In addition, the new multimedia center has been equipped with ATI M11 256MB external graphics with ATI PowerPlay? technology support for less energy consumption and incredible surge in performance for 3D gaming, business applications, and CAD modeling. At the same time, its mobility has not been sacrificed for performance, and the thickness has remained ultra-slim for a performance class notebook (25-33 mm sloped). The Centrino platform allows for increased battery life and wireless connectivity. Nobile 159W is powered by Intel? Pentium? M processor of up to 2.0 GHz (Dothan supported). The notebook's compatibility and connectability with other devices is ensured through a wide selection of ports.

Nobile 159W is equipped with 3 USB 2.0 ports, RJ-45 Ethernet plug, RJ-11 modem plug, external VGA port, IEEE 1394 port, S-Video output port, headphone/SPDIF jack, PC Card Type II, and mic-in jack, 4-in-1 Card Reader port.The brand-new multimedia center's owner will by no means remain without a connection with the world, since Nobile 159W has extensive communication capabilities. It possesses a V.92 fax modem, an integrated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet card, a Bluetooth expansion port, and a 4-in-1 card reader.The available optional extras include a PCMCIA TV Tuner, as well as a unique Port Replicator which, unlike other similar devices, is connected to the VGA Out port rather than to a USB port, thus saving the highly demanded USB ports for external devices while providing numerous additional ports.Overall, Nobile 159W is a versatile multimedia center based on notebook form-factor which is able to meet the strictest requirements of gamers, managers, graphic designers, and all other individuals looking for a reliable high-performance machine with excellent graphics and communication possibilities. Nobile 159W will be available across Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia by mid-February.Nobile 159W Technical SpecificationsDisplay:- 15.4 ", WSXGA+ 1680 x 1050 (16:10 wide screen)CPU:- Intel DOTHAN support up to 2.0 GHz- FSB 400MHz, L2 Cache - 2M (Dothan)Chipset:- Intel 855GMEMemory:- 2x 200-pin SODIM sockets, supporting DDR266/333, Expandable Memory up to 1GBGraphics & Video:- ATi Mobility Radeon 9700 256MB, External 256 MB DDR SGRAM on board, External Display resolution up to 1600x1200, supporting UXGA resolutionAudio:- AC"97 2.2 Compliant, Advanced Wavetable Synthesizer, Direct Sound? 3D Accelerator, S/PDIF Digital output, Full-duplex, Built-in speakers(1.5W)/1x Built-in microphoneCommunication:- Built-in 10/100 based-T LAN, Built-in 56Kbps V.92 MDC modem, Built-in antenna for Mini-PCI wireless adapter, Remote Control (Optional), Bluetooth module (optional) ODD:- DVD-RW Dual standard or higher (24X10X8X24 Combo optional)Interface: - 1x external CRT monitor port, 3 x USB 2.0 ports +1xUSB 2.0 (built-in for Bluetooth), 10/100 Mb Ethernet. 1x Fax Modem. 1x S-Video (TV-Out), 3-in-1 card reader, 1x headphone (S/PDIF) jack/1x microphone jack, 1394 , PCCard, special TV-in port for optional TV tunerOptions: - TV tuner with remote control running on InterVideo Home Theater 2.5 software, 9-cell battery, Wi-Fi b/g Card, Port ReplicatorBattery Pack & Life:6 cell Li-Ion battery pack, 4400 mAWeight:3kgAbout Prestigio Prestigio International with headquarters in Seoul (South Korea) is one of the most dynamically developing international manufacturers of LCD displays and TVs, mobile computers, and plasma TVs.

In 2003 the company merged with Canyon Technology Group drastically extending Prestigio's global outreach. Today Prestigio is a well-established brand under which LCD monitors and notebooks are sold in 25 countries around the world. Rigorous quality control and innovative technologies are the cornerstones of the company's strategy. At present Prestigio is actively involved in the EMEA region operating through 3 representative offices located in Western Europe (Gorinchem, the Netherlands), Central & Eastern Europe (Prague, Czech Republic), and the CIS (Moscow, Russian Federation). For more information please log on to www.prestigio.com.All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.Media contact:Vladimir NikolaevMarketing Director CEETel.: +420 272 117 403E-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots.

Plasma TVs ? Plasma displays provide beautiful high-contrast images, but they're also extraordinarily expensive. And Robson says plasma is overrated. "Other display types look just as good as plasma and are almost as light and thin ? and won't cost as much as a new car."Full-Screen DVDs ? When buying a DVD for that Home Theater aficionado, be sure to select the "widescreen" version. A "full screen" version usually accompanies widescreen in any major DVD release, but "full screen" is sure to make true fans of any film cringe. And cringe they should: "full screen" is formatted to fit onto a square TV, so you lose up to 20% of the picture.

