http://www.connectmag.co.za/issues/ct_17_sept_10 by Brett Haggard

September 2010

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Data f ilure? Is not an option!

How to

Excel Spr eads he ets made si m ple

A lert!

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Digesting a Digital Library

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MONITORS LAPTOPS CAMERAS PRINTERS SOFTWARE cellphones GAMES

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VOL02 Issue #05

FEATURES 10

September 2010

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the right electronic reading device? Everything you need to know about digitally feeding your literary addiction

No more data loss! Prepare for the worst with these user-friendly backup options

How to not break your digital camera A focus on camera care

Excel! Simplify your spreadsheet experience

Playable on Demand Tune into a world of digital audio content

Moddinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Talking Customising your computer case is more than making your PC look cool

REGULARS 04 06 08 68 70 72

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter News Trouble-free Technobabble Tamsin the Tech Tannie Competition Disconnect

REVIEWS 34 40 41 44 48 50 52 54 58 60

Top 5 Notebooks Peripherals Printers Personal Storage Cameras Camcorders Speakers Software Books

GAMING 62

PUBLISHER Brett Haggard brett@connect.co.za EDITOR Tiana Cline tiana@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 DIRECTOR Jason Palmer jason@connect.co.za

Reviews

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@connect.co.za ADVERTISING Dorothy Haggard dorothy@connect.co.za Contact Hypertext Media Communications (011) 023-8001 info@hypertext.co.za

Connect is a joint venture between Hypertext Media Communications and Incredible Connection

ed’s note

Subscribe now and you could win a Fujifilm Finepix F300EXR 12 Megapixel digital camera

ho would have thought that it would be possible to have thousands of books, magazines, newspapers and journals in the palm of your hand? Electronic reading devices have taken over the literary space and, to the delight of digital bookworms, it has never been easier to get hold of the latest works of fiction from the bestsellers lists, lost and forgotten classics or a copy of your favourite publication, before it hits the shelves. If empty bookshelves and the idea of staring at a screen for hours on end horrify you, then there are one or two things you’ll need to know about E-ink, the marvellous technology that makes reading an e-reader easy on the eyes. In this issue of Connect magazine, we’ll take you into the novel world of electronic readers so you will be able to make an informed decision should you decide to buy one of these handy little gadgets. And, believe it or not, there is a lot to consider, from how much memory you need, to whether the e-reader in question has display colour or plays sound. Whatever your purchasing preferences may be, there is no question that electronic reading devices are musthave accessories. Read more on page 10. The one gadget we all already own is a digital camera. From the impromptu pics we take using our cellphones, to the more serious standalone stills, cameras are a part of our everyday lives. And they can be tricky to keep clean with all their finicky little parts and compartments. On page 18, Connect offers an introduction to proper camera care because if you maintain your camera, it should last you for many years. From knowing your digital

4 | connect | September 2010

camera’s three main enemies to cleaning an SLR and making the batteries last, there is a lot to grasp. Thankfully, we’ve made it all a little bit easier. (And if you subscribe to Connect in September, you could win a fantastic Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR…) Making a computer case look good is an art form that we explore on page 28. We cover what the art of “modding” is all about, and give you a few tips on how to get started. It’s a lot easier than you think, and the results of just a small bit of effort can be spectacular! This month we also take a look at data loss, how it can occur and what you can do to prevent it from happening. Of course, backups are a big part of preventing it, and we encourage you to get into the habit of performing even just a simple backup, as this could save you a lot of anguish in the long run. Our Data Recovery feature on page 14 also looks at ways of getting your data back in those instances where no backups exist. It’s not cheap, but it may save your bacon! Reviews are full of notebooks, printers and cameras. A special mention has to go out to two outstanding products, HP’s value-packed Pavilion DV6-3060 Entertainment Notebook and the Olympus SP-800 UltraZoom. Both products really impressed us, and we recommend you check them out if in the market for new hardware. September is the month of spring and we hope this issue gives you a fresh take on the technology around you, while keeping it nice and simple. Remember to stay CONNECT-ed. Tiana Cline EDITOR

Editor’s photo by Dan Elkabir / www.lightscapespdd.com

Digital ! n o i t c i Add

Store ‘n’ Go USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive • New HDD range smaller and lighter, • Measuring 81mm wide, 117mm long and 16mm deep, • 320GB & 500GB capacities available, • GREEN BUTTON software to reduce energy consumption and increase life ene expectancy, • Nero BackItUp and Burn Essentials software included, • Verbatim 2 year limited warranty.

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news APPs OF THE MONTH Planning a visit to New York? Two top spots you’ll definitely see are the Museum of Modern Art and the National History Museum. So if you covert culture, we suggesting downloading the following two (free) applications for your iPhone, iTouch or iPad.

AND THE WINNER IS… The Africa Photographic Awards is the largest photographic competition held in the Southern hemisphere. Awards go to the three best images and photographers 30 different categories covering family portraiture to underwater photography. Nikon hosted a gala evening to award the worthy winners for their exceptional skill and talent. Setting the standing for a world-class event, this was the first year of the competition and entries were received from across the globe. The 2010 winners include Adrian Stern (WWF photographer of the year), Jaques Weyers (best fashion photographer) and Christiaan Kotze (sport photographer). The category that received the most entries was “best nature photographer” and Jill Sneesby won a Toyota 4x4.

> The MoMA Carry MoMA with you wherever you go. Use the MoMA app to find out what’s on at the Museum, plan a visit, browse or search tens of thousands of works in the collection, take multimedia tours, or learn about artists and art terms. Take a picture of a work of art and send it to a friend, or put together a playlist to create a soundtrack for your MoMA visit. > DINOSAURS: American Museum of Natural History Collections There’s a dinosaur enthusiast lurking inside all of us, and this app will inspire the next generation of paleontologists to start digging! This is the first official app from the American Museum of Natural History lets paleontologists of all ages explore the Museum’s famous fossil halls in depth and online. The world’s

largest collection of dinosaur fossils can now be accessed through hundreds of photos and renderings. See what scientists believe dinosaurs looked like when they roamed the Earth more than 65 million years ago. This educational application contains more than 800 images from the Museum’s archive, woven together to create an image of the world’s most famous dinosaur, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Double-tap or pinch to zoom into the mosaic and inspect individual photos. Tap the info button to flip the photos and read fascinating information about the science and personalities of the fossil collection: each interactive photograph includes information of where the fossil was found and the paleontologist who uncovered it. And if you lucky enough to visit the museum, this app can also be your guide. If not, DINOSAURS: American Museum of Natural History Collections brings the fossils to you.

AN AFFORDABLE COMMUNICATION REVOLUTION Through its partnership with Vodafone, Vodacom is bringing to South Africa a range of new handsets that promise to revolutionise access to communications at affordable prices. These devices give those on a budget the opportunity to experience the benefits of full communications including web access and e-mail along with some of the gadgets that make life fun like cameras and MP3 players.

LIFE’S GOOD WHEN IT’S GREEN Adding to their already established green footing, LG Electronics South Africa has added another four high-profile South African icons, to act as official Green Ambassadors in the company’s commitment towards environmental conservation. Set to join LG’s current Green representatives, Matthew and Sonia Booth is Springbok Rugby Captain John Smit, Protea Cricket all-rounder, JP Duminy, businesswoman and entrepreneur, Basetsana Kumalo and SA Fashion Designer and Trend Analyst, Dion Chang. Environmental policies and procedures are nothing new for LG who announced a sustainable environmental policy as far back as 1994. The LG “Life’s Good when it’s Green” programme aims to instil environmentally

sound practices across the entire product life cycle. Based on this, LG Electronics aims to reduce green house gases from manufacturing by 150 000 and product by 30 000 tons, respectively, by 2020 Reduction of green house gases emitted during the product’s life cycle (raw material, distribution, product stage, disposal, etc) will be carried out in stages.

> Starting at R399, the VF340 comes equipped with Opera Mini which provides faster and more affordable web browsing. In addition to bringing the benefits of web access, this cellphone also has an FM radio, an MP3/ACC player as well as a built-in camera and changeable covers. > A step up in the new range is the VF543, which at R499 features a touchscreen and supports e-mail and must-have web applications like Facebook and Twitter. It also features an FM radio, Bluetooth 2.0, and video recording capabilities. > At the top of the range, at just R599 is the VF546. It features a full QWERTY keyboard for optimised Internet browsing, e-mail, SMS, chat and a 2MP camera. The 546 is distinctive in that it offers both Zulu and Xhosa language options.

LG products display eco-friendly technology: The recently launched LG SL90, the popular Borderless LED LCD TV, uses up to 76 percent less energy than a regular LCD television. The LG Steam Washer uses up to 40 percent less water than conventional machines and therefore uses less energy. The LG Inverter air conditioner has recently received SABS certification, for energy efficiency.

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8084

Pearl’s a good friend! Introducing the new BlackBerry® Pearl™ 3G 9105 smartphone in white from Vodacom. First time smartphone user? Then this 14 key BlackBerry® smartphone is just for you! It’s a social networker, business calendar, mobile Facebook® and Twitter™. Lets you chat at the speed of BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™). Compact, stylish, powerful, beautifully put together package. Everything works effortlessly, from taking and uploading pics, music and videos, to finger-gliding optical trackpad, to SureType™ texting that learns words as you type. And because it’s so compact, this Pearl will be a hit with the boys and lets you carry your friends in your pocket everywhere you go.

www.blackberry.co.za * Colours are network dependant. ©2010 Research In Motion Limited. All rights reserved. BlackBerry ®, RIM®, Research In Motion®, SureType®, SurePress™ and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. E&OE.

8084 Pearl Print Males Connect.indd 1

8084/GUYS IDEA ENGINEE®S

Do U speak BlackBerry?

19/08/2010 08:43

techno jargon // by Deon du Plessis

This month’s Tech Jargon aims to take the mystery out of many of the techie words you’ll see in the magazine. An informed reader is a clever consumer, we’re fond of saying.

8 | connect | August 2010

UltraZoom This is the term given to a camera that has a zoom lens with zoom capabilities well beyond that of the average camera. DSLR This stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex camera, and is used to describe a camera that is more complex than a compact point-and-shoot. DSLRs are defined by the way the image is taken; they use a mechanical mirror system to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder. DSLRs also offer more granular control over the camera’s settings, resulting in more professional looking pictures. Bridge Camera A bridge camera occupies the space between an uncomplicated point-and-shoot camera and more professional DSLR. Bridge cameras combine the ease of use of a point-and-shoot with the more professional features of a DSLR camera, resulting in photographs that are clearer and better-composed than those of an entry-level camera yet not quite as polished as those shot with a DSLR. CCD CCD stands for Charge Coupled Device, and is an electronic sensor that is sensitive to light. The quality of a camera’s CCD determines its maximum resolution and colour intensity. Each CCD is made up of millions of tiny mirrors called pixels; each pixel measures the build-up of a charge that indicates how many photons are hitting it, which in turn indicates the light intensity of the pixel. RSS Feeds An RSS feed is a way to get information out to subscribers. It stands for Really Simple Syndication, and it is commonly used online to deliver information to visitors to web pages or users of RSS readers. An example of an RSS feed is news headlines that are delivered without the accompanying text. The appeal of RSS feeds is receiving snippets of information without all the accompanying fluff, giving web surfers better choice as to what to read online. DVI Digital Video Interface DVI is a method of connecting display devices to computers; it was the successor to the VGA connector, and was followed by HDMI. DVI was developed to carry higher-quality video signals than VGA could, but it cannot carry audio signals. HDMI is the latest interface type, developed to carry both audio and video signals simultaneously. This reduces the number of cables connecting video playback devices to modern displays.

Ethernet This term is used to describe wired networking technology, and any network that uses wires is an Ethernet network. The name comes from the old concept of the “ether”, that part of physical existence that contained all the manipulative forces beyond human control, and the word ‘network’. Since it could appear to an untrained eye that information carried over a network disappears into ‘the ether’, this is a rather apt description of the technology. Chiclet-style keyboards Chiclets is a kind of chewing gum that comes in flat, square-shaped portions. Keyboards with flat, square keys that are spaced further apart than those of the average keyboard are called ‘chiclet-style keyboards’. The Chiclet trend started in the early 80s, but the design of those keyboards did not find a receptive audience. It has only been recently that Chiclet keyboards have gained popularity thanks to the sterling efforts of the designers at Apple and Sony. Ergonomics Basically speaking, this is the study of comfort. When it comes to computer peripherals like keyboards and mice, how ergonomically-designed they were determines how their use affects your wrists, fingers, hands and posture in the long term. The most ergonomic keyboards are those with keys split into two separate sections, as this mimics the natural positioning of your hands when placed on a surface, resulting in minimal strain while you are typing. Backlit keys When a keyboard lights up from within to illuminate the keys, this is referred to as backlit keys. It’s a bit of a novelty and not entirely necessary, although if you are not a great typist but like using the computer in the dark, it can be very helpful. Macros A macro is a shortcut to a computer function (but not a shortcut to an application – that’s just a shortcut). The term is used to describe the mapping of a single keystroke to a function that might otherwise take two of three keystrokes to achieve, and is most-often used in Excel to perform complex actions and games to automate tasks. Footprint The surface space occupied by a device, this term is used to describe the size of equipment. If a printer has a small footprint, it takes up a small amount of desk space.

DPI sensitivity DPI stands for “dots per inch”, and in the context of a mouse, it is a measure of how sensitive the mouse cursor is to hand movement. The higher the DPI setting, the faster the cursor will travel over a short distance. For gamers, the ability to change the sensitivity of their mouse cursor in the middle of a game can mean improved accuracy, as a slower cursor is easier to finetune your aim with. Contrast In a technology context, contrast refers to the ability of a screen to display very dark and very light areas in the same scene. The degree to which these differences can be emphasised determines how good or bad a screen’s contrast abilities are. Response time This is the amount of time any pixel in an LCD monitor takes to go from black to white and back to black again and it’s measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower numbers obviously mean faster transitions and therefore less ghosting or blurring. Some manufacturers measure the grey to grey speed, which is faster than black to black, but a less accurate measure of actual performance. PictBridge Is a technology that lets you print directly from your digital camera to your printer without the need of a PC to facilitate the data transfer in between. It’s an industry standard which means that you can print from any printer using any camera, provided they both support PictBridge. PictBridge-compatible devices offer camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages. Duty cycle Is the theoretical average number of pages you should get from your printer in a given time period, generally one month. Exceeding the duty cycle number on a regular basis can lead to printer malfunctions and breakdowns over time. On the other hand, not printing or copying in numbers close to the duty cycle could mean you have over-spent on your printer. Drive cloning This is the practice of making a complete copy of all the data on one hard drive and writing it to another. The professional term for cloning a hard drive is “disk imaging”, because a single file is created (called a “disk image”) that contains the complete contents and structure representing a data storage medium or device.

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buying advice //by Tamaryn Watkins

10 | connect | September 2010

... t h ig r e h t ’s What

electronic

reading device?

ow about n k o t d e e n u o y Everything ry addiction ra te li ur yo g in ed fe y ll digita There’s no doubt that electronic reading devices are becoming must-have gadgets. Just think how handy it would be to carry hundreds of books, magazines and newspapers with you, wherever you go, and have on-demand access to thousands more. Sound good? We look at the how, what, where and why relating to electronic reading devices, and take the guesswork out of your buying decision.

ll electronic reading devices do one thing well: display text. But your buying decision should be informed by a few more basic requirements: the e-reader must offer long battery life, be easy to carry, have a screen that doesn’t cause eye strain and, above all else, it must be easily readable in all environments, including bright sunlight. Most e-readers today meet those criteria, so how do you choose between the options available? Read on, as we tell you what needs to be considered when purchasing an e-reader. What is an electronic reading device? An electronic reading device, also referred to as an ‘e-reader’, is a portable reading device. Reading material available for an e-reader includes novels, magazines, newspapers, PDF files and Word documents. Depending on the model you choose, the text is transferred from your computer or delivered over a wireless connection. E-readers allow you to turn the pages with the touch of a button, highlight passages, make notations, and mark your place with ease. You can also put away the reading glasses and have text delivered in the size you require. They’re light, portable and rechargeable – perfect for taking your library on the road.

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buying advice Battery-operated While you won’t need to plug in that paperback crime thriller to recharge it, you will have to do so with an e-reader, and if you’re out and about, battery longevity is an essential consideration. Manufacturers typically define battery life on e-readers as page flips/turns. In other words, battery life is measured by how many electronic pages a reader can display before the device needs to be recharged. CONNECT ADVICE: You’ll want to have at least a week or so of battery life, with other features turned off, or several thousand page turns.

Size matters Display size for any potential e-reader is a vital consideration. Almost all e-readers today use blackand-white E Ink displays, which serve a two-fold purpose: first, to conserve power as these screens make use of reflected light, and second, they’re more readable than backlit LCD screens and do not place any strain on your eyes as a result. Most e-readers also allow you to adjust the font, font size and zoom in/out on text, which makes for much easier reading.

Top 3 e-readers Cool-ER Reader

iRiver Story

Kindle 2

Battery life: 8000 page turns Screen size: 6” Internal storage: 1GB with SD card support (up to 4GB) Supported formats: PDF, ePUB, FB2, RTF, TXT, HTML, PRC, JPG and MP3 Book store: Cool-ER eBooks eStore – over a million titles Connectivity: USB, SD card Rating: HHHH (Available at Incredible Connection)

Battery life: 7000 page turns Screen size: 6” Internal storage: 2GB with SD card support (up to 32GB) Supported formats: ePUB, PDF, TXT, DOC, PPT, XLS, MP3, WMA, OGG, JPEG, BMP and GIF Book store: Kalahari.net Connectivity: USB, SD card Rating: HHHHH (Coming soon to Incredible Connection)

Battery life: 7000 page turns Screen size: 6” Internal storage: 2GB Supported formats: AZW, TXT, PDF, MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC, HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG and BMP (once converted) Book store: Amazon.com – over 650 000 titles Connectivity: 3G , USB Rating: HHHH (Available online at www.wantitall.co.za)

What is e ink? E Ink Imaging Film is electronic paper that combines the look of ink on paper with the dynamic capability of an electronic display and works by moving “ink” around the display, to form text. This technology delivers a natural reading experience, with no backlight, unlike reading on a standard computer screen. This means the likelihood of eyestrain is minimal and you’ll be able to utilise the device even in bright sunlight. Perfect for poolside reading. Most standard e-readers, like the Kindle 2 and the Cool-ER Reader, use a five- or six-inch screen display. These readers are compact, relatively inexpensive and easy to slip into a jacket pocket or handbag – it’s much like carrying a paperback with you. If you‘re looking to take things to the next level size-wise, consider an e-reader that packs in more than one screen. This is usually done by combining a colour LCD screen with a black-and-white E Ink display. The colour screen enables users to browse and select books and content relating to their selections, which is then displayed on the black-and-white screen above. CONNECT ADVICE: An e-reader should be as compact and portable as possible, in order for it to fit into your life. Since the text size is adjustable, you don’t really need an enormous e-reader. If you’re looking for a device with a bigger screen, or one that can handle more than a single task at a time, you’d probably be better off getting a netbook or an iPad.

12 | connect | September 2010

Further reading... If you can’t see yourself buying a separate device for reading, there are apps you can download to your mobile phone or laptop that will facilitate reading. iBook (for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) Browse and buy e-books from the iBookstore and share bookmarks, notes, and your current page wirelessly between iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch with the automatic bookmark syncing feature.

A larger display means more room to display text and images, which means fewer page turns, and, therefore, better battery life. However, a bigger reader will be less portable and you won’t be able to slip it into your pocket or handbag.

File support Books available for e-readers are called ‘e-books’. Basically, they’re computer files that can be displayed on an e-reader. Almost all e-readers support HTML, Txt, MP3 and JPG files. Each brand of e-reader is associated with a digital bookstore (for example, the Kindle is associated with Amazon), and each bookstore generally sells their e-books in a proprietary format, which means that certain e-readers only read certain file formats, limiting the content to which you’ll have access.

Kindle (for iPhone, BlackBerry, Mac and PC) Get the best reading experience available on your PC, no Kindle required. If you do have a Kindle, you can access all your Kindle books using this app, even if you’ve left the Kindle at home. eReader (there’s a version for most mobile phone operating systems) Share reading material between your phone, e-reader and laptop using this handy, fully functional app.

Does it deliver? Amazon’s Kindle uses a cellular data service that allows users to buy books off Amazon.com wirelessly from the e-reader, without the need for a computer. If you have a computer with a memory card slot (or if you have a memory card adaptor), you can easily download free e-books and load them onto your e-reader. CONNECT ADVICE: The iRiver Story e-reader comes bundled with a R300 Kalahari.net voucher, which will get you started on creating your own virtual library. Don’t be too concerned with wireless delivery of content, as having to use a USB cable or a memory card is not that much of a hassle.

