Home Screen SEPTEMBER 2011
OMAN’S ONLY TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief
Hatim al Taie Content Head
Sujata Sengupta Dy. Content Head
Poornima Ramani Editorial Asst.
Cook in Apple Apart from being one of the hottest Ramadan, August 2011 will also be remembered as the day Jobs fell off his Apple tree. A man of celebrity status, he was earlier known for his Macintosh and recently for the trendsetting iPhone and iPad that took Apple to heights the competition could never have imagined. Now that Tim Cook has taken his seat, everyone is left wondering if Cook can indeed take Jobs’ place.
Sangeetha Gopi Senior Designer
Shyniben Koyakkil Designer
Muneeb Khan
CORPORATE Managing Director
While it’s obvious Apple worshippers feel that their icon, idol even, has departed, one muses what the ‘Mac-haters’ might have to say. Apple’s recent innovations, led by Jobs, have resulted in technologies that we have come to depend on today. Surely Apple will keep its influential position for a while, but whether the innovations that we come to expect from the company will continue is yet to be determined.
Abdullah al Taie General Manager
Rathish Ramachandran Asst. General Manager
Terry Mathukutty Sales
Mary Gonzales Sami Dalwai Leticia Meneses
It is not just Apple that is ‘re-innovating’ the market – our pages are proof of that – it is also the Samsungs and Sonys out there. Meanwhile, read our Washing Machine special and the in-depth look at two similarlypriced camcorders. A major breakthrough which we are proud to feature is the world’s first digital recordable binoculars from the house of Sony. So, enjoy the variety we have brought you this September and look out for more next month.
Produced by
Talk to us! Twitter: @techmagz For queries: tech@deenarmedia.com
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2011 © All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers; while every care has been taken in the preparation of the magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible if factual errors in product and pricing occur. MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. The publishers regret they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this issue. Please check any quoted hardware specifications and pricing with your supplier before purchase.
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Septembe
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VOL 2
ISSUE 5
SEPTEMBER 2011
CONTENTS Features Page
Photography
16
- Sony HDR-PJ30E versus JVC GZ-HM970 - Canon LEGRIA HF G10 is a passion for videographers - Enjoy the retro styling of the classic Polaroid Z340 - Sony TX55 and WX30 mark a Cyber-shot first - RAW versus JPEG image format
Audio Zone
24
Mobile Zone
28 18
- BeoSound 5 Encore goes beyond genres - Pioneer’s SC-57 adds an extra dimension - Rock with Soundfreaq’s Sound Step Recharge
- Nokia 500 lets you express your individuality - Motorola DEFY+ is faster and friendlier
30
Optic Zone DEV-3 and 5 from Sony add new levels of flexibility
31
Video Zone Philips 6000, 8000 series offer varied online services
32
Edu TECH Panasonic’s Panaboard offers visual-based education
34
Computing
30
- Dell Vostro V131 is designed for style and productivity - Aspire Ethos 8951G is a luxury laptop
How Stuff Works
36
A look at how movies are stored on DVDs
Interview
38
Tariq Mohammed, MD of Molecules
Home Zone
- A look at some of the latest washing machines in Oman - The ‘all-aluminium heat-exchanger’ is an industry-first
Time Zone
Perrelet enters the world of scuba diving
Dashboard
Renault Frendzy is a multi-faceted friend
Gamer’s Delight
El Shaddai is one of the best new IPs of the year
Business TECH
The MT651 is an easy-to-handle drill from Maktec
40 34 47
Regulars
48 Tech News NouvoTech 50 Quiz Tech Favourites 52 Tech Directory
10 14 55 56 63
Letters to the Editor
: @techmagz
If you have any queries, mail us on tech@deenarmedia.com, and we will try to answer them in our next issue
Dear TECH editor, We have two laptops in our house – one for myself and one for my wife. With Home Share we have been able to access each other’s files. But what happens if my system crashes? Will I be able to access the files from my wife’s laptop, or is the information lost for good? Prasad Dear Prasad, Since Home Share or any basic PC-to-PC file sharing utility is software based, it will require that both systems be switched on and functional. As such, if your PC or laptop crashes this utility will no longer function. But this does not necessarily mean that your data is lost for good. That entirely depends on the nature of the crash and in most cases, the data can be recovered. -Ed
Dear editor, The curse of most electronics is the problem of the virus. Recently I read an article on mobile phone viruses. Can cell phones be affected by virus? If so how do we remove or delete them?
Hi,
Dear Imran, Yes, mobile phones can get infected by viruses but these are generally relegated to smartphones. Just like with any computer OS, antivirus programs are now readily available on most, if not all, mobile operating systems and they get the job done. And if all else fails, a backup followed by a full reset should also work. But prevention is better than cure so do not keep unnecessary connectivity options active when not in use such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Also, do not open attachments sent to your phone from unknown sources. -Ed
Can I watch 2D content in 3D? And will the quality be as good as watching 3D content? Looking forward to your answer Ahmed al Wahaibi Dear Ahmed, The ability to convert 2D content to 3D depends on either your source or your TV’s capability to handle the conversion. Some Blu-Ray players and 3D TVs offer the option to do so. If your device does not have the option then it will not be possible. The conversion is based on an algorithm that varies from company to company. But no matter how good the conversion is, it can never compare to a proper 3D source. -Ed Dear TECH team, I own a laptop that has USB 2.0 ports in it. How can I upgrade them to USB 3.0? Hope you can help. Regards, Sonia Dear Sonia, Since USB 3.0 is the hardware itself, you cannot actually upgrade your USB 2.0 ports to USB 3.0. However, if your laptop has an express card slot, there are a number of companies that offer USB 3.0 expansion cards. Keep in mind that you can only take advantage of the USB 3.0 port if the peripheral you are connecting to it is USB 3.0-compatible. Connecting a USB 2.0 device will work due to the port’s backward compatibility, but it will not alter its performance. -Ed
Imran Mohammed
TECH NEWS
Bosch’s super-efficiency portfolio With the launch of its new range of food processors, juice extractors, hand mixers, blenders, choppers, toasters, coffee makers and more, Bosch strengthens its ‘Kitchen Appliances’ portfolio. Already a popular choice for cookers, dishwashers and washing machines, it is a leading player in the built-in product range.
Through its super-efficient appliances, the group is making a direct contribution to cutting electricity and water consumption in households. The new range of consumer products will embrace the production of home appliances that are sparing with energy and water usage. Bosch is also offering the most efficient washer-dryer
Pro now in Oman Sony Ericsson announced the launch of Xperia mini pro in Oman. The versatile smartphone offers a multimedia entertainment experience and instant communication functionalities. Xperia mini pro enables access to over 250,000 apps on the Android Market and has a threeinch scratch-resistant, multi-touch glass screen. The improved user interface allows the display of up to 16 apps on the home screen. Powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, it runs on Google’s Android Gingerbread 2.3. Xperia mini pro also comes pre-loaded with Office Suite and McAfee antivirus software, allowing consumers to manage documents and emails instantly and securely while on the move. Facebook inside Xperia provides unique social media integration. Available at leading electronic stores in Oman, Xperia mini pro comes in black, white and pink colours.
12 / TECH
with the novel air condensation technology. OTE Group is the exclusive dealer of Bosch range of consumer products in Oman. With a nationwide network of showrooms and service facilities, OTE Group ensures that Bosch customers are never far from getting a wide range of high-quality after-sales service.
New range of controllers Mad Catz Interactive recently announced a new range of licensed Major League Gaming (MLG) professional video game controllers for use with the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation3. The new range was unveiled at the MLG Pro Circuit at the Raleigh Convention Center that took place from August 26 to 28, and are expected to ship in time for Holiday 2011. The new range include the Major League Gaming Pro-Circuit Controller which allows gamers to customise key components of the controller, and the Major League Gaming Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition which utilises genuine arcade-grade Sanwa Denshi components.
Cycling frenzy Garmin International announced the Edge 200 GPS-enabled cycling computer. Lightweight and stylish, the Edge 200 features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, requires no calibration, can be switched quickly and easily between bicycles and can be used in all types of weather. Whether you ride for fun, fitness or to feed your competitive edge, users will love seeing how far and how fast they rode – all without wires and sensors. Edge 200 stores up to 130 hours of ride data and sorts activities to quickly look up the fastest, longest or last ride. With a 14-hour battery life, Edge 200 features a USB interface for easy charging and data transfer. The new Edge 200 is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2011 and have a suggested retail price of USD149.99 (approximately RO58).
Enhanced app Research In Motion (RIM) released an enhanced version of the Official Rugby World Cup 2011 App for BlackBerry, available from August 24. Rugby fans can keep up to date with Rugby World Cup 2011 action in New Zealand with information pushed to their BlackBerry smartphone and BlackBerry PlayBook in real time. The app features live match text commentary and score updates, half time and full time video highlights, tournament news, statistics and much more, with support for English, French and Spanish languages. BlackBerry users will be able to access features such as native calendar and messaging integration which provides automatic match reminders and the ability to forward reminders to friends. The app is available on BlackBerry App World from the August 24 at: http://au.blackberry.com/ services/appworld/
Brainy chips Backed by US Defense funding, IBM has recently announced the world’s first ‘synaptic’ processor project: it’s a chip that mimics the human brain architecture. The company calls this an unprecedented progress in building a machine that will (try to) learn, and understand – two things that computers have not been so great at so far. In theory, the IBM chip is capable of re-wiring itself (like our brains) to adapt to certain situations or certain types of computations. At the moment, IBM has managed to perform some basic operations like solving mazes or recognising mildly complex patterns. The six-year long project involved a hundred researchers with USD41 million in funding from the government’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Power of two ViewSonic recently announced its latest 10.1-inch Windows and Google Android dual OS tablet, the ViewPad 10pro. One of the first tablet solutions to be powered by the new 1.5GHz Intel Atom processor Z670, the processor minimises power consumption, while enabling smaller and thinner product designs. Partnered with a1,024x600 capacitive multi-touch panel, ViewPad 10pro users can enjoy impressive Full HD 1080p video playback, fast Internet browsing and longer battery life, without sacrificing on performance. The device offers expandable storage options via a micro SD card slot for up to 32GB of additional space. The dual OS ViewPad 10pro is available in two configurations – with Windows 7 Professional (with a 32GB SSD hard drive) and Android 2.3 for an ESP of USD699 (approximately RO270), or with Windows 7 Home Premium (with a 16GB SSD hard drive) and Android 2.3 for an ESP of USD599 (approximately RO230). Both tablet configurations are available from late August.
SEPTEMBER 2011 / 13
Holiday in space Russia recently announced plans for a hotel in orbit 350km up which would house seven guests in four cabins and have huge windows for views of the Earth turning below. Futuristic: Orbital Technologies has revealed plans for this space hotel, which could be open by 2016. Just getting there will be an adventure in itself as it will take two days aboard a Soyuz rocket. And it will dent your pockets
big time – a five-day stay will cost you GBP100,000 (approximately RO63,500), on top of the GBP500,000 (approximately RO317,400) for your journey. In the weightlessness of space, visitors can choose to have beds that are either vertical or horizontal, while showers will be sealed affairs to stop water going where it shouldn’t. Tourists, who will
New Optimus member LG announced the impending release of the Optimus Sol, giving the phone a ship date of mid-September for Europe, with the Central and South American regions to follow soon after. The phone runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, has a 1GHz CPU, 512MB RAM, and ships with a 2GB Micro SD card. It has a petite profile, measuring in at just 9.8mm thick, and has a 3.8-inch Ultra AMOLED display. The phone has a 5MP shooter on the back, capable of recording VGA resolution video at 24 frames per second. It ships with Adobe Flash 10.1 and can apparently boost its own battery life by up to 30 per cent. You’ll be able to purchase it in black, white and titan once it is available. 14 / TECH
be accompanied by experienced crew, will dine on food prepared on Earth and sent up on the rocket, to be reheated in microwave ovens. Iced tea, mineral water and fruit juices will be available. Toilets will use flowing air instead of water to move waste through the system. Waste water will be recycled, while the air will be filtered to remove odour and bacteria and then returned to the cabin.
Innovative audio experience HTC Corporation announced a strategic partnership and investment with Beats Electronics. The two fast-growing brands will focus on bringing high performance sound to HTC phones. “The HTC and Beats by Dr. Dre partnership is an opportunity for two world-class companies to redefine the smartphone industry and define the future,” said Jimmy Iovine, chairman of
Beats by Dr. Dre and Chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M Records which is a division of Universal Music Group and a stakeholder in Beats. HTC and Beats have been working together to create superior mobile audio experiences for consumers, which will result in a line of HTC devices integrated with Beats sound innovations, available this fall.
