Canon EOS M

Canon EOS M: Not a compact, not quite a DSLR

Canon's first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera is a step up from your usual point-and-shoot models

by Loke Kok Fai

04:45 AM Oct 24, 2012

 

Canon's first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera,
the EOS M. PHOTO COURTESY CANON

SINGAPORE - Canon's first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the EOS M (picture), arrived in stores here last Saturday, but has a lot to do before it can catch up to its competitors.

Professional photographers hoping to replace their heavy equipment may be disappointed - the EOS M is no DSLR replacement. It has more in common with the company's Powershot line of high-end compacts.

In effect, the camera, with its sturdy magnesium-alloy body, is for the prosumer who wishes to tap some of the capabilities of the DSLR world.

There is no optical viewfinder, nor dial switches controlling shutter speed and aperture. Gone is the mode control wheel in favour of touch-screen controls. Yet the M retains a full 18-megapixel APS-C sensor similar to its DSLR cousins, while being lighter than its counterparts at 262g (body).

With a top speed of 4.3 frames per second and a maximum ISO sensitivity of 12,800 (6,400 for video), it shoots stills and full HD videos in low-light conditions respectably well.

Testing the video tracking mode and continuous autofocus functions along a busy sidewalk, the M managed to keep up with vehicular and pedestrian traffic to produce reasonably sharp footage. Like the Canon EOS 650D, the M uses STM (stepping motor) lenses to adjust its focus silently, ensuring minimal pickup of lens motor sounds on its in-built stereo microphones.

Squeezing that much power into the tiny body comes at a price, with the in-built flash removed in favour of an external, full-sized hotshoe mount. This is a small compromise compared to the camera's slow autofocus speeds.

The M serves a very specific group of photographers - those who want to step up from point-and-shoot compacts - and serves them well. But Canon appears hesitant to allow it to compete with its lower-end DSLR offerings, where there is significant overlap on a price-to-features comparison.

The M is a great mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, perfect for those looking for a secondary camera to complement their existing DSLR rig.

It comes with three kit lenses and prices start from S$1,149.

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Apple's iPad mini Reviews

First impressions of Apple's iPad mini

by Hedirman Supian

The Apple iPad Mini.

SAN JOSE - We've all heard the hype, and had probably already formed an opinion of it based on rumours and hearsay even before it was officially unveiled last night. But now I've had the chance to touch it and toy with it in the flesh, I'd say the iPad mini looks, and feels, like a much more refined iPad, but is not without its flaws.

On paper, the small trade-off in screen real estate for the iPad mini over its bigger brother - 7.9 inches compared to the 9.7 inches we've grown accustomed to - doesn't sound like much, but it feels much more diminutive than it looks. It's thin and lightweight, like a paper notepad in a similar size, and you can comfortably hold it in one hand.

The tech specs say the mini weighs 308 grams, and standing here in the California Theatre at San Jose, it certainly feels the touted 53 per cent lighter than the third-generation iPad. The difference is like holding the iPhone 4S first, then the slimline iPhone 5. You wouldn't think it would be that much lighter, yet it is.

The weight doesn't seem to have come at the cost of quality. The solid aluminium enclosure feels very well-built - in terms of design language and aesthetics, it shares a lot with the latest iPod touch. The only caveat is that the iPad mini's chamfered edges might be prone to scratches after wear and tear, just like on my iPhone 5.

Despite not sporting a Retina display, the iPad mini's screen is bright enough for playing games and for watching movies. While the screen is smaller, I was surprised to find that it was still a surprisingly immersive experience when I attempted to play a game or watch snippets of a movie.

However, the text was noticeably not as sharp and the screen wasn't as bright as on the third-generation iPad (I guess we can't call it the "new" iPad any more?).

I only had a short time to try out the iPad mini; prolonged usage will reveal whether users can live without the sharpness and vivid colours of a Retina display.

The biggest issue with the iPad mini, though, is one that has nothing to do with the device itself. Rather, it's the competition it's going up against, and more specifically the value-for-money argument.

The iPad mini - starting at S$448 for its lowest-end WiFi-only 16GB version, and peaking at S$958 for the bells-and-whistles 64GB WiFi plus 4G model - is priced higher than other similarly-sized tablets in the market. Compare this to the Google Nexus 7 tablet that was recently-launched in Singapore at S$399 (16GB, WiFi only), or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, which starts from S$598 with 3G connectivity.

So, is Apple's new petite plaything worth the extra dime? I've had friends who love the iOS interface, but complain of how big and heavy the iPad is; the new form factor could be the deal-breaker for them. If you value light weight and portability, you'd be willing to pay a premium for the Apple experience.

But the cost-conscious, as well as those who need more screen real estate and processing horsepower, might want to wait for the chance to toy with the mini in the flesh before making any decisions.




Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Is the iPad Mini Worth Buying?

By Becky Worley | Upgrade Your Life – 22 hours ago

Apple has unveiled a new member of the family: the iPad Mini. This device is a clear response to the market pressure the cheaper Amazon Kindle Fire HD and the Nexus 7 have placed on the existing iPad. So how does this scaled down version of the iPad compare with its newly refreshed big brother and the Android tablets that still come in at a lower price?

Comparing Specs with the Competition
Screen Size: iPad Mini's screen comes in at 7.9 inches, compared to the 9.7 inch screen of the iPad and the 7 inch screens of the Kindle Fire HD and the Nexus 7. With a narrower bezel, iPad Mini fits a bit more screen into the same real estate.


Resolution: 1024x768 — this is not the Retina display that Apple touts as its high end screens on the iPhone 5 and the bigger iPad. Rather, it's the same resolution as the iPad 2, but with more pixels per inch. Also, the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD have higher resolution 1280x800 screens.

Thickness: 7.2mm thick — that's roughly 1/3 of an inch, or a little thinner than a pencil, and significantly thinner than either of the leading competitors.

Weight: .68 pounds, 53% lighter than the fourth-generation iPad. Competing Android tablets weigh slightly more: Nexus 7 tips the scales at .75 lbs, and the Kindle Fire HD at .88 lbs.

Processor: The dual core A5 chip is same as the iPad 2 that came out in 2011, and even Apple says the A6 chip in the iPad 4 and the iPhone 5 is twice as fast for some tasks as the A5. The Nexus 7 has a newer quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and the Kindle Fire HD has a 1.2 GHz Dual Core processor, but you can only compare the performance of these processors against the iPad once you benchmark them in the real world; the numbers and specs don't tell you everything. But I'd give the edge to the Nexus 7 purely on hardware.

Cameras: iPad Mini: front and rear-facing cameras. The camera on the back is a 5 megapixel, same as the iPad 4 but lower res than the iPhone 5's 8 MP camera. The Nexus and Amazon tablets have only front facing cameras that are lower resolution than the Mini.

[Related: iPhone5 — Is it Worth the Money?]

Other Specs
The Mini will come in a Wifi-only model and an LTE version with access to cellular networks on the go. It will use the new smaller lightning connector so you'll need all new charging cords and adapters if you have lots of accessories with the previous 30-pin connector.

