What Is New

September 26, 2001

Back By Popular Demand: YY Mini-Towers
With Intel's release of new Pentium 4 motherboards designed in microATX form factor, we've had an increase in requests for the YY Mini-Towers we sold last year.

We are now offering two YY Mini-Tower Cases: YY-3401 and YY-3404.

Features:

2 - 5.25" exposed bays
1 - 3.5" floppy drive bay
1 - 3.5" internal drive bay (1" height)
Snap-on/off front bezel, wire free
U-shaped cover
Option: 300W ATX/ATX12V standard sized power supply

YY-3404 has mounting holes required by some Pentium 4 processor based motherboards.

New Intel Motherboard Requirements
Intel's new motherboards supporting the Pentium 4 processor, socket 478-pin have different requirements from its socket 423-pin motherboard, D850GB(C/CAL) motherboard.

Requirements for BOXD850MD, BOXD850MDL, BOXD850MV, BOXD850MVL, BOXD845HV, BOXD845HVL, BOXD845WN, BOXD845WNL:

1. These motherboards DO NOT not require a modified chassis (e.g., with additional mounting holes).

2. ATX12V power supply with 12V processor current via a 2x2 pin connector. [Some system builders may choose to use SFX12V power supplies.]

3. Chassis with sufficient ventilation. [Exhaust chassis fan suggested, as well as front fan for cross ventilation.]

Requirements for D850GBC or D850GBCAL:

1. Modified chassis to include 4 mounting posts for processor retention mechanism

2. ATX12V power supply

3. Chassis with sufficient ventilation

Intel highly recommends that you use a power supply with 1.5 to 2.0 A on the +5Vsb line.

Allocation of Intel 845 chipset boards
The following Intel 845 chipset motherboards are allocated until October 1st. After the first, availability will open up and ESC will offer these products as part of our standard product line.

KD845WNPAK10
KD845WNLPAK10
KD845HVPAK10
KD845HVLPAK10
BOXD845WNL
BOXD845WN
BOXD845HVL
BOXD845HV

September 25, 2001

Intel Xeon reaches 2 GHz
Intel's Press Release for the Intel Xeon.

September 24, 2001

New Kingston RDRAM Prices
ESC has new prices on some of Kingston's RDRAM memory. For instance, 64MB non-ECC, PC800 Rambus modules are now $27.00 each. New prices also on 256MB and 512MB modules.

Remember, add RDRAM two modules at a time.

Lekima
After Typhoon Nari, Lekima brings more rain to still recovering Taiwan.

Upcoming webvan Auction
Webvan's upcoming public auction may be useful for companies trying to rebuild in New York City. Webvan's auctions start Tuesday, October 9th. Not only are they auctioning standard office supplies, but thousands of PCs, notebooks, monitors, printers, copiers, fax machines, Cisco and Suns servers, hubs, routers, Nortel phone system, servalliance system, and more.

Visit webvansalse.com for details about the auction.

(Note: ESC is not involved with Great American Group or any part of Webvan. We just thought the items might be useful to those in need. Too bad US Bankruptcy court doesn't just require the equipment to be donated.)

New Cooler Master Cases
Take a look at Cooler Master's new ATC-110 and ATC-210 cases. These new models are now available at ESC. Both are made from aluminum, which acts as a heatsink and disperses heat.

ATC-110 Aluminum Midtower: $336.00

4 - 5.25" exposed bays
2 - 3.5" exposed bays
5 - 3.5" internal bays
Featuring aluminum door, which covers top 5.25" bays.

ATC-210 Aluminum Midtower$300.00

4 - 5.25" exposed bays
2 - 3.5" exposed bays
4 - 3.5" internal bays
Featuring color-tinted acrylic door, which covers full front of case.

ASUS T9 Comes With MP3 Player
The ASUS T9 Notebook PC models that ESC offers come with a MP3 Player. Apparently, some other companies are selling the MP3 player as a separate item. The models ESC has listed include the 64MB, removable MP3 player / voice recorder.

MP3 DJ Box:
- Detachable module box for MP3 play, voice record, and data storage
- Built-in Flash 64MB w/ Download/Upload through USB
- 6hr playback and 4.5hr recording with slim Li-Ion battery
- Audio DJ supported to play for 15hrs of MP3 music with power off
- Built-in microphone to support recording

September 23, 2001

Priority To Companies Rebuilding
Priority is given to orders for recovery efforts and companies rebuilding after damage from Sepetember 11th.

We offer our standard services of custom desktops, workstations, small servers, notebooks, and individual components. We are also extending to our ability to have computer components we do not usually offer for sale to be drop shipped to your business location (items such as printers, plotters, toner, pocket organizers, cables, etc.). If you don't see an item listed that you need, just ask and we'll do our best to find it for you. If we cannot fulfill your request, we may know of another company who may be able to assist.

Please call us to make arrangements. We recognize that communication with companies re-estabilishing at new locations is limited, so if you know of a company in need, please pass along that we will do what we can to assist in rebuilding.

Special delivery arrangements may need to be made for zip codes: 10048, 10080, 10280, 10281, 10282, 10283, 10284, 10285. UPS is offering pickup and delivery service to all other areas of New York City.

Step 1: Make a list of the manufacturer, product name / model number, and description. You will also need to provide delivery address information and billing information. Leasing may be available as an option. Step 2: Call ESC representatives at (800) 427-3726.

ESC will ask you for the product information, and can email, FAX, or return your call with prices on special order / special arrangement items.

September 19, 2001

AOpen OpenBook 1735 Notebook
AOpen entered the performance notebook market with their new OpenBook 1735. It will compete with ASUS's new line of notebooks arriving this fall.

Check out the specs for the AOpen OpenBoox 1735.

ESC is considering offering this new product. Email us at presales@esc-tech.com if you're interested in having us add this new product.

September 18, 2001

Feature Comparison of ASUS Notebook PCs
Our product comparison charts are heavily visited by shoppers. Here is a new one comparing features of ASUS Notebook PCs.

See ASUS Notebook product comparison chart now.