Hewlett-Packard is planning a sweeping overhaul of its businesses, agreeing to buy Autonomy Corp. for USD10.3 billion and weighing a breakup that would unravel the much-debated Compaq Computer Corp. purchase. HewlettPackard also said that it’s considering spinning off its PC division and that it will discontinue products that run WebOS software. Chief Executive Officer Leo Apotheker, who took the helm at Hewlett-Packard in November, is lessening the company’s reliance on PCs as consumer demand wanes. He’s also expanding in so-called cloud services, which help customers handle computing tasks over the Internet. By discontinuing WebOS products, Apotheker is backtracking on a strategy he announced just five months ago to put WebOS software on every HewlettPackard computer. The operating system runs the company’s TouchPad tablet and a range of smartphones. Hewlett-Packard’s results have suffered amid diminishing consumer demand for PCs. Hewlett-Packard executives and directors talked about spinning off the company’s PC business as long as seven years ago.
Unique music experience Sony Ericsson has announced Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman, an Android smartphone that delivers a unique social music experience. A dedicated Walkman hardware button provides instant access to the music player and consumers can also like, share and discover content through Facebook integration. The infinite
button lets the consumer explore even more. With an attractive curved design, glossy finish and a mineral glass display, the phone has a 3.2-inch screen and a powerful 1GHz processor. A front-facing camera is enabled for Skype video calling, while a 5MP AF camera can capture 720p HD video recording. SEPTEMBER 2011 / 15
Fantasy bike Paul Budnitz’s bikes, the Nº1 and Nº2, look amazing and cost USD5,500 (approximately RO2,118). The Nº1 has thin, slick tires on 700c Velocity rims, a more upright position and harder gear ratios, while the Nº2 sports a 29er up front and a 26-inch at the rear, lower gearing, a more laid-back position and sweep-back handlebars. Both bikes have Budnitz’s titanium frame, fork and allin-one handlebars, Chris King No-Threadset, a choice of Fizik or Brooks saddles, a Phil Wood bottom bracket, Paul hubs and brake levers, Avid BB7 disk brakes and MKS pedals. Instead of a dirty, noisy chain, there is a Gates carbon drive belt drive and Shimano Alfine internal hub.
Artificial ‘eyes’ Tacit is a hand-mounted haptic feedback sonar obstacle avoidance assistance device – simply put, it measures the distance to things and translates that into pressure on the wrist. It has a fast response time to quickly navigate complex environments. It’s designed to help visionimpaired people to navigate. It is the first public prototype. Mounted on the back of the hand, it lets the wearer easily point at anything they’re curious about, and generally won’t interfere or be interfered with by most clothes and other limbs. Neoprene is used as the base fabric since it’s a solid, durable, shock-absorbent for electronics. It is also flexible and stretchy so it won’t resist movement.
Surge of power Energizer has introduced its new iSurge Travel Charging Station for the iPod, iPhone, iPad, and other devices. The iSurge is an all-in-one AC adapter offering a top-mounted 30-pin dock for the iPod and iPhone, two USB ports with 2.1 Amp output for fast charging of the iPad, three standard, surge-protected AC outlets, a 180-degree rotating plug, and an integrated nightlight. Energizer’s iSurge Travel Charging Station will sell for USD60 (approximately RO23) and will be available in October.
16 / TECH
Virtual Reality This is the device that couples with an iPhone to create immersive, threedimensional viewing experiences. Using free downloadable applications that take advantage of an iPhone’s accelerometer – the 3D environments move when the iPhone is moved – the viewer is held to the eyes like a pair of binoculars; two finger holes in the bottom enable access to an iPhone’s touchscreen. In addition to viewing 3D movie trailers, one can assume the persona of a Great White Shark (or other species) and roam underwater with 360-degree movement for prey and buried treasure, take a virtual tour of Los Angeles’ Santa Monica Pier to play a sampling of interactive games, or take part in an underground hovercraft race that requires tilting, and panning the viewer or iPhone to steer. It is compatible with iPhone 4G, iPod Touch 4, iPhone 3G/3GS, and 2nd and 3rd Generation iPod Touch.
Bike of the future Kids get easily bored with their toys. So if your children now think traditional bicycles are passé then why not buy them this ‘Tron’inspired training bike? Designed by Ryan Callahan, an industrial designer from the Town/Lifestyle Group at Trek Bicycle, this pedalless scooter will have kids speeding around while learning the basics of cycling. Callahan presented his idea at TrekWorld 2012 recently. This is just a prototype, however, and further changes are expected. There’s no release date of the final product as yet.
Enhanced sound Logitech’s Laptop Speaker Bar clips easily to the top of most laptops and netbooks and stays securely fastened. The USB cable plugs into your laptop on one end and tucks neatly into the back of the speaker to prevent cord clutter. It also comes with a travel case, so you can bring it with you on business trips. It’s plug-and-play. So you can enjoy room-filling sound from the laptop instantly.
SEPTEMBER 2011 / 17
photography
Diverse approach We test two camcorders that need very different approaches in making the task of capturing videos more fun
T
18 / TECH
he megapixel wars are a thing of the past now and so is full HD recording. You can now find decent camcorders that offer full 1080p recording even on a tight budget. If that wasn’t enough, even the mobile phones today are capable of good quality full HD recording. Say you have around RO400 to RO450 right now, to spend on a camcorder. We are going to tell you what can be expected from such a device, justifying its price. In order to do this, we got hold of a Sony HDR-PJ30E and a JVC GZ-HM970 camcorder.
differences. The Sony comes with an accessory shoe on the top and 5.1 surround sound microphone. The JVC is capable of higher resolution stills and comes with a larger and higher resolution display. But the real difference lies elsewhere. Each offers a unique feature to justify its price.
For starters, both camcorders are capable of recording high quality 1080p videos. They are also equipped with similar backilluminated CMOS sensors, producing good quality videos even in low-light conditions. They feature 32GB of built-in flash memory, each with multiple options available for expansion. The camcorders are both similar in size and weight, not to mention, quite good looking. There are, of course, subtle
JVC’s 2D to 3D converter for producing a 3D video. It even comes with a glasses-free 3D display built into the camera. While this technology may seem like a gimmick, it comes with good pedigree. JVC is well known for having one of the best 2D to 3D video converters on the market and uses the same technology here. As a result, the camera does a decent job when it comes to producing a believable 3D video.
JVC has decided to hop on the 3D bandwagon, but not in the traditional sense. The JVC is a traditional 2D camcorder at heart. As such it features a single lens and sensor. But it relies on
The display uses parallax barrier technology to deliver different images to each eye, thereby resulting in a 3D image. However, this technology does have some drawbacks. Firstly, it halves the resolution of the display, which is easily noticeable. The technology is also not guaranteed to work with everyone. As a result, some will not be able to use the screen to watch 3D images. This is not a fault of the camera but rather a limitation of the technology itself. That said, the camera can export 3D videos to a compatible 3D TV using an HDMI cable, thereby offsetting any limitations the camera display might have. Sony, on the other hand, has gone down the projector route, offering one built into the camera. Just place the camera facing a flat surface and you can project your recordings right where you are. The projector is of high quality, offering decent brightness and high contrast. And in perfect conditions, it can even project up to a 60-inch image. It is easy to setup, with the projector just one button press away. As long as you are not too fussy about the size of the video, it is even bright enough to be used in moderately dark rooms. Judging by these two, the additional features are definitely more than just gimmicks. They do offer true functionality and use, but only if you require it. As such there are always more cost effective options from the same manufacturers that offer similar video quality and features at a lower price, but without the projector or 3D conversion.
Sony HDR-PJ30E
Image Sensor Optical/Digital Zoom Maximum Still Image Resolution LCD Screen Lens/Filter Diameter Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight Price Available at
JVC GZ-HM970
1/4-inch Back-Illuminated CMOS 12x/160x 3,072x2,304
1/2.3-inch Back-Illuminated CMOS 10x/200x 3,968x2,976
Three-inch 230K dots/Wide 16:9 Sony G Lens/30mm 58.5x64.5x116.5mm 340g RO399.900 Emax, 24558062
3.5-inch 920K dots/Wide 16:9 JVC HD GT Lens/29.5mm 54x62x121mm 330g RO449.000
Inspiring creativity Canon LEGRIA HF G10 is designed to match the passion of videographers The LEGRIA HF G10 features a professional HD CMOS Pro Sensor and a 30mm optical wide angle lens with an eight-blade iris as seen on some of Canon’s professional video cameras. It delivers excellent HD quality with wide dynamic range even in low-light conditions. Offering plenty of manual and
The new, high-sensitivity built-in microphone has four directionality modes to ensure you capture more of the sound you want; it also sports an audio equaliser
creative control, the HF G10 lets you shoot for hours with the 32GB internal memory. And with dual card slots, you can further expand the memory capacity. Canon’s professional HD Video lens technology delivers a superb 30.4mm, F1.8 lens with a smooth, 10x optical zoom, and eightblade iris for natural looking de-focus
effects. A 2.07MP HD CMOS Pro sensor, designed and made for professional camcorders, captures Full HD at native 1,920x1,080 resolution. The light gathering area of the pixels is 160 per cent greater than a conventional CMOS, for wider dynamic range and better lowlight performance.
An advanced Optical Image Stabiliser ensures smooth, steady video
A high-resolution 920k dot, 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD is optimised for shooting in HD; a retractable, colour viewfinder adds to your shot-framing options
Instant AF provides fast and accurate focusing for sharp HD quality
Get creative with built-in Cinema-Look Filters; select from eight adjustable colour-grading filters to capture the perfect-looking movie scene
Canon LEGRIA HF G10
LCD Total Pixels Optical Zoom Digital Zoom Image Stabiliser Dimensions (WxHxD)
20 / TECH
3.5-inch Widescreen Touch TFT 2.37MP 10x 200x Optical Image Stabiliser 77x78x151mm
Retro Styling The classic Polaroid Z340 not only captures photos digitally, it also lets you print them on the spot
In the days before digital cameras came into our lives, the fastest way to view photos was with the use of a Polaroid camera. These days, thanks to the digital cameras, there’s really no need to use a Polaroid camera anymore. But it looks like Polaroid has caught up with the times. Their latest offering, the Z340, not only allows you to capture photos digitally, it allows you to print them on the spot. The camera sports the classic Polaroid look,
with the rather large chassis. It is equipped with a 14MP image sensor, a pop-up 2.7inch LCD screen which can also be used to review your photos, along with a 4x digital zoom. Pictures taken can be cropped and edited on the device itself before being stored on the SD card or printed. The built-in printer uses Zink paper which comprises three layers of dye crystals that are activated by heat to produce the
image, so there’s no need for any ink cartridges. The pictures have also been designed to be water-resistant, smudgeproof and tear-proof. The Polaroid Z340 is reported to hit the shops in time for Christmas and will come with a price tag of GBP299 (approximately RO145).
The Z340 features an Auto-Focus lens, and several quite advanced photo features; Program modes include: Auto, Program, Intelligent Auto, Portrait, Lomo, Backlight, Landscape, Sunset, and more
There are a number of digital filters available such as Retro, Black and White, Sepia, Vintage Colour, Classic Black and White
Options for sharpness, contrast and saturation are available, including manual white balance
The camera lets you select from ISO100 to ISO6400
Polaroid Z340
Image Sensor – CCD Pixels LCD Monitor Aspect Ratio Video Resolution ISO Sensitivity Battery Type Price
14MP 2.7 inches 4:3; 3:2; 16:9 640x480 VGA 100 to 6,400 Lithium Polymer Rechargeable Battery Pack GBP229 (approximately RO145)
ZINK Technology Although you will have to purchase paper packs for the Z340, you won’t need to buy ink as it uses ZINK (Zero Ink) technology. The process works using thermal technology to produce images, with the paper containing cyan, yellow and magenta dye crystals inside the paper that are activated when heated. SEPTEMBER 2011 / 21
Sony TX55 and WX30 mark a Cyber-shot first with the new Picture Effect mode that broadens artistic possibilities Both the Cyber-shot models introduce brand-new ‘Clear Image Zoom’ that boosts magnification without lowering pixel count in the final image The new Cyber-shot TX55 and WX30 cameras feature a 16.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, plus new ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ technology that boosts the zoom range to 10x without quality loss at the image sensor’s maximum resolution. Newly enhanced with additional electronic image stabilisation for vertical and horizontal handshake correction, SteadyShot Active Mode compensates for handheld camera movements during Full HD video shooting. You’ll enjoy crisper, blur-free movie clips at all zoom settings, even if you’re holding the camera while walking. Intelligent Sweep Panorama also features HR (High Resolution) mode, letting you capture breathtaking 42.9MP panoramas. The cameras by Sony will be available from September 2011.
Sony DSC-WX30
Picture Effect broadens artistic options with an exciting range of in-camera image treatments – a choice of seven Picture Effect options are available, including HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy Camera, Partial Colour, Pop Colour and Soft High-key Sony DSC-TX55
Sony DSC-TX55
Sony DSC-WX30
The TX55 is a thin camera that captures Full HD AVCHD video clips as well as 16.2MP still images. It shoots detailed panoramas with 42.9MP resolution, 3D Sweep Panorama and 3D Still Image to enjoy on your 3D TV. The back panel has a 3.3-inch Xtra Fine OLED wide touchscreen.
