July 2012
In the A r Print from anywhere!
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What is...
Blu-ray?
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Router
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www.connectmag.co.za
issue #39
July 2012
22 FEATURES
12
The Right Router Home networking has never been so easy!
16
History of Memory Your storage retrospective
18
Print from Anywhere Cloud, apps, ePrint and more
22
Back to Basics File compression – sometimes smaller is better
26
What is Blu-ray? Optical storage technology examined
26
12
16
REGULARS 04 06 08 68 70 72
Editor’s Lette News Trouble-free Technobabble Tamsin the Tech Tannie Competition Disconnect
REVIEWS 32 36 45 52 56 58 60
First Look Top 5 Ultrabook Roundup Memory Smartphones Keyboards Accessories
GAMING 62
Reviews
ed’s note
l a t i Dig g! n i v Li
D
Subscribe now and you could win an amazing HP Folio 13 Ultrabook. See Pg70 for more details.
o you know your WPA from your WEP? Or whether or not interoperability when it comes to Wi-Fi actually matters? In the July issue of Connect magazine, we’re on a mission to find you the right router. A router is central to every connected home, and Christo van Gemert will walk you through the basics of home networking on page 12. Staying online, today’s printers certainly aren’t the big, black, bulky items they used to be. With an Internet connection, smartphone or tablet, clever digital innovations like HP’s ePrint, Apple’s AirPrint and Kodak’s Pic Flick app make printing a breeze. Deon du Plessis unwraps everything about online ink, pixels and paper on page 18. Bigger, surprisingly, isn’t always better, especially when it comes to trying to send an e-mail with media attached, or freeing up much-needed space on your hard drive. File compression is an everyday task, a utility we need but don’t necessarily know much about. Flip to our A-to-Zip feature on compression (page 22) and learn how to make your memory matter. Be sure to read this issue’s gaming first look at the Wii U.– Nintendo’s next-gen console is on its way! We also review the Samsung Galaxy S3 (page 34) and offer an Ultrabook roundup (page 45). If you’re looking for a portable, powerful and sleek PC, this Intel-inspired option is the best.
PUBLISHER Brett Haggard brett@connectmag.co.za EDITOR Tiana Cline tiana@connectmag.co.za REVIEWS Deon du Plessis EDITOR deon@connectmag.co.za TECHNOLOGY Christo van Gemert EDITOR christo@connectmag.co.za
Enjoy the issue, Tiana Cline EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR Jason Palmer jason@connectmag.co.za Junior Designer Jessica Hurwitz jess@connectmag.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Tamsin Mackay Adam Oxford
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in the news... On the surface Microsoft unveiled two tablet computers, called Surface, to compete with Apple’s iPad. Powered by Windows 8, the devices include one running RT on an ARM-based system and one with a third-generation Intel Core processor running Windows 8 Pro. The devices both feature a full-sized USB port and 16:9 screen, but the Pro version is significantly chunkier. While the RT model is 9.3mm thick and weighs 676g, the Pro model’s 13.5mm bulk pushes the weight up to 903g. The Pro version will also be configurable to 64GB and 128GB, while the RT will be available with 32GB or 64GB. > Its debut is set to coincide with the upcoming release of Microsoft’s much-anticipated Windows 8 operating system.
Explore the Cape winelands with Google Street View Street View is a hugely popular feature of Google Maps that is already available in more than 30 countries around the world. It adds another dimension to Google Maps, with 360 degree street-level images taken by the Google cars and trikes, allowing Google users to view and navigate through streets, wine estates, vineyards, historic buildings and gardens. Google Street View users can now view the Cape. Currently, there are a total of 35 wineries included in the most comprehensive database of winelands imagery in the world. New wineries that are now visible online include Boekenhoutskloof Winery, Groot Constantia, Hartenberg, Moreson, Rustenburg Wines and Warwick. Google will also be collecting images in Botswana for Google Street View in the coming weeks. Google, using Chrevolet Captiva models, will drive around Botswana
and take photographs of a wide variety of places, including Gaborone, Francistown and the country’s world-famous tourist and wildlife destinations. These include Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans, Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. “We are delighted to be updating Street View with more Cape winelands imagery and look forward to bringing our cutting-edge Street View technology to Botswana”, said Julie Taylor, head of communications and public affairs for Google, Sub-Saharan Africa. “In addition to Street View being useful to Internet users and businesses in Botswana, we also want to help Botswana showcase its extraordinary national parks and wildlife destinations to the rest of the world.” > To learn more about Street View, visit http://www.google.co.za/streetview
Get Windows 8 for cheap South African customers who buy a new Windows 7 PC before February 2013 will not have to pay full price to upgrade to Windows 8. Microsoft has launched a Windows Upgrade Offer, which allows qualifying buyers the option to purchase a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for around R125 (or whatever the rand equivalent of $14.99 is at the time). The only catch is that the offer must be redeemed before the programme expires at the end of February 2013.
6 | connect | JULY 2012
techno jargon // by Deon Du Plessis
The arcane realms of computers and home networking are filled with confusing jargon. Never fear: here’s a quick translation guide to help you discover what some of those weird terms mean.
LAN Local Area Network. This is a network that’s generally confined to a building, usually a home or office. A wireless network that connects computers together without using cables to physically join them is known as a WLAN (wireless LAN) and is almost always confined within a single building.
Driver A driver is a piece of software that tells the computer how to talk to the hardware that’s plugged into it, functioning somewhat like an instruction manual. Drivers usually accompany the equipment they are for, mostly on a CD or DVD. If not, they will be available from the manufacturer’s Website.
Ethernet This is the most common and popular way that computers ‘talk’ to each other over a local area network. Any wires connecting your computers to a network are Ethernet cables. Ethernet cables come in several variations, the most common being a Category 5, or CAT5, cable that is found primarily in computer networks, but also in the telecoms industry.
IEEE The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This organisation is in charge of setting the rules that govern the operation of electrical and electronic devices.
802.11 This is the name of the wireless networking standard that has been set by the IEEE (see above) that tells router manufacturers how to produce their equipment so that it will operate with other routers. When you see b/g/n written after the 802.11, that simply refers to different revisions of the 802.11 wireless networking standard. The general rule here is b-class wireless networking has the lowest speed and smallest range, g is slightly faster and covers a larger area with wireless signal, and n is the fastest and able to cover the widest area with wireless network signal.
8 | connect | June 2012
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buying advice //by Christo van Gemert
wrap-up!
12 | connect | July 2012
A router is central to a home network, and choosing the right one for the job is very important. This month, Connect walks you through the basic and advanced functions each router has on offer, and which ones you’ll need in your home.
Mega modem Before you start setting up your home network, you’re going to have to make a decision: what is going to provide your Internet access? If you’re planning on having an ADSL line for Internet access, it makes perfect sense to buy a router that also acts as a modem (sometimes called a modem router). These devices will have a telephone jack on the back to accept a phone line. If you don’t need Internet access, you can simply get a regular wireless router to set up your home network.
Quick Tip There’s another option for a router that will provide you with Internet access. Certain routers are compatible with USB 3G modems. Plug one of those into the back, and the router will use the Internet connection from the 3G modem and share it with all devices on the network.
www.connectmag.co.za | 13
buying advice
Network know-how
Super-secure
Remember that a router is the centre of a home network, and that includes both wired and wireless connections. The 2 important things to consider here are the wireless and the wired speeds. Wireless speed ratings are classified by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) and 802.11 working group. The current official and fastest network standard is 802.11n, which replaces 802.11a/b/g. If you buy a router today, it should be rated 802.11n. The speeds you can get from n-rated equipment vary between 130Mbps and 450Mbps. The speed rating depends on the router’s antenna configuration, and whether your computer has a wireless card capable of connecting at that speed. Any older equipment (802.11a/b/g) will connect to an n-rated network. Wired ports (called Ethernet ports) are onesize-fits-all. If your laptop or computer has an Ethernet port, it’ll just need a cable to connect it to the router. Speeds for Ethernet ports are usually 100Mbps (Fast Ethernet) or 1 000Mbps (also known as Gigabit Ethernet).
All routers will have a basic firewall built in for security while you are online, so don’t worry about that. What you do want to look for are things like VPN support, in case you need to work from home and connect to a secure network at your office, as well as parental controls. This will let you configure the router to deny access to harmful or unwanted Websites – great for a household where young ones have computer access. Also of importance is wireless security, but it’s safe to assume that most routers with 802.11n wireless technology will have the latest wireless encryption. Look for WPA2 and WPS (secure setup) stamps on the box of the router you buy.
Quick Tip If you want to stream HD movies over the network, make sure the router and computer both support at least 802.11n. You’ll need a high-speed network to watch high-def content.
14 | connect | July 2012
Nice-to-have stuff The basics are above, but here’s where you can start looking for the bells and whistles that make life easier. USB ports are high on the list, because they allow you to connect a hard drive that can then be shared on the network. USB ports also let you link up a printer and share it on the network – invaluable in a small office where you rely on a single printer. Certain routers also have complex antennae configurations. Sometimes these can be unscrewed, which allows you to attach a high-gain antenna. If you think wireless reception might be a problem at home, or need to cover a large area, look for a router that has removable antennae.
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flashback //by Deon Du PLessis
. . . f o y r o t s The hi
Memory Cards
Memory cards have come a long way since their beginnings in the early ‘90s. Here, we take a look at the timeline of several of the most important memory card formats to emerge over the years. 1997
MMC (MultiMediaCard) SanDisk and Siemens collaborate to bring out the MMC standard. These cards are smaller than both CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards, and have a maximum storage capacity of 16GB – almost unbelievable for the time.
1994
1999
CompactFlash Storage company SanDisk releases the first CompactFlash memory card. It’s the size of a matchbook and can store a whopping 2MB of information. It proves popular for use in digital cameras.
1998
Memory Stick Sony brings out its own proprietary memory stick for use in its digital cameras and camcorders. The first memory stick stores up to 128MB of information.
1995
SmartMedia Toshiba launches SmartMedia cards, a method of storing files on a portable medium that was originally intended to replace the floppy disk. Their maximum capacity is 128MB
16 | connect | July 2012
SD (Secure Digital) The SD Association, made up of many big-name electronics companies, brings out the SD card standard. SD cards are different because they introduce a level of security not previously seen. The first SD cards have a capacity of 8MB.
2009
SDXC An important milestone for the SD card standard is implemented. Secure Digital Extended Capacity cards are introduced with a maximum capacity of a whopping 2TB. That’s 2 000 Gigabytes in a card the size of a postage stamp.
2005
microSD The SD card standard introduces a brandnew format: microSD cards are tiny compared to their cousins, making them suitable for use in portable devices like cellphones. Their maximum capacity is 4GB.
2006
2002
xD-Picture Card Camera companies Olympus and FujiFilm introduce the xD-Picture Card. It is designed for use in digital cameras only, and loses popularity over time to the more versatile SD card standard.
SDHC The original Secure Digital standard receives an upgrade. SDHC stands for Secure Digital High Capacity, and this new generation of SD cards supports capacities of up to 32GB.
2012
XQD (Experimental Quality Determination) Sony announces the first XQD memory card. It has a theoretical capacity of “beyond 2TB” and a maximum read speed of 1Gbit/s, or around 125MB/s. It is designed for the latest generation of ultra-high-resolution digital cameras that demand such incredible speed and storage capacity
www.connectmag.co.za | 17
mobile printing //by DEON DU PLESSIS
Print on the go, no matter which printer you own. Here’s how the big printing players make it possible.
from anywhere P
rinting in the 2nd decade of the 21st century is about more than just connecting a printer to a computer or a network and hitting the Print button. It’s about freedom – to print from any mobile device, from any location, and it’s a reality you can take advantage of today. Each of the major players in the print world has developed their own solution to the challenge of enabling truly mobile printing, and in this feature, we’ll cover how each of them is doing it, and how it benefits you, the consumer.
How is mobile printing useful? Mobile printing lets you print from smartphones and tablets without having to go through a lengthy and complicated setup process. It can be as simple as sending an e-mail and it works with any device that has Internet access. That makes it useful in situations like printing documents at a client’s premises using unfamiliar printers, or sending documents to printers at the office when you’re on the road. Let’s take a look at how the big-name printing companies have helped to make this possible.
HP ePrint HP pioneered the way with its “ePrint” concept. ePrinting is the act of printing to an Internetconnected HP printer by sending it an e-mail. The beauty of this approach is that any device capable of sending an e-mail becomes a device from which the consumer can print. All of HP’s ePrint-capable printers are configured with their own e-mail address during the setup process, and all e-mails sent to that address are
18 | connect | JULY 2012
either. Apple has worked in support of certain printers from Canon, Brother, Epson and Lexmark, enabling many of each brand’s most popular models to work with AirPrint technology. Where AirPrint is different to ePrint technology is that it can only print over Wi-Fi to printers on the same network, and cannot print to printers located elsewhere via the Internet. Go to http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4356 for a list of all printers that support AirPrint.
