Gladget Magazine April 2011

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

issue 6 / vol 1 April 2011

Aftershock!

The repercussions of natural disaster

Inside 6 From the Editor

8 Tsunami The global effect’ of Japan’s catastrophe 14 Photography Primer Getting up close and personal 20 Reviews All kinds of cool things you want to own!

60 DVD Seen Movies you want to watch - or not!

66 How To The great Xbox migration 68 Same Difference Are all money-machines the same?

70 Dead End Sometimes cheaper is better...

72 Inner Workings Cellular technology explained Competitions 27 Verbatim Bundle

THIS MONTH’S COVER Natural disasters can have far reaching effects, beyond the obvious human catastrophe.

See the feature on page 10.

cover art by Katia Taliadoros

4

gladget contents • issue 6 • April 2011

Reviews

22

MSI N460GTX Hawk

24

HP ProBook 4520s Notebook

26

Atomic Shoot ‘Em PS3 Move It

28

QNAP TS-219 Turbo NAP

Editor: Walt Pretorius walt@gladget.co.za

30

Razer Imperator Laser Gaming Mouse

Sub Editor: Charlie Fripp

32

Orb PS3 Move Controller Charging Dock

34

Atomic Motor Force Wheel (for Xbox 360)

36

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 3300-HD TV Card

38

Logitech Harmony 300i Remote

40

Nintendo 3DS

44

Sony Ericsson Xperia X8

46

Orb Xbox 360 Magnetic Induction Charging Disc

48

Dragon Age II (video game)

52

Crysis 2 (video game)

56

Homefront (video Game)

58

Top Spin 4 (video game)

GLADGET Volume1Issue 5 Feb / March 2011

Writers: Brian Murdoch Dion Scotten Richard Bingham Alex Scanlon Letters: letters@gladget.co.za Competition Entries: competitions@gladget.co.za Newsletter Subscriptions: www.gladget.co.za Design & Photography: 1337 Media Technical Support: Brian Murdoch Marketing Contact: Katia Taliadoros katia@gladget.co.za

technology. simply.

CREATED USING

Adobe CS5

MASTER SUITE

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

GAMECCA is published by 1337 MEDIA

gladget contents • issue 6 • April 2011

Copyright © 1337 Media CC 2009 - 2011

5

Progress...

From the Editor

by Walt Pretorius

W

elcome to the sixth issue of Gladget Magazine.

We’re settling into our new publishing time nicely, and are working on improving the magazine with each issue now. Over the next few months, you will notice the introduction of several new regular sections. Instead of trying to cram all the newness into one issue, we’re taking our time and making sure that this process results in the best possible content we can deliver.

Our new section for this month is the beginning of a home entertainment section that will grow and evolve over time. For now, we’re looking at a number of recent DVD releases, but later on we will branch into music as well.

Does home entertainment have a place in a magazine like Gladget?

The answer, we believe, is a resounding yes. Much of what we review, in terms of hardware and gadgets, are home entertainment devices… looking at the products you would use with such devices is an obvious next step. But we will be keeping things related to home

6

entertainment; video games (which we have always featured, reprinted from Gladget’s sister magazine, Gamecca) DVDs and Blu-ray movies and music CDs. We won’t be looking at what’s hot on the cinema circuit, or which big concerts are happening.

We’re home-bodies… we like to keep our coverage more or less where our hearts lie.

Besides which, we prefer to take the approach to our articles that we do to our entertainment. Many of the Gladget writing crew are keen collectors, and so we’re putting that essence into these new sections. For example, one of our future additions to the DVD section will be something of a collector’s corner, looking at older, worthwhile additions to a DVD collection. And, of course, we’re a monthly periodical… putting in short run or once off event coverage doesn’t make much sense to us.

That’s what news publications and weeklies are for.

Speaking of the news: we were all shocked by the tragedy of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Even though this country is on the

other side of the globe, the impact of what happened – on a human scale – can be felt around the world. And the knock-on effects of an event like this can be rather large. We dedicated our cover feature to looking at what some of these effects could be, in terms of technology. So often we hear about the impact of technology on the environment, but we seldom get to think about what happens when roles are reversed.

Our best wishes go out to the people of Japan, and we hope that all our readers dig deep and make whatever contribution they can in helping the stricken nation.

As usual, we bring you a number of reviews looking at great technology, hardware and gadget options. One of the hottest properties on the market at the moment is Nintendo’s new, amazing 3DS, which provides the user a 3D gaming experience without the need for glasses. Check out our review, in this issue, to see what our Nintendo expert had to say about it.

Right, enough from me – let’s get on with the issue. We hope you enjoy it. g

gladget column • c

Tsunami Nature vs Technology

Feature

by Alex Scanlon

8

gladget feature • issue 6 • April 2011

F

ew technologies have been quite so pervasive as the microchip. This small electronic device can be found almost everywhere these days, dispensing a large variety of electronic functions. It has made life easier for almost everyone, changing the way we work, relax, communicate, travel and a whole lot more. It can be found in devices ranging from cellular telephones through to refrigerators, governing processes and providing previously unheard of electronic functionality to all manner of devices.

But when reliance on such items is high, an interesting balance is created, based on a steady supply of the products. So, when disaster strikes even just a portion of the supply chain, global effects can be felt. We have seen this happen many times over when tensions in the Middle East mount, causing a spike in oil prices. Not all oil comes from the Middle East, but a large percentage of the world’s supply does.

It’s the same with microchips and other types of electronic components and devices. When just a part of the chain is affected, the whole world can potentially feel the effects. And a very large part of the electronic supply chain now lies in ruins.

At 14:46 JST on Friday the 11th of March, 2011, the North Eastern region of Japan felt the effects of a massive earthquake. The magnitude 9.0 quake’s epicentre was roughly 72km east of the Oshika Peninsula, at a depth of 32km underwater. Minutes later, the region was struck by tsunami waves of almost 24m in height, which swept up to 10km inland, laying waste to everything in their path.

The catastrophe, which Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan described as the most difficult situation for Japan since World War II, shifted the globe around 10cm on its axis. The damage and loss of life in North Eastern Japan is extremely high, with clean-up operations and rescue operations still undergoing. At the time of writing, those dead and missing in Japan number over 27 000, and the damage amounts to several billion US dollars.

In addition to the loss of life and property damage, Japan faces a nuclear crisis as the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant leaks radioactive material into the environment.

gladget feature • issue 6 • April 2011

9

10

gladget feature • issue 6 • April 2011

The overall picture is almost incomprehensible in the scale of devastation that has been wrought on the small nation, and companies, celebrities, governments and common-folk around the globe are rallying around the cause, offering assistance – both physical and financial – wherever possible.

The effects of the disaster will be felt for many years to come, and these effects will be global. One of the areas that will be affected is electronics. The Far East is a powerhouse of electronics manufacturing, with many prominent electronic manufacturers headquartered or running production plants in Japan. And many of these plants are in the affected region.

One of the largest manufacturers of electronics in Japan – and the world – is Sony. The company produces not only a wide array of electronic devices, but also components that are used by other manufacturers. On the 14th of March, the company issued the following statement in a press release: “Operations at several Sony Corporation and Sony Group sites and facilities have been affected by the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake and tsunami, and Sony is monitoring the status of each of these sites on an on-going basis, while also considering the most effective recovery measures. Sony also has responded to reports of widespread power outages by voluntarily suspending operations at several sites. No significant injuries have been reported to employees working at any of these sites when the earthquake or tsunami occurred.

“The company is currently evaluating the full impact of the earthquake, tsunami and related power outages on Sony’s businesses and consolidated financial results.”

The press release went on to specify eight plants at which manufacturing has been suspended. Among the products affected are optical devices, semiconductors, surface mounting equipment and power system, including batteries. In addition, several other plants belonging to Sony have been affected by power shortages.

World famous camera manufacturer Canon also had numerous plants suspended shortly after the tsunami, and the company established an Earthquake Recovery Task Force to investigate the damage sustained during the disaster. Other companies affected include Toshiba, Hitachi, Panasonic, Fujitsu, Nikon and Casio. gladget feature • issue 6 • April 2011

11

12

gladget feature • issue 6 • April 2011

Most of the companies that have had some kind of impact on their production are scaling back operations to try and assist with the extreme power shortages caused by the damage to the Fukushima plant. As clean-up and rescue operations progress, some have announced tentative dates to begin ramping up production, but, for the most part, the industry is severely hampered.

And not just in Japan. Because Japan is a major provider of components to the rest of the world, several manufacturers across the globe are facing shortages.

Manufacturers like Apple, who are busy with the roll-out of their highly anticipated iPad 2, may face shortages thanks to the hampered Japanese production schedule.

Components like chips and touch screens are among those affected, meaning that Apple’s new product, as well as items like numerous smart phone brands, may face slower production.

The knock on effect is also something that should cause concern. Numerous industry analysts have predicted that supply problems may reach the consumer in the second quarter of 2011. As this phenomenon reaches the market at large, demand could quite possibly outstrip supply, leading to price increases on electronic goods and components. And while Japan certainly does not produce all of the world’s electronics and parts, they do account for a large amount of it. The overall effects of the 11th of March catastrophe will only be seen as time passes, and the rest of the world undergoes potential shortages of popular consumer goods.

On the whole, this very real and very devastating natural disaster could quite possibly impact the whole planet – from entertainment to military applications of technology.

But all that pales in comparison to the very human tragedy that has occurred in Japan, with so many lives lost and a massive amount of property damage threatening not only the Japanese economy, but the financial situation of the whole globe.

There are ways that we can all help with the situation – even the smallest donation can help alleviate the suffering of the Japanese population. And, if we stand together as a global community, we can help lessen the damaging effects of this catastrophe. g gladget feature • issue 6 • April 2011

13

Photography Primer

Up Close

Exploring the world of the small

by Walt Pretorius

14

gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

PRESENTED BY

Adobe CS5

MASTER SUITE

O

ne of the most fascinating, rewarding and often challenging forms of photography comes about when we turn our eyes from the bigger picture and concentrate on the details. Within those details we find even deeper details, and almost endless cycle reducing in size into the realms of the infinitesimally small. It is the world of macro photography, and its challenges and rewards are unique in so many ways.

Basically, macro photography is all about taking photographs of things that are small. But, instead of just snapping a pic of a whole lot of small things, macro photography investigates the beauty, delicacy and intricacy of items up close.

Take, for example, a flower. We see them almost every day, and often take them for granted. But get in close for a macro photograph, and entire new miniature vistas are opened up to you. A simple flower will reveal itself as a complex, intriguing structure, full of forms, shapes and colour that transcend the every day. The result is, more often than not, a photograph that is alluring and impressive.

Virtually any camera is capable of macro photography.

The accepted ‘universal’ symbol for macro settings is a small, stylised flower. On cameras with automated functions, this setting will enable the camera to focus up close, as well as compensate for conditions that are very different from, say, landscape or portrait photography.

On higher end DSLRs, macro photography becomes a function of the selected lens. This is because, principally, the biggest difference between a macro photograph and any other is the distance from the camera to the subject matter. The camera body may determine whether something is in focus or not, but the lens allows for that focussing to happen.

