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BenQ's potent MID S6 headed for worldwide release?
It's shocking to even hear ourselves admit that we're licking our chops for a particular MID, but it's true. BenQ seems to have nailed most everything on the long-awaited MID S6 by including an 800MHz Intel Atom CPU, 4.8-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display, 512MB DDR2 RAM, a 2GB SSD, Bluetooth 2.0 / WiFi, microSD slot, inbuilt G-sensor and support for a myriad of multimedia file formats. On top of all of that, the Italian superstar could be coming to other corners of the globe as evidenced by an elaborate press page on its Global website that details its features in plain English. Said said provides an exhaustive list of capabilities and specifications, not to mention a bevy of press shots. The real kicker? That little note telling us that the built-in 3G module supports UMTS / HSDPA on "Band: 2100" and GSM / GPRS / EDGE on "Band: 900 / 1800 / 1900). Sound familiar, Americans? Hype video posted after the break.[Via Pocketables]
BenQ's 3G-enabled, Atom-powered MID Aries2 (S6) boots up in Italy
Is it really time to shine, BenQ, or are you just foolin' again? Judging by a product page at Italy's TIM website and a fresh report from the Italian branch of Tom's Hardware, the S6 (or MID Aries2, or BenQ MID... gosh, we're so confused!) is finally ready to order. The Atom-based MID impresses with built-in 3G capabilities, 512MB of RAM, a 2GB SSD, 4.8-inch 800 x 480 resolution display, WiFi / Bluetooth 2.0 and -- just to really pound the message home / incite jealously -- 7.2Mbps HSDPA. The current asking price sits at €429 ($626), and while the value proposition may be debatable, the amount of possibilities packed into a frame this small (6.2- x 3.5- x 0.86-inches) definitely isn't. Let's get these out to other nooks and crannies of the wide world, eh BenQ?[Via UMPC Portal]
BenQ announces E1050 camera for drab and mysterious shooters
BenQ is enhancing its selection of pocketable shooters with another modestly-spec'ed offering, the E1050. It has your standard 3x optical zoom lens on the front and 3-inch LCD on the back, with a 10 megapixel CCD forming the meat in this 17.6mm thick sandwich (though BenQ points out that it is 16.8mm thin at its skinniest bit). Its stainless case is only available in a muted gray, surely to disappoint those who need color in their life. However, that nondescript hue plus the inclusion of shooting speeds all the way down to ISO 3200, twice that of the earlier (and thinner) T850, should make this a solid choice for spies and ninjas. Beyond potential espionage action there isn't much to get excited about here, especially at an undisclosed price and undisclosed availability -- but don't let that stop you from checking out a picture of its back-side after the break.
BenQ debuts high-contrast 22-, 24-inch LCD monitors
BenQ just let loose a pair of 16:9 LCDs earlier this month, but it looks like it's intent on keeping all its widescreen aspect ratio bases covered, with it now trotting out two new, more conventional 16:10 models. Those include the 22-inch G2200WT and 24-inch G2400WT, which boast 2,500:1 and 4,000:1 contrast ratios, respectively, along with both DVI and VGA ports. The 24-incher also takes things one step further with an HDMI input, as well as a headphone jack to take advantage of the audio pass through. No word on a release 'round these parts, unfortunately, but those in the UK can apparently grab 'em this month for £180 and £318, or roughly $334 and $590.