Epson Email Print
printed out provided the printer has paper, is powered on and connected to the Internet. It’s even possible to customise the printer’s e-mail address through HP’s ePrintCentre account management portal https://h30495.www3. hp.com/c/45333/ZA/en/, so that it’s a little easier to remember than awi8889aggl99@hpeprint. com. That’s our office printer’s ePrint address, by the way. Feel free to send us anything you’d like to share (pictures, documents, photocopies of your derrière, etc.).
Apple AirPrint HP worked with Apple to develop AirPrint, an Apple-specific technology that allows qualifying iOS devices (certain iPhones, iPods and iPads) to search the Wi-Fi network they are connected to for any ePrint-capable printers that are present, and then print directly to them. All that’s needed is a free app to be downloaded and installed from the iTunes store, and iOS devices can print to any ePrint-capable HP printer that’s on the same Wi-Fi network using any application that has a print function. Owners of other types of printers are not forgotten
Samsung MobilePrint To print from their Apple/ Android smartphone or tablet, Samsung printer owners can download Samsung’s MobilePrint app (http://
Epson has its own version of ePrint called Email Print. It works very much like ePrint does – all you have to do is send an e-mail to the Epson printer’s address (as set up during its initial installation), and the e-mail prints. There are a few differences between the 2 technologies, though. HP ePrinting has a file size limit of 5MB per e-mail; Epson’s limit is 10MB. Print jobs sent to Epson printers that aren’t online at the time remain in the queue for 72 hours before being deleted; jobs sent by ePrint only remain for 24 hours before being deleted. It’s also possible to customise whether you’d like to print both the e-mail and its attachments, or just the attachments. At the time of writing, only Epson’s Email Print allows that level of customisation.
www.samsung.com/ us/article/tips-tricks-print-from-amobile-device) which
enables them to print to any Samsung printer connected to the same WiFi network. Photos, PDFs and Web pages can all be printed using the app, and images can be scanned directly to their devices.
Epson iPrint Epson also has its own branded application for mobile devices that lets consumers print to various Epson printers over Wi-Fi. It’s called Epson iPrint, and it works on both iOS and Android devices. Check out Epson’s Website for a list of all compatible printers. For a list of all compatible printers go to: http://www. epson.com.
www.connectmag.co.za | 19
mobile printing Google Cloud Print Services The most sophisticated of the available mobile printing options comes from Google. Called Google Cloud Printing, it is a service that lets you connect any printer to your Google account and print to it from anywhere there is Internet access using any mobile device, PC or Mac. All you have to do is download and install Google Chrome (Google’s free Web browser) on the computer your printer is attached to, and then enable Cloud Printing in the browser’s settings menu. Once that’s done, that printer becomes available for you to print to from any computer, as long as you’ve signed into your Google account on it, and the printer is on and connected to the Internet. Google offers several ways to get print jobs to your printer, including dedicated apps for each platform (Android, iOS, Mac, Windows), directly from within your browser wherever you see a Google Cloud Printing logo, from the Cloud Printing menu within Chrome and more. HP, Epson, Canon and Kodak all have models that are specifically compatible with Google Cloud Printing. The beauty of the solution is that it enables anyone using any smartphone, tablet or computer to send their prints wirelessly to their printer without even needing to be in the same room. For more information, visit http://www.google. com/cloudprint/learn/index.html
Kodak Kodak has their own version of mobile printing technology they call Kodak Email Print Service. Just like everyone else’s, theirs offers customers a way of printing to their Kodak printer by simply sending an e-mail from any e-mail-capable device. Kodak also has a mobile app called Pic Flick that works with Android, BlackBerry and iOS devices. It allows them to send photos to any Kodak printer located on the same Wi-Fi network to which the phones are connected.
Canon Easy Photo Print app Canon, not to be left out, has also developed an app (available for iOS and Android devices) that allows mobile devices to print photos to selected Canon PIXMA printers over Wi-Fi. For a list of supported printers, head over to Canon’s website at http://www.canon-euro.com
20 | connect | JULY 2012
Quick tip Google also allows for the sharing of your Cloud Print printer with friends and family. All you need to do is add their e-mail addresses to the list of people you want to share it with, and voilá, they can also print to it.
Conclusion Mobile printing makes it easy to connect to printers without needing IT to come and do it for you, it gives you many different ways to get documents/emails/photos off your phone/tablet/PC and into the hands of the people you’d like to show them to, and generally makes printing a whole lot easier for everyone. So, regardless of which printer, tablet or phone you own or whether you’re a Mac or a PC person, you can print even when you’re far from your printer, thanks to mobile printing technology.
back to basics //by Christo van Gemert
Even though hard drives are cheap, and gigabytes plentiful, there are still many reasons why smaller files are needed. That’s where file compression comes in, allowing us to fit more into less. But how does it work? 22 | connect | July 2012
Time I
n the process of using a computer, you’re guaranteed to come across some sort of compressed file. They come in all shapes, types, and sizes, each one for a specific use. Whether you’re dealing with documents and photos, or movies and music, compression can benefit you.
Smaller files, bigger benefits Computer users will be familiar with the ZIP file, a compressed archive format that lets you collect a whole bunch of files and store them in a single, compressed file. Music fans deal with music compression all the time, even if they don’t know it: the MP3 and AAC audio file formats both use compression to get music files into a smaller file. Web surfers also encounter file compression every day. JPG is a file compression format for images, while all those videos on YouTube are compressed versions of the originals.
The benefits are clear. If you’re storing files on a disk, you can store more of them thanks to compression. If you’re streaming or downloading videos and music, compression means you don’t have to wait as long for those files to finish downloading – or perhaps allowing you to listen to an Internet radio stream without any break in transmission: perfect for slower connections, or those with small data allowances.
Archive alive Sometimes a compressed file is referred to as an archive. An archive is merely a single file that contains many other files. The most common compressed archive file formats are .ZIP and .RAR. Both are methods of storing many files in a single file that takes up less space than all of the original, individual files.
www.connectmag.co.za | 23
back to basics
Compressed for success File compression on a computer works similarly. In lossless file compression, the algorithm goes through a file and finds byte sequences that are similar. It replaces those with a placeholder, and stores the original sequence with a definition, so that the original can be reconstructed. There’s another type of file compression, called lossy compression. This is what you’ll see used in image files, videos, and music. Here, certain bits of redundant data – rather than repeated sequences – are stripped out of the file. In a music file, this can be certain frequencies that will not be heard on cheaper speakers. In a video file, resolution can be lowered in cases where the video will be viewed on a smaller screen – a cellphone’s display doesn’t need full HD video, and a compressed file will still look good. Photos are compressed by replacing similar colours with a single one, or taking areas with similar content and fudging some of the details, while still looking good to the human eye.
Miserable music Audio purists are familiar with audio file compression (such as MP3). There are various levels of MP3 compression (the same goes for other audio compression formats) and the more you compress the files, the worse they sound. If you’re saving audio in MP3 format, this is a tradeoff to be aware of: smaller files mean bad sound, while larger files sound far better. The same goes for video, albeit with a more complex choice of file formats.
How does it work? The easiest explanation for compression is to imagine the original file as a book with a few hundred pages. Each page will have some words that are repeated throughout the novel. In computer terms, this is an inefficient use of space. To compress that book, you can read through it and find the words that are repeated most often. Each one gets replaced with a token, and that token’s definition is stored in a dictionary. For example, every instance of “and” and “the” can be replaced with “x” and “z”. Over the course of 500 pages, that can save a significant amount of space, allowing the book to be shrunk to 450 pages.
24 | connect | July 2012
Types of compression There are 2 main types of compression: lossy and lossless. The former refers to compression where data is lost, or discarded, when compared to the original file. Lossless compression loses no data at all, while still squashing the overall file size to something more manageable.
what is it? //by DEON DU PLESSIS
What is...
Blu-ray I
Popular Resolutions: Standard-definition: 704 x 576 (eg. Television) DVD: 720 x 576 High-definition: 1280x720 Full high-definition: 1 920 x 1 080 (eg. Blu-Ray)
26 | connect | July 2012
n the 1980s, compact discs emerged as the best way to store and play back music as they were able to store audio in higherquality digital formats than other competing technologies of the day could. CDs, as they came to be known, were small discs made from plastic and reflective aluminium. Because digital information is essentially just a sequence of 1s and 0s, storing data on a CD is a matter of minutely changing the surface of the reflective aluminium layer so that the 1s and 0s that make up the stored data can be picked up, or “read”, by a properly-equipped device. In the case of CDs, that device is a laser, and because lasers are nothing more than intenselyfocused light, CDs and every other format based on the underlying concept are called “optical” technologies. That’s why you’ll see us refer to drives that can read CDs and DVDs in a notebook as “optical drives”. Between the 1980s and now, we’ve seen several optical technologies emerge. We’ve gone through laser discs (essentially vinyl record-sized CDs, a format that never really took off ), compact discs, DVDs, and now we’re in the age of Blu-ray.
So why is it called Blu-ray? That’s because the laser used to read and write Bluray data is violet-blue, and not the red laser used by CD and DVD technology.
What is it? Blu-ray was developed to support the emergence of high-definition (HD) video as well as to store high volumes of data. A single Blu-ray disc can store up to 50GB of data, over 5 times more than a DVD can. Recording HD video generates a huge amount of data to achieve the sharpness and clarity it has become famous for, far more than any DVD can hold. Contrary to the popular perception that Blu-ray is Sony’s optical disc format, Blu-ray came about as a result of a collaboration between a large number of electronics companies. These include Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson. Today, Blu-ray disc technology is used primarily by the entertainment industry. Instead of renting or buying videos or DVDs, today we rent or buy Blu-ray movies and play them in full High Definition on our HD TVs.
