E-readers have been around for a while now; however their main disadvantage was their black and white picture. Doesn’t sound like a problem however when they equip the device with 3G, Wi-Fi and what not you want it to show the real colors of the web pages when you surf the web. The other thing I would like to have from a device like this is a touch screen. The new e-reader from Hanvon combines both features and completes the symphony with a big 10 inch screen.
Although 10 inches is a great size there is still a problem with the color on these screens. E Ink display is not able to give you a great crisp picture as you would have on a LCD screen. The picture is like… it’s like you are looking at a faded color photo. The other problem about color E Ink displays is that it can’t really show you motion video. Its maximum is simple animations with not a lot of movement going on.
However, it’s still a color picture and all the needed connectivity presented via 3G and Wi-Fi.
Here is one small difficulty for the international customers, Havon color e-reader is on sale only in China and there is no info about it heading to Europe or States. The price of this device is starting at $440. Hope it comes to US, however in the mean time you can look on Amazon for some other readers
Innovations in the tech realm no more seem to be a surprise for us. Merging intelligence with elegance, Jabra has just crafted its new Stone2 Bluetooth headset which offers enhanced comfort along with a hassle-free connection.
Following the footsteps of the Stone headset, the stunning peripheral is embedded with an innovative Voice system that communes with its users. The novel device renders a hands-free experience and allows them to speak commands like ‘call’, ‘answer’, ‘ignore’ and more. The gorgeous Bluetooth headset says the caller name or number for disclosing the information without the need of touching the handset.
“The Jabra Stone2 takes everything our customers found appealing about the original Stone – design, style, portability – and adds voice communication enhancements that truly allow a user to be hands-free. We are pleased to work with Jabra to expand and innovate our accessories portfolio,” remarked Michael Cowan, AT&T director of accessories, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets.
The Stone2 headset announces several audio alerts such as ‘low battery’ to inform users. Fabricated with four ergo-designed ear gels, the deluxe peripheral provides a comfortable fit. Owners can also delight on the device’s 10 hours of talktime. It also comes with a portable Jabra Stone2 charger for further ease.
Users can download a host of lifestyle applications through the Jabra World of Apps. A few voice-enabled apps which empower users to send text messages and emails using their voice, reading emails, and many more can also be picked up. Moreover, the Jabra Stone2 iPhone app lends solution videos in addition to product introduction and overview.
The latest Jabra Stone2 Bluetooth headset can be purchased up for $129 (approx Rs. 5,750) through AT&T retail stores and online beginning November 21.
This festive season has ignited celebrations of the highest magnitude as the entire country is lit with beautiful lights and fireworks. The mood is amplified by lines of lamps, floral decorations and exchange of gifts that lend grandeur to the occasion. Not wanting to be left out, the technological space too was sparkled with attractive gadgets. With modern life is driven by cool gadgets, we indeed witnessed a wide array of exuberant innovations. Here we list out some gizmos that added glimmer to the tech world this October.
Razer made an appearance with its thrilling Naga Maelstrom Special Edition and Molten Special Edition gaming mice. Gamers can look forward to an unmatched level of performance and distinctiveness. The enticing Maelstrom turns on with a whirlpool of charming blue light emerging right from its swirling core. The Maelstrom boasts of a zero-acoustic Ultraslick feet and glowing vertex design and offers 5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G laser sensor and 1000Hz Ultrapolling/1ms response time while the Molten includes 5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G laser sensor. The solutions house 17 fully-programmable MMO-optimized buttons and advanced macro functionality. This month we also spotted the company unfurling a new line of peripherals based on StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty which included the Spectre StarCraft II gaming mouse, Marauder StarCraft II gaming keyboard and Banshee StarCraft II gaming headset. The month delighted many mobile enthusiasts with a new mesmerizing Nokia handset dubbed N8. Featuring unrivaled attributes, the mobile phone comes powered with the Symbian ^3 OS. Adorning a stunning real-glass 3.5-inch AMOLED screen, the device allures social buffs with several social networking options. Photo enthusiasts can capture their memorable moments as the phone sports an enthralling 12MP equipped with Carl Zeiss optics. Individuals can enjoy a complete entertainment experience since the device offers impeccable Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. The incredible N8 promises to put forth an enhanced user and developer experience. Dell uncloaked its new Dell Streak tablet which puts forth a unique combination of powerful and exciting mobile computing and broadband communication. Users can view remarkable images and videos on the vibrant 5-inch multi-touch WVGA display. The slim attributes enables owners to quickly slip the device into a pocket or purse. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8250T mobile processor, the offering flaunts a captivating 5MP camera and a VGA front facing camera, thereby offering an effortless shooting experience. Individuals need not worry since the tablet functions seamlessly with an advanced battery life. Owners can store their most liked movies, videos and photos as the solution offers expandable 32GB memory. The solution undoubtedly creates a benchmark in the way individuals will experience the internet. Another beauty that popped up this month was the Apple MacBook Air, which comes without mechanical hard disks and optical drives. Nipping its waistline, the laptop now measures 0.68-inches at its thickest point and 0.11-inches at its thinnest tip. Crafted in an aluminum unibody framework, it integrates Intel Core 2 Duo processors coupled with Nvidia GeForce 320M graphics solution. This gizmo incorporates a built-in FaceTime camera, mic and stereo speakers, enabling users to make video calls effortlessly. Operating on the Mac OS X Snow Leopard, this laptop comes in two screen size variants, 11 and 13 inches. Fashioning enticing aesthetics, Apple’s latest offering sure seems to be an eye grabber. Up next is the recently launched BlackBerry Torch, which strides in as the first handset from RIM to mix in a QWERTY keypad with a full touchscreen display. Powered by the latest BlackBerry 6 OS, this smartphone is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. One key highlight of the phone is the Universal Search which allows mobile aficionados to rummage through the device to locate any content on the smartphone. Flaunting a 5 megapixel camera, it furnishes an 8GB integrated memory and up to 32GB of additional storage support. Furthermore, the newly enhanced WebKit-based browser proffers seamless web navigation. Even though the smartphone amalgams a QWERTY and a touchscreen, it does not lose out on its sleekness. Windows’ recently launched 4GB Xbox 360 console might just appeal to Indian gaming enthusiast with a tight budget. Crafted with a matte finish, this gaming system has been embedded with five USB ports and touch-sensitive buttons. Fitted with a dedicated jack for the forthcoming Kinect, it will allow players to gain the most out of the controller-free system and offer a superior gaming experience. Supporting Wi-Fi connectivity, it also renders optical digital audio. The console furnishes three variants, namely the 4GB, Arcade and the 250GB systems.
