Gladget Magazine December 2011 by Gladget Magazine

A Big Fan

MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 Power Edition

Superior Audio

Hands On! Tablet computers are here to stay!

Beats by Dr Dre

I S S U E 1 4 / Vo l . 2 December 2011

w w w. g l a d ge t . c o. z a

“2”, “PlayStation” and “KHJL” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “Ã” is a trademark of the same company. “SONY” and “Ô” are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. Medieval Moves ©2011 Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. Published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Developed by Zindagi Games. All rights reserved.

master the

moves of battle

Grab your PlayStation Move controller and make every swing, slash and dodge count for real as you battle Morgrimm’s skeleton army. Medieval Moves. Only for PlayStation Move.

za.playstation.com

Inside 6 From the Editor

8 In Hand Modern tablet computers investigated 14 Photography Primer On the go 20 Reviews Graphics,sound and more... 60 DVD Seen A selection of movies to enjoy 68 Money to Burn Puzzling... 70 Inner Workings Getting wound up 74 Dead End What will never be...

THIS MONTH’S COVER Tablet computers... tech evolution at work. See the feature on page 8.

gladget contents • issue 14 • December 2011

Reviews

MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 Power Edition

Apacer AH350 USB Flash Drive

Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro

Logitech Z323 Speaker System

Asus HD 6950 DirectCU II

HP Pavilion dv6

LG Optimus 3D LG-P920

Beats by Dr Dre

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

Apacer AE700 Embedded Card Reader

Design & Photography: 1337 Media

Logitech H600 Wireless Headset

Technical Support: Brian Murdoch

MSI WindPad 7

Marketing Contact: Katia Taliadoros katia@gladget.co.za

Logitech S125i Portable Speaker System

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (X360)

GLADGET Volume 2 Issue 14 December 2011 Editor: Walt Pretorius walt@gladget.co.za Writers: Brian Murdoch Charlie Fripp Christo van Gemert Dylan Bouch Alex Scanlon Rob Edwards Letters: letters@gladget.co.za Competition Entries: competitions@gladget.co.za Newsletter Subscriptions: www.gladget.co.za

technology. simply. CREATED USING

Adobe CS5

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (X360)

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (PS3)

Saint’s Row: the Third (PS3)

MASTER SUITE

All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced, copied or transmitted without the express permission of the publishers. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editors and publishers. All Trademarks and Registered Trademarks are the sole property of the respective owners.

GAMECCA is published by 1337 MEDIA

gladget contents • issue 14 • December 2011

Tabbing... From the Editor

by Walt Pretorius

o the keyboard drama continues... or at least, it did, up until the time that I treated myself to an early Christmas present. Now my noisy typing problem is pretty much over, and I have something to play Angry Birds on, too! Yes, that’s right, I am finally the owner of a tablet computer. And it’s mine... it’s not a review sample that I have to return with a heavy heart in a few weeks. This baby is here to stay. Tablet computers made it onto our cover this month, complete with a feature and two product reviews in the magazine. But aside from those articles, I thought I would throw my two cents in as well. I might only have had the tab for a few weeks at the time of writing this, but already I am at a point where I am not sure how I survived without it. The absolute convenience of it, having a number of work applications, email, the internet and entertainment readily available...

I don’t think I could ever look back at my pre-tablet days without anything but a clucking tongue and a shaking head. It reminds me of a conversation I was involved in not too long ago. It was one of those “when I was a boy” conversations that youngsters roll their eyes at. The members of the conversation were all old enough to remember life before mobile phones, before the Internet, before PCs at home were common. Hell, some of us even remember vinyl and those hideous bellbottom trousers. These conversations often go the way of “in my day, things were much better.” But, seeing as how everyone involved was a bit of a technology geek, this one was quite different. It mentioned things like land lines, and snail mail, and going to the library to do research. It mentioned home movies via a rented 16mm projector, and black and white TV. It mentioned

all these kinds of things and the inevitable conclusion was that “in our day” any one of us would have killed for the convenience of the technology that is around today. And yet it is so easy to take for granted. Many people accept it just because it is there, without taking even the briefest moment to consider how things were before, and how we got to when we are. It seems that many feel technology has become a right, rather than a privilege. Maybe that is so, but there’s nothing amiss with pausing every now and then to appreciate how awesome our lives have become, thanks to the ingenuity and education of all those involved in bringing it to us. Before I leave you to the issue, allow me to wish you and yours all the best for the Festive season. I hope all the gadgets you want are waiting under the tree! g

gladget column • issue 14 • December 2011

INCREDIBLE DEPTH FOR THE ULTIMATE GAMING EXPERIENCE.

South Africa

Experience real-life depth with the new Samsung 3D LED monitor.

Real 120Hz

•

Brighter* 3D images

•

2D to 3D image conversion

* Brightness comparison based upon monitors with same brightness in 2D.

•

www.samsung.com

*3D glasses are required and are included with purchase.

In Hand

Tablet computing takes the world by storm

Feature

by Alex Scanlon

gladget feature â&#x20AC;˘ issue 14 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2011

s with so many other things, technology sometimes falls victim to fads. This generally happens when some gimmicky new tech hits the market, causes a massive stir and then suddenly just fades away. There are some people out there who believe that the new generation of tablet computers are a fad, and that they will soon simply disappear, or be replaced by something else. But there are others who believe that tablet computers, in their current guise, are an important evolution for modern technology. That said, the ideas behind tablet computers aren’t all that new. In fact, the iPad style tablets that get seem around and about these days are really only a new direction of an old concept... Technically, the core concept behind tablet computing - data input and output on a flat information display - can be dated back to 1888, believe it or not, but the true start of modern a let computing is much more recent. In 2001 Microsoft announced specifications for a tablet PC operating system, and the first devices were seen hitting shelves in 2002. Most resembled laptops to a degree, with a screen that could be rotated all the way around, or even a keyboard that could be detached. For almost a decade, these devices were the definition of tablet computing, and can still be found, although their costs are prohibitive to many. These devices are modified computer systems, generally allowing for all the functionality of a ‘normal’ computer, albeit with the option of touch screen input. The evolution of tablet computing took inspiration from these devices, naturally, but also drew ideas from other sources. One such source is the modern smart phone. The popularity of these devices started showing various electronics manufacturers how interested the average consumer was in media consumption. Mobile telephone service providers have understood the value of media, like music and video clips, for some time, but the advent of the smart phone, with larger screens, better connectivity and larger storage capacities, showed consumption of media on the part of consumers was extremely high. This was more than likely the case because the new phones allowed for greater levels of consumption. The company that paid real attention to this idea

gladget feature • issue 14 • December 2011

was Apple. Their iPhone had already proven its worth, and concepts like downloadable applications for the device proved extremely popular. Naturally many people copied the idea, but it was Apple who once again set a trend when they bridged the gap between smart phones and tablet PCs of the time. In April of 2010, the company released the first iPad. This device was a computer in many ways, but also relied on mobile communication and ideas used by smart phones. These next generation computers took the ideas of tablet computers quite a few steps further. Where these devices were traditionally worked with a stylus and relied on a very PC-like Windows based operating system, the newer devices made use of different OSs, and shunned stylus input in favour of finger-based ideas, using multi-touch capacitive touch screens. In addition, these devices make use of solid state flash memory for storage, as opposed to traditional hard drives, and feature faster boot sequences and numerous connectivity options, even making use of mobile telephony standards like 3G. The end result is a cheaper, lighter, slimmer device that is extremely user friendly, relatively powerful and very versatile. While the driving force behind the concept of these modern tablet computers may have been entertainment and media consumption, the promotion of application creation for them, like for smart phones before, has resulted in numerous work based functions being available for them too. As such, their easy portability, quick boot speeds, simple operation and long battery life has made them indispensable work tools for some, in addition to being a source of entertainment. The applications of these ‘slate’ style tablets in numerous industries are many. From healthcare and aviation through to hospitality, they prove to be useful tools in getting the job done. But, like so many things these days, choosing the right tablet computer for your own needs can be tricky. There are many brands and models available, so some thought should go into the matter before rushing a purchase. The first question is the most obvious... size. The two common sizes for these devices feature 10 inch and 7 inch screens. Naturally there is fairly major difference in the physical sizes of these two options, gladget feature • issue 14 • December 2011

gladget feature • issue 14 • December 2011

and there are associated pros and cons. For example, the 7 inch size is easier to carry around, but the smaller screen may be more fiddly to use. The bigger screen of the 10 inch allows for more work space, but the device is not as portable. There are a few that sit in-between these sizes, but you would need to look around for them, as they are not as common. Another consideration is the type of connectivity the device offers. Virtually every tablet computer will offer Wifi and Bluetooth functions, but only some are 3G capable. A 3G enabled device is generally quite a bit more expensive than the others, and there will generally be additional data charges associated these devices use a sim card, just like a cell phone, and access the internet via a cellular service provider, who will charge for the data used. This leads to being able to get a tablet computer on a data contract with many of the cell service providers. The third consideration is storage. Most tablet brands will offer 16GB and 32GB options. In addition to this, certain models feature expandable memory options, in the form of SD card slots. Another very important consideration is the operating system that the tablet computer uses. The three most commonly found in South Africa are Google’s Android, Apple’s OS, Blackberry and Windows based systems. These often come down to personal preference, with Apple and Blackberry fans going the obvious route (to also take advantage of tethering options). A little investigation into the associated application store that supports the device’s OS is a good idea - a large part of using a tablet computer is finding useful apps, fun games and other handy items online. With so many new brands appearing on the market and generally strong support fornapp stores from both developers and consumers, it’s pretty certain that tablet computers are here to stay. The competition is fairly fierce between the various brands, which can only be of benefit to the consumer. In the end, this is a healthy situation that not only spoils the end user for choice, but also spurs on the inevitable evolution that these devices will go through. This branch of computing is certainly not a fad... rather, it is a basis for technological change that will continue to make our gladget feature • issue 14 • December 2011

Photography Primer

Be Prepared Having the right gear on hand...

by Walt Pretorius

gladget regular â&#x20AC;˘ issue 14 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2011

