Gladget Magazine February 2012 by Gladget Magazine

5 awesome PC case reviews

I S S U E 1 6 / Vo l . 2 Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

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The Ultimate Portable Gaming Experience

Brand New Ways to Play Dual Analog Sticks Wi-Fi + 3G

Uncharted Golden Abyss

WipEout® 2048

Reality Fighters

ModNation™ Racers

LittleBigPlanet™

Little Deviants

5” OLED Touchscreen CrossPlay with PlayStation®3

Launching 22.02.12 Find out more at za.playstation.com/psvita

Inside 6 From the Editor

8 In Your Hands A brief history of hand held gaming 14 Photography Primer A new direction 20 Reviews Boxes, cameras and other cool stuff 56 DVD Seen Some good, some bad, some ugly... 66 Money to Burn Actually worth it? 68 Inner Workings Bluetooth examined 70 PC Builder Picking the right PC case

THIS MONTH’S COVER This month we review 5 PC cases, and look at how to kake a good decision in buying one.

gladget contents • issue 16 • February 2012

Reviews

Fractal Design Arc PC Case

Olympus Tough TG-810 Camera

Cougar Evolution PC Case

Samsung MV800 Camera

GLADGET Volume 2 Issue 16 February 2012 Editor: Walt Pretorius walt@gladget.co.za

Logitech Wireless Touchpad

SanDisk ImageMate Card Reader

GMC Scorpion PC Case

Writers: Charlie Fripp Christo van Gemert Dylan Bouch Alex Scanlon Rob Edwards

Samsung F70 Camcorder

Letters: letters@gladget.co.za

Xperia Play Mobile Handset

SanDisk Extreme Pro 16GB SD Card

Fractal Design Define R3 PC Case

Epson EB-X10 Projector

Fractal Design Core 3000 PC Case

Resident Evil: Revelations (3DS)

Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)

Competition Entries: competitions@gladget.co.za Newsletter Subscriptions: www.gladget.co.za Design & Photography: 1337 Media Technical Support: Brian Murdoch Marketing Contact: Katia Taliadoros katia@gladget.co.za

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Professor Layton and the Spectre’s Call (DS)

Move Fitness (PS3)

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

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gladget contents • issue 16 • February 2012

Short and Sweet... From the Editor

by Walt Pretorius

really thought that this issue would not happen. I am not being a fatalist, but rather a realist. See, last year, at this time, there was nothing much to write about, because the industry as a whole seemed to be on a bit of a go-slow. There was nothing to review. And so, as the year rolled on, I assumed that we would go through a similar situation. Well, we all know about assumption, right? What happened was a whole bunch of cool stuff arrived for us to look at, including five cases... which fits in really well with our new PC Builder section, which looks at selecting the right PC case this month. So, instead

of sitting twiddling our thumbs, we got to put together a rather nice issue for you, complete with all the things you want and expect. Fans of our photography primer will notice that the section will be taking a new direction from next month, as explained in this month’s issue. So yes, evolution and growth are taking place here at Gladget Magazine, which is always a good thing. Speaking of which, our new website is also growing. We got a fantastic response to the new site, and will be introducing new elements, like current issue contents and a review archive shortly. Be sure to check

back often, as we will also be getting our news rolling soon. And so, with the first month of 2012 behind us, we are looking at a bright future for Gladget. I know i have mentioned this before, but the evolution that the magazine will go through in the next few months will ensure not only a bunch of new regulars and features, for both the magazine and the website, but also a continued delivery of more of the elements that have helped build the magazine thus far. We look forward to sharing the journey with you. g

gladget column • issue 16 • February 2012

In Your Hands A brief history of hand held gaming

Feature

by Alex Scanlon

gladget feature • issue 16 • February 2012

he hand held gaming market is one that is far larger than many people know. With these consoles selling in the tens, if not hundreds, of millions, it provides a lucrative outlet for the video game industry... so much so that makers of these devices, like Nintendo and Sony, who make the DS and PSP ranges respectively, are constantly trying to capture the market with fresh ideas. Last year saw the launch of Nintendo’s 3DS, while this month will see Sony’s PS Vita arriving on our shores. With the imminent release of the Vita (which we will treat to a full review in next month’s issue) we thought it would be good to take a trip down memory lane, and see where these devices started, as well as how they have developed over the relatively short time that they have been available. The first hand held video game devices were released onto the market in 1979, when Mattel released a game called Auto Race. But the nature of the hand held console is to offer the user variety, in the form of interchangeable game cartridges... something which also took place in 1979, when Milton Bradley released the Microvision system. Also in 1979, but on another continent, Gunpei Yokoi was inspired while watching a man work a pocket calculator aboard a Japanese bullet train. Nintendo took his ideas and, a year later, released the Game & Watch series of LCD games. These small devices each only offered one game, programmed into the unit, but their influence would prove to be massive. In one instance, it was these devices that first made use of the D-pad, a directional controller that is now common to virtually every video game controller. And the second, bigger reason, is that the range launched Nintendo on the road to becoming a major player in the hand held video game market. Aside from earlier forays into the idea of hand held gaming by numerous companies, it wasn’t until 1990 that the activity would gain the kind of prominence that those companies hoped for. What launched the activity into the limelight was the release of the Game Boy, Nintendo’s first attempt at creating a console that featured interchangeable game cartridges. While the device did receive some criticism, it was a huge leap forward in terms of technology. The release of Tetris for the Game Boy gave the device the boost it needed in the market, helping drive sales to a point of 25 million units within two years. The success of the unit was undoubtedly what helped spur on the creation of more and more hand held devices, but the Game Boy didn’t exist in a vacuum. Rival Atari also produced a console, called the Lynx, which was the first colour hand held console ever created. In addition it also featured a back

gladget feature • issue 16 • February 2012

lit screen, and the ability to allow networked play. It could even be turned upside-down for left-handed players. But all of these features pushed up the price, and combined with an unwieldy size, this negatively affected sales. This, combined with Nintendo’s aggressive marketing of the Game Boy, saw the Lynx fail. Numerous other hand held devices, like the Bitcorp Gamate and technologically advanced TurboExpress also saw the light of day, but the next big player to enter the fray was Sega. They released the third colour hand held, following in the footsteps of the Lynx and TurboExpress, in the form of the Sega Game Gear. This device hit shelves in the US in 1991, and would prove itself to be a stronger, longer lasting rival to the Game Boy than most other competitors. Based on the Sega Master System, the developers at that company were able to produce a large number of games for the Game Gear relatively quickly. The Game Gear proved so successful that Sega soon began development of a new version, which would feature a touch screen. This was many years before their rivals Nintendo would release the first touch screen hand held, but the technology at the time proved to be far too expensive to be viable. In the nine years since the release of the original Game Boy, Nintendo had been extremely quiet. But in 1998 they released a successor to the Game Boy, in the form of the smaller, lighter, full colour Game Boy Colour. The device did not have much more to it than the original Game Boy in terms of technology, save for the colour screen. While it brought new games with it, and offered backwards compatibility with the original (a first in the hand held market) the apparent lack of advancement opened gaps for other devices to reach prominence. One of these devices was the Neo Geo Pocket Color, released by home console and arcade maker SNK. But several factors harmed this console, which looked set to be the strongest competitor to the Game Boy since the Game Gear. One of these factors was the announcement that Nintendo would be releasing a new console. The Wonderswan Color also gave Nintendo a bit of uphill in the Far East. This was largely due to a very low sales price, as well as a deal struck between makers Bandai and the publishers of the Final Fantasy series, Square. However, anticipation for the Game Boy Advance, as well as a renewed deal between Square and Nintendo, saw the Game Boy still hold the lion’s share of the market. The Game Boy Advance finally saw the light of day in 2001, at the start of a decade that would see Nintendo’s strongest gladget feature • issue 16 • February 2012

gladget feature • issue 16 • February 2012

competitor enter the hand held market for the first time. Two years later the design was reworked in the form of the GBA SP, incorporating a clam shell design that Nintendo had not used since the days of Watch & Go, but one that would dominate their consoles from that time forward. There were, once again, numerous pretenders that emerged during the next few years, including the ill-fated Nokia N-Gage. The thinking behind this device was solid... it combined a phone with a gaming platform and other multimedia features. But poor design decisions scuppered the success of this device from the word go. Even a revised edition released later could not save Nokia’s attempt to enter the market. And in the meantime, Nintendo just kept raking in the users and their cash. The next Nintendo coup was one of the most exciting innovations to enter hand held gaming in many years. Like the invention of the D-pad, Nintendo once again revolutionised the activity with the release of the Nintendo DS. This dual screened device featured a touch sensitive lower screen, which allowed users to interface with their games in a whole new way. The 2004 release was met with great enthusiasm, with sales reaching over 100 million across the various subsequent DS models within five years. But in 2005, Sony entered into the picture with the new PlayStation Portable, or PSP. It featured a larger screen, Internet connectivity and multimedia functions, and was the first console to make use of optical disks for storage of games. The success of the PlayStation brand spurred sales on, and Nintendo was finally saddled with some real competition. He remainder of the decade saw numerous other handhelds emerge, like the cult favourite Gizmodo, and some open source models, including the Pandora, which used Linux. But the real battle was between Nintendo and Sony, who produced new consoles based on the DS and PSP brands respectively with fair regularity. The latest volley in that battle was the 2011 release of the Nintendo 3DS, the first console t feature an autostereoscopic screen, among many other functions. Sony’s answer will come in the form of the PS Vita, which will be available at the end of this month. The battle is certain to rage on. Nintendo have managed to hold fast, but their latest rival Sony is surviving far better than any before. For the last few years the hand held gaming market has not been a one horse race, and the rivalry between the major players means that consumers are the ones who benefit, with better technology and games needed to win their hearts and minds. g gladget feature • issue 16 • February 2012