Novel technological advancements are here to stay, spreading the light of knowledge and enhancing minds world over. So while homes are being renovated to look fresh this Diwali, users can add a touch of technology to their lives this festive season. Let the true essence of Diwali sink in as the celebrations unfold.
The season of lights, sweets, gifts and wishing each other has almost taken the plunge, leaving all of us with soaring excitement about how to surprise our loved ones. Why not be a little ‘just out’ this time and bring in a tech-filled festive season. So here we list out Top 5 gadgets that won’t only save you from digging a hole in your pocket this Diwali, but will also make your loved ones feel special. For Cervantes, ‘he who sings scares away his woes’, but for you it might stand next to being flip-side. Well, to delight your loved ones this Diwali, the Creative Zen X-Fi2 music player crawls on to our list. The super exquisite device furnishes an ultra slim exterior to complement one’s style statement and is well-lit with refulgent traits. Buckled down to make that special person kick up her heels, or say his shoes for that matter, the creatively framed player sports a noteworthy 3-inch touchscreen and Xtreme Fidelity X-Fi audio technology. The integration of video-out functional capability for viewing videos and photographs on a TV via an optional cable further makes it nab some extra brownie points. This one will make you fork out Rs. 7,000 for 8GB model, while the 16GB version settles for Rs. 9,500. If getting by without entertaining tidbits is challenging for your dear ones, the second druthers from our table may look all bright to you. To help one stay plugged into a social network while being on the wheels, LG’s Optimus should be thought over without any puzzlement. The smartphone brimmed with useful features keeps one occupied with a wide selection of Android applications and enhanced social networking functions. If eager enough to ice up your dear one’s delight on receiving it, its 3 megapixel camera can partner you. Access to Twitter, Facebook and Bebo accounts is also provided by the handset’s Social Networking Client. You can buy this handset for Rs. 12,500. Our next pick just reminded us of an old proverb – ‘a book is like a garden carried in the pocket’. If your loved ones enjoy stowing their reading backyard when on the move, here’s a perfect option. To nourish that reading habit, EC Media’s Wink XTS multi-functional e-reader should get lauded. The device hugs an impressive 6-inch display that exhibits 800 x 600 resolution and sports a 16-level grayscale. Dressed in an eye-catchy wrapping, the elegant e-reader covers many miles with its support for 15 languages. It also keeps one engrossed with the backing of publishing houses such as Penguin, Roli, Oxford University, Harper Collins and Permanent Black. The integration of Wi-Fi connectivity, GPRS, USB 2.0, and audio and video playback support are some other characteristics to draw one’s attention. The e-reader carries a price tag of Rs. 11,490. Here comes our next option which falls slightly heavier on being among our favorites. With the gala time and phrase of celebration, cherishing memories is something which would convince that sensitive part in you. LG’s beautifully sketched out F8010N digital photo frame falls in just at the right time. All ‘in the saddle’ to vivify old memories, the moment-preserver comes fitted with a vibrant 8-inch widescreen and will prove to be ‘on the button’ for viewing and sharing images. Concerns like storage folder, image browsing, slide/multi show and image pause/zoom are taken care of as well. This particular pick will also lend support to various file formats while enlivening the journey with 800 x 600 resolution. You can grab this one for Rs. 8,990. Missing on a photographic equipment to capture those special memories during the festive season is simply infeasible. Topping off our recommending list, the FinePix Z700 from Fujifilm makes a great gift this season. To freeze your moments of festivity, the sleek 12 megapixel device will make one realize how ‘every picture matters’. Adorning a 3.5-inch 460k-pixel LCD, the entrancing unit walks the scene with EXR sensor technology, and the latest digital imaging technology merged with new YouTube and Facebook web-uploaded tool. In order to serve with incredible features, the camera offers high-definition movies in 720p with sound and high-quality still playback. If vibrancy in shades is something your loved ones get attracted by, then tinges of black, red and pink can make them even more tickled pink. Users can snap up this camera for Rs. 12,999. Well, with this, our helping hand comes to a nap. Hopefully, these hot gadgets will not only make you feel good about spending, but will also spawn a special day of memories. So here we leave you with warm wishes for this coming festive season. A very Happy Diwali to all our readers! By the way before we sign off, which one have you finally fixed upon to sift out?
