Intel DX10 Graphics Drivers, Battery Shortage

Couple of semi-important stories (especially if they affect you). First, CNET is reporting on Intel releasing updated DirectX 10 graphics drivers for its Intel Mobile GM965 Express chipset, aka the X3100 Graphics Media Accelerator. Many ultraportable laptops use the integrated graphics that are available with the GM965. These are available for Microsoft Windows Vista (and not Windows XP).

You can download the X3100 DirectX 10 graphics drivers here (downloadcenter.intel.com).

Next up, the lithium ion battery shortage that has affected some companies should be over by the time the third quarter of 2008 rolls around. IDG News Service/Yahoo is reporting that the affects of the fire at the LG Chem factory in South Korea should be alleviated, according to the chairman of Simplo Technology (world’s largest independent notebook battery maker). Asustek in particular felt that it impacted sales of their ultraportable Asus Eee PCs:

Asustek believes the battery shortage means lost sales of its popular Eee PC low cost laptop this year. The company will reach its 5 million unit shipment target, but it could have increased the target were it not for the battery troubles, said Jerry Shen, CEO of Asustek, at a news conference a few weeks ago.