PRESENTED BY

Adobe CS5

MASTER SUITE

t is well known that the Boy Scouts use the motto “be prepared.” However, this piece of wisdom can be applied to a great many ideas, not least of which is photography. Great images can be carefully crafted and worked out, but they also sometimes just happen. How many times did you happen across a scene that made you say “that would be a great photograph,” only to not have a camera handy? There are very few people who can say that this has never happened to them. The trick to avoiding missing these shots is to always be prepared. We don’t mean going about armed with a cell phone camera - it’s not the same. Sure, using the camera built into your cell phone will help you capture an image you might otherwise have missed, but the truth of the matter is that a cell phone camera won’t necessarily deliver the results that you’re looking for. It is good to remember that these are crammed into an already small package, and they a only given the room that is absolutely essential for basic operation. While we are seeing cell phone cameras develop and grow in terms of megapixels, they still only offer a bare bones solution that even the most low end pocket camera can out perform. This adds to the fact that the vast majority of them have lenses that are less than desirable, in that they are small and generally fixed in place. Rather, a keen photographer should consider carrying a camera at all times. This does not necessarily mean carrying around a bag filled with lenses, flashes and other gadgets. A smart photographer will be able to take care of any number of situations without having to resort to the big guns. That does raise an interesting point. It seems that most people, when they get serious about their photography, move to DSLR cameras and shun any form of pocket camera. This is not the best of ideas. The assumption that pocket cameras cannot deliver great images is erroneous. The fact is that, if a photographer is willing to make an investment in getting hold of a good pocket camera, they will find that it can be extremely capable. Sure, some of the versatility offered by DSLR cameras is lost when going this

gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

Photography Primer

gladget regular â&#x20AC;˘ issue 14 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2011

route, but a high end pocket camera is often as effective as a DSLR... it just lacks the ability to change lenses, and might not have all the bells and whistles that a DSLR does. We do not mean to say that photographers should trade in their trusty DSLR kits in favour of pocket cameras. What we’re saying is that a pocket camera makes a valuable addition to the photographer’s arsenal, whether as a backup camera or as an easy solution to always having a camera handy. It should form part of an extensive kit, not replace it. Whether you are going to carry a pocket camera or lug your entire camera kit around with you, there are some practical and essential items that you will need to have. The first, most obvious thing is a bag to carry your gear in. There are many options available, in all kinds of shapes, forms and styles. It is important to note, though, that this is one instance where spending more is generally a good idea. You’ll be wanting a firm bag rather than a soft one, as well as one that will fit your kit snugly. You may want to consider more than one bag if your kit is large; one for ‘essentials’ and others for your extended equipment. If you are going to be carrying a larger kit, you may want to consider a backpack style carry case, like those made by Lowenpro. They are fairly expensive, but they really are top quality, and are easier to manage than a large shoulder bag. One photographer’s essential items may not be the same as another’s. But there are certain items that should form part of any basic kit, particularly if you are going to be carrying it with you wherever you go. Most importantly, the camera; if you’re going to travel with a pocket camera, that’s easy enough, but when it comes to a DSLR, things can get a little trickier. See, it will be tempting to carry every lens that you own but, realistically speaking, this is unnecessary and will add unwanted weight to the kit. One or two lenses should suffice for general purposes, in the form of a basic lens and maybe something with a little more punch in the zoom department. A flash is also a good idea, although it will realistically only be essential in low light conditions. A sturdy tripod or monopod is always a good gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

Photography Primer

gladget regular â&#x20AC;˘ issue 14 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2011

idea, too... there’s a lot to be said for having a ready form of camera stabilisation. When it comes to travelling, monopods are a better option, even though they are more prone to movement than a tripod. They tend to be much smaller and easier to transport. The rest of the travel kit should be made up of peripheral items, like spare batteries and memory cards. You never know when you may run out of power, or storage space. Because they are small, carrying a number of them is easy enough. Another necessity is a decent lens cleaning kit. There are many available on the market, but it is better to go for something that makes use of a dry solution, like carbon powder, than a liquid. There are a number of reasons for this, including avoiding carrying any form of liquids in your kit, as well as problems that may arise from using sun standard cleaning liquids. There are a few ‘all-inone’ solutions on the market, where the polisher and blower are built into one fairly compact unit. A polishing cloth is also necessary when using a powder based kit... just make sure it’s a good one. Most kits will come with a decent cloth. It may seem strange to advise carrying a cleaning kit... surely regular maintenance will suffice? The truth is, though, that dust and dirt can get onto your lens very easily, and a perfect shot can be ruined by a lens that isn’t sparkling clean. And don’t assume that dust can’t creep into your DSLR body. Even if you travel with the lens attached, dust gets everywhere. It can be the photographer’s worst enemy. Getting into the habit of quickly checking the surface glass of the lens when you remove the lens cap is a good thing to do. There are variety of other things that you can include in a travel kit, but always remember that you want to keep things easy to get go, and quick to use. Those carrying a DSLR may well want to have their lens fitted in the bag, for example, to save time. In the end, it’s up to personal preference and practicality... but travelling with some kind of camera and a few kit items will ensure that those awesome accidental moments never go unrecorded again. g gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

Reviews Highlights 22 MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 Power Edition Fan power! 28 Asus HD 6950 DirectCU II Monster! 30 HP Pavilion dv6 Style and power 34 Beats by Dr Dre Superior audio

nd so a very exciting year for technology drws to a close. We have seen some great hardware and gadgets hit the shelve in 2011, and we’reextremely excited to see what 2012 brings... This month’sreviews arerather audio heavy, which is great for all those Festive Season parties you’re sure to be ttending or hosting. We also look at some gaphics options, as well as two tablets, and a host of otherstuff that would make great Christms gifts! g

gladget review • issue 14 • December 2011

MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 Power Edition

Wind Storm

With a fan like that, it can only be cool! by Walt Pretorius

ast month we featured a really monstrous video card option from MSI. But not everyone can afford a really bug spec graphics card, particularly when you consider that these things have a limited shelf life. OK, so the bigger ones have a longer viable life so an, yes, but you get what we’re saying. This month we take a look at a more affordable Radeon option from MSI that is still very capable and even has a monstrous feature. When you take the R6850 Cyclone IGD5 Power Edition out of the box, you will notice a few things about it right off the bat; it is a bit shorter than many of the options on the market today, and it doesn’t have an external casing. The card is, for want of a better term, naked. But both those observations will play second fiddle to the absolutely huge heat dissipation array that the card sports. This heat dissipation system is comprised of three main parts; a larger than usual fan, a large number

of aluminium fins and dual heat pipes to carry the heat to them. The whole thing is designed for improved air flow, too, and the result is significantly cooler operation. Surprisingly, this set up is also fairly quiet. Under strain there is a bit of noise, but two preset fan speed profiles mean that you can either have it going all blazes when using demanding software, or set it to silent mode for less noise when cooling isn’t as important. Armed with a Radeon HD 6850 chipset and 1GB of GDDR5 memory, it will handle most tasks asked of it well. And if the user wants a little more, the usual MSI Afterburner software makes over locking easy. This combines with the chipset’s 6+1 Phase Power System, which provides a better power management system and, as a result, better and more reliable overclocking. As with all MSI graphics car these days, this one comes with Military Class II components. Those include tantalum core Hi-Caps, aluminium core solid capacitor and super ferrite chokes. g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

The end result; increased stability, longer life, better performance under strain, less noise and no chance of explosions. That last one always amuses us, but a component explosion really is no laughing matter. With all that said, this card is still in a price range that doesn’t qualify it as being too of the line. And while it features most of the bells and whistles one would expect from a Radeon chipset these days, they’re not quite as impressive as those of some of its stable-mates. For example, it has Eyefinity functionality, but only supports up to three screens, rather than the five we see with other cards. Outputs come in the form of two DVI ports, as well as one Displayport and one HDMI port. If you have little or no reason to go for a top of the line graphics card, this MSI solution should take care of your needs quite nicely. It is Crossfire compatible, too, so putting a few of these guys together will be a good option, particularly when you consider the effective cooling that each one will have. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Very cool • Good performance

CONS:

• Only 1GB RAM

Manufacturer: MSI Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R2199

TECH SPECS: • Radeon 6580 HD chipst • 1GB GDDR5 RAM • 1 Displayport • 1 HDMI port • 2 DVI ports

Score

A smaller graphics offering with a huge cooling system…

80 23

Apacer AH350 USB Flash Drive

Bigger

A handy size all round by Rob Edwards

he USB flash drive has got to be one of the handiest peripheral devices around. Before these marvellous little sticks showed up, transporting large amounts of data was something of a pain. But, as our computers have become more powerful, the need for larger capacity USB flash drives has arisen. Apacer’s AH350 offers the user a fairly generous 16GB storage capacity, combined with the speed of USB 3.0 technology. This means that data transfers are about as fast as they are going to get in a USB compatible format. The drive is made out of tough plastic, and features that handy, retractable idea that keeps the USB interface safe. To side the USB plug out requires a bit of pressure to be placed on the slide lock at the side of the unit, so it won’t open up accidentally, either. And, of course, Apacer’s track record with solid state memory devices is very good, meaning that the user can carry the AH350 with confidence that the data it is storing will be safe. In addition, the price is rather nice, too! g

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Handy • Nice size • Slider

CONS:

• Slider lock can stick a bit

TECH SPECS: • 16GB • USB 3.0 • Slider design

Manufacturer: Apacer Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R269

Score

A handy, fast flash drive.

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

A keyboard makes all the difference by Alex Scanlon

he range of Sony Ericsson Xperia handsets doesn’t seem likely to stop growing any time soon. Perhaps that’s a good thing; these popular mobile phone manufacturers obviously want to produce a product for every taste! For those that want easy communication options, the Xperia Pro is a good choice. It comes with all the expected bells and whistles, like an 8 megapixel camera, video recording (although not in HD), expandable memory, blue tooth and all the trimmings of Google’s Android operating system, all presented with the expected Xperia flavour. What sets the Pro apart, though - and makes it the best choice in the range, in our opinion - is the slide-out, full QWERTY keyboard it offers the keen communicator. Being ‘side-mounted’, the keyboard really is rather generous in size, all things considered. Additionally, the keys are clearly defined (sort of a mobile version of a chicklet keyboard) and the whole thing feels really sturdy. A reassuring yet quiet click accompanies every keystroke, so you know you’re hitting all the right buttons. If you’re after an Xperia, and you don’t want to have g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

to tap out messages on the overly small touch screen keyboard, this one is the best option. In fact, it’s the best Xperia option no matter what you’re looking for. g

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Keyboard! • Stylish

CONS:

• Doesn’t really stand out from the crowd

Manufacturer: Sony Ericsson Distributor: Sony Ericsson Online: www.sonyericsson.com RRP: R5999

TECH SPECS: • QWERTY keyboard • 8 mp camera • MicroSD slot • Video recording • Android OS

Score

The addition of a QWERTY keyboard makes it a top-notch Xperia

81 25

Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro

Buttons!

