First-tier motherboard manufacturing continues to move to China

Over 50 per cent of motherboards produced by first-tier motherboard makers will be manufactured in China by year-end, according to estimates. Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), after selling its Chungli, Taoyuan (Taiwan) factory to Asustek Computer, now has 100 per cent of its manufacturing base located in southern China, including the manufacturing of parts and components. Total production capacity is estimated at 1. ...more

EC to allow computer patent law destruction

The European Commission has said it will not stand in the way of the European Parliament if it wishes to destroy a controversial EU directive on computer patents. The EC's Charlie McCreevy told the Parliament on Tuesday that 'the ball is now very clearly in the European Parliament's court. It's for you to decide how you want to play it. ...more

EMI and Sony strike deal for digital music formats

EMI and Sony BMG have signed a deal to distribute EMI's extensive catalogue of music on a wide range of new digital formats in the US and Canada. Among the new offerings incorporated under the arrangement, are DualDisc, ring tones and ring backs, video downloads including video-on-demand (VOD) services. The deal also covers 'locked' audio content for hard drives that can be unlocked for a fee. ...more

IBM and Sony showcase next-gen Cell processor

The first 'Cell' processor-based workstation has been powered up, declare the joint developers IBM, Sony and Toshiba. The prototype workstation features the next generation microprocessor aimed at digital entertainment devices such as the next-gen gaming consoles. 'Cell processor-based workstations will totally change the digital content creation environment,' boasts Masayuki Chatani, corporate CTO of Sony Computer Entertainment. ...more

Microsoft publishes new guide to deploying Service Pack 2

Microsoft has created a new guide to allay fears for those who are deploying XP service pack 2. With SP2 raising the security bar for Windows, increasingly problems have been found with applications that assume a less rigorous regime. According to the Microsoft website, the Application Compatibility Testing and Mitigation Guide for Windows XP Service Pack 2 'will assist IT professionals to test and mitigate application compatibility issues arising from these more stringent security technologies. ...more