Logitech QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks, Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Deliver Enhanced Image Quality

HANNOVER, Germany — CeBIT — March 14, 2007 — Addressing the growing demand for notebook peripherals, Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI), the world´s leading manufacturer of webcams, announced two new additions to its growing portfolio of notebook peripherals: the Logitech® QuickCam® Deluxe for Notebooks and the Logitech® QuickCam® for Notebooks. Both the QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks and the QuickCam for Notebooks webcams offer Logitech´s enhanced RightSound™ Technology with new noise suppression, which helps improve sound quality, and RightLight™ Technology, which enables crisp, clear image quality even in dim lighting. And the QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks incorporates a glass lens for improved image clarity. These upgrades ensure exceptional video communication at an affordable price.

In 2006, worldwide shipments of notebook PCs reached over 80 million, an increase of more than 26 percent over 2005, and worldwide sales of notebook PCs will exceed 100 million units for the first time in 2007, according to analyst firm IDC.

“As notebook computers quickly become the form factor of choice for consumers, Logitech continues to deliver high-quality, affordable notebook webcams that help people make reliable video calls,” said Gina Clark, vice president of product marketing for Logitech´s Internet Communications business unit. “Our two new notebook webcams offer people great image quality at a reasonable price — and make video communication easier. We´re proud to continue leading the market and helping to connect friends and family across the miles and around the world.”

Both webcams work effortlessly with the most popular video messaging applications, including Skype™, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo!® Messenger and AIM®. In fact, Logitech has provided audio and video technology for Windows Live Messenger since March 2003. And as of January 2007, Logitech has supported 11.3 billion Windows Live Messenger sessions.

Enhanced RightSound Technology Now Provides Noise Suppression
Now in addition to eliminating echo and feedback, Logitech RightSound Technology significantly reduces background noise with included noise suppression. The software identifies the difference between signals from the speaker´s voice and background noise, which allows people to enjoy clearer audio.

High-Performance for the Mobile Professional: Logitech QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks
The Logitech QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks is a sophisticated, compact webcam that offers best-of-class image and audio quality. The QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks surpasses other webcams in image quality by combining a glass lens with a 1.3 megapixel sensor. Many other notebook webcams are made with plastic lenses that produce images that often appear distant and distorted. With its glass lens, the QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks provides better image clarity and color sharpness.
The webcam is also extremely easy to use. A snapshot button located on the top of the webcam enables people to quickly take a photo. To accommodate people using larger laptop computers, the adjustable, spring-tension clip works on panels up to 20 mm thick. And because the QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks is certified for the Windows Vista operating system, people running Windows Vista on their PCs can simply plug in their webcam and start using it.

A Perfect Introduction to Video Communications: Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks
Perfect for first-time webcam users, the QuickCam for Notebooks is Logitech´s most affordable notebook PC webcam. With its built-in microphone and enhanced RightSound Technology, the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks enables family and friends separated by thousands of miles to talk — without a headset — as if they were in the same room. The new, compact design offers people quick access to common features such as a snapshot button and a focus ring, which helps people obtain better image clarity.

Support for Windows Vista The QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks and the QuickCam for Notebooks both work with Windows Vista. The new QuickCam software (Version 10.5) includes a number of webcam-specific gadgets, including QuickVideo, QuickPicture and QuickView. Logitech plans to develop additional gadgets for Windows Vista, which are expected to be made available for download at www.logitech.com.

New Logitech Fun Filters
These two notebook webcams will be the first to offer a new Logitech software feature: Fun Filters. Logitech Fun Filters create an outline around any object visible in the image, such as the caller´s face, chair or office furniture. With the simple click of a button, people can change their image to one of twelve fun filters, giving their image a fish eye, neon light or chalkboard-looking effect. Beginning in April, Logitech is expected to offer a growing line of Fun Filters available to download free at www.logitech.com.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks and Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks webcam are expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in April. The QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks webcam will have a suggested retail price of $59.99 (U.S.). The QuickCam for Notebooks will have a suggested retail price of $39.99 (U.S.).

About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

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Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are registered in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company´s Web site at www.logitech.com.

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Categories: USB, Cameras
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Expanding Its SSD Line, SanDisk Brings Durable, High-Performance Storage To The Entire Range of Portable PCs

MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 13, 2007 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today broadened its solid state drive (SSD) product line for the portable computer market with the introduction of a 32-gigabyte (GB)1, 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) interface model, compatible with most mainstream notebook designs. Coming just two months after SanDisk introduced a 1.8-inch SSD for ultraportable notebooks, the 2.5-inch SSD is now available to PC manufacturers as a drop-in replacement for hard disk drives.