BenQ debuts a pair of 18.5-inch 16:9 LCDs, but not for you
We're having a hard time getting stoked about this whole 16:9 trend: the market adoption rate and consumer embrace is uncannily similar to 16:10, which makes us fear some impending heretofore unknown aspect ratio that will hit the scene in a few years and draw money directly out of our wallets for unneeded upgrades. Phew, it was good to get that off our chest. All of that naturally doesn't mean we can't be terribly jealous as Asia, Europe and Latin America get to eat up these new 18.5-inch 16:9 LCDs from BenQ, the high-end E900HD (pictured) and the simpler G900HD, while us North Americans have to sit around staring at our way-too-tall LCDs. BenQ also snubbed us on that 21.5-inch E2200HDA, so we're starting to notice a trend here. These new displays run a 1366 x 768 resolution, and feature an energy-saving backlight system, 10:000:1 dynamic ratios, 5ms response times, while the E900HD offers aesthetic improvements, speakers and a headphone jack. No price just yet, but these should be out this month.[Via Electronista]
BenQ's MID Aries2 reportedly set for European launch
For those that have actually waited around and saved their heart for BenQ's MID, we applaud you. Nearly a full year after we initially saw this thing crop up, we're just now receiving word that a launch is imminent. Finally redubbed MID Aries2 (after simply going by BenQ MID for all these months), this handheld computing device will reportedly "be launched in Europe this quarter." Unfortunately, that's all the details we're given, so until we see a finalized specifications sheet, we'll just assume nothing has changed since the last update.[Via Pocketables, thanks Will]
BenQ hacks 33% from its BR1000 Blu-ray optical drive in Taiwan
We'd give you two guesses on how we feel about this trend, but you only need one. BenQ has just followed Pioneer's lead and dropped the price of its BR1000 Blu-ray optical drive a full 33% in Taiwan. Post-discount, the BD-ROM unit now sits at around NT$3,650 (or $120 to you Americans). SonyNEC Optiarc projected that we'd see these internal drives selling for under $100 before 2009, and it looks like its prophecy will indeed come true. Now, as soon as the standalone players start heading in the same direction, we'll be all smiles.
BenQ intros 21.5-inch Full HD E2200HDA LCD monitor
Heads-up, we've got another world's first coming from the labs at BenQ. The E2200HDA claims to be this planet's very first 21.5-inch 1080p Full HD LCD monitor, and given that odd panel size, we don't doubt it one bit. Just to reiterate, this one boasts a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution along with a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 5-millisecond response time, HDMI / DVI / VGA inputs, integrated speakers and a headphone jack. BenQ's keeping quiet on pricing, but we are told to expect two additional E Series displays (including a 24-incher) later this year. As for this one, look for it to land in China and "select countries in Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America" in Q3. Yes, North America just got snubbed -- intensely.[Via Electronista] %Gallery-25646%
Qisda showcases dual-mode GSM / WiMAX-compatible mobile
Far from being the first dual-mode handset we've seen (heck, it's not even the first WiMAX-friendly dualie), Qsida's recently showcased slider is still quite intriguing. The currently unnamed cellphone supports both 802.16e WiMAX as well as GSM / GPRS / EDGE networks, and just in case you're hankering for another way to get connected, there's a built-in WiFi module too. Reportedly, the smartphone is a test device used in the M-Taiwan initiative to promote WiMAX, and aside from handling voice calls via (almost) any flavor of wireless protocol, you'll also find Windows Mobile 6.1 running the show. Granted, this particular unit wasn't down with 3G, but a spokesperson was adamant that such a handset would be added to its portfolio eventually.
BenQ intros "world's slimmest" 8-megapixel camera, the T850
BenQ has never been one to shy away from laying claim to world's thinnest / smallest titles, and it's done so yet again with its new T850 camera, despite the fact that it's seemingly identical in size to the company's previous T800 model. New this time around, however, is an increasingly-common smile-catching feature, as well as a "swipe" gesture interface, which BenQ claims is unique among touch screen cameras. Otherwise you'll get the same 8-megapixels, 3x optical zoom, and 3-inch display as before, as well as the usual anti-shake and face-tracking features. No word on a price just yet, but you'll apparently be able to get this one in your choice of black or red when it launches in the (presumably) not too distant future.