Apple says it gets 10 hours of battery life, is made primarily of aluminum & glass, and it comes in both black and white. It will be available for preorder on Friday, October 26 and is set to ship November 2.

Price
iPad Mini 16GB WiFi only — $329 ($459 for the 16GB with LTE cellular connectivity)
iPad 4 16GB WiFi only — $499
Kindle Fire HD 16GB — $199

Nexus 7 16GB: $249 — But rumors are flying of an even cheaper Nexus tablet releasing next week and/or a big price cut on the Google tablet in time for the holidays.

So What Should You Buy?
Nothing about the technical specs of the tablets makes any one of them a clear winner. Apple has an advantage in that the user-experience on the iPad and IOS is preferred by many, myself included. After living with both flavors, it's just easier, cleaner, and less hassle for me to use an iPad over a Nexus 7. In my opinion, the iPad Mini will benefit from that advantage as well.

But if I were a committed Android phone user, if my digital media was all purchased from Amazon or the Google Play store, or if price was my only consideration, I would NOT get the iPad Mini.
The final decision these days is about ecosystem- where are you going to buy and live? In Google/Amazon world or in Apple world?

If Apple had priced the mini in the $249 range, I'd say they would have nailed the coffin shut on competing tablets. But at $329 that's still a steep price tag, and many will find Android and Amazon tablets under the Christmas tree this year and enjoy them almost as much as those who unwrap the iPad Mini that costs $130 more.

[Related: Where to Get the Most Money for Your Old Gadgets]
Ethics statement: I have used both an iPhone and a Samsung Galaxy phone this year. I have tested and lived with the iPad and the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HD. I love a deal and always wish that the cheaper one were as good or better than the more expensive one. Sometimes that's true, sometimes it's not. I am giving you my honest opinion and I am not paid for recommendations.

Special thanks to the folks at Bay Street Emeryville for providing the location.

Source:  http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/upgrade-your-life/ipad-mini-worth-buying-000622097.html

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S$243 Kindle Fire HD tablet

S$243 Kindle Fire HD tablet a bestseller: Amazon

Updated 06:47 AM Oct 23, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO - Amazon said yesterday that its US$199 (S$243) Kindle Fire HD tablet has been the best-selling product on the company's website since the gadget went on sale more than a month ago.

Amazon's Kindle Fire. AP

Amazon started selling a range of new Kindle Fires on Sept 6 and the company said the 7-inch HD model has out-sold all other products on Amazon worldwide since then.

Amazon did not disclose actual sales numbers but a spokeswoman for the company said the top-seller status was based on unit sales.

Chief Executive Jeff Bezos recently told the BBC that it sells the tablets at cost, hoping to generate profit when customers buy related products and services from the company.

The announcement came as Apple prepares to launch a smaller, cheaper tablet of its own today. The device, dubbed the iPad Mini, may challenge Amazon's success at the lower end of the tablet market.

Amazon has launched larger, more expensive Kindle Fire HD tablets, aimed at Apple's iPad, which still dominates the sector. REUTERS

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Samsung Chromebook

At only $249, will the Samsung Chromebook make the future increasingly cloudy?

AFP Relax – Fri, Oct 19, 2012

 

The new Chromebook is currently available to pre-order in the US and UK

The latest offering from the Google Samsung partnership is a lightweight notebook computer that boots up in seven seconds, offers built-in virus protection, 100GB of cloud storage and is priced at $2.

Google and Samsung have launched the Chromebook, their latest and cheapest attempt to get the world to love the cloud. Available for pre-order Friday in the US and UK, the new Chromebook weighs in at 1.1kg, boasts an 11.6-inch screen, looks more than a little like a MacBook Air and offers 16GB of in-built and 100GB of cloud storage for the price $249.

The new Chromebook is currently only available in the US and the UK

Running an ARM processor more often found in smartphones and tablets, the Chromebook will boot up in under 10 seconds and, compared to Mac or PC offerings, has very little in terms of pre-installed software or even operating system. But that's what sets it apart. Google's Chrome browser is essentially the operating system and the core of this device -- boot up, launch the browser and all of the applications and games one needs are there in Google Drive.
Google has never made any secret of its desire for everyone to move from the physical world to the virtual world of cloud computing, but until now, most people have been more than a little unsure as to whether or not they'd like it up there. Maybe they'd miss their CDs or their copy of Microsoft Office. But the benefits of the cloud are starting to win through. If everything is done in the cloud, a computer will never be prone to virus or malware attacks. And, if documents, photos and spreadsheets are all up there, they can be accessed and edited on any device at any time, as long as an internet connection is available. Then there's the price: at $249, offering significant value for money, it could be the tipping point.

And it's this combination of features, design and price that positions it as a second computer for around the home or a notebook kids can take to school, or one that can be simply used for typing, accounting, surfing the web, playing games, sharing and filing photos and listening to music which, unlike a tablet, has a keyboard.

Source:  http://sg.news.yahoo.com/only-249-samsung-chromebook-future-increasingly-cloudy-122409745.html
 

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Lytro light-field camera

Lytro: A trick of the light

This light-field camera has fancy technology, but do you need it?

by June Yang

Updated 06:40 PM Oct 16, 2012

The Lytro light-field camera. Photo courtesy Lytro

SINGAPORE - Several months ago, the photography world was rocked by the announcement of the Lytro light-field camera, a camera where you can change the focus of a picture - after the picture is taken. This, people said, is the camera that will save us all from wasted out-of-focus shots.

Certainly it felt like I was holding something revolutionary when I first laid hands on the Lytro.

A palm-sized oblong device with no visible dials or buttons, it looks more like a flashlight than a camera. There's a power nub, a shutter nub and a strip that serves as a zoom. Everything is else is controlled via the 1.52-inch backlit touchscreen, including the manual controls (shutter speed, ISO, AE lock, neutral density toggle).

But this un-camera-likeness turns out to be a drawback. There is no viewfinder, no flash, no expandable memory slots. The screen is too small to use comfortably, and certainly not under direct sunlight.

That's all right, you won't be doing much action photography, given that the maximum shutter speed is only 1/250 and the picture quality is grainy. It works best on automatic mode.

The square photos shot by the Lytro save as a special light-field format. The bundled software, which you absolutely need to process your pictures, requires at least Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.6.6.

Once you've gotten the pictures on your computer, you can export them as JPGs or upload them to the Lytro site, where others can play around with the focus of your pictures. For print outs, you'll have to first select the focus you want.

The refocusing effect works best with shots that have a well-established foreground, midground and background. If you're shooting flowers, people at a party, or items on your desk: It works great. Landscapes and tourist attractions, not so much.

In the end, the things you can do with the technology in the camera are quite limited. Have no doubt, the Lytro is unique. As a concept, it looks at photography in an entirely new way. But it doesn't solve any real problem faced by real-life photographers. Until then it will remain a novelty item.

The Lytro light field camera retails for S$648.00 for an 8GB version, and S$778.00 for a 16GB version.

