Computex Taipei 2010 Design & Innovation Awards Unveiled on Opening Day

Of the 181 entries, the jury short-listed 34 products for a COMPUTEX TAIPEI Design & Innovation Awards 2010, with four winners honored with the top prize of the COMPUTEX TAIPEI Gold Award at the awards presentation on the opening day of the 2010 Computex Taipei (Taipei International Information Technology Show), a top-two ICT trade fair globally held in Taiwan each early June.

"This award is an important vehicle for recognizing companies committed to providing high quality products to consumers worldwide. We were pleased to see a number of innovative and high quality entries," said the five expert judges.

This year marks the third time for the Awards to be presented at Computex, which, being the largest IT trade fair in Asia, is the ideal platform to present technical innovations and excellent design. The Awards is a successful cooperation between the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and iF International Forum Design, as one of the "organized by iF" projects.

Commenting on the Awards, Ralph Wiegmann, director of iF International Forum Design, organizer of the iF-series design competitions, said: "If there is one place where the outstanding results of the marriage of design and innovation can be seen, then it's in the audio, video and telecommunication product sector. The conception and design of those little everyday helpers--with a focus on energy-saving electronic products--was recognized in the COMPUTEX TAIPEI design & innovation awards 2010, where the jury acknowledged outstanding achievements in design."

"The COMPUTEX TAIPEI design & innovation awards, run for the third time in collaboration with TAITRA, took place as part of the largest IT fair in the Asian marketplace," Wiegmann said. "The competition has established itself on a very high international level and recognizes innovative ideas and the best products by Taiwan-based companies and/or by those exhibiting at Computex Taipei. The message this award sends to the marketplace helps to promote progressive thinking and design."

The design competition is open to all Computex Taipei 2010 exhibitors, as well as all registered IT firms in Taiwan, with prizes given to products in seven major fields: communication products, components and parts, computer systems, peripherals, data storage device/media, optoelectronic display and digital audio/video, and gaming and entertainment, and the jury evaluating on several criteria: degree of innovation, design quality, workmanship, choice of materials, environmental friendliness, functionality, utility value, safety, ergonomics, universal design, and brand value/branding.

The award-winners from Taiwan are also entitled to carry the 'Taiwan Good Design' label, as well as the GD-mark certification after registering with the Taiwan Design Centre (TDC), a national design center.

The Panel of Jurors

Chiaki Murata, founder of METAPHYS, Osaka, Japan

Fernd van Engelen, design leader and design strategist of Carbon Design Group, Seattle, USA

Johann Geiger, professor of Dayeh University, Changhua, Taiwan

Kris Verstocktfounder, CRE8 Inc. in Taipei, Taiwan

Haur-wen Lu, founder, WEN's DESIGN INC, Taipei, Taiwan.

Four Gold-award Winners

Prize: Gold Award

Product: Acer Aspire 8943G | Consumer Notebook

Category: 03. computer systems

Company: Acer Inc., Taipei Hsien/Taiwan

Design: Seji Peng, Vic Lin,Jonas Chang, Acer Inc., Taipei Hsien/Taiwan

Amid a sea of notebooks ornamented with frivolous detail and decoration, the designers of the Aspire 8943G focused on function rather than form. An uncluttered appearance helps the user focus on the job at hand, rather than on the tool. The black and silver contrast that goes well with the metal's sheen enables a perfect blending of different segments. Further-more, the notebook's easily accessible user interface adopts the same idea used on the touch-screen of the iPhone. The integration of multi-media applications avoids complexity and affords good usability in a minimalist-designed product.

Prize: Gold Award

Product: aim USB Tube Delight Audio | aim USB Audio

Category: 04. peripherals

Company: Formosa21 Inc., Taipei/Taiwan

Design: Formosa21 Inc., Taipei/Taiwan

The creative idea is engaging: users can enjoy high quality music simply by plugging earphones into the tube, something that has been popular in audio devices recently. With its cool and delicate design, this product brings a smile to the user's face. In keeping with the 'retro' trend, this tiny device reflects the 'tube-time' with its warm, emotional sound. Furthermore, the user will find a little panel with well arranged miniature components. An excellent way to communicate modern computing functions instead of just hiding and covering them.