Not all lenses can be used for macro photography. It would be best to refer to the manual for each individual lens, or do some research on the internet about whether a lens is capable of macro photography or not. Some lenses indicate macro capability on the lens barrel, and yet others have a specific macro setting.

Macro poses some unique challenges, depending on the lighting conditions and, of course, the subject matter.

Insects make excellent macro subjects, for example, but they tend to move a lot – making them difficult to photograph at times. Often the photographer will need to get in close to the subject as well, which might scare insects or similar subjects away.

gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

15

Photography Primer

16

gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

Another issue with getting in close is staying aware of the light and – more importantly – the shadow that the photographer is casting. Often the most ruinous shadow in a macro photograph is that of the photographer. Special attention needs to be paid to that aspect.

Some lenses, though, allow for macro photography to be done from greater distances. Certain telephoto lenses deliver truly excellent results, all while the photographer is able to take the picture at a distance that doesn’t interfere with the subject matter in any major ways. While this would seem to be a better option and, in many ways, is, using a longer lens for macro photography can also lead to a handful of new challenges.

One of these is angle. Very careful attention needs to be paid to the composition of any photograph, and macro photography is not different. While it is relatively easy to shoot a picture from above – even zooming in – the overall impact of the photograph may benefit greatly if the photographer is willing to try a different angle (even lying down on the ground if necessary.) Naturally other ideas, like overall composition and the like, are as important.

When shooting macro photographs it is important to remember that, although we know that the object we’re taking a photograph of is small, the camera has no idea.

In fact, all the ideas we’ve looked at in the past come to sharp contrast in macro photography, simply because we’re working on a small scale. Focus, for example, becomes tricky, because tiny movements that may not affect a normal photograph can be disastrous to a macro image. Similarly, depth of field becomes something that the photographer needs to keep in the forefront of their mind, because when working with macro subject matter, depth of field shortens dramatically. A space of a few centimetres, or even millimetres, can look like a cavernous gulf in terms of macro depth of field – one of the reasons that the photographs look so impressive when viewed.

Also, imperfections in the subject matter elevate from being small hindrances to being massive faults – the photographer needs to be aware of this, unless it’s imperfection they’re after.

As with any photographic technique, macro photography has no hard and fast rules. Rather, the elements mentioned above should be viewed as guidelines that may help in creating better images. Thanks to digital media, we have the facility to play and experiment endlessly with our subject matter, and so we should. Macro photography can lead to a variety of extremely impressive images (even gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

17

Photography Primer

18

gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

by accident) and an afternoon spent in a back yard with a camera and no aversion to getting a bit dirty can yield truly spectacular results.

Not that all macro photography needs to happen outdoors… there are many man-made objects that make for extremely interesting subject matter. Macro photography truly is a celebration of form, texture and detail, and things that often seem perfect – or even uninteresting – take on a whole new light when viewed up close.

One very important factor needs to be mentioned as a closing comment; because everything is amplified in macro photography, one needs to be extremely aware of camera movement. Even the slightest tremor can translate into a massive blur in a macro photograph. It’s a good idea to use some kind of stabilisation – a monopod or sand bag works particularly well in these cases. Even resting the camera on a clean, dry surface can help, but that will invariably mean that you’re face down in the dirt behind it.

If you don’t mind, the results may just be awesome.

Macro photography opens a new world to the photographer, and one that doesn’t require passports, or even a trip further than just outside the front door. Some time spent exploring the world of the small can produce images that will be the envy of your peers. g

gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

19

Reviews Highlights 22 MSI N460GTX Hawk Triple powered 24 HP ProBook 4520s Affordable performance 30 Razer Imperator Laser Gaming Mouse Sleek speed 38 Logitech Harmony 300i Remote Convenient and cost-effective 40 Nintendo 3DS No glasses!

I

t’s a quiet time for the world of high tech and gadgets - it normally is early in the year - but Nintendo still managed to release a massive new device onto the market.

Not that the 3DS is big - it’s really rather small. But it does big things.

And that’s not all - we have a bunch of great gadgets and devices for you to look at this month. Go on, have a gander... g

20

gladget review • issue 6 • April 2011

MSI N460GTX Hawk

Make it a Triple More overclocking options

by Walt Pretorius

G

raphics cards are one of the most hotly contested areas of the PC component market. The two major players in the game, namely Nvidia and ATI, go all out to ensure that their chipsets are the fastest, coolest and most powerful graphic processing systems possible.

Just below that, the people that actually put the boards together (a wide range of companies) go further with the chipsets, adding systems and software to squeeze every bit of performance out of the hardware they provide. And, with the growing popularity of overclocking, it’s a very vicious market.

On the one hand, this plays to the consumer’s advantage, leaving them very spoiled for choice. On the other, though, the buyer is faced with the fact that the hardware they are buying may become out-dated very quickly – and it’s generally expensive hardware.

MSI offer a range of reasonably priced cards that tend to perform very well. Case in point: the MSI N460GTX Hawk. The card is supported by MSI’s Afterburner

22

overclocking software, and is the first card to allow triple overclocking. In other words, the user can choose to overclock the voltage to the GPU, memory and PPL. This means that the user can tweak quite a bit more power out of this component at maximum settings, outstripping other GTX 460s by quite a wide margin in terms of performance.

The card is also designed to handle more power – around 30A more than most other models – meaning that even more can be squeezed out of it.

With great performance comes high heat, though, particularly if the user is pumping more juice through three sets of card components. But thermal comparisons show that this card runs cooler than most others, too – up to 18 degrees cooler, in fact. This is thanks to a very carefully constructed heat dissipation system, comprised of five primary features. Dual fans are the first part, providing better air flow. A nickel-plated copper base is in direct contact with the GPU, supported by a high density heatsink and multiple heat pipes to carry heat to the sink g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

itself. The fifth and final element is more of an idea than a physical part; all the components are built in direct contact, creating a short path for the heat to travel.

The use of military grade components has become common in graphics cards, and the Hawk is no different.

It makes use of solid capacitors, which are more efficient, run cooler and have an extended lifespan. In addition, tantalum core highly conducive capacitors help stabilise the power supply, which makes for even more effective overclocking.

The whole lot is bundled together under a metal shield that looks more… serious… than many other graphics cards. The bright images and pictures are conspicuous in their absence, giving you the impression that this card means business… even if that business is playing games.

Images are delivered from the GPU and 1GB of GDDR5 RAM by way of two dual-link DVI connectors, or a miniHDMI connector. This is one area where the card is a little disappointing. While you don’t necessarily need a whole bunch of connectors, it’s nice to have some variety. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Powerful • More overclocking options

CONS:

• Not the most powerful GPU • Limited ports

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

TECH SPECS: • • • •

460GTX Chipset 1GB GDDR5 Afterburner TripleOverclocking • SLI Ready • 3D Ready

Score

It has more options for more performance, but isn’t quite top of the line.

84 23

HP ProBook 4520s Notebook

Middleweight A good mid-range option

by Walt Pretorius

N

otebooks are becoming more and more powerful, with bigger screens, more powerful processors, more generous hard drives and tons more power and features. And their prices are increasing, too… you can buy a notebook for far more than an equivalent desktop PC these days. I guess you’re paying for the convenience of being able to carry it around with you, but as performance and prices go up, so too may the weight. And a really heavy notebook isn’t always the most convenient item to have.

Thankfully, there is still a middle range and, these days, the middle range is nothing to scoff at. There are some very powerful machines that take up that bracket… often they just have one or two elements that are lesser than top-of-the-range products. And just as often, these elements are not all that necessary… why pay for the bits that you’re not going to use often, or at all.

The HP ProBook 4520s could be called middle of the

24

range, but the only thing that identifies it as such – when you read the specifications – is the price. At an affordable sub-R7000 mark, it is a great bet.

At the core of the 4520s is an i3-370M processor, running at a smooth 2.4GHz. That, for most common applications and programmes, really is more than enough.

Combined with 2GB of DDR3, the computer can chug along at quite a fair clip. A little extra RAM would have been nice but, at the price, it’s not a bad deal at all.

The hard drive is a little on the small side, to be honest.

Sure, you can store a fair amount of data on a 250GB drive, but with file sizes increasing steadily, the storage here is a little on the shy side. It works well with an external storage device, though, which can be plugged into one of the three USB2.0 ports.

Other than the slightly small HDD, the 4520s will provide you with everything that you need in a mobile computer. It won’t replace a powerful desk-top for many users, but it serves as an excellent mobile and backup computer. g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

The 15.6 inch screen is clear and crisp, as is to be expected of notebook monitors these days. In addition to the expected slots and ports, the 4520s also provides the user with a multi-format card reader, as well as a host of security features that make the device great for safe data storage. These include face recognition (via its built in camera) and a fingerprint reader.

The design of the 4520s is very tasteful, with an allmetal finish that is strong, yet surprisingly light (the whole unit has a starting weight of a little over 2kgs).

The keyboard is generously sized, yet still features a full keypad. And the large track pad is set slightly off centre, which makes sense – for right handed users, at least.

A central power switch, at the top end of the keyboard, is easy to find, and the front mounted headphone and speaker jacks keep wires neatly out of the way.

In all, it’s a handy, useful machine, even if it isn’t the most powerful on the market today. g

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Great price • Good aesthetic • Solid performance

CONS:

• Small HDD • Right hand friendly

Manufacturer: HP Distributor: HP Online: www.hpshop.co.za RRP: R6599

TECH SPECS: • • • • • •

2.4GHz CPU 2GB RAM 250GB HDD 15” screen Full keyboard 3 USB 2.0 ports

Score

A good option for those not after all the bells and whistles of a top-ofthe-line notebook.

80 25

Atomic Shoot ‘Em PS3 Move It

On Target

It looks mean, even if it is pink

by Alex Scanlon

T

he PS3 Move system lends itself beautifully to high-definition shooting games. But holding the controller in a shooting position for a long time gets tiring. Besides which, having a ‘real’ gun to shoot with is just light-years cooler.

Atomic’s Shoot ‘Em PS3 Move It doesn’t exactly look like a real gun, but it still looks awesome; a chunky revolver style peripheral that looks like it comes straight out of Blade Runner. The Move controller fits snugly into the barrel of the gun, and the device allows easy access to all the buttons. The trigger actuates with that of the Move controller, while “extended” Start and Select buttons are built into the side of the barrel. All other buttons are accessed normally.

The Shoot ‘Em is solidly constructed, and holds the Move controller gently but firmly in place. An ejector is mounted in the base of the barrel for when you want to remove the Move unit.

As gun peripherals go, this one is fantastic. It is comfortable and extremely easy to use. The colour is a bit extreme, but that just adds to its overall coolness. g

26

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Looks cool • Easy to use

CONS:

• The colour

TECH SPECS: • • • •

Move compatible All button access Secure clamp More precise aiming

Manufacturer: Atomic Distributor: Sensation Lab Online: www.take2.co.za RRP: R269

Score

A sturdy and effective gun peripheral for the Move controller system.

78

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

c ompe t i t io n • c omp eti ti o n • c om pe tit ion • com pe t ition • com pe t it ion

WIN

An awesome Verbatim hamper worth

R1000!

• • •

1 Rapier USB Gaming Headset with Vibration 2.1 Multi Media Portable Speaker System Verbatim Laptop Bag

More than just Discs!