Bells and whistles What do you want to use your e-reader for? If the answer is just books, you’ll be sorted with the Cool-ER Reader. But the Cool-ER won’t do much beyond books because it doesn’t support magazines and periodicals. Do you like blogs and newspapers? The Kindle 2 is good for that because Amazon lets users publish blogs to the Kindle, and delivers them using RSS syndication. With its wireless connection, the Kindle also offers basic web surfing and the iRiver Story has a built-in MP3 player, voice recorder and organiser, which opens new dimensions in addition to the reading functionality. CONNECT ADVICE: Some extras will enhance functionality, while others (like games, photo viewing and web browsing) clutter up the menu and have the effect of distracting you from actually reading on your e-reader. One feature to look for is support for audiobooks and music, but be sure that the device you’re considering has sufficient memory for the files. While we’ve highlighted only three possible e-readers, this is not even a tiny little slice of what is available out there. As with all other technology, you’re spoiled for choice, but now you should be able to determine for yourself the most important features to consider before making the true bookworm’s ultimate purchase.

CONNECT ADVICE: If you buy an e-reader that doesn’t support ePub or PDF formats, you won’t be able to access free content off the Internet. Don’t worry too much about what audio or image formats an e-reader can support, as this functionality is not as important as actually being able to read on the device. The main competition between formats in the world of e-books is largely between the proprietary format that Amazon uses, called .azw, and the open source ePub. Amazon’s Kindle does not support ePub, while almost all other e-readers do. www.connect.co.za | 13

data recovery and backup //by deon du plessis

no more...

data loss! When a hard drive goes faulty or you empty your Recycle Bin, conventional wisdom would have you believe that the dataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone for good. But is it really? In this article, Connect explores some of the more common types of data loss and their causes, as well as possible solutions.

14 | connect | September 2010

here’s nothing quite like a clunking sound coming from your computer to bring on the cold sweats, as it usually means a hard drive is about to keel over and die. Dead hard drives mean a huge loss of data, since the average modern hard drive stores at least a couple hundred gigabytes. Many families also use their home PCs to store important documents, from budget spreadsheets to genealogy reports, making the data loss that much more personal. Other ways to lose data is to scratch CDs and DVDs so deeply that the laser in the optical drive can no longer read them. Light scratches don’t present much of a recovery challenge as there are products that can polish the surface of the CD, effectively buffing away the scratches. If the scratch is deep enough, however, it’s game over for the data situated at that spot, and the best you can hope for is retrieval of the surrounding data. This can be done with software. Recovering data from a compromised hard drive, however, is a different story, as it depends on the cause of the data loss. What you need to establish before you even investigate data recovery is the following: > Is the drive physically damaged? > Can it still be accessed by the computer? > Is the file system still intact? > Could the problem be with the Master Boot Record? > Are the partition tables damaged? > Was the data simply deleted?

In the case of accidental deletion Accidentally hitting the delete key is the easiest problem to address. Pressing Delete merely moves files to Windows’ Recycle Bin; recovering them is as easy as opening up the Recycle Bin, choosing the files you deleted and selecting Restore. Even when you press Shift and Delete at the same time (a step that skips using the Recycle Bin and deletes the file immediately), your file might be recoverable using software. When a file is deleted, all that happens is any references to it are deleted out of your computer’s directory structure, and the space it occupied is made available for new data. Until that space is overwritten with new data, it is possible to ‘undelete’ your old file.

Worst-case scenario If the hard drive has been physically damaged and your computer does not detect it at all, you’re looking at the worstcase scenario. You will need to take the hard drive to a data recovery specialist, who will attempt to recover your data at significant cost to you as they generally charge per megabyte, and the rates are not cheap. In this situation, no software you can download or home remedy you can try will bring back your data. (A quick Google search will reveal the data recovery specialists in your area.)

CONNECT ADVICE This is where data recovery services come in. For a fee of around R400, technicians at any of Incredible Connection’s Technical Services kiosks can attempt to recover your data; if they are unsuccessful, a more intensive recovery option can be initiated, but it requires sending your hard drive away to data recovery specialists. This will cost you R1850 whether 1MB of 1TB of data is recovered.

www.connect.co.za | 15

data recovery and backup

Logical damage vs. physical damage

Backups The best thing you can do for all important data is back it up. This can be done manually, or set to be done automatically. Windows 7 (Vista too) has a built-in backup program that lets you choose what to back up, where to back it up to, as well as select the time that’s most convenient for the backup to happen. With Vista or 7, all you really need to do is provide the medium onto which you’d like to copy important data; the OS will take care of the rest. CONNECT ADVICE Buy a large external hard drive, preferably one that won’t move around much (or at all), hook it up to your PC permanently, set the backup options and let Windows take care of the rest. If the PC’s primary hard drive ever fails, you’ll be extremely happy you took measures to ensure the data loss was not permanent. Resources Avanquest Backup and Protect Suite (R599.95) – Software tools to safeguard your data. Windows Live – SkyDrive http://home.live.com/allservices Windows Live services including SkyDrive, 25GB free online storage. iDrive http://www.idrive.com Online backup service, 2GB free storage Nero Multimedia Suite 10 (R1 299.95) – CD and DVD burning software, useful as a backup tool too.

To access Windows 7’s built-in backup program, click on the Start button, and type in ‘backup’. One of the options to appear will be Backup & Restore; click this. Now click Set up backup and choose your backup location. You can let Windows decide what to back up, or you can specify the folders you want to preserve. Windows chooses the most common folders to back up, and if you’re happy with that, click Next. Finally, select the time that suits you best (we recommend early in the morning when the computer is guaranteed not to be in use), and click Save Settings and Run Backup. You’re done! You can also buy specific backup programs like Avanquest’s Backup & Protect Suite, or use the backup features built into security suites like Norton’s Internet Security 2010. You can even make use of online services like Microsoft’s SkyDrive, which gives you 25GB of free storage space on the Internet (as long as you have a Windows Live ID, of course, but that, too, is free).

16 | connect | September 2010

Logical damage to the hard drive generally involves corruption of certain parts of the drive’s data that result in the computer being unable to read the information it contains. The Master Boot Record (or MBR), for example, is the first sector of a hard drive and contains critical information, such as the partition table (essentially a map of how many individual sections the drive contains) and instructions on which operating system to load. Damage to the MBR can result in the computer’s operating system not loading, or whole partitions to go missing, i.e. not appearing anywhere in My Computer. Fixing this requires you to have a Windows installation CD/DVD or a System Repair Disk. You need to boot the computer with the disk in the CD/DVD drive, and once it loads, you need to select Repair My Computer. Once there, select Command Prompt, which will take you to a black screen with white writing on it. Once here, type in one of the following commands: Bootrec/fixmbr > Fixes the Master Boot Record. Bootrec/fixboot > Creates a new boot sector on the primary partition. Bootrec/rebuildbcd > Repairs the Windows bootloader, allowing you to define from which drive you wish to boot.

...Better than cure Data loss is a reality in today’s computerised world, and the best thing you can do is safeguard your data before the worst happens. Should you find yourself caught a bit short, there are recovery options available, but they are difficult at best and expensive at worst. Prevention, in this instance, is far better than cure.

Notebook buying cheat sheet Buying a portable computer isn’t as easy as what it used to be.

Lasting memory - How much RAM is enough?

ith the plethora of brands to choose from and a slew of different specifications to wade through, how you tell your Core i3 from your Core i5, what is a ‘decent’ amount of RAM and how much storage is enough? Look no further than this handy cheat sheet for everything you need in order to buy right, first time…

Choosing the right memory volume is tricky. Microsoft claims you need a minimum of 1GB of memory to run Windows 7, but in practice you’ll tear your hair out if you don’t have at least 2GB. 2GB is a perfect volume for most tasks, but things get noticeably more responsive with 4GB of RAM. You shouldn’t need any more than this unless you’re running high-end graphics manipulation programs, doing video editing or serious content creation.

Filing system -The right hard disk capacity

Brains trust - Choosing the best processor Probably the most important decision you’ll make when buying a notebook computer, the central processing unit (CPU) or processor is the biggest influencer of a system’s overall performance. When buying a netbook – ultra thin and light notebooks – you’ll be best served by an Intel Atom processor, since it provides enough performance for e-mail, web-browsing, word processing and maybe listening to some music, but will be super light on battery consumption. Any task more demanding than this and you’re heading into Intel’s ‘Core’ line of processors. Addressing some 85% of the market, the Core i3 is Intel’s most popular option,

since it provides enough performance for a variety of tasks – right from word processing, e-mail and web browsing, right through to medium-weight photo retouching, viewing high-definition video and even some light gaming. Next up on the performance scale and addressing close to 10% of the market, Intel’s Core i5 processor is the workhorse in the family. This processor builds on everything the Core i3 can do, but adds the capability for working with high-end graphics and video manipulation suites, and playing some of today’s most popular games. Last up, and the performance king in the notebook space, the Core i7 is Intel’s ultimate processor. The only users likely to stress this CPU out are scientists and gaming enthusiasts, so it isn’t designed for the masses.

Choosing the best hard disk capacity for you needs will depend entirely on how much media you own. 320GB of disk space is the new industry average, but you shouldn’t need more than a 500GB or 1TB drive unless you’re seriously into you media.

Visual stimulation The best graphics card for the job Ask yourself “Am I a gamer?” If the answer is no, chances are an embedded graphics card, such as Intel’s HD Graphics that comes with the Core i3 processor is perfect for your needs, since it will run Windows like a treat and even handle high-definition video playback. The moment you move into the gaming space however, you’re going to need a discrete graphics card, since these are designed to chunk through the massive number of pixels and textures in today’s top games. As always cost is a consideration – embedded is always more cost effective than discrete graphics.

Size does matter - How much screen real estate do you need? Another tricky decision, screen size is all about the balance between screen real-estate and portability. The industry average is still 15.6-inches, since this strikes a good balance between the two. But, if you’re likely to spend most of your time mobile, consider a 13-inch or even 12-inch screen – your back doctor will see you less often. Conversely, if you spend most of your computing time at a desk and enjoy highdefinition videos and gaming, why not go bigger than 15.6-inches?

This lesson in buying the right mobile computer is brought to you by:

Intel Corporation – Sponsors of Tomorrow

For more information visit: http://www.intel.com/?en_ZA_01

proper camera care //by Tamaryn Watkins

break your digital camera Tips & Tricks for Camera Care With the right care, a digital camera should service you for many years. While there are always exceptions, most digital cameras are pretty reliable and if a camera is going to have problems, they tend to surface during the first year of use. Inherent defaults aside, if you take good care of your digital camera, chances are it may become obsolete long before it gives up the ghost.

lthough pretty robust these days, a digital camera is, nevertheless, a delicate gadget that needs occasional maintenance and prudent handling to keep it in top form. Whether your digital camera is of the point-and-shoot variety, or you’ve splashed out on an expensive SLR, the basic tenets of camera care are applicable to both, and it’s important that you get it right in order to protect your investment.

know your enemies Three things usually cause damage to a camera: water, dirt and shock. With the right frame of mind and some careful handling, you should be able to, for the most part, avoid these baddies. Here’s how . . .

18 | connect | September 2010

Avoid the waterworks Don’t use your camera in wet or misty conditions. If you wear spectacles, you’ll know what it’s like to have your lenses fog over, or get dripped on. The same happens to the lens inside your camera. Condensation inside the lens is potentially ruinous; so just don’t go there. Get a waterproof lens hood for the camera, if you think it might get dripped or splashed on.

Quick Tip: While good care will help prolong your camera’s life, you cannot protect it from everything, which is why adequate specified camera insurance should be at the top on your list of priorities.

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proper camera care

Simple steps to clean your SLR: You’ll need: digital camera, lens-cleaning solution, lens tissue, camera brush, and canned air. > Step 1: Give the camera’s exterior a thorough once-over with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. The outside must be cleaned first to prevent dust and dirt from falling into the camera when you remove the lens.

Ditch the dirt Dirt is everywhere – in the air, under your feet and, all too often, it’s on (and in) your camera. While dirt on the outside of a camera is not too much of a problem (with the exception of the lens), it’s the potential this dirt has for getting into the camera that is the problem. Dirt in a camera can affect moving parts, damage the mirrors, clog electronic contact points and stick to digital sensors – none of which are good things. The best offence for dealing with dirt in a camera is a good defence, so you’ll want to avoid dirt. The vast majority of shooting situations you’ll find yourself in should not cause a dirt problem. However, some situations are recipes for disaster. We’re talking beaches, deserts, horse tracks, motocross, swamps, and other areas that will present more dust than everyday situations. This is where a rain hood comes in handy. These are vinyl/nylon pouches, specific to each brand/model that will protect the camera from the elements while still allowing you to reach the controls. You can also make your own using a large Ziploc bag. Another time that dirt can get into a camera is during lens and memory card changes. If you are not careful when doing this, a lot of airborne dust and dirt can enter the camera body. To minimise dust during lens changes, turn the camera face-down and press the lens up into the camera. This prevents dust from falling into the camera body. It’s recommended you clean the camera regularly, especially after using it outdoors. Keeping a camera clean is vitally important for picture quality and so we suggest using the guidelines below to keep it clean.

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> Step 2: Clean the mirror and the focusing screen with canned air and, if required, clean the sensor. The sensor is only accessible when the mirror flips up during exposure. While you need to clean the focusing screen and mirror regularly, it is unusual to have to clean the sensor, and it is expensive to replace, so be careful. Hold the camera body face-down when cleaning to allow dust to fall off rather than back into the camera body. If the mirror is smudged, use a small amount of lens cleaner and lens tissue to clean it. > Step 3: Clean the front element of the lens with canned air to remove the dust. If the lens is smudged, use lens tissue and a small amount of lens cleaner to clean it. Be sure to remove the filters and clean both sides of the filter as well as the front of the camera lens. > Step 4: The rear element of the lens is important, too, as light is more focused when it passes through the rear element and dust on the rear elements will cause more problems in your photos than dust on the front element. Clean the rear element like you would the front element, i.e. with canned air and then lens tissue and cleaner. > Step 5: Lastly, you’ll need to clean the camera back and top glass areas, which you’ll do much in the same way you clean the lenses. Important to note Never use any cleaning supplies that are not specifically designed for camera-cleaning, as Windolene and other alcohol-based cleaners will damage camera elements. Don’t use regular facial tissues or paper towels either, as they contain chemicals that could damage camera elements.

Point, Shoot & Clean:

Don’t let shock happen To prevent damage caused by shock, exercise a bit of caution when handling your camera. If it didn’t come with a strap, get one – whether it’s a wrist strap or a neck strap – and use it. Your camera can’t be dropped and damaged if it’s securely attached to your person. When not in use, the camera should be packed neatly and safely into a protective carry bag or case to prevent bumps and scrapes.

Look after your lens Lenses for SLR cameras are expensive so look after them. The lens on a point-and-shoot is just as important, as without a fully functional lens, you might as well use the camera as a (very expensive) doorstop. Replace the lens cover when you’re not taking pictures, to prevent dirt or water making its way onto the lens. Use a UV filter to protect the front element of the lens and when the lenses are not actually attached to the camera, they should be stored in lens bags. When cleaning lenses, never use anything other than a micro-fibre cloth, as other materials might scratch the lens or contain destructive chemicals.

You’ll need: digital camera, micro-fibre cleaning cloth, soft, clean cotton cloth and a soft lens brush. 1 Carefully clean the lens but be sure never to actually touch it with your fingertips. Turn on the camera and gently blow on the lens to remove any dust – if particles still linger, use the soft lens brush and be gentle. For stubborn smudges, use the micro-fibre cleaning cloth and gently wipe off the camera lens. If the smudges are still stubborn, put a few drops of lens cleaner or water on the micro-fibre cloth and wipe again. 2 Clean the camera’s LCD screen next. You’ll need to turn off the camera to be able to see the dust and smudges on the screen. Use the soft brush or micro-fibre cloth to remove dust. For smudges, add a few drops of water to the cloth and wipe gently. 3 Clean the viewfinder and the front of the built-in flash, using the same technique described in previous steps. 4 Clean the camera’s body by wiping it with a lint-free or micro-fibre cloth and use the soft brush to clean around the battery, memory card, power adapter and USB slots. Important to note Never put water or cleaner directly on the lens or LCD screen. Use the lens cover to keep it cleaner, for longer.

Weather watch Hot and cold conditions may have adverse effects on a digital camera, so be aware of all the potential hazards, to avoid nasty accidents. IN HOT WEATHER: Never point a camera directly into the sun. Much like being advised never to look directly into the sun because it can burn your retinas, the lens and sunlight can do the same kind of damage to the innards of your camera. Keep the camera in an insulated camera bag, or (as a last resort only) wrap it in a beach towel or other fabric. If you have to leave your camera in the car, place it in a cool spot, but bear in mind that it can reach sauna-like temperatures inside your car. If the camera does happen to get warm or hot, don’t use it until it has completely cooled down, as this can also cause serious damage. IN COLD WEATHER: Always keep your camera dry, making use of that lens/rain hood if necessary. Be wary of moving a camera directly from cold outdoor conditions to a warm indoor environment (the same applies for moving from a cooled room to the heat outdoors) as this can cause condensation. Put the camera in a plastic bag before moving to the new temperature and if condensation is going to take place, it will collect on the bag and not on the camera. We’d recommend that you consider adding a few moisture-absorbing silica gel packs to the camera bag, if moisture levels in your chosen environment are high.

Quick tips to make batteries last... • Always read the instructions that come with batteries. • For NiCad and NiMH batteries, run them down completely at least once a month to avoid problems with the memory effect. • Give rechargeable batteries a chance to cool down after recharging. • Replace all batteries at the same time and don’t mix batteries from different manufacturers. • Store batteries in a cool, dry place at room temperature and remove them from the camera when being stored for extended periods.

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excel 101 //by tiana cline

How to...

excel

With the launch of Microsoft Office 2010 came a new, improved version of Excel. If you’re baffled by endless spreadsheets and complicated formulas, Connect is here to simplify your Excel experience. Autocomplete YOUR LIFE To make it easier to create and edit formulas (and minimise typing and syntax errors), use Formula AutoComplete. After you type an “=” (equal sign) and beginning letters or a display trigger, Microsoft Office Excel displays below the cell a dynamic drop-down list of valid functions, names, and text strings that match the letters or trigger. You can then insert an item in the drop-down list into the formula by using an insert trigger. 22 | connect | September 2010

How to > Use AutoComplete: > Type the = (equal sign) and beginning letters or a display trigger to start Formula AutoComplete. > As you type, a scrollable list of valid items is displayed, with the closest match highlighted. > Icons represent the type of entry, such as a function or table reference. > Detailed ScreenTips help you make the best choice.

TIP If you would prefer not to use AutoComplete, you can easily disable it by clicking on the Microsoft Office Button, Excel Options, and then the Formulas category. Under Working with formulas, select or clear Formula AutoComplete. You can also press ALT+DOWN ARROW.

All about add-ins Add-ins is an Excel feature that provides additional features and commands. Two of the more popular add-ins are the Analysis ToolPak and Solver, both of which provide extended data analysis capability. To use these and other add-ins, you will have to install and activate them.

How to > Install add-ins:

Do Data New features such as sparklines and slicers, and improvements to PivotTables can help you discover patterns or trends in your data. SPARKLING LINES You can use sparklines—tiny charts that fit in a cell—to visually summarise trends alongside data. Data presented in a row or column is useful, but patterns can be hard to spot at a glance. The context for these numbers can be provided by inserting sparklines next to the data. Because sparklines show trends in a small amount of space, they are especially useful for dashboards or other places where you need to show a snapshot of your business in an easy-to-understand visual format. PLAY WITH PIVOTTABLES Whether at work or home, you need to be able to manipulate and analyse your data in a way that gives you new insight or helps you make better decisions—and the faster you can finish your task, the better. Excel’s PowerPivot is an add-in for analysing large quantities of data. When you download the PowerPivot for add-in, it will add a PowerPivot tab to the Excel ribbon. With PowerPivot, you can import millions of rows of data from multiple data sources into a single Excel workbook, create relationships between heterogeneous data, create calculated columns and measures using formulas and build PivotTables and PivotGraphs. The benefit? Being able to easily analyse the data so that you can make timely business decisions— all without requiring IT assistance.

WHY DICE? USE SLICERS Slicers are visual controls that let you quickly filter data in a PivotTable in an interactive, intuitive way. If you insert a slicer, you can use buttons to quickly segment and filter the data to display just what is needed. In addition, when you apply more than one filter to the PivotTable, you no longer have to open a list to see which filters are applied to the data. Instead, it is shown there on the screen in the slicer. You can make slicers match your workbook formatting and easily reuse them in other PivotTables, PivotCharts, and cube functions.

> Click the File tab. > Click Options, and then click the Add-Ins category. > Near the bottom of the Excel Options dialog box, make sure that Excel Add-ins is selected in the Manage box, and then click Go. > In the Add-Ins dialog box, select the check boxes of the add-ins you want to use, and then click OK. > If Excel displays a message that states it can’t run this add-in and prompts you to install it, click Yes to install the add-ins.

