Review: Nokia Asha 302, Asus Prime, Nikon D800, Nokia Lumia 800
Sam Abraham introduces new products and services to help you zero in on those that offer value for money.
Sam Abraham introduces new products and services to help you zero in on those that offer value for money.
ASUS PRIME (Rs 49,999)
>> 10-inch display, Android 3.2 (upgradable)
The Transformer's display is responsive and gorgeous, expected considering it is employing four cores running at 1.3GHz. But even this muscle couldn't soothe the occasional bumps Android users are accustomed to.
The dock, which gave it its name, is designed well and together the machine is still thinner than a netbook. The track pad is responsive but the buttons an annoyance while the keyboard feels flimsy but does okay.
SWIFT DZIRE (Petrol: Rs 4.79-6.54 lakh)
>> 1.2-litre K-Series engine, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
>> 86bhp at 6,000rpm, max torque of 11.6kgm
The new Dzire is cheaper by Rs 26,000-31,000 due to lower excise duty on small cars (it's shorter than four metres now). It is now capable of going from 0-100 kmh in 12.6 seconds and is claiming a mileage of 19.1 kmpl.
A four-speed automatic transmission version is also available now. Cosmetic upgrades include a dual tone dashboard, an integrated stereo and climate control air conditioning.
ASHA 302 (Rs 6,200 approx)
>> 1 GHz Processor, 3.2MP camera, 3G enabled
>> 2.4 inch display, QWERTY keypad
For the price, Nokia offers great value for money with this phone. The most impressive would be the social networking apps available including WhatsApp and Facebook.
You can synchronise with multiple e-mail accounts and all major Internet messaging services are supported, though you'll have to be content with the Nokia browser. The memory is expandable with micro-SD card up to 32 GB.
NIKON D800 (Rs 1,49,950 onwards)
>> 36.3 MP CMOS sensor (most powerful available)
>> ISO 100-6400 extendable to ISO 25,600 equivalent
The 800 comes three years after its predecessor (700) with a massive increase in resolution, a significant boost in processing power and the addition of video mode.
The D800's video mode is lifted almost completely from the professional D4 and boasts 1080p resolution. The D800 also includes inputs for stereo microphones and headphones as well as a peak audio meter display.
SONY TABLET P (Rs 36,990)
>> 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB memory
>> Android 3.2, two 5.5-inch TruBlack LCD screens
Though dual-screen browsing works well (courtesy the stock browser), the fact that a lot of android apps are not customised for a dual screen tablet (or tabs in general) is a definite con.
Sony has tinkered with Honeycomb to optimise with the unusual hardware and yet performance is slightly dull. The 3,080mAh battery is impressive considering the twin screens.
LUMIA 800 (Rs 24,000)
>> Windows 7.5 OS, 1.4 GHz single core, 512 MB RAM
>> 3.7-inch screen, 8 MP camera, 16GB memory
The OS is fluid with the hardware design bringing out the best of Mango. The AMOLED screen is also a definite winner. The lack of apps for Windows is still a problem but one that should take care of itself when the OS gathers its faithful.
For now, Nokia's included some of its own, including the lovely Mix Radio. The absence of NFC (Windows 8 future-proofing) and tethering options are irksome.
>> 10-inch display, Android 3.2 (upgradable)
The Transformer's display is responsive and gorgeous, expected considering it is employing four cores running at 1.3GHz. But even this muscle couldn't soothe the occasional bumps Android users are accustomed to.
The dock, which gave it its name, is designed well and together the machine is still thinner than a netbook. The track pad is responsive but the buttons an annoyance while the keyboard feels flimsy but does okay.
>> 1.2-litre K-Series engine, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
>> 86bhp at 6,000rpm, max torque of 11.6kgm
The new Dzire is cheaper by Rs 26,000-31,000 due to lower excise duty on small cars (it's shorter than four metres now). It is now capable of going from 0-100 kmh in 12.6 seconds and is claiming a mileage of 19.1 kmpl.
A four-speed automatic transmission version is also available now. Cosmetic upgrades include a dual tone dashboard, an integrated stereo and climate control air conditioning.
>> 1 GHz Processor, 3.2MP camera, 3G enabled
>> 2.4 inch display, QWERTY keypad
For the price, Nokia offers great value for money with this phone. The most impressive would be the social networking apps available including WhatsApp and Facebook.
You can synchronise with multiple e-mail accounts and all major Internet messaging services are supported, though you'll have to be content with the Nokia browser. The memory is expandable with micro-SD card up to 32 GB.
>> 36.3 MP CMOS sensor (most powerful available)
>> ISO 100-6400 extendable to ISO 25,600 equivalent
The 800 comes three years after its predecessor (700) with a massive increase in resolution, a significant boost in processing power and the addition of video mode.
The D800's video mode is lifted almost completely from the professional D4 and boasts 1080p resolution. The D800 also includes inputs for stereo microphones and headphones as well as a peak audio meter display.
>> 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB memory
>> Android 3.2, two 5.5-inch TruBlack LCD screens
Though dual-screen browsing works well (courtesy the stock browser), the fact that a lot of android apps are not customised for a dual screen tablet (or tabs in general) is a definite con.
Sony has tinkered with Honeycomb to optimise with the unusual hardware and yet performance is slightly dull. The 3,080mAh battery is impressive considering the twin screens.
>> Windows 7.5 OS, 1.4 GHz single core, 512 MB RAM
>> 3.7-inch screen, 8 MP camera, 16GB memory
The OS is fluid with the hardware design bringing out the best of Mango. The AMOLED screen is also a definite winner. The lack of apps for Windows is still a problem but one that should take care of itself when the OS gathers its faithful.
For now, Nokia's included some of its own, including the lovely Mix Radio. The absence of NFC (Windows 8 future-proofing) and tethering options are irksome.