Photography Primer

A New Direction Teaching by example

by Walt Pretorius

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

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hotography is often an undefinable beast. We can learn all the technical aspects of how to take a photograph, or study techniques for photoediting until we are blue in the face, but the truth is that there really is no hard and fast anything when it comes to capturing photographic images. I was taught by a truly great photographer called Dan Swart, and one thing that he instilled in all of us was the need to shoot a lot of pictures in search of perfection. We may have thought he was being excessive at the time, but over the years, I have come to learn that something as apparently simple as a photograph can be so wonderfully complex, thanks to a vast number of variables that can affect the final product in the split second it is created. I have, more than once, been asked while lecturing on the subject: ‘how do I get this specific thing right.’ My answer is always the same, and possibly not one that the person asking the question would want to hear... know the technical side, take a lot of pictures, and hope just a little. That may seem like a very imprecise thing to say in a section that so often deals with technical ideas, but the truth is simple... even the greatest of photographers will hedge their bets by taking many photographs. Any photographer who tells you that luck has nothing to do with what he does is either trying to fool you, or himself. It may have a small influence, or a massive one, but influence it does have. A breath of wind can move hair in just the right way, or totally ruin a shot. A sudden occurrence may make a photograph an exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime image, or it may ruin any chances of it being anything but meant for the slush pile. Photographers spend hours sifting through their work to find the perfect shot, even after working in controlled

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

Photography Primer

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

environments like studios. There is just so much that can go wrong, or right, by accident. As photographers, we arm ourselves with technical knowledge of what our equipment can do, as well as loftier concepts concerning art and the like. We think about composition. We plan depth of field and shutter speed. We tweak and change myriad settings to try and get that perfect image. But we also have to be in the right place at the right time, and need to rely on forces beyond our control in our quest for the perfect image. It’s just the way it is, and no amount of expensive equipment and tweaking will change that. A truly stunning image can be captured on the most simplistic camera. These days we are lucky enough to have the luxury of digital storage, so getting that perfect shot will not cost an arm or a leg. But it will still take time, effort, knowledge, patience and luck. What that rather lengthy preamble is leading to is the fact that we will be allowing this particular section to evolve. The next logical step, now that all the basics are taken care of, would be to deal with overarching concepts dealing with various types od photography. But, quite honestly, that has been done before, and all the theory in the world can mean very little when conditions are not what they should be, or some small event steps in to change the situation just enough to affect the final image. So, rather than following the route of delivering you overarching concepts that may have little bearing on what you want to do, we have decided to dig down deep down - into photographic technique. Rather than take a macrocosmic approach, we will be dealing with the microcosm. Instead of telling you how to take a type of photograph, we will look at specific examples of photographs and discuss how they were created in depth. It is an idea of learning by example. If we gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

Photography Primer

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

look at a specific photograph and explain everything about it in depth, we believe that it is of more value than speaking about a genre of photography. For that matter, we may visit the same genre a few times, because every image has a very different story to tell. And so, from the next issue, we will be starting out with a new approach to this primer, called the Story of a Photo. We will take individual images and look at them specifically, from concept through to equipment choice, settings to photoediting, and explaining what we did and why we did it every step of the way. In this way, we believe that we can better serve you in improving your photography, simply because the examples will be clearer… you will be able to see the theory in practice, as it were. It is a longer way to go about things, but it is also more valuable because of its focus. Using this new approach, we will not only cover the actual taking of the photograph, but also aspects like lighting, extra equipment and selection of the final image. If every picture has a thousand words to tell, we think they might be best spent in guiding our readers toward improving their photography, perhaps even inspiring them to try and take better pictures using similar techniques, while also raising their awareness of the effects of conditions on images, and the ever present spectre of luck. Additionally, we will use a variety of equipment, in order to illustrate how various lenses, even cameras, can be used to take incredible photographs. We believe that this new approach will have the biggest benefits for those following our photo primers, and we hope that they will serve the purpose that we envision for them. If luck, which can be the photographer’s greatest ally, is on our side, we are sure they will. g gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

Reviews Highlights 24 Olympus Tough TG-810 Takes a licking... 26 Cougar Evolution The perfect gamer case? 28 Samsung MV800 A sweet photographic toy 30 Logitech Wireless Touchpad Notebook style input on any PC

e were very seriously toying with the idea of calling this the Box Issue. That’s because we have five super PC cases on review this month. But, as always, we take a look at a wide range of products, including cameras, input devices, phones, and a number of others. So, while it might seem like a Box Issue, there is, as always, something for everyone in our review section. Go ahead, take a look... g

gladget review • issue 16 • February 2012

Fractal Design Arc PC Case

Roomy And generally great

by Walt Pretorius

ooks can be deceiving. So often we see something that looks much plainer than what it really is... just like the Arc PC case by Fractal Design. And while the truth of the matter is that the looks of this particular case have very little to do with the components that the user puts inside it, the kind of user who would buy a case like this is the sort that would build a very powerful machine into its extra-roomy interior. The looks of this box are almost spartan. The minimal design has only a few elements that belie its true function, and they come in the form of massive mesh screens built into the front and top of the case. A large vented section of the side panel may also serve as a clue to what this case is meant for: massive amounts of cooling. This case is big, in terms of width. So wide, in fact, that there is plenty of room between the plate that holds the motherboard and the panel behind it, allowing

for cable routing and improved air-flow. It is wide enough to even allow for an extra, vertically placed expansion port slot, perfect for fan controllers and other expansion cards that do not need to plug into the motherboard. It also allows for water-cooling systems, and is wide enough to allow massive cooling systems to fit with ease. Seven slots for large fans (120 - 140mm) are scattered around the case (two in front, two at the top, one at the back, one in the base, one in the side), and a vent is built into the panel below where the bottom mounted PSU bracket is located. The case comes with three fans in place (top, front and back). The box has eight side mounted, individually removable hard drive brackets, as well as brackets for two optical drives. Discrete ports, including a USB 3.0 port, line the top front of the case, along with the power button. The entire front and top of the case are mesh vents, allowing heat dissipation and airflow to take place with almost no g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e â&#x20AC;˘ i s s u e 1 6 â&#x20AC;˘ Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

effort. All the vents, with the exception of the side panel, are fitted with dust filters. This case is designed with powerful systems that require extreme cooling in mind. There is no question about that. What is really surprising is that a case that is so obviously aimed at the gaming power user market looks very little like a gaming case. It has no flashy bling bits at all. It looks, as a result, deadly serious... if computer cases were movie characters, this one would be Bruce Willis in The Jackal. Nondescript, understated, yet capable of hiding a truly impressive PC set up. While any system can naturally be built into the Arc, if we were to recommend a case to a user who really wanted to go all out, and wanted to be secure in the knowledge that their system would be cool, easy to maintain and well protected, this would be the direction we would point them in. Well done, indeed. g

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Lots of space • Solid construction • Easy to work in

CONS: • Big

Manufacturer: Fractal Design Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R995

TECH SPECS: • 7 fan brackets • USB 3.0 • Bottom mounted PSU • Vertical expansion slot • 8 HDD brackets • 2 Optical brackets

Score

A big box for people wanting to make use of massive cooling options.

88 23

Olympus Tough TG-810 Camera

Built Like a Brick… Ready for extreme photography?

by Alex Scanlon

hat’s in a name? Well, if you take the Olympus Tough TG-810 pocket camera as an example, a perfect description resides within its name. Tough. The Olympus camera brand may not have the prominence of players like Canon or Nikon, but with slightly niche market products like this, they will certainly remain on the radar. The particular niche that this camera will appeal to, and was undoubtedly designed for, are those folks who like to live life to the fullest, filling their days with adventure and daring-do. To effectively capture their antics, they need a camera that can take a beating, and the Tough is the perfect candidate. The all-metal, 14 megapixel pocket camera can handle falls from a height of two meters, is water proof up to a depth of 10 meters, can withstand cold temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius and can handle impacts of a force up to 100 kilograms. Add to that the fact that it is dust proof and the all-important lens lives behind a metal cover,

and you have a camera that can take a real beating. The extreme lifestyle idea is further supported by the fact that the camera has a built-in GPS receiver, to make sure you can give all your friends the exact co-ordinates of your awesome adventures, dutifully recorded in either good quality photographs, or HD video. It also features 5x optical zoom. Naturally, it’s a little heavier than your average pocket camera, thanks to that really solid construction. And it looks a bit out of the ordinary, too. The squared lens housing is set high on the front, for example. The back has a generous LCD screen, but this seems to have impacted on the controls, which are a little bit on the small side. Additionally, the zoom controls are mounted on the back, which is a bit inconvenient. In terms of functions, the Tough has a lot on offer. Presets, panoramas and a whole lot else, including effects, can be used when shooting. It doesn’t allow for full manual, though, which may frustrate some, but the truth is g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

that this camera is not about carefully crafting the perfect shot. It is about grabbing the action, pure and simple. To this end, Olympus have made sure that it is fast. It goes from off to shooting in around one second, and handles an ISO range from 80 to 1600. Sure, there are cameras with wider ISO ranges but, if you consider that you will likely be using this device outdoors for the most part, that range is just fine. The generous 14 megapixel images are stored on an SD card, which fits in behind a solid panel that is waterproof and features two locking systems to avoid any mishaps. To be honest, as a pocket camera, it is not the finest option we have seen. It’s good, but there are others that outstrip it in some areas. However, when you begin considering the almost specific lifestyle it was designed for, a whole new picture begins to emerge. As an adventurer’s camera, it is absolutely perfect; fast, effective, easy to use and, above all else, tough as nails. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Takes a beating • Can go anywhere • Good image quality

CONS:

• Not manual friendly • Heavy • Item

Manufacturer: Olympus Distributor: Tudor Tech Online: www.tudortech.co.za RRP: R3999