Courtesy of Verbatim TO ENTER: Send an email to competitions@gladget.co.za.

Tell us what Verbatim’s slogan is.

Insert ‘Verbatim competition’ in the mail’s subject line.

Subscribe to www.gladget.co.za Become a fan on Gladget’s Facebook Page

For an extra chance at winning, enter the Verbatim Competition in this month’s issue of Gamecca Magazine! www.gamecca.co.za Competition closes 30 April 2011. Gladget subscribers only. South African residents only.

Prizes may not be exchanged for cash. Hampers may not include a copy of the game.

Competition closed to employees (& employee’s family) of 1337 Media CC & Verbatim.

The judges’ decision is final.

QNAP TS-219 Turbo NAP

Fast and Secure Data storage just got simpler

by Walt Pretorius

T

he need for effective and reliable data storage grows day by day, whether in the office, at home or online. Whether it is to back-up existing data, or to provide storage for new data – for any data, be it work related documents, image libraries or media collections – having a reliable storage solution makes sense.

QNAP have a great solution for various data-storage needs. The TS-219P Turbo NAS (which stands for Network-Access Storage) provides up to 4TB of storage, using two 3.5 inch SATA hard drives (and no, these drives are not included.) Using a Marvell 6281 1.2GHz internal processor and 512mb of RAM, this diminutive case provides cross platform data storage for a network, whether it be local or online. Cross platform, of course, means that it works with Windows, Linux and Mac OS, all at the same time. This adds a massive amount of versatility to the device, making it great for online access and FTP file storage.

The TS-219P is more than just a box to house two hard drives… it provides a full file storage and sharing system

28

that will allow the network administrator (if necessary) to set up several user accounts, with individual logins, passwords and access levels. It also serves as an FTP server, which makes for easy and convenient transfer of large files online. It even allows for automated back-up of several connected computers, and further can serve as a hub in a video surveillance setup.

It is one of the most versatile data storage systems we have seen, without a doubt, and its applications are many.

In addition, it isn’t a power hog, using less than ten per cent of a PC server’s power consumption, even in full flight.

As a plus, the HDD system is designed for hot-swap, so the user will be able to trade out hard drives without powering the NAS down. This saves time, of course, and the hot-swapping is really easy to do, thanks to the unit’s smart design.

Software governing the NAP is also very easy to use, yet secure and stable – ensuring safe and reliable performance. Setting up numerous user accounts and g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

access levels is almost child’s play.

Physically, the TS-219P is relatively small. It is a solidly constructed unit, with rear mounted cooling and two HDD bays that can be easily accessed from the front of the unit. These bays can be locked, for extra security, and make hot-swapping extremely easy. The all-metal finish is stylish, too, with clear displays to indicate the system’s status well-place on the unit. And, as an added bonus, it runs really quietly, meaning that it will be an unobtrusive, reliable, secure and extremely useful addition to your network.

NAS systems are gaining popularity over PC servers because they are smaller, more efficient, faster, easier to administrate and simpler to configure.

While not every network may need something like the TS-219P, the need for data storage exists with almost every PC user.

It may be a luxury for some and a necessity for others… either way, the QNAP TS-219P Turbo NAP is a great way to go. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Secure storage • Easy to use • Hot-swappable

CONS:

• No HDDs included

Manufacturer: QNAP Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R3195

TECH SPECS: • • • • • •

Up to 4TB 1.2GHz Processor 512mb RAM 2 x HDD bays Hot-swappable Cross platform

Score

Whether a luxury or a necessity, this unit makes an excellent datastorage addition to any network.

88 29

Razer Imperator Laser Gaming Mouse

Precision

Awesome control in the palm of your hand

by Alex Scanlon

W

e have established before that a good gaming mouse is more than just a device that helps out with fun and relaxation. A good gaming mouse is a good mouse, full stop. Because of the high-end demands of modern computer games, a good mouse for games is pretty much great for anything else.

And so, when buying a mouse, it’s always a good idea to look at one designed for high end gaming. Sure, if you never play computer games, there’s little point, because very few programmes require the accuracy and effectiveness of a gaming mouse. But anyone with a halfway decent computer is more than likely going to play something every now and then, so getting the best you can afford is never a bad idea.

And Razer fall into that ‘best money can buy’ category.

They aren’t the only top notch mouse makers out there, but their devices consistently deliver excellent performance.

The Razer Imperator is a good example of one of their excellent input devices. This mouse is built for gaming

30

performance, but will provide excellent service no matter what the application.

The Imperator is, at first glance, a standard five button mouse, with a clickable scroll wheel and two left mounted buttons supplementing the normal left and right mouse buttons. Just behind the scroll wheel, two more buttons default to on-the-fly sensitivity control, with five different dpi sensitivity settings (programmable up to 5600dpi) allowing the user to quickly switch between sensitivities.

This makes it great for occasions when more mouse speed and more precision need to be switched between. The adjustment to the pre-programmed settings (as well as all other mouse function settings) can be done in the Razer Imperator software utility, which needs to be downloaded from Razer’s site in order for the mouse to function at its best. The software also stores profiles for various games, making switching between control set-ups an easy prospect.

The two side mounted buttons have an extra feature, aside from being programmable. Their position can be g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

adjusted, forward or backward, with a slider built into the base of the mouse. This adds a lot of versatility and comfort to the mouse, which is physically rather large. The size is comfortable, though, and the ergonomics of the Imperator’s design means that the player will be able to use it for ages without discomfort.

The performance of the mouse is excellent. It is light and glides beautifully across virtually any surface, for effortless gaming and other uses. The only real down-side is that it is designed for the majority of the population – in other words, right handed people.

And it looks as impressive as the performance it delivers.

The matt black body of the mouse is complemented by a few high-gloss sections. Additionally, a Razer logo pulses light towards the rear of the mouse, and the generous scroll wheel has edges that glow an unobtrusive blue when the mouse is powered.

The Imperator is a great mouse – it really is that simple.

It may be a bit pricier than the average mouse, but it really is money well spent. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Adjustable side buttons • Very sensitive • Light

CONS:

• No lefties

Manufacturer: Razer Distributor: Apex Interactive Online: www.apexint.co.za RRP: R799.95

TECH SPECS: • 5600dpi 3.5G laser • Seven programmable buttons • 1000Hz Ultrapolling • On the fly sensitivity • 50g acceleration • 2 meter braided cable

Score

Although it looks fairly simple, the Imperator is an impressive mouse.

94 31

Orb PS3 Move Controller Charging Dock

Keep Moving

Make sure your batteries are always charged

by Walt Pretorius

T

he PS3 recently got a great new control system in the form of the Move but, if you have two normal PS3 controllers and a full Move setup (the Move and navigation controllers) keeping the internal batteries of your controllers charged gets to be a bit of a juggling mission. To help with the problem, Orb have created the PS3 Move Controller Charging Dock, a stylish device that cradles both controllers and makes sure they are recharged while using only one USB port on the PS3. If combined with the Orb PS3 Controller Charging Dock that we looked at a few months ago, you can always have all your controllers fully charged, while using only 2 USB ports.

The sturdy dock plugs directly into your USB port, and has specific slots for the Move controller and navigation controller. A clear plastic ring around the top of each port will indicate charge status by changing from red to blue. It’s a great idea, helps control clutter and looks great as part of an entertainment set-up. The only down-side is that the PS3 must be on for charging to take place, but that’s a small price to pay for the convenience delivered by this simple yet effective device. g

32

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Stylish • Eliminates clutter

CONS:

• PS3 must be on

Manufacturer: Orb Distributor: Sensation Lab Online: www.take2.co.za RRP: R329

TECH SPECS: • USB powered • Charges Move controller • Charges navigation controller • LED indicators

Score

A stylish and effective solution to charging clutter

80

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

Atomic Motor Force Wheel (for Xbox 360)

A Little Direction Steering made easier

by Alex Scanlon

M

any fans of driving games insist on using a wheel rather than a traditional console controller when getting to grips with their favourite video games. It makes sense; a steering wheel offers a greater degree of control, and provides the player with an even more intense gaming experience. In fact, we would highly suggest that if you haven’t tried playing your favourite driving or racing game with a steering wheel, you should.

The difference in the experience is remarkable.

The thing is, though, that wheels tend to be on the more expensive side of gaming peripherals. Thankfully, though, third party manufacturers like Atomic produce reasonably prices wheels for use with your favourite console.

Take the Motor Force wheel for Xbox 360 as an example.

It’s relatively inexpensive and provides the player with more or less exactly what they want. The 25cm wheel is finished in non-slip rubber, for added comfort and control, and has all the required buttons positioned comfortably on the face of the wheel. This includes all the face buttons

34

and things like the Start, Back and Xbox menu buttons.

The shoulder buttons and triggers are a bit different, though – the shoulder buttons are positioned at the rear of the wheel, in the form of paddles, while the triggers (normally used for accelerating and braking in games) are taken care of by a small but effective set of pedals.

In addition, an optional gear level can be used. This would take care of the shoulder buttons, leaving the paddles behind the wheel out of the loop. The gear lever comes with the wheel, which is a bonus.

The wheel has a 250 degree rotation, which is good enough for its purpose, and can easily be mounted on a desk, thanks to a specialised bracket with very large suction cups to hold it in place. This does make the wheel rather tall, and those that do their gaming on a desk will likely need to raise their monitors to compensate. It’s a bit better on a coffee table, but then placement of the pedals gets tricky. Then again, console gamers who use racing wheels have always had to take creative approaches to g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

setting up the equipment, because general console playing conditions are not always the most conducive to using a wheel.

The gear lever can give a few niggles, as the suction cups that hold it in place are not very powerful. Once again, a little creativity in setup may be required.

Other than that, the Motor Force wheel is responsive and accurate. It’s very easy to set up – being a USB plug-and-play system. Users will do well to remember that calibrating the wheel is something that happens with each individual game, rather than in any form of Xbox menu.

In other words, the wheel reports like a normal controller, rather than needing special software or the like.

The Motor Force also comes with twin vibration motors built in. This transfers all rumble-function reactions to the wheel, creating a rather pleasing feedback when playing games.

The Motor Force is not the fanciest wheel on the market, but it gets the job done rather well. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Easy to use • Gear shifter

CONS:

• Some dodgy suction cups • Quite high

Manufacturer: Atomic Distributor: Sensation Labs Online: www.take2.co.za RRP: R1429

TECH SPECS: • 250 degree rotation • 25cm wheel • Gear shifter • Plug and play • Vibration

Score

An uncomplicated, effective peripheral for use with your Xbox 360 driving games.

80 35

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 3300-HD TV Card

PCVR?

A handy TV card for your PC

by Walt Pretorius

F

or a few years now, home entertainment has been becoming more and more consolidated, with the PC – believe it or not – becoming a central hub for a lot of the entertainment activities a family undertakes. In fact, it’s not all that uncommon to see a PC box near a TV these days.

But the paradigm can be shifted. In truth, it has shifted, with media-dedicated PC systems having replaced a rather old idea… using your PC to watch TV. TV cards have been around for ages and, as TV evolves, so have they. With new technology, they now are capable of more than just good old analogue TV. Hauppauge make a range of TV cards for all tastes and applications. The WinTV-HVR 3300HD, for example, is an excellent card to plug into your PC to watch TV on. Why you would want to watch TV on your PC is really up to you, but this card opens up a few very enticing options.

