Gladget Magazine September 2011

Virtually Social Social Network Services are changing the world

I S S U E 1 1 / Vo l . 1 September 2011

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

” is a trademark of the same company.“Ô” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

Resistance 3™ ©2011 Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. Published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Developed by Insomniac Games. “Resistance 3” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. All rights reserved.

“2”, “PlayStation”, “PS3” and “À” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “

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myresistance.net

Inside 6 From the Editor

8 Virtual Society Social Networking Services redefine human interaction 14 Photography Primer Post-production is an art form 20 Reviews Hardware and software to own.

56 DVD Seen Some DVDs to watch - or to avoid 66 Money to Burn Where zebras come from 68 Inner Workings How to see in 3D 70 Dead End Film: not quite dead yet...

Competitions 41 Logitech F540 Wireless Headset

THIS MONTH’S COVER Social networking services are changing the way we communicate.

See the feature on page 8.

cover art by Katia Taliadoros

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gladget contents • issue 11 • September 2011

Reviews

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Logitech F540 Wireless Headset

24

Epson Stylus Office BX635FWD Printer

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Canon EOS 7D DSLR Camera

28

Verbatim Portable USB Audio Bar

30

Nitho 3 in 1 Gamer’s Headset

32

SanDisk 4GB Mobile MicroSDHC Card

33

Go Rock Mobile Speakers

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HEC UA100A Universal Notebook Adapter

36

Go Rock Cube

38

Select Photo Studio Third Edition (PC)

40

Verbatim 2.1 Multimedia Portable Speaker System

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution (X360)

GLADGET Volume1Issue 11 September 2011 Editor: Walt Pretorius walt@gladget.co.za Writers: Charlie Fripp Bryan Banfield Dylan Bouch Alex Scanlon Rob Edwards 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.

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Rugby World Cup 2011 (X360)

CREATED USING

Adobe CS5

MASTER SUITE

52

UFC personal Trainer (X360)

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From Dust (X360)

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 11 • September 2011

Copyright © 1337 Media CC 2009 - 2011

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Easy Money!

From the Editor

by Walt Pretorius

I

have decided that I am going to retire. The time has come to hang up the gloves and go live a life of leisure on some tropical island, sipping exotic drinks from coconut halves on a beach – appropriately adorned with little umbrellas and equally exotic swizzle-sticks – while watching the waves gently lapping at virgin sands of a deserted shore. I can do this because apparently I am wealthy.

No, we haven’t all made small personal fortunes here at 1337 Media. We would love to be able to say that but, as a wise mentor once told me, journalism is a calling, because you don’t do it for the money. Rather, this sudden fortune has arrived because I have won the lottery. The oddest thing is that I never bought a ticket. But still, the email telling me that I have won gives me the reassurance to know that I never have to work again.

In fact, I win the lottery regularly.

At least once a week, in fact. I guess that it’s apathy that has kept me from

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cashing in. Or maybe it’s the fact that I do not really trust an email sent from a Gmail or Yahoo account telling me that they’re this official from that organisation. Surely the mail would come from an email address related to that organisation? Or maybe it’s the nasty spelling. Perhaps lines like “we advice you to contacts our clams department forthwith”. Forthwith?

Do people even say “forthwith” anymore? And why would a company need a clams department?

Seriously, folks, why do 419 scams still exist? Are we still, in this age of freely available information, so extremely gullible that we think there are people out there who want to give us money simply because we have an email address? Or that want our help to move tons of money out of a country, in return for a cut?

The fact that these mails still arrive with alarming regularity would imply that sneaky buggers are still able to fleece people, even though it is widely known that 419 scams are just that – scams.

Even worse, now these industrious ne’er-do-wells are using rather official sounding emails from banks to try and work their evil schemes. I got an email from my bank the other day, advising me that my details needed to be checked, or something, and that I should supply them with all kinds of sensitive information. I didn’t, because I have never actually banked with the institution that the mail came from. It seems that they are just ‘blanket-bombing’ the Internet and hoping that they catch a couple of easily fooled folks with their efforts.

The Internet can pose dangers on many levels, not least of which are these scam artists. So, before we get on with this issue of Gladget, please heed this advice: if it looks even remotely strange, don’t do it.

Make a phone call to confirm (not to any numbers given in the email, of course.) Do a bit of research. The need for protecting ourselves from unscrupulous operators is still with us. g

gladget column • issue 11 • September 2011

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Virtual Society Social Netwrokinf Services redefine communication

Feature

by Alex Scanlon

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gladget feature • issue 11 • September 2011

O

ver the last few decades, life – particularly on a social level – has become a lot more complicated.

As technology continues to progress, keeping communities tied together becomes more difficult: the pace of modern life has increased to such a point where a simple gathering of friends (something that wasn’t extremely difficult to accomplish a few years ago) has become more and more challenging. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is that the world has become more demanding – people spend more time working. As a result, they generally have less leisure time, and tend to use that time for activities that gain the highest priority. Sometimes keeping up with friends and relatives just doesn’t get a high enough priority to get allotted much of that precious leisure time.

Part of this, at least, can be attributed to the steady increase in technology. In a consumer-society, technology can spur demand on in many ways, meaning that to meet that demand with an adequate supply, more work hours need to be dedicated to doing so. This is exacerbated by extremely competitive markets and consumerist ideals.

In short, people just don’t have time for friends and family anymore.

Oddly, though, it is the very march of technology that has seen the advent of social network services. It would seem appropriate to say that these services were created to combat the decay of society, but the truth is that they came from the same supply and demand system that has led to some of these issues. People had a desire to contact friends and family more easily. Some enterprising companies met the demand.

Although it seems that this is a fairly new phenomenon, the idea of providing users a platform for computermediated social interaction is almost as old as computing itself, and certainly as old as the Internet. Early services included things like Usenet, ARPANET and bulletin board services (BBS) to allow for social interaction via computer.

Generalised online communities began appearing in the mid-1990s, through services like Theglobe.com, Geocities and Tripod.com. Many of these services used the ideas of personal web pages combined with chat rooms.

However, the real growth of social network services began in the late 1990s, and carried through into the early 2000s. Sites like Friendster, MySpace, LinkedIn and Bebo revolutionised ideas in social network services, and soon became the fastest growing web services around.

gladget feature • issue 11 • September 2011

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But the true hero of social networking services is Facebook. Although it wasn’t the first social network service, it has grown to become the largest in the world, with around 750 million active users making use of it (as of July 2011).

In October of 2003, a Harvard University sophomore named Mark Zuckerberg released an online service called Facemash. This site was for Harvard students only, and was described as being that university’s version of Hot or Not; basically, photographs of members of the university’s nine houses were compared to each other, and the user would vote for the most attractive person. To achieve this, Zuckerberg hacked into protected areas of the Harvard computer network to access images. This landed him in hot water, and he was charged with breach of security, violating copyrights, and violating individual privacy.

Although he faced expulsion, the charges were dropped.

Soon thereafter, Zuckerberg launched Thefacebook, a service once again restricted to Harvard students. Amidst legal battles and numerous problems, the site grew, expanding to several other US universities. In 2005, the company changed its name to Facebook, and was opened to the general public in 2006. The rest is, as they say, history.

In 2007, Microsoft bought 1.6% of the company for US$240 million, giving the company an implied value, at the time, of US$15 billion. In early 2011, that figure had risen to an estimated US$50 billion.

Social networking services like Facebook have all but revolutionised the way people communicate and stay in touch. When including Facebook in its end-of-thedecade “best of” list, Entertainment Weekly said “How on earth did we stalk our exes, remember our co-workers’ birthdays, bug our friends, and play a rousing game of Scrabulous before Facebook?” But with the unique advantages that social networking sites offer come many questions and concerns about them and the effects they may have on their users.

The number one concern is, of course, privacy. While much of an individual user’s privacy is determined by that user, in terms of settings and responsible use of the network facilities, much of what is posted can be exploited by a number of third parties, ranging from large corporations through to sexual predators. While the enduser does need to exercise responsibility in using social networking services, it is also up to the company running the site to act responsibly. And often actions that may be gladget feature • issue 11 • September 2011

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gladget feature • issue 11 • September 2011

perceived as violations of users’ privacy might be agreed to in terms and conditions that few users ever take the time to read.

Data mining is aslo a concern. Using this method, companies can create customer profiles to perform direct marketing. In fact, some social network services promote activities very similar to data mining. Facebook’s advertising systems allow advertisers to directly access users based on listed hobbies and interests. Thankfully this is restricted to Facebook itself, and steps are taken to avoid violating user rights. Not every site will act this responsibly, though.

Through user settings, access to information can be limited on these sites. However, incorrect settings by a user who may not be aware of the steps that need to be taken can result in information falling into the wrong hands. In other cases, users have misused and misrepresented themselves, and even others, using social networking services… even leading to legal action being taken against them. There is even the phenomenon of “cyber-bullying” to contend with.

Further, researchers often show concern that these sites are damaging physical interpersonal communication, due to interaction being extremely easy, yet removed from the ‘personal touch’. In fact, many researchers believe that social networking sites may even promote “internet addiction”, something which many are starting to view as a legitimate mental disorder.

As with anything in life, careful use and moderation are key when it comes to social network services. Despite the possible problems discussed above, these services have had positive impacts too. Relationships are often stronger, and re-establishing contact with long-lost friends and relatives has become simpler. Staying in touch is also easier, and numerous activities – like games – allow further interaction. Further, interest groups built into many of these sites allow for new relationships to be forged. And let’s be honest, there is no easier way to arrange a faceto-face social function than notifying friends via a social networking service.

Sites like these are here to stay. How safe they are depends on the individual making use of them (we cannot expect big companies to do that for us, after all.) the same goes for how useful they may be in extending our social circles.

A little care is all that is needed: if it is correctly exercised, social networking sites can be a rewarding part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. g gladget feature • issue 11 • September 2011

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Photography Primer

But is it Art? Finishing touches

by Walt Pretorius

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g l a d g e t r eg u l a r • i s s u e 2 • N ove m b e r 2 0 1 0

PRESENTED BY

Adobe CS5

MASTER SUITE

L

ast month we spoke at length about how elements like composition can change a photograph from a snapshot to a masterpiece.

Hopefully you were able to see the advantages of planning a shot before hitting the shutter button, taking both technical and artistic aspects into account.