Following the departure of monsoon every year, the Indian festive season sparks off with a series of vivid celebrations, culminating into a shimmering grandeur. While Diwali 2010 makes its way through twisted lanes and expansive landscapes, the technological space has been churning out several devices to twirl these celebrations into an even impressive affair. As the spell of radiating lights advents on the horizon and you relive special memories through this gala, we look at the Top 5 digital photo frames which will breathe life into some frozen moments. Surfing through the assortment of products in this segment, we’ve settled down with the subsequent top five digital photo frames to gild your Diwali basket.
As the glittering rays of light add to the glow on your loved ones’ faces, you can freeze a perfect family picture this Diwali and preserve those amazing flashes in the 8-inch PF830 digital photo frame from Transcend. Flaunting 800 x 600 resolution images on its ultra-bright screen, the 4:3 aspect ratio of the offering enhances the display which has been enveloped in glossy black and white enclosures. Furthermore, the Transcend PF830 is capable of not only flashing still images but also playing videos and music for supplementing your Diwali parties, all for Rs. 8,000. Embedded with a plus calendar, alarm and clock, the frame comes with an intuitive graphical user interface as well as an internal memory of 2GB. This storage capacity can be further expanded with SD, SDHC, microSD, M2, MS, MS PRO, MS Duo, MS PRO Duo and MS PRO-HG Duo memory cards. Those who prefer to commemorate an ecological Diwali can surf through the 7-inch Kodak Pulse digital photo frame laced with touchscreen interface and Wi-Fi connectivity. Capacitated to manifest still images in 800 x 600 resolution, this device stores up to 4000 photos and can be employed without any software installations. Its Wi-Fi capability makes it possible for users to add photos from their computing systems, Facebook accounts and even Kodak Gallery websites. The LED backlighting and Energy Star certified power adapter of the device will take care of your environmental concerns while augmenting the ambit of a greener Diwali. Enclosing your festive memories in its mercury free panel, the Pulse is available for Rs. 8,250. Dishing out a range of digital photo frames for differing tastes, Sony has recently launched the DPF-A710 for those seeking an innovative yet affordable option in this space. Now up for grabs at Rs. 3,990, this S-Frame product could fit just right into your list of Diwali specials. The Sony DPF-A710 flaunts crisp details and bright hues while displaying 480 x 234 resolution images with an aspect ratio of 16:10. Its 128MB internal memory is capable of housing approximately 250 pictures which can be easily transmitted with a USB cable. Besides, the integrated smart auto-orientation sensor enables users to position the frame as per their likes. Finally, the green cause is not left out either as the offering has been assimilated with LED-backlight. Designed to serve suave, style conscious users, the Logitech F8010N digital photo frame can be a visual treat this season. Gleaming in a vibrant sheathing with a price tag of Rs. 8,990, the 8-inch widescreen of the solution exhibits 800 x 600 resolution pictures in rich, dazzling colors. It supports JPEG RAW, PEG, BMP, GIF, PNG and JPEG formats while enabling effortless navigation as well as image transitions with a remote control. Further, the device has been enclosed with features such as a storage folder, image browsing, slide/multi show and pause/zoom options. The embedded USB port allows easy transfer of graphics as the 2GB memory of the photo frame can store your collection of images. Traversing through the chart of latest innovations, we spotted another creation from the S-Frame series for adorning the chandelier of Diwali glimmers. Sony’s DPF-D1020 digital photo frame makes for a sophisticated possession and comes with a luxurious price tag of Rs. 8,990. Outfitted with a 10-inch LCD screen, this device facilitates users to not only view 800 x 480 resolution images but also watch SD videos. The implanted mono speaker can deliver an astonishing experience as it renders music playback. Those who wish to augment the 2GB storage space of the solution can insert a Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, SD or SDHC memory cards. Whether you wish to grab a gift for yourself or someone special, these digital photo frames can chip together another chapter of journeys through wonderful times. Make your pick to showcase those stories of smiles and infuse a vivacious shade into this year’s Diwali celebrations. We wish that all you techno freaks have a safe and prosperous Diwali while deriving the most out of your advanced as well as eco-friendly gadgets.
Marking the beginning of festivities, the auspicious day of Dussehra that celebrates the victory of good over evil is just around the corner. To outshine the celebration, we have been sketching a list of gadgets for our tech-savvy readers. LCD TVs have seemingly become the latest fad amongst those looking for a superior entertainment experience at home. To upgrade your entertainment quotient peep into our list of top 5 LCD TVs for the festive season.
For king-sized entertainment, the visual box that tops our list is the Panasonic Viera D series TH-L42D25, flaunting a stylishly sleek design. This large 42-inch IPS LED LCD TV offers a dynamic contrast of 2,000,000:1 with a full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution. You can enjoy viewing large-sized images of the jovial carnival with its 16:9 aspect ratio. Contemporary violet bezel is sure to blend with your living room’s ambiance. Its two 10w 1-way speakers deliver V-Audio ProSurround to view family time classic movies. At the approximate price of Rs. 95,000, this seems like a great option to invest in as it comes coined with a wide 178 degree viewing angle.
If style is your way to go, Samsung’s 6 series UA32C6900VR dishes out to be a perfect sized television for those yenning a larger than life experience. With an ultra clear panel and full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution, this 32-inch screen size assures the enjoyment you were looking for. The Dolby Digital Plus and SRS TheaterSound produced by its two 10w speakers and the incorporated HyperReal Engine are all proffered for a price of Rs. 67,000. Embedded with full connectivity slots, the trendy and sleek device tips the scale at 8.5kg without stand.
