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Intel Announces 320 Series Third-Generation SSD

s current X25-M SSD.

The 320 Series drives are based on , and run over 3-Gbps SATA connections. The drives are available in a number of capacities ranging from 40GB to 160GB, and 300GB and 600GB models are also available. Intel boasts that the new drives are more reliable, and offer price reductions of up to 30 percent compared to the X-25M drives.

Proprietary firmware and Intel's own controller are still in use in the 320 Series; Intel said it has also added redundancies to protect data, even in the event of a loss of power. The drives also sport 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) capabilities, to protect data if a drive is lost or stolen.

Intel claimed in its announcement today that the 320 Series drives produce up to 39,500 input/output operations per second (IOPS) with random reads and 23,000 IOPS with random writes; and that it's doubled sequential write speeds, to 220 Mbps, and has maintained high sequential reads of up to 270 MBps.

Intel SSD 320 Series drives come with a limited three-year warranty, and the Intel SSD Optimizer utility, which provides Windows users with a set of tools for managing and diagnosing drives.

Drives in the 320 Series are slated to be priced for retailers as follows, assuming 1,000-unit quantities (consumer prices will vary somewhat): 40GB for $89, 80GB for $159, 120GB for $209, 160GB for $289, 300GB for $529, and 600GB for $1,069.

Rumor: Apple Smart TV prototype in the works

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Shortly after it was reported that Apple is strongly consideringto fully stream digital content to compatible TVs, comes the possibility that the Cupterino company will be creating its own smart TV. Morgan Stanley investors are being told that Apple is working on a Smart TV prototype, according to.The analyst also noted it would include TV/Video content, , DVR, as well as other features like apps and FaceTime into one product.

For what its worth,notes that the analyst in question, Katy Huberty, has been unsuccessful when it comes to her predictions for Apple quarterly earnings.It probably didnt need to be said, but it was also mentioned that this would be the next new product category for Apple and rake in billions of dollars for the company and a one percent share of the TV market by 2013.

It all makes too much sense. Immediately after we heard that Apple would be expanding AirPlay to include more than audio streaming, the wheels started turning. Apple isnt traditionally keen on outside manufacturers using its technology, and it seems safe to assume that the new capabilities will be offered to a limited set of TV makers. This, in turn, would endow a possible Apple Smart TV with technology that most competing smart TVs dont include.

Product unity also makes sense: Apple offers media streaming with its set-top device, but combining all of the content Apple hosts into its own branded television is the natural next step. Earlier this year, there was alsothat in the long term, Apple had more ambitions in the living room, which could indicate that awas only the beginning.

Grizzlies top Thunder 105-101 in OT

OKLAHOMA CITY – On both ends of the court, Tony Allen proved to be a more than capable replacement for Rudy Gay.

Allen started in Gay's place and scored a season-high 27 while harassing NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-101 in overtime Tuesday night.

Allen had five of the Grizzlies' 11 steals and prevented Durant from having much of an impact in overtime as Memphis won on the road in the second game of a back-to-back despite being without two key players.

"The guy was an all-pro all night on both ends of the floor — 27 points and he made Kevin work for every shot. I thought he won the game for them," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said.

"Certain guys in this league compete every possession, and he's one of them. He competes every possession, and I love guys that hate getting scored on."

Durant still had 31 points and 11 rebounds, but got off just one shot in overtime and also had a key turnover in the final 20 seconds with the Thunder down by three.

"He was just an unbelievable player on defense," Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said of Allen. "Durant is a great player and he's going to score. I thought Tony kept him from going off and getting 40 on us."

Zach Randolph had 31 points and 14 rebounds, and all five Memphis starters scored in double figures. Sam Young scored 14, Mike Conley had 13 and Marc Gasol finished with 12.

Gay sat out with a sprained big right toe, and the Grizzlies were already without O.J. Mayo because of a league-imposed 10-game suspension.

"Having Rudy out and O.J. not here and guys banged up here and there but to still come out and beat a good team like Oklahoma City, it shows a lot about our team," said Conley, who put Memphis ahead to stay with a free throw with 2:55 left in overtime.

Young's baseline jumper bumped the lead to 100-97 and Russell Westbrook missed two critical free throws before Durant made two to get Oklahoma City back within one. Randolph then converted inside for a layup with 28 seconds left to make it 102-99.

Durant tripped while trying a crossover dribble at the other end, and the Thunder were forced to foul Conley. He went 1 for 2 but it was enough to keep Oklahoma City from getting a shot at the tie.

After Jeff Green tipped in Serge Ibaka's missed 3-pointer, Conley hit two more free throws to ice it with 5.4 seconds left.

Oklahoma City made just one of its first eight shots in overtime, with Durant connecting on his only attempt in that span. But when he did get the ball late, he couldn't bail out the Thunder.

