/ct_22_feb_11 by Brett Haggard

February 2011

Outwit spammers

Easy E-mail Management

Be accountable Better business software

ick Click cl

vroom vroom... Can you Buy a Car Online?

Best of CES Technology Come Trends to

R14.95 incl. VAT

Listen

: asics b to k Bac headphone help

Top

Reviews MONITORS LAPTOPS CAMERAS PRINTERS SOFTWARE cellphones GAMES

www.connectmag.co.za

VOL02 Issue #10

FEATURES 10

Better Business with the Best Software Keep accurate records and ultimately save time and money

february 2011

Back to Basics: Headphones From looks to listening preferences and everything in-between

Outwit Spammers All about effective e-mail management

CES Reportback Connect magazines goes to the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas

How to Not Break: Your Cellphone Helpful tips on tricks for big-time talkers

Click Click, Vroom Vroom Online car shopping is easy

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 44 46 48 50 55 56 59 60

Top 5 Notebooks Printers Projectors Cameras and Camcorders Computer Peripherals External Hard Drives Sound Accessories Books

GAMING 62 64

PUBLISHER Brett Haggard brett@connectmag.co.za EDITOR Tiana Cline tiana@connectmag.co.za

TECHNOLOGY Deon du Plessis EDITOR deon@connectmag.co.za JUNIOR WRITER Tamaryn Watkins tamaryn@connectmag.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Tamsin Mackay Adam Oxford ART DIRECTOR Jason Palmer jason@connectmag.co.za

Xbox 360: Kinect Special Reviews

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@connectmag.co.za ADVERTISING Dorothy Haggard dorothy@connectmag.co.za

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

Contact Hypertext Media Communications (011) 023-8001/4 info@hypertext.co.za FAX 08654 83304

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speaking BlackBerry for R2* a day.

blackberry.co.za *Terms and Conditions apply – When using a BlackBerry® smartphone as a tethered modem, for media streaming, for using applications or for downloading content, billing will be in accordance with the applicable rate charge. International data roaming is not included, however due to the unique compression of BlackBerry® data, this is a very cost effective way to roam. *Excluding VAT. ©2011 Research In Motion Limited. All rights reserved. BlackBerry®, RIM®, Research In Motion® 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. * Excl VAT. Terms and conditions apply.

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21/01/2011 09:25

ed’s note

s s e n Busi usual

Subscribe now and you could a Fujifilm FinePix HS10 digital camera worth R4 999!

usiness software is boring, right? Wrong. Business software used to be a dull mix of tables and formulas only used by high-end executives. Today, accounts is easy and maths a breeze, especially when taking advantage of the many, easy-to-use software packages on the market. Everyone can be a budding entrepreneur using their home PC and there really are a lot of affordable options to make your business bloom. In this, the February issue of Connect, we’re getting to know small business software and, on page 10, Deon du Plessis explores how you can save time and money using the right tool, as well as what makes for a good software package. There’s little doubt that your car is a big money guzzler. If it’s not licences, it’s the annual service, spare parts or fines. Nevertheless, cars are an essential part of our lives, so it’s important to make a smart purchase. Did you know you can save cash by buying a car online? After reading our feature on page 28, you’ll quickly realise your days of shlepping to different car dealerships are just about over. Before you know it, you’ll be a savvy online car shopper. And while we’re on the topic of the Internet, there’s a lot to learn about being online. Being connected usually means having an e-mail address and the facility to send and receive messages. Few of us can do without this nowadays. But there’s a price to pay, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re using Google or your work mail, we all suffer from the same problem: spam. If your inbox is filling up with messages from a bank you don’t use, or a Russian millionaire desperate for his funds to be deposited into your account, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about. On page 18, we’ve put together a

4 | connect | February 2011

handy e-mail management workshop where you will learn how to outwit spammers – and protect your information at the same time. Going back to basics, in this issue of Connect, we’ve listened to your queries on hardware. So, we’ve introduced a new series where we take a look at everything you need to know – and more – gadgetwise. We start with headphones as there is so much more to these babies than simply plugging them in, so listen up! On page 14, we’re focusing on in-ear, sports, noise-cancelling, wireless and other sound options. Before you buy anything, be sure you know as much as you can about your digital, everyday items. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas every year, is the technology conference to attend. Connect was lucky enough to be there and returns to share with our readers what is happening trends-wise. From tablets to networking, storage to smartphones, read all about it on page 22. If you’re a fan of Connect Magazine, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single issue and risk not seeing that technology review you could use. If you bought an Xbox 360 Kinect, read our gaming special (page 62) where we tell you the top titles to get for this exciting hands-free device. Add some more gaming (Kirby’s Epic Yarn and Test Drive Unlimited 2 launches this month), our resident Tech Tannie and some other bits into the mix, and you’ll find the February issue of Connect to be packed with everything you need to make more sense of your digital world. Enjoy the issue and stay Connected! Tiana Cline

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

Turn it up! With better sound

Fed up with the tinny sound from your in-built PC or laptop speakers? Verbatim speakers will give an added dimension to your work, games and music. If portability is your main concern we've got the perfect solution, or step up to great surround sound with our 2.1 multimedia portable system with subwoofer.

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news The Clever Move of MXit Chess

Consumer Protection Act Impacts Cellular Contracts If the CPA comes into effect on the 11th of April 2011 as planned, it will make significant changes to the relationship we have with service providers. One of the biggest changes made will be the fact that all suppliers will be held strictly liable for defective products. Should you receive a cellphone that’s defective, or that you’re unhappy with, you’ll now have additional remedies above and beyond the existing warranties. Consumers will also be able to terminate contracts (signed after the date of promulgation) with 20 working days’ notice. Of course, the supplier may charge a reasonable penalty for early cancellation, but it’s not allowed to be more than 10% of the remaining value of the contract.

MXit launched its chess portal less than 12 months ago and with limited marketing, the game has already attracted more than 285,000 registered players, marking a steady revival for a game thought to be diminishing in popularity over modern action games. On the 31st December 2010 there were 50,000 games in progress for the day and an average of 300,000 chess moves are played every day. Although the majority of players are South African, the game has also been well-received amongst MXit’s global users. MXit’s aim is to increase the number of registered players to 1 million users by the end of 2011. Paul Stemmet, general manager for sales at MXit, explained that MXit has opened the platform for a partnership opportunity with an appropriate marketer who would not only benefit from access to MXit’s gigantic community of over 30 million users, but also to a ready and captive community that so avidly already plays the game.

iPhone App of the Month: TomTom Lost? Need to find your way? What could be more essential than a GPS application for your cellphone! The TomTom App for iPhone (version 1.6) now includes TomTom Map Share. This enables iPhone users to make changes instantly to their own maps and to benefit from free map updates made by the TomTom community. What else you’ll get with this must-have app?

• The most up-to-date maps: No mobile signal or data plan is required to browse the map and navigate to a destination. • IQ Routes: Actual speed data collected from millions of users to accurately calculate travel time. It allows for rush hour, traffic lights and even shopping crowds. • Navigate-to-photo: Easily navigate to a location by selecting a photo stored in the iPhone gallery

• Multitasking functionality: Receive turn-by-turn directions while the iPhone is running other applications

• Spoken street names and advanced lane

guidance: Turn-by-turn spoken directions and spoken street names • Local Search with Google: Locate and route to countless points of interest (POIs) by tapping into the latest local Google listings from within the TomTom App.

The TomTom App for iPhone is available for purchase via the App Store. Continental and regional versions of the TomTom App are available for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPod touch users at http://www.tomtom.com/tomtom-app A 12-month subscription for HD Traffic is priced at R 272.91 (€29.99) A 1-month subscription for HD Traffic is priced at R 45.41 (€4.99)

6 | connect | February 2011

Google’s Real-Time Translator Tool Google has taken steps toward breaking down language barriers. Google has begun converting Android-powered smartphones into real-time interpreters with experimental software that enables the smartphone to translate phone conversations in two different languages. Used in conversation mode, two people speaking different tongues can finally have a telephone conversation (providing they both have Android handsets) and understand each other without the presence of a human interpreter. Google Translate on Android devices is currently capable of voice recognition in 15 languages. Handsets running Android 2.1 or later versions of the OS are able to download Google Translate through the Android Market.

You spin me right round...

Guitar Hero’s Grammy Nominations Activision Publishing’s critically-acclaimed Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock game has been nominated for Best Metal Performance and Best Hard Rock Performance for Megadeth’s “Sudden Death” and Soundgarden’s “Black Rain”, respectively, at the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards. Inspired by, composed exclusively for, and debuted in the game, “Sudden Death” marks the first time an original track created for a videogame has been nominated by The Recording Academy for the prestigious awards. “Black Rain,” which debuted on both the band’s first new album in over ten years, Telephantasm, and in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock simultaneously, marked the first time an album has received RIAA platinum certification upon the day of its release. Hailed as a “must-have videogame” by CNN and the “best guitar game” by USA Weekend Magazine, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock was released on September 28 2010. For more information about Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, downloadable content, visit http://www.GuitarHero.com

Local Belkin distributor Gopic ran a two-month promotion at Incredible Connection stores in 2010. All customers who purchased a qualifying Belkin product and filled in a competition form stood a chance to win a 1.3l 2010 Volkswagen Polo Vivo worth over R100 000. Centurion resident Chris de Kock (27) was the ecstatic winner on the day. The keys were handed over to him in a lavish ceremony at Incredible Connection’s Boksburg branch on the 15th of September, 2010. When interviewed about the win, a delighted de Kock had the following to say: “Winning the car has truly been a life-changing experience! When I won, I did not have a car to call my own, and I used to drive my best friend’s VW Chico. I was actually frantically saving up to buy it before he sold it! “I have never owned a brand new car, and I am very proud of my new Belkin-branded VW Vivo. I work in Melrose and live in Centurion, so I drive on the most populated routes in the country, proudly displaying the logos of GOPIC/Incredible Connection/Belkin. “As a Sales Executive for Wicount (the social buying pioneer in South Africa), I travel every day to see new clients all over Gauteng. A few people have approached me when stopping at shopping centres and malls, asking ‘What is this cellphone all about?’ I’ve been only too happy to give them a brief explanation of Belkin, Incredible Connection and their products, following it up with a complementary Belkin Backpack that hopefully seals the deal when the time comes for them to consider home or office networking... “Having personal transport is probably the best thing that can happen to anyone in South Africa. I am and will always be shopping for IT-related goods at IC, and have already referred many potential clients there to purchase Belkin products. “Thanks again for an awesome prize, the awesome IC shopping experience, and quality products!” The event was attended by Incredible Connection’s top

management, staff from the store, representatives of VW SA and Gopic. Alan Mendelsohn, Gopic’s Managing Director was on hand to congratulate the winner personally. Monica Veiga, Merchandising and Marketing Manager at Gopic, said the promotion marked “…the beginning of many great Belkin initiatives to come”. Belkin is a manufacturer of high-quality networking equipment for home and office use. The company’s current range of products includes the excellent N Wireless Modem Router, which retails for approximately R2 299.95.

www.connectmag.co.za | 7

techno jargon // by Deon du Plessis

With so much work put into the Printer Buyer’s Guide, don’t be surprised if you see a lot of words that have to do with printing in this month’s Tech Jargon!

8 | connect | February 2011

TWAIN

Pages Per Minute (PPM)

PictBridge

TWAIN is a set of standards that govern the communication of image-capture devices and software programs. Every scanner and camera that is TWAIN-compliant can automatically be used by any software program that has support for TWAIN devices. So even if you have a TWAIN-compliant scanner from the 1990s and want to use it with this year’s version of Photoshop, as long as Photoshop has TWAIN support built in (and the scanner still works), you’re good to go.

This is a measure of the number of pages a printer is theoretically capable of producing in a minute. While this figure is attainable, that only happens when printing under a very specific – and not particularly realistic – set of conditions. In reality, the pagesper-minute figure depends heavily on what is being printed, and what quality settings are used. It also completely ignores the time it takes for the printer to warm up and start printing. As with yield, take with a pinch of salt.

This is the ability to print directly from a digital camera by connecting it to a PictBridge-capable printer via a USB cable. No PC intervention is needed at all, making this a convenient way of printing. It’s especially useful if the PictBridge-compatible printer being used does not have a memory card reader.

Wireless b/g/n, also called IEEE802.11b/g/n

Images Per Minute (IPM)

This refers to wireless networking technology. The b/g/n part specifies that the device in question is compliant with all three major wireless networking standards. What you want to see is the ‘n’, as this denotes support for the fastest of these standards, which also has the longest range. While `b’ and `g’ wireless networking is fine for homes and offices that are not spread out over a wide area, they are not great for situations where lots of obstacles exist between the wireless router and the computers it is trying to serve. Wireless n is the solution, as its signal strength can overcome obstacles like walls as well as travel much further, thus covering a wider geographic area. Transfer speeds (i.e. the time it will take for files to transfer over the wireless connection) are a lot faster with wireless n technology than they are with the other two.

Duty Cycle This is an indication of how long a device can be in service without failing. In printers, their duty cycle is the number of prints that should not be exceeded in a month, and thus the maximum number of prints they should be expected to produce in a 30-day period without failing. Printers with a high duty-cycle figure are generally meant for busier environments, and are more robust than others as a result.

Duplex The origins of this word are Greek, comprising ‘duo’, meaning two, and ‘plex’, meaning ‘flat surface’. Two flat surfaces sounds like it could mean a piece of paper, right? That’s exactly why the term has been applied to the technique of printing on both sides of a piece of paper.

IPM is a far more realistic measurement of a printer’s speed. It’s not a measure of the number of images printed, however. It’s a standardised test developed by the International Standards Organisation that measures the speed of 3 sets of real-world document types (Word, Excel, PDF) when printed using a printer’s default settings.

Chiclet Keyboards Keyboards with flat, rectangular keys are called chiclet-style keyboards, after a brand of famous American chewing gum whose individual pieces have a similar look. Not only are these more fashionable, but their proponents argue that they are easier to touch and more comfortable to type on. Chiclet keyboards are popular with notebook makers, as they are finding their way into everything from netbooks to high-spec gaming notebooks. Sony are especially fond of them.

Imaging Device Yield When applied to inkjet and laser printer toner cartridges, `yield’ refers to the number of pages the manufacturer believes the cartridge can print. Don’t take this figure literally, however, as the process of obtaining the best possible result (i.e. the one that casts the manufacturer in the best light) generally does not translate to usable real-world results. Our advice is to take that figure as a basic indicator of general performance, and adjust downwards somewhat, depending on the quality of your desired results.

USB USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and it was designed to provide a universal port through which a computer could communicate with external peripheral devices. It introduced the idea of `plug and play’ functionality when it debuted in Windows 95 (Revision B), which meant devices could be connected to the host computer and installed and removed without needing to reboot the system. The latest version, USB 3.0, has been ratified by all the relevant international governing bodies and should start appearing on brand-new computers within the next year. USB 3.0 offers even faster transfer speeds than USB 2.0, so expect lightning-fast USB drives to hit the market sometime this year too.

Any device that can capture or process images can be called an imaging device. Popular examples of these include cameras, scanners and webcams.

ePrinting This is one of HP’s newest technologies. It enables you to send documents to an ePrint-enabled printer via the Internet from any connected device, including mobile phones. You could be at work, for example, and send a Word or PDF document to your home printer using your mobile phone, and it would be ready for collection by the time you got there. A more fun application of the technology is to send dodgy pictures to ePrint-enabled printers whose owners aren’t very discreet about their printers’ addresses…

Web Apps In printing terms, Web Apps are applications that live on the Internet. They are accessed from a PC or a Web-enabled printer, and they can be used without loading any additional software. HP make use of these to encourage people to print more by making all manner of print-friendly projects available. Lexmark do something similar, and are in the process of building a library of user-created applications that can be downloaded to and used by their range of Web-enabled printers. The aim is to make it easier for you to print more (and also use more ink).

www.connectmag.co.za | 9

business management software //by Deon Du PLessis

better business Through software

Business software and the ways it can help you keep accurate records and ultimately save time and money.

10 | connect | February 2011

usiness accounting software has become popular – it’s like having a dedicated accountant who does the books for you. All you need to do is input the data your business generates every day. The benefits far outweigh the cost of the software in most cases, as keeping digital records of a business’ activities means quicker administration and the ability to see – with only a few clicks – what needs doing to keep the business afloat.

Did you know? A computer loaded with business management software can turn a room full of files into digital data that can be sorted through easier, quicker and more conveniently than the physical process ever allowed.

Time means money The less time spent searching through records to establish who owes what to whom, determining stock levels, what needs re-ordering, etc., the more time can be devoted to activities that bring in money. And when it comes to paying staff and tracking leave owed and sick leave days taken, software can and does greatly reduce the time needed to sort everything out and get payments rolling. Business software often features integration with online banking services, which streamlines all payment processes. For businesses with many employees and a constant flow of cash in and out of its bank accounts, integrated internet banking facilities are a time- and hassle-saver.

Before you buy a business software package, ask yourself the following: Do you need a payroll module? Many business management software packages do not come with one, making Payroll an extra module that you will need to purchase. Will the monthly support fees charged provide you with the value you need from your software solution? Be sure to check whether a low up-front cost is offset by monthly support fees that will eventually make the software a relatively pricy purchase. How many PCs will be accessing your accounting information, and what are the costs involved for using more than one PC with the software you’ve chosen? Can the software handle the data of more than one company at a time? Most business software packages are not limited in this way, but it pays to be sure before committing.

www.connectmag.co.za | 11

business management software

eZee Business Management Software

Product Picks

Connect has reviewed several great business management software packages. Read more about three top titles below.

QuickBooks Pros An extremely professional and easy-touse interface hides the complexities of everyday business management tasks. All that is needed for effective use is knowledge of the things a business does every day. For those occasions when something is unclear, QuickBooks has very friendly support staff available during business hours to field your questions. There is also a long list of features that mean QuickBooks can handle just about any kind of business need, and its invoice module offers a great deal of customisation. Cons QuickBooks comes in several different versions. Buyers need to purchase the version that suits their business model best. As such, there is a limit to how much the software can grow alongside the business, which may mean the purchase of a new QuickBooks software package as you expand. This is potentially a good thing, though, as in theory, it allows you to buy the package that best suits your immediate needs and saves you money on features you won’t necessarily use. Also, the Payroll module is a separate purchase. Price SimpleStart: R1 099.95 Pro: R2 699.95 Premier: R4 399.95

12 | connect | February 2011

Pros eZee was designed with a focus on ease of use (hence the name). It’s not the flashiest of software packages, but it certainly is easy to use. Best of all, the more you dig through its interface, the more functionality is revealed. It’s another package that requires no knowledge of accounting, just business sense and the ability to read a computer screen. Its modular design means extra features can be unlocked as they are needed, and it is priced extremely competitively and backed by friendly support personnel. Cons The program’s interface is not as polished as that of QuickBooks, and may take some time to learn. The Payroll module is also an additional cost, as is the remote backup of your business data. Price Silver version: R899.95 Gold version (includes Payroll): R1 299.95 Additional copies: Half the price of the initial purchase Remote backup: R90 per month, R30 per additional PC (optional) Support: R110 monthly per installation, R30 monthly for each secondary PC (optional)

Good Business Management Software Should: 1 Provide a system that allows users to record and store business-related information and transactions in a simple, systematic manner. 2 Give the end user the ability to see what is happening with the business’s financials at any time. From this, users can determine the overall direction the business is taking, and adjust strategies accordingly. Speedy access here is vital to making the right decisions at the right time. 3 Generate reports that can be used to compare performance statistics from previous months or years to the current figures, as well as a snapshot view of the business’ cash flow/stock levels/debtors/creditors figures for easy reference. 4 Provide a comprehensive invoicing system that makes invoicing faster and easier, track invoices effectively and also calculate appropriate taxes on the fly. Such a system should be able to accommodate discounts and reduced rates for preferred clients automatically. A good invoicing system should also be flexible enough to allow users to create and customise their own invoice template. 5 Track monies owed to the business by customers, as well as generate automatic reminders when payments are missed. 6 Track stock levels and alert users when stocks get low and need to be re-ordered. 7 Automatically calculate applicable taxes, and be able to use previous years’ tax amounts to calculate how much tax the business is likely to be facing this year. 8 Update itself automatically via the Internet. A good business accounting package will also remove the responsibility to keep up with new tax laws and legal requirements from the business owner’s shoulders.