The experience of Sony in the electronics industry captivated us to include one of the dewy models of the company. Sony’s KLV-32NX500 features the revolutionary Bravia Engine 3 which reproduces full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution images with impressive depth, vibrant colors and true-to-life tones. Constructed ideally for a TV room, the 32-inch screen’s wide viewing angles of 178 degree ensure a complete family entertainment time with support for various screen formats. Featuring full connectivity slots which include headphone out for private listening, this elegant LCD is bundled with Bravia Sync to add the magic of a single click. All entertainment devices easily synchronize with each other so you can access all your favorite programs instantly. Up for grabs at Rs. 42,900, this device along with its six different picture modes lends support for gaming as well.
The Infinia series by LG has planked in multiple devices and we decided to pick the 32-inch LG LE7500. Most Indian homes prefer a compact LED TV with full connectivity slots. This one also sports a maroon and black bezel that gives a contemporary touch to the appearance. With a whopping dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1, the entertainment display tends to snap our attention with a 2.4ms response time and two 10w speakers. Incorporated with a Dolby Digital decoder and Infinite Surround sound, this television renders DivX through USB 2.0. At an estimated price of Rs 66,990, this LCD TV is worth a good look at.
To go really light on the pocket, we decided to wrap-up the listing with the 27-inch ViewSonic VT2730. Users wouldn’t need to dig up more than Rs. 27,500 roughly from their piggybank to snap up this 1920 x 1080p resolution rendering gadget. Not only does it tout to lend 16:9 aspect ratio and 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, the ‘drenched in black’ device also brags about its vivid graphics, and clear text. Amusingly, this TV also serves as a PC monitor. With full connectivity options, it has the ability to don the mask of a digital photo frame with slideshow control function and USB 2.0 port. The bargained price seems to compromise on the speakers’ power since it is fitted with two 5w audio speakers. Extremely light on its feet, this entertainment solution weights 8.6kg with stand (gross) and features many picture, video and audio modes for comprehensive customization. Well, these top five LCD TVs offer you an option of giving a swanky twist to the intrinsic gala. Though, the continual of the festive celebration till the end of this year may strike manufacturers or retailers to vary prices depending on locations or discounts. Hope our druthers of LCDs have helped you zero-down on your favorite one. We wish our readers an entertaining festive season ahead.
Nikon'sCoolpix S80sure seemed like a worthy successor to the S70 on paper, butPhotography Blog's latest review sheds light on a couple of underlying issues that hinder it from being a runaway hit. The critics pretty much adored the sexy styling, but they noted that the all-touchscreen operationswere a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Furthermore, the large OLED on the rear tended to inaccurately show how images were turning out, making it exceedingly difficult to know whether a shot was truly under or overexposed. The extra megapixels didn't really help either, with reviewers calling the image quality "so-so" and pointing out that low-light shooting was far from being in this unit's wheelhouse. That said, the camera was still recommended with a laundry list of caveats, so we'd give the source link a peek before aimlessly pulling
Ohio State's Buckeye Bullet 2 has just set a new battery-powered vehicle record after hitting a speed of 291 mph averaged over two separate runs done back-to-back in opposite directions. Yes, it's technically slower than the two-way land speed record of 300.992 mph the original Bullet set back in 2009, but that car was powered by hydrogen fuel cells. This year's model instead was developed in partnership with boutique Monaco-based electric car manufacturer Venturi and replaced the fuel cells with lithium-ion batteries from A123 Systems. It's also apparently a testing prototype for a new car that's coming in 2011. Will that car hit these kind of world record speeds? Probably not, but we're not letting that dash our newly formed geek fantasy of seeing it drag against a Tesla.
Look who's back. The LCD plus digitizer combo that we first laid eyes on last month seems to have leaked out again, still claiming it'll be part of Apple's upcoming (unannounced, but popular knowledge anyway) iPod touch 4th generation refresh. It continues to insist it'll have a front-facing camera, pointing to the rounded hole in its forehead as evidence, and we're now inclined to trust it that little bit more given the leaking site's prior record. A visual inspection reveals it to have the same fused design as on the iPhone 4, which naturally invites speculation that the retina display will be pulling some PMP duty as well. Skip past the break to see the new screen side-by-side with Apple's latest phone display and third-gen iPod touch hardware.
Somebody at Samsung apparently forgot that its very popular Galaxy S handset (in all its varieties) has -- are you ready for this -- a user-replaceable battery. Now, we don't mean a warranty breaking, two-screws-and-it's-out replaceable battery. No, the battery in the Galaxy S is designed (and promoted) to be switched out by the user. Just pry off the back cover and there it is, ready to swap whenever more juice is required. So why anyone would slap a big, bulky, external slab onto their svelte S is beyond us, regardless of the extra 8.5 hours of talk time listed in the Samsung Germany newsletter. We'd understand if it had a working GPS radio, but like the Galaxy S, it doesn't.
It must be getting pretty difficult at this point for Panasonic to come up with new ways to show just how tough its Toughbook line of devices are, but it looks like the company's still got a few surprises in it, as evidenced by a new video that pits its Toughbook CF-U1 handheld against a Rammer. As you can probably guess, the Toughbook pictured above manages to pass the test easily, but there's also another surprise in store at the end -- head on past the break to see for yourself. Of course, Panasonic didn't let an opportunity for a bit of cross-promotion slip by -- it also shot the video on a Panasonic GH1.