TECH SPECS: • • • • •

14 megapixels 5x zoom Water-proof Shock proof Temperature proof • GPS

Score

Tough as nails, this is the perfect camera for modern adventurers

85 25

Cougar Evolution PC case

Hear me Roar! A case for serious gamers

by Walt Pretorius

amers are PC power users. Video games may have started from humble beginnings but, these days, if you see someone racking up a huge bill for a computer system, you can place a pretty safe bet on the fact that they are buying that system chiefly to play games on. And because they are power users, they have certain demands that need to be met in every piece of equipment they purchase... even their case. The Cougar Evolution screams “I am a gaming case” from the minute you clap eyes on it. The aesthetic of the box, which is made up mainly of matt black panels, mesh covers and a purely design-inspired girder trim, says that it means business. And it certainly does. The only solid panel on the whole thing is the one that sits behind the motherboard. The front panel is entirely made up of vents, and the back panel is also designed for maximum air-flow. The side panel features a Perspex window and a 140mm fan, while two 120mm fans can be

fitted to the front panel (one is supplied.) A single 140mm fan is provided in one of the two top panel fan brackets, and a further bracket is located in the base of the case, as well as a bent that sits directly underneath the bottommounted PSU bracket. The stylish and spacious black interior also has space for six optical drives, which is a little excessive, and four HDDs, all of which are side mounted in individually removable brackets. A trade off of less optical slots and more HDD brackets would have probably have been a better idea here, but four HDDs is still a good number. And, of course, all the slots and brackets are screwless. The roomy interior is trumped by the feature rich exterior, though. Mounted at the top front of the box is one will find audio jacks, two USB 2.0 and a great two USB 3.0 ports, as well as a power switch. This power switch is surrounded by a turnable knob for fan speed... multidirectional fans speed, that is. A great feature, really, g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

even though it is so simple in concept. And here’s a really sweet thing... just behind those ports and switches is a small, sprung panel that tilts to reveal SATA plugs. Plugging in either a 2.5” or 3.5” hard drive is extremely quick and easy. A design feature like this is something that truly sets the Evolution apart, and helps it live up to its name. It doesn’t really look like a serious PC case, not in terms of business or office use. But it certainly looks serious when it comes to housing a powerful PC system. Even water cooling is welcome, with valved opening in the back panel to accommodate for that. You will be hard pressed to find a more versatile case for a PC gaming system. And it’s pretty sturdy, too, although you will want to avoid any hard knocks on the generous meshed areas. But if you are gaming with this box, it will probably be intimidating enough for that never to happen. It radiates attitude. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Impressive • Lots of options • Convenient features

CONS:

• Expensive • More HHD brackets would have been nice

Manufacturer: Cougar Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R1089

TECH SPECS: • 7 fan brackets • USB 3.0 • Four HDD brackets • Six optical brackets • Fan controller • Bottom mounted PSU

Score

An absolutely awesome PC case for gamers who want every option.

90 27

Samsung MV800 Camera

Fun

But maybe not serious enough? by Alex Scanlon

16.1 megapixel image is huge in anyone’s book. If you do the mathematics involved in that one, it really is a big picture. And it’s that image size that the relatively diminutive Samsung MV800 Pocket Camera delivers. It is important to note something in this review, so we might as well get to it now; photographers and photography enthusiasts can be incredibly snobbish. Because of that, a camera not manufactured by a ‘traditional’ camera maker is often looked down on, but the truth of the matter is that companies like Sony and Samsung have aligned themselves with the likes of Minolta and Pentax, respectively, and the cameras that they produce are nothing to snort at. This little one certainly isn’t. That said, the MV800, which would fit comfortably into a shirt pocket, isn’t the world’s most serious camera. It lacks manual shooting modes, for one, preferring to rely on a very wide variety of presets to try and take

care of varied situations. Among these modes there are numerous things that could possibly considered gimmicks, like 3D photos (we’re not sure that you can do that with a single lens) and various modifications that can be set to the images. But it does offer some very handy ideas, too, like panorama mode and smart modes that will try figure out what you’re trying to do, as well as ideas like face detection and so forth. The Schneider Kreuznach lens offers an optical zoom of up to 5x, and helps the images achieve the quality that they do. They can be previewed on the rather generous 3 inch, touch sensitive LCD screen at the back of the camera, which also allows the user to access all manner of controls. Another thing that the LCD screen does is flip up. It unfolds horizontally, so that it faces the front above the body of the camera. This is not the newest idea, but it is a new approach to an adjustable screen, and it requires minimal twisting and turning, which is good. In this g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

position, the screen obscures the shutter button, but a secondary button is revealed when it is raised, on the back of the camera body. This is the perfect example of where a device is designed with a very specific user group in mind. The MV800 takes excellent images, but the lack of control it offers will certainly not appeal to enthusiasts. Rather, this device is one that is aimed squarely at the more casual photographer, complete with a bunch of on-board toys that will allow them to draw greater enjoyment out of taking images. It is a fun device, rather than a serious camera, and a number of the options, like Funny Face and Storyboard Maker, point directly to that fact. This camera is a clever combination of toy and capable photographic device, and is perfect for youngsters, or those that are young at heart. As long as you know what you’re going to get from it most likely fun and funky snapshots, rather than moody photographic high art - your relationship with this versatile little pocket camera should be great. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Funky options • Great image quality • Easy to use

CONS:

• Not ‘serious’ enough for some?

Manufacturer: Samsung Distributor: Samsung Online: www.samsung.co.za RRP: R2699

TECH SPECS: • • • • • •

16.1 megapixel 5x zoom 3” LCD screen Flip out screen Smart Touch 3.0 HD video recording

Score

A fun camera with funky options, but maybe not meant for more serious photographers.

80 29

Logitech wireless Touchpad

Touchy Feely When a mouse just won’t do…

by Rob Edwards

ouch pads are something that laptop and notebook users are more than a little familiar with. The ever-present touch sensitive pads take over the functions of a mouse for portable computers. And while there are some people that will still plug a mouse into their laptop, there are many others that will prefer to use the touch pad. That must be the case, because Logitech have seen fit to create a device that brings touch pad technology to any computer running Windows 7. The Logitech Wireless Touchpad connects to any computer via one of their diminutive unifying receivers. It uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology to ensure a strong, clear signal, and offers the user a five inch, multitouch pad, complete with a set of intuitive controls to perform a variety of tasks, as well as two clickable buttons. How you use it is up to you, but we found that it made a very funky ‘remote control’ for a PC-based home entertainment set up. The device is responsive and accurate, and is the perfect option for those wanting touch pad style controls for their PC. g

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Easy to use • Responsive

CONS:

• Is it better than a mouse?

Manufacturer: Logitech Distributor: Logitech Online: www.logitech.com RRP: R599

TECH SPECS: • 2.4GHz wireless • 5” touch pad • Two clickable buttons • Unifying receiver • Multitouch control

Score

A wireless, laptop style tough pad for those who want to bring the experience to any PC.

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

Even a card reader can be… by Alex Scanlon

hen SanDisk has anything to do with a memory card, you can make a pretty safe assumption that it’s going to be good quality. So the ImageMate All-in-One card reader should be a great device, right? You bet it is. Using USB 3.0 technology, this unusual looking card reader can handle microSD, miniSD, SD, MultiMedia, MMC, Memory Stick and Compact Flash formats. It is fast and reliable, and won’t leave anyone wanting in terms of performance. In addition to working really well, it looks good too. It is tall and slender, and would easily fit into a pocket. For a more permanent solution, a stylish metal stand fits to the bottom of the device by means of a magnet. As portable card readers go, this one is fantastic. It is versatile and looks impressive... looks that are backed up by blazing fast USB 3.0 technology. This most certainly is another winner from SanDisk. g

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Pretty • Most cards supported

CONS:

• External

TECH SPECS: • USB 3.0 • Detachable stand • Multiple card support

Manufacturer: SanDisk Distributor: Tudor Tech Online: www.tudortech.co.za RRP: R519

Score

Handy, elegant and versatile… and with SanDisk quality built in.

80 31

SanDisk ImageMate All-in-One USB 3.0 Reader / Writer

Elegant

GMC Scorpion PC Case

Stinger A sharp PC box…

by Walt Pretorius

s case makers, GMC have managed to produce some of the gaudier PC boxes we have ever seen. It seems that every now and then the company gets over-enthusiastic about the bling factor. Then again, we have seen some incredibly nice cases from them, too, and the Scorpion certainly falls into that category. In terms of looks, this box hardly appears to be a GMC case at all. It is understated, yet with strong lines and a generally stylish aesthetic. The front of the case is dominated by a metal mesh material, which is only broken up by a rather discrete, matt black panel which houses the power and reset buttons, as well as headphone jacks, an eSATA port and two USB 2.0 ports. The mesh look continues onto one of the side panels; rather than a Perspex window, the panel has an irregularly shaped mesh section, which may cause a bit of a dust problem for users. The panel also has no fan

bracket. That shouldn’t be a problem, though... the Scorpion has a lot of fans. A large 120mm sits at the bottom behind the front panel, while an 80mm fan is mounted high at the back. Two additional 80mm fans are fitted in the top, towards the rear of the box, and the bottom of the case features a large vent section for improved air flow. This unusual configuration goes further, with this case being one of the few to feature a bottom mounted PSU bracket. This is becoming far more common, though. The motherboard sits higher in the case, almost directly under the top mounted fans. The principle that hot air rises may worry some, thanks to that low PSU mount, but the air flow in this case is actually very good. The interior is the same matt black as the exterior, with red trim in the form of screwless mountings for components and drives. The inside of the case has minimal sharp edges and is spacious enough for easy building. None of the drive brackets can be removed, though, which g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

may be a hassle for people who spend a lot of time fiddling with their computer. With generous venting and a decent airflow idea, the Scorpion should serve to keep almost any system cool. It also supports water-cooling, with a pair of valve-like openings in the rear panel. Good looks and practicality combine with a very nice price to make the Scorpion a fair bargain. Four HDD slots and four optical drive slots mean that the user should have enough space for all their drive whims, too. While it lacks a few of the fancier ideas, it is a well built and attractive option. The interior is fairly spacious, although there is a weird plastic plate about halfway up that is a bit of a mystery... unless it has to do with air-flow and heat isolation. This case would look equally at home in an office environment or on a gamer’s desk. And its sturdy construction means that the user can rest assured that their precious PC would not come to any undue harm. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Good looking • Great air flow

CONS:

• No removable HDD brackets

Manufacturer: GMC Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R679

TECH SPECS: • Bottom mounted PSU • Four HDD brackets • Four optical brackets • USB 2.0

Score

A good option for gamers wanting to make a muted statement.