The business owner can then focus on running his or her business, confident that any changes in the law or VAT legislation will incorporate itself into the software through an automatic update facility. 9 Adapt and change as the business’s needs evolve. It should also be able to accommodate your business, regardless of whether it’s a small corner shop or a large supermarket. Some vendors offer separate packages that cater to different business models, and some include additional functionality for bigger businesses that is already present in their software, but which needs to be unlocked by purchasing an upgraded software licence. 10 Present all the information you might need through a polished, intelligently-designed and intuitive interface. Particularly for people who have never used business software before, an interface that’s easy to learn can mean the difference between frustration and a straightforward adjustment period. A streamlined interface will ensure that all the most popular features are easily identifiable and are only a few clicks (at most) away from the main screen. 11 Come with comprehensive support, either telephonic, or in-person, or both. This is usually (almost always, actually) an extra monthly cost that varies according to the software vendor. Some vendors offer the first year of support for free, after which a monthly fee will apply. 12 Offer online backups of your business data. 13 Have an integrated point of sale module. This isn’t essential if your business is not a retail outlet that sells goods directly to the public, however. 14 Integrate with online banking facilities for the easy management of payments to and from the company’s bank account.

4POS Pros While not a general-purpose business management software package, 4POS does what it does – point of sale – extremely well. All the options you’ll ever need to run any kind of retail business are present and easily accessed once you’ve come to grips with the interface. 4POS comes with free telephone and remote support from knowledgeable, friendly support staff. Its Learning Mode gets you up and running in no time. Cons The interface is fairly basic, with little to give it much in the way of aesthetic appeal, and looks its best at low screen resolutions (1 024 x 768). The many options can be somewhat intimidating to first-time users, but the friendly support team and remote assistance options will easily overcome any initial discomfort. Price R1 700 per licence

www.connectmag.co.za | 13

back to basics //by Deon Du PLessis

Connect delves deeper into modern headphone technology and details the many options on offer.

Listen

to d ee n u o y g in h t y Ever hear about headphones

14 | connect | February 2011

eadphone technology is nowhere near as simple (or as nerdy) as it was back in the ‘80s. These days, there are several types to choose from, and it can be pretty tough deciding just what to buy. In the end, the headphones you choose should come down to your listening preferences. Are you a jogger looking to take your tunes on the road with you? Maybe you’re a casual listener wanting a new iPod headset, or a regular commuter who hates the sound of airplane engines? Do you play games or watch movies and would like headphones that do surround sound effects? With so many ways to enjoy music and entertainment, it should come as no surprise that no single headset does them all perfectly. Rather, there are headphones that are best matched to the audio task at hand.

Monster Beats by Dr Dre Studio Headphones R3 499.95 Wired, studio-quality over-ear headphones for serious audio enthusiasts (Selected stores and online)

The Big Four Ear buds These are also called in-ear headphones, as they are designed to be inserted into the ear canal or to rest on the ear itself, close to the ear canal. An example would be the default headphones that come with any iPod. These are the most portable of all headphones as they can be easily wrapped up and stored in a pocket or carry bag. Best for: Portability, comfort and their ability to isolate the listener from external noise. Not so great for: Bass, staying untangled, or people who don’t like things in their ears. Sports Headphones Designed specifically for physical activities like gym workouts and running. They have headbands that wrap over the head, or loop behind the ears and are designed not to fall out of the wearer’s ears. Resistant to knocks and jolts, the better ones won’t stop working even if they get a bit damp. They are lightweight, portable and open-backed, which means they don’t block out all external noise, which is particularly handy for joggers, who need to remain aware of their environment at all times. Best for: Listening while running, jogging, or working out at the gym. Not so great for: Producing amazing audio, heavy bass, comfort over extended periods. On-ear The most common headphones are those that rest on the listener’s ears, without covering the ears completely. They are usually covered in foam or other soft material for comfort, are not sealed so external noise still filters in, and faint audio is audible to anyone standing nearby. The general rule with these is that as the price increases, so does the sound quality. Best for: Casual listening at home, gaming. Not so great for: Isolating the listener from external noise, heavy bass. Full-size Full-size headphones are the ones that make the wearer look like a helicopter pilot. They completely surround the ears (real nerds call them ‘circumaural’) and are the biggest, bulkiest headphones available, but they do make up for this by putting out the best sound of the lot. They are also the most expensive on average, but you certainly get what you pay for here. Just don’t expect to wear them all day. They tend to make your head toasty-warm when you least want it to be. Some even have surround-sound capabilities built in, making them awesome for gaming and movie-watching. Best for: Deep bass, rich and detailed audio, surround sound. Not so great for: Portability, being lightweight, nor for being cheap.

Aerial 7 Bullet Azzuro R179.95 Wired noise-isolating earbuds that provide entry-level sound quality for mobile music lovers

Just the beginning That’s the basic headphone types covered. Now that you have an idea of which one might best suit your comfort, style and usage needs, we can look at the audio technologies that really set individual products apart.

Noise-cancelling This technology is used to reduce the effect of external noise by generating what nerdy types call ‘anti-noise’. It’s especially handy if you want headphones that are not completely physically sealed but you want that closed-in audio experience for, say, quieting cabin sounds on a long plane trip. While noise-cancelling technology works beautifully, there are two things to consider: first, its inclusion always requires batteries to power the electronics that provide the noise cancellation and second, it raises the cost of the headphones that make use of it. Happily, all of the headphone designs mentioned earlier can incorporate noise-cancelling technology, so your options are not limited. Some people don’t respond well to the anti-noise that the technology generates, though, so it might be wise to try before you buy. Best for: Showing off your good taste in audio accessories. Not so great for: Easy transport and storage – the required battery adds bulk.

Noise-isolating Ear buds that contour themselves perfectly to the shape of your ear canal using rubberised tips and some over-the-ear models seal you off almost completely from external noise. They require no extra power to do this, either, and since they deliver sound straight into your ears, you can lower the volume of your music without straining your eardrums. This noise isolation is excellent for long trips on planes, trains and automobiles, but not so good for jogging or any other activity that requires awareness of what’s happening around you. You don’t want to find yourself in the hospital because you didn’t hear that warning hooter… With the right pair of these headphones, audio can sound richer and fuller, making them a great choice for more serious listening. Noise-isolating ear buds aren’t the best at bass, though, so don’t grab a pair and expect that Bassment Jaxx track to rumble your skull from the inside. Best for: Listening to music privately, blocking the world out completely, air travel. Not so great for: Bass-heavy music, activities that require environmental awareness.

www.connectmag.co.za | 15

back to basics Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 R1 999.95 Wireless, over-ear surround-sound headphones that are great with music, movies and games

Logitech Clearchat Comfort R399.95 Wired, built-in microphone, designed for comfort, good all-round audio quality

Wirelessness Wireless headphones are finally becoming viable thanks to improved wireless technology that also means better sound quality and range. No more will you trip over cables or add to your computer desk’s clutter, and the sense of untethered freedom wireless headphones provide is exceptional. Their range is limited, though, usually to around 10m or so, and if they use Infra-Red technology for wireless communication, lineof-sight has to be maintained, otherwise the signal will drop. Wireless headphones that use radio signals fare better, allowing for a wall or two between you and the transmitter, but range is still limited. The absence of wires comes at a cost, though, but the freedom afforded is well worth the expense. One thing to be aware of is that other wireless devices like cordless telephones and Wi-Fi routers may interfere with the headphones’ signal and cause distortion or other oddities. Wireless headsets will also need frequent recharging if you use them a lot, which can be a bit annoying. Best for: Freeing up the listener from potential cable entanglement. Not so great for: Inexpensive headphones, happy cohabitation with other wireless devices, anyone who hates having to charge their tech frequently.

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Headsets with microphones The need for headsets with built-in microphones has arisen thanks to the popularity of chat programs and games that let participants shout at one another in the heat of battle. These headsets are available in many sizes and form factors, and give the user the convenience of an all-in-one communication solution for popular programs like Skype and Windows Live Messenger. Not needing a dedicated microphone that takes up valuable desktop space and adds another unwanted cable is a further advantage. Just be aware that for a decent overall audio experience, headsets that cost a little more are recommended as the cheaper sets don’t put out the best sound for music and games. Best for: Using chat programs, yelling at other gamers online, recording your own podcasts. Not so great for: Amazingly detailed and rich audio, music.

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Surround sound An immersive surround-sound experience is no longer limited to a multi-speaker home cinema setup – modern electronics engineering has managed to build it into headphones, too. When it’s done properly, surround-sound headphones can fool the listener into believing they are hearing sounds that are coming from outside the headphones, which adds a lot of enjoyment to movies and games and even music. Unfortunately, as the technology is relatively new, finding a set of headphones that gets the effect just right can be difficult. Logitech’s G930 surround-sound wireless gaming headset, reviewed in the January issue of Connect, is one of the better models available. It is a bit large, though, and can make your head warm after extended use. Best for: Immersive gaming and movies, music. Not so great for: Portability, staying cool.

16 | connect | February 2011

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e-mail management //by tamaryn watkins

18 | connect | February 2011

! t r e l A e-mail

Outwit spammers

How to keep your inbox spam-free! Are you interested in finding cheap prescription drugs? Burning off that belly fat? How about helping a desperate Nigerian diplomat transfer a large amount of money into an offshore account? No? We didn’t think so. Here’s how to put an end to spam, once and for all.

f you have an e-mail account, chances are you spend a portion of every day dealing with spam. Whether you get 2 or 3 a day or 200, sorting through and deleting these unwanted e-mails can be a waste of time and energy. Here are some tips and tricks to help you ban the spam and protect your private information online.

What is spam? Spam, or junkmail, is flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message in an attempt to force said message onto people who would not voluntarily receive it. Most spam consists of commercial advertising that often centres around dubious products and get-rich-quick schemes. E-mail spam targets individual users with direct mail messages. E-mail spam lists are often created by scanning forum postings, stealing Internet mailing lists, or searching the Web for addresses.

Why is spam bad? Spam e-mails can be used to engage in phishing – Phishing is a practice that seeks to use links inside

e-mail messages to trick you into giving away personal information relating to your financial affairs, your identity number and information relating to some or all of your online accounts. This makes it possible for fraudsters to commit identity theft and spend your hard-earned money. Spam e-mails might contain malware – Computer viruses, spyware or malicious apps can wreak havoc and harvest all your private information. By simply clicking on any link and entering your e-mail address, you’re exposing yourself to this risk. Loss of productivity – If time is money, then you’re losing both money and time when you deal with or give attention to the spam that finds its way into your inbox. www.connectmag.co.za | 19

e-mail management

surefire tips to shrink spam

1 Say no to unwanted messages Most websites today give you the option of receiving online newsletters or alerts when you register as a user on their website. They want you to subscribe to their content, so you’ll see that the check box that signs you up for any alerts will usually be ticked by default. Saying no to these updates is as simple as un-checking these boxes to be sure you don’t receive any unwanted communication.

HOW TO If you do happen to receive any e-mail newsletters that you have no desire to continue seeing, then try using the ‘unsubscribe’ option in the e-mail itself.

2 Pay attention to Web forms that may try to trick you

It’s common for websites to use misleading interfaces that give the impression that you need to register as a user to gain access to content and other services, even though registration might not actually be required. Example: Apple.com has an e-mail address field that appears prominently above the submit button on its QuickTime download page. It looks like you need to enter an address, before you’ll be able to download the software. Not so – the download will take place, even if you don’t enter your e-mail address. TO DO If you see a download button at the bottom of any registration form, it’s worth clicking it to see if it works without requiring your personal info.

20 | connect | February 2011

3 Think twice before handing out your e-mail address

4 Use your e-mail client’s spam filters

There are legitimate websites that will ask for your e-mail address in order to send you information in the form of a free newsletter or software. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it allows the website to do its business of supplying you with information and advice. Of course, there are always dodgy websites that don’t have good intentions with your personal info, so before you hand over your e-mail address, it’s worth reading the site’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You should also make sure you know exactly why your e-mail address is needed – that way you’ll know what to expect in your inbox. Other places you might want to avoid using your e-mail address include online forums, classifieds, directories, chat rooms and blog commenting sections. If you don’t supply your e-mail address, it’ll be a lot harder for Web spiders and spambots to find you.

The easiest way to fight back in the spam wars is through using spam filters that are designed to automatically recognise spam messages, filter them out and dispose of them. Your ISP should have its own spam rules for dealing with unwanted communications built into its service provision, which should take care of a lot of spam on its own. But there will be times when spam slips through the cracks, and then it’s up to your e-mail client to handle it. Dealing with it is as simple as marking messages as spam. For this purpose, most e-mail clients will have a box that you can tick next to the message, to mark it as spam. Once you’ve marked something as spam, similar messages will get filtered through to your spam folder. It’s a good idea to occasionally speed-read through the messages list in your spam folder to ensure that nothing legitimate has been incorrectly marked as spam. Removing the spam label will ensure that the spam filters learn not to make the same mistake again. Depending on your e-mail client, you’ll be able to specify certain domain names to be automatically marked as spam, or you could set it so that certain keywords and phrases are filtered out.

NEED TO KNOW Even if you’re sure everything is legitimate, it’s still better to give out a disposable e-mail address, rather than your primary address.

What’s a disposable e-mail address? A disposable e-mail address is one that you create with the view of eventual abandonment. Use it for online forms, registrations, downloads and the like. You can set it up so that certain e-mails are forwarded to your primary address and when you start being bombarded with spam, simply dispose of the secondary e-mail address and set up a new one.

TOP TIP You can also instruct your e-mail client as to what action to perform when presented with spam. You can choose to have the client delete spam immediately or leave messages in your spam folder for a certain amount of time.

4 Don’t give spammers a helping hand

Spammers send e-mail messages with the sole purpose of enticing a fraction of recipients to respond by visiting their site or buying their product. If you help a spammer by confirming that your e-mail address is active, you’re simply encouraging them to send you more spam. Spammers can validate your e-mail address when you open an HTML message online, as that e-mail contains links to the spammer’s website and will send them verification that you opened their e-mail. Attempting to unsubscribe using the link provided could also serve to verify that your e-mail address is active and be an invitation for more spam. THINK QUICK Don’t read, respond to (or open) any spam message – rather mark it as spam using your e-mail client’s filters and be done with it.

www.connectmag.co.za | 21

gadgets galore //by brett haggard

ot in ... What’s going to be h

2011 Bigger than any other event of its kind in the world, Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas at the beginning of each year is for those people that worship the consumer technology sector.

ell over 120 000 of the world’s technology-loyal make their way to Nevada’s Sin City for this showcase and with over 2500 technology companies taking exhibition space in an attempt to have their latest and greatest products noticed, it’s a pretty busy five days. What we saw? There’s tablets and slates of every size and price point, new digital cameras and camcorders designed to get people creating their very own 3D masterpieces, a bunch of new smartphones with fantastic capabilities and more accessories than you can point a stick at. 2011 is going to be a great year for the technology consumer.

22 | connect | February 2011

Smarter phones While smartphones are normally the domain of Mobile World Conference in held in Barcelona, Spain each year, CES did see a number vendors lift the wraps on their new ‘4G’ phones. While they’re not strictly speaking ‘4G’ since they make use of HSPA+ and LTE – the two technologies being put in place to bridge the ‘3G’ and ‘4G ‘worlds, the majority of the vendors exhibiting phones, showed off new versions of Android. There were however one or two interesting additions to the general mix of handsets available, like a smartphone that becomes a desktop and a notebook and a phone that’s capable of playing 3D video without the need for glasses. Motorola Atrix A new concept in smartphones, the Atrix is a pretty powerful smartphone that via a small docking station allows for users to attach a keyboard, mouse and external monitor, for all intents and purposes converting the phone into a low power desktop computer. That’s not all though. Connect it to a notebook-like dock and enjoy six hours of netbooktype functionality while fully charging up the battery.

Tablet time Ever since Apple released the iPad, the market has been a hive of activity with everyone scrambling to design better, lighter, faster and more feature-rich tablets or slates. And even though we’re waiting with bated breath to see what the company’s next move will be (it’s expected to lift the wraps on its next generation iPad in the next month or two), there’s plenty to keep gadget hungry consumers busy. Devices running the long-awaited tablet-ready version of Android known as ‘Honeycomb’ took centre stage during the five days of the show, but sadly the majority of vendors showcasing Android slates hadn’t yet made the leap to the new version of the operating system. That’s a problem, since we haven’t been massively encouraged by the tablets we’ve seen that run the same version of Android as so many smartphones do. ‘Honeycomb’ fixes all of those issues, so you’re going to want to wait until you can get a tablet or slate based on this operating system if you’re planning to go Android. You could of course, always look at Windows 7 as a tablet operating system, but as we saw, chances are you’re looking at a device with far higher hardware specifications (and thus, a higher price) than your average Android-based tablet or iPad.

Sharp shooters

Motorola Xoom The closest we’ve seen to an iPad killer, the Motorola Xoom is a 10-inch tablet with a dual-core processor and a battery that lasts 10 hours while playing back true 1080p (high-definition) video. This will be the tablet device to watch during the first half of 2011. Asus Eee Slate EP121 Proof that Windows 7can run quite nicely on a tablet PC, this 12.1-inch tablet makes use of an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of memory and 64GB of solid-state storage. That’s a more grunt than many notebooks available today and enough performance to retouch an image in Photoshop while playing back a 1080p video in the background.

3D is a big deal for the makers of big screen televisions, Blu-Ray players and last but not least, the movie studios. But the slow pace at which titles are being converted to this new format has meant that sales of 3D displays and their accompanying shutter-glasses have been below market expectations. So, to ignite this market the industry is turning to the same tactic that has seen the world get addicted to Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites, namely user generated content. With a host of new 3D still cameras and 3D-capcable camcorders destined for retail in the coming months, the manufacturers of 3D televisions are hoping to capitalize on ‘user generated content’ to get their products flying off shelves. Give people the ability to capture still images and video in 3D, but make it mandatory for them to have a 3D television in order to enjoy that content in all of its splendor. A bold move, but one that might well work. Sony Bloggie 3D A new addition to the popular range of ‘shoot and share’ Bloggie cameras, the 3D (as its name suggests) makes use of two lenses, two image sensors and stereo microphone to record 3D footage. As usual, it’s easy for users to share their footage with the world at the click of button is still there. Sony 3D Handycams Featuring ‘double Full HD 3D’, these camcorders make use of two lenses, two sensors and two image processors to lay down dual high-definition video streams. The result is the ability for users to either view the footage in 2D high definition or 3D high definition.

Lenovo U1 Hybrid Why choose between a notebook and a tablet, or Windows 7 and Android? The Lenovo U1 hybrid (only on sale in China for the moment) is a Windows 7 notebook with a detachable touch-screen that runs independently as an Android tablet. Using memory-sharing technology when the tablet is docked, browser windows, documents and media is automatically synced up.

www.connectmag.co.za | 23

mobile maintenance //by tamaryn watkins

t o n How to break: Your cellphone!

Flushed down the loo, driven over by a car or dropped from a second-storey window, there are many potential accidents just waiting to happen to your cellphone. Follow our easy maintenance guide to ensure your cellphone remains intact and working. 24 | connect | February 2011

hether you use your phone for business or pleasure, this musthave gadget has become an indispensable tool for day-to-day living. And not only are cellphones expensive to replace if broken, they contain much of our personal lives, from photos to phone numbers and more. In this issue of Connect, we dish out some commonsense advice on how not to break your cellphone. Accidents happen, and when you’re on a two-year contract, it can be a long wait until your next upgrade. So having accidental damage insurance for your phone is worth it, especially if you’ve invested in an expensive handset.