Sharp is going to launch its brand new e-reader in Japan this fall with US retail availability to follow by the end of the year. Riveting stuff, isn't it? Well, the company's President Mikio Katayama does his best to spice things up by proposing this device will aim "to rival the iPad," and it may well sport a color LCD if earlier indications still hold true, but what's really got us hot under the collar is the potential for 3D down the line. Katayama claims to have witnessed great enthusiasm for 3D -- particularly when it comes to games -- and posits it as a likely future direction for this new ebook reader. Multifunctional devices are what people want, he says, and since Sharp already has a 3D smartphone in the pipeline and a glasses-free 3D tablet display in the lab, we can't see many technical hurdles to the realization of his vision. Let's just hope his depth perception is accurate when it comes to measuring the interest in three-dee.
Not sure how exactly this slipped our neural net, perhaps it was added in a later update, but yesterday's Bloomberg revelation about a potential Apple TV show rental service now also includes the following tip: Steve Jobs et al plan on hosting an event in San Francisco on September 7. This just so happens to be on a Tuesday and meshes perfectly with Apple's annual Mac plus iPod touch promotion (which ends on the same day). Of course, we could've told you Apple would be holding an early September iPod refresh event this time last year -- the real question is what else might be revealed during the keynote?
RaFrom Gemstone to Aspire, Acer’s roster of competent yet slender netbooks has unceasingly epitomized elegance, distinctiveness and performance in every possible way. The company’s tradition of labeling its attractive devices with nouns yoking sophistication and selfdom hasn’t recently trumped up. In past, we enthusiastically flashed on Acer’s 5740G which popped up being a successor to the 5738G. Our paling around with Acer’s Timeline series has surely been quite interesting so far. Being ‘on the beam’ about our reactions, we bluntly went ahead and said ‘yes’ when yet another notebook from Acer’s Aspire portfolio hopped onto our desks for getting a comprehensive analysis.
Hauling the sheer 14-inch Acer Timeline X4820T from its box, one thing literally pierced through our mind, this could be more than a customary sleek and light laptop. All ‘in the saddle’ to be hashed over, the system’s professional look is still very much intact, but Acer seems to have added a bit of flamboyance here and there. There’s now a silver trim around the touchpad and the black brushed aluminum cover for a classic appearance. Even better, the 4820T has very little luster as the palm rest is covered in a silvery metal as well. Regrettably, the screen bezel and trim around the keyboard still get the unfortunate black glossy-plastic treatment.
Well, our drilling assessment sallied forth with the design wielding which gave us a chaste look, though not the most voguish one. With manufacturers crowding in with slimmer portable computing solutions, Acer sings pretty harmoniously to similar tunes by tagging it with a weigh of mere 2.2kgs. The lid of the notebook is commendably thin but fails to stand erect when moved from one spot to another. If you are thinking to work on it while traveling, all that crosses our mind is – a bad idea. As we believe, gaining on one thing shouldn’t lose on the other. Having a sturdy hold on its outer flip would have been appreciated since we aren’t interested in playing with keys after losing its panel.
The 4870T’s 0.9- to 1.1-inch thick body is quite a lot placed in proximity to the biggest design coup, nevertheless. It’s just an incredibly thin and light 14-inch laptop, and the battery doesn’t bulge at all like some other ultra portables out there. Despite the thin dimensions, the machine still has room for a DVD player and three USB ports on its right edge. We genuinely have no idea why Acer had to line up all the USB ports so close to each other. It emerged to be quite uneasy to simultaneously plug in multiple devices. An extra USB jack, an HDMI port, an Ethernet RJ-45 port, a VGA port, a Kensington lock slot, air cooling vents, and mic and headphones sockets dwell on the left side, while its 5-in-1 card reader lives on the front lip. There’s also an Acer Crystal Eye webcam and two microphones integrated into the bezel.
The exquisite device’s bass flaunts a battery bay, an HDD bay, a battery release latch, a memory compartment and ventilation slots endured by the cooling fan. The ODD access indicator and DC-in jack are also smoked out on the right edge. While under the laptop’s lid are a number of indicators scattered composedly around the keyboard which include the battery, power, Num Lock, HDD, communication and Caps Lock indicators. A user-programmable key and PowerSmart button for cajoling the device into energy-efficient mode are placed on the top right hand corner above the keyboard.
The high-definition Acer Cine Crystal LED-backlit TFT LCD impressed us with clear visuals, thanks to its 1366 x 768 pixel resolution. We could also easily execute our tasks faster with simultaneous multi-window viewing, a praiseworthy innovation for those who’d like to close and open windows at regular intervals for a flake of fun (just a guess). The image clarity is good enough to keep you grooving over your favorite artists’ videos or favorite comedy flicks for long hours. The screen is definitely bright, like what we’ve seen earlier from Acer, and didn’t disappoint us with any dim horizontal angle viewing.
The device’s standard voltage core i3 processor towers above all of the ULV laptops we have reviewed in the past. The 2.26GHz core i3-350M processor along with 4GB of RAM was certainly fast enough for everyday routine too – we concurrently ran Chrome, Microsoft Word 2007, TweetDeck and Trillian with no lag, and even adding DVD playback to the mix didn’t slow things down.
Coming to the point that half-way makes it or breaks it, the keys lying luxuriously sure enough satisfied our senses. We appreciate the execution of 86 roomy keys posted on the device. Typing in was purely a fluid experience. Just below the space hopped up by keys, the touchpad navigates quite smoothly and is very responsive. Almost like a genie, it listens to your command and works quite impulsively. Quite bouncy and generous in size, it supports multitouch gestures, though we turned off the pinch-to-zoom function since it would mistakenly zoom in on web pages when that’s the last thing we wanted to do. The scroll strip on the right edge was also quick to react. The single mouse button was a bit of uneasy, tempting us to take a knife and chop it into two dedicated buttons.