The story doesn’t end, though, once the photograph is taken. Even the most technically perfect shot may still need to be ‘processed’ before it is exactly where you want it to be. This brings photomanipulation into the picture.

Before we start, it is important to point something out: there is a school of thought that believes using a photo-editing program like Photoshop is cheating. But there are a few counters to this argument. First of all, no matter how good you are at using photo-editing software, it is impossible to make a silk purse from a swine’s ear. A photograph can be improved, sure, but a bad piece of source material will never be as good as a well edited end result taken from a good image.

Secondly, it would appear that a lot of so-called ‘purists’ (those that prefer film to digital) make this argument. I would argue that not one of those people have ever worked in a photographic dark room, where all kinds of wizardry, trickery and, yes, ‘cheating’ takes place.

In truth, it is the end result that matters. It is all that matters. How it was achieved is actually unimportant.

Right, off of the one soap box and onto another.

Many a great photograph, with tons of potential, is ruined by post-processing using photo-editing software. This happens for a variety of reasons, but one of the primary ones is that there is ineffective calibration between the monitor, PC and printer. Most printers will do what they are told, so the real issue comes from the user’s monitor not being properly calibrated with the photo-editing software they are using. In other words, settings like gamma, brightness and contrast on the monitor itself distort the colours of the image, leaving the final print looking rather different from what the user thought it would.

Each kind of software uses a different system for calibration. It is a good idea to do a little research into the process and take the time to do it. The end results will be much better.

Whenever you are about to engage in a bit of photoediting, there needs to be a one-word question

g l a d g e t r eg u l a r • i s s u e 2 • N ove m b e r 2 0 1 0

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Photography Primer

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gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

in the forefront of your mind: why? Why do you want to adjust the colours? Why do you want to make the image black and white? Why do you want to use certain effects? Why do you want to recompose it using the cropping tool? If the answer to any of these doesn’t seem satisfactory (like “because it looks cool”) then you may want to rethink what you are about to do to your photograph. Remember, art can be self-indulgent, but there is generally a reason for doing whatever is done. And, if that reason makes sense to you, it is good enough; there are no rules, remember?

That said, there are things that look good, and things that look bad. A vignette, for example. This soft fade to solid colour around the edges of the photograph was in vogue many years ago, and can still be used to create a nice impression. However, the photograph needs to be just right, imparted with a classic portrait feel, and probably with a very plain background. Putting a vignette around a picture of your dog while he chews his tennis ball just looks tacky. And vignettes around baby of wedding photographs are even worse… they look more like an attempt to introduce an artistic feel than an actual artistic decision.

The same counts for colour effects. Turning a photograph into a black and white picture doesn’t automatically make it artistic. Neither does increasing the contrast to a point where the colour and tone differences are so stark that it appears to be twotone.

The same counts for filters, effects and virtually anything else in a photograph. A bad picture will not be rescued by a vignette. A great picture could be ruined by turning it into a black and white image. The list goes on.

The truth is that there are no hard and fast rules in this matter. But the following should be kept in mind: each photograph is an individual project. Each photograph needs to be approached on its own, and experimented with. And while this experimentation is underway, it will serve the user to remember that less is more in many cases. Slight tweaks may have a far more profound effect on the final image than huge changes. A photograph will likely look better if the processing that has gone into it is less obvious.

But it all comes down to what the photographer wants to achieve with the final result. Sometimes a gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

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Photography Primer

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gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

photograph that has been heavily worked may look fantastic, as long as the work that goes into it is done for the right kind of reasons, as discussed about.

Giving definitive guidelines into getting the best possible end results is not possible, purely because there are far too many variables that come into play.

But there are certain things that can be advised to ensure that the photographer doesn’t go through anguish and heartache.

The most important of these is to never overwrite the original file. Keep your original, unedited images safe, because if you mess them up and then save them, there is no going back. Rather ‘save as’ than ‘save’ when you start working on a photograph.

Another guideline is to shoot everything in colour.

You may think, for example, that a photograph would look great in black and white while shooting it, only to discover that a colour version looks even better.

Besides, changing a photograph into black and white using editing software is simple, and having a colour original will provide you with a great many more options.

Also, never delete a photograph based on viewing it on the camera’s LCD screen. Instead, rather scrutinise each picture on a monitor before deciding to delete it or not. It’s not like you’re wasting film, and if you’re worried about space, buy some more memory cards for your camera.

It’s a good idea to start working your photographs as soon as possible after shooting them, so that the ideas you had are still fresh in your mind. And do not be afraid to experiment… as long as you keep your original safe, that is. Playing with the various things you could do can yield fantastic results.

Lastly, take a look at photographs by other photographers. There is plenty of source material on the Internet, and numerous sites that display top notch images. Try and see why they are good, what artistic merits they have. This is the best way to learn.

In the end, the decision is always yours, but always keep in mind that if something you do to the photograph doesn’t have a good reason, it is a senseless and unnecessary change. Feel free to experiment and play, but try to remain sensible. g

gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

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Reviews Highlights 22 Logitech F540 Wireless Headset Awesome sound, no strings...

26 Canon EOS 7D DSLR Camera Photographic masterpiece 30 Nitho 3 in 1 Gamer’s Headset Sound for all 36 Go Rock Cube Portable, practical and awesome

O

ur reviews this month are most certainly dominated by sound... protable speakers, PC solutions and headsets are the flavour of the month here at Gladget, so be prepared to learn about some great audio solutions.

In addition, we have finally got to take a look at the awesome Canon EOS 7D DSLR, a camera for anyone serious about taking great photographs. And if you need to edit them, take a look at our Photo Studio software review, too. g

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gladget review • issue 11 • September 2011

Logitech F540 Wireless Headset

Yes, Please!

Versatility… with no strings attached.

by Walt Pretorius

T

here are a few issues with using headphones for gaming. Overall, the experience is great, yes, but there are a few niggles, particularly when it comes to console gaming. First of all, there’s the question of the cable. If you play at your desk, using a monitor for visuals, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. That said the cable does get in the way sometimes.

Then there is the issue of in-game chat. It’s normally fine as far as PC gaming goes, but it gets tricky with console gaming. There are a few headphones out there that allow for it – some even allow for usage on multiple systems – but almost all of them require component cable inputs, which doesn’t work if you’re making use of HMDI cables. And then there’s that whole wire issue once again…

Logitech has as close to the perfect solution to all of these problems as we have seen, in the form of the Logitech F540 Wireless Headset. This rather bulky

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headphone set not only eliminates wires, but it allows for usage on virtually any system, with any kind of cable set up. And it’s not a pain to set up at all. Better yet, it can be left set up more or less permanently. Which is handy if you have more than one console.

It all comes down to the receiver. This box has plugs for component cables from the PS3 and Xbox 360, as well as an auxiliary audio jack, in the form of a 3.5mm input. It’s this last input that solves problems for HDMI users – if the monitor you’re using has a headphone out port, a jack to jack cable trakes care of things. Further, the receiver has a USB connection of PS3 chat. A removable cable that connects the headset to the Xbox controller takes care of Xbox chat. And, if you’re using component cables, the auxiliary port can be connected to virtually anything else.

The system makes use of 2.4GHz wireless, meaning fast, responsive performance. The sound quality is good, in terms of audio and chat, and independent volume controls (for chat or audio) built into the left earphone make things g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

even easier. In fact, all the controls needed are built into the headphones, including power, channel selection and microphone muting.

The noise cancelling mic can be fully adjusted, and features a mute light to show if it is active or not.

The headphones have an adjustable headband and comfortable, noise isolating earpads.

The batteries of the wireless headset can deliver up to ten hours of performance, depending on environmental and usage conditions, and are recharged via a generous USB cable that connects to the receiver. They can also be used while charging, which is a bonus.

This headset is a brilliant choice for gamers who want the freedom and versatility it provides. It costs a bit more than normal, wired headphones, but the expenditure is well worth it.

The excellent sound quality and comfort are beautifully balanced by versatility and little clutter. This headset is well worth every cent you will spend on it! g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Versatile • Excellent sound • No wires!

CONS:

• Bulky • Slightly pricey

Manufacturer: Logitech Distributor: Logitech Online: www.logitech.com RRP: R1 660.00

TECH SPECS: • 2.4 GHz • 3 channels • On-ear controls • 10 hour battery life • Fully adjustable • Laser tuned drivers

Score

Versatile, powerful and comfortable… everything you want in a gaming headset.

97 23

Epson Stylus Office BX635FWD Printer

The Little Things…

Added extras set this printer apart.

by Alex Scanlon

A

good printer is often invaluable, but these days it’s not enough to just produce fantastic print quality. The demands of the modern office mean that a printer has to be so much more.

Thankfully, printer manufacturers are coming to the party, offering products that cover a wide range of enduser requirements. One of those companies, much of whose reputation is based on their printers, is Epson.

The latest flagship for the Epson range is the Epson Stylus Office BX635FWD. This is a top of the line multifunctional device that will serve every office purpose beautifully. On the surface, it is a combination of printer, copier, scanner and fax machine. This is not that unusual, actually… there are many printers from Epson and competitors, that do the same thing. Rather, it is the collection of little added extras that set this particular unit apart.

In terms of print quality, as well as scanning, this device performs beautifully. It is fairly fast and not overly noisy, taking care of all its particular imaging

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functions effectively. It is also fairly compact, despite it’s somewhat large size. Paper is loaded into a tray at the base of the device, and is delivered onto a retractable receiver tray just above that, once printed. Multi-support card readers are built into the front bottom-left of the unit, too, adding quick printing functionality. None of these, though, are the added extras mentioned before.

The biggest added extra is Wifi support. The printer can connect to a network wirelessly, which can save a lot of hassles. It can also be connected to a hub via a LAN cable, saving the effort of printer sharing via a PC connection.

A fully functional front panel makes for easy operation away from a PC, too. And this panel can be tilted to the users preferred angle, which is a really nice feature. A ‘brake’ at the back of the panel stops it from moving once positioned, making for easy and comfortable use. The brake stops in eight different positions, from flush with the front of the unit to an angle of around 45 degrees.

Another excellent feature is that the fax-feeder at the top of the unit can be closed. Not only does this mean that g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

the device is neater (with fewer protrusions to be bumped and broken) but dust can also be kept out of the unit thanks to this feature.