GRAPH GRAFT Say goodbye to the chart wizard. Instead, you can create a basic graph by clicking the type that you want on the Insert tab in the Charts group. To create a graph that displays the details you want, continue with the next steps of the following step-by-step process.

How to > Chart To create a graph in Excel, you start by entering the numeric data for the graph on a worksheet. Then you can plot that data into a graph by selecting the graph type that you want to use on the Insert tab, in the Charts group. Did you know? Excel supports many types of graphs to help you display. When you create a graph or change an existing graph, you can select from a variety of kinds (such as a column or a pie graph) and their subtypes (such as a stacked column graph or a pie in 3D graph). You can also create a combination of graphs by using more than one chart type. www.connect.co.za | 23

digital audiophile //by Tamaryn Watkins

Playable

on demand: podcasts & audio-streaming Let’s face it – broadcast radio is getting old; the same songs are played over and over again until you’re sick of them. There’s no variety in the show formats. With podcasts and audio streaming, you don’t have to wait to hear something that interests you because you choose what you want to listen to. Here’s the full guide to how to be a digital audiophile.

magine being able to listen to new radio-style talk and music shows on your iPod or MP3 player every day. Or not having to listen to the drivel on regular broadcast radio stations while stuck in traffic. With podcasts and audio streaming, you get to choose what shows to listen to. With a little assistance from Connect, you’ll soon be fully immersed in the podcasting listening experience.

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What is a podcast? A podcast (also called a ‘non-streamed webcast’) is a series of digital media files (either audio or video, or both) that are published as episodes that can be downloaded through RSS (web) syndication. Originally called ‘webcasts’, it’s thought that the term ‘podcast’ usurped ‘webcast’ in everyday usage because of the growing popularity of the iPod and the innovation of web feeds, which enabled listeners to download and listen to episodes on their iPods. ‘Pod’ also stands for ‘playable on demand’ as the mode of delivery of digital content sets podcasting apart from other means of accessing media files over the Internet, such as a direct download of a song, or tuning in to a streamed webcast. You can download podcasts using ‘podcatchers’, add them to an iPod or MP3 player or listen to them on a computer, as and when you like. This means you’re free to listen to them at your own pace, pausing, rewinding and fast forwarding through the content which isn’t possible when listening to a regular radio broadcast.

Sync-ready Maybe you’re still wondering what all the fuss is about. After all, MP3s have been on the Internet for quite some time and Internet radio and audio blogs are nothing new either. What is worth creating a fuss about is the convenience

What’s worth listening to? With podcasts, you’re in control and you can listen to them on your computer, burn them to CD or transfer them to an MP3 player. You can choose when and how you listen. But what should you listen to? The short answer to that question is: anything you like. The long answer is: anything you like, that you can search for, based on topic/location/ creator/genre/rating, etc. There are more podcasts out there than you can believe, so take some time to find those that relate to your interests. If pressed for time, here’s a list of what’s hot:

factor. Podcasts can be automatically downloaded to your computer and synced to your MP3 player without you lifting a finger (aside from the initial set-up, of course). This means you can wake up each morning with new shows on your MP3 player ready for you to listen to on the way to work or to entertain you while you pound the treadmill or water the garden. The ease and convenience of this automatic delivery is powerful. This is what made podcasting so popular.

How does it work? At its core, a podcast is an audio file that can be automatically received from the Internet and then synced to an MP3 player. Your computer can receive these files if you subscribe to what’s called a ‘podcast feed’, which works much like any other RSS feed. Once you’re subscribed to it, you’ll be notified when new content is published. You’ll then need a podcatcher to grab the content, and won’t have to remember to check for new shows, or to download anything – it will all be done for you.

The ZA Car Show (http://zacarshow. co.za/subscribe): Presented by top motoring journalists, this weekly show delivers the latest news and reviews from the local and international motoring industries in a fun, informative and conversational manner. EL33TONLINE Podcast (http:// el33tonline.com/main/list_podcasts): This weekly show gives the South African perspective on console/video gaming and discusses the latest news in the gaming industry. It also offers previews and reviews on the hottest games, covering a wide range of consoles: Nintendo; Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox.

South African Wine Report (http:// southafricanwinereport.com/): This talk show features interviews with winemakers and detailed discussions about the grape varieties, viticulture, climate, soil types, etc. This podcast will teach you all there is to know about South Africa’s favourite party juice.

3 steps to podcasting pleasure... 1 Go to a podcasting site. You might want to browse a podcast directory if it’s your first time. A useful one is: http://podcast.net/). 2 Click on the hyperlink for each podcast you want. You can listen right away on your computer (Windows, Mac and Linux all support podcasting) or download the podcast to a portable media player. 3 You can subscribe to one or more RSS feeds. Your podcatcher will check the RSS feeds regularly and automatically pull content matching your playlist. When you dock a portable media player to your computer, the two will automatically sync.

To subscribe to a podcast, you’ll need to use a piece of software called a podcast aggregator (also known as a ‘podcatcher’). This software regularly checks the feed for new content that has been posted and when a new podcast show is found, the podcatcher downloads it for you, so that the next time you plug your MP3 player into the computer, the new podcasts shows are synced by the media player.

Brendan JackAST (http:// brendanjack.com/): Host Brendan Jack introduces listeners to various locals and visitors to South African shores, picking his victims mostly from the comedy and entertainment fields, subjecting them to an opinionated, flippant discussion on local goings-on and current world events and how they impact on South Africa. Not to be taken seriously. TalkCentral (http://www. techcentral.co.za/category/podcasts/ talkcentral-podcasts/): SA’s first business technology podcast is a weekly wrap-up of the big South African technology stories, delivering analysis of and opinion on the news.

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digital audiophile

Mobile-friendly: A few apps to make your mobile podcast consumption experience a snap. . . RSS Player: (iPhone/iPod Touch – downloadable from the iTunes store) Makes it easy to search for podcasts in a variety of different ways, and it’s even easier to download them. This app makes use of push notification to alert you the minute new content is ready for you to listen to. BlogRadio: (for Nokia, from the Ovi Store) An app that allows you to listen to all your favourite blogs. Using the RSS feed, the app will transform written words into mini podcasts for you to plug into your ears anywhere, any time. Mobiola x-Player: (for BlackBerry). It’s designed to handle podcasts, music and video, all in one handy interface. You can also subscribe to new podcasts using the RIM Push notification feature. Subscription for new podcasts is available via RIM Push new feature. Google Listen: (for Android: http://listen. googlelabs.com) Google brings podcasts and web audio to an Androidpowered device and lets you search, subscribe, download and stream. When subscribing to feeds, it will create your own personalised audio show loaded with fresh content and news stories, for you to listen to on your mobile phone.

Auto-Syncing with Windows Media Player & Juice: How to create a podcast Auto Playlist and synchronise that playlist with your portable media player: (the basic principles apply to most podcatchers + media managers) 1 In WMP, open the Library, right-click Auto Playlist and choose New. The New Auto Playlist dialog will be displayed. Type ‘podcasts’ in the Auto Playlist Name box. 1 In the Music In My Library section, click the plus sign, choose

More, select File Name, and click OK. Browse for your Podcasts folder and then copy and paste it in the box that requires a pathname from the folder’s Address Bar. Now, when you plug in your MP3 player, it will be loaded with all the new content.

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What podcatcher should I use? Connect handpicks the best podcatchers, for each operating system, eliminating all of the guesswork for you. Juice: (http://juicereceiver.sourceforge.net/) Allows for capturing and listening to podcasts any time, anywhere. It supports multiple media players (including Windows Media Player) and offers convenience with a built-in directory with centralised feed management. Compatible with: Mac OS X, Windows and Linux. Media Monkey: (http://mediamonkey.com/) Organises your CDs, AAC, OGG, WMA, FLAC, MP3 and other audio files like audiobooks and podcasts. It includes a CD ripper, CD/DVD burner, and converter for saving music. It syncs tracks, playlists, and podcasts to portable audio devices. Compatible with: Windows. YamiPod: (http://www.yamipod.com/) A freeware application to manage your iPod efficiently with the inclusion of RSS syndication functionality to manage your podcast library by allowing you to transfer files from the iPod to a computer. This is handy because most media managers only work the other way around, in case you didn’t know. Compatible with: Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. Once the podcatcher software is installed, it should be a simple case of adding new RSS feeds, to automatically retrieve new content when it becomes available. The next step is to link the podcatcher software to your media player, which is already done for you, if you’ve decided to go with Juice or YamiPod, which is our recommended route. After downloading and subscribing to a selection of podcasts, to get the podcasts onto your iPod or MP3 player, use exactly the same procedure (using your choice of media player, like iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc.) as you would when transferring music files. You can also create, edit and delete podcast playlists.

Stream your audio If you’re looking for something beyond audiobooks and pre-recorded podcasts and want something that still retains some of that broadcast radio-show flavour, take a look at audio streaming. The Internet has made it possible for just about anyone to set up their own radio show, and it can be fun to tune in, when you want to tune out from regular radio.

Stream it where? Forget media players, forget podcatchers, forget everything we spoke about in relation to podcasts and remember this one word: AmaRadio. This is a small computer program that enables you to listen to South African radio stations from anywhere in the world. So it’s perfect for listening to Joburg radio stations when you’re in the Mother City, or to hot Durban broadcasts when in cold, wet London. What’s the purpose of AmaRadio? Most radio stations provide online audio streams that you can listen to on the Internet. But these can be hard to find, and when you do find them, they frequently drop their connection, or only work with Windows Media Player, or insist that you install dodgy plugins onto the computer, or simply don’t work at all. AmaRadio is a free program that allows you to play, as well as record, South African radio streams effortlessly. For radio stations beyond our borders, you’ll need something else, however. Head over to StreamFinder (http://streamfinder.com) to pick out some radio stations you might like to listen to. You can choose from reggae, country, jazz, talk and techno – it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll find something to listen to. Once you’ve registered an account, it boils down to following the provided instructions. You’ll soon be streaming your audio fix.

iTunes: the all-in-one solution (http://apple.com/itunes/download/) Avoid hassle entirely by using iTunes to manage all your audio files. Get started by visiting the Podcasts section in the iTunes store – they’re free! You can explore a wide selection by clicking on the various pages and links, or search for podcasts by entering specific search terms in the Search field. When iTunes displays results for your search, click ‘podcasts’ to filter everything else out and when you find a podcast you want to sample, click subscribe. Then click the triangle next to the podcast title to see all available episodes; double-click the episode to play it or download/play older episodes by clicking the “Get” button.

Connect recommends: 1 Talk Radio 702: (http://702.co.za/pages/ onair/tunein.asp) Tune in for your favourite talk radio station, and listen to news, views, interviews and opinions aplenty. 2 2oceansvibe

Radio: (http://2oceansviberadio. com/listen-live-now) The radio station with the DJ who’s permanently in holiday mode, this show is an uncensored fresh new format filled with music you’ll actually enjoy, no matter what your tastes. It helps that the hosts and guests are pretty funny, too.

Mobile streaming Once you’re sufficiently addicted to podcasts and streamed radio, you’ll probably want to take it mobile, so you can tune in while on the go. You’ll be pleased to know that with a little app assistance, you’ll soon be mobile streaming to your hearts’ content. Virtual Radio: http://vradio.org An app that works with mobile phones running the Symbian OS and smartphones that are JAVA-enabled. It has over 1500 radio stations to choose from, and works on 3G, EDGE and GPRS connections. Visit the website on your mobile phone to find out if your handset is supported. Orb: http://orb.com This app allows you to stream music (and all other media) to your mobile phone, from just about anywhere (like your playlist on your computer, Internet radio, mobile storage devices, etc.) for you to share and enjoy. There’s a whole wide web full of interesting, entertaining and educational audio content out there and there’s more than enough music and radio stations to give you something new to listen to, every day of your life. Now that you have the easy-touse Connect guide, you’re free to explore the digital audio realm – we don’t even expect you to listen to our personal recommendations; rather, we expect you to venture forth and find your own!

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customising your computer //by Deon du Plessis

moddinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; talking Modding, or the art of making a computer case look cool, is not only a nerdy pastime, it can also be beneficial to the overall operation and longevity of said PC. This month, Connect takes a closer look at what modding is, what hardware is involved and provides a few DIY tips to get you started.

28 | connect | September 2010

We’re big fans

What is modding?

Weapon of Mass Destruction PC fashioned after a nuclear bomb. Ideal for aspiring super-villains

As the computer gaming has grown into the multibillion-dollar industry it is today, a powerful gaming PC has become a status symbol of sorts. Power on its own is not enough to elevate the average gamer into the ranks of the elite, however. That power needs to be shown off in a way that makes passers-by take notice, and hopefully make them green with envy in the process. ‘Modding’ means changing something from its original specifications to improve looks, performance or both. For gamers, those modifications are focused around their PC cases (also called `chassis’), and they take the form of customised objects that have been redesigned to hold computer components in extreme cases or (for the average gamer) stickers, case fans, see-through window panels, neon lights and water coolers. These items are used to individualise the chassis to its owner’s tastes or to show off the hardware within. Often, it’s both – the gaming community is packed with hardware enthusiasts, and these are the people that take the greatest pride in their PCs and spend a lot of money keeping their hardware current and showing off their hard work. The end results are often amazing.

Fans for your case can also help make the PC’s insides look good, especially if they are made of clear plastic and lined with neon. It’s best not to put them in just for show, but to position them in such a way that you create an efficient flow of air over the computer’s components; this helps keep the temperature inside the case down, which, in turn, ensures a longer lifespan for the motherboard, graphics card, CPU, RAM and hard drives. Most cases come with mounting points for 60mm, 80mm and/or 120mm fans. Our advice is to mount a 60mm fan that sucks air into the case at the front, directly in front of your hard drive(s), and then an 80mm or 120mm fan – depending on what the case supports – at the back of the case. This creates the airflow you’re looking for; it also has the tendency to attract dust (especially if the case sits on the floor), but all you need to do is check the insides of the case every month or so to clear out any dust that may have accumulated. Tip

A can of compressed air will do this brilliantly.

Not just about the looks Modding isn’t only about making your PC case look nicer, it’s also about squeezing more performance out of the computer and the hardware needed to achieve that. Heat is deadly to electronics, and it will undoubtedly shorten your PC’s lifespan and increase its instability (freezes, spontaneous reboots, Blue Screen of Death), so efficient cooling is very important. There is a wide range of products available to achieve this; from customised processor fans to water-cooling kits. It is possible to have the inside of your case looking (and running) very cool with a little planning and some extra investment.

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W H

customising your computer

Noises off A side effect of extra case fans is noise. Even if you buy the ultrasilent types, your PC will still produce sound when it’s on. There are multiple solutions to this. You can either sound-proof the insides of the case by positioning sound-dampening materials in strategic spots, or you can remove all fans and install a water-cooler. Water-coolers are far quieter than any CPU or GPU fan, and they have been engineered to be 100% leak-proof. They are more expensive than fans, but the end result of a near-silent PC is worth the cash investment. Water coolers present quite a technical challenge, though, and come with considerable risk of failure for first-timers, which is why we recommend supervision by an experienced modder. The danger comes in removing the existing heat-dissipating equipment from your graphics card, as well as potential leaks from an inexpertly-assembled water-cooling system. Nothing spells “broken PC” quite like water inside the case! Graphics cards have aluminium heat sinks and fans that are closely integrated into the product, and removing these without damaging the card itself is not easy. Take it slow, and if you get stuck, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of others to finish the job.

The Batmobile PC. Ready to roll with its stealthy design and numerous LED lights for both Hard Drive and power usage

Tip When shopping for a suitable water-cooling solution, consider kits that are already pre-assembled, like CoolIT’s Domino CPU cooling product. It’ll only cool the CPU, and all it requires is mounting inside the case as it is already fully assembled. Also, be sure to check the size of the kit itself, as some – like the CoolIT Domino – require your case to have space for 120mm fans.

Start simple

More than just ‘cool’ If looking cool is as important as keeping your hardware as chilly as possible, there are other options to try. Like these: > Paint the case using a can of spray paint > Buy heat sinks (also called ‘cooling fins’) for your memory > Cut holes in the side panels in shapes of your own choosing > Install neon tubes everywhere to make the case’s insides light up > Create a custom chassis out of household items like microwaves and Lego (yes, really!)

When starting out, it’s best to take a calm, measured approach. We recommend you start with: > A window on the case’s side panel that lets passers-by see the inside of the PC > Glowing neon tubes – these are the easiest to install and make an immediate difference to your case’s look. > Case fans that glow – slightly more complicated to install; be sure to arrange them to maximise the airflow through the case. > A bit of spray paint on the case (NOT on your hardware!) – easy, fast and effective. Complement with stickers if you feel the need. > An expensive fan for the CPU, preferably with a copper core as copper is more conductive, resulting in better cooling.

Work your way up to:

> Full-blown water-cooling solutions that cool your graphics card and processor. These can be tricky to install, but are well worth the effort. > Cutting holes in the case. This can be dangerous as cutting tools + metal + inexperience = potential medical emergencies. Watch those fingers closely! > Building a crazy customised case out of unlikely objects like Lego, the Batmobile and microwaves (to name a few examples). This requires a level of craftsmanship that may take years to hone, and is definitely not a project for people new to the concept of case modifications.

Pimp your PC Once you’ve had a bit of practice modifying your case, you’ll be able to get really creative and go as nuts as your imagination (and budget) will allow! Happy modding!

30 | connect | September 2010

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pring has sprung, the weather is starting to warm up, and people are once again venturing outside their homes on weekends to do fun stuff in the sun. Well, normal people anyway – I am a professional nerd, and I sit indoors a lot. When you’ve got a computer, the Internet, and all the games you can lay your hands on, who needs to go outside? This month we’ve got tons of product reviews for you, and we cover everything from cameras to printers to notebooks and more. HP’s DV6 notebook really impressed this month, and I’m happy to recommend it to anyone who has the budget for it and who is looking for a value-packed notebook with excellent performance. Enjoy the reviews! Deon

34 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 48 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 59 60

Olympus SP-800UZ Camera Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Phone Acer D241H Screen Guitar Hero 5 Bundle HP DV6-3060 Notebook Acer Aspire 5520 Notebook Microsoft Sidewinder Bundle Acer G245HA Screen HP Photoplus Printer Samsung ML-1660 Printer Canon PIXMA MP640 Camera HP OfficeJet 4500 Printer Iomega Ego 2TB External Hard Drive FujiFilm FinePix JZ500 Camera Nikon Coolpix S8000 Camera Sony MHS-CM5 “Bloggie” Camcorder Philips DCM580 Docking Entertainment System Exspect in-car iPhone holder Bose Companion 2 Speakers Professor Teaches Office 2010 Software Aperture 3 Software Books

Copyright © 2010 Symantec Corporation. All rights reserved. Symantec, the Symantec Logo, Norton and Norton 360 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affi liates in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and Internet Explorer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. | *Based on Symantec internal data comparing features of competitors all in one security solutions.

product reviews // by Deon Du PLessis

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.

32 | connect | September 2010

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product reviews

products

Olympus SP-800UZ UltraZoom 14MP Digital Camera NEED TO KNOW

FujiFilm FinePix HS10

Fuji’s answer to the SP-800UZ is the HS10, a 30x ultra-zoom camera that also offers full 1080p movie-recording capabilities.

8GB SD Card

2GB of internal memory is nice and all, but for proper versatility, more is needed.

perfect companions

Adobe Photoshop Elements For professional editing capabilities in an easy-to-use package, look no further than Adobe’s excellent Photoshop Elements software.

