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Trading Hours For Christmas And New Year.

2009-12-21 16:27:30

Trading Hours For Christmas And New Year.

Dear Valued Customers,
Townsville Computer Centre will be closed for Christmas on the following dates:

Friday 25th December,
Saturday 26th December,
Sunday 27th December,
Monday 28th December.

Townsville Computer Centre will Re-open, Tuesday 29th December to 31st December, from 10am to 2pm.

Townsville Computer Centre will be closed for New Years Day, Friday 1st January.

From Saturday, 2nd of January, normal trading hours apply.

We hope you all enjoy your own holidays, and look forward to another year together in 2010 !!!

Best Regards,

The TCC Team.

Asus U3S6 Pci-E 4x Sata3 6Gs, USB 3.0 Upgrade kit for P7P55 MB

2009-12-21 11:51:41

True USB 3.0 & True SATA 6Gb/s Support

* Unique PCIe X4 Bridge Chip for Ultra Performance
* True SATA 6Gb/s & USB 3.0 support: Native support PCIe Gen2 bandwidth
* Windows7 support
* Support Hot Plug function
* Support Native Command Queuing (NCQ)

True SATA 6Gb/s Support

Unique PCIe x4 Bridge Chip for Ultra Performance
Supporting next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0Gbps data transfer rates. Additionally, get enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

True USB 3.0 Support

Unique PCIe x4 Bridge Chip for Ultra Performance
Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0--the latest connectivity standard. Built to connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers data 10X faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.

Specifications:

Internal Connectors
2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports support of up to 2 SATA disk drives.
Backward compatible with SATA 3Gb/s and SATA 1.5Gb/s hard disk drives.

External Connectors
2 x USB 3.0 ports.
Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 interface.

Interface
PCI Express x4 interface
Compatible with PCI Express x4, x8, and x16 slots

Configuration Supported
AHCI Mode

Operating Systems Supported
Windows 7/Vista/XP 32/64bit

Compatible Models
Maximus III Formula
P7P55D Deluxe
P7P55D EVO
P7P55D PRO
P7P55D
P7P55D LE
P7P55 LX

Features
True SATA 6Gb/s & USB 3.0: Native support PCIe Gen2 bandwidth
Support Hot Plug function
Support Native Command Queuing (NCQ)

Accessories
2 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables
1 x Support CD
1 x User manual

Form Factor
4.8”x 3” (12.2cm x 7.6cm)

Asus P7P55D-E-PREMIUM P55

2009-12-21 11:51:24

Asus P7P55D-E-PREMIUM P55, 4DDR3, 2133(OC), RAID, 2GBLAN, 2xPCIE, 6SATA3, 2FW, ATX, USB3.0 (LGA1156)

Realize the True Future!!
- The World's 1st TRUE USB 3.0 + SATA 6Gb/s Motherboard

Specifications:
CPU
Intel® Socket 1156 Core™ i7 Processor/Core™ i5 Processor/Core™ i3 Processor Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology

Chipset
Intel® P55 Express Chipset

Memory
4 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.)*/1600/1333/1066 Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
*Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Some hyper DIMMs only support one DIMM per channel. Please refer to Memory QVL for details.
*Refer to www.asus.com or the user manual for the Memory QVL(Qualified Vendors Lists).

Expansion Slots
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 (2.5GT/s)
2 x PCI

Multi-GPU Support
Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

Storage
Intel® P55 Express Chipset built-in
6 xSATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
Intel Matrix Storage Technology Support RAID 0,1,5,10

JMicron® JMB368 PATA controller
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices

Marvell® SATA 6Gb/s controller:
- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)

LAN
Dual Gigabit LAN controllers Realtek® 8112L / 8110SC Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2 and Teaming

Audio
VIA® VT2020 10-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Absolute Pitch BD192/24 featuring ENVY HD
- DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O

IEEE 1394
VIA® 6308P controller supports 2 x 1394a port(s) (one at mid-board; one at back panel)

USB
NEC® USB 3.0 controller:
- 2 x USB 3.0 ports (blue; at back panel)
Intel® P55 Express Chipset:
- 10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)