Compact and curvaceous, the WX30 offers an equally tempting range of imaging options for stills, Full HD video and 3D shooting. It’s also the first-ever Cyber-shot WX-series model featuring a three-inch Xtra Fine LCD wide touchscreen for simple fingertip operation.
Sony DSC-TX55
LCD Screen Size Effective Pixels Image Sensor Zoom Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight Available Colours 22 / TECH
3.3-inch 16.2MP 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS Sensor 5x (Optical)/10x Clear Image Zoom in Maximum Resolution 92.9x54.4x13.2mm 94g Black, Silver, Violet and Red
WX30 is compatible with the Partyshot IPT-DS2 docking base that pans, tilts and zooms the camera as it searches for faces in the room, automatically shooting natural, beautifully-framed photos while you enjoy yourself
Sony DSC-WX30
Three-inch 16.2MP 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS Sensor 5x (Optical)/10x Clear Image Zoom in Maximum Resolution 92.2x51.9x19.1mm 100g Black, Silver and Violet
The cameras make it simple to achieve DSLR-like picture quality – Superior Auto mode recognises a wide range of shooting situations, adjusting exposure and other settings for more professional-looking images with low noise and high dynamic range
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RAW power Choosing the image format in photography will give you the control you need
W
hen it comes to photography, planning every step is very important. Before taking your shots, the image format should always be decided on. This will decide the flexibility and control you will have over the final result. JPEG or JPG is a compressed format that gives you an image that is smaller on storage (not resolution). The RAW format, on the other hand, is literally the raw data captured by the camera sensor. It is the minimally processed data captured by the camera sensor and holds information of every pixel of the sensor. RAW files are huge in size since they hold a lot of data in an uncompressed format. So, there are a few features in which the JPEG and RAW format differ. They include image quality, image size, post-processing,
shooting speed and image control. When it comes to the quality, as mentioned earlier, there is loss in the JPEG format. This loss may not be evident at the first conversion, but when you digitally modify the image and save as JPEG again, the changes will be apparent. RAW, on the other hand, is lossless and no matter how many times you read and save the file, there is no loss in the image quality. save; but post-processing required is none or minimal RAW is a proprietary format and depends on the camera manufacturer; you’ll need to use proprietary software to get the exact colour rendition and details
Shooting Speed Size JPEG is compressed – this results in a smaller file size at the storage level RAW is uncompressed – each RAW file eats up several megabytes of storage
Post-Processing JPEG results in the loss of detail on every
Nature’s beauty Here are a few tips to capturing the perfect sunset
Underexpose the sunset to make the colours look rich and defined Use manual mode after sunset, as the exposure meter on the camera will often be inaccurate in low-light conditions Ditch auto white balance; change the white balance to ‘shade’ to get beautiful golden tones out of the sunset Shoot RAW; delicate light information in a sunset will go waste if you shoot JPEG
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Before the sun actually sets, stop down your lens’s aperture to a high value such as f/22; this will make the rays of the sun more clear Do not use filters; the extra flat piece of glass, which is often not coated, will cut the saturation (richness of colours) and contrast of your sunset photos
JPEG files, as they are small in size, can be written to the storage very quickly; the camera buffer gets freed very quickly and the camera is ready to shoot the next image in continuous mode RAW files take time to be written to the storage; if you are shooting in the continuous mode, the frames-per-second rate drops down
audio zone
Beyond genres The newest member of the Bang & Olufsen family strings together songs of a similar nature
With the BeoSound 5 Encore, just select the song you want to listen to and let the MOTS feature take over. This feature plays songs that are of the same genre. You can also choose your favourites among the 13,000 international radio stations that BeoSound 5 Encore gives you access to. Bang & Olufsen’s latest in audio equipment – the BeoSound 5 Encore – offers lossless playback of all your digital music, from any storage
If you prefer private listening, connect any pair of high quality headphones – the experience is enhanced by the sturdy aluminium navigation cylinder and the display of songs and albums on the beautiful full-colour screen
Get ready to rediscover digital music – simply attach a hard drive or USB stick directly via USB; connect by Ethernet or wirelessly to a music server; or plug in any music player or device with line-out socket
Bang & Olufsen’s BeoSound 5 Encore
Power Consumption Display Resolution Materials Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight Price 26 / TECH
media. And if you have the BeoSound 5 with BeoMaster 5, you can extend your music to more rooms by using the latter as a music server for one or more BeoSound 5 Encores. The Encore is like having a record collection, but without the dust. You can enjoy the visual aspects and sound quality of your existing CDs and future music purchases without the physical hassle of a bulky music collection.
Typical: 19W; Standby: 0.7W 10.4-inch TFT LCD with low reflection coating 1,024x768 pixels Anodised aluminium, pressure die-cast aluminium, coated glass 310x190x80mm 3kg GBP229 (approximately RO145)
Built with some of the best signal processing, BeoSound 5 Encore supports playback of several lossless formats
MOTS Feature Every time a song ends, the MOTS feature plays another song from your collection that is similar in genre and matches the previous song in harmony, unless you choose otherwise. The MOTS feature of BeoSound 5 Encore ‘listens’ to every song in your library – analysing the sound, dynamics, rhythmic aspects, etc.
Elite performance Pioneer adds an extra dimension to the SC-57, a Class D3 nine-channel amplifier The SC-57, the new flagship receiver of the Elite line from Pioneer, is the third generation of Class-D amplifiers, designated as Class D3. The SC-57’s Class D3 ninechannel amplifier takes multi-channel audio to a new level of immersive performance. Pioneer adds an extra dimension to the
SC-57 as the only multi-channel Class-D amplifier manufacturer to be awarded the coveted THX Ultra 2 Plus certification for surround sound experience for rooms up to 3,000sqft. The SC-57 also supports high-definition audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and
the new DTS NEO:X surround. The SC57’s advanced HDMI switching, network content and control capabilities, the latest A/V processors, and highly flexible custom installation features make it an excellent choice as a preamp processor with any amplifiers you desire.
DLNA Certified 1.5 An industry-first, Pioneer’s AVNavigator is an interactive owner’s manual that helps you set up your receiver; it uses your networked PC to communicate directly with the SC-57, walking you through the entire set-up of your home theatre, step-by-step
The SC-57 is DLNA 1.5 Certified, which means you can pull your MP3, WMA, AAC, and even high-resolution FLAC and WAV files directly from your Windows-based PC to the receiver via your home network. You can use the SC-57’s convenient on-screen display to browse through your music library, complete with album art.
Stream Smoother technology is specifically designed to reduce picture distortion and enhance images while viewing low bit-rate streaming video content from sites that offer it, such as YouTube
Pioneer’s Elite SC-57
Amplifier Design Channels Power Output: Watts per Channel Estimated Power Consumption Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
Class D3 9.1 140x9 (1kHz) 370W 435x185x440mm 18kg
You can easily access popular Internet-based music services, as well as the thousands of highquality Internet radio stations available through vTuner
The SC-57 offers Multi-Zone audio and video with a second zone on-screen display that gives you premium, customised audio entertainment throughout your home
AirPlay AirPlay is a revolutionary way of enjoying your music anywhere in your home, and the SC-57 is AirPlay-compatible. Wirelessly push music from your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or your iTunesrunning Mac or PC directly to the receiver so you can enjoy all your favourite music in your living room through the big speakers.
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Wireless fun With the Sound Step Recharge you can rock to the music without docking your device With its rechargeable battery, Soundfreaq’s Sound Step Recharge is a compactsized speaker that is convenient to move around the home. It features a 2.1 speaker configuration with a dedicated sub-woofer and UQ3 spatial sound enhancement to deliver natural bass and stereo separation. The speaker also gives you the option to dock and charge your iPad or keep it in hand while you stream audio wirelessly. The dock features a removable spacer to accommodate most iPad cases and covers. An additional USB power jack in the back lets you charge your iPhone while your iPad is docked. The power jack also lets you charge any USB compatible device, including an iPhone, iPod and most Bluetooth headsets, mobile phones and smartphones.
Sound Step Recharge works with any device that has Bluetooth A2DP, making it easy to share in a multi-device, multi-user household; you can play audio for music, movies, TV, games and apps from a smartphone, tablet or PC, and easily switch between those devices
To pair your device, press the ‘pair’ button on Sound Step Recharge, select ‘Sound Step’ from the Bluetooth settings menu on your device and you’re ready to play
Sound Platform works with Bluetooth Class 2.0 Stereo A2DP protocol, which enables broad bandwidth transfer for high-quality digital music and audio from up to 33 feet away
You can also listen to your local stations with the built-in FM tuner that is controlled through the complimentary iOS app
Bluelounge MiniDock Bluelounge, an award-winning international design studio, has just announced the launch of the MiniDock – a cable-free solution for dealing with charging your iOS devices. In case you’re wondering how it works, it’s simple – just plug the MiniDock into a wall to a USB adapter (that’s plugged into a power outlet), and place your iPhone or iPod onto it and you’re good to go. The MiniDock is great for people who don’t like dealing with wires and is available now for USD19.95 (approximately RO8) apiece.
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mobile zone
Multicoloured fun Express your individuality with the new Nokia 500
The new smartphone from Nokia, the 500, is a nifty mobile that is affordable. It boasts a 1GHz processor, changeable back covers and the Symbian Anna operating system. It sports a 3.2-inch capacitive touch display and a screen resolution of 640x360 pixels. On the back, there’s a five-megapixel camera, with geo-tagging feature, that can also capture video. The phone offers a good browser with splitscreen messaging capability. Preinstalled you will also find the latest version of Nokia Maps for free drive and walk navigation. You can also download every other app you might need from the Store. The Nokia 500 lets you express your individuality with two additional premium covers with a vibrant matte finish that are included in the box. The mobile comes with fully integrated email and social networks. This means you can get live Facebook and Twitter feeds 24/7.
Nokia 500 allows for three customisable home screens that are live and always up-to-date – you can set one for new emails and messages, one for friends and social networks, and the last for your favourite apps and games
Adding shortcuts and widgets is fast and easy
Nokia Maps helps you instantly find nearby cafes, shops and much more; best of all, you get free walk and drive navigation with turn-by-turn voice guidance
Display Operating System CPU Camera Internal Memory Dimensions Weight (With battery)
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Nokia 500 3.2-inch TFT Capacitive Touchscreen Symbian Anna 1GHz ARM 11 Processor 5MP 2GB Storage, 256MB RAM, 512MB ROM 111.3x53.8x14.1mm 93g
With Nokia 500 you get many great apps right away, and one tap takes you straight to the Store where you can download the latest apps and games, as well as browse ringtones, themes and wallpapers
Stay connected Motorola DEFY+ is equipped with faster Web-browsing and social networking tools
The latest smartphone from Motorola Mobility, the Motorola DEFY+ is life-proof, thanks to its water- and scratch-resistant, dust-proof design. It has a 1GHz processor that is more fun with the latest version of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) delivering a smart operating system and better battery life. Expected to be available in Asia, Europe and Latin America in the third quarter of this year, the DEFY+ sports a brilliant 3.7-inch high-resolution touchscreen display. The smartphone offers an Adobe Flash 10-enabled browser that allows users to watch their favourite movies or view videos on the Web. Boasting the latest version of Android, it comes with a more intuitive interface and improvements on features most used, including an enhanced calendar, email features and home screen options.
Features at a glance Powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), it features more than 250,000 apps from the Android Market It sports a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass MOTOBLUR feature lets users stay in touch with friends, providing quick access to social media accounts and live widgets, directly from the home screen Motorola Media Link allows users to sync their media content from their desktops at home or work It also has a 5MP camera with autofocus, flash and digital zoom
The Music Player is another interesting feature of the DEFY+. It lets you access and share your favourite music, letting you stream from your desktop with Motorola Media Link. And built-in apps like Zinio e-magazine service allows you to keep up with your favourite publications on-the-go.
Motorola DEFY+
Operating System Processor Display Bluetooth Internal Memory Dimensions Weight
Android OS v2.3 (Gingerbread) 1GHz TI OMAP 3620 Processor 3.7-inch Capacitive Touchscreen v2.1 with A2DP, EDR 2GB Storage, 512MB RAM, 1GB ROM 107x59x13.4mm 118g
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optic zone
Optical masterpiece
The two digital recordable binoculars from Sony add new levels of flexibility and convenience
Sony recently introduced the world’s first digital binoculars to record in AVCHD 2.0 format. The models, DEV-3 and DEV-5, will be available this November for about USD1,400 (approximately RO540) and USD2,000 (approximately RO770), respectively. The two models can record Full HD video with stereo sound at the touch of a button. They can even add a 3D mode that records scenes for playback on most 3D HDTVs. Users can select variable zoom, allowing them to scan a wide area at low magnification. Unlike traditional binoculars, electronic autofocus keeps moving subjects sharply in focus at all times. A comfortably positioned dial allows fingertip adjustment of manual focus.