DVRs ? Many consumers believe TiVo is synonymous with DVR, the ability to pause and record live TV. But TiVo is really just a brand name for a premium service that charges a fee to search for programming to record. DVR is a feature (specifically a hard drive) that is included on satellite receivers, cable boxes and DVD recorders. Buying someone a TiVo receiver may seem like a great gift but you're also buying something that requires a monthly fee. If someone on your Christmas list already uses a satellite or digital cable service they're happy with, why not just get them a DVR receiver that is compatible to the service they already use?HTIB ? Home Theater in a Box (HTIB) is seen as the shortcut to Home Theater sound, but it's usually anything but.

Some HTIB systems might sound good in a very small room, but for a full-sized living room it's sure to leave much to be desired. Box systems lack the punch and impact of the true Home Theater experience. You can get stuck with a dead-end system that cannot be upgraded. Chances are that for little more than you pay for a HTIB, you can get a real receiver and 5.1 speaker system. Setup DVDs ? The most often-overlooked aspect of Home Theater is calibration and fine tuning.

Most people set up their system and let it run, never sure if they're getting the best performance possible from their system. No Home Theater system should be without a setup DVD like Avia: Guide to Home Theater. A setup DVD will cost no more than a movie and will walk anyone through a series of tests and calibration procedures to help unlock the full potential of a Home Theater system.For more information contact:Wayde Robson, Editorwww.hometheaterfocus.comemail: e-mail protected from spam botsMember, Home Theater Alliance.

If the room follows these guidelines, the room will not only be restful, it also promote good relationships others and generate good self-esteem. Perhaps most importantly, a harmonious bedroom will encourage good study habits and promote greater success in school. Follow these eight feng shui tips to help create a room that inspires your child to study more and to do better at school.1. The room has a desk. It sounds obvious, but many kids' only workspace is a bed, the bedroom floor, or the family dining table.

Every child needs a suitable study area in the bedroom that includes a desk, chair, and a lamp. Children with study areas are more likely to study. Better still, having a study area keeps all the school books and papers confined to the child's room. Feng shui also teaches that it's best for children to study facing the northeast, the direction of wisdom and learning. 2.

Ground your kids.Buy your kids a globe to promote interest in geography and to help ground them and encourage them to study. Add a globe in the Northeast corner of the bedroom, if possible, as this enhances the wisdom corner.3. Create an "achievement area."Every child needs to have recognition for a job well done. A perfect way to gain this is to create an achievement area on the South wall of the bedroom. According to feng shui, this is the recognition area and it is the perfect place to pin up awards, papers with good grades, letters of recommendation, ribbons or trophies.

Hang a roomy bulletin board here to make an "atta' boy" or "atta' girl" spot in your child's room!4. Hang a crystal in the Northeast corner of the room.Crystals are used to make computer chips go faster, so why not use them to make your child study better? Hang a crystal in the study location to create more "study" chi and to help sharpen the child's ability to "process" or think!5. Put your child in the command position.Avoid having children face a wall when studying because this represents an obstacle. They should be able to when someone enters. Position the desk so that they can see the door.6.

Display maps and other educational artwork. Maps are another way to ground and encourage educational pursuits. They encourage "worldly" interest and curiosity and they make suitable images for a child's room. Avoid scary creatures, pictures depicting violence, or sad or dark subjects.7. Eliminate TV from the bedroom.Sadly, too many of today's children have TVs in their bedrooms.

This is a feng shui no-no because it can make children much less likely to study and rest fully. If your child doesn't study as much as you would like and has a TV in the bedroom, ask yourself what is more important: television or school?8. Shells and fish are symbols of education.Conch shells and koi or goldfish are excellent symbols of educational success. Place the conch shell in the Northeast corner of the bedroom. Or, hang a picture of koi or goldfish in the Northeast corner.

It is not recommended to keep live fish in the bedroom as water in the bedroom is associated with loss..

The GrandPrixGame is now LIVE, having received entries since 17th February, and will be running throughout the entire 2005 Grand Prix season."A beautifully simple and exciting idea with massive potential across several high profile international sporting events. M&C Saatchi are pleased to be involved." Michael Moszynski - Founding Partner of M&C Saatchi and CEO of Immediate Sales.The challenge of the GrandPrixGame is to correctly choose which drivers will be the first six to cross the finish line. Winners share the global GrandPrixGame jackpot. Unlike fantasy games, the rules are simple and the entry price is low, which allows even the most casual F1 fan an opportunity to play. Each prediction costs just a ?1, plus a web or call charge.