"Tony Allen did a great job making sure that Durant didn't get too many touches, making sure that if he did get touches, he was right there in his face and made him take a tough shot every time," Young said.

Westbrook added 21 points and 11 assists but also tied his season-high with eight turnovers for Oklahoma City, which lost for the first time in six overtime games this season.

Memphis, which leads the league in steals and forced turnovers, had 23 takeaways that produced 31 points. Allen was the catalyst for it all.

"I just played hard, and that's it. That's all," Allen said. "It was a team win, and I was able to take advantage of my opportunity."

James Harden scored 13 and was the only other player in double figures for the Thunder, who lost despite a 58-36 rebounding advantage.

Durant's jumper from the left wing put the Thunder up 95-92 with 1:43 left in regulation.

After a Westbrook miss, Allen raced down for a fast-break layup that led to a tying three-point play. The Grizzlies had a chance to go back ahead, but Conley traveled with 21.7 seconds left in regulation.

Westbrook had the ball tipped away before airballing a 3-pointer from the right wing, and Harden's acrobatic putback at the buzzer didn't fall.

"It was a must-win game. It was a game that we needed just on the simple fact that we just lost two and we didn't want this game to translate to a three-, four-, five-game losing streak. We had to dig down," Young said.

Oklahoma City gave up its fewest first-half points in 22 games, having allowed 55.4 points on average during that stretch, and led 54-44 at the break.

Allen's putback of a Greivis Vasquez miss put the Grizzlies ahead in the final minute of the third quarter, and Randolph added two free throws to make it 74-71 Memphis after three quarters.

NOTES: Durant was selected as a participant in the 3-point shootout. He won the H-O-R-S-E competition the last two years, but there won't be one this year. "Hopefully I can have a good time and hopefully I come back with a win," Durant said. Coach Scott Brooks went a step further. "He can win it. I guarantee a win." ... The Thunder weren't sure whether a rib injury would keep Ibaka, a participant in the NBA's slam dunk contest next weekend, out until after he arrived at the arena. ... Memphis plays 17 of its last 28 games at home.

Top Women Media Leaders from Around the Globe to Meet in Washington

Shining the spotlight on women in the news business, the International Women’s Media Foundation and The George Washington University Global Media Institute are partnering on a groundbreaking conference March 22-25, 2011, bringing together top women media executives from around the world to discuss remaining gender barriers and craft a plan for the future.

Washington, DC (Vocus/PRWEB) February 03, 2011

Media Advisory - Save The Date to Examine Gender Barriers in News Business March 22-25

Groundbreaking Global Report on Status of Women in the News Media To Be Released at IWMF-GW Conference

Shining the spotlight on women in the news business, the International Women’s Media Foundation and The George Washington University Global Media Institute are partnering on a groundbreaking conference March 22-25, 2011, bringing together top women media executives from around the world to discuss remaining gender barriers and craft a plan for the future.

The first-ever comprehensive global report on the status of women in the news media will be released, analyzing research data from 500 print and broadcast companies in 59 countries. The IWMF commissioned the two-year study – the first detailed research that closely examines the challenges facing women news professionals everywhere.

Top women media executives -- from China (Hu Shuli, Caixin Media editor-in-chief) to Argentina (Ana D’Onofrio, La Nacion editor-in-chief) to South Africa (Ferial Haffajee, editor-in-chief of City Press) -- will examine salaries, opportunities, career advancement and training for women in the news industry. National Public Radio President & CEO Vivian Schiller, NBC Vice President of News Alexandra Wallace and women executives from around the world will craft a plan of action to improve gender representation.

Among the highlights:     ABC News Anchor Diane Sawyer will be interviewed by veteran broadcaster Marvin Kalb for The Kalb Report series at the National Press Club on Tuesday, March 22, at 8 p.m. Open to working press.

    “The Global Report on Women in the News Media” will be unveiled on Wednesday, March 23, at GW’s Jack Morton Auditorium at 9 a.m. IWMF Board member Judy Woodruff of PBS NewsHour will officially open the conference, and Katty Kay of BBC World News America will provide an overview of the report with a panel. Open to working press.

    Conference delegates on Wednesday, March 23, at 9:30 a.m. will hear from exemplary media companies their regions: Canada’s CBC General Manager and Editor-in-Chief Jennifer McGuire, Uganda’s The New Vision Editor-In-Chief Barbara Kaija, Peru’s Silvia Miró Quesada of Empresa Editora El Commercio S.A and Germany’s Taz, Die Tageszeitung Managing Editor Ines Pohl. Open to working press.

    Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne Verveer will deliver a keynote luncheon speech to the delegates at 2 p.m. March 23 at GW’s City View Room. IWMF Board member Eugene Robinson of The Washington Post will interview winners of IWMF grants for digital news media projects. He will then introduce Sabrina Crow, senior vice president of Nielsen Business Media, who will talk about Nielsen’s new research on women’s use of new media, at 7:30 p.m. in GW’s City View Room. Open to working press.

    On Thursday, March 24, at 9:30 a.m. in the Newseum a special panel moderated by Judy Woodruff of PBS NewsHour will focus on the relevance of media and the influence of social media on global causes. Featured on the panel will be Bloomberg News Editor- in-Chief Matt Winkler, noted philanthropist Howard G. Buffett and Knight Foundation President Alberto Ibargüen. Open to working press.

    Tom Rosenstiel, director the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism, and Frank Sesno, director of GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs, will moderate a panel of media experts at GW’s Marvin Center on March 24 at 1 p.m. to discuss the findings of PEJ’s “State of the News Media 2011” report examining the state of the media in the United States and global implications at the GW’s Marvin Center on March 24 at 1 p.m. Open to working press.

“These women media leaders have the power to change the environment in newsrooms when they return to their countries,” IWMF’s Executive Director Liza Gross said. “By bringing them together and drafting a platform for action plan, this conference could provide a roadmap for change. Our global report will shine the light on countries where women don’t have an equal voice in the newsroom.”

"From content and news literacy to delivery methods and business models, the role of women in meeting the challenges of media has never been more important," said Michael Freedman, GW professor of media and public affairs and executive director of the university's Global Media Institute. "A successful transformation of journalism and media in the 21st Century requires leadership that understands and appreciates the role of a free press in a democracy and the courage necessary to report truth, particularly in repressed societies. The International Women's Media Foundation is leading the effort to level the playing field globally so our best minds can guide our newsrooms and boardrooms well into the future. We look forward to a substantive, insightful conference." There is limited working press space at several events. Media interested in covering public events should register here.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

IWMF’s Jane Podesta – (202) 567-2602, jpodesta(at)iwmf(dot)org

GW’s Jill Sankey – (202) 994-6466, jpsankey(at)gwu(dot)edu

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Jane PodestaInternational Women's Media Foundation(202) 567-2602Email Information

Wall Street rises to mid-2008 highs

NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. stocks rose on Monday as a flurry of merger news and solid earnings boosted investors' appetite for equities, pushing the Dow and the S&P 500 to their highest levels since June 2008.

Buying accelerated after the S&P 500 broke through the high end of its recent range, suggesting Wall Street has the strength to move the market higher.

"What's helping us today are the fundamentals. M&A activities are a good sign for the stock market, and it's a 'feel good' momentum," said Ryan Detrick, senior technical analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Dow Jones industrial average (.DJI) was up 82.50 points, or 0.68 percent, at 12,174.65. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (.SPX) was up 10.19 points, or 0.78 percent, at 1,321.06. The Nasdaq Composite Index (.IXIC) was up 23.67 points, or 0.85 percent, at 2,792.97.

Diversified industrial company Danaher Corp (DHR.N) agreed to buy medical diagnostics company Beckman Coulter Inc (BEC.N) for about $6.8 billion and oil drilling company EnsCo Plc (ESV.N) will buy rival Pride International Inc (PDE.N) for about $7.3 billion.

The deals suggested stock valuations are viewed as attractive. Danaher Corp rose 3.4 percent to $49.59 and Beckman Coulter rose 9.7 percent to $82.49.

EnsCo fell 4.5 percent to $51.91 while Pride International rose 15.8 percent to $39.84.

Loews Corp (L.N) reported its best quarter of the year, posting a better-than-expected 16 percent jump in profit. The conglomerate's stock gained 4.8 percent to $43.40.

About 72 percent of S&P 500 companies that have reported results so far posted stronger-than-expected earnings, according to Thomson Reuters data. Investors expect aggregate earnings rose 37 percent in the last quarter, the highest estimate for that period in more than 10 months.

Adding to Wall Street's image problem, Nasdaq OMX Group (NDAQ.O) said on Saturday that computer hackers had infiltrated the operator of the Nasdaq Stock Exchange.

"Hacking is going to be a global problem and like a war breaking out, it is hard to hedge against it. There will be concerns, but it's not going to have an impact on how investors see opportunities for the stock market," said Joe Battipaglia, market strategist at a private client group for Stifel Nicolaus in Philadelphia.

Struggling U.S. Internet company AOL Inc (AOL.N) has agreed to buy The Huffington Post, the rapidly growing news, analysis and lifestyle website, for $315 million. AOL shares fell 1.1 percent to $21.70.

UBS raised its 2011 target for the S&P 500 index by 7.5 percent to 1,425 from 1,325, citing an improving outlook for the economy and earnings.

(Reporting by Angela Moon, Editing by Kenneth Barry)