36

The card can receive three kinds of TV signal – analogue PAL TV, digital satellite TV and terrestrial digital TV. The latter is redundant in this country, of course, but the previous two mean that every kind of TV transmission in South Africa is covered by this card. The card handles HD signal too, which is fantastic if it is something that you are receiving (in other words, paying subscription for.) At the moment HD TV isn’t really that big in South Africa, but it will doubtlessly get bigger here in future.

On the up-side, the card allows for the recording of TV programming onto your PC hard drive. The card has a built-in scheduler that will allow you to programme recording as and when you need it, on a daily, weekly or once off basis. It can do this for all supported transmission formats, turning your PC into a satellite TV PVR. It also has inputs for devices like video cameras, which is handy.

The unit also comes with a great multi-function remote g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

that will allow the user a number of handy functions, including one touch recording, volume adjustment and a host of other things. The only rub with the remote control is that it requires an extension cable to be run from the back of the PC (where the TV card’s plugs sit) to a point where it would be able to detect the remote’s infra-red signal. It’s not a train smash, but it does add an extra wire into the mix.

Whether or not this device is for you is entirely a matter of taste. The way that entertainment is going, the need for a TV card is not really an obvious one – aside from the very handy recording facility that this particular card grants the user. Home entertainment may have evolved beyond the TV card, at least in terms of the mass market, but there are doubtlessly many people still out there who want a reliable way to watch and record TV on their PC. If you’re one of them, this product is definitely a good bet. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Records TV • Multiple signal types

CONS:

• Bit of a niche item

Manufacturer: Hauppauge Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R1125

TECH SPECS: • Analogue TV • Digital Satellite TV • Video Recording • Remote • Auxiliary input • HD TV support

Score

If you’re after a TV card for your PC, this one is a good bet.

75 37

Logitech Harmony 300ii Remote

In Control

A more reasonably priced alternative

by Walt Pretorius

A

few months ago, we took a look at the Rolls Royce of universal remotes – the Logitech Harmony 900. This rechargeable remote has its own cradle, an LCD screen and all the bells and whistles that one would want from a high end timesaver. But it also has a hefty price tag that not everyone can – or is willing – to pay for a device of this kind.

Logitech, being the smart folks that they are, have options available for the money-conscious homeentertainment nut (if there is such a mythological beast.) The Harmony 300i, for example, is a great device for those who want to simplify their entertainment activities and clear up all that remote control clutter, but don’t want to have to sell a kidney to be able to do so.

At first glance, the Harmony 300i is much simpler than its bigger brother and, on paper, it is. It does not have a cradle, features no LCD screen and is not rechargeable (unless you buy rechargeable AA batteries to use with

38

it.) But it features more or less the same functionality as the 900, and can deliver very similar performance. It does not require any form of extenders or auxiliary receivers, either. It’s just an uncomplicated, easy-to-use, effective remote for small to medium (cost) entertainment set-ups.

The Harmony 300i controls TV, satellite, DVD (and Blu-ray, naturally) and VCR or auxiliary devices. The list of brands that the device supports is a bit over 5000, and growing. Logitech have a dedicated online service which gets updated with new brands and devices on a daily basis. The user simply goes to this service, and downloads the ‘drivers’ that they need (according to what they have plugged in to the TV, and what TV they have, for that matter). These are then programmed into the remote via a USB cable. It couldn’t be simpler, really, and the end result is extremely effective. With so many brands covered, it’s very rare that the user won’t find what they need – and let’s be honest, the real entertainment junkie knows that it’s all about the big brand names. g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

But the Harmony 300i goes even further to making one’s life simple. A single press of the “Watch TV” button will turn on everything needed for that activity.

In addition, the user can store favourite channels in four quick-access buttons (to avoid scrolling through endless lists). The overall layout of the buttons is sensible, too, with buttons grouped according to function. A simple press of one of the “My Devices” buttons will activate the remote for the correct unit, and the user can make use of the remote exactly how they need to.

It would have been nice to see a function for use with entertainment system amplifiers, but this device is perhaps aimed at a market that wouldn’t necessarily make use of one of those higher end toys.

As a lower cost alternative, the Harmony 300i is a great device. It does lack some of the higher end functionality of the Harmony 900, sure, but it is an effective controller for those with aspirations to big entertainment set-ups without the cash to back them up. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Easy to use • Well designed • Good price

CONS:

• Not rechargeable • No amp support

Manufacturer: Logitech Distributor: Logitech Online: www.logitech.com RRP: R349.99

TECH SPECS: • • • • • •

TV DVD / Blu-ray Satellite Auxiliary Programmable One button operation

Score

Versatile and powerful, although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of its bigger brother.

82 39

Nintendo 3DS

Believe Your Eyes.

Better than phat, lite or XL?

by Brian Murdoch

I

’ve had a 3DS for two weeks prior to launch and my eyes have been thoroughly enjoying it. The 3D screen is amazing and the only flaw is that your friends next to you can’t see what you’re doing. The 3D is very accurate, and the option to adjust or to turn it off completely is great (even if just to save battery power). The 3D does not work so well in the dark, though. It may result in eye strain in low light conditions – yet another great reason for the 3D slider.

The 3DS camera is nothing to write home about and modern-day photographers will not like it. This is a great toy to add little effects and changes to the picture but they can only be viewed correctly on another 3D screen. The 2D version is not high resolution and images look pixelated.

The SD card has become so important that you can no longer remove it while the system is on. There are bits of

40

game data that are saved on the SD card for easy reading.

The Nintendo 3DS Sound (N3Sound) application has improved itself by not only having interactive games to play while you listen to your music but playing mp3 files.

It can’t, as of yet, play wma but load as many mp3 music files as you can onto that SD card and you’ll be able to play them all from the N3Sound application. The volume on the system is not great but this can be sorted with a good pair of headphones.

The smallest of things can matter a lot when in the hands of a gamer… for example, moving the wrist band grip on the console to the front so that it can be placed around the arm more comfortably. Owners of the 3DS do not want to drop their console because I’m sure the smallest of bumps might send them back to the store crying that the 3D or gyros don’t work anymore, so the strap placement g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

is important. The built in pedometer is less useful than the Pokéwalker because of the 3DS size. The feature will make more people take it out with them, but it can’t be used to measure all their walking in total. Only the first 1000 steps give you coins and I find myself making sure I have the first 1000 steps and then not carrying it around after that... Mainly in fear of breaking this new precious toy.

The battery life is actually worse than previous models because of all the sleeping features. The sleep mode of the console does use up less battery, playing but it still draws power. The street pass and pedometer features will continue to draw power… add this on the extra power drawn for 3D during gaming and you have less time with your console that before. This is helped slightly with a docking station included in the box because players will

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

find themselves putting their 3DS in the docking station every day. There is a brightness setting that will buy you a few more minutes and a power saving mode, but in the end the console has a short life span in terms of power.

Nintendo always had a friend code for every game, but if you have a friend that you always play with each time you buy a new game friend codes need to be swapped again.

Now, with the 3DS, this all falls away… only one friend code is needed with this new device.

The built in games that come with the console are there to demo the amazing features of the console. Not that you are going to get a full blown Zelda or Mario game... These are just samples of all the features so that if you only bought Nintendogs + Cats you could still try out the AR without having to buy a specific game. On that point, the “AR GAMES” is the game that everyone will be demoing

41

to each other on the console. By placing a normal printed card on the table, pointing the 3D camera at it and looking at the screen, boxes, targets and dragons appear to come out the table and the player must shoot at them, not only by pushing buttons but by moving the console around them. 3D, AR and sensors picking up the movement of the console make for an all-encompassing gaming experience.

There is even a mode where you have to shoot a pin ball with a pool stick and use the curvy environment to get the ball into a goal. This is all happening on the table that just has a card on, lava pits and all.

Face Raiders is another game on the 3DS, out-the-box.

Take a picture of a friend’s face (or even better, an enemy) and that 3D photo of the face is placed on an object in the game. Shoot the faces before they break the background picture or kiss you. Getting a tennis ball in their mouths is very amusing and scores seem to be higher when the player does not like the face… well that’s what happened

42

with me and people at work, anyway...

The D-Pad is a great improvement but it does feel a little flimsily to me. When it comes to games like Street Fighter, when you can play with both I use the direction control pad and not the D-Pad because I need to make more precise movements.

The 3D games will come in different forms… those that have 3D features and then the true 3D games. The games with 3D as a feature are a pain for those with older consoles because the new 3D games have an extra edge on the top right to stop them from being put into the older consoles. So if the game plays fine in 2D and only every now and then needs 3D, then why can’t I play it on the old console? [It’s called ‘sales’ I believe – ed] The full 3D games are sweet, with effects that you would never have dreamed of seeing on a handheld. The different angles given by the 3D lead to a greater immersion for the player.

Some players don’t have such a sweet tooth and will find g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

that their favourite game is played in 2D because they can’t play 3D for too long.

When you have bought your 3DS I recommend protection… even if you can’t get a 3DS cover kits, the Logic3 DSi XL cover will work fine until the 3DS ones come in. The screen protector and stylus will not help much but I’ve taken my 3DS onto the beach and everywhere else, knowing it’s safe in a case.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is a very big step up in DS models and every DS player is going to want one. Whether the new features and enhancements are worth the price just to play older DS games on depends on your pocket, but for the new games it’s a must in more ways than one. As the games flow in, and they will, the developers will continue to do more with the advanced Nintendo features and tools provided, which gives the gamers better games. g

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• 3D with no glasses • Better OS • Improved

CONS:

• One person viewing • Battery life

TECH SPECS: • 230 grams • 134 x 74 x 21 mm • 1300 mAh battery • Card Slots: 3DS, DSi, DS, SD

Manufacturer: Nintendo Distributor: Core Group Online: www.nintendo.com RRP: R2799

The 3D effect is great when the games put effort into it. The console brings a good range of new features.

Score

94 43

Sony Ericsson Xperia X8

Experience Android Smart phones becoming smaller

by Charlie Fripp

M

obile phones have become the must-have item in today’s busy world. And as technology grows, so does the need for smarter phones, but these can cost a pretty penny if the wrong one is selected. Sony Ericsson recently released the Xperia X8, and while it’s small enough to fit into any pocket, it has a huge heart that will be perfect for users who aren’t too familiar with current smart phones.

The phones measures around 99.0 x 54.0 x 15.0 mm, making it pocket-sized, but users can be forgiven to think that it houses a slide-out keyboard. Bundled in the box are a couple of different interchangeable back covers, which seems to cover the whole spectrum of users, as it included two shades of blue, a pink and a grey cover.

On the front of the phone, three buttons are located near the bottom, which makes for the menus and back buttons, although the phone has a full touch screen. Above the 320 x 480 screen sits the headpiece, the light sensor and alert

44

light, while the power button, charge port and headphone jack is situated on the top edge, above that.

Digging into the menu and start screen, the main four actions are situated in the four corners, namely messaging, music, address book and the dial pad. Its real easy access and those actions will be most used, so there is no need to enter complicated menu to navigate around.