Mobile mishaps The three main enemies of any cellphone are water, dirt and shock. With some careful handling and an attitude adjustment, you should be able to avoid most mobile mishaps. It’s also important to know what needs to be done in terms of correct charging procedures,software upgrades and the like, to keep your phone performing at its best.

www.connectmag.co.za | 25

mobile maintenance

Keep it dry Water and cellphones do not mix so it’s important not to let your phone get wet. Even small amounts of moisture can corrode the internal workings of a phone, which may affect anything from the display to the memory. Don’t handle your phone with wet hands either. In most cases, water-damaged phones will have to be replaced sooner rather than later, so try to avoid jumping into pools with your clothes on. Pools are not the only sources of water danger for your phone. A wet bar counter or open toilet are just as hazardous. If your phone does happen to get wet, depending on the severity of the soaking, you might be able to revive it. Dropped the phone in a cup of tea? Now what? If your phone does get wet, try to soak up as much of the moisture as possible with a paper towel and, if possible, remove the cover and keypad so that you can dry everything down. Sucking the water out using a vacuum cleaner is also an option. Then place the phone in a sealed bag filled with dry rice, leave it in a cupboard and forget about it for a few days. The rice should help draw out the worst of the moisture. If the phone doesn’t work after this treatment, you’ll have to take it in for repairs. Keep in mind that water damage voids your phone’s warranty, so it’s something worth consciously avoiding.

26 | connect | February 2011

(Don’t) drop it like it’s hot Dropping your phone could cause the screen to crack or dislodge internal components. Newer phone models come with headsets for music, radio signal and hands-free talking options. Dropping a phone while it’s connected to an accessory will probably cause the most damage, as the impact can bend or rip out the jack where the headset connects to the phone. While you’re walking around, it’s a good idea to use a belt clip, and have the phone securely attached to your pocket or belt.

Dirt is dangerous Sand, dust and sticky fingers could lead to a build-up of residue in, under and around the keypad, which could prevent keys from working. It’s no fun trying to use a phone with certain buttons out of action. If your phone does happen to get dirty or keys start to stick, you’ll need to clean it. Cleaning is something you should do fairly routinely anyway if you want the phone to last you a long time.

How to Clean your cellphone Requirements: A phone, earbuds, a soft dry cloth and rubbing alcohol. Step 1: Most phones can be disassembled so you should remove the battery, SIM card, faceplate and keypad, if these are removable. Step 2: Dip the earbud in the rubbing alcohol and gently rub it over the surface of each part of your phone. The alcohol will evaporate almost immediately so there’s no worry about moisture damage unless you spill it over the phone. Step 3: Using a cloth, wipe clean the phone and put it back together. Not only will your phone now be sparkling clean, but it will be bacteriafree as well. Tip: Don’t use a wet cloth or wet wipes to clean the phone.

Cover where it counts A cellphone case/skin protects the whole phone and once on the phone, there’s no need to remove it except for cleaning. They’re generally made from plastic or silicone. A cellphone pouch, on the other hand, is simply a carrier for your phone and these are usually made of leather, nylon or plastic. Regardless of whether you choose a case, a pouch or both, there’s no point in protecting the phone’s body and not its face. Most skins come with a clear screen protector sticker, but these can be bought separately as well. Make sure to clean the screen properly with a dry, soft cloth before applying the sticker. QUESTION Which one should I use? ANSWER A pouch is a good option for a phone that spends a lot of time in a handbag or briefcase, while a case/skin is a good idea if you have a habit of dropping your phone, as it provides the most protection. If you were wondering which is better, a cellphone case/skin is always preferable as when you take it out of the pouch, the phone is without protection.

Recharge it right The battery is your phone’s most important component, so looking after it correctly is essential. Right from the first time you unbox the phone, you’ll need to be aware of the needs of your battery. QUESTION I’ve just bought a new phone. Can I charge it until the battery indicator is full, or does it need longer than that? ANSWER Different types of batteries have their own requirements when being charged, but for that very first charge, they should all be treated the same, as this is the most important charge in the lifetime of your mobile phone battery. With a brand-new phone, it’s tempting to give it a quick charge before playing with it for the first time, but you should resist the urge as it needs a full 12 hours to make sure the battery is at its peak. This may require you to ignore the fact that the screen may bring up the battery-full symbol after a few hours as most batteries charge to half capacity in a matter of minutes. After that, it will slow-charge, and at around 90% full, it switches to trickle-charging. For this reason, charge the phone overnight. However, never leave your phone plugged into the charger for longer than 12 hours, as this could cause the battery to overheat and internal components to melt. Car chargers or rapid chargers are not good for long-term battery life, so only use these when absolutely necessary. Tip Your battery will have text printed on it, to help you identify what type it is. Once the first charge is done, you should adopt the charging routine appropriate to the battery type to help make it last longer. An NiMH battery can endure a few top-up charges between full charges, so you should only need to fully discharge and recharge about once a week. Li-Ion batteries don’t need the full discharge at all but can easily run on regular top-up charges whenever low, but it is recommended you allow a fromempty charge at least once a month.

www.connectmag.co.za | 27

online car shopping //by tamaryn watkins

k c i l c Click

vroom vroom... Gone are the days of having to traipse from one car dealership to another in search of the perfect vehicle. Shopping for a car using the Internet saves time and usually some money, too. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the market for a new (or used) car, read the Connect guide to being a savvy online car shopper.

28 | connect | February 2011

ou book flights, do your banking, grocery shopping and order takeout using the Internet, so why shouldn’t you shop for a car online, too? With so many different cars to choose from, optional extras to consider and a budget to keep in mind, the glow of that new-car purchase might soon wear off, leaving you bogged down by the stress and hassle that can be part and parcel of finding your next car. Learn how to research your wheels online and follow a few tips and tricks to help avoid buyer’s frustration. Before you even step foot inside a dealership, you should know what you want, and to know what you want, you need to do some research. That’s where the Internet comes in handy.

Searching and surfing Research is important, so give yourself lots of time to compare makes and models, prices, features and your finance and insurance options online. Try to select several makes, models and trims so you have a fair idea of what’s out there. When shopping online, you’re not limited to dealerships in your vicinity, and many dealerships will let you browse through their inventories on their websites. They might even deliver the vehicle to your nearest dealership, so you don’t have to step foot onto the sales floor until you’re ready to do your test-drive.

The right price? When it comes to the price tag and the costs involved in buying a car, you’ll probably notice the largest benefit to shopping online. Instead of having to deal with a pushy salesperson, by the time you walk onto the sales floor, you’ll know more about your future car than he does, putting you in a much stronger position. From surfing a variety of car dealerships or classifieds sites, you should get a clear indication of the price tag of the car you’re looking for. But trying to figure out how much you’ll be repaying the bank every month for the next few years and how much interest (and at what interest rate) you’ll have paid by the end of the credit agreement is a whole different kettle of fish. Nowadays it’s as simple as consulting an online finance calculator. Simply enter the purchase price, add on the value of any extras, weigh in the deposit, decide whether or not you want insurance, and you’ll get all the facts you need to help you make the correct financial decision.

TOP TIP To help you narrow your search (and prevent you from buying the wrong car), make a list of all the things you need from a car. Consider things like whether you want an automatic or manual transmission, how many seats/doors you need and whether or not you need/want lots of boot space or a sunroof.

www.connectmag.co.za | 29

online car shopping Going…going…SOLD!

QUICK TIP You can research sellers, too. Read the feedback posted by past customers who have dealt with the same seller – a feature that works rather well on bidorbuy.co.za

Online auction sites are a great place to search for private sales, but there are a few things you need to be aware of to ensure you don’t fall prey to a scam. Once you’ve seen an auction listing for a car you’re interested in, and the price seems reasonable, it’s time to start asking the seller questions and perhaps even asking for more photographs. You should always ask for the VIN number (vehicle identification number) as this will tell you everything about the car. A genuine seller will give you as much assistance as you need and will usually do so quickly and as specifically as possible. If all your questions have been answered to your satisfaction, it’s time to ask to view the car. It doesn’t matter if you intend to actually view the car or not; the point of asking is to see whether the seller makes time for you. If there’s any resistance, it’s a good time for you to back off as there probably isn’t any vehicle for sale, anyway. If everything still seems legit at this stage, you should arrange with the AA to have an impartial inspection done on the car, which should help you identify flaws and give you an evaluation of the car.

What’s a VIN number? Just like humans have identification numbers, so do cars. Here’s what the vehicle identity number actually means: The first character identifies the country where the car was manufactured. The second number or letter identifies the car manufacturer. The third character is for vehicle type or manufacturing department. The fourth through eighth characters identify the vehicle’s attributes like body style (sedan, hatchback, SUV) and engine specs. The ninth digit uniquely identifies the car, ensuring that no two cars within a 30-year period will have the same VIN number. The 10th character is the model year. The 11th identifies the assembly plant. The 12th to 17th identify the sequence of the vehicle rolling off the production line and the last four characters are always numeric. QUESTION Why would I need a car’s VIN? ANSWER Sometimes the car’s seller may not be completely honest with you regarding the car’s history, perhaps for fraudulent reasons or simply because he isn’t aware of every little detail himself. You can request the VIN from the seller (who also needs to be the owner of the car) and use it to do a background check yourself. Using the VIN, you should be able to verify the mileage, whether or not the car was stolen, who owns the car, what insurance policies apply to that vehicle as well as its service and repair history. TIP If you’re financing your private sale through a bank, they’re usually willing (as it’s to their benefit too) to do a VIN history check on your behalf.

Paying up When it’s time to pay for your new purchase, if you’re planning on financing it through a bank, you can shop around online using the various banking websites to see what they offer in terms of interest rates and service. This would also be a good time to investigate and pick your insurance provider. TIP Hippo.co.za lets you fill in your information once in order to get 8 different competitive insurance quotes. There’s usually not that much for you to worry about if you’re buying a car that’s financed through the bank. It’s in their best interests as well to make sure they’re getting a good deal out of lending you the money to buy the car, so they’ll be there to offer you assistance if anything goes wrong. While it might seem like there are a lot of pitfalls and hazards to buying a car online, the benefits of a successful and genuine transaction are worthwhile. As a car buyer, knowing you got a great car at a good price (without having to deal with an over-enthusiastic salesperson) makes going online a worthwhile activity that’s as simple as click, click, vroom vroom! 30 | connect | February 2011

Perfectly

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The Logitech M305 Wireless Mouse

Smaller is better when mousing on the go. This compact mouse travels well, uses the latest wireless technology for incredible responsiveness, and features Logitech’s excellent Unifying technology in its ultra-tiny nano USB receiver. > the Logitech Unifying ‘nano’ Receiver: The Logitech Unifying receiver is a very small USB dongle that’s hardly noticeable when plugged in. It’s only a few millimetres thick, so it can effectively be installed and forgotten. Logitech calls it “unifying” because one USB nano receiver lets you connect up to six supported Logitech devices at the same time.

The Logitech HD Webcam C510

Small netbooks usually have low-quality webcams, which makes for low-resolution video chats. Logitech’s HD Webcam C510 solves that problem – it can record and transmit video at 720p HD resolutions, making for crystal clear video chats with family and friends. > the Logitech Vid HD: Logitech Vid HD is included with every Logitech webcam and is the easiest way to make free HD video calls. When you’re ready to make a video call, Vid uses the e-mail addresses of colleagues and family members to connect. The recipient just needs to accept the e-mail invitation to participate in a video call on Vid – it’s as simple as that!

logitech Premium Notebook Headset H555

Headphones are usually quite bulky and don’t travel well. The solution is headphones that fold flat for easy storage which this lightweight, portable headset does. It features super wideband audio and a noise-cancelling microphone too, so the quality and clarity of voice in Skype and Vid chats are noticeably crisp. > Logitech super wideband audio: Logitech’s newest headsets support ‘super wideband audio’ a technology that makes calls sound so clear it will sound like the person you’re chatting with is in the same room. As it transmits at an expanded frequency range, small emotional nuances in voice and inflection will no longer go unmissed.

Logitech Z205 Laptop Speaker

The average laptop’s built-in speakers just can’t compare with a dedicated set. Logitech’s new Z205 portable speaker bar boasts far superior sound quality, it clips securely to any laptop and can be used virtually anywhere. It’s also entirely USB-powered so there is no need for batteries or an external power pack. > Logitech audio technology: Many of Logitech’s speakers use meticulously-tuned drivers that reproduce accurate high frequency (also called treble), mid-range and low bass tones thanks to an advanced technology called Frequency Directed Dual Drivers that requires two identical full-range drivers in each speaker. Within each speaker, one driver faces forward, the other backward to transmit sound evenly in all directions.

The Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700

The Lapdesk Speaker N700 is a handy cushioned platform that rests on laps and keeps notebooks off knees. It offers a 10° tilt, offering a more comfortable typing angle, while the heat-shielding design and rear-intake fan will keep legs cool. Its speakers connect via USB cable, providing stereo audio that improves the average notebook’s sound capabilities.

product reviews // by Deon Du PLessis

I don’t like cricket... I love it!

REVIEWS

t’s February and the holidays are definitely over. On the bright side, the cricket season is in full swing and both the World Cups are just around the corner, so there’s plenty to look forward to that will make braving the crazy traffic in the mornings worthwhile. Yes I know, talking about sport should mean immediate termination of my nerd credentials, but there you have it – I like cricket and rugby. What better use of my HDTV and HDPVR, I ask you? Anyway, this month we have a whole whack of reviews for you, as always. There are a good few notebooks to read about, as well as some really cool products in our Top 5. You may notice that Logitech has finally updated its product line, and we’ve managed to get our hands on what we think is its best mid-range speaker offering yet, the Z-623 2.1 speaker set. Good stuff! And now the year gets going in earnest. See you in March, if the flood waters haven’t washed us all away by then, that is! Cheers. Deon

While we make every effort to ensure pricing is accurate before we go to print, sometimes through circumstances we have no control over, the prices in Connect may differ from those you’ll see on store shelves. In all cases, shelf pricing takes precedence.

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

Dell Inspiron All-in-One Logitech Z-623 2.1 Speakers HP Pavilion DV7-4150SI Entertainment Notebook Imagenation 15” Photo Frame Diddybeats Earphones Dell Studio 1749 Notebook Packard Bell Dot S-E Netbook Dell Inspiron 15R N5010 Notebook HP OfficeJet Pro 6500A Plus Inkjet Printer Samsung CLX-3185W Laser Printer Barkan Projector Mount Acer C20 LED Projector Kodak EasyShare Mini Logitech Illuminated Keyboard JBL On Time Micro Docking Station Logitech Performance Mouse MX Logitech N100 Cooling Pad Western Digital MyBook 2TB USB Drive Logitech Premium Notebook Headset Compupal IS121 Desktop Speakers Golla Notebook Bags Books

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Packard Bell One Two 23” AIO PC

This AIO touchscreen PC from Packard Bell is powered by an Intel Core 2 Quad processor. It has a screen resolution of 1 600 x 900 and an ATI Radeon HD4670 graphics card.

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Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 Wireless is the way to go with headsets, and this one from Logitech gives you that wireless freedom as well as brilliant sound and a headset for Internet voice chats.

Starcraft 2 Real-time strategy games are best for touchscreen PCs. Blizzard’s Starcraft 2 is a master of the genre, and runs reasonably well on the 2310 at a resolution of 1 280 x 1 024.

Dell Inspiron One 2310 All-in-One Desktop PC NEED TO KNOW • All-in-one desktop PC • 23” touchscreen monitor @ 1 920 x 1 080 resolution • Wireless keyboard and mouse included R10 999.95

Touchscreen technology is slowly becoming a part of modern life, and in some cases, it’s even the preferred way to interact with gadgets. Another trend is the unification of home PCs into a single body, also known as `all-in-one’ desktop PCs. The meeting of these two trends was inevitable, and has resulted in a push to produce all-in-one PCs with touchscreen monitors. The Inspiron One 2310 All in One Desktop PC is the result of Dell’s efforts to join the club, and it’s very good, packing in capable but not overpriced hardware that delivers a solid home computing experience. It’s not a performance behemoth by modern standards, but its Core i3 processor, 4GB of memory and generous 750GB hard drive are easily able to handle the computing tasks a home computer is expected to perform. Before you’ve even noticed what’s under the hood, the 2310 grabs attention with its good looks. Dell has given it rounded edges and a body made from black plastic, and thanks to an LED-backlit screen and other space-saving engineering tweaks, the unit’s body is very thin indeed. Rounding out the sophistication is a wireless keyboard and mouse and wireless N networking capabilities. The screen has a high-gloss finish that helps enhance colours, but, consequently, it’s quite reflective, especially when displaying darker content or if the PC is situated in front of a window. At 23”, the 2310’s screen is capable of displaying full HD content, as its native resolution is 1 920 x 1 080. While looks provide the 2310’s initial appeal, it’s the PC’s touchscreen capability that will make the relationship last longer than a few months. Windows 7 is very touch-friendly, so buttons are big enough for fingers to press easily, and Dell has included software intended to showcase the 2310’s touch capabilities. These range from mini-games to freehand drawing apps – you can even create ‘handwritten’ digital post-it notes. While these are fun initially and respond well to touch-based input, they are definitely more a touchscreen showcase than applications you’ll be using a lot.

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Powering the 2310’s HD display capabilities is an AMD/ATI Radeon HD5470 graphics card with 1GB of dedicated video memory. Displaying HD video content is no problem at all as the card helps the system’s processor decode HD video files. The HD5470 is actually a mid-range graphics card that’s closer to the low end, so demanding 3D games don’t play as well on it at high settings. Games played on medium settings, however, are nice and smooth. There is also something to be said for playing click-heavy games with your fingers and not a mouse – it’s a new kind of experience, and a rather enjoyable one at that. A writeable DVD drive rounds out the 2310’s specs. If you’re in the market for a new home PC and want something a little out of the ordinary, the Dell Inspiron One 2310 is a good buy. It’s powerful enough for responsive everyday computing, it can play the odd game, and its touchscreen capabilities can keep the family entertained for hours. As such, it’s more than capable of satisfying the computing needs of the average household. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Processor: Intel Core i3 370 • Memory: 4GB • Storage: 750GB • Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit • Multimedia remote • Wireless keyboard & mouse • Wireless (b/g/n) and wired (Gigabit) networking • ATI Radeon HD5470 graphics card with 1GB dedicated memory • Writeable DVD drive Pros

Cons

• Touchscreen navigation is a unique, fun experience • Beautiful build is appealing and very slim • Very quiet operation – you’ll hardly notice that it’s on

• Screen is very glossy and reflective • Games do not perform smoothly at high settings • Included touchscreen applications are more showy than useful

Overall rating

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Logitech Z-623 2.1 Desktop Speakers NEED TO KNOW • Two satellite speakers and 1 subwoofer • Volume and bass controls on right speaker • Great for movies/music/gaming R1 999.95

Logitech have finally updated their product line with a range of mice, speakers, keyboards and headsets. We were particularly pleased to see new desktop speakers hit store shelves. This compact yet powerful 2.1 set occupies the middle ground between ‘entry-level’ and ‘incredible’ PC sound systems, as it’s beautifully designed, puts out great sound for movies, games and music, and is nicely priced. The set’s looks are rather striking. It has a polished black plastic finish and a somewhat industrial-looking satellite speaker design sporting a pleasant curved look. The subwoofer is a large black wood-and-plastic cube, which means you may have to clear some space underneath your computer desk to accommodate it. It ships with all the cables needed to connect it up to a PC, but at only 6ft (around 1.8m), the cables used to connect up the two satellite speakers could be a bit longer. This shouldn’t be a problem for people using the Z-623s in a normal desktop setting, however. The subwoofer is where all the inputs go, and there is room for up to three devices to be connected to the speakers at the same time. These include any two devices that use a 3.5mm audio jack, and any electronics that output sound over RCA. RCA cables are recognised by their white and red connectors; games consoles, some stereo systems and older TVs use these. For added convenience, the right speaker houses the volume and bass controls and the turning motion of these round dials is smooth and fluid. The bass dial has a marker that tells you where the optimal setting is for most listening purposes, and we were pleasantly surprised to discover just how accurate that suggestion was. There’s no dial for adjusting treble, but that can be addressed through software so it’s no biggie. Embedded on the right side of the speaker are two 3.5mm jacks – one is an output for headphones, the other an auxiliary input for any device that can output sound over a 3.5mm audio cable. This may seem like a trivial feature, but being able to plug in headphones or an MP3 player without needing to scratch around at the back of your PC will prove to be very useful over time.