• Amazing 30x optical zoom lens • 2GB built-in memory • Somewhere between a point-and-shoot and a DSLR • Shoots photos big enough to be made into posters R4 499.95

Fans of Olympus cameras know just how solid the company’s reputation is. With the release of the SP-800UZ, that reputation is further cemented thanks to this new camera’s incredible 30x optical zoom lens. The addition of this awesomely useful zoom capability means you won’t have to lug around expensive lenses or heavy equipment if you’re looking to capture photos at range. The SP-800UZ fills the gap between entry-level point-and-shoot cameras and the more expensive DSLRs. We’ve covered a lot of these socalled “bridge” cameras lately, but this one from Olympus is by far the most impressive of the lot because of its brilliant 30x zoom lens. It also shoots wide-angle and panoramic 14MP images, 720p videos, and can shoot images singly or in bursts, which makes it nicely suited to just about any situation you’d care to photograph. Olympus has also included what it calls “dual stabilisation” technology; never mind the technical nitty-gritty, this translates into a camera that takes steady shots, even when zoomed in all the way, and without a tripod. We were amazed at the clarity of the images we took at range considering we were holding the camera in our hands at the time. If you require no shake whatsoever, you’d need to add a tripod, but for everyday use, the image stabilisation technology packed into the SP-800UZ will result in confidence that unintentional hand motion won’t ruin your shots. The degree to which the camera compensates for any hand movement is noticeable even to an untrained eye; when looking at subjects on the 3” LCD screen, they immediately stop jiggling around when the shutter button is pressed, and get even more still just before the button is pressed all the way. This means an end to motion-blurred images, great for photographers with shaky hands. Taking pictures is easy as the camera is very responsive, taking only a short time to capture the image once the shutter button is pressed. You will, however, need to go through the camera’s settings before the pictures you take will pass muster. This requires going through the menu and activating features like “Fine mode”, which ensures the subject is kept in sharp focus. We also found that the focus mechanism sometimes took a while to get the scene right. There are many shooting mode options with the SP-800UZ, and the results from each are really amazing. Our favourite was the Sport mode, which promises to capture fast-moving scenes without blurring. We tested

34 | connect | September 2010

this in a number of situations, and were amazed at how clear even fastmoving subjects appeared in our shots. While not absolutely crisp, the fastmoving subjects we captured looked far clearer than we were expecting. One concern worth mentioning here is the SP-800UZ’s grainy low-light shooting, especially when zoomed in, but then that’s forgivable as zoom and low-light shooting aren’t expected to work well together. Also, the video quality that results is passable rather than excellent, but this too is to be expected of a stills camera. Rather grab a dedicated camcorder if highquality HD video is required. We have to say that this is a fantastic camera, and one we’re happy to recommend to anyone looking for a camera with a competent feature-set as well as a built-in zoom that lets you leave all that heavy equipment at home when you go bird-watching. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Image Sensor: 14 Megapixels (effective) • Focal Length/Lens Configuration: 5.0 – 150mm (28 – 840mm equivalent in 35mm photography) • Zoom: 30x Optical Zoom + 5x Digital Zoom • Display: 3.0” LCD, 230 000 dots • Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec. - 1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode) • ISO Sensitivity: Auto, High Auto, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 • Image File Format Still Image: JPEG • Movie: MP4 • Number of Recorded Pixels: 14MP (4288 x 3216) • Outer Connectors: Multi-Terminal (USB Connector, Audio/Video Output) • Motion Blur Suppression: Dual Image Stabilisation • 27 Shooting Modes Including: Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, Panorama, Beauty Mode, Magic Filter, Scene Modes, HD Movie • Internal memory: 2GB • SD Card Slot: Up to 8GB • Battery Life: Approximately 200 shots • Weight: 416g without batteries and media card Pros

Cons

• Simply astounding 30x optical zoom • Digital image stabilisation tech keeps subjects very still • Huge amount of scene modes to choose from • High-resolution images are suitable for poster-sized prints

• Not ideal for low-light shooting • 720p video is still better captured with a dedicated camcorder • Requires some experimentation before shots are ‘just right’ • Lack of an optical viewfinder may put some off

Overall rating

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products

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini NEED TO KNOW • One of the smallest phones on the market • Highly responsive capacitive touchscreen • Interchangeable covers add a touch of colour • Fantastic 5MP camera R3 599.95

Sony Ericsson’s X10 Mini is a super-tiny smartphone with a 2.5” touchscreen that will fit into the palm of even the smallest of adult hands. Don’t think that small means compromise, though – what it lacks in size, it makes up for with an incredible feature-set and one of the most responsive touchscreens we’ve ever had the pleasure of using. The Mini measures an amazing 83 x 50 x 16mm, weighs only 88g, and has a 2.5” touchscreen that takes up most of the space on the phone’s main face. It has three buttons at the bottom (Menu, Home and Back), three on the right edge (Volume up/down, Camera), a mini-USB port for charging and connecting to a PC and a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or a hands-free kit. Buttons press easily, you won’t bump them unintentionally, and the phone has the all-round solid feel to it that we’ve come to expect from Sony Ericsson. Making calls and sending text messages is easy to do, thanks to the impressive touchscreen, and call quality is very clear as long as you have good reception. The smooth action and responsiveness of the phone’s interface bear testimony to both SE’s engineering prowess as well as the fantastic usability of Google’s Android operating system. The X10 Mini runs version

1.6 of Android; an upgrade to version 2.1 should be made available around Q4 2010 (so we have been told). Version 2.1 brings with it expanded functionality and a dramatic performance boost. Battery life is good, as the X10 Mini can continuously play music or use a 3G connection for about 12 hours, and lets you talk for up to four hours. This translates to at least two days of regular use between charges, which is pretty good for such a feature-rich phone. In addition to the expected stable of smartphone capabilities (3G, wireless networking, calendars, access to an application marketplace, powerful processor and lots of memory), the X10 Mini has Sony Ericsson’s proprietary Timescape application, which organises all recently-executed tasks, applications, media files and more into a chronologically-ordered list for easy access. The screen on the X10 Mini looks beautiful, even though it has a very low resolution of only 240 x 320. This low resolution means it won’t display high-definition content, but then, since the screen is so tiny, it’s not an expected feature. We’re pleased to say that colours, however, are stunningly bright and vibrant – Sony Ericsson’s sterling reputation for excellent screen technology delivers yet again. That said, brightly-lit rooms and the outdoors do pose a challenge to the Mini’s screen, as it struggles to remain visible under bright conditions. The 5MP camera takes excellent pictures, too, far better than you’d expect from a phone. It also has an LED flash to keep your subject properly lit, and records good-quality movies. Music playback is as good as you’d expect from a Sony device, with solid bass and clear mid-range and highfrequency sound. Of course, we still recommend changing the bundled earphones for something a little more expensive to take full advantage of the device’s sound. The Xperia X10 Mini is truly a pleasure to use. While it is very small, making it not a great choice for people with big hands, it’s a beautiful device that is as powerful as it is sophisticated. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Screen: 240 x 320 pixels (QVGA) – 16,777,216 colour TFT • Memory: MicroSD™ support (up to 16GB) – Phone memory 128MB • Networks: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS/HSPA 900/2100 UMTS/HSPA 850/1900/2100 UMTS/HSUPA 850/1900/2100 • Networking: Wi-Fi • Talk Time: Around 4 hours • Available colours: Black, Pearl White, Lime, Red, Pink, Silver • Dimensions: 83.0 x 50.0 x 16.0mm • Weight: 88g Pros

Cons

• Tiny yet incredibly solid build • Packed full of well-executed features • Responsive touchscreen with amazing colours

• Screen battles to remain visible in bright conditions • Screen’s relatively low resolution • Android 1.6 is very last year

Overall rating

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

If you want all the great features of a smartphone and you love the Mini’s style, its bigger brother will definitely blow you away with its power and looks.

Nokia N97 Mini

Late last year Nokia revealed the smaller sibling to the popular N97, the N97 Mini. It’s also a smartphone but it’s been packed into a much smaller, more compact body.

perfect companions

Skullcandy Ink’d earphones The X10 Mini does music really well, and the best way to enjoy it is with a set of cool headphones. Skullcandy’s Ink’d set will set you apart from the herd, while also delivering great audio.

www.connect.co.za | 35

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product reviews

products

Sony Touchscreen All-in-One PC

If you want a proper computer housed inside your monitor, look no further than Sony’s excellent all-in-one PC, which also has a touchscreen.

Acer Notebook Upgrade Kit

This keyboard, mouse and screen combo lets you change your humdrum notebook experience into something closer resembling that of a desktop computer.

perfect companions

Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3000 This excellent-quality desktop set consisting of a wireless keyboard and mouse will add both style and functionality to your work area.

Acer D241H 24” LCD Monitor NEED TO KNOW • Gorgeous 24” full-HD LCD screen • Check e-mails and the weather without turning on your PC • Touch-sensitive control buttons R4 999.95

Acer has tried very hard to make the D241H an extra special monitor. In addition to looking smart, displaying crisp, clean images with bright, vibrant colours, the D241H also has a built-in computer that lets you do a few things that don’t require it to be connected to a PC. These things are a little on the frivolous side, of course: don’t expect to do spreadsheets or surf the ‘net, but do expect to access online photo albums stored on popular picture-sharing site Flickr, receive RSS feeds from Google’s news service, and see what the weather is doing. You can even listen to music or watch videos stored on your network, a USB drive or an SD card (reader included). Of course, the types of video that are supported are not extensive so not everything will play. All of these features are accessible after a brief setup procedure, which even lets you configure your wireless network for use with the screen – yes, the D241H also has a built-in wireless network card. Best of all, all of these functions are built into the screen, so no connected PC is necessary. While this is all well and good, the actual usefulness of these functions is rather puzzling – we don’t see many people doing more than loading it all up to show off to friends once or twice, and then forgetting about it. This is not least of all because hooking up your keyboard and mouse to the screen itself is a pain unless you have a spare set (and who does, really?). You can use the included remote control and its built-in keyboard, though, if a proper keyboard and mouse set is not handy. That being said, the tasks you will be using the screen for, i.e. everyday computing, gaming, TV series or movie watching, are handled fantastically. While the D241H is not LED-backlit, resulting in a relatively thick and heavy body, the images on display are exactly what we hope they’d be for the money – beautiful. Colours are vivid, text is sharp, and when standing this screen next to same-sized monitors from other manufacturers, we noticed a difference in overall image quality when the same content was on display. The D241H is bright, clear and puts out some really punchy colours.

36 | connect | September 2010

The D241H also has a single HDMI input if you want to hook up a gaming console or DVD/Blu-ray player. It has built-in speakers, or you can output sound via a 3.5mm audio jack to external speakers or a set of headphones. Other connectors include VGA (but, curiously, no DVI), a microphone in jack, and an Ethernet port for a network cable. Acer really has put in a lot of effort on the connectivity side, which is why the absence of DVI is so noticeable. Since many (if not all) graphics cards come with DVI outputs as standard, a converter will be necessary to use this screen, either from DVI to HDMI, or DVI to VGA. It’s a convenience thing, sure, but one we feel we’re not alone in expecting. Don’t let that put you off, though, the D241H is a great screen. The included frippery might not be to everyone’s needs, but the core function is done so well that it’s easy to recommend anyway. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Screen Size: 24” • Inputs: HDMI, VGA • Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080 • Response Time: 2ms • Colour Support: 16.7 million • Contrast Ratio: 80 000: 1 • Brightness: 300 cd/m2 • Expansion Interfaces: USB, SD card reader • Adjustments: Tilt only • Weight: 5.9kg • Dimensions: 574mm x 430mm x 172.3 mm

Pros

Cons

• Overall image quality is outstanding • Sleek, modern looks • Included HDMI port provides flexibility

• Screen sits very low on the desk • Not much call for the built-in functionality • Screen wobbles a bit when lightly bumped

Overall rating

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product reviews

products

Guitar Hero Metallica

Fans of the biggest metal act of all time rejoice, for it is time to pretend to play all those awesome songs you’ve air-guitared along with for years.

Guitar Hero 5 Super Bundle NEED TO KNOW • Fun, fast-paced rhythm game for the whole family • Includes a drum set, microphone, the game and one guitar • PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions sold separately R1 999.95

When the first Guitar Hero game released back in 2005, it met with blank stares from most gamers. Who, after all, would want to pretend to play real music on a plastic guitar? The answer, as it turned out, was nearly everybody, and the Guitar Hero franchise took off in a big way. Soon, Activision was adding more than just guitars to the game to appeal to an even wider audience, which is where the microphone and plastic drum kit came in. Now, it’s 2010 and the franchise has been going successfully for five years. We’ve lost count of the actual Guitar Hero game releases since there have been so many, but the one we’re focusing on here is number five, and it comes bundled with everything you’ll need to start your own pretend band – drums, microphone, game and guitar. Unpacking and assembling everything is the easy part – it’s once the music starts playing and you’re tasked with keeping up that things get interesting. The basic premise of the game is that players need to hit the right buttons on their “instruments” in time with prompts that appear on the screen. In essence, you’re playing a rhythm game where you press buttons in time to music, but because the instruments are so lifelike, it’s easy to get sucked in and believe you’re actually producing the music yourself. It’s the closest we’ve ever come to feeling like a rock legend and, best of all, it doesn’t require all those years of practice (or talent). Since this is a game about guitars, the tracks on Guitar Hero 5 are all about rock, so if you’re not a fan, you might not enjoy yourself much. For fans of guitar music, however, the game is fantastic. It features tracks from great rock bands like Bon Jovi, Blink-182, Bob Dylan, Deep Purple, Dire Straits and many, many more. Songs range from ballads to rock anthems to the seriously heavy stuff from the likes of Iron Maiden and Children of Bodom, so there’s something here for every kind of guitar-music fan.

The game’s difficulty ramps up significantly from Easy, which makes use of only three buttons on the guitar and three of the drum set’s five drums/ cymbals, to Hard and Expert, which requires you to use all the buttons/ drums/cymbals while also throwing in hard-to-master playing techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs – at speed! There is a serious challenge on offer here, which will take lots of practice to master. For inspiration, we recommend checking out the many YouTube videos of kids pwning the game on the hardest setting, just in case you think it’s physically impossible. The microphone, which lets you sing along to your favourite tracks, is arguably the weakest portion of the package as singing is nowhere near as much fun as shredding on the guitar or bashing away at the drums. It can, though, offer some pretty good amusement for karaoke buffs or those who just like to watch their friends and family make fools of themselves. As a gift for a young family, the Guitar Hero 5 Super Bundle is brilliant. It’ll keep kids entertained, parents amused, and it might even ignite the desire to pick up a real instrument and add to the already-rich annals of rock history. That’s a definite win in our books.

Guitar Hero Van Halen

Hair metal fans celebrate, you can now don your glitter pants and long wigs and rock along with one of the ‘80s’ biggest hair metal bands, Van Halen! Jump on over to Panama and have some Poundcake!

PACKAGE CONTAINS • Guitar • Drum Kit • Guitar Hero 5 Game • Corded USB Microphone

Pros

Cons

• Huge amounts of fun to be had with this kit • Pretending to play is more fun than it sounds • Track list is rich with all kinds of guitar music

• Takes a lot of practice to master • Will turn your lounge into Rock Central if you’re not careful • Not for people who don’t like guitar music, or loud noise

Overall rating

Guitar Hero Greatest Hits

Like every band, the Guitar Hero series has a great selection of Greatest Hits. Play some of the series’ most awesome tracks in amazing locations around the world!

www.connect.co.za | 37

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product reviews

products

HP Pavilion DV6-3060 Entertainment Notebook Sony Vaio VPCEA16

A Core i5 processor, a Radeon HD5650 graphics card and a gorgeous screen round out the specs on this awesome notebook. Plus, it’s pink!

HP DV7-4065 Entertainment Notebook

If you’re looking for extremely powerful hardware packed into a gorgeous aluminium body and your budget is around the R14 000 range, this is the notebook for you.

perfect companions

Ergo-Tilt Laptop Stand Notebooks placed flat on a desk can lead to hand strain. Rather get an Ergo-Tilt laptop stand and angle your notebook to better support your wrists.

NEED TO KNOW • Excellent business and student notebook • High-quality brushed aluminium finish • Combines power with striking looks • Have you noticed the price? Wow. R8 999.95

These days, it’s quite difficult to recommend one notebook over another, as so many manufacturers are building their products from the same collection of hardware. This leads to many notebooks looking similar, at least on paper, which leaves little room to make recommendations. So when HP brings out a new model that is not only full of decent hardware but also priced extremely well, it’s time for reviewers and consumers alike to rejoice. The HP Pavilion DV6-3060 notebook is one of the first notebooks in a new wave of affordable yet respectably powerful portable computers, with a price tag that will woo even the most cynical of consumers. So, what do you get for your money, and are there significant compromises that have to be made? The answer to the second question is “sort of”. For only R9 000, you can hardly expect to be buying a notebook whose processing power will blow you away. At the same time, while the DV6-3060 “only” has a Core i3 CPU, it still performs well enough that you won’t feel like you’re stuck in the ’90s, waiting for your programs to load. This is helped by 4GB of RAM. The more memory you have, the more space Windows has to load programs, which, in turn, means not a lot of intensive processing has to happen between clicking on an application’s icon and having it load and be ready to use. Lots of memory is a great way to support a processor that’s not top-of-the-line, as it mitigates the performance impact of the lower specification. Don’t think this means it’s bad, though – a Core i3 processor is not ‘slow’, it’s just slower than its beefier siblings, Intel’s Core i5 and Core i7 chips. It also costs a lot less. The DV6-3060 has been kitted out with a 500GB hard drive. This is more than generous, as 500GB of space is plenty of room for applications as well as media like movies and music (while still having space left over), which is why we’re happy to recommend this notebook for a student or business person. The DV6’s screen is up to HP’s usual high standards in terms of clarity and quality, and at 15.6” wide, it’s big enough for both productivity and

entertainment. It’s nice and bright, too, if a wee bit reflective in well-lit rooms. The DV6-3060’s keys look something between Apple’s chicklet style and something completely new and original. Best of all, keys press softly and make very little noise. There is no dedicated keyboard, though, but if you really need one, you can always buy a separate USB keypad. The usual bells and whistles are here: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a DVD writer with Lightscribe technology, an Ethernet LAN port and card reader, along with a fingerprint reader for added security. It also has a pretty good graphics card: ATI’s Radeon HD5470 powers the DV6-3060’s gaming experience, which is a little on the weak side, yet solid enough for the odd casual game. All of this is packaged in a seriously attractive aluminium chassis. HP has pulled out all the stops to bring a gorgeous and capable notebook to the market, which is almost a giveaway at this price. While it’s not the most powerful piece of hardware ever, it’s got more than enough oomph to let you work and play on it, and for only R9 000, it’s a steal. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Processor: Intel Core i3-330m • Memory: 4096MB • Storage: 500GB • Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit • Optical: DVD writer with Lightscribe technology • Networking: IEEE 802.11b/g/n, Gigabit Ethernet • Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon HD5470 • Others: Integrated webcam, fingerprint reader, Bluetooth

Pros

Cons

• Beautiful and lightweight aluminium chassis • Plenty of memory and a large hard drive • Nicely-sized screen and beautiful display capabilities • Priced very competitively

• Core i3 processor is the weakest of Intel’s Core i range • Graphics card is not really suited to gaming • Lack of a keypad might put some buyers off

Overall rating

38 | connect | September 2010

PC0

KEEPING YOU ON THE GO! Netbook Power Adapter with USB Charging Port F5L065 - 40W

Features: Charge and power your netbook at home, in the office or on the go using the multiple tips Charges devices via the built-in USB port Includes: cigarette lighter adapter, 5 interchangeable tips, plugs into interchangeable tips

TuneBase Direct with Hands - Free F8Z442

Features: Includes a 3.5mm cable for direct connection to your car’s auxiliary input Swiveling cradle, for horizontal iPhone positioning and easy GPS viewing Cradle is adjustable to fit most iPods and iPhones, even with a case on Charges through car’s 12-volt lighter outlet Additional USB port allows you to charge a second device while you drive

Larchmont Backpack

F8N116

For more information and our products visit www.belkin.com

PC00XXX - Belkin Connect September.indd 1

www.phatcat.co.za

Features: Plush interior surrounds your computer with scratch-resistant fabric Easy access pocket provides scratch-resistant storage for an MP3 player Includes removable zippered pouch to store laptop accessories Lifetime Warranty

18/08/2010 15:30

product reviews

products

Acer Aspire 5520 Notebook Vivienne Tam Netbook

For the same amount of cash, you can pick up this stylish and very compact netbook, ideal for travelling and keeping in touch when you’re on the go.

Acer Aspire 5741

For an extra few thousand rand, you can get this notebook with a Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a big 500GB hard drive.

perfect companions

Logitech Lapdesk N700 When using a notebook for extended periods, it’s best to elevate it to a wrist-friendly angle and keep it cool. Logitech’s Lapdesk N700 does both, very well.