ASUS Unique Features
Unique PCIe x4 Chip for Ultra Performance
- True USB 3.0 Support
- True SATA 6Gb/s Support
ASUS Xtreme Design:
ASUS Hybrid Processor - TurboV EVO
- Auto Tuning, TurboV, CPU Level UP and Turbo Key
- TurboV Remote
ASUS 48 Hybrid Phase*
- T.Probe Technology for Active Cooling
- 32+3 Phase Power Design
*48 Hybrid Phase = 32 + 3 Phase x T.Probe
ASUS Hybrid OS - Express Gate SSD
ASUS Exclusive Features
- MemOK!
- ASUS EPU
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 3+
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS Crystal Sound
- ASUS Noise Filter
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2
- Multi-language BIOS
ASUS Q-Design
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM

Overclocking Features
Precision Tweaker 2
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vIMC: Adjustable IMC voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDRAM Bus: 81-step DRAM voltage control
- vPCH: 2-step chipset voltage control
- vCPU_PLL: 4-step reference voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 200MHz at 1MHz increment
- Internal Base Clock tuning from 80MHz up to 500MHz at 1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)

Back Panel I/O Ports
1 x IEEE 1394a
2 x LAN(RJ45) port
10 -Channel Audio I/O
1 x Clr CMOS switch
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (Purple)
1 x PS/2 mouse port (Green)
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Output
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 (black)

Internal I/O Connectors
2 x USB connectors support additional 4 USB ports
1 x IDE connector
1 x TPM connector
1 x IEEE 1394a connector
1 x CPU Fan connector
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x COM connector
6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (blue)
2 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (gray)
2 x Chassis Fan connector (1x4-pin, 1x3-pin)

Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
1 x CD audio in
1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector

System Panel(Q-Connector)
1 x TURBO_CON header (for TurboV Remote)
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Power on switch
1 x Reset switch

BIOS
16 Mb Flash ROM , AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

Manageability
WfM 2.0,DMI 2.0,WOL by PME,WOR by PME,PXE

Accessories
User's manual
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
2 in 1 Q-connector
1 x TurboV Remote
2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables
4 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
1 x 2-port USB and eSATA module
ASUS Q-Shield
1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector

Support Disc
Drivers
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ASUS Update
ASUS Utilities

Form Factor
ATX Form Factor
12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )

This document and other documents provided pursuant are for informational purposes only. The information type should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of the Supplier. The Supplier cannot guarantee the accuracy of information presented. The user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document.

LOGITECH K340 WL KEYBOARD (U)

2009-12-21 11:33:40

Unifying - add compatible mice/kb to one receiver.
Advanced 2.4GHz wireless, low-profile design.

FEATURES :
* The space-saving design with full-size layout and number pad frees up space on your deskand makes the keyboard easy to store or take with youwithout compromising on comfort
* Youll get up to three years of battery life, which practically eliminates the need to change batteries
* An indicator light helps you keep an eye on your charge level
* The tiny, Logitech Unifying receiver stays in your notebook
* Theres no need to unplug it when you move around, so theres less worry of it being broken or lost
* You can easily add compat wless mice & kbds to the same wless receiver
* Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity gives you the reliability of a cord plus cordless convenience and freedomfast data transmission, virtually no delays or dropouts, and 128-bit AES encryption
* The low profile shifts your hands and wrists toward a more neutral position to help you type comfortably

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Win-based PC only, Win XP, Win Vista, or Win 7, USB Port,
Internet connection

Thermaltake LEVEL 10 Extreme Gaming Station (NO PSU)

2009-11-19 09:14:46

Design collaboration by Thermaltake and BMW Group Designworks USA
- Asymmetrical balance design
- Open Compartment Architecture (O.C.A.)
- Smart-lock Security System (S.S.S.)
- A ergonomically positioned and integrated handle
- Removable hard drive cases for 3.5” and 2.5” HDD/SSD
- Dramatic lighting effect

Specification:
Model
VL30001N1Z

Case Type
Full Tower

Dimension （H x W x D）
666.3 x 318 x 614 mm (26.22 x 12.52 x 24.17 inch)

Net Weight
21.37 kg / 47.11 lb

Color
Black

Material
Aluminum Extrusion

Cooling System
- Front (intake) : 140 x 140 x 25 mm Red LED Fan, 1000rpm, 16dBA or 120 x 120 x25 mm fan
- Rear (exhaust) : 120 x 120 x 25 mm Red LED Fan, 1300rpm, 17dBA
- HDD (intake) : Dual 60 x 60 x 15mm Silent Fan, 2500 rpm, 19dBA