In our experience, Logitech’s Z-623 2.1 speaker system puts out impressive, thumping audio. Bass is particularly well done, as the system produces clear bass tones even at high volumes, with no distortion to speak of. This is fantastic for movies with big explosions, games with plenty of booming gunfire, as well as bass-rich music. The Z-623s don’t drown out the rest of the audio range either, producing good mid-range sounds and excellent high-end tones. While this set does not do surround sound, it’s at least THX-certified, which means it conforms to the standards that THX sets out. THX is the standards authority governing high-quality cinema, home theatre, car audio and PC and gaming consoles, so its stamp of approval is a big deal indeed. These speakers are really good all-rounders, and while they probably won’t satisfy truly committed audio enthusiasts, they are easily some of the best non-surround desktop speakers you can get for your PC. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • THX Multimedia Certification • 200 watts (RMS) • Two 3.5mm inputs • One pair of RCA inputs • Headphone output • Controls integrated in the right satellite – power, volume, and bass controls • Two-year limited warranty • Works with: Computers, music players, TVs, DVD players and other audio sources with 3.5mm or RCA audio out; PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 or Wii using the AV cable that comes with your console

Pros

Cons

• Attractively-styled design inspires a desire to own • Convenient location of headphone and auxiliary inputs on the right speaker • Deep, rich sound that nicely complements movies, music and games

• No dial to adjust treble levels manually • Longer cables would offer better installation flexibility

Overall rating

Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Surround Speakers

One massive subwoofer and 4 satellite speakers put out the best sound Logitech has to offer. If you’re feeling flush with cash, this is the set to get for an amazing PC audio experience.

Sony PlayStation 3 Gaming Console

Sony’s versatile games console also has a long list of amazing games that will sound fantastic on these speakers.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

The latest addition to the Call of Duty franchise is even better when accompanied by gunshots and explosions loud enough to make your neighbours jump!

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product reviews

products

HP DV7-4150SI Entertainment Notebook Sony Vaio EPCEB37 Notebook

For slightly less, you can get a Sony notebook with an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive and a Blu-ray drive. It might not be as fast, but it’s definitely more compact.

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Targus 17” Backpack Backpacks are great for heavy notebooks, as it’s not only one shoulder that is used to support the bulk of the weight. This one from Targus is comfortable, sturdy and packed with pockets.

Belkin Cooling Pad This accessory from Belkin keeps your notebook cool, while also raising and angling it to a more eye-friendly position.

NEED TO KNOW • 17.3” notebook designed for entertainment • Powered by Intel’s amazing Core i7 processor and Windows 7 • High-quality sound system with an integrated subwoofer R13 999.95

HP’s DV7 notebooks are desktop replacements in the truest sense. In addition to the amazing processing power and fast user experience on offer, they can be packed up and taken with you on the road. Some sacrifices are made to provide the kind of end-user experience they are capable of – you won’t find one that lasts all day on its battery, for example – and they are not the cheapest, but you can bet the house that they are worth the compromise. This one, a 17.3” behemoth, represents close to the pinnacle of consumer-level mobile computing hardware. Into its very attractive brushed aluminium chassis have been packed cutting-edge components like Intel’s incredible Core i7 processor, 6GB of RAM, a full Terabyte (that’s 1 000 gigabytes) of storage, wireless N networking, a full keyboard that includes a numeric keypad, and a screen that’s as beautiful to look at as it is large. At 17.3”, the 4150SI’s screen is massive by notebook standards, and while its highest resolution is only 1 600 x 900, HP’s BightView technology, coupled with the latest LED-backlighting techniques, ensure everything it displays looks amazing. Colours are simply gorgeous, so watching DVDs or high-definition movie files on it is a real pleasure, as is gaming and even general work tasks. ATI’s Mobile Radeon HD5650 has earned itself a good reputation as a notebook graphics card that makes mobile gaming not only possible, but smooth too. HP has chosen it for the 4150SI, and the result is a notebook that’s going to do more than just cope with games (even demanding ones) – it’s going to demolish them. Recent games like Call of Duty: Black Ops and Battlefield: Bad Company 2 run beautifully with all settings on max and no slowdowns at all. If you’re a serious gamer, this laptop offers a brilliant combination of speed, graphics power and overall responsiveness that makes it a fantastic choice as a combination work/play machine. Of course, no modern notebook is complete without multiple USB ports, a webcam, a VGA output and a writeable DVD drive, all of which are present and accounted for. The DV7 falls down a bit on the extras front, though, as it does not have an HDMI output for hooking the notebook up to an HD TV, or a Blu-ray drive. These omissions, coupled with a screen

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that does not support Full HD resolution (1 080p), are likely the reason the price is not closer to the R20k mark. With all of this moulded into its chassis, the 4150SI is a fairly heavy notebook, so don’t even consider it if you spend a lot of time with a laptop bag slung over your shoulder. One final highlight is the notebook’s sound system, courtesy of Beats Audio (the same company that do the Diddybeats earphones on page 38). Backed by big names like rappers Dr. Dre and P. Diddy, Beats Audio technology is committed to producing high-quality music and audio, and so the DV7-4150SI sounds amazing. The built-in subwoofer produces impressive bass without overpowering sounds in the rest of the spectrum, which is great for movies and games. So even though it’s not perfect, HP’s DV7-4150SI offers enough performance and value to make it a really good choice for people who want a solid all-round desktop-replacement notebook. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Processor: Intel Core i7 720QM @ 1.6GHz • Memory: 6GB DDR3 (supports up to 8GB) • Storage: 1TB SATA-II 5400RPM • Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit • Graphics: ATI Radeon HD5650 1GB • Optical Drive: LightScribe SuperMulti DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support • Ports: 4 x USB 2.0, VGA, 3.5mm headphones & microphone, 1 x combo eSATA/USB2.0 • Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, Wireless b/g/n, Bluetooth • Screen: 17.3” LED-backlit HP MagicBright @ 1 600 x 900 • Sound: Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer • Card reader: 7-in-1

Pros

Cons

• Strong Windows and gaming performance • Beautiful 17.3” LED-backlit screen • Beats Audio produces incredible sound

• At over 3kg, this is not a lightweight notebook • The 6-cell battery won’t last all day • Screen does not support Full HD resolution

Overall rating

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Verbatim 8GB Flash Drive Expand the number of photos this frame can store with Verbatim’s reliable but frillfree 8GB flash drive. Best of all, it only costs R199.95.

Imagenation 15” Photo Frame NEED TO KNOW • One of the largest digital photo frames available • 1GB of internal storage plus a card reader and a USB port for flash drives • 4:3 screen @ 1 024 x 768 R1 899.95

Some products have a way of catching your eye, and this largerthan-normal photo frame from Imagenation does just that. It’s the size of the screen that does it – at 15”, this is one very big photo frame. The ones we usually see range from 7” to 10”, so the extra 5” is enough to cause a double-take. When seen from a distance, it looks far more like a regular picture frame than anything digital. It’s only when the picture within the frame’s boundary changes that it becomes apparent this is no wood-framed, static photo. This is because the Imagenation 15” Photo Frame has a surprisingly thin build. Even though it makes use of older LCD technology and has no LED backlighting, the engineers at Imagenation have managed to pack all the necessary bits and bobs into a very compact design. A thin frame is important as `bulky’ is not a desirable quality in a decorative item intended to show off your cherished memories/family members/holiday snaps. The chosen aspect ratio – the mathematical relationship between the horizontal and vertical lengths of the photo frame’s screen – is a surprising 4:3. Most screens sold these days have a 16:9 or a 16:10 (widescreen) aspect ratio, and all digital cameras sold in the last two years take widescreen photographs, making the 4:3 choice a somewhat puzzling one. Still, the relatively high-resolution (1 024 x 768) screen does a fantastic job of displaying pictures, even when they have been resized to fit. Of course, images sized to 1 024 x 768 look the best, so you may want to consider manually resizing the pictures you want displayed. One of the nice things about this photo frame is you don’t need to have a Flash drive or memory card right away – it comes with 1GB of storage built in. This is enough for 1 000 1MB photos, which should be more than enough to start you off. If you need additional space, there is a card reader and USB port for flash drives that can be used to expand its storage abilities. There are options when it comes to how you’d like the pictures displayed, too. You can set the frame to display a single image, or to cycle through all the images it has access to in a slideshow format. If you have

music or movie files in a compatible format (MP3, AVI, MPEG 1/2/4, DivX), the Imagenation 15” Photo Frame can play those too, with sound. The sound is a bit tinny, but since this isn’t a device you’re going to be watching movies on, that shouldn’t be an issue. Getting pictures and videos onto the photo frame is easy enough. When connected to a Windows PC via USB cable, it gets treated like any removable storage device so you can drag and drop whatever files you want displayed directly onto its internal storage. Setting up the display options is done using the included remote control, and doing so is pretty straightforward. In all, we were rather impressed by the Imagenation 15” Photo Frame. Sure, it costs around the same as a 22” monitor, but its timeless looks, good screen and generous size set it apart from the other photo frames available, so the cost is justified. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • 15.0” TFT LCD screen • 4:3 Digital panel • 1 024 x 768 resolution • Photo display; music; MPEG 1/2/4 Video • Supports: JPEG; MP3; AVI MPEG 1/2/4; DivX • Slide Show Display Mode • Zoom In/Out function • 1GB internal memory • Remote control • Media : SD/MMC/MS/XD/CF card slot • Auto Rotate • Supports Windows 2000/Vista/7

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Pros

Cons

• 15” is a lot of display area for a digital photo frame • Attractive styling and thin build are classy • Additional storage options complement the 1GB of built-in memory

• 4:3 aspect ratio for the screen is an odd choice • 1 024 x 768 resolution seems a bit last-century • Sound quality is not amazing

Overall rating

Transcend 16GB Memory Card If you don’t like the idea of a flash drive sticking out of your photo frame, a memory card is a more sophisticated way to expand the frame’s storage capacity. This one from Transcend will do the trick.

Samsung SPF-87H Digital Photo Frame

Size isn’t everything, and this much smaller 8” photo frame from Samsung might be a more suitable alternative. It’s LED-based too, so it’s very thin, plus it features Samsung’s attractive Touch of Colour design.

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Diddybeats by Dr. Dre Designer In-ear Earphones Skullcandy Earphones

Skullcandy specialises in entry-level sound that comes with designer-level styling. Affordability and attitude is Skullcandy’s trademark style, and these deliver both in a big way.

Logitech THXCertified Z-5500 5.1 PC Speakers

If you’re into quality sound, there are no better computer speakers than Logitech’s awesome Z-5500 5.1 set. A warning to apartmentdwellers – these will not endear you to the neighbours.

Apple iPod Touch

The iPhone without the phone part, Apple’s iPod Touch is the ultimate multimedia player, no matter what other manufacturers might want you to believe.

NEED TO KNOW • Designer in-ear earphones with P. Diddy’s stamp of approval • Comes with a tangle-resistant cord • Volume and call-answering in-line controls • Classy design and finishing touches R1 899.95 (Selected stores and online)

When celebrities known for their commitment to their art throw their names behind a product, two things spring to mind. The first is that the product will cost more than other, non-endorsed products in the same category even if they perform similarly; the second is that it might actually be pretty good. In the case of the new Diddybeats by Dr. Dre in-ear earphones, both of these assumptions are true. American rapper P. Diddy, also known as Sean Combs, is a performance artist with a very strong work ethic, and a commitment to audio production that has earned him plenty of awards and accolades over the years. As such, his endorsement of these headphones means their build is of extremely high quality, and the sound they put out is exceptional. Yes, they are expensive for a set of in-ear earphones, but in this case you definitely get what you pay for. Even the box they come in reeks of style, sophistication and money, but it’s only covering for what are possibly the nicest looking in-ear earphones we’ve yet seen. They are heavy, with a polished silver finish with Diddy’s initials on them, and trim that feels like leather. The cord used is long but flat; this design means the cord will never tangle up like regular headphone cables tend to do. There is an in-line volume control that also houses a microphone and a button for answering calls if connected to an iPhone or BlackBerry. Also included is a wide range of interchangeable rubberised tips. The different designs mean there’s something bound to appeal to everyone, and the assorted tip sizes will fit virtually any ear canal. The seal the tips form eliminates most external sounds, which provides a veritable cocoon of silence in which the listener can enjoy their music. Having multiple tips is also handy in case the original set gets lost, and an attractive carry-bag is included for convenient travel. So the design has a lot of appeal. The big question is: “Do they sound good?” In a word, yes. Whether that sound is worth the not inconsiderable price being asked is, unfortunately, difficult to say as each listener’s appreciation (and need) for high-fidelity sound is different. In our opinion, though, the Diddybeats earphones are excellent, especially

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as their sound output improves with use. Yes, the already-rich sound produced by the Diddybeats gets better over time, as with any high-end headphones. Bass, in particular, is excellent with this set and it is thus a good choice if bass-heavy music is your thing. It’s not perfect, however. While the in-line controls work very well with Apple and some BlackBerry products (pause, next track and volume control), they don’t work with other devices quite in the same way. They don’t control the volume or answer calls at all when used with phones and music players that aren’t from Apple or BlackBerry. If you aren’t an Apple or BlackBerry user, the Diddybeats will only work as headphones, and not as a hands-free headset for your phone. Overall, we’re very pleased with these Diddybeats earphones. Sure, they are expensive, but the sound quality, the amazing build and the tangle-resistant cord are all worth the cost. If sound quality is not as much of a priority, a similar-sounding set can be had for a lot less, but chances are it won’t look or feel anywhere near as cool as these. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • High-performance headphones endorsed by one of the biggest names in music • Stylish protective case included • Monster ControlTalk for iPad, iPod and iPhone music playback and iPhone/music phone hands-free calling • Made from high-tech aluminium • Wrapped with the look and feel of leather • Polished end-caps • Patent-pending, tangle-free flat cable design • Multiple ear-tips included

Pros

Cons

• Amazing build quality and stylish finishes • Sound quality is particularly good, especially bass • Flat, tangle-resistant cable is a nice touch

• Not in everyone’s price range • In-line controls don’t work for all devices • Apple and BlackBerry bias may put off some people

Overall rating

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HP ProBook

ProBooks have been designed to complement HP’s EliteBook premium notebook line, but at a more entry-level priceand performance-point, ideal for mobile professionals looking for good performance and great value.

Sony Vaio S117

Sony balances style with mobility and power in this made-for-business notebook. It boasts a Core i5 processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory and a substantial 500GB hard drive.

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Logitech N100 Cooling Pad Prop your notebook up at a more pleasing/comfortable/ convenient angle using Logitech’s solid N100 Cooling Pad, whilst ensuring proper airflow and cooling at the same time.

Dell Vostro V3300 Business Notebook NEED TO KNOW • Business-focused, no-nonsense notebook • Security features to help keep your data safe • Lightweight build with a glare-resistant screen R9 999.95

The needs of a business-oriented notebook user are different to those of someone looking to use their notebook in much the same way as they would use a desktop PC. Weight and processing power become more important, as does a good screen that resists glare, and things like graphics become slightly important because graphical oomph doesn’t count nearly as much in a work environment as it does when playing Call of Duty. It is for these reasons that Dell’s Vostro range of business notebooks have come about. This one, the 13.3” V3300, is the smaller sibling of the beefy V3500 that we reviewed last month. What Dell have done here is remove some of the more powerful and expensive components and replace them with slightly less powerful modules; they have traded the Core i5 470M for the slightly less-potent i5 430M, dropped the RAM down to 4GB and the hard drive to 250GB. In all, if compromises have to be made, these are the most logical places to make them. Despite this, we’re very pleased to report that the V3300 is still a very responsive notebook, and well worth the sub-R10k price tag, especially for business people. One of the V3300’s business-friendly features is the glare-resistant screen. Glossy screens are popular as they enhance colours and contrast, but they are awful to work on outside or even under bright lights. This is not the case with glare-resistant screens, and as a result they are slightly more flexible, at the cost of some colour intensity when watching movies or playing games. Another is the fingerprint-reader. It is becoming increasingly vital to secure mobile data, which this helps with. The computer will not unlock without the user authenticating themselves with a finger-swipe, a feature many big corporates insist on. This helps prevent casual (and even committed) thieves from accessing what is often extremely sensitive business information. The keyboard is beautiful to look at and even nicer to type on thanks to pleasantly springy feedback. There is no keypad, but that’s not much of a sacrifice, and it also means the notebook is not as wide as other more

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entertainment-centric notebooks are. The screen is a pleasantly-compact 13.3” wide and has a native resolution of 1366 x 768, so it will do 720p HD movie playback. While not huge, it’s still bigger than the average netbook screen. When travelling, having a heavy notebook bag that digs painfully into shoulders will quickly become the bane of any business person’s existence. This is why the V3300 may actually be a better investment than the V3500, even though it’s not as powerful. It also offers around 4 hours of up-time on its standard 6-cell battery. An optional 8-cell battery is advised if more up-time is regularly needed. Rounding out the V3300’s capabilities are built-in Wi-Fi, multiple USB 2.0 ports, Bluetooth support, a card reader, a multi-gesture touchpad and an optical drive. There is no HDMI output so no watching HD movies on a big screen, but there is a VGA port for connecting to a projector or extra monitor. With the V3300, Dell is offering good performance, less weight and a sturdy build. The attractive brushed-aluminium lid adds a welcome touch of class, too, so it’s a looker to boot. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 32-bit • Processor: Intel Core i5 430M @ 2.26GHz • Memory: 4GB DDR3 • Storage: 250GB SATA • Graphics: nVidia GeForce G310 512MB • Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, multiple USB 2.0 ports • Fingerprint Reader: Yes • Multimedia: 5-in-1 card reader Pros

Cons

• Very nice keyboard with good springy resistance • Robust but lightweight build is great for business travel • Excellent processing power for work applications

• No HDMI output for connection to HD TVs • Colours are not as intense on a glare-resistant screen • 4 hours of battery is good, but it could be better

Overall rating

The Dot S-E comes in four colours: Sesame Black, Rose Pink, Strawberry Red or Coconut White.

