UPDATED: Dell goes CE with TVs

Dell is to push further into the consumer space, selling Dell-branded LCD TVs and an iPod-style digital music player (supported with an online music service), as well as projectors and PDAs. Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive officer, said: 'By introducing high-performing consumer electronics products that closely integrate with the computer, we are delivering what is most important to consumers - content and experience - at a better value than they're currently getting.' However, the omission of style and design from Mr Dell's idea of what the consumer holds dear might find Dell with a tough challenge to crack the market. ...more

Nvidia sees profits slump

A bad day on the markets for Nvidia as it announces its second quarter results. The reason? A big drop in profits as the graphics chip giant failed to meet analyst expectations. 'Q2 was challenging and disappointing as the desktop GPU segment declined significantly as a result of several unusual market events,' said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO of NVIDIA, referring to attritional price competition with rivals ATi and Intel's delay of its Grantsdale chipset, which was blamed for holding back the advance of PCI-Express products. ...more

The Mac gets security conscious

Apple has released a new set of tools for verifying compliance with security standards across a wide range of G4 and G5 Macs. The tools allow security conscious users to test to what degree Macs comply with Common Criteria, an internationally approved set of security standards which provides a clear and reliable evaluation of the security capabilities of Information Technology products. Common Criteria has been adopted in 20 countries including the UK and lets users from other countries purchase IT products with the same level of confidence, since certification is recognised across all complying nations. ...more

Royal Mail turns stamps to barcodes for online project

The Royal Mail has launched a new service that lets anyone buy virtual stamps online. Users simply selct the appropriate amount for their letter or parcel and pay with a debit or credit card or via a pre-pay account. A unique barcode is then generated which can be printed directly onto an envelope or label. ...more

IR35 goes to Judicial Review

The High Court in London today sees the start of a Judicial Review of the IR35 tax regulations, which have a particular impact on IT contractors. Justice Burton will be hearing the Judicial Review over the course of three days - it is due to finish on Thursday 15 March. The Review cannot rule on the merits of the original legislation, however, but only oversee the legality of introducing it in the first place. ...more