Since we like everything around us to be more organized, the addition of lots of interesting chunk was pretty cool. Clicking on Start gave us more than just getting on a clove. With its media center, we could personalize the visuals and sound on our computer, making it look even more mesmeric. The option to personalize stood by what it says we could easily toggle between ‘my themes’ ‘aero themes’, and six basic and high contrast themes. Features like transfering of files, share with a home group, change UC settings, back up your files, add new users, and change text size under the category ‘Getting Started’ remain the same.
On clicking ‘start’, documents, pictures, music, games, computer, control penal, devices and printers, and default programs were spotted. One thing that literally made our eyes open wide was the ability to attach sticky notes on your computer. We could remind ourselves with other important tasks by leaving notes on the screen. Though miniature, the experience was truly nice, making us feel more like maintaining a personal to-do notepad.
Playing Farm Frenzy, where catching a bear who tosses animals around, feeding chickens and collecting coins, was pure fun with great graphics and vibrant colors. We also enjoyed playing Dream Day First Home where checking the to-do list and looking for those items hidden in the scene was absolutely pleasant. The entertaining device was strong enough to keep us engaged with 21 pre-installed games. Our aural senses were looked after well with its in-built virtual surround sound left and right speakers supported by Dolby Home Theater. Though decent for personal listening, making others peep into those videos being played wouldn’t have been odd at the same time. Though the TimelineX is gracing the market with discrete ATI Radeon GPU, our unit had Intel’s integrated high-definition graphics, great enough to watch YouTube HD videos.
Embedded with powerful attributes like Acer Nplify 802.11b/g/, Intel Core i3-330M processor and Intel HD graphics, the notebook let us go through it smoothly with a 6-cell Li-ion battery. After nearly six hours of powerful computing, the device looked still afresh with minimal energy torn out. For storing ample amount of content, the HDD options of 320GB and 500GB topple as good add-ons. Not to forget, the DVD Super Multi ODD has also been planked in to add a sense of distinctiveness. Well, just like the Aspire One 521 and 721, the company has loaded this one as well with powerful software. The desktop comes strewed with NetFlix, Acer games, Norton Online Backup Security, McAfee Internet Security Suite 2009 trial, Microsoft Office Personal 2007, Microsoft Office Trail, Adobe Flash Player 10, Acer Video Conference Manager and Windows Live Essentials.
To put it in a nutshell, the Acer Aspire TimelineX X4820T is sure in for those looking for powerful performance in a slim chassis. The fusion of elegance, style and extreme portability takes the notebook certainly up on the ladder. Just certain tweaks in its substandard build quality would’ve made it nail down even more admiration. However, there’s no doubt that it’s in a class much on its own. The sleek unit successfully scores a good 9 out of 10 from us. A price tag of Rs. 36,624 (exclusive taxes) comes stitched to it.
Those looking for a versatile home entertainment experience can now target their eyes on this new scintillating offering. Samsung has now come up with the BD-C8000 which offers vibrant 1080p HD videos. When connected to a 3D-capable TV and used with 3D glasses, the device enriches 3D playback on an attractive 10.1-inch screen.
Powered with three hours of battery life, the device has integrated Wi-Fi abilities which offer various connectivity options easily. Owners can enjoy a wide library of content and applications via Samsung Apps and HDMI 1.4a support. Additionally, the company introduced three standalone Blu-ray players and three Blu-ray Home Theater Systems. These devices promise to deliver impeccable picture and sound quality.
“Blu-ray has raised the bar for video and audio quality that consumers expect to see at home. We led the way in 3D TVs and are excited to do the same for 3D Blu-ray players and Home Theater Systems. With the industry’s broadest line-up of 3D capable home entertainment products, there is a product to suit every home and wallet,” remarked John Revie, senior vice president of Home Entertainment at Samsung Electronics America.
The Samsung BD-C7900 Blu-ray player houses two HDMI outputs which enable users to connect several HD sources to experience overwhelming sound and video quality. These ports lend support to various receivers thereby lowering the need to upgrade to a new HDMI 1.4 receiver. Designed with sleek and trendy attributes, the device features AllShare which permits users to Wirelessly sync digital devices. Users can now enjoy music, movies and photos straight from their DLNA certified PC, camera and mobile devices to their Samsung TV screen.
The Samsung BD-C6800 Blu-ray player allures users with its Wi-Fi capabilities which wirelessly receives web-based content through Samsung Apps and playback media files from DLNA certified devices. The affordable BD-C5900 offers users a high-performance entertainment experience. All these enticing players support a wide array of media formats, while users can enjoy both 2D and 3D content.
The Samsung HT-C9950W seamlessly blends together looks, design and performance. It delivers immersive home theater picture quality, offering a complete viewing experience. The stylish HT-C9950W subsumes a slot-in disc loading, organic touch control buttons and a premium volume wheel. Sound quality is further enhanced with its 7.1 channel 3D surround sound system. The system includes four speakers, two satellite speakers, one center channel unit, an anti-vibration subwoofer, iPod/iPhone dock and two HDMI inputs. Bundled with a dongle for wireless Internet connectivity, users can effortlessly access new content through Samsung Apps.
The HT-C6900W and HT-C6600 bring about exceptional picture and sound quality thereby offering a perfect home theater package for small areas. The Samsung HT-C6600 extends support for HDMI 1.4 to immerse users with Samsung Apps and Wi-Fi dongle for improved wireless connectivity. The patented Crystal Amp Pro technology amplifies sound quality through its multi-variable feedback technology. The Samsung HT-C6900W includes all features of the HT-C6600, in addition it includes wireless rear speakers, integrated Wi-Fi, and a two-way center channel speaker for advanced sound quality.
