TechWatch
Roll Your Own Nancona
The latest workstation/server processor--Intel's new 64-bit Xeon (formerly code-named Nancona)--is getting big-time support among motherboard makers. Supermicro Computer is doing its part with two impressive new lines: the high-end SUPER_X6DA8 Series and the lower-cost X6DAL line. The former supports both DDR2 and DDR1 configurations with eight DIMM slots, along with Ultra 320 SCSI, dual Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and IPMI 2.0 support. The X6DAL is sized to the compact ATX form factor and comes with DDR333/266 memory support. To support the boards, Supermicro is also offering a line of tower and rack-mounted chassis, including a 4U rack/tower and a 3U server rack with air shroud and fan-speed control.
SUPER_X6DA8 MOTHERBOARD, www.supermicro.com Price: Approximately $600 (street price)
Ximeta Unveils White-Box NDAS Drive Ximeta, the proponents of network direct-attached storage (NDAS) technology, has unveiled a white-label, hard-drive enclosure that includes Ximeta's patented NDAS PCBA chipset and software drivers. Not surprisingly, it's called NDAS Enclosure, and it's aimed at integrators and VARs looking to put together their own network storage solutions. NDAS Enclosure features Fast Ethernet and USB 2.0 connections that allow users to easily hook external storage to a network or directly to a PC or laptop. The NDAS drive appears as a local drive unit, which can transfer data by dragging and dropping. NDAS doesn't require the technical expertise to configure IP addresses. And, because it's not based on TCP/IP protocols, it's well-protected against external security threats.
NDAS ENCLOSURE, www.ximeta.com Price: $135 for two units, $315 for five units
Samsung Syncs Up
Big, bright and reasonably priced is the pitch for Samsung's latest LCD monitor. The 19-inch SyncMaster 193P boasts an advanced liquid crystal cell structure--dubbed Samsung's Patterned Vertical Alignment--for improved viewing. The unit's MagicTune software handles setup of color, tint and geometry parameters via an on-screen menu available in six languages. Samsung's MagicBright technology adds three separate brightness modes to tailor viewing for PC, Internet and entertainment applications. The monitor, which measures 16.7 inches by 16.2 inches by 9.3 inches, is also compliant with Federal Energy Star and low-emission standards. Aimed at both business and home users, the SyncMaster 193P is shipping in Samsung's distribution channel.
SYNCMASTER 193P, www.samsung.com Price: $749