The BX635FWD makes use of four separate ink cartridges, which is a bonus – Epson are not known for having the cheapest ink around, so replacing only what is necessary is a big help for the pocket. Ink levels can be accessed through a multifunction LCD panel on the front of the unit. It’s not touch sensitive, but the controls are easy enough to use.

On the whole, this is a versatile and reliable printer.

The added extras might not be massive influences in a purchasing decision, but they are great to have, none-theless. The paper tray can be a little finicky, but is fine once you get used to it.

This is a very good multifunctional printer, particularly for those who are looking for the reliability that Epson are known for. g

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Quick • Sensible design • Fairly quiet

CONS:

• Pricey • Paper tray

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

TECH SPECS: • • • • • •

Scanner Printer Fax Copier Wifi enabled 4 ink cartridges

Score

There are some nice added extras in this multifunctional device.

81 25

Canon EOS 7D DSLR Camera

Serious Stuff Big, bulky and brilliant!

by Walt Pretorius

W

hile any photographer worth his salt will tell you that a good picture can be taken with virtually any camera, having a top notch photographic device certainly helps. And, when it comes to creating items like that, Canon is one of the industry front-runners. They offer a wide range of devices for all kinds of skill-levels and tastes.

At the top end of their product list is the nighincomparable Canon EOS 7D. This monstrous DSLR is aimed at the high-end photographer, and any that fall into that particular category who make use of it will surely not be disappointed.

The 7D is big and bulky, and fairly heavy. But there is a sense of comfort that its size bring; it looks like it means business, and it feels capable and sturdy.

And mean business it does: with a powerful 18 megapixel punch, the 7D produces large, clear images.

Then again, there is so much more to this camera than its megapixel rating. Everything that has gone into the design of this device has been included with one

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purpose only – to produce images far above the quality of its competitors. And while others may argue that there are similar devices coming from other stables, the quality of images captured with the 7D is undeniable.

Photographers who want to be more involved in the creation of their images (by using manual settings) will be well served by this camera. It offers, for example, an ISO range that runs the gamut from 100 ISO through to 6400 ISO, making the camera both sensitive and fast. Whether used in low-light or high-speed conditions, it will serve its purpose extremely well.

Working with the manual settings on the 7D may be a little intimidating. The menus are not really user-friendly, as if the makers believed that people using the camera will be familiar with all the terminology. And so they should be; this is a photographer’s tool, and those who want to make snap-shots would be doing the quality of this product, as well as its wonderful versatility, a massive disservice.

The fact that there is actually an “auto” setting is almost a surprise. This camera seems to say that it expects g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

the photographer to tweak and adjust – to take things seriously, in other words.

That said, this camera doesn’t ake the photographer’s life difficult. In fact, it features numerous bells and whistles to help the photographer craft the perfect image. From an excellent 19 point adjustable autofocus system through to 63 zone dual layer metering, it’s crammed with features that will make a serious photographer drool. It even includes a 100% viewfinder, which helps immeasurably with initial composition of photographs. And, just as an added extra, it allows for full HD video to be captured as well.

There are only really two downsides to the 7D. The first is that it isn’t exactly cheap – but then again, one wouldn’t expect a device of this level to be inexpensive. The other is that it only makes use of compact flash memory cards… support for the smaller SD card range would have been nice. But this isn’t a train-smash by any means.

What we have here is a serious camera for serious photographers… and it is, quite simply, sublime. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Awesome features • Solid feel • Excellent image

CONS:

• Pricey • Limited memory card support • A little

Manufacturer: Canon Distributor: Canon Online: www.canon.co.za RRP: R17 499 (body) R20 000 (with lens)

TECH SPECS: • 18 Megapixel • 19 Point AF • 64 zone dual layer metering • 100 – 6400 ISO • Full HD video • Compact flash compatible

Score

A serious camera for serious photographers… this Canon is sublime.

98 27

Verbatim Portable USB Audio Bar

In the Bag!

Extremely portable laptop sound.

by Walt Pretorius

T

here are a great many notebooks on the market, all in varying shapes and sizes, with differing capabilities. But one thing ties most of them together; with very few exceptions, they have terrible speakers. And even though many notebook manufacturers have started addressing the problem only a few are getting it right – and then only on their higher end machines.

Most laptop users have dealt with this by using headphones, which deliver sound according to their quality. But what if headphones are not an option, and good sound is required?

Well, Verbatim has a solution for that exact situation.

It comes in the form of the Portable USB Audio Bar, and making use of it will ensure that your days of bad laptop sound are over. And we mean it. Despite the unit’s small size, the quality of sound that it delivers is excellent.

Surprisingly so, in fact, because we have seen bigger speaker systems perform much more poorly.

A mere 200mm in length, the Portable USB Audio

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Bar is easy to carry around – most laptop bags will have a nook that it can be put into. It connects to the notebook by way of a USB cable (although you may have to be connected to the internet the first time you connect it, so that the right drivers can be installed.) All volume and playback controls need to be used via the computer, as the Audio Bar has none.

The stylishly designed bar fits to the top of the laptop’s screen by way of two front mounted, sturdy plastic protrusions and a rear mounted swivelling clip. This is the biggest downfall of the device, because the distance between the clip and the protrusions cannot be adjusted.

If your laptop’s ‘lid’ is either too thick or too thin, it just won’t fit. Then again, it can just as easily be placed on a table-top, or even on the laptop itself, just above the keyboard. No mess, no fuss.

The unit houses two 40mm x 20mm pre-amplified, magnetically shielded speakers. They’re quite small, and the result is that the unit delivers only around 2 Watts (RMS) total output. That’s not extremely loud, but you g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

won’t have to strain to hear it either.

What is extremely impressive, given the diminutive size of the speakers, is the sound response they deliver across a range of tonalities. One would easily be forgiven for expecting tinny bass and distorting high tones, but the sound from the Portable USB Audio Bar is surprisingly good. It’s not of the quality that you’re going to get from a huge surround sound setup, but nor should it be. It performs its function admirably.

As a convenient and good quality sound solution for laptop users, Verbatim’s Portable USB Audio Bar is a great choice.

It will likely even surprise first time users with its crisp audio delivery, and its compact size means that it is easy to carry around.

Even better, it doesn’t require batteries or recharging, and setting it up is as simple as plugging the USB plug into an available port. If you need a reliable, effective and portable solution to nasty laptop audio, your answer is right here. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Good sound • Portable • Easy to use

CONS:

• Not very loud

Manufacturer: Verbatim Distributor: Verbatim Online: www.verbatim.co.za RRP: TBC

TECH SPECS: • • • •

200mm long 2 Watts (RMS) USB powered 2x 40mmx20mm speakers • Magnetically shielded

Score

A great solution for those tired of nasty laptop speakers…

80 29

Nitho 3 in 1 Gamer’s Headset

Lots of Plugs

A versatile and affordable audio option.

by Walt Pretorius

W

e have seen quite a number of Nitho’s products in the past, all of them related to enhacing console gaming to some degree.

In fact, all of them have either been for PS3 or Wii, with very little showing on the Xbox 360 front. We have been assured that we will be looking at some of the Xbox specific stuff in the future, but in the meantime we have the Nitho 3 in 1 Gamer’s Headset, which works with PC, PC3 and, yes Xbox 360.

Straight off the bat, we have to say that we’re a little disappointed that this headphone system demands the use of component cables. We kind of like HDMI here, and limitations in the way that the plugs on the Xbox work mean that you can’t try a jerry-rigged combination of the two if you want to be able to use this headset with an HDMI device. Of course, you can always try and find yourself a cable that has a 3.5mm jack on one side and two RCA plugs on the other. That will work just fine, and will add versatility to the set-up. But it will require

30

an extra purchase, and you may run into stereo problems.

Once you have the headphones set up, you’re in for a treat. The sound quality from these Nitho headphones is extremely good, with a beautifully wide range of tonalities.

To be honest, we were pleasantly surprised, not having expected such good performance from them. Not only is the sound crisp and clear, but it gets fairly loud, too, without distorting.

The same can be said for chat functionality. The highquality microphone won’t let you down, either on PS3 or on Xbox 360.

If you’re planning to use these headphones with multiple systems, you may find yourself juggling the plugs a bit, as they cannot be permanently set up to all three compatible devices at the same time. It’s a bit of PT, but nothing that will break your back.

The headphones are foldable and fully adjustable, and are very comfortable to use, even for extended periods of time. The ear cups are generous in size, and do not g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

place undue pressure on the user’s ears. The adjustable microphone can also be unplugged from the earpiece when not in use, for added comfort.

The headphones need to be plugged in to a USB port to be used. They are USB powered, and will therefore consume one port no matter what device they’re used with. This seems a bit redundant for Xbox usage (on PC and PS3 the USB port delivers microphone supports, as well as sound on the PC.) But that’s the way they’re designed, so you kind of have to live with it. The cables for the component plugs and the USB plug could have been a bit longer, and may result in needing to rearrange things a bit, if they’re too short.

The overall cable length is fairly generous, and an inline volume switch has separate controls for game and chat volume. There is no mic mute function, but then again, you can just unplug the microphone.

On the whole, these are a versatile and good quality headset. They do the job they’re mean to rather well. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Great sound quality • Versatile • Sturdy

CONS:

• Component cable usage required

TECH SPECS: • • • • •

PC PS3 Xbox 360 USB powered 3.6m cable

Manufacturer: Nitho Distributor: Gammatek Online: www.gammatek.co.za RRP: Xxxx

Score

Versatile and well built, these headphones still suffer from the ‘component cable’ complex.

79 31

SanDisk 4GB Mobile MicroSDHC Card

Tiny Space It’s small, but it’s big…

by Alex Scanlon

W

hen it comes to solid state memory, few names are as highly regarded these days as SanDisk. Sure, they are still relative newcomers when compared to other manufacturers, but their innovations and extreme quality are nothing to be sneezed at. They have developed a reputation for making top notch stuff, and deservedly so.

So when we’re given a SanDisk SD device to look at, we’re still happy, even though there isn’t a whole hell of a lot that you can say about an SD card in a review.

Still, the Mobile MicroSDHC Card, which is aimed at mobile phones, is a great little card. And we mean little.

How they store 4GB of data on a card half the size of a postage stamp (and a small postage stamp at that) is beyond us.

For all the klutzes out there, this card is both water and shock resistant. So, if you accidentally drop your mobile phone in the toilet, for example, you can rest assured that your micro SD card will be fine (even though your phone will probably be screwed.)