Drive Bays
9
- Accessible 3 x 5.25’’
- Hidden 6 x 3.5’’ 、2.5” & SSD

Expansion Slots
8

Motherboards
9.6” x 9.6” (Micro ATX), 12” x 9.6” (ATX)

I/O Ports
USB 2.0 x 4, eSATA x 1, HD Audio x 1

PSU
Standard PS2 PSU

Removable PSU Bridge
Support

Adjustable PSU Bridge
Support

Asus P6TD-Deluxe EXGTE, LGA1366, X58, 6DDR3, 2000O.C.RAID, 2GBLAN, 3xPCIE2.0, ATX,

2009-11-19 09:04:36

Specifications

Processor Support

Intel® Socket 1366 Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition/Core™ i7 Processor Supports Intel® Dynamic Speed Technology

Chipset

Intel® X58 / ICH10R

FSB Support

Memory / Type / Bus / Max.

6 x DIMM, Max. 24 GB, DDR3 2000(O.C.)*/1866(O.C.)*/1800(O.C.)*/1600(O.C.)/1333*/1066 Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Triple channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
*Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
**Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL(Qualified Vendors Lidts).

On-Board VGA

N/A

VGA Connector

N/A

1394

VIA® VT6308 controller supports 2 x 1394a ports (one at mid-board; one at back panel)
PCI & PCI-E

3 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (at x16/x16/x1 or x16/x8/x8 mode)
1 x PCIe x4
2 x PCI

Multi-GPU Support

Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

Audio

ADI® AD2000B 8 -Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Support Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O

USB Ports

14 USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at back panel)

LAN

Dual Gigabit LAN controllers 2*Marvell88E8056® PCIe Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2

HDD SUPPORT

Southbridge
6 xSATA 3 Gb/s ports
Intel Matrix Storage Technology Support RAID 0,1,5,10
Marvell 88SE6111
1 xUltraDMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
1 xExternal SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)

SCSI

Form Factor

ATX Form Factor
12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )

Asus VW246H 24"W, 2ms, 1920x1080, 300nits, 20K:1, DSUB, DVID, HDMI, SPKs, Black

2009-11-19 09:04:26

Personal Entertainment on Desk

Full HD 1080p Visual Enjoyment Together with HDMI Interface

Full HD 1080p Visual Enjoyment Together with HDMI Interface

Full HD 1080p for High-resolution Digital Content Display
‧ 16:9 wide screen with 1920×1080 resolution is optimized for Full HD
‧ 1080p vision and enables borderless full-screen video display.
‧ Embedded HDMI simplifies cabling and provides the highest-quality video ‧ and audio experience.
‧ Pristine and stunning clarity of HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs.
‧ Great for both video games and HD DVD movies playback.

Ordering is easy @ TSVC

2009-11-19 09:02:51

Ordering has never been easier at tsvc.com.au !! Simply create a member profile for yourself at the TOP RIGHT corner of the homepage, then follow the directions to activate your account. If you have trouble activating your account, simply send us an email from the CONTACTS page, and make clear your new user name. We will then activate it shortly.

To order parts, simply browse the categories, an choose ADD TO CART. when you have finished with your selection, place the order.

Shopping is safe on TSVC.com.au - we don't take any money through the internet !! Once your order is placed, an email will be Generated stating the order is QUEUED. We will then endeavour to gather and process the selected parts ASAP, and will then generate another email for you indicating the order is COMPLETED.

The order is then ready to pick up. By ordering through tsvc.com.au, time is saved for both us and you.

Best regards, and happy shopping,
TSVC.com.au Staff.

Gigabyte P55-UD3R for New i7 Socket LGA 1156

2009-11-19 09:02:12

GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 3 design, featuring 2 ounces of copper for both the Power and Ground layers which dramatically lowers system temperature by delivering a more efficient spreading of heat from critical areas of the motherboard such as the CPU power zone throughout the entire PCB. GIGABYTE's Ultra Durable 3 also lowers the PCB impedance by 50%, which helps to reduce electrical waste and further lowers component temperatures.