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Android App On
product reviews // by Deon Du PLessis
TIME TO STRETCH
Contents
‘T
is an interesting time in tech. Whoever heard of an Ultrabook that can bend itself into new and interesting positions? Well, now you have, because this month, we First Looked at Lenovo’s new Yoga Ultrabook, a portable computer with a touchscreen that folds over to form new shapes. It’s a fascinating concept, and one we hope does as well in sales as it does on the fascination front. We’ve also got some juicy info on 2 new-spec Alienware M17x gaming notebooks. They cater for gamers on a budget as well as those fortunate enough to own a gold mine, and they look to be awesome. We only previewed them, so we didn’t actually spend quality time with the hardware, but what Dell showed us definitely made our inner geeks squeal in delight. As for actual reviews, we test-drive Samsung’s latest and greatest Galaxy S3 smartphone (spoiler: it’s superb!), the Asus Transformer tablet and docking station, and we also rounded up 4 Ultrabooks to see which one is most worthy of your cash. Until next month, Deon While we make every effort to ensure pricing is accurate before we go to print, sometimes through circumstances we have no control over, the prices in Connect may differ from those you’ll see on store shelves. In all cases, shelf pricing takes precedence. 28 | connect | JULY 2012
30 32 34 36 38 40 42 45 52 54 56 58 60
First Look – Lenovo Yoga First Look – Dell Alienware M17x Gaming Notebooks Samsung Galaxy SIII Smartphone Alienware X51 Small Form Factor Gaming PC Asus Transformer Tablet With Dock Spector Pro Monitoring and Recording Software Norton Mobile Security 2.5 Roundup – Ultrabooks Lexar JumpDrive Triton 16GB USB3.0 Memory Stick Verbatim 64GB Class 10 SDXC Memory Card BlackBerry Bold 9790 Smartphone Targus Multimedia Presentation Remote AMP09U Accessorise! – Mobile Goodies
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product FIRST LOOK
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga Ultrabook NEED TO KNOW • 13.3” Ultrabook with a touchscreen • Special hinge design allows the screen to fold completely backwards • Designed for Windows 8’s touch-friendly functionality ETA: Q3 2012
Earlier this year, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Lenovo revealed a very interesting Ultrabook/tablet hybrid called the Yoga. Previous efforts at convincing consumers that a marriage of PC and tablet technology is a good idea didn’t do so well (does anyone even remember the HP Elitebook 2740p?), but this time around, Lenovo has several tricks up its sleeve that should help change people’s minds. The first trick is the technology behind the Yoga’s name: its screen folds completely backwards. This allows it to be used as a regular Ultrabook, as 30 | connect | JULY 2012
a tablet, and as a touchscreen PC. The last position is the most interesting – you can fold the Yoga’s screen open until the bottom half that houses the Chiclet-style keyboard and trackpad is facing downwards, providing a base on which to rest the machine for easy access to its touchscreen. It’s also a convenient position to watch movies. Don’t worry about the keyboard, though. Lenovo has reportedly designed the Yoga’s wrist rest in such a way that being in this position doesn’t damage the keys or touchpad. It’s made from plastic that apparently feels like leather, and is slightly elevated above the level of the keys so that it is what the Yoga rests on when the keyboard is facedown. If the screen is folded as far back as it can go, it forms a device that looks very much like a traditional tablet. At only 17mm thick, it really looks the part, giving consumers the best of both PC and tablet worlds. The second is the Yoga’s screen. It’s a capacitive touchscreen with a
resolution of 1 600 x 900, which is higher than that of most Ultrabooks (they tend to stick to 1 366 x 768). Being capacitive, it’s very responsive to even the lightest of touches, and, interestingly, it supports “10-point touch”. This means you can touch 10 fingers to the screen and all 10 will register, which should really help artistic people let their creativity flow. The Yoga will come loaded with Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system, which makes heavy use of touchscreen technology. Microsoft has put considerable effort into making Windows 8 work well with mobile devices that use touchscreens for input, and the Yoga is perfectly positioned to make the most of it. What makes the Yoga’s screen even more special is the fact that Lenovo used IPS technology in its construction. IPS screens are brighter, clearer and produce more accurate colours and better viewing angles than traditional LCD displays do. “Better viewing angles” is a way of saying that the screen’s picture won’t distort and start to look odd when seen from the side, a quality useful to anyone who regularly shares their screen with colleagues, friends and family. The hardware powering the experience includes Intel’s latestgeneration Ivy Bridge processors, “up to 8GB” of DDR3 RAM and a 256GB Solid State hard drive. These 3 items alone all but guarantee exceptional performance in just about any task you can throw at the Yoga, while also preserving battery life. Lenovo says the Yoga should last anywhere up to 8 hours on a single charge. Being an Ultrabook, consumers can expect the usual accoutrements: fast boot and resume speeds, excellent responsiveness in Windows and
even decent gaming performance if you’re happy to lower your games’ settings a bit. There are also other cool technologies, like Intel’s Wi-Di wireless display capabilities that let you view the Yoga’s screen on an HD TV attached to an appropriate Wi-Di receiver. For a closer look at Wi-Di, check out the feature we ran on it in our November 2011 issue. The only thing that might pose some concern is its weight. At 1.47kg, it’s slightly heavier than the average Ultrabook, but honestly, 1.47kg is not really all that bulky. Considering the benefits on offer and the innovative design, a little extra weight is a pretty small concession to make. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, we could not get Lenovo to commit to exactly how the Yoga will be specced or priced when it arrives in SA. That doesn’t mean we’re not excited, though – this has to be one of the most innovative and interesting products we’ve heard of lately, and we honestly can’t wait to get our hands on one when they finally arrive closer to October. Or whenever. Pros
Cons
• Folding screen concept is really cool • 13.3” IPS screen @ 1 600 x 900 • 10-point capacitive touchscreen
• Slightly heavier than the average Ultrabook
Excitement Potential
Product
Specs
First Look - Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga Ultrabook • Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge chips • Operating system: Windows 8 • Memory: Up to 8GB DDR3 • Storage: Up to 256GB SSD • Display: 13.3” IPS screen @ 1 600 x 900, folds back 360 degrees • Keyboard: Chiclet-style
www.connectmag.co.za | 31
product FIRST LOOK
Product
Specs
M17x Entrylevel Processor: Intel Core i7-3610QM OS: Windows 7 SP1 Professional 64-bit Display: 17.3” WideFHD (1 920 x 1 080) WLED LCD Camera: Full HD webcam Memory: 8GB DDR3 Dual Channel @ 1 600MHz HDD1: 32GB mSATA 3Gb/s Caching SSD HDD2: 1TB 5 400rpm SATA 6Gb/s Optical drive: Slot-load DVD+/-RW Battery: 9-cell 93W/HR Li-Ion Graphics: 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M Sound card: Sound Blaster Recon3Di Wireless: Intel 2230 802.11/g/n, Bluetooth Warranty: 3-yr hardware support – Next business day
M17x High-end Processor: Intel Core i7-3720QM OS: Windows 7 SP1 Professional 64-bit Display: 17.3” 120Hz w/3D Bundle WideFHD (1 920 x 1 080) WLED LCD Camera: Full HD Skype webcam Memory: 16GB DDR3 Dual Channel @ 1 600MHz HDD1: 32GB mSATA 3Gb/s Caching SSD HDD2: 2TB RAID 0 (2 x 1TB 5 400rpm) Optical drive: Slot-load Blu-ray Combo Battery: 9-cell 93W/HR Li-Ion Graphics: 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M Sound card: Sound Blaster Recon3Di Wireless: Intel 2230 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth Warranty: 3-yr hardware support – Next business day
32 | connect | JULY 2012
Dell Alienware M17x R4 Gaming Notebooks NEED TO KNOW • Gaming notebook for hard-core gamers • Super-fast to power cutting-edge games • Aggressive-looking chassis with high-class finishes • Built with Intel’s latest-generation Ivy Bridge processors • More expensive model supports stereoscopic 3D gaming ETA: Q3 2012
Alienware started out as a premium gaming PC manufacturer in 1996, a time when top-notch gaming computers were an expensive, bizarre anomaly. By producing amazing-looking, high-performance systems, Alienware earned a good reputation among hard-core gamers, and in so doing attracted the attention of Dell, which acquired the company in 2006. As journalists who developed a love for computers, and tech in general, by playing many, many games in our youth, we’re very fond of the Alienware brand. The people behind it seem to understand that it’s not just about the hardware. Success in the premium PC market is about looks and attitude too, and in that they excel. Their gaming PCs and notebooks look fantastic, and perform even better. What’s not to love? In our time here at Connect, we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing several of Alienware’s gaming notebooks, and the model we’ve liked the most is the M17x, which we reviewed in our July 2011 issue. Fast forward to July 2012, and Alienware has brought out 2 updated M17x gaming laptops: 1 slightly less opulent machine, and 1 that has it all. First, the similarities. Each machine features the same amazinglooking exterior. Alienware’s signature alien design is strikingly impressive with the 2 eye-like lights adorning the front edge, as is the silky-smooth rubberised material used to cover the notebook and the super-cool multi-colour backlit keyboard. It’s not a new design, though – these machines look very much like the older M17x did. Both gaming PCs are kitted out with Intel’s 3rd-generation Ivy Bridge processors. These new chips are slightly faster than their Sandy Bridge cousins and consume less power – exactly what you need in a portable computer to maximise both performance and battery life. The cheaper
of the 2 only has 8GB of RAM, while its bigger brother has a generous 16GB that’s more than enough for any practical use of a consumer-level machine. As this is the M17x range, these are rather large 17” gaming notebooks, with Full HD screens, which means a resolution of 1 920 x 1 080. The top-end machine supports 3D gaming as it has a 120Hz 3D-capable screen and a 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M graphics card. The other only does 2D gaming and has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M card with 2GB of video memory. Other significant differences include a slot-loading DVD writer in the budget unit, and a full-blown Blu-ray/DVD writer combo drive in the big boy that supports both 2D and 3D Blu-ray movie playback. Clearly, the more expensive unit is intended for hard-core gamers and media enthusiasts. Gamers have a lot to be excited about here. The graphics and processing power on offer are astounding for mobile computers, and both of these machines are quite capable of serving as gaming PCs for LAN gamers even when graphically-demanding games like Battlefield 3 are being played. They’re not what anyone will call cheap (we anticipate them costing between R20k and R30k), but then Alienware has never been about cutting corners, and it shows. We can’t wait to get our grubby gamer paws on these machines, and will definitely put them through their paces for your edification when they come in. If we could give our excitement levels six stars, we would. Pros
Cons
• Fast enough to smoothly play demanding 3D games • Everyday performance benefits from gaming-friendly hardware • Aggressive looks and high-quality feel
• Might cost more than a comparable desktop gaming PC • Not as portable as regular notebooks
Excitement Potential
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Samsung Galaxy S3 NEED TO KNOW • Samsung’s new flagship smartphone • Runs Android 4.0 ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’ • Features Samsung’s TouchWiz interface • Wireless charging, voice control and more R7 499.95
Smartphones based on the Android platform have been improving steadily for around 2 years now. In doing so, they’ve started challenging the dominant mindshare Apple has had in this market since the launch of the iPhone. But, even with the release of the much-vaunted Samsung Galaxy Nexus – the reference design for what Google wanted in an Android 4.0 ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’ smartphone – it still felt like there was a little ‘magic’ missing. Six months on, if you perform the same comparison between Apple’s iPhone 4S and Samsung’s newly released Galaxy S3 – an almost identical hardware platform to the Nexus – that shortfall is gone. Yes, it has a mind-blowingly crisp, bright and big (4.7”) Super AMOLED display. Yes, it has a quad-core processor. Yes, it’s ridiculously thin and light. And yes, it has virtually every bell and whistle you would expect 34 | connect | July 2012
from a super-modern smartphone, including some things you wouldn’t, like wireless charging. But the hardware isn’t the bit that blows your hair back. The overall sleekness of the S3’s construction, the iconic white or blue glossy plastic and brushed aluminum material choices and, most notably, the software features Samsung has added into the mix place it in a class of its own. Samsung’s TouchWiz takes centre stage in this regard, and with quite a bit of time and effort piled into this over the past couple of years, it’s finally at the point where it adds a great deal to the Android experience. With Samsung’s previous implementations of TouchWiz, it felt like the interface got in the way of Android’s natural flow, almost like it was there for the sake of making Samsung devices different. This latest implementation does the exact opposite and adds something truly useful to the sometimes bland experience of using the default interface of Android’s `Ice Cream Sandwich. TouchWiz is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unique software features. And they are, quite frankly, too numerous to mention in a huge amount of detail. That said, there are a handful of features that stand head and shoulders above the rest. First up, there’s S-Voice, Samsung’s attempt to mimic and exceed the
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functionality offered by Apple’s voice-activated personal assistant, Siri. While it’s quite effective, the big difference is that S-Voice can be activated by voice command (instead of a button press) and can be used to launch applications. SmartStay is another great addition. This feature detects when a user’s eyes are fixed on a screen and prevents the phone from going into standby mode. This is not only convenient, but allows for a higher level of power consciousness, since you can set the screen to switch off after 15 seconds on inactivity but still be assured of it not shutting off while you’re reading an e-mail or watching a video. A 3rd great feature is DirectCall. This allows you to begin typing a text message, change your mind halfway through and instead, call that contact by simply holding the S3 up to your face. Lastly, there’s Pop-up Play, which, as the name suggests, lets users watch an HD video in a small window located wherever they like on the smartphone’s screen, while doing other things like reading e-mail or texting. Using the Galaxy S3 for a couple of weeks was truly like a breath of fresh air from the rather restricted feeling one gets when using an iPhone, as well as the ‘this operating system lacks polish’ feeling one gets when using any other Android phone.
The whole experience took us by surprise – and left us wanting more after the 2-week review period.
The other tier-one smartphone on the block, the iPhone 4S, might be a better choice if you’re already heavily invested in the iTunes application store.
NOTEWORTHY SPECS • 4.7” HD Super AMOLED screen • 720 x 1 280 resolution • 1.5Ghz Quad-Core Samsung Exynos processor • 1.9MP front-facing and 8MP rear-facing camera • Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS • HSDPA 850, 900, 1 900- and 2 100-capable • Near Field Communications-ready • 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 Pros
Cons
• Every bell and whistle under the sun • TouchWiz is a great addition to Android 4.0 ‘ICS’ • Above-average battery life
• Phone feels slightly ‘plasticky’ • It’s only available in 2 colour choices • It’s a little on the pricey side
Overall rating
Samsung Galaxy Note
The other head-turner from Samsung, this device’s 5.3” screen is designed to offer business people the best of the tablet and smartphone worlds.
www.connectmag.co.za | 35
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Sony Xperia S Smartphone NEED TO KNOW • Sony’s First post-Ericsson smartphone • Huge build for big hands • 12MP camera and 32GB of storage • Uses Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) R6 799.95
Sony Xperia Arc S
The Arc S is a far smaller device than the Xperia S and somewhat less refined, but at its heart lies the attention to detail and superb multimedia features that make owning a Sony device so rewarding.
Samsung Galaxy Note
The Note is one of the biggest smartphones around, so much so that it’s almost the size of a tablet. If you like your phones chunky and your screens large, this is the smartphone to go for.
36 | connect | JULY 2012
A
The first phone to come out of Sony’s new Ericsson-free mobile division is the Xperia S, and it’s gorgeous. Standout features that separate it from the herd are its 12MP camera and its large 4.3” capacitive touchscreen that uses Sony’s amazing Bravia HD technology to produce visuals that are only outdone by Apple’s ultra-high-resolution iPhone 4S. This truly is a beautiful phone. The Xperia S has a glossy black piano-glass front with an attractive, clear band at the bottom that serves as the device’s antenna. The cover on the back of the phone is a dark charcoal colour, and its smooth surface is only broken by the camera, LED flash and a small knobble that can be gripped by a fingernail to open the cover. In addition to being a looker, the Xperia S is a slab of a phone that gives big hands something substantial to grip. There is nothing to do on the inside of the phone but install a micro SIM card – the battery doesn’t come out, and there is no slot for a memory card. Fortunately, with 32GB of internal memory, it’s unlikely you’ll quickly run out of space to store movies, music and photos, and even if you do, Sony’s PC Companion software can be used to get music and videos on and off the device easily. Watching movies on it and listening to music are definitely the phone’s strengths. Sony seldom disappoints in this regard, but these are particularly well done on the Xperia S. Music sounds amazing, especially when using a good set of headphones plugged into the phone’s 3.5mm audio jack, and watching HD movies on the phone in bed or on a plane is a delightfully realistic prospect. Using the phone on an everyday basis is likewise a joy. The screen is so nice to look at and responds so smoothly to touches that getting around the Android interface is as easy as pie. Typing is pleasant, too. The keyboard has several predictive features that make it easy and really quick to type what you need, when you need it. The keyboard also spreads out when the phone is tipped onto its side, giving you more space to type.