“The SanDisk 2.5-inch SSD brings the extreme durability, outstanding performance and low power consumption of solid-state flash memory to the entire notebook computer market,” said Amos Marom, vice president and general manager of the Computing Systems division at SanDisk. “As SanDisk continues to drive innovation in flash memory, the per-gigabyte price of SSD storage will come down and SSD capacity will go up. PC manufacturers and consumers will find it easier and easier to move away from rotating hard disks to the superior experience of SSDs.”

The vast majority of notebook computers manufactured today use 2.5-inch hard disk drives. The SanDisk 2.5-inch SSD fits in the same internal slot as 2.5-inch hard disks, so notebook manufacturers can switch to the SanDisk SSD without altering their hardware designs.

The key benefits of SanDisk SSDs for computer manufacturers and their customers are:

* Reliability. SanDisk SSDs deliver 2 million hours mean time between failures (MTBF)2, approximately six times more than notebook hard disks. With no moving parts, SanDisk SSDs are also much less likely to fail when a notebook computer is dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures.

* Performance. In notebook computers, data moves to and from an SSD more than 100 times faster than data moving to and from a hard disk. SanDisk SSDs offer a sustained read rate of 67 megabytes (MB) per second3 and a random read rate of 7,000 inputs/outputs per second (IOPS) for a 512-byte transfer4. As a result, notebooks equipped with a 2.5-inch SanDisk SSD can boot Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Enterprise in as little as 30 seconds5 and access files at an average speed of 0.11 milliseconds6. A notebook using a hard disk requires an average 48 seconds to boot and an average 17 milliseconds to access files.

* Power efficiency. SanDisk SSDs have minimal power requirements, with savings rated at over 50 percent compared with a hard disk drive — 0.9 watts during active operation versus 1.9 watts7. This is particularly important in extending battery life for road warriors, enabling them to remain productive while in transit.

* Cool and quiet. Because SanDisk SSDs don’t need a motor, bearings or a moving head mechanism, they generate much less heat than hard disk drives. SanDisk SSDs are also completely silent, while hard disk drives always make at least some noise during read and write operations.

“There are several reasons computer users and manufacturers should consider SSDs as prices become more affordable,” said Joseph Unsworth, Principal Research Analyst for flash memory at the Gartner research firm. “For example, Gartner research shows hard disk failure is tied for first place with motherboard failure as the leading cause of overall hardware failure in notebooks, with each accounting for 25 to 45 percent of the total8. The higher reliability of SSDs lowers total cost of ownership, and could be a driver for adoption of SSDs. This is part of the explanation of why Gartner projects global consumption of SSDs in consumer and business notebooks to leap from about 4 million units in 2007 to 32 million units in 20109.”

The 32GB, 2.5-inch SanDisk SSD is available now to computer manufacturers, with initial pricing of $350 for large volume orders. SanDisk SSDs will be demonstrated at the CeBIT show in Hannover, Germany, from March 15 to 21, 2007, in Hall 23, Stand B28, and will be featured on March 16 during the PressExpoUSA @ CeBIT 2007 event.

More information on SanDisk SSDs is available online at www.sandisk.com/ssd.

SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is the world’s largest supplier of flash data storage card products using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Milpitas, California, and has operations worldwide, with more than half its sales outside the U.S.

Categories: Storage, Flash Memory
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LAS VEGAS, March 8, 2007 – Sony is advancing wireless digital photo sharing with today’s introduction of the 6-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-G1 digital camera.

The G1 model is Sony’s first digital camera with the ability to send photos wirelessly to other Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)-enabled devices, such as another camera or a PC.

“This is a step towards realizing a platform for networked photo communication,” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “We will continue to explore the possibilities for networked digital imaging as broadband Internet becomes more pervasive in American homes.”

One-Touch Wireless Photo Sharing and Archiving

The G1 model features a 3.5-inch LCD screen with resolution of 921,000 pixels. Lubell said that’s four times higher than the average compact digital camera and all previous Sony Cyber-shot models. The new camera’s slide show with music function makes sharing photos directly on the camera even more enjoyable.”

“Sony popularized the use of large LCD screens on compact cameras, with the understanding that simply passing the camera around is a means of sharing,” Lubell said.

The new models’ camera-to-camera wireless capability makes it possible to send your friends a photo at the push of a button. It’s also possible for up to four camera users to send each other photos in real time. With a DLNA-compatible PC, storing and sharing photos becomes simplified through wireless image transfer from the camera to the PC.