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=3162

Gigabyte P55M-UD2 motherboard for New i7 Socket LGA 1156

2009-09-15 09:15:36

NEW ! Corsair 128 GB Flash "Voyager GT" USB 2.0 Drive, 10-year Warranty, Plug & Play functionality, 32 Mb/s Read speed , 28Mb/s

2009-08-21 16:47:45

NEW ! Corsair 128 GB Flash "Voyager GT" USB 2.0 Drive, 10-year Warranty, Plug & Play functionality, 32 Mb/s Read speed , 28Mb/s write speed
Corsair 128GB Flash" Voyager GT" USB 2.0 Drive, 32 Mb/s Read speed , 28Mb/s write speed, Plug & Play functionality in Windows® Vista, XP, 2000, ME, Linux 2.4.2 and later, Mac OS 9, X and later, Drivers on CD for Windows® 98, Lanyard, USB cable and driver CD included, 10-year warranty, rubber housing, With no moving parts and a ruggedized, rubber housing, the Voyager GT 128 is water-resistant and virtually shockproof.

MSI launches X58 Pro, the most affordable mainboard for Core i7

2009-06-16 11:49:33

MSI, the world's leading mainboard manufacturer, announced its most affordable one of X58 mainboard, X58 Pro. It offers an innovatively new architecture that adopts the latest Intel® X58 Express chipset that supports the latest Intel® Core i7 processor, along with ultra-high bandwidth QPI (Quick Path Interconnect) transmission system and high-speed 3-channel DDR3 memory, resulting performance so extreme that has ever seen in mainboards. X58 Pro also has utilized the Gen.2 DrMOS, which introduced exclusively by MSI since the P45 series, improving its power efficiency more than 93% to bring best performance.

Insist on DrMOS to bring the maximum power-efficient
In order to maximize performance and provide a stable and adequate power supply environment, MSI X58 Pro has utilized the Gen.2 DrMOS, which is recommended by Intel for processor power design, along with the exclusive BIOS-level Active Phase Switching (APS) technology for better energy-saving. These advanced designs provide stable power supply capacity required by the high bandwidth operations in the CPU, and to save power for the entire system as well. "the MSI high-end mainboard comes with "Insist on DrMOS" concept is proved as the best power-saving and overclocking provider from several well-known testing media and end-users, we'll keep continue to utilize DrMOS into MSI mainboard product to deliver the most leading power design” said Jason Lee, DPS marketing director of MSI.

The triple PCIe x16 ready bringing ultimate 3D operating
X58 Pro is equipped with triple x16 PCI Express graphics slots for offering the possibility for multi-graphics operating like ATI 3-way CrossFireX; X58 Pro mainboard can supply dual full-bandwidth x16 connections and one more x16 PCI Express slot to creating the maximum bandwidth premium systems for 3-way graphics. This most powerful multi-graphic ready structure bring highest 3D gaming resolutions with more detail DirectX 10 effects, enhances the 3D frame rate to a higher level for more smooth hardcore gaming experience.

Plug & Play onboard eSATA interface for storage expansion
The X58 Pro, just like other MSI high-end mainboard product, comes with an onboard eSATA 3Gb/s interface to adopts the concept of plug & play storage. It allows users to connect a backup HDD in such an easy way requiring no complex setting and skill from users, leading to not only less accessing time and CPU resource requirements, but also better data transaction signal quality against hard disk failure.

Unlike the other eSATA bracket solution, X58 Pro is designed with onboard eSATA on rear I/O to give the direct link to extra storage chip and Intel chipset, provide the best compatibility with external storage device and stable quality when time goes by.

Please visit for more information.
http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=prodmbspec&maincat_no=1&cat2_no=170&cat3_no=&prod_no=1744#menu

Logitech G35 Surround Sound Headset

2009-06-16 11:07:05

Game-changing immersion with 7.1 surround sound powered by Dolby® technology. Victory never sounded so good.

Now hear this.

* 7.1 surround sound powered by Dolby® technology: Delivers a detailed soundfield—hear your enemies before they see you.
* Ear-enclosing design: Shields you from distractions and immerses you in the game.
* 40 mm laser-tuned speaker drivers with neodymium magnets: High performance components deliver crisp highs, lows, and everything in between.
* Unidirectional, noise-canceling microphone: Focuses on your voice and reduces background noise.
* Full-speed, all-digital USB connection: Delivers clean, clear audio and lets you keep your desk speakers plugged into your sound card.

Marathon-gaming comfort.

* Three swappable, contoured headband pads: Choose the one that fits best, because one size doesn't always fit all.
* Plush ear pads: Relieves pressure points for long-lasting comfort.
* Precision headband adjustment: Slide for the perfect fit, every time.
* Spring steel-core headband: Lightweight and flexible, yet incredibly durable.

Take control.