The DEV-3 and DEV-5 feature Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation (Active mode) that helps keep images clear and stable, even when viewing at high magnifications
Electronic autofocus allows the binoculars to focus on subjects less than half an inch away when recording in 2D (minimum of 32 inches when recording in 3D)
Separate images for left and right eyes are captured by a matched pair of precision G Lens optics by Sony, with Exmor R CMOS sensors and powerful BIONZ processors. Independent electronic viewfinders provide clear, detailed images for left and right eyes, offering a stereoscopic viewing experience that’s comfortable and natural. Both binocular models come with a highcapacity rechargeable battery pack (NP-FV70) that allows up to approximately three hours of 2D recording on a single charge. Remaining battery time (minutes) is displayed in the electronic viewfinder.
Zoom The DEV-3 model has a maximum optical magnification of 10x; in 3D mode it is 5.4x. Turning on the digital zoom at magnification settings over 10x boosts the DEV-5 model’s total magnification range from 0.9x up to 20x digital, rivalling many high-powered conventional binoculars. 32 / TECH
The DEV-5 model includes an on-board GPS receiver that automatically geo-tags video clips and photos
The binoculars can be connected to any HD television with HDMI input for viewing images; there’s also a USB connection for transferring video clips to a PC for storing, editing and sharing
Design The binoculars feature a ‘stealth’ design that eliminates distracting buttons. They feature an ergonomic grip area that’s coated with an elastomer material for stable handling and operation. Top-mounted controls allow easy operation with gloved fingers, while dual buttons are provided to start recording instantly with either hand.
video zone
VIVID PICTURES The Philips 6000 and 8000 series of LED TVs come with Net TV that lets you enjoy varied online services
6000 Series The latest in the Philips 6000 series of LED TVs, with Pixel Plus HD, offers a combination of sharpness, detail, colours and natural motion on all qualities of HD, standard TV signals and multimedia content, for high-definition displays. This series sports a 100Hz clear LCD screen.
The new Philips Ambi-wOOx technology creates a superior bass sound by capturing and enhancing low frequency bass for a dramatically enhanced bass and sound experience
Clear Sound, an innovative audio technology, significantly increases the intelligibility of vocalisations
With Philips Easylink, you need only one remote control to perform most operations on your TV, DVD, Blu-Ray, set top box or home theatre system
8000 Series The Philips 8000 Series of LED TVs provides a frameless design with Ambilight. A patented Philips technology, Ambilight Spectra 2 enlarges the screen by projecting a glow of light from the back of the screen onto the surrounding wall. Ambilight automatically adjusts the colour and brightness of the light to match the picture. You can experience clarity and sharpness with the Perfect Pixel HD Engine.
The advanced LED lighting technology in this TV combines an eye-catching minimalistic design with stunning image quality, as well as having the lowest power consumption in its category; another environmental benefit is that the LED lighting technology does not contain hazardous materials
Philips 6000 Series
Screen Size Display Display Brightness Set Dimensions (WxHxD) Product Weight Available at
55-inch Edge-LED Backlight
Philips Net TV lets you enjoy online services; simply connect directly to your home network through the Ethernet connection, and navigate and select what you want to watch with the remote control
Philips 8000 Series
40-inch LCD Full HD, Edge-LED Backlight 400cd/m2 450cd/m2 1,286x756x39.9mm 965x600x50mm 26kg 17.5kg Mustafa Sultan Electronics, 24636015
EU Energy Label The greener the label, the lower the on-mode power consumption, lower your energy bill and friendlier you are to the environment. 6000 Series: Energy Class A+ 8000 Series: Energy Class B SEPTEMBER 2011 / 33
edu tech
Interactive Fun Panasonic’s elite Panaboard opens the door to active, visual-based education The elite Panaboard 83-inch UB-T880W and the 77-inch UB-T880 is an advanced educational tool that makes it easy to create effective teaching materials. These interactive whiteboards from Panasonic promote visual-based teaching and learning, making classrooms fun for both the teacher and the students. By connecting a PC with Internet access and a projector, information available on the Web or the PC is made available in the classroom. All board operations can be performed with the touch of a finger, with the movement relayed directly to the board surface. The handy electronic pen can also be used for writing characters and drawing lines. Thanks to the multi-touch operation, images can be easily moved, scaled and rotated with the fingers. With the optional wireless kit, there is no need for a cable to connect the computer and the board. This allows for more flexible classroom layouts.
The elite Panaboard interactive whiteboards sport large screens for high-impact lessons – 83-inch for UB-T880W and 77-inch for UB-T880
Using the elite Panaboard Software you can insert images and text into Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint files The boards are both finger-touch and electronic pencompatible, allowing multi-touch operation, with simultaneous operation of up to three points The interactive whiteboards UB-T880W and UB-T880 come with built-in stereo speakers that offer versatility; it sports two USB hub ports and an optional wireless kit
The multi-functional electronic pen can be used to switch between four marker colours and the eraser tool – simply flip the rotary tool; it can also be used as a remote to turn PowerPoint pages. 34 / TECH
The board also lets teachers save lessons as motion images – with the Recorder function the entire screen or a designated part of it can be recorded for reviewing later; by connecting a microphone to the PC, voices can also be recorded simultaneously
There is a button to activate the document camera function – this shows everyone the information in front of you and displays images
The sliding shade is used to conceal a part of the screen or the entire display; one typical use is to cover up the answer while students try to solve a problem
elite Panaboard Software Panaboard has a wide range of tools, ranging from basic pens and erasers to special-effect functions. The elite Panaboard software includes a total of ten white backgrounds. When the teacher wants to move on to another subject during the class, they can start writing the new information on another white background without having to erase the previous information.
UB-T880W
Power Consumption Panel Surface Position Sensor Screen Board Size (HxW) External Dimensions Without Stand (HxWxD) Weight (Without Stand) Available at
UB-T880
During Operation: 0.5A (When power is OFF: 0.2W) Melamine-coated Hardboard Capacitance-type Touch Sensor 1,175x1,845mm 1,175x1,602mm 1,320x1,900x117mm 1,320x1,657x117mm 39kg OMASCO, 24564310
36kg
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computing
Business partner Dell Vostro V131 is designed for style and productivity Dell recently introduced the Vostro V131, a sleek and powerful addition to the Vostro laptop line-up. The V131 is designed specifically for small business customers. A thin, stylish chassis houses up to Intel Core i3 and i5 processors, making this new laptop a portable powerhouse engineered to maximise business productivity. A removable six-cell battery with 2nd
Video conferencing is also clear and simple thanks to a few enhanced features, such as the digital array microphones and SRS Premium Voice Pro software
generation Intel Core processors, both available as an option, will deliver up to 9.5 hours of battery life, allowing users to work virtually anytime, anywhere. The Vostro V131 offers a wide variety of options including WWAN, WiMAX, WLAN and Bluetooth 3.0. It also comes with the standard fingerprint reader and Absolute
The Vostro V131 has a spill-resistant keyboard that guards against minor liquid spills
Dell Vostro V131
Display Processor Memory Hard Drive
13.3-inch HD LED Display (1,366x768) with anti-glare Intel Celeron Dual Core (847) Processor Up to 2GB DDR3 SDRAM Up to 320GB SATA Hard Drive
Video Card
2nd Generation Intel Celeron ULV 847 1.1GHz with Intel HD 2000 Graphics 329.3x237.65x16.05~21mm 1.64kg USD449 (approximately RO170)
Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight Price
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LoJack security software. It is perfect for everyday office operations like document editing, presentations and email, and also provides options including a full HD camera, SRS Premium Voice Pro and digital array mics. In addition, the laptop offers two USB 3.0 ports, a chiclet keyboard with a backlit option, and quick launch keys.
With options that support Intel WiDi-enabled digital projectors and HDTVs, the V131 can wirelessly stream HD presentations
Multimedia redefined Acer Aspire Ethos 8951G is a sleek, luxury laptop Acer’s new Aspire Ethos series is aimed at home entertainment and multimedia users. The innovation in these luxury laptops is the cool, detachable trackpad which works as a multimedia controller. In other words, the trackpad is a wireless media remote designed to be used with Acer’s Clear.fi software. An orientation sensor allows the touchpad to be used either horizontally or vertically. The 8951G features the sleek, frameless design as the other Ethos machines and can be fitted with Core i3, i5, or i7 processors up to the i7-2820M. It sports an 18.4-inch LCD with full HD resolution. Storage is up to 750GB and the notebook supports up to 16GB of RAM.
The stylish displays, protected behind a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, offers an edge-to-edge view; the panels also employ mercury-free LED backlight technology that not only improves image quality and increases readability in low-light conditions but also reduces power consumption
With the option of Blu-Ray Disc or a DVD optical drive you can enjoy your movies on the sleek 16:9 frameless display
The Aspire Ethos lets you charge your smartphone or other USB devices without turning the laptop on
Clear.fi Enhanced Audio The new Aspire Ethos boasts an enhanced sound system; the professionally-tuned Dolby Home Theater v4 solution maximises volume output and makes the most of the speakers’ performance. The 8951G comes with Acer CineSurround with five Dolby-tuned built-in speakers and Acer Tuba CineBass subwoofer supporting low-frequency effects and vibrant audio.
Clear.fi is Acer’s media sharing system. It is a crossplatform solution that automatically detects the clear.fienabled devices connected to the wireless home network, and then allows all digital content stored on any of these to be shared seamlessly using the clear.fi media interface.
Design The Aspire Ethos laptop flaunts a contrasting glossy and matte surface. It sports a brushed aluminium-magnesium alloy cover. The display is mirrored by the back-lit chiclet keyboard that is easier to work with in low light. SEPTEMBER 2011 / 37
HOW STUFF WORKS
Watching movies is fun, be it in the theatre or from the comforts of your home. Ever wondered how a small circular disc is able to play movies in computers and players? Well, here is the secret
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movie is usually filmed at 24 frames per second which means that for every second there are 24 complete images being displayed on the screen. Though you can argue that the storing capacity of a DVD is huge and ranges from the most common 4.7GB to the rare 17.08GB, the uncompressed video data of an entire movie would never fit onto a DVD. The solution, therefore, is to compress the video. The standard for compressing a movie has been developed by MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group). Movies are encoded into MPEG-2 format that can be decoded as quickly as you’re watching it, by the MPEG-2 decoder in your player. American and Japanese television uses NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) format (30 frames per second in a sequence of 60 fields) while other countries use PAL (Phase Alternating Lane) format (25 frames per second in a
sequence of 50 fields) to display images. The MPEG encoder analyses each frame and decides how it has to be encoded. For a fast action scene where a lot of things happen in quick successions, complete images will have to be encoded which will have lesser compression and
therefore, are more in size. A newscast, on the other hand, will be compressed to a much smaller size than the action sequence. If all this sounds complicated then you’ll understand how much work your DVD player does to bring movies to the comforts of your home.
Did you know? Uncompressed video at the NTSC frame rate will take up 1GB of storage space for a 45-second footage. The same, when compressed in DV format, will fit five minutes of footage. 38 / TECH
interview
A visionary Tariq Mohammed, managing director of Molecules is a hard-working, fun-loving traveller
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“Molecules is strongly diversifying the business to construction and specialised projects. According to Oman’s Vision 2020, we are concentrating more on construction and infrastructure projects.”
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father of three with a passion for pool, football and travelling, Tariq Mohammed is a man with both feet strongly on the ground. At the helm of a company that straddles a wide range of products and services, he believes in celebrating life to the fullest. His motto is ‘play hard and work harder’. This explains the recreation room he has built in the Molecules’ classy corporate office, where he and his employees admit, they love to relax with cue sticks and the chaos of multi-coloured balls on the pool table. His employees seem to share his passion for work, which comes through clearly when he talks about the company. Molecules, headquartered in Oman, caters to everything from shipping and logistics, technology, pharmaceutical and retail, to construction and much more. But when asked about the core division, Tariq is quick to point out, “All our businesses are equally important to us. Monetary benefit is not the priority. We believe that success is the main thing and money is the biproduct of success.” Partnered with some of the world’s leading brands, Molecules has recently been chosen as the exclusive distributor of Micromax mobiles, one of India’s biggest handset manufacturers. Four months and still counting, since the
launch of Micromax in Oman, the brand seems to have received quite a welcome, according to Tariq. “The response has been excellent,” he happily admits. He continues, “We never expected this much. The USP of Micromax is its features and specifications. It’s an innovative product that’s worthy of the money.” Stating statistics, Tariq adds that in India Micromax is selling 1.7 million handsets per month. “And Micromax is in second position in India and Sri Lanka. In Oman, there are a lot of Asian expatriates and nationals who can easily afford this product.” In the third quarter of this year, Tariq has a lot planned for his company. “Molecules is strongly diversifying the business to construction and specialised projects. According to Oman’s Vision 2020, we are concentrating more on construction and infrastructure projects. We will soon be launching an interior decoration company. As part of our strategy we will tie up with some international companies.”
traveller is also expecting quite a few launches from Micromax. “Micromax is launching Bling 2. We are expecting it to be a successful product because of its unique features and stylish look. It’s a fashion accessory. With Bling 2 we are providing a clutch that has been designed by Satya Paul. Basically, it is targeted at the ladies.” Plans are also underway to bring in new brands to the people of Oman, especially in the field of consumer electronics. But Tariq would like to keep that a secret for now. But he is happy and mentions that the new plans will be announced soon. So, look out readers. The Omani market is very open and welcoming when it comes to technology and electronics.