Mega Storage Capacity and Sophisticated Image Management

The G1 unit is the ideal vacation camera with 2GB of internal memory, saving you from having to manage extra media cards. It becomes a virtual photo album in your pocket as it can store up to 7,500 VGA-quality photos or 600 6-megapixel pictures. If additional storage is needed, the camera’s capacity can be expanded with an optional Memory Stick Duo ™ media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo ™ card, now available in capacities up to eight gigabytes.

In addition to storage capacity, it incorporates an auto image management system with sophisticated search functions. You can organize your photos by events, such as vacations or birthdays, and retrieve them later by keywords or labels. It’s also possible to select an image and search for other photos with the same face, same color, or a similar composition.

Armed with features for optimal shooting and sharing, the new model also integrates built-in technologies to minimize image blur, including Super Steady Shot® optical image stabilization. It also has high light sensitivity, up to ISO 1000, to facilitate shooting at higher shutter speeds, as well as low-light conditions for more natural exposures or for settings where flash is not permitted.

This new Cyber-shot model also features a distinctive design. Its Carl Zeiss® 3x optical zoom lens is wrapped in an elegant metal body. You slide the lens cover across, instead of down as with previous models, and you’re ready to shoot in less than a second.

The DSC-G1 digital camera will ship in April for about $600. Additional accessories will include lenses, filters, batteries, travel chargers, sports packs and cases. All can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Feb. 28 at www.sonystyle.com/newcameras.

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Categories: Wireless, Cameras
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With its recently launched 16x DVD+R Double Layer, Ricoh has significantly raised the standards for fast DL blank discs. At the same time this milestone has once again revealed the company’s high level of technical competency in the field of innovative high-speed media development. This is confirmed by the certificate issued by the Verification Laboratories Group which sets the official standards for the new Double Layer DVD+R media with write speeds of up to 16x. Delivery of the first samples for hardware manufacturers started on 7th March 2007.
The market for DVD+R double layer blank discs more than doubled last year and the boom in demand has continued unabated. Compared with single layer discs, however, double layer media have hitherto required considerable time to write their large volume of storage space. With the development of the first 16x DVD+R DL Ricoh has now radically increased writing speed while at the same time significantly reducing the writing time for the medium. This technological innovation once again confirms Ricoh’s position at the forefront of the development of high-precision double layer production technologies.
The “Inverted Stack Method” invented by Ricoh is already regarded as the best possible technique for the attainment of high recording speeds in high-precision DVD+R DL media production. This Ricoh production method differs considerably from the “2P method” in which all layers are stacked on a single substrate. Separate production of both recording layers as practised by Ricoh, initially takes place separately on both substrates. The two components are then pressed together. Thus in practice Ricoh’s “Inverted Stack Method” provides increased precision for both recording layers.
To ensure the high writing speed of 16x for the DVD, the medium must have exceptional mechanical properties. Thus the extremely precise groove formation of the Ricoh blank disc not only has a decisive influence on correct tracking but it also serves to completely avoid distortion. However not only were improvements made to eccentricity and production tool precision but newly developed recording materials were also deployed.
The layers of Ricoh DVD+R DL media are structured in the following way:
1. Substrate – 1. recording layer – semi-transparent reflective layer – intermediate layer
2. Recording layer – reflective layer – 2 substrate.
Ricoh’s development work combined with its complex production method has resulted in the world’s first DVD+R DL blank disc providing the user with a high-speed range of up to 16x. The high standard set by Ricoh for the production of these quality blank discs offers the user the following significant advantages:
• absolutely reliable and stable writing processes
• durability of the medium
• noticeable time-saving when writing due to 16x speed

Ricoh plans to start sales of the 16x DVD+R DL in summer 2007.

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Categories: Optical Storage
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Cards Will Be Bundled With Free MicroMate USB 2.0 Reader

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, Mar. 8, 2007 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today introduced an 8-gigabyte (GB)1 SanDisk Ultra® II SD™ High Capacity (SDHC™) card to meet the growing demand for more photo and video storage. The new cards can store over 4,000 high-resolution pictures or up to 15 hours of MPEG 4 video2. The announcement was made at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where SanDisk is displaying its photographic products in Booth G191 on Level 1 of the South Hall.

The SanDisk Ultra II SDHC card features write speeds of 9 megabytes (MB) per second and read speeds of 10MB/sec.3 The cards are targeted at digital photography enthusiasts with 5 megapixel or higher resolution cameras or videographers with camcorders that require significantly faster flash storage cards. The card carries a Class 44 speed rating.

The SanDisk MicroMate™ USB 2.0 reader, which normally retails for $19.99, will be included with the 8GB SanDisk Ultra II SDHC card at no extra charge. SDHC cards require an SDHC-compatible reader to transfer images from card to computer, and the MicroMate readers work with both SDHC and SD cards.

