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Active MP launches its SaberTooth ZF, a 1.8" PATA ZIF SSD, in a slim 5mm case.

Designed as a netbook upgrade, it comes in 32, 64 and 128GB capacities, with sequential read speeds of up to 130MB/sec. It is easily interchangable with standard 1.8" PATA ZIF HDDs using 40-pin ZIF connectors.

Being an SSD, it also consumes less power than a HDD.

The drive carries MLC NAND flash memory with ECC error correction, bad bit management, and wear leveling algorithm.

Go SaberTooth ZF

Samsung confirms its acquisition of display technology developer Liquavista.

Liquavista specialises in in electrowetting technologies for e-Paper and transparent displays-- and owns the technology's core patents, now in Samsung's hands.

Samsung has been looking for display technologies for some time, following its backing away from EPDs (the kind in Kindle and Nook e-readers). Its own Galaxy Tab uses colour LCD screens. Liquavista markets its technology as ideal for mobile applications, since it performs in all lighting conditions and has low power consumption.

The company says its technology should find its way into Samsung's offerings "in the fastest possible time".

Go Samsung Acquires Liquavista

IDC's tablet and e-reader tracker shows the global market growing by 45.1% in Q3 2010-- reaching nearly 17m units shipped by the year's end.

Apple's iPad makes the majority of these numbers, totalling 90% of Q3 2010's tablet shipments. Tablet shipments for 3Q 2010 total 4.8m, up from Q2 2010's 3.3m units. The iPad should have some competition in Q1 2011 and beyond with device launches from the likes of Samsung, Motorola and RIM.

E-readers also show impressive growth-- Q3 2010's e-reader shipments total 2.7m, up by 40% over Q2 2010. However the US still represents nearly 75% of the global e-reader market.

The analyst predicts 2011's (and beyond) numbers will be even more impressive, thanks to new products and services, channel expansion, price competition and consumer/enterprise experimentation. The forecast says 44.6m tablets will ship in 2011, and 70.8m will ship in 2012.

As for e-readers, IDC predicts 14.7m units will ship in 2011, and 16.6m in 2012.

Go IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Tablet and E-Reader Tracker

Cisco describes its Linksys E4200 router as its best-in-class wireless networking solution-- with speeds of up to 450 Mbps.

The router carries simultaneous dual-band wireless-N, x4 gigabit ports and 3x3 antenna configuration in sleek industrial design. Combining its 6 antennas with internal and external amplifiers also boosts its signal strength.

It comes with a USB port, through which customers can turn the E4200 into a UPnP media server-- storingn and sharing media through their network. The USB port also acts as a virtual USB port, enabling wireless printing.

The included software provides users with simple setup and network management tools.

Go Cisco Linksys E4200