In particular, the hardworking, fun-loving SEPTEMBER 2011 / 41
home zone
Silent cleaning Choosing a washing machine for your home can be made easy with just a few tips in mind
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washing machine has become an everyday necessity these days. With the markets flooded with machines of all types, people are overwhelmed with the large number of choices available. It is good to do some background research rather than just going for the most expensive model or the most popular brand. There are a few things to keep in mind before buying a new machine. First, know your budget. Knowing exactly how much you can afford to spare on a new washing machine is very important. The prices of the models depend on how new the technology is. For instance, top-load washing machines are much cheaper in price than their front-load counterparts. However, the front loading machines make big savings in the long run.
Also, you need to know the amount of laundry that you may have. For example, a top-load machine cannot fit in as much laundry as a front-load machine can. Space is another important aspect to be considered. There is no use buying an expensive washing machine that does not fit your space requirements. Identify a place in your house where you would want your machine to be in and make sure it has the right piping criteria. The most important decision of all is to decide if you want to go in for a top- or a front-loader. Until a few years ago, frontloading washers were not to be seen. But it’s gaining in popularity as manufacturers begin offering a broader array of choices. The traditional top-loading washer does its
job well, compared with the washing drums and rollers previous generations used. The tub sits vertically in the machine and has an agitator in the middle that churns the water and clothes together, forcing water through the items. It drains, refills with clean water, and agitates again, drains, rinses and spins. The front-loading machine follows the same basic method, but has many advantages over the standard top-loaders. The front-loading machine’s greatest advantage is its energy efficiency. Nearly every model bears the US Department of Energy’s ‘Energy Star’ label these days, setting it apart as an appliance that meets or exceeds the stringent efficiency standards set out jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.
Tips Decide on a budget Know your laundry requirements to determine the capacity Choose between a top- and a front-loader Fix on the specifications – including the technology and other key features you’re looking for
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Let us take a look at some of the other differences between top- and front-loading washers.
Efficiency This is one of the major differences between a top- and a front-loader. While a top-loading machine requires enough water to cover all the clothes in its drum, a front-loading washer needs only a third of that amount as the drum is set horizontally in the machine. As the drum turns, it uses gravity to drop the clothes back into the water. And while a toploading machine will empty the soapy water and refill for a rinse agitation cycle, a front-loading machine just sprays clean water on the load as the drum continues to turn, saving a lot of water. Also, the front-loading machine’s spin mechanism can reach up to 1,000rpm, as opposed to the standard top-loader’s average 650rpm. That means less water left in the laundry, which in turn gives you a shorter drying time, saving energy there, too.
Clothing life
No turning back
Agitators are tough on clothes. As only gravity is at work in a front-loading machine, you’ll save a lot of wear and tear on your laundry, extending the life of your clothes and linens.
One of the major disadvantages of front-loading machines is that there’s no turning back once you push the start button. There can be no last minute addition of any clothes you might have forgotten to throw in. The door locks until the cycle has ended.
Cost The front-loading washer is at a significant disadvantage here as typically, they cost more than their top-loading counterparts. This investment will of course be recouped in energy costs over the long run. But if your budget is less, go for a traditional top-loading model.
Detergents Although you can use any kind of laundry detergent in a top-loader, your detergent selection may be a bit limited with a front-loading machine, depending on the manufacturer.
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ARISTON AQ7F091 The new Aqualtis washing machine incorporates two storage tanks – one for liquid detergent and one for fabric softener. The unit gives high performance with low energy consumption. The Eco Tech icon is awarded to those washing machines that have either an A+ energy rating or feature Eco Cycles or Eco Wash function for ultimate energy savings. Selecting the Eco Wash Function option automatically modifies the Cotton, Synthetic and Fast Wash cycles to give you the same great results. This is a Hotpoint Super Silent washing machine that is equipped with a specialised motor which dramatically reduces noise levels during the wash cycle.
Key Features Woolmark Platinum Care Super Silent Motor Easy Iron Function Extra Rinse Feature Delay Start
Woolmark Care The Hotpoint washing machines from Ariston feature this special programme endorsed by Woolmark, a certification trade mark. Woolmark is the world’s leading authority on all wool items. Extra gentle agitation and low spin speeds help to eliminate any friction between the fibres of wool garments, thereby ensuring a perfect wash.
Ariston AQ7FO91 Type Variable Spin Speed Capacity Dimensions (WxDxH) Price
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Front-Loading Washer 1,000rpm 7kg 600x580x850mm RO179.900
LG F1256QD This 7kg Direct Drive front-load washer from LG has a variable spin speed of 1,000rpm. The Direct Drive Motor system is a unique technology that integrates motor, belt and pulley into a single directly attached motor, resulting in less noise and vibrations, greater durability, and more energy consumption. It comes with a load sensor that detects the amount of laundry loaded and then selects the optimum washing time, rinsing times and water consumption based on the information. Other features include the Pause & Add function and Baby Care Cycle. This special program heats the water up to 95 degrees providing a more hygienic wash for your children’s clothes. The cycle washes at 60 degrees and rinses at 40 degrees with Medic Rinse. The Quick 30 is another function that reduces the total cycle time to 30 minutes, which includes wash, rinse and spin. The unit can also be programmed to wash up to three to 19 hours later. This is useful for when you want to wash at different times.
Key Features Intelligent Washing System Baby Care Time Delay Load Detection Direct Drive Motor Quick 30 Function
Intelligent Washing System Once the start button is pressed on the unit, sensors detect the load and the selected water temperature to optimise water level and cycle time according to the size and type of load. This prevents users from selecting excessive spin speeds and temperatures which can damage the clothes. After auto programming, the washing machine automatically begins its cycle. The intelligent washing system detects and adjusts imbalances and excessive suds during operation.
LG F1256QD Type Variable Spin Speed Capacity Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight Price
Front-Loading Washer 1,000rpm 7kg 598x842x550mm 58kg RO139.900
SEPTEMBER 2011 / 45
Samsung WD0150VDX This 17kg capacity washing machine lets you load even a king-sized comforter and other beddings, all in one load. Samsung’s latest technology of Bubble wash combines best washing performance, perfect fabric care and energy saving, all at once. It maximises the performance of the washing machine. And with the VRTTM (Vibration Reduction Technology), there is no noise or vibration. With the Direct Drive Motor the washer is quieter and more durable. This is because it works without belts or gears, thus reducing vibration. Deep-steam feature loosens up grime or dirt easily with the touch of a button. It saves time and energy, providing extraordinary cleaning power. Silver Care is a new option for colours and delicates in cold water without bleach by harnessing the power of silver.
Diamond Drum The Samsung WD0150VDX/XSG features unique Diamond Drum technology that replaces the typical washing drum with one covered in deep, diamond-shaped depressions. This revolutionary texture keeps your fabrics safe from snags, while creating the perfect environment for gentle but effective washing.
Key Features Eco Bubble Technology Vibration Reduction Technology Diamond Drum Silver Care Direct Drive Motor Deep Steam
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Samsung WD0150VDX Type Variable Spin Speed Capacity Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight Price
Front-Loading Washer 1,000rpm 17kg 686x811x991mm 107kg RO799.500
GE WISR409DGWW GE is one of the largest manufacturers of major appliances in the world. Since 1907, they have been introducing appliances to improve the lives of its consumers. Continuing that legacy today, GE has come out with energy-conserving innovations and products that consume less energy and water, producing better results. The 3.5Cu. Ft. kingsize washer comes with a stainless steel wash basket that washes more at once, meaning fewer loads and less time spent on laundry. The new HydroWave wash system incorporated in this unit has variable speeds to match the wash action to the clothing type. It is gentler on the clothes and has an amazing cleaning performance. The wash system’s variable speed motor is engineered with fewer parts than conventional top-load washers, providing great durability and ease of maintenance.
Washing power This washing machine has a revolutionary wash action – a 360-degree agitator stroke for thorough, gentle cleaning. This helps prevent fabric wear and fading of colours. The unit also has 15 wash cycles. Multiple cycles are designed to specifically handle various fabrics and soils. You can enjoy a variety of fabric-specific settings, from heavy cottons or whites to easy-care colours. It also comes with four wash and rinse temperatures. You can minimise water waste per cycle by setting the water level based on the load size.
Key Features GE WISR409DGWW Washer with Stainless Steel Basket Four Temperatures Four Water Levels 15 Wash Cycles 360-degree Agitator
Type Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight Price
Top-Loading Washer 685.8x635x1,066.8mm 81kg RO199
SEPTEMBER 2011 / 47
New cooling Sharp’s ‘all-aluminium heat-exchanger’ technology is an industry-first
O
ne of the leading global electronics manufacturers, Sharp, recently launched its new range of air conditioners in Muscat. Keeping itself ahead of the crowd, the brand has added two of its unique technologies – the ‘all-aluminium heat exchangers’ and ‘Plasmacluster Ions’ – to its line-up of air conditioners. “The AC industry has products with very little differentiation. But we promise to bring about a seismic shift, thanks to the lighter and more efficient outdoor units that are now possible due to the introduction of aluminium. This innovation not only reduces the unit’s weight by 40 per cent, it also reduces its refrigerant requirement by
a staggering 50 per cent,” said A G Tony, assistant general manager at Oman Modern Electronics Company (OMEC). Sharp has been in the AC business for over fifty years now, and plans to enhance its product offering to the region with the addition of these new units. Available in a multitude of configurations, the AC products on offer include window units, split ACs, ceiling-mounted and floor-standing types. “Sharp has always focused on improving customer’s lives through its technologies and we used this launch to showcase yet another innovation to the local and global
market, which we believe tackles some of the challenges faced by the air-conditioning industry in the region,” Tony added. “The reduced weight of our ACs, resulting from the all-aluminium heat exchangers means easier installation and lower maintenance cost. The region heavily depends on air-conditioning due to the harsh climate. And anyone from the HVAC industry would truly understand the overall Life Cycle Cost and Cost of Operation benefits that our technology can offer,” he continued.
Environment-friendly
Industrial outlook has shifted towards a greener and more sustainable future, requiring customers as well as manufacturers to focus on environmentally-friendly technologies. “Sharp products have always reflected the corporate vision of becoming an ecopositive company, and we believe that this new air conditioner is a platform to 48 / TECH
introduce our eco-positive AC products to the market,” said Tony. In addition to being environmentally responsible, Sharp’s AC products also incorporate technologies which ensure maximum comfort for customers with fast and evenly distributed cooling across the room. Sharp has introduced these ACs to the Omani market through
its trusted distributor and partner, Oman Modern Electronics Company, for this summer period. Oman Modern Electronics Company, a member of Al Hashar Group of Companies, is the sole distributor of Sharp products in the sultanate. The Sharp range of products is available through the company showrooms, authorised dealers, chain stores and hypermarkets.
time zone
Ocean mysteries Perrelet enters the fascinating world of scuba diving
T
he Seacraft collection from Perrelet comes in three different versions: chronograph, 3 hands-date and GMT. The launch marks the entry of the brand into the world of underwater sports. The sophistication of the steel case is enlivened by finely contrasting polished and brushed surfaces. The case middle is fitted with a 4mm thick sapphire crystal glare-proofed on both sides as well as a stamped, screwdown back – a set of characteristics that guarantee the 777-metre water resistance of this instrument. An automatic helium valve appearing at 9 o’clock is designed to compensate during
deep dives for the effects of decompression on the interior of the watch and ensures smooth running of automatic Calibre P-271. The brand’s signature motif is expressed on the rotating bezel of the Seacraft. Available in a choice of white, black or blue, the dial lends a touch of refined sporting elegance, while the applied hour-markers, the hands as well as the dive-start dot on the notched bezel are coated with a luminescent substance to enhance visibility. Fitted with an alligator leather strap or a brushed steel bracelet, each Seacraft model is also delivered with a high-tech nylon strap suitable for the most extreme sporting conditions.
Seacraft 3 Hands-Date
Movement Power Reserve Frequency Jewels Case Case Material Water Resistance Dial Strap/Bracelet
Seacraft Chronograph
Seacraft GMT
Automatic P-261 Automatic P-271 Automatic P-281 40 hours 40 hours 40 hours 28,800vph (4Hz) 28,800vph (4Hz) 28,800vph (4Hz) 21 57 21 13.6mm 17.45mm 14.9mm Steel; Anti-glare sapphire crystal 80 ATM 80 ATM 80 ATM Black, Blue or White; Luminescent hour-markers Black or Blue alligator Leather Strap; Steel Folding Clasp; Steel Extension Buckle
SEPTEMBER 2011 / 49
dashboard
Multi-faceted friend The Renault Frendzy is efficient and modern as a work tool, yet sporting and welcoming for the family The Frendzy is the fourth vehicle to illustrate Renault’s new design strategy, a series which started with DeZir. It is designed to take an original and innovative stance on the world of light commercial vehicles – a key part of Renault’s activities. Professional and personal lives are so intricately interwoven these days that drivers find themselves permanently channel-hopping between the two worlds. The Frendzy was designed to be a partner that takes the strain out of this lifestyle. It is a concept with a dual personality.