September 17, 2001

It's Okay, you can come out now
Gracie: All clear guys. You can come out from under the beds.
Albert: Just checking to see if anyone dropped food under here.
AJ: I was just comforting the old guy.
Gracie: Uh huh. Sure guys. It's okay. We were all nervous but it's safe. You can come out and play now.

We hope everyone was safe and healthy this weekend.

Emergency Efforts
We are extending special ordering of items required by those people and organizations aiding in emergency efforts in New York and Washington DC. Please call to make arrangements. We can have product drop shipped to you from East Coast warehouses for prompt delivery. These orders will be given priority over standard orders.

September 14, 2001

New ASUS Products To Be Released in October
ASUS has a set of new products ready for release in the United States around the first couple weeks of October. Yes, that is 2 to 3 weeks away.

ASUS A7V266 motherboard without audio, expected street price $155.00. This motherboard supports an AMD Duron or Athlon processor, operating at 200 MHz or 266 MHz FSB and DDR SDRAM.

ASUS P4B motherboard with audio, expected street price $165.00. This motherboard uses the i845 chipset, SDRAM memory, and Intel Socket 478-pin Pentium 4 processor. Board to be available next week.

ASUS B1 and B2 notebooks are expected a little later than these new motherboards. We do not have pricing on these new products yet.

Day of Rememberance
ESC Technologies joins those in remembering the many people whose lives have been touched by the events of September 11, 2001. Our thoughts and condolences are with our family, friends, and colleagues grieving over the loss of loved ones.

September 13, 2001

Delivery Schedules: UPS Update
From UPS.com

UPS AIR OPERATIONS RESUME TONIGHT
Most Delayed Packages to be Delivered by Friday

UPS said today it expected to run a "full up" air operation within the United States Thursday night and as a result, would deliver almost all of its backlog of Next Day Air� express packages by Friday morning. All other air packages will be delivered by early next week.

"UPS's integrated air and ground network allows us to clear our system of any backlog rapidly and to provide our customers the best service possible in these trying times," said UPS Chairman and CEO Jim Kelly. "We've kept most of the air packages moving via our ground network the last two days so we have a good headstart. We'll get most of our delayed express volume delivered Friday morning."

UPS's announcement followed the issuance of an order Thursday morning by Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta reopening the national air system. The company said it already had come into compliance with new security guidelines issued by the federal government.

"In addition, we have been assured by the various U.S. airports we use that they will be up and running tonight after complying with the FAA's directives," said Kelly. "So we're preparing for full operation. We're also hopeful the FAA will clear the way for international flights soon."

Ever since Tuesday's tragic terrorism attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., UPS's ground network has operated in a near normal fashion even as it expanded to handle many of the express packages that typically would move by air.

Deliveries and pickups occurred on schedule, with the exception of portions of Manhattan and Washington, and ground and air packages kept moving through the integrated transportation network. Outside the United States, the company is operating close to normal within the various regions of the world.

UPS plans to reinstate its money-back guarantees once operations return to normal.

Wednesday night, UPS was allowed to move 11 jet freighters in preparation for a full-scale reopening of its air system. Another 25-to-30 jets will be moved this afternoon.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with those people who were impacted by the tragic events in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania," Kelly concluded. "At the same time, we have been extremely proud of our employees' efforts during these trying times in keeping the flow of commerce and critical supplies moving."

On disaster relief efforts, Kelly said UPS already is working with federal and national relief organizations as well as community leaders to coordinate the movement of supplies. Individuals interested in assisting should contact those organizations, such as the American Red Cross and United Way of America.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, UPS is the world's largest express carrier and largest package delivery company, serving more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

American Express Delays
American Express is getting back on schedule with processing as quickly as possible. If you are purchasing from ESC with an American Express card, your order will be processed as soon as we can confirm your billing / delivery information with AMEX.

For information about other companies involved in the evacuations in the World Trade Center area, visit cnn.com.

September 12, 2001

Delivery Service Operations
Common carriers express their sadness over yesterday's tragedies. They also are issuing statements about how their service has been and may continue to be delayed temporarily. If you have questions about a package, please be patient while system operations are adjusting. Air service has been suspended temporarily. Many common carriers are moving packages by truck today, however, packages did not move yesterday.

Delivery circumstances beyond our control may lead to delays in processing and receiving your orders. Order fullfillment of supporting emergency response teams, insurance providers, government offices, military and other organizations directly affected by the crisis will be given priority.

UPS Statement On Terrorism

"The UPS air operation was closed overnight. The company is prepared to resume operations once the nation's air traffic control system is reactivated and its airplanes allowed to fly." --ups.com

Federal Express Statement

"All FedEx companies are operating as normally as possible given the circumstances. Due to the shutdown of the United States air traffic system, FedEx Express has been most affected. Our goal is to keep our customers� shipments moving and have secured additional trucking capacity as part of the all-trucking contingency plans for FedEx Express. It is likely that many FedEx Express shipments will be delayed a minimum of 24 to 48 hours, and the FedEx Express Money Back Guarantee will remain suspended until normal operations resume. " fedex.com

Mail Is Still Moving: Nation's Postal Employees Are Delivering

"Mail continues to flow to its destinations and POST OFFICES throughout the country ARE OPEN to serve customers. The only exceptions are the portions of New York City most severely impacted by yesterday�s events."

"Since nationwide air transportation was suspended by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an expanded ground transportation network is moving mail. Once the FAA allows commercial flights to resume and carry mail, the Postal Service will use all existing means to keep the mail moving to the American people and businesses." -- US Postal Service

Airborne Express Continues Operations Under Emergency Conditions

"Airborne Express will continue operations, including pickups and deliveries, in areas where the crisis has not precluded such activity. However, the current FAA shutdown of the national air network precludes the operation of Airborne's fleet of aircraft within the United States until further notice. We are in continuing contact with the FAA as to the status of our flight operations for today's pickups. "

"Due to the extraordinary nature of today's developments, Airborne Express cannot assure service commitments until further notice. We will continue to provide our best efforts to get customers' packages delivered within our available means." -- Airborne.com

September 10, 2001

Creative Labs Audigy MP3+ Arrived
Last week we said "soon" and it finally arrived! We received a limited supply of the new Creative Labs Audigy MP3+ sound cards.