Logitech Z323 Speaker System

Sturdy Sound Despite the wires…

by Rob Edwards

here is something that is important to consider whenever you buy a new piece of hardware or a funky gadget; always be aware of what it actually is. That might sound like a silly statement, but it’s not uncommon for people to spend a lot of hard earned cash on something that isn’t exactly what they want, thanks to misleading statements made by salespeople, spurious claims made on product packaging, or simply a plain misunderstanding of what the product is designed for. The Logitech Z323 Speaker System is a product that could lead to that kind of situation, but not because of false representation. Rather, the function of this portable speaker set might be misunderstood. See the Z323 is designed to deliver 360 degree sound. But that’s not surround sound, so keep that in mind. With the wealth of headsets and other systems claiming surround sound capabilities, it’s easy to get confused. Rather, what this speaker system offers is ‘smooth

sound’. And it does so very well, through carefully considered speaker placement. The system is comprised of two stereo speakers, as well as a relatively small, yet powerful subwoofer. The subwoofer has a host of connectors built into the back, as well as a bass level control. The speaker itself is mounted in the base of the unit, and fires downward. That may seem a bit strange, but the result is smooth, deep bass. Miss and highs are taken care of by the two stereo speakers. Each of these features an additional, rear firing speaker, to help create that even distribution of sound waves that helps make this such a fantastic speaker set. And we shouldn’t be surprised by the audio quality; Logitech are no slouches when it comes to delivering top-notch sound, after all. It is very seldom that the performance from one of their speaker systems is not good. But there are a few other issues with the Z323 that may put some people off. First off, while the speakers aren’t massive, they certainly aren’t the most easily portable. g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

This is largely because of the nest of wires needed to run them. Sure, you can carry them around, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to want to. Realistically, there are more portable solutions... these are best in a permanent desktop setup. Another something that some many not like is the finish. The satellite speakers have a bright plastic covering which shows up fingers marks quicker than you can say ‘stereo’. With the main power and volume control being mounted into the front of one of them, avoiding touching that glossy finish is difficult. Not the end of the world, but people have not bought products for lesser reasons than that. When all is said and done, though, the Z323 system delivers exactly what it should; great stereo sound. At 30 watts RSM it isn’t the most powerful speaker system around, but that should be more than enough for most users. Good quality, solid construction and great performance are things that Logitech deliver very often, and the Z323 speaker system is no different. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Good sound • Versatile

CONS:

• Not very portable

Manufacturer: Logitech Distributor: Logitech Online: www.logitech.com RRP: R800

TECH SPECS: • Stereo speaker system • 30 Watts RMS • Multiple connection options • Integrated headphone jack • Multiple system compatibility

Score

A great sound option, but not extremely portable.

85 27

Asus HD 6950 DirectCU II Graphics Card

Goliath

Big performance in a massive package by Rob Edwards

adeon’s 6950 chipset isn’t their most powerful graphics option available, but its performance certainly isn’t something to sniff at. Combined with the technology that Asus generally pours into their graphic card products, and you’re in for reliable performance from the Asus HD 6950 DirectCU II card. Performance needs to be balanced with a few other factors, though. One of them is price, and Asus, for all their excellent quality, tends to be on an uncomfortable side of the scale. The other consideration that comes in – although not often – is the size of the unit. Most graphics cards these days will take up two bays at the back of your PC case. But not this baby. It’s mammoth, a huge card that will swallow up three bays, instead of the normal two. That’s a lot of space, and those who want to make use of more than one card will need to have the right mother-board and case to use this absolutely gargantuan graphics card. So with it being on the hefty side in a few areas,

does it compare in performance? Is it a heavy-hitter when it comes to delivering the goods, too? The answer, quite simply, is yes. Asus routinely manage to make their hardware jump through delicate hoops that others seem unable to achieve, making their performance just that bit more impressive. When compared to other cards carrying this particular chipset, the Asus model is extremely impressive. The 2GB of GDDR5 RAM built in doesn’t hurt, either, and makes it one of the more well-endowed cards in terms of memory. This is largely because they can push this particular piece of hardware that bit more, thanks to their extremely effective DirectCU cooling technology. Twin fans keep this card cool, combined with generous heat sinks and cooling components that are in direct content with the graphics processor. Using Super Early Power technology allows to perform better, at cooler temperature, and for longer. Even though this card can handle quite a lot of strain, it does so – for g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

want of a better term – elegantly. Overclocking is fairly simple, too, thanks to bundled proprietary Asus software. As with all Radeons these days, this card also supports Eyefinity, the system that allows up to six monitors to be used to create one big picture. It’s a great idea, but we’re still of the opinion that it’s a little bit of overkill, particularly locally. Either way, the card comes with two DVI ports and four DisplayPort slots, to allow enough monitors to be connected. There is no doubt that this card is a solid performer. It’s not the absolute top of the range, but it certainly is up there. It offers a good, smooth performance, with even the most demanding games breezing along well as it hums away – surprisingly quietly, at that. But we’re battling with getting past the size of it. It seems… excessive. Sure, to keep it cool at high performance, it probably needs to be this big and, quite frankly, the big size helps it stay cooler. But man, it’s huge. Really. Huge. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Good under pressure • Runs very cool

CONS: • Huge!

Manufacturer: Asus Distributor: Asus Online: www.asus.com RRP: TBC

TECH SPECS: • Radeon 6590 chipset • Direct CU II • 2GB GDDR5 • 2 x DVI ports • 6 x DisplayPorts • 2 fans

Score

It’s a powerful card in a really big package. It will consume a lot of physical space in your PC case.

90 29

HP Pavilion dv6

Stylish Performance Looks good, feel good, runs beautifully.

by Walt Pretorius

he laptop market is probably stronger than it has ever been. Miniaturisation of components keeps progressing, and new materials are allowing better parts to be built into smaller housings. It is an exciting time, as we see the overall performance and power of laptop devices increasing to a point where there can rival desktop computers... even displaying gaming capability, which was always a no-no for laptops in the past. In fact, these days seeing an impressive set of specs in a laptop is not all that unusual. The real powerhouses are still creeping into the market, but they are certainly becoming more common. That the HP Pavilion dv6 as an example. HP have a strong reputation for creating very decent laptops, and this one is no different. The first impression it makes is a good one. The majority of its casing is made out of brushed steel, a light gun metal in colour. The rest is durable black plastic. On the inside, the metal look continues over

the whole lower portion of the device, set into which are a stylish black, chicklet style keyboard and a black, slightly left aligned navigation pad. The 15.6 inch screen is surrounded by a shiny black plastic trim, which also houses an integrated TrueVision webcam. A discrete finger print reader and power button, as we’ll as an Internet shortcut button, round off the looks. A full array of ports, including four USB ports and an HDMI output, can also be found on the exterior, as well as a DVD optical drive. But the real joy of this capable and stylish laptop lies under the hood... At the core of its performance, which is excellent, lies a i7 2GHz processor, supported by a chunky 6GB of DDR3 RAM. Further performance comes from the new Intel HM65 Express chipset, as well as the on board Radeon graphics chip. The 750GB of hard drive storage is also more than you will find in most laptops, but a terabyte might have been a bit nicer. Also on-board is a Beats Audio system, which delivers g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

excellent sound. It’s still better with a set of headphones, but the sound quality from the built in speakers is better than expected. In terms of battery life, the performance is not too shabby at all, although no laptop ever has enough power that the user can simply leave their charger at home. And, of course, it comes preloaded with a number of great utilities and tools, designed by HP with their range specifically in mind. The Pavilion dv6 is a little on the heavy side but, with that said, one has to remember that this is a very solidly constructed machine. It is also extremely comfortable to use, with bright clear graphics from the LED screen complimenting the sensible layout. And it’s performance is very, very good. Sure, it’s not the biggest machine we have seen in the form of a laptop, but it certainly is no slouch either. It is impressive looking, and strikes a near perfect balance between style and power. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Looks great • Powerful

CONS: • Heavy

Manufacturer: HP Distributor: HP Online: www.hp.co.za RRP: R10 000

TECH SPECS: • • • • • •

i7 2GHz CPU 6GB DDR3 RAM 750GB HDD 15.6” screen Radeon graphics Beats audio

Score

With good looks and great specs, this baby is a winner.

90 31

LG Optimus 3D LG-P920 Handset

Seeing Double 3D on a cell phone? You bet!

by Alex Scanlon

t seems that the days when people wanted smaller mobile devices are more or less gone. These days, phones have become a lot bigger, and bragging rights have moved away from how diminutive the device is and have settled in the regions that cover impressive screen size. And that’s one thing that the LG Optimus 3D has going for it... a large screen. In truth, this new handset has a lot going for it, besides the large touch screen that dominates the front of the device. Using the increasingly popular Android OS, the Optimus 3D offers the user everything that is expected from a modern communication device. This includes things like Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity and HDMI video recording, apart from the host of functions common to smart phones. It’s most impressive feature, though, is something that is new to the market: glasses free 3D. Using technology similar to that found in the Nintendo 3DS, the phone’s screen delivers autostereoscopic images, and even sports dual 5 megapixel cameras for taking 3D photographs. It’s a bit of a gimmick, but a cool one, none-the-less. It also obviously contributes to the phone’s heavier-than-expected weight.

If your tech tastes lean towards the unusual and the innovative, the Optimus 3D will provide you with a lot to show off. g

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• 3D • Reliable

CONS:

• A bit of a gimmick

Manufacturer: LG Distributor: LG Online: www.lg.co.za RRP: R5499

TECH SPECS: • Glasses free 3D • Android OS • Dual 5mp cameras • Bluetooth • Wifi • 4.3” screen

Score

The most nifty addition to cell phones in years…

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Beats by Dr Dre

Thumping! Really, really good sound…

by Rob Edwards

ruly great sound is something that is often promised, but those promises aren’t always delivered on. This is doubly true when it comes to headphones. So often we purchase a music device, only to find that the accompanying headphones suck. The only solution is to buy third party headphones, but this can be as dangerous a mine field as relying on bundled headphones. See, many manufacturers claim the power and clarity of their headphones, but few actually deliver quite what they are supposed to. So finding a set like these Beats by Dr Dre is really quite a blessing. These headphones have been designed with clear, crisp sound across all ranges in mind, but the claims made on the packaging are not just empty promises. Beats really deliver. This foldable headset is fairly sturdily constructed, although the shiny plastic finish shows finger marks very quickly. The folding mechanism is very well put together, and allows for the Beats to fit snuggly into a

carry case provided for that purpose. The ear cups are generous, and lined with comfortable cushions that won’t hurt the user’s ears, even after extended periods of use. The left cup houses a AAA battery compartment to provide power to one of these headphones best features: noise cancellation. When it is turned on, a large amount of background noise is cut out. It’s not perfect - don’t expect every little outside sound to disappear - but it cuts out the majority of the noise that might creep into your music listening. As far as sound goes, the Beats are excellent. They may cost a little more, but the quality of audio that they deliver really is top notch. Crisp mids and highs are complemented by truly rich bass, which is something that is often missing from headphones. The comfortable ear cups and padded headband, as well as the fairly light weight of the headset make it possible to really lose yourself in the music. The Beats come with two cables that need to be plugged g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

into the headphones and audio device, although only one at a time. One of them has an integrated microphone, for use with cell phones, which is a really nice touch. On the downside, the cables are far too short, and a quick head movement could see them unplugged at either end. On the whole, though, they’re an excellent option for those that want - or need - excellent sound reproduction. And they’re easy to carry around... they even come with an adapter so that they can be used with airline music systems, rather than the truly nasty headphones supplied on planes. The entire kit fits beautifully into the supplied carry case, which has a firm shell to help avoid damage. Aside from the lamentable cable length, Beats by Dr Dre offers the user not only excellent sound, but everything they could need from their headphones in one package; interchangeable cables, adapters, a carry case and comfort. But above all, the sound... it’s really top notch. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Great sound • Comfortable • Convenient

CONS:

• Short cables • Pricey

TECH SPECS: • Sound dampening • Interchangeable cables • Foldable

Manufacturer: Monster Distributor: TBC Online: TBC RRP: R2700

Score

Awesome headphones for those that take their music seriously.