* Three customizable G-keys: One-touch command over music, voice morphing, and more.
* On-ear audio controls: Quick access to volume, microphone mute, and surround sound adjustments.
* Real-time voice morphing: Select from six voices–Troll, Mutant, Alien, Giant, Cyborg, and Space Squirrel.
* Rotating mic boom with auto-mute: Microphone mutes automatically when rotated up and out of the way.
* Microphone mute light: Glows red when mic is muted.
* Cable management wrap: Don't need all 10 feet of cable? Wrap it up and keep it out of the way.

Manufacturer Website
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/all/devices/5095&cl=au,en#

SilverStone Raven RV01 Black ATX Tower

2009-06-16 10:49:55

The mission for SilverStone’s RAVEN team is to design products with styling and features that exceed classic originals in boldness and intention. So a brief look at the first RAVEN chassis, the RV01, one
can easily see that the mission was accomplished with spectacular results. The RV01’s stealth fighter inspired outer shell is styled aggressively but with a small hint of SilverStone’s famed reservation by the use of only matte finish. This gives RV01 an unmistakable wow factor and a look that will remain pleasing for years to come. For the interior, a revolutionary layout was utilized to take advantage of a very simple natural phenomenon – heat rise, by rotating the motherboard 90 degree for air to rise up more smoothly over graphics card area. Equipped with dual 180mm fans and a 120mm fan, the RV01’s has excellent cooling potential with its factory tuning perfectly balanced between performance and quietness. If there is a breakthrough chassis to be had for several generations of components upgrade, the RAVEN RV01 is definitely the one.

Special Features:

* Extreme enthusiasts chassis
* Revolutionary 90 degrees motherboard mounting
* Natural airflow layout with positive pressure design
* Dual 180mm silent fans included
* RADsupport included for optional liquid cooling
* Flexible drive storage options with hot-swappable SATA adapter
* Compatible with expansion card up to 12 inch
* Twin knobs locking system for top panel cover
* Removable power supply fan filter
* Top 120mm exhaust fan tuned for quietness
* Top mounted stealth front I/O ports
* Top mounted power and reset buttons
* Expansion card security clips
* Tool-free 5.25 drive bay push bottons
* Side panel intake vents
* Liquid cooling tube pass-through holes

Manufacturer Website
http://www.silverstonetek.com/raven/en/rv01.php

Logitech G19 Gaming Keyboard

2009-05-21 13:05:46

19 Keyboard for Gaming - When you're gearing up for battle, you never compromise. Not on your team, not on your weapons, and certainly not on your hardware. If you take your gameplay seriously, you want the Logitech® G19 on your side.

Control

* Tiltable, color GamePanel™ LCD: The (320x240) display shows unprecedented levels of information-both in- and out-of-game-including game stats, system information, VOIP communication data, video playback, image slideshows, and many other items.

* User-selectable backlit characters: Personalize the keyboard to better fit with the rest of your computer and gaming equipment, and easily locate keys-even in the dark.

* Twelve fully programmable G-keys with three macros per key: Program up to 36 single keypresses or complex macros; use the MR key to record new macros on-the-fly.

* Multi-key input: Use up to five keys at once to perform multiple complex actions.

* Game/desktop mode: Disable the Windows/Context Menu keys so they wonâ€™t interrupt your game if pressed accidentally.

Convenience

* Two powered Hi-Speed USB 2.0 ports: Transfer data to and from peripherals-such as MP3 players and flash drivesâ€”while also charging battery-powered devices.

* Intelligent cable management: Keep mouse, headset, and other cords out of the way by routing them through channels on the underside of the keyboard.

* Instant media access: Use the convenient one-touch controls for volume and media playback.

50% Tax refund for Student Computer Gear!

2008-10-31 13:28:57

From the Hon Wayne Swan, Federal Treasurer:

"Parents across Australia should keep their receipts for education expenses from tomorrow to make the most of the benefits available under the Rudd Government's $4.4 billion Education Tax Refund.

The Education Tax Refund will provide parents with much-needed help for education expenses, with refunds of up to:

* $375 per primary school student; and
* $750 per secondary school student.

Parents bringing up the next generation of Australians are doing perhaps the most important job in Australia.

But it can also be an expensive job, with education expenses adding to financial pressures at a time when many family budgets are already stretched by high petrol, grocery and mortgage costs after eight interest rate rises in three years.