September 7, 2001

Creative Labs Audigy Products???
Yes, Creative Labs has new sound card products called the Audigy series. These products are "past due" at distributors, and are expected in yet this month. The Live! products are still backordered.

Intel Pentium 4 Motherboards 478-pin Now Available
ESC is now offering Intel brand Pentium 4 motherboards supporting 478-pin Pentium 4 processor.

Product descriptions and prices will be available online later today. Yes, you'll even be able to order the new Pentium 4 processor 2 GHz speed.

September 6, 2001

ASUS P4T Shipment Expected
The next shipment of ASUS P4T motherboards is expected to arrive on Monday. With the last Intel Pentium 4 processor product change and August vacations at manufacturing facilities, demand increased and product supply decreased.

The new P4B motherboard, supporting socket 478-pin Pentium 4 processors, is expected to be available shortly too. We will have costs once the product is available.

Visit ASUS's online showroom for Pentium 4 processor based motherboards now.

For those of you trying to figure out how to upgrade your older Celeron or Pentium III processor based system, check out the P4B motherboard. It uses PC100 or PC133 SDRAM memory, so you can keep your memory! Plus, the board has a power supply adapter for ATX12V support, so you can keep using your existing power supply too!

P4B Features:

Supports Intel Pentium 4 socket 478 processors
Intel Pentium 4 SDRAM chipset and ICH2 chipset
3 DIMMS slots for up to 3GB of PC100/PC133 SDRAM support
AC'97 audio
SPDIF out interface
6 PCI slots
1 CNR slot
1 AGP 4X slot
ATA-100/66/33 support
4 USB ports

T9 Series Notebooks Now Shipping
Later today, you will be able to order your new ASUS T94 notebook at escstore.com.

We will offer 3 parts initially:

T94 with Pentium III 1 GHz processor, CD-RW, 256MB of memory, 30GB hard drive, MP3 player, and Windows ME

T94 with Pentium III 1 GHz processor, DVD player, 256MB of memory, 30GB hard drive, MP3 player, and Windows ME

T94 with Pentium III 900 GHz processor, CD-Rom, 256MB of memory, 30GB hard drive, MP3 player, and Windows ME

The T9 series notebooks are Bluetooth ready.

September 5, 2001

YY-A101 Pentium 4 Processor Support
YY is expecting to release a power supply with Pentium 4 processor support for the YY-A101 in October or November. We will have more information once the product is available.

July 20, 2001

• Playing Ball With The Right Parts
  Yes, AJ, a small watermellon can be tossed once or twice. However, it doesn't make a good baskeball or volleyball.
  
  To stretch the analogy, when you're shopping for computer components make sure you're buying product that was meant for your use.
  
  If you are setting up a system at home for a webcam, digital cameras, and some video conferencing and you already own your camera equipment, make sure you know which operating system your cameras require. If you're considering switching OS, make sure you have the proper drivers. Some digital cameras only work with Windows 98SE and Windows ME, and may not have drivers for Windows 2000.
  
  On the road and need to send your photos back to the office? Perhaps you're a realtor, appraiser, or insurance agent out on a call. Take pictures with your digital camera. Download, edit, and send them from your notebook computer back to the office. Then, you're ready to move down the road to the next location.
  
  What computer components can you use? ASUS M1300 notebook has a USB connector for your USB camera and an IR sensor for your PocketPC. It can come with Windows 2000 or Windows ME operating system. Check these notebooks out this weekend.
• AJ and the Watermellons
  Last summer, AJ being the young, inquisitive pup that he was, picked green and ripe tomatoes fresh off the vine. For the most part, AJ has left the tomato plants alone this summer. Instead, AJ is picking watermellons.
  
  Yes, AJ is picking them off the vines, carrying them over to whomever happens to walk by and he proudly drops one at their feet. Then, he does a quick play bow before dashing across the yard in his "toss it to me" prance. AJ wants to play ball.
  
  At first, one of kids thought AJ was being cute and tossed the watermellon to him. Hey, it was green, hard, and at just 4" in diameter it was easy to toss like a ball. Now, AJ thinks everyone should toss watermellons for him.
  
  The same 7 year old who tossed the watermellon for AJ said, "the cure to stopping him from picking them is to build a big wooden fence around each plant."
  
  Good idea. It's too late for this summer's garden. Please don't show him the zucchini and the summer squash.

July 5, 2001

• Self-Aiming Camera
  A researcher at the University of Illinois has demonstrated a self-aiming camera technology modeled on the brain. The system simulates a section of the human brain with an artificial neural network to point a camera automatically at objects of interest.

AJ: Gracie, I want one. Write me a grant. I'm hyperactive at school. The camera can attend to relevant stimuli for me. Then, I won't miss the important stuff and can just be myself! What do you think Gracie, eh, whatdoyathink, huh, huh, huh?
Gracie: Keep the thought. Maybe all of us could use one at times, AJ.
Albert: Let's watch this one. Could have potential.
AJ: Does UI stand for unlimited intelligence, like me?
Gracie: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. You better focus more if you want to go there.

• Memorable Personnel Assessments
  "The psychologist told me I was OK technically, but that I'd never manage anything," said Gordon Moore.
  
  Three years later, in 1957, he co-founded Fairchild Semiconductor Corp, and 11 years after that he and Robert Noyce (a colleague from Fairchild) founded intel Corp. Moore served as president, CEO, chairman and chairman emeritus of Intel, which estimated 2nd quarter revenue of $6.2-6.8 billion.
  
  This is the same Gordon Moore who invented Moore's Law, thinks biotech is interesting, and who ran out of unaccomplished goals. (read more about GM in Mannion, P. (June 4, 2001). The world according to Gordon, EE Times, 1169, 1, 20, 22.)
• Customers' Choices
  Top Sellers:
  Barebones systems
  Intel Pentium 4 processor 1.7GHz Boxed
  Everything AMD
  Aluminum Midtower Cases with"Wow!"
  Moving Up: ASUS notebooks

July 4, 2001

• Pager Warns Hearing Impaired of Storms
  Hard of hearing? Someone in your family deaf?
  A pager system that relays storm warnings from the National Weather Service has been set up for Oklahoma's largest concentration of deaf residents, officials announced Monday. A pager system is already in place to alert government officials.
• ESC Technologies Holiday Schedule
  Take a pause today to celebrate, enjoy home made ice cream, and picnic with family. Silicon Valley parking lots emptied before yesterday.
  ESC Technologies will remain open online 24/7, including today, July 4. We will resume answering telephones on Thursday, July 5, during regular business telephone hours starting at 9AM.