91 35

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

The Middle… An unusual size…

by Walt Pretorius

he market for tablet computers is really exploding at the moment, thanks to the inspired idea to make them simple, portable touch screen devices. The thing is, though, that most people will need to choose between the larger 10 inch screen devices, and the more portable 7 inchers. That leaves a fair amount of middle ground that is not taken care of... or is it? Samsung have proven their ability with their Galaxy Tab range (so much so that Apple aren’t very happy with them) and, as a bonus, they have an option that straddles the middle ground between size and convenience. It comes in the form of the Galaxy Tab 8.9, and it offers a choice that is, at present, somewhat unusual and rather enticing. His device is all about delivering the best of both worlds and, to a large degree, it does just that. The 8.9 inch TFT screen is an unusual size (which does cause problems if you’re after a third party carry case) that

allows for both convenient use and easy transportation. The screen is large enough to work on easy, yet small enough not to make the device unwieldy. The real beauty lies inside the casing. The dual core 1GHz processor chugs along smoothly, supported by a fairly generous 724mb of RAM. Power is supplied by a 6100mAh rechargeable battery, that provides a decent usage period before recharging is needed. This is done via a unified cable that serves as a PC interface cable as well. Storage comes in the firm of 16gb of on-board memory (on the model we tested). Sadly, there is no SD or other card slot to expand that a little, but with clever usage, the 16gb can go quite a long way. The device also features from and rear cameras, audio outputs and all the other little things one would expect from such a device. Connectivity is provided by Wifi and Bluetooth, as well as a 3G functionality that allows full internet access via multiple cellular connection systems. And, being an Android OS tablet, it naturally has full g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

access to a growing library of useful applications and games. The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is remarkably thin and light, and offers a brilliant responsiveness, whether it be in navigating, switching programs, or even changing the orientation of the tab. The accelerometers used are extremely quick. It also comes preloaded with a number of useful applications, too. If a 10 inch tab is just too big, but a 7 inch tab feels far too fiddly, this unusually sized device might be exactly where you want to look. With excellent battery life, a slick design and wonderful performance, Samsung have filled a gap in the market by providing a product that offers the best of both worlds, while more or less avoiding the problems. Sure, we would really have liked to see an expandable memory option, like on the older Galaxy Tab devices, but that really is the only complaint we can level at this unique and capable device. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Great size • Quick • Handy

CONS:

• No memory expansion options

Manufacturer: Samsung Distributor: Samsung Online: www.samsung.com RRP: R5299

TECH SPECS: • 1GHz dual core CPU • 724MB RAM • 8.9” screen • Wifi • 3G

Score

An unusual size of tab, bridging the gap between more common models.

90 37

Apacer AE700 Embedded Card Reader

Built In

Never lose your card reader again by Alex Scanlon

emory cards come in all shapes and sizes these days, and add a lot of versatility to a wide variety of devices. Quite often, though, those cards may need to interface with a PC... to shift files around, or whatever. That means the devices need to come with cables, and generally one of two things happens. Either the cable gets lost, or the user ends up with a mess of wires and spends far too much time trying to sort through them while trying to find the right one. The obvious solution, of course, is to buy a card reader... this is particularly true if you make use of many different types of memory cards. But there is still the issue of losing the card reader, or the cable it needs. And if you’re anything like me, you’re bound to lose it at one time or another... Apacer has a solution to all of these problems, in the

form of the Apacer AE700 Embedded Card Reader. Losing this device would be quite a feat, because it doesn’t just plug into the PC via a USB port. Rather, it is permanently fitted, using up a floppy drive slot on the front of the PC’s case. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem; most cases still have these slots, even though the associated drives aren’t in common use anymore. In fact, it almost makes one feel like the case is being properly utilised... On the downside, the reader is essentially still a USB device, which means that it needs to interface with one of the front side USB pin clusters on your motherboard. To mitigate the potential loss of a front side USB port, the reader also provides a place to plug USB devices in, though. This is in addition to the wide array of cards that the reader already interfaces with: compact flash, microdrive, g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

MS, MS Pro, M2, xD, MMC, SD and microSD cards can all be plugged into this convenient device. The device also has two LEDs mounted on the front, to indicate power and access. In short, it’s extremely handy. There is one little rub, though... it’s fixed to one machine. In that, it is only ever as portable as your PC case is. Additionally, it cannot be swapped between computers. Once it’s in, it’s in. That said, if you do your computer work at a desk-top and don’t need to carry a card reader around, or if you’re looking for a convenient additional card reader that you stand no chance of misplacing, the AE700 is an excellent bet. It’s only USB 2.0, but that’s not too shabby when it comes to transferring data off of memory cards. And the convenience of having a card reader built into the front of your desk top case, particularly if you work with cards a lot, cannot be understated. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Never lose it • Excellent support • No wires

CONS:

• USB 2.0 • Not portable

TECH SPECS: • Multi-format support • USB port • USB 2.0

Manufacturer: Apacer Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R99

Score

A handy device for people who don’t move around a lot.

79 39

Logitech H600 Wireless Headset

Audio on the Move Free yourself from wires!

by Walt Pretorius

reedom from wires is something that may seem like a luxury, but once you have experienced it, going back to the restrictive tethers that wired devices are is difficult. Being able to enjoy a freer environment is great, and Logitech are well aware of this. They have produced wireless devices for quite some time, but their move into wireless headphones has been a little more recent. A few months ago we looked at their F540 headset, specifically designed for gamers who want wireless sound via multiple platforms. This time around, though, we look at a headset designed for PC users, whether desktop or laptop based. The Logitech H600 Wireless Headset uses a tiny USB nano-receiver, similar to those used with their wireless mouse and keyboard products. This tiny device plugs into a USB port and transmits to the wireless headset. It also marks the only real weakness with this product... it needs to be used with a computer. That said, the setup is extremely simple... just plug it in.

He foldable headset is not as bulky as one might expect. Despite fairly generous ear cups and a few controls, the unit is quite small, and very light weight, which helps for comfort during extended use. The ear cups are covered with a breathable foam and sit rather lightly on the ears another comfort plus. The right hand ear cup houses a power switch, mute button (for the adjustable microphone, also situated on the right) and a mini USB port for recharging. A battery life of around six hours is claimed, which appears to be accurate, depending on usage, of course. On the left, there is a socket to store the nano-receiver. What is missing is any form of volume control. This would have been handy, but probably would have resulted in a larger, heavier headset. Still, the convenience of being able to move up to ten meters away from the nano-receiver and still get good sound is lessened by the fact that you will need to control volume from the PC in question. g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e â&#x20AC;˘ i s s u e 1 4 â&#x20AC;˘ D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Not a disaster, but still a little bit of a tether... As far as audio quality goes, this headset delivers excellent sound. We have come to expect that from Logitech products, but the company still seems to be getting better and better in terms of audio delivery... a very good thing. Their laser tuning of drivers certainly seems to get the job right; the audio quality from this unit is crisp and clear. While it may lack the versatility of some other headsets, it is perfect for those who need personal audio solutions for their PC, combined with the freedom to move around. If, for example, you are a habitual music-listener, it’s great to be able to get up to make a cup of coffee without having to take a break from your tunes. The battery life is decent, and the unit can still be used while it recharges via the USB cable. Overall, this headset lives up to the high standard of quality that we have come to expect from Logitech... it’s great. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• USB dependant

CONS:

• Great sound • Light • Mobility!

TECH SPECS: • • • • •

Nano-receiver Wireless Rechargeable Microphone Foldable

Manufacturer: Logitech Distributor: Logitech Online: www.logitech.com RRP: R699

Score

Great sound for those who need PC based headphones.