On the outside On the passenger’s side, there’s no glazing and no centre pillar, just one conventional door and a sliding side door that incorporates a 37-inch widescreen display. This is the world of work. The driver’s side, complete with side windows (and still no centre pillar) and with centre opening doors, represents the world of the family. On weekdays, Frendzy is a vehicle that adapts to the requirements of the business user, with a large external screen that can display useful messages, information or advertising messages, either while parked or on the move. Come the weekend, the vehicle transforms itself into a family vehicle, with a comfortable passenger seat and, in 50 / TECH
the rear, a big bench seat. Depending on their mood of the moment, children can watch a film or play games on the touch-sensitive pad which slides out from the back of the driver’s seat. They can even draw on a special slate integrated into the sliding door. The driver, likewise, can adapt the vehicle to his or her needs. In ‘work’ mode, the rear-view mirrors sit upright and the interior lighting is green; in ‘family’ mode, the mirrors swivel around to the horizontal position and the interior is bathed in a radiant orange ambience. Coloured repeater lights in the headlamps and tail lights provide an external indication of the mode in which Frendzy is operating.
On the inside The driver’s side cockpit is designed along the theme of a futuristic ‘work bench’ featuring a structure that appears to be made from molten metal. Green light emanating from the dashboard brings this smooth and organic architecture to life. As mentioned before, in the ‘family’ mode, the atmosphere becomes warmer as the green lights turn orange. Dominant throughout is the sense that the interior
forms a cosy cabin which echoes the simple yet practical world of camping, and this is further reflected by the extensive use of wood. Indeed, as much a symbol of warmth as it is of strength and timelessness, wood forms a link between the two modes. The leather latticework seats and removable accessories also refer to the camping metaphor. On a practical level, the fabric roof adapts itself
to the shape of bulky objects. Magnetic fixings allow the load to be secured to the floor and modular stowage systems are a practical bonus for business users. The single-piece rear seat is integrated into the floor, while the front seat folds forward in order to free up space. Thanks to its practical, modular interior, the Frendzy lends itself perfectly to the requirements of traders and tradesmen.
Office on wheels The user-friendly layout of the driver’s environment and tablet turn Frendzy into a truly interactive and communicative tool. The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet plugged into the dashboard has enabled the concept of an office on wheels to become a reality. The tablet connects directly into the centre console, ensuring perfect convenience of operation once on the move. As soon as it is plugged in, it becomes an integral element of the vehicle and configures itself into the Renault environment. The device has an important role to play in the customisation of the vehicle as it controls the exterior screen while the vehicle is in motion and when parked. SEPTEMBER 2011 / 51
gamer’s delight
With a captivating story, stunning visuals and great gameplay, El Shaddai is one of the best new IPs of the year
E
very developer strives to create a game that can strike the perfect balance between the story elements, visual presentation, aural experience and the gameplay. Few games actually make this happen and fewer still keep you coming back for more. El Shaddai is one game that does all of the above and more. It draws players into a rich storyline inspired by events in the Old Testament’s apocryphal ‘Book of Enoch’. Players take on the role of Enoch, a man selected by heaven to seek out seven fallen angels who have corrupted mankind. He has to ‘purify’ the threat to spare the world from a great flood ordered by Heaven. It is a story that is both complicated and intriguing. But as captivating as it is, it
cannot be fully appreciated unless it is played more than once. To make matters even better, the game doesn’t rely as much on cut scenes as it does on in-game story telling. At first the game appears to be a basic levelbased hack and slash. It is the way in which it is executed and presented that truly sets it apart. It consistently keeps you on your toes and will make you guess every sequence of the game with its unpredictability and tendency to ‘pull pranks’ on the player. The game is never repetitive. It keeps throwing new concepts and elements at you and consistently evolves mechanics and puzzles already in place. And if that wasn’t enough, it constantly shifts the perspective and play style throughout the course of the story –
one moment you will be playing a regular third-person hack and slash and the next will have you playing a side-scrolling platformer or even a maniacal bike chase. Also, while the game is short at only ten hours long, there is plenty of incentive to replay. You have a ton of unlockables and collectables, new difficulty settings and even online leader boards to test your skills. The game also has significant depth in combat. Simple button mashing will only get you so far. To truly conquer the game you will have to master the combat system’s little nuances. Parrying and mixing up attacks or even selecting the right weapon for the job can make the difference between life and death. But should you die, the game gives
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SEPt. 2011
Dead Island
Platforms: PS3, PC, Xbox360
Publisher: Ignition Entertainment Developer: Ignition Entertainment Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360 Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Teen PEGI Rating: RP
SCORE
9.2
September 09
Resistance 3 Platforms: PS3
The Good Gripping story, incredible visual and art design, deep combat system, good replay value The Bad
The plot can be a little hard to follow for those not already familiar with the backstory
September 09 you one last-ditch offer to revive yourself by tapping the face buttons quickly. However, these get harder as the game progresses so don’t think of it as a ‘get out of jail free’ card. The game has three types of weapons but none are supplied to you directly. These are obtained by disarming your enemies and using their own weapons against them. The weapon you are currently holding also grants unique abilities which form a key part of the platforming sections of the game.
Rage
Platforms: PS3, PC, Xbox360, iPad, iPhone
Visually, the game is in a class of its own. It is not so much a technological masterpiece as it is a collection of varying forms of interactive art. These range from anime stylised levels to cartoonish or even sci-fi
September 16
levels akin to what you might find in Final Fantasy XIII. Then there are some levels that can only be described as ‘bizarrely beautiful’. It is a game that has to be experienced firsthand to truly appreciate the level of quality and presentation that the game puts forward. And to perfectly compliment the package, the voice acting and sound score are impeccable. All things said, El Shaddai is a masterpiece in the truest sense and is well worth a purchase.
Gears of War 3 Platforms: Xbox360
September 20
business tech
SPE ED P OW ER The MT651 is an easy-to-handle tool from Maktec
Maktec MT651 is a pistol-style high-speed drill that weighs only 0.9kg. Intended for drilling in wood and metal, the tool has a no-load speed of about 4,500rpm. Simply pull the switch trigger to start this tool. The speed of the tool can be varied by increasing pressure on the trigger. The MT651 also has a lock-on button for continuous operation. It comes with a strong motor for fast perforation and sports a reversing switch action to change the direction of rotation – either clockwise or counter-clockwise. The tool is also easy to handle with the switch for variable speed. Accessories included with this product are a chuck key and a holder.
Drill safely Check for any electricity cables running through the wall, before you start drilling Keep your hands off the drill bit as it will become hot with use; unplug the drill before changing bits and remove the chuck key before switching on the drill Use the correct drill bit for particular types of walls – masonry bit for solid brick walls, wood bit for timber, high-speed steel bit for metal Start slowly and then increase speed; don’t force the drill, let the machine do the work
Maktec MT651
Capacities Power Cord Continuous Rating Input No-Load Speed Overall Length Net Weight Available at 54 / TECH
Steel: 6.5mm Wood: 9mm 2m 230W 0 to 4,500rpm 206mm 0.9kg Gulf Services & Industrial Supplies, 93221856
movie zone
Captain America: The First Avenger Genre: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi Director: Joe Johnston Cast: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson It is 1942 and America has entered World War II. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is frustrated at being rejected yet again for military service. But everything changes when Dr Erksine (Stanley Tucci) recruits him for the secret Project Rebirth. Proving his extraordinary courage, wits
and conscience, Rogers undergoes the experiment. Result – his weak body is suddenly enhanced into maximum human potential. When Dr Erksine is then assassinated by an agent of Nazi Germany’s head of its secret HYDRA research department, Johann Schmidt
aka the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), Rogers is left as a unique man. He is initially misused as a propaganda mascot. However, when his comrades need him, Rogers goes on a successful adventure that makes him Captain America. And his war against Schmidt begins.
’ I Don t Know How She Does It Genre: Comedy Director: Douglas McGrath Cast: Kelsey Grammer, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker
Douglas McGrath directs the comedy from the writing by Aline Brosh McKenna. The film is based on the critically acclaimed bestseller by Allison Pearson. Also in the cast are Olivia Munn, Seth Meyers, Kelsey Grammer, Christina Hendricks and Jane Curtin. I Don’t Know How She Does It follows a Boston-based working mother trying desperately to juggle marriage, children, and a high-stress job.
Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker) devotes her days to her job with a Boston-based financial management firm. At night she goes home to her adoring, recentlydownsized architect husband Richard (Greg Kinnear) and their two young children. It’s a non-stop balancing act, the same one that Kate’s acerbic best friend and fellow working mother Allison (Christina Hendricks) performs on a daily basis, and
that Kate’s super-brainy, child-phobic young junior associate Momo (Olivia Munn) fully intends to avoid. When Kate gets handed a major new account that will require frequent trips to New York, Richard also wins the new job he’s been hoping for. Complicating matters is Kate’s charming new business associate Jack Abelhammer (Pierce Brosnan), who begins to prove an unexpected source of temptation.
DVD Releases SEPTEMBER 5 September
5 September
A Little Bit of Heaven Comedy | Drama | Romance
Fast and Furious 5
56 / TECH
Action | Crime | Drama
5 September
Priest
Action | Horror | Sci-Fi
9 September
Blitz
Crime | Thriller
Fax to 24693569 Choose the correct answer and send in your entries for a chance to win 1 How many minutes of music can CDs hold (according to the original CD specifications)? (a) 74 minutes (c) 60 minutes
a) 1000 c) 750
(b) 56 minutes (d) 90 minutes
b) 1024 d) 1250
4 What is the difference between the Internet and an intranet?
3 Which country also uses the NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) format? (a) France (c) Japan
2 How many KB makes 1MB?
(a) One is public, the other is private (b) One is safer than the other (c) One can be monitored, the other can’t (d) None of the above
(b) Germany (d) England
Please send us your entries by September 22 for a chance to win a Canon PIXMA printer
Name ___________________________________ Age ______ Mobile ________________________ Email ____________________________________
Previous quiz answers: 1 – (a) 2 – (a) 3 – (a) 4 – (a)
Occupation _______________________________
Gift courtesy Emax
Company _________________________________
Employees and family members of Deenar Press and Publishing and Emax cannot participate in the quiz. Judge’s decision is final. Please email the answers to tech@deenarmedia.com or fax this page to 24693569 by the deadline. Correspondence after the deadline will not be entertained. PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY. Incomplete or illegible entries will be disqualified. Winner must provide valid ID to claim the prize. Allow up to two weeks to process.
Last month’s winners who receive a 3d blu-ray movie each
Sanjeeb Ghosh
Zahra Ghulam Ali
D Ramachandran Saud al Bulushi
Sabah Hassan Ali
Iman Abdullah al Balushi
Linish Mohan
Jayakrishnan V R
Murahari Naik
Hassan Ali al Zadjali
Welcome to our ‘TECH Favourites’ section. With these lists we aim to keep you updated with our favourite products in a concise format. Please give us your feedback on the basis of which we can further improve it.
3D TVs LG 42LW5700 RO499.900
3D LED 42-inch screen, 2MP full HD, Flicker-free 3D, Smart TV, 100Hz Tru-motion flow, four HDMI/PC input, two USB port
LG 72LZ9700 RO3,999.900
3D LED 72-inch screen, 400Hz motion flow, four HDMI/PC input, two USB port, two megapixels
Sony KDL55EX720 RO899.900
3D LED 55-inch screen, full HD, four HDMI/PC input, Internet Video, Wireless LAN Ready
Sony KDL60NX720 RO1,599.900
3D LED 60-inch screen, full HD, four HDMI/PC input, Internet TV, USB port, PIP system, Wi-Fi built-in, X-Reality Picture Engine, 200Hz motion flow
Samsung PS51D550 RO500.000
3D Plasma 51-inch screen, full HD, two megapixels, 600Hz sub-field motion, USB port, PIP system, four HDMI/PC input, Internet TV
Panasonic TH-P42GT20M RO299.900
3D Plasma 42-inch screen, full HD, Resolution Enhancer, VIERA Cast
Panasonic TH-P50ST30M RO799.900
3D Plasma 50-inch screen, full HD, 600Hz motion drive, Wi-Fi Ready Internet, eco sensor, three USB ports, four HDMI/ PC input, SD card slot
Samsung UA32D6000 RO329.000
3D LED 32-inch screen, full HD, four HDMI/PC input, USB port, Internet TV, 100Hz motion, ultra-slim, PIP system, Smart Hub, two megapixels
Flat-Panel Displays Philips 52PFL5605H RO899.900
This is a 2MP, full-HD 52-inch TV with three HDMI inputs, USB port and PIP. It features Pixel Plus HD and HD natural motion.
Sony KLV40CX520 RO269.900
This is a 40-inch, full HD, 2MP TV. It sports four HDMI inputs, two USB ports, PIP system and Internet TV. It also features an X-Reality engine.
