March 2011
Mail Jobs to your Printer...
print@home
Tablet Technology Tips...
Super slates
p1ck a p@ssw0rd Secure your accounts!
heavenly storage Send, Store and Save: SkyDrive
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t e k c po gaming
evolved
3 dimensions. 2 screens. 1 handheld console!
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Reviews MONITORS LAPTOPS CAMERAS PRINTERS SOFTWARE cellphones GAMES
www.connectmag.co.za
VOL02 Issue #11
FEATURES 10
Compact Computing Never mind the netbook. Lose the laptop. Tables are the trend of today
March 2011
14
14
Nintendo’s Next Dimension Imagine 3D gaming in the palm of your hand, no glasses needed
18
Cloud and Ink Thanks to HP, you can now print from any e-mail-capable device
22
Storing in the Sky Want to be able to keep up to 25GB of data online, free? Use SkyDrive
24
Pick a Password Practising better account security
28
The Publisher’s Guide Home DTP is easy…
24 10
REGULARS 06 08 68 70 72
News Trouble-free Technobabble Tamsin the Tech Tannie 68 Competition 70 Disconnect 72
REVIEWS 34 40 41 43 44 46 48 50 54 56 57 60
Top 5 Storage Notebooks Monitors Accessories GPS Sound Networking Peripherals Printers Software Books 60
GAMING 62
PUBLISHER Brett Haggard brett@connectmag.co.za EDITOR Tiana Cline tiana@connectmag.co.za
REVIEWS Deon du Plessis EDITOR deon@connectmag.co.za TECHNOLOGY Christo van Gemert EDITOR christo@connectmag.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Tamsin Mackay Adam Oxford ART DIRECTOR Jason Palmer jason@connectmag.co.za
Reviews
SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@connectmag.co.za ADVERTISING Dorothy Haggard dorothy@connectmag.co.za Contact Hypertext Media Communications (011) 023-8001/4 info@hypertext.co.za FAX 08654 83304
Connect is a joint venture between Hypertext Media Communications and Incredible Connection
ed’s note
T
Subscribe now and you could win one of three HP Officejet 7500A Wide Format e-All-in-One Printers!
4 | connect | March 2011
he human brain may be as capable as a computer, but according to scientists, we only use a minimal percentage of it. Mechanically, we use the whole grey matter but when it comes down to storage, the volume potential is underutilised. And that is my excuse. After all, I’m a human being, not a computer, and I just don’t have the capacity to remember all the different passwords I need to remember on a daily basis. There’s a password for numerous sites I access on the Internet, not to mention my networking keys and banking details. It can be mind-boggling, particularly when you consider that each password requires different combinations. The worst part? If someone gets hold of your personal information, you face a big security risk. In this issue of Connect, we’re teaching you how to pick the perfect password. Because, if you know how to practise good account security, there’s a better chance of ensuring that you properly protect your valuable information. One way of doing that is getting password management software for your cellphone. For other tips, read our feature on page 24. Hardware has evolved. A printer is no longer just a printer. Today’s high-end, 4-in-1 models also fax, scan and copy. And thanks to ePrinting technology, you can now send information directly to a printer from any e-mail-capable device. The idea is simple, but the implication is far-reaching. Imagine you’re running late for a meeting and need something urgently printed for a client. Not only can you access the important data from your cellphone, you can print a few copies and they’ll be waiting for you at the office. And if you own a photo printer, friends and family overseas can send pictures directly to your peripheral. Find out more about this AirPrint technology on page 18.
Another game-changer in the world of technology is 3D. A few issues back, Connect looked at 3D TVs. Come 25 March, you’ll be able to experience 3D in the palm of your hand, no glasses needed. The Nintendo 3DS is here, and with the launch of this exciting onthe-go gaming peripheral comes the ability to play videogames in 3D, take 3D pictures and more. If you can’t wait to get into the next dimension of gaming, flip to page 14 to discover all the finer features of the 3DS. Do you have a tablet yet? If you cannot choose between an iPad and Galaxy Tab, or are waiting for the BlackBerry PlayBook, you’ll acknowledge that compact computing is the trend. On page 10 of Connect, we’re giving you top tablet tips by letting you in on everything you need to know if you’re thinking of buying one. Other exciting features this month include a quick look at Microsoft’s SkyDrive. Want 25GB of free online storage? It’s easy. We’re also telling you all you need to know on home desktop publishing. Once again, Connect is filled with great reviews you can use. After all, this is the technology magazine that speaks your language and it is here to help you pick the right product, be it a netbook, tablet, media player or software package. Reviews of games and gamerelated accessories are also to be found within these pages (this month’s top title is Killzone 3), so you’ll be able to find the perfect game to play, no matter which platform you own, whether it’s PC, console or handheld. Remember to stay Connect-ed and subscribe today. We hope you enjoy the issue, Tiana Cline
Editor’s photo by Dan Elkabir / www.lightscapespdd.com
s e i r o Mem chines & ma
The ultimate portable storage solution
Verbatim’s range of USB2.0 Store ‘n’ Go portable hard drives provide outstanding performance, reliably storing all your precious data while on the move. The drives are housed in a lightweight, palm-sized silver case – a new design that makes it one of the smallest and lightest drives on the market.
www.verbatim-europe.com
news HP TouchPad brings webOS to the big screen HP has welcomed the first webOS slate – the HP TouchPad. With its vibrant 9.7” diagonal flush capacitive multitouch display, virtual keyboard, instant-on access, support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 beta in the browser and access to thousands of webOS applications, the TouchPad is designed not just for fun, but for mobile productivity. It’s ideal for anyone wanting the benefits of the amazing webOS platform on a much bigger scale. Designed to be used alone or as a digital companion to your webOS phone, TouchPad connects you and your devices through the elegant webOS experience. Never miss an important call or SMS – they can be answered and viewed right on the TouchPad. Plus, HP’s exclusive new touch-toshare feature will let you simply touch an enabled webOS phone to your TouchPad to share web URLs. With the HP Synergy feature, all you have to do is sign into your Facebook, Google, Microsoft Exchange, LinkedIn and Yahoo! accounts and your contacts, calendar and e-mail automatically populate your TouchPad. The TouchPad also features a webOS communication suite, a complete solution, including e-mail, instant messaging, contacts, calendar, videos and a front-facing camera for videocalling. Connected photo albums make it easy to share and
Sony’s next-gen portable entertainment system Codenamed NGP, Sony’s next generation portable entertainment system will make its debut at the end 2011. This new system offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real-world context. Incorporating Wi-Fi and 3G-network connectivity, together with various applications, NGP will enable infinite possibilities to encounter, connect, discover, share and play with friends. Within the device are various features that provide a cutting-edge entertainment experience, such as: • Stunning OLED and revolutionary user interface • LiveArea – a space where users can share the fun and excitement with other players converging reality and virtuality
• Oval design and dual analogue sticks • Near – where you can find out what your friends in the vicinity are playing now or were playing recently. NGP adopts a new game medium, a small flash memory-based card, dedicated for NGP software titles. Taking advantage of the flash memory feature, this innovative card can store the full software titles plus add-on game content, or the game save data directly on to the card. NGP will also come equipped with two cameras on its front and rear, as well as three motion sensors, a gyroscope, accelerometer and an electronic compass. PS Suite will also be closely coordinating with NGP. This means newly-developed (and already-released game content) for Android-based portable devices can also be enjoyed on NGP. Watch this space.
view pictures directly from popular services such as Facebook, Snapfish and Photobucket. The TouchPad’s virtual full QWERTY keyboard includes a number row, which reduces keyboard switching, making typing easy and fast. It powers on instantly and brings you back to exactly where you left off, whether you were in the middle of composing an e-mail, playing a game or browsing a Web page. For maximum productivity, HP is working with Quickoffice to include the Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite, which allows for viewing and editing documents, such as Microsoft Word and Excel. It also comes with VPN support to connect to corporate networks. With its 1.3MP front-facing webcam, the TouchPad offers video-calling capability. It’s also compatible with HP’s industry-leading printing solutions, so you can wirelessly print documents, photos and e-mails to compatible wireless and networked HP printers. The TouchPad has built-in HP Touchstone technology for easy charging, so it’s compatible out of the box with the HP Touchstone for TouchPad (sold separately). You can charge in either portrait or landscape mode, even without removing the TouchPad case (sold separately). To find out more, visit: www.palm.com/us/ products/pads/touchpad/
Videogame song wins a Grammy At the 53rd annual Grammy Awards held recently, composer Christopher Yin won a statue for Baba Yetu, a song featured in the opening credits of Civilization IV. Yin’s song, which has the Soweto Gospel Choir singing the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili, snagged the Grammy for the Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). The Grammy was awarded for the song as written for Yin’s album Calling All Dawns, but Baba Yetu was written for the opening credits of Civilization IV, which was released back in 2005. Baba Yetu is the first video game song to ever win a Grammy.
Win Goodies from Griffin! If you have an affinity for Apple products, there’s a good chance you’ve bought a case, car charger or a set of headphones. Griffin is known to be the best when it comes to accessories for personal computing and digital media. Connect Magazine is giving away a great Griffin hamper to one lucky reader stacked with goodies for iPhones, iPods and iPads. To enter, e-mail your details to win@connect.co.za
6 | connect | March 2011
techno jargon // by Deon du Plessis
8 | connect | March 2011
Prepare for a random helping of some interesting technical terms that are a part of every nerd’s extensive lexicon. Note there is nothing here about girls.
DisplayPort
Signal to Noise Ratio
At its most basic, DisplayPort is a technology used to connect a screen to a media source, in much the same way as HDMI does in so many devices today. It has the potential to replace HDMI connectors entirely as it is far smaller yet can still carry audio and video signal to the destination monitor. However, the standard is not yet in widespread use.
At its most basic, this term refers to the comparison of the level of a desired signal (music, for example) to that of the level of background noise. The result is displayed as a ratio of something to something, i.e. 2:1. In music, the higher the ratio of music to noise, the less noticeable the background noises are. This is commonly applied to electronic signals to indicate how much of the original signal has been corrupted by outside influences (“noise”).
Digital Asset This applies to any information that has been created or acquired, and then stored in digital form. Digital assets include any files that can be created using a computer, such as documents, images, sounds, and movie files. To prevent people and companies from unlawfully making use of digital assets, digital rights management tools have evolved that essentially determine where, by whom and for what purpose these files can or can’t be used.
42 The answer to the question, “What is the meaning of life?”, according to Douglas Adams’ book ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’. This answer came about after much processing by the most advanced supercomputer ever assembled (albeit in the future), so it must be true.
Cache Cookie A cookie is a tiny piece of data that is generated by a user’s Internet activity. A session cookie is a piece of data generated by a website that records a user’s actions, but which is deleted the second the browser window is closed. A persistent cookie is more dangerous, as it does not disappear when the browser is closed, and rather saves the information that was collected from the user’s activities. The intended use of these persistent cookies has always been benign (remembering usernames, passwords and preferences for certain Internet sites, for example), but in modern times, unscrupulous advertisers have taken to using cookies to collect data about the surfing habits of the average computer user. This is why antivirus software often flags cookies as being a threat to online safety.
Algorithm An algorithm is a mathematical formula used for solving a problem. This wide definition can even be applied to a computer program, which is essentially a really elaborate algorithm that produces repeatable answers when fed with input.
Client/Server Computing Model A client/server computing model is one where a central networked computer (a server) processes requests sent to it by clients (desktop or notebook computers), and sends the resulting data on to the client computer. The client computer does not need to be very powerful, merely powerful enough to run the software that interacts with the server’s software. An example of such a system in action is Internet banking, where a computer submits requests to the bank’s servers using an application running in an Internet browser, and the server responds by updating the application on the client machine. This is a vital concept in modern networking, and is widely used in every major deployment of IT infrastructure.
In everyday terms, a cache is a place of temporary storage. That is why when police come across weapons stored in places not well-suited to storing weapons, it’s referred to as a weapons cache. In computer terms, cache is always memory dedicated to the storage of temporary information.
Data Shredding When data is deleted, it’s not necessarily gone forever – there are ways to recover that data. To prevent this, once the data has been marked for deletion (which usually just flags the sectors it occupies on a hard disk as available to be used again), random data is written onto the space the original data previously occupied. Shredding data is the digital equivalent of destroying a physical document in a shredder, lighting the remains on fire and then delivering the burnt remnants to geographically-disparate locations.
Home Server A server is a computer used to store and share data and run applications centrally on a network. A home server is a dedicated computer that does the same thing, but is most likely to be used to store music and movie files that can be streamed across the network to other computers, networkenabled television sets and media players like the excellent (and locally-produced) Mede8er.
PICNIC Problem If you ever hear a computer technician use this term, smack him – he’s being very rude. It stands for “Problem In Chair, Not In Computer”, and is a snide reference to the problem he has been called upon to address originating not from the computer, but from the user (i.e. you). This is second in popularity to the more technical-sounding “Eye Dee Ten Tee” problem, or ID10T. If you hear either of these, seriously – smack the guy.
www.connectmag.co.za | 9
buying advice //by christo van gemert
compact
computing
You’ve heard a lot about these newfangled tablets. Apple has one, as does Samsung. These mobile marvels have won over a solid following of tech geeks, but what can tablets really do? And what should you look for when setting out to buy one?
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M
any will remember the Apple iPad as being the first proper execution of what we’ve now come to know as the tablet, or tablet computer. The fact that the first tablet computers hit the market in 2002 will become inconsequential: those machines were big, bulky and ill suited to everyday computing. With the iPad’s runaway success, it’s clear that there is a demand for these new gadgets. More than 15 million people have bought an iPad since it went on sale last year, and even more can do so now that it is available in South Africa. It’s not the only one, though. It might have taken other manufacturers a while to respond, but there are some worthy competitors hitting the shelves. This is making choosing a tablet a bit more difficult than deciding on a Wi-Fi or 3G version of the iPad. So, if you see one of these multifunctional, ultra-slim gadgets in your future, here’s what you’ll need to know.
Battery bonus Now, competition is stiff and the manufacturers are out to earn your hard-earned cash by hook or by crook. Some will advertise impressive-sounding claims for battery life and performance, but it’s best to see what others have experienced, or what reviews for that tablet say. From our own experience, the iPad battery has fantastic stamina, easily delivering between 10 and 11 hours of gaming, surfing, e-mail and reading – Apple’s claim is 10 hours. Samsung, on the other hand, says its Galaxy Tab gets up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. In reality, it’s closer to 5 or 6 hours. Comparisons aside, battery life will usually depend on what sort of activities you’re using your tablet for. Reading ebooks or digital magazines? Turning the brightness down can definitely lengthen the timespan between charges. Gaming, watching videos and browsing the Internet on 3G connections will quickly drain even the strongest Lithium Ion cells. Tablets can also have other things that drain the battery: GPS receivers, Wi-Fi, 3G connectivity, and Bluetooth are standard fare. Disabling those can net an hour or more worth of use.
What is a tablet? The first tablet computers were laptops with special swivel screens that could be flipped to cover the keyboard while having the display remain visible. They used an electronic stylus, or pen, to navigate the touchscreen. These tablets never really caught on, but the idea stuck. Every now and then we’d see another convertible laptop, but nothing mainstream. Then, at the end of April 2010, Apple started selling the iPad. The iPad’s design is something many tech experts were anticipating as being the future of tablets, but nobody predicted it to be as popular as it has become. This made manufacturers sit up and take notice. Whatever tablet plans they had in the works were quickly accelerated. Samsung, LG, Asus, Dell and Acer are just some of the big, popular manufacturers that have tablets on the shelves. If we took stock of all the tablets currently available across the world, there would be more than 60 different models. All of these new devices share a common design: it’s a keyboard-free display in a slate form factor. This makes it easy to hold in one hand while operating it with the other. It’s also a sexy device to have sitting on a desk, or propped up on a stand, when reading Websites, e-mails, digital books and magazines, or even just watching a movie. All input – whether navigating menus or typing text – can be handled using the touchscreen display, but tablets can sometimes be used in conjunction with an external keyboard. For example, the iPad can be paired with a Bluetooth keyboard for faster text input.
Weighty workout Some manufacturers include cameras, but other than a front-facing camera for video calls, it makes no sense to use your tablet for serious photography. Just think about the effort of holding up a huge tablet to snap that landscape. It’ll get heavy in no time. This makes weight an important consideration. The iPad, with its all-metal construction, weighs in at a hefty 700g. Propped up on a desk, that doesn’t matter, but lying in bed trying to read for a few hours will soon take its toll on your arms. It’s lightweight for travelling purposes, but if you’re aiming to do a lot of reading, it might be worth looking at one of the lighter tablets on offer.
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buying advice
There’s an app for that Finally, you’re probably wondering what you can use your tablet for. On both platforms currently available – either an Apple iPad or a tablet running Android – you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to third-party software. Mobile apps are available for both devices at their respective online stores, and it’s here that they come into their own. For example, it’s easy to find a recipe, print it out, then go about creating a mess in the kitchen, but a recipe app lets you take your tablet into the kitchen. From here, you can now create a shopping list of ingredients you need, search online for replacement ingredients and share your own recipes.
Sensible screens Weight and size go hand in hand, and here’s where you’ll have to make another decision. Tablets can be had with screen sizes ranging from 5” to 12”. Samsung chose to offer the Galaxy Tab as a 7” model, while the iPad has a 9.7” display. While a smaller model is definitely lighter and more compact, keep in mind that the on-screen controls (keyboard, buttons) will be smaller as well. Screen size and resolution have a complicated relationship: a small screen with a high resolution will have a very crisp display, whereas a bigger screen with lower resolution has more coarse visuals. The one that’s ideal for you will have to be based on an eyes-on impression, but too high a resolution on a small screen could leave you straining your eyes to read text.
Storage and space
We’ve already mentioned reading books on a tablet, and this can be achieved through something like the official Amazon Kindle app, which emulates the functionality of an actual Kindle. Zinio, an online magazine service, can deliver digital versions of your favourite international magazines straight to its mobile app for the iPad. There are apps to access YouTube, stream digital music from the Internet, browse Flickr using an interactive 3D wall, edit photos, create music or deliver news from all your favourite sites on a single page. A tablet can be a great complement to your existing computer, and while it duplicates some of the functionality of smartphones, a tablet’s bigger screen makes it more versatile when loaded with the right software.
