MARCH 2010
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WHY ON-THE-GO GAMING IS GREAT
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PSP DS?
SOFTWARE? Downloading Top PC Treats
FIXED! SCRATCHED CDS, RUSTY RECORDS & TORN TAPES?
Get Your Images Organised PHOTOBOOK
Ready Steady Research! Take Advantage of the Net R14.95 incl. VAT
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BUYING THE PERFECT PORTABLE MUSIC PLAYER
MONITORS LAPTOPS CAMERAS PRINTERS SOFTWARE CELLPHONES GAMES
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ISSUE #11
10
FEATURES 10
MARCH 2010
Get Your Beat On! Buying the perfect portable music player
14 Ready, Steady, Research Make the Internet your personal assistant
18 Photo Book Fun Organising your albums
22 Are You a Portable Player? Pick a PSP, Decide on a DS
26 Retro Music Revamp Don’t chuck out your tapes, records or scratched CDs
30 Top Free PC Essentials Download the best free software
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22
REGULARS 04 06 08 68 70 72
Editor’s Letter News Trouble-free Technobabble Tamsin the Tech Tannie Competition Disconnect
REVIEWS 36 42 43 44 47 48 49 54 56 58 60
Top 5 PCs Notebooks Accessories Hard Drives Printers Cameras Cellphones Sound Software Books
27
GAMING 62
PUBLISHER Brett Haggard brett@connect.co.za EDITOR Tiana Cline tiana@connect.co.za CONTRIBUTING Johann Barnard EDITOR johann@connect.co.za
TECHNOLOGY Deon du Plessis EDITOR deon@connect.co.za JUNIOR WRITER Tamaryn Watkins tamaryn@connect.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Tamsin Mackay, Adam Oxford ART DIRECTION Infiltrate Media www.infiltratemedia.co.za
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SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@connect.co.za ADVERTISING Dorothy Haggard dorothy@connect.co.za CONTACT Hypertext Media Communications (011) 783-7886 info@hypertext.co.za
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4 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
hile it’s not always easy to keep up with technology, there are some answers for those taking a trip down memory lane. Remember when music came on tapes? What about records? Even though music is easily accessible over the Internet via the iTunes Store or Nokia’s Ovi Store – to name just two – many people still purchase CDs and these too have a limited life, being susceptible to scratches and other forms of damage. But before you go ahead and chuck out your tape collection or put your vinyl records into storage to keep up with the times, you can bring your retro music collection back to life. In the March issue of Connect, we take a look at how to bring your old-school music back for good. From converting music to the correct format to maintaining and modernising your music collection, all the information you need to know can be found on page 26. So now that you’ve put your song library back on track, it’s time to buy the perfect portable music player. On page 10, we’ll give you all the guidelines on what to look for when shopping for the perfect music player. There’s a lot to think about, especially if you take your budget, your tastes and, most importantly, your needs into consideration. From listening to music to gaming on the go, Connect talks about mobile video game machines in March. In past issues, we’ve looked at everything Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii, but did you know there are great pick-up-and-play games out there? You may not be able to play your Wii on the airplane, but a DS Lite is just right. On page
22, we explore these compact devices – as well as cellphone gaming options – that really pack in a lot of technological and multimedia punch. One way to spice up your digital images is to create a photo book. Did you know that instead of storing images on your camera, you can get a personalised, professionally-printed photo book for as little as R300? You can even do this over the Internet! Read more on page 18. Yes, the Internet really is a wonderful way to find what you need, with Google being the starting point for news, e-mail, maps and more. When doing research, sifting through pages and pages of search results can be particularly unproductive. On page 14, Connect will get you ready to research by taking a look at some online research tools, educational resources and software packages and how to use them to get what you want. And while some software choices can eat up all your Rands, there are other ways to keep your technology budget tidy and one of these is by getting your hands on some essential, free PC applications. Read our must-download list on page 30. Don’t forget to submit all your technology quandaries to Tamsin, our friendly tech tannie and if you need to know more, you can always up your tech vocab with our jargon-busting section. It’s everything technology-related you need to know, so remember to stay Connected. Let’s make the most of March. Enjoy the issue, Tiana Cline
news ONLINE MAP FOR SA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL ULTRA-MARATHON
GOOGLE WORKING ON SPEECH-TO-SPEECH TRANSLATION PHONE Fancy your own personal Babel Fish? Google already runs a successful online translator, Google Translate, but they’ve got far-loftier ideas than simply converting the written word. They want to translate languages spoken over the phone, according to their head of translation services. “We think speech-to-speech translation should be possible and work reasonably well in a few years’ time. Clearly, for it to work smoothly, you need a combination of high-accuracy machine translation and high-accuracy voice recognition, and that’s what we’re working on,� said Franz Och, Google’s head of translation services.
A route map of the Old Mutual Two Oceans marathon is available in an interactive online format on the race’s official website. The map’s simple interactive features allow users to zoom in onto specific points along the route or to access a complete list of refreshment or medical points, plus practical distance related information that runners can use for pre-race preparations. The map – sponsored annually by leading map provider MapIT – displays the 56km ultra and 21km half marathon against an overlay of the route onto a detailed street map of Cape Town and surroundings. Simple menu tabs alongside the map enable users to select the ultra or half marathon route. Further prompts guide the user to views of refreshment or medical stations positioned strategically along either route. A click on ‘view refreshments stations’ for example, displays the complete list of water stations on the route and a brief description of street, geographic or suburban locations. An additional click on any of the listed points displays the relevant station on a street level view of the route map with distances indicated at 1km intervals. A simple graphic interface aids a similar ‘click and view’ process. For example, a ‘point and click’ on any specific section of the route, displays a close-up view of refreshment and medical stations at or near that point on the map.
INTRODUCING THE IPAD Is Apple’s latest device the best way to experience the web, e-mail, photos and videos? With a responsive high-resolution multi-touch display that lets you physically interact with applications and content, the iPad is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs barely half a kilogram — thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook. The iPad features 12 next-generation multi-touch applications. Every app works in both portrait and landscape, automatically animating between views as the user rotates the iPad in any direction. The precise multi-touch interface
makes surfing the web on the iPad an entirely new experience, dramatically more interactive and intimate than a computer. Reading and sending email is fun and easy on the iPad’s large screen and almost full-size “soft� keyboard. Import photos from a Mac, PC or digital camera, see them organised as albums, and enjoy and share them using the iPad’s elegant slideshows. Watch movies, TV shows and YouTube, all in HD or flip through pages of an e-book you downloaded from Apple’s new iBookstore while listening to your music collection. iPad runs almost all of the over 140,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone or iPod Touch and also syncs with iTunes, using the standard Apple 30-pin to USB cable. There are two iPads coming to the market—one with Wi-Fi and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G
EA’S GROUNDBREAKING FRANCHISE THE SIMS TURNS 10 The Sims, the groundbreaking game that allows players to create and live a virtual, simulated life on a computer, is celebrating a decade of simulation success. Since the original The Sims debut on February 4, 2000, the unstoppable, award-winning franchise has produced three core games – The Sims, The Sims 2, and The Sims 3 – supported by dozens of expansion and stuff packs with lifetime unit sales eclipsing 125 million worldwide. As the best-selling PC game in nearly every major video game market worldwide, the franchise has generated more than $2.5 billion of revenue putting it in the same class as blockbuster films Avatar, Titanic, and The Matrix Trilogy. The Sims is available in 60 countries and 22 languages. Since its June 2009 launch, The Sims 3 has sold more than 4.5 million units worldwide to date and is the #1 best-selling PC title for 2009 in North America and Europe. The Sims 3 App for iPhone and iPod Touch became the top selling game on the App Store for 2009 and reached the #1 position in the top paid Apps in nearly 40 countries worldwide in the same year.
6 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
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techno jargon // BY DEON DU PLESSIS
TECH JARGON It’s that time again, where we extract some of the terms you’ll see floating around the magazine and lay them out in terms everyone can understand.
8 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
OPENGL openGL stands for Open Graphics Library; it’s an open-source programming interface language that interfaces between graphics accelerator devices – like those found in computers and handheld devices like the iPhone – and the programmer. It basically hides the widely-differing functions of graphics accelerator devices and gives the programmer a single platform from which to create smooth 2D and 3D graphics. STEREOSCOPIC IMAGING This refers to any technique that can create the illusion of a flat image having three dimensions, giving it visual depth. It is usually achieved by presenting two slightly different images to the left and right eye, thereby mimicking the natural depth perception caused by the space between human eyes, which also offers two differing perspectives on whatever is being observed and thereby creating the perception of depth. FIRMWARE All electronics contain firmware, a piece of software that is built into the device. This basic software provides much of the basic functionality of the device, and it can be updated when new functionality has been developed, or old functionality has been tweaked or fixed. NORTHBRIDGE This chip is built into motherboards, and handles the communication between the CPU, the graphics card slot (called the PCI Express slot), the computer’s memory and the ‘Southbridge’.
TRIPOD In general terms, tripod refers to any object that has three legs. In tech terms, a tripod usually refers to a three-legged camera stand, upon which a camera can be mounted. It is used to eliminate any motion that might be introduced by the photographer holding the camera in his or her hand. PORTABLE CARD READER This device is usually quite compact, and can be plugged into a USB port. It accommodates memory cards of various popular formats, and can be used just like a 5-in-1 card reader on a notebook computer. Get one if you primarily use a PC, and would like the ability to read and write to memory cards. DLNA The Digital Living Network Alliance is a group dedicated to the establishment, development and maintenance of the DLNA standard, which was developed to allow various living room devices to communicate with one another. This potentially unites devices like network hard drives with media players like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The prime advantages here are ease of setup and use, and the potential expansion of the 360 and PS3’s storage capabilities. ZUNE HD MEDIA PLAYER The Zune HD is Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s iPod. It’s small, compact, has a gorgeous LED screen, and can play most popular audio and video formats (with a heavy Microsoft bias, of course). They are not widely available in South Africa yet, but you can definitely get hold of one if you know where to look and are willing to pay.
2.0. FireWire is currently available in two speeds: Firewire 400 and Firewire 800, supporting transfer speeds of 400mbits/s and 800mbits/s respectively. BUFFER In computing terms, a data buffer is an area of memory that stores information temporarily, usually while it is being transferred from one area of the computer to another. The printing process is a good illustration of a data buffer; data is sent to the buffer by the printing program and kept there while the physical printing process is on-going. That way, your computer can go about other tasks without devoting any further processing power or time to the print job. SOUTHBRIDGE This chip, also found on motherboards, controls the input and output functions of the computer. It handles the relatively mundane task of translating keystrokes into data, the USB subsystem, built-in sound capabilities, hard drives, Ethernet LAN ports and more. It’s not as glamorous as the Northbridge, but the functions it handles are crucial nonetheless. VIDEO CONFERENCING The act of using video and audio feeds, transported across the Internet, to facilitate communications between individuals or groups. As the Internet has become faster – in the rest of the world anyway – high-quality video conferencing has become a popular way to reduce a company’s travelling costs by uniting all concerned parties virtually, over the Internet.
FRONT SIDE BUS A ‘data bus’ is a subsystem in a computer that transports information from one component to another. The front side bus refers to the speed of the communications channel (bus) between the computer’s central processing unit (CPU/processor) and its ‘Northbridge’.
MEMORY ACCUMULATION This phenomenon sometimes happens when a battery is repeatedly not completely run down before it is recharged. It effectively “remembers” how much power has been discharged, and then indicates that it is empty even though there is still a remaining charge. The result is less battery power, and shorter “up-time” for the device that it powers.
IEEE 1394 This horribly technical-sounding standard is more commonly referred to as FireWire. It gained popularity on the Macintosh platform as it was jointly developed by Apple and a handful of other companies. However, its proprietary nature demanded that royalties be paid to the creators, resulting in its loss of the popularity contest to the far-cheaper USB
MPEG-2 This is a video file format that does away with a great deal of data that does not impact significantly on the video’s overall quality, thereby reducing the size of the resultant video file. This is the format used in DVDs; it can compress the data of a twohour video by a factor of 15 to 30, and is more than good enough for Standard Definition viewing.
WWW.CONNECT.CO.ZA | 9
portable music players // BY DEON DU PLESSIS
GET YOUR
BEAT ON! Buying a portable music player is not as simple as it sounds, but it should be considerably easier if you follow Connect’s guidelines on what to look out for when shopping for the music player that suits your budget, your tastes and, most importantly, your needs.
B
efore you’ve even hit the shops, it’s a good idea to think about where you’ll be using your music player the most. If you’re interested in getting something to play music while you exercise, for instance, you’re best off with a music player that doesn’t have a hard drive. These have small moving parts that can’t withstand sharp jolts like those experienced while running, so active people are far better off with a flash memory-based player that tends to be thin and lightweight and therefore easy to wear in arm bands or pockets.
SOUND ADVICE
BIGGER IS BETTER
Music lovers with large music collections should consider players with the largest capacities. This ensures that no matter the number of music files you own, your player can play them on demand, wherever you are. In fact, regardless of how much music you have, we advise that you buy the player with the biggest storage capacity your budget allows, because even though you may not need it all right away, you’ll be grateful for the extra space as your library grows.
Since sound quality is the feature you’ll be getting the most exposure to, we advise that you listen to each prospective player closely before making up your mind. You’ll soon notice that not all music players sound the same; we therefore recommend you purchase the device with the best sound quality that your budget will allow.
YOU AND I AND THE UI
The user interface is arguably the second-most important feature, after sound quality. If at all possible, try out your desired device’s interface in-store, or ask a sales person to demonstrate it to you. Since you’re going to be getting so much use out of your music player, it makes sense to get one with a simple interface that makes sense to you, and that you enjoy navigating.
WATCH THOSE FORMATS
SCREEN PLAY
While all music players support the common MP3 file format, it’s a good idea to check that your player of choice supports whatever other formats your music is saved in. If, for example, you prefer Microsoft’s WMA format, the AAC format (MP3’s successor, with superior overall quality) or the strangely named Ogg Vorbis audio format, it’s essential to check that your desired device supports them. Head on over to the manufacturer’s website to double check.
The device’s screen is also important if it supports video playback. You don’t want a screen that’s t’s too small, or too fuzzy, as that will cramp your style considerably. It also makes showing off your favourite pictures, which most music players also support, a somewhat embarrassing affair if the screen’s quality is not up to standard. If video playback or photo viewing is not a priority, players with belowpar screens or even no screen at all will do the job perfectly well. WWW.CONNECT.CO.ZA | 11
portable music players
GETTING NG SONGS ONTO THE DEVICE DEVI
Moving songs between en your PC and your y music player is central to your overall experience, so be sure the player you choose has an easy way to do this. Most applications take a bit of getting used to as the Digital Rights Management technology that ships with each to prevent piracy dictates that there has to be a ‘certain way’ of getting content on and off a mobile device. iTunes, Apple’s content management software, is among the worst offenders, intimidating new users with a way of doing things that isn’t immediately obvious.
GO GO GADGET RADIO
When you’ve exhausted your entire music collection, or you’re just tired of it, it’s nice to be able to tune in to the radio station of your choice for some alternative listening. Having a built-in FM radio isn’t an essential feature; it’s just nice to have. Especially if you’re trying to follow the cricket and the boss refuses to let you bring a TV to work.
WIRED FOR SOUND
COVER UP
If you hate scratches, or iff you’re you ou u’’rre insistent insistent i t t on kkeeping i your gadgetry d t pristine, i ti then th you’ll ’ll definitely want a player that comes with a carry case or some form of covering. Most won’t come with a case, though, so you may want to select a player with easily-available accessories. Apple’s iPod range has the widest selection of accessories, plus they look as good as the player itself does.
FINAL WORDS 12 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
While most manufacturers do their best to include good headphones with their players, they don’t always succeed. We highly recommend that you also purchase a very comfortable set of headphones to use with your new music player; if you like the in-ear variety, make sure you get ones with a soft, flexible rubber earpiece that contours to the shape of your earhole for maximum comfort. This helps to block out most external noise, too, managing to even block out the sound of aircraft engine noise on long flights. Over-the-ear headphones are capable of excellent
quality, but they are bulky, making them awkward to carry around. Our advice is to get a high-quality over-the-ear set for home listening, and in-ear ‘phones for when you’re out and about.
Shopping for a music player should definitely be done with eyes wide open; we’re confident that if you take into account all that we’ve discussed here, you’ll end up with a device that you’ll be happy with for years. Here in the Connect offices, we’re big iPod fans (Nano, Classic, Touch… we don’t care, they are all awesome!), but other, less expensive options are out there that also do a good job, so you needn’t be forced into buying an iPod if they’re not your cup of tea. iPods do, however, manage to get most of the categories we’ve discussed ‘just right’.
Life should be less complicated. Introducing Windows®7, the operating system that’s designed to make your PC less complicated and the things you do every day easier. Communicating and sharing is simpler than ever with Windows®7. It includes Windows Live Essentials that makes e-mail, instant messaging and editing photos and videos easy and fun. Windows®7 is available at Incredible Connection.
<ouU 3& simpliÀed www.simplifymylife.co.za
online research tools //BY TAMARYN WATKINS
GOOGLE (RE)SEARCH
Ready, Steady,
Research! While W hile Google Google iiss your when y our ffriend riend w hen it it comes comes most online tto om ost of of your your o nline ssearch-andearch h-a and drequirements, llocate ocate re equ uirrements, sometimes your needs more n eeds are are a little liittle m ore specific, and sifting pages and tthrough hrough p ages a nd pages of search results can c an be be unproductive unproductive and a waste of time. The both IInternet nternet iiss b oth a goldmine and a quagmire w when hen it comes comes to information and finding it. So h how ow d do oy you ou u use se the Internet to research, without getting completely g etting c ompletely bogged down? Let Connect sshow how yo you ou h how. ow. We take a look at some online rresearch esearch ttools, ools, educational resources and packages ssoftware oftware p ackages and how to use them get what tto o ge et w hat you want. We did our rresearch, esearch, in order to help you do yours.
RESEARCH IT RIGHT
The days of visiting the library and spending hours paging through reference books and dusty old tomes are long gone. The Internet is one huge, useful virtual library and can offer you access to a wealth of information, with a few simple clicks.
So, where to begin? 14 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
First in your mind would usually be ‘Google’, but here, think a bit more higher-grade and think ‘GOOGLE SCHOLAR’ (http://scholar.google.com) for your research requirements. Google Scholar provides an effortless way to broadly search for scholarly materials. Search across many disciplines and sources to find articles, theses, books, journals and legal opinions written by academic publishers and professional societies and stored by online repositories, universities and other web sites. In terms of using Google Scholar, it’s much like Google itself. The difference is in the results returned. Google Scholar filters out all the ‘noise’ and directs you to quality, academic resources relating directly to your search query.
BOOK IT!
Hand-in-hand with Google Scholar is GOOGLE BOOKS (http://books.google.com), a digital library that boasts over 10 million books, as of October last year. These are books that are out of copyright, are in the public domain or that Google has been granted express permission to use. Full text is searchable, so you can search for anything inside a book, as long as that book is part of the online repository. Reference pages have been created for every book, allowing you to easily find all sorts of relevant information. Download the full PDF version of certain books or find out how to buy or borrow the book you need if the full version is not available online. Search through a wide variety of categories, including philosophy, political science, linguistics, chemistry, law and physics. A new feature on Google Books is the ability to search for magazine content. With its new agreement with authors and publishers, bigger and better things are soon to come, granting the public wider access to millions of books that were previously inaccessible to most.