Panasonic TH-L42U30M RO249.900
This is a full HD, 42-inch TV with three HDMI/PC input, eco sensor and an SD card slot. It has a contrast ratio of 100,000:1.
Samsung UA22D5000 RO149.000
This is a 22-inch full HD TV with an ultra-slim design. It sports two HDMI/PC input, and USB port.
Players LG BD550 RO49.900
NetCast Entertainment Access, Blu-ray and DVD disc playback, standard DVD up-scaling, USB 2.0 Media Host, SimpLink
Samsung BD-D5500 RO90.000
2D and 3D in Full HD 1080p, two USB 2.0 ports, sync multiple devices with AllShare DLNA technology, Web-Connected Samsung Apps
Philips BDPS-5200 RO79.900
Blu-ray 3D disc playback, DIVX Plus HD certified, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, DLNA Network Link, USB keyboard connectivity Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
57 Acer Aspire 5820TG-5484G50 RO274.900
Laptops
Intel Core i5 480M processor, 15.6-inch HD LED screen, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera, card reader
HP ENVY 14-1111ee RO690.000
Intel Core i7 720QM processor, 1.6GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz, 6GB RAM, 1,024MB VRAM, 500GB HDD, 14.5-inch HD LCD, DVD super multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 5-in-1 digital media reader, 1.3MP web camera
Asus G51J RO759.900
Intel Core i7 720QM, 1.6GHz Turbo Boost, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB HDD, 1GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD Glare LED, DVD multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Asus N53S RO452.000
Intel Core i7 2,630QM processor, 2.0GHz Turbo boost, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB HDD, 15.6-inch LED screen, DVD super multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera, 4x Blu-ray player, TV tuner
HP Pavilion dV6-6199 RO500.000
Intel Core i7 2,630QM second generation processor, 2GHz CPU speed, 8GB DDR3 SDRAM, 750GB HDD, 1GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD LED, DVD super multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, fingerprint reader, HD web camera
Samsung RF511-S04 RO425.000
Intel Core i7 2,630QM processor, 1GB VRAM, 750GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD LED screen, DVD super multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Toshiba Satellite L755-16C RO329.000
Intel Core i5 2,410M processor, 2.53GHz CPU speed, 4GB RAM, 1GB VRAM, 500GB SATA HDD, 15.6-inch TruBrite HD LED screen, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Toshiba Satellite P755-10C RO649.000
Intel Core i7 2,630QM, 2.00GHz CPU speed, 6GB RAM, 500GB SATA HDD, 2GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD LED, Blu-ray and DVD super multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth
Sony Vaio VPCCA15FA RO419.900
Intel Core i5 2,410M processor, 2.3GHz CPU speed with Turbo Boost, 1GB VRAM, Dynamic Hybrid Graphics System, 500GB HDD, 14-inch display
Dell XPS-L502-195 (ALM) RO479.900
Intel Core i7 2,630QM processor, 2GHz CPU speed, 6GB RAM, 640GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD WLED screen, DVD super multi drive, 2GB dedicated graphics, Wireless, Bluetooth, card reader, web camera
Netbooks & Ultra Portables Archos Internet Tablet RO169.900
ARM Cortex 1GHz processor, Android 2.2, 10.1inch LCD display, 16GB flash memory, HDMI output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Asus Eee Pad Transformer RO299.900
With dock, Nvidia TEGRA 2 dual core processor, 1GHz speed, 32GB internal memory, 10.1-inch LCD display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G RO359.900
32GB, 9.7-inch LED backlit screen, 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor, Wi-Fi and 3G, two cameras
BlackBerry PlayBook RO299.900
32GB, 1GHz dual-core processor, seven-inch capacitive display, 1GB RAM, dual cameras – 5MP rear and 3MP front
Acer ICONIA TAB A500 RO209.900
32GB, 1GB RAM, 1GHz processor speed, 5MP camera, 2MP front camera, HDMI port, eight hours video playback
Computer Accessories Microsoft Arc Keyboard RO27.500
2.4GHz wireless keyboard, stowable nano transceiver, battery life indicator, lightweight
Seagate GoFlex 1TB RO45.000
Features USB 3.0 plug-and-play connectivity, illuminated capacity gauge, 1TB portable drive
WD ShareSpace 8TB RO410.000
High-speed Gigabit Ethernet storage system, three USB 2.0 ports, offers multiple RAID configurations for data protection and speed
SteelSeries Siberia v2 RO62.200
Full-size headset with retractable microphone, a 50mm driver unit with clear sound
58 Digital Still Cameras Canon A3300is RO71.900
This is a 16-megapixel camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom. It offers the flexibility of a high-resolution image sensor. Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processing provides excellent quality shots.
Sony DSC-H70 RO109.900
The H70 sports a 10x optical zoom lens and a 16.1-megapixel sensor. It supports Sweep Panorama mode and HD movie capture capability. It comes with a three-inch LCD and optical image stabilisation.
Olympus E-PL2 RO339.000
The E-PL2 sports a powerful 12.3MP Live-MOS sensor. It features a large, easy-to-view three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor and a control dial. The E-PL2 also has improved Art Filters with selectable variations.
Fujifilm F500 EXR RO154.900
This is a 16-megapixel camera with a three-inch LCD. It has 15x optical zoom. It also supports full HD movie recording capability and Panorama mode.
Canon IXUS 310 HS RO143.200
This is a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor digital camera with a 3.2-inch touch LCD screen. It also has 4.4x optical zoom, an optical image stabiliser and supports full HD with optical zoom.
Sony NEX-5 RO279.900
The NEX-5 supports 1080i AVCHD video recording. It sports a 14MP Exmor CMOS sensor. It is equipped with a wide three-inch LCD screen.
Olympus TG310 RO139.000
The TOUGH TG310 from Olympus is waterproof to a depth of 3m, shockproof to a height of 1.5m and freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius. It features a 14-megapixel sensor with 3.6x wide optical zoom.
Sony HDR-PJ30E RO399.900
7.1 megapixel resolution, 12x optical zoom, threeinch LCD touchscreen, built-in projector, 32GB internal memory
JVC HM970 RO449.000
10x optical zoom, 3D converter, 3.5-inch touch LCD screen, Super LoLux with F1.2 Super Bright Lens and back-illuminated CMOS sensor
Samsung HMX-H300 RO149.500
30x optical zoom, 4.9MP, three-inch LCD screen, OIS Duo stabiliser, three-hour battery time
Panasonic SDR-H101GC RO150.000
Advanced OIS with Active Mode, 33mm wide-angle lens, iA (Intelligent Auto) with AF/AE tracking
Sony TD-10E RO649.900
10x optical zoom, 3D Full HD, 2D Optional, 3.5-inch LCD screen, 64GB internal memory, 7.1MP
DSLRs Nikon D5100 RO369.900
16.2 megapixel, 11-point autofocus, three-inch LCD screen, HD movie, 4fps
Canon EOS 1D Mark 4 RO2,329.900 16.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 10fps shooting, three-inch Clear View LCD, HD video recording
Sony W580 RO89.900
This is a 16.1-megapixel, 5x optical zoom camera. It comes with a three-inch LCD screen and a 25mm wide-angle lens. It supports Sweep Panorama Mode for the perfect landscape images.
Samsung WB700 RO149.500
This is a 24mm ultra-wide 18x zoom camera with a three-inch TFT LCD screen. The dual image stabiliser feature automatically adjusts to compensate for hand or body movements, resulting in steadier photos.
Fujifilm Z90 RO81.900
This is a 14-megapixel camera with 5x optical zoom. It sports a three-inch LCD touchscreen. It has a Panorama mode for good landscape shots. It also supports HD movie recording.
Offers
Camcorders
Service
Canon EOS-550D RO344.900
18 megapixel, nine-point autofocus, three-inch LCD screen, full HD video
Sony SLT Îą 55 RO399.900
16.7 megapixel, three-inch LCD screen, full HD movie, 10fps, 3D Sweep Panorama mode Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
Emax
59 Samsung Galaxy SII RO259.900
Phones
The Samsung Galaxy SII has a 4.3-inch SUPER AMOLED Plus display with a Dual Core Application Processor. This phone operates on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and features an 8MP camera with LED flash.
Samsung Galaxy S Plus RO199.900
Samsung’s Galaxy S Plus smartphone is Android-powered and boasts a super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. It includes a 5MP camera with autofocus, HSDPA Internet connectivity, and 8GB storage.
Apple iPhone 4 RO344.900
The iPhone 4 sports a 3.5-inch LED-backlit TFT capacitive touchscreen. With an internal memory of 32GB and a 512MB RAM, the iPhone 4 supports Wi-Fi, A-GPS, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP.
Motorola Milestone XT720 RO199.000
This smartphone is Android powered with an 8MP camera and Xenon flash. It features a TFT capacitive touchscreen, Gorilla Glass display with touch-sensitive navigation controls.
iPod Docks movieCENTER RO19.600
Connect iPod to TV, stereo and computer, USB port, high-fidelity surround sound processing
SonicGear 1000i RO94.200
iPod dock and recharge, FM radio, 30W RMS
Altec Lansing M602 RO84.900
Dock and Play, recharge for iPod, video output for iPod video, wall-mountable
Logitech S715i RO57.900
Plays and charges iPhone and iPod, two threeinch laser-tuned neodymium drivers
Bose Sound Dock-10 RO279.000
iPod and iPhone dock, recharge and play, remote control, audio input
Nokia N8 RO164.900
The Nokia N8 comes with AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. Its features include a 12MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics, 16GB storage, Bluetooth 3.0, micro USB connector and charging, and HDMI port.
Sony Ericsson Neo RO174.900
This Android smartphone sports an 8MP camera and a 3.7-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 854x480 pixels. In addition, it has Wi-Fi, A-GPS and Bluetooth.
LG Optimus One P500 RO99.900
This phone sports a 3.2MP camera with Bluetooth, 3G and Wi-Fi facilities. With TFT capacitive touchscreen this phone runs on Android OS v2.2. It includes a 2GB micro SD card.
Samsung S8530 Wave II RO149.900
It sports a 3.7-inch super clear capacitive touchscreen, 5MP camera, ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor and Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP.
MP3 Players Apple iPod Nano 6G RO86.500
16GB, VoiceOver gesture-based screen reader, 1.54-inch (diagonal) colour TFT display, Live Pause feature
Apple iPod Touch 4G RO99.900
8GB, 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen, multitouch display, 720p HD video capture, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Sony NWZ-E453 RO39.900
4GB, 50 hours of music playback, SensMe, Lyric Sync, Karaoke Mode and Clear Audio technologies
Philips SA3RGA04R RO19.900 HTC Sensation RO299.000
The HTC Sensation is a multimedia superphone that sports a 4.3-inch touchscreen. It operates on a 1.2GHz dual core processor and features an 8MP camera. The design includes contoured glass edging.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Play RO264.900
The Xperia Play offers immersive gaming experience. It sports a 5MP camera, and comes with Wi-Fi and A-GPS support. This phone runs on Android OS v2.3 (Gingerbread).
4GB, FM radio and FM recording, one-inch screen, FullSound technology, 22 hours battery support
Sony Walkman NWZ-B162 RO20.900 Built-in equaliser, Bass boost, voice recording, power illuminator, style-up clip, quick charge
60 Air Conditioners & Air Purifiers Sharp AHAP18HME RO191.000
This 1.5-tonne split air conditioner is a low noise design with Plasmacluster technology. By releasing the cluster ions, it enables the creation of an environment that is very close to that found in nature.
Refrigerators
Samsung AS18DW RO199.500
616L capacity, frost free, side-by-side, tempered glass shelves, digital control, child lock
Samsung’s 1.5-tonne capacity split air conditioner is best known for its high efficiency heat exchanger and silver nano filter. It has an anti-rust cabinet.
Panasonic CS-C18MKF RO199.000
The CS-C18MKF incorporates the ECONAVI technology. Advance+ Plus e-ion is designed to monitor changes in the degree of air cleanliness. AUTOCOMFORT is another important feature.
GREE GSFS24SR RO289.900
With an automatic slip design, this is a floor-standing type twotonne air conditioner. It has an independent dehumidifying function, with electrostatic de-dusting effect. It supports four-angle air supply.
Sharp KC-840E-B RO129.000
This is an air purifier with high-density Plasmacluster technology, humidification function and circulation airflow for home use. This appliance is recommended for a floor area of approximately 26sqm. It comes with washable deodorising filter.
Hitachi RAN-209CP RO132.900
This 1.5-tonne window air conditioner has a high energy-efficient compressor with a super quite air flow. There is a symmetric twin flow air discharge, washable filters and a rotary compressor.
Hitachi RAS-18CPX RO192.900
This split-type air conditioner has a Green Fin condenser that is durable, thanks to the green rust-resistant coating. It also employs Nano Titanium technology in its stainless steel filters.
Toshiba RAS-18SKP RO204.900
This is a 1.5-tonne capacity split-type wall-mounted air conditioner. It has a seven-layer air filter and a self-cleaning function that eliminates mould. It also has a new compact chassis.
