Tech Watch: Core Duo Notebook; Cute Hard Drive; Revved Autoloader

HP Sharpens Notebooks

Hewlett-Packard has refreshed its entire business notebook line with models that range from 12 inches and 2.8 pounds to 17 inches and 7.5 pounds. Most are based on Intel's Centrino Core Duo processor and share the same power supplies, peripherals--including docking stations--and batteries. One, however, addresses a technical feat Intel has yet to offer: a 64-bit, dual-core-based system. The nx6325 is based on AMD's new Turion 64 X2 CPU, which just became available earlier this month. The nx6325 comes with an ATI Radeon Xpress 1150 graphics card supporting up to 128 MB of shared system memory. It is available with 15-inch standard and wide-screen displays.

We reviewed the Compaq nc8430, which is a 15.4-inch-wide screen unit weighing just less than 6 pounds and an ATI Mobility Radeon x1600 with 256 MB of dedicated video memory. The notebook supports Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, up to 4 GB of RAM, is available with a biometric fingerprint sensor and has a TPM embedded security chip. The models come with a magnesium frame and are scratch-resistant.
Compaq NC8430, www.hp.com, Price: Starts at $1,599

Is That A Hard Drive In Your Pocket?

There's no shortage of USB-based external hard drives these days, but this one stands out because it's, well, so cute. The Pexagon's Store-It Drive, which fits in a shirt pocket, is available in 40- to 120-GB configurations, is self-powered with two USB connectors for those who need extra power, and comes bundled with EMC's Retrospect 7.5 backup and recovery software. Customers can have their names and contact information engraved on the drive and register it with a lost-and-found service.
Pexagon Technology, www.pexagontech.com, Price: $129 (60-GB config)

Iomega REVs The AutoLoader

Anyone looking for a disk-based alternative to a low-end tape autoloader will want to consider Iomega's new REV Loader 280. The unit, about half the size of a toaster, loads up to eight cartridges. At 35 GB each, the total capacity is 280 GB (or 560 GB compressed). The disks can easily be removed for off-site storage. The package comes bundled with CA's BrightStor ARCserve Backup for Windows, which is configured to automatically load the correct disk and restore a system to its previous state when necessary. The autoloader can connect to any PC or server via a USB 2.0 link and supports data transfers of up to 25 MBps. The company is selling the autoloaders to SMB customers through VARs and systems integrators.
Iomega REV Loader 280, www.iomega.com, Price: $1,000 and $50 per tape (quantities of four)

KVM Switch Goes Four Ways

Any solution provider who images multiple PCs will appreciate Raritan's SwitchMan USB-Combo KVM switch. The SwitchMan lets administrators control up to four PCs or Macs with a single keyboard, mouse, display, audio inputs and outputs, and any other USB-based peripherals. The user can switch PCsusing the hub's button or via a hot-key on the keyboard. The SwitchMan doesn't require any software and supports USB 1.1 and 2.0, as well as PS/2 connections.
Raritan SwitchMan, www.raritan.com, Price: $269

A Girl's Best Friend

This display is an IT product that appeals to almost everyone. But BenQ has a model just for the ladies. The FP93V LCD is a stylish 19-inch display that was selected as a Technology Girl's Best Friend honoree at this year's Consumer Electronics show. It has an all-white glossy finish with rounded edges and convenient two-way cable-management design. Also, these displays offer an 8-ms response time and a 550-to-1 contrast ratio.
BenQ FP93V LCD, www.benq.com, Price: $324

Visioneer Updates The Desktop

After taking a look at Fujitsu's new ScanSnap S500 scanner, we determined it would be hard for anyone to match or top it. Visioneer, which is licensed to offer scanners under the Xerox brand, has its own answer--the new DocuMate 152. For basic document-scanning, the DocuMate may be overkill. It has custom presets, up to nine for specific functions. Like the ScanSnap, it creates searchable PDFs and can convert scanned documents into Microsoft Office files. While Fujitsu's new offering appears simpler, Visioneer's supports more customization. Both are solid units, but if pricing is an issue, Fujitsu costs $200 less per unit.
Visioneer DocuMate 152, www.visioneer.com, Price: $695