The ?1 from each prediction is added directly to the global jackpot. For example, if ten million predictions are made, the jackpot is ?10 million.Similar to lottery jackpots around the world, the GrandPrixGame jackpot continues to grow if no one correctly predicts the top six drivers, as a "roll over" occurs. Depending on the number of entrants and the number of rollovers during the season, the jackpot total could be quite large, which will create enormous extra interest and publicity in the game.In addition to the cash jackpot there are runners-up gifts and promotional prizes. You can win prizes such as membership to F1-Live.com's Premium Club, a subscription to F1 Racing magazine, Grand Prix tickets, and a great "Drive a Ferrari for a Day" prize.Entrants do not need to pre-register or enrol, nor is an "e-wallet" or up-front deposit required. The GrandPrixGame is "instant play" ? entrants need only a valid credit card and an email address.

From virtually any country in the world, people with access to the internet can play the GrandPrixGame. In the UK, players can also play on our dedicated phone service on 09051 680 780, and enter their predictions using state-of-the-art IVR technology. Coming shortly, players will be able to SMS text message their entries using their mobiles. In addition, UK TVs F1 pit lane reporter, Louise Goodman, will be providing a season of exclusive F1 content which can be downloaded from www.grandprixgame.com. Her pre-season review is available now, and she will be providing pre- and post-race reviews for each of the 2005 Grand Prixs in order to keep players up to date with driver and track news, rule changes and Grand Prix events..

The Olevia LT42HVi's two 25-watt stereo enhanced surround sound detachable speakers can be mounted either horizontally at the base of the TV, or vertically on each side, or completely removed for users who want to customize their sound system. A newly designed stand featuring a rounded footprint is detachable for users who want to wall mount the Olevia LT42HVi. Competitively priced at $3699, the Olevia LT42HVi is scheduled for availability in June 2005. With the richest warranty in the industry, Syntax provides consumers of its Olevia LCD TVs (26+ inch units) with a unique free first year on-site service plan. About "iDEA" TechnologySyntax's proprietary iDEA technology, a highly integrated System-On-a-Chip, delivers an exceptional solution to digital display complexities commonly associated with color, contrast, sharpness, motion and noise.

Syntax is now implementing "iDEA" technology into its Olevia LCD TVs to provide image enhancements including Dynamic Brightness and Contrast Controls, Pure Edge Enhancement, Advanced Sharpness Control, Dynamic Noise Reduction, Black Level Extender, White Peak Limiter, Flesh Tone Control, Adaptive Luma Control and an Advanced Digital Sound Processor.???? About Super-IPSSuper-IPS (Super-In-Plane-Switching) technology provides the best display performance for LCD TVs with higher color saturation, the widest viewing angles, sharpest images, best response times, and the minimum amount of color shift and distortion from any angle.About Syntax GroupsHeadquartered in Southern California, Syntax Groups Corporation (www.syntaxgroups.com) is a complete vertically integrated R&D, manufacturing and channel sales company of high value consumer electronics and computer technology convergence products for the post-PC era. Through its joint venture company, DigiMedia (www.digimedia.com.tw), formed in Taiwan with Taiwan Kolin Company (TSE:1606.TW, www.kolin.com.tw), Syntax Groups controls a powerful end-to-end supply chain including R&D and manufacturing of backlights for its LCD TVs, optical engines for LCoS TVs, strategic relationships with leading TFT LCD suppliers, mass production manufacturing of LCD TVs and LCoS TVs, quality control, channel sales, marketing and distribution with a solid back-end customer support program. Syntax sells its fully-featured Olevia LCD TVs through a rapidly growing channel network of national and regional retail stores in North America plus distributors and consumer-direct online partners, and internationally in Southeast Asia. To support the dramatic growth of its operations and expanding employee base of 100 people, Syntax relocated its corporate headquarters into new, larger premises located at 20480 E. Business Parkway, City of Industry, CA 91789.???? Syntax Groups Corporation and Olevia are trademarks of Syntax Groups Corporation.

Contact:Pattie AdamsSyntax Groups Corporation909/859-8432pattieadams @ syntaxgroups.comwww.syntaxgroups.com.

1. Remove the roses from the vase and put them in a temporary container.
2. Clean the vase by washing it thoroughly in water with household bleach.
3. Fill the vase with fresh water and add a half teaspoon of household bleach for each litre (16 fluid ounces) of water.
4. Remove your roses from their temporary container and lay them flat on a counter top.
5. Remove any leaves which will show below the waterline in the vase.
6. Cut about 20 mm (3/4 inch) from the base of each stem immediately before placing it in the vase. This removes any air bubbles.