Prize: Gold Award

Product: i-Phantom | Amplifier

Category: 06. optoelectronic display product and digital audio / video

Company: Add-On Technology Co., Ltd., Taipei/Taiwan

Design: Hans Nopper, Add-On Technology Co., Ltd., Korschenbroich/Germany

The product highlights its main components, the analog vacuum tubes, in a reflective wave of chrome to multiply the interaction with the user. The theme is certainly evocative without unnecessary complication. Outstanding quality finish of the chromed parts complete the impression of upscale standard. Great care has been involved to deliver an overall perception of a high quality product.

Prize: Gold Award

Product: Soundyou Alu | Sound System

Category: 06. optoelectronic display product and digital audio / video

Company: Add-On Technology Co., Ltd., Taipei/Taiwan

Design: Hans Nopper, Add-On Technology Co., Ltd., Korschenbroich/GERMANY

Emobodying innovation, this sound sytem addresses a clearly defined user group and features harmonious proportions. The choice of materials and production techniques supports the goal of enticing the user to explore the product both on a visual and tactile level. Deliver excellent sound, this system stands out among many notebook speakers. Soundyou Alu is not only amazingly suitable for a laptop but also makes for a beautiful interior-design object.

30 Design & Innovation Award Winners

Product Name: PT-90 / Mobile Computer

Manufacturer/Design: Argox Information Co., Ltd.

The PT-90 is a superior industrial-class mobile computer for rugged mobility. Various models are available, able to serve different needs as warehouse environments, field service, logistics, healthcare, retail etc. Features include powerful OS, mobililty including WLAN, Bluetooth, GPRS, and GPS.

Product Name: KL3116T/Touch Screen KVM Switch

Manufacturer/Design: Aten International Co., Ltd.

The KL3116T is an industry-first Dual Rail Touch Screen LCD KVM Switch that requires no additional software to operate; simply connect the KL3116T to an installation to begin immediate use. It features an integrated KVM console with a 17-inch touch screen LCD monitor in a 1U Dual Rail housing.

Product Name: Level 10/ Gaming Station

Manufacturer/Design: Thermaltake Technology Co., Ltd.

The gaming station is designed as an open modular structure with all individually encased system components exposed and all elements visible and easily added or removed. The design concept is inspired by the attentiveness of gamers to expensive, top performance components and their inherent architectural aesthetics. All opening parts offer a clear, functional and intuitive method for quick access of components.

Product Name: WiDRIVE DX325/Multi-function WiFi Storage Router

Manufacturer: EDSLAB Technologies Inc.

Design: Nova Design Co., Ltd.

The WiDRIVE DX325 is a multifunctional portable WiFi storage router. It is 802.11b/g/N capable, able to operate at up to 300Mbps and has WEP and WPA2 encryption account control. Web administration allows manipulation with any WiFi devices like smartphones, an iPhone or laptops. The DX325 can be used as a wireless 802.11n network adapter, with the LAN port connected to a PC and able to upgrade a PC to 802.11N speed.

Product Name: iUFO/Sound Dock System for iPhone

Manufacturer/Design: Ozaki Worldwide Ltd.

The iUFO is a multifunctional sound dock system for your iPhone entertainment experience. With a beautiful sleek black finish and futuristic curved design, it is the ultimate desktop entertainment companion for your iPhone. The iUFO has a built-in iPhone dock charger, AV output, and audio input interface. Coupled with a high performance speaker system, the volume is easily controlled with a push of a button on the right side of the iUFO.

Product Name: Aspire X Series / Desktop PC

Manufacturer/Design: Acer Inc.

The Aspire X Series portrays pure power in an elegant, minimalist chassis made to complement any living environment. With a volume of only 8.5L, each model offers fabulous computing while conserving space. The front panel is uncluttered with easy-access ports concealed at the bottom.

Product Name: RL-64X Series / Desktop Security

Manufacturer/Design: Sinox Co., Ltd.

Reportedly the best anti-theft desktop protector, the RL-64X series is based on a locking tree concept. By applying a screw unit or mounting plate, various objects are able to be locked at once including a desktop, monitor, digital photo frame, portable hard disk, printer, and so on. The cable is detachable from the lock body to thread and secure multiple peripherals. It is available with key locks, or 3-digit or 4-digit resettable combinations, so users can choose personalized mode of security.

Product Name: Pipal 2041M / In-Vehicle Embeded Platform

Manufacturer/Design: ARinfotek Inc.

The Pipal 2041M is a fanless, cable-free embedded system providing efficient data capture and real-time communication for in-vehicle environments. The device has an industrial-grade, rugged design that allows operations in harsh, vibration-prone conditions. With its additional mobility functions, the Pipal 2041M is suitable for couriers, fleet management, warehousing and logistics. The platform support 3.5G Mobile Wireless and GPS.