NIFTY RESEARCH TOOLS EVERNOTE (http://www.evernote.com)
A handy tool that lets you make notes (both voice and text), clip web pages, grab screenshots, make to-do lists, take photos. The beauty with this service is that it then automatically processes and indexes the information to make your notes searchable. You can also add tags or organise notes into different notebooks. Available for Windows, Mac OS X, iPhone, Android devices and Blackberry smartphones. LUMIFI (http://www.lumifi.com)
A widget that makes light work of research. A handy Content Analyser reads for you and automatically extracts the most relevant information for you, breaking down entire websites, books and articles into easilydigestible chunks. It organises your research for you, into manageable notebooks and keeps track of your citations, helping you to create a credible bibliography for your research project. It also allows you to collaborate on team projects by aggregating the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research into one notebook. ZOTERO (http://www.zotero.org)
f easy-to-use t l i for f the thh Firefox F plugin A free, browser. It helps manage, collect and cite your research sources. Create sticky notes, highlight text on any website youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re reading, and organise your research with labels and collections. Store PDFs, websites and images, and search your own personal reference library that you create, and access your library from anywhere. MYWEBNOTES (http://www.webnotes.net)
A plugin compatible with any browser that allows you to view, highlight and make notes on any PDF or webpage, while making your notes searchable. It has multi-user support for organisations, a built in RSS-reader and allows you to share your research through email and Twitter. Sign up for a free Lite account and get a 15-day free Pro trial.
MAKE THE INTERNET YOUR PERSONAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT WWW.CONNECT.CO.ZA | 15
online research tools
Britannica 2010 Ultimate Edition This software is the equivalent of a university library, on your desktop. Well-researched, comprehensive and reliable with 84 - 107 000 articles (depending on the version) and 166 000 links to online content, there’s something for the school learner, university student and curious adult alike.
PROJECT GUTENBERG (www.gutenberg.org) is the place where you can download more than 30 000 free e-books to read on your PC, iPhone, Kindle or other portable device. Part of the Yahoo! Content Acquisition Programme, it aims to provide free access to books that are in the public domain, in a portable format. Search alphabetically by author name, or book title, browse by language or search for something specific. Also available are poetry works, cookbooks, out-ofprint books, reference works and periodicals. ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIAS
Word Fun URBAN DICTIONARY (www.urbandictionary.com) This dictionary consists of completely user-generated content. It seeks to define today’s slang words, phrases and phenomena not usually found in traditional dictionaries.
If you want a word defined, but you’re not sure what dictionary will give you the definition you need, use Google. Simply type in the search box ‘define: word’ and it will do just that.
16 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
Remember the days of buying the A-Z of Encyclopedia Britannica and it taking up rows of space in your bookshelf? Those days are history. Most encyclopedias have gone online, and while some of them require a paid subscription, most of them are free. BRITANNICA ONLINE (www.britannica.com) has one of the widest ranges of subject matter in the world, with more than 120 000 articles and constant updates. Browse the site alphabetically, browse by category (including Arts & Entertainment, Travel & Society, Science & Technology) or search for a specific term. Useful tools like TimeLines and World Data Analysis provide you with background knowledge and specific insight into what you’re researching. Access statistics, videos, quotes, maps and pictures – anything you need to substantiate your research can be found online. ENCYCLOPEDIA ONLINE (www.encyclopedia.com) allows you to search more than 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries, including medical, computer and science encyclopedias as well as medical, legal, biology and science dictionaries. You can also find articles from newspapers, magazines and journals. Categories include, among other things, Earth & The Environment, History, Literature & The Arts, Social Sciences & Law and People & Places.
WIKIPEDIA (www.wikipedia.org) is a free web encyclopedia available in a number of different languages. Content is user-generated, and anyone can edit any encyclopedia entry. It is this feature that is both Wikipedia’s biggest strength and its downfall. Although Wikipedia has been renounced by many scholarly institutions (some universities have banned students from using it for research purposes) it still has research value. Despite having to verify facts gleaned from Wikipedia, the main advantage of this resource is the external reading links and reference points it provides. At the bottom of each encyclopedia entry is a list of related articles and further reading, which should point you in the right direction. There are two ways to look things up in Wikipedia: either search directly, or browse by category and sub-category.
OTHER WIKI-WONDERS Wikitionary: Wikiversity: Wikinews: Wikibooks:
online dictionary and thesaurus; free learning resources and activities; all the latest news, free; and free textbooks and manuals.
WORD WIDE WEB
When it comes to dictionaries and thesauri, the choices are almost infinite. DICTIONARY.COM (http://dictionary.reference.com) searches for definitions for your query from multiple sources and gives you pronunciation guides, synonyms and antonyms, as well as word origins and history. Also available on this site is a handy translation tool. Translate from English into another language, and vice versa. And don’t forget that there’s a Thesaurus facility too. Useful for those occasions when you need big words to sound smart.
IOMEGA® SCREENPLAYTM PRO HD MULTIMEDIA DRIVE It’s showtime! Enjoy a high-definition theatre experience with the new Iomega® ScreenPlayTM Pro HD Multimedia Drive USB 2.0/ AV/Ethernet, available in 500GB and 1TB. This multimedia player connects to your home network to store & access your videos, music and photo collections. Record video from a camera, cable box, or VCR with a one-touch record button. The ScreenPlay Pro Multimedia Drive supports native HD and is compatible with the latest media formats such as MP3, AC3 (Dolby® Digital Encoding), WAV, WMA, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI/VOB), MPEG-4 (AVI/DiVX 3.11, 4.x, 5.x, 6.x/XViD) and JPEG, plus supports USB WIFI adapter for wireless access (adapter sold separately). EMC® Retrospect® and MozyHomeTM Online backup software (2GB free) available via free download.
Iomega ® offers a suite of multimedia players to let you enjoy your media collections. ScreenPlayTM TV Link Multimedia Adapter
www.iomega.com
ScreenPlayTM HD Multimedia Player USB/AV
© 2009 Iomega Corporation. All rights reserved. Iomega, ScreenPlay and the stylized “i” logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Iomega Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Certain other product names, brand names and company names maybe trademarks or designations of their respective owners. For information on iomega’s current product requirements and supprot policies, please visit www.iomega.com. Product in photos may vary slightly from product in package. Product capacities are specified in gigabytes (GB), where 1GB = 1,000,000,000 Bytes.
photo books //BY JOHANN BARNARD
PICTURE IT! PHOTO BOOKS IN A SNAP While digital photography allows us to take an unlimited number of happy snaps, the sheer volume can render the act of viewing them more torturous than entertaining … until photo books became really affordable, that is. Connect shows you how you can get a personalised, professionally-printed photo book for as little as R300, or even less.
A
lthough enormous HD screens with full surround-sound are very impressive and certainly up to the task of displaying your favourite photos, they don’t quite compare to the realworld feel and smell of a printed book. Fortunately, the same digital revolution that allows us to now document every aspect of our life has led to cost-effective, personalised, digital printing. The best news, however, is that this is now available as an overthe-counter service from a growing number of photo shops around the country. The whole process can’t be simpler or more convenient, and depending on the purpose of your book, and your budget, there are a great number of options to consider.
THE PROCESS, THOUGH, FOR ALL OF THE PHOTO BOOK PROVIDERS IS ESSENTIALLY THE SAME: > download the software > design your photo book > upload or deliver a CD/DVD of the completed design > collect the printed job, or have it delivered > marvel at your creativity and place prominently for all to see. The interface is very user-friendly and will provide you a choice of themes or designs, after which you simply drag and drop the photos as and where you want them. Although these themes are templates for the design, there is generally some leeway to change the way some of the elements are displayed, so yours can be a truly unique photo book. Whether you are 80-years old or a mischievous tyke sneaking onto dad’s computer, you’re bound to have as much fun putting the book together as paging through the end-product. 18 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
Mac is back! Unlike when photo books first became available, Apple Mac users are no longer viewed with suspicion and bewilderment when asking for a Mac version of the design software. These providers have seen the error of their ways and now either have a Mac-compatible version available, or even better – accept photo books created and saved in iPhoto, the native and muchloved Apple photo suite.
FACEBOOK INTEGRATION One service that combines the online world in which we live and the convenience of photo books is South African-developed service – Personera. This groundbreaking service allows FaceBook users to convert their online photo albums into personalised calendars, that include details such as friends’ birthdays. The concept is exactly the same as photo books using various templates to help get you started, after which you drag and drop the images you want, and then order your product for delivery. This is a great example of bringing online content onto our physical desktops.
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photo books
Versatility and choice Practically any size book is catered for, within limits due to having to standardise dimensions, of course. But whether you want a simple, softcover booklet or a 120-page album celebrating your family’s heritage, the choice really is yours. Cost is obviously a major consideration, with a 20page 21x21cm softcover book priced at around R200, through to R350+ for 48 pages, while an A4-sized book of the same number of pages would cost around R300 and R450+ respectively.
COUNTER CULTURE
Photo editors Some of the dedicated photo editing suites such as Adobe’s Lightroom, Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, as well as Apple’s Aperture now also allow for photo books to be designed from within these applications. Once again, the template model is adopted, with the advantage being that you are working in your native editing environment with full integration of all editing options and functions. 20 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
A growing number of photo chains offer an over-the-counter service, bringing the photo book into the realm of the one-hour lab with increasing convenience. Although none offer the ability to complete the layout and design of the book in-store, that is also something you may not want to do as you don’t want to rush through putting your book together. And it can be a time-consuming process to filter through your photos and see which look best together or in a particular design. Also, not all stores have copies of the software available (usually at a nominal price), preferring this to be downloaded from their web site. They may also prefer that you upload your book through their web site, rather than bringing it in-store on a CD. Check with the selected store before you start this process so that you understand fully what is required from your side. You will, however, have to collect it ‘over the counter’ once it’s done. The one thing you will need, no matter which route you take, is a decent Internet connection: The downloadable software can be in the region of 30MB or so, and the book design to be uploaded to the service provider can easily be 20MB or larger.
Most photo book offerings start at 20 pages, after which you can increase the page numbers up to practically any number you want. Any way you look at it, that is really good value for money compared to printing individual photos and shoving them in a drawer or a photo album you never look at anyway. You now, truly, have a brag book you will be insistent on showing off and that others will want to look at.
range and quality of the online products are no less than what can be bought in-store, and is well worth investigating. TOP OF THE PILE
Then there are, of course, the specialist photo book printers who produce high-quality, high-value books with unique covers and bindings. These providers tend to specialise in albums for weddings, anniversaries and the like, but are opening themselves to a public market with a growing demand for access to such products. Although physical interaction is more evident in this process, you will still be able to design your book in the comfort of your home and enjoy the cost-benefits of digital printing. The added benefit it the exclusivity and luxury of a (genuine) leather-bound book, for example. PHOTO BOOK PRINTERS
In-store Foto First > selected stores nationwide Kodak > selected stores nationwide Q-Photo > selected stores, Pretoria region Online 24-hour Photo Books > www.24hourphotobooks.co.za/ My Photo Books > www.myphotobook.co.za/ Picasso Photo Books > www.picassophotobooks.co.za
LOOK MA, NO HANDS!
Less common – certainly in South Africa – is the fully online service whereby you use their software, upload to their server and have the final product delivered to your address. One of the online providers offers a 24-hour service, including delivery, which is service at its very best! The
Specialist printers Photovision > www.photovision.co.za Studio 22 > www.studio22.co.za Coffee Table Books > www.coffeetablebooks.co.za Furi Fine Art Books > www.furifineartbooks.co.za Black Apples > www.blackapples.co.za
mobile gaming //BY TIANA CLINE
ARE YOU A PORTABLE PLAYER? Do you want a PSP? Should you rather buy a DS? What about playing games on your phone? With so many options available, Connect explores the exciting world of on-the-go gaming.
22 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
5 PSP Picks
SONY’S PLAYSTATION PORTABLE (PSP)
R1 999.95 If you’re lucky enough to own a PlayStation 3, you’ll already be familiar with the PSP interface. Slick and easy to navigate, Sony’s portable console is a fully-functional multimedia player. When it comes to playing on-the-go, the PSP platform has a big range of gaming options from quick pick-up-and-play games to in-depth challenges that span all genres – there really is something for everyone. For those who know a bit about video games, you’ll recognise franchise titles like Grand Theft Auto, SOCOM, Need for Speed, FIFA and many more. All games on the PSP have console-quality graphics similar to the original PSOne system. If you’re keen to play with a friend, the PSP system offers two great ways to play: Ad Hoc (local) and Infrastructure (online). Ad hoc connections are for playing with a friend in the same room, and Infrastructure connections are for playing with other PSP owners on the Internet. The PlayStation Store is the place to be for downloading new PSP games or value packs. But it’s also the place for other great content like PSOne Classics, free game demos, add-ons, movies and more. There is a whole world of entertainment available for the PSP, including music concerts and movies that you can buy on the UMD format. There are hundreds of films and TV shows to choose from and these all look great on the PSP’s widescreen LCD. Alternatively, you can connect your PSP to a TV and watch them on the big screen. With the PSP system, you can listen to music or audio by using the built-in speakers or headphones – there‘s also a visual player to “watch” your music playing. If you’re connected to the Internet through a Wi-Fi connection, there’s also the option of listening to thousands of free music stations using Internet Radio Play and streaming. When it comes to battery life, a full charge takes one and a half hours, and lasts approximately 4.5–7 hours depending on things like the screen brightness settings, whether the wireless connection is active, and volume levels. With over 55.9 million PSPs sold all around the world, this is a great option if you like all your multimedia in one, fun place.
1 LITTLEBIGPLANET Start by customising Sackboy, the loveable main character on LittleBigPlanet. From there, you’ll learn about Sackboy’s powers to interact physically with the surrounding environment while navigating through over 30 vibrant themed environments. Make your way across these worldly levels, avoiding obstacles, solving puzzles and collecting items that can be used to create your own in-game content. 2 LOCOROCO Featuring unique controls utilising the PSP’s “L” and “R” shoulder buttons, players are tasked with controlling via “tilting or bumping” the landscape of the LocoRoco in order to help them navigate through the level and keep them out of harm’s way. With more than 40 stages, players control and guide the LocoRoco through vibrant, thriving and lush worlds filled with slippery slopes, swing ropes, and more. 3 GRAN TURISMO Gran Turismo features more than 800 cars from the world’s top manufacturers (over 4 500 total paint variations) and more than 30 tracks (60+ total layouts), including famous world circuits, city courses and other environments. Featuring exciting gameplay and game modes to suit all levels of play, Gran Turismo is a great introduction for newcomers to the best-selling series. Additionally, seasoned Gran Turismo fans will recognise the depth of content and unparalleled visuals the series is known for. 4 GOD OF WAR: CHAINS OF OLYMPUS In God of War: Chains of Olympus, Kratos will journey to lands that no mortal has ever walked upon. With the world plunged in eternal darkness and the Gods rendered powerless, Kratos will face the most feared creatures of Greek mythology, and ultimately be forced to choose between his own personal redemption and saving the ancient world from certain destruction. 5 TEKKEN 6 Optimised for the PSP system, Tekken 6 contains explosive action and features PSP-exclusive stages, content, items, and an ad-hoc multiplayer mode. Fighting among friends is encouraged as players can battle wirelessly against each other using original or fan favourite characters. And when you’ve reached the height of your fighting skills, you’ll be able to see how they stack up against others through the game’s network support.
THERE ARE AR TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF PSPS TO CHOOSE FROM:
1. PSP-3000 This is the redesigned version the PSP Slim&Lite. With a built-in microphone for Skype and online gaming and a better, glare-resistant screen, if you’re playing outside on the PSP-3000, you’ll now be able to see what you are doing without having to find a nice shady spot. With the ability to now play a large variety of music formats (MP3, WAV, WMA, ATRAC3+, and MP4 files) it’s never been easier to use your PSP as an audio player as well!
2. PSP Go Although the PSP Go has all the functionality of a regular PSP, there is no UMD drive. Instead of buying games, the PSP Go relies on downloading media via Sony’s PlayStation Network. The fact that there is no disc to read off means quicker and quieter gaming. Other big changes are Bluetooth support (for Skype calls if using a compatible headset) and a slide-out control system.
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mobile gaming
5 DS Faves 1 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. Jump, bounce and power-up through visually stunning side-scrolling worlds filled with Mushroom Kingdom madness. Mushrooms make Mario ultra-tiny or ultra-huge, and new items like the Blue Shell (which transforms Mario into a spinning shell that wipes out enemies) will keep you on your toes.
2 DR. KAWASHIMA’S BRAIN TRAINING Give your grey matter the workout that it needs to stay sharp, focused and young. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day is inspired by a book that was written by Professor Ryuta Kawashima, a prominent Japanese neurologist. His theories revolve around keeping brains active by performing mental activities quickly.
THE NINTENDO DS
R1 799.95 Nintendo, the makers of the Wii, also have a portable gaming device. This double-screened mobile gaming machine is the Nintendo DS, with the version available in South Africa called a DS Lite. The DS Lite is two-thirds the size of the original DS and, as expected from the name, 20% lighter. There are a number of great features that make the DS Lite a great choice when buying a portable gaming console. The overall button layout is similar to the controller of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System with traditional controls located on either side of the touchscreen. Another cool feature of the Nintendo DS is that it is backwards compatible with Game Boy Advance cartridges. The smaller Nintendo DS game cards fit into Slot 1 – these are the new game cartridges you’ll buy – on the top of the system, while Game Boy Advance games fit into Slot 2 on the bottom of the system. Unlike other consoles, the Nintendo DS is region free – this means that any console will run a DS game purchased anywhere in the world. And with the addition of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while you play and compete with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. Best bit? It’s free! All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game. The DS Lite has twin ultra-bright LCD screens that combine crisp visuals with touch-screen technology on the lower screen. Add the in-built microphone and you’ll come across some of the most groundbreaking gameplay ever developed. This portable games console has powerful dual processors that bring impressive 3D graphics to life with lightning-fast rendering. Going on holiday? Besides the point that DS game cards are quite small (about half an iPod shuffle at most), you can get up to 19 hours continuous gameplay on one charge. And you can be up and running, fully recharged again in less than 3 hours. There is a reason the DS is the best-selling video game console in the world. If you’re up for a more family-friendly and interactive selection of games, the DS is your best bet. 24 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
3 PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE CURIOUS VILLAGE As Professor Layton, players tackle more than 130 puzzles as they unravel the mysteries of the village. Challenges range from mazes and riddles to logic and sliding puzzles. Touch-screen controls make working through puzzles a snap for gamers of every skill level.
4 ANIMAL CROSSING: WILD WORLD Players move into a village, buy a small house and then do whatever they want. Time and seasons pass as they do in the real world, so there will always be something unpredictable happening. Collect or buy items, talk to neighbours, go fishing, catch bugs, dig up treasure or hang out with human friends. 5
GRAND THEFT AUTO: CHINATOWN WARS Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is an entirely original entry into the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series, and brings a new level of interactivity to its sprawling open environments. With the use of the DS touch screen, you’ll navigate your way through the streets as you uncover the truth behind an epic tale of crime and corruption within the Triad crime syndicate.
FUN ON YOUR PHONE
There is a good chance that you were playing Snake on your first Nokia phone before you even realised you were a mobile gamer. Cellphones have come a long way since then and, depending on your make or model, there are many different games to try. Electronic Arts, the developers behind titles like FIFA, The Sims and Need for Speed, have mobile versions of their games and these can be downloaded for (about) R50. To download games, you can visit the following websites: MTN subscribers can register and purchase games from: http://premium. za.samsungmobile.com/static/ index_sfc.htm Thumbtribe: http://www.thumbtribe. co.za/mobiledownloads.html Vodacom subscribers can click to: http:// beta.vodacom.co.za/portal/site/vodacom/ mycontent
3 TOP GAMES FOR
YOUR PHONE
1 TETRIS What started as a simple Russian computer puzzle game became the addiction of millions of players worldwide. EA’s Tetris is the game you know and love with the addition of two quick games, Ultra (how many lines can you clear in two minutes?) and Forty Line (How fast can you clear forty lines?) to fit the way people play games on phones. 2 MONOPOLY WORLD EDITION Love Monopoly? EA has made a really great mobile game – here, you travel around the world’s greatest cities, wheeling and dealing in millions of MONOPOLY dollars. As you play, discover interesting facts about the world on the Chance and Community Chest cards. 3 COMMAND & CONQUER RED ALERT Experience all the real-time strategy and action of Command & Conquer on your phone! Featuring an exclusive storyline, you must choose to fight with the Soviet Armies for world domination or align with the American Allies to restore global peace. Attack and defend using classic units like Kirov War Blimps and new units like the Paladin Tank.
