVDs on a single drive.

Besides, the manufacturer is targeting the GM5664 and GT5662 desktopstowards gaming and entertainment requirements. Hence features such as3GB memory, extreme quad-core powered AMD Phenom Processor, ATI RadeonHD 2400XT graphics with 256MB video memory and HDMI output are includedin the desktops. Moreover Gateway claims that the DirectX 10 technologywill impress gamers.

"Gateway's new retail line up marries high-performance withaffordability. These new systems offer just about everything one couldask for in a powerful PC, delivering a great combination of featuresthat are sure to please," said Glenn Jystad, senior manager of consumerdesktops, Gateway.

The GM5664 Desktop features the facility of watching Blu-Ray andHD-DVDs, TV tuner with remote control, 1TB hard drive, SmartCopy buttonfor convenience in transferring data and a 400 watt power supply. TheGM5664 is available with US retailers for $1,149.99.

On the other hand the GT5662 Desktop includes 500GB hard drive,SuperMulti drive to burn content on to DVDs or CDs and Labelflashtechnology. The GT5662 can be purchased at $749.99.

d)Nikon Coolpix S510 Digital Camera ( Style Series )

The Nikon Coolpix S510 competes with many similar digital camerascurrently on the market. It has standard features, including 8.1megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens, but, according to Nikon, isfaster and produces less noise than competing cameras. Introduced inAugust 2007, the Nikon camera has face detection and optical vibrationreduction image stabilization. The S510 has a $279.95

e)Dell XPS M1730 Gaming Laptop Now With GeForce 8800M GTX SLI

One of Dell's most powerful (and most expensive) gaming laptop, "XPSM1730", has just got a graphical upgrade. For a $3,399, it now comeswith two 512MB nVidia GeForce 8800M GTX graphics engine in SLI mode.Incase you don't remember, the old version (which costs $700 less) ispacked with dual 256MB GeForce 8700M GT instead. According to thecompany's perfomance team, this upgrade delivers about 49% perfomanceincrease (13,500 score in 3Dmark06 benchmark) over its predecessor.

The new XPS M1730 premium gaming laptop will hit the store in February20th. Customers who previously purchased the 8700M GT version will soonbe able to upgrade onto 8800M GTX.

f)Panasonic LUMIX LZ8 and LZ10 Digital Cameras

Panasonic has introduced two new point-and-shoot models to its alreadylarge line-up of LUMIX digital cameras. They are the 10.1 mega pixelDMC-LZ10 and the 8.1 mega pixel DMC-LZ8 digital cameras that featurewide-angle shooting, manual controls, convenient AA-battery operation,5x optical zoom, Intelligent Auto Mode and the Venus Engine IV, whichis the new high-speed, image-processing LSI.

The Panasonic LZ10 feature 30mm Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses, while theLZ8 model features a 32mm one. The presence of these lenses assistsusers in capturing longer group photos or more expansive scenic shots.

Both of Panasonic's LZ models sport manual control over aperture andshutter speed because of the cameras' newly-integrated iris. Whenshooting, users can choose from three modes- A-aperture priority,S-shutter speed priority and M-manual, allowing them to enjoy addedcontrol and creativity which is normally available only in higher-endcameras.

Another new feature in the LZ models seems to be the Advanced SceneMode, which gives users manual control when using some modes which areused very often such as Portrait, Sports, Landscape and Night portrait.

Alternatively, if users are not quote comfortable with complete manualcontrol, the LZ-Series also features Panasonic's Intelligent Auto Mode,which is comprised of five distinct technologies designed to provideusers with intuitive and automatic camera adjustments, regardless ofthe shooting conditions.

The features common to both of Panasonic's newest digicams includeIntelligent ISO, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, Quick AF.

Both these Panasonic cameras also features the new 2,30,000-dothigh-resolution 2.5-inch LCD screens which can detect the lightingcondition and also controls the brightness level to offer the bestclarity in any given situation.

Further, the new LUMIX LZ-Series cameras integrate a speaker thatallows users enjoy a slide show with music. They can select fromnatural, slow, urban or swing tunes or even add voice to a motion video.

Here are some of the new features added to the Panasonic DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 digital cameras:

# Title Edit function which allows the consumer to input text to
accompany a photo, for instance, the names of children or travel
locations.

# Ability to record WVGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per
second in a 16:9 aspect ratio, ideal for viewing on High Definition
televisions, such as Panasonic VIERA Plasmas and LCDs.

# The ability to shoot 1920×1080 pixel High-Definition ready photos,
ideal for wide-screen viewing on a 16:9 VIERA Plasma or LCD.

# The DMC-LZ10 can shoot up to 160 images and DMC-LZ8 shoots 180
images with the included Alkaline batteries and 460(LZ10) /470(LZ8)
images with optional Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (2600mAh).

# A record/playback mode switch, which lets the photographer switch
between recording and playback modes, while always knowing the current
mode.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 digital cameras will beavailable in black and silver colors in February 2008 for a price of$249.95 and $179.95 respectively.

REGARDS

 ZUBAIR REHMAN