July 3, 2001

• Gotta Dig it
  AJ: (Digging to the tune of 'When You're happy') Dig Dig Dig Dig ... You should show it. When You're happy ... you should dig.
  Albert: Ooooo.. When you're happy you should
  Gracie: BOYS ! Stop. You'll get us in trouble.
  AJ (with dirty face) Huh? But it's fun. Can't get in trouble for having fun.
  Gracie: There are limits boys.
  AJ: Well (clearing throat, mud dripping off chin) I use Moore's Law for determining the amount of fun. For every 18 hours that I'm awake, I get to have fun.
  Albert: Back to digging AJ !
  AJ: When you're happy and you know it
  Albert: DIG.
  Gracie: I'll just curl up here with my new laptop. Nudge.
  Webmaster's note: Sorry, had to get something in about computers here.
  Albert: (giving subliminal message) Buy ... buy ... buy... Hmmm.. maybe that isn't so subliminal.
  AJ: Sounded Sub-lim-in-la-esc-pcs to me.
• UPS Holiday Shipping
  UPS will make regular pick ups and deliveries today, Tuesday, July 3. UPS will not make any pick ups or deliveries on Wednesday July 4. Packages shipped by UPS will not move on Wednesday, July 4. UPS will resume its normal pick up and delivery schedule on Thursday, July 5.
  
  So, AJ, that means your new notebook will either arrive today or Thursday.
• Temporary Phone Service
  Our telephone service will be disrupted this afternoon for a little while. We hope to have everything back up and running later today, or at least when we return on Thursday. If you have questions, just send us an email note at:

Website questions: webmaster@esc-tech.com

Sales questions: presales@esc-tech.com

Technical questions: techsupport@esc-tech.com

Go ahead and place your orders online. We will confirm with an email message.

July 2, 2001

• Willa Cather
  Read about American writer Willa Cather. She found her characteristic themes-the spirit and courage of the frontier she had known in her youth in a place where she did not want to live. One of Ours (1922, Pulitzer Prize) and A Lost Lady (1923) mourned the passing of the pioneer spirit.
• Intel Pentium 4 2GHz
  Intel Corp. introduced its two fastest chips, running at 1.6 billion and 1.8 billion cycles per second, and said that the company would offer a 2 gigahertz chip later this quarter. Watch for them in the general PC channel later. Intel intends Pentium 4 chips for business users that run the latest data-intensive software programs and for consumer PC users who run demanding digital video and audio and three-dimensional graphics used in advanced video games.
• CI-6606 Super Mid-Tower Case, Plain and Simple
  Now's a good time to change PC cases.
  
  If you're building an Intel Pentium 4 processor based system, then the CI-6606 has ATX12V connectors on the power supply and mounting holes for processor retention too.
  
  Your new AMD Athlon 1400 MHz processor requires a special power supply, such as HEC's HEC-350LD 350W ATX power supply in the CI-6606 case.
  
  For either system, CI-6606 Super Mid-Tower has the space you need for your drives and the right power supply. Perhaps you want yours tomorrow?
• Mapping Software for RVers
  For your traveling convenience, try these with your new ASUS notebook.
  
  DeLorme has released two new mapping software titles for active RVers.
  
  Topo USA 3.0 will show you the lay of the land, whether you're headed outside to go just walking in the woods, hiking, biking, hunting, or fishing. Also, compatible with GPS receivers for use in the field.
  
  AAA Map'n'Go 7.0 is tailored for any travel planning anywhere in North America.
  
  You can purchase directly at www.delorme.com or from DeLorme customer service at (800) 452-5931.

May 8, 2001

• Can the Web Remain Free?
  Do you think the Web can remain free?
  
  "No. No, I don't think so. Not if it's to achieve or realize its ultimate destiny as the global interactive marketplace that it can be," said AOL's Time-Warner's Richard Parsons, Co-Chief Operating Officer.
  
• Rolling Blackouts Continue in California
  According to our electricity provider, we may loose power in a rolling blackout today. Power is expected to be out for 1 hour. Our websites should stay available for your use. It will be our warehouse and office facilities that will be effected.
  
  Last time we took our turn, we lost telephone service at a different time because our telephone company is on a different power grid.
  
  We apologize for any inconvenience. Drop us a note or give us a call if you have any questions.
  
• Boxed Pentium 4 processor 1.7 GHz No RDRAM bundled
  Intel bundles 2 pieces of 64MB RDRAM or 128MB RDRAM with Boxed Pentium 4 processors. Most motherboards have 4 slots, and you have to add RDRAM in pairs. If you want to add more than 256MB to your Pentium 4 processor based system, what do you do?
  
  But the processor only! Intel part number BX80528JK170G is the Pentium 4 processor 1.7GHz (Boxed).
  
  Last week Intel released a Boxed Pentium 4 processor 1.7GHz without memory -- just like their Boxed processors usually are.
  
  Behind the scenes, though, it took a while to confirm that these processors were actually part of the Intel Product Dealer program or if they were just tray processors. The part numbers in the system said BX80528JK170G. However, a rumor spread that the warehouse said it was just a tray processor. Apparently, a couple of the sales people at Intel distribution warehouses were confused. We accepted their confusion, ordered anyway, and are happy to report that the processors are indeed Boxed processors and not just tray. We received our shipment this morning.
  
  Why does this rumor matter to you? As consumers, we realize that the same or similar products are frequently packaged and marked in multiple ways. Intel's Boxed versus tray is just one of the subtle marketing differences you have to face. We recognize that it takes a little time to sort out differences between products, so if you have questions, ask us! We'd be glad to help you. Just click on the "Ask for assistance" or "Talk to ESC" buttons at the top of the page.
  