The camera is one of the phone’s best features, after its HD screen. Images are sharp and crisp, and macro shots (close-up photos) come out beautifully, full of colour and detail. It’s even possible to record Full HD movies with the Xperia S, which can then be shown on your HD TV by means of a mini HDMI output port. The cable is an extra purchase, though. By now you’ll have seen the price – this is a costly phone, which is about right for a device of this calibre. Another concern is the phone’s fragility – it’s so glassy and shiny that it probably won’t stand up well to being dropped, and there is no Gorilla Glass present to prevent damage and scratches. Lastly, it runs an older version of Android (2.3 Gingerbread), but Sony has at least hinted at an upgrade to version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) coming in Q3 2012. Still, we loved our time with this phone and would buy it in a flash. It’s that good. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Standby: 420 hours • Talk time: 8 hours 30 minutes • Battery: Li-Ion 1750 mAh • Camera: 12.1-megapixel camera with auto focus and LED flash • Digital/optical zoom: 16 x digital zoom • Video recording: 1 080p • Bluetooth: v2.1 with A2DP • TV-Out: Mini HDMI • Display: 4.3” scratch-resistant LED-backlit TFT @ 1280 x 720, 342 pixels per inch • Internal memory: 32GB eMMC • Dimensions: 128.0 x 64.0 x 10.6 (mm), 144g Pros
Cons
• Beautiful build quality, large body • Bravia tech makes the screen look amazing • Excellent camera for photos and video • Brilliant multimedia experience
• Quite fragile • Not cheap • No Gorilla Glass • Android 2.3
Overall rating
Game Board for the iPad™
! y la P o T e m a G w e N A Whole Game Board for the iPad™
Game Board for the iPad™
GameChanger is the innovative and truly social, Multiplayer Electronic Game Board which offers a completely new way to play board games using your iPad as interactive component. Click your iPad into the GameChanger and now you have an exciting interactive game board for a whole new way to play with friends and family. Select one of the available game apps from the app store and place the corresponding game skin on the GameChanger. Get the playing pieces ready, and the GameChanger transforms into a living game board!
Multiplayer Electronic Game Board STEP 1
Open the GameChanger.
STEP 2
STEP 3
Place the iPad into the cradle and download the App.
Place the game skins and playing pieces and start playing.
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Asus Transformer Pad TF300 Tablet 32GB with Mobile Dock NEED TO KNOW • Asus’ latest Android 4.0 tablet and keyboard dock • Folds together for easy transport • Available in Torch Red, Royal Blue and Iceberg White Tablet: R7 999.95 (Docking Station Included)
What do you get when you combine the desire for a tablet computer with the need for the convenience and comfort offered by a notebook? The Asus Transformer series of tablets, of course. They work as tablets but they also have keyboard dock accessories that transform them into notebook-like devices whenever a keyboard and touchpad are needed, hence the name. The latest one in the line-up is the TF300, a cheaper version of Asus’ flagship Transformer Prime product, and it’s a beauty. It has a battery that lasts up to 10 hours, a gorgeous 10.1” IPS screen that produces stunning colours and image detail, and runs Google’s Android operating system, version 4.0.3. Embedded on the edges of the device are a microSD card 38 | connect | JULY 2012
slot, a mini HDMI output, a volume rocker and a headphone jack. If that sounds like a minimal set of ports, you’d be right, and that’s where the dock comes in. It’s an optional purchase, but is highly recommended because it adds a full-sized SD card slot, a full-sized USB port and potentially an extra 5 hours of battery life to the Transformer TF300. That’s in addition to the stars of the show, the keyboard and trackpad, which come in handy when you want to do more than tap out a quick message to a friend. The TF300 connects to the dock with a very satisfying click. Arrows on both devices show you how they need to line up before you start the process, and once docked, the TF300 is locked firmly into place until you press the release button. The battery inside the dock actually charges the tablet, and can add anything up to 5 hours onto the TF300’s battery life. As this is a 10.1” device, the keyboard will feel a little cramped, especially if you have big hands. The keys feel fantastic under your fingertips, though, even nicer than some Ultrabook keyboards do. The trackpad is a little small, but it works, and beneath it you’ll find the right-
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and left-click buttons made from a single piece of plastic. Our review unit’s left-click button kept sticking if we pressed down on the leftmost edge, but was otherwise fine. The single USB port is handy for connecting a mouse or keyboard. We connected up a wired Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical and the TF300 picked it up right away, and a cursor appeared that we used to select things, drag screen elements and generally do what we would normally do with a notebook. Provided the tablet has a compatible driver, most keyboards and mice will work perfectly. We found the TF300 to deliver a very solid notebook-like experience when docked. On its own, the TF300 is a lovely tablet. It’s thin, but not ludicrously so; its screen responds fluidly to touch and it feels very solid in the hand. The back of the device is covered in a strong plastic material that almost feels like metal, which gives the TF300 a high-quality feel. NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 quad-core processor gives it plenty of power to do anything you need it to, be it playing games (of which there are plenty to choose from in the Android Market/Tegra Zone store), watching HD videos, browsing the Web, sending e-mails, or socialising with friends on Facebook. Games are particularly awesome on the TF300, and the wide range of games available from the NVIDIA Tegra Zone look fantastic and play amazingly. The screen’s resolution of 1 280 x 800 makes for sharp visuals, if not as sharp as those of the iPad 3’s Retina display. The mini HDMI port is useful if you want to hook up the TF300 to an HD TV to view videos. Asus doesn’t include an adapter in the box, however, so it’s an extra purchase. Once you have it and it’s connected, video plays beautifully in full 1 080p resolution without skipping or tearing. Internal storage of 32GB also gives you lots of space to store movies, music and photos, and if you need more, you can always just grab an SD card. This really is a beautiful Android tablet. We love the fact that it transforms into a notebook/netbook when paired with the dock and that it’s so nicely made. It’s perfect however: it lacks our favourite feature in a mobile device, Corning’s ultra-strong Gorilla Glass, and there are a few underlying problems to do with the Android operating
Apple still has the market cornered on high-tech tablets, and the latest iPad is the continuation of the company’s quest for total domination and it’s an absolute stunner.
system that need addressing. But overall, this is a great effort from Asus and a good buy for any tablet-loving consumer. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Operating system: Google Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich • Processor: NVIDIA Tegra 3 T30L Quad-Core @ 1.2Ghz • Graphics: GeForce 12-core, 3D stereo (built-in) • Storage: 16GB EMMC + 8GB of free ASUS WebStorage space for life • Dock: Mobile dock with full QWERTY keyboard (optional) • Memory: 1GB • Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v3.0 • Display: 10.1”WXGA (1 280 × 800) LED backlight IPS panel, 10-finger multi-touch, 350nits • Camera: 8MP auto focus (rear), 1.2MP (front) • Audio: 2-in-1 audio jack (head-out/mic-in 2-in-1), built-in microphone/high-quality speakers • Ports (pad): Micro-D HDMI 1.4a port, microSD card reader • Ports (dock): Full-sized USB, SD card reader • Battery: Up to 10 hours; 22Wh Li-polymer, 15 hours with mobile dock; dock: 16.5Wh Li-polymer • Sensors: G-Sensor, light sensor, gyroscope, e-compass, GPS • Dimensions: 263 × 180.8 × 9.9 (mm); 635g (pad only)/263 x 180.8 x 10.2 (mm); 546g (dock only) • Available colours: Royal Blue, Iceberg White, Torch Red Pros
Cons
• High-quality design and fantastic looks • Dock adds some seriously useful functionality • Great overall performance • Beautiful screen
• No Gorilla Glass protecting the screen • Android still not quite perfect • Left click button sticks on occasion
Overall rating
Samsung Series 5 13” Ultrabook
The sub-R10k price of the Series 5 13” Ultrabook makes it a compelling alternative to this tablet-and-dock combo.
perfect companions
Microsoft Basic Wheel Mouse Optical Plug it into the dock’s USB port and take over the operation of the TF300 with a mouse.
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Spector Pro Monitoring Software for PC and Mac NEED TO KNOW
eBlaster Mobile
Designed for both BlackBerry and Android smartphones, eBlaster monitors the phone’s activities and alerts you with reports of everything it does.
eBlaster
This software monitors your child’s PC activities and alerts you to them by e-mail instead of recording them for playback. It’s a slightly less heavyhanded security program for concerned parents.
40 | connect | JULY 2012
• Software to monitor PC use in homes and businesses • Powerful reporting engine shows detailed user activity • View reports remotely from another PC on your network • Also available for Macs • Single-user licence R699.95
Spector Pro is software that monitors a single computer’s use – all of it, in minute detail. The software is designed for businesses wanting to keep an eye on their employees, and parents wanting to see what their kids get up to on their computers, by recording all activities and presenting the parent or employer with detailed reports on what has been going on. It captures instant messaging chats from most popular IM clients, records keystrokes, monitors what Websites are visited and what keywords are searched for; it watches e-mails being sent, what files are transferred and more. In short, Spector Pro sees everything a user does with a computer, something concerned employers and parents will find extremely useful in the management of their underlings and offspring. Installing Spector Pro is a complicated process. Essentially, what you’re doing is installing software that does the type of things that security software (Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, etc.) is designed to detect and stop. This means you have to follow the setup instructions closely, otherwise whatever security program you’re using will think the PC you’re trying to monitor is under attack, and will neutralise Spector Pro and end your dreams of recording its activities. Installing Spector Pro is definitely not something we’d recommend relative newcomers to PCs try to do without help. When everything is going to plan, Spector Pro installs in what it calls “stealth mode”, which means the user can’t detect that the software
is running. It doesn’t show up in the usual places one might look (Task Manager, running processes), and it gives zero indication that it is silently recording everything the computer is doing. The installation does ask that you agree to inform whoever will be using the computer that the software is present, of course. Once Spector Pro was installed on our test PC, we let it run for a while and then accessed its reporting interface remotely from another computer on our network (something that requires the “viewer only” portion of the software to be installed on a second computer). We were surprised at just how much detail it revealed about the computer’s activities. The software actually captures screenshots of what the computer does, giving the viewer full disclosure of what the user has been up to. These screenshots can be scrolled through in sequence, revealing in detail what has transpired. Chat conversations were displayed with both sides of the conversations recorded, all keystrokes appeared in the log, basically everything that was done in the hour we monitored the PC appeared for us to peruse at our leisure. In our testing, we found the software to be extremely useful. Spector Pro captured user activity so well that we’re confident it will help parents and employers find out exactly what their employees and children do with their PC time, and provide them with the necessary evidence to confront or engage them as needed. The asking price is a little steep, but the information it will provide will likely prove invaluable down the line. One last thing to be aware of is that a single purchase equals the rights to monitor one PC only – you cannot install this software on more than one computer. For that, you’ll need to contact the makers, or simply buy a box per PC you’d like to watch. NOTEWORTHY FEATURES • Easy-to-use interface • Takes screen snapshots • Monitors Chat/IM activity • Records keystrokes typed • Watches Facebook/social networks • Captures Websites visited • Stores online searches • Shows e-mail sent and received • Displays programs used...and more
Pros
Cons
• Monitors a single PC’s activity, silently • Easy-to-read reports reveal telling details • Shows in detail what users get up to
• Installation process can be quite tricky • Single licence per purchase • IM monitoring only sees one side of the conversation
Overall rating
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5
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Norton Mobile Security 2.5 NEED TO KNOW Sony Xperia Arc S
The Arc S is a stunning Android-powered smartphone with a gorgeous screen, a chunky feel and a host of fun touches that make using it a real pleasure.
Samsung Galaxy SIII Smartphone
The SIII introduces fantastic new features designed to make the phone more human. Theft is, unfortunately, just as human as these new innovations, so lock it down a.s.a.p.
Norton Internet Security 2012
NIS2012 protects your PC better than any other Norton package so far. It boasts a slick interface, an awardwinning level of protection and won’t impact on system performance.