“As new SDHC-compatible digital still cameras and camcorders arrive on the market with greater frequency, consumers should select a memory card that meets the demands of these devices,” said Anna Enerio, retail product marketing manager at SanDisk. “This combination of an 8GB SanDisk Ultra II SDHC card and a MicroMate reader gives consumers high capacity, proven performance and convenience at an exceptional value.”

The 8GB SanDisk Ultra II SDHC card adheres to the SD 2.00 specification, a new design that is required for cards and cameras to support capacities from 4GB to 32GB. The specification was developed by the SD Association, an industry standards board, which also defined three speed classes for speed and performance capabilities. The speed rating system, adopted by the SD Association, is intended to help consumers select the right card for the desired application. It does not denote the fastest memory card.

Though standard SD and SDHC cards look identical in size and shape, only SDHC-compatible cameras and devices can accept the new SDHC cards. SanDisk differentiates its new cards with the SDHC logo on the card and retail package.

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The card is expected in June 2007 for a retail price of $239.99.

Categories: Flash Memory
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– NEW Flash Voyager GT line offers cutting-edge design and blazing fast performance –

Fremont, CA (February 28, 2007) — Corsair®, a worldwide leader in high-performance computer products, today launched the new Flash Voyager™ GT line of USB drives designed for the user who demands the highest performance in a USB memory product. Complementing the revolutionary Flash Voyager USB drives, the new Flash Voyager GT brand represents the highest performing USB products Corsair offers in any capacities.

“Consumers are demanding more from a USB drive today than one that simply stores data. It is becoming apparent that the read/write performance of a drive plays a significant role in the overall user experience, and the Flash Voyager GT delivers exactly that — uncompromising speed,” said Jack Peterson, VP of Marketing at Corsair. “With the introduction of the Flash Voyager GT, we now have 2 distinctive product offerings: Flash Voyager GT is all about performance, and the standard Flash Voyager that delivers the best value for a USB memory product.”

Built to Corsair’s legendary quality and reliability standards, the new Flash Voyager GT USB drives deliver sustained read/write performance up to 34MB/sec and 28MB/sec respectively. Taking full advantage of the new flash controller, the new GT features enhanced dual channel and interleave memory technologies.

Flash Voyager GT Features:
Blazing-fast performance: Read speed up to 34MB/s, write speed up to 28MB/s
Maximum durability: Proprietary all-rubber housing
Drive integrity: Water resistant and shock resistant
Data security: TrueCrypt encryption software offering AES 256-bit encryption
User warranty: 10 years, with on-demand customer support

Each Flash Voyager GT features hand-selected NAND flash that together with an advanced controller delivers lightening-fast file transfer – up to 5X faster than typical USB drives. Examples of file size transfer speed comparisons are:
First in the industry to feature all-rubber housing, the USB Flash drive performs reliably even under the most extreme conditions. Whether it is exposed to severe temperature, moisture or physical abuse, the Flash Voyager product line performs consistently to hold valuable data. To promote data security, each Flash Voyager is readied with a security application that allows users to create a hidden, password-protected partition on the USB drive. The password is encrypted with 256bit AES encryption, the most secure encryption algorithms available.

The Corsair Flash Voyager GT USB drives are available in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities and are available immediately through Corsair’s authorized distributors, resellers, retailers and e-tailers worldwide. The introductory MSRP for the three capacities are: $29.99 (2GB Flash Voyager GT / part number CMFUSB2.0-2GBGT), $59.99 (4GB Flash Voyager GT / part number: CMFUSB2.0-4GBGT), and $119.99 (Flash Voyager GT 8GB / part number: CMFUSB2.0-8GBGT). Each drive is bundled with a lanyard, security software/driver mini CD, and USB extension cable. For more information on the Flash Voyager GT USB drives as well as information on where to buy, please visit www.corsair.com. High resolution image of the product is available upon request by emailing vivianl@corsairmemory.com.

About Corsair
Corsair, a member of JEDEC, has been a leader in the design and manufacture of high speed memory products since 1994. We have earned our reputation as being the first to market with leading-edge products supporting new computing platforms and technologies. Corsair supplies memory for applications ranging from mission-critical servers, ultra-high performance gaming systems, to ultra-portable notebooks. The performance and reliability of Corsair memory products makes them ideal for memory intensive computing. Corsair is also one of the most highly acclaimed flash memory makers for mobile phones, digital cameras, smart phones, MP3 players and other handheld devices.

Corsair also manufactures high performance PC cooling solutions and power supplies for the enthusiast marketplace.
More information on Corsair is available at http://www.corsair.com

Categories: USB, Flash Memory
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