• Cooler Master ATC101 Available
  Cooler Master's ATC101 mid-tower case is now available for purchase online at www.escdirect.com.

May 7, 2001

• Lower Iiyama LCD monitor prices
  We lowered your costs on Iiyama LCD monitors from now till the end of May.
  
  IIyama is offering us a $20 to $50 rebate on select monitors for May. In turn, we're passing the savings on to you. Order online. Iiyama monitors ship from mutiple locations across the US. Delivery cost on our online system may be adjusted to offer you even greater savings.
  
• Iiyama Monitor Inventory Update
  Here is an update on Iiyama Monitor availability:

15" CRT

S500M1: Discontinued

17" CRT

S700J1: Available
I70A: Available
A702HT: Available
MF701U: Available

19" CRT

S900MT1: Available
A902MT: Available
I90A: Discontinued
I91A: Available
MF901U: Available

21" CRT

S104MT: ETA 2nd week of MAY
MS101D: Available

22" CRT

A201HT: Available
I20A: Limited inventory

15.0 LCD

TXA3813MT: Available
AX3815U:SPECIAL ORDER
TXA3823MT: Available
TXA3834MT: Available
TXA3841J: Special Order
TXA3842J: Special Order
TXA3851J: Special Order

15.4 LCD

AS3921U: Not available

15.7 LCD

AS4021U: Not available

17.0 LCD

AS4311U: Not available

17.4 LCD

AS4431D: Available

18.1 LCD

TSA4634JT: Available
AS4635U: Available

May 6, 2001

• ESCStore.com has moved
  Yes, ESCStore.com has joined ESCDirect.com on the new shopping site. If you had any pages bookmarked, please update them now.

May 4, 2001

• Sound cards added to ESCDirect.com
  Creative Labs Sound cards are now available for purchase on ESCDirect.com.
• Missing products
  If you see products that ESC usually carries and isn't on ESCDirect.com, let us know. webmaster@esc-tech.com.
  
  We're adding products as quickly as possible. Coming this weekend are products by Iiyama, AOC, Sony, Samsung and more.
• AMD Athlon 1333 MHz processors still backordered
  AMD Athlon 1333 MHz processors operating at 266 MHz FSB are still backordered. Yes, the price decreased on Monday, and our orders were placed on backorder. Production is at demand level, so a couple of days delay is expected. However, now it looks as if we need to add even a few days to our projections.
• Epox EP-8K7A Motherboard is Available
  Looking for the new Epox EP-8K7A? We have some in stock. Order online or by telephone. Supplies are limited.

May 3, 2001

• Earth to DirectPC Satellite, Earth to ....
  EarthLink (ELNK: news, msgs, alerts) began offering high-speed Net access service via DirectPC's satellite service to east coast users Tuesday. The company said will have the service available nationally by the end of the month.
• Ball Trees
  Have you ever heard of a Ball Tree? A.J. has. He thinks we planted them last spring, just for him. If you ask him, he thinks they're great for a puppy. The tree starts out small, then grows tall -- just like him.
  
  The balls you ask, what are they? Yes, they start out green, then turn bright red.
  
  What does A.J. like most about these little red balls? Their aerodynamics. He gently nips one off the tree, then tosses it in the air. Sometimes he catches it in his mouth. Other times, he whips his head around with his mouth open till the ball flies away and the search for it begins.
  
  Almost all summer long, A.J. will be playing with balls from his ball tree. He doesn't understand why people tell him "no" when he picks these wonderful balls. Afterall, his people pick them and eat them. Someone threatened a scarecrow, but he didn't know what that meant -- it sounded bad enough that his ears started to droop.
  
  The names are "Early Girl", "Better Boy", "Celebrity" -- with names like this how could a dog not play with them?
  
  This year the ball trees have a small fence around them. A.J. knows he can step over the fence and he even chases the tortoise away when she gets near it. Will A.J. be able to stay away from the ball trees this year? We'll have to wait and see.
  
  Have you planted your tomatoes yet? If you haven't check with your local garden shop to see when the conditions are right for your garden. Don't have a little plot of land for your own vegetable garden? Try container gardening!

May 2, 2001

• Linux Updates
  You may want to follow the progress of Linux on www.linuxtests.org. Interesting team approach to reviewing Linux related developments and products.
• Siemens Expects Spending Increases in US
  Siemens announced a strategy Tuesday to boost its North American computer services and consulting business as part of a broader initiative to help secure a larger presence on U.S. soil. They expect steady increases in spending by larger clients over the next two to three years.
• Citigroup-Microsoft Net Payment Service
  Citigroup on Tuesday joined forces with Microsoft to extend its Net payment service to a larger audience.
• Online Sales Grow
  Online retail sales are expected to reach $65 billion in North America this year. That's a lot of money to real people, AJ says.
• Clippy's Demise
  Clippy, the Microsoft helper, is out of a job. Is this little character moving on to bigger and better things? Or is it Clippy's demise?
  
  See Clippy's future at a Microsoft Office XP launch event in your area. Plus pick up a $100 US Office XP rebate coupon, a preview copy of Microsoft Windows XP, and other free software.
  
  Microsoft Office XP, retail versions, will be available after May 31st. If you're ordering a computer system, we can install the new Office XP OEM version.
• Extra Motherboards In Inventory
  We have the extra inventory on the following motherboards:

EPoX EP-8KTA3 motherboard

ASUS CUSL2 motherboard

We have extra inventory on the following video cards:

Matrox Millinneum G450 32MB, AGP, white box (Would need to call to order this item, since we have not added video cards to the ESCDirect.com website yet.)

May 1, 2001

• Pentium 4 Processor Availability Update
  Pentium 4 processors 1.7GHz (part numbers ending in G, GR, and GR2) are backordered, at this time.
  Pentium 4 processors 1.5 GHz packaged with 2 pieces of 128MB RDRAM are backordered, at this time.
  
