WebPad processing boost - UPDATED

National Semiconductor has introduced a new line of processors aimed at Internet appliances. The Geode SC3200 is intended for WebPad-type gadgets and integrates four different chips - the system processor (the same as the older GX1); a video processor; a memory controller; and an I/O controller. The company has also launched the Geode SC1200 and SC2200. ...more

HP confirms UK job losses

HP has confirmed that 968 of its workers in the UK are to lose their jobs. The redundancies are part of a cost cutting measure that will see 6,000 European jobs axed. A spokesperson for HP said the company was 'still in a consultation process with employees', and no further details could be released. ...more

Charity recycles printer cartridges for heart research

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has launched a new recycling initiative that will raise funds for vital heart research The programme seeks to turn the 150 million laser cartridges used every year in the UK into cash. The BHF will receive ?1 for every recyclable printer cartridge donated to the scheme. The BHF notes that improvements in the quality of printers and increased use of digital photography has lead to a significant increase in the use of printer cartridges, most of which are thrown away and dumped in landfill sites. ...more

CE hungry PC makers face tough task

ABI research predicts the CE industry will steel itself against forays by PC makers into their territory, but must still tread carefully to avoid the commoditisation of their market. With big PC vendor names such as Dell and HP launching consumer electronic (CE) devices like LCD TVs, it is not news that the PC world has a lustful eye for the higher profit margins of CE products. But ABI Research predicts that while the worlds of IT and CE converge with the rise of broadband, networking and computing power in the home, the CE camp will take a stand against the PC hordes. ...more

Microsoft Office, Vista reach final straight

Microsoft is entering the final straight towards the launch of its two flagship products. The company has just released what it is calling Release Candidate 2 to a group of between 50,000 and 100,000 testers. The next release is expected to be the Gold code. ...more