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Packard Bell Dot S-E Netbook NEED TO KNOW • Stylish netbook for on-the-go computing • All-day battery life (7+ hours) • Comes with Windows 7 Starter Edition R3 999.95

As the years have passed since the original netbook – the Eee PC from Asus – hit the world stage, netbook design has undergone some refinements. These have included bigger hard drives and more RAM; better operating systems with improved power-saving features have helped extend battery life beyond the 4-hour mark. Today, all of those refinements can be found in Packard Bell’s latest Dot S-E, a small, compact netbook that ticks all the boxes needed to qualify it as an evolution of the netbook concept and not merely a copy of the original design. One of the most important ticks is the operating system, Windows 7 Starter Edition. Microsoft has stripped out of Starter the kind of features that are not that useful to a netbook, and those that would likely cause strain on the battery without providing much benefit. The end result is a basic but serviceable OS that can happily support Web browsing, e-mail, creating documents, and social networking, all at a pleasing pace. Sufficient memory? Tick: 2GB of DDR2 RAM supports Windows 7 Starter. As operating systems have grown, the amount of memory needed to store all the applications that are running and data that needs to be crunched has increased. In the case of Windows 7 Starter, 2GB is plenty. It’s only after many hours of general use that the machine might start to slow down, in which case it may be time to close a few browser windows or tabs, or reboot completely. Great processor? Ti… er, not so fast. Intel’s Atom N450 is one of the older models available, and it is, unfortunately, showing its age. Newer dual-core Atom models are emerging to try to lift the reputation of the average netbook out of the `it’s okay for basic things but not so hot for more complex tasks‘ range, but even those are not succeeding completely. The N450 is, more often than not, the reason the Dot S-E doesn’t respond like a full-blown notebook. It’s still competent, of course, but it’s not what anyone will call `fast’. Generous hard drive capacity’ is perhaps the nicest box to be ticked. The Dot S-E has a hefty (for a netbook) 320GB hard drive that spins at 5 400RPM. This is significant as until recently, notebook hard drives have spun at only 4 400RPM, making this a proper notebook part, with an

accompanying performance increase. Less time will be spent waiting for a program to load, for example, than in a competing netbook with only a 4 400RPM drive. The Dot S-E also has built-in wireless N networking, a beautiful and comfortable chiclet-style keyboard, a gorgeous 10.1” LED-backlit screen that does 1 024 x 600, a webcam and built-in card reader. The 6-cell battery gives it a battery life of over 7 hours, making it good for almost all-day computing. It’s well-suited to updating Facebook/Twitter, answering e-mails and surfing the Web when you’re at a coffee shop with wireless Internet, watching the odd non-HD video and listening to music files. Basically, it can handle the kind of small-scale tasks for which a notebook would be overkill. It’s not the pinnacle of netbook computing, but Packard Bell’s Dot S-E is enough of an evolution to be interesting.

Acer Aspire Happy Netbook

Acer’s Aspire Happy is a much more entry-level netbook than the Dot S-E from Packard Bell. It sure is a looker, though.

NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Operating System: Windows 7 Starter Edition • Processor: Intel Atom N450 @ 1.66GHz • Memory: 2GB DDR2-667 • Storage: 320GB SATA 5 400RPM • Display: 10.1” LED LCD @ 1 024 x 600 • Graphics: Intel UMA • Networking: 802.11b/g/n Wireless • Webcam: 1.3 Megapixels • Ports: USB, VGA • Card reader: 2-in-1 • Battery: 6-cell

Samsung Galaxy Tab

This compact 7” tablet device has a touch-sensitive screen, weighs only 380g and can be operated from the palm of your hand.

Pros

Cons

• Overall performance is a step up from the average netbook • Battery almost lasts long enough for an overseas flight • Gorgeous 10.1” LED-backlit screen

• Intel’s Atom N450 processor is the old kid on the block • Windows 7 Starter does not support the Aero visual theme • Gaming is not recommended on the Dot S-E

Overall rating

Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse

Using a mouse is nearly always better than a trackpad. The only thing a mouse lacked was the ability to fold up and stow easily – until now.

www.connectmag.co.za | 41

Copyright © 2010 Symantec Corporation. All rights reserved. Symantec, the Symantec Logo, Norton and the Norton Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

product reviews

perfect companions

Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 In addition to providing cool and comfortable lap-top notebook use, the N700 has a set of USB-powered speakers that will enhance movies and music with its superior audio.

Logitech M305 Wireless Mouse This perfect little pointer comes in a variety of designs – pick one that matches (or clashes) with your N5010.

products

Packard Bell EasyNote Butterfly XS SU7300

Perfect for the workaholic/ social-butterfly/corporate nomad – there’s a little something of everything in this machine, including brains, beauty and the ability to entertain.

Dell Inspiron N5010 i3-370M notebook NEED TO KNOW • 15.6” with LED-backlit screen notebook • Intel Core i3-370M processor • Windows 7 Home Premium • Brushed metal finish R6 999.95

When you think of a home PC, you probably think of a setup that involves a monitor and a computer tower. Your first thought for home usage definitely wouldn’t be a notebook computer. After all, to be truly useful in the home, a PC needs to have a serious amount of storage, an optical drive, plenty of RAM, intensive processing power and has to be able to handle tasks like video/photo editing, movie watching and game play. You wouldn’t expect that from a portable notebook PC, now would you? Dell is changing the way we distinguish between a home and an onthe-road machine. They’ve blurred the lines completely with the Inspiron 15R-N5010, a portable notebook that also happens to be a pretty decent desktop replacement. In terms of looks, the N5010 is bound to grab the attention of both casual users and discerning geeks. It’s available in a variety of colours, with a brushed metal finish for the interior. There’s a large, responsive touchpad with two click-buttons and a comfortable keyboard that also happens to have a 10-key numeric keypad – evidence of the fact that Dell intends this machine to be a desktop replacement. This additional keypad makes it easy to work with applications that require data entry or directional moves. The standard 6-cell battery will give you about 4 hours of untethered usage. Speaking of wireless and being connected, this notebook comes standard with Dell’s 1501 802.11b/g/n wireless networking hardware, so if you can find a Wi-Fi access point, you can connect and surf quickly and easily. As for storage and memory, this N5010 comes with what is these days considered a mid-range configuration: it has a 320GB hard drive and 3GB of DDR3 RAM. 320GB of hard drive space is still quite generous, offering enough space to store 80 000 MP3 songs! The processor that powers it all is Intel’s value-packed Core i3; Intel Core processors are synonymous with multi-tasking and excellent power

42 | connect | February 2011

management as they automatically allocate processing power when and where you need it most. Even though the i3 is considered entry-level for mobile processors, this one is still more than up to the task of powering the N5010 without leaving you feeling like you’re waiting a lot. When it comes to handling graphics in movies and games, the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 graphics card gives a good effort but it’s not hugely capable on the gaming front, so don’t expect the smoothest 3D visuals. Non-3D content looks great, though, thanks to the N5010’s LED-backlit TrueLife display. The display has a maximum resolution of only 1366 x 768, though, limiting its HD movie playback capabilities to only 720p. The N5010 has four USB ports, an HDMI port, a VGA port, a 3.5mm audio input, as well as a wired network port. But that’s not all - there’s also a 7-in-one card reader that lets you copy movie and picture files from digital cameras (video and still) quickly and easily. For this price, Dell’s spunky N5010 notebook offers fantastic value for money. It skimps a wee bit on the performance front, but is still capable enough to be a welcome travel or work companion. Noteworthy specs • Core i3 370M (2.4GHz/3MB cache) • Windows 7 Home Premium • 3GB DDR3 and a 320GB hard drive • Mobile Intel® 5 Series Express Chipset (HM57) • 15.6” LED-backlit XGA display (1 366 x 768)

Pros

Cons

• Built-in webcam and microphone • Solid amount of RAM and hard drive space • Loads of ports to plug in peripherals • A 7-in-1 card reader is great for managing photos, videos, etc.

• Screen shimmering was noticeable when viewed at certain angles • Build quality needs improvement, as it felt a bit creaky/weak when handled • Battery life isn’t terribly long

Overall rating

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product reviews

products

HP Photosmart Wireless All In One Printer

A dedicated photo printer is the way to go if you print lots of pictures and want the same kind of quality as you’d get taking your snaps to a specialised photo-printing shop.

HP OfficeJet 6500a Plus Wireless NEED TO KNOW • Well-rounded office and home printer • Scans, faxes, prints and copies with automatic duplexing • Send documents to the printer via e-mail from anywhere in the world R1 999.95

Lexmark Platinum Pro905

This top-of-the-line Lexmark printer is designed to meet all office printing, scanning, copying and faxing needs easily and conveniently.

perfect companions

Belkin Wireless N Router No home or office is truly complete without a wireless network. This wired and wireless router from Belkin is just what you need to get you started.

In the time since its initial release, HP’s OfficeJet 6500 A4 printer has proved itself as a reliable and affordable option for both home and office use. This year, HP has released its successor, the OfficeJet 6500a Plus, which brings a few tweaks to the formula while retaining the features that made the original 6500 such a success. What the 6500 got right was price, features and performance. The allblack 6500a follows in these footsteps by being able to print, scan, fax and copy like its predecessor, connect to a home or office network and print at speeds that won’t have you impatiently tapping your feet as you wait for your documents to emerge. In addition to its new black look, HP has given the 6500a new capabilities. The first of these is a technology HP calls ‘ePrinting’: this sends documents to the 6500a via e-mail from any e-mail-capable device, including mobile phones. All that’s needed is to create an e-mail address that is assigned to the printer (a simple process that happens during the initial setup) and the printer will print out whatever documents are e-mailed to that address. Photos, Word and even PDF documents can be sent via e-mail, and be ready for collection the next time you pass by the printer. The second new capability is integration with HP’s wide range of `print apps’, a collection of printer-friendly applications that are accessed directly from the 6500a using its shiny new colour touchscreen control panel. The idea is that these live on the Internet and give you all kinds of things to print out. You can access weather forecasts, news websites, print out directions and maps, colouring projects for kids and a lot more directly from the printer’s LCD screen. Your computer doesn’t even need to be switched on; everything is handled by the printer and its connection to the Internet via your network. Another highlight is the 6500a’s scanning facility. It can scan to e-mail, memory cards using the integrated card reader, and even directly to programs that support TWAIN scanners (see Tech Jargon). Given this handy functionality, it’s a bit of a mystery why a USB port for scanning to a flash drive is not present, especially as other features seem geared towards

44 | connect | February 2011

making all tasks as convenient as possible. For example, the 6500a has an automatic document feeder that can handle documents of up to 50 pages, so manually feeding pages for scanning or faxing is not necessary. It also has an automatic duplexing unit that lets you print on both sides of a page, making the absence of a USB port that much more of a puzzle. The 6500a is a general-purpose printer, so the quality of the photos it prints isn’t comparable to that of a dedicated photo printer, like those in HP’s PhotoSmart range. It’s still great for general office documents like PowerPoint presentations, proposals, letters and the like, but it’s not the printer to use should you want to blow someone away with amazing quality. If you’re looking for a decent office printer, the OfficeJet 6500a should definitely be on the list of potential candidates. While its print quality is only good, not great, and it isn’t recommended for photos, the OfficeJet 6500a Plus can still satisfy everyday printing, scanning, faxing and copying needs quickly and competently. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Print speed: Up to 32 pages per minute black; up to 31 ppm colour • Scan resolution: Up to 4 800 dpi optical • Copy: Reduce/enlarge 25% to 400% • Paper handling: A4, letter • Duty cycle: Up to 7 000 pages per month • Cartridges: 3 x colour, 1 x black • Duplexing: Automatic • Connectivity: Ethernet (wired), IEEE802.11b/g/n (wireless), USB 2.0 • Ports: 5-in-1 card reader • Touchscreen: 2.38” LCD Pros

Cons

• Printing from anywhere (ePrinting) is a cool feature • Automatic document feeder and duplexing options add convenience • Wireless networking means the 6500a can be placed almost anywhere

• No way to connect a USB flash drive • Photo prints are not as nice as from a photo printer • Overall print quality and speed is good, but not exceptional

Overall rating

perfect companions Acer Aspire X3910 Desktop PC Acer’s Aspire X3910 Desktop PC delivers the kind of performance needed to power through office tasks with ease. Monitor not included.

Samsung CLX-3185W Colour Laser MFP NEED TO KNOW • Black and colour laser printer, copier and scanner • Small footprint and very quiet operation • Prints whatever is on your screen at the touch of a button R3 499.95

Samsung entered the printer market a few years ago, with a surprisingly good range of affordable, fast laser printers. This year sees an update to Samsung’s 3100-series of colour laser multi-function printers, and from the one on review, the CLX-3185W, it’s clear that the Korean company has learned a thing or two about printers and what consumers expect from them. The 3185W is not aimed at extremely busy offices with high-volume printing requirements, but it is great for smaller offices with moderate printing needs. It doesn’t fax (not the end of the world in this day and age), but it prints in colour and back, scans and copies documents, is wirelessly networkable, fits easily into even cramped environments and has a bevy of nice touches that set it apart from the competition. If you’ve ever looked at your screen and wished you could print it out without going through a manual capture process, Samsung has answered that particular prayer with a “Print Screen” button. After the initial setup process, the printer can capture your screen and print out the contents of all open windows, or just the one that’s currently active (you choose). The 3185 has Eco-friendliness in mind too – it can take multiple copies and print them out on a single page, saving toner and paper. All that’s needed is to select how many copies you’d like to combine (either 2 or 4) and whether you want black or colour copies using the buttons on the front panel, and voila, your copies are printed on a single page. The 3185 is a 600dpi printer, so text is sharp and clear (as you should expect from any laser printer), and its colour prints are simply beautiful. Colours are rich and vibrant, and best of all pages are dry and ready for handling the second they emerge, unlike the colour output of some ink printers. General office documents, PowerPoint presentations, proposals and the like printed on the 3185 all look very professional, and at 4 colour and up to 16 monochrome prints a minute, it’s plenty fast, too. Samsung engineers have ensured that the time it takes for the first

page to emerge from the printer from the time you click ‘Print’ is very good, too – when the printer is in its ‘Ready’ state (i.e. not sleeping), you only need to wait 14 seconds for your first monochrome page to print, and 26 for colour. In printer terms, this is admirably fast. Perhaps even better than its speed is the 3185’s relatively quiet operating noise of just less than 50dB, which means it won’t distract you while you work. Scanning and copying documents is a one-page-at-a-time affair, though, as the 3185W has no automatic document feeder. The option to scan to a USB memory stick or directly to your PC makes up for this somewhat, although it’s only a small consolation. Duplex printing is another chore, as it has to be done manually, making the 3185W a good choice only if the office workers it will serve don’t need to regularly scan or copy multi-page documents. Samsung’s CLX-3185 is eco-friendly, compact, easy to use and fast. Good quality prints and wireless networking added to the mix make it a brilliant choice for any modern small office or home environment. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Print speed (mono): Up to 16ppm in A4 • Print speed (colour): Up to 4ppm in A4 • First print out time (mono): Less than 14 seconds (From Ready Mode) • First print out time (colour): Less than 26 seconds (From Ready Mode) • First copy out time (mono): Less than 18 seconds • First copy out time (colour): Less than 45 seconds • Print resolution: Up to 2400 x 600dpi effective output • Emulation: SPL-C (Samsung Printer Language Colour) • Duplex: Manual

Pros

Cons

• Great quality black and colour prints • Fast and quiet printing • Screen prints, eco-friendly features are nice extras

• No automatic document feeder for large documents • Printing on both sides of a page is a manual process

Overall rating

products

Samsung SCX-4600 Monochrome Laser Printer

If all you need is a basic monochrome laser printer, one of the 3185W’s distant relatives might do the trick. This entry-level laser printer scans, copies and prints, and only costs R899.95.

Samsung SF375TP Fax Machine

While primarily a fax machine, this affordable device from Samsung also does rudimentary printing and copying too.

www.connectmag.co.za | 45

product reviews

products

Acer eMachines V700 HD Projector

With home entertainment taking off in a big way, an HD projector is a big deal. The V700 not only has a native projection resolution of 1 280 x 720 (i.e. 720p), but can also handle other resolutions, all the way up to 1 920 x 1 080 (1080p).

Barkan Projector Bracket Mount NEED TO KNOW • Quick assembly and easy installation • Unique connection mechanism for projector • Fits most popular projector brands • Quick connect/release of projector R699.95

Acer P1203 3D-Ready Projector

The Acer P1203 delivers affordability, ease of use and plenty of connectivity options. What’s more, it delivers breathtaking 3D visuals, provided you have it hooked up to a 3D-capable video source.

Microsoft Wireless Presenter Mouse 8000

This versatile device is a powerful Bluetooth mouse, media remote and presentation pointer all-inone and it fits comfortably into the palm of your hand, too.

There are loads of different setups and scenarios that require a ceiling-mounted projector. In a boardroom, for example, where PowerPoint presentations are the order of the day, a lecture theatre, where visual aids are required, or even in a home theatre setup. Like we said, there are many situations where a ceiling projector would be ideal, but there are not many people who can install them without a degree in civil engineering. This is where the Barkan Projector Ceiling Mount comes in. The manufacturers claim that installation should take place in 3 easy steps. Once it’s up, it’s a simple case of slotting in the projector and hooking up the cables where they need to go. There’s still drilling and a fair amount of mess involved in getting this beast into the ceiling (not to mention that you’ll probably also need a hammer and safety glasses), but it does require less rocket science than most ceiling mounts. Even if all you have is a sliver of DIY-aptitude, you should be able to install one with ease. All the screws and bits and bobs you will need, including a simple, easy-to-follow instruction guide, are included in the box. All you will need to supply is your own tools. So, why a Barkan? If you need more than just a great price, everything else about the Barkan Bracket Mount is as simple as the installation process. Once it’s installed and the projector has been connected, you’re able to adjust the tilt by hand. With 25 degrees of tilt potential and a 360-degree rotation, you have plenty of room to wiggle your projector into the best position to get the perfect display. The smart design also extends to the fact that the Barkan can accommodate a sloped ceiling, up to 20 degrees, which makes it great for entertainment areas that don’t have level ceilings. Because it’s quite easy to install, you may be worried that the Barkan

46 | connect | February 2011

Ceiling Mount might be just as easy to steal. Fear not, it comes with four special lock screws that secure the projector firmly to the ceiling. These screws also prevent the projector from being accidentally dislodged if it’s bumped, so there is no danger for those seated under it. All in all, this device offers serious value for money. You’re getting an easy-to-install ceiling mount for just about any projector that weighs less than 11kg. It allows for quick hook-up of the projector, easy adjustments, hassle-free cable management and reliable safety and anti-theft mechanisms. All this makes the Barkan a good ceiling mount for the lecture theatre or boardroom that sees a variety of projectors being used interchangeably. It’s even well-suited to use in a home theatre system. Either way, this purchase won’t break the bank or disappoint. Noteworthy specs • Distance from ceiling: 11.5cm • Can support up to 11kg • 360-degree rotation • 25-degree tilt • 3-step installation

Pros

Cons

• The mount is secure and there is no • You’ll need to know how to work possibility of the projector accidentally a drill to get this mount in the falling ceiling • Easier to install than most mounts • Only comes in silver • Smaller footprint and price tag than other products out there Overall rating

products

Acer eMachines V700 HD Projector

This mid-range, high-contrast DLP projector allows you to connect to your Blu-ray player or DStv HD PVR, making the V700 the ideal focal point for your entertainment system.

Acer C20 Pico LED Projector NEED TO KNOW • Ultra-compact pocket projector • Multiple connectivity options • Present without a PC • Capable of projecting a 66” image R3 299.95

Weighing a mere 166g, the first thing you’ll notice about the Acer C20 projector is how supremely compact and lightweight it is. No bigger than most smartphones, this little gadget is the ultimate pocket projector and proves that size really does matter. The Acer C20 is ideal if you’re an on-the-go businessperson with a penchant for PowerPoint presentations; you’ll be pleased to know that the C20 allows you to present without a PC by simply plugging in a USB storage device or a micro-SD card. With two hours of power from a single charge, this projector will last through most meetings, and when you’re ready to leave the boardroom, you can pack the C20 into its own protective travel bag, and hit the road to your next meeting. While the C20 might be teeny-tiny, don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s also a lightweight in terms of functionality – this device is crammed full of features. You’ll more than likely be as surprised as we were at the amount of ports found on this gadget. Featuring a micro USB port (with a connector included to connect it to USB flash disks), a mini HDMI port (with HDMI connector), A/V in, audio out and Universal I/O port, the C20 can be paired with a multitude of other gadgets, allowing you to draw content for display from just about any piece of tech. In terms of user-friendliness, it doesn’t get much better (or easier to use) than this. Designed with convenience in mind, the C20 features Acer SmartFormat technology that gives you complete multi-format support for your files, and delivers instant projection of widescreen content without having to fiddle with complicated resolution settings. The Quick Detection feature immediately detects input signals as soon as another source is connected, which means you don’t have to waste time scanning for signals. In addition, the Acer C20 has its own built-in speaker that provides audio for enhanced presentations and entertainment. Should you want more volume for your audio, feel free to plug in any speakers that use a 3.5mm standard audio jack. The C20 uses Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology and LED-based lighting to project images with excellent colour depth and high levels

of contrast. This makes for very good pictures at the projector’s native resolution of 854 x 480, and clarity that shows off even the tiniest of details. HD-ready content projection is also possible, as the C20’s maximum resolution is 1280 x 800. The C20’s LED lamp is the star of the show. Because of it, the projector is durable, uses less power than traditional projectors, and it’s the reason the C20 is so small. Since it also requires less cooling, the projector is entirely fan-less and thus operates almost silently. While it has a decent contrast ratio of 2000:1, the C20’s brightness peaks at a very low 20 ANSI Lumens. This doesn’t mean it’s awful, though, and projected images are still clear even without absolute darkness, but dark rooms are recommended for the best picture. Even though the battery life might not be mind-blowing, the range of connectivity options, extended lamp life and the built-in speaker, combined with a compact, easily-mobile form factor makes this a solid investment if you’re looking for a capable pocket projector to add to your mobile tech arsenal. Noteworthy specs • 1 x USB, 1 x HDMI, 1 x MicroSD card reader • Native 854 x 480 resolution, maximum 1 280 x 800 • 16:9 aspect ratio • LED lamp with 20 000-hour lifespan • 20 ANSI Lumens brightness • 2000:1 contrast ratio

Pros

Cons

• Loads of connectivity options means you can use the C20 just about anywhere, for just about anything • 20 000-hour lamp life makes this gadget a worthwhile investment • A screw-in tripod stand is also provided if you need added elevation to achieve the perfect picture

• When operating in ECO mode, you’ll need to make sure the ambient light in the room is very low, or the picture won’t be that great • The device tends to get quite hot because it has no fan, but since it’s nearly silent in operation, this isn’t really a problem

Overall rating

Philips 2GB Digital Voice Tracer 662 Voice Recorder

There’s nothing more useful for practising your presentation style than a digital voice recorder. It allows you to record your vocal presentation for critique at a later stage.