  Once you place an order with us for the 1.7 GHz GR or the 1.5GHz GR2, there will be a delay of a few days before our backorder is shipped to us.
• Wall Mount and Touch Screen Monitors
  Iiyama's Wall Mount and Touch Screen Monitors have increased in availability. There is a light leadtime for the product, however, it is no longer 2 months! Call to place a special order.
• Micron Completes Purchase of KMT
  MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC., COMPLETES THE PURCHASE OF KMT SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITED
  
  Boise, Idaho, May 1, 2001 -- Micron Technology, Inc., announced today that it has completed the purchase of all of Kobe Steel, Ltd.'s equity interest in KMT Semiconductor Limited together with the land where the KMT facility is located, for $25 million (3 billion yen). As a result of this transaction, KMT is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Micron.
  Continue Reading Press Release
• Micron Electronics Agrees to Sell PC Business to G
  Micron Electronics Agrees to Sell PC Business to Gores Technology Group
  Paves Way for Faster Path to Profitability for Growing Web Hosting Business
  
  Nampa, Idaho, May 1, 2001--Micron Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MUEI), today announced that Gores Technology Group will acquire the assets and liabilities of its PC business, in a transaction that may provide upside potential in the event of future sale of the business by Gores, and saves Micron Electronics' shareholders further losses on its PC business.
  Continue Reading Press Release
• More products added to ESCDirect.com
  We've added more products for purchase to ESCDirect.com. CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, CD-RW, Floppy, Zip, hard drives and more.

April 6, 2001

• Installing USB Devices
  Installing USB devices is as easy as plugging them in. Right?
  
  Yes and no.
  
  USB devices are convenient ways to add scanners, digital cameras, PC cameras, graphics tablets, and other devices that you may plug in and unplug to your system.
  
  Before you purchase a device, check to make sure there are drivers for your operating system. For instance, most Web Cameras may be used with Windows 98 and Windows ME. Xirlink/ IBM's Net Camera works with Windows 98, 98SE, ME, or 2000 while the Intel Pocket PC Camera works with Windows 98, 98SE, or ME.
  
  Follow installation instructions. Yes, we actually mean read the installation guide or user's manual.
  
  Many USB devices require a particular order of installtion. For example, 3COM Home Connect camera requires you to install drivers and software, rebooting, then plugging in the device. Other devices, such as Microsoft Intellimouse USB you can plug in and Windows operating system will detect and install the drivers for you.
  
  If you're fussing around with your USB device and your computer just doesn't seem to be recognizing it no matter what you do, go back to the basics. Go into the device manager and see if you have conflicts and that all the devices that are installed (motherboard chipsets included) are recognized.
  
• Preschoolers Bike For Hospital
  PRESCHOOLERS PEDAL FOR CHARITY
  
  Tricycles aren't normally used for long-distance travel, but many of the preschoolers at Juniata College's Early Childhood Education Center will test the mettle of their pedaling in a trike-a-thon to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital April 4-6 on the campus of Juniata College.
  
  The children will be riding their tricycles at the outdoor basketball court between Ellis College Center and the football stadium parking lot from 3 to 3:30 p.m. April 4 and 5, and from 11 to 11:30 a.m. April 6.
  
  The children will ride through a course set up with traffic cones and all riders will wear safety helmets. In case of rain or other inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled.
  
  All donations received during the trike-a-thon will go to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital. The hospital was founded in 1962 in Memphis, Tenn., as a hospital specializing in treatment of catastrophic diseases affecting children.

April 5, 2001

• Duron 900 MHz
  Watch for availability on the AMD Duron 900 MHz tray processor. The PIB version is limited in availability. The tray processor is backordered, at this time.

D900BOX $134.96
D900AUT1B $109.89

• Athlon 266 MHz FSB PIB
  AMD Athlon processors operating at 266 MHz Front Side Bus are now available in the Processor In a Box (PIB) package.

A1000BOX266 $199.02
A1133BOX266 $249.82 - Backordered
A1200BOX266 $253.31
A1333BOX266 $301.21 - Backordered

PIB products ship with a processor fan (3-pin connect) and AMD honors a 3-year limited warranty.

• DIY Small Business Servers
  Is your small business upgrading or replacing your mail, print, or web server? What hardware do Do-It-Yourselfers choose?
  
  Intel suggests you use Pentium III Xeon multi-processor based system. You know you'd like to use these also, but this year's budget doesn't allow for such a large expense. You want high-performance now. You will upgrade when the next speed demon comes along.
  
  Find out what your software requires for minimum performance and for optimum performance. This will help you set your price range.
  
  Frequently, high-processor speed, single processor systems are used by small businesses for internal servers. Clients tell us that they choose an AMD Athlon processor 1 GHz or faster because they are able to build a performance system inexpensively. In the last few weeks, we have seen clients migrate over to AMD Athlon processors operating at 266 MHz FSB on a motherboard powered by DDR-SDRAM. These small business DIYers expect to change out core components in 6 months to a year (motherboard, processor, memory, etc); upgrading to that day's highest speed combination.
  
  On the Intel side of processors, small businesses are also using dual Intel Pentium III processor based systems. Multiprocessors allow greater headroom for varible demand on a server. Many applications used today (ERP, mail serving, Web hosting, file and print serving) benefit from the use of more processors and larger caches. Of course, the impact of multiprocessing and cache configurations on performance depends on your company's specific application and use.
  
  DIYers' Popular Choices:
  
  AMD Athlon processor based system
  AMD Athlon 1.2 GHz, operating at 266 MHz FSB
  512MB of DDR-SDRAM memory
  FIC AD11 motherboard
  
  Intel Pentium III processor based system
  Pentium III 1 GHz processors
  512MB of SDRAM memory
  Epox EP-D3VA motherboard
  
• North Star Neighborhood
  It's a great day on North Star Way. Follow that star!
  
  The Year 2000 National VW drag racing champion has his car ready to campaign this season. The Ford Doctor completed mechanical restoration on a 1964 Thunderbird. The printers shipped several pallets of forms to a national equipment rental company. Private sales of boats and vehicles on McHenry Avenue have increased, including a clean 1989 Suburban 1500 for $4,800 ("must sell"). Tees to Please continues working overtime printing shirts for local baseball and motorsports clubs (yes, this is the home of American Graffiti, for you 60's movie fans). And Mar-Riche, the hair stylist/cosmetologist, has a steady stream of satisfied clients. Join us.