The BD-C8000 is priced at $499.99 (approx Rs. 23,306), the BD-C7900 at $399.99 (approx Rs. 18,645), the BD-C6800 at $279.99 (approx Rs. 13,051) and the BD-C5900 at $229.99 (approx Rs. 10,720). All these products are presently available in the market. Additionally, the HT-C9950W is tagged at $1,799.99 (approx Rs. 83,906) and will be available in the market from October 2010. The HT-C6900W costs $699.99 (approx Rs. 32,627) and the HT-C6600 costs $599.99 (approx Rs. 27,966).
Just yesterday, we caught a sight of Samsung revealing its BD-C8000 that offers vibrant 1080p high-definition videos. Now, the company extends its Blu-ray 3D content and introduces 3D LED TV for home entertainment.
The 3D TV segment includes Samsung’s proprietary technologies, new design and wider screens to offer users a complete engaging 3D experience. The newest line-up of 3D-capable HDTVs and Blu-ray 3D films highlight the commitment to provide potential content and enhanced products that collectively deliver an enthralling 3D home entertainment experience.
“With 3D, people can explore the wonder of an immersive entertainment experience in the comfort of their homes,” remarked John Revie, senior vice president of Home Entertainment, Samsung Electronics America. “As the HDTV market leader for four straight years, we are proud to lead the way into the next dimension of premium entertainment and will continue to collaborate with industry leaders like DreamWorks Animation, IMAX and Giant Screen Films to deliver richer content to the home.”
Designed with 65-inch screen, the sleek Samsung UN65C8000 claims to be the biggest Full HD 3D LED TV available for the home. Powered with integrated 3D processor, the device bundles together real 240Hz refresh rate technology, dynamic 8,000,000:1 contrast ratio and proprietary precision dimming technology. Offering impeccable picture quality, the device is Wi-Fi-ready and supports Skype via Samsung Apps. Users can now easily connect with friends and family around the world. Additionally, owners can access Hulu Plus and ESPN Next Level through Samsung Apps.
Samsung advanced its Plasma HDTV line-up with three new 3D-enabled plasma TVs which promise to deliver an immersive 3D experience at an economical price. The Samsung Plasma 680 Series features Full HD 1080p resolution and 600Hz Subfield Motion, while the Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio offers deep blacks and brilliant colors. The series provides users with a wide array of choices as it is available in 50- or 58-inch screen sizes.
It permits patrons to share media files stored on PCs or other DLNA-compliant devices on the big-screen with the help of AllShare. Developed with Energy Star 4.0 standards, the striking touch of color design blends faint black-to-dark blue accent. The Plasma 490 Series comes wrapped in an eye-catching piano key black cabinet with a dark blue touch of color design. The Clear Image Panel technology puts forth exceptional picture quality, while the Plasma C490 also includes 600Hz Subfield Motion technologies.
The UN65C8000 can now be purchased for $5,999 (approx Rs. 2,79,599). Additionally, the PN58C680 is priced at $2,299 (approx Rs. 1,07,179), the PN50C680 at $1,599 (approx Rs. 74,559) and the PN50C490 at $1,099 (approx Rs. 51,259).
Around last month we reported that Verizon Wireless picked Motorola Droid X smartphone. Now, the Motorola Droid 2 in up for pre-sale through Verizon Wireless. The handset effectively blends its features so that users can manage work and social life with utmost ease. Fitted with a QWERTY keypad, the device offers ultra high-speed Web browsing, 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities, full push corporate e-mail, intuitive social messaging and Adobe Flash Player 10.1 all running on Android 2.2. KE3FTH32Q8Y6
Designed with slim attributes, Droid 2 features a symmetrical keyboard with raised keys which enable users to e-mail, text and tweet with effortlessly. Owners can quickly message with speech-to-text input, virtual multi-touch keyboard and Swype for easier text input. The full push corporate e-mail bundles together features like remote wipe and password enforcement for advanced data safety.
“When we announced DROID X last month, we reaffirmed our commitment to continue to bring unique Android experiences to the Verizon Wireless network,” commented Jeffrey Dietel, vice president wireless device, marketing and development for Verizon Wireless. “The DROID by Motorola was our first Android device, so it is important for us to include the successor to that phone in our portfolio. DROID 2 is not only a continuation of our commitment to Android but offers customers the features and form-factor they crave on the Verizon Wireless network.”
Users can exploit the freedom of wireless with the 3G Mobile HotSpot and connect up to five compatible Wi-Fi devices. Additionally, owners can view content on the vibrant 3.7-inch display. Equipped with a 5MP camera, the handset offers DLNA connectivity to conveniently share data with compatible devices. Users can also download popular apps from Android Market. The device sports 8 GB on-board storage space which can be extended to 32GB.
“With the new DROID 2, we’ve taken a big leap forward from the original DROID,” remarked Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer of Motorola Mobile Devices and Home Business. “We listened to consumers and are providing an even more robust experience built on Android 2.2 that includes a new keyboard, increased processing power, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 and 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities to send, access and share information even quicker than before.”
Exciting apps on Droid 2 include NFL Mobile, Skype mobile and Blockbuster On Demand presented by V CAST Video. My Verizon and Backup Assistant enable users to manage their wireless accounts or contacts directly from the handset. The company will offer a limited edition R2-D2 version of the Droid 2 through the official website in September. This version will feature Star Wars content and the external hardware will be designed to look like the trusty Droid from the film saga.