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If you’re a dedicated music-lover, chances are good that you have a whole box in the garage, filled with old vinyl records, tapes and scratched CDs. They’re sitting there because you can’t bear to part with them, but you’ve made peace with the fact that you’ll never listen to them again because that technology is obsolete and your music collection is now useless. Or is it?
revamp your retro music //BY TAMARYN WATKINS
BREATHE LIFE BACK INTO FORGOTTEN MUSIC FORMATS
26 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
C
onnect takes a look at how to bring your old-school retro-cool vinyl collection into the 21st century and convert the music into a format you can listen to, today. We also look at how to restore scratched CDs and a few other ways to modernise and maintain your music collection. THE VINYL FRONTIER
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Your vinyl records and electric turntable (record player); • PC with adequate sound card; • Cables and preamp; • Audio recording and editing software along with at least 700 MB of free hard drive space; • CD burner and blank CD-R media.
If you were thinking that your vinyls served no more purpose than a box of Frisbees, think again: it is actually possible to retrieve those golden oldies, for your everyday listening pleasure. You might think this process would be complicated, but it’s not. One of the things you do need to ensure is that your soundcard has a line-in jack, as well as a line-out. What this means is that you’re reversing the process that usually occurs when you’re playing music on your computer, and you’re using the soundcard to capture audio, instead of projecting audio. If you’re unsure about what kind of sound card you’ll need, head into your nearest Incredible Connection store, and ask for a 24-bit soundcard with 106DB -to-noise ratio. So you’ll be connecting your turntable to your computer, first into the pre-amp and then into the computer’s sound card. An important thing to remember here, is that IN connects to OUT and vice versa - never connect IN to IN or OUT to OUT. So you’ve got your turntable connected and your software installed and you’re ready for the next step. The first thing you need to do is to select the recording format and attributes. Set this to PCM / WAV and 44,100Hz (44.1kHz) 16-bit stereo. Next you need to set the recording levels. Most software will have ‘level meters’ so you can see where the noise peaks. As you are playing the record watch the levels going up and down adjust the level as close to 0db as possible. If it is set too low, the playback will be very faint and if it’s set too high it will result in ‘clipping’ which makes it sound distorted. If you’re happy with the volume and sound quality, then start afresh, hit ‘record’ on your PC, pop the needle into the groove and sit back and let the magic happen. When playback is complete, stop the audio editor; it should then give you a waveform display, which serves as a visual representation of the audio signal. WWW.CONNECT.CO.ZA | 27
revamp your retro music
From here, you can keep the audio completely intact – perfectly replicating the record itself – or you may choose to divide the recording into its individual songs. You can also cut out any silences and use the features on n your audio software to do a bit of cleaning up. Whichever you choose, the audio can now be burned d to a CD with the aid of software such as Windows Mediaa Player, Nero for Windows, or a selection of products from m Roxio that take care of both Windows and Mac. In this situation it’s important to make the selection to create an n Audio CD (rather than data or video) and that you enablee the Disc At Once (DAO) setting as opposed to Track At Once (TAO) burning – this will ensure that your CDs are compatible with the majority of CD players – as CDburning software converts your MP3 files into a format that will be playable on just about any CD player. CD-burning programs like Windows Media Player also organise your audio files for you, all they require once instructed to do so, is a connection to the Internet. This allows the program to search for artist names, song and album titles. It even finds album art and organises your music collection by artist and music genre.
IZOTOPE MUSIC & SPEECH CLEANER The complete audio clean-up suite, it’s easy to use and features drag and click simplicity. Clean up sound quality on your home-recorded audio, podcasts, lectures, or home recorded music. This software facilitates hassle-free transfers of music from vinyl and cassettes and cleans the recorded audio by removing unwanted background noise such as clicks, pops, and hisses from vinyl or tape recordings. Separate the record into single tracks and burn them to CD/DVD or load onto your iPod.
MAGIX RESCUE YOUR VINYLS/TAPES It’s a simple matter of connecting your turntable or cassette player through the included USB pre-amp (comes with all the required cables for this) directly to your PC’s soundcard. Let the software do its thing and easily import, optimise and archive your collection on your CD or burn to CD or DVD.
GET IT TAPED
If you’re looking to get rid of that dusty collection of cassette tapes, you’ll need a cassette player/recorder and nd d you’ll need to be able to hook it up to your PC, using a similar method for recording from vinyl to MP3. Once you’re hooked up and you’ve made sure your cassette is rewound to the beginning, hit ‘record’ in your ur audio program and either record the entire cassette, or record the songs individually. You’ll probably have to sit in on the recording process, as you’ll need to pause recording to turn the tape over. Once recording is complete, you can split it into single tracks or leave it whole. The CD burning process is then the same as detailed above.
ACOUSTICA SPIN IT AGAIN A CO O vinyl LP to CD or cassette to CD Easilyy transfer Ea t usin using i g this t software – its visual and audio wizards gguide uiide you y through the recording level adjustment, hhardware arrdwa hookup, recording and editing process. Itt features feeatu automatic track detection and silence removal reemova technology splits your albums into tracks ready reeaddy for f your iPod, MP3 or CD player. Automatically removes reemove old record clicks, pops and tape hiss and create creaate yyour own CDs quickly and with minimal fuss.
CLEAN UP YOUR ACT
CDs have been out for just more than 20 years now. Chances are that your early CD purchases are scratched d and worn out. Are they useless now? The answer is a simple ‘no’. Instead of heading to the store to buy an expensive CD repair kit, head into your bathroom and grab your toothpaste. That’s right, you can polish your CDs using a small amount of toothpaste and a moistened, soft cloth While this might fix most problems with your compact act disc, it might not fix deep scratches and you might then n have to resort to a CD cleaning kit that usually consists of a cleaning solution, a cloth and a polishing device. But, as we discovered, toothpaste usually works wonders and nd there was no CD in our collection we couldn’t clean up p using this method. 28 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
STEINBERG WAVELAB ESSENTIAL 6 A comprehensive set of audio-editing tools – a new feature of this time-tested software is the Spectrum Editor, which is intended primarily for audio restoration and gives you complete control over editing and cleaning up audio content. Intended for users with experience in this arena, only buy this software if you’re intending to do more than just record music off vinyl and cassette.
My Guitar
My piano
My electric guitar
For my vioin
R295.00
R295.00
R295.00
R395.00
PC utilities //BY BRETT HAGGARD
TOP FREE LS PC ESSENTIA
Some software choices can break the bank – keep your technology budget tidy by getting your hands on some essential, free applications
W
hile software preferences change from one user to the next, certain applications are just plain better than others. And the good news is that some of the best software choices available to Windows users today are absolutely free – or at the very minimum give you the opportunity to try before you buy. From web browsers that are more stable and capable of extending functionality through installing add-ons, to free alternatives to professional office productivity suites, encryption tools and security applications that keep the bad guys at bay, there’s a ton of variety out there. We’ve compiled a list below that is thoroughly tested and safe for download – and for the most part, completely free.
FILE COMPRESSION IN A SNAP
WinRAR > http://www.rarlab.com/ 7-zip > http://www.7-zip.org/ Even though the Internet connectivity in South Africa is on the mend, e-mailing large files to friends, family and colleagues is considered a no-no. Enter file compression tools that allow you to shrink the file-size of pretty much everything, barring JPEGs and other picture files. WinRAR has pretty much replaced WinZIP as the defacto standard in file compression, boasting superior performance over competitive options available online. It also supports the two most used file compression standards on the Internet, namely .ZIP and .RAR. Other formats supported include CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZ and TAR. GZ, BZ2 and TAR.BZ2, ACE, UUE, JAR, ISO, 7Z and Z files Since WinRAR is available as a 30-day trial and costs $29 to buy thereafter (unless you want to contend with annoying ‘buy now’ messages each time you start it up), an open source alternative, namely 7-Zip has started gaining popularity. While many feel it’s not as elegant as WinRAR, 7-Zip can pack and unpack ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2 and TAR files, and unpack ARJ, CAB, CHM, CPIO, DEB, DMG, HFS, ISO, LZH, LZMA, MSI, NSIS, RAR, RPM, UDF, WIM, XAR and Z files. It also has support for the new .7Z format, which has extremely high compression and contains support for very large files. As an open source project, 7-Zip is also community supported, so we can expect it to evolve at a rate of knots over the coming years. INSTANT MESSAGING FOR ALL
Pidgin (GAIM) > http://www.pidgin.im/
CLEAN OUT THE COBWEBS Tune-up Utilities > http://www.tune-up.com/ C Cleaner > http://www.ccleaner.com/
We’ve all experienced the sudden slowdown Microsoft Windows undergoes when it gets bogged down with too many applications, recovers from a system crash or runs out of hard drive space. When that happens it’s time for a tune-up and aptly named ‘Tune-up utilities’ is one of the best ways to tackle mystery Windows woes. With a one-click optimisation feature for novice users, an advanced mode that allows for more granular control and a live mode that optimises your Windows installation on the fly, this is the perfect solution for every level of user. Tune-up Utilities is available as either a 30-day downloadable trial or a full-version for $49.95 If you can’t afford Tune-up Utilities, a more
30 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
cost-effective option is ‘C Cleaner’ – a completely free system optimisation tool that also takes care of users’ privacy settings and cleans away unwanted files. C Cleaner’s primary use is the removal of unused files from your system – freeing up valuable hard disk space and in doing so, enabling Windows to run faster. Conveniently, it also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history, cookies stored on your computer and your browser’s cache. Lastly, it neatens up the Windows System registry – the core of the Windows system – which can become clogged with unnecessary information as time goes by and applications are installed/uninstalled. Completely spyware and adware free, C Cleaner is almost too good to be true.
Instant messaging tools that allow people to communicate with their friends, family and colleagues using short written messages blasted across the Internet have become popular The only problem is, people tend to be associated with an array of different chat protocols – MSN, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, the list goes on – and as such have to use separate applications to communicate on each of those platforms. Or do they? Pidgin (previously known as GAIM) is a multi-protocol chat client, which as its name suggests allows people to install a single application and chat with friends across the many different instant messaging platforms out there. It’s also completely free, so there’s more than one reason to centralise one’s chatting on a single application.
PHONE FOR FREE
Skype > http://www.skype.com/ BROWSE IN STYLE
International phone-calls are expensive and with more South Africans moving abroad, it’s difficult to keep up with rising telephony costs. The great news is, thanks to the wonder that is the Internet, you now can call for free. Or very close to it! All you need is a basic broadband Internet connection, a computer, microphone and Skype – the smart software that enables this all. At the click of a button you can then begin chatting in crystal-clear stereo audio with people you know all over the world and if you have a webcam – even engage in a video call. Simple, efficient and easy to use, Skype makes its money from various paid-for services – like the ability to call standard landlines all over the world and have people on normal landlines dial you on Skype.
Firefox > http://www.getfirefox.com/ Chrome > http://www.google.com/chrome Opera > http://www.opera.com/ While Internet Explorer 8 comes with Windows 7 and is a vast improvement over Microsoft’s previous browser attempts, popular opinion is that the first change you should make to your Windows installation is to install a new browser. The most popular replacement browser is Firefox, mainly because its extensions allow users to massively customise their web experience.
Opera is Mozilla’s Flagship browser and another popular choice, containing many of the refinements Firefox does. A third popular choice is Google’s Chrome browser, which has created somewhat of a stir in the market. With its own set of extensions and a super-fast rendering engine, this could well be the browser of choice in the years to come.
Even more apps TrueCrypt
AVG Free
Thunderbird
>http://www.truecrypt.org
>http://free.avg.com
>http://getthunderbird.com/
The perfect tool for the paranoid, this open source application allows you to create encrypted folders, partitions or entire drives, keeping confidential and sensitive information out of view of prying eyes.
Windows computers shouldn’t be exposed to the outside world without one or another form of virus protection. While AVG’s free package definitely resides in the ‘light protection’ category, it’s free for home users and is quite a capable anti-virus and anti-spyware solution.
One of the most popular alternative e-mail clients and a perfect accompaniment to Firefox, Thunderbird supports a wide array of mail formats, is snappy and completely free.
WinAMP
Daemon tools
Open Office
>http://www.winamp.com
>http://www.daemon-tools.cc
>http://openoffice.org/
A great alternative to Apple’s iTunes as a media player, WinAMP plays many audio formats and allows for the easy organisation of one’s media library and is infinitely skinnable.
The defacto tool for backing up physical CD/DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ay discs to your hard drive. Disk images are stored as “virtual disc” files, which can be mounted and run directly off your hard drive, making for faster access speeds.
An open source alternative to Microsoft Office or Lotus SmartSuite, OpenOffice has become a very capable word processor, spreadsheet and presentation tool. And the best part is it’s totally free.
FoxIT PDF Reader
Google Earth
VLC
>http://www.foxitsoftware.
>http://earth.google.com
>http://videolan.org/
com/pdf/reader
Fly anywhere in the world without having to deal with jet lag, terrible airline food and the language barrier. Extremely comprehensive, Earth allows you to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean.
VLC supports every format of audio and video imaginable, is very configurable, extendible and skinnable. And since it’s completely free, it’s an absolute must for every media enthusiast.
Free, light and quick, FoxIT’s PDF reader is a great alternative to the heavier, but more feature rich Adobe Acrobat Reader. If all you need is to read, print and annotate PDFs, FoxIT Reader is perfect for you.
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HP – YOUR PERFECT BUSINESS COMPANION N
o matter what your printing, scanning, copying and faxing requirements, there’s a perfect work companion to be found in Hewlett Packard. Whether you’re a home office user, part of a dynamic workgroup or a busy professional on the move, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs. HP ON THE ROAD If you’re a mobile professional, constantly doing business on the move then you’ll need something lightweight and truly mobile. The HP DeskJet 470WBT bridges the gap between portable and mobile by being completely wireless and powered by rechargeable batteries, with the option of plugging in to the nearest power source when your battery runs out. It’s not much bigger or heavier than your notebook, making it that much easier to take your office on the road. Print via USB devices or from Bluetooth PDAs, phones or notebooks easily and in excellent Inkjet quality, at a maximum colour resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi. Perfect for on-the-spot presentations, this mobile printer truly allows you to seize every moment and turn it into a business opportunity. HP IN THE HOME OFFICE Printing, scanning, faxing and copying – the HP Photosmart Premium All-In-One is a versatile, wireless device that tackles all your tasks with enthusiasm and provides quality, foolproof results. Send and receive
black and white or colour faxes, with or without a PC. Print from anywhere in your working environment using Wi-Fi enabled PCs, PictBridge cameras, Bluetooth devices or PDAs and get perfect, quality photo prints every time. View, edit and print your photos directly from a memory card, using the colour display and copy and scan using either the flatbed scanner or the automatic document feed tray. With a 2500-page monthly duty cycle and an automatic duplexing option that allows you to print on both sides of the page, this all-in-one has you covered – front and back. HP IN THE BUSINESS OFFICE The HP OfficeJet Pro 8500 All-In-One gives you the quality of Inkjet, at the speeds you’d expect from a laser printer. Printing in full quality, this nippy device is capable of speeds of 15ppm black and 11ppm in colour – and prints are waterproof to boot – just like you’d expect from a laser printer. Network your all-in-one using Ethernet cables or wireless 802.11g technology and know that your faxing, scanning, and copying needs are effortlessly taken care of with an automatic document feeder and built-in duplexing. The perfect companion to the OfficeJet 8500 is the HP Laserjet 1522NF – a reliable, mono laser printer designed to take care of all your black and white documentation printing needs. Scan, print, fax and copy instantly – InstantOn Technology means you never have to wait for the device to power up and
deliver, it’s ready to roll when you are. Reduce costs with a single toner cartridge that delivers both quality and quantity and truly realises its potential as part of your office network. HP FOR YOUR SPECIALIST BUSINESS NEEDS If you’re involved in marketing, graphic design or photography, then colour and quality are high on your list of priorities. As usual, HP doesn’t disappoint in this arena. Photo printing needn’t be done at high-cost at a printing store. Do it at your desk using the HP PhotoSmart Plus All-In-One. Print at impressive 4800 x 1200 dpi resolutions, with a 20-sheet photo paper feed tray and handle all other documentation needs through a 125-sheet input tray. Print wirelessly from a variety of memory sticks and cards, using Bluetooth devices, USB devices or PictBridge cameras or print using a wireless 802.11g/b connection. Not only can you print photos and documents, but this little workhorse is also capable of faxing, scanning and copying. The HP OfficeJet 7000 is a powerful piece of equipment designed to print wide-format documents and marketing tools. No longer limited to an A4 page, this printer encourages you to think bigger and better to create projects that have a huge impact. Print in full colour on a variety of media – all in-house. Whatever your needs, you’ll find a suitable HP product with a reasonable price tag, if you head into your nearest Incredible Connection store.
PRODUCT REVIEWS // BY DEON DU PLESSIS
TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN
H
i everyone, I can hardly believe how fast the year is going by; next thing you know the World Cup will be here! Seems like it was just the other day we were celebrating the holiday season; apparently, there’s nothing quite like being busy to make time fly, and boy have we been! This month, we have a whole bunch of awesome tech for you to feast your eyes on. My personal favourite is the Apple iPod Touch, undoubtedly the best media player on the planet from every perspective – it looks amazing, performs beautifully, and sound and video quality are phenomenal. I struggle to imagine how Apple is going to beat it later on this year when it introduces the 4th-gen version, but if it’s one thing I am sure of, it’s that Steve Jobs and his company will do just that. Another gadget that surprised me was Logitech’s Lapdesk; working on my laptop wherever I find myself often involves my legs and a couch or a bed, and in the summer, the heat that inevitably builds up on my legs has always left me feeling uncomfortable after an hour or so. Not anymore, thanks to this clever and well-made laptop stand that kept notebook heat far away from my body. We’ve got tons of other lovely gadgets for you in the following pages, and I hope you enjoy discovering them as much as we did reviewing them. Cheers, Deon
While we make every effort to ensure pricing is accurate before we go to print, sometimes through circumstances we have no control over, the prices in Connect may differ from those you’ll see on store shelves. In all cases, shelf pricing takes precedence.
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REVIEWS 36 37 38 39 40 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 56 57 58 59 60
Acer Aspire 5738DZG 3D Laptop Canon A480 Camera Bundle Iomega 1TB Network Home Media Hard Drive Apple iPod Touch 32GB Sony Laptop Acer Veriton X270 E6300 PC Dell iStudio 1555 Notebook Logitech Comfort Lapdesk Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 Iomega MiniMax 500GB Hard Drive HP OfficeJet J3680 Samsung SyncMaster P2070 LCD Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10EX Camcorder Samsung H104 HD Camcorder Canon EOS 500D HTC Tattoo SanDisk Sansa Fuze 4GB Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus Roxio Easy VHS to DVD TuneUp Utilities 2010 Books
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PERFECT COMPANIONS
Acer Aspire 5738DZG 3D Notebook NEED TO KNOW • Special screen creates 3D effects • Watch movies and play games in 3D • Competent notebook functionality, too R9 999.95
Bioshock This award-winning firstperson shooter is incredible when seen in 3D. Objects and locations appear as if they truly have a third dimension, adding tremendously to the experience.
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars Seeing the GDI-NOD-Scrin conflict in three dimensions really brings futuristic fictional warfare to life!