April 4, 2001

• YY-B0221 Mini-server Cubes Special
  We have extra inventory on YY-B0221 mini-server cubes, so we lowered the sale price to $209.75 (plus delivery). Call to order.
• Attention ASUS A7V133 Users
  Did you buy an ASUS A7V133 motherboard rev 1.05 or more recent, anticipating the release of the AMD Athlon processors operating at 266 MHz FSB? AMD has approved the A7V133 motherboard for use with the following processors operating at 266 MHz FSB: A1000AMT3C, A1133AMS3C, A1200AMS3C.
  
  If you are going to swap your processor, you will need new thermal tape for your processor fan. We have thermal tape for the Cooler Master fans. Replacement squares are $1 each plus delivery cost ($.34 for a US stamp, if you are buying the tape only).
• AMD Files Suit Against Alcatel Business Systems
  AMD Files Suit Against Alcatel Business Systems
  
  --AMD says Alcatel in breach of contract on flash memory products--
  SUNNYVALE, CA--April 3, 2001--AMD announced today that it has filed suit against Alcatel Business Systems seeking damages for breach of a contract under which AMD supplies flash memory products to Alcatel. The suit was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York.
• DDR-SDRAM Memory
  Looking for DDR-SDRAM memory? We have DDR-SDRAM!
  • Crucial Technology, a division of Micron Buy factory direct now
  • Kingston Buy now
  • Samsung Buying 25 pieces or more? We can special order from Samsung direct. Buy now
  • Wintec We call it generic memory, because it's a name unfamiliar to many of you. We have worked with Wintec and Wintec memory for years and their generic memory is a reasonable entry product into DDR memory for home users. Buy now
• Deja vu: ESC store access
  ESC online stores are still experiencing difficulties. Service is intermittent. Please call if you would like pricing, information on products, or other information. (800) 427-3726, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time.
  
  11:42 AM Website back up. If it goes down again, please give us a call to let us know.

April 3, 2001

• Seagate Barracuda 180
  How many Seagate Barracuda 180 drives do you want? Seagate is opening availability late this week. Let us know if you want some of these new drives.
  
  What is the Barracuda 180?
  
  In November 2000 Seagate announced theie new Barracuda 180 drive. It will start shipping this week.
  
  Drive Capacity: 180 GB
  Model:ST1181677LW
  Power Consumption Rating: Less than 10.3W
  Noise Level: 3.7 Bels
  Interface: Ultra160 SCSI
  Future Interface: Fibre Channel model available at a later date at 2GB per sec
  Warranty: Seagate 5-year warranty
  MTBF: 1,200,000 hours
  
  Additionally, the Barracuda 180 incorporates an exclusive Rotational Vibration Protection System that monitors and reduces or eliminates any possible head positioning errors resulting from rotational vibration within a server cabinet or mounting system.
  
  The Barracuda 180's design is leveraged from members of Seagate's award-winning Cheetah family, including the Cheetah X15, the world�s fastest disc drive. As a result, the Barracuda 180 is well suited for working with A/V applications. The Barracuda 180 spins at 7,200 RPM, has a formatted data transfer rate of up to 47 Mbytes/sec, and will be available in the industry-standard Ultra160 SCSI interface. For A/V-specific work, a 16 Mbyte V-code cache option will be offered. Single evaluation unit Suggested Retail Pricing (SRP) for the Barracuda 180 is $2195. Actual street pricing will vary, and will be determined by Seagate authorized resellers.
  
  Email presales@esc-tech.com
  
• Western Digital 80GB drives
  At Cebit, Western Digital announced "availability of the highest capacity performance desktop EIDE hard drive currently available - a 7,200 RPM, three-disk model offering as much as 80 GB of digital storage." When will we see those new drives?
  
  Western Digital indicates that 60GB and 80GB 7200 RPM drives will start shipping later this month. We'll keep you posted.
  
• Intel .13 Micron, 300MM Wafer Fab
  Intel Hits Key Milestone -- Yields First Silicon From Industry's Most Advanced 0.13 Micron, 300 MM Wafer Fab
  HILLSBORO, Ore. - March 28, 2001 - Intel Corporation has completed production of its first silicon chips from its 0.13 micron technology, 300 millimeter (mm) wafer development fab located here. Named D1C, this factory is the first in the industry to produce fully functional computer chips built using advanced 0.13 micron process technology on the new, larger 300 mm wafers. This milestone keeps Intel on track to bring chips built on these advanced technologies into the marketplace at the beginning of next year.
  
  Continue reading press release
  
• Datafeeds to advertising sites
  Thank you for your understanding as we work on our servers.
  
  A few people have inquired about 256MB generic PC133 SDRAM modules. ESC Technologies does not offer generic SDRAM at this time, but does offer memory through Crucial Technology.

Save 10% on high-quality Crucial RAM. Order online at Crucial's factory-direct Web site.

• Store Website Temporarily Down
  esctechnologies.com, escstore.com, esc-tech.com, esc-technologies.com are temporarily down. Sites are expected to be up later today. We apologize for inconvenience.
  
  You are more than welcome to call us toll free, 800-427-3726. Operators are standing by.

Albert: Well, I'm sitting.
AJ: I'm not.

April 2, 2001

• AMD Duron 900 MHz
  SUNNYVALE, CA--APRIL 2, 2001--AMD today announced the availability of the 900MHz AMD Duron� processor, its highest performance AMD Duron processor to date. Designed to meet the needs--today and tomorrow--of value-conscious home and office desktop computer users, the 900MHz AMD Duron processor enhances AMD's processor lineup, which delivers a full spectrum of innovative solutions. Continue Reading Press Release
• Selecting A Desktop Motherboard
  The motherboard plays a key role in the stability, reliability, performance, and compatibility for your system. Service, support, and warranty by the vendor and manufacturer are as much a factor as making sure the motherboard is in good physical condition. How do you choose?
  
  ESC Technologies assists you with basic steps in choosing a motherboard. We offer select motherboards that are stable; work with manufacturers that honor warranties and offer support to system builders as well as those using their motherboard in home or office computer system; and offer products that have a high-customer satisfaction rate. When products do not meet our standards, or in-house and customer return rates exceed 1% we remove the product from our line.
  