The SanDisk Mobile MicroSDHC Card also ships with an SD adapter, should you want to use it with devices requiring a larger card. g

32

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Small • Lots of space • Tough

CONS:

• Don’t lose it!

TECH SPECS: • • • • •

4GB MicroSDHC SD Adapter Waterproof Shock proof

Manufacturer: SanDisk Distributor: SanDisk Online: www.sandisk.com RRP: R69.00

Score

Another great SD product from SanDisk.

79

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Small packages and all that…

by Alex Scanlon

N

ow here’s a little bit of awesome. It’s the perfect solution of people who want to find the balance between carrying good sound around while still travelling light. The folks over at Go Rock have developed a pocket-sized speaker system that will really impress.

This rechargeable stereo speaker set is held together by powerful magnets in the bases of the units. When you want to use them, simply split them apart, connect the retractable power cable from one speaker to the other, plug the retractable input cable into your music player (like an MP3 player or phone) and hey presto!

Awesome, fairly loud sound. Those that want a little extra bass can extend the speakers a bit, thanks to a concertina system, but we didn’t notice much of a difference.

With great sound, a USB recharge function and retractable wires, these are pretty much the ultimate in portable speaker solutions. The sound clarity is excellent, with little to no distortion, and the battery life is pretty good too.

And the price? Well, that’s excellent too, making these diminutive yet extremely good speakers and excellent g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

deal to boot. Music fans who want something they can use anywhere to share their tunes with friends seriously need to look no further. g

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Small • Convenient • Excellent sound

CONS:

• No real difference in ‘bass boost’

TECH SPECS: • 4W output • 6 hour battery life • Retractable cables • USB charging

Manufacturer: Go Rock Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R299.00

Score

These diminutive speakers are big on quality!

95 33

Go Rock Mobile Speakers

Dynamite!

HEC UA100A Universal Notebook Adapter

Power for Everyone A useful, if niche, item…

by Rob Edwards

H

ave you ever been in a situation where a person desperately begs you to find out if you have a charger compatible with their notebook? We have. Now we’re not going to pass judgement here…

OK, we are. Surely carrying your recharging adapter with you is logical?

But we cannot ascribe common sense to everyone.

In fact, common sense seems to be pretty uncommon these days. So, the next time you are faced with that situation, wouldn’t it be nice to help the person out while you look down your nose at them? Sure it would… you could feel helpful and superior all at once.

In order to achieve that satisfying feeling, though, you will need a device like the HEC UA100A Universal Notebook Adapter. This smart little item isn’t something that everyone is going to buy, but it would come in very handy as a back-up charger in an office environment – or even as a replacement charger for someone who needs a new one. It would even be extremely useful if travelling with more than one notebook.

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Quite simply, it is a charger that will work perfectly with any of the world’s leading laptops. It does this by coming with eight interchangeable tips that will interface and provide power to virtually any notebook you can think of.

Some won’t even need a tip, increasing the configuration options to nine.

Some care does need to be exercised when using the device, though, because different laptops require different voltages.

An in-line dongle features six dip switched to change voltages, and the system therefore supports laptops with 15V, 16V, 18V, 19V, 21V and 24V requirements. Just be sure to check on the base of the laptop to make sure which voltage is required before use.

As well as having standard wall socket functions, this unit can also draw power via USB. If we have to be brutally honest, we can’t see where we would use this around the Gladget offices. But, equally honestly, we cannot deny that it would be a useful device in many situations… one of those things that you would g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

rather have and not need than need and not have, really.

It’s a versatile device that is easily portable, and would add immeasurably to the arsenal of travelling businessmen and other people who need to carry a laptop around with them.

An added bonus for those travelling overseas is the USB charging facility, which means that if you’re stuck without the right kind of wall socket converter, you can still milk someone else’s PC for power.

On the downside, the eight included tips are small, and may easily be lost.

Then again, if you’re the sort to buy this kind of device, you’re probably going to be the sort who always knows where your car keys are and pedantically organises everything in your laptop bag. You probably won’t lose these.

Whatever your reasons may be for getting the HEC UA100A, you can rest assured that it will deliver excellent, reliable performance. It is a bit of a niche device, but it is one that can prove extremely handy, none the less. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Versatile • Reliable

CONS:

• Bit of a niche item

Manufacturer: HEC Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R499.00

TECH SPECS: • • • •

100W Variable output 9 tips Compatible with most notebook brands • USB power option

Score

It might not be something that everyone needs, but those that do will love it.

79 35

Go Rock Cube

Really Portable Good quality, great convenience

by Rob Edwards

T

here is something extremely annoying about those people who treat their mobile phone as an entertainment system. We’re not talking about people who use it to listen to music through headphones… rather, we mean those who insist on playing music through the generally awful external speakers housed in the phones. Not only do they annoy us, but the music sounds terrible. If you’re one of them, rest assured – it doesn’t make you look cool.

Rather, play the music through this device. That will have the desired effect on the coolness scale, trust me.

The Go Rock Cube screams cool in every way it can.

The system is comprised of two speakers that are held together by a powerful magnet. To use, simply pull them apart, connect the retractable power cable, plug in to your music player via the (again retractable) 3.5mm jack, and you can share good quality sound with your friends. And if you’re after even more coolness, connect the speakers to your phone via Bluetooth.

Both speakers have an extendable base that holds

36

controls, like volume (and track selection, when used with Bluetooth). The various retractable cables are also stored in the speaker bases, and include a USB cable that can be used to charge the devices internal lithium-ion battery.

The functionality of this device is excellent. It offers a no-mess, no-fuss solution to portable music, thanks to everything being housed neatly in the unit when not in use.

Setting it up is fairly easy (and using all those retractable cables looks rather impressive.

The sound quality is pretty decent, although we have two small complaints. At high volumes, we picked up a little distortion – not from the bass, mind you, but from the higher notes. Additionally, the bass performance could have been just a little better. It’s not terrible, but there is a bit of room for improvement.

The battery life is excellent, though, and the Bluetooth functionality adds quite a lot of versatility to the device, particularly when used with a smart-phone.

In addition, the speakers are very well built. They feel very solid, and even the extendable bases seem like g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

they’re made to last. The magnets that hold the speakers together for transporting are similarly very strong, so dropping one of the speakers while holding the other is unlikely.

Using surround sound technology, the Go Rock Cube delivers excellent stereo, despite the fact that the speakers have to be connected by a rather short power cable. We would have lived to see a slightly longer cable there, but that would probably have negatively affected its retractability.

You’re not going to run a disco with these speakers – they simply aren’t that loud. But, for small gatherings that need music (without the benefit of power supplies being nearby, for example) the Go Rock Cube is a great solution.

Its compact build and decent sound delivery make it a great option for those who want to carry their music with them, but have too much pride to play it through a phone’s integrated speaker. The impressive design and wellthought-out execution of these speakers will probably add a few style points, too. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Look great • Sound good • Awesome design

CONS:

• A bit light in the bass department

Manufacturer: Go Rock Distributor: Pinnacle Africa Online: www.pinnacle.co.za RRP: R560.00

TECH SPECS: • Bluetooth enabled • Retractable power cable • Retractable linein cable • Rechargeable • Surround sound • PumpBass technology

Score

Good sound combined with great convenience.

82 37

Select Photo Studio Third Edition

A Great Deal

Fix your photos without breaking the bank!

by Walt Pretorius

T

he problem with photo-editing software is that it can be extremely expensive. Sure, there are cheaper alternatives, but they can be hitand-miss affairs. And trying to get the best possible software may require a massive expenditure, only to find that you have bitten off more than you can (or need to) chew with complicated programs.

Every now and then a program comes along, though, that is extremely capable, while being affordable. That’s the case with Select Photo Studio Third Edition. Here we have a program that comes very close to industry leaders in capability, but is priced at a level where anyone can afford it. In fact, at under R100.00, it might be a little too cheap – meaning that when people see the price, they make assumptions about the quality being poor.

It could be no further from the truth. Photo Studio packs a lot of power, without a doubt, and can easily be compared to products like Adobe’s Photoshop in terms of capability and versatility.

38

The interface, in fact, is rather reminiscent of later versions of that definitive program, with a wide array of tools and functions available to the user to create… well, whatever they want, as long as it has to do with photo editing. From fixing images through to constructing all new ones from other source material, this program takes care of it all.

It can be quite a daunting program to come to grips with, but a little experimentations and using the extremely handy how to guides and pre-set macros, even people who have never used a photo-editing program can quickly and easily start turning their photographs into masterpieces.

As with all bitmap-based photo-editors (including Adobe Photoshop and Corel Photopaint) this program is better at some things than others. It is targeted at working with images, and isn’t the best for design and layout (although the full tool complement means that these options are still available to the user.)

Photo Studio reads a wide array of image files, and can save original images even after they have been altered, g l a d g e t s o f t wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

preserving them for future use without any changes made.

A number of ‘quick’ menus are also included, grouping tools together for easy reference – from photo-fixes through to artistic touches and filters.

To be honest, when we saw the recommended retail price of this product, we weren’t expecting much. But Photo Studio surprised us, with its friendly interface counterbalancing extreme capability. It is priced at a level where anyone can get into photo-editing, and (perhaps best of all) it doesn’t place massive demands on the user in terms of PC requirements. It may not be the best photoediting software on the market, but it comes very close to the industry leaders. And, at the price, it certainly is the best value for money we’ve seen in this kind of program.

If you’re new to photo-editing, or even if you’re an experienced digital artist looking for a powerful, affordable alternative to bank-breakers like Photoshop and Photopaint, you really need look no further than this particular program. It’s perfect for hobbyists, home users and serious photography enthusiasts. g g l a d g e t s o f t wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Easy to use • Very capable • Awesome price

CONS:

• Maybe too cheap?

TECH SPECS: • • • •

1.oGHz CPU 512 MB RAM 245 MB HDD Win XP / Vista / 7

Manufacturer: Focus Essential Distributor: Apex Interactive Online: www.apexint.co.za RRP: R99.95

Score

The price on this one is misleading: it’s awesome quality!

89 39

Discrete But not very portable

Verbatim 2.1 Multimedia Portable Speaker System

by Alex Scanlon

A

good sound solution isn’t always the easiest thing to find. Some don’t deliver good sound response, while other distort at higher volumes. Sometimes they do both, which is rather awful.