Using the Android operating system, anybody familiar with it will easily know their way around, but if not, it’s not the most difficult thing to do. To access the menus, a simple upwards slide on the capacitive screen will get you there, and then users are free to explore as they will.

It features all the expected applications that come standard with an Android phone, such as Facebook, YouTube access, Google Maps, Gmail, a handful of games and a GPS in the form of Navigation, all which are very easy to get to.

One of the problems with the phone is the size of the g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

screen. Most smarts phones these days have fairly large displays, and it seems like a thing of the past to go smaller and smaller.

But with the size of the screen comes the problem in typing. In order to squeeze all the buttons into the QWERTY keyboard, they had to be made minute. This could be a problem for people with big fingers, as they will really have to concentrate to type the right keys.

And because the screen is capacitive, trying to type with a nail will result in no registration, making it a tedious and long task to do something simple.

Although the phone runs off the Android system, users of previous Xperia phones will also feel at home, as it’s virtually identical to earlier models.

But, the phone is great for its purpose and perfect for users who don’t want a big and bulky smart phone. It can keep up with some of the better models on the market, and is sure to fit the pocket quite neatly as well. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Android based • Pocket-sized • Interchangeable back covers

CONS:

• Small screen • Battery life • Very sensitive touch screen

Manufacturer: Sony Ericsson Distributor: Sony Ericsson Online: www.sonyericsson.com RRP: R3999

TECH SPECS: • 320 x 480 screen • 128MB memory • MicroSD™ support • 99.0 x 54.0 x 15.0 • 104.0g • Android 2.2 • 3.2 Megapixel camera

Score

It’s a great phone that serves its purpose, and will easily fit in a pocket.

76 45

Orb Xbox 360 Magnetic Induction Charging Disc

Too Cool

An excellent Xbox 360 recharging option

by Walt Pretorius

O

ne of the great things about writing for a magazine like Gladget is that you get to see things that are extremely cool. Because, let’s be honest, most consumer technology is just that – it is driven by the ‘cool factor’ just as much as by anything else. Functionality, design, construction… and of these things are only ever equally as important as “how cool is this?”

OK, maybe not, but the fact is that “cool” sells as much of the tech and gadget stuff we look at as the other factors mentioned. And why shouldn’t it? Cool is… well, quite frankly, cool.

And Orb’s Magnetic Induction Charging Disc for the Xbox 360 is, not too put too fine a point on it, really super cool. For a device that, on the surface, just lies around all day, it has cool cornered.

See, there are many ways to charge your Xbox 360 controllers, if you’re using rechargeable options. You might have a charge and play kit, which is handy, but doesn’t leave you without wires all the time. Or you can have a

46

charging dock (with Orb themselves making a very nice one that we will be looking at in an upcoming issue) but there you have to make sure that the controller is seated properly. That’s not really a problem, but it does take a little extra effort.

With the magnetic induction disc, you pretty much just lay your controller down on top of it. That’s all. Sure, you need to make sure that the controller is facing the right way, but it can’t really be laid down the wrong way… it wouldn’t fit. Just as long as the battery (provided with the disc) is in contact with the magnetic charging area, you’re good to go. And, being magnetic, the charging area sort of “pulls” it into the right position anyway…

The disc will charge up to two controllers simultaneously, provided those controllers are fitted with the specialised batteries that come with the disc (each disk comes with two.) An LED ring in the centre of the charging area indicates the level of charge, changing from red to blue as the battery recharges. g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

“OK”, I hear you say, “but you cannot play while recharging.” True enough… until you apply a little lateral thought.

See, the batteries don’t need to be attached to the controllers to charge… they just need to be on the plate.

So, while you’re using the one to power your controller, you can be charging the other.

If your controller runs out of juice, a quick battery swapout will solve the problem. It’s quicker than plugging in a charge cable, and still leaves you with the freedom of wireless play. It’s ingenious, really. Of course, you just have to make sure that you place the depleted battery back on the plate…

Magnetic induction technology is popping up everywhere, and the nature of the Xbox 360 controller (with battery packs that can be changed) makes it perfect for it. This is a truly stylish, uncluttered and above all cool recharging option for Xbox 360 owners. And the battery life is great, too. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 6 • A p r i l 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Totally cool • Uncluttered • Good battery life

CONS:

• Only Xbox compatible

Manufacturer: Orb Distributor: Sensation Lab Online: www.take2.co.za RRP: R439

TECH SPECS: • Magnetic induction disc • 2 batteries • Xbox 360 compatible • USB powered • LED charge indicator

Score

A clever, neat and reliable way to keep your Xbox 360 controllers charged up and ready to go.

98 47

Dragon Age II

The Champion Some new ideas emerge

W

hen BioWare ended their long running relationship with the publishers of Dungeons & Dragons, there were a number of people that wondered what would become of high-grade fantasy role-playing video games. The D&D mark had appeared on many games that were considered definitive of the genre – like Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights – and the sudden vacuum created seemed vast.

But BioWare have never shied away from a challenge, and they soon filled the gap with a fantasy setting of their own creation… Dragon Age: Origins. Set in a world of BioWare’s creation, Dragon Age did not rely on the orcs and goblins and beholders that were associated with the D&D franchise. Rather, this whole new world introduced players to a realm that, while adhering to the tenets of high fantasy, offered players new settings and ideas.

48

by Walt Pretorius Dragon Age: Origins was a hit – players loved everything from its complex, branching story-line through to its almost traditional, top-down approach to game play. It allowed versatility, not only in what the player could have their character say or do, but also in the way that the player could experience the game – through a high camera angle, or close in, more like a third person adventure.

The inevitable sequel – Dragon Age II – brings a few changes with it. While it still offers the same kind of fantasy fare that role-playing fans love, it takes a few new angles in approaching the idea of a fantasy role playing game. Some are for the better, but a handful may raise an eyebrow or two.

While the story in the original game followed a branching model, the tale of Dragon Age II is set. It is presented retrospectively, with an ex-associate of the player’s character telling the tale to an interrogator. Varric, the

g ga lma ed cgceat rvei d v ieeow g •a m i ses u• e i s1s7u e• 6N o•v eAm p rbiel r 22001110

dwarf who assumes the role of narrator, adds some interesting embellishments to the tale (some of which are actually rather amusing) but sticks to the story for the most part. So, at the beginning of the game we already know that Hawke (the player’s character) is the Champion of Kirkwall, and that they had a great influence on the events that lead to the current instability and chaos in the realm. What the game play sections of Dragon Age II shows is how Hawke got there.

It’s an interesting idea, and one that BioWare have used well, exploiting elements like Varric’s embellishment to keep the narrative very entertaining. However, astute readers may already have figured out that this means the game is not possessed of a branching storyline. It has a distinct beginning and a distinct end and, aside from a few minor detours along the way, it stays its course for the most part.

gladget video game • issue 6 • April 2011

In other words, the story is, in role-playing game terms at least, linear. While this may get fans of the genre shouting and screaming, it is important to keep in mind that BioWare have successfully used linear tales in some of their other role playing titles – notably the Mass Effect series – and the deviations in plot that come about during play, thanks to the players decisions and reactions, keep thing fresh for more than one play-through.

Another apparent limitation is that the player is restricted to a human character, unlike the varied choices they were offered in the first Dragon Age title. Hawke can be male or female, and can be a fighter, rogue or mage… but the character will always be human.

Once again, though, this formula has worked in other BioWare titles. Perhaps accepting the fact that BioWare have a story to tell in the Dragon Age series, and that story necessitates the sacrifice of certain liberties that

49

role-playing fans take for granted will make the pill a little easier to swallow. These ‘guided choices’ do not ruin the game, not by a long shot. In fact, they facilitate the telling of a very interesting tale.

What does truly limit things in a number of ways is the setting of the game. All the action in Dragon Age II takes place in and around the city of Kirkwall, Hawke’s new home after fleeing the destruction of Ferelden. The setting is quite varied, ranging from the clean, beautiful streets of Hightown through to the dark, dank squalor of Darktown and even the verdant reached of the surrounding areas, but this variety starts disappearing rapidly through the 30 hour course of the game. This feeling of repetition is amplified by actual repetition within the game: many of the dungeons and cavern areas that the player explores will be repeated over and over again. The only difference will be which areas the player can access. This strips away a

50

massive amount of exploration in the title, and can result in a bit of frustration.

Thankfully, this is mitigated by the two elements that every role-playing game relies on more heavily than others; character interaction and tactical combat.

Character interaction is very slick in Dragon Age II. Hawke is (thankfully) fully voiced this time around, allowing the player to make use of an interaction wheel very similar to the one in Mass Effect. The player is even guided by icons which show whether a given response will be aggressive, friendly, flirty and so on. A look through the manual is advised, though, because some of the icons used may be a little obscure.

The voice acting in the game is superb. Aside from ‘proper’ conversations, the three other characters in the player’s party will constantly chat with each other. Mixing the characters up will have different results. Varric will try

gladget video game • issue 6 • April 2011

a bit tricky, though, and the player will need to pause to readjust it, at least. Also, the AI governing the non-player characters isn’t always the brightest; they’ll fight well, but won’t always take health potions, even if instructed to do so in the game’s generally simple and effective tactics setup. The player will need to do a little baby-sitting, but not too much.

On the whole, Dragon Age II provides the player with a thoroughly enjoyable experience that can be replayed a few times. The story is strong, and the game’s presentation – in terms of graphics and sound – is excellent. It may bring a few new ideas into the mix, but they’re not bad ideas… just different. Role-playing fans should certainly give this one a try. g

AT A GLANCE: Although some new ideas may raise an eyebrow or two, Dragon Age II is solid, good quality roleplaying stuff.

Developer: BioWare Publisher: Electronic Arts Distributor: EA South Africa

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

18+ gladget video game • issue 6 • April 2011

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

PC Platforms

flirt with the pirate temptress Isabella, while she will have rather odd conversations with a naïve Dalish Elf who joins the group, and so on. It makes for some entertaining stuff while travelling around Kirkwall.

Choice of character is very important within the game, because different characters may open different dialogue options if they are present when necessary. This can enhance the story, and even earn the player an edge every now and then – but it is tricky to predict which characters may be needed. It’s easier when it comes to combat, though, which is another area where the right choice is important.

The combat in the game is intense, and the player can (depending on difficulty level) have as little or as much control over their team-mates as they like. The camera, which is a bit tighter in in this version of the game than before, can make keeping an eye on the combat

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS PS2

Score

86 51

Crysis 2

One Man Army A breath of ‘awesome’ in the genre

A

few years ago, a first-person shooter appeared that blew everything else clear out of the water.

Developed by little-known Crytek, Far Cry was a game that managed to elevate the level of the firstperson shooter experience to new heights. It introduced a number of ideas that have become canon for the genre, and took the ideals of player freedom and sandbox-style game play within an FPS game in new, original and very exciting directions.

The game was originally published by Ubisoft and, when the French publisher and Crytek parted ways, the developer lost rights to the franchise. Far Cry 2 was published and developed by Ubisoft talent, leaving Crytek free to move in yet another fresh direction. The result was Crysis, which was released through Electronic Arts.