89 41

MSI WindPad 7

The Smaller Option A tab that’s easy to transport

by Walt Pretorius

echnology and its inexorable march to whoknows-where is a wonderful thing, because it keeps us guessing. Where we’re going to go next is anyone’s guess, really... but we can be pretty certain that what tomorrow holds will be exciting. Another thing we can be fairly certain on is that every good idea will be copied and cloned, and often improved upon. Early adopters may get neat stuff before the rest of us, but a little patience sometimes means getting a better product. This most certainly is the case with the tablet market. We’re not talking the pill-popping variety here, but rather the touch sensitive, portable computing solutions that are all the rage these days. They might have started out as the brain child of the late Steve Jobs, but these days it seems like everyone and their mothers are getting into the tab game. And with good reason. These devices offer a great amount of versatility. They are extremely useful devices. But the larger tabs are not the most portable. Sure, they aren’t as bulky as laptops, but smaller is still better

in many cases. MSI’s solution is the WindPad 7 inch tablet computer. This device makes use of the increasingly popular 7 inch screen size, which is almost small enough to fit in your pocket. Almost. But there is a point where convenience and efficiency no longer exist together and, depending on your requirements, 7 inches may be that spot. Not only that, but there are aspects of this MSI tablet that just feel a little too light-weight. Strangely, it’s weight is not one of them... it is one of the heavier 7 inch tabs on the market. That’s likely because of its mostly metal construction, which adds a nice solidity to the unit. It is powered by a 1GHz processor, and packs 512mb of RAM. We would have liked to see a little more RAM, to be honest, and the 4GB of internal storage that the device sports is far too little. That said, it does have a microSD card slot for expanded memory, so it’s not too much of a train smash. The side mounted menu buttons are a nice feature, as g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

they help reduce on-screen clutter. Volume and power buttons are mounted on the edge of the device, as well as a mini USB port (for charging and PC connection) and a very handy HDMI out port and headphone jack. Elements like dual cameras, smart brightness and full HD playback are almost a given with every tablet these days, and are also present here. And all of this comes at a nice price. This does make this particular unit something of a budget option, though, and it should really be seen as such... the minimised spec in some areas make it sluggish. Even the accelerometer response is kind of slow, which may or may not be a problem for you. This tab is a good option for someone looking for such a device at a friendly price. It is powered by Android, but you will need a Wifi connection to access the internet... it has no 3G abilities. It saves costs on bandwidth, but is less convenient. On the whole it is a good, affordable tablet, but lacks some of the punch of the more expensive options. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Small • Convenient

CONS:

• No 3G • Feels sluggish

Manufacturer: MSI Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R1999

TECH SPECS: • 1GHz CPU • 512MB Ram • 4GB internal storage • Wifi • MicroSD compatible • HDMI out

Score

A good smaller option, but it still has a few issue…

79 43

Logitech S125i Portable Speaker System

Sound Around A great option for Apple users

by Alex Scanlon

he iPod thing will continue for... well, probably for ever. Apple’s stylish music players can be seen everywhere these days, and have even extended their reach into iPhones and iPads. But keeping music personal isn’t always ideal and, because of this, a host of first and third party iPod docks are available on the market... and new ones keep appearing. Finding an effective one can be extremely tricky, because there are so many out there. And many of them just don’t deliver at a standard that they should. And then you get a device like the Logitech S125i Portable Speaker System, which does exactly the opposite: it delivers at a level that is unexpected and, quite frankly, astounding. Able to interface with iPods and iPhones, this speaker system is nothing short of fantastic. It is light weigh and very portable, with power options for batteries and mains. And yet the sound quality from this stereo system is truly remarkable, both in terms of tonality

and volume. Sound production across the full spectrum is crisp and clear, and the included bass boost system, which is great for lower volumes, is almost not necessary. The angled position of the speakers is also a plus, as it helps deliver better stereo. And volume? Well, punching the volume button repeatedly eventually elevated noise levels to party volumes, and it just seemed to be getting louder with every press. Even at what we believed was the highest volume level (there is sadly no indicator) the sound reproduction was clear and free of any distortion. The little speakers on this baby really are top notch, loud and clear. Four AA batteries will deliver up to ten hours of battery life, depending on volume levels, while using the included power adapter will not only give limitless tunes, but will also turn the dock into a charging station, which never hurts. The only real downside to this system is that it is a little ugly. The speaker covers are a bright white metal, while g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

the rest of the device is made out of a sturdy black plastic. The end result is that the whole thing looks a little... well, it ain’t all that pretty or stylish. That said, the overall design of it is still fairly slick (oh, and did I forget to mention the white battery hatch cover?) OK, the looks are a personal preference, I admit; a friend who saw it standing on my desk loved the design. It is not the most compact of portable music players, but neither is it the largest one we’ve seen either. The design is fairly compact and the lack of wires, aside from the power adapter, is a blessing when carrying the unit around. It’s really light, too, which helps, and yet is pretty tough in terms of construction. If you are looking for a portable iPod dock, we can heartily recommend this device. Its power and performance are excellent, while the unit is still compact and light. Once again Logitech have shown a keen sense of how to put a top quality sound option together. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Excellent sound quality • Sturdy • Light

CONS:

• Some may not like the looks

Manufacturer: Logitech Distributor: Logitech Online: www.logitech.com RRP: R500

TECH SPECS: • iPod compatible • iPhone compatible • Stereo • Battery option • Mains power option • Bass boost

Score

A truly excellent peripheral for iPod users.

90 45

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Here Be Dragons! An alternate life

ometimes anticipation is palpable; it hangs in the air like a tangible force, driven on by millions of people holding their collective breath as they await the arrival of something great. That’s what the gaming world felt like leading up to the release of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Gamers around the world keenly awaited it... even jaded gaming journalists were excited at the prospect of getting to grips with the long awaited sequel to Oblivion. Of course, there’s always the hype machine to consider in these cases... and there had been a hell of a lot of hype coming from Bethesda leading up to the release of this particular title. So, the natural thing to do is to wait for the inevitable disappointed outcry when all those super-excited fans learn that the game they

by Walt Pretorius have been craving isn’t all it was promised to be. It’s sad but true... almost a given within the industry. But in the case of Skyrim, that never happened. In fact, the reaction was completely opposite to that. Everywhere you look, gamers are raving about Skyrim. And that is a really rare occurrence. Skyrim returns the player to Tamriel, the world of the Elder Scrolls series, some 200 years after the events that took place in Oblivion. Their adventures take place in the Skyrim region, a mountainous wilderness dotted with settlements and oddities, inhabited by a people strongly resembling the Nordic races of our own history. It is a massive place, with terrain ranging from ice-bound mountain peaks to windswept tundra and humid, ancient forests. The landscape is home to nine major towns, or

g l a d ggeatmveicdceao rgeavm i eew • • i si s suuee 1147 • • DNeoc veemmbbeer r 22001110

holds, and also hosts ruined towers, deep caves, occupied fortresses and pretty much anything else one might expect to find in a lavishly populated fantasy realm. Skyrim is on the brink of war between Imperial forces and Stormcloak rebels who seek self-determination. And it into this full, intricate and charged environment that the player is thrust... This title is pretty much the closest that a video game can get to traditional, pencil-and-paper role playing. While it presents preset responses and the like, which are a given in video game RPGs, it also gives the player a degree of freedom that borders on astonishing. Most of this freedom comes in the form of the character and its development. The only things that are set are the player character’s race and sex. Ideas like class have

gladget video game • issue 14 • December 2011

been left out, resulting in a game in which character development feels more natural than most. All characters have the potential for any skill in this game; it is up to the player whether they want to specialise in magic, weapon combat, stealth or whatever else is on offer. And that specialisation isn’t set, either... the player can spend some time working on their bow skills, then move on to destruction magic, and then concentrate on lock picking. Any combination of the available skills is possible, resulting in a character that grows organically, rather than being forced into a mould. This is part achieved by keeping things simple. The character only has three stats, and with each level one of these can be increased. A skill point is also awarded with each level, which can be spent in one of the game’s many

skill-trees. Each point spent will give the player a new perk, related to the skill in question. The way characters gain more levels is also quite unique. Each skill is rated by level, and using skills increases these levels gradually. When the total of the character’s skill levels is high enough, a new overall level is awarded, with points to spend. It’s a clever yet simple idea that allows for maximum flexibility and customisation. Like every game in this franchise, Skyrim is a firstperson perspective game. This creates a higher level of immersion for the player as they explore the vast reaches of Skyrim. It also allows for excellent combat options. See, each hand is mapped to a button. A weapon or spell can be assigned to the character’s hands individually, so a character that swings a sword in their right hand and shoots jets of flame out of their left is entirely possible.

This can’t be done with two handed weapons like bows and battle-axes, though, which makes sense. And it should be noted that, for a change, magic is a viable option in this game, even in the early stages. The clever control scheme also allows for fast access to items and equipment changes almost on the fly, thanks to a favourites system. Aside from the huge number of main and side quests on offer, there is tons to do in this game. The player can spend time arranging storage in their house, collecting ingredients in the wilderness, crafting potions, weapons, armour and enchanted items, or even cooking meals. The freedom the game affords the player allows it to become less of an action adventure and more of a virtual life, with lots of action thrown in. Quests will challenge the player with puzzles and combat. And exploration will constantly offer the player

gladget video game • issue 14 • December 2011

they’re easy to forgive. Thankfully the game allows saving at any time on console, which helps mitigate possible problems. And saving often is a good idea, because the wilds of Skyrim hold many challenges. There is a lot more to be said about this title, but space simply won’t allow for it. Suffice to say, if you enjoy fantasy RPG games, Skyrim is without a doubt one of the best ever created. You will lose yourself in this virtual world, which is brimming with freedom and possibilities. It is a game that every fan of the genre cannot afford to miss because, despite a few little niggles, it does everything right, and offers the player a massive playground to explore... and tons of time to do it in. Skyrim is a great reminder of why we love playing video games. g

AT A GLANCE: A huge and immersive fantasy world awaits RPG fans Developer: Bethesda Publisher: Bethesda Distributor: Ster Kinekor

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

18+ gladget video game • issue 14 • December 2011

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

X360 Platforms

new sights and opportunities. This is a game that is truly whatever you make it, and even if you just rush through the quests and don’t undertake any of the other activities, you will be playing Skyrim for a long time. It almost sounds too good to be true. Well, sadly, Skyrim is not a perfect game. There are numerous things that might irritate or frustrate the player with this title, much like Bethesda’s other huge franchise, Fallout. There are many bugs and little issues to be discovered. The player’s AI retainers sometimes have an issue with path finding, or just plain get in the way. Clipping gets to be a serious issue here and there, even to the extent of the player getting trapped inside of solid objects. And there is even the possibility of your console or PC hanging. But, truth be told, these are petty annoyances when compared to the overall splendour of the game, and

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

97 49

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Back in Action Finishing off Makarov

e have, with some amusement, watched the bun-fight between EA and Activision, leading up to the release of the year’s two big name modern shooters: Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Now both are here, and the ‘winner’ of this war can finally be decided. But it’s not really all that simple. See, what it ultimately comes down too – in reasonable, non-fan-boy terms – is a matter of taste and player-preference. Saying one is better than the other is an act that would show brand loyalty, rather than reasonable consideration. Where Battlefield 3’s single player campaign seems to lend itself towards a more measured, realistic experience, Modern Warfare 3 is all about massive

by Walt Pretorius set-pieces and break-neck pace. The single player game delivers an experience that is full of guns, bullets, massive explosions and action that would make Michael Bay blush. The player will be surrounded by a situation that feels almost out of control in its scale, but will still feel like the hero of the battlefield. That’s Modern Warfare’s way of doing things – the game eschews true realism in favour of action that has a decidedly Hollywood flavour to it. And that’s just fine, because it is extremely exciting. That said, around half-way through the single player campaign, the game’s formula becomes a little too apparent for comfort. Each mission seems to follow a very similar template. In fact, series veterans may well notice this well before the half-way mark, because the single

g l a d ggeatmveicdceao rgeavm i eew • • i si s suuee 1147 • • DNeoc veemmbbeer r 22001110

player campaign makes no great departures from the overall Modern warfare formula. It’s generally a case of infiltrate, kill, get-the-hell-out in every mission. Added to this is the fact that the story could have been told with a little more skill. Those that worry about plot will find that Modern Warfare 3, which continues the tale of the struggle against that nefarious Russian troublemaker Makarov, features a plot that feels disjointed and sometimes gets downright confusing. Sure, one could argue that the different characters the player gets to control don’t have the full picture of what’s going on, but that departs from the game’s big-budget-movie sentiments. It’s too realistic an idea to gel properly with the style of action that the game presents.

gladget video game • issue 14 • December 2011

Not that Modern Warfare 3 is unrealistic, at least in terms of video games (let’s face it, folks, hiding behind cover for a while to recover from multiple gunshot wounds and shrapnel damage is far from accurate). The weapons act and react like they’re supposed to, and there is a fair variety of them to wield as well. In the single player campaign, the player will be assigned weapons at the beginning of each mission, and can pick up new ones in the field… as usual. The AI also adds a bit of realism to the game, with enemies that will try to preserve themselves while trying to best the player and his team-mates… well, most of the time. Every now and then some brave (read as stupid) soul will risk life and limb to get to the player.