But thus far the devices we have seen from Verbatim have delivered the goods. This particular set, though, will only fall into the middle ground though – not particularly bad, but not really great, either. The problem comes from the fact that they aren’t particularly loud.

If that suit your purposes, then the 2.1 Multimedia Portable Speaker System is just fine. The sound quality is good, despite lacking punch in the volume department.

The only thing that makes them really portable, though, is their size, and the fact that they can run off of battery or direct current power supplies. Other than that, there is just a little too much wire clutter for them to be ideal.

If you’re not going to move them around too much, this set makes for a discrete, good speaker set-up, particularly if you need to avoid the temptation of cranking the volume up to ear-bleeding levels. g

40

AT A GLANCE: PROS:

• Nice size • Decent sound

CONS:

• Not very loud • Not very portable

Manufacturer: Verbatim Distributor: Verbatim Online: www.verbatim.co.za RRP: R299.99

TECH SPECS: • 2.1 stereo • 2 Watt satellite speakers • 1 Watt subwoofer • Magnetically shielded • Battery power option • Volume control

Score

A nice compact sound solution, but not as portable as you might think, thanks to all the wires.

74

g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 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

No Strings!

WIN

A Logitech F540 Wireless Headset Courtesy of Logitech TO ENTER: Send an email to competitions@gladget.co.za.

Tell us one of the consoles this headset is compatible with.

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

Subscribe to www.gladget.co.za Become a fan on Gladget’s Facebook Page Competition closes 30 September 2011. Gamecca subscribers only. South African residents only.

Prizes may not be exchanged for cash. Competition closed to employees (& employee’s family) of 1337 Media CC, Logitech and Craving Novity. The judges’ decision is final.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Freedom Lots of options in this one

S

cience fiction has pretty much always been a popular genre of entertainment. Right back to Jules Verne (and probably before) the miracles of futuristic science has thrilled readers, movie-goers and even video gamers. Yes, there weren’t video games that far back, but you get my meaning…

Naturally, science fiction has a few sub-genres. One of these is a more niche genre that gained popularity thanks to authors like William Gibson and movies like Blade Runner. Called Cyber Punk, this genre generally depicts a gritty world (normally Earth, because the genre avoids space travel) ruled by shadowy corporations, and populated by suppressed masses. Another popular theme in Cyber Punk is cybernetics, and the augmentation of normal humans with computer and robot parts.

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by Walt Pretorius It is considered by many to be the most realistic form of science fiction; many of the technological and societal ‘predictions’ made by Cyber Punk authors seem rather likely in the future. Some have even happened already.

It is into this sub-genre that the Deus Ex franchise falls.

It’s been seven years since we have seen a Deus Ex game, and eleven years since the release of the original but, in all honesty, Deus Ex: Human Revolution was well worth the wait.

The game puts the player in the shoes of Adam Jensen, an ex-SWAT security specialist working for Sarif Industries a giant biotechnology corporation. A raid on Sarif’s labs leaves Jensen fighting for his life – the only way to save him is to fit him with a wide array of cybernetic augmentations. Six months later, a barely recovered Jensen is called in to investigate a case, which soon

g l a d g egta m v iedcecoa graem v iee w• i• s si suseu e1 11 7• S• eNpot veemmbbeer r 22001110

leads him down a path of intrigue, corruption and global conspiracy. It’s prime Cyber Punk stuff, with a plot that is complex yet clear, and a setting that is deep and detailed.

While the plot unfolds around Jensen, the player will be able to learn more about this detailed world through eBooks that can be found scattered around the game world. These are often hidden in unlikely places, which goes to demonstrate one of the game’s most important principles – while the story is linear, the game is not.

There are lots of places to find and explore, many of which have no bearing on the game, and may not even contain an ammo pick-up or eBook. They just exist because they should. And, even better, sometimes they have a hidden purpose.

See, one of the things that Human Revolution does is inspire thinking outside of the box. The player will

gladget video game • issue 11 • September 2011

be able to ‘purchase’ upgrades and new cybernetic augmentations as the game progresses, but there is no way that they will be able to get all of them. So the best idea is to specialise in certain areas, like stealth or hacking abilities. At first glance, this specialisation can hamper the player’s progress at times, but a little lateral thinking and exploration will reveal that there is almost always (in main story quests, at least) more than one way to complete a mission or reach an objective. Can’t hack the lock on a door? Then look for a vent to allow access. That kind of thing.

This freedom allows the player to run the kind of character that they want. If they prefer a stealthy, hacker approach, fine. If they want a combat monster, that’s fine too. So is anything in between. And what’s even better is that none of these is particularly easier or more difficult

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to play. A stealthy character will have to deal with the difficulties imposed on cracking and sneaking past security systems, while a gunfighter will need to cope with tough enemies and ammo that isn’t exactly plentiful. That said, there are experience bonuses for being sneaky, so leaning in that direction may improve character development.

This game is tough. Even at the easiest difficulty levels it can be unforgiving, although the freedom that it affords the player means that a smart player will be able to turn bad situations around, given a bit of skill and luck. The AI enemies seem to be aware of their ‘mortality’, and will use cover and ambush tactics. Thankfully the game offers a good variety of weapons, all of which can be upgraded and augmented (much like Jensen himself.) The choices of weapons and grenades will also help a player define their style… they have a limited inventory, so carrying every

44

gun around won’t be possible.

With role-playing-like interactions and a number of main and side quests, Human Revolution is slightly reminiscent of the Mass Effect series – in spirit, if not in feel. But the looks of the game are rather unique. The developers decided to move away from the blues and silvers so often associated with the looks of science-fiction, opting to rather go for burnished coppers and rich ochres in their colour palette. This combines with awesome details, a very well defined visual style (strongly influenced by Art Deco) and excellent effects to make Human Revolution a visual feast. Add good voice acting and excellent, atmospheric music and sound effects, and this title becomes a treat for the senses.

This high level of production combines with a wellcrated plot to deliver the player an experience that is truly

gladget video game • issue 11 • September 2011

the more satisfying video gaming experiences that we have seen in a while. And although it is not perfect, the small errors and annoyances that creep up on the player from time to time are not enough to scupper a great game.

A multiplayer experience would have been a nice inclusion, but this game prefers to keep things solo. It’s a surprising move, really, considering how prominent multiplayer gaming has become, and it does harm the title’s replay value a bit. But with so much so see, find and explore in this world, it’s no deal-breaker. Even without a multiplayer component, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is great. And we expect that the inevitable DLC content will be just as good.

This one is a must for those who like their action gaming to have substance. It’s a thinking man’s shooter, and an overall great gaming experience. g

AT A GLANCE: A brilliant gaming experience, this game allows tons of player freedom.

Developer: Eidos Publisher: Square Enix Distributor: Megarom

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

18+ gladget video game • issue 11 • September 2011

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

X360 Platforms

exemplary. The controls are easy to master, and the overall flow of the game is good, thanks to the freedoms afforded the player.

It is maybe a little too tough at times, though. Some of the side quests, for example, will require specific skills, and Jensen can’t take a hell of a lot of physical punishment, even though he is a bit of a super-soldier.

Another complaint can be levelled at the game’s loading times; the complex levels take a while to load, and difficult areas (that may require a lot of reloading) may become frustrating. On the upside, the player can save the game at virtually any point, which mitigates things just a bit.

Still, the experience is well worth the potential frustration. As the plot evolves (with the player’s choices a big factor in how things play out) and the game play intensifies, Deus Ex: Human Revolution becomes one of

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

92 45

Rugby World Cup 2011

Rucking and Running Rugby for the masses

T

he Rugby World Cup, when it rolls around, holds a special place in the hearts of us South Africans.

Well, most of us, anyway. Aside from the fact that we are the current holders of the Web Ellis cup, there is also the nostalgia brought about by the 1995 World Cup, which took place at a volatile time in this country and is seen by many as one of the factors that helped South Africa get through some very rough times – the Springboks lifting the trophy, accompanied by Nelson Mandela, at the end of that series was something that united a nation previously divided.

Then again, it’s far simpler than that. We are a nation that is, for the most part, rugby-mad. It is our national sport, and from a young age kids start playing it. So, with the 2011 World Cup on our doorstep, the mania that is gripping the country is almost as high as that when we

46

by Alex Scanlon hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup. But rugby is not often the subject of video games. While all kinds of sports get the treatment, rugby games are few and far between. There may be a number of reasons for this but, realistically, it comes down to the fact that it is not as widely played as soccer. That, added to the fact that there are probably more people who will buy NFL games in the USA than there are those who would buy rugby titles in the whole world, makes this kind of game something that might not necessarily be viable for big name publishers to push out.

But the world has changed in terms of video gaming, too, and HB Studios, who worked on the last rugby game we saw, as well as a number of EA Sports titles, have decided that the time is right to produce a new title – this time for the HD consoles. And while EA Sports didn’t want

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to publish it, 505 Games snapped up the opportunity to present the rugby playing world with a title that is nothing short of gold in the right territories: a game based on the 2011 Rugby World Cup, with the full backing of the International Rugby Board.

While playing Rugby World Cup 2011, the player will be able to select their favourite national team and take on the rest of the world in this esteemed competition. All the teams that are playing in the World Cup are present and accounted for, although there are some that aren’t licensed. Oddly, that pretty much comes down to Australia and New Zealand. Their absence is strange, although probably due to a bit of ‘politics’, what with another rugby title due for release shortly (which has those two teams licensed, but very few others.)

As far as the licensed teams go, player names are

gladget video game • issue 11 • September 2011

perfect (even in the voiced commentary) and likenesses are… well, ok, they’re not great. During cut scenes (which add a nice TV-like feel to the game) you can recognise some of the players, but we’re not talking at a FIFA level here. Habana, for example, I though was recognisable, Matfield wasn’t… not enough hair in-game. During actual play, only hair-colour sets players apart, so trying to get the ball to a specific player can be tough.

But that doesn’t really matter, because the feel of real rugby has been captured by the game. This includes the organised chaos and opportunistic ideas that lead to it not mattering who carried the ball across the line, just as long as tries are scored. The game flows, thankfully, and the player is afforded many opportunities to push towards the opponent’s goal line, thanks to a combination of a sensible control system and a decent AI supporting their efforts.

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The organic flow of the game has also been captured well, with knock-ons, late tackles and all the other infractions coming into play.