Storage capacity is another consideration, but less of one when choosing a model that has expandable storage. The only tablet that has a set amount of storage is the iPad, which can be had in 16GB, 32GB or 64GB versions. Other manufacturers opt for 8GB, 16GB or 32GB, while offering an SD card slot for storage. SD cards up to 64GB in size are available for just over R3 000. Tablets that run Windows 7, as opposed to one of the mobile operating systems, sometimes come with a 128GB solid-state drive. This much storage, on the go, isn’t really necessary. What you’ll want is enough space for your applications, music, movies and other content, for as long as you’ll be away from your computer. This highlights another consideration. A tablet is not a full-on computer, such as your Windows PC or Mac. While an iPad or a Galaxy Tab can be used without a computer, you’ll need one to transfer your media. If you intend on using it as a standalone device (that is, without ever connecting it to a computer), it should be noted that the only videos, music, photos and books you’ll store on it are those you download online, or from content providers.
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2011/02/17 5:56 PM
portable gaming //by tiAna cline
nintendo’s next
dimension
For some, 3D means popping on a pair of cardboard glasses at the movies. For others, 3D is about investing in a pretty pricey television set for the ultimate home entertainment experience. Come March 25th, you’ll be able to have a 3D device in the palm of your hand, no glasses needed. Introducing, Nintendo’s 3DS…
N
intendo are once again changing the face of gaming. From their innovative double-screen portable console to making motion gaming a mass phenomenon, the next step is the 3DS, a handheld video game device that offers on-the-go gaming, without the need for glasses. But the 3DS is not just about gaming, the device has a number of other exciting features which may just make it the your next must-have gadget.
Memory Controls In addition to the familiar +Control Pad and button controls (found on the previous versions of the DS), Nintendo’s 3DS also includes a Circle Pad, which provides a full 360 degrees of direction for freedom and precision. The built-in motion and gyro sensor react to the movement and tilt of the system so whether you’re twisting your 3DS side-to-side, or moving it up and down, N3DS games respond instantly.
14 | connect | March 2011
Not only can the 3DS can also play Nintendo DS Game Cards with their original 2D visuals, the system now includes a slot for an SD Memory Card. And to help you get started, every system comes with a 2GB SD Memory Card.
Cameras Screens The Nintendo 3DS has two screens – the bottom touch screen makes use of a stylus (this is stored in the unit itself ). The top screen displays 3D visuals to the naked eye. Looking at the top screen and you will feel like you are in a world where characters and objects have true depth.
Your Nintendo 3DS now has three cameras, one camera points at the user, while two other cameras point outward - these two outer cameras take photos in 3D. Load Face Raiders (a built-in game) to shoot funny depictions of your own face. Use the camera to take a picture of a person and create a Mii character in just a few simple steps. You can now save your Mii characters to an SD Card as a picture and then use it as your profile picture on Facebook, Twitter and so on.
3D Slider The system has a 3D depth slider that lets you select the level of 3D that you enjoy. The 3D effect can be increased up to the highest level, scaled back to a more moderate setting or even turned off completely, depending on your preference.
SpotPass The SpotPass feature can connect to compatible public hotspots and through a wireless broadband Internet connection at home, even if your system is in Sleep Mode. Once connected, the 3DS system will receive new content and updates on a regular basis.
StreetPass If you activate the 3DS StreetPass feature, you will be able to exchange game information with other 3DS systems. When you pass someone else who has a 3DS, small packets of information can be exchanged using this data-transfer method, such as Mii character data, maps for games or high scores and custom character data for different games.
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portable gaming augmented Reality The Nintendo 3DS comes with six augmented-reality cards, called AR Cards. When the two outer cameras are pointed at the cards, they read the cards and superimpose images and animations onto the scene, so don’t be surprised if you see a dragon popping out of your dining room table!
Parental Controls
Online
Built-in parental controls can be used to limit Internet access or some of the wireless functions of your 3DS. By using a PIN code, parents also can turn off the 3D function altogether, or limit the ratings of the games that their kids can play.
Fans of multiplayer online games listen to this – the friend codes for 3DS are specific to each Nintendo 3DS system, not each game. Once friends trade hardware codes, at any time they can check their friends list to see which of their friends are online and what they are playing.
Games Galore! With a back catalogue of bestselling DS games available, there are more than enough titles across every genre to play. No matter what you are looking for, be it simulation, arcade racing or a classic, platforming adventure, there are titles that will keep you busy.
Popular games to look out for (non 3D) include NEW Super Mario Bros. DS, Mario Kart, Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training, the Professor Layton, Trauma Centre and Phoenix Wright series’. One of the most best parts about the 3DS is the number of new (and upcoming) games that will be available for
Nintendo’s new handheld. From the end of March up until June, more than 30 new games will be available to Nintendo 3DS owners. These include exclusive Nintendo-developed titles such as Pilotwings Resort, nintendogs + cats, and Steel Diver. Other exciting 3DS games in the works
(from Nintendo) include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D and Kid Icarus. There are also new installments in the Mario Kart, Animal Crossing and Paper Mario series as well as games from popular publishers like Sega, Ubisoft, Konami and Electronic Arts.
DID KNOYOU Ac c o r d W? in
Ninten g to the mo s t re do total n f inancial res cent u l t s, t h umber e of N game s sold (a intendo DS s of De c 817.49 million 31) is !
16 | connect | March 2011
hp eprinting //by deon du plessis
Now you can print from any e-mail-capable device, thanks to HP’s new ePrint technology. Connect takes a closer look.
18 | connect | March 2011
T
oday’s working world is a very different place, even when compared to the workplace of 10 years ago. More people move around for work than ever before, to the point where terms like ‘mobile workforce’ and ‘remote worker’ have entered our collective lexicon. While notebook computers and mobile phones are the tools that have made this revolution possible, they have also introduced a few challenges where none existed before. Printing on the go, for instance, can be problematic. One could buy a portable printer but hardly anybody is prepared to put up with the extra bulk or cost, and rightly so. A better solution is to simply use the printers that are already present at the location you’re heading to, unless for some reason you have cause to attend
business meetings in the bush. In that case, pen and paper or a large whiteboard and non-permanent markers may be your best bet. Sadly, despite significant advances in consumerlevel printer technology and user-friendly operating systems like Windows 7, setting up a new printer from scratch is still a time-consuming process even if you’re a technical genius. The reality is you’d have to first join the necessary network, discover the name of the printer nearest to you, search for it, start the installation process, and wait for the driver download to finish (which is only possible if you have Internet access, itself a potential pitfall). Only then could you hit the ‘print’ button. Even if every step goes smoothly, you’ll probably spend more time setting up a new printer than you had before your meeting started.
ePrint to the rescue The time-consuming complexity of printing quickly anywhere but your office or home is the reason HP developed what it calls ‘ePrinting’ technology. The concept is deceptively simple: ePrinting enables web-connected printers to print documents sent to them over e-mail. The implications are far-reaching. They key idea here is that print jobs can be submitted to an ePrint-enabled printer over e-mail. Since e-mail has evolved into a tool that can be used from a wide range of devices, it’s now also possible to send documents for printing from e-mail-capable cellphones.
Ordered chaos Anyone who has worked in a modern office environment knows that there are a great many digital document formats. As popular as Microsoft Office is, there are other productivity applications that save documents in different ways. Open Office, for example, is used by many organisations, and it has its own document format. Then there are PDF documents to deal with, documents created using Google Docs, e-mails from IBM’s Lotus Notes and more. Now even mobile phones have built-in productivity software that allows people to read documents, spreadsheets and presentations, which adds even more complexity to the chaos. The point is the sheer number of document formats out there can sometimes lead to printouts that don’t look exactly like the document does on your screen. This could be due to incompatibilities between the printer being used, the driver’s capabilities and the document type. If this can sometimes be a problem for regular, directlyattached or network printers, it begs the question: how does ePrinting handle it all?
www.connectmag.co.za | 19
hp eprinting
Real-world implications
An elegant Solution The elegance of the ePrinting solution lies in the fact that there is no processing required by the computer sending the job or the printer receiving it – it is all done by HP, in the cloud. HP has a massive bank of ePrint servers that live on the Internet. It is these specially-designed computers that accept the print job, process the document into a format the printer recognises, and send it on. The result is a perfect printout with no formatting issues, every time. It’s also the reason ePrint-capable printers have to be constantly connected to the Internet.
But how? The next question must surely be: “How does HP know which printer to send the job to?” The answer is the printer is linked to the ePrint system by an automatically-generated e-mail address that gets assigned to the printer during the initial installation process. Unfortunately, that address cannot be customised, and ends up looking something like abcxyz8567jj@hpeprint.com. While it would be nice to have thabosawesomeprinter@hpeprint.com, Thabo won’t be the only one wanting that address and it’s just easier to have the whole thing automatically generated by HP. From HP’s perspective, anyway. In case you’re wondering, both addresses were made up by our editorial team so please don’t send e-mails hoping to surprise someone with printouts of lolcats. While we ‘can haz’ as much of a laugh as the next guy, all you’ll get in return for your wellintentioned efforts is a bounced e-mail.
20 | connect | March 2011
Getting back to our original scenario of needing to print something but being far away from your default printer, it’s clear that ePrinting can help. Printing that crucial document would only entail finding the address of the nearest ePrint-enabled printer (ask the IT guy), and composing and sending the message. Since ePrint technology recognises and processes e-mail attachments, printing becomes as easy as compose, attach and send. All of HP’s Internet-connected, consumer-level printers brought out in the last six months or so are capable of processing ePrint jobs. All you need to do is look on the box for ePrint, or consult with a salesperson in-store to confirm that the printer you’re interested in supports ePrinting. HP also has enterprise-level ePrint solutions that can be implemented in such a way that all network-connected printers can process ePrint jobs, regardless of manufacturer. If you’re unsure of whether or not the work premises you’re visiting has ePrinting facilities, find the nearest IT person and ask – you may be pleasantly surprised.
In a nutshell HP’s new ePrinting technology eliminates the need to install a printer – no more are drivers, downloads or lengthy installations necessary for you to print. All that’s needed is e-mail access and an ePrint-capable printer, and you’re ready to rock. For once, the PR claptrap is actually spot-on – this is definitely a ‘game-changer’, and we can’t wait to see what HP gets up to next.
windows live skydrive //by deon du plessis
The Sky
is the limit
e in l n o f o B G 5 2 t e G a! l a h a m – e storag
22 | connect | March 2011
Microsoft’s SkyDrive service, part of Windows Live Essentials, lets you store up to 25GB of data online, for free. Connect shows you how.
I
f you own a Windows PC with Internet access, you can download Microsoft’s Windows Live Essentials applications for free. These programs offer a variety of services, and one of them is an online file-storage service called SkyDrive. By using SkyDrive, you can store up to 25GB of data online, which can be accessed from any place that offers Internet access, and all you need is a free Windows Live ID. If you don’t already have one, sign up at http:// www.passport.net. The process is quick and signing up is free.
Now what?
Here’s how to do it: 1
2 3
4
5
Easy access SkyDrive can be accessed using a Web browser like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari or Opera. Point your browser to the following address: http://skydrive. live.com, where you’ll be asked to sign in. Once you’re signed in, a list of default folders will be displayed in the browser. You will notice that the My Documents and Favorites folders have little lock icons on them – those locks mean nobody but you can access them. You can also create your own folders and subfolders, so feel free to treat your SkyDrive space as you would your computer’s hard drive. Perhaps the most convenient way to make use of SkyDrive is to make it available through Windows Explorer.
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9 10
Open your browser, and navigate to http://skydrive.live.com Sign in with your Windows Live ID Copy the UID part of the displayed URL, like: https://cid-1234567890abcdef. skydrive.live.com Leave SkyDrive open, and take note of one of your folder names Open Windows Explorer On the left sidebar, right-click on Network. Choose Map network drive Enter the following URL: \\docs.live.net@ SSL\1234567890abcdef\XYZ Replace ‘XYZ’ with the folder name you noted and that you want to map. You will need to replace ‘Documents’ with ‘^2Documents‘, and ‘Public‘ with ‘^2Public’ Choose a drive letter, and submit the dialog Enter your Windows Live ID credentials
Now you can access all the files and subfolders within your SkyDrive folder as if it were directly attached to your PC. Feel free to drag and drop files and create files and folders as you see fit. SkyDrive has a limitation of 50MB per file, however, presumably to discourage the sharing of illegal content like movies or games, which are typically much bigger than 50MB.
Linking it together If you’d like to, you can also create a folder that can be shared with your Windows Live Messenger contacts. Any files that are uploaded to these shared folders will synchronise between everyone who has access, making it easy to share files with friends and family. Microsoft has also linked SkyDrive with its new Office Web Apps, so you can create, view and edit Office applications within your browser even if you don’t have a copy of Office installed. The available features of each program are a bit watered-down, but each program is still highly usable. It’s hard to beat value like this – 25GB of storage space that you haven’t paid for is a pretty impressive deal. That it’s also accessible from anywhere with Internet access and can be shared with friends and family is further icing on an already delicious cake.
www.connectmag.co.za | 23
secure computing //by Christo van gemert
L
ate last year, Gawker Media, a popular Internet media outlet, had a serious breach in security on its servers, with the account details of more than one million people freely distributed in a database. Would-be vandals could log in using a hacked account, and post comments as that person. But is that all they can do? While Gawker sent out e-mails advising all account holders to change their breached passwords, security
24 | connect | March 2011
experts analysed the data and made some startling discoveries. The most commonly used passwords, in a sample set of around 190 000 accounts, included: ‘password’, ‘123456’, ‘qwerty’, ‘monkey’, ‘cheese’ and ‘passw0rd’ (yes, with a zero). Not only are these passwords laughably unsecure and easy to guess, chances are that somebody who’s lazy enough to use one of these as a security measure probably uses the same password for their online e-mail account (like the one tied to their Gawker login) and other online logins. Using the same password over and over is common practice. Nobody wants to type a long sentence when they’re just logging into their computer or sharing a file. But your screensaver password shouldn’t be the same one used for accessing your Internet banking, or other important service where your details could be used for unsavoury purposes. So, while choosing a password is important, it doesn’t have to be something over which you need to wrack your brain.
pick the perfect p@ssw0rd _
Login
How to practice better . .. y it r u c e s t n accou Familiar is flimsy The first step towards a more secure password is not having anything that is familiar in the password. This includes familiar names and dates, including family members, pets, your car or ID number. Anything that can be tied to you can be used against you – something that’s undesirable when your bank account is at stake. We might like to keep our passwords simple, especially those we type often, but something that’s easy to type is probably easy to guess, or crack. Simpler passwords (say, 8 characters or less) should also be changed often. Once every 60 days is a good measure. Some services force users to change their passwords; most South African financial institutions don’t enforce this for Internet banking.
Imagine everything Many security experts recommend a password that isn’t actually a real word. Now, it can be quite difficult to make up a word on the spot – even more so when it has to be memorable – but here are some tips. Think of a familiar phrase and turn it into a mnemonic. For example: ‘Old mother Hubbard, went to the cupboard’. Now take only the initial letters: OmHwttc. It’s not a real word, but super-simple to recite. However, it’s still not something we would use for very private data. In this case, we could make things more complex by adding more letters to the first password. Let’s use another nursery rhyme: ‘Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall’. In mnemonic form this gives us ‘HDsoaw’. Combine this with the first half, and it’s a longer, stronger password. Of course, these nursery rhymes are just examples. The phrase on which you base your password can be a famous quote or a line of song lyrics. No matter the length of the password, it’s always good to get a bit more complex. For instance, swap out words or letters with numbers or symbols: ‘to’ can be replaced with ‘2‘; ‘and’ can be substituted with ‘&’; and a zero can be used instead of an ‘o’. Using capital letters for names and places adds yet more complexity. You could even be really excited by your password and add an exclamation mark at the end.
www.connectmag.co.za | 25
secure computing
Safe storage
Skeleton key Understandably, having multiple passwords that fit the criteria above can be quite taxing on your memory. Thankfully, there are some clever password manager software packages available. One of the more popular password managers is 1Password, which, as its name suggests, has a single, master password. This lets you create all your accounts in the software, including login names and passwords. 1Password can even generate a very long, random password based on your criteria. It’s then possible to log into existing accounts and use this random password to replace the old one. It’s not mandatory, though. The software integrates with your web browser and can store any passwords when you log into services, and it can automatically fill in your complex or random passwords, without you needing to remember what they are. All that’s required is a single password to unlock 1Password itself. 1Password is just one of many packages available for download and purchase. The free applications also have good functionality, while the premium versions tend to offer a host of extra features, including the ability to back up password databases and store additional private information. There are even iPhone and Android applications available, which will give you access to your passwords from your smartphone. 1Password (Windows and Mac) $40 > www.1password.com SplashID (Windows and Mac) $20 > www.splashdata.com mSecure (Windows and Mac) $15 > www.msevensoftware.com LastPass (Windows and Mac) Free > www.lastpass.com KeepassX (Windows and Mac) Free > www.keepassx.org
26 | connect | March 2011
Whether you choose to go the old-fashioned way and manage passwords manually, or the software route and have a single master password, it’s still a good idea to write those down. It’s especially important for the latter, since password managers don’t allow backdoor methods for retrieving lost or forgotten passwords. Sadly, the most secure option is an ‘eggs in one basket’ approach. Writing down the password and keeping it somewhere very secure is advised; a locked safe is a good start. If not using a password manager, there is a workaround for a forgotten password. E-mail providers and websites often have security measures in place to help users identify themselves before retrieving or resetting a lost password. These methods usually involve answering verification questions and having access to an e-mail account to which the new password can be sent. This is the biggest motivator for having a very secure e-mail password: most services will reset your password through an e-mail of sorts, and if your mailbox is compromised, it can give nefarious types an easy way to access all your other accounts.
Security test If you think you’ve selected a really secure password, or want to see how insecure some of your existing passwords are, check out www. howsecureismypassword.net. The site has a simple script that calculates how long the average desktop computer will take to crack your password. The logic is based on the idea of a brute-force attack: a computer can ‘guess‘ millions of letter and number sequences each second. The longer and more complex your password, the better the odds that your password will take more than minutes or hours to be broken.
Verbatim - Your Expert for Digital Storage
www.verbatim-europe.com
desktop publishing simplified //by tamaryn Watkins
p o t k s e d g n i h s i l b pu ! k in h t u o y n a h t r ie s a It’s e
Whether it’s business cards, posters, foldout brochures, photo albums or marketing materials, desktop publishing software can help you create professional-quality print projects from the comfort of your home.