42 | connect | JULY 2012
• Updated security software for Android devices • Handy new features aid in retrieving lost or stolen phones • Remote locking/unlocking/locating • Capture images of your phone’s location or new owner R399.95
Last year, we reviewed Norton Mobile Security, a download from the Android Market (now called Google Play) that protected Android smartphones and tablets from theft and malware. That was version 2.0. Now, Symantec has released an updated version the company is calling Norton Mobile Security 2.5 that has a few new features. We received a copy for review, and we were impressed – the software is even more useful than before. Installation is just as easy as before. Simply navigate to the Website indicated on the card that comes in the box, download and install the software, and activate it using the serial number provided. The Antitheft portion of the software is now a plugin (an extra download), but downloading and installing is, thankfully, still pretty straightforward. The installation process requires that you register the phone or tablet you’re using to your Norton account if you have one (if you don’t, you can create one). Once that is done, you’re asked to enter a password that you need to supply when you’re sending remote commands to the phone. You’re also asked to specify up to 3 phone numbers of friends or relatives; these numbers are now authorised to send your phone the commands that will lock, unlock or locate it. Symantec has created a Norton Anti-Theft Website that can also be used to locate or lock the phone. Once you’re logged in, you see all the devices registered to your account, whether they’re online or not, and their location. Your device is tracked by GPS (if it’s on), Google’s Location Services, as well as its Wi-Fi and 3G connections. That info is collected and used to display the device’s location on a Google Maps map. When we were testing the software, our registered devices appeared within 100m or so of their actual location, but they were indoors at the time so a small margin of error is acceptable. The true beauty of this software shows when the phone is locked, either from the Website or by remote SMS command. Once locked, the device becomes inaccessible and its location is tracked more frequently than before. What really sells it, though, are these features: the device’s camera is used to take photos automatically every 10 minutes in the hopes of capturing images of its surroundings or whoever has it, and you get
the opportunity to craft a message that appears on the device that could potentially aid in its retrieval. Neat! The other features are less showy, but no less useful. You get malware scanning (essentially a virus scan that checks your phone for nasty software), the ability to block SMSes and calls from numbers you specify, and, lastly, Web protection that stops fraudulent sites from stealing your personal information. That last feature is only available when using Android’s built-in browser, however. Our test phone ran just fine with the software installed, great news to anyone worried that Symantec software might slow down their device (it won’t). The cost listed is for a year-long subscription to the service, but it’s not that much, really, and the protection it buys is truly useful. This is yet another win for Symantec. We’re happy to recommend this security software for smartphones and tablets. NOTEWORTHY FEATURES • Call and SMS blocking: Lets you block calls and text messages from specific phone numbers. • Web protection: Blocks access to fraudulent sites to safeguard your personal information. • Anti-malware: Detects and removes mobile threats without affecting the phone’s performance. • Remote lock: Securely locks your device to prevent strangers from using it or seeing your information. • Remote locate: Tracks and maps the location of your device when anyone uses it to go online so you know if it is lost or stolen. • Sneak peek: Snaps photos of anyone or anything in front of your device, then saves the images to the Norton Anti-Theft Website to help you get it back. • Lost notification: Displays a customisable message to anyone who finds your missing device so you can make arrangements to get it back.
Pros
Cons
• New features are useful and work well • Download and installation process is fast • Doesn’t impact on phone/tablet performance
• Web protection only works with Android’s default browser • Cost is an annual subscription • Android-only
Overall rating
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Samsung recommends Windows® 7.
Introducing the new Samsung Series 9 Notebook. Cast from aviation alloy and powered by a 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processor, it’s the latest innovation in fast computing performance. At only 16mm, its ultra thin, lightweight streamlined arc design make it more than just a notebook. It’s a true reflection of strength and sophistication. What defines you? TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Intel® Core™ i5 Processor 2537M (1.4GHz, 3MB) • Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64bit) Operating System 4GB (DDR3) System Memory • 13.3” SuperBrightPlus© Anti-Reflective HD LED Display • 128GB Solid State Drive (SSD) Up to 7 Hours Battery Life** • Weighs only 1.31kg
www.samsung.com/notebook Copyright© 2011 SAMSUNG Electronics Co, Ltd. Screen images are simulated. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Core and Core Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. ** Battery life based on Battery Mark test scores that will vary based on configuration. SAM_SERIES9_7374_CT_F
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product roundup
Ultimate
Ultrabooks Ultrabooks are making a lot of waves these days with their super-thin looks, excellent battery lives and respectable performances. We take a look at 4 of the most popular ones and pit them against one another to determine which Ultrabook embodies the Ultrabook ideal. By Deon du Plessis
What makes an Ultrabook a smart buy is a combination of long battery life, solid performance, light weight and great looks, but choosing the right one can pose a bit of a challenge. Even though they look quite similar on the surface, there are some differences between the available models that might not be clear on first glance, and that can be important if you’re hoping to buy one for use at work. This head-to-head comparison of 4 Ultrabooks from different manufacturers will examine each closely and clarify what makes them different, in the hopes that this will help you discover the Ultrabook that’s right for you. We’ll highlight the overall value on offer relative to the asking price to determine the Ultrabook we believe is the best. We’ll let you know which Ultrabooks might not be jaw-droppingly impressive on the hardware front, but make decent home- or casual-use machines nonetheless. You’ll find that these machines are actually quite similar in some ways, so we will focus on those things that set them apart. That way, you’ll be in a position to decide for yourself which Ultrabook is the best choice for your intended use independently of the Ultrabook we choose as the overall winner.
www.connectmag.co.za | 45
product roundup
Acer Aspire S3 13.3” The Aspire S3 is Acer’s 1st effort at creating an Ultrabook, and, to be honest, it’s a little basic. That’s not as bad as it sounds, though, as it comes with the advantage of having the lowest price in the roundup. It’s still good for home use as it’s capable of solid performance and is tricked out with all the right kit to play back HD movies, as well as music and even the odd game. It has a 13.3” screen and is very sleek as it’s only 13mm at its thinnest point.
its construction, and it sports battery life that’s merely average for an Ultrabook (6 hours, according to Acer). Acer has given it Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, an operating system that doesn’t have some advanced networking features needed by corporate networks. It doesn’t feature Corning’s excellent Gorilla Glass, using regular glass instead that’s not nearly as scratch-resistant. Lastly, there is no on-site warranty included in the S3’s price; if you want that, it’s an extra cost.
Strengths
R8 999.95
Overview
Where it’s strongest is in the storage department. The S3 has the most storage of any of the Ultrabooks on test – 340GB. What’s so great is that the 340GB is made up of 2 hard drives a 20GB Solid State Drive (SSD) that is home to the operating system, and a separate 320GB drive that can be used to store applications and other data. Acer has wangled things so the 20GB SSD isn’t visible in Windows Explorer – it’s there to store the OS and aid performance, not as storage for random files. That allows the system to perform like an Ultrabook with an SSD, complete with the fast boot and resume times that characterise the category, while also offering the 1 thing that puts some off – lots of hard drive space. Weaknesses
It’s underpowered compared to the others shown here (but fortunately only by a small margin), its build quality is a little weak owing to the generous helping of plastic used in 46 | connect | July 2012
Get it if:
Don’t get it if:
• Your usage needs are not very complex • You’re a home or casual user looking for a lightweight portable PC • You don’t need an all-day battery • You want an Ultrabook but you’re on a budget • You need more than 128GB of hard drive space
• You work at a big corporation and need advanced networking features • You want better-than-average everyday performance • You value better-than-just-okay build quality • You want on-site support built into the price • You require at least 1 USB 3.0 port
Overall rating
Samsung Series 5 Ultra (13.3”) Overview
When we first reviewed the Series 5 Ultra 13”, we fell in love. Time has tempered that love somewhat, as it’s clearly not the best Ultrabook ever made owing to a few factors, like the absence of Gorilla Glass, Samsung’s choice of operating system and no super-strong, ultra-cool chassis. Having said that, it’s still a worthy contender for your cash. In fact, it’s the price that tipped this as our favourite Ultrabook going into the roundup. Considering the hardware on offer, as well as its looks, feature list and general performance, the asking price of 10 grand is nothing short of astounding.
hinge that clips open to accommodate the network cable. Unfortunately, because the hinge is plastic, it feels quite flimsy, and may not stand up to long-term use. Other oversights include the absence of Gorilla Glass on the screen and the use of Windows 7 Home Premium as the operating system (which limits the Series 5’s usefulness as a business tool). We’re going to count “only 128GB” of storage as a weakness as well, but just bear in mind that this also keeps the system’s cost way down. Lastly, the battery isn’t spectacular, lasting only 6.4 hours, according to Samsung. R9 999.95
Strengths
The Series 5 has a full-sized Ethernet port, a USB 3.0 port, a faster Core i5 processor, and a 3-year, on-site warranty. Its hard drive is a full-on Solid State Drive with a capacity of 128GB. The benefit here is that it’s not just the operating system stored on the drive, so in addition to the quick startup and fast-resume capabilities an SSD grants, all your applications will load a lot faster than they would on a regular drive. Samsung has given the Series 5 a full-sized HDMI port as well as a VGA port (via an included dongle) for outputting the Ultrabook’s visuals to other screens. Its sleek, tapered design and solid chassis round out its not inconsiderable strengths that are crowned by its incredibly low asking price.
Get it if:
Don’t get it if:
• You want an affordable, balanced Ultrabook for work or play, or both • You have need of a USB 3.0 port • You output to projectors and HD TVs regularly • You value a product’s looks as well as its performance
• Your corporate network demands advanced networking features • Gorilla Glass is a must-have feature • You require more than 128GB of internal storage • You need an all-day battery
Overall rating
Weaknesses
To create a full-sized Ethernet port, Samsung’s engineers created a small port with a plastic www.connectmag.co.za | 47
product roundup
HP Folio 13 Overview
Weaknesses
The Folio 13 is HP’s business-focused Ultrabook. It’s not as thin as the others on test and it has a rather square design as opposed to the sleek, tapered look of the others, but that’s done to fit a huge battery into the chassis. The result is a no-nonsense look and a battery life of 9 hours – enough to last for a full day of work, a flight to Dubai and even a trans-Atlantic journey. Its brushed aluminium lid and metal trimmings give it an air of sophistication, and while it’s a little heavier than other Ultrabooks, the extended battery life more than makes up for it. This is a business machine, too. HP has chosen Windows 7 Professional as the operating system, making it corporate network-friendly.
It’s a little heavier and more squared-off than other Ultrabooks, and its screen doesn’t look quite as bright or colourful. If you look at the price, you’ll notice it’s a full R3 000 more expensive than the Samsung Series 5, yet that cost doesn’t include a 3-year on-site warranty or Corning’s awesome Gorilla Glass to protect the screen. We have to list its hard drive capacity of only 128GB as a negative, too, although we must also emphasise that the speed benefit of the SSD technology far outweighs the inconvenience of only having a small amount of storage. R12 999.95
Strengths
The Folio 13 shines in the looks department. The somewhat formal design is really stylish and gives the Ultrabook an air of sophistication that the others lack, even though its chassis is a little bit thicker and doesn’t taper to a razor-edge like Samsung’s Series 5 does. Performance is on a par with the Series 5 as it has the same processor, memory and hard drive configuration but, of course, it has Windows 7 Professional, which makes it more business-friendly. A full-sized Ethernet port is present that requires no fiddly plastic hinge, and the keyboard is backlit, making it easier to see in darkened rooms, as well as more comfortable to type on than the others. It also has an HDMI port and 2 USB ports (1 on each edge). One of those supports USB 3.0. 48 | connect | July 2012
Get it if:
Don’t get it if:
• You want an Ultrabook for business use • You need 9 hours of battery life per full charge • A backlit, comfortable keyboard is important
• Gorilla Glass protection is important • You require a 3-year on-site warranty to be part of the package • 128GB isn’t enough storage for you
Overall rating
Dell XPS 13 UItrabook Overview
The XPS 13 is by far the nicest-looking, most high-tech and feature-packed Ultrabook in the roundup, but it’s also the most expensive. It has everything a business user could hope for, and is attractive enough for any gadget enthusiast to proudly carry around with them. A carbon fibre base, a machined aluminium lid, and Corning’s amazing scratch-proof protective glass covering its screen are but a few of the design’s highlights. The 13 is also almost unbelievably super-thin. Strengths:
Its looks are stunning. The base is made from carbon fibre, so it’s incredibly rugged and resistant to knocks and scrapes. Dell has used Corning’s Gorilla Glass to protect the screen (the glass stretches from edge to edge, leaving no area unprotected), and a spill-resistant keyboard prevents an accidental liquid spill from being the end of the world. A 3-year on-site warranty is included in the cost too, and it runs Windows 7 Professional, making the 13 useful as a business machine. The keyboard is backlit, and is very comfortable to type on. Performance is 1st-class, and its battery lasts around 7 hours of light-to-medium usage.
a more common type of video output, and hooking the 13 up to most HD TVs or external monitors requires a special dongle. There is no memory card slot or full-sized Ethernet port. This is also the most expensive of the Ultrabooks on test, yet it still only has a 128GB SSD. For this kind of money, it’s not unreasonable to hope for at least double that. R14 999.95
Get it if:
Don’t get it if:
• You want one of the sleekest Ultrabooks out there • You’re a prosumer or a professional • You love attractive, durable, liquid-resistant designs • A 3-year on-site warranty is required • Money is no object
• A memory card reader is essential • Your work network isn’t wireless • It’s a choice between this or groceries • 128GB of internal storage isn’t enough
Overall rating
Weaknesses:
To keep the 13 so thin, Dell gave it a Mini DisplayPort output instead of an HDMI. HDMI is www.connectmag.co.za | 49
product roundup
’s tor i d E ice Cho Of all the Ultrabooks here, the Dell XPS 13 is undoubtedly the best in terms of its technology, looks, feel and performance, and it only falls down on price and a few minor gripes like the absence of an HDMI output. As attractive as the others are, none can touch the sleek and sexy stylings of the XPS 13, its scratch-proof Gorilla Glass or its overall appeal for pro-consumers and professionals alike. We still love the Samsung Series 5 and recommend it as a solid alternative. For R5 000 less, you’re not getting a machine that’s 33% worse than the XPS 13, making it a very smart 2nd choice in our books. The HP Folio is also a great machine; it’s just a little on the pricey side for us to recommend it over the Samsung. Lastly, the Acer Aspire S3. It’s a valiant effort from Acer and a good choice for a first-time Ultrabook buyer due to its price, but the quibbles we have with it, from its slower Core i3 processor to its plasticky body, unfortunately push it into last place.
