The G–RAID Pro hard drive offers RAID data protection, a triple interface and storage capacities up to 4TB. The G–RAID Pro drive’s on–board, hardware RAID controller supports both RAID 0 and fail–safe RAID 5 operation with auto–rebuild functionality, and utilizes four hot–swappable 7200 RPM SATA 3Gb/s disk drive modules. Available in June, the G–RAID Pro drive will be available in 1, 2, 3, and 4 TB configurations with prices starting at $999.

First stocks of the new ColorMunki colour management device from X-Rite are now available in the UK. “The launch of the ColorMunki range has been the most successful in our history, with unprecedented levels of pre-orders and a universally positive response from our customers, the industry and press alike”, comments Geoffrey Clements, Managing Director of Colour Confidence. We awarded our highest 5 star / Essential rating in our ColorMunki Photo Review. ColorMunki Photo and ColorMunki Design are available now, priced at £319/€429 ex. VAT.

The specification for CFast, a new CompactFlash card with a SATA (Serial ATA) interface, is due to be published in May. The SATA interface of the CFast cards will provide interface data rates up to 3Gb/sec, much faster than the 133MB/second rate of standard CF cards. “The development of a CompactFlash card with a SATA interface will maintain the dominance of CompactFlash in the non-consumer (embedded systems, single board computers, data recorder, etc.) markets as well as promote its use in other applications such as digital SLR cameras and professional video cameras. Having the SATA interface will be a significant step for CompactFlash.” commented Mr. Shigeto Kanda of Canon and the CFA chairman of the board.

The new OWC Mercury On-The-Go 500GB is the highest capacity portable, bus-powered storage drive on the market. A palm-sized drive that fits in a shirt pocket, the Mercury On-The-Go 500GB offers FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0 connections and 5400RPM performance. The OWC Mercury On-The-Go 500GB is available now priced at $359.99.

The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC is a new full-function, mini-notebook PC priced starting under $500. Taking on the popular Asus Eee, the Mini Note features a large 8.9-inch diagonal WXGA display, full QWERTY keyboard, anodized aluminum shell, Wi-Fi, and weighs around 2.5 pounds. The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC starts at $499 and will be available later this month.

LaCie have announced a new triple interface version of their Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton. The new external hard drive offers USB 2.0, eSATA, and Firewire 400 connections and capacities of 500GB, 750GB and 1TB. The sleek and compact device is fashioned in a black-mirrored finish and includes a unique blue LED strip that creates a rich ambient glow. “We are very excited to offer the new triple interface Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton,” said Lise Manteau, LaCie Desktop Hard Drive Product Manager.  “The USB-only version announced late last year has been very popular.  With this new product offering, we are now able to reach customers who prefer faster transfer rates with FireWire 400 and eSATA 1.5Gbit connectivity.” Prices start at at $149.99 for the 500GB version.

The new Iomega REV 120GB Backup Drive is the third generation of Iomega’s award-winning REV technology. The REV 120GB Backup Drive provides smart, sensible backup for small and medium-sized businesses, remote work groups and others. “The REV 120GB drive delivers more native capacity, near instantaneous random access to files, faster backups and restores, and the portability of ruggedized removable cartridges—all at a better value than entry-level tape products and with a higher comfort level of data protection than standard desktop hard drives.” said Tom Kampfer, president and COO, Iomega Corporation. The Iomega REV 120GB Backup Drive is now available worldwide as an external USB 2.0 model for $499.99, and as an internal SATA interface model for $479.99.

Support for Drobo, the world’s first storage robot, is now available in 14 countries throughout Europe. “The industry recognition that Drobo has received since launching has created an overwhelming amount of global interest - and has generated a user base that is growing rapidly by the day. We are doing everything we can to keep pace with demand while continuing to achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction attainable.” said Geoff Barrall, CEO and co-founder of Data Robotics. Drobo takes a step beyond data storage options widely available today by adding a layer of intelligence and configurability to simplify operations and give users more control of their digital assets.

The new HP Media Vault mv2120 is designed to store, protect and share your digital media. The mv2120 can be set to automatically back up important media and digital files weekly, daily or continuously. The HP mv2120 ships with 500 GB capacity. The HP Media Vault mv2120 is currently available starting at $299. HP have also unveiled the Elite Autofocus Webcam, which offers a a 3-megapixel sensor with autofocus. The HP Elite Autofocus Webcam is expected to be available from April 6th for $99.