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WHEN we get products to review boasting new technology, we are deliriously happy. Even more so when the product turns out to do the ambitious concept behind it justice, and happily, this is just the case: Acer’s Aspire 5738DZG 3D Notebook is nothing short of a monumental step in a new and exciting direction. It’s exciting because of the 3D craze taking the world by storm. Now, for the first time, having a 3D viewing experience is not limited to movie theatres – by using a special screen and glasses, the Aspire 5738DZG is able to create a 3D viewing experience right on your lap. And going on our review experience, it’s worth every cent you might be asked to pay for it – the 3D experience on offer is spectacular, and one we highly recommend to everyone. The 5738DZG’s screen and glasses work together to trick your brain into seeing a third dimension that simply isn’t there; it takes a minute or so for your brain to get to that point, but when it does and graphics appear to jump out of the screen at you, it’s a breath-taking experience. The notebook supports a number of popular games, too – we tried out Command & Conquer 3 and Bioshock for a few hours, and the sense of depth added hugely to our sense of immersion in the games. It has a generic 3D profile for games it doesn’t recognise, too, so if your favourite game isn’t there, don’t stress. The graphics card that powers the 5738DGZ – ATI’s mid-range Radeon HD4570 – is not fast enough to run games at their highest settings, which is a pity because the 3D game experience is so good you’ll want to run at higher resolutions and with more details enabled. The other issue, besides game performance, was the fact that due to the way the 3D glasses work, small text became fuzzy and nigh-unreadable. Since this is only the start of the 3D trend, we can forgive Acer this minor transgression; we just hope it improves. On the notebook front, we’re happy to say that the 5738DZG performs well for everyday office productivity tasks. It’s not the fastest, fitted with ‘only’ a Pentium processor clocked at 2.1GHz (Core 2 Duos are much faster), but this is made up for by the 4GB of system RAM and a pleasantly plump 500GB hard drive. It’s responsive enough to function as a work laptop, and
has plenty of the features you’d expect to see on one, including 802.11n wireless networking. It is a little bit on the heavy side, weighing just under 3kgs, so it will probably lead to some back or shoulder strain if you carry it around a lot. Some of the weight is due to the sturdy build quality – the 5738DZG is a very well-built notebook, with the keyboard in particular showing this off very well. It features a striking Chiclet design that is different enough from Apple’s approach to be unique, but embodying the best the design has to offer in the way of comfort, key feedback and ease of use. With only the caveat of ‘too much use of the 3D feature may cause headaches, nausea and motion sickness’, it is very easy to recommend this notebook. It’s a piece of history, marking the beginning of the move to 3D in consumer devices, as well as being a lot of fun to use while still offering good office performance. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Pentium Dual-Core T4300 @ 2.1GHz 4GB DDR3 RAM 500GB Hard Drive Windows Home Premium 64-bit 15.4” Widescreen LCD Display Multi-touch track pad ATI Radeon HD4570 Graphics DVD R/W drive 4x USB Ports 5-in-1 card reader 6-cell battery Full 3D sunglasses Clip-on 3D lenses for bespectacled people PROS
CONS
• Games are spectacular in 3D • Loads of performance for office use • Keyboard is particularly stylish and comfortable
• Text in 3D scenes can be hard to read • Graphics card is a little weak • A bit heavy
OVERALL RATING
TOP
PRODUCT REVIEWS
5
RELATED
PRODUCTS
Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera Bundle NEED TO KNOW • 10MP digital camera • Bundled with Canon goodies aplenty • Includes a tripod R1 399.95
FIRST-time camera buyers are the obvious target of this bundle from Canon, as it features a point-and-shoot camera, a tripod, a 2GB memory card, a portable card reader and a battery charger. The only notable exception is that of a camera bag, but this isn’t the end of the world. For the asking price, it’s a pretty good package. The star of the show is Canon’s PowerShot A480 digital camera. It’s a 10MP point and shoot, and it has the kind of features that help new photographers easily take great pictures, as well as a range of controls that give the slightly more seasoned snapper more control over the final product. It’s easy to use, has an intuitive interface and menu system, and while not without its share of flaws (SD card slot housed in the battery compartment, for example), it does a great job of keeping the snaps coming. The tripod will definitely come in handy, as the A480 has no dedicated optical anti-shake mechanism; what it does, instead, is boost the ISO level slightly to compensate for any detected motion. Astute readers will know that a camera’s ISO rating is its sensitivity to light, and higher ISO ratings increase shutter speed since each shot needs less light; this has a knock-on effect of reducing motion-related blurring, as well as introducing “noise” to the image. Noise is perhaps the biggest problem in the A480; while it produces noise-free images at its lowest ISO settings of 80 and 100, from 800 and up it becomes rather noticeable and colours start to look somewhat washed out. This isn’t a problem for people not looking to take pictures under lowlight conditions, however, making this a definite non-professional camera. The A480 has a 2.5” LCD screen to view your images; it’s bright enough to work with in sunlight, but its low resolution produces a slightly grainy overall image. Still, this is good enough for what you’ll need it for – using the menu and viewing your photos when you’re on the go, and removing the odd bit of red-eye that will inevitably find its way into your shots. The actual body of the camera is bulky, and nowhere near as appealing as some of the more compact cameras out there. This shouldn’t make
you not buy the camera, however, as it feels sturdy in your hand and the controls are easily accessible. Still, if appearances are important, the A480’s rather chubby looks may put some people off. The camera boasts a 3.3x optical zoom and a 4x digital zoom, which doesn’t offer a great deal of zoom, but it’s still there if you’d like to make use of it. The A480 does, however, take excellent macro shots – photos taken of a subject at very close distances. It’s so good, in fact, that photos taken at the minimum distance of 1cm turn out beautifully, with plenty of detail and good colours. While the A480’s overall image clarity is acceptable at the default setting, chances are you’ll want to change the default sharpness settings to Fine using the camera’s menu, as that improves overall detail. You can also sharpen things up using image editing software, if you prefer. As a beginner’s camera, the A480 has a lot to offer. Since this bundle also includes some accessories that will make a beginner photographer’s life that much easier, it’s a deal we cannot help but recommend highly.
This small, compact camera boasts 12 megapixels and a 2.7” LCD screen.
FUJIFILM FINEPIX J30
NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • • • •
Effective Pixels: 10MP Image Sensor: Digic III ISO Speed: Auto/80/100/200/400/800/1600 Memory Cards: SD/SDHC/MMC Video: Records .AVI @ 640 x 480 Power: 2xAA, supports rechargeables Other: Face recognition, various scene modes, self-timer, Flash, auto-focus, continuous shooting @ 0.8FPS • LCD: 2.5” @ 115 000 pixels PROS
CONS
• Good choice for beginners • Takes great close-up images • Extras provide excellent value
• Noise appears at relatively low ISO settings • Body is somewhat chunky • Awkward SD card slot location
OVERALL RATING
OLYMPUS FE26 BLACK
Slightly more advanced, this FujiFilm Finepix J30 boasts 12.2 megapixels and ISO sensitivity of up to 3200.
NIKON COOLPIX L20
Also quite a bulky camera, the L20 is a 10MP shooter with a 3.6x optical zoom.
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RELATED
PRODUCTS
SEAGATE FREEAGENT 1TB DESKTOP HARD DRIVE
It’s not networkable on its own, but connect this external USB drive to a PC and share it for all users, and it’ll perform a similar function as Iomega’s Home Media Network Drive.
NETGEAR DGNB2100 WIRELESS-N ROUTER
You’ll need a home network to get the most from Iomega’s drive; Netgear’s DGNB2100 is a good way for a beginner home-networker to cut their teeth.
VERBATIM 500GB EXECUTIVE USB HARD DRIVE
Or, you could avoid this trouble altogether by grabbing a USB hard drive that can be carried to wherever it’s needed. This nifty Verbatim drive will do the trick.
38 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
Iomega 1TB Home Media Network Hard Drive NEED TO KNOW • Network-accessible external storage • Gigabit network port • Also acts as an iTunes & DLNA server R2 299.95
IOMEGA’S 1 Terabyte Home Media Network Hard Drive is a highcapacity external hard drive that can be connected to your home network. With its own power cable, all it needs is a network cable connected to its Gigabit Ethernet port and a network router in order to be useful. This way, it can be accessed by any computer on your home network that has been properly configured with the software that accompanies the drive. A word of warning, however – Windows 7 users should grab the latest software off the Iomega website, as the software the drive ships with is not Win7-compatible. The best use of this drive is simply as a network storage device. Once the software is installed, it appears as a networked hard drive in Windows Explorer, and it can then be used in the same way as any of your local hard drives. Copying files to and from the device is not lightning fast, even on a Gigabit network, but the fact that it doesn’t have to be attached to a computer via a USB port makes it a great way to centrally store data. It can also be used by gaming consoles as secondary storage. This is thanks to compliance with the DLNA specification, which ensures that qualifying devices can access one another’s contents easily over a network. This feature is useful for storing video, music and photo files when your console’s hard drives are full, as that data can be streamed across a network and played through your console as if they were stored locally. Both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles support doing this. The Home Media Network Hard Drive can also be used as an iTunes server. You can copy all your iTunes music files to the drive, and authorise all other computers on your network to be able to access the individual music collections of each PC running iTunes. That way, all music is stored on the drive, freeing up valuable space on your computers, and all of your music collections become playable from every PC you own. It’s also possible to hook up additional storage to the drive via the included USB port, but this feature is near-useless as it only supports external hard drives that use the FAT32 file system. Hard drives that use FAT32 have a maximum capacity of 32GB, and do not support single files
bigger than 2GB (so no high-definition movie files, for example). These limitations make the usefulness of the feature rather questionable. A firmware update may address this in future, but Iomega’s track record of releasing non-essential fixes is pretty awful, so don’t get your hopes up. The drive also supports one USB printer, connected via its USB port. This enables you to connect a printer and share it over your network. This is rather superfluous as you can do the exact same thing using Windows on whatever PC the printer is connected to; also, many modern printers are networkable on their own, rendering this feature rather moot. The bottom line is this is a competent network storage device, but the extra features Iomega has included aren’t incredibly useful. Our advice is to consider this as network storage only, since it does that very well, and not to purchase it specifically for its DLNA-compatibility, iTunes server or built-in backup functions. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • • • • • •
Capacity: 1TB Network speed: 10/100/1000Mbps Rotational speed: 7200 RPM Memory cache: 8MB Ports: One (1) 10/100/1000 Ethernet port (Auto sensing) One (1) USB 2.0 host Port Network Protocol: TCP/IP Print Server: 1 printer External Drive Support: 1 FAT32-formatted USB Hard Drive Media Server: iTunes & DLNA
PROS
CONS
• Great as a network storage device • Connecting to DLNA-enabled devices works well • One Terabyte of data is a lot of storage
• Usefulness of some extra functions is questionable • Only supports FAT32 external USB drives • All bundled software is up to Iomega’s usual (low) standards
OVERALL RATING
TOP
PRODUCT REVIEWS
5
RELATED
PRODUCTS
APPLE IPHONE 3GS
If you want all the awesomeness of the Touch and a phone in one device, there is only one option, and it’s not a Blackberry.
Apple iPod Touch 3rd Generation 32GB NEED TO KNOW • Apple’s best media player yet • Thinner than the iPhone • 32GB of storage R3 499.95
THE only company that can beat Apple at its own game, is Apple. With the third version of the popular iPod Touch, the California-based company has outdone itself: it’s slimmer thanks to technology refinements; more responsive thanks to a new processor; and games run faster and look better thanks to improved support for the openGL programming standard. Apple has really thrown the kitchen sink at the new iPod, and it shows. And it doesn’t stop there – the touchscreen on the Touch is simply gorgeous. It’s slightly brighter than the previous generation’s screen, and the Multi-touch gestures Apple is so proud of work just as well, if not a tiny bit better in the new model. The all-important accelerometer that flips the screen according to how the iPod is being held or moved around, goes a long way to improving the experience. The Touch also has Wi-Fi support, so it can be used as an Internet browser when near a wireless Internet connection. Typing web addresses is extremely simple to do, too, so you can easily use it as you would a regular computer. The device’s very capable Safari Internet browser will let you do anything you can do on your computer – from accessing Facebook to playing web games and watching YouTube video clips. The Touch even has integrated e-mail capabilities, and Google Maps comes standard. Access to the Apple App Store directly from the Touch is the one feature that will bond the device to you forever. The App Store is an online repository of extremely useful, fun and interesting applications designed specifically for Apple devices, which have the potential to add functionality to the Touch that you wouldn’t even have dreamed of. For only a few US dollars each, it is easy and cheap to grab fun applications and games. Not all content is available to South Africans, however, due to the variations in copyright law between countries. This is hardly Apple’s fault, and we are not going to dock the score as a result. The actual experience of using the Touch is simply amazing, especially if you’ve never used an Apple product before. The touchscreen interface is the standard by which other touchscreens are measured, as it is fast, smooth and incredibly responsive. The interface itself is easy to get to grips with, and applications and games load very quickly
thanks to the new processor that powers the Touch. Games, in particular, are a blast to play. Because of the enhanced openGL support (see Tech Jargon), graphics are amazingly smooth, and using your fingers on the screen and the accelerometer to play games is an enormous amount of fun. The main reason to own a Touch, however, is its media playback capabilities. It boasts Apple’s brilliant audio quality, resulting in the best mobile music-listening experience money can buy, and its OLED screen makes for simply incredible video viewing. Colours are bright, on-screen images are sharp, and watching the screen is a pleasure. One of the mostrequested features by past Touch users, volume controls on the side of the device, has finally been implemented in the latest version. In a further nod to the needs of consumers, the battery of the new Touch is excellent, lasting over 30 hours when playing music, and over 6 hours of continuous video playback. Even hard-core users will smile at that. If you want the best mobile music-listening and movie-watching experience ever, and you have a bit of cash to burn, there is no better product than Apple’s new 3rd-generation iPod Touch.
APPLE IPOD NANO 8GB
If your technological needs are slightly simpler, consider a plain old iPod Nano. It does a bit of everything, but it’s not as expensive or as large as a Touch.
NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • • • • •
3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch display 480-by-320-pixel resolution at 163 pixels per inch Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery Music playback time: Up to 30 hours when fully charged Video playback time: Up to 6 hours when fully charged
PROS
CONS
• Simply amazing overall design and polish • Responsive and sensitive touchscreen • Excellent audio and video playback
• App store is a bit limited for South Africans • No integrated camera • It’s not cheap
OVERALL RATING
MICROSOFT ZUNE HD
If you think Apple fans are a bunch of pretentious snobs blinded by their unquestioning faith in Steve Jobs, there’s no better way to spite them than by supporting Microsoft’s Zune player, a brilliant device in its own right.
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Also included is a large collection of bundled software for you to explore and enjoy. Titles like Media Gallery, WinDVD, a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office Pro 2007 and a 30-day trial of McAfee Security Centre, and more, are included with your purchase.
RELATED
PRODUCTS
Sony Vaio VPC-F117 NEED TO KNOW OW • Sony Vaio 16.4” notebook ebook • Based on Intel’s Core i7 processor • 6GB of system memory • Plays Blu-ray movie discs R22 999.95
SONY VAIO VGN-FW57GH NOTEBOOK
We loved this notebook back in January, and we still do. It is an alternative to the F117 while still offering good performance, and is available at a slightly lower price due to its lack of a Core i7 processor.
ACER ASPIRE 5738DZG 3D NOTEBOOK
While it’s not the performer that the F117 is, this 3D notebook from Acer does what Sony’s VPC-F117 can’t: display games and movies in three dimensions for a truly different entertainment experience.
SONY keeps astounding us with simply incredible notebook releases. The latest one we’ve had the pleasure of playing on is the VPC-F117, and it’s been kitted out with everything you could possibly wish to cram into a consumer-level notebook. The only downside is that such amazing looks, power and capabilities are going to cost you a lot of money. That being said, after having used the notebook for a good few hours, we’re going to recommend you start saving – the user experience on offer here is that incredible. It’s not only the specifications that have us impressed, although we have to admit that those alone are enough to make our tech drool-glands work overtime. No, the looks of this laptop, the typing comfort its chiclet-style keyboard and its overall responsiveness are what have us ready to sign over whatever is necessary in order to take one home for good. It’s so responsive, in fact, that we’re hard-pressed to tell the performance difference between this new Vaio and a high-end desktop PC. Booting up is incredibly quick, opening programs is impressively fast, and the desktop experience on offer from Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit) is as good as we’ve ever seen from a notebook. This is very much due to the combination of Intel’s brilliant Core i7 Q720 processor that lives at the heart of the machine, complemented beautifully by an almost-ridiculous amount of system memory: this Vaio has a whopping 6GB of fast DDR3 memory installed by default. What this means for the everyday consumer is pure performance. You can load more applications at the same time than ever before, work with bigger databases (if that’s your thing), run more complex programs, and really not worry that your Vaio won’t be able to handle whatever you throw at it. Including, we should add, serious high-end photo-editing, a task that uses boatloads of memory. That kind of confidence and peace of mind is worth far more than a mere R20k. Right? Beyond performance, the Vaio VPC-F117 is a serious looker. Sony has always taken pride in giving its notebooks amazingly beautiful screens, and this one is no exception – the 16.4” full HD screen that runs at 1920 x 1080 looks incredible. It’s clear, bright, and even tiny text appears razor-sharp. About the only screen that challenges (and beats) this one, can be found on Apple’s Macbooks. That’s a pretty hefty compliment given that Apple is
so fanatical about its display technology. You’ll really appreciate the screen when you’re watching Blu-ray movies, movies as this notebook comes with a Blu-ray drive that is also a writeable DVD drive, as standard. If you’ve never watched a Blu-ray movie, prepare to be blown away as the experience is simply jaw-dropping – visuals are crisp and clear, the frame rate is very high leading to ultra-smooth motion, and the digital sound they produce is rich, deep and crystal clear. The notebook’s speakers won’t really do the sound experience justice, but they are solid nonetheless with not a great deal of bass and more emphasis on the midrange. We’re a bit concerned about the battery, however, as the bundled Li-ion battery only affords around an hour of up-time, which also varies based on what you’re doing. An optional long-life battery only doubles that to two hours, so perhaps this isn’t the laptop for long trips. Visually, this Vaio sports an nVidia GeForce GT 330M graphics device, which is more than fast enough to play most games, albeit at resolutions lower than the screen’s best. Both Torchlight and Borderlands were more than playable on our test system; Torchlight ran the better of the two as Borderlands had to be dropped to 1280 x 720 in order to play smoothly. This bodes well for anyone interested in gaming on the go. This is a simply astounding laptop. If you’re in the market for a high-end notebook and you’re a Windows fan, there are few choices that will impress more than this one. Highly recommended. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • • • • • •
Processor: Intel Core i7-720QM @ 1.6GHz Turbo Boost: CPU dynamically speeds up to 2.8GHz RAM: 6GB DDR3 Hard Drive: 500GB Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Keyboard: Chiclet style Battery: VGP-BPS21A Lithium-ion, up to 1 hour of use Webcam: 640 x 480 integrated Motion Eye webcam SD Media Slots: Memory Stick and SD card slots PROS
CONS
• Brilliant overall performance • Excellent design, looks and comfort • Blu-ray drive is a definite bonus • Gorgeous 16.4” screen
• The price • Integrated speakers could be better • Battery life is quite short
OVERALL RATING
40 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
Our way of protecting the environment
Bring in any old technology and we will either re-furbish and donate it to those in need or we will ensure that the items are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner with Enviro Connection and Desco. Enjoy discounts off your purchase of a new printer cartridge or toner when you bring in your empty ones. (Terms & conditions apply)
&RQQHFW (QYLUR $' LQGG
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PRODUCT REVIEWS
RELATED
PRODUCTS
ACER VERITON X270 Q8300
For only an extra R2 000, you can get the X270 with a four-core processor and an additional 430GB of storage space.
Acer Veriton X270 E6300 PC NEED TO KNOW • Good choice for a home office PC • Ergonomic, compact design • No monitor included R5 999.95
PACKARD BELL IMEDIA J6221
This powerful, versatile PC can be used at home or at the office. As a bonus, it comes with a widescreen monitor, and costs the same as the X270 Q8300.