It will be available at Challenger Store, EpiCentre @ 313@somerset, Parisilk Electronics & Computers, South Asia Computer, SONG Brothers and Sprint-Cass Duty-Free Shops. 

See more sample photos: https://pictures.lytro.com/TODAYonline



Specifications:

Lens: 8x optical zoom; f/2 lens

Display: 1.46-inch back-lit LCD display with glass touchscreen

Light-field resolution: 11 Megarays: The number of light rays captured by the light field sensor.

Shutter speed: 1/250 of a second to 8 seconds

ISO: 80 to 3200

Neutral Density (ND) filter

Auto Exposure (AE) Lock

Weight: 214g

Dimensions: 41mm x 41mm x 112mm

New colours Seaglass and Moxie Pink added to its current range of Red Hot, Electric Blue and Graphite camera colours online.

Source: www.todayonline.com

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Dance Central 3

Bust a move on Dance Central 3

The third iteration of Microsoft's top selling dance franchise offers something for everyone

by Alvin Chong

04:45 AM Oct 18, 2012

SINGAPORE - Dance fans, fitness fanatics and party-goers can't seem to get enough of it, and after two iterations, the top selling dance franchise for Microsoft Xbox 360 with Kinect has a new instalment: Dance Central 3.

Dance Central 3 has more than 40 new songs and some new modes to enhance the dancing experience for the living-room performer.

While the core gameplay remains the same - you mirror dance moves by the character onscreen - changes in difficulty and new multi-player modes make this a worthwhile addition to the Dance Central series.


For hardcore Dance Central fans, the third instalment comes with a new story mode where all your favourite characters from the previous games get at least a cameo. You get to learn classic dance moves that represent past decades - such as ridiculous dances from different decades -Macarena or the Hustle, anyone?

With pop-superstar Usher choreographing moves on some songs, the kicks are more difficult to achieve. But for those who just want to fire up a game at a party, Dance Central's multi-player mode offers a new level of fun with multiple quick and enjoyable party modes to get the grooves flowing.

New modes, such as Strike A Pose and Make Your Move, provide more gameplay than just straightforward dancing. Songs are shorter and the action is snappier and funnier in party mode, which players start with a high-five, and will encourage your shier friends to bust a move.

Songs outside of Party Mode songs in Dance Central 3 are now full-length songs. While this might pose a problem for the stamina averse, the smooth choreography provides an exhilarating experience that tops the previous two instalments.

The difficulty level has also been ramped up, but don't be afraid: There's also a new beginner level that lets everybody cut a rug.

So if you loved the previous two versions or just need a great party game, Dance Central 3 might be the choice for you. Additionally, with a song library that features new genres such as Bhangra (Panjabi MC) and K Pop (2NE1) hits, Dance Central 3 offers something for everyone.

The game is definitely fun to play in a group so social gamers might appreciate it better, but more than that, Dance Central 3 shows just how good a Kinect game can be. Alvin Chong

Source:  www.todayonline.com 

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Ultimate Ears goes mainstream

Once only used as ear monitors by music gods, the brand is now available to the masses

by Alvin Chong

Updated 05:51 PM Oct 18, 2012

SINGAPORE - Ultimate Ears (UE) are well known in audiophile circles as the makers of earphones and custom ear monitors used by top musicians such as U2 - but these instruments of music gods have come within grasp of mortals with the release of the Logitech UE 4000, 6000 and 9000.

To ease concerns of all audiophiles, all three UE headphone models come with the brand's renowned sound signature - an enjoyable sound with emphasis on warm bass and extended treble. But you do get what you pay for where sound definition is concerned.

The smallest of the trio is the UE 4000, which are compact on-ear headphones. Sound quality is good despite its small size, but comfort-wise, the ear cups feels tight on my rather large ears.

The larger UE 6000 is where the bells and whistles start coming in: The around-the-ear build of the UE 6000 definitely improves on the UE 4000's comfort, and the sound offers better detail and a richer bass. The UE 6000 is also foldable, fitting into a zippered travel case that makes it the most portable of the three.

And the UE 9000 features the best aural quality, providing the best detail and instrument separation while still delivering a cohesive feel to the music. The UE 9000 is also the most comfortable of the trio. Its weight and clamp force of the headband provides a snug and secure fit at all times. It also packs its own hardcase for travel - but road warriors might want to note that it will take up a chunk of your luggage space.

Both the UE 6000 and UE 9000 boast active amplification and noise cancelling at the flip of a switch. The active amplification enhances the bass, which may not work for all genres of music. The noise cancelling feature is subtle - I could still hear what was going on around me despite the muted ambient sounds. The UE 6000 requires two AAA batteries, while the UE 9000 uses in-built rechargeable batteries.

The UE 9000 is the only model that is bluetooth enabled, allowing you to go cordless.

In my opinion, if you are looking for a wireless headphones with impeccable aural quality, the UE 9000 is your choice. Otherwise, the foldable UE 6000 is a good balance between sound, portability and price. If you're on a budget, the UE 4000 offers great sound at a reasonable price.


The Logitech UE 4000 comes in black, purple and white, and retails for S$159. The Logitech UE 6000 comes in white or black and retails for S$319. The Logitech UE 9000 comes only in black, and retails for S$599.

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Google, Samsung to sell Chrome laptop for S$300

10:38 AM Oct 19, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO - Google is dangling a low-priced laptop computer in front of consumers as rivals Microsoft and Apple prepare to release their latest gadgets.

This undated photo provided by Google shows the Chromebook. Google is dangling a low-priced laptop computer in front of consumers as rivals Microsoft and Apple prepare to release their latest gadgets. The lightweight computer unveiled Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012 will sell for $249 and is being made in a partnership with Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., which also makes smartphones and tablet computers that run on Google's Android software. (AP Photo/Google)

The lightweight computer unveiled yesterday will sell for US$249 (S$300) and is being made in a partnership with Samsung, which also makes smartphones and tablet computers that run on Google's Android software.

The laptop will run on an operating system revolving around Google's Chrome Web browser.

Like other so-called Chromebooks, this laptop does not have a hard drive. It functions like a terminal dependent on an Internet connection to get to information and applications stored in large data centres run by Google or other technology providers.

It is the least expensive Chromebook that Google has released in the two years that it has been working on the product line. Google and Samsung released a slightly more sophisticated Chromebook priced at US$449 in the late spring.

The lower-priced model will go on sale early next week in more than 500 Best Buy stores in the US, as well as on various websites. Google hopes to begin accepting online orders via its Play store by this weekend.

Google appears to be trying to beat Microsoft and Apple to the punch with the discount Chromebook.

Microsoft is poised to release Windows 8, a dramatic makeover of its famous operating system, on Oct 26. The long-awaited makeover is designed to run on touch-based tablets, as well as laptop and desktop computers.

A variety of manufacturers will be selling a hodgepodge of Windows 8-powered personal computers and tablets. The prices of most of those machines, including a tablet made by Microsoft, will range from US$500 to US$1,000.