NEED TO KNOW • Basic notebook designed for affordability • Uses AMD’s Turion mobile processor • Better performance than a netbook R4 999.95

When opting for an inexpensive notebook, what you’re getting for your money is something that will handle most everyday tasks with ease, but won’t be happy running complex applications or games. This is very much the case with Acer’s budget notebook, the Aspire 5520. It’s the kind of notebook one might purchase for basic work or travel, but not for highend entertainment. The 5520 is powered by one of AMD’s mobile processors, the Turion X2. This is a dual-core CPU and is clocked at a respectable 2.0GHz. When it was released, it was designed to compete directly with Intel’s Core 2 Duo processors. Since Intel has moved on to its new Core i-series, this is old tech, but it translates to a lower price while still delivering decent performance. AMD compensates for the fact that they can’t challenge Intel’s processor performance head-on by making their chips more affordable. Three gigabytes of RAM is rather nice to see on this inexpensive notebook, as it will certainly help the machine process information faster and Windows to perform nicely. Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system of choice, and its responsiveness is actually pleasantly surprising. We would have preferred Windows 7, but you do at least get the option to downgrade to Windows XP if you prefer that operating system. The included 250GB hard drive isn’t as generous as we’re used to, but it provides more than enough space for the operating system, applications and some media, so we can’t complain too loudly. The notebook’s wireless networking capabilities aren’t as good as more pricey notebooks, as the 5520 only has 802.11b/g wireless networking support. This translates to a shorter range as well as lower transfer speeds when compared to 802.11n notebooks. For the most part, however, surfing the web, sending e-mails and even downloading files from the Internet will be as fast as your Internet connection will allow, rather than being limited by this older wireless networking technology. Where you will see a difference is in file transfer speeds over wireless, especially when you are

40 | connect | September 2010

positioned far away from your router. The 5520’s graphical capabilities are average, as nVidia’s GeForce 8600M is not the newest graphics chip on the market. It can still play back standard-definition movies, play web-based games and run older games, so it’s not incapable of providing entertainment. But if you’re hoping to fire up Modern Warfare 2 or watch high-def 720p movies, you’ll be disappointed at the performance. Other features are the usual range of USB ports, a writeable DVD drive, and a dedicated multi-in-one card reader, with the notable inclusion of a FireWire port for ultra-fast data transfers to supported devices. The insides of the notebook are beige plastic, but the exterior is made of black, glossy plastic. Thankfully, it does not attract fingerprints too badly. The 15.4-inch screen looks good, and the native resolution is 1280 x 800. All in all, the 5520 offers a fair amount of value, especially for bargainhunters but, of course, it’s necessary to compromise on things like speed, the operating system and ultra-fast wireless connectivity. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium with XP downgrade option • Processor: AMD Turion X2 TL-60 @ 2.0GHz • Memory: 3GB DDR2 • Storage: 250GB 5400rpm • Networking: IEEE 802.11b/g, 10/100 Ethernet • Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 • Ports: VGA, S-Video, 4x USB 2.0 • Optical Drive: DVD-RW Pros

Cons

• Very affordable notebook • Faster than a netbook • FireWire port is a pleasant surprise

• Not the speediest notebook out there • Windows Vista Home Premium • Uses older 802011b/g wireless networking

Overall rating

products

Microsoft Sidewinder Keyboard & Mouse Package Deal NEED TO KNOW • Two cutting-edge gaming peripherals • Includes a copy of Age of Empires 3: The Asian Dynasties • Keyboard is backlit for gaming in the dark • Mouse has multiple game-friendly features R799.95

If you’ve been reading Connect for a while, you’ll know we believe Microsoft makes excellent-quality hardware. You’ll also know that Microsoft is fond of collaborating with Razer, a PC peripherals manufacturer that specialises in high-quality gaming products. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that we’re reviewing this awesome keyboard and mouse set from Microsoft, designed with Razer’s help. Basically, this is a special package consisting of the Sidewinder X3 gaming mouse, the Sidewinder X4 gaming keyboard and a copy of Microsoft’s excellent Age of Empires 3 Expansion, The Asian Dynasties. What is being offered here is a keyboard and mouse upgrade that won’t break the bank, but will enhance your gaming experience with dedicated functionality, as well as some really attractive looks, and comfortable, ergonomic touches that will keep you gaming for longer. The X4 keyboard has some pretty straight edges, which is odd for a Microsoft product. It gives the keyboard a slightly more aggressive look than you’d find on standard keyboards. Its layout is identical to that of any given Microsoft keyboard (a good thing for anyone already accustomed to it), and the keys press easily and don’t make too much noise (nothing that will keep the neighbours awake, anyway). While the keys are a bit on the small side, they should be fine for people with average-sized hands to type on without hitting unintended keys. In addition to this standard layout, the X4 has several extra keys that are customisable with what are known as “macros”, or in-game shortcut keys. The greatest thing about this is that the X4 remembers whatever macros you’ve set up for each game, so you don’t have to set up anything more than once per game. Drop out of a Modern Warfare 2 online battle, for example, and fire up Age of Empires 3: The Asian Dynasties, and the macros you created for both games are at once separate, yet mapped to the same keys. It’s sheer genius, and offers great gaming convenience. The X3 mouse is what could be called a budget gaming mouse. It’s not just an average, three-button mouse with a scroll wheel, it has extra buttons on its sides that are customisable to various functions, as well as three buttons on the top, just behind the scroll wheel, that can be used to set the mouse’s sensitivity without accessing a separate

Microsoft Arc Keyboard

control application. This is useful for gamers interested in boosting – or dropping – the sensitivity of their mouse cursor in the middle of a game. The all-plastic mouse is comfortable enough to use, although its bulky size might be an issue for people with smaller-than-average hands. Also, the side buttons are awkwardly placed even if your hands fit the mouse fine, resulting in some straining to press them at best, and a complete inability to reach at worst. Thanks to the varied sensitivity settings, the cursor’s speed can be customised to suit you, regardless of whether you like it fast and nippy, or slow but fine. These two great peripherals offer excellent value for gamers on a budget, and the inclusion of the fun real-time strategy game, Age of Empires 3: The Asian Dynasties, makes this a value-packed bundle offer that gamers will appreciate. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • X3 Mouse • Resolution: 2000 DPI laser • Image Processing: 7080 frames per second • Max Acceleration: 20G • Max Speed: 45+ inches per second • USB Reporting: Full-speed, 500Hz • X4 Keyboard • Keys: Red-backlit keys with adjustable brightness settings that include “off” • Macros: Assign up to 18 dedicated macro keys with shortcuts per game • Media keys: Play/Pause, Previous Track, Next Track, and Mute

Pros

Cons

• Great gaming peripherals for a solid price • Programmable buttons and macro keys are a boon to serious gamers • Backlit keys look really cool in the dark, plus their brightness is adjustable • Adjustable sensitivity settings will suit just about any mouse user

• Mouse is a bit bulky and the all-plastic build is less grippy without rubber • Side mouse button positioning is a little awkward; some might not reach it at all • Keyboard keys are a wee bit on the small side • Included game is an expansion that requires the original Age of Empires 3 to play

Overall rating

This fancy yet minimalistic wireless keyboard is an excellent choice for an onthe-go keyboard to be used with a notebook.

Logitech Performance Mouse MX

Logitech’s top-of-the-range mouse is great for gaming, general use and, of course, it can work on just about any surface you care to put it on.

perfect companions

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for PC This amazingly good firstperson shooter will work even better with the X4 keyboard and X3 mouse; the ability to macro common actions will definitely help you get the drop on your enemies.

www.connect.co.za | 41

product reviews

products

Samsung SyncMaster XL2370

This LED-backlit 23” widescreen monitor is a great place to start your love affair with large screens. It’s ultrathin, its display capabilities make everything look good, and it’s a lot cheaper than you’d think.

Samsung SyncMaster B1930n

If it’s more an entry-level screen you’re after, this 19” widescreen LCD from Samsung might be what you’re looking for.

emachines V700 Projector

For a less traditional way to view your computer content, consider this affordable projector and make the whole wall your screen.

Acer G245HA 24” LCD Monitor NEED TO KNOW • Big and wide LCD that’s great for gaming • Accommodates inputs of all kinds • Bright screen with high contrast R2 499.95

When shopping for a screen for a home or office PC, it’s best to balance price with size and performance. That can be difficult given the range of screens out there, but we feel that Acer’s G245HA monitor gets things just right. We found that the G245HA strikes the right balance between size, price and performance. It’s nice to see 24” screens dropping in price, making them accessible to a wider range of customers, as their advantages are tremendous. Everything from writing documents to doing online research to gaming is enhanced by that extra space. It’s easier to position documents or even just Windows Explorer windows side by side for a direct comparison without feeling like you’re being cramped, which on its own justifies the purchase price. Happily, the G245HA doesn’t stop there. This screen doesn’t use the latest LED-backlighting technology, but the advantage is that its CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lighting) backlighting tech is older, more established and, therefore, cheaper to manufacture. This impacts significantly on the screen’s cost to you. Even so, it manages an impressive 300cd/m2 – also known as NITS – of brightness, and an 80 000: 1 contrast ratio. The result of these two figures is a screen with excellent colour reproduction, with blacks very black, and colours very bright. Since image quality is a large part of the reason you buy a decent monitor, the G245HA ticks all the right boxes, especially as it boasts a very low response time of only 2ms. It’s also a looker. The screen’s design is such that it appeals to gamers and anybody with a flair for style. The X-shaped base looks aggressive, and the V-shape of the lower part of the screen really adds an extra layer of “grrrrrr”. The G245HA has a native HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, and viewing angles are good at a delightful 176°/176° so you’ll be able to see what is being displayed from all but the most extreme angles. The screen is very glossy, however. This can be good, as it emphasises blacks and intense colours, but the downside is a tendency to be rather reflective.

42 | connect | September 2010

At the back of the screen, it’s possible to plug in video sources that use DVI, VGA and HDMI connectors, making the G245HA quite versatile as a monitor for computers, DVD players and video game consoles. There are two built-in 2W speakers, and a 3.5mm audio-out jack that can be used to output sound to a stereo system or computer speakers. About the only other criticism (apart from the absence of LEDbacklighting) that can be levelled against this screen is the fact that there is very little tilt to be had, and no swivel to speak of (beyond physically repositioning it). These visual decorations, along with very good colour reproduction, sharp text and details make the G245HA an appealing purchase. Throw in the fact that you’re paying barely more than R100 per inch of screen, and you’ve got a definite winner on your hands. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Size: 24” • Format: 16:9 • Pixel Pitch: 0.276mm • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 @ 60Hz • Frequency: 30-80KHz / 55-75Hz • Response time: 2ms • Contrast: 80 000:1 • Brightness: 300cd/m2 • Horizontal/Vertical tilt: 176°/176° • Colours: 16.7 million • Backlight type: CCFL, 4 lamps • Speakers: 2 x 2W Pros

Cons

• Very affordable, very large screen • All the inputs you could possibly need • Superb overall image quality and responsiveness

•No swivel and limited tilt • CCFL backlighting is so last year • Screen is a bit glossy and reflective

Overall rating

CMY

product reviews

products

HP Photosmart Wireless e-All-in-One (B110b) Canon PIXMA MP560

Canon’s PIXMA range of photo printers is worth a closer look if you’re interested in printing photos at home.

perfect companions

Olympus SP-800UZ Digital Camera Great printed photos need a great digital camera, and we’re quite fond of this one from Olympus.

SanDisk 4GB SD Card Memory cards make it so easy to transfer your photos from your camera to your printer.

NEED TO KNOW • Designed specifically for photo printing • Innovative ‘print from e-mail’ feature • Easy to connect to your wireless network R1 499.95

HP is working hard to connect to the environmentally-conscious buyer these days, as evidenced by the new Photosmart Wireless e-All-in-One photo printer. When you open the box, you’ll immediately notice that the printer is wrapped in a bag made of recyclable material as opposed to traditional plastic, and while there are still bits of plastic and tape that have to be removed before using the printer, it’s clear HP is trying to be more responsible. The company is also adding in new features to appeal to more people; this particular Photosmart is not only wireless, it can also accept prints sent to it via e-mail using a service HP calls “ePrint”. This is a somewhat strange feature, but it lets HP claim that you can print to your Photosmart from anywhere in the world that has internet access. This is true – once you set up your printer’s account at HP’s ePrint Centre, you can send a blank e-mail with no subject to your printer with the photo you’d like printed attached, which will then be printed out. While it works well, the setup process leaves you with an e-mail address that looks more like a string of meaningless symbols as opposed to something easy, like Deon_photosmart_lounge@hpeprint.com. Once you’ve added the address to your contacts list you’ll be fine, though, so it’s not a train smash by any means. The setup process for the Photosmart e-All-in-One is as smooth and painless as we’ve come to expect from HP. Your hand is held at every step during the software installation, and the LCD screen plays animations that illustrate how to install the cartridges. If you can read and follow instructions, you won’t have any problems at all getting set up. Scanning and copying functions are performed via the printer’s easyto-use interface, and the results are very pleasing. On the print quality side, the Photosmart’s prints come out looking pretty good, although you’ll still get better results from a photo lab. The printer can accept photo paper as well as normal A4 pages; we recommend a proper office printer if you’re going to be printing general documents, as the Photosmart is better-suited to printing photos than text. The USB cable that is needed to do the initial setup of the printer on

44 | connect | September 2010

your computer is included in the box. We’re very happy to see HP doing this more and more as there is nothing more annoying than getting home from the shops only to find you need a USB cable to complete the installation of your printer. The look of the printer is rather attractive; the Photosmart boasts a grid-like pattern on its lid which breaks up the piano-black finish nicely. Its design is still quite boxy and its footprint is not particularly small, but it’s an attractive printer nonetheless and will look great in a study or office. It’s also very power-efficient, and won’t chew through electricity when powered on, or idling. HP’s Photosmart Wireless e-All-in-One is a solid effort from HP that includes some new features that will undoubtedly appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Functions: Printer, Copier, Scanner • Dimensions: (H x W x D) 20 x 45 x 42 cm • Weight: 6.02 kg • Printer engine: Inkjet • Software: HP Photo Creations, HP Smart Web Printing, HP Photo Print Gadget • Memory: 64 MB • LCD display: 2.36 inch • Connections: USB , 802.11n Wi-Fi • Paper sizes: A4, A5, A6, B5, C6, DL, B5 • Print speed: (B&W) 9 ppm • Print Speed: (Colour) 8 ppm • Scanner type: Flatbed • Scanning resolution: (native) 1200 dpi • Supported memory cards: SD, MMC Pros

Cons

• Very easy to set up and use • ePrinting is a novel new way to print • Wireless networking is convenient • Improved environmentally-friendly packaging

• No way to customise the printer’s e-mail address • Photo lab prints still look better overall • Footprint is not the smallest

Overall rating

products

Samsung ML-1660 Laser Printer NEED TO KNOW • Compact monochrome laser printer • Excellent 1200 x 600dpi print resolution • Low power consumption • One-touch convenience R699.95

How can something so small be so efficient? This will probably be your first thought when you take the Samsung ML-1660 mono laser printer for a spin. Samsung claims this is an ultra-compact printer designed to meet specific printing needs in the home or small office. Because of its size, you might be tempted to think it’s an inkjet printer, as laser printers are usually heavy and bulky. But the ML-1660 is surprisingly light and small in size. While not big on the fancy bells and whistles, this device will definitely lighten your workload, which is all you really want from a printer – fussfree efficiency. And the Samsung ML-1660 has bucketloads of it. That being said, it does have one or two functionalities we’re not used to seeing on printers that bear such an inexpensive price tag. Take a look at the ML-1660 and you’ll see a Print Screen button located on the control panel. This feature lets you print the contents of your screen even when you’re away from your desk. A quick touch prints the whole screen, as you see it on the monitor. Hold the button for more than two seconds, and the ML-1660 prints the last item you were busy with – if that’s not convenient efficiency, we don’t know what is. There’s also Samsung’s AnyWeb Print software that lets you go hunting and gathering for print content on the Internet. You can utilise the ML-1660 to select, drag and drop content from different web pages onto a printable scrapbook in your browser window. It’s the easiest way to collect, arrange and edit those useful reference points and resources while doing your web-based research. Consumers and manufacturers alike seem to be fond of the `green’ card, and in terms of being environmentally friendly, Samsung has made sure that the ML-1660 consumes no extra power when the printer is not in use. It simply requires that you be a little more conscious in your print practices. The main power button, located on top of the printer, allows you to quickly put the printer into standby mode ; you can then reactivate it once you need something printed. The Samsung ML-1660 is also very quiet when operating whisper-quiet, in fact, as it generates a noise level of less than 49dBA while it’s printing, which, in case you needed something to compare it to, is less than the gentle hum of a running refrigerator. The ML-1660’s footprint is only 43cm x 35cm, which is tiny when you

Microsoft Office 2007 Home & Student Edition

take into account the extended input paper tray at the front and the power plug at the back. This means that no matter how cluttered your desk, or how small your office, there’s always space for the ML-1660. We loved how easy it was to set up – and it’s a definite bonus that the toner cartridge is already installed in the printer, so all you have to do is peel the plastic from the panels, plug in the power and USB cables, run the software, extend the paper trays and toss some paper into the ML-1660. You can be up and running in five minutes – no mess, no fuss! In terms of paper handling, the input paper tray at the front of the printer will hold 150 sheets, and the output will take up to 100 sheets before it starts to spill over. While this is not a printer that should be used for high volumes of printing (its duty cycle is 5000 pages per month), its paper-handling capacity should be adequate if all you want to do is print school/varsity assignments at home (as long as you don’t need colour, of course) or invoices for your clients in your office. The best thing about the Samsung ML-1660 becomes apparent before you even unbox it. It has an attractive price tag for a mono laser printer. Plus, you get the convenience and speed of laser prints while only having to purchase one consumable – the toner cartridge. With a sprinkling of smart print features, moderate paper-handling capabilities and a small form factor, you’ll find this the perfect addition to a home study or office environment. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Print speed (Monochrome): 16 pages per minute • Processor: 150MHz; Memory: 8MB • Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/2003 Server/2008 Server, Mac OS X 10.3 – 10.6, Various Linux OS • Connectivity: USB 2.0

Pros

Cons

• Really small and compact – fits easily into any office space • One-touch print functionality is super-nifty • There’s only one toner cartridge to replace, and it lasts quite a while

• USB connectivity only, but for this price, you can’t really expect more • Best for printing text, doesn’t handle graphics well

Overall rating

Includes Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and OneNote – use this system of programs to compile documents, lay out assignments, create spreadsheets and presentations, organise notes, and research and manage every aspect of your academic/office life in one place.

Canon 5600F Scanner

High-performance scanning at its best, suited to scanning photographic and film prints. Seven EZ buttons automate the scanning process, making it a snap to scan, copy and create e-mails and multipage PDFs.

HP 650 Fax

HP inkjet technology gives you reliable black-andwhite faxing and allows you to send and receive at 14.4kbps and make crisp black copies with the touch of a button.

www.connect.co.za | 45

product reviews

products

Canon PIXMA MX860

Features like automatic duplex printing, passwordprotected PDFs and Super G3 High-speed Fax, along with networkable Ethernet means the MX860 will help almost every aspect of business administration run as efficiently as possible.

Samsung ML-1915

Mono laser printers with low price tags are usually plagued with high running costs and low print speeds, but not the ML-1915 – it’s quick, highly capable and economical.

HP DeskJet 470wbt

Print great-looking documents and photos with the take-everywhere H470wbt, which comes equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology and a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and a duty cycle of 480 pages per charge.

Canon PIXMA MP640 all-in-one printer NEED TO KNOW • All in one: printer, scanner and copier • More connectivity options than most AIOs • Intended for a high-volume work load • Cost-effective in terms of consumables R1 999.95

Canon has been revamping its high-end all-in-one printer range over the past year or so, replacing the skillful MP610 with the MP620 and MP630, giving them both a new print engine, one wireless and the other duplex. It’s perfectly logical, then, that the new MP640 combines both, to tie the ribbon on the range. So the new Canon PIXMA MP460 features USB and 802.11b/g WLAN connectivity options as well as an Ethernet port and a built-in duplex unit for automatic two-sided printing. All this translates into multiple users connecting to the printer in a variety of ways and a high-volume workload, which makes this the perfect print solution for the busy, productive group or office. Might we also point out, at this point, that double-sided printing can cut your print paper volumes (and budget) in half. In terms of looks, if you flip up the control panel, you’ll find that the display has grown to a more sensible three inches, and the transparent scroll wheel feels smooth and durable, like it can handle its buttons being pushed – often. The rear ports are recessed so the printer fits flush against a back wall, making it a space-saver. Even with the duplex unit on the back, it still doesn’t take up much room. Once you’re done printing and close everything, this device should resemble nothing but a box. This is not only a space-saving feature; it also ensures that none of the delicate components are exposed to dust – no tray, no platen, no controls. This should help to protect your investment and ensure that it lasts longer, no matter what environment it’s placed in. Like the other printers in this range, the Pixma MP460 sports a 150-sheet rear tray and base cassette. The output tray folds open on its own when a print job starts, and this is one thing we never tire of seeing! The door on the right side of the body conceals media slots, and it’s worth pointing out here that there’s a PictBridge port beneath them. This means you can plug in your camera and print directly, without having to go through a PC. There’s more versatility with the Auto Photo Fix II, which automatically corrects your photos. The other media slots include: USB, memory cards, IrDA, and optional Bluetooth devices. Like other Canon printers, the MP640 prints from a set of five Canon ink

46 | connect | September 2010

configurations that we’ve come to expect, with a maximum resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi and in our test documents, text was bold and solid while photos were bright and detailed. The Canon ink system consists of four dye-based inks and a pigmentbased black ink to produce crisp, laser-quality text for documents. With individual ink tanks, you only replace the colour that runs out, which saves you having to toss out an entire all-in-one cartridge just because one colour is finished. Print speeds were pretty good too, with a 47-second wait for a 6” x 4” photo and 1min 37secs for a full-colour A4 printout. For documents, we clocked 8ppm in mono and 5ppm in colour. The scanner really is the fastest thing on the MP640, taking just 15 seconds for a 6” x 4” photo at 600ppi.While there wasn’t quite as much detail as with the best HP devices and colours seemed a little muted, the output is still better than most devices we’ve tried. The copies are also good, ifa bit lighter than the original, but charts and text were still sharp. Canon’s Auto Scan 3 functionality smartly detects what kind of document it is that you’re scanning and optimises settings accordingly. So if you were looking for a high-quality, multi-talented, multi-tasking print device with big connections, and one that will have a positive impact on your print consumables budget, then we’d recommend this one in a heartbeat NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Print Resolution: Black: 600 x 600 dpi; Colour: 9600 x 2400 dpi • Copy Speed: Approx. 22 seconds in colour • Scanner Type: 48-bit flatbed • 2-Way Paper-feeding • Compatibility: Mac OS X and Windows

Pros

Cons

• Loads of really useful features, like Wi-Fi, self-opening output tray and QuickStart for snappy prints. • Good connectivity options: plenty to choose from. • Closes neatly when not in use to protect inner workings.