Three out of the ten cameras featured in GfK’s ‘Digital Still Cameras: Top Sellers 2007’ list were Canon. The EOS 400D was the second most sold digital camera in the UK with over 146,000 units sold. “With consumers having the choice of over 1,050 different digital camera models on the UK market last year, this is a great achievement and one which we hope to build on in 2008” commented Guido Jacobs, Marketing Director, Canon UK. Somewhat surprisingly, a camera from Vivitar (the budget Vivicam 3105S) topped the charts…

My Passport Elite Portable USB Drives from WD are perfect for the digital photographer needing to back-up in the field or transport large amounts of files to clients. Weighing in at less than 5 ounces and available in capacities of 320 and 250 GB, the new My Passport Elite drives are small enough to fit in a pocket. The WD My Passport Elite Drives are USB-bus powered, which eliminates the need for an external power adapter. The My Passport Elite USB Drive with 250 GB capacity is $169.99 USD and the My Passport Elite 320 GB is $199.99 USD.

The Phase One 645 Camera / Mamiya 645AFDIII is a new open medium format digital camera platform. Sold exclusively by Phase One and Mamiya, this modular system is designed to accept all quality digital camera backs, and is also open for traditional film operation. The complete Mamiya 645 lens range, the new 28mm aspherical and D series lenses, as well as Hasselblad V-lenses and Pentacon Six lenses can all be used. “Phase One and Mamiya have taken the first step in delivering a unique approach to designing camera systems,” said Henrik Håkonsson, CEO of Phase One.  “We believe that equipment interoperability and personal choice are integral values in realizing the highest quality imaging results.” The first pre-production units of the Phase One 645 Camera / Mamiya 645AFDIII will be demonstrated this week at the Photo Imaging Expo in Tokyo. Prices start from 8990 Euros.

Photo-i have previewed the ColorMunki from X-Rite, which delivers an easy, quick and affordable solution for matching colors from display-to-print.

Website: Photo-i - ColorMunki Photo Review

Website: Read our ColorMunki Photo Review

ColorMunki from X-Rite and Pantone is a new family of colour products for the photo and design markets. ColorMunki Photo delivers an easy, quick and affordable solution for matching colors from display-to-print. ColorMunki Photo is a completely integrated, versatile solution that calibrates displays, projectors and printers, measures ambient light and captures spot colors. ColorMunki Photo and ColorMunki Design are available in late March 2008, and ColorMunki Create will be available in June 2008.

The BenQ V2400W is the world’s slimmest 24 inch LCD monitor. The V2400W offers a 4000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, new RHCM injection process and full 1080p HD support. “The V2400W is inspired by the B2 stealth bomber, evoking a sense of mystery, awe and the elite” said Manfred Wang, Director of the BenQ Lifestyle Design Center. The V2400W iwill be available at the end of March in China and Asia, and April in Europe and N. America.

The Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera is now available in limited edition exclusive sets with two high-performance lenses. The M8 has been twinned with either the LEICA SUMMICRON-M f/2/28 mm ASPH lens, or the LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M f/2/75 mm ASPH lens. Both of these limited edition sets are available until 30th June 2008 - contact your Leica system dealer for further details.

Following recent speculation about a possible full-frame camera, Leica UK have issued a statement re-iterating their commitment to the M8 rangefinder. “There has been much recent speculation concerning the M8, but we can confirm that the current design remains our most important product for 2008/9. As ownership increases, users seem to really appreciate that it is a faithful reproduction of a true classic M, but in digital form.” commented David Bell, Managing Director, Leica Camera Ltd., UK. Leica UK are now offering £500 cash back on the purchase of a Leica M8 and a selected lens. The scheme runs until the end of May 2008 in authorised dealers only and also incorporates the Leica MP and M7 film cameras. Bell also promised new shutter and rear display cover options would be available later in the year.

Aptina, a newly-formed division of Micron, has announced a 9 megapixel CMOS sensor for compact digital cameras. The new sensor has a 1/2.3-inch optical format, 1.75-micron pixel architecture, can capture up to 15 frames per second, and shoot high-definition video of 720p at 30 fps. “We have received the first production orders for our 9 MP and are effectively penetrating the Japanese name-brand camera market, which has long been the leader in producing quality digital cameras and has largely focused on CCD as the image capture technology of choice,” said Bob Gove, President of Aptina.

Apple has refreshed its MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, larger hard drives and 2GB of memory. Every MacBook Pro now includes a trackpad with Multi-Touch gesture support for pinch, rotate and swipe, making it more intuitive than ever to zoom and rotate photos. The revised MacBook lineup comes in three models and includes faster processors and larger hard drives. The new MacBook and MacBook Pro models are now shipping and will be available through the Apple Store.

The launch date of the new Phase One medium-format camera has been confirmed as March 19th 2008. In an interview with Phase One Product Manager Bo Abildgren at Focus On Imaging, Abildgren revealed that the camera will be unveiled to the world on March 19th (but not at the at the WPPI show in Las Vegas, as previously reported). Phase One’s medium format camera has been developed in conjunction with Mamiya as an open-source platform. Abildgren commented that the new camera “is all about providing choice for the professional photographer” and represents a move by Phase One to “get back to craftmanship”.