monitors
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Gateway releases 19-inch FPD1975W widescreen LCD
If you're looking to the ditch the CRT for a more space-friendly LCD, but don't want to throw down $600 for Gateway's FPD2185W, the company has a new option for you that knocks only 2-inches but a full $300 off of its well-received 21-inch model. HDBeat points out, though, that you lose more than just desktop real estate with the 19-inch widescreen FPD1975W (pictured, not actual size), as Gateway has dropped both the Faroudja DCDi image processor as well as the 2185's composite inputs. You still get a decent set of specs here, with the 1,440 x 900 resolution and HDCP-capable DVI inputs ensuring that HD fans are well covered, while the 8-millisecond response time and 700:1 contrast ratio should probably serve to attract more than a few gamers. This model is available immediately from Gateway online, although if you don't mind spending a few more bucks, you should probably take a look at Dell's 2007WFP before making your purchase.[Via HDBeat]
Acer releases 22-, 24-, and 26-inch LCDs
We're not sure how business savvy it is for a company to announce in a press release that two of the 16:10 LCDs it's just unveiled -- in the same release -- will be made obsolete by key spec bumps in just a few months, but that didn't stop Acer from revealing that both the new 22-inch AL2216W and 26-inch AL2616W will be replaced by HDCP-capable versions during the fourth quarter. Reason being, the current iterations of these models -- both members of the company's Value Line -- lack the necessary digital inputs to support the HD copy protection standard, although that's not the case with the the third display released today, the DVI-sporting, 24-inch AL2434WR. Like the AL2616W, the 24-incher -- part of the Office Line -- features a 1,920 x 1,200 WUXGA display, 6-millisecond gray-to-gray response time, and a 1000:1 contrast ratio, while the AL2216W is slightly quicker (5 milliseconds) than both, but offers less pixels (1,680 x 1,050) and a lower contrast ratio (700:1). As of this writing, pricing has not been revealed for any of these new units, but if you're interested in the Value lineup, we're thinking that maybe you should just save your pennies anyway and hold out for HDCP.[Via BIOS]
Virgin installing telemedicine systems in every plane
Air travel is about to get just a little bit safer -- though not in the anti-terrorist, heavy-handed security type of way -- thanks to Virgin Atlantic's impending fleet-wide rollout of a device that allows ground-based doctors to remotely diagnose passengers in medical distress. The airline has just announced a deal with Remote Diagnostic Technologies that will result in each of Virgin's planes being outfitted with the Tempus telemedicine system, which contains blood pressure and pulse monitors along with an integrated video cam, and transmits data down to medical personnel via the on-board telephone system. Flight crews will be trained to independently operate each of Tempus' individual instruments, but unlike the in-flight defibrillators that preceded this system, attendants will have the added benefit of live instructions from experts on the ground, if necessary. Virgin will employ the Tempus boxes until at least 2009, and claims that it would like to eventually see an industry-wide implementation, which RDT probably wouldn't mind too much either.[Via MedGadget]
Logitec intros USB touchscreen "faceplates"
As you've probably noticed, the Photoshopping skills around here aren't what you'd call top-notch, so we're thinking that maybe attaching Logitec's upcoming USB touchscreen to our monitor might help us give you the realistic product mock-ups and goofy photo-illustrations that you deserve. Coming in 15-inch or 17-inch varieties, respectively, the LTP-15UBK and LTP-17UBK (or LTP-17U, in white) simply attach to your existing LCD with velcro strips, and let you manipulate your pointer with either a finger, a la an ATM machine, or the included pen, as with a graphics tablet. Both models will go on sale in late June for an undisclosed sum of money, but we're not sure if these will even be available outside of Japan, so you may have to put up with our crappy Photoshops for just a little while longer.[Via Everything USB]
Mitsubishi's Diamondcrysta 17 and 19-inch monitors
Mitsubishi's got some new heads in Japan today. More or less run of the mill SXGA (1280 x 1024) heads, but the four Diamondcrysta 17-inch (RDT1713S, RDT1713V) and 19-inchers (RDT197S, RDT197V) do have an impressive pixel response as fast as 2ms, 300 and 400cd/m2 brightness (depending on the model), 1000:1 contrast ratio, and DVI. No stated price or intention to export, but when it comes to monitors like these, you've already got plenty of options on the market.[Via Impress]