28 | connect | March 2011
Getting started with Microsoft Publisher
I
f the volume is small enough, there’s no reason why you can’t create your own marketing materials on a home PC, and then print them using your home printer. No more outsourcing at exorbitant rates and, best of all, you can work according to your own deadlines. To get you started, we show you how to pick the right desktop publishing software for the job, and how to ensure you have the right printer for your needs.
Smart software solutions Desktop publishing packages like Adobe InDesign are capable of producing amazing creations for publishing, but as they’re intended for use at a professional level, they have a hefty price tag and are pretty complicated to master.
You might want to consider Microsoft Publisher It’s important to look for something that’s suited to your needs and budget, as well as being user-friendly. Microsoft products have a reputation for being easy to use, so we advise you purchase a copy of Microsoft Publisher. It’s available standard in certain Office packages, or you can buy it separately online. Publisher is a very useful desktop application consisting of all the templates, tools and instructions you’ll need to create labels, stickers, posters, menus, newsletters, forms, calendars and the like. Did you know Publisher is included in the Microsoft Office Professional 2010 Suite
HOW TO CREATE A NEW PUBLICATION Step 1: Start Publisher, and then click on one of the publication types in the Publication Types list. For example, click Business Cards. Step 2: From the catalogue, choose a design, and pick a colour scheme or business information set. Step 3: Click Create. You’ll be guided through the rest of the process, and you’ll see tips and boxes where you need to fill in your content. You’ll be able to shuffle items around and edit them as necessary. Tip: Double-clicking on any page element usually brings up the Edit dialogue box, where you can fiddle with the element’s settings or replace it entirely. If you don’t find anything you like in the standard templates on Publisher, there’s the option to connect to the web, and browse more templates on the Microsoft site. You can also download more clipart, design elements and document themes from the same location, so you’re not limited to the standard ones that come with Publisher.
Do more with Publisher Do you need to create a set of different items for the same project or business, but want consistency throughout the set? Publisher allows you to create different types of publications that use the same options and information, such as the same colour scheme, layout and business information set. Let’s say you’re busy creating a business card, but suddenly realise you should be working on a newsletter. Simply click Change Template and select Newsletter as the new publication type. The new publication you’ve created will then have the same colour, font schemes and business information, as well as any additional content you’ve entered.
www.connectmag.co.za | 29
desktop publishing simplified Just press print Once you’ve created your publication, and have checked the formatting, alignment, spelling and grammar, you’re ready to print. It’s as simple as selecting File > Print, and then following Publisher’s step-by-step instructions if there are any doublesided/folding pages requirements.
Pick the right printer
Basics for beginners: your Publisher toolbox A quick run-down of the most important tools in Microsoft Publisher should help get you better acquainted with the workings of this application. PICTURES Right-clicking on a picture in your publication, or clicking on the Pictures icon in your toolbar on the right-hand side of the screen, should get you to the format picture dialogue box. From here, you can adjust the size, formatting, colour, brightness, shape and contrast of any picture. You could also replace the picture entirely, rotate and flip it. TIP: When deciding on how you want the pictures to be aligned in relation to your text, selecting the ‘tight’ option ensures the text wraps or flows around the picture, making the layout much more appealing. When resizing a picture by dragging it, hold down the SHIFT key at the same time as this will ensure the picture isn’t distorted. TEXT When it comes to text, you can add in textboxes wherever you like, change the colour fill, orientation, border and fill of textboxes and edit the size, colour, typeface and alignment of any text easily, by right-clicking on it and selecting ‘font‘ or ‘format textbox‘. Control paragraphs and create columns of text (depending on the type of publication) under the Format menu. Pressing CTRL + SHIFT + F takes you directly to the fonts dialogue box. TIP: Remember to check spelling, punctuation and grammar. Run the spell checker by selecting Tools > Spelling > Check Spelling. Also check the accuracy of hyphenation: select Tools > Language > Hyphenation. BORDERS & SHADING On the menu tab, click Format > Borders and Shading; this will bring up the dialogue box to edit the page/ paragraph borders. You can fiddle with alignment, change the border’s style, colour and thickness, or browse for new ones online. You can also change the background’s shading and colour, or add your own background image that’s been saved somewhere else. TIP: Make sure the border edges are not cut off when you print by previewing it before you send it through. 30 | connect | March 2011
If you’re going to be printing your own marketing materials or office stationery, you’ll need a printer that’s up for the task. Here are some features to look for in a good desktop publishing printer. It must be able to handle a variety of paper inputs – everything from adhesive labels, photo paper, envelopes and special card paper, in a variety of sizes. The printer should have a PostScript compatibility level of at least PS3, which means you shouldn’t have hassles printing fonts you’ve installed, and shouldn’t have to worry about formatting being accidentally mangled. The printer should also be capable of impressive print resolutions and, if you’re a perfectionist, you should be looking at a minimum print resolution of 600dpi. Whether or not you choose to perform the task on a laser or inkjet printer depends on your budget. If you’re printing on a slightly larger scale, it might be a good idea to visit a professional print house, but remember to shop around to get the best deals.
ALSO CONsidER THIS Serif PagePlus X4 A handy, easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Publisher is Serif’s PagePlus X4, available from selected Incredible Connection stores. It promises to be the ultimate all-in-one designer that allows you to create, customise and share your publications. There are intuitive, contextual on-screen `how to’ guides, instructions and tutorials for you to rely on, as you come to grips with this software’s functionality. There’s full PDF-editing capability, which gives you total control over just about any document you’ve received, and need to edit/adjust. There’s also broad file compatibility, which means you can use any existing resource by importing word processor files, photos and graphics. You can even design and share forms as interactive PDFs – any form data submitted will be sent to you, for free. Create books and catalogues, calendars and tables and posters – the possibilities are endless. You can even change existing documents into folding booklets and brochures without needing to redesign. Send those important projects through to print shops without worrying about compatibility issues. PagePlus X4 has industry-standard PDF/X compliance and easy colourmanagement tools to ensure perfect prints every time.
W H
W H
S t
S t
© © Th Th
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©2010 Iomega Corporation, Iomega, and the stylized “i” logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Iomega Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. ©2010 Iomega Corporation, Iomega, and the stylized “i” logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Iomega Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The Skin logo is a trademark of Skin Industries. 1GB equals 1,000,000,000 bytes. The Skin logo is a trademark of Skin Industries. 1GB equals 1,000,000,000 bytes.
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product reviews // by Deon Du PLessis
Time marches on...
REVIEWS
W
elcome to March! Seems it was only a short time ago that we were looking forward to the holiday break, and now look at us – almost a quarter of the way through the new year! I hope things are going well for everyone, and you’re all being kept busy and out of mischief like a certain reviews editor I know… This month sees the Connect team getting a new member. Christo van Gemert has joined us, bringing such strengths as his rapier wit, sharp insights and masses of experience gained from writing about tech in other well-known local publications. Welcome, Christo! We have the usual 20-something reviews lined up for you, and we’re confident you’ll enjoy them. Christo has been all over at least half of this month’s products like a Mac fan at an Apple convention, and his enthusiasm shows. Enjoy! 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.
32 | connect | March 2011
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Apple iPad Nokia C7 Smartphone Xbox 360 Chatpad and Headset Sony Y-Series Notebooks Lexmark Genesis Verbatim 1TB USB Hard Drive HP ProBook 4520s Samsung SyncMaster BX2450 Gaming Monitor Sony CLM-V55 5” Monitor Belkin Grip Vue Navigon N40 Premium Garmap for Mobile Software Sennheiser CX300-II Earphones Belkin Surf Router Netgear DGN2200 ADSL2+ Router iHome iP90 SanDisk Cruzer Slice 8GB Flash Drive Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N550 HP Photosmart Plus Score More Grade 11 Maths Software Serif Scrapbook Artist 2 Books
advertorial
Live life. Make movies. Corel® VideoStudio® Pro X4 is the powerful, creative and easy way to take your video footage from shoot to show – complete with titles, music, effects and more! Top reasons to get Corel® VideoStudio® Pro X4:
Q
uickly load, organize and trim SD or HD video clips. Fix common video problems and easily cut together your production using integrated movie templates. Get creative with amazing effects, music, titles, transitions, including new Stop Motion animation and TimeLapse tools, then even export to 3D! And because VideoStudio® Pro X4 is optimized for the latest hardware from Intel® and AMD, you see the results on screen faster than ever. Share anywhere – on iPhone®, mobile device, disc, your favorite website or your TV. Live life. Make movies. Corel® VideoStudio® Pro X4.
Step-by-step video editing for greatlooking movies, fast A tabbed 1-2-3 interface guides you step-by-step as you import clips, make a movie and share in minutes. A new flexible workspace lets you resize user interface panels to work across two monitors. Plus, an enhanced library makes it easy and fast to organize your multimedia content. Amazing video results – fast! Why wait for results? VideoStudio® Pro X4 features optimization for the new 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processors. Tap into the power of these, and other multi-core or GPU optimizations, to create highly intensive effects in real time. VideoStudio® Pro X4 edits fast – even if you don’t have the latest PC – thanks to Smart Proxy, which lets you edit in low resolution and output your finished project in HD. 3D movies! Amaze your audience by turning your 2D video into a 3D movie with just a click – glasses included! (Glasses in boxed version only.) A complete video-editing toolset Get the pro-quality tools you need to make amazing movies. Choose from a wide variety of Real-time effects and preview them as they’re applied. Combine multiple effects to create new effects all your own. Use the enhanced Timeline to place titles on any track, add transitions, and apply settings and filters to multiple clips and batches of images. Plus, with Smart Package, now featuring WinZip® technology, you can easily combine password-protected project files into one package, so you can take your project to go.
Easy HD and advanced upscaling Easily import and edit video in leading HD formats, including AVCHD™ and HDV™. Save time and use fewer system resources with Smart Proxy, which lets you edit HD content at a lower resolution, then render it in HD when you’re done. When you’re ready to share, you can quickly author HD movies to DVD and Blu-ray Disc™ with the new integrated burning tools. Plus, take advantage of cuttingedge GPU acceleration technology to upscale standard definition video up to near-HD quality in the blink of an eye. Enhance standard definition video or simply make standard definition video fit the format of your HD display. Share everywhere A broad range of output options makes it easy to export your movie to your TV or game system, disc or device. Upload directly to YouTube™, Vimeo® and Facebook® and other websites. Share your movies on popular devices like iPad®, iPhone®, PSP® and more! Integrated disc authoring and burning Easily create pro-quality DVDs with menus, titles and transitions, and your own Blu-ray discs with sophisticated menus, from within VideoStudio® Pro X4. Learn as you go The enhanced Corel® Guide lets you learn, watch product tutorials, and download free add-ons and updates, giving you more of the tools and skills you need to make great movies. Connect with the Corel Video channel on Vimeo® or consult the full User Manual included in the box to get the help you need anytime.
Available at Incredible Connection now!
top
5
product reviews
related
products
Bookeen Cybook Orizon eReader
For those that just want an e-reader, the Orizon supports a ton of formats, is pre-loaded with 150 titles, has Wi-Fi and a built in web-browser.
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Built Neoprene Bag Tag good care of your tablet with one of these durable, stretchy neoprene bags, and look good in the process.
Skullcandy Ink’d Earphones Look great, while doing your ears a favour. Perfect for road warriors who want to enjoy their media on the go.
34 | connect | March 2011
Apple iPad NEED TO KNOW • Apple iOS 4.2 operating system • Designed for media consumption • 9.7” multi-touchscreen • Weighs 680g • 1-hour battery life R4 399 (16GB Wi-Fi); R5 399 (32GB Wi-Fi); R6 399 (64GB Wi-Fi) R5 599 (16GB Wi-Fi/3G); R6 599 (32GB Wi-Fi/3G); R7 599 (64GB Wi-Fi/3G)
Amid a flurry of activity around the imminent arrival of its successor, the tablet that set the stage for a veritable revolution has finally arrived on South African shores. And, to be honest, if you haven’t heard about Apple’s iPad by now, you need to seriously consider moving out from under the rock you’ve been living for the past couple of years. Like most Apple devices, the iPad is a thing of beauty. It’s also one of the most functionally sound devices we have played with to date. Under the hood, it packs the best the technology industry has to offer. Its bright, 9.7” multi-touchscreen, clear stereo speaker, microphone and snappy processor make watching video, browsing through photos, listening to music, surfing the Web, reading electronic magazines, checking Twitter posts and playing games an absolute pleasure. With all of the fun users can – and are likely to – have with an iPad, it’s a good thing the device has a 10-hour battery life (8 hours of solid video). It’s a truly fantastic media consumption device and for many people, it has replaced their home computer when it comes to managing e-mail, surfing the Internet and enjoying their media. The versions of iPad that have been launched in South Africa are identical to those in the US. That means there are six models to choose from in total, three Wi-Fi-only versions and three Wi-Fi/3G versions, with storage capacities in both cases weighing in at 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. However, the biggest surprise has been the price point at which the tablets have come into South Africa.
Across the board, all models of the iPad are no more than 10% more expensive in South Africa than they are in the US. With the arrival of the iPad locally, Apple has also opened the South African iTunes App Store to iPad applications. (Previously, you had to have an international iTunes account to access iPad applications.) Unfortunately, as was the case when the iPhone was launched here – and is still the case today – the App Store doesn’t have any games available for South Africans. If this is a serious drawback for you, some careful ‘googling’ will almost certainly land you somewhere online where you can find out more about setting up and using an international iTunes account. The iPad is a really worthwhile arrival and a device that’s sure to get the revolution started in South Africa. For us here at Connect, the iPad remains the tablet by which all other offerings will be measured. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • 9.7” LED-backlit display • Multi-touchscreen • Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) • 3G (selected models) • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology • Up to 10 hours of battery life • 13.4mm thin
Pros
Cons
• Polished design like most Apple products • Refined iOS platform • Compatible with Windows/Mac • Longer battery life than most
• Lack of games in local App Store • Inability to play flash video/ content from the Web • iPad 2 rumours are already circulating
Overall rating
top
product reviews
5
related
products
Nokia C7 SmartPhone NEED TO KNOW • A compact, high-performance smartphone • Available in silver, black and mahogany • Weights only 130g R4 999.95
Nokia and its Symbian mobile phone operating system might be falling behind the competition in terms of overall market share, but that isn’t stopping the company from trying to woo customers with highquality handsets like the new N8 and C7. We were sent a C7 handset for review, and we must admit to being pretty impressed, at least on first impressions. The C7 is a compact, slim and lightweight phone with a very attractive body, but inside it packs a decent 680MHz processor, 8GB of internal storage (so no SD cards are needed for the first 8GB of data) and front- and rear-mounted cameras for two-way video chats. Its AMOLED screen is surprisingly large at 3.5”, and is fully touch-sensitive. Be aware that it’s also quite glossy and attracts fingerprints. The feel of the phone is delightful; it’s not too heavy or too light, and the rounded edges give it a very classy look and feel. Navigating Symbian 3’s interface is as easy as swiping a finger across the screen’s surface and the phone’s responsiveness is spot-on. Buttons press easily, screens scroll by smoothly, and the text is just the right size for average-sized fingers. The C7 has all the bells and whistles vital to a modern smartphone: Twitter and Facebook integration, wireless networking, enterprise-level e-mail, a competent Internet browser, Bluetooth and more. Sending messages and e-mails is easy thanks to a good on-screen keyboard and intelligent predictive text services, and making and receiving calls is as it should be – simple. Entertainment has not been forgotten either. The C7 can play back 720p movies without stuttering (very impressive for a phone), and has a 3.5mm audio-out jack for headphones. The package includes a headset, but third-party headphones work just as well (if not better). While the C7 can take micro SD cards if more than 8GB of storage is needed, Nokia’s design is somewhat surprising. The battery needs to be removed to access the SD card slot, whereas the SIM slot is accessible without removing the battery. Since SIM cards are less likely to need replacement than an SD card, this design choice is a bit puzzling. Nokia’s Symbian 3 operating system is competent at what it does and
it’s certainly easy to get around, but it definitely has an old-fashioned feel to it that seems out of place in 2011. Still, it works well, and that’s important. The C7 is linked to Nokia’s Ovi store where you can buy games, applications and videos. Setting it up initially requires a brief download and installation, and from there you’re free to browse and buy to your heart’s (and wallet’s) content. There are free videos, apps and games to download, but beware that these may hook you and inspire you to spend real money (which is probably the point). The C7 is not a “Comes with Music” phone, so you won’t get unlimited music downloads from the Ovi Music Store. Instead, you can purchase music through the Music store, but you will pay per track or album. Overall, the C7 is a very nice phone. It works well, is easy to use and very responsive to touch. Yes, the Symbian operating system is looking a bit dated, but since it just works, there’s little cause for complaint.
Sony Xperia X10 Mini
The Xperia X10 Mini is loaded with Google’s excellent Android operating system. The phone itself is very small, and well-suited to a busy person who is also styleconscious.
NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, EDGE, GPRS, 3G, Micro USB • Display: AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 360 x 640 pixels • Operating system: Symbian^3 • Processor: 680MHz ARM 11 • Radio: Stereo FM, FM transmitter • Camera: 8MP • Card slot: MicroSD up to 32GB • Messaging: SMS, MMS, e-mail, Push e-mail, Instant Messaging • Battery: Up to 9:hours and 30 minutes talk time, up to 54 hours music playback • Weight: 130g
perfect companions
Pros
Cons
• Responsive, capacitive touchscreen • All the bells and whistles of a modern smartphone • Beautiful build with a lightweight but classy-looking body
• Screen is very glossy and easily attracts fingerprints • SD card slot is inaccessibly without removing the battery • Symbian 3 operating system is looking a bit dated
Overall rating
Nokia N8
The N8 uses the same version of Symbian as the C7, but it has a different body, a 12MP camera, 16GB of internal memory, HDMI out and costs more.
Bose Triport Around-ear Headphones Sure, these are not cheap (around R1 500), but the sound quality on offer is stupendously good.
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Microsoft Xbox 360 Gaming Console Microsoft’s gaming platform offers a number of benefits for social players, from extensive messaging capabilities to built-in Facebook and Twitter integration.
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Wires are so 2007. Grab a couple of wireless controllers for your Xbox 360 and game to your heart’s content without adding any new wires to potentially trip over.
Exspect Xbox Twin Charge Dock Wireless controllers can use batteries or rechargeable battery packs. This accessory pack from Exspect provides two rechargeable battery packs and a convenient stand on which to charge them.