• Copies are a bit muted/soft, but scans are excellent. • May have to fiddle with firewall settings for wireless printing.

Overall rating

products

HP OfficeJet 6500 Wireless All-in-One

HP OfficeJet 4500 Wireless All-in-One NEED TO KNOW • All-in-one printer for home use • Networkable via Wi-Fi and Ethernet cable • 100 page document feeder, 20 page output tray R1 499.95

HP’s OfficeJet Wireless All-in-One printer is aimed at home users looking for a multi-function printer that can handle mixed document types. It is kitted out with both wired and wireless networking options, can send and receive faxes, copy documents and scan them. Print speeds are not what we’d call exciting, but the quality of both text-heavy documents and graphics is good enough that they are worth waiting for. If you’re not in a hurry and you don’t print a great deal every month, the OfficeJet 4500 Wireless All-in-One might be worth a closer look. It’s obvious this printer occupies the entry-level portion of the OfficeJet range, as it has fewer frills than either the 6500 or 8500 series. It has a two-line monochrome LCD that displays instructions and menu options, a document feeder capacity of only 100 sheets, and a somewhat plasticky build. It makes up for this with its relatively low price and rather small footprint, so it’ll not impact on your desk space or wallet too severely. If you’re fond of using the draft setting for your documents, the OfficeJet 4500 will undoubtedly satisfy you; it’s only once the quality settings are raised that the printer slows down considerably. This is not really a problem if you don’t print a lot or you have a lot of patience, because as we mentioned before the quality of the 4500’s prints is actually pretty good. While it won’t print amazing photographs even on HP’s photo paper, they’re still good enough to show friends and family. Documents with lots of graphics and text on them come out better, though, which puts the 4500 squarely in the ‘home office’ category. Scans fare quite well too, as the 4500 can scan at a resolution of 4800 x 1200, resulting in clear, sharp scanned document files. The optical character recognition software that comes with the printer isn’t wonderful, though – it will accurately recognise the text in scanned documents, but it won’t retain the original’s formatting. For that, rather get a decent OCR software package like OmniPage. In an unusual twist, the 4500 can fax in colour. Fax functionality is

handled well, too, as the printer redials busy numbers every few minutes, and sent and received faxes are very clear. The printer’s installation is straightforward thanks to a very clear installation process that highlights instructions with Flash animations. It can take a while, though. Setting up networking requires the printer to be connected to a Mac or PC via USB cable (included), but once that has been run it can be disconnected and placed wherever you have wireless network coverage. The 4500 only has 802.11b/g wireless networking support, so it’s best not to place it too far from your router. Its duty cycle is only 3000 pages per month, and you can expect around 360 pages of colour documents from a single tri-ink cartridge, and over 500 pages of text if using the XL black cartridge. Overall, the OfficeJet 4500 is a solid and dependable printer for a home or home office user, even if it’s not the fastest. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • All-in-one functions: Print, copy, scan, colour fax • Printing technology: HP Thermal Inkjet • Paper Handling: 100-sheet input tray, 20-sheet automatic document feeder, 20-sheet output tray • Scan resolution: Up to 1200 dpi • Copy resolution: 600 x 1200 (black), 1200 x 1200 (colour) • Fax memory: Up to 100 pages • Speed dial memory: Up to 90 numbers • Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet • USB Cable Included: Yes Pros

Cons

• Nice, small footprint takes up minimal space • Good print quality even in draft mode • Wireless and wired functionality is useful

• Not a very fast printer • Optical character recognition software loses document formatting • The build could be a bit stronger

Overall rating

The 4500’s bigger brother, the 6500 has a full colour LCD screen, prints significantly faster and has an overall lower cost per page. It is more expensive, however.

Samsung CLP-315

You also might want to consider Samsung’s CLP-315 laser printer for quiet colour laser printing.

perfect companions

OmniPage OCR Software For professional-level optical character recognition software that will retain your document’s original formatting, OmniPage is your best choice.

www.connect.co.za | 47

product reviews

products

Iomega eGo 2TB External USB Hard Drive Iomega Prestige 1TB External USB Drive

This product has a whole Terabyte less space, but you do get a very sturdy aluminium drive cage with it.

Windows 7 Professional 32-bit

With Windows 7’s built-in backup features, all you really need is a huge hard drive on which to save your data.

Verbatim Executive 500GB USB Drive

For proper portability, a USB drive that draws power over the USB port rather than from the mains is what you need. This rubber-coated one from Verbatim will do the trick just fine.

NEED TO KNOW • 2 000 Gigabytes of storage space • New, awesome-looking case • Transfer data via USB • Comes with free backup software and utilities R2 299.95

Lately the amount of digital storage available has increased dramatically, while prices have tumbled. A year ago, for example, you’d have paid this price for a single Terabyte of space in an external drive. Thankfully, progress is upon us, and we’re able to review Iomega’s latest external portable hard drive that gives you a whopping 2TB with which to play. Iomega has definitely put some effort into polishing the look of its storage products – and it shows. This device comes in a slightly bulky but still great-looking case made of dark plastic and has a desktop stand that resembles a stylised snowmobile track. Iomega gets top marks here for trying. Delving beneath the surface of this great-looking, high-capacity drive, we discover that Iomega has included several utilities with the product that serve to enhance its basic properties. These products, part of Iomega’s Protection Suite, help you back up your data, clone your PC (more on this in a bit), and even use an online resource as a backup location. They need to be downloaded as opposed to coming standard on the drive, but this is a minor niggle as they’re not huge, bandwidth-intensive applications. The most interesting of these is a program called v.Clone. Iomega is owned by a company called EMC, who also owns popular virtual PC vendor VMWare. This means EMC can leverage both companies’ strengths, resulting in an external hard drive that can, essentially, clone your PC and let you use it on any other computer. This sounds complicated, but all you need to know is that with a few clicks, you can back up your entire computer to your eGo drive, complete with programs, settings and data. You can then take the eGo drive to another computer, run the v.Clone software, and use that PC as if it were yours. The initial backup process can take a while (say, 2 minutes per gigabyte of data), but once it’s done, the software keeps it 100% synchronised with your main PC. It’s an interesting alternative to taking a laptop with you everywhere you go, but, of course, the compromise comes on the

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performance front. Your ‘cloned’ computer will never perform as well as your primary PC does. Still, this is a small price to pay for such cool portability. Other, more standard backup software comes with the drive: Roxio Retrospect Express lets you set backups, choose what to back up, and then automatically does it at the chosen time. It also handles data restores, and can even restore your computer to a previously-saved state. Online backup is handled by “Mozyhome Online Backup”, and even though you only get 2GB of free storage space, this is more than enough to save critically important files that need to be accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection. While a nice gesture, the Windows Live service SkyDrive gives you 25GB of online storage, completely free. Good USB performance along with a nice new look and a generous range of accompanying software makes this external hard drive a worthwhile purchase. Plus, it’s nicely priced and has more storage space than any other portable drive we’ve seen so far, which is fantastic. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Storage space: 2TB • Drive speed: 7200rpm • Drive interface: SATA-II • Transfer interface: USB 2.0 • On/off switch: Yes • Included Software: Trend Micro Internet Security v.Clone Roxio Retrospect Express Backup Mozyhome 2GB online storage

Pros

Cons

• A whopping amount of storage space • Extra software provides added value • Good looks and quick USB transfer speeds

• Online backup available for free elsewhere • A virtual cloned PC will always run slower than the original • Software is an additional download

Overall rating

product reviews

products

Canon Selphy ES3

Create customised, unique photo prints whenever the inspiration strikes, with this simple, imaginative and highly portable printer.

FujiFilm FinePix JZ 500 compact digital camera NEED TO KNOW

Canon Powershot A490

Effortless shooting is a given with this compact’s smart auto feature that applies optimum picture settings without you having to do a thing – up to 13 different shooting scenes. This camera can also capturevideo at VGA resolution with sound.

perfect companions

SanDisk 4GB SD Card Memory cards make it so easy to transfer your photos from your camera to your printer.

• 14MP camera with face detection • 10x wide angle optical, dual-image stabilised zoom • Captures HD movies in 720p with sound • Tracking auto focus R2 599.95

If you’re a fan of compact cameras, but often find yourself wishing for just a little bit more shooting flexibility, a dollop more functionality and maybe even a zoom that’s just a tad bigger, then you’ll be dead chuffed with the FujiFilm FinePix JZ500. It has all the comfortable convenience of a compact and gives you a range of shooting modes to choose from, all accessible from the new mode dial that adds even more functional flair to an already slick and simple package. This kind of digital camera has been classed as a compact ultrazoom, thanks to its wide-angle lens and 10x optical zoom; the lens is encased in a small body featuring rounded corners, making it entirely compact so there’s nothing to snag when slipped into a tight pocket or bag. The metal body gives the camera a more solid, sturdy feel and it’s very comfortable to use. Controls are pretty basic and we think they’re simple enough, even for first-time camera users. The menu system is easy to manage, as there are only two tabs: one for system settings, the other for shooting settings. Around that dial you’ll find shooting settings for scene recognition auto, natural light and with flash (which takes two pictures: one with natural light and one with flash), scene positions, and movie (1280 x 720p HD resolution video, with mono sound). There’s also a sprinkling of program auto modes, including: portrait, portrait enhancer, landscape, fireworks, sunset, beach, party, flower and pet – all of which probably cover every kind of shooting you’re likely to be doing if you’re a fan of (or travelling with) a compact like this. Although, if you’re interested in experimenting by manually controlling the settings of your pictures, there is a Program AE mode, giving you control over ISO,

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autofocus mode, white balance, and exposure compensation. Another feature worth mentioning on the FinePix JZ500 is the new Face Recognition technology. What is face recognition technology? Well, it does more than merely detect faces in your picture. It allows you to register and save up to eight individual faces in order to instantly optimise focus and exposure for that specific person, and it can handle all of those eight faces being in the same photograph, at the same time, which is pretty impressive. In terms of focus, it’s safe to say that this camera performs well on that front, as a central auto-focus is combined with tracking auto-focus (to track moving subjects) and face detection, makes for crisp, blur-free pictures. And, of course, for those up-close pictures of bugs and flowers, there’s a pretty powerful macro lens that’s going to capture every minute detail. This nifty little compact ticks all the right boxes in terms of size, performance, zoom capability and shooting options and it’s perfectly capable of capturing amazing 16:9 photos and movies in high-definition. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Zoom level: 10x optical and 6.4x digital • Internal memory: 40MB • Supports: SD/ SDHC cards • ISO range: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200

Pros

Cons

• Really small size, making it perfect as a travel companion. • Various modes/shooting options easy to use and access. • Face recognition can actually be quite fun and useful.

• Metal casing can get a bit too slick if your fingers get sweaty. • Mode dial clicks freely, so is prone to getting bumped. • Stereo sound would have gone better with 720p movie quality.

Overall rating

products

Nikon Coolpix S8000 Compact Digital Camera NEED TO KNOw • Compact point-and-shoot camera • Takes high-resolution 14.2MP widescreen pictures • 10x optical zoom for great close-ups R2 999.95

Compact cameras are great for taking along to parties, going out with friends, family get-togethers and holidays, especially when storing them is a concern. You sometimes have to compromise on features or image quality to get yourself a camera small enough for easy transport, but with Nikon’s Coolpix S8000 compact camera, this is not the case. In addition to incredible ease of use, the S8000 has a 10x optical zoom lens, takes 14.2MP images and can even shoot videos at a resolution of 1280 x 720 (720p). It’s fair to say that its capabilities go far beyond what you might expect from a camera of this size. Compact cameras appeal to people who don’t want to have to play with too many settings in order to take good pictures, and they need to be easy to use, too. Nikon’s Coolpix S8000 fills both these requirements, as its buttons are cleverly laid out and its menu system is understandable to anyone who can read. Perhaps the nicest aspect of the menu control system is a scroll wheel that is used to quickly navigate through the options, as well as dedicated buttons for Delete, Playback, Record Video and Menu. The S8000 really is easy to use, so top marks to Nikon. The camera is also very quick. Turn it on, and it’s ready for action in two seconds flat. Taking pictures is similarly quick, taking less than two seconds from the time you’ve pressed the shutter button to previewing your image. So if you need a camera that has to be ready to shoot at very short notice, the S8000 is ideal. Where the S8000 really sets itself apart from other compact point-andshoot cameras is with its 10x optical zoom lens. It’s the equivalent of a 300mm zoom lens on a DSLR, and pictures shot at this focal length come out beautifully. It’s an excellent feature to have on such a compact camera, and well worth the price. Images shot at the full 14.2MP resolution are detailed, with plenty of colour. The S8000 handles high-contrast situations well, with the light sections of the shot not causing the darker sections to look washed out.

Pictures still benefit from being sharpened using a photo-editing software package, though. The image stabilisation technology used by Nikon in the S8000 works incredibly well. Even when zoomed in all the way, the camera keeps the subject steady, resulting in blur-free images. The only concerns we have are the awkward placing of the pop-up flash, and the fact that the LCD screen looks a bit washed out in bright sunlight. Other than these, we must say the S8000 is an easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera with lots of shooting modes, a brilliant zoom lens and it’s very, very quick. In all, it’s the kind of compact camera well suited to amateur photographers looking for something more competent than the average point-and-shoot.

Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

This 10MP camera also boasts a 10x optical zoom as well as a 3-inch LCD and fast image processor.

NOTEWORTHY SPECS • 14.2 megapixels for stunning, large prints • 10x wide-angle optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens • 3.0-inch VGA Clear Colour LCD Display • 720p HD movie recording at 30fps; HDMI output • 4-way VR Image Stabilisation System • ISO Sensitivity 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 • Storage Media DS, SDHC • Internal Memory Approx. 32MB • Focus range 50cm to infinity, 1cm to infinity (Macro) • Battery life approx. 200 shots • Smart Portrait System

Pros

Cons

• 10x optical zoom lens is brilliant • Takes high-quality, high-resolution images • Also shoots videos at 720p resolution

• Flash placement might be awkward for some • LCD suffers a bit in bright sunlight • Images taken at ISO 800 and above are noisy

Overall rating

Samsung WB500

The WB500 sports a 24mm ultra-wide angle lens with a 10x optical zoom, great for shooting zoomed-in wide-angle images.

Nikon Coolpix S3000

With far fewer features than the S8000, the S3000 is suitable for anyone looking for a basic camera to be used for casual Facebook pictures.

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product reviews

products

Sony MHS-CM5 camcorder NEED TO KNOW Canon Legria FS306 Silver

Not only does the FS306 shoot great-looking SD movies, its tiny size means you can take it with you wherever you go. It also records straight to memory card so you can quickly and easily share your movies.

Samsung SMX-F40 Digital Memory Camcorder

If you’re looking for a camcorder for easy, quick videos under a wide range of conditions and are wanting quality and user-friendliness, look no further than the F40.

Sony Handycam DCR-SX44

Shoot standard-definition video footage with this handy little camcorder that’s ready to shoot as soon as you open the LCD display.

• Shoots 1080p and 720p video • 2.5-inch swivelling LCD • One-touch upload to web • 5 x optical zoom • Also shoots 5MP still images R2 499.95

The Sony MHS-CM5 camcorder has been fondly dubbed the “Bloggie” and it’s perfect for capturing those YouTube-worthy moments or recording home video, or even your own video blog posts. In the age of the social media network, everyone is a potential broadcaster, and everyone is a potential star, and this is the perfect camcorder to get you started. If you’ve been shopping for a camcorder for a while, you’ll probably notice that most of them tend toward a flip-design. The Bloggie sees a return to the old-school pistol-grip design, and while this means a bit of a sacrifice in terms of size, (it’s more bag-friendly than pocket-friendly), going bigger does have its advantages. First, there’s a noticeable difference between the digital zoom found in the flip models and the 5 x optical zoom on the Bloggie. While the Bloggie’s optical zoom isn’t mind-boggling and the autofocus tends to be a little on the slow side when you zoom, the image does turn out relatively sharp. However, you must keep your hand rock-steady at the higher zoom levels or your video will appear very shaky – but this holds true for just about any camera, so it’s not a complaint aimed specifically at this camcorder. What the Bloggie can do better than most cameras, though, is focus on objects as close as about two inches. Most other camcorders (with higher price tags, too, mind you) can only do about six inches in macro mode. With the Bloggie, you can get almost macro-like shots of objects, which can be important for those who want to show close-up details of their subjects. Sony’s Steady Shot electronic image stabilisation works only when shooting at 720p, 30 frames per second, or if you’re using the lower 640 x 480 mode, which means it’s not available in the 1080 or 60 frames-persecond capture settings. In our opinion, this isn’t much of a problem either, as the video actually looked better without the electronic image stabiliser and seemed to be less jittery. For a rock-solid image, you’re best-off using a tripod and to this end, there’s a threaded tripod mount on the bottom of the device. To turn the camcorder on, you simply open the LCD and if you press the

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menu button, it brings up options like resolution settings, image stabilisation, and face detection (which commands the camcorder to identify faces and focus on them). Then you have the option to switch to still-image capture, and you can do so in 5-megapixel glory. You can also choose whether or not to turn on features like face detection. The Bloggie is powered by a removable, rechargeable Lithium- Ion battery that should give about 105 minutes of recording time before needing a recharge. In terms of audio, the sound recording was better than average, but we still would have liked a microphone input, to add an additional stereo microphone. Once you’re done shooting, Picture Motion Browser Portable 5.0 software allows for one-touch uploads to YouTube, DailyMotion, Picasa, PhotoBucket and Shutterfly, as long as you’ve stored your user name and password for each service. It’s also dead easy to e-mail clips to friends and family. Overall, we found the image quality to be decent and the colours warm and rich, while video is sharp. The camcorder adjusts for exposure relatively quickly while the autofocus seems to lag, but the video looks solid. Basically, it does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It lets you create video content that’s suitable for uploading to and sharing on the Internet, so super-high quality video capture isn’t really necessary here. Noteworthy specs • 1080p, 720p, 480p supported resolutions • 26MB integrated memory, SD card support • Connectivity: 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x HDMI output , 1 x Component video output • Expandability: 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo, 1 x SD Memory Card

Pros

Cons

• One-touch video uploading to YouTube, MySpace and Facebook is great • USB charging is a convenient option • Capable of focusing on objects close-up

• Relatively large size, and doesn’t come with a carry case • No HDMI cable included for HD output to HDTV • Electronic image stabiliser does not work in all video modes

Overall rating

product reviews

products

Philips DCM580 Docking Entertainment System NEED TO KNOW

Philips DC570

Priced slightly lower, the DC570 is not quite as loud, nor does it have a rotating iPod/ iPhone dock or a CD player.

Bose SoundDock 10

It’s a lot more traditionallooking, but the Bose SoundDock 10 puts out amazing sound and can be used as an alarm clock too.

perfect companions

iPod Touch This is one of the best music and video players on the market today. While it’s not cheap, it is worth every cent you’ll spend on it.

• Tubular tower that plays music from CDs, iPods and iPhones • More volume and versatility than previous models • Vertical design makes for easy room placement R2 999.95

Philips has been around for over a hundred years, so they know a thing or two about technology. This is no more apparent than in the company’s new DCM580 music tower, which plays music from everything from CDs to iPods to iPhones. If you’re thinking it looks a little familiar, that’s because we reviewed its cousin, the DC570, in our May issue. If that leaves you wondering whether the DCM580 is a significant upgrade over the older model, we’re happy to say that yes, it is, with plenty of touches that make the overall listening and operating experience that much more refined. The DCM580’s design is that of a tubular tower that can occupy a corner, taking up very little space in a room. This is convenient and smart, as music players positioned in corners are able to easily fill a room with sound while not being in the way. This is really where the similarities to the DC570 end, as the DCM580 is a rather different animal in terms of how it operates. For starters, the iPod docking/charging station located at the very top of the device is flat, with two clips on either side that secure any iPod or iPhone 3G/3GS. This makes them easy to operate without feeling as if you’re about to push them out of the dock, or break them. Also, the dock rotates, allowing you to view any videos stored on your iPod Touch/iPhone in widescreen format. This is a big step up from the DC570, which had only one possible position for your iPod Touch or iPhone. The DCM580 is also able to play regular audio CDs as well as MP3- and WMA-filled ones. Towards the top is a slot that uses a tray-less insertion mechanism to take the CD from your fingers, always a classy touch in any music player. This is something the DC570 cannot do, so the DCM580 is great for anyone still not interested in parting ways with their CD collection in favour of digital music files. Speaking of which, the DCM580 has a handy USB slot for external storage devices like USB sticks and hard drives. These can be used to store music, which the DCM580 can play – as long as they are in MP3 or WMA format. It also has an auxiliary audio function, which can be used to play music from any audio source that uses a 3.5mm headphone jack for output. The DCM580 can also be used as an FM radio.