80 33

Samsung F70 Flash Memory SD Camcorder

Handy Video Not the most powerful

by Alex Scanlon

he lines between photography and videography have been blurred for some time. In fact, modern smart phones make it even more difficult to make decisions regarding the purchase of devices that can take video or photographs, because it seems that these days even the toaster has a built in camera with HD video functionality. OK, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but you get what I am saying, right? In fact, i was once told by someone who worked for a company that dealt with photo and video cameras that they would rather buy a stills camera that took video than a camcorder that took photos, based on the CCD. This, of course, is not necessarily the best move; having a dedicated device for each task is still, in my possibly anachronistic view, the best option. If you are like minded and want to get something to capture video with, Samsung has a great range of small yet capable video recorders. One such device is the Samsung F70 Flash Memory SD Camcorder. This small device is great for capturing those moving images

that brighten family collections, for various reasons. Most importantly, it uses SD cards as storage, which means easy access to large storage cards without taking up a lot of space. On the downside, however, the video capture is not full HD. It maxes out at 1280 x 720, which is not the best resolution one can possibly get. Still, it’s not bad, and the video capture is pretty good, including the audio. This is in stereo, too, thanks to dual microphones build into the device. The small size of the camcorder belies many of its abilities. Aside from more tangible functions, like a 65x intelligent zoom, it features other options that are great. One example is the ability to pause while recording... this may not seem like much, but it does allow the viewer not only to stop and restart recording more quickly, but also to tack a whole bunch of recordings into one longer movie clip, rather than ending up with a whole bunch of smaller clips that need to be edited together later. Other systems, like Smart Auto, also help make the user’s life a lot easier g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

by determining the best possible results for the video being recorded. You’re probably not going to use this video camera to film anything more than home videos, but that really is the market it is intended for. A decent battery life, extremely simple controls and a flipable view-finder, in the form of an LCD screen that folds away when not in use, all lend themselves to this purpose. Unfortunately some things could have been improved; the lens cap, for example, does not open automatically. It’s not a problem when you use the device, because it detects a closed lens cap, but when you put it away you will have to remember to close the cap yourself, to avoid damage to that all important glass. On the whole, this is a capable video recorded, and one that is fairly nicely priced. It is a little shy on resolution, but for someone who wants to capture precious memories and not worry about whether they are in full HD, it does the job perfectly. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Small • Easy to use • Lots of options

CONS:

• Manual lens cap • Resolution • Item

Manufacturer: Samsung Distributor: Samsung Online: www.samsung.com RRP: R2149

TECH SPECS: • • • •

65x Intelli-zoom True Colour HD recording SD card compatible • Pausable recording

Score

It is a little weak in some areas, but this camcorder still does a good job

74 35

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play

Hand Held A gaming phone… literally

by Alex Scanlon

e all know that you play games on your cell phone, but this new device takes the idea to new heights. And yes, of course, it is an Xperia. That’s a line with a vast number of phones, but that’s not why this device is obviously geared at gaming. It’s built by Sony Ericsson, and the Sony part of that brand is the same Sony that is behind the PlayStation range of gaming products. In fact, this device is pretty much a PlayStation phone. The symbols on the buttons are the same, and those have been trade marked by Sony for this kind of device. With the launch of the PS Vita happening later this month, one cannot help but wonder about how long this device will hang on. The Nokia NGage had similar ideas, and it went the way of the dodo. But the slide up reveal of the game controllers is funky, and there are number of games to enjoy on it. We’ll reserve judgement there... time will tell. As a phone... well, if you have tried out an Xperia, you will know exactly what to expect here... good performance, with a funky edge. g

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Gaming on the go • Good phone

CONS:

• Will it survive?

Manufacturer: Sony Ericsson Distributor: Sony Ericsson Online: www.sonyericsson.com RRP: R5099

TECH SPECS: • 4” screen • 1GB internal memory • MicroSD compatible • Slide system • Full game controls

Score

A great idea, but one that has been tried before…

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

And tough, too…

by Alex Scanlon

eviewing something like an SD card is actually far tougher than you might think. This is because reviews so often take all those added extras into account, and an SD card so seldom offers anything beyond exactly what it is supposed to do. Every now and then, though, you get a product that offers a little more than meets the eye, like the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC UHS-1 SD Card. And while the large capacity of the card may be what catches your eye, it is the other things that it offers that really matter. First off, it’s really fast, with data transfer speeds of up to 95mb per second. Then there is a list of things that it is resistant to: water, shock, extreme temperatures and x-rays. All of this adds up to make this particular SD card something more than the run of the mill. It costs a bit more, but the protection of data and speed are well worth the expense.g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Quick • Tough

CONS:

• Expensive

Manufacturer: SanDisk Distributor: Tudor Tech Online: www.tudortech.co.za RRP: R969

TECH SPECS: • • • • • •

16GB Up to 95mb/s Waterproof Shock proof X-ray proof Temperature resistant

Score

Tough as nails and really fast… this is a great SD card

90 37

SanDisk Extreme Pro 16GB SDHC UHS-1 SD Card

Speedy!

Fractal Design Define R3 PC Case

Top of the Pile

A high end home for your PC components by Walt Pretorius

igh end PC cases can be a bit of a mixed bag. One can generally rely on sturdy construction in these devices, but does the higher cost justify what you are getting? This question is particularly valid when considering that there are cheaper alternatives on the market that often fill the same function just as well. So, in other words, a pricier PC box needs to offer a bit extra. The Define R3 from Fractal Design offers extra in two ways. The first is convenience, and the second is a degree of options. The R3 is sturdy, if nothing else, and the weight of the box hints at that. The solid construction has resulted in a case that is rather heavy... all fine and well if your PC isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to move around much, but it can be difficult to lug around. Even the removable side panels feel strong enough to kill an ox with. Part of that comes from the sound-damping material worked into the panel,

which is actually quite a big plus. The side panel also shows the options that were mentioned before. See, it has a spot for a 120mm fan worked into the panel, but the fan is not supplied. In fact, it has 7 viable 120mm fan positions; two in the front, two in the top, towards the back, one in the rear, one in the side and one at the bottom. Of these, only the back and one of the front fans are supplied. It seems a bit cheeky at first, but this does allow for the user to put as much air current generation into the box as they see fit. Fans cause noise, after all, and the PC may not need all that cooling (if it is not a high performance machine.) Thankfully, all the vents for the unsupplied fans are covered with pads to prevent unwanted dust entering the box. The inside of the box is wonderfully convenient to work with. It offers a sensible two optical drive bays, and a brilliant eight HDD bays, all of which are side mounted and g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e â&#x20AC;˘ i s s u e 1 6 â&#x20AC;˘ Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

individually removable for greater ease. Even the panels that need to be removed to fit optical drives are simple to use, with lock clips keeping them in place. As far as looks go, the R3 is rather stylish, with an overall matt black finish complemented by a flat door on the front. The power button, as well as audio jacks, two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port, are mounted at the top front of the box. The discrete look of the power button, as well as the understated look of the door, make this case look like it means business. It might not appeal to gamers with flashier tastes (and it lacks any kind of see-through side panel, save for the fan grill) , but more serious users will certainly find the overall aesthetic appealing. In this case, a little added expense goes a long way. The good looking and well-built Define R3 is certainly a computer box that not only offers excellent options and ease of use, but it also makes a great impression. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Quiet • Very solid • Stylish

CONS:

• Heavy • Expensive

Manufacturer: Fractal Design Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R1049

TECH SPECS: • • • • •

7 fan slots USB 3.0 8 HDD brackets 2 optical brackets Bottom mounted PSU bracket

Score

If you’re looking for strong, stylish and generally good quality, here’s a goodbet.

84 39

Epson EB-X10 Projector

Projection… Getting a good big picture…

by Alex Scanlon

here is something about a big picture that is extremely appealing. Sure, a nice big TV often does the trick, but when we are getting entertained... whether movies, gaming or whatever... bigger really is better in terms of visuals. They just seem to be so much more impressive when they dominate the senses. Getting a really big picture for home use is something that requires a projector. No matter what size your TV might be, a projector guarantees a bigger image... and a more versatile one, realistically, because it can be used to project onto any flat, white surface. Epson’s EB-X10 is a great solution for just that. Equally at home in an office as in a home entertainment set up, this small yet powerful projector does the job beautifully. The projection lens is covered by a sturdy plastic cap. Once this is opened and images sent to the projector, it’s performance really is splendid. The lens can also

be easily focussed and zoomed, thanks to easy to reach controls. The projector can handle a number of input sources, namely S-video, component, USB (type A and type B), VGA and HDMI. Sharp readers will realise that two of those input sources also provide audio, and the EB-X10 has built in speakers to allow for that. These, however, are the projector’s biggest let-down. They aren’t particularly good, and those using this in a home theatre set up will obviously want to rely on other ways to get audio delivered. What is most important, though, is the image, and in this department we have absolutely no complains. Naturally, a projector requires the right kind of conditions, but this particular device performs very well in a wide variety of situations, delivering crisp, clear images, complete with vibrant colours, more often than not. This is largely thanks to Epson’s 3LCD Advanced Imaging Technology, which is designed to ensure that the projector’s performance is the g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

best it can be, in almost any given situation. In addition to that, this projector is easily portable, and extremely simple to use. A full set of function buttons are set into the top of the unit, allowing the user quick access to source changes, menu functions and even help. Volume controls, as well as controls for controlling the image trapezoid ( to ensure that the angle of the projector doesn’t mess with the angle of the image) are all within easy reach. Lamp and temperature indicators are also built into the control panel section. And, if getting to those controls proves to be a problem, it has a full function remote control to make life easier. If you are going for the big picture, you would do well to consider the EB-X10 as an option. Its wide range of inputs make it versatile, while it’s relatively small size and light weight make it easily portable. It’s easy to use, fast to set up and delivers a great performance, despite audio that could have been a bit better. In short, it is an excellent solution for those wanting a multimedia projector. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Good brightness • Portable