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Chatpad and headset for Xbox 360 NEED TO KNOW • Clip-on keyboard for Xbox 360 controllers • Comes with an earpiece and microphone • Compatible with both new and old Xbox 360s R699.95
Typing out usernames, passwords and messages and having text-chat conversations with friends online through Microsoft’s Xbox Live service without a keyboard can be a tedious process. It involves manually navigating to each letter on a non-QWERTY on-screen keyboard using your controller, and it’s a slow and labour-intensive process. One solution is to connect a USB keyboard to your Xbox 360, but the average keyboard cable is not long enough to let you keep it on your lap while you play. Usually, the TV is positioned further away from the couch than the typical keyboard cable stretches. The solution to this problem is Microsoft’s chatpad accessory. It’s specifically designed to clip onto any of Microsoft’s original Xbox 360 controllers, putting a full QWERTY keyboard within easy reach. It’s also backlit and thus easy to use in the dark. Using your thumbs, it’s possible to type out messages almost as quickly as it is using a full-sized keyboard, and the best part is it’s attached to your controller. If your controller is wireless, you can sit as far away from the TV as you like (as long as that is within the controller’s range, of course), while still being able to type out messages. The chatpad clips on using the connector at the back of the controller that is usually reserved for a headset. Once it’s on, any headset (headphones and microphone combo) that uses a 2.5mm connector can be plugged into the jack located on the bottom of the chatpad. You can now chat verbally with friends in addition to sending them text messages. With this combo pack, however, an additional headset is not needed. Microsoft has included a compatible headset in the package, and everything is colour-coded to match the attractive black looks of the sleek new Xbox 360 console. The chatpad draws power directly from the controller, so it will not run out of juice before the controller does. It also doesn’t add much of a power draw, so expect your controller to last about the same amount of time as it did without the chatpad. The resulting feel of a controller with an attached chatpad is pleasantly
chunky. The chatpad itself does not interfere with any of the buttons or joysticks, and the extra weight it adds feels rather good. Overall, this chatpad is a fantastic addition to the Xbox 360 experience, and an essential must-buy item for anyone serious about their console gaming. As paid-for membership of the Xbox Live service allows for Twitter and Facebook integration, the need for Xbox users to quickly type out messages is greater than ever. People who regularly take advantage of these services are the ideal candidates for chatpads, as they make updating Facebook and Tweeting from the Xbox 360 console that much easier. At the very least, Microsoft’s chatpad accessory eliminates the need to manually navigate your way around the Xbox 360’s annoyingly laid-out onscreen keyboard. At best, it frees you up to quickly send text messages to friends and foes alike while gaming on the Xbox Live multiplayer platform. The addition of the headset is a nice touch, as it means you’re not restricted to text-based communication only. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Includes an audio jack for use with any headset that uses a standard 2.5mm connector • Dedicated Windows Live Messenger button gives you instant access to in-game text messaging and Windows Live Messenger instant messaging on the Xbox 360 • Backlit keys enable you to type in all kinds of light • Tactile confirmation of each button press
Pros
Cons
• Total communication solution for the Xbox 360 • No more manual navigation of a horrible on-screen keyboard • Controllers feel nice and chunky when connected to the chatpad
• A USB keyboard is a cheaper alternative • Paid Xbox Live membership needed for online multiplayer and social networking • Headset connector uses a nonstandard 2.5mm jack
Overall rating
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Sony Vaio YA15FG Notebook NEED TO KNOW • Lightweight 11.6” notebook • Low-power processor • Gorgeous LED-backlit screen R6 999.95
With all the new processors and graphics chips coming from Intel and AMD, system builders are more equipped than ever before when it comes to building low-power machines. See, processors that consume less power can be stuffed into laptops, and this means longer battery life for these portable machines. Sony’s Vaio brand has a new series of low-power, ultra-portable laptops using just that technology: the Vaio Y-series. The specific model on test is the Vaio YA15FG – more than a mouthful, but at just 1.5kg, it’s less than a handful. Equipped with an 11.6” screen, it goes up against the thinner, but much pricier, MacBook Air. It shares the Apple’s display resolution, too, so text looks just as good on the Sony’s screen. LED backlighting also means lower power consumption, but not at the expense of brightness. There’s enough candlepower in the Sony’s backlight to make it usable outdoors, where harsh sunlight usually cripples most LCDs. Also helping to keep weight and power consumption down is the lack of a CD or DVD drive. A few years ago, this would’ve been unthinkable, but two things make this a non-issue today. First up, most software is obtained through the Internet. If you can’t download it, chances are it’s too old to run on Windows 7. Secondly, if you absolutely cannot live without a CD or DVD drive, a USB-powered DVD drive can be picked up for less than R500. Despite all the power-saving measures, the YA15 still only returns an average battery life of around 4 hours during use. This is a good 90 minutes worse than Sony’s best claims. Then again, claims about battery life should always be taken with a pinch of salt. For portability, the Vaio ticks all the boxes. Carrying it around in one hand is a non-issue, yet it feels solid enough to not be flimsy. The lid doesn’t flex when handling it, and there are no loose-fitting bits. Its small form factor does bring with it one small problem: a cramped keyboard layout and a tiny trackpad.
Microsoft Comfort Desktop 5000
Key size and placement is not an issue – it’s definitely more usable than most netbooks – but we can’t help questioning Sony’s choice to shoehorn a few unnecessary buttons into the layout. Arrow keys are useful, but the full-size ones on this keyboard come at the cost of a tiny shift key. Laptop keyboards are usually judged on the inclusion of two full-sized shift keys, and this one fails in that department. Happily, the rest of the Chiclet-style keys are a pleasure to type on. Where the Sony succeeds very well is in being a proper notebook, with a real processor and full-scale operating system. It’s not a netbook, with a low price and even lower specifications. The Core i3 processor and integrated graphics work well together, and it can even play back full HD video, which is no small feat. If you get one, we suggest you invest in an external mouse and keyboard for sessions where you’ll spend a few hours using it.
This keyboard offers a great combination of comfort and functionality, and the Bluetrack mouse it comes with works brilliantly on just about any surface.
NOTEWORTHY SPECS
The Smurf-sized Logitech M305 comes with a nano receiver that takes up a USB port, and no more. A single battery will power it for many months, and optical tracking makes it accurate every time.
• Processor: Intel Core i3 380UM (1.33GHz) • RAM: 2GB • Hard drive: 320GB • Screen size: 11.6” • Resolution: 1 366 x 768 • Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n wireless, Ethernet, Bluetooth, 3 x USB, HDMI out, Audio in, Audio out • Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit • Weight: 1.46kg
Pros
Cons
• HDMI port • Bright display • Lightweight
• Battery life not great • Cramped keyboard and trackpad • Tinny speakers
Overall rating
Logitech M305 Wireless Mouse
LG Slim DVD Writer
In case you need an optical drive, the USB-powered LG Slim drive will fit the bill. It’ll read and write every optical disc, except for Blu-ray, and takes as much space as a DVD case when packed away.
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HP PhotoSmart e-All-in-One
Print, scan copy and gain all of the improved quality of a photo printer with this wireless-only model.
Lexmark Genesis S815 Multifunction Printer NEED TO KNOW • Printer, scanner, copier, fax • Scan a page in under 3 seconds • Wireless N networking • Downloadable ‘applets’ R3 499.95
HP OfficeJet Wireless 8500
The perfect workhorse for small office environments, this printer features wireless connectivity and can scan, copy and fax too.
Samsung CLX3185W Colour Laser MFP
For higher workloads, lasers are usually the way to go. And this colour laser From Samsung supports wireless networking and can copy/ scan to boot.
In a world where the vast majority of printers and multifunction devices look and behave the same, Lexmark’s new Genesis S815 breaks the mold. The sleek, glossy black plastic the S815 is clothed in looks expensive and futuristic, while its upright design and bright LED backlit touchscreen leaves you wondering where Lexmark hid all of the multi-functionality. Look a little closer and the answers abound. A door on the bottom-front of the machine opens to reveal four ink cartridges, while the paper hopper is neatly located at the back of the unit so it’s out of sight. Right in the middle-front of the machine, users are faced with the device’s central control unit – a responsive and bright touchscreen that allows quick access to 3 of the S815’s key features, namely copying, scanning and faxing. There’s also a fourth icon marked Smart Solutions, which, as its name suggests, gives users access to some truly clever features to streamline their document workflow. Selecting this icon presents users with a dashboard full of customisable and downloadable applets. which do anything from allowing them to view the news in bite-sized chunks, scan documents to specific folders, automatically print specific Web pages (like your online diary) or carry out specific copy functions, like copying an ID book. The touchscreen is also the place users can monitor the S815’s ink levels at a glance, see the signal strength of the wireless network the
printer is connected to and configure its behaviour. While all of that’s impressive, the S815’s party piece is its instantaneous scanning capability. Instead of a moving imaging engine, the Genesis employs a static 10MP imaging sensor. That means previews of documents that need scanning are provided instantaneously, while on average, high-resolution scans take no more than 3 seconds to complete. Lexmark has also done substantial work on the software that accompanies its new printer and strikes the balance between giving users access to tons of features, while remaining unobtrusive. Overall, the Genesis is a useful little beast. Print quality is good, and faxing and copying works as promised. The touchscreen, downloadable applications and speedy scanning the Genesis offers users is, however, the differentiator. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Printing resolution: 2 400 x 1 200 dpi max mono; 4 800 x 1 200 dpi max colour • Print speed: 33ppm mono, 30ppm colour • Copy speed: 25cpm mono, 21cpm colour • Scans in under 3 seconds
Pros
Cons
• Great looks, great functionality • Download applets or author your own • Speedy scanning • Touchscreen convenience
• Only available as an inkjet
Overall rating
38 | connect | March 2011
4AA3-0982EEE.indd 1
PRINT FROM ANYWHERE FROM ANY MOBILE DEVICE.1
HP Photosmart e-All-in-One TOUCH THE WEB. PRINT THE WEB.2
Get more information: hp.com/go/ePrintCenter 1 May require an Internet connection to the printer. Feature works with any Internet- and e-mail-capable device. For details hp.com/go/eP hp.com/go/ePrintCenter 2 Requires a wireless access point and Internet connection to the printer. Apps availability varies by country. Services may require registration. registra For details hp.com/go/ePrintCenter 4AA3-0982EEE, August 2010
4AA3-0982EEE.indd 1
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Seagate 2TB External Desktop Hard Drive
1TB is plenty of storage when you’re on the go, but at home you may want to store more data, or run regular backups for the household computers. In this case, the 2 000GB capacity is ideal.
Verbatim 1TB hard drive NEED TO KNOW Sandisk Cruzer Slice
Perhaps you’d rather have a smaller drive that fits in a pocket, yet still stores a lot of data. Sandisk’s Cruzer Slice range of USB flash drives can be had in capacities of up to 64GB – that’s a whole lotta Word documents or MP3 files.
Seagate GoFlex Desk 3TB External Desktop Hard Drive
The ultimate in data storage at the moment is a 3TB hard drive. This portable drive from Seagate stores up to 3000GB and can connect to a USB 3.0 docking station for best-possible transfer speeds, but only long as you have a USB 3.0-equipped computer, of course.
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• 1TB of storage • Mobile drive, needs no power adapters • Free backup software R1 399.95
Just a few years ago, we were marvelling at the availability of 100GB hard drives. They cost a pretty penny, and nobody could imagine what could possibly require that much storage, but nowadays it’s all but impossible to buy a 100GB drive. Even if you could, it wouldn’t make economical sense: a 1-terabyte internal desktop drive costs less than R600, and the prices don’t scale down in favour of smaller drives. While desktop computers have had 1TB, 2TB and now 3TB drives for a while, the technology in notebook drives is only just catching up, and 1TB drives have finally become available. This becomes especially relevant when we look at the new range of portable hard drives on offer. These all employ notebook hard drives, for two reasons. Firstly, notebook hard drives, referred to as 2.5” drives, are a lot smaller and lighter than their desktop counterparts (3.5” drives). This makes them easier to package and less of a hassle when carrying around. Secondly, the smaller drives use a lot less power and it’s thus possible to have both data and power via a single USB cable. Obviously this is far preferable to lugging around a chunky desktop external drive, which requires a hefty power brick and associated cabling. Verbatim’s Store ’n’ Go range has offered self-powered portable drives for some time now, but this model is its first 1TB offering. Now that’s a lot of storage to have on the go, and the portable form factor makes it even more convenient to carry around in a laptop bag. With that amount of storage, you can back up your entire laptop or happily carry around a lot of archived data: video footage and image libraries are prime suspects. Transfer speeds aren’t fantastic, though. During testing, we saw around 25MB/s on average, which is about middle-of-the-road as far
as performance goes. There are some smaller, faster drives that can achieve up to 40MB/s, for mission- and speed-critical data transfers. This Verbatim is more suited to general data archiving and backups. To that end, Windows users will be pleasantly surprised with the software that ships on the drive. The Nero BackItUp suite is perfect for creating a duplicate of your computer’s primary hard drive. Also included on the drive is an installation package for Verbatim’s GreenButton software. This runs in the background and allows the hard drive to be sent into a low-power state. Most laptops already do this, by cutting power to the USB ports in an effort to prolong battery life, but it’s handy to have on a desktop computer. It helps extend the drive’s life by not having it run warm constantly. Perhaps the only reservation is whether the 1 000GB storage capacity is worth the money. It’s a fair bit pricier than a 500GB or 640GB drive, both of which ultimately have as much usable storage as realistically needed. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Capacity: 1 terabyte (1 000 gigabytes) • Interface: USB 2.0 • Extras: Nero BackItUp software • Weight: 185g
Pros
Cons
• Loads of storage • Nero Backup software is handy • Powered off USB
• Ageing USB 2.0 interface • Average file transfer speeds • Slightly bulkier than other portable drives
Overall rating
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Dell Vostro Business Notebooks
Dell’s Vostro business notebooks have an attractive finish that’s available in 3 styles. They are also powered by Intel’s Core i-series processors and boast better graphics performance.
HP ProBook 4520s Business Notebook NEED TO KNOW • Notebook designed specifically for business • Brushed metal finish and mostly-metal chassis • Powered by Intel’s Core i5 processors R7 999.95
It’s clear that HP’s ProBook notebooks have been designed to satisfy the needs of today’s mobile workforce. They are subtly yet attractively styled. They aren’t very heavy and are thus great for travelling. They are powered by Intel’s very competent Core i-series processors. About the only thing these accomplished notebooks don’t do is last all day on a single battery charge, but this is something that can be overlooked, given everything else they do right. The 4520s is the middle-of-the-range ProBook. It uses an Intel Core i5 430M processor that’s clocked at 2.26GHz, comes standard with 4GB of RAM ( upgradeable to a maximum of 8GB), runs Windows 7 Professional 32-bit and has a 320GB SATA-II 7 200RPM hard drive. On the performance front, it provides a smooth and responsive Windows 7 experience, and runs typical productivity software like Microsoft Office 2010 very well. On the connectivity side, HP has bundled in three dedicated USB 2.0 ports, an eSata port that also doubles as a fourth USB port, VGA-out, 802.11b/g/n networking, Bluetooth and a Gigabit Ethernet LAN port. An HDMI output for hooking the 4520s up to an HD screen is also included. The 4520s’s full keyboard looks great, and the Chiclet-style keys press easily and silently, making it very comfortable to type on. The inclusion of a full number-pad is a nice touch. The 6-cell battery that ships with the 4520s is powerful enough to offer over 4 hours of up-time with the screen dimmed to 70% of its maximum, browsing the web (i.e. with Wi-Fi active) and Windows 7’s power mode set to “Balanced”. With slightly less demand placed on it, it’s possible for the battery to provide even more up-time, but it’s fair to bank on around 4 hours. While it’s not an impressive all-day battery, it’s still good enough to survive most meetings. If more up-time is an absolute necessity, HP also sells a 9-cell battery that will extend the 4520s’s battery life into “6-hourand-above” territory, but of course that adds significant weight. The screen is an LED-backlit LCD monitor with a native resolution of 1 366 x 768. Powering the notebook’s graphics capabilities is Intel’s
integrated GMA HD graphics chip, which provides just enough oomph to start up a 3D game, but overall 3D performance is pretty poor. Don’t get this notebook if you enjoy the odd game of Call of Duty online during your lunch break, but don’t be afraid to play HD movies on it, as the GMA HD chip handles HD video decoding very well. As this is a business notebook, it has a built-in fingerprint reader for added security and HP ProtectTools Security Manager that can be used to secure crucial data. In the case of theft, a remote command can be to be sent to the notebook that can either freeze or delete the data to keep it out of the wrong hands. The ProBook 4520s is a solid mid-range business notebook with enough security features for peace of mind even in the event of theft. As such, there is a lot to like here, especially for serious business people. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Operating system: Windows 7 Professional 32-bit • Processor: Intel Core i5 430M @ 2.26GHz • RAM: 4GB, upgradeable to 8GB • Graphics: Intel GMA HD integrated graphics • Storage: 320GB SATA-II 7 200RPM • Connectivity: 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x eSATA, VGA, HDMI-out, ExpressCard slot • Communication: 802.11b/g/n, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth • Display: 15.6” LED-backlit LCD @ 1 366 x 768 • Security: Fingerprint reader, HP ProtectTools Security Manager • Battery: 6-cell included, 9-cell optional
Pros
Cons
• Understated but attractive chassis design • Competent hardware provides good Windows performance • Peace of mind is provided by smart security features
• Battery does not provide all-day power • 3D graphics capabilities are mediocre
Overall rating
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Targus Notebook Bags Targus has a big range of affordable yet durable notebook bags that will keep your notebook safe from damage even in the event of an accidental drop. They’re also full of useful storage pockets.
Microsoft Office 2010 Professional The latest version of Microsoft’s popular office suite brings you updated versions of old favourites like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. The polished interface is highly intuitive and easy to learn.
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Samsung SyncMaster P2070
For general purposes, this little 20” widescreen LCD monitor is a good choice. It’s got VGA and DVI inputs, a native resolution of 1 600 x 900 and is lightweight and attractively-styled.
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Sony PlayStation 3 Sony’s amazing gaming platform not only plays cutting-edge games, but also doubles as a Blu-ray player. A big screen is a must for the best possible gaming/moviewatching experience!
Microsoft Xbox 360 250GB Late last year, Microsoft refreshed its Xbox 360 with a new look and some design tweaks that blew away gamers everywhere. Its library of amazing exclusive titles makes it worth owning alongside a PS3.