Product Name: Bone Link II, Micro USB Link II, USB Link II / Connector

Manufacturer/Design: Fruitshop International Corp. Ltd.

The Bone Link Series is an elegant and portable accessory. Unlike traditional connectors, the Bone Link Series shortens the annoying cables by hiding them in the flexible TPE material. By featuring this environment-friendly material, the Bone Link Series helps users to actually be eco-friendly. With simple aesthetics and bendable design, the Bone Link Series satisfy users with fun and creativeness.

Product Name: Gum Plus / Power Pack

Manufacturer/Design: Just Mobile Ltd.

The Just Mobile Gum Plus packs an impressive capacity of 4400 mAh. With an output of 1000mA, it recharges an iPhone up to 4 times on a single charge and can juice up your iPhone to 90% in just an hour. With the Just Mobile Gum Plus, users can enjoy more music, video, talk, games and internet on an iPhone. It also works with iPods, Smartphones and other USB-powered devices.

Product Name: SmartBadge / USB Drive

Manufacturer/Design: Apacer Technology Inc.

The SmartBadge, an iF 2010 award-winning product, combines data security and storage needs. The SB contains 4 USB drives, including a dongle with USB, an RFID reader and security software capabilities, and provides ample storage capacity and easy data handling. Its RFID function enforces data security by giving access to Security Zone-labeled info only when the user is within 1.5m of the badge. Without the badge and dongle, only information in the Public Zone is accessible. The SB ensures data security within the 4 USB drives. The Smart Tag color labeling and slip case design combine practicality and looks, making the SB meet data safety and management needs.

Product Name: PS236 / Fully Rugged Handheld

Manufacturer/Design: Getac Technology Corp.

The Getac PS236 is the world's first fully-rugged handheld built to meet the IP67 and MIL-STD-810G standards with high speed High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) for outdoor environments. Designed for data collection and transmission, this unit increases user convenience. There are various extensions offered through ports, and up to a long 10 hours of battery life. Rugged features are designed to resist impact, dust, wide temperature variations and sub-one-meter soaking in water for 30 minutes and rugged handling outdoors. Featuring a numeric and PDA keypad, USB OTG, built in Getac software and GIS functions, the PS236 provides a comprehensive mobile computing solution.

Product Name: iSPOS / Water and Dust Proof All-in-One Touch POS System Manufacturer /Design: Sensor Tech Co., Ltd.

The iSPOS is a water- and dust-proof All-in-One touch POS (Point of Sales) System with IP66 Certification. Besides showing intelligently designed exterior from every angle, this system also adopts green concepts, ergonomics and universal design to satisfy global markets. The rugged design enables the system to be used in harsh and outdoor environments, avoiding break-downs.

Product Name: OAXIS BK6002 / Ebook Reader

Manufacturer: ITONE Digital International Co., Ltd.

Design: Gajah International (HK) Co., Ltd.

Designed as a comfortable reading experience, the BK6002 is preferable for its simple design. The E Ink display simulates a hard copy in paper to minimize visual fatigue and the curved back of the Ebook Reader is ergonomic to allow prolonged reading. The button layout provides a direct selection of corresponding menus on the interface, reducing the need to scroll that is cumbersome due to the slow refresh rate of the E Ink screen, thus providing a familiar user interface similar to content pages in a printed book.

Product Name: i-Concerto / Amplifier

Manufacturer/ Design: Add On Technology Co., Ltd.

The "iCONCERTO" high-end tube amplifier has an iPod docking station and three vacuum tubes. It unites digital and analog audio technologies to create an extraordinary sound experience, via processing both digital and analog input signals. Behind the iPod dock on top of the housing are 3 vacuum tubes located and protected by 3 chrome trumpets.

Product Name: Soundbase Mobile / Sound System

Manufacturer/ Design: Add On Technology Co., Ltd.

This smart personal sound system features an embedded handle for easy portability. The slim sound system is connected via USB and serves as a mantle for a notebook. It provides rich sound with its first-class "Class-D amplifier". The slightly-inclined keyboard enables ergonomic typing. The quiet fan draws heat from the notebook and can be operated when the sound system is off. The foremost feature of the lightweight 2.1 loudspeaker system is operation without external power, making for excellent user- friendliness and eco-efficiency.