USA TODAY

Innovation in the flash drive sphere seems to be limited to bringing the price down, and adding on new security features. Corsair’s new “Flash Padlock” flash drive seemingly does both, by retailing at $29.99 and $39.99 in 1GB and 2GB variants, and tacking on a PIN based security system that limits who can access the drive. The benefit to the Flash Padlock is that its security solution is entirely hardware based, so it’s supposedly impervious to hackers and crackers and other deviant folk: the downside is that if your computer’s USB ports are out of reach, then this solution is going to be extremely bad for your

Toshiba just launched a pair of updated Qosmio media laptops in Japan. A new G40/97D configuration sports a 17-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) display; 2GHz, T7300 Core 2 Duo proc; 256MB of NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics, 2GB (up to 4GB supported) memory, 320GB of disk (2x 160GB); Gigabit Ethernet; HDMI out; a 2 megapixel webcam; and an HD DVD-R drive. It also brings plenty of expansion with 5x USB, Firewire, multiple memory card support, and a PCMCIA and ExpressCard/54 slot. Pretty much what we’ve seen before. Now, however, we’re looking at a pair of digital tuners so that you can record and watch that sweet, sweet TeeVee at the same time. It’s also pre-loaded with CyberLink SoftDMA allowing it to pull your HD recordings off your VARDIA series of recorders wrapped in a DRM-ladden, DTCP-IP hard candy shell. Want more Tosh integration? Great, ’cause it also supports HDMI-CEC allowing the G40 to control your new HDMI connected REGZA series of TVs. All that for ¥400,000 or about $3,470. Too much? Then check the new Qosmio F40 which does much the same only on a 15.4-inch screen for about $850 less.

SEOUL, Korea (AVING) — <Visual News> SAFA(www.safa.co.kr) launched its mp3 player ‘Casiopea’ in Korea market, which supports video playback.

Featuring Cassiopeia constellation touchpad, it enables users to enjoy a variety of video content such as music video and drama, by adopting 2.4-inch LCD and built-in speaker delivering 90mW output.

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