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Samsung SyncMaster BX2450 LED-backlit gaming monitor NEED TO KNOW • Thin and stylish gaming LCD monitor • 2ms response time • 1 000: 1 contrast ratio R2 499.95
There are many factors that determine whether a monitor is worth owning or not. For gamers, a great screen is a combination of size, response time, the number and type of inputs, the look of the screen itself, as well as the overall image quality on offer. On these counts, Samsung’s BX2450 LCD screen scores extremely well – it’s a well-rounded screen that all but the fussiest of gamers would be happy to own. The BX2450 is a widescreen LCD monitor that combines the best of today’s available display technology into a single product, while also maintaining an impressively low price point. Twenty-four inches of screen real estate is the ideal size for any gamer – going bigger crosses a cost line, and smaller is, well… smaller. LED technology is enjoying widespread use throughout the television and LCD monitor markets because of its superior lighting capabilities, low power consumption and compact size. Samsung has made good use of it in the BX2450’s design, resulting in an attractive body that is less than an inch thick at its thickest part, and a screen that displays richly-coloured images that just about pop off the screen. The screen’s native resolution is full HD, so 1 920 x 1 080, and it has two HDMI inputs in addition to a VGA connector. There is no DVI input, but this isn’t a problem as having two HDMI ports more than makes up for it. The controls are embedded in the bezel, and are touch-sensitive. This is both good and bad, as it keeps the screen’s look sleek and attractive, but also means it’s possible to unintentionally bump the control buttons. The screen doesn’t need much adjustment straight out the box, but for those interested in tweaking it, the menu system works well. The stand is plastic, in the shape of a silver X, which prevents the screen from falling over. It’s a little flimsy, and the screen will sway a bit when bumped, but for the most part, the stand provides good stability. Having two HDMI inputs as well as a VGA port means the BX2450 can be hooked up to an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and a PC, all at the same time.
This kind of flexibility easily justifies the purchase price, and is driven home by the excellent image quality on offer. Gamers who like an audience may not enjoy the BX2450’s not-sowonderful viewing angles – when viewed from the side, the image becomes distorted. Samsung has thoughtfully addressed this with its excellent and effective MagicAngle technology – for those times when a wider viewing angle is required, all you need to do is activate MagicAngle through the screen’s menu, and immediately the image brightens and distorted images come into focus. It’s a nice touch but, of course, a really good viewing angle without any need for an additional setting to be activated would have been better. Samsung’s BX2450 is squarely aimed at gamers. It can accommodate gaming consoles and a PC at the same time, and produces fantastic visuals that not even a not-so-great viewing angle can detract from. Best of all, it’s very affordable. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Display: 24” with LED backlight • Native resolution: 1 080p (1 920 x 1 080 pixels) • Response time: 2ms • Contrast ratio: 1 000:1 (actual) • Ports: 2 x HDMI ports, 1 x VGA, 1 x 3.5mm stereo audio output • Dimensions (w x d x h): 57cm x 20cm x 35cm • Weight: 4kg
Pros
Cons
• Great price for a 24” LCD monitor • Image quality of games, movies and everyday Windows stuff is excellent • Multiple inputs accommodate multiple gaming platforms
• Poor viewing angle has to be addressed by activating a menu option • Stand still affords the screen a bit of wiggle-room • Touch-sensitive buttons can get accidentally activated
Overall rating
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Sony Alpha 33 Sony’s baby SLT camera might be the most affordable model, but it can still record full HD video and fill up an SD card with 1080P goodness. Add the CLM-V55 and you’ve got a movie-making mammoth.
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Sony CLM-V55 Video Monitor NEED TO KNOW • 5.5” clip-on screen for compatible dSLR cameras • 800 x 480 resolution • Dedicated battery pack R3 799.95
With the proliferation of both HD display devices and playback devices, it was only a matter of time before our cameras also started going HD. Just a few years ago, it wouldn’t have been considered realistic to have HD recording from a pocket camera, but yet now it’s possible. Furthermore, you can record in HD with an SLR camera. Now, almost all new cameras debut with HD recording capabilities. Sony’s new SLT cameras (like the Alpha 33, reviewed in the January 2011 issue) are also capable of recording HD video, but there is a catch. The rear displays on these cameras are not ideal for extended sessions behind the lens. They make framing and focussing a whole lot harder than they should be, and the need for a larger display soon becomes apparent. Hearing the calls of folks who’d love a bigger screen, Sony has done its best and given us the snappily-named CLM-V55 – a 5” external LCD for SLR and video cameras that have an HDMI output and live view functionality. Not just Sony cameras, either: the V55 will work with cameras from other brands, too. To make this possible, it has its own battery pack, the same one that is used by many of Sony’s current dSLR cameras. Sadly, the Alpha 33 and 55 use a completely different battery. If you own one of the other Alpha cameras, however, it’ll be really convenient, as they share the same charger. The flexible mount uses a standard flash hotshoe adapter. The V55 ships with two adapters, each offering different swivel options for the monitor, when mounted. No doubt, it makes video recording a ton easier. Tested with an Alpha 33, the V55’s large display made it easier to compose shots and set focus. It has two special features built in to help make focusing simpler: one is a peak colour-viewing function that highlights focused points. The
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other is a 1 x magnification option that shows a 1:1 representation of the on-screen visuals. Helping its overall usability is a detachable anti-glare hood. When deployed, it providers a sizable set of light-blocking walls to ensure maximum visibility from the LCD. Whether or not the V55 is for you can be determined quite simply. If you’re serious about recording and producing video, the near R4 000 pricetag will be small change – an investment. For everybody else, it’s cool to see in action and play with, but the price is a bit hefty if your aim is to experiment. Another drawback is its weight. At 250g, it adds another 50% to the weight of a camera without a lens. Lenses come in at between 100g and 1kg, so you’re looking at a hefty bit of kit to be lugging around, even with a tripod. Most folks won’t be using their cameras for reasons serious enough to warrant an expensive add-on like the V55. It’s great for what it is, and there is definitely a market for it out there, but first-time and amateur SLR users might be better off investing in nicer lenses.
SanDisk 8GB SD Card
HD video takes a lot of space and can fill up memory cards in no time at all. To continue shooting for longer, an 8GB card should do the trick. Just make sure you have enough free space on your computer, to download the card’s contents.
NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Screen size: 5” • Resolution: 800 x 480, 1080P scaling support • Connection: HDMI • Power: Rechargeable battery pack • Weight: 250g Velbon CV-480 Tripod Pros
Cons
• Simple operation • Anti-glare hood • Flexible mounting arm
• Bulky • Expensive for an add-on • Very niche
Overall rating
The V55 adds a whole lot of heft to whichever Sony camera it is attached to. To both take the strain off your arms, and make sure your footage is shake-free, use your camera rig with a sturdy video tripod like the CV-480.
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Apple iPad Apple’s sought-after tablet has finally gone on sale locally – check out the review on page 34 – and the Belkin Grip Vue is one of many accessories now available for this awesome device.
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Belkin Grip Vue iPad Case NEED TO KNOW • Available in black, clear and purple • Tough covering for your iPad • Thin design R499.95
Belkin Flipblade Stand
This is an automated stand that folds out to create a wide-area base and rubberised cradle for your iPad. It’s the perfect companion for those who need to prop up their iPad in either portrait or landscape positions.
Belkin Grip Vue iPod Touch Case
If you have the iPad’s smaller brother, the iPod Touch, and still want some protection for it, then the Grip Vue case is also available in the iPod form factor, offering perfect protection for your appenabled music player.
44 | connect | March 2011
Whether you’ve acquired your iPad by other means, or legitimately through one of the outlets now officially selling them in SA, there’s a 100% chance that you’ll probably want to keep your new toy in pristine condition. Everyday life has many hazards for a shiny gadget. Stray car keys rubbing up against the glass screen; a rough table surface posing a hazard to the immaculate aluminium surface on the back; perhaps even a slight drop onto a not-so-welcoming tile floor. None of these are unrealistic scenarios and we’ve all encountered at least one. Since the iPad’s launch, internationally, there have been a few cases and protective covers on sale. Some are the thin, slip-on kind, while others are thick, leather folio cases. Materials and construction vary, and users are generally spoilt for choice. It’s not up to us to decide what the best iPad cover is, but there are some considerations to be taken into account. Would you like a portable, everyday use covering that doesn’t inhibit the use of your iPad? Does it need to protect the screen? Is a thicker, book-type cover or a thin, slip-on style more to your liking? Belkin’s Grip Vue ticks some of the boxes: it’s thin, with a polyurethane construction that has a rubbery finish. It lacks any screen protection, but the iPad’s screen is quite scratch-resistant, as long as you’re not careless. It doesn’t quite slip on, since the construction is moulded, but once fitted, it sits pretty snug. One of the ways in which it’s better than bulkier covers is the thin design. Part of the iPad’s beauty is the way it sits easily in the hands. It’s not too thick to feel bulky or too thin to feel fragile, and the Grip Vue case helps maintain that feeling. At the same time, it adds a sense of sturdiness and ruggedness. You won’t be scared to leave the iPad just resting on a table, kitchen counter or any other surface. Even on uneven
surfaces, the case has enough of a rubberised coating to prevent the iPad from sliding around and falling to certain doom. Not that we’d trust anything but four layers of bubble wrap to protect it from an untimely meeting with the floor. Despite Belkin’s best efforts, the case does tend to scuff and scratch. After using it for a few weeks, there are definite battle scars. Truth be told, though, we’d rather they’re on the R499 case than the much pricier iPad. While the iPad’s glass is resistant to scratches, it wouldn’t have hurt to design a special clip-on cover for the case, when the iPad is in storage or during transport. This could prevent bulk when using it around the house or office. Some people might argue in favour of more conventional stickon screen protectors, but on a screen surface as large as the iPad’s, these adhesive screen protectors add a lot of friction. And friction is the total opposite of the iPad user experience. Screen protection, then: it would be nice to have, but not at the expense of usability. To sum up, the Grip Vue does its job and makes the iPad feel a bit less fragile. We just wish it were available in more colours than purple, clear and black. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Polyurethane construction • Flexible material • Impact- and scratch-resistant • Form-fitting design
Pros
Cons
• Hard-form construction • Grippy surface • Slim design
• Scuffs easily • No screen protection • Few colour choices
Overall rating
CopyrightŠ 2010 Symantec Corporation. All rights reserved. Symantec, the Symantec Logo, Norton, Norton 360, and NortonLive are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft, Internet Explorer, Outlook, Windows, and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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Navigon iPhone App
If you want navigation, but not two different devices, Navigon’s iPhone app is a great replacement. It does everything the standalone version does, but also lets you use your iPhone at the same time.
Navigon N40 Premium NEED TO KNOW • Touchscreen navigation • Supports traffic information • Maps for southern Africa • Lifetime subscription to traffic services R1 999.95
Garmin nüvi 1410
Garmin’s flagship nüvi has a whole whack of features designed to make your life easier, including advanced route planning, an FM transmitter to get instructions over your car’s audio system, Bluetooth, and ecoRoute, to tell you how economical your driving is.
TomTom Go Live 1000
TomTom’s range-topping Go Live 1000 has some of the most advanced traffic features available, capable of detecting and rerouting around most of the clogged roads. It also has a capacitive touchscreen, making it as responsive to use as an iPhone.
46 | connect | March 2011
Garmin and TomTom aren’t the only two players in the personal navigation – or GPS – market. Garmin was first on the scene, and TomTom followed in its steps not too long after. Navigon is the third player in the local market. It’s been in existence for just about as long as the aforementioned duo, and introduced its first navigation solution in 1996. Fast forward 15 years, and the company now has an official presence in South Africa, with some compelling products. The N40 Premium is one of Navigon’s range-topping models, with traffic services shipping as standard in the box. While other manufacturers charge a yearly subscription fee, Navigon choose to have a “customer for life”, and as such the traffic services, once activated, need no further subscriptions or fees. Does it work, though? Absolutely. The system on which it relies for traffic information currently only provides data for the major centres in South Africa, but when it works, it’s detailed enough to get you around big jams – or at least warn you of them. The Navigon interface is pretty slick. One of the best features is the integrated search function, which lists all points of interest (POI) in the regular address entry screen. For example, you’re on holiday in Cape Town, and want to do some shopping at Canal Walk shopping centre. Usually this involves knowing the suburb in which the centre is located, and then finding it under the “Shopping Centres” section while browsing the POI listing. The Navigon N40 does things a bit differently. You simply select your city as Cape Town – the suburb details don’t really matter – and instead of typing a street name, you type the name of the centre. Even this can be shortened by typing just the initials of an intended destination. Once selected, you’re shown information about your destination, including the option for a map preview, details for nearby parking and
contact details. There are some nice touches here, too. Car dealerships and filling stations have their brands displayed in their icons. Certain eateries also get this treatment. Other shops, hospitals and parking establishments also have icons shown for them on the map. There are some features that make on-the-road use more pleasant. A lane assistant pops up to help make sure you’re in the correct lane while driving on a multi-lane road. It also assists when taking splits or offramps. Not everything is plain sailing, though. The software attempts to pronounce street names, and this doesn’t always work to your advantage. Streets with non-English names get strange pronunciations, which can be distracting and confusing. Some of the features aren’t logically laid out, either. For instance, getting a map preview of your destination is two button presses away – not that intuitive if you are unsure of the destination you’ve selected. For the price, though, it’s excellent value and should definitely be on your shopping list when you next go looking for a GPS. The traffic functionality is a great value-add and the software interface is mostly very intuitive. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Screen: 4.3” display • Maps: South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia • Traffic services: Included, lifetime subscription • Memory: 4GB onboard • Weight: 160g
Pros
Cons
• Intuitive software interface • Traffic for life • Easy search functionality
• Street name pronunciation is weird • Certain features not easy to find • Tricky windscreen mount
Overall rating
perfect companions
Garmap for Mobile NEED TO KNOW • South African maps • Available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile 6.5, Symbian • No network connectivity required $60 on Apple iTunes App Store R349 for a 12-month subscription on other platforms
Here in South Africa, Garmin is the market leader for navigation solutions. The company has the advantage of having been the first to establish a presence, and with good products, so people have been really keen on the brand. Now, stakes are higher. TomTom and Navigon are serious competitors, with very compelling products, and prices have dropped enough that more people can afford an in-car GPS for everyday use. At the same time, the market is evolving. People have adopted all-inone smartphones boasting built-in GPS receivers, and are using advanced solutions like Google Maps to help plan routes or get them where they need to be. The navigation companies have realised this and started developing mobile applications featuring the same technology they use in their dedicated personal navigation devices. Garmap for Mobile is just such an app. It’s the app version of Garmin’s standalone navigation devices, developed by Garmap here in South Africa. (The official Garmin Wisepilot app for the iPhone is only available abroad.) While we tested the iPhone version of the application, it’s also available for many other mobile phones, including BlackBerry, HTC phones running Windows Mobile and a handful of Nokia phones. There’s a full compatibility list on www.garmapmobile.co.za. As far as functionality goes, the Garmap app is fairly decent. It has an interface that should be familiar to those who’ve used Garmin units before, albeit with a few annoying design choices along the way. For instance, each time you input an address, it asks you to select a country. Similarly, the menu navigation is handled using back and forward buttons, rather than swipe gestures as in other iPhone applications. All of the artwork and interface controls are custom assets: nothing about the app really feels like it belongs on the iPhone. Then again, this is a universal application designed to function on many other platforms.
Routing works well. Only one route choice is offered, but instructions are delivered promptly and recalculation of a route takes very little time, so missing an offramp shouldn’t be an issue. On the subject of offramps, the newest version of this application has lane assistance technology that will aid in making sure you’re on the right bit of road when travelling on motorways. On other phones, the app does offer traffic services, but these are missing on the iPhone version. Also notable by its absence is background multitasking. When using Garmap, the app has to be open all the time for navigation to continue. Competing software from the other guys has this licked in that department. And they cost the same price. iPhone version aside, what Garmap has going for it is compatibility with multiple devices, and some of them don’t even need to be smartphones. So if you have an older phone that’s not an iPhone or BlackBerry, but want to give mobile navigation a try, Garmap for Mobile could be just what you need. It’s available on a subscription basis for other phones, too. Instead of having the maps stored on your phone, the latest ones are downloaded over the air as needed. In this case the software can be used on a subscription basis, with pricing being R39 for 1 month, 3 months for R99 or 12 months for R349.
Belkin Tunebase Direct Belkin’s car charger not only juices up your iPhone, it also doubles up as a dock, which is especially handy when you’re using your phone for navigational purposes. The Tunebase can also link to your car’s stereo system.
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TomTom Mobile
Garmin’s main competitor is TomTom, and they also have an iPhone app. This one is a bit more featured, with the ability to receive traffic updates over the air, using your phone’s Internet connection.
NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Platforms supported: iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile 6.5, Symbian • Tested on: iPhone • Download size: 187MB
Pros
Cons
• Works offline, without a network connection • Rotates to landscape mode • Lane assistance on highways
• No traffic services on iPhone version • Ugly user interface • No background multitasking
Overall rating
Navigon N40 Premium
If a regular old stick-it-tothe-dashboard navigation device is more suited to your style, you can’t go wrong with the Navigon N40 Premium. It has super-fast navigation, receives traffic updates and features one of the best search interfaces we’ve used.
www.connectmag.co.za | 47
product reviews
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Apple iPod Nano The smallest nano yet, and just the sort of music player you’ll want to use with a high-quality pair of earphones. It has a touchscreen, FM tuner and is available in 8GB or 16GB versions.
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Sennheiser CX300-II Earphones NEED TO KNOW • High power output • Noise-isolating design • Leatherette storage pouch R549.95 Skullcandy Agent Carbon Headphones
Should you not be fond of sticking speakers into your ears, the Agent Carbon headphones will sort that out, pronto. These are more conventional, covering the ears with their soundinsulating cups while delivering cracking audio quality.
Logitech G930
If normal headphones and earphones don’t fit the bill, and you’re an avid gamer, give the Logitech G930 gaming headset a shot. It’s wireless, has shortcut buttons, features a boom mic and can crank out 7.1 surround sound.
