LaCie introduces wide-gamut 25in LCD display

LaCie has announced its first widescreen, wide-gamut LCD, targeted at digital photography, prepress, CAD, video editing and creative design markets. The LaCie 526 monitor has a 25.5in, 16:10 panel with a 1920x1200 resolution capable of displaying two A4 pages at full size with room to spare. ...more

HP to take Intel's DRM systems

HP is to adopt the use of Intel digital rights management (DRM) technology into its range of digital entertainment products. According to Reuters, the computer-and-printer giant has decided to license such technology from Intel rather than create its own, wanting to avoid re-inventing the wheel and create a competing technology. HP will also be involved with Philips in developing copy protection technology. ...more

UPDATE: Microsoft issues long-awaited Windows XP Service Pack 2

Microsoft's Service Pack 2 for Windows XP has been released to manufacturing, according to the company. The update - as much as a massive 80MB - has now been finalised and the 'gold code' is being pressed onto CDs and distributed to computer makers so they can preload it on their products. Because of the massive 100mn users expected to download the update and the hefty weight of the code itself, Redmond has employed a complex strategy for distribution. ...more

An ecosystem for embedding

Microsoft continues to embed itself in the real-time development arena. The 'Embedded Ecosystem' is a new initiative announced by Microsoft at ESC West (Embedded Systems Conference), in San Jose, California. Aiming to build stronger connections between Windows Embedded developers, partners and customers, there are three specific offerings: an extranet-based Windows Embedded Partners Program, the addition of a dedicated Embedded Developer Centre within the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site, and the Windows Embedded Online Customer Marketplace for matching prospective buyers with pre-qualified partners. ...more

AMD ups the ante for 64-bit laptop power

AMD has upped the ante for the desktop replacement market with a new 64-bit processor for laptops. The AMD Athlon 64 processor 3700+ is dubbed a 'desktop replacement' chip. It is as powerful as the processors traditionally found in desktop PCs and laptops using it can run a full range of demanding applications. ...more