Tight supply of ATI graphics chips may last another two weeks

A current tight supply of graphics chips seems to have extended from the high-end to include mainstream models, with graphics-card makers using chips from ATI Technologies affected more seriously than makers that use chips from Nvidia, according to sources at Taiwan graphics-card makers. The entire line of ATI graphics chips are currently in tight supply, and the shortage is not expected to ease for another one or two weeks, the sources noted. Graphics-card makers that focus their sales on the channel are likely to suffer considerably more from the shortage since graphics-chip makers usually give supply priority to OEM makers, the sources said. ...more

MSN gets tangled up with freedom and democracy in China

Microsoft China has declined to comment on reports that it has censored MSN content to appease the Beijing government. According to the AFP news agency, users have been prevented from using the terms 'democracy', 'freedom' and 'human rights' on the new Chinese version of Microsoft's Internet portal. Other words and phrases that have been blocked include 'demonstration' and 'Taiwan independence'. ...more

Forrester: consumers go for digital DIY

European consumers are going in for content creation in a big way. That's the conclusion of a Forrester report into buying trends across Europe. The report 'Technology Devices Europeans Want' asked European consumers which devices they already own and which ones are they likely to want this year. ...more

Compaq updates its Internet PCs

Compaq has also announced availability of 2GHz Pentium 4 systems, within its updated Presario range. The Compaq Presario 7000T Series - the desktop "Internet PCs" - will feature Intel's latest processor. The most basic configuration starts at $1,499, including a 20Gb hard drive, 128 MB of PC800 RAMBUS memory, 48x CD-ROM drive and a 17" CV735 monitor. ...more

Businesses 'wasting money on Wi-Fi hotspots'

Businesses are wasting thousands of pounds on Wi-Fi hotspot fees because they don't use the minutes they pay for. A survey conducted for hotspot provider Trustive found that most Wi-Fi users pay for ad-hoc access, such as scratch cards and vouchers that are sold in hour blocks. However, the average surfing session clocks in at 30 minutes or less, meaning business users are often paying for far more than they need. ...more