It’s often the case that those who’ve been at something for the longest are the best at it. That has to count for a lot, in Sennheiser’s case. This company has been in the business of making electronics since 1945, and audio kit since 1946. Sixty-five years is a lot of experience, and most of that has been in professional industries such as studio recording and aviation. The last decade, though, has seen some really fantastic, awardwinning consumer technologies from Sennheiser. All of that experience in very demanding industries has been put into the headphones and headsets being sold to music lovers across the world. Sennheiser products receive universal praise, and are more often than not well worth their premium price tags. That brings us to the CX 300-II. It’s not a catchy name, we’ll admit, but this set of earbud-style earphones has a hefty price, compared to similar designs from manufacturers like Sony, Skullcandy and Philips. For R550, you could get two or three pairs from the aforementioned brands, so are the Sennheisers worth their price? Short answer: yes. In a great example of something being more than the sum of its parts, the CX 300-II earphones are simply better than other, similar products. Take that noise-isolating design, for instance. Other earphones also have silicon plugs to help form to your inner ear and block out unwanted racket, yet these are honestly better at doing it. At moderate volume levels, listening to classical music, it’s virtually impossible to hear people around you. Lips are moving, but not even so much as a mumble is audible. Regular earbuds are good at blocking sound, but nowhere as good as this. The added advantage of having great noise blocking is being better equipped to appreciate the crystal-clear sound. Despite the really tiny
drivers (speakers) in the 300s, they have remarkable punch. In fact, the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) – the measure for how loud speakers are – is a whopping 113 decibels. Most earphones are limited to 105 decibels or so. If that 8dB difference sounds insignificant, bear in mind that each 3dB equates to roughly a doubling in perceived volume level. Of course, power is nothing without control. In this case, the Sennheisers manage to behave themselves until almost right at the limit. Bass is punchy, mid-range frequencies are stunningly good and the highs are just right. If anything, the mid-range is a bit too sharp, but that’s only evident at volume levels where you’re probably damaging your ears, anyway. Keep things sensible, and you’ll be singing along with a smile. Included in the box is a nice little carry case, to protect your investment. It can store both the earphones and the spare silicon tips. It won’t save the earbuds from being stood on, but keeps everything together and out of a tangle. It’s a nice touch that more manufacturers should consider. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Frequency response: 19Hz – 20kHz • Sound pressure level: 113dB • Cable length: 1.2m • Audio connector: 3.5mm • Extras: 3 pairs of silicon buds; leatherette carry pouch
Pros
Cons
• Excellent noise isolation • High power output • Punchy bass
• A touch expensive • Overly crisp mid-range • Short cord
Overall rating
48 | connect | March 2011
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product reviews
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Belkin N150 Wireless Networking USB Adapter To get the most out of the Surf router, a Belkin N150 USB adapter is necessary. Without one, the Surf only performs at 802.11b/g speeds.
Sony Y-Series Notebooks These small but impressively powerful notebooks are exactly the kind of devices that need wireless network access. With built-in 802.11n networking, expect them to be quick!
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Sitecom WL-326 ADSL Router
Connect to the Internet via 3G with this fast router. Gigabit Ethernet ports provide very fast wired LAN access, and true 802.11n connectivity provides high-speed wireless access.
50 | connect | March 2011
Belkin Surf N150 Wireless ADSL Router NEED TO KNOW • Wireless G ADSL router with 4 Ethernet ports • Wireless security is already set up • Affordable, entry-level wireless router R1 099.95
Belkin is a well-known provider of consumer-level networking products. The wireless ADSL router we received for review is part of a new series, and is aimed at setting up a wireless home network in the shortest amount of time. It’s also aimed at non-technical people, as it comes with preconfigured wireless security settings. A few sacrifices have been made in terms of features and speed, but at the end of the day, these are worth making considering the level of convenience on offer. It also doesn’t hurt that this is one of the more affordable wireless ADSL routers available from Belkin. Dubbed the “Surf”, this router satisfies the basic needs of homes with Internet access through Telkom’s ADSL network. It has an ADSL port, four wired Ethernet ports and uses a mix of 802.11b/g and draft-802.11n protocols. To take full advantage of the highest speed on offer requires a Belkin N150 enhanced wireless USB dongle. The Surf provides a universal ADSL-based connection to the Internet and creates a local network that can be accessed wirelessly or over Ethernet cables. This allows desktop PCs and notebooks to share files and stream media between themselves. Its Ethernet ports only support 100mbit connections, which are ten times slower than Gigabit (1 000mbit) connections. This is still more than enough for basic connectivity needs. The main difference is that big files will take longer to transfer between computers. Setting up the wireless network connection has already been done for you. Belkin has included a card with the router, detailing all the settings necessary for you to join the wireless network the Surf creates. These can be changed manually to settings of your own choosing, of course, but it’s not strictly necessary. The card is designed to fit snugly beneath the router, for easy access. The only thing a new user needs to do is enter their ADSL credentials (supplied by their ISP) into the router’s configuration page, which can be reached by manually typing the router’s address into a Web browser window. A setup CD is included, which takes you there automatically if
you’d prefer to go that route. The router we received was configured with incorrect default VPI/VCI settings, which had to be obtained from our ISP. This was the only snag; the rest of the setup process was smooth. Although this router is definitely aimed at entry-level users, its Web interface has enough options that even power users can get good use out of it. Everything from firewall settings to security to port-forwarding can be configured in detail, if you know where to look. Regular folks can happily leave these settings alone and still have their needs adequately served, however. Where the Surf falls down is on its lack of added extras, like a built-in Torrent download application, printer-sharing software or a USB port for adding storage options, all of which are present in other models in the range. But then, since this is the entry-level model in a range designed to cater to everyone from basic users all the way up to hardcore gamers, its basic feature list is forgivable. As a basic ADSL router, the Surf gets the job done. If you’re looking for more functionality than basic Internet access and wireless connectivity, consider looking elsewhere. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Ports: 1 x ADSL, 4 x 10/100 LAN • Lights: 1 x network status LED, 1 x WPS LED • Maximum number of WLAN connections: 16 • Wireless security: Wi-Fi protected setup, WPA2/WPA-Personal, WEP 64/128-bit • Radio frequency band: 2.4GHz • User interface: Web-based (Internet Explorer 6-8, Firefox 1.0+, Safari 2.0+)
Pros
Cons
• Good for people interested in easy Internet access • Attractive price • Wireless networking is built in
• Plastic body is not of the greatest quality • The wireless portion is relatively slow without an N150 adapter • Some manual configuration necessary for ADSL access
Overall rating
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Netgear DGN2200 Wireless ADSL Router NEED TO KNOW • ADSL router with wireless N networking • USB port connects external storage devices • 4 wired fast Ethernet 10/100mbit ports R1 299.95
When shopping for a wireless ADSL router, it’s important to check that the one you’re interested in has all the features you might need. This one from Netgear is one of the best wireless routers available. It’s wireless, fast, and has enough added extras to make it well worth the purchase price. Some of these the average user will need, while others are better suited to power users looking to make the absolute most of their purchase. Overall, the DGN2200 wireless router is an excellent purchase, and it will provide years of reliable service. The first thing most consumers will notice right away is that the DGN2200 router supports 802.11n wireless networking. Also known as “wireless N”, this wireless networking technology is the fastest available in consumer-level routers: it has the longest range, and is less prone to interference from objects and walls in the router’s immediate environment. What makes the DGN2200 better than other routers in this class is that it makes use of two wireless antennae, which further enhance its signal strength and, therefore, its transfer speeds and range too. This means transfer speeds will be faster at longer distances than other routers that only have a single antenna. With wireless N technology and two antennae, the Netgear DGN2200 can provide comprehensive wireless network coverage to medium-to-large homes with multiple levels. The other standout feature is the USB port located on the rear of the router. It allows any USB Flash drive or USB-based portable hard drive to be connected to the router. Once connected, the storage on the drive becomes accessible to any computer on the network, useful for sharing music and video files between computers. Setting up wireless access has been made as easy as possible by WPS – Wi-Fi Protected Setup. It requires only the loading of software on the computer needing wireless access, and then pressing the WPS button on the router when instructed. WPA/WPA2 and WEP-based encryption keeps your network password out of the hands of unauthorised parties. Turning the wireless portion of the router on or off is done with a single button that’s located right next to the WPS button. As for the rest, it’s pretty standard Netgear stuff. A good Quality
Sitecom Wireless 54g Router WL592
of Service module ensures the router maintains speeds necessary for gaming and file-streaming over the local area network. Parental controls help block inappropriate content and applications and even foil phishing attacks. A bandwidth monitor is also included to help you keep tabs on how much data has been used in any given month – a very useful feature given that there is still a need to monitor monthly bandwidth in South Africa. Four wired LAN ports provide fast (but not Gigabit) connections over regular network cables. Anyone interested in buying a good-quality, high-speed ADSL router that provides fast and wide-ranging wireless network coverage would do well to consider Netgear’s DGN2200 ADSL router. It has everything necessary to service a home with ADSL and wireless network access, plus it has enough extras to easily justify its purchase price. In all, it’s a fantastic option for home or small office networks. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Wireless N networking • 4 x 10/100 Ethernet LAN ports • 1 x ADSL port • ReadyShare USB Storage Access – supports FAT16/32, NTFS read/write • Live parental controls with flexible and customisable filter settings, installation available on Resource CD • Broadband usage meter • Firewall protection • Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack prevention • Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDS) • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK) and WEP • Push ‘N’ Connect using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) and Smart Wizard
Pros
Cons
• Two antennae make for fast wireless networking • Wireless setup is very easy thanks to Wi-Fi Protected Setup • USB port adds network storage possibilities
• Wired LAN ports are not the fastest available • Does not come with a wireless networking USB dongle
Overall rating
If you just need the basics, this 54g wireless ADSL router from Sitecom should serve your needs well. It gives you ADSL access, 4 LAN ports plus b/g wireless networking, at a low price.
Netgear DG834G 54g Wireless ADSL Router
If Netgear is your preferred brand, this entry-level 54g router that comes with a wireless USB dongle to help get you started might be more your cup of tea.
perfect companions
Netgear 300N Wireless USB Dongle Connecting a PC up to a wireless network can be preferable to going the wired route. To do that with the DGN2200 router, you’ll need one of these – Netgear’s wireless 300N USB dongle.
www.connectmag.co.za | 51
product reviews
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Philips DCM278 Micro Hi-Fi System
This compact hi-fi system plays music from iPods/ iPhones as well as CDs. It has a compact footprint so that it takes up less space, and a basic alarm function to wake you up in the mornings.
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Apple iPod Nano As it uses Apple’s Universal Dock, the iP90 can happily take any and all iPods. This 5th-generation nano offers the best balance between size, storage and style.
Apple iPhone 4 Not even the iPhone 4 and its straight edges can defeat the adjustable dock of the iP90 – it fits just as well as other Apple products.
52 | connect | March 2011
iHome iP90 NEED TO KNOW • Bedside alarm clock with iPod/iPhone docking station • Wake up to music, the radio or a buzzer • Big backlit LCD screen that displays the time R1 499.95
Four things struck us immediately on setting up the iP90. The first is that it’s a very big device. It measures 27.1cm x 8.3cm x 15.6cm, so it’s definitely on the chunky side. The second is the very large blue backlit LCD display that shows the time, the audio source and whether either of the two alarms are active. The third thing to catch our eye was the adjustable iPod/iPhone charging/docking station and the last was the buttons arranged along the top of the device – there are two very large buttons on either side, with an array of smaller buttons positioned between them. The iPod/iPhone dock is adjustable to accommodate iPods and iPhones of all thicknesses; by rolling the dial behind it, it’s possible to change the width of the dock so that it keeps the mounted device from accidentally coming loose. Once docked, our iPod nano responded immediately to input from the iP90’s remote control, and within seconds we had music playing. The iP90’s audio quality is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it has a pleasant “3D” mode that seems to give audio additional depth, but on the other the quality of the bass is fairly poor – we adjusted it to the maximum of +5 and it completely drowned out the rest of the music. The default bass level of +3 offered the best overall performance. Treble fares slightly better, producing clear mid-range sounds that only became “tinny” at the highest setting. In our testing we discovered that the iP90’s isn’t massively loud. This is not to say it isn’t noisy, because it is, it’s just not obnoxiously so. It is definitely loud enough to get you out of bed, though. You can choose to wake up to the radio, a buzzer or songs from your iPod. To wake up to a selection of songs of your own choosing, set the iP90’s alarm mode to Playlist and create a playlist called “iHome” and populate it with your favourite tunes. Otherwise, the iP90 will just play the last song you listened to. The best part is that the iP90 doesn’t just start playing at the volume you left it on last, it gradually fades the music in so that you’re not jolted awake. It’s also possible to choose the “sleep” interval between alarms. You can set it to go anything from 1 to 29 minutes between efforts to get you
out of bed. The Sleep button itself is pleasantly wide and dominates the front of the device and is thus easy to find in the dark. While a very nice gadget overall, the iP90 is not perfect. Firstly it’s very bulky, and will take over any bedside table completely. Secondly, the remote control should be aimed directly at the front of the device in order to work – side-on attempts took a few goes to register. It makes up for these somewhat with its versatility – if you don’t own an iPod, it has an auxiliary 3.5mm jack that accepts audio input from other sources. Overall, the iHome iP90 is a very competent, versatile and attractivelystyled alarm clock/radio/iPod docking station. It’s not the loudest, but it’ll definitely get you out of bed. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Wake or sleep to iPod, iPhone, custom playlist, AM/FM radio • Programmable snooze time between 1 and 29 minutes • Gently increasing/decreasing alarm and sleep volumes ease waking and going to bed • Dual Alarm to wake to iPod, iPhone, AM/FM radio, or buzzer • Syncs clock time to always-current iPhone time settings in seconds • Adjustable EQ - Bass, treble, 3D and balance controls let you customize your sound • 6 AM / 6 FM preset radio stations • Auxiliary jack lets you listen to other audio sources (e.g., computer, CD player) • Adjustable sleep timer with separate volume • Large backlit LCD display and backlit buttons • Control volume, EQ, alarm functions, radio and iPod functions with the included remote
Pros
Cons
• Adjustable docking station keeps iPods/iPhones secure • iPods/iPhones can be controlled with the included remote • Music alarm fades in gradually • Uses batteries in case of an overnight power failure
• It’s rather large • Is not capable of huge volume • Bass can be a bit overpowering • Remote control needs to be aimed at the device to work
Overall rating
product reviews
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Iomega Skin 500GB Portable USB Drive
The Skin drive might be more expensive than the Cruzer Slice 8GB, but it offers far superior storage space that is only offset by its relative bulk.
SanDisk Cruzer Slice 8GB Flash Drive NEED TO KNOW
Seagate GoFlex Desk 1TB Portable Hard Drive
With portable hard drives, small size and big capacities go very well together. This portable drive from Seagate offers USB 2.0 connectivity, a small form factor and 1TB of storage.
Verbatim Secure ‘n Go Corporate Flash Drive
Keeping data that moves around a lot safe is critical for any big organisation. Verbatim’s Secure ‘n Go range of USB Flash drives does it with 256-bit AES data encryption.
54 | connect | March 2011
• Tiny device lets you carry data with you all the time • Store up to 8GB of data • Retractable neck for easy transport R399.95
Since it is 2011, it’s fair to expect technology to have progressed far beyond where it was only a few years ago, and it has. Digital storage is a field that has experienced significant growth, not only in terms of the sales of storage devices, but also in terms of their affordability and capacities. SanDisk, a well-known purveyor of devices that either store data or make use of stored data, has reached a point in its existence where it can afford to bring devices to market with greater capacities than ever before, at prices that only a few years ago would have seemed impossible. The one we received for review is one of SanDisk’s newest models. It has a matte finish, a retractable neck and a maximum storage capacity of 8GB. As far as USB Flash drives go, it’s pretty unremarkable. This was further confirmed by the speeds it displayed. When copying files to the Cruzer Slice, we reached a pretty pedestrian 3.86MB/s; when copying files from the drive to our test computer, we averaged just over 16MB/s. This is about average for a modern Flash drive. If you want a faster transfer rate, there are other options out there but really, this is more than adequate for the kind of jobs this little drive will be expected to perform. Also, a faster flash drive will cost a lot more than the very reasonable R400 this one will run you. Note, however, that in saying `this device did not massively impress us’ does not mean it’s rubbish – not by a long shot. R400 is a pretty good bargain for 8GB of storage that can be taken with you wherever you go. The Cruzer Slice can even survive a chance encounter with a washing machine – but only after a good drying, of course,
and provided it isn’t plugged into a computer before it’s completely moisture-free. Included on the drive is SanDisk’s SecureAccess software. It can be used to create a secure partition on your Cruzer Slice that can only be read from or copied to once a password of your choosing has been entered. This makes it safe to lend to friends and colleagues, as they cannot see what you have stored on the partition without entering your password. Setting it up is as easy as following the on-screen prompts. Never underestimate the convenience of being able to carry 8GB of data around with you in a small Flash drive that fits easily into a pocket. SanDisk has done well here, and while the Cruzer Slice doesn’t perform at a mind-blowing pace, it’s still more than enough to get the job done. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS • Intel Pentium PC or Macintosh computer with USB support • Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 • Mac OS x10.1.2 or above, and Linux (storage only) • USB2.0 port required • 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes. Some capacity is not available for data storage.
Pros
Cons
• SecureAccess software keeps your personal data safe • 8GB is a lot of space for a compact drive like this • Retractable neck ensures longevity
• Transfer speeds are average, not impressive • There is nothing really special about the device • A 500GB USB hard drive offers more value for money
Overall rating
perfect companions
Apple Macbook It doesn’t run quite so hot that you need protection from the heat, but the N550’s white finish perfectly matches the Macbook’s finish, and it’ll be the perfect fit for the 13” form factor.