Apple says it plans to show off a new product on Tuesday. The event is widely expected to be the coming-out party for a slightly smaller version of its hot-selling iPad.

The mini iPad is expected to feature a 7.85-inch screen compared to the nearly 10-inch screen of the pioneering iPad.

Industry analysts expect Apple to price a smaller iPad in the US$249 to US$299 range, in an effort to siphon sales away from other scaled-down tablets, such as Google's Nexus 7 and Amazon's Kindle Fire.

Now, Google has a laptop vying for a piece of the same market.

"This is a big step in the journey for us," said Mr Sundar Pichai, Google's Senior Vice President of Chrome and apps. "I think it's generally an exciting time in the computing industry."

Like tablets, the discount Chromebook will rely on a computer chip design known as ARM, instead of Intel microprocessors. The ARM architecture is more energy efficient, extending the duration of batteries between charges.

With an 11.6-inch screen, the new Chromebooks also will have a larger display than tablets selling in the same price range.

The laptops will be set up to automatically use all of Google's services, including its search engine, Gmail and YouTube video site. Because the laptop lacks a hard drive, Google also is offering 100GB of free storage on computers kept in its eight data centres. Those remote computers provide the backbone for Google's online storage service, Drive.

Despite the low price, the new Chromebook will face a tough time winning over consumers because it is not set up like a traditional PC with a hard drive, said Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi.

"A lot of people are going to see it and think, 'Once I have it, what exactly do I do with it?'" she predicted. AP

 Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Galaxy Note II review

Galaxy Note II review: Larger than life

by Hiranand Sunny Naresh

Updated 08:28 PM Oct 19, 2012

The Samsung Galaxy Note II. Photo SAMSUNG

The Samsung Galaxy Note was an unexpected success here when it was launched in October last year, and now the South Korean giants are looking to replicate that success with what they claim to be a bigger, and better Galaxy Note II.

The pre production unit we received looked and felt better than the original Note. With its 5.5-inch screen, the Note II is slightly bigger than the original Note - which had a 5.3-inch display - but it is also narrower and slimmer. It is also slightly heavier (2 grams), tipping the scales at 180 grams. And thanks to its metallic body, it feels more professional compared to its predecessor, which has been criticised at times for feeling cheap due to its plastic finish.

The Note II is also much faster and powerful than the original Note, thanks to its 1.6 GHz, quad-core processor and Android Jelly Bean operating system. Downloading and switching between apps was a breeze and the device even scored a massive score of 5,908 in the Quadrant test. The original Note could only muster a score of 3,802.

The newer Note also comes with a bigger 3,100 mAh battery which allowed me to watch videos, answer calls, browse the Web and listen to music for more than 12 hours without having to charge it.

I hardly used the S Pen on my original Note but with the Note II, I was constantly using the revamped S Pen to check and add calendar events and scribble notes. I even used the S Pen for text messages because the handwriting recognition was incredibly accurate, even for my penmanship which has been likened to chicken scratchings far too often.

There is very little difference in camera functions between the Note and Note II: Both come with an 8-megapixel main shooter on the back and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera, and picture quality is almost similar. The only difference is that the Note II has a burst-shot function which allows users to take multiple shots at one go, then pick the best one of the lot.

The Note was impressive enough but the Note II takes it up a few notches. It's nicer to look at and hold, faster in use, and lasts longer. Most importantly, it takes greater advantage of the S Pen stylus, something which continues to set the Note series apart from its competition. The Galaxy Note II is not only Samsung's greatest smartphone to date; it's the best Android mobile device money can buy now.

The GALAXY Note II LTE comes in Ceramic White or Titan Gray colour options and will be available at $998 (without contract) from tomorrow at Samsung authorised dealers as well as at the three telcos. HIRANAND SUNNY



We answer readers' questions:

Twitter reader Sad Olive Girl (@ohmygodnadia) asks: "How light is it compared to the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 5?"

The Galaxy Note II weighs 180g, the iPhone 5 weighs 112g and the iPhone 3GS weighs 135g.



Facebook reader Ntt Med asks: "Has the internal memory size increased to 64GB and above?"

According to the tech specs, the Note II offers 16/32/64GB User memory + 2GB (RAM), with microSD (up to 64GB). Nothing above 64GB, unfortunately.



Juanda Zeng would like us to compare the camera quality of the Note II with the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy SIII.

The iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy SIII and the Galaxy Note II all feature 8-megapixel cameras. In a test between the iPhone 5 and Galaxy Note II cameras, the iPhone 5 picture is sharper, has more details and contrast but is grainier than the Note II's.

Source:  www.todayonline.com 

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Microsoft's Surface tablet: 32GB, WiFi-only, armed with an ARM chip

Cheaper than an iPad - but will the Surface tablet outsell it?

Updated 07:50 AM Oct 17, 2012

 

Microsoft's Surface tablet: 32GB, WiFi-only, armed with an ARM chip. AP

SEATTLE - Microsoft is setting the price of its new Surface tablet below comparable versions of Apple's iPad, signalling its intent to grab a slice of the booming tablet market.

The world's largest software company, which announced its surprise foray into computer manufacturing in June, said it would sell a 32GB, WiFi-only version of its tablet at US$499 (S$610), versus US$599 for a comparable version of Apple's new iPad.

Microsoft's tablet, which is taller and slightly heavier than an iPad, will go on sale on Oct 26 as the company launches the new touch-friendly Windows 8 operating system. Alongside Microsoft's physical stores in the US and Canada, the Surface will also be available online for consumers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, and Hong Kong.

However, there is no indication yet of when the Surface will be available in Singapore.

The company is hoping the Surface - and Windows tablets from other hardware makers - will challenge the dominance of Apple's iPad, which has 70 per cent of the tablet market after inventing the category in 2010.

Based on a Nvidia chip designed by ARM Holdings, the Surface will run a simplified version of Windows 8 that is not compatible with old Microsoft applications. However, the tablet will feature new app-style versions of Office mainstays such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and will include Xbox games, video and music apps.

The Surface, with two cameras and a USB port, will be Wi-Fi only. Microsoft has made no mention of a wireless-enabled version.

On top of the basic model, Microsoft will also offer a 32GB model bundled with a black "Touch Cover" that doubles as a keyboard - for US$599, and a 64GB version with a black Touch Cover for US$699.

That compares to US$699 for a 64GB WiFi-only version of the new iPad.

A second, heavier Surface tablet aimed at the new generation of lightweight laptops called "ultrabooks" is expected on the market in a few months. REUTERS

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Google Nexus 7 best-selling Android tablet

Google Nexus 7 best-selling Android tablet ever: UK retailer

 

Updated 11:01 AM Oct 16, 2012

 

Google's Nexus 7. REUTERS

LONDON - Google's first tablet has become the best-selling in its category just three months after its launch, a retailer in the United Kingdom has announced.

Mobile retailer Carphone Warehouse said that, since going on sale on July 27, the Google Nexus 7 tablet has become the highest-selling Android tablet in its history.