Whether it’s running the ball up the field or piling into a ruck to gain possession, Rugby World Cup 2011 does things well. It is, without a doubt, the best rugby game that we have seen to date. That said, it didn’t have much to compete with from before, and there are still a few chinks in this title’s armour that may leave players wanting here and there. It seems, for example, that the team players on the field are a little too similar in abilities. Sure, they have a wide array of skills and aptitudes that have been captured and classified for this game (all of which can be adjusted by the player in the team management section) but once play starts the subtleties of these differences aren’t immediately apparent. They do become

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obvious in score differences, though – a top team will annihilate a weaker team, but more evenly matched sides will lead to a better match-up.

Another little niggle is that it seems, at times, that the AI is a little elastic. This might not be in the actual programming, but every now and then the player’s team will develop a case of the ‘slow and stupids’, while the opposing team might suddenly be inspired by an uncharacteristic infusion of skill and speed. It keeps the game exciting, but it does lead to a bit of frustration for those who want to annihilate the enemy with Murrayfieldstyle scores differences.

There are two camera angles available – either side on, or behind the player’s team. The second view is great for single player, as it helps make sense of the passing controls. The first view is the most fair for multiplayer

gladget video game • issue 11 • September 2011

accessible to players with wide degrees of skill, thanks to the difficulty levels, and can provide enjoyment to newcomers and experts alike. Admittedly it is not the best game in the sports game genre, but it certainly is the best rugby game we have seen up until now, and the attachment of the IRB endorsement and the World Cup brand make it a perfect game for a huge number of South African rugby fans. The added accessibility of the title makes it something of an entry-way into gaming for those who haven’t played before, which is a great thing. It could have done with a little more polish, though. Additionally, it only deals with national teams, but it isn’t restricted to the World Cup… there are tours and test matches to be enjoyed as well. In short, as far as sports games go, few are as perfect for our market as this one… it will be a very welcome addition to any rugby fan’s gaming library. g

AT A GLANCE: Although not perfect, it is the best rugby game to date; fluid, chaotic, organic and fun.

Developer: HB Studios Publisher: 505 Games Distributor: Apex Interactive

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

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Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

X360 Platforms

match-ups, which is an arena in which this title shines.

We predict a whole bunch of party-style mini World Cup tournaments happening between friends.

The controls, while simple at first glance, allow for a great variety of play in all those situations that crop up in a normal game of rugby. Pushing through tackles, punting a ball over the poles for a drop-goal, intercepting a poorly timed pass and making a mad dash for the try-line… all of these (and more) add to the fluid nature of this often very exciting title. It’s the kind of game that will have you screaming in both triumph and frustration, and spectators will likely be cheering when their favourite virtual team breaks through the opposition’s defence.

With good graphics, excellently scalable difficulty levels, sensible controls, a decent AI and excellent multiplayer opportunities, Rugby World Cup 2011 is great fun. It is

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

80 49

13L

UFC Personal Trainer:The Ultimate Fitness System

Lets Get It On! Finally, a serious personal training title.

I

t all started in 1993 with Rorion Gracie and his desire to prove to the world the effectiveness of his family’s fighting style, Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has grown from strength to strength and is now the fastest growing sport in the world. Each UFC event now pulls in over 60 million US Dollars.

I must admit, I am a massive Xbox fan boy but that status is quickly being rivalled by my love for this sport.

The desire to train with these athletes and have personal coaching sessions with some of the top trainers and coaches this sport has to offer were only dreams until now.

Let’s not get mixed up here. UFC Personal Trainer will not help you win your first MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fight, nor will it teach you how to fight in any way but it will get you into shape. That is for damn sure!

There are three coaches in the game for players to choose from, and all of them are top notch MMA

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by Bryan Banfield

trainers - Greg Jackson, who has trained around 34 top MMA fighters; Mark Dellagrotte, well known for adapting Muay Thai for MMA and exploiting opponent weaknesses; and Javier Mendez, the well-respected trainer from the American Kickboxing Academy.

These top names are the ones who will put you through your paces, which were also worked on the National Academy of Sports Medicine. The result is an extremely comprehensive fitness game.

Players can select their trainer and workout level, as well as the kind of workout they want: cardio, endurance or strength with intensity levels one to three. And then they get to work… seriously!

Although the workouts aren’t extremely long, they are very intense. A workout that lasts roughly 17 minutes will have you sweating like crazy. All the fitness exercises are based on martial arts disciplines, including wrestling, kickboxing and Muay Thai.

The Kinect is the perfect way to experience this game,

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to their liking.

I could not find the one that requires you to lie on your back and breathe deeply to regain your breath, though...

All through these training sessions players are coached and motivated with philosophies that are close to the trainer’s heart, like the importance of getting out doors and going for a run (these guys know gamers sit and get no exercise), and the importance of staying healthy.

The motivation during the workouts are, however, very repetitive and some of these clips play on repeat, back to back.

Graphically the title offers amazing high quality video tutorials but in game graphics are on par with other UFC titles THQ have released.

When all is said and done, your work out complete and it’s time to hit the showers, players might not find this a title they will come rushing back to, especially if they have limited gaming time. But those serious about fitness probably will. g

AT A GLANCE: A great workout session, with the Kinect acting as the perfect feedback tool.

Developer: Heavy Iron Studios Publisher: THQ Distributor: Ster Kinekor

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

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Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

X360 Platforms

thanks to its full-body tracking. Players are asked to make sure that they are highlighted green in the octagon in the bottom right corner before an exercise, which requires quite a long distance from the Kinect unit.

The Kinect does an effective job of tracking your body motion throughout your work out. I was getting irritated when I felt that the tracking was not what it should have been only to find that I was cheating on exercises and not completing them “correctly”. The Kinect was able to keep an eye on me, just like a real trainer would. It simply would not count my push ups because I was not going low enough.

Players are able to jump into a 30 or 60 day routine, based on their needs and customisable to a player’s level of intensity and what a player wishes to get out of these challenges. These training sessions are plotted on the ingame calendar and are marked off as a player trains. The system also marks the session you have skipped.

Players are also given the freedom to customise routines

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

75 53

From Dust

Ultimate Power OK, maybe not ‘ultimate’…

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here’s something about absolute power in a video game that is extremely appealing. While From Dust doesn’t grant the player complete omnipotence, it gives enough for them to feel that they have the ability to rule the world… albeit an odd, primitive one.

From Dust is, on the surface, an unassuming downloadable title from Ubisoft. It places the player in the role of some kind of godly creature, or force of nature.

Either way, the player is something of a guardian spirit for a tribe of primitive people seeking to recreate the lost civilisation of the ancient ones who disappeared a long time ago. It is up to the player to give a little guidance and a lot of assistance in this matter.

To help the tribesmen gain prominence in the world, the player is granted powers over the geography of the world in which they live. The main power is called Breath, and

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by Walt Pretorius it can be used to pick up and move earth, water and lava.

Other powers are specific to the levels that the player is going through, although they are repeated in various levels. These special abilities are dependent on the totems around which the tribe build their villages, and can include things like increased carrying capacity, producing earth from nothing, temporarily solidifying water and similar effects. The tribes themselves can also gain abilities, like holding water at bay, which are hidden on certain maps.

So, in short, the player issues simple orders to the tribe (more or less in the form of ‘capture this totem’ or ‘go get this special power’) which they follow to the best of their ability. It is up to the player that the tribe can access the areas he wants them to go to.

This can mean building a bridge out of earth, or using lava to create a rock dam to change the course of a river, or any other thing like that. In that way, From Dust feels like a more complex form of the classic Lemmings,

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deep-end level does get the player thinking in the right way, though, and subsequent levels make more sense thanks to it.

Aside from the forces of nature that threaten the survival of the tribe, the player will also have to deal with their own decisions. Deciding to divert a lava flow early in the missions, because it is an easy way to achieve a short term goal, may result in massive problems later.

That same lava flow may dam up until it bursts its banks, flooding down onto a helpless village. Or something to that effect.

From Dust is wonderfully challenging, and often requires the player to think out of the box to get through the levels.

Sadly, it is very short, but the levels can be replayed (particularly the last level, which is a true sandbox experience). It is one of the best games we have come across on Xbox Live Arcade to date, and hopefully sets a new benchmark for those that will follow. g

AT A GLANCE: An awesome puzzle title that will keep you coming back for more.

Developer: Ubisoft Publisher: Ubisoft Distributor: XBLA / PSN

Parental Advisory Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

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Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

X360 Platforms

although the tribesmen have enough sense to not hurl themselves blindly along the path; they will stop when their way is blocked.

Just this aspect along would have made From Dust an intriguing game – a sort of geographical puzzle that the player would need to solve. And best of all, in this regard, is that there really isn’t a right or wrong way to do things.

It’s a bit like a sandbox game… literally. The player can replay a level a few times, and might not use the same solution twice.

But that would, in essence, be too easy. Fun, but too easy. So, to keep the player on their toes, the world in which the game takes place is a savage place, full of erupting volcanoes and tsunamis. One of the very first levels will have a player building land bridges and diverting rivers to get to a special power that will hold water at bay, so that the first village isn’t swept away by an impending tsunami… and doing so in a very short time limit. This

PC X360 Kinect

PS3 Move

Wii PSP DS 3DS

Score

90 55

Movie of the Month DVD Seen

The strong, silent type...

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gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

Unknown Liam Neeson is making more of a name for himself as an action star whenever he appears in a film like this.

But he’s not your usual butch, muscle-rippling hero; rather, Neeson comes across as a sensitive and often fragile human, rather than a Hollywood style supersoldier.

In this film he plays the part of Dr Martin Harris, who is involved in a serious car accident while in Berlin.

When he tries to return to his life, another man has taken his place. Not even his wife will admit to his true identity, leaving Harris desperately trying to prove that his entire existence has been stolen.

What we end up with is not really an action flick, but an excellent thriller that is reminiscent of Taken, and does not go too far in terms of being over the top.

The film also sports a twist that is very well hidden until it pops up, making for an even more satisfying experience.

Top notch acting combines with adroit directing and beautiful cinematography, helping Unknown be one of the better thrillers we’ve seen in a while. g DIRECTOR: Jaume ColletDISTRIBUTOR: Nu Metro

FPB Rating: PG13 Score

STARRING: Liam Neeson Diane Kruger Aidan Quinn

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MOVIE

OF THE MONTH gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

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DVD Seen

Love and Other Drugs

When a CIA operative’s diplomat husband publically criticises the Bush administration’s actions in Iraq, she finds herself compromised, disavowed and in serious trouble.

