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BenQ's S73VG and S31V Joybooks are running Vista
Not a whole lot of details on these new Taiwan-bound lappies from BenQ, but we've got the essentials. The Joybook S73VG, pictured above, runs a Core 2 Duo processor, sports an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 for graphics, and conveys its pixels with a 14.1-inch 200 nit LCD. As for the S31V, this fashionbook doesn't match up in processing heft to big brother S73VG, with a mere Intel Centrino processor, but the 1.3 megapixel webcam, 13.3-inch 250 nit display and your choice of white or black colorings should keep you well enough occupied. Of course, both laptops are running Vista. As for price, the S73VG demands a reasonable TD 44,900 (about $1,363 US), while the S31V will run you TD 42,900 (about $1,303), and both laptops should be out by the end of February.[Via Akihabara News]
BenQ intros six-megapixel DC-E610 / DC-C610 shooters for Europe
Not too long after gifting its Joybooks with Vista, BenQ is unveiling a duo of ho hum six-megapixel shooters for the European market. Both compact digicams sport a classic, silver finish, ISO ratings of 80 to 400, and SD support, but the slightly thicker E610 gets a more fleshed-out set of specs than its admittedly lacking (albeit thinner) sibling. The E610 comes in with a 6.1-megapixel CCD sensor, Pentax lens, 3x optical zoom, VGA video mode at 30fps, "shake-free" operation, 2.4-inch LCD monitor, USB 2.0 connectivity, a rechargeable Li-ion cell, and PictBridge support to boot. The less-featured C610 gets a six-megapixel sensor, a fixed 42-millimeter lens, two-inch LTPS LCD screen, 320 x 240 resolution movie mode, AA-battery support, USB 1.1 connectivity, and a presumably lower pricetag to compensate. Currently, no information regarding price is available, but you can reportedly pick either of these uninspiring point-and-shoots up in Europe right now.[Via LetsGoDigital]
BenQ gifts Joybooks with Vista
Having decided that it would be marketplace suicide to continue offering an all-XP lineup while the rest of its competitors were loading their machines up with Vista, BenQ has joined a growing list of manufacturers in adding Microsoft's brand new OS to a trio of its Joybook laptops. As with most of the other Vista upgrades we've seen, specs on the R55V, S73V, and S31V remain almost identical to those on the models' non-"V"-labeled counterparts (the R55, S73 (pictured), and S31, respectively). To wit, you're still getting a Core 2 Duo processor and NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 graphics on the 15.4-inch R55V, while the 14.1-inch S73V maintains its predecessor's dual core chip and ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 video card. As you might expect, nothing much has changed with the 13.3-inch Joybook S31V either; it's still a Centrino Duo-based system featuring a 1.3 megapixel webcam and SRS TruSurround XT audio. Expect these models to hit foreign shelves sometime within the next few weeks (along with Vista itself, of course) for perhaps a slight premium over the older, dustier XP-powered notebooks.
BenQ's in a business projector foursome: MP721, MP721C, MP611, and MP611C
BenQ is getting into the pre-CES shotgun announcement program today with the introduction of four new business projectors: models MP721, MP721C, MP611, and MP611C. While they will surely work at home with plenty of input options and support for 480p on up to 1080i video formats, these projectors target corporate conference rooms. As such, they bring such suit-friendly features as a discrete tone letting you know when the projector has warmed up and ready to bore, or cooled off and ready for packing; a no logo startup not advertising BenQ; a "Q? Hot FAQ Key" to quickly find answers to issues; and a relatively quiet 25dB operation which is welcome just about anywhere. The MP721 is the big dog of the bunch offing a 2500 ANSI Lumen brightness, XGA (1024x768) resolution, DVI input, and an optional wireless module for untethered Powerpoint presentations. All the projectors are capable of at least 2100 lumens, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, 31-inch to 300-inch diagonal image size, and accept analog RGB, component video, composite video, and S-Video inputs. They also weigh just 5.9-pounds for easy portability. They'll be up for retail in mid January priced at $1499 (MP721), $999 (MP721C), $899 (MP611), and $749 (MP611C). Again, no pictures in the accompanying press release -- we'll fix you up just as soon as BenQ's arts and charts team wakes up to the millennium.Update: They woke up! That's the MP721 pictured above with another shot of the backside after the break. Don't worry, you're not missing anything, the MP621 looks exactly the same minus the DVI-I jack.