7. Don't place roses in drafts or direct sunlight, or near fruit, heaters, TVs or refrigerators.
8. Change the water daily to extend the vase life of your roses.

No pressure. You tell her that you want a flat screen and would like to see what they have available. The first question she asks you is, "Are you looking for an LCD or a Plasma?" Uh?you've just been defeated. You have no idea what the differences are or even what questions to ask. Relax, there is a lot to know, but you don't have to work in the industry to make an informed decision.

First, let's start on the same page. Both Plasmas and LCDs are called Flat Screen TVs. Yes, there are larger, thicker rear projection TVs using LCD technology, but that's NOT what we're talking about here. We are referring entirely to the thin TVs that you might be inclined to hang on your wall. I won't go into the technology behind the two types, but I will say that they are so thin because neither uses the old tubes that you associated with TVs twenty years ago.

Let's take a brief look at the characteristics of both Plasmas and LCDs. Then we'll compare and contrast. Finally, I'll try to boil down what situations might need one type or the other. Plasma

• Come anywhere from 32"-63" with the 40-44" range being the most popular.
• Measure 4-6" thick regardless of size screen.

• Cost anywhere from $2,000-$20,000 or more.
• Can display high definition (HD), DVD, and standard TV pictures with lots of Brightness and Contrast.
• Weigh as much as 125 pounds and can be difficult to mount on a wall.
• Tend to have problems in high altitudes.
• Use a lot of power and generate a lot of heat.

• Good for viewing in bright rooms.
• Can suffer "burn-in" if the TV image is static for a long time.
• Don't have a track record for repairs or overall hours of use.

• Measure from 14-46" in screen size.
• Thin and light and may be wall mounted.

• Can double as a computer monitor.
• Tends to have a narrow viewing angle. If you're off to the side, the picture may look washed out.
• Last for around 50,000 viewing hours.
• Picture has poor contrast level, so black colors and fast motions are not well shown.

• Can cost $400 for a 13"; $800 for a 17"; $1,200 for a 20"; and $1,600 for a 23"

• Inch for inch, LCDs cost more than Plasmas.
• LCDs don't come in large sizes. Plasmas don't come in small sizes.

• Plasmas can suffer burn-in. LCDs can't.
• LCDs tend to have a poor viewing angle while Plasmas have a wider viewing range.
• Plasmas do better with brightness and contrast.
• LCDs are lighter than Plasmas, inch for inch.

• LCDs can be used as computer monitors. Plasma TVs can't.
• Plasmas are able to support the lower tier digital definition (Enhanced Definition, or ED) better than LCDs. As a result, it may be worth saving money by buying an ED Plasma.
• Plasmas may have problems in high altitudes.

  LCDs don't.

• If you need a 14-32" screen, go for an LCD. If you need a 47-63" TV go with a Plasma.
• If cost is your only concern, buy a plasma.

• If a lot of people will be watching the TV at one time, the Plasma's wider viewing angle may be the best bet.
• If you play a lot of video games or do anything that could leave a constant image on your screen for a long time, LCDs are your choice. They don't suffer burn in.
• If you want your TV to double as a computer monitor, go with an LCD. Make sure though, that it has the right computer connections.

  Not all LCDs can do double duty.

• If picture quality is your only consideration, go with a Plasma.
• If you watch a lot of sports or action movies, a Plasma may have a better picture for you.
• If you live in a high altitude, the LCD may be better for you.
• If weight is a concern for you, go with the LCD.

• If power consumption is a concern, the LCD is a better purchase.

Even if you don't intend to buy the TVs there, you still want to know what to expect when you get the TV home. If you'd like a little more detail and a few specific examples, please feel free to visit: http://www.home-movie-theater-guide.com/big-screen-tvs.html In the mean time here's wishing you success, fun, and happiness in doing that which you love.Copyright 2005 Flamworks, Inc.Scott Foreman Home-Movie-Theater-Guide.commailto:scott@home-movie-theater-guide.comThis article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and websites provided that the information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: articles@home-movie-theater-guide.com.