Although the news means the device still lags considerably behind any of Apple's three iPad models, it means that devices such as the Asus Transformer Prime and the Samsung Galaxy Tab have already been eclipsed by a device whose main selling point has been its affordable £159 (S$312) price tag.

The news also sets up the prospect of more affordable tablets reaching the market soon and of Amazon's new £159 Kindle Fire HD also establishing itself quickly thanks to its low price.

Mr Graham Stapleton, Chief Commercial Officer at Carphone Warehouse, told the Daily Telegraph: "It's impressive that this product is our biggest selling Android tablet and it will be really interesting to see if other manufacturers will follow suit with smaller tablets over the coming months to spice up the Christmas period."

He said Carphone has seen a huge demand for this smaller-sized, 7-inch tablet running on the Android 4.1, Jelly Bean operating system.

"Looking at the sales of the Google Nexus tablet, it's clear that there is a massive demand among our customer base for smaller tablets," he said.

"We're seeing a real shift in what customers are using their tablets for, with more and more watching content on the go. It's now common to see people using their tablets during the morning commute or catching up on the day's news in a local coffee shop, and smaller devices make it easier to handle."

He added: "We've seen that 59 per cent of total tablet sales in our stores are sold as either connected or tethered, to allow access to the Internet on tablets that don't have in-built 3G connectivity."

The retailer declined to release sales figures. AGENCIES

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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iPad Mini

iPad Mini prices rumoured to start at S$390

 

Updated 10:19 AM Oct 16, 2012

 

REUTERS

LONDON - Apple's iPad Mini will start at £200 (S$393) and will be equipped with at least 3G connectivity, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Information apparently taken from the inventory of a German electronics retailer suggests that the Apple iPad Mini will start at £201 for an 8GB version and go up to around £520 for a 64GB version with WiFi and mobile connectivity.

The leaked screenshot shows 16 configurations of the new device, with WiFi and mobile versions of each memory size. Recent reports had suggested that the new iPad would not have mobile connectivity.

The new Apple tablet is expected to be announced at an event in California next week but, so far, the company has not even confirmed that it is holding an event.

Even if the screenshot is genuine, it is possible that the data had been added by the retailer on a preliminary basis and do not represent Apple's intended pricing.

If the prices are correct, then the entry-level version of the new tablet, which could be called the iPad Mini or the iPad Nano or even the iPad Air, would cost slightly more than those of key rivals.

Google's Nexus 7 - seven-inch Android tablet, launched in July - costs £159, the same price as Amazon's seven-inch Kindle Fire HD.

In recent weeks, speculation about Apple's forthcoming tablet has increased, with photographs circulating that purported to show the new device and rumours about Apple's plans for a launch event.

Early speculation suggested that Apple would unveil the device at an event on Wednesday but, as the date drew closer and no invitations were issued, attention shifted to next week.

Last week, technology website AllThingsD reported that the new iPad would be unveiled on Oct 23rd.

Further rumours over the last few days suggest that Apple is also preparing to launch a 13-inch version of its Retina MacBook Pro. The company launched a 15-inch version at its WorldWide Developer Conference in June. AGENCIES

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Sony Playstation's new smaller PS 3 game console

PlayStation 'to redesign store'

04:45 AM Oct 16, 2012

TOKYO - The online PlayStation store is to undergo a significant redesign, Sony has announced.

Sony Playstation's new smaller PS 3 game console. PHOTO COURTESY SONY PLAYSTATION

The redesign, which has been previewed on the PlayStation blog, will feature a simplified search feature and content listings with more detailed information about games and videos.

The store will feature more than 20,000 pieces of game-related content, including downloadable games and add-ons, the blog says. There will also be more preview videos and TV shows.

The improved online store will debut in the United States on Oct 23 and will be available to those with a PlayStation 3.

Sony will launch a smaller and lighter version of the PlayStation 3 in Singapore on the same date. Prices for the new PlayStation 3 will start from S$369.

At the beginning of this month, the Japanese company also rolled out a "PlayStation Mobile" service, which allows users to download games on their smartphones and tablet computers.

The new devices are thought to be part of Sony's strategy to try to win back customers who have moved to playing games on mobile devices and personal computers.

The company is trying to return to profit after four years of losses following the global financial crisis and a growing preference for Apple and Samsung products among consumers. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

 Source:  www.todayonline.com

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The Sennheiser Amperior

Sennheiser Amperior: Superior audio for turntablists

For the record, the Sennheiser Amperior provides a great sound and is comfortable enough for hours of turntable slinging

by Alvin Chong

04:45 AM Oct 12, 2012

The Sennheiser Amperior

 SINGAPORE - From entry-level earphones to ultra-high-end headphones, audio company Sennheiser has done it all. However, with the new Amperior range, the German brand is sounding out a rather specific audience - turntable enthusiasts.

That is not to say the rest of us cannot enjoy the Amperior, since it boasts audio quality befitting the Sennheiser pedigree. The Amperior handles multiple genres with aplomb, and its strength lies in how it handles instruments that are full-bodied and strong.

If I had to nitpick, I would say the well-defined bass could be more impactful, and, at times, the treble reached piercing levels.

The Amperior are supraaural headphones that rest on top of your ears rather than cup them.

The velour ear cups of the Amperior and light yet firm clamping force of the headband mean that wearing the Amperior for long periods is comfortable. Noise isolation on the Amperior is also fantastic - whether in or out of doors.

The Amperior comes with a 3.5mm plug that is compatible with most audio devices including Apple's latest iPhone 5 but, as the Amperior jack is too large for iPhone cases, you would need an optional cable with a thinner plug and inline remote to control your music playback.

However, attaching the optional cable means almost doubling the cable length - I had to use cable ties to shorten it just to bring the remote within voice range.

Sennheiser claims the Amperior is DJ inspired, and it shows. From its rotatable left ear cup for single-ear listening or the adjustable headband to ensure that the headphones stay on for all those hours of record-slinging.

There is no denying the Amperior's aural superiority but unless you are an amateur turntablist, this might not be the perfect choice for you.

The Amperior comes in blue and silver, and retails at S$499 at all official Sennheiser dealers. ALVIN CHONG

For the record, this headphone provides a great sound and is comfortable enough for hours of 

 Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Galaxy S Mini phone

Samsung says to launch Galaxy S Mini phone in Europe

Updated 01:09 PM Oct 11, 2012

 

SEOUL - Samsung Electronics Co plans to unveil a smaller version of its popular Galaxy S III flagship smartphone in Europe on Thursday, the head of Samsung's mobile business said, raising competition against Apple Inc's new iPhone.

The model will be in direct competition with the iPhone 5, which was unveiled in early September and boasts a bigger, 4-inch screen than its earlier models.

Samsung's original Galaxy S III, unveiled in late May, has a 4.8-inch screen. Strong sales of the flagship phone helped Samsung post record US$7.3 billion (S$9 billion) operating profit in the July-September quarter.

"We think there's strong demand for 4-inch screen models in Europe," a Samsung spokeswoman cited JK Shin, head of its mobile business, as saying on Wednesday.