Quick look...
Acer Aspire S3 13.3”
Samsung Series 5 Ultra (13.3”)
• CPU: Intel Core i3-2367 processor @ 1.8 GHz • OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit • RAM: 4GB DDR3 System RAM • HDD: 320GB HDD and 20GB SSD • Display: 13.3” LED display @ 1 366 x 768 • Graphics: Intel HD 3000 shared graphics • Network: WLAN 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth • Webcam: 1.3MP • Battery Life: 6-hours • Video Output: Full-sized HDMI output • USB: 2 x USB 2.0 ports • Card reader: 2-in-1 memory card reader • Thickness: 13mm • Weight: 1.36kg
• CPU: Intel Core i5-2467M processor @ 1.6 GHz • OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit • RAM: 4GB DDR3 System RAM • HDD: 128GD SSD • Display: 13.3” Anti-Reflective LED display @ 1 366 x 768 • Graphics: Intel HD 3000 shared graphics • Network: Ethernet LAN, 802.11b/g/n WLAN, and Bluetooth V3.0 • Webcam: 1.3MP • Battery Life: 6.4-hours • Video Output: HDMI output (full-sized), VGA port via included dongle • USB: 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0 • Card reader: 4-in-1 memory card reader • Thickness: 17mm • Weight: 1.45kg • Warranty: 3-year on-site warranty
50 | connect | July 2012
HP Folio 13 • CPU: Intel Core i5-2467 processor 1.6 GHz • OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit • RAM: 4GB DDR3 System RAM • HDD: 128GB Solid State hard drive • Display: 13.3” LED display @ 1 366 x 768 • Graphics: Intel HD 3000 Graphics • Network: Ethernet LAN, WLAN 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth • Webcam: 1.3MP webcam with microphone • Battery Life: 9-hours • Video Output: HDMI output (full-sized) • Card reader: SD card reader • Thickness: 18mm thick • Weight: 1.5kg • Keyboard: Backlit
Dell XPS 13 UItrabook • CPU: Intel Core i5-2467M processor @ 1.6 GHz • OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit • RAM: 4GB DDR3 System RAM • HDD:128GB Solid State hard drive • Display: 13.3” @ 1 366 x 768 with Edge-to-Edge Gorilla Glass protection • Graphics: Intel HD 3000 shared graphics • Network: WLAN a/g/n, Bluetooth combo card • Webcam: 1.3MP • Battery Life: 7-hours • Video Output: Mini DisplayPort Output Port • Warranty: 3-year on-site • Weight: 1.36kg • Keyboard: Spill-resistant, LED backlit
© 2011 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Screen images are simulated.
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Verbatim Store ‘n Go 2.5” 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Storage
For just over double the price, you can get 1000GB of storage in a drive that uses a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface, with only a small decrease in general portability.
Lexar JumpDrive Triton 16GB Memory Stick NEED TO KNOW • One of the first-ever USB 3.0 memory sticks • 16GB of storage capacity • Protective retractable neck R699.95 (Available at www.incredible.co.za)
Lexar S73 8GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
As its price is a quarter that of the Triton, this is the USB 3.0 drive we’d recommend you consider as an everyday, inyour-pocket storage device.
Seagate GoFlex Desk 3TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive
This drive eschews portability for sheer capacity. Not being able to lug it around easily is more than made up for by the massive amounts of data it can hold.
52 | connect | JULY 2012
If you’ve ever used a USB memory stick to copy files between computers, you’ve probably thought something along the lines of: “Boy, I wish this thing was faster.” The reason memory sticks of the past few years have seemed so slow is because they have relied on USB 2.0 technology, which has a maximum transfer speed of 480mbits/s, resulting in real-world transfers of around 25MB/s (depending on your computer). That means a 700MB file would take about 28 seconds to copy. This being 2012, USB 2.0 is old technology. It’s now possible to buy desktop and notebook computers that have both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, and if you have one of these new PCs and a storage device that is compatible with USB 3.0 technology, your reward is faster speeds. We’re talking much faster, like by a factor of 4 (at least). That same 700MB movie file from earlier would copy in 7 seconds or less. And that’s exactly what we found when we plugged this new Lexar Triton memory stick into our USB 3.0-equipped test PC. Our testing included the copying of folders full of hundreds of small files, folders containing a small selection of large files, as well as a storage benchmark. The results were very good indeed. The Triton managed to maintain an average read speed (the speed of a copy from the device) of 139MB/s in the benchmark, and copying files to it resulted in an average transfer speed, according to the last figure that appeared just before Windows 7’s Copy dialogue box closed, of 101MB/s. This is an averaged figure taken from the measurement of the time the copy took relative to the size of the data copied. So yes, it’s fast, much faster than any USB 2.0 memory stick we’ve ever seen. The question then becomes, is it a smart buy? This stick only has 16GB of storage capacity, and while that’s a whole lot more than the memory sticks of yesteryear had, it’s still only a fraction of the storage available from, say, a 500GB USB 3.0 drive that costs only R300 more.
The advantage of a memory stick as opposed to a portable hard drive is physical size – a memory stick is far easier to carry in a pocket than a portable hard drive. They can also be used with Windows 7’s ReadyBoost feature that lets you use external storage as system RAM, which has the potential to speed up your system. Even so, it’s far smarter to simply buy more system RAM – you might only get 8GB of RAM for R700, but it will have a more noticeable impact on system performance than a 16GB memory stick being used in ReadyBoost mode would. So we’re left with a conundrum. The Lexar 16GB USB 3.0 memory stick is a fantastic product when examined from a purely technological perspective – it’s got a lot of storage for a memory stick, it’s seriously fast when it comes to copying data to and from it, and it’s well-made. At this price, however, it’s just not a must-buy when an extra R300 can get you an additional 484GB in a device that’s only slightly bigger. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Among the fastest USB flash drives available – leverages SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology for blazing-fast file transfer, up to 155MB/s read and 150MB/s write • Sleek design with metal alloy base and high-gloss mirror finish top • Ultra-portable for everyday use • Reliably stores and transfers files, photos, videos, and more • Compatible with PC and Mac systems • Limited lifetime warranty Pros
Cons
• High-quality construction • Retractable neck protects the device from damage • Works with Windows 7’s ReadyBoost feature • Very fast indeed
• Per gigabyte cost is a bit expensive • A portable hard drive offers more value
Overall rating
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Verbatim 16GB SDHC Card
For the average camera owner, a 16GB SDHC card offers more than enough speed and capacity for everyday use.
perfect companions
Canon EOS 600D 18MP DSLR Capture 18MP still images and Full HD video with the successor to Canon’s ultra-popular 550D. Highcapacity memory card highly recommended.
Nikon D3100 14.2MP DSLR This entry-level DSLR shoots 14.2MP stills and captures Full HD video, and can output directly to an HD TV with its built-in mini-HDMI port.
54 | connect | July 2012
Verbatim 64GB SDXC Class 10 UHS-1 Memory Card NEED TO KNOW • Secure Digital eXtreme Capacity card • Designed for use in HD camcorders and still cameras • 64GB of storage space for high-definition videos and stills • Stores up to 32 hours of full HD movie footage R999.95
As high-definition videos and photos have replaced standard-definition files as the norm, technology has had to keep up. Digital storage devices of all kinds have had to evolve to store more, faster than ever before, while also becoming more affordable. Memory card technology is included in that group. We’ve moved through several generations of memory card types over the past 20 years, and have finally arrived at a type of card that satisfies both the speed and capacity needs of modern-day video and still cameras – a format called SDXC, which stands for Secure Digital Extreme Capacity. We received one of Verbatim’s biggest-capacity cards for review, a 64GB, Class 10 UHS-1 card. Class 10 indicates the lowest speed the card is guaranteed to operate at (in this case 10MB per second), and UHS-1 indicates adherence to the “Ultra High Speed” standard, which means the card is capable of really fast transfers under the right conditions. What that boils down to is the card’s suitability for use in applications that demand lots of speed, like HD camcorders and ultra-high-resolution still cameras. If you spotted that “under the right conditions” clause and are wondering what those are, allow us to explain: what’s needed to milk the most speed from the card is a device that supports the UHS-1 standard, like a compatible card reader or camera. Otherwise its performance is rather pedestrian. We achieved a maximum write speed of 10MB/s when copying files to the card using our test notebook’s SD card reader, and a maximum read speed of 19MB/s when reading from the card. This isn’t slow by any means, but it’s far short of the card’s theoretical maximum speed of 104MB/s. The story changed when using a card reader that supports the UHS-1 standard and USB 3.0 connectivity. Write speeds didn’t jump a lot – we went from 10MB/s to 16MB/s. Read speeds, however, jumped to 65MB/s.
This is just what you need when transferring large files from the card onto a PC or Mac. In a camera that supports UHS-1 like Canon’s 600D, the card works flawlessly. Its high speed means images can be saved to the card quickly so that you don’t have to wait long before taking the next shot. Burstmode shooting that captures several stills one after the other in a very short time span also benefits, as less time spent saving the data to the card means smaller intervals between shots. Fast memory cards also let users shoot HD movies for longer. HD movies generate a lot of data as each second consists of 30 images, plus audio, and the memory card being used needs to be fast enough to save that information. Thankfully, 16MB/s is more than enough for this, and 64GB of storage space means you can record up to 32 hours of HD footage if you so desire. So are there any negatives here? Well, yes. This card isn’t going to benefit the average consumer who uses a compact camera; it’s aimed more at high-end users who favour DSLR cameras and shoot a lot of HD video. If that’s not you, rather save your cash and get something a little cheaper. If that is you, grab one of these babies and don’t look back. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Format: SDXC (Secure Disk eXtreme Capacity) • Capacity: 64GB • Class: 10 • Write lock slider: Yes • Official rated write speed: 10MB/s • Official rated read speed: 10MB/s Pros
Cons
• Fantastic read and write speeds • More storage than you’ll know what to do with • Great for professional use
• Full speed on a PC requires a card reader that supports UHS-1 • Does not benefit entry-level photographers
Overall rating
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Samsung Galaxy SIII
The SIII is Samsung’s bestlooking, most powerful and most feature-packed Android smartphone yet.
Sony Xperia Arc S
The Xperia S is Sony’s latest Android-powered smartphone, and it has a proper 720p HD display that’s backed by Sony’s excellent Bravia screen technology.
BlackBerry Torch 9810
The Torch combines awesome touchscreen technology with a slide-out keyboard, giving BlackBerry users the best of both worlds in a single phone.
56 | connect | JULY 2012
BlackBerry Bold 9790 Smartphone NEED TO KNOW • More affordable sibling of the Bold 9900 • Full QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen • Uses BlackBerry’s OS7 operating system R4 599.95
If you’ve looked at the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and been put off by its price, you might be happy to see the new Bold 9790 on store shelves. It’s a slightly cut-down version of the 9900 in terms of features, size and weight, but it’s a competent phone in its own right, with only a sprinkling of things we weren’t wild about. On the surface, the 2 phones look almost identical, and it’s just the metal finish, the buttons and the 9900’s bigger, thicker body that set them apart. While at first glance the buttons look the same, the 9790 has separate, raised buttons, whereas the 9900 has them all integrated into the bezel beneath the screen. The 9900 is definitely RIM’s luxury Bold, but the 9790’s slim body still manages to convey a sense of class. On the inside, their processors are separated by just 200MHz, with the 9790 having the slower one, at 1GHz. It didn’t make a difference, though. We’re pleased to report that the 9790 performed incredibly well all through the test period. In the “bad” column, we have to note that the 9790’s keyboard is a little cramped. The keys and their functions are exactly the same, it’s just that the area they’re crammed into is a little smaller, and the result is a restricted typing experience, a problem for folks with big fingers. The 9790’s screen is quite small at only 2.45” (6.23cm), but with its resolution of 480 x 360, all icons, images and videos look razor-sharp. The only thing we didn’t like was that the glass used isn’t Corning’s scratchproof Gorilla Glass – our test unit’s screen picked up several scratches simply from daily use and pocket-transport. We liked the phone’s 5MP camera. It produced great-looking images, even in low light, but we were a little disappointed that video recording is limited to VGA (so no HD). The inclusion of an autofocus is a welcome addition, as it corrects one of the complaints about the 9900. When it comes to battery, the 9790 far outperforms the 9900. With regular phone calls, SMSes and playing the odd game on the loo, the phone lasted anywhere between 2 and 3 days before needing a recharge.