Crysis added another dimension to FPS gaming, by giving the player access to a new piece of equipment; the nanosuit. This body covering piece of hardware brought a new kind of strategy and equipment management approach to the genre. Not only did the player need to think about weapons and such… now their armour

52

by Walt Pretorius

became an integral part of the way the game was played.

It allowed for different options and approaches to every situation in the game, giving the player a freedom of expression that is generally lacking in FPS games.

Needless to say, the success that Crysis met resulted in the development and release of a sequel, quite simply names Crysis 2.

In the year 2024, New York City has come under fire on several fronts. A mysterious viral outbreak in the city devastates the population, and forces the government to institute a quarantine over the metropolis. A state of martial law ensues, enforced by a private military corporation, rather than by government forces. And then the aliens arrive, occupying the city and adding to the hell that the residents face.

It is into this rather messy situation that Crysis 2 drops the player. Taking on the role of Alcatraz, a member of an elite military squad, the player initially travels to the city as part of a reinforcement squad. But things go horribly wrong, as they always do in games that require a one-man army, and the player find themselves alone in the city, with angry paramilitary types baying for their blood on one side

g ga lma ed cgceat rvei d v ieeow g •a m i ses u• e i s1s7u e• 6N o•v eAm p rbiel r 22001110

and aggressive, brutal aliens killing everything that moves on the other. Friends are few in Crysis 2, but the player once again has the greatest ally a warrior could want… the nanosuit.

Actually, this time around, it is the nanosuit 2, and as that name implies it has seen a few upgrades. As before, the nanosuit enhances the player’s abilities as a warrior. It can cloak, for ultimate stealth. It can boost the character’s physical abilities, making him stronger and faster. And, of course, it can become super-tough, providing the player with near-impenetrable armour. All of these abilities require power to work, and only one can be used at a time.

The nanosuit’s internal power is drained while any of these powers are in operation, but it recharges quickly once the power is deactivated. Balancing power consumption with selecting the kind of power that will allow the player to take a preferred approach is a large part of the game’s strategy, and it allows a versatility in game dynamics that means each play-through can be an entirely different experience.

But the nanosuit 2 has a new trick up its sleeve. The player can now purchase and use modules that modify

gladget video game • issue 6 • April 2011

the suit’s performance. These include things like masking the sound of footsteps, improving power consumption, tracking enemies and a number of other options. The catch is that only a limited number of these can be used at the same time, and only in certain combinations. This adds to the versatility of the suit yet again, and allows the player to balance the way the suit performs to match their desires.

The nanosuit also provides the player with visual aids, by way of a HUD. In addition, the player can make tactical assessments, marking targets and objectives so that they will always have an idea of what’s going on strategically.

The nanosuit also provides the player with nanovision, a sort of thermographic visual mode that is very handy in poor light conditions, and can be turned on or off at will. It also consumes power, though…

The game does a great job at keeping the player involved. Aside from loading screens, everything happens from the character’s perspective. The awesome weapon modification system from the first game is back, and is done not via menus, but rather “in the field”. The same counts for the nanosuit’s modifiers, which are accessed via

53

the suit’s left glove. In short, very little here will drag the player out of the game world, which adds to the immersion of the experience.

Something else that adds to the engrossing nature of this game is the presentation. It is, visually speaking, the most impressive game we’ve seen in… well, ever.

The richness of the environment, in all its squalor and destruction, comes not only from the extreme level of detail put into it, but also from the way that everything looks completely in place. Even the aliens look like they belong. The lighting of the setting is also very impressive; it never feels forced or directed. Rather, it plays across surfaces and reflects naturally, making everything look really real.

In addition, the sound is excellent quality, with superb surround sound helping bring the setting to life as gunshots echo through the near deserted streets of New York City. And the biggest plus is that this high degree of presentation is maintained across all consoles and a wide specification variety of PCs; Crysis 2 will look and sound good on virtually any gaming system. And it feels good, too – the controls are perfectly trimmed for performance,

54

leaving the player feeling more connected to the game than most ever achieve.

It’s not all perfect, unfortunately. Even though the AI is very clever, allowing for fluidity in battles that is nothing short of awesome, every now and then an enemy will not notice the player, or will behave in ways that scream “bug”. This does take away from the experience, causing a jarring anomaly in an otherwise beautifully crafted game world. But these incidents are relatively rare.

In addition, the multiplayer, which grants each player access to a nanosuit and makes for some excellent displays of super-soldier skill, is a bit unbalanced, favouring stealth and sniping over other approaches.

Even with these problems, Crysis 2 is a shining example of what a first-person shooter could, and should, be. It grants the player the ability to take varied approaches in a beautifully constructed setting, and keeps the action well-paced. The story is rather interesting too, enhancing the experience even further. If you are a fan of first-person shooter games and are looking for something that will thrill you nine times out of ten, you need look no further than Crysis 2. g

gladget video game • issue 6 • April 2011

Despite a handful of small issues, Crysis 2 is a shining example of what an FPS could – and should – be.

Developer: Crytek Publisher: Electronic Arts Distributor: EA South Africa

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

18+ gladget video game • issue 6 • April 2011

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

PC Platforms

AT A GLANCE:

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS PS2

Score

96 55

Homefront

Live Free… …or die trying. A lot.

T

he future is, as many people say, uncertain. Sure, we can watch trends and political manoeuvrings and try to predict where things are going, but there are a great many “what if” factors that can affect outcomes and create unforeseen situations. Homefront is a game that poses one of the “what if” questions…

Actually, it poses a few of those. What if Korea became unified under North Korean rule? What if the newly formed country would then begin invading and occupying its neighbours? What if it turned its sights on the USA, and launched a crushing, full scale invasion of the world’s last super-power?

It comes down to a lot more than that, this supposition.

America is weakened by a failing economy and high oil prices as well, for example. But the idea that is crafted by the story of Homefront is an interesting, even compelling one. It is well put together and very clearly thought through. The end result is an excellent back story to the game, and one that is resplendent with “historical” details (seeing as how the game is set in around 2027) of how things came to be where they are.

But the story is one of the only things that Homefront

56

by Walt Pretorius manages to get right. As a single player game, it leaves a bit of a bitter taste in the mouth – particularly after all the hype that THQ poured into the title. It is, for all intents and purposes, a rather run-of-the-mill first person shooter that does nothing particularly original.

The action in Homefront is standard shooter stuff. Find cover, shoot enemies, don’t get killed. The game’s high points don’t come from the player controlled combat, but rather arise from a number of the set-pieces and cutscenes that the game has on offer. These are designed to put the player through an emotional wringer, seeing a once powerful nation reduced to labour camps and dirty rebels fighting out of hidden bases. Sometimes the game goes a little too far in trying to squeeze out every ounce of shock value, though, and by the end of the single player campaign, those experiencing it may well be a little desensitised by the game’s all-out assault on the senses.

When it comes to combat, Homefront can be thoroughly unforgiving. There is only one difficulty setting, and the game will often spring nasty little surprises (like very accurate snipers that shoot the character stone dead before he has a chance of even knowing that there

g ga lma ed cgceat rvei d v ieeow g •a m i ses u• e i s1s7u e• 6N o•v eAm p rbiel r 22001110

of which implement very interesting ideas (like a best of three round in which the losing team actually loses ground). In addition, the game uses experience points to improve the player’s in-game persona, and a system of battle points to unlock different equipment and vehicles while the game is underway. With a 32 player roster on some maps, it gets pretty intense.

South African gamers may have been frustrated with the multiplayer at first, because the battle codes (which grant the player the ability to level up beyond level five in multiplayer) had numerous issues locally. That, thankfully, has been sorted out.

If you’re not expecting a revolutionary single player experience, and a better than average multiplayer game, then Homefront is an option. But the shortness of the single player campaign, and several of the more anachronistic elements of the game, may leave players feeling a little cheated.. g

AT A GLANCE: It’s a passable game, but it isn’t the FPS revolution we were lead to believe it would be.

Developer: Kaos Studios Publisher: THQ Distributor: Ster Kinekor

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

18+ gladget video game • issue 6 • April 2011

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

X360 Platforms

is combat going on, let alone sniping.) This results in numerous cheap and frustrating deaths throughout the course of the single player campaign. The action is broken up with some vehicle based stuff, like flying an attack helicopter (although the controls here leave a hell of a lot to be desired.) And then, just as the story builds up an awesome head of steam, and you figure you’re about half way – maybe two-thirds – through, the credits roll.

Homefront is one of those games that deliver a very short single player experience (only around five hours.) Their numbers are growing, and it’s not a good state of affairs.

This is made even worse when you consider the fact that Homefront is graphically dated, and does nothing to make you sit up and take notice beyond a few shocking cutscenes. The voice acting is not terrible, but that doesn’t do much to make up for the single player game’s other failings.

On the multiplayer front, things are rather different. This is the second sector in which the game redeems itself and, while Homefront is far from being the most original multiplayer FPS around, it does enough to elevate it above average. There are several game modes, some

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS PS2

Score

77 57

Top Spin 4

Deuce!

Tennis scores an advantage

W

hen gamers think of tennis, visions of the old 8-bit characters spring to mind, but luckily with today’s technology, those days are a thing of the past – which brings us the latest release in the genre, Top Spin 4.

While the normal Exhibition matches can be played with any of the included 20 real-life tennis stars, the actual magic is in the Career section. To no surprise, players will have to create a character and outfit them as they wish. Choosing clothing and equipment shouldn’t be too difficult as it has no effect on the player’s performance.

Starting out as an unknown athlete, players will have to participate in a number of matches before then can start to make a name for themselves. A coach will also provide unique opportunities for skill bonuses and an increase in stats, but that will only happen if his requirements are

58

by Charlie Fripp met.

The player’s career window is presented as a calendar, with each month having a number of matches scheduled.

Players can only participate in matches if they meet the requirements, otherwise they will have to wait until the next year.

While the coach can give players a boost in stats, athletes will also accumulate XP as they start winning matches. The XP collected can then be spent on upgrading the player’s stats, which will make him faster, or grant stronger serves and better reflexes.

One of the simplest things of the title is, surprisingly, the control scheme. With tennis, it seems that timing is a huge factor, and although it is to a degree in the game, making the perfect shot doesn’t solely rely on it.

Players will get four basic shots, namely top spin, slice, lob and normal, with each shot corresponding to a

g ga lma ed cgceat rvei d v ieeow g •a m i ses u• e i s1s7u e• 6N o•v eAm p rbiel r 22001110

have to squint their eyes and guess which athletes are which. There are also some small touches that make the game just the extra bit involved, like detail on the referee’s chair and the odd water bottle on the side of the court.

But, being a sports game, certain graphical aspects have been neglected. Although they don’t hinder the game or the flow, it’s just small little things that players might notice. For example when the ball is hit to the back of the court, the linesman won’t move, resulting with the ball going straight through his body.

The game is great for tennis fans, and can turn out to be highly addictive. Although there are some niggles with the graphics, it’s generally in good stead and the easy controls will make for a good pick-up and play game.

Most of the great tennis players are present, so everybody will easily find a character to match their own style. g

AT A GLANCE: With all the great players and easy controls, the game can be highly addictive.