Corruption investigation postpones Nokia-Siemens merger
A review into Siemens's compliance with an investigation into corruption has postponed the company's equipment merger with Nokia. A merger of network infrastructure at the two companies may now be put back several months as investigators determine the validity of bribery charges levied at Siemens, and the effects of the arrest of the former head of Siemens's equipment group come to light. As recently as November, the two companies had stated that they expected to become Nokia Siemens Networks -- which was estimated would produce $20 billion a year in revenue -- by January 2007. The companies now expect the merger to be complete by sometime in the first financial quarter of next year, although that depends on how well, or badly, the investigation progresses. As long as the two companies keep on cranking out the phones, then we'll remain obliviously happy, but if the investigation turns up s'more dirt, we'll be sure to shovel it through the nearest web browser window.
BenQ's BW1000 Blu-ray Disc recorder for PCs hitting Japan: writes 50GBs for less
It's well past August but we're finally seeing the release of BenQ's Blu-ray Disc recorder for PCs. Well, in Japan anyway where this much heralded, dual-layer (50GB) SATA player/recorder built by Philips is set to hit before the month is up. Your ¥89,900 (about $760) -- reduced from the $1000 originally quoted -- buys you a trio of tricks: read/write BD, DVD, and CD media at speeds up to 2x BD-R/RE, 1x dual-layer BD-R/RE, 12x DVD+/-R, and 32x CD-R -- and that's just a smattering of media supported. Bundled PowerDVD 6 software allows you to play back studio Blu-ray Disc flicks at a full, 1920x1200 resolution under Vista, you know, just as long as your video card and monitor support HDCP. But then you know that by now, right? Expect to hear about these popping for the US and beyond any day now.[Via Impress]
BenQ X710, the latest iteration of the super-slim digicams
Last BenQ graced us with a new shooter, it was the X720, with its 7.2 megapixel CCD and 2.5-inch LCD. This time though, BenQ's introducing its new cousin, the X710 -- it comes with 3x optical zoom, a "Super Shake-Free" mode, a larger 3-inch screen and sensitivity up to ISO 4000 in movie mode and ISO 1200 in still mode. So basically, it's very similar to the X720, except this one has, um, a bigger screen. We'll assume that means the X710 will cost a bit more, but seeing as how we never got any pricing info on the first one either, you'll have to wait until BenQ gets its act together to find out for sure.[Via LetsGoDigital]
BenQ reveals its 2007 lineup of gaming LCDs
With all those new HD consoles, HD teevee shows and HD video players vying for a shot at your HDMI cable, 2007 is looking to be quite the year for display manufacturers. BenQ is getting an early jump on the gamer-core market, showing off its new 2007 LCD lineup in December. Apparently BenQ is providing displays for the CPL 2006 Championship Finals in Dallas, where they'll get to show off 2ms response times with the FP93GX, the 19-inch predecessor to this new gaming lineup. Sizes range from the 24-inch FP241WZ and FP241VW (shown above), which both sport 1920 x 1200 pixels, down to the 22-inch FP222WH, with 1680 x 1050 action, and the eensy FP94VW, with 19-inches of real estate and a 1440 x 900 resolution. The two 24-inchers sport 1000:1 contrast ratios and 500 nits of brightness, while the smaller displays slum it with 700:1 ratios and 300 nits. Price-wise, these things aren't exactly steals: the FP241VW and FP241WZ hit $1499 and $1299 respectively, while the FP222WH will run you $549, followed by the FP94VW's $299 tag. Some of the best news is connectivity options, since beyond that HDMI port with HDCP, all four displays feature VGA and DVI plugs, and the 24-inchers include S-video, composite and component inputs as well. No exact word on availability, but the CPL Finals run from December 16-20, so we expect the displays to drop sometime around then. More pics after the break.