This model's "jewel" is the built-in Power Cinema function which is activated by a dedicated button. It allows Visconte 120 to reproduce music CDs, DVD video and look through digital photos from a CD or a Flash-card without loading the operation system, which has been made possible thanks to a Linux-based microcode. This function virtually transforms the notebook into a multipurpose device incorporating a portable DVD, MP3, CD player and a photo viewer. Interestingly, the Power Cinema function can also be operated by an optional remote control unit turning the notebook into a portable home movie theatre. Despite its multifunctionality, very light weight (1.9 kg) and modest dimensions (292x230x36 mm), Visconte 120 remains a powerful and high-performance computer based on Intel? Pentium? M processor (1.5 - 2 GHz) with Dothan and Banias support.

The integrated graphic solution powered by Intel? 855GME chipset with Intel? Extreme Graphics 2 technology ensures enjoyable heavy gaming and video viewing. Visconte 120 also has a noteworthy continuous battery operation time and easy-to-use communication possibilities powered by Intel? CentrinoTM technology. In addition, a special power-saving Smart Power II function increases battery runtime by 26 percent, and Battery Mark and 3D Mark 2001 performance by 10 percent. The notebook's compatibility and connectability with other devices is ensured through a wide selection of ports. Visconte 120 is equipped with 3 USB 2.0 ports, RJ-45 Ethernet plug, RJ-11 modem plug, external VGA port, IEEE1394 port, S-Video output port, earphone jack, 4-in-1 card reader and mic-in jack.

This notebook's owner will by no means remain without a connection with the world, since Visconte's communication capabilities are almost unlimited. It possesses an Intel? PRO/Wireless module, a V.92 fax modem, an integrated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet card and a Bluetooth expansion port.About Prestigio Prestigio International, with headquarters in Seoul, South Korea is one of the most dynamically developing international manufacturers of LCD displays and TVs, mobile computers, and, since recently, plasma TVs. In 2003, the company merged with Canyon Technology Group, drastically extending Prestigio's global outreach. Today Prestigio is a well-established brand under which LCD monitors and notebooks are sold in 25 countries around the world. Rigorous quality control and innovative technologies are the cornerstones of the company's strategy.

At present, Prestigio is actively involved in the EMEA region operating through three representative offices located in Western Europe (Gorinchem, the Netherlands), Central & Eastern Europe (Prague, Czech Republic) and the CIS (Moscow, Russian Federation).All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information please log on to www.prestigio.com Media Contact:Victor LukyanovPR ManagerE-Mail: e-mail protected from spam bots Tel. +375 17 2147762.

"If viewing TV content is perceived to be a primary driver for PMC adoption, portable TVs are now much less expensive and optimized for portable video viewing. On the high-end, Sony's new LF-X5 offers live digital TV viewing with integrated Wi-Fi connectivity and a 7-inch viewing screen. While cost prohibitive for most consumer (carrying a price of more than $1000), we expect the price of these units to drop to around $500 within 24 months."Of course, PMC proponents could make the same argument ? that PMCs will likely enjoy the benefits of technological innovation and rapid price reductions, thereby making the converged device much more price competitive with application-specific alternatives. Moreover, promotional strategies on the part of Microsoft and its hardware partners are likely to be aggressive, especially given the tie in between PMCs and Microsoft's Media Center PCs. Between rapid declines in material costs and aggressive promotional strategies, TDG anticipates that the price of portable media centers will decline by more than 50% to below $250 by the end of 2006.TDG's latest topic paper, On the Future of Portable Media Centers, discusses the impact that substitution products will have on consumer demand for PMCs.

The topic paper is the precursor to TDG's forthcoming analysis of the PMC marketplace, Portable Media Centers: Competitive Analysis and Forecasts, a report which features an examination of both supply- and demand-side issues and features primary data from TDG's latest consumer survey. On the Future of Portable Media Centers is now available for free download at the Company's website: www.tdgresearch.com.About The Diffusion Group ? The Diffusion Group is a "think tank" of consumer technology analysts charged with providing timely, actionable intelligence designed to best position new consumer technologies for rapid diffusion. TDG is committed to providing market research and strategic consulting services based on conservative, real-world analysis and market forecasts grounded in consumer research. For more information about The Diffusion Group, visit our website at www.tdgresearch.com or email e-mail protected from spam bots.Press Contact:Andy Tarczon214-677-9723.

CTL's various facilities manufacture, market and distribute Personal Computers, Workstations, Laptops, Monitors, LCD TV's and Servers. CTL is committed to expanding international and domestic operations by continually evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing market. CTL is headquartered in Portland, Oregon with branch offices, subsidiaries and distribution facilities in Kent WA, South Korea and Malaysia.More information about CTL and CTL's products can be found at www.ctl.infoFor more information:Erik StromquistCTL Corporation800.646.3087 x 212http://www.ctl.info.