For a smartphone, that’s very good. We also enjoyed the phone’s interface. BlackBerry 7 is the latest version of BB’s mobile operating system, and it’s smooth, intelligently structured and its menu system is easy to navigate. The phone groups applications in various ways, keeping frequently-used apps together, and media apps and downloads in their own category for easy selection. Even though it supports apps, 3D games, social networking services and exciting technology like “Near Field Communication” (a way for 2 devices to communicate wirelessly), the Bold 9790 is at its best when it’s just being a phone. Calling, sending SMSes, checking e-mail and browsing the Web were highlights for us, and we found the rest of the features to be somewhat under-used. They’re there, though, should they be required. To sum it up, the Bold 9790 is a slimmer, sleeker and – most importantly – cheaper version of the Bold 9900 that lasts far longer on a single charge. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Processor: Marvel Tavor MG1 1GHz • Operating system: BlackBerry OS7 • Display: 2.45” capacitive touchscreen • Memory: 768MB • Storage: 8GB eMMC, expandable to up to 32GB with microSD card • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth • Keyboard: 35-key backlit QWERTY • Camera: 5MP with continuous autofocus, 2 x digital zoom, LED flash • Video recording: VGA (640 x 480) • Battery: 1 230mAh JM-1 removable/rechargeable Lithium-ion • Talk time: Up to 5.2 hours • Standby time: Up to 18 days Pros
Cons
• Affordable alternative to the Bold 9900 • Touchscreen and keyboard for input • Good all-round performance
• Screen scratches rather easily • Keyboard feels a bit cramped • BlackBerry App World still lacking in content
Overall rating
In Japan, we’ve always believed small is beautiful
The Epson Small-In-One Range Like the Bonsai tree, less is definitely more when owning an Epson Stylus SX235W Printer. The ultra compact footprint means this Small-in-One effortlessly complements any modern home environment without taking up too much space. This, together with great value for money, flexibility and easy-to-use Wi-Fi functionality make this printer a must-have for first time users.
Win with Epson and Manchester United Don’t delay, visit an Incredible Connection store near you before the 31st of July, purchase any Epson product and SMS your invoice number to 37766 or go to www.epson.co.za/incredibleconnection. You will then be entered into a lucky draw to win an all expenses paid trip to see Manchester United play at old Trafford. Terms and conditions apply.
product reviews
Targus Multimedia Presentation Remote AMP09U related
products
Microsoft Office 2010 Professional
In this package you get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access, 5 of Microsoft’s very best productivityenhancing applications.
Samsung Series 5 13.3”
This highly-portable Ultrabook is just what you need to make on-the-go presentations. Samsung has included a dongle that gives the incredibly thin device a handy VGA output port.
58 | connect | July 2012
NEED TO KNOW • The handiest presentation pointer ever • Switch between presentation and mouse mode • Works with 2 x AAA batteries R699.95
On occasion, we receive a review product that’s just so handy, it’s hard to imagine how the world functioned before it. The Targus Multimedia Presentation Remote is one such product, and it’s amazing because it follows every guideline as to what makes a great product: it looks good, it’s comfortable to hold, its buttons are easy to reach and press, and its functionality is so simple yet utterly ingenious at the same time. If you’ve ever given a presentation using Microsoft’s excellent PowerPoint software, you’ll know that managing everything in real-time can be a bit of a challenge. This presentation remote makes that a thing of the past – all you’ll need to do in future is load the presentation, ensuring it’s on its first slide, and from there you can do everything else with the remote. And therein lies its genius. There are several buttons on the remote that perform the most common presentation functions: toggling the presentation between full-screen mode and its default view in PowerPoint is handled by the top right button, blanking the screen out completely (for those times when a topic needs to be expanded upon verbally and the slide itself isn’t strictly necessary) is done by the top left button, and there is a selector switch between the 2 that switches the device between mouse and multimedia pointer modes. The remote’s main bodyis occupied by the aforementioned tiny joystick, and it’s surrounded by 2 buttons that are easily reachable with your thumb. These buttons function as Forward and Back buttons in presentation mode, and as left and right mouse buttons in mouse mode. Along the right edge you’ll find 2 volume controls, which control the computer’s volume – handy for adjusting it on the fly. The left edge is slightly less exciting, but no less relevant: the Power and Lock buttons are here. Power turns the remote on and off (off requires the button to be held down for a few seconds) and the Lock button prevents
any accidental bumping of the buttons to interrupt the presentation. This pointer has space for 2 AAA batteries but it only actually needs 1. The 2nd is there just in case the 1st runs out of power, but you don’t absolutely have to have it in there. Batteries are installed inside the device, which opens with a quick press of a button located at the rear underside of the device. The tiny USB dongle, which connects it to your PC or Mac, is also stored here, eliminating any worry that you’ll lose it. Installation is virtually effort-free. We plugged it into our Windows 7 PC and a few minutes and an automatic driver download later, it was ready to go. It works on Mac as well, which requires that you flick a switch located inside the device into Mac mode before plugging it in. This is a brilliant gadget that regular presentation-givers will undoubtedly love. It’s simple yet works well and has all the necessary functionality to make it an indispensable part of your workday arsenal. It’s a little expensive, but we feel it’s worth every cent. NOTEWORTHY SPECS • Colour: Black and grey • Exterior dimensions: 25.4 x 38.1 x 120.65 (mm) • Warranty: Limited one-year warranty • Weight: 140.6g • Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X 10.4 or later • Batteries: 2 x AAA • Connectivity: Self-storing USB receiver Pros
Cons
• Comfortable to hold and operate • Indispensable presentation functionality • Makes presenting a lot easier • Modest battery use and clever USB dongle stowage
• Bit expensive
Overall rating
product Accessories
PROTECT YOUR PRECIOUS This month, we’ve rounded up 6 different products, all designed to make owning and protecting your mobile gadgets that teensy bit more awesome. Capdase Alumor Jacket for BlackBerry Curve 9380 PRICE: R169.95 BlackBerries need protecting too, and Capdase’s Alumor Jacket for the Curve 9380 is a great way to do it. What makes this design so compelling is the way it adheres to the exact contours of the 9380, and its combination of soft rubber around the edge of the case with the anodised metal rear cover. This gives the case a lot of strength and flexibility, enabling it to provide the kind of protection the average BlackBerry Curve needs in its daily routine. Also included in the package is a screen protector for the Curve 9380. Features • 2-in-1 protection: Soft Jacket and anodised metal outer casing • Protects against drops, shocks, dust, dirt and scratches • Screen protector included
Capdase Penn Touch Stylus PRICE: R199.95
This lightweight aluminium stylus hides its dual functionality with a clever removable “lid” that’s mounted on its back. The lid holds a short, thin piece of metal that fits the tiny hole found in iPhones that ejects the SIM holder tray, while the front is occupied by a soft rubber-like nib that is pressed onto any i-Device’s screen instead of a finger. It doesn’t leave smudges or scratches, and enables you to write freehand by providing accurate handwriting control. The Penn’s barrel is also magnetised and fastens easily to any iPad 2. Features • Available in blue, red and silver • Works with iPhone 3G/3GS/4/4S, iPad/iPad2/iPad 3rd-gen • Useful for drawing, sketching, editing text, gaming and more
60 | connect | JULY 2012
XtremeMac MicroShield Style Case for iPhone 4/4S
XtremeMac Sportwrap Neoprene Sport Band PRICE: R249.95
This armband has been designed for runners who favour the iPod touch and iPhones as their primary source of jogging tunes. It’s made from neoprene and thus offers a degree of flexibility and some water resistance, and it comes with an armband that should fit most arm sizes. The Sportwrap has a 2nd notch for the band to slip through that provides a bit more space for bigger arms. The clear plastic protects your iPhone/iPod touch without preventing
you from controlling them with touches, and it comes with a separate plastic clip that headphone cables can be wound around for convenient storage and length adjustment.
PRICE: R299.95 Protecting your iPhone 4 is essential, as day-to-day living can easily cause unsightly scratches and blemishes on its hallowed surface. XtremeMac has developed a range of cases called MicroShield Style that not only protects the iPhone 4’s back and sides, but does so in style. Choose from a variety of textured faux animal-skin finishes that set you apart from the rest of the herd, and be content in the knowledge that your phone is protected. Cases include cut-outs for the phone’s camera and side-mounted buttons. Features • Tight-fitting design hugs the iPhone snugly • Available in a range of colours and textures • Made from durable, scratch-resistant material
Features • Made from lightweight neoprene lycra • Clear plastic cover allows for touch operation • Designed for iPhones & iPod Touch • Adjustable strap fits most arms
Capdase KLIA Professional ScreenGuard for iPad 2 PRICE: R179.95 Capdase’s Professional ScreenGuard for iPad 2 is an ultra-thin film that is placed over the iPad 2’s screen, protecting it from fingerprints, scratches and gloss. The package contains the film, instructions on how to apply it, a cleaning cloth that removes dust and debris effectively, and an applicator card that helps to prevent air pockets from forming during the film’s application. Once it’s on, it’s hard to even see that it’s there, but it does a great job of protecting the iPad 2’s screen from the marks that accumulate through daily use. Features: • Anti-dazzling • Excellent fingerprint and grease resistance • Ultra-thin transparency and super-clear protection • Protects against scratches
Capdase FlipJacket for iPad 3 PRICE: R499
If you need a protective case for your iPad 3, this one from Capdase is a great choice. Its soft leather cover protects your iPad’s screen and casing, and it has embedded magnets that put your iPad to sleep when the cover closes, and wakes it up when opened. It’s even possible to stand your iPad at 3 different angles for easy and convenient viewing or typing. Fashion-
conscious buyers will be happy to know that it’s available in 4 colours: black, brown, red and white. Features • Available in black, brown, red and white. • Works with 3rd-generation iPads • Smart wake/sleep functionality built-in • Folds into 3 different stand positions
www.connectmag.co.za | 61
game preview
Meet the The Wii U is a next-generation video game console from Nintendo. It has an innovative controller with a tablet, which makes for a lot of interesting gameplay possibilities.
62 | connect | july 2012
WHAT’S NEW FOR Wii U?
THE NEXT GENERATION Nintendo’s Wii U includes an IBM CPU and AMD graphics chip, as well as 768MB of memory. The Wii U is said to be about 50% more powerful than current-generation consoles (the PS3 and Xbox 360), with hardware based on modern technologies from IBM and AMD.
With a number of already-confirmed Wii U launch titles, there are both exclusive Nintendo and big franchises to look forward to:
Darksiders 2
HOW TO PLAY With the TV and Wii U GamePad working as 2 integrated screens, the Wii U creates unique gaming possibilities, allowing “asymmetric” gameplay, where each player can have different goals, challenges and views within the same shared gaming experience.
WELCOME TO THE MIIVERSE The Miiverse is a brand-new network communication system that lets gamers from around the world share experiences, discuss games and discover new content. Using your personalised Mii character, you can challenge friends to play together, ask a question about a difficult level, or discover new elements of your favourite games.
THE GAMEPAD In addition to the touchscreen and motion controls, the Wii U GamePad has been redesigned and improved from its reveal in 2011. The new form factor offers players dual analogue stick controls and can be used as a TV remote control… even when the Wii U console is turned off.
WHAT ABOUT MY Wii GAMES? All game discs for the Wii system are compatible with Wii U, and the system will support controllers for the Wii system.
TECH SPECS In addition to the 6.2” screen, the new controller features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inwardfacing camera, a microphone and speakers.
GO WITH THE FLOW The Wii U combines motion-sensing gameplay with the ability to support full HD graphics. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to 4 additional Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward-compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories.
Developer Voliton Games has confirmed that Darksiders 2 (the action-adventure game where the player controls Death himself) will be a Wii U launch title. Killer Freaks From Outer Space The 1st exclusive title for the Wii U from Ubisoft, the 1st person shooter, was showcased at E3 2011 with the unveiling of the Wii U.