BenQ apologizes for WTC ads, kind of
So Ben Chu, BenQ America's President, has apparently sent out an apology letter to people who wrote in to complain about the totally tasteless WTC ad from the other day. While we'd have liked to have seen BenQ be a little more forthright with its apologies and maybe send them to, say, media outlets that covered the flub, at least Ben was kind enough to draft a boilerplate and send it en masse to the offended. Thanks. Text after the break.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
BenQ uses WTC & 9/11 imagery to sell devices
We're not exactly what you'd call sanctimonious -- we try not to take ourselves or what we're doing too seriously -- but we feel obligated to call BenQ out for using an image of a crumbled World Trade Center in an ad for its new MusiQ campaign. We'll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they don't understand how wrong it is to use the imagery of 9/11 to push products, but ultimately what they're doing is simply not acceptable. BenQ, do us all a favor, focus on your namesake ("Bringing Enjoyment and Quality to life") and don't ever try to be this kind of "hopeful" again.
BenQ's new MusiQ has sights on shuffle crown
While apparently this BenQ MusiQ player has been making the rounds in China for a little while now, it's the first we heard of it, and we're definitely impressed. While the diminutive player might not be quite as tiny as the iPod shuffle, not to mention the fact that Apple is about the only company that seems to be able to get away with producing a screen-less player anymore, the addition of a microSD slot sure is quite the feat. We're also kind of digging the neck chain headphone cord integration (peep the pictures after the break) -- even if it is a wee bit shiny. Unfortunately, the built-in memory is a mere 512MB, though microSD does alleviate that concern a bit. The player is currently available for 688 HKD, about $88.50 US. Click on for a bunch action shots.[Via The MP3 Players]
BenQ FP93G X+ 19-incher shines with 2ms response time
While certainly not the first 2ms monitor by any means, BenQ's just come out with a blazing new 2ms 19-incher, the FP93G X+ (not to be confused with the 2ms BenQ FP93G X), hot off the heels of last week's other BenQ display announcements. Deets are slim on this one, other than it's got a tiny 13mm bezel, 300cd/m2 brightness and an 800:1 contrast ratio. Also, it's loaded up with that Advanced Motion Accelerator stuff we've heard about for awhile now, and has VGA and DVI connectors. The X+ will hit the streets for an unspecified price starting in December -- hey, that's today. Where did November go?[Thanks, Steven]
BenQ's new W9000 1080p projector
There just aren't too many 1080p projectors on the market right now (which might have something to do with the fact that they cost a small fortune), but BenQ's not leaving you full-res high def enthusiasts stranded. Their new W9000 features full 1080p output, HDMI, 8,500:1 contrast ratio, and is compatible with Panamorph lenses for conversion to 2.35:1 video. Unfortunately we don't know much else right yet and only have that crappy, tiny small image -- sorry, this is par for the course for BenQ's understated product launches.