That's why the Rudd Government is delivering the Education Tax Refund - as a part of the Government's $55 billion Working Families Support Package designed to tip the scales back in favour of working families.

It is also a central part of the Rudd Government's Education Revolution aimed at giving our kids the best possible start in life and making Australia's workforce the best educated and trained in the world.
How much can you claim?

By keeping their receipts, eligible families will be able to claim a 50 per cent refund every year for key education expenses up to:

* $750 for each child undertaking primary studies (maximum refund of $375 per child, per year); and
* $1,500 for each child undertaking secondary studies (maximum refund of $750 per child, per year).

For example, Sarah and Michael have two children, Petra, who is in secondary school and Jack, now in grade three. Through the Education Tax Refund, Sarah and Michael are able to claim 50 per cent of the cost of a $1,500 laptop computer they bought for Petra, a refund of $750.

They will also be able to claim Jack's education software and school textbooks up to the value of $750, receiving a refund of up to $375.

Where a family has educational costs in excess of the refund limit, these costs can be carried over to the next financial year.
What items are covered?

Eligible expenses for the Education Tax Refund include:

* laptops;
* home computers and associated costs;
* home internet connections;
* printers;
* education software;
* trade tools for use at school;
* school text books; and
* stationery.

Who is eligible?

Parents entitled to Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A for children in primary or secondary school for the relevant financial year are eligible for the Education Tax Refund.

Parents are also eligible if they have children in primary or secondary school who would be eligible children for FTB Part A purposes, but for the fact that the child receives certain payments or allowances, for example:

* Youth Allowance;
* Disability Support Pension; and
* ABSTUDY Living Allowance.

How do you claim the Education Tax Refund?

Parents will then be able to claim 50 per cent of these expenses through their tax return at the end of the financial year. For those who are not required to complete an income tax return, a separate form will be available from the Australian Taxation Office."

Find out if you are eligible for Family "Tax Benefit A" HERE

Townsville Computer Centre has complete systems starting at $1000, and "Box only" upgrades for around $500. Drop in and ask us today!

WE HAVE MOVED!!!

2008-10-28 09:47:42

We have moved shop to Unit 3, 158 Duckworth St, Garbutt, QLD 4814

The TCC phone number is back online! Please call us on 47250888. As mentioned last week.

GA-EP45-EXTREME

2008-10-21 14:10:57

Intel® P45 + ICH10R Chipset

1. Revolution energy saving design with DES Advanced featuring hardware based Dynamic 6-Gear switching
2. Supports 45nm Intel® Core™ 2 multi-core processors with FSB 1600 MHz
3. Deal channel DDR2 1333+ for remarkable system performance
4. Advanced power phase design with virtual 12 power phases to provides highly efficient operation for 45nm CPU
5. Embedded 2 power phases for NB chipset and 2 phases for memory power to excel at power efficiency
6. 2 PCI-E 2.0 x16 graphic interface plus PCI-E x4 with CrossFireX ™ support for ultimate graphics performance
7. Hardware Overvoltage Control IC Provides more voltage control options on CPU, North bridge and memory
8. All Copper Heat pipe/Heat sink connecting NB, SB, and MOSFET and extra Hybrid Silent-Pipe design provides 30% cooler thermal performance
9. Professed onboard Debug LED and OV-Alert LED, OC-Alert LED, TMP-Alert LED allows user to easily catch on to PC status
10. 2 Gigabit Ethernet LAN with Teaming functionality
11. Supports Dolby Home Theater® audio to create a stunning surround sound listening experience.
12. DualBIOS solution gives a multiple security to the system
13. Power/reset/Clr CMOS onboard button for easily operation on th workbench
14. Maximum CPU keep out zone for extreme CPU cooling
15. Blu-ray playback outputs supported by high quality 106dB SNR ALC889A HD audio

Hybrid Silent-Pipe
Hybrid-Silent Pipe is all-copper thermal solution design which combines Air cooling with Liquid Cooling to enable effective heat removal from the North Bridge, South Bridge and CPU area.

Hybrid-Silent Pipe combines liquid cooling and air cooling to provide up to 30% cooler operation

Asus EeePC 1000HD

2008-08-11 18:06:51

Conceived to meet the needs of users who covet the inimitable portability of the ASUS Eee PC™ series, the new Eee PC™ 1000HD delivers a generous storage capacity in the form of 80GB SATA hard disk drives*. The use of a SATA drive provides fast data transfers, and enables users to carry more data along with them than previously possible – making the Eee PC™ 1000HD a convenient computing tool for everyone.