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As soon as an iPod or iPhone is connected, the top of the device lights up in blue. This looks really cool at night, but thankfully you can turn it off so it won’t disturb your sleep, should you place it in the bedroom. A quirk to the DCM580’s design is that the LCD located at the very top of the player dims automatically so you cannot see the time or the function all the time; this is the one part of the player we’d be happy to have on constantly. Maybe that’ll happen in the next design revision. Most importantly, the DCM580’s volume has received a boost courtesy of a new 4.1-speaker system and an extra 40 watts (RMS) of power. This gives it a total of 140W, so you can really pump your tunes and get the neighbours to call the cops on you. Happily, even at lower volumes, the sound is warm and rich, and the subwoofer volume is adjustable so you can find the right balance for you. If you’re after a classy, loud and versatile hi-fi system, the DCM580 system from Philips is a very good buy. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • iPhone Compatibility: iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS • iPod Compatibility: All except for the Shuffle • Dock: Rotatable • Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm auxiliary • Playback Media: USB flash drive, CD, MP3-CD, WMA-CD • Tuner Bands: FM Stereo • Output Power: 140W (RMS) • Speakers: 4 speakers, 1 subwoofer • Remote Control: Yes, controls all functions • Alarm: Yes, from iPod, USB or radio • Sound Enhancements: 4 presets, Live Sound, Dynamic Bass Boost

Pros

Cons

• Stylish tubular tower design takes up minimal space • Redesigned rotating dock is very solid • Rich, warm sound with good bass

• LCD panel at the top of the device dims automatically • Base does not provide a sturdy enough foundation

Overall rating

products

Philips DCM 250 iPod docking station

This docking system has more than the iPod/iPhone on its mind and features a CD player, an AM/FM radio, an alarm clock and a USB port for plugging in a non-iPod MP3 player. That’s a lot of functionality in one device!

Exspect iPhone In-Car Holder NEED TO KNOW • Fastens to windscreen using suction mount • Twist-and-lock mechanism • Rotates to either portrait or landscape • Access to all functions of iPhone R199.95

Getting caught by the police talking on your cellphone while driving could lead to a hefty fine. Put that money to better use instead, and get yourself a handy, easy-to-use car kit – like this one from Exspect. Not only are you sparing yourself from possibly getting a traffic fine, but you’re also being more safety-conscious. No matter how good a driver you think you are, your concentration is impaired if you’re holding your phone to your ear while also trying to change gears, indicate and turn corners. So save yourself loads of hassle and be a more responsible road-user by keeping both hands where they’re meant to be, at all times. The Exspect iPhone In-Car Holder is one seriously neat, compact in-car holder for the iPhone, and it’s compatible with all iPhone models. It offers you versatility for optimal use in the car, as it mounts firmly to the windscreen or dashboard, much like a GPS device. However, unlike a GPS, it can swivel, so you can use your iPhone in either portrait or landscape mode, depending on your preference. Attaching it to the windscreen/dashboard requires a simple twist-and-turn operation in accordance with the arrows shown on the mount. Because it’s such a simple affair to set up in your car, it’s just as easy to remove and relocate to another car. So it’s perfect if you have more than one car in the garage, or spend a fair amount travelling, and thus driving rentals. It’s small enough to fit into a briefcase and can be stowed away in the glove compartment when not in use. So no need to worry about it going missing or taking up too much room in your luggage. There are no cables to hassle with, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it into the cigarette lighter. Most importantly, there is no costly, invasive installation like we had with the hands-free kits of yesteryear. All functions of the iPhone can be accessed while fitted to the holder, and you have the convenience of answering calls with a swipe of a finger. You can make that important phone call using the iPhone’s speaker phone

functionality, without having to split your attention between driving, keeping the phone pressed to your ear, and keeping a lookout for roadblocks. If you’re not a fan of using the speakerphone functionality, you can always use the headset that came with your iPhone. The mount places the phone at eye level, which means you can keep track of incoming mail or calls, and text messages. You don’t have to miss anything because your iPhone is no longer out of reach in your handbag/briefcase. This in-car holder really proved handy when we were using the built-in Maps application on our iPhones to navigate our way around the city. Instead of having the iPhone lying on our laps, and having to take our eyes off the road to view it, we simply mounted it to the dashboard like a GPS, and used it like one. The iPhone fits snugly and securely into the car mount, so no matter how many speed bumps you might fly over, there’s no chance of it being dislodged. Both the iPhone and the mount remain firmly in place, where they’re meant to be. That is, until you’re ready for them to come out. If you’re looking for a wire-free option for in-car communication and would like the added convenience of being able to use it in any vehicle, plus use the iPhone in any orientation, then we’ve found the perfect device for you. You’ll soon be BFF with the Exspect iPhone In-Car Holder.

perfect companions

iPhone 3GS The iPhone is the king of touch phones and with access to a host of applications, a slick interface and lightning-fast 3G connectivity, this phone lives up to the Apple hype.

Noteworthy specs • Sturdy, durable plastic build • Swivel–and-lock suction cup • Snug, firm grip on the iPhone

Pros

Cons

•Easily transferable between cars •Switching between portrait and landscape mode is a nice option to have • Fuss-free hands-free kit

• Having the device mounted to the windscreen and thus visible is a potential security risk

Overall rating

Skullcandy FMJ earphones If you’re looking for a replacement or an upgrade to the standard earphones that came with your iPhone, the Skullcandy FMJ should prove to be an affordable, quality improvement on what you’re used to, allowing you to listen to all the music stored on your iPhone.

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product reviews

products

Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus iPod Docking Station

Get up to ten hours of playback time with spectacular sound quality delivered by a speaker system that combines 5.1cm active and 7.6cm pressure drivers for deep bass and rich, full sound.

Sony Wearable Walkman Player

This distinctively different MP3 player fits compactly around your head so you’re free to move without the constraint of headphone wires.

Philips DC570 Digital Player Speaker Tower

The vertical design of this docking station is intended to take up as little space as possible, while still producing excellent sound. Also features an FM tuner, alarm clock and a variety of inputs, including USB.

Bose Companion 2 Multimedia Speaker System NEED TO KNOW • High-class multimedia speakers for your PC • Dual input speakers allow for secondary media source • Small size, impressive sound • Magnetically shielded to prevent interference R1 399.95

Aside from your television, it’s likely your computer is your primary entertainment station: games, movies, music, online chats, web browsing and more are all done from your PC. If you spend a lot of time in front of the computer, it makes sense not to rely on standard computer speakers – you need something that will enrich the experience. Bose’s Companion 2 speakers unleash your computer’s true audio potential with powerful, full-range sound for CDs, DVDs, MP3s, streaming videos, games and all other audio content. Bose’s Companion 2 speakers work to enhance the subtleties in your music while at the same time elevating the feel of movie and game sound effects. Bose’s TrueSpace stereo signal processing works hard to extend the sound you hear way beyond the boundaries of the speakers themselves. This creates a realistic soundstage that pulls you further into your content than ever before, adding depth to your gaming and movie-watching experiences as sounds seem to come at you from all angles. The speakers also automatically adjust tonal balance for rich, substantial audio performance at just about any listening level. In terms of the visual package, you’re getting two compact speakers measuring 8cm by 19cm by 14.9cm and both are angled slightly upward so the sound is aimed toward your ears when seated at the computer. With their metallic-silver finish and clean, business-like styling, the Companion 2 speakers deliver the sort of understated, elegant look that we’ve come to expect from the Bose brand. The speakers are fairly light, yet still hefty enough to give the impression that they contain quality components. Bose has, for your convenience, placed the volume control knob and headphone jack on the front of the right speaker. On the rear panel of the right speaker you’ll find all of the system’s connectivity – power jack for the AC adapter, a mini jack connector for connecting the two speakers together, and two sets of full-size stereo RCA inputs. If you’re wondering what these two inputs are for, one is obviously for a PC, while the other is for any other secondary audio source you’d like to hook up to, like an iPod or a stereo receiver. Bose even supplies a

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mini jack-to-RCA cable for the PC, and a standard set of stereo cables for connecting larger gear, which most manufacturers neglect to do. We can’t decide whether it’s a good or a bad thing that the two inputs are active simultaneously; what this means is that if two sources are plugged in, you get a mixed output. In certain instances it can be quite handy; for example, you can hear notification sounds from your PC even as you’re listening to your music player. Each speaker contains one 2.5-inch full-range driver and is magnetically shielded, so they won’t interfere with picture quality on your monitor if the two are in close proximity. If thundering bass is what you’re looking for, these aren’t the speakers to consider. However, if you’re looking for pleasing, balanced sound in a compact package, look no further. Highs are crisp and clean, and bass is commendably decent, if a little surprising when you consider the tiny modules that are producing the bass. While the sound output won’t blow your eardrums, this is not necessarily a bad thing. If you’re looking for a multimedia speaker system, and your criteria are small form factor, slick design, excellent sound quality and the ability to plug in more than just a PC, you’ll be pleased as punch with the Bose Companion 2 Multimedia Speaker System. Noteworthy specs • 2.5-inch full-range speaker drivers • 2 full-size stereo RCA inputs • Bose TrueSpace stereo signal processing • Magnetically shielded to avoid interference

Pros

Cons

• Small, sleek design and form factor, with the option of secondary inputs • Good range in sound – impressive for a small package • Bass can be controlled by moving the speakers toward and away from a wall

• Cannot turn off speakers unless you unplug the AC adapter • No manual bass/treble controls, but bass can be controlled by correct placement • Would be nice to have the option to power these speakers through a USB port

Overall rating

product reviews

products

Professor Teaches Windows 7

Learn the ins and outs of Microsoft’s latest and greatest operating system with the Professor’s help! Lessons are given using screens that look exactly like the real thing so you learn quickly and easily.

Professor Teaches Office 2010 NEED TO KNOW • Software that teaches you how to use Office 2010 • Interactive lessons in a simulated Office 2010 environment • Not just theory – learn by doing • Also includes lessons on Office 2007 and German language training R299.95

Microsoft Office 2010 Home & Business

Once you have the skills, you’ll want to practise them on the real thing. Office 2010 Home & Business comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook.

perfect companions

Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3000 No office is complete without a comfortable and responsive keyboard and mouse set. Having it wireless, too, is a bonus.

Computers are wonderful learning tools. They’re also pretty complex devices and require a fair amount of study before they become accessible enough to assist you on your quest for knowledge, creativity, or even just how to e-mail friends and relatives overseas. This is where software like the Professor Teaches series comes in: it covers a wide range of everyday software, from Windows to Office, to the basics about computer security. It teaches you step-by-step how to use that software with the help of a simulated software environment that looks exactly like the program you’re being taught to use. This package covers every program in Microsoft’s newly-released Office 2010 Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher) and takes you through the revised interface of each program, covering topics from the most basic all the way up to the more advanced features. Each program is installed separately, so you don’t have to have everything installed if you’re only interested in learning more about Excel 2010, for example. Learning objectives are split up into chapters, and there is an introduction and a small quiz at the end of each chapter to help you remember what you just learned. You don’t have to do each chapter in sequence, so you can start from any point, in case you’re not a fan of going over basics you already know. The American-accented voiceovers used are highly professional, which adds a great deal of polish to the software. Instructions are always clear, and visual cues appear to help you click on the correct lesson elements if you’re not sure what’s expected of you. The information conveyed is always relevant and is delivered in such a way as to keep you interested all the way through. In essence, if it’s training you’re after, you’re getting a lot for your money. So much, in fact,

58 | connect | September 2010

that you can easily spend up to four hours per application learning the ins and outs necessary to make you a proficient user. There are over 700 lessons in total for you to go through, and if you have the time, we’re convinced you’ll become far more proficient than the average office worker in each of Office’s applications. This is about as good as interactive learning software gets, and your money and time will be well spent in the Professor’s company. If that’s not enough to convince you, the package also contains training on Office 2007, and in as much detail. It doesn’t stop there, either – included in the box is a copy of Transparent Language’s German software, worth a few hundred rands, which will set eager learners on their way to grasping the basics of German. All in all, this is a brilliant deal packed full of value, and one we recommend to e-learners of all ages and skill levels. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS • Pentium PC or higher • Microsoft Windows 7, Vista or XP SP2 • 150MB hard drive space • DVD-ROM drive • 1024 x 768, 16-bit colour display • Sound Card • Speakers or headphones • Mouse

Pros

Cons

• Interactive lessons simulate the real application environment • Being shown rather than told is a great way to learn • The amount of content covered in the lessons is extensive

• There is no option to turn the voiceover off • The window the software runs in is rather small • Some unexpected errors occurred during testing

Overall rating

products

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8

Apple Aperture 3 NEED TO KNOW • Works well with the iPhoto software • Faces and Places features • Precision non-destructive Brushes • Custom multimedia slideshows R1 999.95

If you’re a Mac user, you’ll more than likely have experienced iPhoto, which comes pre-loaded with all Mac computers. You’ll probably also have, at some point, wished you could do more with iPhoto. If you’re nodding your head at this point, then Aperture 3 will blow your socks off. Aperture 3 is Apple’s version of photo-processing and photo-management software. It bears some similarity to Adobe’s Lightroom application – it sits somewhere between Lightroom and Photoshop in terms of functionality and ease of use. Version 3 has seen Apple adding over 200 new features, all of which are intended to attract casual photographers (those already comfortable with iPhoto) into the lucrative realm of paid-for photo-processing software. Luckily, the added features are actually worth the cash, and top on our list of ‘likes’ is the Faces and Places functionality as it allows for better image organising through intelligent tagging and recognition. This feature gives you the option to upload directly to the web so you can share easily to Facebook and Flickr. Photographs can also be e-mailed easily. Aperture stores all your images in a central library, and these are arranged according to filters, which you must set up according to your needs. We suggest you do some careful thinking when you first set up your organisation system, as it’s not that easy to change once it’s been set up. The editing and adjustment suite of tools is excellent and you can manually adjust your photos with all the regular features like exposure, brightness, etc. There are also awesome presets that you can use to make changes. Aperture even allows you to create your own presets. All this is great, but the one thing we couldn’t find was a sync function that would allow multiple images to be edited in the same way, in bulk. This is the one feature that many photographers rely on (and you’ll find it in Lightroom and Photoshop) to ensure that a series of photos is edited consistently, and to speed up the editing process. However, as this software is aimed at the photography hobbyist, it’s not really a big drawback.

If you’ve ever used Photoshop, you’d probably have been confused or frustrated on occasion with the layers and filter settings. With Aperture, we guarantee that you’ll love the new Brushes feature as much as we did, as it allows for easy and detailed digital adjustments without the use of difficult-to-master layer and filter settings. You can adjust anything from the entire image to tiny areas with just a few clicks, and without destroying the integrity of the original. We must stress, however, that this software is a middleweight photo-processing and photo-management application, so don’t expect much more than that from it. If you are into digi-scrapping or need to put watermarks on photographs, then this software would have to be supplemented by some other kind of photo-processing software, to allow you to do layering and texturing and text edits. But, if you just need software to manage your libraries of images and do fine adjustments to your photos, then Aperture 3 is perfect. It’s laid out well, is easy to use, and gives you everything that iPhoto doesn’t – more choice, more functionality, better organisation and more intelligent features. System Requirements • Mac Pro/MacBook Pro/MacBook/MacBook Air/ iMac/ Mac Mini • Mac OS X v10.5.8 or v10.6.2 or later • 1GB RAM/ 7GB memory for Sample Library/1GB disk space • DVD drive for installation

Pros

Cons

• Easy to install and set up • Built-in presets work really well, and it’s easy to create new ones • Adjustments and brushes work fantastically

• Slow to import and export images • No syncing function to bulkprocess many images in the same way • Not easy to change layout of Library once images have been imported

Overall rating

Elements 8 is a completely beginner-friendly program that takes just the essentials from Photoshop and presents them in a clean, easy-to-navigate format, making it a simple task to edit your digital photos and create vibrant albums.

Olympus 550WP camera

The 550WP is a nifty waterproof 10MP shooter with 3x optical zoom and 5x digital, a 2.5” LCD and basic point-and-shoot functionality.

perfect companions

SanDisk MicroSD 2GB memory card Slot directly into the camera’s adapter to give yourself plenty of space for all your photos and video clips. It’s easy to load and even easier to use.

www.connect.co.za | 59

book reviews

Digital SLR Cameras and Photography for Dummies

NEED TO KNOW • By David D. Busch • 352 pages

Covering the basics of choosing a digital SLR camera as well as essential information on the technology involved, this book also provides readers with everything from beginner’s tips on basic image composition to advanced photographic techniques using different lenses, flashes and sequence shooting. Experienced author David D. Busch also dedicates more than 50 pages to image manipulation and it’s great to see that he has covered not only industry leader Adobe Photoshop, but also Corel’s Photo-Paint, Paint Shop Pro and Ulead’s PhotoImpact. Digital SLR Cameras and Photography for Dummies, shows all the signs of an experienced writer who knows how to clearly communicate everything from the most basic subjects to advanced topics at a very manageable pace. This book is easy to follow, rich in detailed information as well as handy tips and pointers. It’s the perfect choice for those new to photography as well as a great bridging read for experienced photographers who wish to make the shift from traditional film to the world of digital. An excellent resource and an essential purchase.

Outlook 2010 All-in-One for Dummies

NEED TO KNOW • By Jennifer Fulton and Karen S. Fredricks • 936 Pages

With the launch of Office 2010 and all the new functionality built into it, it can be necessary to go over the new features and the new interface even if you’re an Office veteran. In this helpful book, authors Jennifer Fulton and Karen S. Fredricks take readers through everything they need to know about the new layout and features of Outlook 2010 in a friendly, down-to-earth fashion that makes for easy reading. One of the great new features of Outlook 2010 is that it offers integration with popular social media services like Facebook and LinkedIn. One of the many topics the authors cover is how to get it all set up, what the purpose is and how to make the most of it. You can even pull in photos associated with your contacts’ Facebook profile automatically! 60 | connect | SEPTEMBER 2010

Plenty of other topics are covered, from importing mail from previous versions to managing contacts and the calendar, setting up tasks and more, so Outlook newcomers are also catered for. In all, this is a very readable and helpful book, and one Outlook users of all experience levels can benefit from reading.

Upgrading and Fixing a PC, 2nd Edition

NEED TO KNOW • By Stuart Yarnold • 192 Pages

The idea of fixing or upgrading a PC can be rather daunting. There is so much to know and consider before even attempting such a thing that many people prefer instead to refer the task to a professional. Stuart Yarnold’s book, Upgrading and Fixing a PC, aims to help anyone attempting the task by offering useful information and advice on how to go about doing it. At the start of the book, Yarnold goes into some detail about all the available options, even going so far as to evaluate the merits of buying parts from a retail store vs obtaining them through wholesale channels and even the Internet. He outlines the dangers of doing the upgrade yourself, too, and gives down-to-earth advice on how to avoid those dangers, as well as what to do should the worst happen. Upgrading and Fixing a PC, 2nd Edition is a useful, accessible and sensible guide on the ins and outs of a home-baked PC upgrade for the beginner tinkerer.

Incredible New Books

PCs for Dummies (11th edition)

NEED TO KNOW • By Dan Gookin • 408 pages

While today’s children have never known a life without computers and for them PC use is second nature, there are still many adults for whom these desk-mounted boxes are nothing short of daunting and intimidating beasts – and this is the book for them. Experienced Dummies author Dan Gookin starts off by introducing the simplest of computer concepts before guiding readers through everything from an introduction to using Windows to more advanced topics such as networking, PC power management, and even computer security. Along the way, readers are given a brief introduction to Internet connectivity and web/e-mail use as well as being shown all they’ll need to know about burning CDs and DVDs. Among its many topics, PCs for Dummies also offers a brief introduction to digital photography – an important aspect of PC use today. The book even shows how to use a PC as a media centre, on which you can watch TV and connect to a home entertainment system. All in all, Gookin has put together another easy-to-read yet richlypacked title, and this book is a great accompaniment for anyone starting out with PCs.