Assassin’s Creed 3 Assassin’s Creed 3 has the Wii U controller being used in various ways, such as detailed character bios, map and inventory screen, and will function as the “Animus” of Assassin’s Creed.
Ghost Recon Online One of the 1st games to be showcased for the Wii U, Ghost Recon Online had a special Wii U reveal trailer showing a team of players cooperating on a mission.
Aliens: Colonial Marines According to the game’s developer, Gearbox, the Wii U version of Aliens: Colonial Marines will likely be the bestlooking version of the game.
DiRT The only racing game that will be available for the Wii U launch, DiRT for the Wii U, will feature co-op, where it’s rumoured that 1 player will use the Wii U controller and play the rally navigator with a map, while the other drives the rally car.
Tekken Namco Bandai has revealed that the company is working on a secret Tekken fighting game that will be ready for the Wii U launch. Tekken for Wii U will run at 60 frames per second and have very low input lag.
www.connectmag.co.za | 63
game reviews
Diablo 3
NEED TO KNOW • Play, slay and hunt • Blizzard’s epic action role-playing game
The Amazing Spider-Man
NEED TO KNOW • Free-roaming and web-slinging action set in New York City • Take on classic Marvel super villains • Use Web Rush to stop time Spidey is back! Based on the Marvel movie of the same name, the game takes place after the film events. Set in a virtual and open-world Manhattan, you’ll find yourself web-swinging through the city between skyscrapers as you head down to the street to take on fan-favourite villains like Rhino, Iguana, Scorpian and Alistair Smythe. There also petty crimes such as bank heists and car chases constantly happening which you can choose to get involved with and save some civilians. Combat in the game is agile and speedy – it’s almost like Peter Parker took some ballet listens because he moves with such
acrobatic finesse. Every battle earns experience points which can be used to unlock new powers, abilities and upgrades. Web Rush – a new feature in the game – slows down a moment in time so you can figure out your next move strategically. (If you’ve played Warner Bros. Batman games, you’ll get the gist of this.) Not only is this the biggest Spider-Man game yet, it’s the next evolution in the Activision superhero series. R599.95
>>Get This<<
>>CONSIDER THIS<<
Batman: Arkham City
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
This award-winning superhero game will give you the best Batman experience. From its story to graphics, gameplay and longevity – Arkham City is as good as you’ve heard.
Batman and Robin join forces with other famous DC super heroes including Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern to stop the notorious villains Lex Luthor and The Joker from destroying Gotham City…
64 | connect | JuLY 2012
Diablo 3 is finally here – but is it everything fans were hoping for? Number 3 in the muchloved Blizzard RPG franchise sports 5 character classes, 4 difficulty modes and an upcoming real-money auction house. The linear storyline is full of epic cutscenes and superb voice-acting, but it’s really the gameplay which makes D3 shine: customising your character, collecting loot from monster battles and making your way through randomly generated dungeons is what the Diablo series is all about. Building your inventory up to trade, auction or sell is fun but you can also level up the in-game blacksmith by giving him cash. He can craft new, more powerful items for you to use in your quest to defeat the Prime Evils. Different powers and skills – and how you choose to use them - keep the combat varied. And because Diablo 3 is always online, slaying hordes of angry demons (or any of the many, many enemy types) with friends is as easy as inviting them to your game, which makes enemies tougher and the loot drops even better, adding to the game’s fun factor and camaraderie. Diablo 3 is yet another addictive, endlessly replayable masterpiece from Blizzard, and its refined, frantic and highly-addictive action-RPG gameplay easily exceeds the high standards anticipated by fans of the series.. R499.95
game reviews
E3 Roundup E3, the annual gaming expo in Los Angeles, took place last month. Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, and all the other software houses showed off their wares. Here are our favourite five games to look out for. Tomb Raider Lara Croft first showed up in 1997, and the British adventurer-come-heroine has been the main attraction in 8 games, 2 movies, and several other iterations. Square Enix’ Tomb Raider games were – by and large – all very good. But a new generation of gamers will now get to share in that goodness, as the franchise gets a reboot. Same old Lara, all-new everything else.
Watch Dogs Set in a future where technologically-adept governments are able to spy on everybody, Watch Dogs follows the story of Aiden Pierce, a hacker who can use the government’s systems against them. It’s Grand Theft Auto meets Deus Ex 3, with gun battles, hacking, and car chases.
66 | connect | July 2012
Beyond: Two Souls
Forza Horizon Forza Motorsport has been hailed as the Gran Turismo killer. The Xbox racing sim has fantastic visuals, extremely realistic audio, and physics that are only bested by actually getting into a real car. With Horizon, players are offered all of that in an all-new open world experience, set in a semi-fictional version of Colorado, USA. Gone is the track racing, and in its place are social events that will give players an all-new Forza experience.
Quantic Dream, the small developer behind curious titles like Heavy Rain and Omikron: The Nomad Soul, is at it again. This time, the team has recruited Hollywood talent, in the form of young actress Ellen Page, to star in a mysterious cinematic story with a dramatic storyline, and some supernatural twists.
Last of Us The PS3 seems to be the go-to platform for superb single-player action games, and Naughty Dog – the people behind the fantastic Uncharted series – is hard at work on Last of Us. It features a father and daughter tag-teaming their way through a post-apocalyptic future, with presentation, graphics, and storytelling that only Naughty Dog can pull off.
tech tannie
Flying through problems like SUPERMAN through the air, Tech Tannie solves all, fixes all but avoids wearing skin-tight clothing...
issue of the month: Q:
I’m about to start my own home business and I’m not sure what the best investment for my technology is – a desktop or a laptop? What’s your advice? Working in Welkom
A:
If you have questions, gripes or just seek some solace, e-mail Tamsin, our friendly tech tannie at techtannie@connectmag.co.za 68 | connect | JULY 2012
That is a lekker question. What does a person choose, hey? We can’t all afford to have both a desktop and a laptop (as nice as that would be), so which one will offer the best solution? You don’t say what you’re planning to do with your kit other than working, so I’m going to give you a couple of options here. First off, the desktop PC is a good choice if you aren’t planning on going out to visit clients or attend networking events on a regular basis, and if you have sufficient amount of office space set aside. You need space for a monitor, the chassis, a keyboard and a mouse (and that’s just the bare essentials). If space is limited, then turn your eyes towards a laptop. Personally, I would go for a desktop if you don’t travel much because it can be easily upgraded to match your changing needs. Say you suddenly decide you want to play the latest games; you can add the necessary hardware to a desktop chassis, but a laptop will only be able to deliver what it is designed for and you are stuck with that, unless you buy another one. Having said that, you can now get seriously good laptops that can handle astonishing levels of processing and graphics demands and play the latest games as well as whatever work you want. They are sort of portable, but are almost as heavy as a chassis thanks to their features, but you can add a keyboard or hook them up to a monitor and mouse if you fancy, and they won’t take up much room. While they cannot be upgraded easily (if at all), they can be picked up and taken to another location without much hassle. Thanks to the constantly shrinking size and price of the processor, there are modern, ultraportable laptops that deliver astonishing levels of power, while being thinner than a whisper. The ASUS Zenbook or Apple’s MacBook Air, for example, are both extraordinarily thin and light but can tackle fairly impressive tasks and even some games. Your best bet is to write down exactly what you need in your computer and take it from there. Portability, power, simplicity – a laptop. Power, versatility, upgradeability – a PC.
Q:
Are those fitness games for consoles really any good? You know, like Wii Fit or Kinect Sports? Sporty in Stellenbosch
A:
Q:
I just bought an iPad and would love to get some ideas for cheap or free apps that can be played on it. It’s moerse difficult to find ones that aren’t a waste of time as there is so much to choose from. Games in Gauteng
A:
I agree that the App Store is so full of apps, it can be really hard to find a gem amid all the rubbish. I don’t know of very many free apps but here are some of my cheap and cheerful favourites: Tozzle, Talking Tom Cat, Create a Car, Winnie the Pooh Puzzle Book, Dr Seuss ABC, Itsy Bitsy Spider, FlickKick Football and Where’s My Water. I bet you won’t be able to put that last one down. I got it for my kids and hogged it for myself until it was done. Oh, and also look at World of Goo and Lego Creationary (that’s free).
Now this is an excellent question because it tackles a topic I’m very passionate about. The short answer is: maybe. The thing is, if you are going to rely on a game to get your daily dose of physical exercise, then you have to do it properly and you have to combine it with a decent diet. And by “diet” I don’t mean some book that tells you how to eat. I mean eating healthily and avoiding processed foods and junk food. Also, it depends on the actual game. Some, like Wii Fit or Kinect Sports, are sort of physical, but they really aren’t much more than a warm-up. I have used those for a month at a time to test how well they work against a heavy workout routine like Zumba or weight training, and they do not measure up. You will lose a little weight and tone up if you are eating properly and doing about an hour a day, but you won’t go much further than that. One fitness game that I swear by is Ubisoft Fitness Evolved 2012. There, you will find HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), yoga, high-level cardio and actual musclebuilding routines. These, if done regularly and for about an hour a day, will keep you fit and toned and help you build muscle. I used it for 4 months and did a mixture of routines each day and my fitness noticeably improved.
These workouts can also be adjusted to suit a busy schedule, a limited budget (if you can’t afford to go to a gym or there isn’t one nearby) and your current fitness level. As you progress, mix and match cardio with weight training and make sure you incorporate at least one yoga or “zen” class a week, and soon you’ll feel stronger and a lot more flexible. There are many different types of fitness games to choose from and it can be a little daunting if you don’t know where to start, so here are some basic pointers. 1. Games like Wii Fit with little physical exercise but plenty of balance and muscle control are good for building fitness, stamina and body control, but you’ll not be doing enough exercise to dramatically lose weight. 2. Zumba Fitness or similar titles are powerful cardio options. Look for a game that has you running, jumping, turning and moving at high intensity for prolonged periods of time if you want a thorough cardio workout. Sessions of about 30 minutes and higher are excellent for getting fit, toned and healthy.Just remember that no matter how hard you work out or how often, you will not lose weight if you eat junk food, cake, sweets and chocolates. You must focus on a healthy eating plan at the same time.
www.connectmag.co.za | 69
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disconnect //By adam oxford
Always on,
Always off
S
ometimes, it feels like my life is measured not in coffee spoons but loading screens. Often, it’s easier for me to remember a certain point in time by the technology I was using rather than something as trivial as the date. I don’t think this is an unusual phenomenon – some people will mark eras by the movies they saw and the books they read. Some will remember the autumn of 1999 as the time they first saw The Matrix, for example. For me, it was all about playing Half-Life. The sequel to that game, Half-Life 2, is an interesting case in point. When it launched in 2004, it was the first single-player game that required an Internet connection to play. Using the then new Steam service created by Half-Life developer Valve, players had to authenticate their game with central servers before they were allowed to play. There are huge online debates about the rights and wrongs of this sort of online copy protection, but one argument that got rather lost at the time was this: if you didn’t have Internet access at 72 | connect | July 2012
all, you couldn’t play. Not a pressing concern for highly connected Americans and Europeans, but, at the time, having a broadband connection to your doorstep was still an unusual thing here in SA. Skip forward to the present day, and online authentication for software isn’t the same problem it was in days gone by, because we’re far better connected than we used to be, and don’t even pay through our noses for bandwidth anymore. Now, however, there’s a new problem that’s going to hit us disproportionately hard: the issue of ‘always on’. This month, I’ve been mostly playing Diablo III. From the same developers as the hugely successful World of Warcraft, it’s a fastpaced fantasy role-playing game that is incredibly good fun. You can play through its brightly lit dungeons by yourself, with groups of friends, or as part of a band of hitherto strangers. The story is pure hokum, but it’s an addictive way to kill time, and thanks to randomly generated dungeons, never quite the same experience twice in a row. However, even if you want to play it as a single-player game, you have to be connected to Blizzard’s servers at all times, as you would for a pure multiplayer game. The slightest blip in connection quality, and you’re dropped back to the login screen. I know, because I’ve been there again, and again... and again. It may not be an issue if you’re living next door to a telephone exchange in San Francisco, with fibre-optic cabling all the way to your house (although online feedback suggests even that didn’t help at launch), but play from anywhere that your connection is vaguely unreliable, and being forced to repeat levels over and again fast becomes a depressing experience. It’s not just games, either. Google recently unveiled a new version of its Chrome OS, which makes some concessions to applications being able to run locally, but still relies mainly on an always-on connection to work. The bad news here is that Chrome OS laptops tend to be very good value for money – so you might be missing out on a bargain by not getting one. What’s to be done? It’s hardly worth organising a boycott of software that doesn’t work in the first place, so there are 2 options, really. First, be very careful about what you buy. As more software goes ‘always on’, you’ll need to be ‘always aware’ before making a purchase. And secondly, write to your favourite software companies and post on their forums, letting them know they have fans who love their work and don’t want to feel left out due to circumstances beyond their control. Because even though we’re catching up fast, there are a lot of potential customers across the continent who aren’t.
Get Connected And Make Music!
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