Logitech Lapdesk N550 NEED TO KNOW • Comfort desk for laptop • Louder speakers • Cooler computing R699.95
While processor manufacturers like Intel and AMD are working furiously to keep down the power consumption and heat in the chips they produce, notebook computers can still get a bit toasty during normal use. The obvious solution is to put your notebook on a desk, thus keeping the heat away from your lap, but this isn’t always an option. You could be at the airport, waiting to board a plane. You could be at home, sitting under a tree. It’s really not difficult to think of a situation where you’ll be required to have your computer on your lap. And if you find yourself in such a situation often enough, you’ll know how uncomfortable it is to have something at 35⁰C pressed against your skin. For this, Logitech developed its Lapdesk line of products. Aptly named, the Lapdesk units have a laptop-retaining tray to prevent your computer from slipping around, while their undersides are padded, with rip-proof fabric keeping it all together. The Lapdesk N550 is the newest model in the range, and Logitech says it’s designed for 14” notebook computers. A problem? Possibly, because most mobile computers fall an inch on either size: either 13” or 15”. If you have a 14” or 13” model, though, it’ll fit perfectly on the N550. Users with larger laptops will find that they take up a bit more space on the top tray, which affects some of the functionality on offer. See, the N550 also contains a set of stereo speakers. Powered through USB, they offer sound that’s a lot beefier than your laptop’s tiny built-in speakers. If you have a bigger notebook, chances are it mostly obscures these speakers, causing the sound to be more muffled than usual. Assuming your laptop does fit the bill, so to speak, the N550 will make
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for a more pleasant browsing experience when you don’t want to be tethered to a desk. The padded base is comfortable, and protects your legs from the heat. Along the top, the speakers have rubberised surrounds, which do duty as both a cosmetic touch and as a non-slip surface for your computer. It’s compact, too, and shouldn’t be a burden when carrying it around with your laptop. The speakers are great for listening to music or gaming; there are even dedicated volume controls, so you don’t have to fiddle about in Windows or Mac OS to make the party louder. Sadly, the N550 does come at a bit of a premium. It’s an excellent product, with superb build quality, but its bigger brother – the Lapdesk N700 – has equally impressive sound, more space for bigger laptops and a built-in cooling fan. And that costs just R150 more.
products
Logitech Lapdesk N700
The N550’s bigger brother, with built-in speakers, volume controls, more space and a cooling fan. It’s a bit heftier, though, so can’t exactly be used on the go.
NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Padded base • Rubberised surface • Volume controls: mute, volume up, volume down • Speakers: 2 x 2-watt speakers • Power: USB power cord, permanently attached • Weight: 1.1kg Logitech X140 Speakers Pros
Cons
• Meaty sound • Compact design • Volume controls
• Pricey, given the competition • Too small for a 15” laptop • Its bigger brother is a better buy
Overall rating
Not quite convinced that you need a Lapdesk at all, but still want to upgrade your laptop’s sound system? The Logitech X140 Speakers are affordable, yet loud enough that the neighbours might come a-knocking.
www.connectmag.co.za | 55
product reviews
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Lexmark Pro905
This cracking piece of kit from Lexmark ticks all the right boxes: printer, scanner, fax and photocopier. It does all of that, and still gets more than 500 prints from a single black ink cartridge.
HP Photosmart Plus B210 NEED TO KNOW • All-in-one colour inkjet printer • ePrint technology • Photo-printing capabilities R1 299.95
Canon Ixus 300HS Camera
This little bitty Canon isn’t all show – it performs superbly under low light and lets you take photos in some darker situations without using the flash. Of course it still has a flash, along with a 10MP sensor, 3.8 x zoom lens and HD video capabilities.
HP 10 x 15 Photo Paper
If you’re going to get the best possible photo prints from your printer, you will need proper photo paper. The Photosmart Plus has a dedicated tray for 10cm x 15cm photo paper, and a pack of 60 sheets can be had for around R150.
56 | connect | March 2011
Printers are usually not the most exciting bits of kit. Even with companies spending millions of dollars on R&D, to make them more efficient and cost-effective, they fail to make eyes sparkle or inspire people to queue around the block to purchase one. HP’s latest innovation might just change all of that. It’s called ePrint, and it’s HP’s attempt at making printers more user-friendly. The technology is available on a few of the company’s new models, and the one on test here is the Photosmart Plus B210. Usually, when a printer is unpacked and plugged in, it requires a USB cable and a driver CD to complete setup. This involves spending a good few minutes configuring everything on your computer before you’re finally rewarded with a printer test page. It’s intimidating for first-time users and frustrating for those who just want to get on with the job of printing. ePrint aims to change that by eliminating the part where you plug in a USB cable and install software from a CD. Instead, all you need is a wireless network and an Internet connection. From there, it’s plain sailing. The touchscreen interface walks you through connecting it to your wireless network and configuring the ePrint functionality. It then prints out a test page with final instructions to register the printer with HP, online. The sign-up Website is also easy to navigate: simply enter your details and the unique code assigned to your printer, and you’re all set. Your printer will be assigned its own e-mail address consisting of a random code ending in “@ hpeprint.com”. From now on, you can simply e-mail print jobs to your printer. Photos, documents and even Web pages can be sent to it via e-mail, and it prints them as would normally happen. There are some niggles, though. If you send photos to your ePrint printer, and it has a photo paper tray, it will insist on using photo paper. There is absolutely no way to make it default to regular paper, unless you install it conventionally and configure it that way. Even if you do have photo paper, the images sent to the printer need to have certain dimensions or else the printer just cuts them off and you’re left with half a print.
Having said that, HP’s ePrint servers do an admirable job of decoding your documents (i.e. not photos) and making sure they print as you view them on screen. As a result, print jobs can take a while to arrive, depending on your connection speed, your e-mail service provider and the amount of data you’ve attached to the e-mail. There’s also the small issue of the entire e-mail contents printing out: if you attach a document, be sure to delete any other text in the e-mail, because the printer will print out a page containing just a signature, if one is present. There’s no way to customise any of the print settings, or specify that only an attachment should be printed. It’s possible to view the print queue on HP’s ePrint Center Website, but you can only delete print jobs from the queue, not view what they contain. If you’re concerned about security, don’t worry: the printer can be set to only accept jobs from certain e-mail addresses. The B210 itself copes admirably with printing and scanning. It’s really a dream to use. Hopefully, ePrint technology will mature in the coming years – the printers are more than capable of delivering. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Draft speed: 32 ppm in black, 30 ppm in colour • High quality: 8.4 ppm in black, 7.5 ppm in colour • Monthly duty cycle: 1 250 pages • Paper capacity: 125 sheet A4 paper, 20 sheet photo paper • Scanner: Flatbed • Connectivity: USB 2.0, 802.11n wireless • Extras: Memory card reader, touchscreen
Pros
Cons
• Wireless and ePrint convenience • Simple setup • Stylish design
• ePrint technology has some quirks • Slow to prepare for printing • Wireless networking sometimes unstable
Overall rating
advertorial
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of your precious technology Advertorial
eavy rains and threats of flooding, not to mention the serious lightning storms and the unpredictable power situation some parts of South Africa have experienced over the past month don’t create all that fantastic an environment for technology to live in. And having just kitted yourself and your children out with the latest and greatest the technology world has to offer, it’s probably an apt time to think strongly about the adequate care of your new technology assets. And as usual, common sense prevails. That means making sure that you avoid eating and drinking around it (since a drinks spill can result in a complete hardware failure), that you unplug it from wall sockets or network/ phone cables during an electrical storm and that for your own comfort, you consider using it in an ergonomic manner. And the same applies for the various components in your home – from broadband routers to televisions, amplifiers
and gaming consoles, if you’re lucky enough to own them – keep them safe from harm, by exercising common sense. While you can do your best to keep your technology well maintained and safe from harm, there’s often something unforeseen lurking around the corner – and that’s why more and more people are considering short term insurance for their technology assets. And with technology becoming a more vital part of our lives – in the same way it’s wise to insure your car or other precious possessions, so it’s wise to make sure your notebook and other computing devices are covered. This is especially relevant if your technology assets are financed. Besides ensuring nothing serious happens to your notebook or desktop computer, basic care and a solid insurance policy will ensure you gain many years of valuable use from your purchases. And that’s surely the whole point of buying right the first time.
Like it? Take it home. Get Connected
Take advantage of our “back to reality” upgrades, new software and the hottest new technology! See something you like? No problem, just use your Connection Card. It’s the fast, convenient, easy-to-manage way to enjoy all the benefits of shopping at Incredible Connection. The new Connection Card gives you:
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Choose it. Charge it. Take it home. *Terms & Conditions. R250 discount voucher redeemable on a single purchase of R3 000 or more. Discount voucher valid for 2 months from date of issue. Connection Card financed and administered by Maravedi Financial Solutions (Pty) Ltd. Maravedi is an authorised financial services and registered credit provider. NCRCP74.
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2011/01/20 3:09 PM
product reviews
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Big Boet Series
This 100% South African series offers younger students all the help they need to excel at school. Choose from a variety of subjects covering the local school syllabus.
Score More Mathematics Grade 11 NEED TO KNOW • Grade 11 maths syllabus in digital form • Lessons and tests in one handy package • Learn at your own pace R199.95
Jump! Series
For a more international flavour, this highly polished and incredibly slick series of educational software products is fantastic, especially for younger kids.
Fuzz & Ditto Series
Another South African product, this series is aimed at South African youngsters from all walks of life and offers fun puzzles and activities that stimulate and challenge fledgling brains.
58 | connect | March 2011
In the 21st century, learning is easier than ever thanks to useful software packages that teach everything from new languages to school subjects. The one we received for review, Score More’s Grade 11 Maths, comprehensively covers everything a Grade 11 pupil will need to pass maths on Higher Grade. Maths is a complex subject and it can be easy to get lost in real-life lessons, which is why revision is so important. But revising has its share of pitfalls, and that’s where this software can help. Contained on the CD is everything Grade 11 pupils need to know to pass their end-of-year maths exam, from tutorials to interactive tests to in-depth explanations of the topics being covered. Before it can be used, the software must be activated via SMS. The idea is to send the product’s serial number to a number that is provided in the packaging; in return, you will be sent the activation code needed to unlock the software. While we experienced a delay in the activation process due to an SMS that did not make it to its destination in time, the problem was quickly dealt with by efficient and friendly support personnel. We were up and running only an hour or so after the problem was reported, so kudos to the support team. The program itself consists of an easy-to-navigate menu system that is clearly labelled. Lessons are presented via animated slides that are narrated by two Indian voice-over artists, and the information is impressively clear and concise. It’s been a while since we were anywhere near Grade 11, and it was a really good experience to go through this software and actually feel as if we learned something. The confusion between real numbers, integers, rational and irrational numbers has been cleared up once and for all, and that was only the first lesson! The patient student can learn a great deal from this software, if enough
time is given to going through each lesson, the tests are taken and the text pored over. To be fair, the same could be said of high school maths lessons, but that’s just another way of saying this software is as comprehensive and user-friendly as any competent real-life classroom environment. Activation issues aside, we’ve been very happy with this software. It really does provide a diligent student with enough material to go over the year’s lessons, it explains some pretty difficult concepts very clearly and the illustrations and animations help make the many points that much clearer. So while the presentation isn’t as slick as some educational products we’ve seen from the US and Europe, Score More’s Grade 11 maths software is still a valuable learning tool for any Grade 11 pupil interested in improving their grasp of the subject. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS • Pentium III 800MHz or faster • 256MB RAM • 800MB hard drive space • DVD ROM drive • Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 • 16-bit soundcard, speakers/headphones • Keyboard & mouse
Pros
Cons
• Makes the Grade 11 maths syllabus very accessible • Excellent revision tool for Grade 11 pupils • Voice-overs and animations help explain things clearly
• Voice-over artists are very obviously not South African • The interface could use a bit of polish • Activation process via SMS can be sticky
Overall rating
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Serif Digital Scrapbook Artist 2 NEED TO KNOW • Program dedicated to digital scrapbooking • Create a wide variety of craft-y projects • All the tools needed to free your creativity R499.95
Scrapbooking is a hobby with tremendous appeal. It’s a creative outlet that lets you take those special photos you’ve captured with your camera, and memorialise them in ways that go beyond just printing them out and keeping them in an album. It’s a lot of work, of course, involving plenty of cutting, gluing and stitching. Finding the right materials with which to build the project is just as much hard work, and while the whole process is what makes the hobby fun, it can also be timeconsuming and frustrating. Serif is a company specialising in affordable content-creation software. With Scrapbook Artist 2, the company’s programmers have created an easy-to-use, all-in-one suite of tools that can help anyone with an artistic bent become a competent scrapbooker. It also helps to streamline the process so that more time can be spent actually creating amazing scrapbook projects than searching for the best materials. It’s also a money-saver in this regard, as the cost of all materials is included in the purchase price. With Scrapbook Artist 2, the aspirant scrapbooker has access to a wide range of tools with which to create special projects. After a quick and painless installation, the program loads to reveal a startup page with a few options like Start with a Blank Page, Tutorials and Themes. Clicking ‘Start with a Blank Page’ opens the Content Manager, and from there you can select from 5 pre-installed themed “digikits” that contain many assets needed to create projects of different types. Once selected, all assets within the digikit are loaded into your workspace, and are available for use throughout the project. More digikits are available for download from Daisytrail.com; some are free, others cost money. Scrapbook Artist 2 comes with a Photo Lab module that can be used to edit and manipulate photos. Removing red-eye, taking out backgrounds, enhancing textures and more can be achieved with only a few clicks. The software is quite responsive, although having more memory in your computer will make most photo-related tasks go even quicker (as is the case with any content-creation software).
Serif DrawPlus X4
Where Scrapbook Artist 2 excels is in the sheer volume of objects that can be used to place photos in an attractive setting. These include a large library of virtual backgrounds, materials, buttons, crystals and more – basically the same kind of objects that would be sourced in real life. It also provides the same sort of tools that real-world scrapbooking affords, like scissors, stitching, edge-effects, stencils and more that can be used to flesh out projects. The end result is projects that look even better than they would if created by hand. It will take a while to grow accustomed to the program’s interface, but a bit of dedication and time spent watching the many YouTube tutorial videos that are available and you’ll quickly become fluent in its use. Patching the software immediately after installation is also highly recommended, as Serif has addressed a number of issues that became apparent after the initial release. Head on over to the Serif Website and grab the file – it’s a fairly small download. If you love scrapbooking, making photo albums, cards, invitations and more, Serif’s Scrapbook Artist 2 is one of the best programs to use to unleash your creativity. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS • Windows-based PC with DVD drive and mouse • Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit), Windows Vista, or Windows 7 operating system • 512MB RAM (2GB+ recommended) • 266MB free hard disk space • 1 024 x 768 monitor resolution
Pros
Cons
• Plenty of digital tools to use that mimic real-world scrapbooking tools • Built-in Photo Lab lets you edit photos within the program • Extensive online tutorial videos
• Internet connectivity is required for sharing, updating and additional digikits • Lots of memory needed for intensive photo edits • Only 5 digikits are included with your purchase
Overall rating
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to powerhouse programs like PhotoShop, consider Serif’s DrawPlus X4. It’s packed with powerful imagemanipulation tools, but at a fraction of the cost.
perfect companions
RAM Upgrade Chugging along on only 512MB of RAM? Time for an upgrade! Increasing RAM means better overall system performance, and it’s especially helpful when editing content. We recommend 4GB.
Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse A smooth mouse is essential when creating content that requires precise mouse movements. This one from Microsoft not only features a high-precision sensor, but it folds flat for easy transport too.
www.connectmag.co.za | 59
book reviews
Adobe Photoshop CS5 – The Missing Manual
NEED TO KNOW • By Lesa Snider • 816 Pages
Adobe’s wildly-popular Photoshop image-editing application has grown both in capability and complexity over the years. The latest edition, Photoshop CS5, now does new things like Content-Aware Fill and Puppet Warm, and if you’re wondering what those things are or when to use them, Lesa Snider’s new book is probably for you. Most manuals are rather unhelpful, which makes this book all the more important – it really is the manual that should have shipped with Photoshop CS5. In clear English, Lesa Snider takes readers
Building a Website for Dummies – 4th Edition
NEED TO KNOW • By David A. Crowder • 360 Pages
‘Dummies’ books can be hits or misses. This one, on building a website, is a bit of both. It assumes some basic knowledge of website construction on the reader’s part, and is definitely not intended to serve as a standalone introduction to everything a reader will need to know to begin developing their own website. Instead, the book deals with wide-ranging subjects to do with the general design of a website, and many of the associated issues like the flow of navigation options, the types of websites that get the most attention, partnering possibilities and the like. Those looking to learn 60 | connect | March 2011
the nuances of HTML (Hypertext Mark-up Language), the programming language behind most modern websites will be disappointed. The subject matter is treated with the Dummies series’ usual lighthearted touch, and there are a few chuckles to be had here. This, along with the very good “HTML for Dummies” by Ed Tittel, is arguably the best combination for instruction both on sound Website design principles as well as the knowledge necessary to make it happen.
through everything they need to know about Photoshop CS5, from an explanation of arcane-sounding features to when the best time is to use each of them. She covers the entire program, from the very basics of the interface all the way up to the intricacies of each function. Beginner Photoshoppers and veterans alike will get a lot of value from Snider’s very good attempt at writing a usable, comprehensive and entirely relatable manual.
Fetch.My – SA’s Online Book E-Tailer www.fetch.my is a new online book sales portal. It was launched in February 2011 by Intersoft, one of South Africa’s leading book and customised courseware distributors. It is a revolutionary online service that will change the way South Africans purchase books. Up to now, books have mostly been available in South Africa through retail outlets. With the launch of Fetch.my, every book in Intersoft’s extensive catalogue has become available for purchase to anyone with an Internet connection and a credit card. Fetch.my is also the sole distributor of the very popular DUMMIES instructional reference books. The Dummies series has over 200 million books in print and over 1 600 titles to choose from. It has proven very popular with readers interested in consumer and business technology, where its “easy to understand and implement” instructional content has become a valuable asset. Fetch.my is by far the best online destination for readers looking for books that cover the IT and general computing fields, as well as books on telecommunications, engineering, science, the medial field, business and management. The site’s large selection of books contains over 50 000 titles, and books are delivered within 48 hours from the time the online purchase has been completed. Orders of R500 and more qualify for free 48 hour delivery, and affiliate members can enjoy a generous 30% discount on all purchases. As such, Fetch.my is one of the best bookstore destinations on the Web for South African educational book lovers. Intersoft is confident that South Africans of all ages will find this a valuable resource when it comes to fulfilling their educational needs affordably and quickly. Discover great book prices and see how easy it is to order a wide range of educational books online by visiting www.fetch.my today.
game reviews //By tiana Cline
Killzone 3 R599.95 Killzone 3 sees the story resume where Killzone 2 left off, with our heroes Sev and Rico stranded on Helghan after having disposed of the Helghast leaders. Stuck without reinforcements, they have to make their way through the remaining Helghast soldiers, who’ve resorted to civil war in the absence of leadership. Along the way, while dodging bullets from both sides, the two protagonists get to regroup with remaining allied forces and make their way to safe spots in an effort to return home. This change in the status quo also sees action carried out in a guerrilla warfare method, rather than the organised, military-backed war machine from the first two games. Guerilla Games, the developers, have poured a lot of resources into the second sequel in the series – this one is rumoured to be using close to 100% of the PS3’s graphical capabilities. Indeed, this can be seen in the many new environments and set pieces. Killzone 2 had a mostly urban battlefield, but Killzone 3 has Arctic warfare, alien jungles, nuclear wastelands and even space battles. Each will present its own challenges, but be sure to stop along the way to take in the jaw-dropping sights. If you’re lucky enough to own a 3D TV, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous graphics in all their 3D glory. Sony is investing a lot of money in 3D, so it’s all but guaranteed that this PS3 exclusive title will be superb in the third dimension. Helping you get around and stomp the bad guys, in both 2D and 3D, is a selection of more than 25 weapons. And a jet pack. That’s right, your alien oppressors will now have to worry about you raining leaden death from above, as well as from the ground. One of the coolest new weapons is the WASP rocket launcher, capable of firing multiple projectiles at once. You’re not alone, though, because the revamped Helghan army also has jetpack soldiers. They, too, boast new weapons and the artificial intelligence has been polished to make sure that escaping the planet isn’t going to be a walk in the park. Combat gets a bit more brutal up close, thanks to a revised melee combat system. Players can string together close-quarter attacks to create deadly combos – way more entertaining, and challenging, than just pushing a single button to use the butt of your rifle. Finally, there’s a massive multiplayer mode with many varied gametypes, from plain old deathmatch to capture-the-flag. Guerilla had a public beta test for the multiplayer portion of the game, so it’s bound to be bug-free and very polished. Downloadable multiplayer maps have also been announced, and will be made available in the PSN store shortly after the game goes on sale.