Iomega 3.5” 500GB external hard disk

Need storage for your presentation files? Iomega provides a simple and affordable solution for all your storage needs and offers simplicity with its plug and play USB interface.

www.connectmag.co.za | 47

product reviews

products Speedo Aquashot Waterproof Camera

This rugged little 5MP shooter is built to be as much of an adventurer as you are. It’s waterproof up to 3m, has an excellent Underwater mode, is shockproof, and even floats.

Olympus Stylus 550 Waterproof Camera

Jump in the deep end with this waterproof 10MP camera with a 3 x lens – it’s light, compact and easy to carry around wherever you go. It sports a 2.5” LCD and basic-point-and-shoot operations for easy underwater happy snaps.

Sandisk MicroSD 2GB Memory Card

Even though VGA movies are quite small, it’s still wise to have an extra MicroSD card handy in case you run out of space.

Kodak EasyShare Mini Ultra-Thin Video Camera NEED TO KNOW • Incredibly thin, take-along-everywhere video camera • VGA-quality video capture with sound • 3 x digital zoom • Easy-to-use editing software • Waterproof R699.95

Most video content that’s broadcast by an individual these days is likely to be consumed on video-sharing websites like Youtube.com. Video blogs (called `vlogs‘) are also rising in popularity, as people choose video over text and photographs to share their reviews, thoughts, opinions and life’s little funny moments. In fact, video-sharing is so popular YouTube viewers watch 2 billion videos a day and upload 24 hours of video every minute. These people aren’t professional videographers and don’t need the complications (and high price tag) that come with a high-quality video camera. The reason for this is simple – not everyone has a high-speed broadband connection capable of downloading huge video files almost instantaneously. It’s best, then, if online movie files are as small as possible. Smaller movies don’t need to pack in a lot of detail, which means that having an expensive, high-quality camera is pretty much a waste if you intend your videos to be viewable on the Internet. The Kodak Mini is perfect for capturing that kind of movie, as it shoots high-quality video that’s optimised for Internet sharing. That means movies shot at 640 x 480 (VGA resolution) at 30 frames per second, perfect for being uploaded to YouTube or your vlog. The Mini is also capable of taking pictures, but only at 640 x 480 so they aren’t hugely detailed. Fortunately, this is acceptable quality for use on the Web. In our books, the best things about the Kodak Mini are its size, build and design. It’s super-slim, going so far as being anorexic. Saying that the Mini fits into any pocket is not an exaggeration! This little gadget even fits into the back pocket of the skinniest pair of jeans, although we wouldn’t recommend sitting down with the Mini in your back pocket. As it’s barely bigger than a credit card, this video camera can be taken with you everywhere so there’s never an excuse for not capturing those life moments you’ve always wished you could play over and over again. It’s also waterproof, which means you can capture those memories even in the pool, rain or snow, without worrying about damaging the device. This camera makes the process of video sharing incredibly simple. You

48 | connect | February 2011

don’t have to worry about cables either, as the Mini has a pop-out USB arm. This means there’s no more hassle with not being able to upload, share or charge your camera because you left the USB cable at home. The Mini’s built-in software makes it a doddle to edit your video content, and upload it to e-mail, Facebook or YouTube, and works with both Windows and Mac. The software allows you to cut and trim video, select stills from video frames or add effects to a movie. You could, for instance, transform your video into black-and-white, sepia, adjust exposure and sharpness, mute the audio or apply an old-movie or fisheyelens effect, all of which add interest and dimension to your clips. The Kodak Mini gets an enthusiastic thumbs-up from us for having an excellent price tag, easy operation, simplified sharing and incredible user-friendliness. Noteworthy specs • 3.1mm (35mm equivalent: 40mm) lens, aperture: f/2.4 • 3 x digital zoom • 1.8” display • 128MB internal memory, MicroSD MicroSDHC expansion • Monaural microphone • File formats: MJPEG and JPEG • Capture : VGA (640 × 480 @ 30 fps), QVGA (320 × 240 @ 30 fps), QVGA (320 × 240 @ 60 fps) • Capture still: VGA (640 × 480) • USB 2.0 • Integrated Li-Polymer rechargeable battery

Pros

Cons

• Incredibly thin and lightweight, fits into any handbag or pocket • The 1.8” display seems much bigger than it really is, and displays video beautifully • Ridiculously easy to edit and share video • Great price

• Photographs are not print quality • Door latch that hides USB connector seems a bit flimsy, and if it snaps off, the waterproof abilities of this camera will be compromised • Not a great all-round video camera – best suited for internet videos

Overall rating

products

Velbon CX-480 Tripod

Samsung NX10 Digital Camera NEED TO KNOW • 15.1Megapixel bridge camera • Choice of lenses • Manual and pre-programmed shooting modes • 720p video recording R6999 (Includes 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 and 50-200mm F4.5-5.6 lenses)

Digital SLRs are great for people that know what they’re doing, but way overkill for ‘point and shoot’ folks. Likewise, compact cameras are perfect for point-and-shooters, but they don’t have enough tweakable options for people who have been taking pictures for some time. That’s the reason Samsung’s NX10 and its ability to bring together higher-end benefits like a 15.1 Megapixel sensor, a digital viewfinder, manual controls and interchangeable proprietary lenses with lower-end benefits like a variety of ‘idiot proof’ shooting modes, portability and 720p high resolution video recording, will appeal to a great number of buyers. Physically, the camera resembles a compact SLR, and feels a little smaller in-hand for those that are used to lugging around a classic Nikon or Canon. The modern SLR-like look of the NX10 is also an interesting choice, considering that its two main competitors, namely the Olympus PEN and Panasonic Lumix series, have a far more retro-styled look to them. That said, after a couple of days’ use you come to appreciate the ‘SLR-ness’ of the NX10 since the controls are in familiar places and work in the same way you would expect on an SLR. While we’re on the topic of controls, one of the favoured features of the NX-10 is the lovely balance between pre-programmed shooting modes and the manual shooting modes it has to offer. On the more manual front, users can choose from programmed auto, aperture-priority auto, shutter-priority auto and full-manual exposure modes. For newbies, modes like night mode, portrait mode, landscape mode and scene mode (with settings for shooting children, close-ups, text, sunsets, dawn, back-lit subjects, fireworks, beach and snow, and beauty shots) make taking snaps a breeze.

There’s also a 720p movie mode, which takes rather competent video at resolutions of 1280x720, 640x480 and 320x240. Adding further control to the mix, users also have the ability to switch from manual to auto-focus using a switch located on the lens, as well as the stability control that is turned on and off using another switch adjacent to that. Another nice addition is the limited - but relatively useful - in-camera editing capabilities of the NX10, including the ability to affect simple but necessary changes to saved images, like adhering to preset colour styles, reducing red-eye, compensating for a back light, resizing/rotating an image and some ‘face retouching’ or skin softening. Overall, the NX10 is a very pleasant camera to use and with a choice of three lenses, namely an 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 (standard); a 50-200mm F4.5-5.6 (available as part of a bundle) and a 30mm F2 pancake, there’s enough ‘tinker-ability’ to keep more demanding users entertained and novices nicely challenged. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • 15.1Megapixel sensor; • Choice of RAW/JPEG recording modes; • 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OIS lens (standard); • 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED OIS lens (in some bundles); • 720p video recording at 30fps; • ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200; • 3 RAW/10 JPEG continuous buffer.

Even the best imagestabilisation technology can’t beat the ease-of-use and absolute stillness that a tripod guarantees. This one from Velbon is inexpensive, and a great ‘first-ever’ tripod for a beginner.

Lowepro Rezo Camera Bag

For travelling and outdoor excursions, a camera bag is an absolute necessity. Lowepro has a very good range, and this Rezo bag is a great place to start your search for the one that’s perfect for you.

Nikon SLR Shoulder Bag Pros

Cons

• Offers best of both worlds • Competitively priced as a bundle • User-friendly, solid design

• Digital viewfinder introduces noise • 1st generation device • Noticeable shutter lag

Overall rating

With a high-quality name like Nikon behind it, it’s no wonder this over-theshoulder carry bag is so well-made, with more than enough space and pockets to accommodate the average SLR camera.

www.connectmag.co.za | 49

product reviews

products

Logitech Illuminated Keyboard Microsoft Arc Keyboard

This keyboard marries both form and function. It’s lightweight, wireless, beautifully designed and perfectly ergonomic.

Logitech Wireless Desktop MK710

This desktop set consists of a chunky keyboard complete with rubberised wrist supports and a mouse that’s curved for supreme comfort. This set has a single Unified USB receiver, and a three-year battery life.

Microsoft Wireless Mouse 4000

Featuring Blue Track technology, with 4-way scrolling, 4 customisable buttons and 10 months of battery life, you’ll get a lot of use out of this convenient take-anywhere mouse.

NEED TO KNOW • Wireless keyboard and mouse combo set • 15-month keyboard battery life, 6-month for the mouse • Uses Logitech’s Unifying USB nano receiver R399.95

As a hardware reviewer, it’s easy to think that once you’ve seen one wireless desktop and mouse set, you’ve seen them all. Happily, this is not so as dedicated manufacturers like Logitech are pouring a great deal of effort into ensuring that each and every one of their many keyboard and mice sets are unique enough in their own right to suit different purposes and different pockets. Obvious care and attention to detail have been given to this one, the Wireless Desktop MK250. The keyboard is small enough to be useful without taking up too much space; the mouse is a good size so that it will fit most hands comfortably and it makes use of the company’s newest favourite feature, the tiny ‘Unifying’ USB nano receiver that lets you connect up to six compatible Logitech devices up to your PC. This all adds up to total freedom from wires, and the ability to sit far away from your computer but still get immediate responses to your input. Sitting close to a computer or notebook seems to be the norm, but there are situations where that distance could come in handy. As an example, a Media Centre PC that is hooked up to a big TV in the lounge works best when it can be controlled from more than a foot or so away (on the couch, for instance). The MK250’s keyboard’s smaller footprint (when compared to a regular-sized keyboard) also fits this scenario well as it can be conveniently stowed away when the Media Centre PC is not in use. It’s also well-suited to a home or office environment, where desktop space is scarce and valuable. The wireless mouse that forms the other half of the MK250 is not as special, but it’s no less useful. It’s a full-sized mouse designed to fit the average hand, it features smooth lines and basic three-button/scroll wheel functionality. It’s not designed for use on all surfaces, though (it does not use Logitech’s excellent Darkfield surface-tracking technology), but it’s still responsive and smooth on most. One of the biggest complaints about wireless mice has been that they

50 | connect | February 2011

sometimes don’t feel as responsive as wired mice. That is not an issue here, as the MK250 set uses Logitech’s “Advanced 2.4GHz Wireless” technology that ensures cursor movements perfectly in time with your input, providing performance identical to that of a wired mouse. A high-quality keyboard and mouse set like this usually costs a lot more than only four hundred Rand, too, which is arguably the K250’s greatest appeal: not only are you getting a fantastic wireless desktop set, but it’s not all that expensive when compared to other options with fewer features. Plus, there are even batteries already in the devices so no additional purchase is necessary until they run out. With Logitech’s promise of 15 months for the keyboard and 6 for the mouse, that will be a long time. Sure, there are no media buttons (play/pause/next track etc.) and there is no backlighting to the keys so they can be seen in the dark, but these features are nice-to-haves, not have-to-haves. The MK250 set is a frill-free yet quietly competent wireless desktop and mouse set that we’re confident will serve you for many years to come. PACKAGE CONTENTS • Keyboard • Mouse • USB receiver • 1 x AA and 2 x AAA batteries (pre-installed in the devices) • Troubleshooting card • 3-year warranty

Pros

Cons

• Offers fantastic value for money • Wireless performance of both keyboard and mouse is excellent • The size of the keyboard is ideal for cluttered environments

• Mouse does not use Darkfield technology for surface-tracking • No extras like multimedia keys on the keyboard

Overall rating

products

JBL On Time Micro Docking Station NEED TO KNOW • Available in black or silver • Compatible with most iPods, MP3 players, laptops and the iPhone • Several independent alarms • AM/FM radio R1 999.95

This compact alarm-clock/radio/iPod docking station is serious about helping you be `on time’ – it has several independent alarms that prevent you from sleeping through the initial buzzer. It can also wake you up to a playlist of your choosing, making you far less likely to be grumpy. Waking up to your favourite band is a much nicer prospect than a noisy alarm siren or idiot DJ talking rubbish on the radio. You’ll be rested, refreshed and your iPod or iPhone will be charged and ready. The On Time Micro is compatible with all iPods and the iPhone (using the docking connector), as well as any audio device that outputs sound using a 3.5mm auxiliary stereo mini-jack. If you’re looking for even more in an alarm clock/docking station, the On Time Micro also has an AM/FM RDS radio, which provides the option of waking up to your favourite radio breakfast show. For pre-bedtime listening, the On Time Micro sports a backlit LCD screen that dims automatically, and comes with a remote control, so you don’t have to get out of bed to change the song or find another radio station to listen to. There’s also a digital time display, which allows you to check the time in the middle of the night, without having to reach for your cellphone. Just as humans charge their batteries while they sleep, Harman’s Evercharge technology does the same for your docked (or plugged in) gadgets. The On Time Micro will power and recharge your iPod or iPhone when it’s docked, even when the alarm clock is switched off. The On Time Micro looks rather attractive in a space-age way – it’s small, curvaceous and won’t take up much space on a nightstand. It has a smattering of buttons across its curves, and these allow you to power on or off, switch between iPod and radio, preset your favourite radio stations or set the alarm. There are also buttons for scrolling through the On Time Micro’s internal menu, as well as through your iPod menu. Let’s not forget the most important button in the middle – the snooze

Sansui MP4 Player

button. It’s rather large and thus hard to miss – which is important if you just need five minutes more shut-eye. In terms of music output, this device is more than capable of getting you out of bed as sound is pumped through the Phoenix transducers, which feature computer-optimised equalisation. The device’s shape also works to project the sound outward (much like an amphitheatre), and you’ll not believe that this tiny device is capable of such rich, intense sound output until you wake up to it yourself. When compared to other docking stations, the On Time Micro has a few things that set it apart: a wide range of compatibility with other gadgets, excellent sound quality and user-friendliness. No matter how much of a heavy sleeper you might be, rest assured that you’ll definitely be on time every day, thanks to several independent alarms and the fact that you’re waking up to your favourite song or radio station. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Finish: Black or silver • Compatibility: All docking versions of the iPod (including Nano G3, iPod Classic, iPod Touch), the iPhone, MP3 and CD players, and desktop and laptop computers • Inputs: Docking connector for an iPod and iPhone; 3.5mm stereo mini-jack auxiliary connection • Power: 2 x 6 Watts • Frequency response: 70Hz – 20kHz • Weight: 0.8kg

Pros

Cons

• Charges your iPod or iPhone, even when alarms are not activated • Remote control adds convenience • Snooze button is nice and big, where you’re unlikely to miss it

• Hitting the snooze button too often will leave you tired, but this isn’t a device fault, it’s a human fault • No battery-powered option, which would be handy in times of power failures

Overall rating

It may not have an iPod’s design pedigree, but Sansui’s MP4 player can still play music and videos at decent quality. It’s also more affordable, making it well worth a second glance.

Philips DCM278 Entertainment System

This thin-profile alarm clock/ CD player/iPod docking station can wake you up with a selection of alarms or music from your CD collection or iPod.

Apple iPod Touch 4th Gen

Record 720p video, take excellent digital stills and listen to music on the go with Apple’s excellent and highly responsive iPod Touch 32GB media player.

www.connectmag.co.za | 51

W H

product reviews

products

Microsoft Sidewinder Gaming Mouse

Aggressive looks, high sensitivity and the ability to add and remove weights to suit your mousing sensibilities make this one seriously serious gaming mouse.

Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0

Great Microsoft hardware engineering meets gaming peripherals maker Razer’s sense of style in this practical yet cool-looking mouse that’s perfect for everyday use.

Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX

All of Logitech’s awesome engineering tricks – including the ability to work on surfaces like glass – have been incorporated into this well-rounded mouse that makes all-day mousing a true pleasure.

Logitech Performance Mouse MX NEED TO KNOW • Wireless mouse that works on almost any surface • Ultra-compact Unifying USB nano receiver • Free-spinning scroll wheel for long documents R1 099.95

The Performance Mouse MX is quite possibly one of the best products to come out of the Logitech stable. It’s probably the most comfortable wireless mice ever built, it’s made out of very sturdy materials and its design addresses the handful of flaws that plagued its predecessor, Logitech’s Revolution MX mouse, which came out in 2007. It doesn’t quite address every quibble, but it comes close. Logitech’s MX Revolution wireless mouse had an amazing scroll wheel that wasn’t like any we’d seen before. Initially, it worked just like every scroll wheel in history – when rotated with a finger, tiny clicks would sound as it moved, scrolling whatever was on the screen by a few lines. Then, when clicked, it would free itself from the shackles of the clicking mechanism, and rotate freely until it ran out of momentum. This allowed for fast scrolling through long documents, and it was part of the reason the MX Revolution was such a popular mouse. The problem was, clicking the scroll wheel to select which scroll technique was desired effectively eliminated the middle mouse button. The Performance Mouse MX has solved the problem by making the selection process a button-press separate from the wheel itself. While this introduces more finger movement to the action than before, it at least ensures that the Performance Mouse MX has a middle mouse button. The MX Revolution had a scroll wheel positioned close to the thumb rest, which many people could not reach. In the Performance MX mouse, it’s entirely gone. The Performance Mouse MX uses an awesome Unifying USB nano receiver that’s so small, you’ll hardly notice it’s even plugged in. In case you want to extend its range, included in the package is a long USB cord with a really nice ergonomic tip into which the Unifying nano receiver can be plugged. There are two buttons located just above the thumb rest area that perform the same functions they did in the Revolution MX – forward and back. They are as easy to reach as ever, but the buttons are slightly different and more rounded than the Revolution’s were.

