Top Gadgets of the Month: October 2010

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.

Top 5 gadgets that won’t rocket your pocket this Diwali

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?

Top 5 Digital Photo Frames to display fun-filled Diwali memories

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.

Top 5 LCD TVs for an entertaining festive season

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.

Nokia N9 Meego Slider & X5 Square Slider Phones

 

Nokia’s first MeeGo slider smartphone will be the Nokia N9? A slider phone that seems like an upgraded version of N8 with the addition of a QWERTY keyboard. This QWERTY keyboard is too flat & having a tilting display.
 

Another newly launched Nokia QWERTY CellPhone is the X5, a square slider phone, which has been officially announced in Singapore. The new X5 is quite different from the Nokia X5 announced in China a few months ago, and specifically targeted to young generation. Features include Symbian S60, social networking integration (Facebook, MySpace, YouTube) with notification feature, a small QVGA screen, and a 5MP camera.

The Nokia X5-01 will cost approx. $195. Coming in lots of colors including pink, blue & green.