Naomi Watts and Sean Penn take on the main roles in this spy thriller, which is based on actual events.

And this is one of those films that reminds us of why we like Sean Penn. His portrayal of the disgruntled, disillusion (yet somehow still idealistic) Joe Wilson casts a shadow over all the other performances. Not to say that Watts and her other cast mates aren’t convincing in this thriller-drama. In fact, they feel extremely comfortable and natural in their roles, which is roughly as good as it can get.

Fair Game is a little dry at times, as movies based on real-world political events can be. It’s more Frost / Nixon than Charlie Wilson’s War, and viewers should be aware that, although good viewing, it isn’t the fastest of films. Still, if you have a keen interest in real world events and underhanded politics, it makes for a good movie, expertly (and fairly sensitively) directed

by Doug Liman. g

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DIRECTOR: Doug Liman DISTRIBUTOR: TBC

FPB Rating: PG Score

STARRING: Naomi Watts Sean Penn Ty Burrell

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Anne Hathaway still seems to be on a crusade to break her wholesome girl-next-door image, and with some of the raunchier scenes in Love and Other Drugs she manages to do just that.

During the 1990s, a pharmaceutical rep working for Pfizer (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) in Pittsburgh meets a young woman with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease.

This launches a steamy affair as the rep tries to get ahead in his job… and then a miracle drug called Viagra gets released by his company.

Love and Other Drugs alternates between being a great comedy and a heart-wrenching drama. The wellwritten dialogue is beautifully delivered by a very able cast, all under the directorship of Edward Zwick.

This film will not appeal to anyone – although, ladies, you can bribe any man into watching it by promising him plenty of Anne Hathaway in the altogether – but anyone who watches it really is in for a treat. It does occasionally become a little morose, though, so don’t expect an overall uplifting comedy romp. You won’t get one of those here. What you will get is a well-made, generally good film that will alternately tug at your heart and tickly your funny-bone. g

STARRING: Jake Gyllenhaal Anne Hathaway Oliver Platt

DIRECTOR: Edward Zwick DISTRIBUTOR: Next Distribution

FPB Rating: 18LSN Score

Fair Game

82

gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

No Strings Attached

When an abusive stepfather has his stepdaughter committed after the death of her mother, the girl flees into her imagination to help her cope with the reality of her impending lobotomy. It’s a great idea, but that line pretty much sums up the entire film.

Zack Snyder is a great director, with a pleasingly fresh visual approach. But, with this being his first screen play, he has demonstrated that he should stick to what he is good at. See, in putting this film together, Snyder went all out for over-the-top action, impressive visuals and all kinds of things that your inner geek will find appealing. He decided to ignore petty little concepts like plot, emotional involvement and character development, though.

Sucker Punch is purely style over substance, and nothing more. Even the acting is secondary to the visuals, with a sulky Emily Browning being mostly unconvincing in her lead role.

So, if you want to see dragons, giant samurai, robot assassins, zombie Nazi soldiers and five gorgeous girls in scanty outfits, mixed with tons of explosions and awesome visuals, then Sucker Punch is for you. If you want plot, depth and a meaningful experience, you should probably avoid it. g

DIRECTOR: Zack Snyder DISTRIBUTOR: Nu Metro

FPB Rating: PG13 Score

STARRING: Emily Browning Abbie Cornish Jena Malone

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gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

After a somewhat traumatic blow to his male ego – a result of his idiosyncratic father “stealing” his European girlfriend – good-looking heart-throb, Adam (Ashton Kutcher) finds himself naked and drawn to a bright and attractive medical resident, Emma (Natalie Portman), who does not believe in relationships. When emotional commitment is hard – keep it simple!

Welcome to the new world of relationships! Casual sex, as the name of this movie implies, is exactly what the lovely Emma wants and so an adventurous, wild and steamy physical relationship begins… until someone starts to want something more.

This is a cute romantic comedy that explores the intricacies and complexities of simplified nonemotional, non-committal physical relationships in the twenty first century, a time when woman are independent to embrace their needs and desires… a far stretch from that of their predecessors.

Kevin Kline, who plays the eccentric famous father, injects a welcome, refreshing dose of his unique style into this sweet comedy and the chemistry between the two actors is evident, believable and entertaining.

Due to restrictions, this is not for the whole family, but a delightful romantic comedy none the less. g

STARRING: Natalie Portman Ashton Kutcher Kevin Kline

DIRECTOR: Ivan Reitman DISTRIBUTOR: TBC

FPB Rating: 16VLS Score

Sucker Punch

78

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DVD Seen

The Life Before Her Eyes

Reece Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson star in a film about a 1932 veterinary student whose life falls apart with the death of his parents. Homeless and penniless, he hops a train to anywhere – only to discover that it is a circus train. When the owner of the circus, superbly portrayed by Christoph Waltz, learns that he is a vet, he starts befriending the young man. But the owner’s wife and the young man discover a spark between them that will lead to disaster.

Sadly, this spark is lacking in the performances.

The chemistry between Pattinson and Witherspoon is virtually non-existent, and the romantic scenes between them seen forced.

This does not wreck the film though; Water for Elephants is a rather remarkable film, grand in scale and extremely enjoyable. Waltz, playing the brutish August, steals the show (as does the elephant) leaving other actors eating his dust in this picture.

Water for Elephants is a great romantic drama that features a rather unique setting. It’s not the most original love-triangle picture ever made, but good acting, splendid cinematography and good direction by Francis Lawrence (not to mention Rosie the elephant) make for an enjoyable movie. g

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DIRECTOR: Francis Lawrence DISTRIBUTOR: Next Distribution

FPB Rating: 13 Score

STARRING: Reece Witherspoon Robert Pattinson Christoph Waltz

88

There have been a couple of Columbine-like shootings in the past, and naturally they get turned into the subject of films. This one takes on a bit of a different angle, as a woman’s survivor guilt starts to set in twenty years after the tragic event, and transforms her current life into a disaster.

The thriller starts Uma Thurman as the woman in the present day, while Evan Rachel Wood portrays her in her younger days, during the school shooting incident. The film intertwines the plots and strained relationships from both women (the older Diana and the younger, school-going one), and it makes for an interesting perspective, and it’s becomes clear that both are struggling to come to terms with something much deeper. Directed by Vadim Perelman, who also directed House of Sand and Fog, it uses cleaver techniques to convey the struggles and keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats. It’s not a horrible film, but we have seen a lot better from Thurman.

It’s a great watch on DVD night, and can almost be classified as a hidden gem. g

STARRING: Uma Thurman Evan Rachel Wood Eva Amurri

DIRECTOR: Vadim Perelman DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 13LV Score

Water For Elephants

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gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

Triple Dog

Street Wars

DIRECTOR: Pascal Franchot DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 16LV Score

STARRING: Brittany Robertson Scout Taylor Compton Alexia Fast

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gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

There is a new drug on the streets of Seattle that seems to be killing anyone which takes it. Now top cop Elijah Kane will be lead investigator in bringing the Drug lords to justice and stopping all the teenage deaths The fight scenes are very similar to every other Steven Segal movie you’ve ever seen; the fighting is good but not realistic – not every American cop can fight like him and if they did they would be in special forces. The overall level of the acting wasn’t too bad but was drowned out by the lead character as he kicks ass and destroys the city while locating the drug lord responsible, all by his heroic self. The cinematography was of an overall good standard but with a very similar plot to tons of stuff we have seen before and the flat husky voice of Steven Segal, Street Wars makes for a long movie. But if you enjoy Segal style films, this could be good… provided you can be a little forgiving.g

STARRING: Steven Seagal Meghan Ory William Stewart

DIRECTOR: Wayne Rose DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 16VD Score

During a sleep over a few girlfriends get bored and decide to play a game of truth and dare… without the truth part. When the game begins no one can back out and as the dares get dangerous, the risks they start taking endanger their lives.

The film is all about American high school students but I think that all the actors seemed a little young for these roles. That said, the acting was of a decent standard, with good performances from the generally younger cast. Despite the good acting and decent direction, the plot of this film leaves a lot to be desired.

The dialogue is poor as well, with bitchy teenage girls all talking like they’re in a Snoop Dogg music video. If the characters were a little more mature, with a better script, the movie could have been great. g

40

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DVD Seen This has to be one of the worst films to be released on DVD this year, easily. Besides for a plot that in incredibly thin, the acting is of the worst kind and it won’t be a surprise to learn that the film went straight to DVD and skipped the cinemas entirely.

The plot revolves around a guy who tries to lure his prefect man with the help of his best friend (who is a girl). Naturally things don’t go according to plan, and he needs to get advice on what to do from his Aunt Helen and mentor Harry. In case you haven’t picked it up in the description, the film is very, very camp and left of centre. Viewers should only approach this film if they are entirely sure that they are comfortable with bad acting, horrible plot, lots of male nudity and everything else that goes together with it. To make matters worse, this is actually the third film in the series, and there are two more. g

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DIRECTOR: Glenn Gaylord DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 18LNS Score

STARRING: Rebekah Kochan Daniel Skelton Chris Salvatore

35

Bubble Director Steven Soderbergh has a bit of a mixed history with Hollywood. He has produced some really thrilling films, and served as director for films like Ocean’s Thirteen, Che (parts one and two), The Good German and The Informant! But then again, he has also been responsible for films like The Girlfriend Experience and Out of Sight, which starred Jennifer Lopez. Bubble, which was released in 2005 and only made it to SA on DVD now, falls somewhere in between. It’s not a bad film, but it could have been a bit better. Looking at the film’s timeline, it’s clear that Soderberg was still working on his style, and looking back on a six-year-old film, it shows. The acting is believable, although it starts no one remotely famous.