There has been market speculation that Samsung would launch a stripped out, cheaper version of the Galaxy S III to win market share in the mid- to low-end smartphone segment.

Samsung said on Wednesday the Galaxy S III Mini would not be an entry-level model.

Samsung is beefing up its product line-up with such products as the latest phone-cum-tablet Galaxy Note and ATIV smartphones that run on Microsoft's new Windows system to compete with Nokia's Lumia series.

Samsung plans to introduce its first ATIV tablet next month and ATIV S smartphone in October or November.

Separately, Yonhap news agency quoted Shin as saying that Samsung did not plan to use its 4G LTE patents to attack its rivals, suggesting it was not considering expanding its legal battle with Apple to 4G technologies.

A Samsung spokesman was not immediately available to confirm those comments. REUTERS

 Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Nexus 7 review

Nexus 7 review: Well worth the wait

Fast and light, Google's latest tablet is a good device on-the-go 

by Hiranand Sunny Naresh

Updated 01:50 PM Oct 10, 2012

SINGAPORE - More than two months after its launch on July 14 in the United States, Google's Nexus 7 tablet was finally made available on Sept 29. But I only laid my hands on a review unit last week, almost three months after its debut.

As expected, Android fanboys expected great things from it, and barring a few minor flaws, the Nexus 7 does not disappoint.

Like most tablets, it does look like an oversized smartphone but it is also slim and weighs just 340g, making it the perfect on-the-go entertainment gizmo.

The Nexus 7 is also blazing fast, thanks to its Android Jelly Bean operating system and quad-core Tegra 3 processor which can clock speeds of up to 1.2 GHz. I experienced no lag at all when switching between apps and videos loaded in a matter of seconds. It also downloaded apps from the Google Play store at lightning speeds, justifying its quadrant score of 3640.

Battery life was also decent, and I could browse the Web, watch videos, listen to music and play games for about 10 hours before plugging the Nexus 7 in. Its 216 ppi, 1280x800 HD display also made reading ebooks and magazines on MediaCorp's ilovebooks.com app a real joy and my eyes did not hurt even after poring over the expansive titles for hours.

I also like the fact that the Nexus 7 makes it very easy for users to fully customise their tablet. Apps and widgets can be arranged however you want, and folders are created by dragging one app over another. Users can personalise their tablet by changing the wallpaper using pictures from their gallery or pre-loaded designs.

But the Nexus 7 is not without its flaws. There is no expandable memory card slot so you will have to make do with the 16GB of storage on board. There is also no 3G connectivity, but tethering it to your smartphone's data connection to the Nexus 7 will keep you connected to Facebook and Twitter wherever you are.

The Nexus 7's 1.2-megapixel camera also takes decent photos but you will have to download a photo taking app such as Instagram first because the tablet has no dedicated camera app. Plus, the camera is front facing so you will not be able to see a preview of the picture you are taking.

Despite its flaws, I will still recommend the Google Nexus 7 if you are hunting for a 7-inch Android tablet, and will not need 3G connection. But if you already own an oversized Android phone like I do, this tablet is not the 'droid you are looking for.

Google's Nexus 7 is available for S$399 from major electronics stores. HIRANAND SUNNY



WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEXUS 7

Sportyreds and @sportyshili wants to know if we recommend getting the Nexus 7.

A. The Nexus is the only tablet on the market that comes with the latest version of Android (Jelly Bean). So if you want the latest and greatest, it is a compelling buy. It's slim, light and highly customisable (with apps and widgets), which makes it a very good device to have on the go - compared to bigger tablets. It's also very fast and a joy to watch videos on. Check out our video to see how fast it performs with apps and videos.



Facebook user Hiao Wee asked: "Where can I buy the 7-inch Nexus cover?"

A. The covers will also be sold at the stores listed above. Asus loaned us a pink cover and we are loving it!



More readers' questions answered on our Techtalk blog at http://tdy.sg/nexus7ans


 Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Angry Birds Star Wars

Rovio announces Angry Birds Star Wars

Updated 02:13 PM Oct 09, 2012

HELSINKI - Angry Birds developer Rovio has announced a Star Wars-themed edition of its hit mobile game.

Angry Birds Star Wars will be launched on Nov 8. REUTERS

Angry Birds Star Wars will see the addictive action moved to a galaxy far, far away, with characters based on Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo doing catapult-based battle with Darth Vader and the rest of the Empire.

The game is scheduled to go onsale via Apple's app store on Nov 8. As well as versions of Star Wars characters, it will feature locations from across the saga including Luke Skywalker's home planet, Tatooine, and the ice world Hoth. An adapted version of John Williams' famous score is also part of the package, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The spin-off, created in in collaboration with Lucasfilm, is the latest venture by Rovio designed to keep its money-spinning franchise going, and will be introduced with an array of merchandise.

It is not the Finnish developer's first film tie-in. Last year it released Angry Birds Rio, based on Rio, a children's animation.

It is also developiong an Angry Birds film, as part of plans to become a "next generation media company". Between them, the Angry Birds apps have been downloaded more than 650 million times. AGENCIES

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Canon EOS 6D DSLR And Pentax Ricoh's K5 IIs

Top shots

Imaging stalwarts Pentax Ricoh and Canon announced new products at individual events last week

by Loke Kok Fai and June Yang

04:45 AM Oct 09, 2012

Pentax Ricoh's K5 IIs. Photo by LOKE KOK FAI

SINGAPORE - Pentax Ricoh revealed its flagship K-5 IIs full-frame DSLR together with the dimunitive mirrorless camera Q10 on Thursday.

The K-5 IIs is an update of the original K-5 and maintains the ergonomics of its predecessor with the addition of a new SAFOX AF Sensor, which boasts the same 16.3-megapixel resolution of the K-5 but is said to perform better in low light conditions.

The Q10 is an update over the last year's Q. Sporting almost identical construction and features to the Q, the Q10 adds a few tweaks to its design so it is easier to grip. Prices and availability to be announced.

Canon's world's lightest DSLR, the EOS 6D. Photo by SION TOUHIG

On Friday, Canon released a raft of compacts as well as its EOS 6D DSLR (price pending), touted to be the world's lightest at 680g (body only). Besides the 6D, Canon is claiming other firsts, too: The Powershot SX500 IS (S$499) is said to be the world's lightest 30x optical zoom camera and the Powershot SX50 HS (S$799) has the world's first 50x optical zoom on a compact. Fans of Canon's G-series will be glad to learn its G15 (S$799) has the fastest autofocus of any Canon.

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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The Olympus Tough TG-1 camera

Olympus Tough TG-1: Built to withstand

Rugged and solid, the TG-1 provides peace of mind

by Peter Yeo

04:45 AM Oct 09, 2012

 

SINGAPORE - So you do not climb mountains, dive into oceans or careen down ski slopes at breakneck speeds. Then why would you need a camera like the Olympus Tough TG-1, that is built to suffer knocks, is waterproof and able to withstand temperatures you would freeze in?

Peace of mind, that's why.