BenQ kicks out three new mid-tier LCD TVs for VH line
Nothing to get terribly excited about here, but BenQ just launched a few new LCD TVs, which should be hitting Taiwan in December. The 32-inch VH3243, 37-inch VH3743 and 42-inch VH4243 all manage some SRS TruSurround XT surround sound, which does up virtual surround from any mult-channel source. The displays also feature "AMVA" (Advanced Multi-domain Vertical Alignment) technology, providing a 178 degree viewing angle and 1200:1 contrast ratio. No word on resolution, so we're going to assume 1,366 x 768 and hope for the best. We're also in the dark in regards to price and US availability, but we suppose that's par for the course.[Via AVING]
BenQ fleshes out its LCD lineup with 17 and 19-inchers
BenQ is already bursting with LCD display options, but it doesn't look like they're slowing down just yet. Today we've got four more "official" displays to choose from: the FP92W (pictured) and FP222W widescreens we've already spotted, and the new FP73GS and FP93GS 4:3 displays. Both of 'em manage 1280 x 1024 resolutions, 300 nits brightness and 5ms response times. The 17-inch FP73GS has a lovably-skinny 0.47-inch bezel, and a 700:1 contrast ratio, while the FP93GS rocks a 0.51-inch bezel, 19-inch screen and an 800:1 contrast ratio. Not shabby at all, and the $229 and $289 respective price tags aren't horrible either. All four displays should be available any day now.[Via Macworld]
German prosecutors probing BenQ Mobile's bankruptcy
Another day, another company slamming the doors shut, and another governmental group prying them back open to sniff things out. Shortly after BenQ pulled the plug on its German mobile division (and somehow got its P51 to China), chief senior public prosecutor Christian Schmidt-Sommerfeld has initiated an investigation to find out just what went down behind the scenes of the now-closed company. It's possible that "a number of bankruptcy-related offenses were committed," such as delaying their filing for bankruptcy and overstating how many units were sold in the most recent quarter by a couple million. Rumors had already surfaced regarding management's knowledge of the cashflow quandaries and their adamant indifference towards finding a solution, eliciting statements of "being lied to" to mar the already unfortunate closing. Nevertheless, we're sure someone will get to the bottom of all this, but unfortunately there's nothing they can do to bring all those unreleased (and sexy) mobiles to market.[Via The Register]
BenQ-Siemens P51 now available (in China, that is)
Save for a recent cameo in the FCC's files, BenQ's latest P51 Pocket PC phone has been a longstanding resident of vaporware land -- and thanks to the relentless, ever-onward march of time, a phone that had some folks drooling when it was first announced is now relegated to the midrange. Yeah, we're a little jaded about the whole thing, but anyone still interested in picking up the GPS-enabled QWERTY Pocket PC can apparently now do so over in China for around 6500 yuan ($825, give or take). Now if you'll excuse us, we need to walk to the Cingular store to pick up an HP hw6925 for, like, half the dinero.[Via Pocket PC Thoughts]
BenQ P51 lands on the FCC's doorstep
Some of us might of had a quick glance at the BenQ P51 this year at CeBIT and hoped it would of made its way stateside for release sooner than later. Unfortunately for us, it is turning out to be the latter of the two as the device was just given the FCC's approval. This quad-band 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 Mhz GSM/GPRS device is packing Windows Mobile 5.0 PocketPC, adds WiFi (thankfully), integrated GPS, and a 1.3 megapixel camera all viewable on a 2.8 inch touch screen display. Standard SD slot, mini USB, and storage space for an extra SIM are also on this device. Now our only question for you BenQ, why no EDGE?
BenQ MP510 projector hits for $500
Looks like BenQ is running the whole gamut of projectors these days. Shortly after we saw one of its higher-end models drop late last month, we now get word of a new projector that costs 1/10th the price. The MP510 packs 1500 lumens, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and an 800 x 600 resolution -- all for $500. To date, the only other projector that we've seen at this price is the Lumenlab 1000 projector, which does have better resolution, but an inferior lumen output and contrast ratio. The MP510 will do 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080i and has the usual assortment of analog inputs, including RGB, component and S-Video. Expect this inexpensive projector to come to a home theater or boardroom near you later this month.[Via AboutProjectors]
BenQ FP241W 24-incher reviewed
The folks at bit-tech.net recently took some time to sit down and stare at BenQ's new FP241W 24-inch widescreen LCD to see how it stacks up against the competition, coming away mightily impressed with the monitor in most respects. Specs-wise, the FP241W hits all the right marks, with the de facto 1920 x 1200 resolution, 6ms response time, 500cd/m² brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and an ample supply of inputs (both video and USB), not the least of which is an HDMI port -- something its biggest competitor lacks. Of course, specs alone aren't exactly a hard and fast way to judge a monitor, but bit-tech finds the BenQ lives up to them, performing well in both gaming and regular desktop use and, in their opinion, beating Dell's more popular option in just about every respect. About the only faults they found were a few problems with adjusting the monitor (you'll have to live with it about three inches off your desk), a lack of memory card reader, and a relatively plain design -- although given some of some of the monitors we've seen, we're content with BenQ playing it safe.