And occasionally the AI team-mates will get in the player’s way, and then complain loudly about friendly fire. Still, not too bad at all. Even though Modern Warfare 3 relies on an older engine, the graphics still look as good as fans of the franchise would expect. They’re maybe not eye-popping, like those in id’s Rage, but they certainly deliver in terms of clarity and detail. And they are supported by excellent voice acting, delivered by the likes of Timothy Olyphant and Kevin McKidd. Further support is provided by a decent control set that will hold no surprises for veterans of the series. They’re solid and responsive and allow for very quick paced gaming. But the true value of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is

not in the single player experience. The game’s strength, as before, arises from the multiplayer gaming it allows for. There is, admittedly, not a hell of a lot new for players to do I the multiplayer section of the game, and servers are already crammed with the general idiots that seem to flock to these kinds of games. The play online is fast and furious, and if you haven’t started yet, there is a lot of catching up to do, considering how well this title has sold since launch. One new idea in the multiplayer arena is that of dogtags. In certain game modes, just killing an opposing team member is not enough; you need to confirm the kill by snatching the dog-tags from the dead body. It might not seem like much, but strategies revolving around this concept are already pretty varied, and often very sneaky.

gladget video game • issue 14 • December 2011

work, which is always nice in a game that is generally so focussed on competitive play. Sales of this title have, as mentioned before, been phenomenal. And with good reason... Modern Warfare 3 provides players with exactly what they want: more of the same. It has been accused of being a really expensive expansion pack, but that is not entirely fair. It might not be the freshest game on the market, but it does build on the reputation of the franchise, and delivers what is expected. And it seems, for now, that the Call of Duty series remains at the top of the modern simulation FPS pile. This often challenging title is well worth the effort, particularly for fans of the series and the genre. g

AT A GLANCE: The next instalment of the everpopular franchise delivers more of the same… Developer: Infinity Ward Publisher: Activision Distributor: Megarom

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

18+ gladget video game • issue 14 • December 2011

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

X360 Platforms

Aside from the single player campaign, players can also enjoy spec ops missions, either solo or in co-op mode. These missions tend to be short, time based challenges that elaborate on the main tale of the game. For example, there is a mission in the single player campaign in which the player must defend a plane from hijackers. One of the spec ops missions allows the players to take things from a different direction, playing as the hijackers trying to take over the plane. This can be done, as said before, either solo or in co-op, with scores uploaded to those ever important leader boards. Another great co-op option is survival mode. Rather than facing waves of zombies, players will face a variety of more realistic foes in a number of available maps. This mode is awesome fun, and requires careful team

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

91 53

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Uncover the Truth Nathan Drake returns in his biggest adventure yet

ncharted 2: Among Thieves was one of the most successful games in console history, scooping multiple Game of the Year awards from the top magazines and websites, as well as Gamescom, E3 and other major gaming expos. Impressive for a PS3 only release! Its long awaited sequel, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, has some pretty big shoes to fill. As Naughty Dog’s development team have stated, the aim of a good sequel should be to give fans familiar elements, mixed with a healthy dose of new story and game play entertainment. Uncharted 3 promises exciting new locations, and a cutting edge game engine that will push the limits of what we’ve seen in gaming thus far, delivered in stereoscopic 3D. The game incidentally features the voice and motion capture talents of South

by Suvesh Arumugam

African actor Gideon Emery, who was previously featured in God of War 3. As always, Uncharted 3 weaves a rich storyline based on well-known legends and popular movies. This time we are drawn into the world of Sir Francis Drake, the famous English sailor and pirate who was the favourite adventurer of Queen Elizabeth I. Drake had sailed the world extensively, capturing and trading West African slaves, and also raiding Spanish galleons. Hence he was a knighted hero in England, but considered a dangerous criminal by the Spanish court. Another well known personality who features prominently is John Dee, also a trusted friend of the Queen. A famous mathematician, Dee’s lifelong pursuit was to define the relationship between science and magic. Add the famous archaeologist and historical figure

g l a d ggeatmveicdceao rgeavm i eew • • i si s suuee 1147 • • DNeoc veemmbbeer r 22001110

TE Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia) to the mystery, and you have a very plausible combination of mystery, intrigue, puzzles and secret societies that defines the Uncharted series. We catch up with our hero, Nathan Drake, not far from where we left him. As with previous instalments, the story starts with Drake already in the thick of things, accompanied by his mentor and best friend Sully. Instead of flashing back to the beginning of the adventure, Uncharted 3 takes us all the way back to the beginning of Nate and Sully’s friendship. We discover that Nate, as a young boy, is fascinated with the voyages of Sir Francis Drake (we later discover that Nate was raised in an orphanage named after Drake, whose name he took as his own). While attempting to steal a precious artefact

gladget video game • issue 14 • December 2011

from a Columbian museum, Nate is pursued by the leader of a mysterious society. Sully, whilst working for the leader, Marlowe, takes pity on young Nate and betrays his employers to save his life. And so begins their friendship and adventures. We return to the present, where Nate and Sully shadow Marlowe to the society’s secret lair underneath London. Examining documents in their library reveals that Queen Elizabeth, along with her advisor John Dee, had commissioned Sir Francis Drake to secretly voyage to the Middle East in pursuit of the mythical city of Ubar (also known as Iram of the Pillars or Atlantis of the Sands). Legend tells that the city contained untold riches and ancient knowledge. By solving some of the puzzles designed by Dee, Nate discovers that Lawrence too was seeking the city, following the voyages of Drake, and was

murdered by the society to prevent him from completing his quest. However, it seems that Drake himself had covered all traces of his discovery and lied to Elizabeth and Dee about his findings, hence the title of the game. This starts Nate and his friends on an adventure that will take them through France, Syria, Yemen and finally the Rub ‘al Khali desert, rumoured to be the region where the mythical city existed. Along the way Nate finds himself pitted against the desert, pirates, flesh eating spiders, mind altering drugs, exploding airplanes and a host of ancient mysteries and riddles. From the very first moment of gameplay, we are introduced to some of the new features of the Uncharted 3. By far the most impressive is the hand to hand combat, which is far more detailed and intricate, now featuring

contextual attacks. If there is a bottle or door at hand, Nate will use these to defeat his opponents or evade an attack. The game also features all sorts of counter attacks and stealth attacks, and it’s a choice between long range firearm attacks and sneaking up on enemies. Either way builds up stats for your trophy collection. Nate can now also attack multiple enemies, and counter one opponent while being held by another. The range of weapons Nate can use and pick-up is impressive, and there is no shortage of goons to try various approaches on. The hallmark of previous instalments has always been the impressive running sequences, and Uncharted 3 is no different. From evading rocket attacks, to sinking cruise ships and crumbling ruins, Nate must jump, dodge and hold on for dear life in some of the most breath-taking action

gladget video game • issue 14 • December 2011

storyline, and it seemed that just when you thought it was all over, a new clue lead to a new layer of story and gameplay. The puzzles also became more intense and the final battle took more than a few tries to figure out and complete. Uncharted 3 offers a little under 8 hours of gameplay in total, and the story seems to end rather abruptly, and mysteries are only vaguely answered. While the end sequences are graphically impressive, they are not very challenging, and the puzzles seem to feature mostly in the first half of the game. I expected at least one puzzle to baffle me like the giant statue puzzle in 2, but nothing quite measured up. While Uncharted 3 may not quite scoop the awards as its predecessor did, it is still an impressive effort, and well worth a play (and a few replays). g

AT A GLANCE: Travel the globe searching for clues and battling secret societies in this year’s most anticipated sequel Developer: Naughty Dog Publisher: SCEE Distributor: Ster Kinekor

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

16+ gladget video game • issue 14 • December 2011

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

PS3 Platforms

sequences yet seen in a video game. One also expects intricate and expansive puzzles, which certainly feature. Uncharted 3 has also put more thought into multiplayer and co-op features, building on the multiplayer features from 2. In Mmultiplayer, players can go online and pit themselves with other players in the usual death match and free for all mini-games. Players can also play in split screen co-op mode, either playing story driven missions, or surviving waves of enemies to rank up and earn points to unlock various weapon and character bonuses, along with the hidden treasures found in campaign and multiplayer modes. While the game is visually stunning, and the gameplay is impressive, I couldn’t help but be slightly disappointed at the end of the game. Uncharted 2 had an engaging

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

92 57

Saint’s Row:The Third

To the Streets That’s where we’re taking it…

hat would happen if a street gang became so powerful and prominent that they became celebrities? And what would happen if they lost it all because a multinational criminal organisation moved into their turf? These questions form the basis of the plot in Saint’s Row: The Third. This third instalment in the franchise places the player in control of the Saints, a powerful street gang fallen in hard times. And, as such, it is up to the player to take back control of the city by any means necessary... which generally includes buying businesses, breaking up rival gangs and causing as much mayhem as humanly possible. The tone of the game is not serious by any means. In fact, it is so over the top that one could imagine Vin Diesel playing the main role if they ever turned it into a movie. Just the opening few moments are enough to make James Bond scriptwriters envious, and the

by Walt Pretorius craziness doesn’t stop. But there’s a lot more to this game than just causing havoc. The developers knew that this series would get compared to the latter titles in the GTA series, and so they have tried add differences to it wherever that can. And one of those areas is in character customisation and development. There are, for example, a huge number of clothing options, all of which can be customised in terms of colour, and pretty much all of which are available right from the beginning, provided your character has the cash. Weapons and vehicles can also be upgraded, and any vehicle driven into a friendly garage will be added to the available pool. The character can also be upgraded, with various perks and abilities becoming available as the game progresses. An unusual aspect of this title is that very few things need to be unlocked. In fact, aside from missions,

g l a d ggeatmveicdceao rgeavm i eew • • i si s suuee 1147 • • DNeoc veemmbbeer r 22001110