  Sorting through model numbers
  
  When you first start looking for a motherboard model numbers might as well be XYZ123 or FDSWER. At best, differences between model numbers and motherboard manufacturers are difficult to sort out.
  
  Many manufacturers use part of their company name and chipset name in the model number of their product.
  
  For instance:
  
  Intel BOXD815EEAAL
  BOX = Product is intended to be sold through, but not exclusively by, Intel Product Dealer Program. When end-user purchases through Intel Product Dealer, Intel honors 3-year limited warranty and product is packaged with CD-ROM with manual and drivers, cables, and any other necessary components.
  815E = Intel 815E chipset
  EA = Eason, which was the code name for the project
  A = With Audio
  L = With LAN (network connection)
  
  Other examples:
  
  ASUS A7M266
  ASUS A7V133
  Upon first glance, these model numbers do not lend well toward trying to figure out a product description. However, here are a few hints:
  
  A7M266 => 7= K7 support; M (not sure? But M was used in product sequence K7M); 266=266 MHz FSB support
  
  A7V133 => 7=K7 support; V =VIA?; 133=KT133A chipset
  
  To help you differentiate features, ESC Technologies has motherboard comparison charts located at esctechnologies.com.
  
  Select a Motherboard that Supports the Right Processor(s)
  
  Narrow motherboard options by deciding which processor you are going to use in your computer system.
  
  If you are going to use an AMD Athlon processor operating at 266 MHz FSB, then you use a Socket A motherboard that supports the 266 MHz FSB. If you are going to use an Intel Pentium 4 processor, then select a motherboard that supports Socket 423 processors.
  
  Value Products
  
  "Value product" is a code word in the computer industry for a product targeted toward a consumer looking for the best ratio of cost of the product to "what you get". Value products can be lower cost, relative to top-of-the-line products.
  
  Many times, value products have "onboard" devices, such as audio, video, and network connections. With functionality built on the motherboard the cost of the overall product can be lowered.
  
  Value does not mean cheap. However, the adage, "you get what you pay for" may apply with some manufacturers' products. Keep into consideration the manufacturer, return rate history of the product, vendor support, etc.
  
  Examples of value product are Intel's D815EEAAL or new BOXD815EFVL motherboards. They're great for building basic office machines and computers for your home office. Typically, they come with onboard audio and video. More and more frequently, people choose versions with onboard LAN also.
  
  Here are three features on Intel's Desktop Motherboards that are typically overlooked:
  
  IPD BOX products have manufacturer 3 year warranty.
  
  Instantly Available PC is present on Intel Desktop Motherboards that are considered "value products". Instantly Available PC allows the system to go into a low-power state consuming below 10 W of power.
  
  Intel also bundles Norton Internet Security from Symantec, Intel Active Monitor; Intel Express Installer; and other software products to help you protect your new data and install software more simply. [Note: Software bundle may vary with products.]
  
  Performance Products
  
  If you're designing your own computer because you want the cr�me de la cr�me of computer components, then you will select a motherboard that has an AGP slot, PCI slots, and room for expansion.
  
  AMD Athlon processors operating at 266 MHz FSB are top performers of today's computer components. AMD posts approved motherboards on their website. If you are building an AMD Athlon processor based system then you will want to use a motherboard on the AMD approved list for the processor speed you are using.
  
  At the moment, there are nine motherboards approved by AMD for use with the Athlon 1.2 GHz processor (266 MHz FSB). Of these, ESC offers ASUS, FIC, Gigabyte, and Microstar.
  
  ASUS A7M266
  ASUS A7V133
  Biostar M7MIA
  FIC AD11
  Gigabyte GA-7DX
  MSI K7T Turbo-R
  MSI K7 Master
  Soyo K7VTA
  
  Consider how you are going to use the system to help you decide which board is best for you. Is the computer going to be used for less than 20 hours a week? Will the computer be used 8 hours a day or more? Does it need to be compatible with a particular product? What is your target price range? Availability will be the greatest factor if you want something immediately. These products are new and availability is limited.
  
  To a certain extent, rely on your vendor to assist you in selecting your product. Perhaps they have already filtered product choices, as ESC does. If they offer a broad range of seemingly comparable products, ask for assistance with help telling the difference between products.
• PC2100 DDR-SDRAM Available Through Crucial
  Yes, you've been waiting a long time. Crucial has released PC2100 DDR-SDRAM memory!

Save 10% on high-quality Crucial RAM. Order online at Crucial's factory-direct Web site.

Once again, Crucial is offering Free UPS 2 Day Air Delivery (limited time).

• AMD Athlon PIB Availability
  The following AMD Athlon Processor In a Box (PIB) products are available:

A900BOX
A1000BOX
A1100BOX
A1200BOX
A1200BOX266

Online will be updated shortly to reflect the current status of these products.

• Intel Desktop Board Availability
  The following Intel Desktop motherboards are now available:

BOXD815EEA2L
BOXD815EPEA2
BOXD815EFVL
BOXD815EPFV

Products are available for order by telephone. Online ordering will be available later today.

April 1, 2001

• "Out of Memory" Error Messages
  Are you receiving the following message when you have 512MB or more memory in your system?
  
  "There is not enough memory available to run this program. Quit one or more programs, and then try again."
  (When using Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 95)
  
  Follow the steps at microsoft.com.
• Access Magazine
  Does your daily newspaper provide Access Magazine? Access Magazine: America's Guide To The Internet an insert with the Sunday edition. Page 15 of today's Access had a nice story about the origin of April Fools, as well as pages featuring the day of pranks.
• Jane Goodall's Birthday April 3rd
  April 3rd is Jane Goodall's birthday. Yes, the original Jane Goodall, not Jane Goodall from Animal Husbandry's.
  
  Learn more about this amazing woman, who has learned about cousins of Homo Sapiens sapiens and insights into our own cultures. If you did not read about Flo, Leakey, and their families in the 1960s, let National Geographic bring the current generation to life.
  
  Dr. Goodall's introduction at nationalgeographic .com/ faces/goodall continues with themes from her most recent book, Reason For Hope (1999). Next, visit the Jane Goodall Institute at janegoodall.org