PACKARD BELL ONE TWO 20 TOUCH
If your needs are more entertainment-related than serious, Packard Bell’s touch-sensitive One Two Touch is for you.
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ACER needs to be commended for putting together such a powerful PC in such a tiny package. It’s also a very good looking tiny package, making the X270 the Selma Hayek of business PCs, and who wouldn’t want their work PC to be a reminder of such beauty? Of course, Ms. Hayek has a face, which the X270 does not. For the price you’re paying, you won’t be getting a monitor, but this is no reason to dampen your enthusiasm for the machine as the X270 has a lot going on beneath the surface that Ms. Hayek might possibly lack. An Intel Core 2 Duo processor, for starters, followed up by a huge whack of system RAM: who can honestly say they can’t make use of 4GB? With those two components under the hood, fantastic performance is what you’ll be getting out of Windows Vista Business, so less waiting for tasks to complete and lots of silky responsiveness from Vista’s interface. Even so, you may want to consider an upgrade to Windows 7 as it is the better operating system in terms of overall features and even performance. On the same hardware, Windows 7 runs noticeably faster than Windows Vista, which can only be a good thing. If you’re not keen on spending more money, however, you have the option to downgrade the PC to Windows XP, as the downgrade CD is also included in the package. If you’re not familiar with the process, your IT department can always lend a hand. The X270 also has plenty of storage space for a business machine. Since you’re not going to be downloading large files from work (right?), the fact that it has a 320GB hard drive means you won’t be running out of space anytime soon. In case you do run out of space, you can always use
the included DVD burner to back up whatever is clogging up your storage to free up your hard drive for more “official” use. The machine also has a high-speed Gigabit network port for ultra-fast data transfers across your corporate network. To round off a comprehensive list of handy, helpful features, the X270 comes with a 5-in-1 card reader so that you can copy data to and from a variety of SD cards. With such good looks and a compact footprint, the X270 is a really smart buy for business. It won’t play games very well, however, but it will certainly get the business-related tasks that you need, done on time and in style. When you throw in Acer’s 3-year onsite warranty, you can rest easy that your purchase is well-looked after, and it will last you well into your next hardware update cycle. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • • • • •
Intel Pentium Dual Core E6300 processor 2.8 GHz 4GB RAM 320GB HDD Super Multi DVD Writer Integrated Gigabit LAN Integrated memory card reader MS Windows Vista Business MS Windows XP Professional restore CD supplied PROS
CONS
• Very appealing, corporate looks • Small footprint and price • Well-suited to business computing
• Not suited to gaming • No included monitor • Vista Business not the best operating system
OVERALL RATING
Dell Studio 1555 T6600 Notebook NEED TO KNOW • 15.6” HD, TrueLife LED 1366 x 768pixels screen • Intel Core 2 Duo with 4GB memory • 6.5 hours battery life • Comes with Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit R9 999.95
LIGHT enough for daily travel, yet powerful enough to pack a mean punch, the Dell Studio 15 range of notebooks are attractive both in terms of looks and price tag. Available in a range of colours and designs, the build of the notebook itself is sturdy, compact and slightly wedge-shaped. Everything you could possibly want comes standard in this notebook: a wide selection of performance options, wireless and graphics solutions, plus a high-definition LED display and surround sound, including a sub-woofer. So, whatever you plan to use this notebook for – be it gaming, working or watching movies – the experience will be intense. The Studio 1555 is powered by a 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor, which means speeds are boosted, without impacting battery life. It also boasts a fast 800MHz front-side bus speed – which means that communications between the CPU and applications happens faster – and 2MB L2 cache, which allows for better multi-tasking and fluid handling of information between applications. It also includes a Draft-N wireless capabilities, which allows you to connect to 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11b/g networking facilities as well. Your graphics requirements will be satisfied by the ATI Mobility Radeon HD4570 graphics card that features 512MB of dedicated VRAM. The display itself is bright, clear and even when watching HD movies, we noticed no ghosting of any sort and is far brighter than anything else we’ve seen in a long time. Although there is a tendency for the screen to be reflective in direct sunlight, if you’re planning to spend the majority of your time indoors, this shouldn’t be a problem. The keyboard is easy to use, well laid out and the keys are responsive. The keyboard also features a full set of multimedia controls, at the top, along with the F keys allowing you to do things like control volume or skip songs/scenes without having to interrupt what you’re busy with. The touchpad is comfortably placed, easy to use and very touch-responsive.
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PRODUCTS The Studio 1555 also has a built-in 2MP webcam that delivers goodquality video and clear stills. These are perfect for light videoconferencing or just chatting to loved ones. On the right-hand side of the notebook you’ll find inputs to plug in a USB 2.0 cable or device, a DVD-RW drive, an 8-in-1 media card reader, and ExpressCard 34 reader slot. On the left you’ll see a VGA slot that allows you to connect your notebook to a larger monitor or projector, space to plug an HDMI cable, two more UBS 2.0 inputs, an Ethernet port, and standard 3.5mm jack for speakers or headphones. This notebook comes standard with Windows 7 Home Premium and also features Anytime Updates – which means your version of Windows is easy to maintain and features are easily added on as they become available. Dell Dock makes the entire user experience much cleaner and simpler by organising all your applications for you. Installed software applications on your PC are automatically sorted into user-friendly categories placing your most frequently used programs front and centre. Overall, the Dell Studio 1555 T6600 notebook is one of the better machines we’ve seen running Windows 7. It’s designed to handle anything – both working and playing, and it can do both extremely well. Which is just the way we like it, and so should you.
TARGUS CNXL1 CARRY CASE
With an external document pocket, a large front accessory pocket, an expandable file folder as well as place for a notebook that’s up to 17inches wide, there’s place for everything in this case.
NOTEWORTHY SPECS: • 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 Processor • 4GB Memory with 320GB Hard Drive, DVD±R/RW Optical Drive • 15.6” Display, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 Graphics • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
PROS
CONS
• Affordable, well-designed and compact • Comprehensive range of ports • Nice big hard drive
• Touchpad gets a bit hot during gaming • No LEDs for hard drive activity or wireless status – only power • Touchpad’s textured feeling takes some getting used to
OVERALL RATING
MS WIRELESS MOUSE 5000
A comfortable, responsive and handy wireless mouse perfect for those with touchpad woes. High-definition laser technology and four-way scrolling means it is the perfect travelling companion for your Dell notebook.
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LOGITECH LAPDESK N700
The N700 adds motorised fans for additional ventilation, as well as speakers for better-than-notebook sound. It does add load to your battery, however.
APPLE MACBOOK 13”
The sleek looks of Apple’s entry-level Macbook will complement your Lapdesk beautifully. Or is that the other way around…?
ERGO-TILT LAPTOP STAND
For a far less complicated laptop stand, get yourself an Ergo-Tilt. It’s only useful on a desk, however; the Lapdesk is the better bet for lap-based notebook comfort.
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Logitech Comfort Lapdesk NEED TO KNOW • A padded stand for your laptop • Designed to protect legs from heat • Angles your notebook for comfort R699.95
IT is becoming commonplace for notebook computers to be used for far more than just work. More and more, people are watching movies and playing games on their notebooks, after hours, for entertainment. Being entertained means seeking comfort, too, which means resting the notebook on your lap as you relax on the couch, recliner chair or bed. This comes with its own share of problems, mainly neck discomfort caused by the awkward angle of the notebook on your lap and the heat that inevitably builds up on your legs, caused by the exhaust fans of the notebook and the heat of the battery. To address this, Logitech’s engineers have designed an angled notebook stand with a padded underside they are calling the Comfort Lapdesk, and it is exactly what the name implies – it brings comfort, and serves as a desk for your lap. It consists of a large white plastic surface big enough to accommodate laptops of up to 17-inches, and a padded underside that provides the comfort and ventilation to keep your legs cool. The polyester and polyurethane underside is multi-layered to prevent the heat of your notebook escaping and warming up your legs. The material is not as soft as you might imagine it should be, but it’s comfortable on your legs nonetheless. It’s also slightly angled to increase ventilation, further decreasing the possibility of any heat transferring to your body. Its feel against your legs will be pleasant, and you’ll definitely be more aware of weight than you will of any heat. The tilted and raised surface serves to help angle your notebook sufficiently that looking at your screen while you watch movies or play games will not hurt your neck. The surface itself is something you will have to keep an eye on, though, as it shows up dust and dirt quite effectively, so always be sure to keep a soft cloth handy. We were a little perturbed that there is no way to keep your notebook from slipping
down the stand, as there is no raised edge at the bottom of the Lapdesk to prevent that from happening. The small movements that inevitably happen when you’re doing anything, even lying down, proved to be enough to cause a gradual migration down the gradient of the Lapdesk’s surface. It is somewhat surprising that Logitech’s engineers failed to anticipate this problem by coating the surface with something more resistant to friction than clean plastic. Still, the Lapdesk performs its function well, and it did prove to be a comfort enhancer and a heat-transfer preventative. It definitely adds to the mobile entertainment experience, both from a sitting and reclining position, and seriously contributed towards less neck strain resulting from awkward viewing angles. As a bonus, it also works well as a regular laptop stand for a work desk, as the raised angle helps make typing more comfortable than when it is placed flat on the desk. Our conclusion is that for less than R700, the Lapdesk provides enhanced comfort for both mobile entertainment enthusiasts as well as for general, everyday office use of your notebook. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • •
Air-mesh fabric materials include polyester and polyurethane. Surface not designed for use with mouse For PC and Mac notebooks with up to a 17” display 3-year limited hardware warranty
PROS
CONS
• Multi-layer heat prevention works well • Angled surface improves viewing comfort • Works as a regular laptop stand too
• Surface does not prevent gradual slippage • No raised edge to keep notebook in place • Surface shows dust quite easily
OVERALL RATING
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Microsoft Optical Wireless Desktop 1000 NEED TO KNOW • Entry-level wireless desktop set • Keyboard & mouse included • 6 Months of battery life R499.95
IN last month’s feature we examined what makes for a good keyboard. This month, we have Microsoft’s Optical Wireless Desktop 1000 on review, and we must say, it definitely has many of the qualities that put it in the ‘excellent’ category. This package is exactly what first-time wireless keyboard and mouse buyers should be looking for. It’s inexpensive, wireless, the mouse feels good in your hand, the keyboard is very sturdy and the key layout is spot-on perfect. It’s incredibly comfortable to type on despite not being curved; the key feedback is solid, yet not aggressive, and there are enough function keys to satisfy any urges you may have to create your own customised functionality. The default functions of these keys are useful enough, though, that you may not want to change their configuration. These include media control buttons, shortcuts to popular locations such as My Documents, My Music, My Pictures and launcher keys for your default e-mail program and Web browser, and finally Windows Live Messenger. You might have guessed it, but this is most certainly a keyboard for lovers of Microsoft, Windows and its associated applications. Depending on your view on Apple, this could be a good or a bad thing. Here at Connect, we just love competent, awesomely-designed and practical technology, and this keyboard and mouse set most certainly qualifies. The mouse is also a great mix of quality and functionality. While not the nicest-looking mouse ever, it’s just as solid as the keyboard and it works beautifully. It’s quite heavy, so if you’re not a fan of heavy mice you might want to get something else; for those that appreciate a little weight in their rodents, this little mouse will feel very pleasant. It’s also completely ambidextrous, so left- and right-handed people can use it with ease. The
included software is very easy to use, making switching into left-handed mode a total breeze. The scroll wheel scrolls smoothly, with only subtle feedback to indicate movement. Our only complaint about this otherwise-amazing desktop set is Microsoft’s choice of wireless receiver. It is rather large, has a long cable attached to it so it can be placed anywhere on your desk, and as a result is rather inelegant. In this age of micro-receivers, it’s surprising that Microsoft has not updated its older models with a rather more compact USB receiver. We’re guessing they might be subtly encouraging a more expensive purchase. On the bright side, once the receiver is placed in a convenient location, you can pretty much forget about it. We would, however, recommend sticking it to your desk with some sort of adhesive to avoid knocking it off. Even more encouragingly, you’ll only need to change batteries every six months or so, even with extended everyday usage. If you’ve never owned a wireless keyboard and mouse set before, this one comes highly recommended. It’s not wildly expensive, and the quality of the keyboard and mouse is superb for the price you’re paying. NOTEWORTHY SPECS: • • • • •
LOGITECH MK300 WIRELESS KEYBOARD & MOUSE
If you prefer Logitech’s overall quality and design philosophy that slightly modifies the key layout used here by Microsoft, check out this entry-level desktop set.
LOGITECH CORDLESS DESKTOP MX5500 REVOLUTION
If you’re feeling flush with cash, this high-end desktop set from Logitech bears closer scrutiny. Worth it just for the awesome MX Revolution mouse.
High-definition optical technology Scroll wheel E-mail and Internet hot keys My Computer and Calculator hot keys Enhanced F-key functionality
PROS
CONS
• Excellent-quality peripherals • Lots of extra functionality • Both feel good under your hands
• USB receiver is a little bulky • Not for Macs
OVERALL RATING
MICROSOFT WIRELESS COMFORT DESKTOP 5000
This set has curves, wireless freedom and a very appealing overall design. It’s not cheap, but you definitely get what you pay for here.
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Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 NEED TO KNOW
MICROSOFT WIRELESS MOUSE 5000
If you’re looking for a portable mouse without the added bells and whistles, then this one is perfect. With BlueTrack Technology a scroll wheel and four customisable buttons, your user experience is your own to create.
INTEGRAL MOBILE CARD READER
Perfect if you’re on the move between home and office Transfer all types of files between your PC, Mac or notebook from various formats of memory card.
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• Compatible with Windows 7 • works up to 10m away from PC • 2.4GHz Bluetooth connectivity • Requires 2 AAA batteries • 4-way scrolling R999.95
THE thinking behind the Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 is simple: combine the functions of a presentation controller with a wireless mouse, so you can have everything in one nifty little piece of equipment. If meetings and presentations are your life, this mouse should definitely be on your list of priority purchases. It’s apparent that Microsoft has considered all notebook users’ functionality requests and has crammed every single one of them into this little hand-held package. It has everything: small form factor, Bluetooth connectivity (with an optional Bluetooth dongle), a carrying case, an on/ off switch (for saving battery life), laser tracking technology, presentation controls, customisable extra buttons, a laser pointer and all in an ergonomically-designed framework. Two of the device’s three buttons on the top can be assigned to any one of a number of functions, including zoom, magnify region, and Flip 3D, while the button beneath the four-way scroll wheel switches the device between Presentation and Mouse modes. If you’re the type who likes a laser pointer, you’ll be pleased to know it can be used in either mode and is projected out the front of the mouse. The bottom of the mouse contains the presentation buttons that allow you to control functions such as Next Slide, Previous Slide, Blank Screen, Laser Pointer, and Volume Up/Down functions. There’s also a connect button and a power switch that help to conserve battery life. Just in case you were thinking there couldn’t possibly be more to this device – there is.
In Presentation mode, the controls can be used to manage Windows Media Player – within a 10 metre radius. The Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 works with Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista , Windows 7 and Mac OS X. Despite the fact that the device comes bundled with CD software drivers, we noticed that when we tried to install ours, it was out of date. So it might be best just to download the drivers directly from Microsoft during setup. In line with all Microsoft products – if you’re running any Logitech mouse software, you’ll have to uninstall in order to make this mouse work. If you spend most of your working time involved in presentations and pitches, this one is definitely for you. Every possible feature you could possibly require is built into this mouse. In terms of laptop-ready mice, this one gets the Connect two-thumbs up! NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • •
Microsoft High Definition Laser Mouse technology 5 buttons 1000dpi movement resolution 2.4 GHz Bluetooth with First Connect Technology
PROS
CONS
• Caters for both left-handed and right-handed users • Works well with your laptop’s built-in Bluetooth chip • Customisable buttons means you decide what functions are important
• Works only with PowerPoint (2003 versions and up only) and not PowerPoint Viewer • Not compatible with other thirdparty software (like Logitech) • Not very responsive if laptop is in ‘hibernate/sleep’ mode
OVERALL RATING
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BITDEFENDER TOTAL SECURITY 2010
With all the information and data being shared across to your external hard drives and across networks, ensure nothing unsavoury slips through the cracks and causes a complete meltdown.
Iomega 500GB MiniMax Hard Drive NEED TO KNOW • IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB interface • 4-pin USB, 6-pin FireWire connector • 7200 RPM spindle speed with a 2MB buffer R1 699.95
IF you find that space on your PC or Mac is running horrendously low, the hard drive is filling up, applications are running slower than normal and you’ve got nowhere to put anything, then you need one of these Iomega MiniMax 500GB external hard drives. Maybe even two. Its compact, stackable form takes up minimal desk space, but provides maximum storage space to manage and protect your digital files, easily. Everything from movies, music, photos and documents will be safely stored on this hard drive. This device is about more than just storage, it’s also about multi-tasking and with three FireWire 400 ports and a USB 2.0 three-port integrated hub, the Iomega MiniMax Desktop Hard Drive offers more connection options for expansion to computer peripherals such as a printer, Apple Airport Extreme or additional MiniMax hard drives. In this case, more is better. Connect it to an Airport Extreme and enjoy storage that can be shared and accessed across your network. The MiniMax will work like a bomb with all Macs and PCs, but it is the perfect companion for the Mac Mini. It has the same footprint as the Mac mini and can stack right on top of it. However, we did discover that if you place the MiniMax under an Airport Extreme, for some reason it can sometimes interfere with the wireless signal – so just be cautious about this. If you do find that wireless signal drops when the MiniMax is stacked under the Airport Extreme, separate the two with a piece of tinfoil (yes, really). Transfer rates between the Mini Max and other devices are quick – around 25MB per second over USB and 40MB per second using a FireWire connection. Not only is it quick, but it’s secure as well, as it comes complete with EMC Retrospect Express software for hassle-free backup and disaster recovery. Or, if you have the latest Mac OS X installed, it will work perfectly
with Time Machine. The only issues we have with this product are that the fan is slightly noisier than we’re used to, and if left plugged in for extended periods of time, the MiniMax runs a wee bit hot. But, aside from these two gripes (and the circumstantial issues with the Airport Extreme) we were impressed with everything else – looks, capabilities, transfer speeds and price. Use it as either a travel companion or a fixed storage device on a network – however you use it, and whatever you use it for, it won’t be a disappointment. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: PC Users: • Pentium® II or higher; 256MB RAM or higher • Built-in USB connection/FireWire 400 • Microsoft® Windows® Vista / 2000 Professional / XP Home / XP Professional / XP Professional x64 Mac Users: • Mac PowerPC G3 or Intel Core Duo processor; 128MB RAM or higher • Built-in USB or FireWire 400 connection/ FireWire 400 • Mac OS X 10.2 or higher
PROS
CONS
• Stackable design means it’s a space-saver • Quick two-way data transfer, especially when using FireWire connection • Compatible with Mac and PC
• Fan is a bit noisy, and device often feels hot to the touch • Needs to be manually powered down, doesn’t switch off automatically when you turn off your PC or Mac • Need to reformat for use on a PC – comes formatted for Mac out the box • Potential interference issues with Airport Extreme.
OVERALL RATING
SANDISK CRUZER TAG 2GB
Sometimes carrying around a 500GB external drive is unpractical. For those times you can rely on this 2GB flash drive from SanDisk to take important documents, pictures and files with you.
SANDISK CRUZER TITANIUM 8GB U3
The problem with portable storage devices is the ever-present worry about theft or loss. Now, you don’t have to worry about other people being able to access your storage device, as this one is password protected. It also comes with McAffee virus protection (30 day trial) and ensures the integrity of your data.