The Olympus Tough TG-1 camera. PHOTO COURTESY OLYMPUS

I had the opportunity to test the TG-1 on a beach holiday as well as a trip to New York and having a camera that is better built to take knocks than I was did wonders for my confidence.

My first test was at the idyllic beach resort of Avillion, Port Dickson, where our chalet jutted out over the sea. Knowing the TG-1 was capable of plunging 12m into the ocean gave me the courage to shoot without using a death grip on the camera.

If I had more time at the resort, I would have loved to try shooting from one of the laser dinghies for rent. Shooting at and in the pool was an option but with no art deco mosaic masterpieces carved into the pool, it would have been pointless.

On my New York trip, taking scenic shots from the observatory deck at 30 Rockefeller Center, aka Top of the Rock, left me breathless but not because I was worried about dropping the camera. Of course, the camera would not survive the fall from the building - I doubt many things would - but I did not even flinch when it slipped from my cold fingers - twice! With wind chill, temperatures reached about 15°C.

The Olympus Tough TG-1 is not only tough, it looks the part too. With no lens cap, it stares danger in the face and makes its one-second start-up time feel even faster.

Designed for shots in 12m depths, it works very well under low light conditions, too. On the few occasions that I tried shooting in dim light, it exceeded my expectations. Even though it had a built-in flash, I hardly used it as I wanted to give my shots a more natural feel.

Pictures taken on the TG-1 are vivid and sharp, thanks to its f/2.0 (up to f/4.9) super-bright, high-speed lens, coupled with its TruePic VI image processor and 12-megapixel low-noise, high sensitivity CMOS sensor. Its 3-inch OLED display is bright even on sunny days, 4x optical zoom (equivalent of 25 to 100mm on a 35mm format), GPS, TAP Control Mode - to control the camera when you are wearing gloves - and its myriad automatic and scene functions make the TG-1 even more attractive.

Battery life on the TG-1 was decent and I was able to use it for a week without charging it.

The Olympus Tough TG-1 retails for S$598 at major electronics retailers. PETER YEO

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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Apple's iPhone 5.

Apple's iPhone 5.

iPhone 5 gets thumbs up from Consumer Reports

Updated 02:53 PM Oct 07, 2012

 

SAN FRANCISCO - Consumer Reports, the influential reviewers' group that blasted the iPhone 4 for a faulty antenna, on Friday gave Apple's latest smartphone a thumbs-up despite echoing widespread complaints about its patchy mapping service.


The organisation, which in 2010 withheld its recommendation for the iPhone because of spotty reception when the gadget was held in a certain way, said laboratory tests confirmed that the new iPhone 5 ranked among the best smartphones but its mapping function clearly fell short.

Apple's latest iPhone, sporting a larger 4-inch screen and 4G capability, drew scathing reviews for glaring errors in a new, self-designed mapping service. Chief Executive Tim Cook apologised last week and directed users to rival services run by Google and others.

"Despite the widespread criticism it has received, Apple's new Maps app... is competent enough, even if it falls short of what's available for free on many other phones," reviewer Mike Gikas wrote on the group's website on Friday.

"As Apple has recently apologised and promised to fix these and other map glitches, we expect the Map app to improve in time," he wrote.

Apple's shares were down 1.3 per cent at US$658.43 in early afternoon trade on Nasdaq.

The consumer electronics juggernaut began selling its latest smartphone last month. Sales of over 5 million in its first three days in stores fell short of outsized expectations as it struggled with supply constraints.

Its homegrown Maps - stitched together by acquiring companies and employing data from a range of providers including TomTom NV and Waze - was introduced with much fanfare in June by software chief Scott Forstall. It was billed as a highlight of the updated iOS 6 software.

Errors and omissions quickly emerged after the software was rolled out. They ranged from misplaced buildings and mislabeled cities to duplicate geographical features. Users also complained that the service lacked features that made Google Maps so popular, such as public transit directions and street-view pictures.

The last time Apple faced such widespread criticism - including from Consumer Reports - was during 2010's "Antennagate" furor, when users complained of signal reception issues on the then-new iPhone 4. This year the consumer group, which reviews everything from cars to kitchen appliances, also warned initially that Apple's new iPad threw off too much heat.

A defiant Steve Jobs at the time rejected any suggestion the iPhone 4's design was flawed, but offered consumers free phone cases at a rare, 90-minute press conference called to address those complaints.

"Now that our auto experts have completed their tests, including some carried out some days after the launch, they describe the app as relatively streamlined, and concluded that it generally provides clear guidance, including voice and on-screen directions," Mr Gikas wrote.

"However, they did find that it lacks the details, traffic data, and customization options offered by the free Google navigation app found on Android phones." REUTERS

 Source:  www.todayonline.com

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The Epson Moverio BT-100

Epson Moverio: Your personal cinema

by Hiranand Sunny Naresh

04:45 AM Oct 05, 2012

SINGAPORE - Since the invention of the television in the early 1900s, manufacturers have been trying to make it truly personal.

The Epson Moverio BT-100 lets users enjoy movies on the go. PHOTO COURTESY EPSON

From people gathering to watch the telly at community centres in my father's time to individual sets in every room of the home today, TV viewing is becoming more personal.

And it's more so now with the customised content made possible through the Internet. This personal cinematic experience is brought even closer with the Epson Moverio BT-100 mobile viewer.

The Moverio allows users to have their own private screen and consume media on the move without fellow commuters peering over their shoulder to catch a glimpse.

At first glance, the Moverio does whatever it is supposed to do. Micro-projection technology allows it to project a virtual 320-inch perceived screen 20 metres away, allowing users to enjoy videos on the go without walking straight into a tree.

Navigating through Google's Android 2.2 media player is simple enough on the controller's trackpad, and video and music quality is pretty decent but not quite as good as you would get on the iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy SIII.

The Moverio also supports 3D videos and Wi-Fi connectivity, but neither provide anything to shout about.

By itself, the Moverio looks stylish enough. But wearing it in public will attract plenty of awkward stares from fellow commuters.

However, truth be told, the Moverio was not made to be a portable device, as watching a movie whilst navigating public streets could be potentially dangerous.

As a personal viewing device, the Moverio also scores very low on the comfort factor. The device is far too heavy and images are shown far too close for my liking, making viewing very uncomfortable after about half an hour.

The bespectacled will also struggle with the Moverio's size as I found hardly any room on the bridge of my nose for both my spectacles and the Moverio.

Fully charged, the Moverio has a battery life of about six hours - enough for short-haul flights on budget airlines. But if you are thinking of lugging it on long-haul flights, you might want to stick to the in-flight entertainment system.

Despite the gripes, the Moverio performs impeccably on one detail. Late at night, when every one is asleep and you want to watch an action-packed flick with an explosive soundtrack, the Moverio works like a personal cinema in the comfort of your room.

Just shut off all the lights, plug in the earphones, lie back - let the Moverio rest against your face - and watch the movie against your plain coloured ceiling. It is the closest you will get to having your own personal IMAX theatre.