Motorola Droid 2 is now available for pre-sale through the official website and it can be snapped from Verizon Wireless Communications Stores from August 12 for $199.99 (approx Rs. 9,313) after a $100 (approx Rs. 4,656) mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Users will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card upon receipt, and they may further use the card as cash wherever debit cards are accepted.
In addition, owners will have to subscribe Nationwide Talk plan or a Nationwide Talk & Text plan, and Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plan is tagged at $39.99 (approx Rs. 1,862) for monthly usage, while Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $29.99 (approx Rs. 1,396) for unlimited monthly access. Users can also access 3G Mobile HotSpot service on their Droid 2 smartphones for $20 (approx Rs. 931) per month.
Entertainment aficionados can enjoy advanced surround sound acoustic clarity and rich, subwoofer-powered bass frequencies with this latest offering. Designed to deliver a theater-like experience, the AE2280 is fitted with a 21.5-inch display that delivers full HD (1080p) videos and 16:9 aspect ratio. An enriched graphics performance is ensured with the desktop PC’s ATI Radeon HD series graphics card.
“The Wind Top AE2280 brings the ultimate in Hollywood-caliber video and audio technology to the desktop. It packages the perfect combination of processing power, stunning graphics, HD video, and powerful, crystal-clear audio in a sleek, modern and energy-efficient design. As both a multimedia and home entertainment system, the newest Wind Top sets a new standard for the level of power, functionality and ease-of-use available in All-in-One PCs,” shared Andy Tung, vice president of sales, MSI Computer.
The new Intel Core i3/i5 processors employed in the Wind Top AE2280 proffers high-performance processing and augmented multitasking capabilities for work and entertainment-related applications. Besides, Intel’s Turbo Boost technology embedded in the Core i series processors mechanically increases or decreases operating speeds according to the demand of the applications. Moreover, Hyper-Threading technology by Intel further improves system performance while running numerous operations simultaneously.
Users are proffered an enhanced multi-touch experience which is rendered by the Window 7 operating system of the PC. MSI equips Wind Touch Generation III multi-touch software, Wind Mail email software, and YouCam software to add visual effects for photos or videos taken with the built-in webcam and directly upload them to YouTube and Facebook.
YouPaint software, a touch-enabled painting software that includes different painting elements, and YouMemo software for creating personal notes and memos are also bundled in the device. The offering caters to the needs of hardcore gamers with its ability to run 3D/HD games as well.
The Wind Top AE2280 PC is available in a variety of configurations with a starting price of $949.99 (approx Rs. 44,036).
The C330 adorns a 2.4-inch QVGA touchscreen with a Stylus Pen rendering a convenient touch experience. With a 3.5mm audio jack, the phone employs Sound Alive 3D effects which produce high quality sounds. Users can enjoy FM radio and their own library of songs saved onto 30MB internal memory which is expandable up to 8GB. An ergonomic grip is ensured with its curved body which flaunts a stylish design.
“Samsung pioneered the revolution in Touch screen segment in India and we are sustaining the excitement in the category through our innovative new launches. While the Samsung Champ is a touch screen phone aimed at the young consumers who love music and enjoy an active online social life, the *Omnia Lite* is for consumers who want multimedia entertainment as well as business features on their phones,” shared Ranjit Yadav, Director-Mobile & IT, Samsung India.
Users can now easily personalize their Samsung Champ homescreen up to seven pages as well as highlight widgets and applications they’d like to use. Social butterflies need not worry as the phone renders connectivity to seven popular SNS sites like Facebook, MySpace, Photobucket, Flickr, Friendster, Picassa, and Twitter.
Access to Samsung apps is now provided to users with the highly sultry C330 mobile device. Other highlights of the Champ include Bluetooth 2.1 support, USB 2.0 support, built-in VGA camera, Image Editor, advanced Mobile Tracker, SOS message, Touchwiz Lite 2.0 UI, and 3 page extended menu. Apart from this, about 12 hours of talktime is also offered with the phone’s 1000 mAh memory.
The second chic touchscreen offering, the Omnia Lite, runs on Windows 6.5 Pro Edge which lets business professionals view, edit MS Word, MS Excel, Powerpoint slides and view pdf files. With this device around, users can now effortlessly enjoy MS Exchange Server Push email. Push emails are provided to users with Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus NoteTraveler support while its MS Active Sync enables users to seamlessly sync between a PC and their device.
Further, users can also access applications and games through the Windows Open OS. A graphically richer touchscreen experience is delivered by the Touchwiz Lite 2.0 UI. The 250MB internal memory of the Omnia Lite is expandable up to 32GB for enjoying several media files. The phone’s 3 megapixel camera now allows users to capture clear pictures while its 3D photo album makes the entire browsing experience purely fun.
Other attributes of the B7300 are one finger zoom, Opera Browser, options of 80 online widgets from the Samsung Widget gallery, DiVx and Xivd support, and DLNA support. Users can utilize up to 10 hours of talktime with its 1500 mAH battery.
The Samsung Champ is priced at Rs. 4,500 while the Samsung Omnia Lite will make users fork Rs. 17,560.
E-readers have been around for a while now; however their main disadvantage was their black and white picture. Doesn’t sound like a problem however when they equip the device with 3G, Wi-Fi and what not you want it to show the real colors of the web pages when you surf the web. The other thing I would like to have from a device like this is a touch screen. The new e-reader from Hanvon combines both features and completes the symphony with a big 10 inch screen.
for some other readers