BenQ introduces dual-lamp SP920 DLP projector
If you can force yourself to be content with a 1,024 x 768 native resolution, the June-bound SP920 is a fairly decent projector. BenQ's latest DLP beamer features a dual lamp design, 6,000 ANSI lumens, 2,000:1 contrast ratio, a 6-segment Golden Ratio color wheel and BrilliantColor chipset. As for ports, you'll find VGA, HDMI 1.3, component video (x3), S-Video, composite, DVI and USB. Mum's the word on pricing, but you can check out a shot of the rear just after the jump.[Via AboutProjectors]
BenQ's C36 plays music, and that's about it
Six months is an eternity by mobile standards; BenQ apparently knows that, already showing its C30 the door in favor of the C36. The new model carries over most of the C30's design cues but upgrades the VGA cam to 1.3 megapixels and swaps out the 1.8-inch 160 x 128 display for a moderately more generous 2-inch 220 x 176 one. Music is the real name of the game here, though, with dedicated controls atop the device, stereo speakers, and microSD expansion -- all of which will come in handy, we think, as you're waiting eons for web pages to load on the archaic GPRS radio. Look for it to launch in Indonesia this month with other countries following on shortly.[Via Slashphone]
BenQ takes W20000 and W5000 1080p DLP projectors to UK
BenQ's W20000 and W5000 have been treating eyes right in the US for awhile now, but at long last, the kids across the pond will finally be able to snatch one of these 1080p beamers for their own. Both DLP units (DarkChip 3 in W20000, DarkChip 2 in the W5000) feature DynamicBlack technology, 20,000:1 / 10,000:1 contrast ratios, four viewing modes (Cinema, Dynamic, Standard, and Photo) and 1,200 ANSI lumens. The good news? The duo is available now throughout the UK. The rub? It'll cost you £1,399 ($2,743) / £2,499 ($4,899). %Gallery-21393%
BenQ rolls out E800, C850, C750 compact digital cameras
Those that like their digital cameras entry-level and nondescript now have a couple of new options to consider from BenQ, which has just announced its new E800, C850, and C750 models. Kicking things off, the E800 is an 8-megapixel shooter, with a 3x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD, ISO settings up to 1600 (no promises on quality), and the increasingly common face-tracking and smile-catching features. The C850 (pictured above) and C750, on the other hand, get a little bit fancier with leather-wrapped handles, but otherwise boast many of the same specs, with the C850 staying at eight megapixels and the C750 dropping down to seven. No word on prices just yet, but you can expect the C850 and C750 to hit "select countries in Europe and the Asia Pacific region this month, with the E800 launching "worldwide" by the end of May.Read -- Photography Blog, BenQ E800Read -- Photography Blog, BenQ C850 and C750
BenQ's Atom-based MID gets detailed
BenQ has been showing off its first stab at an MID since the Intel Developer Forum last fall, but it hasn't exactly been all that forthcoming about the full specs of the device. That situation seems to have changed at the more recent IDF in Shanghai, however, although those details seem to just now be making their way across the Internet. As we knew before, the device will pack an Intel Atom processor (the base 800MHz model), which will apparently be backed up by 512MB of RAM, a 4GB SSD hard drive, and HSDPA support in addition to some integrated WiFi and Bluetooth. The device will also apparently pack a so-called "G-Senser" for "direct touch and free movement to surf on internet," along with voice activation, and optional GPS. Still no word on the all important pricing or release details, unfortunately, although we hope BenQ will save itself some embarrassment but getting the thing out the door before the next Intel Developer Forum.[Via Slash Gear]
BenQ introduces 14.1-inch Joybook R45
Here's to hoping you North Americans don't fall too hard for BenQ's latest Joybook, as the R45 is destined for almost everywhere but here. Nevertheless, this globetrotter packs a 14.1-inch WXGA (1,280 x 800) display, Intel's 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, NVIDIA's GeForce 8400M GPU, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, an optional dual-layer DVD writer, 802.11b/g WiFi, optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 2-megapixel webcam and a 4-in-1 multicard reader. Additionally, you can count on four USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet / modem jacks, an HDMI output, VGA, ExpressCard slot, audio in / out, 4-pin FireWire and a six-cell Li-ion good for around 2.5 hours of use. Sadly, BenQ left us hanging in regard to a price, but look for this pleather-coated lappie to land in China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia and Russia later this month.[Via PC Launches] %Gallery-20673%