More-than-ample Viewing Area with 10 inch Display
• 10" screen size for more viewing space – making it more comfortable on eyes when in use
• 1024 x 600 resolution allows you to view a single A4 page without the need to scroll left or right for easier reading and editing of documents

Up to 5 hours** of Battery Life
• ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine for longer battery lifespan of up to 5** hours
• Super Hybrid Engine offers a choice of performance and power consumption modes for easy adjustments according to various needs

Large Internal Hard Disk Storage
• Available in 80GB SATA hard disk configurations for the most storage space available in the Eee PC™ line
• Choice of either Windows or GNU Linux OS* for convenient computing and an easy, excellent and exciting user experience

High Speed Connectivity Anywhere with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Easily functions in any connected environment with fast and complete connectivity (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g)
• Full range of applications to enhance communication and computing experiences
• Eee Connect for an easy way to connect two or more users through a remote desktop feature for easy troubleshooting.

Wacom Bamboo

2008-08-08 12:44:03

Design
The first thing you'll spot when you flip open the Wacom Bamboo's box isn't the tablet within -- it's a flap of paper introducing you to the Bamboo, and asking you to "Use it to get more out of your computer" in many languages. Wacom's solidly stepping out of the designer workspace -- its traditional user market for writing/drawing tablets -- and into the consumer space with the Bamboo, and it's doing so with more than a small amount of chutzpah; the official site for the Bamboo claims that it's "reinventing the pen for the 21st century".

The Bamboo tablet is quite small by tablet standards -- 200 x 186 x 10.7 mm -- and weighs only 370 grams, making it easy enough to carry around. Wacom sell an optional Bamboo carrying case if you're a really mobile scribbler, but we can't imagine the size of the tablet being a particular inhibitor to its portability anyway; it'd fit into just about any bag.

Aside from the Bamboo tablet, you'll also find a driver CD (for Windows and Mac users), as well as a Windows-only application CD, a small stand for the stylus and a standard USB cable for connection and power.

Features
While the Bamboo tablet is quite small, it's relatively packed with features. The drawing area is clearly marked and not that large, but the top of the tablet houses four customisable program keys, surrounding a very iPod-like virtual scroll wheel, or as Wacom put it, a "Touch Ring". The exact operation of the touch ring varies depending on the application in use at the time, but most applications use it either for zooming in and out, or scrolling in the style of a wheel mouse.

While the Bamboo does work under Mac OS X, it's designed with Windows Vista in mind; the application suite provided is Windows-only, and there's a series of navigation and shortcut commands available under Vista, including the ability to use Flip3D simply by clicking on the FN2 key on the Bamboo tablet.

Performance
One of the first things you'll find odd about the Bamboo is that it detects the pen well before it touches the tablet itself -- the included tutorial suggests it's around 3mm from the surface of the tablet. As such, you can use it for mousing by waggling it around like a magic wand. Whether or not you choose to shout "Aparecium", Harry Potter-style, is entirely up to you.

Given the Bamboo's stated purpose is to enable pen-based computing, we assessed it on two fronts. Firstly, there's undoubtedly a market of people who will buy a tablet so that they can doodle -- whether they're aspiring illustrators or just graffiti aficionados. The Bamboo worked quite well for our admittedly amateur doodles, and was a great hit with a younger crowd who couldn't easily manage a mouse for drawing. Our one concern with using it as a strict drawing tablet is that the scribing area is quite small, which can make accurate lengthy pen strokes a little tricky.

Then there's the navigation aspect; the idea that the Bamboo will replace your normal computing tasks that would otherwise fall to mousing and keyboard shortcuts. It took us some time to get used to the fact that the Bamboo's tiny input area represents the entire display screen in an absolute sense. As such, you don't have to scroll to a given area -- you can just lift and point, and the cursor will appear there. The navigation buttons -- both on the Bamboo and the pen itself -- do add functionality to the user experience, and we can solidly see it being a boon for those with mobility issues who may not be able to use a mouse or keyboard. The touch ring is nicely responsive, but it's ultimately not that different to using the same kind of navigation aids built into the touchpads of many laptop PCs. Learning to effectively use the Bamboo takes quite a bit of time, and it's time that you'll be well aware could be spent navigating just as quickly in the regular mouse way. The 3mm reception gap also makes some small selection jobs quite tricky.