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HP OfficeJet J3680 NEED TO KNOW • All-in-one office printer • Fax, copy, scan, print • Telephone handset included R999.95
HP OFFICEJET 8500 PRO
This all-in-one printer might not have a phone, but it does have wireless networking capabilities and a faster print speed than the J3680. It’s also more expensive.
LEXMARK PLATINUM PRO905
This top of the range Lexmark office all-in-one device does it all, with excellent document handling features to boot.
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SMALL offices and home users will be pleased with HP’s OfficeJet J3680 all-in-one. It’s primarily a fax machine and printer, but it can also scan and copy documents when needed, making it a very versatile device. It also comes with a telephone handset so it can even be used to make and receive phone calls from a land line. It’s well-suited to a small office environment, too, as it features a 100-page document feeder. This is a nice amount that means you won’t be filling it with new paper every five minutes if you only print a nominal amount and don’t receive faxes all day, every day. The J3680 puts out very good prints in black and white and colour, which is offset somewhat by a relatively slow speed. Obviously, this isn’t a high-volume printer as you’d spend more time waiting than anything else, but it’s well-suited to average office use. Documents come out clear, with very sharp text, making them worth the slight wait. The scanning and copying functions work well, too, with copies looking very much like the original. The only real problem we can foresee is that it has to have each scanned or copied page fed through the printer itself, so you won’t be able to copy or scan pages from books without ripping them out first. The J3680 has the ability to fax through full-colour documents. While this is a laudable feature, we are hard-pressed to see it having much of a real-world impact on anyone’s buying decision, given that the receiving fax machine needs to be capable of colour prints too for it to be effective. Since colour capabilities are not the fax machine standard yet, it might be a feature you don’t get much use out of. It also doesn’t ship with a USB cable in the box. We’ve griped about this for years, and while things are improving, it’s still not the norm. HP expects
you to go out and purchase a USB cable in addition to the printer, which is a bit annoying. But then, so too would having a million USB cables lying around at home if you got one in every box. Still, it’s a bit discouraging. It’s Mac compatible, though, with the software for it included in the box, so if you’re an Apple fan, you don’t have to worry about being left out in the cold. The LCD menu system is also easy to follow and use, so you won’t require a degree in physics to navigate it successfully. Overall, this is a very good buy. The J3680 is inexpensive, the print copy is very good, it comes with a handset so you can make and receive calls when it’s not busy faxing, and it’s a reliable machine that will be serving you well a year down the line. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • • • • • • •
Print speed black (draft, A4): Up to 20 ppm Print speed colour (draft, A4): Up to 14 ppm Print speed black (normal, A4): Up to 7 ppm Print speed colour (normal, A4): Up to 2.9 ppm Print speed colour (draft, 10x15 photo): As fast as 44 sec (with border) Duty cycle (monthly, A4): Up to 1500 pages Print technology: HP Thermal Inkjet Print quality black (best): Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi Print quality colour (best): Up to 4800 x 1200 Number of print cartridges: 2 (1 each black, tri-colour) PROS
CONS
• Print quality is very good in black and colour • Comes with a handset • Menu system is easy to use
• Scans require pages to be fed through the machine • No included USB cable • Colour faxing may not be relevant
OVERALL RATING
Samsung SyncMaster P2070 LCD Monitor NEED TO KNOW • 20” Widescreen LCD Monitor • 1600 x 900 native resolution • Attractive glossy black bezel R999.95
SAMSUNG’S monitors are in high demand the world over thanks to their highly appealing design, their stellar performance and their great prices. This tiny offering, a 20” widescreen LCD monitor, is no exception. Going on its looks alone, the P2070 has a lot going for it. The glossy black bezel is attractively shiny, but not shiny enough to detract from the screen’s true appeal, which is its LCD screen. It has a row of touch-activated controls at the bottom edge which illuminate when a finger is drawn across them, which bring up an on-screen menu that can be used to change its various settings. This menu is simple to understand, and the controls are responsive, when hit correctly. Our only problem with these in-bezel controls is there is no physical feedback to tell you they have been pressed properly, but nothing more than a bit of practice is required to press them perfectly every time. The screen stands on a base, supported by a clear plastic neck; unfortunately this does not afford it any freedom to be tilted, which is a potential problem for tall people. It’s also not good for multiple viewers, since its viewing angle is rather tight. This means you’ll need to be sitting directly in front of it to get the best image, and anyone standing above you or to your sides will see a somewhat distorted image. Luckily, this is only a problem if you regularly share your screen with others. The native resolution - at which the on-screen image looks its best – is a pleasing 1 600 x 900 pixels. This is good for widescreen gaming and movie-watching, although of course you’ll not be able to watch any full HD movies on it as they run at a vertical resolution of 1080 pixels (1080p). The P2070 only has one DVI input, so it’s far better-suited to being used as a PC monitor than a high-def screen for gaming consoles or Blu-ray players. A VGA-to-DVI cable is included in the box in case you have an older computer. The P2070’s very fast 2ms response time is excellent for crisp and clear imagery, even when they are moving really fast. There is no visible ghosting
(a blurry ghost-image that follows fast-moving scenes) at any point, a good thing for any monitor that displays movies on a regular basis. In all, being only 20” wide, Samsung’s P2070 LCD monitor is a very cool and affordable desktop monitor for either very cramped places, as a secondary monitor to a bigger screen or even as a first-ever LCD purchase just to test the waters. It displays games and movies beautifully, it’s nice and bright, and its looks are sufficiently attractive to recommend it to image-conscious buyers. If you don’t require your screen’s controls to give you feedback when you press them, and your available space is limited or you have need of a second screen, we can definitely recommend this LCD monitor from Samsung. NOTEWORTHY SPECS: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Screen Size: 20” Wide Resolution: 1 600 x 900 Brightness: 250cd/m² Contrast Ratio: DC 50,000:1 (1,000:1) (Typ.) Response time: 2ms Viewing Angle (Horizontal/Vertical): 170˚ / 160˚ Colour Supported: 16.7M Video Signal: Analog RGB, DVI Connector: DVI Power Consumption 26 watts Stand By Power: <1W Multimedia Speakers No
PROS
CONS
• Affordable price • Imagery is clear and bright • Beautiful, appealing aesthetics
• Viewing angle is tight • Cannot display 1080p HD content • No tilt ability
OVERALL RATING
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SAMSUNG SYNCMASTER P2370
When it comes to screens, bigger is always better. This power-saving full HD 23” screen is just the ticket for awesome gaming and movie-watching.
SAMSUNG SYNCMASTER XL2370
If you absolutely have to have the best image quality, there is no beating an LED screen. This gorgeous 23” LED monitor is ultra-thin, uses very little power and looks fantastic.
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Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10EX Camcorder NEED TO KNOW
SAMSUNG WB5000
The WB5000 is a 12.5MP camera, with full manual shooting mode and the capability to shoot 720p HD video footage. A 3” LCD display means you see exactly what still and video footage is being captured, in detail.
LOWEPRO REZO 60 BLACK
This lightweight bag offers serious protection for your digital camera and includes many features usually only found in larger bags - zippered compartments, inner pockets for memory, batteries or small accessories.
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• High Definition video at 30fps • 10MP digital photos • 5x optical zoom; 12 x digital zoom • Highly-advanced MPEG4 video compression R2 999.95
IN terms of convenience and compact portability, this HD dual camera is a stunner. It records high-definition video at 1280x720 pixel quality at 30 frames per second and takes still photographs at 10MP. The design is sleek, upright and fits comfortably in your hand, coat pocket or a pouch in your backpack. Sharing video and stills footage online using social media networking sites is easy, as is watching your videos on your iPod or TV. Using this camcorder is a pleasure as it fits perfectly into the palm of your hand, the customisable menu is easy to use and navigate with the joystick, without having to fiddle around too much. The joystick provides audible click feedback yet doesn’t interfere with sound recording. The camcorder is perfect for advanced users and beginners alike, and combines aesthetics, performance and usability perfectly. The VPC-CG10EX has a 3-inch LCD display that flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on an axis that allows you to take magnificent video or still images from otherwise-difficult-to-view positions. You can also shoot stills in sequence – up to 11 shots at a time, using the 10MP photo mode. The camera captures perfect stills and uses ‘subject face chaser’, which recognises up to 12 faces in the picture frame and optimises focal ranges and aperture settings for each individual face – this works well both for video and stills. A really neat feature is that you can shoot still images while capturing video. It’s also possible to use this as a webcam – by connecting it to your computer, essentially making the VPC-CG10EX a three-in-one. Sophisticated image stabilising technology automatically compensates for distracting up/down or side-to-side camera movement and makes your video footage visually comfortable to watch. Even smarter is the ability to
accurately distinguish between unintentional camera shake and deliberate camera movement. This camcorder has a high-capacity battery that is designed to resist memory accumulation (see Tech Jargon on page 8), so it provides a full charge every time. Each full charge can provide about 70 minutes of video recording time. One of the handiest features is the ability to play the footage back and edit out what you don’t want, directly on the device. Plug it directly into your TV to watch video or stills footage or connect to a DVD / VCR, or computer, to back-up copies of recorded footage. Still images and video clips are played back in chronological order. When connected to a PC, a simple drag-and-drop operation makes it easy to save recorded video clips and still images onto a computer’s hard drive for e-mailing, editing or archiving. Once you pick up the VPC-CG10EX and start playing with it, you’ll be surprised at how many features Sanyo managed to squeeze into it. Hopefully you’ll be as pleased as we were with the overall user experience. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • •
HD video (720p, 30fps) and 10MP still photos 5x optical zoom; 3-inch widescreen LCD Face Chaser technology (can detect up to 12 faces: photos/videos) Capture video and stills to SD/SDHC memory cards 3D Digital Noise Reduction
PROS
CONS
• Compact pistol-grip design that’s comfortable to hold • Large, clear 3-inch LCD screen with rigid plastic protective screen • Easy-to-navigate menu system with customisable shortcuts
• Camera cannot be used as a live camera with Macs, only PCs • Draws power from battery when in card reader mode instead of from USB • SD slot cover seems a bit flimsy
OVERALL RATING
Samsung HMX-104 HD Camcorder NEED TO KNOW • 10x optical zoom • Schneider-Kreunznach lens • 16GB solid-state storage • 2.7” wide LCD with touch screen • HD video recorder R6 999.95
IF you’re looking for a super-high resolution, full high-definition camcorder, then the Samsung HMX-104 will satisfy all your needs. This camcorder records video at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) – which means clarity, brightness and fine detail like you’ve never seen before. This also means that your video will be an exact pixel-for-pixel match for the best large screen HD TVs available today. Video output is life-like and contains more natural colour and presents a flawless picture, without the blurring or digital noise you might get with other camcorders. This camcorder has a 37mm Schneider-Kreunznach lens with a 10x optical zoom, allowing you to get close to the action, while keeping a safe distance. The HMX-104 features a 2.7-inch LCD and a multipurpose swivelgrip design that allows for unique handling positions usually not offered with traditional camcorders. It also has optical image stabilising technology, which means you don’t need a perfectly steady hand to capture perfect video. A 37mm wide-angle lens is far superior to regular camcorders that offer a typical 40 - 50mm, as it provides wider and clearer images, from the same distance. Touch-Point focus means you can touch anything on the 2.7-inch LCD display to focus on it more clearly, before beginning to record. The HMX-104 also features time lapse recording, which allows you to set time intervals for frame capture and thereby record over an extended period of time, allowing you to see the effects of a long-term recording. For aspiring documentary-makers out there, this feature will prove to be rather useful. This device includes an HDMI connection, which allows you to plug directly into a high definition television set, so you can watch your footage without plugging into a PC. It has 16GB of flash memory built-in – plus an SDHC card slot - and uses Samsung’s Solid State Disk (SSD) technology, which is quicker than traditional hard disk drives. It also lowers the device’s power consumption, leading to longer battery life, very quiet operation and adds to its durability The HMX-104HD also has a flash and can take still photos at a resolution of 2880 x 1620 dots per inch, which are then saved as JPEG files. Various
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shooting modes are also included, our favourites being the ‘food’, ‘indoor’ and ‘candle light modes’. In terms of performance, this camera is ready to use - with minimal fuss – right out the box. Flip open the screen and it powers on quickly. When it comes to storage, this camcorder can hold about 2 hours of HD video at maximum quality or 16 hours of standard quality video. The operation menus are quick and easily accessible; you don’t have to root around through complicated menus and sub-menus to find what you need. The HMX-140 comes bundled with Intelli-Studio software, which runs automatically when the camera is connected to your computer via a USB 2.0 cable. The software will probably only be useful if your film-editing needs are very basic, though, and you might need something else if you intend producing any home footage worth being proud of. Don’t let this deter you, as this is one of the most extraordinary HD camcorders we’ve come across in a long while. If you were hesitant about buying a camcorder because you were worried about HD quality and compatibility with your HD TV, hesitate no more. This is one purchase you won’t regret – you’ll get the full HD experience, and you’ll love it as much as we do. NOTEWORTHY SPECS: • • • • •
Optical image stabiliser, 10x optical zoom Min shutter speed: 1/12 sec Max shutter speed: 1/10000 sec 16GB SSD; 16 GB integrated flash; 1 x SD memory card slot 1 Composite video/audio output , 1 USB , 1 Component video output , 1 HDMI output
PROS
CONS
• Attractive design, comfortable rotating grip • Can repeatedly write and erase data more than a million times on SSD • Menu layout and structure are simple and easy to use • HD video quality is excellent
• When image stabilisation is enabled, there is a slight lag throughput to LCD display • Record button seems awkwardly placed • Battery life isn’t as long as we’d hoped for, but still adequate
OVERALL RATING
CYBERLINK POWER DIRECTOR ULTRA V 7
Create movie masterpieces, share titles, DVD templates, and objects over the Internet. Software contains excellent corrective effects and a variety of artistic effects, and is integrated with Flickr.
NIKON COOLPIX L19
For those occasions where a camcorder isn’t necessary. Happily snap family portraits, special events and the world around you with this simple point-and-shoot 8MP compact camera.
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Canon EOS 500D Digital Camera NEED TO KNOW • 15.1MP Image Sensor • 3” ClearView LCD screen • 9-Point Auto Focus R8 999.95
CANON EOS 450D
This workhorse 12MP camera is popular for good reason: it’s feature-rich, affordable, and easy to use.
52 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
CANON’S new EOS 500D digital camera is a slight, yet significant evolution of the 450D, which was itself an excellent piece of kit. New to the 500D is a 15.1MP image sensor, an impressive jump considering the 450D’s already-high 12MP rating, and a host of other tweaks or outright new additions that put it just that much above the 450D in terms of overall functionality. A completely new feature is the camera’s ability to shoot full HD video, meaning at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, at 20 frames per second. The implication of this new capability is that you will need high-speed (and expensive) SDHC cards in order to record them due to the resultant file size. Class 6 SDHC cards are recommended, as they can transfer data at a minimum rate of 6MB/s. This is a pretty important update, given the emergent popularity of HD videos and TVs, and one of the features you might seriously considering upgrading from the 450D for, especially since it also comes with a mini-HDMI output for connecting directly to an HDTV. It would seem that the 500D is packed with such features. Another difference between itself and the 450D is the new Digic 4 image sensor, rated at 15.1MP, which produces higherresolution images than the 12MP Digic III sensor on the 450D did. Perhaps more importantly, the 500D now supports ISO ratings up to a rather impressive 12 800, and it even takes good pictures at that level when compared to other photographs taken with other cameras at the same ISO level. Even at ISO 6400, which usually yields poor results due to the increase in image noise at that level, the 500D produces usable images. This is because of its four levels of automatic noise reduction that significantly reduce the appearance of the visual artefacts caused by the camera’s electronic attempts at compensating for light. What this means, ultimately, is that the 500D is an excellent camera capable of shooting very good images under extreme lowlight conditions, and superb images at the lower ISO settings. Images shot between ISO 100 and ISO 1600 will look the best. It’s also sturdier than the 450D, with extra rubberised grips for easier handling. The included LCD screen is also bigger at 3”, and boasts a higher resolution, too, so anything it displays will look just that much clearer. The new menu system courtesy of the Digic 4
upgrade, is easy to learn and use, with easy access to all the options you may want to tweak. Among the automatic options that help you take the best pictures possible is a 9-point Auto Focus that makes sure up to 9 different parts of your shot are kept in focus at all times. This works well for action happening a consistent distance away from the camera, but pictures shot with the subject moving rapidly towards you come out somewhat out of focus. There is a lot more to the 500D than a 500 word review can actually do justice to. Suffice it to say that it is an improvement on the 450D in almost every way, and it takes extremely good quality photographs, even under low-light conditions. Its built-in flash makes for well-illuminated night shots, and its rated battery life is 500 photos per charge (with some features, like Live View and the LCD screen disabled), which is very, very good. If you’re interested in highquality photography and a full-featured, compact camera at a very good price, you would do very well to look a bit closer at Canon’s EOS 500D. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • • • • • • • • •
Type: Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera Recording Media: SD memory card, SDHC memory card Effective pixels: Approx. 15.10 megapixels Recording Format: Design rule for Camera File System 2.0 and Exif 2.21 Still Image Type: JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), RAW+JPEG Video: MOV (Image data: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM) AF Points: 9 AF points (centre AF point is cross-type) ISO Speed: ISO 100-3200 (in 1-stop increments), H1: 6400 H2: 12800 Flash: Retractable, auto pop-up LCD Screen Size: 3.0” Direct Printing: Via PictBridge Output: 1x mini-HDMI
PROS
CONS
• High-resolution image sensor • Good pictures even at high ISO settings • Shoots 1080p high-def videos at 20 fps
• Auto-focus not always accurate under all conditions • HD movies require highspeed SDHC cards
OVERALL RATING
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HTC Tattoo NEED TO KNOW • Android phone • Touchscreen user interface • Customisable covers • Social media optimised R4 499.95
HTC HERO
One of HTC’s most celebrated Android-based smartphones, this unit has everything you could dream of in a phone. It’s slick, fast and caters to your every need.
PERFECT COMPANIONS
A Google account Keep your life in sync by keeping your emails, calendar and contacts ‘in the cloud’ with Google’s online services that sync seamlessly with your Android phone.
54 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
ONE of the latest additions to HTC’s range of Android-driven phones, the Tattoo, has been likened to the poor man’s HTC Hero. This is apt – without the unintended insult relating to people’s budgets – as it is a feature-rich, slick and well-sized phone that compares well with its bigger brother without hitting the pocket as hard. The phone is well designed and a little smaller than other phones of the same calibre, which results in a comfortable user experience, even though the resultant (2.8”) smaller screen can become cumbersome. This is due to the Tattoo being an almost-exclusively touchscreen phone. Even though it uses resistive touch technology to reduce the cost of the phone, as opposed to capacitive (which is considered a little easier to use and more responsive), the experience is not unpleasant: selections are responsive, while transitions and scrolling are slick and quick. The phone also has an accelerometer – meaning the screen layout changes to landscape orientation when the phone is held longways. This is crucial on the Tattoo as the narrow portrait profile of the screen means the onscreen keyboard is cramped, which can be frustrating to type on. Once in landscape mode, though, it is far simpler and you are less prone to typing mistakes. The phone has a collection of four buttons and a navigation button below the screen that are used to answer and cancel calls, jump to the main screen and activate search and menu functions, so you are not bound to use only touch to get things done. The model name is derived from the ability to not only buy alternative covers in-store, but you can actually design your own cover, which will be custom made and mailed to you. If you are willing to spend a couple of hundred extra bucks on this - head on over to www.tattoomyhtc. com to get started. Customisation is extended to the phone’s on-screen layout, with five ‘home’ pages available for you to arrange your most-used applications for your convenience. From the main home screen, flip left to access your social networking apps, or flip right to access your games and entertainment apps.