CONS:

• Audio • Lower resolution

TECH SPECS: • 2600 lumens output • Multiple inputs • Integrated audio • Remote

Manufacturer: Epson Distributor: Epson Online: www.epson.co.za RRP: TBC

Score

A good projector for those who want to maximise image size…

75 41

Fractal Design Core 3000 PC Case

A Simpler Solution Bottom end isn’t always bottom end…

by Walt Pretorius

ractal Designs certainly seem to know what they are doing when it comes to building computer cases. In the other two reviews of Fractal Designs featured in this issue (the Define R3 and the Arc) the company demonstrates a clear understanding of what needs to be on offer when it comes to a PC box. And with this lower end offering they also show that prowess, delivering a case that may have less features, but still manages to be a box worth looking at. While this might be towards the lower end of their range, the Core 3000 is still not a particularly cheap PC case, and with good reason. Here we have a box that might not have all the features of its bigger brothers, but still remains an extremely good case. Right off the bat, they did not skimp on necessary features. The Core 3000 features as many fan slots as the other two, and comes with three fans already fitted. In fact, when looking at this case, it really just looks like

a smaller version of the Arc. It is similarly understated in looks, and though a bit narrower, still allows for excellent air-flow, thanks to a raised motherboard plate and generous vents. The front and back of the case are well vented, with the front allowing for two 140mm fans, and a 80mm in the back. The top also has place for two 140mm fans, with one slot provided for a bottom mount and one for a side panel mount. There is also a large vent below where the bottom mounted PSU bracket sits, but none of these vents have dust filters except for the front. It also offers fewer HDD bays, which number six in total. However, they are still side mounted and each bracket can be removed individually. The apparently standard two optical bays are still present here. And while the interior is not as roomy as the bigger Fractal Design cases, working in the Core 3000 is still comfortable, thanks to a screwless g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

system and virtually no sharp edges. On the outside, the matt black finish and vented front looks impressive, if down-toned. The power switch is located at the top front of the case, along with audio ports and four USB 2.0 ports (no USB 3.0 here, sadly.) On the whole, this is a really nice case... it only looks a little bit like a downgrade when compared to the other Fractal Design boxes in this issue. If compared to any number of other boxes, it would look a bit like a Rolls Royce, and those looking for a case that offers good cooling (including water cooling support) as well as a sturdy design and serious looks would do well to consider the Core 3000. It’s a bit more of a casual box, though, not offering the more ‘extreme’ options delivered by the other two. That said, it is still a very fine computer case indeed. Three for three, Fractal Design have demonstrated their prowess at building wicked computer cases. We’re certainly adding their products to our wish lists. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 6 • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Great looks • Good air flow • Practical

CONS:

• No dust filters • A little pricey

Manufacturer: Fractal Design Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R769

TECH SPECS: • • • • •

7 fan brackets USB 2.0 6 HDD brackets 2 optical brackets Bottom mounted PSU bracket

Score

A great option for someone looking for a simpler solution from the Fractal design range

79 43

Resident Evil: Revelations

Small Screen Scares Survival horror for the 3DS

ome games are mixed bags, we all know that. You often have to take the good with the bad when it comes to gaming, something which most people who spend more than a little time are used to, and those that don’t probably don’t notice. But when you get through to the other side and the good outshines the bad, that’s just awesome. The elements of the game that left you with a bad taste in your mouth are forgotten as you relive the greatness of the title you just experienced. Resident Evil: Revelations is that kind of game. Mostly set aboard a decrepit cruise ship called the Queen Zenobia, this title puts the player in the role of a sexy female protagonist, Jill Valentine, (suitably clad in skin tight stretchy stuff) who, along with her partner, is searching for some other lost operatives believed to be aboard the ship. The story is tense, although its pace is often interrupted by flashbacks and other bits of plot

by Walt Pretorius that yank you out of what you are really there for... to get frightened. To this end, the claustrophobic corridors of the Queen Zenobia are perfect. They are dark and cramped, and there is often a monster waiting around the next corner. The developers avoided zombies in this title and decided to rather make use of Ooze, amorphous monsters who can squeeze through nooks and crannies, often taking the player by surprise. There is a wide variety of things to kill or be killed by in this game, all with the common feature of being tough. The models for these monsters are great... in fact, these are probably some of the best graphics, as a whole, that we have ever seen on the 3DS. The environments are detailed in their creepiness, and the characters and effects are just plain awesome. Because the monsters can be so tough to kill, the scare value of the game rises. So does the frustration value,

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These levels have generally been tweaked and changed a bit for this mode, though, so it’s not just a rehash of what’s been experienced before. In single player mode the player will almost always be accompanied by an AI sidekick, but these characters are generally more annoying than they are useful. In fact, the characters feel a little dull and lifeless in the game, which is sad because they could have gone a long way to improving the plot delivery. What we have here is a demonstration that Capcom not only understands what players want from the Resident Evil franchise (survival horror above all else) but also that they have a keen idea what a game on the 3DS should be like. The game does have its problems, but when everything is said and done, getting through it fills the player with a great sense of accomplishment, which is always a bonus. It is a tense and engrossing experience that shows off the platform and the rich franchise beautifully. g

AT A GLANCE: A good, if not mind-blowing, addition to the Resident Evil franchise and 3DS line-up. Developer: Capcom Publisher: Capcom Distributor: Core Group

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

16+ gladget video game • issue 16 • February 2012

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

3DS Platforms

as the controls may have been thought out a bit better. They’re by no means bad, but they do take some getting used to, which is not necessarily a good thing when you have a monster trying to kill you. As you may expect from a Resident Evil game, supplies like ammo are also tight, adding even more to the tension. Thankfully, a new scanning device, called the Genesis, has been included, which will not only gather useful information about monsters, but will also reveal hidden objects that are useful to the player. Although this can certainly be called one of the finer Resident Evil titles around, sometimes the story seems to give away too much, too soon. Still, it is an enjoyable experience working through the conspiracy behind the disappearance of the two operatives. There is no co-op mode for the main campaign, sadly, but players will be able to replay stages in Raid mode.

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

85 47

Super Mario 3D Land

Let’s-a Go 3D Not just a gimmick…

hen the 3DS hit the market, there were more than a few people that felt it was little more than a gimmick employed by Nintendo to boost sales of yet another dual screen handheld device. Worse yet, it seems that some developers even bought into that idea, employing the 3D capabilities of the device as nothing beyond eye candy. The end result could have been disillusionment on the part of the consumer but, thankfully, developers have now been shown the way, and consumers have been given proof that this device is more than just pretty pictures... by Nintendo themselves. When new ideas are introduced to gaming, it often takes a while for developers to fully realise what can be done with them. But Nintendo have shortened that period with the release of Super Mario 3D Land, producing in it a title that demonstrates the difference between 3D enhancing looks and 3D enhancing game

by Walt Pretorius dynamics. At a glance, you would be excused for thinking that this is just another Mario platform game. It contains all the elements from the classics and previous titles, after all. In the game, Mario must once again rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of his evil nemesis, traversing several worlds that present the player with platform challenges, enemies, power-ups and coins to collect. However, even in the easier initial stages, it soon becomes apparent that the 3Dvisuals are more than just a visual enhancement; they are essential for getting through the game. In fact, there are some areas where the added depth of field granted the player by the 3D visuals is essential for timing jumps and movements just right... turning off the 3D would make them virtually impossible to get through. In addition to that, the visuals themselves are great, with an attention to details that adds beautifully to the

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good. Rather, this title is a triumph for both the franchise and the platform. It legitimises the 3D aspect of the game by making it essential to use. It presents the player with a game that is very easy to pick up and get hooked on, yet is extremely challenging in later stages. And yet it manages to hold on to the core principles of what made Mario great from the very beginning, never compromising on what fans of the franchise would expect from such a game. Those elements combined are fantastic, and go a great way to show that even though Nintendo has grown to be a massive corporation, their ideas of bringing quality products to market still haven’t diminished. And for the consumer? Well, it’s a great game, no questions asked. Fun, exciting, and challenging, it is a high point for all things Mario. If you own a 3DS, there is no question you should be playing this game, even if just to see the potential of the platform. g

AT A GLANCE: When they created the 3DS, this is the kind of thing they had in mind… Developer: Nintendo Publisher: Nintendo Distributor: Core Group

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

3+ gladget video game • issue 16 • February 2012

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

3DS Platforms

experience. The graphics are naturally bright and vibrant, but there is more to them than meets the eye (yes, a terrible pun) and attentive players will love all the extra visual delights the game has on offer. Another important tweak made to the franchise in this version is the use of power-ups. They are not just something you find and use, and inevitably lose when an enemy hits you. Particularly later on, the player will need to make strategic use of the tailed Tanooki Suit (which enables Mario to float for short distances), Boomerang Mario (which adds a powerful ranged attack) or any of the other power-ups. The player can even switch between collected power-ups to a degree, which is great. And, of course, there are tons of things to discover and collect, including a Street Pass activated set of challenging Puzzle Boxes. O no, not just another Mario game, and certainly not just another game trying to make use of 3D graphics to look

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

94 49

Professor Layton and the Spectre’s Call

Scratch, Scratch… Prepare to be puzzled

f you think that video games need to be all action and gore to be successful, think again. And if you need proof that there are tons of people out the that want a game to be something different, and challenging in a way that is less about reflexes and hand-eye coordination and more about brains, just check out what is going on with the Professor Layton franchise. And the fourth game in the series, titled Professor Layton and the Spectre’s Call in our territory (also known as Professor Layton and the Last Specter) takes the ideas and formulas of the previous three games and develops them, building the experience to all-new heights. Not that this game tries anything really new. Instead, it takes the tried and tested Layton formula and builds on it, delivering a title that is essentially more of the same, but better. Spectre’s Call is not a sequel, though. Rather, its story

by Alex Scanlon takes place right at the beginning and shows, among other things, how the Professor and Luke first met. It takes place in the quaint and detailed town of Misthallery, which is plagued by a mysterious monster; a puzzle which the professor must naturally solve. And puzzling it is. While some of the brain-teasers that form the basis of the game may seem a bit familiar to veterans of the series, pretty much all of them will display a bit if a new spin. Players who enjoy using their brains will love the puzzles, which range from fairly easy right through to downright confounding. A wide variety of puzzles make up the more than 170 head-scratchers on offer, from visual puzzles through to logic and math problems. Like before, solving the puzzles first time around will give the player the best rewards. But, if you get stumped, there are always those handy hint coins to help you

