Reviews of the latest gadgets, cars to hit the market
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.
CONTRE JOUR | Rs 46 (approx)
Features
>> iOS app, creative gameplay, graphics and sounds
Everything about this game is lavish and imaginative, including the art and music. Familiar elements litter Contre Jour, making it comfortable to navigate. Unfortunately, at later levels, playing on anything but a tab, with a sufficiently large screen and touch sensitivity, might make the game impossible to finish
ACER ICONIA LAPTOP | Rs 69,900
Features
>> Intel core i5, 2.67 GHz processor, 4GB RAM
>> Dual 14-inch display (1366x768), USB 3.0
Are two screens better than one? Not really. This is not because the idea is poor but because applications just aren't designed for it. The typing experience (on the lower touchscreen) is tedious while the top touchscreen is not very sensitive. A bright point is Gesture Editor, which you can customise and assign specific gestures to launch applications.
HP TOUCHSMART 610 | Rs 75,000 (approx)
Features
>> 3.2GHz Intel Core i5, 4GB DDR3 SDRAM
>> 1GB AMD Radeon graphics card, 750GB hard disk
The HP TouchSmart 610 packs enough power to handle most computing needs with the latest Core i5 Sandy Bridge processor, clocking 3.2 GHz with 4 cores, along side an AMD Radeon 5770 GPU. The multi-media experience is also brilliant. It comes with a 23-inch touch display (1920x1280), a slot-loading Blu-Ray drive and a Dr Dre Beats audio system.
OLYMPUS PEN E-P3 | Rs 39,999
Features
>> Live MOS sensor, 1080p HD resolution
>> 3" OLEDCapacitive Touch Screen, 3D mode
The MOS sensor allows pictures to be taken in very low light conditions, reduces noise and uses less energy, making the camera faster. The sensitivity of the camera ranges from ISO 200 to ISO 12,800. The latest True VI processor also checks the focus at 120 frames per second. Another unique feature is a built-in autofocus illuminator light, which makes it easier to focus in low light conditions. The camera comes with 2 lenses-a 14.42mm with an aperture of 3.5 and a 41.150mm with an aperture of 5.6.
TUBEMATE | Free
Features
>> Multiple download qualities, great interface
>> File size 578.12KB, works on Android 1.5 and higher versions
TubeMate lets you browse, watch and download YouTube videos on your phone through a very clean interface. The app is easy to use and promises faster downloads. TubeMate features download resolutions of 480x270, 1280x720 (HD) and 1920x1080 (Full-HD). Unfortunately, it drains the battery and works best if the device is plugged in to a power source.
MARUTI SUZUKI SWIFT | Rs 4.5-6 lakh (est)
Features
>> 1.2 litre petrol (or 1.3 litre diesel)
>> 87bhp, 5-speed manual
The new generation Swift is a near replica of the previous one, but with cosmetic and engine modifications that make it a better drive. The essentials remain the same but the headlamps and tail cluster are much larger, both wrap-around. The car itself is larger with a longer wheelbase. The interior has been redesigned to increase space and improve the feel. Moreover, the petrol engine now has a variable valve timing on the intake valves, increasing efficiency and power. Hydraulic units are being used to mount the engine to reduce noise and vibration inside the cabin.
Features
>> iOS app, creative gameplay, graphics and sounds
Everything about this game is lavish and imaginative, including the art and music. Familiar elements litter Contre Jour, making it comfortable to navigate. Unfortunately, at later levels, playing on anything but a tab, with a sufficiently large screen and touch sensitivity, might make the game impossible to finish
Features
>> Intel core i5, 2.67 GHz processor, 4GB RAM
>> Dual 14-inch display (1366x768), USB 3.0
Are two screens better than one? Not really. This is not because the idea is poor but because applications just aren't designed for it. The typing experience (on the lower touchscreen) is tedious while the top touchscreen is not very sensitive. A bright point is Gesture Editor, which you can customise and assign specific gestures to launch applications.
Features
>> 3.2GHz Intel Core i5, 4GB DDR3 SDRAM
>> 1GB AMD Radeon graphics card, 750GB hard disk
The HP TouchSmart 610 packs enough power to handle most computing needs with the latest Core i5 Sandy Bridge processor, clocking 3.2 GHz with 4 cores, along side an AMD Radeon 5770 GPU. The multi-media experience is also brilliant. It comes with a 23-inch touch display (1920x1280), a slot-loading Blu-Ray drive and a Dr Dre Beats audio system.
Features
>> Live MOS sensor, 1080p HD resolution
>> 3" OLEDCapacitive Touch Screen, 3D mode
The MOS sensor allows pictures to be taken in very low light conditions, reduces noise and uses less energy, making the camera faster. The sensitivity of the camera ranges from ISO 200 to ISO 12,800. The latest True VI processor also checks the focus at 120 frames per second. Another unique feature is a built-in autofocus illuminator light, which makes it easier to focus in low light conditions. The camera comes with 2 lenses-a 14.42mm with an aperture of 3.5 and a 41.150mm with an aperture of 5.6.
Features
>> Multiple download qualities, great interface
>> File size 578.12KB, works on Android 1.5 and higher versions
TubeMate lets you browse, watch and download YouTube videos on your phone through a very clean interface. The app is easy to use and promises faster downloads. TubeMate features download resolutions of 480x270, 1280x720 (HD) and 1920x1080 (Full-HD). Unfortunately, it drains the battery and works best if the device is plugged in to a power source.
Features
>> 1.2 litre petrol (or 1.3 litre diesel)
>> 87bhp, 5-speed manual
The new generation Swift is a near replica of the previous one, but with cosmetic and engine modifications that make it a better drive. The essentials remain the same but the headlamps and tail cluster are much larger, both wrap-around. The car itself is larger with a longer wheelbase. The interior has been redesigned to increase space and improve the feel. Moreover, the petrol engine now has a variable valve timing on the intake valves, increasing efficiency and power. Hydraulic units are being used to mount the engine to reduce noise and vibration inside the cabin.