The phone is also optimised for social networking addicts who need to constantly be in touch via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. This obviously means that the connectivity has to be top-notch, and the Tattoo offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G (up to HSPA if the network supports it) to ensure that you are in touch when and where you need to be. This favouring of social networking tools and services does not detract from services found on other smartphones, including e-mail, calendar, maps, GPS and the obligatory camera. An added bonus for users who’ve adopted a Google lifestyle that involves keeping information such as e-mail, contacts and calendars ‘in the cloud’ is that these services can all be synced to the Tattoo. This happens seamlessly and automatically once set up properly. It is advisable to get or upgrade a data bundle from your service provider as the desire to have these services delivered seamlessly means you will be accessing mobile data services throughout the day. The one failing of this phone is its pitiful battery life. It requires a daily charge, and it’s best to keep it charging overnight or you’ll be left with a worthless piece of plastic in your hand halfway through the day rather than the useful device that it is. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • • • • •
Qualcomm 528 MHz processor Android 1.6 Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, up to 7.2 Mbps Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g HTC ExtUSB™ (11-pin mini-USB 2.0) 3.5 mm audio jack 3.2MP camera PROS
CONS
• Well-designed and sized phone • Android operating system • High level of customisation
• Pathetic battery life • Small screen contributes to typing errors and frustration • Data-hungry applications
OVERALL RATING
TUERK/EMEDIA AD STILL TO COME
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APPLE IPOD NANO
Say what you want of Apple, but there’s no denying the iPod Nano is a beautiful, top-quality portable media player. It’s more expensive than the Fuze, but it also does video incredibly well.
PERFECT COMPANIONS
SanDisk Sansa Fuze 4GB NEED TO KNOW • Portable music and video player • 4GB on board memory, plus microSD support • Built-in FM receiver R1 299.95
Plantronics Audio 450 Ear Buds These in-ear ‘phones get really personal, delivering great sound and comfort, as well as a sensitive microphone for PC chatting.
SanDisk 8GB microSD card This is all you need to dramatically – and inexpensively – increase the storage capabilities of your Fuze.
56 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
SANDISK has been doing some great work refining its Sansa portable music player range and the newest addition, the Fuze, indicates a positive progression of sorts: from a focus on just getting the darn thing to work, to making it a desirable device that does what it does, very well. The Fuze’s design is a pleasingly subtle evolution of the Sansa look and feel; its back is now coated with a nicely textured rubbery material that stops it from sliding on smooth surfaces, while also preventing scratches. The wheel used to navigate the device’s interface feels more refined and less clumsy than previous Sansa players and still clicks when rotated, but the click is now more subtle, which is a welcome change. The interface itself is zippy and responsive, and easy enough for anyone with a triple-digit IQ to figure out how to use it. It’s not perfect, though, and Sandisk loses the plot a bit by allowing some menus to be navigated using the scroll wheel and some by pressing up and down on the wheel itself (not both). Some consistency would be nice; let’s hope that’s no more than a firmware update away. The Fuze’s screen is its second-biggest weak point, as it doesn’t stand up well to direct sunlight. It’s non-reflective, and needs its brightness pushed up in order to be usable outside. Its biggest weak point lies in its video playback, which feels more like a tacked-on feature than something SanDisk’s developers poured a lot of work into; video quality is limited to low-resolution (224x176) 20 frames per second clips. While this is certainly watchable, the choppiness of videos is a bit annoying. But then people don’t buy music players for their video playback, and we’re happy to say that the Fuze does a great job as a portable music player. Music is easy to get onto the device; the included software can be used, or the player can be treated like a USB drive, and you can drag and drop files into its memory using Windows Explorer’s familiar interface. Memory is another aspect that SanDisk got right: the Fuze range has 2GB, 4GB or 8GB of internal memory, and each supports microSD cards,
up to whatever capacity microSD is available. The Fuze doesn’t distinguish between music and video stored on the cards from those stored on its internal memory, and all files appear in its interface regardless of their location. The Fuze also records audio, making it useful for interviews, and it has a built-in FM receiver so that you can listen to the radio whenever the mood strikes. Your reception will vary according to the headphones you use; the included set does an admirable job. The only question now is of sound quality, and again we’re happy to say that the Fuze puts out sound to rival even that of an iPod. With a decent set of headphones, you can enjoy good bass, clear mid- and high-range tones, and the included equaliser lets you customise your sound further to your own tastes. The Fuze is a great device for people not interested in paying Apple’s relatively steep prices or being forced to use iTunes to manage their music. It’s not perfect, with some work needing to be done on video playback and an interface that could use some refinement, but as far as value goes, the Fuze is full of it. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • • • • • •
Size: 3.1 x 1.9 x 0.3 in Capacities: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB plus microSD memory slot Screen: 1.9”, 64k colour, 224x176 pixel Audio: MP3, WMA, WAV, AA Video: Converted MPEG-4 20FPS Battery: 24 hours audio / 5 hours video
PROS
CONS
• Responsive interface • Drag & Drop music transfer • Uses microSD cards for additional storage • Good overall sound quality
• Video playback is not wonderful • Screen battles with sunlight • Interface could use some more work
OVERALL RATING
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LOGITECH PURE-FI ANYTIME IPOD/IPHONE DOCKING STATION
Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus iPod Docking Station NEED TO KNOW • Portable speakers compatible with iPods and iPhones • Omni-directional acoustic technology • Built-in clock, charging dock and alarm • Uses 6 x AA batteries or mains power • Excludes iPod R999.95
IF you’re looking for a nicely-priced portable sound solution that can accommodate your iPod or iPhone, but you aren’t willing to compromise on sound quality, then this product is what you’ve been looking for. Get up to 10 hours of playback time with surprisingly good omni-directional sound delivered by a cost-effective speaker system. You might be tempted to think that if you’ve seen one iPod docking station, you’ve seen them all – you’d be wrong. This particular model has been equipped with omni-directional acoustic technology, which allows you to enjoy the same level of audio quality wherever you might be in the room, as it broadcasts music in all directions. Also, in terms of portability versus mobility, the Pure-Fi Express Plus is better than most we’ve come across – the device can either be plugged into the wall or it can run on batteries; it uses six AA batteries, which provide around 10 hours of playback time. If you plan to move this dock around a lot, though, be prepared to buy batteries regularly. The unit also includes an integrated carrying handle, which means that you can pick it up and move it from room to room. Not only does this docking station work as a portable speaker system for iPods and iPhones, but for most MP3 digital music players too, thanks to a simple 3.5mm auxiliary input cable. It also has something that many iPod docking systems don’t: it comes with a wireless remote control, affording you control of your iPod from up to 10 metres away. It’s not a comprehensive remote, though, and you won’t be able to command your iPod as if you’re manipulating its controls directly. Rather, you’re limited to play, pause, and skipping tracks (forward and backward). This is more than adequate for everyday listening, but can be annoying for eagle-eyed people who would like to browse through their music collections from the couch. The high-contrast, easy-
to-read display is clearly visible during the day and rather bright at night, which may potentially interfere with a light sleeper’s rest. The recessed Universal dock helps prevent you from accidentally knocking over your iPod or iPhone; as a bonus, it also serves as an iPhone/iPod charger, providing an easy and convenient way to keep your beloved music player charged all the time. It also sports a built-in clock and alarm system, but does not allow you to set your own music as the alarm. This is a rather large oversight as many won’t enjoy the high-pitched beep that serves as the alarm tone. Another surprise is the absence of a built-in FM radio, so you’ll be unable to wake up to your favourite radio station. You won’t be able to use the FM tuner built into some iPod models either, as they don’t work without headphones plugged into their 3.5mm audio jacks as the headphones double as antennae. It’s either a buzzer, or no alarm, making other Logitech docking stations – such as the Pure-Fi Anytime – somewhat more appealing as an alarm clock. The Pure-Fi Express Plus is a cost-effective iPod/iPhone docking station/ alarm clock/music player with very good sound quality for the price, making its lack of some features rather forgivable. At the end of the day, it looks good, sounds great, works well and offers the kind of practical convenience that pretty much sells itself. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Control your music with the wireless remote • Protective travel case holds the speaker, remote and AC adapter • 3.5mm auxiliary cable allows any MP3 player to be plugged in
PROS
CONS
• Omni-directional sound is impressive • Good overall sound quality • Supports all iPods, plus other MP3 players with 3.5mm audio jacks
• Docking station for iPods/iPhones only • No built-in FM radio • No comprehensive remote control • Can’t wake you up with music
This more advanced docking station boasts a motionsensitive snooze function, FM radio and slightly improved sound over the Express Plus.
PERFECT COMPANIONS
Belkin Tunecast II Play your iPod or MP3 player wirelessly through any FM receiver (such as your car radio) with this useful device. SanDisk Clip 4GB Silver This handy little device plays MP3, WMA & audio book file formats and has a voice recorder with a built-in microphone.
OVERALL RATING
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DAZZLE VIDEO CREATOR PLATINUM
This package will also convert your old VHS videos to DVD.
PERFECT COMPANIONS
Verbatim DVD+R Double Layer If you’ve got a lot of video tapes lying around, you’re going to need a lot of DVDs to record them to. Verbatim is a well-known DVD brand that you can’t go wrong with.
RCA Cable These cables are rather inexpensive, but an essential part of a successful audio and video capture.
58 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
Roxio Easy VHS to DVD Converter NEED TO KNOW • Converts old VHS footage into DVD format • Also converts tapes and records to digital audio • Burn DVDs and CDs, create labels for both R899.95
VHS cassettes are so 1980. Since their popularity in the era of big hair and shoulder pads came and went, they have retreated into cupboards, boxes and whatever storage space their owners have felt appropriate. Their plastic casings and magnetic tape have suffered significant deterioration over the intervening years, thereby threatening the precious video footage they contain, and it’s really only a matter of time before they self-destruct. It’s now 2010, and there are various software packages available that can help you protect those precious memories from oblivion. Roxio Easy VHS to DVD is one such product, and has the ability to convert VHS tape footage into a digital format that can be used to create DVDs you can play in your modern DVD player. It ships with a USB dongle and converter cable that can be used to capture the audio and video directly from your VCR; you will need to have an RCA cable handy, though, to connect from your VCR/tape/record player to the converter cable. It can also be used to digitally capture audio from records and tape cassettes, and convert them into MP3 format for storage on your computer’s hard drive. The process is actually very simple: once the software is installed and updated, all you have to do is ensure you have your audio equipment or VCR properly connected to your PC (easy to do thanks to a useful How To guide that automatically pops up), and from there click the Capture Video button. The software then analyses all possible methods of video capture, and you’re required to select the source from a drop-down box. Once that’s done, you select the time you’d like to record for (this is dependent on the available hard drive space), select where you’d like to save the video file, click Capture Now and hit Play on your VCR. Image enhancement options are available should you not like what you see being input from your VCR before the capture begins. These are fairly basic; things like colour saturation, contrast levels and sharpness can be changed here. They can make a difference to an otherwise awful video, though, so don’t count them out. Once you’ve captured your video, you’re ready to convert it into a DVD. Doing so is likewise quite simple; clicking Create DVD launches Roxio MyDVD, which enables you to create your DVD, complete with an intro movie, text of your choosing, and even sub-
menus for individual movie chapters (if you make your movie up of multiple video clips, that is). Doing all this is really as easy as it gets without someone else doing it for you. Some elements, like mastering submenus, may take a bit of trial and error, but the software is very quick and easy to use overall. The resultant video quality is highly dependent on the quality of the source video as well as your ability to tweak the input using the built-in controls. As a bonus, Easy VHS to DVD also lets you capture input from cassette players and record players. It’s a similar process to capturing video, and you have control over the type of sound files you create, where you store them, and the quality you’d like to capture them at. Since physical audio formats like tapes and records can deteriorate over time, the software also lets you clean up the resulting audio signal so that it sounds better than ever. In all, this is a very good software package for anyone looking to convert their old cassette tapes, VHS tapes or records into a newer, far more time-resistant format. It’s easy to use, the results are good, and all you might need to buy extra is an RCA cable or two, and writeable DVDs. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS • Windows Vista/XP, 1GHz processor and 512MB RAM • DirectX 9 compatible graphics card or higher, sound card, DVD-ROM drive • 2GB free hard drive space for installation • Windows Media Player 10 or higher • CD Writer for VCD, SVCD and DVD Writer for DVD • Internet Explorer 7 • One available USB 2.0 port
PROS
CONS
• Very easy to use • Not too many options to overwhelm first-timers • Handy help files show the way clearly
• Structuring your DVD ‘just right’ will take practice • Resulting video quality dependent on source video • Software needs updating out the box
OVERALL RATING
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WINDOWS 7 FOR DUMMIES
TuneUp Utilities 2010 NEED TO KNOW • Simplifies PC maintenance tasks • Offers to fix common Windows problems • Works on Windows XP/Vista/7 R299.95
SOFTWARE utilities that promise to speed up your computer, make your programs load faster and fix all your PC problems have been around since the early days of Windows. Savvy computer users have rightfully scorned such products as they’ve offered little more than tools that perform functions already built into Windows. For a little extra effort, you can launch those functions yourself, or find software online that will do the same job, for free. The question is, do you have the time, interest and inclination to do so? If you don’t, but you’re worried about the state of your computer’s inner workings and are convinced it’s slower now than it was when you got it, such all-in-one utilities have some serious appeal. TuneUp Utilities 2010 is one such package: it’s an all-in-one maintenance solution for people intimidated by Windows, but who really want an application that can help them fine-tune their PC. It promises to help make maintenance simple, and address common Windows problems that can lead to performance degrading over time. In this, it largely succeeds. Its interface is exceptionally clean and accessible, with all the options nicely presented; it offers maintenance, performanceenhancements, problem-fixing and Windows customisation, with various options within each category to help refine the functions of each. ‘1-Click Maintenance’ launches a series of utilities that perform basic maintenance tasks. These include hard drive defragmentation, the cleanup of the Windows registry, the removal of broken shortcuts (shortcuts that point to files that no longer exist), and optimising the startup and shutdown of Windows. This is the core of the software, and it runs automatically, constantly checking your PC and performing its assigned tasks (which you can specify) in the background, or when your computer is not doing anything. If all you do is install the software and let it do this for you, your money has been well-spent. It also offers performance enhancement advice; after analysing your PC, the software comes up with a list of recommendations designed to speed up your computer. These are generally very small tweaks, like
changing how many connections your Web browser uses to talk to a Web server and changing your Windows visual settings, that don’t really yield much speed increases, if any. The point here is not to expect your computer to start performing a great deal better than it did before the software was installed. The problem-solving portion of the program serves to highlight ways in which your computer is not secure. We were informed of several sharing issues that might lead to our test computer being compromised from the outside, which was easily fixed by clicking the recommended solution we were presented with. Perhaps the most appealing section of the program is the ‘Customize Windows’ portion. Here, you can change many aspects of your Windows interface, from the login screen to the icons on your desktop, the taskbar, the Start menu, to the way windows and system messages are animated. The only real advantage to be had, though, is that it makes customising Windows from a central point easy – all of these functions can be done without TuneUp with just a bit of know-how. And that’s the point, really. TuneUp makes it possible to optimise Windows easily, and relatively safely, for people who don’t want or need to delve deeper into the operating system’s intricacies. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS • • • • • •
Windows XP/Vista/7 32- and 64-bit 256MB RAM 300MB Hard Drive Space Screen Resolution of 1024 x 768 CDROM Drive Mouse PROS
CONS
• Simplifies maintenance tasks • Clean, intelligent and intuitive interface • Turbo mode – disables nonessential components for a speed boost
• Is not a fix-all for all Windows problems • Speed gains through optimisation are negligible • Most features possible through Windows or thirdparty (free) applications
OVERALL RATING
If you’d prefer to do things the hard - but ultimately more satisfying - way, get yourself a Windows 7 book and learn how to troubleshoot and maintain it on your own.
PERFECT COMPANIONS
Packard Bell iXtreme X8211 SA PC You’ve got the software, now get the PC! Even this performance family PC from Packard Bell can benefit from ongoing maintenance and optimisation.
Windows 7 Windows 7 runs so well, you’ll hardly even need additional utilities to keep it running smoothly.
WWW.CONNECT.CO.ZA | 59
book reviews
HOW TO DO EVERYTHING WITH YOUR IPHONE
NEED TO KNOW • By Jason Chen & Adam Pash • 296 Pages
DESPITE the iPhone being an intuitive piece of technology, it could still use an easy-to-read manual for iPhone beginners. Chen and Pash have put together such a guide, covering just about every conceivable use, function, feature and aspect of Apple’s iPhone. The two authors use everyday, friendly language to convey the information needed to effectively manage and use an iPhone, along with all kinds of tips and tricks on how to master its myriad functions. They also write about iPhone troubleshooting, and cover topics like resetting the phone, erasing all data, restoring factory defaults and more. It is, however, written from the American perspective, so expect to see information on the American iPhone-owning experience, including tips on how best to contact customer support at AT&T. If you can ignore that single failing, there is still more than enough information contained on universal iPhone functionality for South Africans to get valuable use out of it.
ACE THE IT INTERVIEW 2ND EDITION
NEED TO KNOW • By Paula Moreira • 296 Pages
INTERVIEWING for an IT job is far more than just that; it’s about two parties assessing each other for a possible long-term match. Author Paula Moreira goes into considerable detail about the personnel manager’s perspective, thereby giving potential employees the inside scoop on what to expect, how to behave, and what prospective employers are looking for in an employee. Being the ideal candidate for an IT job is about far more than just having technical skills; rather, the book assumes that technical skills are a given, and the process of landing the job is more about how the interview itself is handled. You’re being graded on your social skills, too – nobody wants to hire a surly tech guy if his job description involves time spent with other people. Sticky-question advice, debunking interview myths, interview preparation and more are covered in this 60 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
practical, down-to-earth guide. If you’re angling for a job in the IT world, you’d do well to pick up this book no matter how well you think you know the interview process.
THE UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO MICROSOFT OFFICE WORD 2007
NEED TO KNOW • By David J. Clarke • 574 Pages
THIS book was written to address the new look and feel of one of the world’s most popular writing applications, Microsoft Word, which shipped with Office 2007. One of the many things it explains in detail is the completely redesigned ‘ribbon menu’ that was intended to help make all of Word 2007’s features easily accessible. It also helps bridge the gap between the previous version of Word and the 2007 version by orienting experienced users and giving them the breakdown of exactly what has changed, and how. There is a great deal of information here, covering everything from the new interface to writing format tips, advanced chart and table functionality, security issues, macro creation and use and a lot more. In the 574 pages at his disposal, David J. Clarke covers everything you could possibly want to know about Word, from the basics all the way up to the more advanced functions, in considerable detail. Clarke’s style is not quite as informal as that of the Dummies series, so don’t expect to be entertained while you read, but he conveys the wealth of information he has on Word 2007 clearly, which is arguably more important in the long run.
WINDOWS 7 TWEAKS A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE ON CUSTOMIZING, INCREASING PERFORMANCE, AND SECURING MICROSOFT WINDOWS 7
NEED TO KNOW • By Steve Sinchak • 408 Pages
WINDOWS 7 is a fantastic operating system, but like all operating systems before it, it can stand further refinement to perform even better. In this book, Steve Sinchak takes readers through a great number of tips, tweaks and methods of squeezing more out of Windows 7, while cutting out features that some may not enjoy. The book contains 19 chapters, each of which goes into significant detail about the various aspects of Windows 7. It’s more than just a tips and tweaks guide, as Sinchak also tells readers how to customise various Windows functions like the logon screen, Windows Media Player, the general appearance of the Windows interface and more. It’s quite a detailed book, and definitely for more technically-minded people. Luckily, the language is accessible, instructions are easy to follow, and as a result the book is a very useful tool for people wanting that little bit more out of their copy of Windows 7.