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predictability. It is the one thing that will keep the player coming back, as it grows more interesting and engrossing with every passing encounter. And that’s what sets this franchise apart from other puzzle collections; the puzzles have a function greater than just challenging the player. At times they even tie into the plot, which is a nice touch, although some of these ties are rather tenuous. Aside from the main game, there are also lots of little bonuses and extras for the player to unlock, try out and even download. This franchise is certainly a puzzler’s dream, and this latest iteration is the pinnacle of the series so far. With interesting characters, a good plot and puzzles of almost every variety, Professor Layton and the Spectre’s Call is a fantastic hybrid between puzzle solving and point-and-click adventuring. And it will keep you busy for ages! g

AT A GLANCE: The pinnacle of the Professor’s tales brings more than 170 new puzzles to light… Developer: Level 5 Publisher: Nintendo Distributor: Core Group

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

PG gladget video game • issue 16 • February 2012

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

DS Platforms

out. These, as well as other collectibles, can be found throughout Misthallery, simply by clicking on elements of the background. Seeing as how they could be hidden anywhere, you’ll probably find yourself ‘exploring’ settings for hours with the stylus pen. The Spectre’s Call also features details that make the other Layton games pale in comparison. And we mean this quite literally... the visual presentations of Misthallery are great, with tons to look at and explore. This is supported by a cast of whacky characters to meet and chat to, and while most of the interactions are text based, there are even a few cool, voiced cut scenes to enjoy. The graphics are presented in the same traditional, hand animated style that has become a hallmark of this series. The story itself is wonderfully paced and contains more than a few twists and turns in the plot. It is the best Layton tale so far, and manages to steer away from

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

80 51

Move Fitness

Get Fit in Style!

Time to get off the couch (and save on gym fees)

ne of the biggest reasons that gaming consoles and accessories continued to grow in sales, while retail in general has been in recession, has been the advent of fitness and exercise games. Nintendo were the pioneers with Wii Fit, which almost single-handedly brought gaming consoles into the housewife and yuppie market; though nowadays fitness titles are aplenty on all gaming consoles. The combination of motion controlled natural movements, and virtual gyms and trainers that can be personalised and tailored to individual needs seems to have captured the world’s imagination. And it’s probably no small advantage that you can exercise while eating a deep fried snack in-between reps, or wear your favourite skin tight spandex gear without fear of humiliation. Announced at Gamescom late last year, Sony has been plugging Move Fitness quite aggressively over PlayStation Network. Now, there are a few elements that define a good fitness game. Customisation is

by Suvesh Arumugam

obviously key, you want to be able to do more of what you enjoy (that targets those problem areas), but you also want some variation. After all, it’s not just about burning calories, it’s also about having fun. The competition is pretty fierce with competing titles getting pretty serious like EA’s Sports Active 2 (that includes its own special wireless sensors and heart rate monitor) and UFC Personal Trainer (which uses real kickboxing and Muay Thai training), but Move Fitness seems to be aimed at the casual gamer, who may occasionally feel guilty that their only daily exercise is opening the fridge to grab some more Mountain Dew. While Sports Active includes a rigorous 30 day workout challenge, Move Fitness includes a more modest workout programme, with Goals which are more score based (classic motivation for gamers) than weight or fitness based. There is also the option to choose individual activities, and a multiplayer option to pit their skills (and endurance) against up to three friends. But don’t get me wrong, this is real exercise! Move

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gruelling, so expect to sweat (like crazy!) and be prepared for some sore and stiff limbs for a few days. Compared to its more serious rivals, Move Fitness seems to fall short of the mark. With 70 or more activities offered in other titles, one would expect that it would be hard to make this a daily routine for too long. Also, the virtual gym and trainers are not very customisable, which is a pity. The workout programmes are also fixed like Beach Body or Stress Buster, and you pretty much have to choose between their preset routine or selecting single activities individually. While your virtual trainer collects a whole lot of your personal data for your profile, this doesn’t seem to have too much bearing on the mini games. The multiplayer option is fun though, and makes a game like this worthwhile. So even if you’re not serious about having abs of steel, you can still compete against a few friends and then reward yourself with a cold one! g

AT A GLANCE: A fun, easy way to get into shape and burn off some of those extra Christmas calories Developer: Coldwood Interactive Publisher: SCEE Distributor: Ster Kinekor

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

12+ gladget video game • issue 16 • February 2012

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

PS3 Platforms

Fitness offers over 25 different exercises, each targeting different muscles and coordination skills through fun tasks like boxing, basketball and catching. Unlike many Move games, which use only one controller (which are easy to ‘fake out” while sitting down), Move Fitness can only be played using two motion controllers. The tracking is very accurate, and you pretty much need to be where the game tells you to be whether you are squatting, punching, throwing or jumping. After a quick tutorial, the timer starts and you have a short intense window to score as many points as possible. Punching the sweet spot or sinking consecutive baskets takes you into Overdrive, which scores you extra points – and more importantly burns more calories. The game takes into account how hard punches or throws are made, so intensity definitely counts in your favour. All the while your personal trainer eggs you on, and shows you how you should be doing the exercises. At the end of each activity, a graph shows you how many calories you burned (probably). The exercises, while simple, can be

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

78 53

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

A New Link

A more mature adventure at 25…

hen Nintendo first designed the Wii console, they undoubtedly had numerous ideas and dreams about how cool games could be when played on it. But the last five years have been a mixed bag for the platform, with numerous good games mixed up with a whole lot of silly, lame or just plain pointless ones. If one were to go back to those initial discussions, one would probably be able to get a very clear picture of what Nintendo wanted to see happening with the console. And we’re pretty willing to bet that virtually every dream and idea spoken about would point towards a game that has finally realised much of the Wii’s potential... The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. But it goes further than just the Wii’s potential; this is the game that the Zelda franchise was always meant to be, too.

by Walt Pretorius

The plot is still fairly simple, but the storytelling transcends the apparent ‘save the princess’ staple that seems to be so common to Nintendo games. There is more depth here, and a far more interesting crop of characters for the player, who once again plays the part of Link, to meet. Sadly, there is still nowhere near enough voiced content within the game, but the tons of reading the player has to do is somewhat mitigated by a bunch of very elegant, even moving, cut scenes that help drive the narrative along. The true joy of this game, though, comes from other places. Collectively you could call it the game dynamic. First of all, there is the control scheme. It is as close to perfect as we have ever seen in a Wii title, with the Motion Plus support allowing the player to truly add nuances to their input. It never devolves to a waggle-fest; rather, the player needs to always be conscious of their movements,

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free form game than any Zelda before. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a triumph for the franchise, and well timed for its 25th anniversary. It feels more mature and deeper, and provides the player with a compelling and engaging experience. Further, it manages to never delve into the cheap tricks that tempt so many Wii developers, staying true to itself and its core concepts throughout. This is, without a doubt, the finest Wii game ever released. It takes itself, and the platform, seriously, and delivers a brilliant experience. Even the most ardent Wii naysayer will find it difficult not to be impressed by this title. Sure, it has some problems - it sometimes feels a little too ambitious for its own good, which leads to issues - but none of these are enough to put a damper on the awesome experience Skyward Sword has to offer.. g

AT A GLANCE: If you’re a fan of either the Zelda franchise or the Wii, you should be playing this game. Developer: Nintendo Publisher: Nintendo Distributor: Core Group

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

12+ gladget video game • issue 16 • February 2012

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

Wii Platforms

and considerate of the strategy that such precision allows for. Secondly, there is the way that the player interacts with the world. Sure, previous Zelda titles have done a good job of this, but Skyward Sword takes matters to a whole new level. A lot of the tedium has been cut out of the game, thanks to a quick travel system. Even when quick travel is not an option, there is a lot going on to keep the player interested. Tons of side quests and activities await. And then there is the matter of level design. The thought that has gone into the levels, as well as the thought required from the player to traverse them, is fantastic. Repetitive actions have been set aside, and the player will now have to think - and apply their vast inventory - in a more mature way. The game will even have the player going back to previously visited locations from time to time, adding depth to the experience. It feels more like a

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

96 55

Movie of the Month DVD Seen

Sexy Assassin

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

Colombiana From the pen of Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen comes Colombiana, the tale of a young woman who exacts vengeance for the murder if her parents fifteen years after the fact. When young Cataleya flees for her life from Colombia, her uncle takes her in and teaches her, at her request, to become a cold blooded killer. While performing jobs for him as an adult, she works towards tracking down the men who murdered her parents. But life is complicated for the deadly beauty and, with the FBI hot on her trail, she needs to be sure that her need for closeness and affection doesn’t ruin the chances of her achieving her ultimate goal. Zoe Saldana plays the role of Cataleya, and is joined by a cast that includes Michael Vartan, Jordi Molla and Lennie James. The film was directed by Olivier Megaton, of The Transporter 3 fame, so the viewer would do well to expect a movie that is just on the wrong side of plausible. It offers action aplenty, but the film does manage to stretch the imagination a little far at times. Still, Megaton has directed a film that is gripping, and Saldana’s awareness of her physicality makes her feel extremely natural in the role. It’s a pop-corn muncher, when all is said and done... a lot more style than substance, but fun to watch. g DIRECTOR: Olivier Megaton DISTRIBUTOR: Nu Metro