52 | connect | February 2011

Logitech’s wireless technology has only improved in recent times, so the Performance Mouse MX is as fast and responsive as any wired mouse, with no lag whatsoever. No more will targeting reticules in games feel as if they are behind where you actually think you’re pointing because of a poor wireless connection between mouse and dongle. Logitech’s proprietary ‘Darkfield’ technology ensures that the mouse will work on most surfaces, including glass (but excluding mirrors). Furthermore, this mouse’s design is so good, it will fit just about any hand and provide amazing levels of comfort. The only thing to note is that it’s for right-handed people only – lefties are firmly left out in the cold, and as far as we know, there is no ‘Performance Mouse MX, Left-Handed Edition’. The last point is that it needs no ‘recharge station’: recharging is a simple matter of plugging in a USB cable. Even better, you can continue to work or play, so there’s no inconvenience of having no mouse while it recharges, as was the case with the MX Revolution. If you need the absolute best wireless mouse money can buy, look no further than Logitech’s brilliant Performance Mouse MX. PACKAGE CONTENTS • Logitech Performance Mouse MX • Micro-USB charging cable • AC power supply • Pouch for charging system • USB receiver • Receiver extender cable • Driver installation CD • Quick-start guide • Tips guide

Pros

Cons

• Fits almost any hand comfortably • Lag-free wireless connection • Can be used while charging over USB

• It’s not in everyone’s price range • Not for left-handed mouse users • Activating free-scrolling more laborious than before

Overall rating

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product reviews

products

Logitech N700 Lapdesk With Speakers

Logitech combine comfort and cooling power and add sound to the mix to create the perfect mobile mediaholic’s notebook companion. It’s USB-powered and perfect for curling up in bed with a movie.

Logitech Notebook Riser N110 NEED TO KNOW • An adjustable stand for notebooks • Elevate your notebook by 20, 30 or 40 degrees • Helps maintain correct typing posture for greater comfort R499.95

Logitech Lapdesk N315

Not only does this portable notebook stand rest on your lap comfortably, but it also has a pull-out tray that can be used as a mouse pad. For notebooks 15” and smaller.

Logitech Wireless Z515 Speakers

Stream rich, full stereo sound wirelessly from your laptop, iPad or iPhone. Ten hours of untethered listening should be long enough no matter where you are, and when you’re ready to head home, simply toss everything into the handy travel bag.

Hunching over a keyboard and looking down at a laptop screen will, over time, cause you significant discomfort thanks to the unnatural positions your body has to occupy when your notebook is placed flat on a desk. This is why Logitech has developed the N110 Notebook Riser, a product that elevates the notebook’s screen to a height that is far more comfortable to look at, while also raising the angle at which your keyboard lies. At its most basic, the N110 is a thin piece of plastic that has an adjustable stand. There are three settings for the stand that result in the N110 elevating your notebook by 20, 30 or 40 degrees; as the degrees get steeper, so does the angle of the notebook. It’s designed to accommodate notebooks up to 15.6”, and can support even the heaviest of these. While you can certainly type when a notebook is raised like this, it will get uncomfortable pretty quickly, so using a separate keyboard and mouse together with the N110 is highly recommended. That way, your hands are in a natural position while you’re looking straight ahead at your screen, which is ideal if you’re going to be typing for a long time. To stop the notebook from sliding off the stand, Logitech has included two rubberised fold-out stoppers at the bottom, against which the notebook rests. They are fairly thick and will rub against your wrists if you choose to type on the notebook keyboard, though, unless the lower edge of your notebook is super-thick. Really thin laptops, like the TimelineX reviewed on page 32, will fare particularly badly in this regard, which is why a separate keyboard and mouse set is so highly recommended. The N110 travels really well as it folds completely flat and fits easily into any notebook bag bigger than 15.6”, so it can be transported

54 | connect | February 2011

conveniently between office and home. One concern we have is its build. While the N110 is sturdy enough to carry even hefty notebooks with ease, the plastic does not feel reinforced and gives the impression it may break if not looked after properly. This is not a problem for anyone who takes pride in their possessions, of course, but everyday travel between work and home provides plenty of opportunity for the worst to happen. For a paltry R499, the N110 is a smart buy. It will alleviate any discomfort you may currently be experiencing as a result of using a desk-bound notebook for hours on end. Its portability means you can be comfortable both at home and the office, and its slim design makes it simple to slip inside a crowded notebook bag without making the bag unbearably full. Look after it and we’re confident that Logitech’s Notebook Riser N110 will give you years of good service. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Accommodates PC and Mac notebooks with up to a 15.6” display • 20°/30°/40° adjustable stand with tilt and swivel • Folds perfectly flat for easy transporting • Rubberised stoppers prevent notebook slippage

Pros

Cons

• Alleviates discomfort from prolonged notebook use • Three elevations from which to choose • Rubber stoppers prevent slippage

• Somewhat weak overall build quality • Rubber stoppers will rub against your wrists if the notebook is very thin • Separate keyboard and mouse recommended for optimal use

Overall rating

products

Western Digital WD TV Live Media Player

This stylish multimedia player allows you to stream digital content from any USB hard drive to your TV as it’s compatible with most popular audio, video, and image formats.

Western Digital MyBook Essential 2TB NEED TO KNOW • 2TB external hard drive • Automatic backup • Works with Mac and PC • USB 2.0 interface R1 999.95

The problem with most netbook and notebook computers today is that they have to sacrifice storage in order to achieve maximum portability.So, if you have a laptop that’s rapidly running out of room or you’re looking to back up the contents of said laptop, it’s worth getting an external hard drive, and it’s worth considering the MyBook 2TB from Western Digital. Aside from less-than-ideal storage capacity issues that come with owning a laptop, there’s also the risk that your notebook could be stolen, along with all your music, photos, documents and other important files. So to avoid complete data loss, regular backups are highly recommended. This drive is both compact and lightweight, making it ideal to pack into a briefcase or backpack. Slim and upright, the MyBook is designed to look like – no prizes for guessing this one – a book. A neat little touch on some of the other models in the MyBook range is the option to digitally label the drive (with 12 characters or less) so it’ll read like a title on a book’s binding. Unfortunately with this model, that is not possible. The MyBook is dead simple to use – plug the provided USB cable into the drive, and hook it up to your computer. We love plug-and-play simplicity as much as the next person but for this price, we’d expect another connectivity option besides USB 2.0, which is, in all honesty, rather dated. That being said, USB connectivity is more reliable than most, and does not require a degree in rocket science to operate. It is limited to a transfer rate of around 40MB/s or so (achievable only with a high-end PC), which means a lot of waiting as 2TB will take ages to fill. The MyBook drive is relatively quiet because its ventilation is set up at the top of the device. and iIts plastic build ensures that it’s lightweight. Unfortunately, this plastic casing means it’s not as durable as aluminum drives, but with careful handling, this never has to be an issue. Once you’ve plugged the drive into your computer, the SmartWare software will launch, and from here you’re able to manage the drive. Should you not wish to use the software that comes with the MyBook, disable the driver for the virtual CD under Disk Management. You can then

access it like any other removable drive on your computer – from your My Computer menu – which will give you drag-and-drop functionality for transferring files and folders as well. As an aside, this drive comes formatted as FAT32 and we found that transfer speeds were not as quick as we’d like, so we re-formatted it to NTFS which is the default file system for Windows 2000 and beyond. Reformatting it so it matches the Windows default system sped up transfers, also allowing you to copy across files that are bigger than 4GB (this is a limitation of the FAT32 file system). Obviously, this is only a fix for Windows-based PCs. For Mac computers, the drive works with Time Machine, so you can set up automatic backups to happen at regular intervals. Overall, if you’re looking for additional storage for photos, music, movies and the like, we’d recommend the Western Digital MyBook 2TB Desktop External Hard Drive. It offers a LOT of space and it’s really simple to use. While it might not be the fastest in terms of transfer speeds thanks to USB 2.0, it should still be fast enough for the average user.

LG Portable Super Multi External DVD Drive

This is a very slim DVD burner made specifically for use with notebooks and netbooks. It is powered over USB, which also serves as the datatransfer link.

perfect companions

NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Interface: USB 2.0 • Capacity: 2TB • Weight: 1.18kg • Transfer rate: Around 40MB/s on a high-end system

Pros

Cons

• 2 Terabytes of storage in such a small device is well worth the price tag • Really easy to use • Works with both Mac and PC

• Can’t transfer files larger than 4GB unless you reformat the drive to NTFS • No connectivity other than USB 2.0, and requires an external power source • Software that comes bundled with the MyBook is seriously annoying, so we’d recommend disabling it.

Overall rating

Seagate GoFlex Desk 3TB External Hard Drive This GoFlex drive offers a whopping 3TB of storage, and has an interchangeable docking station. If you have a USB 3.0 port on your computer, all that’s needed is a new docking station and voila, the GoFlex can transfer data at USB 3.0 speeds!

www.connectmag.co.za | 55

product reviews

products

Logitech Gaming Headset G930

For amazing sound quality that includes surround sound for games, movies and music, as well as a highquality boom microphone, Logitech’s G930 comes highly recommended.

Skype

This 100% free communication program can be downloaded from the Skype.com website. It lets you talk, text chat and video-call friends and family who also have Skype (and the necessary hardware), for free.

Labtec PC Headset

If all you need are the absolute basics, Labtec have a good range of headsets from which to choose. They might not be the most amazing devices, but they will get the job done and are priced to move.

Logitech Notebook Headset H555 NEED TO KNOW • USB headphones with noise-cancelling microphone • Foldable for easy transport and storage • Behind-the-head design R599.95

Logitech’s Notebook Headset H555 is a highly portable, collapsible headset that is as comfortable to wear as it is easy to fold up and pack. It also comes with a noise-cancelling, flexible boom microphone that makes it possible to carry on a voice conversation or recording even in busy, loud rooms. The noise-cancelling technology built into the H555’s microphone is not the same as that used in noise-cancelling headphones in general, so no batteries are required. The quality of the audio produced by the H555s is fantastic for voice conversations, as it is compatible with Skype’s proprietary `Super Wideband Audio’, which is also supported by Logitech’s d chat application. It allows for the transmission of a wider range of sound frequencies, which means voice conversations are so clear and realistic, it will seem your chat partner is in the room with you. While it’s possible to use the H555s with other programs like Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk and Yahoo! Messenger, the quality of voice audio is not as good as with Skype and Vid as they don’t support `Super Wideband Audio’. The H555s can also be used for general listening, but they’re not as well-suited to movies, games and music as they are to voice conversations. This is no real cause for concern, however. Just be sure that if you do decide to buy them, you get them for the way they fold flat, their lightweight build and their really good voice-chat performance rather than their versatility. On the comfort side, the earpieces are covered in soft foam, so you can wear the H555s for hours on end, without experiencing any discomfort. The behind-the-head headband is adjustable to different head sizes. The cord is 1.8m long and has a USB plug on the end, and not the normal 3.5mm jack that most headsets use. If you travel a lot, 1.8m is good as there’s less cable to manage, but if you plan to use the H555 at your

56 | connect | February 2011

desktop PC, you may find a slightly longer cable more as 1.8m limits your movements somewhat. The benefit of a USB connection is that it allows the headset to completely bypass your computer’s sound card, delivering hiss-free audio straight to your ears. The only disadvantage is that if you leave the USB headset plugged in and want to use another sound device for whatever reason, you’ll need to manually switch between them using the Windows Control Panel. Logitech have included a soft carry-bag with the H555s packaging, so the headset won’t be rolling around with its cable going everywhere in your notebook bag while you travel. It’s a nice touch, and one typical of Logitech’s awareness of real-world customer needs. The fact that they fold up make the H555s somewhat more flimsy than we’d like, though, so it’s not all roses. Treat them carefully and they will probably last you a long time. It would just be nice if sturdiness was as much a part of the design as great-quality voice audio. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS • Works with Windows and Mac OS • 1 x USB port • Super wideband audio supported in Logitech Vid, Skype 4.0 for Windows or later, and Skype 2.8 for Mac or later • Internet connection for Skype and Logitech Vid communication

Pros

Cons

• Amazing voice quality when used with Skype and Logitech Vid • They fold flat and are lightweight, making for easy travel • Noise-cancelling microphone works well in noisy environments

• Cable may be a bit short for some • Build quality is a wee bit flimsy • Non-voice audio is acceptable, but not great

Overall rating

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product reviews

products

Logitech V-20 Desktop Speakers

Logitech don’t only do highend speakers – this basic set is around twice the price of the IS121s, and while it doesn’t have a subwoofer, it puts out some decent sound for the money.

Compupal IS121 2.1 Desktop Speakers NEED TO KNOW • Affordable desktop/notebook speakers with subwoofer • Cool sound-wave-inspired satellite speaker design • Illuminated with attractive LED lights R349.95

Sennheiser HD202 Headphones

Making noise is fun and all, but sometimes quieter is better. Sennheiser make excellent headphones, and this entry-level set is more than good enough for casual listening.

perfect companions

Archos Clipper MP3 Player 2GB With space for over 500 songs, this small and inexpensive MP3 player is the perfect companion for music lovers on a budget.

We know all too well that not everyone is fortunate enough to have R2 000 to blow on a set of speakers for their PC. Vendors know this too, which is why we have products that offer to do a similar job, for a lot less cash. Take these from Chinese manufacturer Compupal, for instance. They are very cheap, come with a subwoofer and two satellite speakers and are just loud enough to get the job done. With a power output rating of only 4 W per satellite and 9 W for the subwoofer, these speakers aren’t going to blow anyone’s eardrums away. While loudness is part of what you should be looking for in a decent set of speakers, this relatively quiet set is still good enough to provide sound for a very young PC gamer’s computer. The sound isn’t amazing, with bass that sometimes overpowers the all-important mid-range sounds (dialogue and subtle audio cues in games and movies, vocals and individual instruments in music), but bass can at least be adjusted to an inoffensive level using a dial on the subwoofer. This shouldn’t present much of an issue for a beginner user; besides, the best way to appreciate better speakers is to use a set that lacks a bit in the quality department for a while. The IS121 speakers connect up to audio sources using a standard 3.5mm audio jack, so they can be connected to notebooks, MP3 players and cellphones. As long as the device has a 3.5mm audio jack, they will work with it. The satellite speakers are perhaps the IS121’s most attractive feature. They are very thin and sport a clever design that makes the driver (the bit that looks like a round disc with holes in it that produces sound) look like it’s suspended in air, complete with an artistic representation of the sound waves it emits when in operation. A further nod to looks is the way the speakers light up in blue when turned on, courtesy of LED lighting. The subwoofer is a little more traditional-looking as it’s a rectangular box shape with a speaker cover on the side. The front of the subwoofer

58 | connect | February 2011

looks quite nice, though, thanks to a plastic finish that gives it a pleasantly unique look. Volume and bass control dials are also present on the subwoofer. The convenience of having these dials located on satellite speakers that will rest on your desk cannot be overstated, though, so while Compupal gets kudos for even including them, they lose points for placing them on the part of the speaker set that will spend most of its time underneath a desk. These are definitely not speakers for anyone wanting a really amazing audio experience. They are still a worthwhile purchase as a set of speakers for someone just starting out on their journey through audio technology, though, so they do have a role to play in the grand scheme of things. Don’t expect a lot from them, and you won’t be disappointed. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • 17 W (4 W x 2 + 9 W) total power (RMS) • 34 W total peak power • Blue illumination LED • 3.5mm AUX input jack • 4” powerful active woofer • Neodymium type drivers • Stereo jack for satellite output • Power, bass and master volume controls • Subwoofer dimension: 118 x 232 x 260mm • Satellite dimension: 85.4 x 193 x 58mm Pros

Cons

• Affordable alternative to big-name, high-volume desktop speakers • Attractive aesthetic touches give the speakers a pleasant look • A nicely-priced gift for the fledgling computer geek in the family

• Sound quality cannot compare to more expensive speakers • The location of the audio control dials on the subwoofer • LED lighting may appear a bit garish to some

Overall rating

products

Logitech V-10 Notebook Speakers

Golla Notebook Bags and Sleeves NEED TO KNOW • Perfect travel companion for notebook computers • Colourful, vibrant and practical • Multi-functional and versatile R149.99 to R599.95

For the user who’s tired of plain-black, dull-as-dishwater carry companions for their gadgets, Golla has the solution: gorgeous, vibrant, stunning bags for every personality. We took a look at their notebook sleeves, and found them to be ideal in every way for the mobile computer user. In our quest for the perfect laptop bag, we’ve tried out a huge variety of accessories. Some of them look good, some protect your notebook from knocks and bumps, while others are spill-proof. The messenger-style bags from Golla manage to be all three simultaneously. Made from a sturdy material, these bags have a Velcro fastener that keeps the notebook securely contained and protected from bumps and spills that might occur during transport. Inside the Golla laptop bag, there are several pockets/compartments, making the bag perfect for carrying the peripherals and accessories you need for both you and your laptop. The large internal pocket is divided into two smaller compartments, one for a notebook and one for bigger accessories, like speakers, text books or a compact keyboard. The notebook pocket closes with Velcro and you’ll be pleased to know that it fits up to a 15.4” notebook, which should be ample room for most notebook owners. In terms of protection, there’s a ½” worth of padding all the way around the pocket, and the padding is made from polyester, which is soft and will cushion the laptop against bumps. The Golla laptop bag was surprisingly comfortable to carry around despite having a thinly padded shoulder strap. Unlike some messenger bags, the Golla bag is capable of holding a serious amount of stuff, without losing its shape. The notebook compartment is decently padded and the drawstring is perfect for rainy days. For those who prefer a backpack, a

Golla backpack is designed with comfort and maximum mobility in mind. Golla notebook covers are made from neoprene, which is the same material that wetsuits are made of. Waterproof, with a tightly-knit zipper, this cover will protect your notebook from bumps and spills, while adding colour and interest to your hardware. These covers also provide protection while you’re using your notebook, as they have four elasticated grips that snap tightly over each corner of your machine to hold the cover on securely, ensuring it looks good while maintaining perpetual protection. Golla bags come well-recommended by Connect for their wide array of colours, bold, funky prints and great quality and workmanship. Golla accessories are lovely fashion accessories that provide reliable protection – and with such a reasonable price tag, you really couldn’t ask for more. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Material: Neoprene, polyurethane • Carries: Netbooks, notebooks, chargers, accessories • Waterproof: No, water resistant • Configurations: Backpack, traditional notebook bag, carrier bag • Fasteners: Velcro, drawstring

Pros

Cons

• Good-looking accessories for your laptop • Wide variety of prints and colours from which to choose • Good quality build and material

• Overloading the notebook bag could cause the shoulder strap to rip, but then it’s not recommended to carry too much in a notebook bag anyway • The lighter-coloured accessories are prone to picking up dirt and getting stained

Overall rating

A lightweight speaker solution for your notebook that connects using a single USB cable. Pack up and take it with you, as this speaker set comes with its own travel bag.

Logitech Wireless M305 Mouse

We love Logitech’s gorgeously patterned accessories and we simply adore these dinky little wireless mice. They have tiny nano receivers and excellent battery life, making them perfect for mobile computer users.

Logitech N700 Lapdesk With Speakers

Keep your notebook cool and your sound pumping with this handy ventilated notebook lap rest that also features built-in speakers.

www.connectmag.co.za | 59

book reviews

Happiness for Dummies

NEED TO KNOW

This surprisingly meaningful book delves into the idea of happiness, and goes into considerable detail on what it’s made up of, what it isn’t, and how to go about achieving it. It even goes so far as to clarify the difference between actual happiness and those cultural things we sometimes substitute for it, like fame, wealth and success. In all this is a practical book that has some useful tips, although a few of its observations are somewhat obvious and trite to anyone who has actually put any thought into what they want from their life, but the effort is a solid one. This is a pleasantly-written book that anyone who hasn’t really put much thought into what they want from their life would do well to read. It’s accessible, interesting, funny in places and surprisingly insightful. A great read.