Much of the game’s off colour humour is delivered by way of the surprisingly good voice acting. Early on in the game there’s a scene with two characters singing along to a favourite song - it feels so natural that one cannot help but be impressed by the really good performances put in by the voice cast. Saint’s Row: The Third is, without a doubt, the best game in the series. That said, it is not without a few small faults. The vehicle handling, for example, isn’t great, and there are a few bugs that crop up every now and then. None of them are deal breakers, though, and if you are willing to put in the time to explore the environment, fiddle with outfits and tattoos and search out cool vehicles to snatch and deliver back to your crib, then you will have a fun experience with this really over-the-top title. Be warned, though, that it is very much an adults only title, complete with tons of violence and foul language. g

AT A GLANCE: This game takes crazy to a new level and offers tons to do. Developer: Volition Publisher: THQ Distributor: Ster Kinekor

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

18+ gladget video game • issue 14 • December 2011

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

PS3 Platforms

assassinations, special activities and the previously mentioned character upgrades, almost everything is available for the player to make use of...provided they’re willing to look for stuff. The town of Steelport, where the game is set, may not be the biggest game environment, but there is still a fair amount to find and do there. Aside from missions that drive the story along, the game provides the player with a relatively carefree playground to just fool around in, taking on other gangs, buying businesses and the like. That’s the real joy of this iteration of Saint’s Row; the freedom to just mess around. Graphically, the game tends towards a stylised, almost cartoon set of looks. It still looks good, but a little more detail would not have gone amiss. The player can customise their character to a huge degree, and then enjoy them in the environment, which is filled with a bunch of really skanky, nasty people.

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

82 59

Movie of the Month DVD Seen

Recording history...

gladget regular â&#x20AC;˘ issue 14 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2011

The Bang Bang Club Based on the book of the same name, The Bang Bang Club tells the tale of four press photographers - Greg Marinovich, Kevin Carter, Ken Oosterbroek and Joao Silva - who reached prominence during the years between the unbanning of the ANC and South Africa’s first truly democratic election. These four press photographers took images that shook the world with their graphic depiction of the violence between ANC and IFP supporters, risking their lives to capture the pictures that defined an era. Between nearly being killed on several occasions and winning Pulitzer prizes, these four photographers became known as the Bang Bang Club, with their images displayed in newspapers and periodicals around the globe. This film is expertly crafted by director Steven Silver and features a South African and international cast that shares excellent chemistry. As we are prone to do here in South Africa, judging the accents is a big thing. Ryan Phillipe does a great job, actually, while Malin Akeman is generally quite good, with a few slips here and there. Taylor Kitsch, though, does an abysmal job of trying to sound like a South African, which adds a jarring aspect to the film. The Bang Bang Club is an important film. It is powerful and disturbing, yet manages to remain non-judgmental, simply telling a story, rather than accusing or pointing fingers. It is a film that is relevant to the whole world, not just South Africa, and is one that shows a keen understanding, not just of great film making, but also of the turbulent time it shows. g

DIRECTOR: Steven Silver DISTRIBUTOR: Next Entertainment

FPB Rating: 15 Score

STARRING: Ryan Phillipe Malin Akerman Taylor Kitsch

MOVIE

OF THE MONTH gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

DVD Seen

Passion Play

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth soon after the American Civil War threw the young nation into disarray. But Booth was not the only man behind the killing, and an investigation revealed many people were involved. One of the accused was the owner of a boarding house where the conspirators hatched their plan. But Mary Surratt, the only woman accused, was not clearly guilty, and many believed her accusation was merely a ploy to draw out her son, a known associate of Booth. One such person was a young lawyer named Frederick Aiken, who went up against all odds to fight for justice for Mary Surratt. Expertly directed by Robert Redford, The Conspirator is a deep drama that takes a serious look at ideas of justice and abuse of power in times of turmoil. This beautifully crafted film features excellent acting from James McAvoy and Robin Wright, and shows Redford’s excellent skill as a director. It is a little slow, though... don’t expect lots of action in what is actually a historical court room drama. But if you have an interest in American history and enjoy a stronglycrafted film, The Conspirator is a very fine film. g

DIRECTOR:

Robert Redford

DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 13PGV Score

STARRING: James Mcvoy Robin Wright Kevin Kline

Mickey Rourke and Megan Fox make an unusual romantic duo in Passion Play, a film written and directed by Mitch Glazer. Rourke plays Nate Poole, a down-on-his-luck jazz trumpeter who has earned the ire of gang boss Happy Shannon (played, surprisingly, by Bill Murray). When he narrowly escapes being executed in the desert, Poole stumbles upon a travelling carnival where he meets Lily the Bird Woman. But Lily is no fake... her wings are real. They escape the carnival together, and start a surreal journey filled with romance and danger... particularly when Happy decides that he wants Lily for himself. Passion Play tries to be an unusual drama, and pulls it off for the most part. The level of acting is very good, the cinematography is, at times, beautiful, and the over the feel of the film is pleasing. Yet it manages to be slightly scuppered by a very predictable script. There are few surprises in store for the viewer, which is a little disappointing, because the overall concept is so great. Still, it’s not a total loss, and if you are in the mood for a film that is fairly tender and a little unusual, the passion Play is a worthwhile bet. g

STARRING: Mickey Rourke Megan Fox Bill Murray

DIRECTOR: Mitch Glazer

DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 16 VLN Score

The Conspirator

gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

Master Harold and the Boys

Set during the final days of HF Verwoerd’s time as Prime Minister of South Africa, Roepman tells the tale of Timus, a thirteen year old boy living in a community that services the railway system. Joon is the ‘roepman’, a man who’s job it is to travel from house to house in the early morning to make sure that everyone wakes up in time for their shift. But to Timus, Join is a miracle worker, always showing up when he is in trouble. But the loss of innocence that Timus must go through, combined with a very religious, oppressive father, as well as the general changes for the Afrikaans community at the time, all weigh heavily on young Timus. Roepman is a beautifully made drama, complete with amusing heights and dark depths. The film carries a surprising degree of symbolism, and even a spiritual message for those who want to see it. Excellent acting and solid film-making techniques show that Afrikaans cinema is alive and thriving, and even those who need to watch it with the English subtitles will be moved by the film’s sensitivity, often veiled humour and deep understanding of the human condition. If moving dramas are your cup of tea, Roepman is a must-see movie. g

DIRECTOR: Paul Eilers DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 16VLS Score

STARRING: Paul Loots Rika Sennett Deon Lotz

gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

Based on a play by Athol Fugard, Master Harold and the Boys is a poignant and powerful film. It tells the tale of Harold, a teenage South African boy living in the 1950s. Harold’s family life is unhappy, and he often turns to his unlikely mentor (given the place and time)... a black man named Sam who works for Harold’s mother. But on a fateful day Harold’s unhappiness collides with his willingness to see Sam as an equal... Like many movies made in South Africa yet aimed at an international market, this movie’s almost all South African cast is headed up by two international actors; Freddie High more and Ving Rhames. Both manage to make a hash of the tricky South African accent, but the power of this movie soon has the viewer not even noticing. With powerful performances and fantastic production, overseen by director Lonny Price, Master Harold and the Boys is an emotionally charged, moving film that looks deeper than the obvious in the tale that it tells. It relies on not-quite-obvious symbolism and a simple yet impressive plot to bring its message home. Be warned that it is a fairly heavy drama... there is no action and no laughs to be had with this one. g

STARRING: Ving Rhames Freddie Highmore Patrick Mofokeng

DIRECTOR: Lonny Price DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 13LP Score

Roepman

DVD Seen

American Virgin

The first three X-men films may have departed from the ‘accepted story told in the comics from time to time, but they managed to capture the spirit of the comics rather nicely. Then along came the Wolverine movie, and it was a little disappointing. Now the next film to investigate the history of the X-men has arrived in the form of X-men: First Class. The film takes us back to the days when Dr Xavier and Magneto were still friends, and the X-men did not exist yet. The early days of Xavier’s school and Magneto’s Brotherhood make for entertaining viewing, with lots of action and awesome special effects. But the film makers somehow managed to overlook some major inconsistencies, not only with the comic books, but with the other X-men movies too. It kind of cheapens the whole experience somewhat, as some of the errors will be extremely obvious for those that know the movies well. If you’re willing to get past that - almost treating it as a standalone film - then X-men: First Class makes for some really good entertainment. Good performances and solid direction adds to that. But fans of the other films may not be able to get past the glaring errors. g

DIRECTOR: Matthew Vaughn DISTRIBUTOR: Next Entertainment

FPB Rating: PG Score

STARRING: James McAvoy Michael Fassbender Jennifer Lawrence

Priscilla White is a girl sworn to be a virgin until after marriage. But when she goes to college, things start working against her oath. When she is tricked into getting drunk at a frat party, she is captured naked on film by a sleazy video producer. With her scholarship in danger, she tries to track him down and defend her innocence at the same time. American Virgin relies on the college humour tradition built up by movies like American Pie and Road Trip, but it does so in a slightly awkward way. Where bigger name movies of this genre manage to push limits and set trends, American Virgin is a follower, making use of tried and tested formulas instead of braving new ground. That’s not to say that the film isn’t amusing... but it isn’t hilarious, either. The fact that Rob Schneider is the biggest name in the movie says a lot about that. Still, it’s fairly fun and likely to strike a chord with the younger set - particularly males, who may well appreciate the numerous topless women it flaunts. But if you’re after depth, or even a plot that isn’t completely predictable, look elsewhere. g

STARRING: Jenna Dewan Brianne Davis Rob Schneider

DIRECTOR: Clare Kilner DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 16LS Score

X-Men: First Class

gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

Love Wedding Marriage

The Perfect Host

DIRECTOR:

Dermot Mulroney

DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 13LS Score

STARRING: Kellan Lutz Mandy Moore James Brolin

gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

Director Nick Tomnoy based this interestingly dark comedy thriller on a short film he made in 2001. John Taylor (Clayne Crawford) has just robbed a bank and is running from the police. Injured with a shot foot, he finds himself at the doorstep of Warwick Wilson, who is preparing a delightfully impeccable dinner party for a handful of his close friends. Warwich Wilson, played by David Hyde Pierce, who is better known as the demanding, finicky yet endearing Niles in the TV show Frazer, portrays an impressive execution of a very different character. This fascinating plot begins to creatively unfold when Wilson, unaware, of who he is dealing with, invites John to stay for his perfectly arranged dinner. Even though the duck is perfectly roasted, this is not your usual dinner party! A refreshing approach to a thriller with superb lead performance; it is however a shame that the supporting cast did not follow so well. However, the script proved to be amusing and tormenting, while creating just enough intrigue to keep one interestingly confused within this perfect twist. g