FPB Rating: 16LV Score

STARRING: Zoe Saldana Micheal Vartan Jordi Molla

MOVIE

OF THE MONTH gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

DVD Seen

Happy,Thank You, More Please

Do platonic relationships really work? Can two consenting adults remain emotionless even when two people decide to “just have sex” after a friendship has been kindled? Are we living in an era of the independent sexes and social networking, where even commitment is now being negotiated? A short time after meeting, two new business associates, Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis) make a pact to just have sex. The tragedy of being lost in finding the right partner leads to ‘friends with benefits’. Certainly, this is a cliché concept as it has become a main trend in romantic comedy as of late, but I have to admit even though this film is predictable, one has to admire the incredible chemistry between the two main characters. Mila Kunis has come a long way since her day in “That ‘70s Show”, and certainly knows how to fill the screen with her vivacious energy, while Justin Timberlake compliments her with his cool and sharp demeanour, a truly wonderful balance and contribution to his character. Oh and yes ladies, this is certainly a comedy for the men too with some serious boyish scenes and titillating eye candy. This is a truly fun and hilarious romantic comedy for all. g

DIRECTOR: Will Gluck

DISTRIBUTOR: Nu Metro

FPB Rating: 16LS Score

STARRING: Justin Timberlake Mila Kunis Woody Harrelson

Intrigued, but no thank you, no more, please! One is introduced to six New Yorkers who seem to have trouble getting their lives on track. We meet Sam, played by Josh Radnor, who falls in love with the lovely barmaid/singer (Kate Mara). Annie (Malin Akerman) a woman with alopecia who has issues with men, attracts Sam No. 2 (Tony Hale) a stereotypical accountant who is madly in love with Annie but doesn’t seem to get anywhere. And then there is Spencer (Bram Barouh) and Mary Catherine (Zoe Kazan), a lost couple who are very much lost… did I mention that are lost? I still have trouble connecting them in the rest of the plot. In all of this we also have a lost foster kid who attaches himself to Sam No.1 thrown into the mix! I have to be fair and say that the acting was pretty good and there were some funny and interesting scenes, but this movie also felt incredibly disconnected is so many ways from the plot, the concept and the interaction of characters. It is just such a shame that this movie did not live up to the message it was so desperately trying to reveal. g

STARRING: Josh Radnor Malin Akerman Kate Mara

DIRECTOR: Josh Radnor

DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 13L Score

Friends with Benefits

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

The Smurfs

James Galdolfini, Kristen Stewart and Melissa Leo team up in Welcome to the Rileys, a touching film directed by Jake Scott. He’s the son of legendary director Ridley Scott, and his father and uncle Tony were the executive producers of this film. But Hollywood doesn’t have nepotism. The tale tells of a man who, when frustrated with his life, meets a young stripper while at a convention. She reminds him of his deceased daughter, and he decides not to go home, forcing his agoraphobic wife to undertake a road trip to look for him. While Gandolfini shines in this unusual role, kudos must really be given to Kirsten Stewart, who we thought was being ruined by the Twilight movies. Instead, she shows style and grace in a challenging role, making the film well worth it for drama fans. While this movie does stoop to being predictable at times, it is quite entertaining, none the less. Scott shows a lot of promise as a director, and the chemistry between the three lead actors is excellent. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, though. g

DIRECTOR: JakeScott DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 16L Score

STARRING: James Gandolfini Kirsten Stewart Melissa Leo

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

I wonder if Belgian cartoonist Peyo (pen name for Pierre Culliford) knew what he would manifest into the next century when he started creating De Smurfen in 1958. The Smurfs have been named the 97th best animated series by IGN, and in 1980 it was termed “kiddie cocaine”. The Smurfs have been compared to “socialism in European culture” as well as a “totalitarian and racist utopia” by writers such as Marc Schmidt and Socialist Antoine Buéno. In 2008 they were celebrated with a 50th anniversary of The Smurfs commemorative coin, this was a high-valued collectors’ Belgian 5 euro coin. The concept of miniature Smurf models, games and toys turned into a merchandising empire, even Mc Donalds produced a Smurf Range with their happy meals. And this is just scrapping the surface of the legacy that these little blue creatures have fashioned. The 2011 adventure of The Smurfs begins when we see Gargamel chase these tiny magical creatures into a warp hole that leads them straight into central part. Sony Picture Animation has taken these inspired creatures to a whole new level and they have come alive with the best technology available. With a cast like Hank Azaria, Katy Perry and Jonathan Winters you are in for a treat, If only Peyo could see them now. g STARRING: Hank Azaria Katy Perry Jonathan Winters

DIRECTOR: Raja Gosnell DISTRIBUTOR: Nu Metro

FPB Rating: PG Score

Welcome to the Rileys

DVD Seen

Rising Stars

When David Mitchell (Paul Campbell), a successful car salesman and a suave ladies’ man notices that his widowed Grandpa Joe (Andy Griffith) has lost the will to live, he decides to teach him a few “tricks of the trade” in the dating game. Soon the student becomes the teacher as Grandpa Joe become the Casanova of his retirement home, and we begin to see that playing the game of “manipulation” begins to get them both into trouble. The thing about games is that generally, one is not alone in playing and so David soon finds out that his tricks and full proof formulas begin to backfire on him, when he finds his match. This movie clearly defines the generations as the character of Grandpa Joe, represents a more innocent time when love and life seemed less complicated and yet somewhat suppressive. But one also sees that human nature in the game of the sexes is not defined by age and remains constant throughout the generations. This is certainly a cute romantic comedy with some funny scenes as well as a few unpredictable surprises.g

DIRECTOR: Marc Fienberg DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 10 Score

STARRING: Paul Campbell Andy Griffith Doris Roberts

In the past movies about rising to stardom were wholesome, encouraging and uplifting. In our celebrityengrossed culture, it seems that everyone wants their ‘live’, their fifteen minutes of fame. Do movies about reality TV and rising stardom begun to lose their edge, because they now seem even more unreal that before? Perhaps real-time emotion and live results are a lot more appealing to watch. If you are a teenager who likes to dream about one day becoming the next upcoming attraction through reality TV, then perhaps this movie will hold more appeal for you. This is a story about three talented musical acts, three aspiring filmmakers and an antagonistic host of a reality TV show. There will be one winner who has the potential to change their lives forever as they are broadcast to the nation during the final leg of the competition. The musical talent is good, although the script and plot could be better. It seems that a movie about ‘rising stardom’ and ‘reality TV’ seem to somehow not only cancel one another out, but also reduce the quality of the talent in the movie. You can be the judge. g

STARRING: Kyle Riabko Lauren A Carter Leon Thomas III

DIRECTOR: Daniel Millican DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: PG Score

Play the Game

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

Tyler Perry generally has a lot to say about AfricanAmerican culture, particularly when it comes to the dissolution of society and the family unit. He tends to deliver his message in two ways… either through dramas that leave you feeling wretched, or by means of his ‘alter-ego’ Madea. In these comedies, he dons a dress and a wig and takes on the role of a strong willed elderly woman, who tries to guide the younger generation. That’s exactly what happens in Madea’s Big Happy Family. A friend dying of cancer is desperately trying to get her family back on speaking terms before she dies, and Madea is called into help. The message is fairly clear in this film, and it is an important one. The problem is that the messenger is… well, let’s just say that Madea doesn’t practice what she preaches. It seems that Perry is willing to compromise the character in exchange for a quick gag. Some may say this makes her more human, but it really only muddies the waters. This film has a few good laughs on offer, but it sort of feels like comedy by committee at times. g

DIRECTOR: Tyler Perry

DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: PG Score

STARRING: Tyler Perry Loretta Devine Shad Moss

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

The Tree of Life As a conflicted adult we see Jack O’Brian (Sean Penn), flashback into his past memories of contradicting influences and experiences. Visionary writer and director Terrence Malick brings together Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain, in combination with three young actors, to artistically portray a unique mood in this intimate motion picture that almost places a spell over its viewer. This impressionistic story revolves around a Texan family in the 1950s. A dogmatic, strict father who is a strong force of nature in Jack’s existence is exceptionally portrayed by Brad Pitt, while Jessica Chastain balances out the beauty and elegance of a nurturing influence in Jack’s memories. Through memories, thoughts and contemplation the writer/director begins to exploring the depth of the need to seek out the spirit of who we are, where we have come from and why we are here. The Tree of Life is not just simply a story about memories of Jack’s childhood; it is so much more that cannot be justified in a simple review. However, having said that, this is not a movie for everyone, if you are drawn to the artistic and philosophical question that the ‘The Tree of Life’ begins to explore, join the club of being mesmerised by it. g

STARRING: Brad Pitt Sean Penn Jessica Chastain

DIRECTOR: Terrence Malick DISTRIBUTOR: Nu Metro

FPB Rating: 13PG Score

Madea’s Big Happy Family

Collectables DVD Seen

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates...

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

Forrest Gump 1994 saw Tom Hanks take on a role that would prove to be iconic for the actor. Forrest Gump was a movie that was quietly ambitious, hiding what was, at the time, pretty advanced technology behind a tale that was simple, yet moving. With a below average IQ and a tendency to always think the best of the world, it would seem that young Forrest Gump won’t be getting far in life. But fortune smiles on the young man, at least according to the tale he relates to strangers at a bus stop. From earning a medal of honour in Vietnam through to meeting three presidents and becoming a wealthy man, Gump leads a charmed life... and we get to see it through his innocent and trusting eyes. Orrest Gump is the kind of film that everyone can draw a message from, and though it is often joked about, director Robert Zemeckis’ masterpiece well deserved the six Academy Awards (including Best Picture and Best Actor) that it got. It is just one of those films that you need to watch, simply for its unique world view. Sometimes sad, often moving and very often funny, Forrest Gump is nothing short of a modern masterpiece, and is a film that ever collector should own. g

CREATOR: Robert Zemeckis DISTRIBUTOR: Nu Metro

FPB Rating: PGLV Score

STARRING: Tom Hanks Robin Wright Gary Sinise

COLLECTABLE OF THE MONTH

gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

w w w. g a m e c c a . c o. z a I S S U E 3 2 / Vo l . 3 fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Super Mario 3D Land Resident Evil: Revelations Halo Combat Evolved Ultimate Marvel Vs capcom and more...

Jump!

Super Mario 3D Land

The True Way

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Die...

Resident Evil: Revelations

Cold Steel Hot action in Soulcalibur V

www.gameccamag.com Taking fun seriously!