Available at selected Incredible Connection stores

INTERSOFT www.intersoft.co.za

game reviews //By Tiana cline

Metroid: Other M R499.95 Those new to the dangerous world of our heroine Samus Aran will be unaware of what the Metroid galaxy holds. Samus is a bounty hunter by trade (as well as the protagonist of Nintendo’s science fiction series of video games) and she must protect the galaxy from Space Pirates. You see, they’re after the power of the Metroids – large, jellyfish-like creatures with quadripartite nuclei that are capable of siphoning life energy from any living thing. Metroid: Other M takes place between two games: Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion. The story begins with the final battle with Mother Brain that took place at the end of Super Metroid. After escaping the exploding Planet Zebes, Samus awakens on a Galactic Federation ship. After leaving, she receives a distress signal from a dormant ship floating a short distance away from a Federation vessel. Upon stepping onto the ship, Samus encounters a group of soldiers. At first, the army considers her to be an outsider, but after they defeat a monster together, she learns of their mission – to search for survivors and discover the threat they’re all up against. What’s interesting is that the entire game takes place on a single, massive Galactic Federation vessel, but there’s a huge variety of locations, from the Biosphere to the Pyrosphere, each with unique environments and enemies. For the first time in a Metroid game, you’ll be able to switch between third-person and first-person gameplay. Exploring the environment and fighting bosses in third-person is done by holding the Wii remote sideways, but if you would rather see what’s happening through Samus’ eyes, simply point the Wii remote at the screen. This unusual way of playing the game opens up many new elements, from being able to explore a room with more precision, to accurately taking on many enemies at once using Samus’ Beam weapon, which will scatter charge beams after impact and hit additional enemies. Samus is not only one of the first female video game characters, she is also a physical fighter with plenty of new moves. In Metroid: Other M, she has a number of melee attacks (another first for the series) up the sleeves of her Power Suit, such as the ability to jump on enemies to perform the powerful overblast attack. You can also use the “1 button” to counter-attack and finish off injured enemies with a deadly strike. Other cool moves include dodging enemy attacks with a well-timed sensemove and performing a health-restoring concentration move by holding the Wii remote vertically while pressing the A button. But there is more to the game than action. As you make your way towards the end, you’ll uncover a surprisingly deep storyline that finally sheds some light on who Samus really is and what motivated her to become a bounty hunter. All this is told through cinematic cutscenes. Other M is the must-play game for Metroid fanatics as it ties up a lot of loose ends. For those new to the franchise, it’s an exciting direction for the legendary video game series that any gamer looking for a bit of action-packed fun will enjoy.

62 | connect | September 2010

NEED TO KNOW • The best of firstand third-person gaming • Change your perspective using the Wii remote • All-new weapons and melee action • Finally find out who Samus Aran really is

>>consider this<< Monster Hunter Tri Why hunt alone? Try the split-screen mode where two players can hunt co-operatively, or form a team of four hunters and go online. Solo, you’ll be accompanied by an AI hunting partner, great for those challenging quests. Enjoy exciting new items, weapons and armour sets.

>>coming soon<< Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II The epic story continues as players once again assume the role of the devastatingly powerful Starkiller – Darth Vader’s secret apprentice. Unleashed II is set during the largely unexplored era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.

www.connect.co.za | 63

game reviews

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

NEED TO KNOW • An all-new MGS produced by Hideo Kojima • Incredible gameplay and a breathtaking storyline • Online multiplayer • Over 35 hours of gameplay

International Cricket 2010

NEED TO KNOW • Instant tournaments, full test series and Twenty20 matches • A roster of 16 nations • 21 stadia from across the globe

64 | connect | September 2010

NEED TO KNOW • Different game modes • Multiplayer fun • Great Wii accessories like the Balance Board

Coming >>soon<<

Metal Gear games seem to be getting bigger and better, with longer cutscenes and more in-depth storylines. On Sony’s portable player, Hideo Kojima has created what could be the biggest MGS title yet. Naked Snake is the hero of this game, and after murdering his mentor and leaving the US, he sets out on a mission to pull the CIA out of Costa Rica. Peace Walker is one of the best-looking games on the PSP, with great comic cutscenes and pencil-art flashbacks, which only add to the atmosphere. Expect a solid presentation, polished gameplay and fun co-op missions (100 extra, over and above the main story) with weapon customisation, minigames and the stealth gameplay you’ve come to know and love. Peace Walker is nothing short of epic. R349.95

Tetris Party Deluxe

Metal Gear Solid: Rising The first MGS game in the series’ history to be released simultaneously on three platforms, the game stars Raiden, one of the most popular characters now playable.

If you love the gentleman’s game, then International Cricket 2010 is a must-have title as it truly captures all the fine details, wickets and all. From fast-paced Twenty20 games to the

>>Coming soon<< FIFA 11 Did you think soccer fever was over? FIFA 11 reinvents player authenticity, on and off the pitch. FIFA 11 introduces Pro Passing, where pass accuracy is determined by your skill with the control pad, situation and urgency on the pitch.

longer test matches, you’ll have to build confidence with both your bowlers and batsmen – the power is truly with the player. The 2010 game has many improvements, like the ‘Action Cam’, which takes you right onto the pitch. Officially licensed by the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia, the game features official players, stadia and kits over and above the wide range of game modes. International Cricket 2010 is, without a doubt, the most authentic interactive cricket experience to date. R599.95

There’s nothing quite like Tetris, the age-old puzzler of falling coloured blocks. And since Tetris was first invented back in 1984, there have been many versions. Tetris Party Deluxe is exactly what you would expect and more. Puzzle lovers will enjoy a lot of extra play modes like the ability to create your own puzzle or steer a Tetrimino through challenging courses. Other options include making a blocky ladder for a little man to climb up, or using bombs for explosive chain reactions. On the Wii, you can use your Mii character as well as the Wii Balance Board. Add the multiplayer option into the mix and Tetris Party Deluxe is a lot of gaming fun. R499.95

>>COMING SOON<< >>coming soon<< Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 From one pitch to another, Tiger 11 allows you to choose from the US or European squad and participate in various competitions, including the prestigious Ryder Cup.

Hasbro Family Game Night 3 Your favourite board games are coming to life. Why not spin the wheel of fate in The Game Of Life, find out who did it in Clue, tie yourself in a knot with Twister, or try your hand at Yahtzee? It’s all there and so much more!

Gigaset Communications [+ legal form] is a trademark licensee of the Siemens AG. As of 1 Oct. 2011 Gigaset products bearing the trademark “Siemens” will exclusively use the trademark “Gigaset”. 1] Dependent on country/network/operator *] When in standby and not charging. **] When handset is in standby.

game reviews

Halo: Reach

NEED TO KNOW • Fight alongside a squad of Spartan soldiers • Live the events that set the stage for the Halo trilogy • The definitive multiplayer experience

NEED TO KNOW • Become a master of deception • Experience war as a strategist • Bluff your way to victory

Coming >>soon<<

Fans of Halo really know how to show their Master Chief madness for the Bungie series. With over two billion hours of logged gameplay (on Xbox LIVE), Halo fans from around the world have shared countless pieces of user-generated content, created original Machinima series, and some have even held Halo-themed weddings! Halo: Reach is truly an evolution for the genre. The game follows the story of Noble Team, a squad of five Spartan soldiers as they make their final stand on planet Reach. And like previous Halo titles, Reach is a first-person shooter that has action-packed multiplayer options, phenomenal visuals and an intense campaign. Halo: Reach is a must-play game for any Xbox owner. R699.95

R.U.S.E

Gears of War 3 This story of hope, survival and brotherhood concludes the Gears of War trilogy. With the last human city destroyed and the remaining survivors stranded, time is running out for Marcus and his comrades as they fight to save the human race.

There’s nothing quite as sweet as taking your new Lamborghini for a spin. Welcome to the world of Test Drive Unlimited. This is the second game in the series to transform the driving genre. In TDU2, there is a mode where you can get out of the car and socialise in a Sims-like world of cars and money. Test Drive Unlimited 2 seamlessly blends single and multiplayer experiences, creating an evolving and dynamic world of fast and furious challenges. First, you’ll define your online persona, customising everything and anything from avatars and vehicles, to the acquisition of property and clothing. Then, participate in all-new race types, vehicle classes, environmental challenges and locations. Live and drive a luxurious international lifestyle both on and offline! R599.95

R.U.S.E is a one-of-a-kind RTS game that allows you to bluff your enemies to lead your nation to victory because, after all, the art of war is deception. In R.U.S.E, you can control the action from the heart of the battlefield by really getting into the full theatre of war, managing units and accessing land. Best bit? The interface has been simplified (and it shows up only when you need it) to a few buttons that makes the gameplay easier to get into without losing any of the experience. Inspired by Poker, R.U.S.E is a lot of fun and will keep your brain awake as you conquer and divide effortlessly. R599.95

>>Get this<< Civilisation V In Civilization V, players strive to become ruler of the world by establishing and leading a civilization from the dawn of man into the space age, waging war, conducting diplomacy, discovering new technologies, going head-to-head with some of history’s greatest leaders, and building the most powerful empire the world has ever known.

>>consider this<<

Test Drive Unlimited 2

NEED TO KNOW • Live updates and offline integration • Customise yourself, your car, and your house • Get out of your car and be social

66 | connect | September 2010

>>coming soon<< F1 2010 Enter the world of Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher in F1 2010, a fully licensed racer with cutting-edge graphics, an advanced physics systems and integrated network play.

StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty The epic saga of the Protoss, Terran and Zerg continues as these three unique and powerful races clash in the fast-paced, real-time strategy sequel to the legendary original, StarCraft.

advertorial

What makes for

a good lens? Buying a zoom lens for a DSLR camera requires a lot of research and a good grasp of what makes for a worthwhile purchase. When looking, examining three specifications will give you a good idea of a lens’s quality: focal length, aperture rating and image stabilisation.

Focal Length Focal length indicates a lens’s field of view, which is basically how it “sees” the world. It’s measured in millimetres, and a lower rating means the lens captures a very wide image. As that number increases, the field of view narrows, and the end result is a highly magnified, very focused image. A lens rated as 18-35mm, for instance, is a wide-angle lens, and anything rated over 100mm is considered a telephoto lens. Get a wide-angle lens if you shoot landscapes and group photos, and a telephoto if you shoot small, detailed subjects like birds or you like close-ups of objects in the distance.

Aperture A lens’s aperture rating is an indication of how much light it allows to reach the image sensor, and thus its shooting speed. Aperture speed is measured in “f-stops”, and is represented by a number like f/4. The lower the number, the larger the aperture and thus the more light the camera allows to reach the image sensor, important when taking pictures in lowlight situations. You’ll sometimes see it written as F/4-5.6, which goes hand in hand with the focal length, and indicates the maximum aperture speed at the minimum and maximum focal length. Lower is definitely better here, especially for action shots and low-light situations.

Image Stabilisation Some lenses have built-in image stabilisation technology that keeps your shots still, even when your hands move. If the body of your camera has IS built-in, this feature is not strictly necessary. If you shoot a lot of close-ups, IS will help keep your shots blur-free, especially handy for those times you find yourself without a tripod.

Sigma lenses Japanese lens-maker Sigma has a well-deserved reputation for producing excellent telephoto lenses, and these three are no exception. Sigma’s 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS lens is an incredible telephoto lens that has three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements that provide optimum colour correction & sharpness throughout the entire zoom range. A special lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, resulting in high-quality images regardless of the zoom level used. Pick up one of these if you need a compact, versatile and go-anywhere zoom lens at a very affordable price. Sports and nature photographers interested in a super telephoto lens should look at Sigma’s APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG HSM. It takes rocksolid sports pictures and wildlife shots thanks to optical stabilisation (OS), and its high-speed, ultra-quiet motor helps the lens autofocus quickly. Chromatic aberrations are minimised by its rear-focusing system, and colours are kept bright and vibrant by the lens’s SLD glass elements. This lens is ideal for discerning buyers looking for a great ultra-zoom lens. Sigma’s 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM lens is a lightweight, high performance lens with a 13.8x zoom that is roughly equivalent to a 24400mm lens on bigger-format cameras. Its lightweight, compact build makes it an all-purpose lens that can be used to shoot anything from portraits to sports scenes to landscapes, while maximising image quality using Sigma’s SLD glass elements and three aspherical glass elements.

tech tannie

She eats your issues for Breakfast

and follows them up with a nice shot of rooibos for that extra zing!

issue of the month: Q:

I recently bought Splinter Cell: Conviction for my PC and it has taken eight hours to install. Eight hours! Every now and again an error message pops up saying, “Can’t read file” or somesuch and, even though I have swapped the disc twice, I cannot get the game to load. Surely all the discs can’t be bad? Dis[c]gusted in Durbs

If you have questions, gripes or just seek some solace, e-mail Tamsin, our friendly tech tannie at techtannie@connect.co.za 68 | connect | September 2010

Now look here, bokkie, you may have just made some poor oke in a shop run all over the place for you for no reason! While sometimes discs can be faulty pieces of rubbish, this sounds like a case of a dying DVDRom to me. I had this problem just the other day, in fact. There I was, happily installing Tech Advisor Simulator [sic] when boom!, my DVD-Rom made a funny noise and the disc didn’t load. Obviously, as a supreme technological being, I didn’t kick my PC, have a bit of a cry and then troubleshoot it. Instead, I immediately checked my drivers, as you should do, right now. Are your drivers up-to-date? Does a question mark or alert icon appear over the DVD-Rom icon in the Device Manager (I’m assuming you’re using Windows here but if you use OpenSource, do a bit of a Google to uncover your particular route to the device manager/solution). If there is such an icon, download the latest drivers, restart your machine, and try again. Still no luck? If you have an external drive, check that it is still plugged in (you could have accidentally pulled out the cord while you waited for the gamte to load) and check that your surge protector hasn’t been damaged. If you have tried plugging and unplugging several times, replace the cord. If that still fails, then you may have to replace the drive. For an internal drive,the power comes from the power supply so check the connection to the drive and try another just in case. If there is power going to your drive but it still isn’t working properly or taking ages to install the game, then there is every chance that the drive itself is faulty. Sorry for you.

I don’t get networking. I just don’t. I had enormous problems when I used Windows Vista and someone told me that if I upgraded to Windows 7, I would have a far easier time of it. Instead, I am poorer a whack of rands and still can’t get my home network to run properly. Networked in Nelspruit

The problem we have here is that it’s unlikely I can resolve all your networking problems in one teeny tiny little column. Networking is a moerse ding and, I can tell you, my personal pet hate. The number of times I’ve been seen stomping around the house/office trying to get my network to play nicely with me are uncountable on four hands. In short, it’s a blerry nightmare. However, I can throw some basic tips your way in the hope that one of them is going to be something you haven’t tried yet. You see, youhaven’t told me what router you’re using, what network settings you have, and what tech you’re using, whether it’s wired or wireless. This makes it very difficult for me to pinpoint the problem. You may need to find a friend who’s a networking genius. They exist, yes, they do, and they are very proud of their amazing ability to channel the networking ether. Open the network and sharing centre, click on Troubleshooting and scroll down the menu. Choose the options that best suit your particular situation and problem. The network connection wizard in Windows 7 is far superior to that of Windows Vista, so on that count, your friend was right. Hopefully, by going through these options one by one, you’ll find some way of resolving the issue. Also, doublecheck the instructions for all the tech you’re using. If you say you had problems before you changed operating systems, perhaps you’re working with a faulty device, or you haven’t set something up properly. A simple switch, click or adjustment may be all you need to do to get the system up and running. And, hey, look on the bright side. By the time you’ve finished doing all this kak, you’ll be that friend who can channel the networking ether andhave earned the right to look smug at parties.

My printer just won’t work. I cannot seem to get it to print more than one page at a time. I asked someone to give me a hand and they took some programes off the printer and now it only prints a part of that one page. I am so frustrated I want to throw it out the window. Printed in Pofadder

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. It looks like your friend (or ex-friend if I were you) should be stopped from touching your technology forever. It’s likely that they have somehow corrupted the device driver for the printer and the poor thing is now entirely deurmekaar. The quickest and most painless solution for you would be to completely and utterly uninstall the printer and then install it all over again. Find the printer in your hardware manager or control panel and delete it, then switch off the printer, unplug and disconnect it and reboot your PC. Then carefully follow the instructions in the printer’s manual and reinstall it. This should solve your little dilemma. In the meantime, why not frame one of your badly printed pages and give it to your friend as a Christmas present...

www.connect.co.za | 69

NEED-TO-KNOW SPECS • Fujinon 15x Optical zoom Lens, 24mm – 360 mm equivalent • 1/2” 12 Megapixel “Super CCD EXR sensor” • Full EXR modes, with EXR auto • New Hybrid Auto-Focus System (Contrast AF and Phase Detection AF) • Intelligent CCD Shift Stabilization System using new Gyro Sensor • Motion Panorama 360 • New accurate zoom control with less noise • P/A/S/M modes • Face Detection, Face Recognition, Pro Focus Mode • Full HD Photos and 720p HD movies, view with HDMI port • 3”, high contrast 460k dot LCD with Wide View Filter • Super Intelligent Flash • Compact size, only 103.5 (w), 59.2 (h) and 32.6 (D) • Ergonomic grip, with slanted mode dial and command dial • Image Search • Dog / Cat Detection • Favourites Rating • Photobook Assist

Subscribe to

Subscribe now and you could win a Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR Following in the footsteps of the awardwinning top-end ‘F’ series, Fujifilm’s FinePix F300EXR is a new, top-end, 15x zoom camera that has an Auto Focus speed of 0.158 sec, as fast as the blink of an eye. It works with phase detection sensors that receive the incoming light of images and calculating the phase difference to find if the object is in front focus or back focus position. What does this really mean? Using the FinePix F300EXR, you have the ability to instantaneously capture the subject in the frame without ever facing the possibility of a missed shot. What’s more is that this

is especially effective when shooting at telephoto – conventional digital cameras take their time focusing in on the subject, but why wait for the perfect shot when you don’t have to? The quality 15x lens offers an incredible 24mm – 360mm focal length and has a 3-inch high contrast wide-view 460k resolution LCD. If you’re a discerning photographer that is looking for the perfect compact camera that is compact but still has a high zoom range without compromising on picture quality, the FinePix F300EXR delivers all of this and more.

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2/12/10 12:21 PM

disconnect //By adam oxford

Spa Sham Do evil e-mail authors really think we’re stupid?

ooking back, it seems astounding that a column about the everyday problems of using a PC has existed for over a year and barely mentioned spam mail. It’s number one in the annoyance chart, taking up time and valuable bandwidth while making fat crooks richer at the gullible’s expense. Spam isn’t just a massive security risk, as it hand-delivers millions of infected files every day. Some experts believe that over 90% of all e-mail traffic around the world is spam. What ends up in your in-box is only what’s left after powerful and expensive filters at your ISP and mail server have done their best to stop the bulk of it getting through. That’s a lot of wasted bandwidth and resources, which affects the speed of the Internet as a whole. What really annoys me about spam, though, isn’t that the majority of it is so offensive, or that I can’t check my mail in front of my daughter, or that e-mails that offer me work often end up surrounded in ads for Viagra because they’ve been mistakenly marked as junk. It’s not the time it takes to wade through the headlines offering to increase my manhood, or the amount of money it costs me to block these unwanted ads. It’s the fact that spam writers think I’m really, really stupid. I don’t mean the famous 419 letters either. I’m simply amused that they still exist. Surely there’s no one left who still believes that members of the Nigerian royal family send e-mails to strangers wanting to launder large amounts of cash? 72 | connect | September 2010

The spam that gets to me is the lazy and unimaginative stuff. I mean, virus writers are portrayed as sinister genii in the Moriaty mould. Journalists talk about them employing devious ‘social engineering’ techniques to spread their filth. This is just sensationalising the mundane. What they really mean is that someone figured out links about sex or money are more likely to attract attention. Well... duh. Take a mail I got the other day. It was sent from a friend’s hotmail account, and had all the hallmarks of a proper hack attack rather than just a random e-mail address entered into the ‘reply to’ field. All of his e-mail contacts had got it, for a start, and it was even signed off with his name. That was as convincing as it got, though. I don’t know about you, but I get a lot of e-mails from friends telling me about their latest purchases or gadgets they’re really interested in. Very few of those e-mails are phrased, “Hey, I’ve just bought an iPad 32GB and you should too. Check out this site.” It’s an instant flag that the message isn’t genuine. I wish I could say that my friends have a better command of English than to write, “May all goes well for you” as a valediction, but I’d be lying. Still. There is a lighter side to spam. It can tell you who really cares about their website. Posterous, for example, is a quick and dirty tool for blogging that allows you to create a new post on your site just by sending e-mail to your server. It’s very convenient, but has interesting consequences for spam. For example, I googled a phrase that cropped up in the message that had been sent to all the addresses in my friend’s account. It was repeated, verbatim, on several Posterous blogs. Clearly the site owner picked up the virus, which had e-mailed Posterous and delivered the spam message as a blog entry. This advertises to the world that their owners have a “fire and forget” attitude to writing, never checking back to see what’s actually happening on their site. How long before one of these accidental e-mails becomes government policy because no one bothered to check its source? I’m taking bets...

6760_SE_X10 Mini ad_connectmag.indd 1

2010/08/03 11:15 AM