62 | connect | March 2011
NEED TO KNOW • 3D stereoscopic mode for 3D TVs • Jet packs • Support for PlayStation Move • More than 25 weapons
>>Get this<< Killzone 2 Perhaps you’d like to get the backstory on this, and find out why Sev and Rico have found themselves in this pickle. Killzone 2 is one of the bestlooking games on the PS3 and offers a gritty alien war experience with sound that’ll shake the room. We can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend before Killzone 3 arrives.
>>consider this<< Halo: Reach In the mood for some epic interplanetary alien combat, but don’t have a PS3? The Halo series’ most recent release, Halo: Reach, is a fantastic choice. You get to bash aliens, fly spaceships, experience some of the most stunning graphics on the Xbox 360 and enjoy all of this with up to four friends in co-operative play. That’s before you’ve even touched the expansive online multiplayer modes.
www.connectmag.co.za | 63
game reviews
Top Spin 4
NEED TO KNOW
• The biggest roster of pros, talented up-andcomers and iconic legends • Experience everything the pros do in a real tennis match • All-new gameplay controls – Kinect, Move and motion-controlled
Racket Sports Party Enjoy 5 racquet sports in one title! You’ll be immersed in stunning worldwide locations as you serve, rally, and smash your way to the finals.
NEED TO KNOW
realistic. With in-game helpers (for those who want to work on the finer details), you will truly experience the intensity, emotion and excitement of a real-life match. Or you could just play a fun game of tennis. R399.95 (Wii)
Consider >>This <<
Buy >>This <<
What would the game of tennis be without the stars of the court? Featuring the biggest selection of past and present players, if you love tennis, you’ll definitely want to grab a racket and step into the sport shoes of Agassi, Borg or Nadal, to name just three of the playable Top Spin 4 pros. You could also customise your own player and take them to the top! As a tennis game, TS4 is both accessible and
Homefront
Grand Slam Tennis The only tennis videogame licensed to feature Wimbledon, this pickup-and-play title is for anyone who can swing a racquet.
A game that has been 10 years in the making, Marvel vs. Capcom is back with a bang! From hectic action to 3-on-3 tag team fighting, the game includes what every player loved about the series. Pick your favourite character and immerse yourself in the evolved fighting system (think over-the-top gameplay complete with signature aerial and hyper combos), or choose to play simply, but still with style. Every character you know and love is here, from Spider-Man to Ryu, Wolverine and Iron Man, Magneto and Doctor Doom. Both newbies and hardcore gamers will enjoy the third instalment of this highly anticipated animated actionbrawler. R599.95
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
>>Get This<< DC Universe Online
NEED TO KNOW • 3-on-3 tag team fighting or play the simple mode • Living comic book art style • New characters like Chris Redfield, Thor and Dante 64 | connect | March 2011
Battle with or against your favourite DC Comics heroes and villains, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and The Joker. For the first time, you’ll be able to enter this fabled world as an active force for good or evil in this must-play MMO.
• Save America from Korean occupation • Fast-paced and largescale warfare at its best • Earn battle points for extra multiplayer fun The year is 2027 and Korea is set to take over America. It’s up to you to protect the country from invasion. With a cinematic, single-player storyline and fast-paced warfare, Homefront is a first-person shooter to be reckoned with. Taking the role of a resistance fighter (or a guerrilla fighter when playing alone), you’ll be able to take command of a wide variety of aerial and ground vehicles with up to 32 players. In-game earned battle points will buy you whatever you need to remove the pesky element of running around a map, wasting time. If you like largescale war games, Homefront is a must-play. R599.95
>>Get this<< Call of Duty: Black Ops Call of Duty explodes the myths of the Cold War as you join a team of Black Ops soldiers caught up in the fight against communism in Vietnam and beyond.
>>coming soon<< Duke Nukem Forever The alien hordes are invading and only Duke can save the world! Pig cops, shrink rays and enormous alien bosses can’t stop our hero from accomplishing his goal: to save the world, save the babes, and be a badass while doing it.
LittleBigPlanet 2
NEED TO KNOW • More than 40 new story levels across six themes • Four-player offline or online multiplayer gaming • Improved customisation tools and new gadgets Two years ago, PS3 and PSP gamers were blown away by the cuteness and creativity of LittleBigPlanet. From the detailed textures to the real-life physics, the first game was a unique take on platform adventuring. But something was missing – and it wasn’t the thousands of player-designed levels that were uploaded to the PS3 community. LittleBigPlanet 2 sees the return of Sackboy, a knitted protagonist. It also features a brilliant tutorial and introductory narration by Stephen Fry. What makes the second title so appealing? A great storyline and the much more usable creation tools that can turn the platform-style gameplay into whatever game genre you can imagine. Want to design an old-school arcade game? Now you can! It’s up to you (and three of your friends) to stop Craftworld from falling apart. And as you make your way through the game, you’re bound to be impressed by the sheer variation and detail in each level. Like the first game, the levels are designed according to a theme and there are many wacky, interesting and playable motifs such as techno renaissance, steampunk and cake, neon propaganda and hand-made arcade. It’s easy enough to get through a level, but if you want
to uncover all the Sackboy costumes, gems and stickers, there is plenty of replay value in LittleBigPlanet 2, whether you’re playing with a friend or on your own. To get through the levels, the game makes use of new gadgets such as scuba gear, a grapple hook and power gloves. Big thinkers and those with some artistic flair will get a lot out of LittleBigPlanet 2. The online sharing ability makes it easy to upload and manage your finished levels. You can also download and play what other people have put together using the PlayStation Network. LittleBigPlanet 2 is a game for everyone. If you’re feeling creative, create a level. If you’re not, play the story mode. If you want to share your game with a friend, you can play with up to four players offline or go online for more options. The more you play, the more you’ll collect, earning unlockable pins along the way. And yes, you can still access and play all the 3.5 million (or so) playerdesigned levels from the first game. Ultimately, this charming, one-of-a-kind title is what you want it to be and what could be better than that? LittleBigPlanet 2 for the PlayStation 3 is a must-play. R599.95
>>Get this<<
>>Consider this<<
Kirby’s Epic Yarn
Create
If texture turns you on, the look of the world in Kirby’s Epic Yarn is nothing short of stunning – and it’s also interactive. Pulling on stray threads might reveal hidden areas. When Kirby literally goes behind the scenes, the virtual fabric warps and bends to show his location.
The more you explore the game, solve level-based challenges and customise your world, the more rewards will be unlocked. Creativity is unleashed as you design environments with easy-to-use tools, including textures, props and animated objects that bring the scene to life.
www.connectmag.co.za | 65
game reviews
Dr. Kawashima’s Body and Brain Exercises
NEED TO KNOW • Over 20 mind and body exercises • Keep your brain young and your body fit • Play with up to three friends
Fight Night Champion
>>get this<< Dance Central
>>coming soon<< My Fitness Coach: Club Developed by fitness professionals to ensure that every move is performed precisely, the game separates fitness routines into six elements – core body, upper body, lower body, cardio, balance and flexibility – to help you focus on reaching your fitness goals.
If you want to get fit, use the Kinect and really have fun, then this dance game is a great way to keep in shape. It teaches you all the moves while tracking the calories you burn.
NEED TO KNOW • Full-spectrum punch control and reflexive blocking system • Realistic damage – blood, scars and sweat • Test your skills online against players across the world Love boxing and looking for the most brutal and authentic experience yet? Fight Night Champion reinvigorates the fighting genre, bringing with it a boxing game that will blow your mind. Both boxing greats and current contenders have been recreated realistically, adding even more depth to the simulation. How real, you ask? Sweat, muscles and bashed-up faces are all a part
Buy >>this<<
First, Dr. Kawashima trained your brain on the Nintendo DS, turning avid gamers into math-playing puzzlers. Utilising Xbox Kinect support, this family-friendly game will challenge your mind and body. Keeping you thinking and moving all the time, you’ll have to quickly tackle puzzles that link to maths, logic, reflex and memory. With over 20 different activities in the multiplayer mode, you (and 3 friends) can compete to see who has the youngest brain age. But if you really want to keep your mind young, you’ll have to use the daily tracker and watch your progress. R399.95
of the realistic damage. Expect long-lasting battle scars in this boxing best as well as a whole new punching and blocking system. If you dream of bashing it out with the best, Fight Night Champion is the game you’ve been waiting for. R499.95
WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2011 The popular story-driven mode returns with significant updates and new storylines, including being able to freely roam through backstage areas, select opponents, break into impromptu matches and fulfil destinies based on player choices.
>>Get this<<
Mindjack
NEED TO KNOW • Assume the role of a mind hacker • Hack or be hacked! • Use futuristic weapons and real fighting techniques
66 | connect | March 2011
It’s not easy to come up with innovative ideas for first-person shooters when top titles like Call of Duty and Medal of Honour continue to dominate the space. Mindjack is a futuristic FPS with great graphics that, unfortunately, fails to impress when it comes to gameplay. With a slight similarity to Gears of War, Mindjack has dull settings, boring dialogue and frustrating controls that take away from what could have been an interesting concept – assuming the role of a mind hacker and controlling the thoughts of enemies to turn the tide of battle. Urban warfare has never been so bland. R599.95
Vanquish Vanquish is a sci-fi shooter of epic proportions, with a fast, fluid and frenetic combat system, and an engaging and immersive storyline. Sam, your protagonist, is the ultimate weapon, with his battle suit of destructive firepower and superhuman speed and agility.
>>Comming soon<< Binary Domain Binary Domain puts players in the middle of a fast-paced and intense battle for humanity in robot-invaded 2080 Tokyo. Players control an international peacekeeping squad that soon starts to question the choices they made: are the robots becoming more human, or are humans becoming more like machines?
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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.
tech tannie
As tough as a Parktown Prawn in your takkie, Tech Tannie finds a way to solve your problems without leaving ink behind…
issue of the month: Q:
I want to set up my computer to control the amount of time my kids spend online. I’ve read that you can do this with Windows 7, but I can’t seem to find it anywhere. Can you help? Parental in Poffadder
A:
If you have questions, gripes or just seek some solace, e-mail Tamsin, our friendly tech tannie at techtannie@connectmag.co.za 68 | connect | March 2011
Parental Controls in Windows 7 are as rich as they were in Windows Vista, and they are actually a bit easier to find. To access them, go to Start>>Control Panel and then click on Parental Controls. Voilà, you’re in. However, if you want to do some fiddling, you will need a little bit of help. To start with, you’ll have to give your administrator account a password. If you don’t have one, your kids will be able to just log onto your account and bypass all the restrictions you’ve put in place. Once you’ve set up your password, you need to create a new account, name it, and then set the different options. You can also create one account per child, which is very useful. The Time Limits section is the one you want. Here you can control when they’re allowed to log onto the computer by setting specific hours. This is also a lekker way of stopping fights. One teen gets the PC from 6 to 7, and the other from 7 to 9, end of story. Once their time is up, the computer will log them off automatically. If you have younger tots, you can also block access to the Internet except for specific websites you’ve chosen. You’ll find it all self-explanatory once you get started, and Microsoft has video walkthroughs here (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/videos/using-parental-controls) if you need more help.
Q:
Dear Tannie. I am quite excited by the idea of starting my own blog, but I don’t want to share it with the world. I would rather keep it private as a way of remembering my life. Is this possible? Bloggy in Bapsfontein
A:
You know, I really wish I could find the diaries I wrote as a teenager. I reckon they would be a real eye-opener and a lekker trip down memory lane. There really are few things as interesting as reading your words 20 years on and remembering who you were, how you felt, and what music you liked. I recommend you don’t go down the blogging route, as there are some great free programs that let you run an online diary that’s entirely private and yours to enjoy. One such spot is Penzu (http://penzu.com), your very own private nook on the Web. You can update your thoughts, add in photographs and drawings, customise it to suit your needs, and loads more. And, if you suddenly decide that your blog is brilliant and deserving of a book deal, you can always change your settings to make it open to the world. I can’t guarantee a stampede of agents to your door, but I can warn you to change names to protect the guilty if you do decide to go public. There have been more than a few friendships destroyed by unkind blog posts … So, you know, blog safe. Another option is to go with Blogger, which allows you to set your site to Private once you’ve set everything up. Blogger is automatically set to be public, though, so make sure you go into your settings and arrange things before you start writing. A good way to ensure you’re not revealing your soul to the world by accident is to log out of Google, and then try to access your blog address. If you can see everything on the page, it’s likely you haven’t set it to Private. Or you could have cookies, so ask a friend to check from their address too. Once you are entirely sure your settings are correct, you can start writing in your online diary and every whisper is your own.
Q:
My keyboard has stopped working properly and I don’t understand why. It’s not even six months old and all the connections are fine. There are just a few keys that are not responding properly. Can you help? Keyed up in the Kalahari
A:
Hmm, if you say the connections are all working properly and the keyboard is new, then I can only assume we’re dealing with a dirty blockage problem here. You see, we tend to sit over our keyboards eating and drinking, and bits of food and liquid slip in between the keys and start to fill up the spaces underneath. Sometimes a nice fat blob of toast (or whatever you were eating) has wedged itself under the keys. Now, the first thing you have to do is stop eating near the keyboard, and keep kids with food away from it too. Children are a little, ahem, clumsy. The next thing to do is clean out the keyboard. This is easy to do. Before you start popping out keys
to find the source of the blockage, tip the keyboard over and give it a gentle pat on the back. Not a moerse great thwack, just a lekker little pat pat to shake some of that debris loose. Do this over a paper towel or newspaper so you can just roll it up and bin it – what falls out is usually pretty disgusting. Remember, you also shed skin and hair so these will have gathered in the dark bowels of the keyboard too. If this patting doesn’t work, you’re going to have to unpick the keys on the board one by one until you find the blockage and get everything out. I don’t have enough space here to talk you through the process from start to finish, but I suggest you either take your board to a professional or follow a reliable guide on the Internet.
www.connectmag.co.za | 69
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disconnect //By adam oxford
A bird in the hand... Is social media really for the birds? Be that as it may, Twitter certainly tweets a delightful tune!
A
h, Twitter. How much do I love thee? Only slightly more than I hate your time-wasting temptations that distract me from what I should be doing. Or, put another way: I am enamoured by your realtime slice-of-life updates from around the world, and see them as an invaluable snapshot of what’s going on. But I find your charms easily offset by the sheer quantity of drivel and smug cynicism you push my way. Add in a growing rage at the self-satisfaction with which you seem to take credit for all the world’s most tumultuous events, and I am in danger of closing my account. As much as I hate to add to the pages and pages of Twitter rants already in existence, it really has become unavoidable. I realise that for a tech writer to moan about social networking is about as original as an angler describing the fish that got away, but it’s been the elephant in the room – or at least my head – for a few months now. But before you reach to turn the page, please remember that all you’ll find overleaf is an advert. Why is Twitter so timely? To give you one example, as I write, President Mubarak of Egypt has just announced his plans to step down from power. I know this because the Twitter window open next to my word processor just told me so. This is history in the making, and the second revolution in the space of a month that hasn’t just been Tweeted, but that wouldn’t have happened without the little blue bird of doom encouraging activists to, well, act. Or at least that’s what the more overenthusiastic of Twitter’s supporters will have you believe. Personally, I suspect that Twitter’s importance has been overplayed, given that all Internet communication was cut off at the start of the protests. But that’s the problem with Twitter. As easy as it is to criticise, there’s no doubt online mobilisation has helped disaffected groups to come together for good or ill in recent years. More importantly, perhaps, it has become an invaluable tool for following the news and sharing interesting or fun stuff. I’m much more likely to follow 72 | connect | March 2011
a link I see in my Twitter feed than I am to click on an attachment that someone sends by e-mail. I would never have known, for example, that Bill Gates was being interviewed by UK journalist Jon Snow last month if I hadn’t seen it on Twitter, and the clip I was invited to click on was riveting. By comparison, all I had in my e-mail inbox was an amusing link to an unintentionally rude newspaper headline. That’s the upside. On the downside, this column is three days late because I can’t take my eyes off the black-and-white columns of Tweetdeck telling me the latest political news from north Africa, and, simultaneously, what new services are launching on the iPad at Macworld. Social media is becoming a problem for everyone, everywhere. If businesses aren’t busy banning employees from hanging around the virtual water cooler for hours on end, they’re spending rand after rand trying to draw up a ‘strategy’ for using the same services for marketing. I argue that for us journalists, it’s even worse – after all, it’s our job to know what’s going on in the world, but the deluge of instant information leaves us with no time to actually write it up. This leaves me with a dilemma. How should I best display my frustration with the increasingly pointless or annoying aspects of Twitter while at the same time recognising it’s an essential tool for what I do? The answer: I’ll delete my Facebook account instead.
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