• By W. Doyle Gentry PhD. • 328 Pages

Twitter for Dummies

NEED TO KNOW

• By Laura Fitton, Michael Gruen and Leslie Poston • 288 Pages

Any guide to Twitter written in an accessible style should be considered essential reading for anyone in the 21st century that lives any kind of online life. This one, part of the highly accessible, tongue-in-cheek “Dummies” series, is just that, and writers Fitton, Gruen and Poston have laid out in detail everything a budding Tweeter (Twit?) should know before they start. More than that, the writers tell readers how to make good use of Twitter to expand business horizons, make contacts, gather followers, share up-to-the-minute information, how to find the kind of people whose Tweets you actually want to read, and more besides. It’s an up-to-date, how-to book for anyone interested in using Twitter to leverage their ideas, find an audience for their rants and read personal posts by famous people (or people pretending to be them). Mastering the 140-character limit, though, is entirely up to you.

60 | connect | FebruaryWW 2011

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game reviews //By Tiana cline

KINECT’S GREAT 8 Kinect brings games and entertainment to life in an extraordinary way – no controller required. Easy to use and instantly fun, add a Kinect camera to your Xbox 360 and you’ll be getting off the couch but staying in the game. See a ball? Kick it. Follow choreographed dance moves with finesse. Do an exercise class. Control an HD movie with a wave of your hand. Connect takes a quick look at Kinect’s top titles.

or’s E d itoi ce Ch

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved More of an innovative exercise project and less of a game, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved means calorie-burning in the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to the gym as the Kinect sensor scans in your body and creates custom gym routines that really work. With a slick presentation and professional personal training, you’ll feel and see the results in no time. R399.95

62 | connect | February 2011

Dance Central

Kinect Sports

Music games are quickly becoming a popular video game genre, with something for everyone, be it DJ-ing, karaoke or guitar-playing. Dance Central captures the beat, letting you perform full-body routines to over 30 tunes. The quirky choreography is easy to follow, with each move clearly shown by an animated dancer and on-screen movement guide. From Lady Gaga to Basement Jaxx, Dance Central is a must-play party pleaser. R399.95

Even though there are plenty of other motion-sport games out there from which to choose, Kinect Sports is the first mix that actually tracks your entire body in a 3D space. What does this mean? From running and throwing a javelin, to slamming a volleyball, you’ll use all your limbs, all the time. Six team-based and individual sports that rely on real movement and skill make up Kinect Sports. R399.95

Sports Island Freedom With an impressive selection of ten sporting activities (tennis, beach volleyball, boxing, kendo, dodgeball, paintball, figureskating, mogul-skiing, snowboard-cross and archery), Sports Island Freedom tries to do it all in one game. If it were the only sports mix for the Kinect controller, it would be impressive. Unfortunately, the mini-game selection isn’t as good as the rest. It’s playable but far from perfect. R399.95

NEED TO KNOW • Easily hook up with friends with Video Kinect, no headset required • Sign into your profile by simply stepping in front of the sensor • Games give you the freedom to jump, duck and dance freely • Uses cutting-edge technology to provide a whole new way to play

Kinect Joy Ride If only racing were as easy as simply putting your arms in front of you and pretending to drive. It is, in Kinect Joy Ride, an arcade racer that’s both colourful and creative. Like Mario Kart or ModNation Racers, there are lots of cool features and many game modes where you can go solo, pick up a co-pilot, or even team up with your friends and family. R399.95

Kinect Adventures This mini-game collection of five adventurous outings will help you get to know your Kinect peripherals. If you fancy kayaking down a river or popping balls in a gravity-free environment, this is the game in which to do it. Backed by nice graphics and an energising soundtrack, Kinect Adventures maps your body to the action and keeps you moving – it’s fun and free. Bundled with the Kinect Sensor

Kinectimals

Fighters Uncaged

If this game doesn’t win you over with its cuteness, it will surely capture your heart with its beautiful animation and open environment. Kinectimals is a virtual pet title that isn’t too demanding, but will keep you playing in an effort to unlock as many toys, mini-games, maps and collectibles as possible. These friendly felines show off what the Kinect is capable of – kids will go crazy for Kinectimals. R399.95

Most of the Kinect games available are family-friendly titles aimed at the casual game market. If you’re looking for something a bit tougher, Fighters Uncaged is a game where you punch, kick and head-butt your opponents, trying to beat your personal score and pull off impressive combos. With sometimes unresponsive controls and lacklustre environments, this game shows potential but may have you regretting your purchase. R399.95

www.connectmag.co.za | 63

game reviews

Bulletstorm

NEED TO KNOW • From the makers of Gears of War • Over-the-top, intense action and massive boss battles • Kill with skill for points

Call of Duty: Black Ops For classic FPS action, look no further than Black Ops. From the jungles of Vietnam to the snowy wastes of the Ural mountains, you and your team must operate behind enemy lines using only the limited technology of the time.

NEED TO KNOW

now get points! Added to your choice weapon is an energy leash (to lasso enemies closer) and power boot (to shove, slide and kick around your foes). You have two missions: get off the planet alive and exact revenge on the man who sent you there. R499.95

Consider >>This <<

get >>This <<

There are lots of first-person shooter games out there, each doing their own thing for the genre. To mix things up, Bulletstorm is an action-packed title that doesn’t take itself too seriously. What was once a paradise is now a space pirates shooting spectacular. You’ll laugh at the dialogue, use innovative weapons and be rewarded for how skilled your moves are. If you’ve tried it before in an FPS for a laugh, you’ll

The Sly Trilogy

The Shoot If you’re looking for some arcade gunplay that utilises the PS Move, you’ll no doubt want to step into the shoes of an aspiring action star who is participating in different movie scenes. If you like Time Crisis, you’re bound to enjoy this title.

Remember the Tamagotchi? The allure of owning a virtual pet once again comes into, this time on Sony’s portable player. Using a PlayStation Eye camera and a magic card, you’ll soon be caring, teaching and feeding a lovable creature of your own. This is a great game for younger players, and the technology behind the title is impressive. But with slow loading times and repetitive gameplay, the PSP edition of EyePet won’t be your best friend. The good news is that there are other and better uses for the (included) EyePet camera, such as Invizimals, which make the title a worthwhile buy. R499.95

>>Get This<< Invizimals

EyePet

NEED TO KNOW

• A virtual PSP pet • Uses the PlayStation Eye camera • Customise and care for your creature 64 | connect | February 2011

This is a creature-collecting game in the spirit of Nintendo’s Pokémon franchise. The twist in Invizimals is that instead of looking for creatures while guiding a character across a fantasy realm, you use the included camera attachment to track and capture critters in the real world!

• Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus • Sly 2: Band of Thieves • Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves There’s a good chance you’ve heard about Ratchet and Clank, or Jak and Daxter, but what about Sly Cooper, Sony’s more than mischievous raccoon? If you’ve never played a Sly Cooper game, here’s a chance to own them all. Enhanced with superb HD visuals, all three Sly games have been bundled into one must-play package. As an added extra, there is PS Move and 3D TV support. This is a great collection of reformatted games at a decent price. Not only will the Sly Trilogy slot nicely into your PS3 library, it will also excite you for the upcoming Sly 4! R399.95

>>Get this<< SEGA Mega Drive Classic Collection Are you feeling a little nostalgic? Why not enjoy a bumper assortment of retro SEGA titles such as Sonic 3 and Knuckles, Alien Storm, Decap Attack, as well as Virtual Fighter 2 and Sonic Spinball, to name a few.

>>Consider This<< Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet Following the second season of the animated TV series, you can now “Hero Up” with friends in cooperative play and master the unique Factor Power of each of the Marvel heroes in three unique modes: story, freeplay and challenge.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn

NEED TO KNOW • An embroidered side-scrolling platformer • Two-player in-game co-op • Find beads and collectible items Kirby, Nintendo’s pink protagonist, hasn’t had his own video game outing since Squeak Squad in 2006. Epic Yarn is a side-scrolling platformer like no other. First up, the game’s creative design makes it as fun to play as it is to look at. Wool, material and buttons are all part of the textured creativity. Everything is created from items you would find in a scrapbooking store – the environment looks like it has been stitched together from felt and thread and all the enemies (as well as Kirby) are made from thick wool. It’s almost like you’re playing the game on a patchwork quilt that can wrinkle and fold. Another interesting dynamic is that you can sometimes go behind the material, really adding to the overall feel of the sewn-together gameplay. At its heart, this is a classic, bead?-collecting platformer with lots of challenges, unlockables and extras. Fancy a game of hide and seek? You’ll find it. Want another soundtrack? You’ll unlock one. All these details make Epic Yarn a game that is accessible and easy to play. While hardcore gamers may find the title a bit on the simple side (Kirby cannot die), they will more than likely play to the end, enjoying all the and interesting features.

In Epic Yarn, Kirby is nothing but an outline made of thread and his form is adjustable depending on where you are in an environment. Kirby can turn into a dolphin to swim fast underwater, or into a firetruck to put out flames. No matter what Kirby becomes (be it a train, submarine, or even a UFO), his new shapes keep the gameplay captivating and cute. There is even a customisable Kirby apartment, complete with background patterns and furniture to make it your own. Like the NEW Super Mario Bros. on Wii, you can tackle the adventure two at a time. The in-game two-player co-op allows a second gamer to jump into the action at any moment to take the role of Prince Fluff (who is basically a clone of Kirby, but blue). This is a great game for young and old. It may look simple, but underneath it all, you’re in for a complex, platforming treat accompanied by an enchanting and original soundtrack and interesting art design. Kirby’s Epic Yarn is easy to pick up but difficult to put down – a must-play game for every Wii owner. R499.95

>>Get this<<

>>Consider this<<

Donkey Kong Country Returns Controlled by a group of evil Tikis, the animals have raided Donkey Kong’s Banana Hoard and stolen his stash of bananas – and he wants them back! Donkey Kong is back in a new side-scrolling adventure with familiar characters and new levels.

EA Create In Create, use your originality and imagination to unlock a world of play. The game tracks your vision and rewards you for it. The more you create, the more you unlock rewards and exciting challenges to play, opening a world of fun as you go.

www.connectmag.co.za | 65

game reviews

Dead Space 2

NEED TO KNOW • An amazing setting, story and atmosphere • New gameplay scenarios, weapons, abilities and enemies • Co-op optimised gameplay

>>Comming Soon<<

>>look out for<<

Mass Effect 3

Killzone 3

It’s humanity’s last stand and only Shepard can save us. Launching on all three major platforms, ME3 is set in a vast science fiction universe, filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. It features intense action, a rich, futuristic storyline, space exploration and emotionally engaging character interaction.

You’ll be tasked with utilising a host of new weapons and vehicles in the battle for human survival. Helghast variety is now greater than ever, and you’ll face jetpack troopers as well as enemies wielding weapons of mass destruction.

NEED TO KNOW • Hockey, basketball, volleyball and dodgeball • Up to 4 players • Power-ups, coins and multiplayer madness Nintendo’s mascot is more than a plumber; he’s an extreme sportsman! Mario Sports Mix takes 4 ballgames and gives them some unexpected and over-the-top twists. Pick your favourite Nintendo character, be it Yoshi or Princess Peach, and take each other on in different locations, earning coins and using fun power-ups like banana peels, green shells

Buy >>this<<

If you’ve played the first, single-player horror that was Dead Space, there’s no question you’ll be excited for a second space adventure. The popular survival horror third-person shooter now has a multiplayer option, which means you’ll be following the lives of several Aegis VII colony members as they fight off the Necromorph invasion and learn why Lexine is the key to their survival. Dead Space 2 is nothing short of an engrossing, interactive horror-movie experience that pushes the boundaries of story-telling in a game. It features awesome first-person dismemberment combat, larger-than-life boss fights, new weapons, tougher enemies and great puzzles. R499.95

Mario Sports Mix

and mini mushrooms. During the game, gathering coins will build up bonus points for maximum damage. With a number of modes to choose from and four fun sports options, there’s a lot of variety in Mario Sports Mix to keep you on your toes. R499.95

Mario VS. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem Rescue Pauline by guiding Mini Marios through over 200 new action-puzzle levels filled with traps set by Donkey Kong. Grab your stylus and place girders to cross pits, build conveyor belts, set springs, or even place warp pipes to solve the various puzzles.

>>Get this<<

Test Drive Unlimited 2

NEED TO KNOW

• Massively open online racing is back! • Discover the island of Ibiza • Numerous challenges, cars and customisation options

66 | connect | February 2011

There’s more to racing than getting in a car and driving around a track. With the purchase of a high-end luxury car comes that much soughtafter, glamorous lifestyle. In TDU2, you’ll enjoy the car and all that it entails. Set in Ibiza, there are miles of accurately mapped and open world roads to explore. You can earn cash through challenges that will come in handy when you need property, or perhaps a super-yacht? Unlike the first title, TDU2 features vehicle damage, weather effects, as well as day and night cycles. Feel free to customise, socialise or just drive. R599.95

Nascar The Game 2011 Choose to play as yourself or as one of the sport’s real-world drivers as you battle it out for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. Damage is meticulously detailed and multi-car wrecks are the most extreme ever experienced in an officially licensed racing game.

tech tannie

Like an electrician after a

summer storm Tech Tannie swoops in and takes away the mess with one swipe of a practised hand…

issue of the month: Q:

In the holidays, I visited my daughter and saw that she was letting her son play on the computer for a couple of hours every day. He’s only four years old! Surely this isn’t a good idea? Won’t this affect his development? Concerned Chakori in Cape Town Actually, dear Concerned, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Now, before I ramble on as to why I think you are both completely wrong and, interestingly enough, completely right, let me explain why I allowed your letter through our stringent security system and onto the printed page. No, you are not asking me to help you with some terrifying computer issue or malignant virus that has eaten your hard drive, but you are raising a point that has become increasingly common in my letters of late – are computers good for kids? Like TV back in the day when it first ambled onto the scene, computers are getting something of a bad rap in the paediatric department. We’ve all seen the reports – too scary, too many flashing images, limits creativity, etc., etc. However, if you ensure that children do not get more than two hours of concentrated screen time a day (Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11500084) – and that includes TV – and that they access the right programmes and tools, then the benefits are impressive. There are plenty of websites dedicated to educational activities that are in line with school curriculums, online learning centres and so much more. You can help children develop numeracy and reading skills while they’re having fun, and you’re teaching them a skill that is becoming increasingly valuable and essential – the ability to use a computer. With help and guidance, you are giving your grandchildren a head start in the world because computers are everywhere and computer literacy is an important skill to have. So monitor their screen time, ensure they use the right programmes and access the right websites, and help them to gain proficiency in navigating the PC. It’s a great education if handled with common sense and proper supervision.

If you have questions, gripes or just seek some solace, e-mail Tamsin, our friendly tech tannie at techtannie@connectmag.co.za 68 | connect | February 2011

Q: A:

How do I know if I have a virus on my computer? Viral Barry in Badplaas Ag nee, this is a sad question. It really is. For if you have a virus, you face a long and painful road to full system recovery. I hate viruses – these goggas are just irritating and, frankly, the people who create them drive me mad. But enough of my ranting at the keyboard, let’s cover some of the basic symptoms that you need to look out for. First off, is your computer running a lot slower than normal? This is often a sign that a virus has snuck in and started playing around with your systems. You will often find that this goes hand-in-hand with system failures and your PC stopping for no particular reason. The PC may restart on its own, or crash and restart, and applications may suddenly stop working properly or you can’t access specific hard drives or information. Other symptoms include weird error messages and distorted screens/ boxes/menus. Some of these issues can actually be caused by software malfunctions and have nothing to do with a virus at all, so it’s well worth getting your system checked out before you panic. If you have access to the internet, try out Microsoft’s free Malicious Software Removal Tool if you are running a Microsoft operating system. Also, if you are not running an anti-virus programme on your computer, you should get one immediately. There are plenty of costeffective (or free!) solutions on the internet that won’t eat up hard drive space and work perfectly well.

How can I reconfigure my wireless network? I am kak scared to dig around inside my router, but I really want to change some of my settings… Routed Rashida in Randburg

Ya, hey, it can be quite terrifying to tackle reconfiguring your router when you’re not sure what to do, but if you want to tighten your security or change your passwords, you’re going to need to get in there. The router has all the configurations you need to control your computer’s wireless access, bandwidth, network security and so on. First things first – please read the manual. I can sit here and give you the basics until I turn blue and get used as a home for Christmas beetles, but if you don’t know the ins and outs of your specific router, you aren’t going to go anywhere. Every brand has its own set of instructions, its own interface, etc.. Read the manual, spend some time learning the various interactions, and pay attention to the fineprint. To start with, make sure the router is connected to the modem, and that the modem is connected to the wide area network (WAN). Connect your PC to the ports with an Ethernet cable so you can chat to the router directly. Then turn off the router, wait 20 seconds, and turn it on again. Now enter the router’s default IP

address (if you don’t know what this is, you haven’t read the manual, so go back and do what I told you to do!), and enter your username and password. If you can’t find a username and password for the router in your documentation, you’ll have to go online and hunt them down. Look up the make and model of your router, and you should find a default username and password listing on the manufacturer’s website. If you can’t find this, get in touch with your retailer and ask them to help you locate this information. Once you have logged in, which hopefully wasn’t too much of a shlepp, you can access all your router information. Unless you really know what you’re doing, I suggest making only minor changes at first and assessing how they impact your network. As I don’t know what it is you’re specifically trying to do, I can’t go into much more detail on how to reconfigure the router. However, I highly recommend that you write down the original settings, and the changed settings, on a notepad so you can easily go in and change them back if things suddenly go mental.

www.connectmag.co.za | 69

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disconnect //By adam oxford

The one that got away! The passing of a photographic era and why sometimes old school is good.

’ve mentioned before that I enjoy digital photography more than is really good for me or my wallet. No sooner have I bought one obscenely expensive camera, I’m already eyeing up the next for twice the price. Even so, I felt the need for a moment’s silence last month in respect for the passing of an analogue great: on December 30, 2010, the last commercial processing lab for the legendary Kodachrome film closed its door. Since the late 1930s, Kodak’s negative film was a staple for photographers and cinematographers alike. Renowned not only for its significance as the first successful colour film, Kodachrome’s trademark vibrant tones and ability to be stored for years without degrading helped it remain relevant for seven decades. It revolutionised photography and film-making. Strangely, at almost exactly the same time as this legend of traditional imaging passed into history, I found myself cursing digital cameras and wishing for a manual winding 35mm SLR loaded with a roll of the finest celluloid known to man. Last December, my family and I took a well-deserved break (at least I consider it well-deserved) and headed off to the Kruger Park for a week. Even at the height of the rainy season, when the bush is so thick you can’t see the side of the road, let alone anything moving beyond it, it’s one of the best places in the world for any

72 | connect | February 2011

budding wildlife photographer who wants a relatively risk-free insight into the lives of the David Attenboroughs or Andy Rouses of the world. Our first day in the park started well. I snapped away and filled several memory cards with hippo, crocodiles, giraffes and every flavour of buck we could wish for, plus an unusual wildcat sleeping on a rock. Not really rare game, but enough to convince me a few of the shots would be worth uploading to Flickr, at least. The real treat, however, came as we were driving back to our lodge for the evening. A couple ahead of us had stopped to look at a small herd of buffalo, and realised they were parked next to a gorgeous, fully-grown leopard asleep in a tree to their left. Lying flat out on a low branch with all four legs dangling to the ground, this was the kind of shot serious photographers would kill for. To add to the sense of occasion, it was the first time I’d actually seen a leopard in the park. I was excited to finally finish my Big Five collection. Quietly, hands trembling, I reached around for the camera and image-stabilised 300mm lens that sat ready for action on the back seat. The battery was flat. Like a rank amateur, my spare one was back at the lodge. In times like this, it’s wise to be philosophical and accept that some things don’t have to be pixelated for posterity to be appreciated. I saw the leopard and have some grainy images on my phone of a distant blob that looks feline enough to prove I was there. But I can’t say I wouldn’t have been happier to have had an indestructible, reliable 35mm film back-up body with me. Talk about an opportunity missed. Still, it’s not all bad. Three days later, we almost ran over a cheetah, and have some truly incredible pics of him running alongside the car. If ever there was a ‘Kodak moment’, though, I missed it. Just as the whole world should miss Kodachrome.

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