No Bling Required

Money to Burn

Something that’s worth the money…

by Walt Pretorius

K, we confess. Most of the time we tend to take the mickey out of the expensive devices we feature in this section. Oh, yeah, and the people that buy them. It’s not nice, sure, but it’s what we do. Maybe it has something to do with folks willing to spend a gazillion bucks on an MP3 player while there are kids starving all over the world. We doubt it, because we’re really not that high-minded. More likely it has to do with jealousy; not over the MP3 player, mind you, but at the fact that we don’t have the kind of money that would allow us to mindlessly blow it on trinkets. Every now and then, we feel a little bad about doing it. Not a lot, just a little. So this month, we decided to show you the kind of thing we would buy if we did have a gazillion bucks just lying around. And, surprise surprise, it’s a camera. The is some debate as to whether the Hasselblad H4D-60 is the world’s most expensive camera, but at a price point of around 40 000 US Dollars, it certainly

is way up there. But here is one instance where the cash, which equates to around ZAR 320 000, is well worth it. First off, there is not a diamond or bit of gold anywhere in sight. Secondly, this baby shoots pictures at a staggering 60 megapixels, which is big enough for... well, it’s pretty damned big. It’s got all kinds of bells and whistles, but it certainly is a serious photographer’s camera. Hasselblad have long been known for their medium and large format cameras, which were tip-top in the ages of film photography, and this one looks to be no different. The big expense will also get you a membership in the Hasselblad owners club, where you can rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in world photography. So there you have it. Finally, a product that we actually think is worth the asking price, and is devoid of nauseating amounts of bling. Just straight forward quality. We have decided to save up for one for the office, starving kids or no. g gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

With Bite

Connecting small things in a small space

Inner Workings

by Charlie Fripp

hile connecting to other devices and people has become so mainstream, users don’t often pause to think how the technology they are using was developed and how it works. One such technology is Bluetooth - which is probably one of the oldest forms of the modern age for pairing two devices together and working in synch. Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology, which is great for transmitting data between various handsets over a short distance. The most common use of Bluetooth is to transfer sound or image files between a number of mobile handsets, but the technology is also used to connect handsets to hands-free driving kits and in-car stereo systems. The technology was started by handset manufacturer Ericsson in 1994, and was originally developed to replace the aging RS-232 data cables. With Ericsson being a Scandinavian company, it should also come to no surprise that the seemingly straight-forward blue logo, and even the name, has a fanciful story behind it. See, Bluetooth isn’t just a name that Ericsson made up - it’s an anglicised version of the Scandinavian Blåtand/

Blåtann. It was the epithet of the tenth-century king Harald I of Denmark, who united all the tribes in his region into a great kingdom. See where they were going with this? Just as the King, the technology joins all the devices into a big web of interconnectedness. As for the Bluetooth logo, it’s not just a clever way of writing a ‘B’ - it’s a bind rune, merging the Younger Futhark runes (Hagall) (ᚼ) with the (Bjarkan) (ᛒ), which were King Harald’s initials. Those Scandinavians really did think of everything… So we know that Bluetooth is the medium used to connect two or more devices wirelessly together in order to exchange data, but how does it exactly work? In the same way that torrents download files, Bluetooth chops up the data being sent using a radio technology called frequency-hopping spread spectrum. The device transmits the data over as many as 79 bands of 1 MHz each, with the bands centered from 2402 to 2480 MHz. The band in which it operates has been designated for Bluetooth use, as agreed upon for use of industrial, scientific and medical devices (ISM). A bit more technical, Bluetooth is a packet-based gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

protocol with a master-slave structure, and the master can communicate (or connect) with up to seven devices at the same time in a piconet - which is a personal area network. In essence, it functions in exactly the same way as what Wi-Fi does, but just on a much smaller scale. While a Bluetooth signal is usually limited to a couple of meters, the record distance for a Bluetooth transmission was set at 1.78 km - which also proved that Bluetooth could pose a security risk. But there are also different classes of Bluetooth, each with a different transceiver microchip. Class 1 devices have a range of around 100m and consume 100 mW of power (which is about the same as a mobile phone); Class 2 devices use 2.5 mW of power and have a range of around 10m; while Class 3 is the weakest of them all with a range of about 5m and a power consumption of 1 mW. But the technology has also evolved with devices, and as the industry grows, different versions of Bluetooth have been released. Bluetooth v1.0 was the first release, but was mired with problems - three revised versions of v1.0 made it onto the market before Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR in 2007. gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

Bluetooth v3.0 + HS was used in device from 2009 and supports theoretical data transfer speeds of up to 24 Mbit/s. Bluetooth version 4.0 was adopted by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group in 2010 and includes Classic Bluetooth, Bluetooth high speed and Bluetooth low energy protocols. A number of improvement are evident in this version, and “improvements in version 4.0 include the changes necessary to facilitate BLE modes, as well the Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) and Security Manager (SM) services with AES Encryption. Core Specification Addendum 2 was unveiled in December 2011; it contains improvements to the audio Host Controller Interface and to the High Speed (802.11) Protocol Adaptation Layer,” according to Wikipedia. Although Bluetooth may be as old as King Harald himself, it’s not likely to go away anytime soon. On the contrary, for as long as users have a need for a small network with as little user-input as possible, it’s likely to be around. g

Boxed In

The PC case is more important that you might think…

PC Builder

by Alex Scanlon

o computer component exists in a vacuum. Every part of a PC system can have a direct bearing on its performance. While this might be obvious when it comes to things like the processor and RAM, it remains true for every element of the PC. so, in an effort to make sure that you get exactly what you need, we are going to start right at the beginning, with a component that many people treat as an afterthought, yet which is extremely important... the PC case. To most people, a PC case is little more than a box to put all the sensitive bits of their computer system into. To a degree, this is correct. The primary function of the PC case is to house the components. But, as such, it needs to meet certain criteria, in order for the parts to be safe, secure and even operate properly. On top of that, the case

fills an aesthetic function... even with cases that have generous Perspex panels to show off the parts inside, the majority of what is on view is the case itself. This, however, is arguably the least important aspect of the case. With such a wide variety of cases around, it should be possible to find one that satisfies any taste. Even when that cannot be done, cases can be modified to look like almost anything. Still, finding a good looking case is a bonus, as long as that case will meet other, more important criteria. Basing a decision on looks alone may seriously compromise a system’s performance. One important consideration is how solid the case is. There are many cases these days that offer large vent panels to allow for extra air-flow (which we will get to later). But these panels are not necessarily the strongest gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

option. On the other hand, there are solid, heavy boxes that have less venting. They may protect better, but run hotter. What the buyer needs to consider is how the case will be used. If it is to be transported a lot, a more solid case is probably a better bet. If, on the other hand, it will likely never change position, a slightly less sturdy construction would be fine, provided the case won’t be suffering any heavy knocks. Where the case will be positioned for the majority of the time will also be important to consider. Will it be in a temperature controlled environment? Something like air-conditioning can seriously help a system stay cooler... even a good breeze or fan would help. Is the environment dusty? If so, a heavily vented case may not be the best option, unless the vents are fitted with dust filters. And gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

even if they are, the user will have to perform fairly regular maintenance on those filters to ensure that they don’t get clogged up. The inside of the case is also important. Various factors need to be considered here, not least of which is the finish of the case. Cheaper cases may have a lot of sharp edges which, if you work inside the case, can lead to minor injuries. But if you won’t be spending a lot of time working in there, and are a careful sort, that may not matter. Also for those who spend time working in their cases, there is the question of screws. Screwless cases are great for those who want to be able to build and alter things quickly, while screws are arguably more secure. Some cases off a hybrid between the two systems, with removable brackets that screw onto hard drives and the

PC Builder like. Another important aspect of the interior is the roominess of it. This has a lot to do with working inside, but also airflow. Remember that more components inside a case generate more heat, and limit air-flow. Is the interior of the case designed in such a way that it not only offers room, but possibly even variation in the placements of components like hard drives, to avoid heat trapping and improve air movement? Perhaps most obviously, will the interior house all the components? Some graphics cards, for example, are long, meaning that the case will need to make concessions for that. And where does the PSU fir into the case? Many modern cases use a bottom mounted PSU system, but this may result in more heat rising into the case from the power

supply. On the other hand, a top mounted power supply may lead to heat trapping above it. A case with a bottom mount is a great idea, provided there is a vent below the PSU mount. Most PSU units have bottom mounted fans, so the combination of that with a vent makes for a cooler alternative. Which, finally, brings us to the all-important air-flow. PC components can generate massive amounts of heat. The problem is that they don’t perform well when they get hot, so air-flow through the case is very important. At very least, you should be looking for a box with fans mounted in the front, back and sides. However, the ‘bigger’ the component, the more heat it will generate. Cases with options for fans in the top and bottom improve the situation immensely. Even if fans are never fitted, gladget regular • issue 16 • February 2012

the vents themselves will help the situation. If you can get more fans, that is never a bad idea, but you should only do so once you have gauged how hot the system is running. Aside from extra expense, more fans can also put more demand on your power supply, and can elevate noise levels. When looking at the air-flow potential of a case, always remember that hot air rises. Fans in the lower sections generally pull air in, while fans in the higher sections expel air. Try and see if there is a sensible route for air to flow through the cade, remember that components will interfere with air-flow to a degree, but as long as it looks sensible, it should do the trick. Now you should avoid the temptation to rush out and buy the most expensive case you can find. Yes, expensive gladget regular â&#x20AC;˘ issue 16 â&#x20AC;˘ February 2012

cases are good, but often there are cheaper alternatives that will suit your system just fine. Think about your computer as a whole, and try to determine how much of a case you will need. Make sure to have the salesman show you the interior of the box. Take a look at the external extras, like audio jacks and USB ports. Consider whether you really need that door or not. Taking a little time with the case will not only help you in the long run with system performance and maintenance, but it will also imply to any unscrupulous sales person that you mean business. Jokes aside, this component is as important as any other in making sure that you get the best performance out of your computer. Choosing wisely will save you lots of heartache later. g

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