Developer: 2K Czech Publisher: 2K Sports Distributor: Megarom

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

3+ gladget video game • issue 6 • April 2011

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

X360 Platforms

face button on the controller. All that a player has to do is get the timing right in order to execute a power shot, otherwise it reverts the played shot into a normal stroke.

If one doesn’t get the timing right for a power shot, then the shot’s placement will make all the difference, which is just as important.

Aiming is done with the left analogue stick, and although there isn’t any visual interpretation as to where the shot is going to go, players will have a fairly good idea as to its placement.

There is naturally a longish tutorial in the beginning of the game, but it all comes down to just practicing shots and experimenting with placement and shot selection.

Top Spin 4 has also followed the route of many other sports games by giving the player a practice arena before entering into the main menu.

The graphics are great, to the extent that players won’t

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS PS2

Score

82 59

The Battle of Britain DVD Seen

A few centuries before WW2

60

gladget dvd • issue 6 • April 2011

Centurion Michael Fassbender and Olga Kurylenko star in an epic film about the Roman occupation of Britain… and how the Picts just didn’t give up in their struggle against the invaders. Fassbender plays Quintus, a Roman centurion who joins the legendary General Virilus Ninth Legion as they march north against the Picts. A disastrous turn of events sees Quintus and a handful of survivors fleeing for their lives as the Picts relentlessly pursue them.

Centurion is a messy movie, full of heads lopped off, limbs severed and blood splashing about. But the gore is an integral part of a film which is well paced, beautifully filmed and expertly acted. It is possessed of excellent pace, with a breathless quality that drives the desperation of the Roman heroes home with the viewer. Excellent performances by Fassbender and Kurylenko, as well as the rest of the cast. Make Centurion a film well worth watching.

These performances are supported by excellent production values, which give the film a great feeling of authenticity… from the uniforms and weapons through to the strange, almost alien language spoken by the Picts.

If you enjoy historical films – or even just good action flicks – make sure you add Centurion to your must-see list. It’s not deep, or even necessarily intelligent – but it is a great bit of escapism. g

DIRECTOR: Neil Marshall DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 16V Score

STARRING: Michael Fassbender Dominic West Olga Kurylenko

81

MOVIE

OF THE MONTH gladget dvd • issue 6 • April 2011

61

DVD Seen

Borderland

When the perfect family moves into a small gated community, they soon become the talk of the town.

The Joneses live what appears to be the perfect life, complete with all the latest wonderful possessions that everyone must have. But all is not what it seems; the Joneses are really a group of marketers, selling their clients products through a new form of really direct advertising.

Starring David Duchovny, Demi Moore and Amber Heard, The Joneses never quite reaches the levels of satire that it aspires to. That said it is an entertaining film that ranges from cute to downright dark, and mixes elements of black comedy and drama together quite nicely.

The film is mediocre in terms of production values, with cinematography and editing that are not exemplary, but not bad either. It doesn’t try to rise above telling its story, for the most part, and while it doesn’t come across as shocking as it might hope, it does have a message to deliver.

The performances by Duchovny and Moore are acceptable, although he does outshine her in a number of scenes. Derrick Borte’s direction isn’t pedantic, but he doesn’t try to push any boundaries either. In short, it is an enjoyable, if slightly average, film. g

62

DIRECTOR: Derrick Bort DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 13LN Score

STARRING: David Duchovny Demi Moore Amber Heard

75

Films based on true events can sometimes spark a bit of a panic in the back of the viewer’s mind, but often it’s hard to believe what certain people go through.

Borderland is supposedly based on the events around Adolfo de Jesús Constanzo, a religious nut who practiced human sacrifice.

The plot loosely revolves around the kidnapping of university student Mark Kilroy in 1989, but in the film it follows the abduction of Phil from a carnival. It is later revealed that Phil’s captures practice Palo Myombe, which requires a human sacrifice.

The film stars Brian Presley, who has minor roles in films like Streets of Blood and Once Fallen, and Mexican actress Martha Higareda, who acting in films like Street Kings and Smoking Aces 2.

Although the acting in general is OK, it could have been a lot better, but it’s often the case with straightto-DVD films like these. Zev Berman, who was also behind the lens of gems like Amy’s Orgasm and Briar Patch makes good effort in his directorship.

The film has an age rating of 18+, and it truly deserves it. Not only is the violence plenty, but the nature of human sacrifices is enough to make any filmgoer a bit queasy. g

STARRING: Brian Presley Jake Muxworthy Rider Strong

DIRECTOR: Zev Berman DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 18V Score

The Joneses

65

gladget dvd • issue 6 • April 2011

Dorian Gray

A very capable cast is assembled for The Other Man, a drama based on the novel of the same name by Bernhard Schlink. When the owner of a top software development firm, played by Liam Neeson, discovers that his wife has been leading a double life with another man for more than a decade, he decides to track the other man down and confront him.

The cast is rounded out by Antonio Banderas and Laura Linney, with all three chief cast members delivering performances that are solid and sometimes surprising. The surprise comes particularly from Banderas, who plays a part quite different to what one might expect.

Director Richard Eyre takes this drama and cleverly weaves tragedy and outrage together in a film that is not really complex, but manages to remain compelling right through the twists and turns of its plot. It’s not really the cleverest of stories, but it does manage to keep the viewer watching as it unfolds, and manages to veer away from predictability without using cheap twist tactics.

There’s not much action to be had in this film, but it doesn’t need any. It presents a story that is interesting and often compelling rather sensitively, and while it might not be Oscar wining material, it is worth watching. g DIRECTOR: Richard Eyr DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

gladget dvd • issue 6 • April 2011

FPB Rating: 13LN Score

STARRING: Liam Neeson Antonia banderas Laura Linney

77

This retelling of Oscar Wilde’s gothic horror classic is directed by Oliver Parker and stars Ben Barnes, Maryam D’Abo and Colin Firth. As the literary work on which it is based, it tells the tale of a young socialite who captures the imagination of London in the 1890s.

A talented painter, taken by the young man’s beauty, creates a portrait of him. But there is more to this portrait than meets the eye, as it begins preserving him from harm… and even aging.

The themes of aestheticism, duplicity, influence and responsibility run deep in this film. While it may take on horror elements from time to time, it tends to be more of a dark drama. Those after a few good scares would do well to look elsewhere, but viewers after a lot of depth may well enjoy this film.

Parker’s pacing in the film is slow – he delves into detail which, while necessary for the tale, does slow the narrative down from time to time. Still, his handling of the subject matter, as well as the actors, is very good. The result is a deep, dark drama that, while not particularly shocking, is entertaining, believable and often thought provoking. g

STARRING: Ben Barnes Maryam D’Abo Colin Firth

DIRECTOR: Oliver Parker DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 18SNV Score

The Other Man

79

63

DVD Seen

The Great Debaters

Piranha is your typical action/disaster film similar to the vein of Lake Placid, Dante’s Peak and Tornado, but obviously it stars a pack as really hungry and very angry piranhas. This version is a remake from the original, but it doesn’t come anywhere near in terms of creativity.

For a bit of clarity on the scenario, an earthquake rips a hole in the floor bed of a nearby lake during Spring break, and naturally it releases a pack of piranha that has been thought to be extinct for millions of year.

The film does have a couple of good name actors in it, but sadly they don’t deliver to the quality that regular film goers will be used to. Hostel director Eli Roth makes a small cameo appearance, while Ving Rhames and Carlos from Desperate Housewives deliver some lines.

For those who are out for a film with a lot of blood, a lot of unnecessary nudity and weak dialog and plot, the movie will be a treat. It’s by no means the worse film ever, but it perfect for a Friday night with the guys.g

64

DIRECTOR: Alexandre Aja DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 18VSLD Score

STARRING: Richard Dreyfuss Elisabeth Shue Jerry O’Connell Jessica Szohr

69

Based on a true story, The Great Debaters is a film that tells the story of the first all black debating team to take on a white university in competition. Set in 1935, the film stars Denzel Washington (who also steps up as director) and Forest Whitaker.

Melvin B Tolson, a college teacher and activist, inspires a group of students to learn the art of debate, and begins them on a journey that sees them winning debating competitions all over the USA in a time when racial tensions are at an all time high.

While this film could easily have devolved into a series of racial issues and accusations, Washington’s direction is sensitive and even. He goes a long way to show the viewer a more realistic measure of the situation, and concentrates on the story, rather than on the issues surrounding it. Where these do crop up, they are balanced and relevant, making the film more of a retelling of a story than a soap-box.

Good acting and cinematography help to bring this little known story to life, and the performances of the supporting cast, including Denzel Whitaker (no relation to anyone else in the film) are powerful and moving. g

STARRING: Denzel Washington Forest Whitaker Denzel Whitaker

FPB Rating: DIRECTOR: Denzel Washington 13LV DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

Score

Piranha

79

gladget dvd • issue 6 • April 2011

The Room

We don’t often get to see Israeli made films. This makes The Assassin Next Door (which was originally called Kirot) something of a treat. It is an edgy thrillerdrama that has a very unique feel to it – almost it was made on a very tight budget. Yet, despite what appears to be a film made on the cheap, the movie manages to provide the viewer with an engrossing tale of two women who see an escape from their lives in each other. One is an unwilling assassin, forced to kill by the Russian mob, played by Olga Kurylenko. The other, played by Ninette Tayeb, is a grocery store clerk with a abusive husband. At first the only thing they share is an adjoining wall in an old apartment building but, as the film progresses, a strong bond forms between them as they try to help one another out of their respective situations.

While the film could have gone the way of most films that seem to have a shoe-string budget, director Danny Lerner manages to keep this one on a level that doesn’t descend to cheap shock tactics and unnecessary, gratuitous scenes. It’s pretty slow in places, but tells an interesting story none the less. g

DIRECTOR: Danny Lerner DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

gladget dvd • issue 6 • April 2011

FPB Rating: 16LV Score

STARRING: Olga Kurylenko, Ninette Tayeb

72

French films have a bit of a chequered reputation, despite French involvement in top notch movies like Taken, The Professional (aka Leon) or The Fifth Element. The Room is not likely to join that group of movies, though… it is the kind of film that lets one realise why French cinema has that reputation.

The film tells of a severely dysfunctional family that discover a mysterious, dangerous room in their house that was never there before. One by one the room claims its victims as the film progresses.

First off, this film is dubbed, and extremely badly at that. As if the original actors weren’t bad enough, the ham acting of the voice cast is so bad it’s laughable.

This combined with a plot that is rather flimsy and extremely predictable, make for a painful viewing experience. Director Giles Daosut leads his cast like a lost explorer, trying at times to be shocking (and failing miserably with every attempt) and at others to create strong emotion in the viewer (with such heavy handed techniques that the viewer cannot help but become disconnected from the characters.)

The cinematography is average, the editing is extremely poorly paced and the overall feel of the film leaves a bad taste in your mouth. It doesn’t just fail as a shocking thriller… it fails as a film entirely. g

STARRING: Pascal Duquenne, Caroline Veyt, Philippe Resimont

DIRECTOR: Giles daoust DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 16LV Score

The Assassin Next Door

20

65

Teach yourself!

Migrate your US/UK Xbox Live account to South Africa

How To

by Christo van Gemert

S

et the scene: you got one of the original “fat” Xbox 360s when they first hit the shelves. Now, it’s a few years old and starting to show its age. Maybe it’s got a noisy DVD drive, or it suffered from that infamous red ring of death, recently.