STARRING: David Hyde Pierce Clayne Crawford Nathaniel Parker

DIRECTOR: Nick Tomnoy DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 13LV Score

Mandy Moore and Kellan Lutz (of the Twilight saga) star in a film about a young couple who seem to be on top of the world. But then the girl’s parents suddenly announce that they are going through a divorce, and the young woman - being a marriage counsellor takes it on herself to save their marriage before their upcoming thirtieth wedding anniversary. Her actions not only seem to make the situation worse, but even endanger her own new marriage. Love Wedding Marriage suffers from an identity crisis. It is mostly a romantic comedy, but manages to avoid the elements one would expect to see in one of those. It has dramatic elements, but doesn’t take itself seriously. And it tries to appeal to the guys from time to time, but never really manages to. While Jane Seymour and James Brolin are entertaining as the parents, the lead actors are never really convincing. In fact, Moore is more annoying than anything else, portraying a meddlesome character that is very difficult to identify with. All in all, this film will produce a few laughs, but itpales when compared to many of the other great romantic comedies out there. g

Collectables DVD Seen

Gritty as all hell...

gladget regular â&#x20AC;˘ issue 14 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2011

Taxi Driver Taxi Driver is one of the most important and impressive films to be made in the 1970s. Martin Scorsese’s powerful portrayal of a mentally unstable man obsessed with a beautiful woman is a film that is definitive of the careers of both Robert de Niro and Scorsese. Other actors who put in extremely good performances in this gritty, hard hitting classic include Harvey Keitel, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks and a very young Jodie Foster. Driven to near-madness by loneliness and depression, de Niro’s character devolves into obsession and murderous intent as he stalks the object of his desire. Nominated for four Academy Awards in 1976, Taxi Driver shows the strong development of Scorsese’s career, and is a milestone performance for de Niro. This film is still often quoted and referred to, and has been an inspiration for many gritty, realistic psychological thrillers since its release. If you are lucky enough to pick up the two disc collector’s edition, you are in for a real cinematic treat. Not only does the film deliver a powerful punch, but the insights into the process of making the film given by the special features s excellent. Whichever edition you find, Taxi Driver is a cinematic milestone that belongs in every movie enthusiast’s collection. g

DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese DISTRIBUTOR: Nu Metro

FPB Rating: 16VL Score

STARRING: Robert de Niro Cybill Shephert Jodie Foster

COLLECTABLE OF THE MONTH

gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

Puzzling?

Money to Burn

Whre’s myUSB flash drive?

by Walt Pretorius

nemosyne was the Greek Godess of memory, the daughter of the titans Urano and Gaia. She was not the Goddess of ‘how the hell do I get my flash drive out of this damned puzzle cube’. But, according to Solidalliance, she should have been. That’s because they have named their flash drive after her. OK, so here’s the thing... flash drives are supposed to be a quick, convenient way to carry data around. And they’re supposed to be small. The Mnemosyne drive is actually quite small, but it sits on the convenient a great big box. Which is also a puzzle. Which, if you think about it, doesn’t really add to the ideas of ‘quick and ‘convenient’. Unless you’re one of those smarmy idiots who likes to show off and look all superior after you’ve practiced the puzzle like a million times. People like that get high fived.... in the face... with a brick. Or they should be, anyway. The other option is to solve the puzzle and then just carry the USB drive around, right? Well, that would work, but it does seem to be a waste of the roughly R70 000 you’re going to spend on this device. Something that costs that much must offer a hell of a

lot, right? Aside from the annoying puzzle? I mean there is a flash drive costs around R7 000 for a 256 GB capacity, and this one costs ten times more. Well, think again... the Mnemosyne weighs in at 16GB, which is not bad, but it certainly doesn’t seem to warrant the price tag of, what... R4 375 a gig. Even South Africa’s overpriced internet service providers would be shocked at that one. So what is it that makes this device worth so much money? What is the magical quality it offers to warrant such an expense? Simply put: nothing. Nada. Zip. Buggerall. The creator seems to think that ‘the object becomes a true brainteaser that rewards people who succeed by revealing its contents’. Really? A 16GB memory stick? Does it come preloaded with hacks for all the world’s major banks or something? Because otherwise the reward doesn’t seem all that special... particularly if it’s my own damned data! At least the world’s previous most ridiculously priced USB flash drive was made of solid gold. This one doesn’t even offer that! Why anyone would buy one of these is a true puzzle, wrapped in an enigma, cloaked in absolute pretentiousness. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 4 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Get Wound Up! Turn elbow grease into electricity

Inner Workings

by Charlie Fripp

ith fossil fuels dwindling and at the forefront of some environmentalists’ actions the need to urge governments to go green, the need has arisen to find other forms of energy for all our daily needs. While there aren’t really a lot of unexplored options, sometimes the simplest answer is often the one that works the best. Especially in rural areas, where electricity isn’t as readily available as in the city, the need for alternate sources is ever-growing. A while back a company developed radios that run off no electricity and no batteries, and are operated by simply winding it up for a while. The same principle was applied to cell phones, and users are now able to buy wind-up chargers for virtually any make of mobile handset. This comes in real handy, not only for users in rural areas with limited connectivity, but for emergency situations as well.

But how does a wind-up cell phone charger actually work? In the case of wind turbines (which is in principle the same as with the chargers), the wind blows the blades of the turbines to create motion, or kinetic energy. As the blades turn, it in turn drives a shaft that is attached to them. The spinning shaft then creates rotational energy which is transferred to a generator, which is usually a bunch of magnets spinning around coiled wire. The magnets spinning around the coil create an electrical current. Just as wind turbines use the motion of the wind to generate power through their shafts, so too do wind-up chargers rely on motion. While wind is the only source of motion of wind turbines, the users arm and the crank are the source of power for the charger. While users are turning the crank on the side of the charger, it spins a shaft that is located inside the crank, gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

creating rotational energy. Connected to the shaft is a set of gears, which transfers that rotational energy further to the charger’s generator. Spinning the crank as fast as one can, the charge should reach around 4 and 6 volts. But don’t think that the windup charger will be able to fully charge a mobile phone. The wind-up chargers were designed to be able to provide a quick charge when in an emergency, so fully charging a phone will take a lot of power. To achieve an optimum charger rate, users are recommended to turn the crank at about two revolutions per second, which is rather fast. With two minutes of cranking, the unit should provide about an extra 25-30 minutes of standby time, and it’s not recommended to make calls. The reason being that it takes a lot of power to send out a signal, and while 25 minutes of standby time might be enough, talking on a phone while using a wind-up charger gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

will only provide the unit with six extra minutes. However, the phone can still be used to make a call if users has a willing assistant who will be able to turn the crank as fast as they can while connected to the charger. Although it won’t prevent the mobile phone from dying completely, it will provide valuable minutes to get a message across. As an added bonus, most of the wind-up cell phone chargers on the market come with a built-in LED flashlight that works after only a few cranks. This comes in really handy if users might have misplaced their mobile, or just need a quick flashlight. One of the more popular chargers on the market, the Sidewinder, is compatible with Nokia, Motorola, Sony/ Ericsson, Samsung, Kyocera and Audiovox, but extra adapters are readily available to buy from any travel store.g

w w w. g a m e c c a . c o. z a I S S U E 3 0 / Vo l . 3 December 2011

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Rise of Nightmares Saint’s Row:The Third Need for Speed:The Run Disney Universe and more...

End of the Road Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

Shifting Sands

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Killshot!

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

High Adventure The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

www.gamecca.co.za Taking fun seriously!

Never-was... Technology is evolution

Dead End

by Walt Pretorius

he time has come for Dead End to go the way of its subject matter. Well, that’s not entirely true. Every good regular section needs a rest from time to time, and so Dead End will be taking a bit of a hiatus for the next few issues. The choice of technology to cover in this sort of final edition of dead End was a rough one... we have looked at numerous technologies that went the way of the dodo, but what would be fitting for the last instalment? The answer: none of them. Rather, we thought we would look at what never was... Science-fiction authors have, over many, many generations, generated ideas of a future crammed with marvels. From flying cars and personal jet-packs through to food replicators and advanced AI, these writers have

generated a vision of the future that is, in many ways, difficult to live up to. See, a lot of the stuff that was supposed to be around just hasn’t materialised. It seems that in the latter parts of the 20th Century, the year 2000 was some magical marker that indicated life as we know it changing substantially. There was an old TV series called Space 1999 which predicted moon colonies just before that magical year. Others suggested a whole array of weird and wonderful devices, like laser pistols and transportation methods freed from the bounds of gravity. But technology is quite different to that, it terms of its growth and advancement. We might not have robot servants, but we have communication devices, in the form of cell phones, that allow us to be reached anywhere. That gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

was a si-fi concept. We might not have light speed space travel, but we do have tablets that serve as multipurpose computers... just like Uhura in the original Star Trek episodes. We might not have devices capable of instantly translating speech, but we have a massive repository of information readily available in the form of the Internet, something that was postulated by many later sci-fi writers. It seems that people in the ‘good old days’ really didn’t understand how technology advances. Instead of having all these instant flashes of inspiration - sure, they do happen, but they are rare - technology is subject to evolution. And part of that evolution is the slow process that could only be called survival of the fittest. Even then, the strongest contender doesn’t always become the dominant gladget regular • issue 14 • December 2011

technological species. betamax and VHS competed, and VHS was the winner... but it was replaced by DVD, which in itself is starting to take strain from things like Blu-ray. Even that new technology is under fire from movie-ondemand services and HD pirate films. As the example illustrates, technology is evolution, and it is one that is unlikely to stop in the near future. Will we have flying cars and laser guns one day? Maybe. But they’ll only come about by way of trial, error and improvement. The march of technology will leave many Dead Ends in its wake. So, until Dead End makes its return, enjoy the technology you currently have... you never know how long it will survive. g

Back Issues Click on cover images to access issues online. Please note that an active internet connection is required.

November 2011

December 2012

May 2011

June 2011

October 2010

November 2010

January 2012

February 2012

March 2012

April 2012

July 2011

August 2011

September 2011

October 2011

January 2011

Feb / March 2011

April 2011

December 2010