A lot of movies buffs don’t like Soderberg’s work, but fans of him should really make a point to see this murder mystery. g

STARRING: Debbie Doebereiner Omar Cowan Dustin J.Ashley

FPB Rating: DIRECTOR: Steven Soderbergh 13L DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

Score

Eating Out: All You Can Eat

68

gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

The Girlfriend Experience is a story about a modern upmarket New York call girl, which throughout the film she selects her clients through careful studying of their personality. The movie was directed by Steven Soderbergh, who also direct movies like the Ocean’s trilogy. The film was made beautifully and the lead actress (Sasha Grey) also does a goodan amazing job. The cinematography was great and represented New York as very colourful at times, but some scenes were shot out of focus, turning the viewer’s attention towards the city other than the character. Only nearer to the end of the film do we get to see the characters in proper view. The story is somewhat confusing at first until the viewer realises that the story is reversed and some out of place scenes will only be understood later on. Overall the movie was great; the story is a fairly unique one and keeps you gripped throughout the film. g

DIRECTOR: Steven Soderbergh DISTRIBUTOR: Ster Kinekor

FPB Rating: 16LS Score

STARRING: Sasha Grey Chris Santos

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gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

Just Go With It Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston team up for a comedy that could be called romantic if it wasn’t quite so boisterous. Sandler and Aniston’s on-screen chemistry is great, with near-perfect comedic delivery as a result.

Sandler plays a womanising plastic surgeon who pretends to be going through a divorce to get women into bed. When he meets a new girl, however, he forgets to wear his wedding ring. She discovers it, and all hell breaks loose. His only hope is to get his nurse, played by Aniston, to pretend to be his estranged wife.

When they all go off on a vacation to Hawaii together, things just get from bad to worse.

The cast makes for a very entertaining show, although Nick Swardson manages to ham things up a little too much. A surprising role for Nicole Kidman is also included, and Brooklyn Decker provides the part of the blonde bombshell.

Just Go With It combines chick-flick sentiments with often bawdy humour, making it a good laugh. The crisp dialogue and often extremely funny lines make this film really rather enjoyable. g

STARRING: Adam Sandler Jennifer Aniston Nicole Kidman

DIRECTOR: Dennis Dugan DISTRIBUTOR: Nu Metro

FPB Rating: 13 Score

The Girlfriend Experience

80

63

Collectable DVD Seen

A father’s love

64

gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

Taken This isn’t an old movie at all, but it certainly is one that fans of thrillers should have in their collection. If nothing else, seeing Liam Neeson in one of his first ‘sensitive action hero’ roles is great.

A former spy desperately tries to have a healthy relationship with his daughter, without being too overbearing. He disapproves, though, of the freedoms his ex-wife and her new husband give the girl. When they allow her to go on an unsupervised trip to Paris, she is kidnapped, and the ex-spy travels to France to find what happened to her. What unfolds is an actionfilled journey into the seedy underworld of human trafficking and corruption.

Taken is one of those thrillers that leaves you feeling a little shocked and immensely satisfied at its conclusion. Neeson is surprisingly adept and convincing in his role, even though one might not expect some of the more brutal moments of the movie.

This film is powerful and often disturbing, and casts some of the realities of the world into a very stark light. Under the direction of Pierre Morel, it is a powerful, evocative and often moving cinematic experience that is well worth watching – even repeatedly. g

DIRECTOR: Pierre Morel DISTRIBUTOR: Nu Metro

FPB Rating: 16V Score

STARRING: Liam Neeson Maggie Grace Leland Orser

90

COLLECTABLE OF THE MONTH

gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

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Where Zebras Come From Money to Burn

OK, not really...

by Walt Pretorius

E

veryone loves good sound. In fact, after we reviewed an excessively prices set of speakers last month, we expect that a large number of readers took out a bank loan or possibly sold spouses and parents to rush out and go get a set. However, with the economy being what it is, we understand if you did not. Times are tough, after all, and even though a good set of speakers would help drown out the wails of financial despair, selling loved ones might be a bit too much of a stretch for some people. We don’t know any people like that, but we’re sure they do exist.

So, for those mythical people that put family before cool gadgets (no, really, we’re sure there must be at least one) we decided that we’d provide you with a different audio solution. One that wouldn’t require the sale of a whole person. Perhaps just a kidney. People can survive with one kidney. You’d probably have some change left, too, to help pay for the dialysis.

The Ultrasone Edition 10 headset will set you back a paltry R20 000, give or take (fluctuations in exchange rates, airport taxes, import duties, bribery and black market organ prices have not been accounted for).

Inspired by the wings of a butterfly (yes, you can see where this is going, can’t you?) the Edition 10

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headset is made from only the finest quality materials.

For example, the headband and ear pads are made from the best Ethiopian sheep skin, harvested from the three sheep that have managed to survive the starving hordes of that famine-ridden country. A metal called ruthenium, which has directly been imported from a bad sci-fi movie, covers the outside of the ear cups, which are inlaid with decorative Zebrano wood (from Zebrano trees, which is where zebras come from.)

The headset also makes use of some top-end technology, although we suspect you’re paying more for the Etheopian sheep skin, ruthenium and Zebrano wood.

Ultrasone’s patented S-Logic technology is built into these babies, providing what is claimed to be the best in personal audio surround sound. We have no idea if that is true, because no one will let us anywhere near a set of these. And with good reason, we suppose, because we probably wouldn’t give them back.

This German headset may cost you an arm and a leg (or a kidney) but they certainly do look the part.

Stylish, ostentatious and just understated enough to be overstated. We’re guessing that they would make quite a talking point in someone’s home, but we will probably never know. We like our kidneys too much. g g l a d g e t h a r d wa r e • i s s u e 1 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Sprockets

Edison’s film standard: 35mm.

Dead End

by Alex Scanlon

W

hile film may seem to be a dead-end technology, there are still numerous applications for it. However, as digital image recording methods become more commonplace, the future of film seems to be in the balance.

We’re talking 35mm film specifically, here. See, this film was the prime stock used by the movie industry (called 35mm because that is its width) but it soon also became the de facto medium for photography. As black and white movies stopped being made, the price of the film) for photographers) increased. Similar events are taking place now, as new recording methods and digital photography become steadily more popular.

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Film, as it exists today, is relatively unchanged since Thomas Edison and William Dickson introduced it in 1892.

But it wasn’t Edison who invented it. Rather, Hannibal Goodwin created the first nitrocellulose, flexible film in 1887, and Emile Reynaud added perforations to it a year later. Edison’s involvement was in the form of the Kinetoscope, a one-viewer film loop that wowed crowds at the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences in 1893.

Edison pretty much defined the 35mm format for film making, determining that a frame should be four sprocket holes high – something that persists to this day. As Edison was prone to do, he applied for a patent on his film, forcing his competitors to look for alternate means of using film gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

to create moving pictures. However, Edison’s claims were overturned in 1902 which allowed anyone to make and distribute the film. This was already happening in Europe, where Edison had failed to file for patents.

The standardisation of movie film stock meant that cinema experienced massive growth, thanks to the fact that movies shot on 35mm stock could be used anywhere.

Photographers also started using Edison’s film as early as 1908, but this standard took longer to be accepted by still camera producers. By 1932, however, the use of 35mm film for photography was widespread.

One of the things that is keeping 35mm film alive is exactly where it started: the movie industry. The fact gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

is that the cost of installing digital projection units in cinemas is very high, giving 35mm film the breathing room it currently requires. But, as technology advances, these costs will likely reduce, meaning that digital projection, which delivers clearer images that don’t suffer from the scratches and other marks often seen on film, will become more and more common place. This will, naturally have an impact on photographers; as Hollywood demand for 35mm film declines, process will increase, much like what happened with black and white 35mm stock.

So how long will 35mm film still be around? It’s hard to say. Perhaps it will never disappear. But humanity isn’t really nostalgic about old technologies. g

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Peek-a-Boo The art of seeing in 3D

Inner Workings

by Charlie Fripp

F

ilm making is almost as old as the entertainment industry itself, and while there has been major advances in the field, the biggest technological step that has been taken so far is in 3D technology.

Everybody has seen at least one 3D film, and had to contend with the thick-rimmed glasses that make everybody look like Roy Orbison. The technology slowly started making its way into our homes, with many 3D televisions now available for purchase.

But one thing that users will immediately notice is that the glasses for the cinema and the ones used for home viewing are completely different. While the cinema glasses make you look like Orbison, the 3D television transforms the user into Robocop. They are big, bulky, and most importantly, they need a power source. Why are the glasses so different and how do they work?

Well, some user might know how 3D images are displayed to each eye, and that the brain thinks it’s seeing one image, where there in fact are two. For 3D

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televisions and monitors, the glasses shutter out images at an alternating pace, which is usually around 120 frames per second. Each eye in fact sees the same image from a different angle, but the brain is tricked into thinking it is one image – making it look 3D (more on this a bit later).

But why don’t we use the shutter glasses when watching a movie in the cinema? The home glasses can run up to R1000 a pair, while the plastic glasses from the movie look like they cost about R5 each.

Although the principle is the same as the old red-andblue passive glasses, the movie spectacles are called polarized glasses, although still passive. When looking at a screen without the glasses, users will see more than one set of images, one with a blue hue, while the other will look slightly red. The glasses use lenses that filter out light waves projected at certain angles, and each lens only allows light through that is polarized in a compatible way.

Each eye will only see one set of images on the screen, and together, the different sets of images trick gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

The GPSIIF1 rocket carries a new GPS satellite into space gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011

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the brain into “seeing” a 3D image. It would in fact be possible to use the polarized glasses in one’s home, but the polarization technique is very difficult – all possible methods would require the user to coat their screen with a special polarizing film first.

But the most common form of watching 3D on a television still is LCD glasses, and connects to any 3D-ready television screen using infrared and a stereoscopic sync signal connector, which gives it the name of Stereoscopic 3D. As the 3D images are displayed on screen, the picture alternates between two sets of the same image. The two sets are counterbalanced from one another similar to the way they are in passive glasses, like the ones from the cinema. But the biggest difference is that the two sets aren’t shown at the same time, as they turn on and off at

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an incredible rate of speed (120 frames per second). In fact, if users were to look at the screen without wearing the glasses, it would appear as if there were two sets of images at the same time, making it look blurry.

Even if users have the necessary bits to view 3D content, it won’t bring Riaan Cruywagen into your living room for dinner. The content shown on the screen must be optimised for 3D first, but some modern 3D Blu-Ray players can actually upscale 2D films to 3D. So from the descriptions of each pair of glasses, it should become clear why cinema glasses won’t work on a home theatre system and vice versa. The home glasses use LCD lenses that electronically switch on and off, while the polarized glasses in a cinema only filter out certain light waves, creating the image. g gladget regular • issue 11 • September 2011