Obviously, with a steady collection of games, you want to replace it with another Xbox 360. Those games won’t complete themselves, and you can brag about your achievements (and Gamerscore).

Either way, you’ll need to transfer your content and licenses. This isn’t limited to just people who have Xbox Live – if you’ve never used the service, you’ll still want to transfer your content and game saves to a new console.

In the case of those who have Xbox Live, an extra step is added to the process. You could also have just upgraded the hard drive on your original Xbox (a 250GB hard drive upgrade kit costs less than R1 000), and moving your content from the old hard drive to the new one is going to

66

be something you’ll need to do.

The Switchover If you’ve got a regular old Xbox and want to transfer data to your new Xbox, it’s pretty simple. With the last dashboard update (the operating system for your Xbox) Microsoft added a feature whereby your Xbox can store data on a USB flash drive. The maximum size of the flash drive can be 16GB (which you can buy for around R500), but the Xbox sees it and treats it like a regular storage device. This means you can copy your data to the flash drive from your old Xbox, and then plug it into your new Xbox and copy it from the flash drive.

Now this won’t be possible if you haven’t applied the latest software update, in which case you will need to get a hold of a hard drive transfer kit. This is a special USB cable that has an adapter for the old Xbox hard drive connector. It also comes with a CD that has the required software for transferring data from one drive to the other. gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

Pop that CD into your Xbox and it runs you through the process.

The Upgrade You’ve reached the storage limits of your old 20GB or 60GB hard drive, and want to upgrade. This is a fairly straightforward process. Your new 120GB or 250GB hard drive upgrade kit comes with the hard drive transfer cable and transfer software. After you’ve installed your new hard drive, you’ll just connect your old hard drive to your Xbox using the transfer cable. Pop that transfer software disc into the Xbox and it’s plain sailing from there.

The Transfer If you’re on Xbox Live and have downloaded any content, pay close attention. In any case of moving content from one hard drive to the other – whether it’s through a new Xbox or just a hard drive upgrade – you’ll need to transfer your licenses.

Long story short: the licenses for your Xbox Live content gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

is tied to the unique identifier of your hard drive. This is all part of a strict piracy prevention scheme, and when swapping drives is the only time you really run into the disadvantages of the system.

Fret not, fearless gamer, because there is a tool for this specific scenario. Microsoft allows you to transfer the licenses once a year, using an online utility. Basically, you can transfer the licenses for the content downloaded on your old Xbox, to the new Xbox. This way you will be able to use it without a hassle. If you don’t go through this process there’s a chance that you’ll need to be signed into Xbox Live to use any of your downloaded content or, worse, you may not be able to access it at all. Microsoft’s guide for transferring your licenses is available on Xbox. com, at the following address: http://www.xbox.com:80/ en-US/Support/LicenseMigration/FAQ. g

67

Money Machines Are ATMs all that different?

Same Difference

by Brian Murdoch

T

he ATM is something that most of us have grown up with and some take for granted. With every store now having a card machine we don’t even need to walk around with cash, until you get to the car guard. Even driving from Johannesburg to Durban and using the toll gates does not required cash because there are speed points that you can just use your credit card, or give your credit or debit card to the toll attendant. But the need for cold, hard cash will never really go away, so ATMs are a necessity – because no-one likes bank queues.

The average ATM has an array of functions but the main use of the machine is to draw money from your bank account. In South Africa there is a wide range of banks and most people don’t notice that there are differences between the machines that they use. Going into details of which banks offer which services and so on will get a bit

68

laborious, so let’s stick to the idea of getting your hands on some cash.

You know where your account is kept and to save money you might only draw money from the ATMs provided by your bank. Drawing money from other banks costs extra because of the cross transfer of money from one bank to another. The fees are different for each bank and even for each type of account.

As seen in the comparison list, with the extra options of language and receipt display left out, there is one main difference I wanted to focus on and that is money first or card first.

As explained in one of my psychology books, “How things work?”, in my second psychology year of study, the main goal on a person’s mind when going to an ATM is money. Once this money has been received, we move on gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

Nedbank Cash Process Card In -> Pin -> Amount -> Account Type -> Card Out -> Money (no wait) -> Slip Language Selection: Yes

Standard Bank Cash Process Card In -> Pin -> Amount -> Account Type -> Card Out -> Money -> Slip (no wait) Language Selection: No

FNB Cash Process Card In -> Pin -> Amount -> Account Type -> Money Out -> Card Out -> Slip (long wait)

Language Selection: No

ABSA Cash Process Card In -> Pin -> Amount -> Account Type -> Card Out -> Money -> Slip

Language Selection: Yes

to our next goal (if there is one) which, most of the time, is spending of money. Goals with some people have no inbetween bits and if this is the case your card and receipt might be left at the ATM because the money was given to you first. There is a large amount of psychology and thought put into most things (even as small as position of doors) that effect consumers but the ATM is one left behind. While some banks have different reasons for their ATM setup, the one mentioned above is important for most people.

The best ATM of all is the one that does not need to return your card. There are these quick ATMs mostly found in petrol stations that don’t take your card, but need them placed in a slot and then quickly removed. The transaction cannot start unless the card is successfully read and is back in your hand. Here the worst outcome gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

possible is leaving your receipt behind, which isn’t overly serious – unless the next person in line can benefit from seeing your bank balance.

There is also the issue of language. With 11 official languages in our country, you’d think that language selection would be at the top of the bank’s mind. Banks can get away with English, being the international language, but it would be nice to have the option for better understanding. In the comparison only half of the four most popular banks give language options.

Thinking and having security on your mind at an ATM is a good thing, but don’t forget your card, or worse, concentrate on what I wrote here, remember the card and leave the money behing. It can happen… I speak from experience. g

69

Finger Blisters The phones that would not die

Dead End

by Alex Scanlon

T

elephones have become such an incredibly common sight these days that it is hard to imagine a time when they weren’t carried around in people’s pockets and handbags. Cellular telephones are so common these days that seeing people communicate constantly – even, annoyingly, while driving – is commonplace.

But before the 1990s, when cellular phones began becoming a common sight (and more about why that is can be found in this issue’s Inner Workings section) telephone communication was restricted to landlines. In fact, in the days before mobile phones, the term “landline” wasn’t in common use at all. It was just a “line”.

There was one term that was commonly used, and is still used today in terms of telephony: dial. When we make a phone call, we ‘dial’ the number. This piece of parlance dates back to a number selection system that dominated telephony for around 40 years, and is still in use here and

70

there today… the rotary dial.

The rotary dial is a circular device mounted on the front or top of a telephone (which is more than likely corded, as wireless devices also only became common more recently.)

This disk could be rotated, and had ten holes around its edge – for the numbers 0 to 9. By putting a finger in a marked hole, the person could rotate the dial as far as a finger guard would allow. The dial would then rotate backwards… those that remember these kind of phones will recall the unique sound dialling made. It was a sort of a “zip”, followed by a number of clicks as the dial returned to its original position.

These clicks were the key to how the system worked.

On the inside of the phone, connected to the dial, is a device that would send pulses to the telephone exchange.

The number of pulses was determined by how far the dial turned – in other words, the number that the user gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

“dialled”. Once the switchboard received a complete sequence of pulses (or a telephone number, is basic terms) it would then complete the connection, and the person dialling would be able to chat to the person they were calling… provided, of course, that the person they were calling was at the other end of the line. You couldn’t carry these around, remember?

Pulse dialling first came about in 1879. Even back then ideas of push button phones were being suggested, but pulse dialling – and the rotary phone – won the day because it was the simplest of all the systems. Up until then all telephone connections had been handled by human operators, so the new automated system had to slot easily into existing networks. Pulse dialling was the simplest route.

The first commercial installation of a rotary phone took place in 1892, with the ‘modern’ version seeing the light gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

in 1904. By 1919, rotary phones entered service in the then mammoth American Bell System, and held on the slot for quite some time after the first touch-tone phones were introduced at the 1962 World’s Fair. The reason why the change wasn’t instant was for the same reason that pulse dialling was implemented in the first place; upgrading existing systems and networks was costly and time consuming.

The last rotary phone was installed in… well, that hasn’t actually happened yet. The technology may be long in the tooth and hobbling along behind a pulpit walker, but in some parts of the world you will still find rotary phones. While most telephone networks no longer handle pulse dialling, the pervasiveness of the system and the toughness of the devices means that it has survived, to a degree. But the cell phone, which can be found in almost every corner of the Earth, will eventually put paid to it. g

71

Moving Words Chatting on the go...

Inner Workings

by Charlie Fripp

M

illions of people around the globe all use cell phones on a daily basis. Although they are widely used, the variety and functionality that they come in is seriously staggering, and there seems to be no finding of their limitations.

But the concept of two-way communication is not a young one. Regardless for the fact that cell phones really started making in impact in world communications in the late 90’s, the concept is more than a hundred years old.

The idea and first functional telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, and although it might be considered the forefather of cell phones, the technological device can actually trace its roots back to Nikolai Tesla’s invention of the radio. Out of interest, the first mobile phone to be approved by the FCC in the US was the DynaTAC in 1983.

See, in essence a cell phone is nothing more than a very

72

powerful and extremely sophisticated radio. In the way that the world works, it was only a matter of time before someone had the idea to combine the telephone with the principle of a radio.

Before we can understand how cell phones work, we need to take a look at an older technology, namely a walkie-talkie, CB radio or radio telephones. For the latter, it used a central antenna (usually only one per town) to broadcast the signals and only had 25 channels. That meant that not a lot of people could use it at the same time.

But that is where the beauty of a cell phone comes in.

The “cell” in cell phone refers to a grid or city that has been divided into smaller cells, kind of like a pizza cut into very small pieces so that everybody can get a slice.

Where a walkie-talkie or CB radio has only one channel, called half-duplex devices, where two people communicate gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011

73

over the same frequency allowing for only one person to talk at a time, a typical cell phone network has over 1600 channels. That makes a cell phone a full duplex device, so that users can talk over one frequency and listen through another.

So once again, a cell phone is a radio, in essence, that receives and broadcasts signals to another cell phone on the same channel. It does become a bit tricky to explain properly, but because a typical city uses about 800 frequencies, a lot of people can use it at the same time.

The cells in the grid are generally divided into 25km areas, with each area having a base station in the middle.

Because cell phones and base stations use low-power transmitters, the same frequencies can be reused in nonadjacent cells.

Since there are many base stations in a city of any size, it’s these base stations that allow for a conversation to

74

remain uninterrupted as the user moves along. While driving through a cell, that cell’s station detects that the signal is getting weaker, and the next station is noticing an increase in signal strength. The two stations then coordinate their signals and hand-off to each other. Roaming comes into effect when the user’s signal gets handed off to a tower other than their networks.

As technology moved along from first generation hardware (1G) to the current use of 3G technology, it has become increasingly easy for mobile phone companies to accommodate more users.

So looking back at the intricate workings, we can summarise that a cell phone is very much like a radio, which broadcasts a signal to another phone using one frequency, while making audio possible by receiving the sound through another. g gladget regular • issue 6 • April 2011