The Epson Moverio is sold at selected Best Denki outlets at the recommended retail price of S$999

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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The Toshiba Satellite U840W ultrabook

Toshiba Satellite U840W: Making movies first

Its super wide screen may look odd at first, but it will make watching movies more enjoyable

by Peter Yeo

04:45 AM Oct 05, 2012

\

SINGAPORE - There is no mistaking the Toshiba Satellite U840W ultrabook to be anything but an entertainment machine.

The Toshiba Satellite U840W ultrabook comes with an impressive ultra-wide screen and immersive audio features. PHOTO COURTESY TOSHIBA

The first thing I noticed - and you will, too - is its unusual display. At 14.4 inches, with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 1792 x 768 pixel resolution, it is one of the widest - if not the widest - screen on any laptop I have seen. And it is impressive.

Movies I tried on the set were, well, as seen on the cinemas with minimal to no black bars on the top. Backed by a powerful Intel Core i5 processor supported by the Intel HD graphics 4000 card, movies were bright with lovely colour reproduction.

That it comes bundled with Toshiba's proprietary SmartView utility - which lets you split the screen real estate so that you can view documents, photos, and videos comfortably - is a godsend, especially if you are constantly cross-referencing multiple apps. Immersive audio is delivered through its two Harmon Kardon stereo speakers with SRS Premium Sound 3D.

However, for all its mind-blowing entertainment features, it does not come with any optical drives, much less a Blu-ray one. But movies these days can be streamed or transferred via flash drives, so that did not even slow me down.

The Toshiba Satellite U840W ultrabook boasts two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 3.0 sleep and charge port, SD card reader, with a HDMI port and an ethernet jack. Which presents more than enough options to transfer media back and forth its 500GB SATA/32GB SSD hard disk drive.

Starting up is almost instantaneous with Toshiba High Speed Start and Intel Rapid Start technology. And because I do not have to wait for the system to start up, I tend to close the lid every time I am not using it, saving more battery juice.

More than just performance, the Toshiba Satellite U840W ultrabook is a looker.

Its Midnight Silver dual-tone brushed aluminium with a soft-touch rubberised trim is one of the most stylish I have seen on any ultrabooks thus far, and its raised-tile LED-backlit keyboard feels great to the touch and suitable for use in low light conditions.

Battery life was a decent four-and-a-half hours when I used it, but I had a video on loop and brightness was set to full. So normal use could yield about five hours, I would imagine.

At just 1.57kg light and 22mm thick, the U840W ultrabook will not weigh you down and will fit in most 15-inch laptop bags. However, I am still hoping Toshiba will build an AC adaptor that actually fits with the svelte form factor of its ultrabooks instead of the clunker it packs with the set.

The Satellite U840W ultrabook is available at all authorised Toshiba dealers for S$1,699. PETER YEO

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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The Toshiba AT270

The skinny on the AT270

Weighing only 350g, the Toshiba model is said to be the world's thinnest 7.7-inch tablet

by Peter Yeo

04:45 AM Oct 04, 2012

 

SINGAPORE - I have been using a 10-inch tablet for about a year now. It is great for reading, Web surfing and for watching videos on YouTube (Psy, anyone?), but carrying a behemoth of a tablet for hours on end can be murder on your wrists. And that is the argument many manufacturers of 7-inch tablets have been making: That a smaller screen works just as well with less strain.

The AT270 is said to be the world's thinnest 7.7-inch tablet. PHOTO COURTESY TOSHIBA

The Toshiba Regza AT270 is the latest Android 4.0.3 powered tablet from the Japanese electronics giant. At a svelte 7.85mm, the AT270 is said to be the world's thinnest 7.7-inch tablet and weighing only 350g, it is definitely gentle on my wrists.

Its high definition AMOLED display did plenty of justice to the videos I tried on it - especially the YouTube ones - and colours of photographs are vibrant and true-to-life. What I really like was that text was crisp and sharp and not painful on my eyes, even after I spent a few hours staring at it.

It was pretty fast while operating multiple apps (I tried up to eight), a feat I chalked up to its Nvidia Tegra 3.4-Plus-1 Mobile Quad-Core processor - a world's first according to the Toshiba press release.

The tablet comes with 1GB RAM memory and a 32GB eMMC hard dish drive onboard, which can be expanded up to 64GB via its microSD card slot. It also boasts a microUSB port, 3.5G connectivity, Bluetooth v3.0 and wireless 802.11bgn to meet all your connectivity needs.

However, like most tablets I have tried, the speakers were not the most impressive even though it uses the Toshiba Audio Enhancement with SRS PremiumVoice Pro. But with a tablet of this size, it fell within expectations.

I was unable to try hardcore action RPG games in the limited time I had with the set but simple bubble games worked well, even in low light conditions.

The battery life of the tablet was not exceptional but it was not something that I would complain about. It lasted about six hours - and this was at full brightness setting with a couple of hours spent watching videos - which was not far off its specified mark of seven hours in the bundled manual.

In a nutshell, the Toshiba AT270 is a well-designed, powerful tablet that will satisfy geeks and fashionistas alike.

Source:  www.todayonline.com

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ATIV Smart PC Pro

Samsung keeps Windows 8 devices all in the family

by Peter Yeo

Updated 06:24 PM Oct 02, 2012

 

SINGAPORE - Samsung today gave media a sneak peek of their upcoming Windows 8 devices at the fancy Ritz Carlton Residences at Cairnhill Roadswanky.

The ATIV Smart PC Pro is one of the Samsung Windows 8 products featured on Oct 2. Photo SAMSUNG

The extensive range, which included the All-in-One PC Series 7, ATIV Smart PC Series and Series 5 Ultra Touch Ultrabook, takes advantage of the Windows 8's mobile friendly user interface and utilises touch as well as motion detection technology. So, now, besides using your hands to swipe, squeeze, turn images, select devices such as the All-in-One PC Series 7 personal computers lets you use gesture controls not unlike those in Microsoft's Xbox Kinect to turn pages, control the volume, or open apps from up to a metre away.

The machine is also equipped with a 10-finger multi-touch screen, which allows you greater touch control by using up to ten fingers instead of the usual two for pinching and selecting.

Likewise the Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro and Smart PC devices offer similar 10-finger multi-touch screens as well as detachable keyboard options so you can choose between using them as tablets or a clamshell notebook, depending on your preference.

The key feature of the ATIV sets is its S Pen. As seen in the Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Note 2, the Wacom digitiser pen lets you write as you would on paper with a pen or pencil.

Also showed today was the new Samsung Series 5 Ultra Touch sleek laptops. It also boasts a 10-finger multi-touch screen and delivers up to 6.7 hours of power on a single charge.

Through a little sketch, the South Korean manufacturer also showed the ease of use and communication between its mobile, television and personal computing devices as actors move through the house sharing video, photos as well as documents through its Allshare Cast, Allshare Play, Allshare Control connected ecosystem and Family Story cloud-based storage.

The new Windows 8-based devices will be available after Microsoft's Windows 8 launch on Oct 26. PETER YEO

Source:   www.todayonline.com

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