Sanyo SA186M5 RO117.900
Sanyo’s 1.5-tonne window air conditioner is a low-noise design with a rotary compressor and comes with an anti-bacteria filter. It is easy to clean and allows smooth air flow.
LG GR-B227WTQ RO335.000
Toshiba GR-M51GB RO184.900
480L capacity, frost free, double door, adjustable wired shelves
Samsung RL-52VEBTB RO219.500
350L capacity, LCD touchscreen, bottommounted freezer, blue LED display, silver plus anti-bacterial coating
Hitachi RW-660FUK RO364.900
660L capacity, ice maker with water dispenser, nano titanium cooling system, four-door top mounted no-frost freezer
Sharp SJK42SSL RO160.000
382L capacity, double-door refrigerator, frost-free, deodoriser, twist ice tray, wired shelves
Washing Machines Ariston AQ7F091 RO179.900
7kg capacity, 16 programmes, 1,000rpm, extra rinse, Woolmark Platinum Care certified
Toshiba AW1160/70 RO126.900
9.5kg capacity, six wash programmes, digital display, water level selection, top load washer
LG F1422TD RO188.000
Front load washer, 8kg capacity, 13 programmes, 1,400rpm, Bio care, child lock, direct drive motor
Samsung WA10V5 RO109.500
8kg capacity, six washing programmes, water level selection, water pump system, diamond drum, air turbo spinning system
LG T186RC RO288.900
This is a 1.5-tonne capacity split air conditioner with virus and allergy-safe filter. It has a four-way swing and jet cool feature. It also employs a multi-stage tropical compressor.
Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
61 Microwaves & Ovens Elekta EBRO-443 RO21.900
This is a 43L capacity, 2,000W electric oven with a zero to 250 degrees Celsius temperature selector. It has a four-stage heating selector and comes with rotisserie function. It also has a 60-minute timer with a bell signal.
Sanyo EM-C7586V RO54.000
This is a 32L convection microwave with grill function. With an output power of 1,000W, this oven has an electronic timer. It includes auto defrost and auto delay start feature. It has five power levels and ten auto menus.
Samsung GE109MST RO69.500
This is a 28L grill microwave oven. Designed for performance, it has a wide tempered glass door. This microwave features the Triple Distribution System and Steam Clean function.
Samsung GE86N RO39.500
The GE86N is a stylish 23L microwave oven with grill. It has ceramic enamel for a durable surface and comes with anti-bacterial coating. The microwave also features Triple Distribution System.
LG MC-8088FRR RO89.900
This is a 30L convection microwave with grill function. It includes quick defrost and auto defrost functions. Additional features include the speed cook and sweet menu buttons.
LG MH7046 RO49.900
This is a 30L microwave oven with grill function. It features an anti-bacterial interior, five power levels and a smart LED display with touch panel. It has six auto cook menus. It also sports a mirror design.
Samsung MW6194ST RO54.900
A 55L microwave oven with 1,000W output power, Samsung’s onetouch sensor cook provides easy cooking at the touch of a button. It sports an LED display that shows microwave settings and other information.
Panasonic NN-CF770M RO122.900
Panasonic’s NN-CF770M features flatbed and inverter technologies. This allows for greater space inside the microwave. It includes turbo defrost, a child lock, variable power levels and an easy-to-read LCD display.
Panasonic NN-ST340W RO35.900
This is a compact microwave oven with 800W output power. It comes with eight auto cook categories, child safety lock, auto reheat and defrost options.
Black & Decker TRO2000 RO26.700
This is a 1,380W toaster oven that features a 19L capacity. It comes with an adjustable timer, a wire rack and a food tray handle. It also has a removable crumb tray for easy crumb disposal.
Vacuum Cleaners Hoover HFC-2000 RO29.900
2,000W power vacuum cleaner, indicator for full bag, bagged canister
Rowenta RWRO442711 RO74.900 2,100W vacuum cleaner, anti-bacteria HEPA filtration, Delta Silence Force technology
Samsung SD-9420 RO69.500
Dry vacuum cleaner, 2L dust capacity, HEPA H12 Pre-motor filter, micro exhaust filter, 1,600W maximum power consumption
Karcher VC 5200 RO77.000
Dry vacuum cleaner, 3.3L dust bag capacity, 1,800W input power, indicator for full bag, HEPA 12 filter
Domestic Appliances Russell Hobbs 15075 RO23.900
Four-slice toaster (plus kettle), variable browning control, extra lift facility, removable crumb tray, cancel button
N Espresso C120 RO180.000
Single-serve automatic espresso machine and milk frother, 19 bars of pump pressure, maximum power of 1,710W
Moulinex CE-400070 RO40.900
1,000W power, 6L capacity, six automatic cooking functions, digital timer, steamed and hot frying material container
Krups EA8255K1 RO284.600
Espresso, Cappuccino and Coffee maker, compact Thermoblock system, metal drip tray, steam function, automatic cleaning
Braun Food Processor K-600 RO50.100 600W power, 2L bowl capacity, 14 levels with turbo boost, safety lock, useful for chopping, slicing, grating and shredding
Tefal Actifry TFAH9000 RO99.900
1,400W power, ceramic coating, digital display, one spoon of oil for 1kg of crispy chips
62 Gaming Consoles & Accessories PSP 3000+4 Games RO76.000
This current version of the PlayStation Portable has a built-in microphone and a better screen that is able to resist glare and so works better outdoors.
PS3 320GB + Move Bundle RO160.000
The Move is broken into three parts: the ‘Motion Controller’, the ‘Navigation Controller’ and the ‘PlayStation Eye Camera’. The Motion Controller contains built-in motion sensors.
Nintendo 3DS RO129.000
A built-in 3D Depth Slider allows you to adjust the intensity of the 3D settings on the new Nintendo 3DS system. Other features include the built-in motion and gyro sensor.
Logitech G13 RO37.000
The GamePanel LCD in this gaming keyboard keeps you informed of the game stats and other vital information to help you claim victory. It includes programmable G-keys that let you create macros on the fly.
Logitech G27 RO160.000
Logitech racing wheels and flight controllers simulate remarkable realism. Force feedback lets you feel every slip of the tyre, every shudder of the wing and the controls feel like the real thing.
Our Current Top 5 Recommended Games Alice: Madness Returns RO28.900
Publisher: EA Games Developer: Spicy Horse Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3, PC Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Mature
Dead or Alive Dimensions RO26.700 Publisher: Nintendo of America Developer: Tecmo Koei Platform(s): 3DS Genre: Fighting ESRB Rating: R/P
inFamous 2 RO28.900
XBOX 360 Kinect 250GB RO177.000
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) Developer: Sucker Punch Platform(s): PS3 Genre: Adventure ESRB Rating: Teen
Logitech Z906 RO160.000
L. A. Noire RO28.900
With a stylish design, the integrated internal memory of 250GB allows you to save games and content. It has built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) and 5.1 channel surround sound.
Successor to the highly acclaimed Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speaker System, the new THX-Certified Z906 delivers 500W of pure power.
SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB RO53.600
This is a premium quality, wired headset designed for Xbox 360. With the custom-built soundscape via 40mm SunDancer (SCS) units, you can pinpoint the direction of noises and movement throughout the game.
Thrustmaster T500RS RO241.000
The T500RS employs new H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) on the wheel’s steering and so offers precision, force feedback and a realistic angle of rotation. The controls feel like the real thing.
Publisher: Rockstar Games Developer: Team Bondi Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3 Genre: Adventure ESRB Rating: R/P
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time RO26.700 Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Platform(s): 3DS Genre: Action ESRB Rating: R/P
Nintendo Wii Sports Resort Pack RO90.000
Wii Sports Resort has lots of fun activities with more than 18 sports to try, ranging from water sports like canoeing, power cruising and wakeboarding, to ball games like basketball and golf.
SEVEN DAYS EXERCISE T U O H T I W EAK W E N SO MAKE
Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
Excellent range of fitness equipment at fantastic prices!
Company
Products
Showroom
Service Dept.
Abu Hani
La Germania, Starway, Westar, Starline, Tatung
24495141
24491327
Al Khalili Technology
Fijitsu, Siemon, Coral Telecom, Honeywell, Epson, Camtron, Pyronix, SD3, Tripp-lite, Cummins, Schnider Electric, Sanyo, Sakar, Sterline, Sonicwall
24616900
24816303
Bahwan Electronics
Asset, Carrier, Ignis, Napro, Toshiba, Seiko, Casio, Titan, Sony Ericsson, Tempstar, Cooline, Corning, Print electronics, Dolphin, Benq, Ausonia, Daewoo, VIP, Dometic, Corby
Ruwi 24796629/32
24501965 / 66
24798222
Belltel
Nokia
Ruwi 24798222
Emax
Multibrand
MCC 24558062, Fax 24558063
Genetco
Sanyo, Videocon, Fujitsu, Thomson, York, Yamaha, Canon, HAAS, AEG, Sure, Caravell, Gulf Star, Safari, Admiral, Francia, Mitsubishi, Marc Climatic, Vortice, Guntner, Zanussi , Ziegra Imesa, Bitzer , Manitowoc, Bremer, Dito- Electrolux, Metro, Taylor, Costan
Al Qurum 24568806 Al Qurum 24561948 Muttrah 24713138 Ruwi 24830919 Seeb 24422797 Shatti al Qurum 24693292
24503653
HiTec Centre
Boston Accoustics, Denon, Leica, Polk Audio
Azaiba 24497384
24497384
Jashanmal
Mytag, Hoover
24702312
Jawahir Oman
Bang & Olufsen
Qurm 24563213
24563213
Jumbo Electronics
Sony, VAIO, Sony professional Products, Blackberry, Supra, Midea Air-conditioners, Casio, Brother Sewing Machines, Acer, HP, Dyson, Gorenje
MBD 24818358, Al Araimi 24565845 QCC 24470529, Salalah 23291984
Wadi Kabir 24814815, 24814751, Fax 24815267
Khimji Luxury
Krups, Moulinex
Ruwi 24796161
99881627
K R Household
O General, Siemens
Wadi Kabir 24813333
24814793
K R P&G
Braun, Oral-B
24831045
24831045
Loay International
Macintosh, Benq, Epson, Sokkia, Acer
24708795
24708845
MHD
Fagor, Pioneer
Ruwi 24732440
24732440
Meta Galaxy
Hitachi
Ruwi 24503653
24503653
Moayyed Integrated Ente
Daewoo Electronics
24488795
24488795
Molecules
Micromax
24830108
24830108
Muscat Electronics
Daikin, Wansa, Ricoh, Chigo, Media, G-Hanz, Sony Professional products
Ruwi 24702985, 24799246 Sohar:26845647, Salalah:23291617
24813408,24560874
Mustafa Sultan Electronics (MSE)
Samsung, Haier, Philips, Nevica, Whirlpool
Al Khuwair 24636015
Wadi Kabir 24818018
Oman Intl. Electronics & Trading Co.
Bose, Nec, JVC
Qurm 24565490
24830606
Oman Modern Electronics Co.
Sharp, JBL, Mastergas, Harman/Kardon, Onida, Nikai
24702555
24702555
OMASCO
Raymond Weil, Kolber, Westar, Alba, Maxima, HMT, Panasonic, Xper, Aftron, Black&Decker, GE
Qurm, 24564310 Ruwi 24833630
24560232
OMASCO - System Solutions
Panasonic
24565696
24565696
Oman Trading Est.
Bosch, LG, Palson, TCL, Prolux, Promate, Pearl, Souq Technia, GHanz, White Westinghouse, Hostess, Kenstar,
Ruwi 24834162 Al Araimi 2456148, 24810522
24810522, 24810156, 80075545
Photocentre
Amano, Archivtechnik Kunze, Unomat Intl., Broncolor, Delkin Devices, Fuji Film, Epson, Green Clean, Hama, Hasselbald, Marumi, Mitsubishu Electric, Peli, Sigma, Sinar
Qurm 24565305 Al Khuwair 24479296
Sarco
Samsung, Technoflame
Ruwi
Ghala 24593025
Sayed Bin Nasser Al Hashar
Ariston, Rinnai, Voltas, JBL, Kirloskar, Kardex, Lexmark
Ruwi 24700571 Ruwi 24706004, 24796007 Ruwi High Street 24834460 Salalah 23291405, Sohar 26840763 Sur 25544613
24704494
Salman Store
Seb, Janome, Coolex
24799332
Shah Nagardas Manji Co.
Kodak, Olympus, Yashica, Cokin, Case Logic, Lexar, Noritsu, Durst, Bushnell, Eiki, Iriver, Steiner, Tasco, White Westinghouse, Igloo, Venus, Russel Hobbs, Addis, Noritake, Ocean, Wenger
Ruwi , Qurm 24562656 Lulu Baushe 24593806, Nizwa 25410184
Technical Trading Co
Westinghouse
Ruwi 24703515, Fax 24700010
If you would like to be listed, e-mail: tech@deenarmedia.com
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