BenQ T60: 8.9 millimeters, 3.2 megapixels
LG may be about to deliver the thinnest device at 5 megapixels, but at 8.9mm, BenQ's new T60 is holding down the 3.2 megapixel camp with some serious hotness. The slick candybar features a 2.2 inch QVGA display, "high quality media player" (whatever that means), integrated radio, 24MB of onboard memory, and microSD expansion -- you know, for actually making the camera and music player useful. BenQ's touting the whole package as being "affordable," too, which makes sense considering that the data flow appears to top off at measly GPRS speeds. Look for it to launch in Taiwan, Turkey, and Bangladesh this month -- quite a hodgepodge of countries if you ask us -- this month.[Via IntoMobile and Mobilewhack]
BenQ's 1080p W20000 DLP projector gets reviewed
Just in case JVC's DLA HD100 wasn't up your alley for one reason or another, BenQ's hoping to occupy that spot you're reserving for a swank 1080p PJ with its W20000. Recently reviewed over at Trusted Reviews, this DLP beamer was mighty impressive in most respects, garnering praise for its "exceptionally vivid" colors and equally stunning sharpness. We're also told of its "very deep blacks and remarkable dynamics," and before long, we're pretty sure this one's a surefire winner. Unfortunately, a single gripe ratcheted an otherwise fantastic projector down from greatness -- speckling noise; reportedly, a "surprising amount" was noticed, particularly in scenes with shots of bright skies. All in all, the W20000 is still probably worth a look, but we'd want it set up for viewing before dropping upwards of $6,500 only to be bothered by one nagging issue for the rest of its life.[Via AboutProjectors]
BenQ's V2400W claims to be world's thinnest, stealthiest 24-inch LCD monitor
The oft-irrational quest for thin already overwhelming television R&D budgets just hit our beloved LCD monitors. Meet the BenQ V2400W billed as the "world's slimmest 24-inch LCD monitor." BenQ claims that the LCD's 2.44-inch max depth is 21% thinner than any of its chubbier competition. Unfortunately, while BenQ happily drones on and on about the monitor's B-2 stealth bomber inspired design, it remains tight-lipped on the specifications. We know it offers a 4,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 2-ms response, touch control panel and selection of ports including HDMI, DVI and VGA inputs. However, the V2400W's brightness, panel resolution or backlighting tech, color reproduction capabilities, HDCP support for that DVI jack, and something so trivial as price all remain closely held secrets. Nevertheless, it'll be available at the end of this month in Asia then heading to North America and Europe in April. You know, if you can find it.Update: Some of the specs found: 1920 x 1200, 250 cd/m2 brightness, 16.7 million colors, and 160-degree viewing angle.[Via Fareastgizmos, thanks Strayan]
BenQ rolls out Joybook A53, forgets to invite Penryn
With all these new Penryn-based lappies hitting the shelves, we can't help but be immediately underwhelmed by the BenQ Joybook A53. Sure, the case is fairly attractive, but still, offering up a Core 2 Duo T7250 with just 512MB of RAM is sort of weak. Granted, we've all ideas this one's being aimed at the budget-minded set, so hopefully they'll be down with the 80 to 200GB 5400RPM hard drive choices, dual-layer DVD writer, 15.4-inch WXGA (1,280 x 800) resolution display, trio of USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, audio in / out and 6-cell battery good for around 2.3-hours of usage. Also of note, you'll find integrated Ethernet / WiFi, a 4-in-1 multicard reader and a 0.3-megapixel webcam for pixelated video chats. Unfortunately, BenQ didn't mention how costly this one would be, but it will be rolling out to Poland, Russia, China, Thailand, and Australia right away, while the rest of the world has to wait just a few more months.[Via Electronista]