WWW.CONNECT.CO.ZA | 61
game reviews //BY TIANA CLINE
GOD OF WAR III R699.95 God of War first appeared on PlayStation 2 in 2005. It was an actionadventure based on Greek mythology that introduced the antihero Kratos to the gaming universe. Numerous awards, a sequel and five years later, Kratos returns for his final outing (and for the first time… and exclusively) on the PlayStation 3 platform. God of War III is a single-player game that puts you in the sandals of the ex-Spartan warrior, continuing his bloodbath quest of revenge against the Gods who have betrayed him. God of War II ended with Kratos, Gaia and the Titans marching towards Olympus. Set in the realm of brutal Greek mythology, the developers spent five years creating a new graphics engine to make the environments more realistic than ever. In the previous games, the backgrounds were breathtaking and added a lot of ambience when playing the title. You really felt like you were scaling a gigantic mountain or traversing a neverending desert. Now, the environments all encompass a living world and you can pretty much get close to and interact with everything you see. From the intimidating heights of Mt. Olympus to the dark depths of Hell, the areas are bigger than ever before, yet just as awe-inspiring. Kratos is still armed with double-chained blades, but also has an array of new weapons and magic that he will use to take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest to destroy Olympus. One of his deadly new weapons is the Cestus: powerful metal gauntlets with devastating strength. There are many other fierce instruments of war that will allow Kratos to learn merciless new techniques such as grappling with enemies and launching explosive wall-to-ground attacks. The combat is less about combinations and more about using each weapon you come across in its own unique way. Some may rely on button-mashing while others are more tactical and provide different ways to cause devastation. Like the other God of War games, the last one in the trilogy is a brutal bloodbath. Kratos will carve, slice and chop his way through armies of enemies, but also take on titans – living, moving, and breathing levels as tall as a skyscraper. Another new element to the gameplay is Kratos’ ability to manipulate magical creatures and cleverly use them as a means to cross chasms, inflict blind rage against enemies, reveal puzzles and secrets, and – of course – as tools of complete annihilation. Is this the end of God of War? Probably not. There are already rumours of future franchise opportunities, but in this actionadventure you can expect a conclusion to the long-awaited trilogy told in a way that is true to traditionalist roots in Greek mythology, from moral consequences to brutal battles against the Gods. This one is not to be missed.
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NEED TO KNOW • Exclusive to the PS3 platform • Brutal combat and intricate puzzles • Exploration of awe-inspiring and enormous areas • New deadly weapons • The most anticipated game of 2010
>>SOUND FAMILIAR?<< The character of Kratos is voiced by Terence C. Carson. This Chicago-born actor has done quite a bit of voice acting for the videogame industry and can be heard in games like Saints Row, Syphon Filter, Afro Samurai, Unreal Tournament II, Star Wars: Clone Wars and Everquest.
>>CONSIDER THIS<< DARKSIDERS Originally sent to oversee the destruction of Earth, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have been betrayed by their master, stripped of their powers and cast down to Earth. Players take on the role of WAR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first of the Four Horsemen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as he embarks on a brutal quest for revenge with the help of his phantom steed RUIN against the forces that betrayed him.
>>COMING SOON<< AGE OF CONAN: RISE OF THE GODSLAYER This mythological MMORPG coming to PC and Xbox 360 is set in the Hyborian Age and tells the story of an Empire slowly spiralling into chaos, as a consequence of the actions of a young Conan many years ago. After killing the Elephant God, strange and horrible things have been happening to the Empire of Khitai. As a player you must explore the dark roads of the Empire and walk the path of the Godslayer as you unravel a mature and deep storyline full of brutal conflict and political intrigue.
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game reviews
MAG
NEED TO KNOW • Play against 255 people • Join one of three private armies • Fight on multiple battlefronts, use airborne landings and on-call tactical strikes
James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game This is the official video game of the highly acclaimed 3D movie and an action title that will take you deep into the heart of Pandora, an alien planet that is beyond imagination.
RED STEEL 2
NEED TO KNOW • Fight 6 enemies at the same time • Visit various fusion locations • The harder you swing the Wii Remote, the harder the sword swings • Be a powerful master swordsman and gunslinger
64 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
great place to wage war. The game’s main drawcard is its integration of a command structure, allowing veteran players the opportunity to co-ordinate eight player teams as Squad leaders, or as Platoon leaders commanding up to four squads at a time… or even the Officer in Command commanding and co-ordinating all 64 players on the team. Unfortunately MAG’s incredible achievement is slightly overshadowed by a few technical issues. That said, if you’ve been looking for a great, team-based online shooter, then MAG is everything it promises to be. R699.95
COMING >>SOON<<
CONSIDER >>THIS<<
To many gamers, console or other, the idea of playing against 255 other people online is beyond comprehension. Massive Action Game or MAG for short, offers PS3 fans a truly epic online first-person shooter (FPS) experience, but with so many other games offering the same, does MAG size up to the challenge? Asking players to select from one of three factions, namely S.V.E.R, Raven and Valor, MAG offers players a rather objective-rich online experience. Unlike other online FPS games, MAG demands team work for success and although one-man-armies can win the day at times, MAG rewards players that work together. With well-designed maps and quick, intense action, MAG is a
R.U.S.E. A one-of-a-kind real-time strategy title that allows players to bluff their enemies to lead their nation to victory, controlling the action from the heart of the battlefield to the full theatre of war.
WHEN the Nintendo Wii was first released, Red Steel was the debut first-person title and a game that took advantage of the Wii’s clever motion-sensitive controller, along with the Nunchuk attachment, to control a katana and a firearm. Ubisoft’s slashing sequel adds some much-needed polish to the franchise, but as well as a completely revamped art style and support for the new MotionPlus accessory. Red Steel 2 drops the modern, cutting edge look of the first game for a more western look. The new art style is far more cartoony (and more suited to the Wii) with some great, over-the-top action. The Japanese inspiration, although odd given the location, really does add to the presentation of the game. The action is fast and fluid when you use your Wii remote to point your gun or swing your sword – you can even fight up to six enemies at a time and are able to deflect your opponents bullets with your sword. MotionPlus adds some precision when aiming so that your movements are faithfully replicated on-screen. As far sequels go, Red Steel 2 is everything the first one should have been:
fun, fluid and a real joy to play on the Wii. R499.95
>>CONSIDER THIS<< Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Reflex Reflex arms you with an arsenal of advanced weaponry and transports you to the most dangerous hotspots to take on a rogue enemy threatening the world. Fight online over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for unrivaled multiplayer gameplay.
BAYONETTA
NEED TO KNOW • A cinematic, stylised action game • You’re a graceful, gunwielding witch • Use four enchanted guns called Scarborough Fair and other weapons • Transform into various beasts
CREATED by Hideki Kamiya (the mind behind the acclaimed Devil May Cry series) Bayonetta is a bit of an absurd title, especially if you look at the main character – a gun welding witch named Bayonetta who also shapeshifts and performs magical attacks with her own hair. Set in Vigrid, Bayonetta is suffering from a spot of memory loss after waking up from a 500-year nap, knowing only that she is an Umbran Witch and she that she is looking for something called the Eyes of the World. With that in hand, Bayonetta starts piecing her past together (meeting rival witches, a boy named Luka and a little girl, all adding interesting plot twists) and learns the faith of her clan, thus starting a fierce assault on the forces of heaven. Bayonetta is packed with stunning environments and jaw dropping, fast-paced action. Every detail has been perfected from the over-the-top story to the really weird protagonist and the crazy hair combos. For the most part, Bayonetta (if not buggy on the PS3) is an interesting title. If you love a good action title, but are also able to have a laugh, Bayonetta is the perfect game for you. R699.95
>>CONSIDER THIS<<
>>COMING SOON<< Dead Rising 2 When a zombie outbreak hits Fortune City, it’s every man and woman for themselves! Like the original (and really fun) game, every item you pick up can be a weapon, such as roulette wheels, croupier sticks and stuffed marlins.
Bullet Witch Humankind is on the brink of extinction. All hope rests on Alicia, a beautiful witch blessed with powers that can manipulate the natural environment around her.
game reviews
ALIEN VS PREDATOR
Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days A raw and brutal crime shooter following two of gaming’s most disturbed criminals through the gritty Shanghai underworld.
GAMING GIVEAWAY
COMING >>SOON<<
THE original Alien vs. Predator (AvP) on the PC in 1999 was possibly one of the best games ever designed – the three playable characters were all unique, and the entire atmosphere of the gameplay was nothing short of exhilarating. With 35 officially licensed video games, one trading card game, and one tabletop miniatures game based on the franchises, the new edition has a lot of history to live up to. Sega’s science fiction first-person shooter brings back three playable characters, namely the Human Colonial marine, the Xenomorph Aliens and the brutal Predators. As before, each character offers a completely different gameplay experience with the Aliens
better suited to close encounters, the Marines looking to keep everything as far away as possible and the Predators doing exactly as they please. That said, the one common thread between all three characters is their unique stories that all interweave around the central plot, leading to an explosive finale. (One warning: If you suffer from motion sickness, you might want to give this one a miss. Running up walls will definitely make you dizzy.) The game has a mature rating for a good reason: every action you perform will almost always result in some gore being thrown on screen. Added to that, some of the trophy kills are brutal. For fans of all-things-AvP, this long-anticipated release promises to give FPS addicts amazing visuals and brilliant action… just make sure you ask the Predator nicely. R699.95
LOOK OUT >>FOR<<
NEED TO KNOW • Take the role of the Colonial Marine, the Predator and the Alien. • 3 distinct story-driven single-player campaigns • Unique 3-way online multiplayer
Brink Fight to save yourself and mankind’s last refuge for humanity – Brink is a compelling mix of dynamic battlefields, extensive customisation options and innovative controls.
SCRIBBLENAUTS
NEED TO KNOW • Create your own interactive experience • Fun for all ages • Two styles of gameplay • More than 200 levels WHAT makes a title like Brain Training or Professor Layton so captivating? The puzzles! Everyone loves a brain bender and Scribblenauts is no different. Cleverly using the Nintendo DS touch-screen, you’ll have to help your character (Maxwell) acquire the Sstarite (a gold star) in each level by solving a series of puzzles. To do this, you’ll be armed with a stylus and notepad. The game works by writing down whatever object you need in order to reach the goal. Every object behaves as it would in the real world, and you’ll have to combine countless objects in order to create completely new scenarios. Every level has more than one way to finish it, opening up the game to extensive endless replay. Need a kitchen appliance, animal or anything else to get
through the level? Type it in. From monsters to black holes, freeze rays, safes, turduckens and wings, you’ll be flabbergasted at how unique a solution can be. As you advance through the ten worlds (each with eleven puzzles) you’ll come across an object “par” – this is the suggested number of objects created to finish the level. Beating a level below par earns “Ollars”, the in-game currency, used to purchase new levels and music. When the only thing stopping you from winning a level is your own imagination, it is clear why Scribblenauts is the ultimate, must-buy, and open-ended puzzler for the Nintendo DS system. R449.95
>>CONSIDER THIS<<
>>GET THIS<<
Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box Navigate your way through 150 brainteasers, riddles and logic puzzles to determine who – or what – caused the death of Professor Layton’s mentor, Dr. Schrader.
More Brain Training from Dr. Kawashima: How Old is your Brain? Need more challenges for your grey matter? More Training contains 17 new puzzles designed to give the brain a workout.
WHEELSPIN (WII) Whether you play in Solo, Race, or Battle Mode, you will find yourself racing around unpredictable racetracks at exhilarating speeds of up to 650kph! While Solo mode challenges you to beat times to unlock stages, discover short cuts, and find secret spanners dotted throughout the levels, Race mode throws you into a frenzied race against seven other cars across tracks that twist, turn, and launch cars through the stratosphere. Battle mode is an all out test of aggression versus mobility as you use an arsenal of weapons at your disposal in an all-against-all battle. To win a copy of Wheelspin, courtesy of Nu Metro Interactive, e-mail your name and address details to win@connect.co.za
66 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
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tech tannie
Tech Tannie: Faster than a BMW through
HILLBROW your technical problems are solved
If you have questions, gripes or just seek some solace, e-mail Tamsin, our friendly tech tannie at techtannie@ connect.co.za
issue of the month: A:
Q:
My computer keeps on restarting and it’s driving me crazy! I can’t figure out what’s wrong and I can’t get any work done as I never know when it’s going to switch off. Furious in Franschhoek
68 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
Ag, this is not a good one. Not at all. I may even go so far as to suggest you pour yourself a nice whisky before you read on as this may be an expensive problem. The thing is, without seeing your PC I can’t really tell you exactly what’s wrong, but the likely cause is something in your hardware. I am going to guess at it being your power supply, a faulty power supply would result in your system just dying repeatedly and for no reason. Check that your power supply is working properly, perhaps get it tested by a professional. If you’ve installed a new motherboard or graphics card, perhaps your power supply isn’t able to supply enough power so you’ll have to get a more powerful one. Also clean your fan because if it isn’t cooling your system properly then it will shut down to protect itself. This particular issue is going to take patience and trial and error to fix. Check each element carefully and eliminate options as you go.
Q:
My eleven-year old daughter wants to have her own e-mail address and access to the Internet, but I’m terrified of the potential hazards online. Is it safe or should I say no? Worried in Windhoek
A:
You are being a very good parent you know, the online world has the potential to be a danger for kids. That said, there are ways of protecting her from threats while still giving her what she wants, within reason of course. Microsoft has included a whack of parental safety controls in its latest operating systems. Windows 7 and Windows Vista specifically have a ton of tools that you can use to monitor her online usage, control what websites she visits and even who she talks to online. The Parental Controls can be set to allow her only a certain amount of time on the computer after which it shuts down and you can set these controls to manage who her MSN contacts are, what games she can play and what programs she can access. There are plenty of websites that have been designed specifically for kids so you can set them as her only point of access, denying her the ability to visit other sites. Also, when it comes to e-mail, you may not want her to feel as if you’re reading her private messages, but perhaps look at a compromise where you can log in to her account and just make sure that there isn’t anything awry. Make sure you set up her spam filter to delete all possible spam immediately as many of those emails are a little graphic for young minds. It’s also a good idea to make it perfectly clear to her that if she gets e-mails or live chats from unknown people then she must let you check them or she must ignore and delete them. Good luck as she begins her adventures online, but relax a little, after all there are lots of lekker programs and games that have been designed with your problem exactly in mind. If you don’t have Windows there are other software solutions available at your local Incredible Connection.
Q:
Lately, my computer has been slowing down and stopping while I’ve been working. Sometimes it just freezes altogether or I get a blue screen with nothing on it. What’s the problem? Bewildered Bob in Bapsfontein
A:
What you are describing are some of the most common PC problems around and it’s either going to be moerse difficult to fix or toot sweet to manage. If your computer speed or performance has reduced to a crawl, then it could be that you haven’t maintained it properly or not done things like defragmented your hard drive or checked for spyware. You may also have a ton of programs on there that are taking up unnecessary space. To defragment your drive when using a Windows system (I am assuming you’re using Windows rather than Linux here) then simply go to Search and type “defragment” in the search window. The program will pop up and you can then either schedule a defrag session for when you’re not using your PC or get started right away. Bear in mind that it will take a while and your speed may slow to a crawl while you’re at it. So a little patience is needed here. Try and schedule one of these at least once a month, it’s a good way to keep that machine of yours running smoothly. In terms of ridding yourself of spyware and other such nasties, you’re going to need a good anti-virus program. Check out what’s available at your local Incredible Connection and get the package that is best suited for your system specs (some can take up a lot of space) and your needs. You should also consider investing in a registry cleaner to make sure your registry isn’t corrupted. Go to Add or Remove programs to see if there are any programs in there that you never use and delete them. Just make sure you don’t delete something important! When it comes to the issues of system freezes and your blue screen, commonly called the Blue Screen Of Death (usually accompanied by a scream … yours), these problems may be more serious. First do a thorough scan of your machine to rid it of spyware, check for viruses and so forth. If the problem persists you may have to check that drivers for your hardware are up to date. Go to the websites of the relevant manufacturers for your hard drive, graphics card, sound card, etc. and download the latest drivers. These should improve performance and iron out any kinks. You may also need to consider increasing your RAM to improve performance. Gief these a try and call me in the morning...
WWW.CONNECT.CO.ZA | 69
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Rather than flooding you with meaningless technical jargon and specifications that tend to confuse rather than reveal the value of a particular product or technology, Connect is geared to the everyday user of computers, and mobile and digital technologies and games. In the same vein as this Printer Buyer’s Guide, Connect breaks it down for the average user by cutting through the guff and providing practical, impartial advice designed to inform and enhance the use of the latest technologies and gadgets. Handy ‘how to’ guides in every issue help you navigate through everyday tasks – from gaining the most from Google, or applications such as Microsoft Word or Excel to setting up and maximising your home wireless network. Packed from beginning to end with useful technological know-how and advice, your digital life will vastly enriched and simplified through the comprehensive product and game reviews and how-to guides. And for the low-low subscription price of R149.50 for 12 issues, you can spend your hard-earned cash on exploring and getting the most from your digital accessories. * Competition runs between 1 and 31 March 2010 *
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disconnect //BY ADAM OXFORD
ONE
ANGRY
YOUNG MAN!
W
e all know that Wikipedia isn’t the most reliable knowledge repository ever created by the scholarly human mind. The reason we use it is not for the accuracy of its information, but because of the unbelievable breadth of subjects it covers. Outside of, say, Washington DC DC’ss Library of Congress or the Bodleian at Oxford University, there are few catalogues that compare with the three million or so cross-referenced entries in Wikipedia on subjects as diverse as quantum engineering to character biographies from The Wire. Want to know why the director of Terminator Salvation answers to the three-letter epithet ‘McG’ (rather than the more common ‘talentless idiot’)? Ask Wikipedia. Curious to as to why the ant Pseudomyrnex ferruginea attacks goats? You know where to look... Like any good encyclopedia, the real pleasure of Wikipedia is simply browsing. It’s the joy of discovery as hyperlinks take you from article to article, flitting between subjects as improbable as Jorge Luis Borge and Judge Dredd, which are connected via only a couple of inline citations*. Where else, after all, would one stumble upon the lovely expression ‘technostress’ while researching a feature about why some 30% of households in the UK still don’t have broadband. Technostress, according to Wikipedia, is “the negative psychological link between people and the introduction of new technologies”. It’s a proper academic field and everything, with researchers and published studies looking at why people don’t always welcome the IT revolution with open arms, but instinctively push back against the rise of the machines. It’s also a wonderful word that sums up, in all honesty, what this column is usually about every month. Technostress. Anyone who’s ever used a computer knows what it feels like. The irrational over-reaction to a small PC problem that becomes a focus point for every atom of bile your body has ever generated. It’s almost always overstated, A recent survey found out that one of the most frequent triggers of ‘computer rage’ was the mouse cursor not moving smoothly across the screen. Taken out of context, that seems ridiculous – to lose your temper over something so trivial must be a sure sign that the 72 | CONNECT | MARCH 2010
entire human species has become so pampered and infantalised we might as well stay in diapers until we die. And yet I challenge anyone reading this to say that they’ve never felt it. Robert M Pirsig, author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, called it ‘the gumption trap’ – that building frustration when an inanimate object, like a lightswitch, outfoxes us by not doing what we expect. He recommended walking away and doing something else before returning to fix it with a clear head. His reasoning is impeccable: just as with motorbikes and household electrics, when you’re frustrated with a PC problem you’re more likely to do more damage than good trying to sort it out through the fog of technostress. I love new technology, and my house is a museum dedicated to the wonderous era of the silicon chip: past, present and future. Discovering a word that encapsulated many of the ambivalent feelings I have towards the gadgets I love was my own moment of Zen in the constant bombardment of e-mails, instant messages and calendar alerts that break up my day into unmanageable parts. Then I looked at the clock and realised that I’d wasted an hour following links in Wikipedia, and that the site is rapidly replacing the worldwide web as a whole for me. And you know what? I started to get angry.... *Beunos Aires and megacities to be precise.
Introducing
TM and Š 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
NOW AVAILABLE AT AT NOW AVAILABLE
DRAFT/VODM117669/E
The fastest, most powerful iPhone yet.