Home Screen MAY 2011
Version 2.0
OMAN’S ONLY TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE
There isn’t a cliché to express the pride that surround the TECH Team on the day we have turned one. In our third issue, it seemed we would never finish 12 months soon enough, yet now as we write this, closing our ‘Lucky 13’ issue, it seems to have gone too soon. As narrated many times before in our tiny, RO30mn print-advertising market (that’s being generous), let’s have some fun with large numbers. Collectively, in the last years’ issues we have produced 768 pages, 199 ads, 84,000 copies, and oh let’s not forget the 11 beautiful women who have glamourised our covers.
EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief
Hatim al Taie Content Head
Malcolm X Crasta Content Manager
Sujata Sengupta
So what’s next? Well, new is next. Constant innovation leaving no room for complacency. Oman’s market is littered with magazines that pride themselves of having been around for five, ten and 20 years. Yet they have changed little over a decade, or not at all over a year. No, not us. If car manufacturers can face-lift every three years and redevelop a new model every five, then a smaller product should be capable of one every dozen months. Readers like you feel more respected too (if it’s not for you, we have little purpose). It keeps the minds of the editorial fresh, the design innovative and of course the sales armed with a growing magazine. And importantly, our advertisers are convinced of the calls they have taken in appearing on our pages. Now for those who haven’t subscribed yet, we have something interesting: a 32-inch LCD TV from Samsung (thanks SARCO!). Send us your subscriptions, within the next 60 days, and we will give the lucky winner the TV. Promise.
Asst. Content Manager
Poornima Ramani Senior Designer
Shyniben Koyakkil Designer
Muneeb Khan
CORPORATE Managing Director
Abdullah al Taie General Manager
Rathish Ramachandran Asst. General Manager
As you may have heard in well-written movie scripts, this is another beginning. We have set new standards of commitment, quality, uniqueness and readership. And from of all of us behind TECH, its parent company and stakeholders, a very big ‘thank you’ to our readers and advertisers. We hope to receive more comments and criticism, and will see you more often through our pages. And in keeping with the technical nomenclature, TECH Version 2.0 is here.
Terry Mathukutty Sales
Sami Dalwai Emily Matthews
- Ed
Produced by
Talk to us! Deenar Press and Publishing LLC PO Box 139, PC 102, Al Qurm, Sultanate of Oman Tel: + 968 24 696868, Fax: +968 24 693569 E-mail: info@deenarmedia.com
If you have any queries, contact us at tech@deenarmedia.com
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2011 © All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers; while every care has been taken in the preparation of the magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible if factual errors in product and pricing occur. MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. The publishers regret they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this issue. Please check any quoted hardware specifications and pricing with your supplier before purchase.
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Our first prototype cover
Avail special deals
VOL 2
ISSUE 1
MAY 2011
CONTENTS Features
Page
Special Feature
14
Backstage with the TECH Team
Photography
22
Interview
24
Audio Zone
26
FinePix Real 3D W3 improves on its predecessor Ajay Ganti speaks on his philosophy for Samsung - Audio systems are more about just the sound - Theatre-quality audio with the new Z906
Video Zone
30 30
Philips’ Cinema 21:9 Series is now going passive
Computing
32
- Samsung Galaxy Tabs are the slimmest ever - Samsung’s stylish new notebooks
Op-Ed
36
- Do artists benefit in some ways from piracy?
Dashboard
38
Yamaha’s new incarnation of the YZF-R6
Gamer’s Delight
40
32
- The 3DS heralds the age of portable 3D gaming - Bioware goes all action with Dragon Age II
Movie Review
46
Dragons, mechs, samurais and awesome visuals
Time Zone
48
Our favourites of Baselworld 2011
Business TECH
52
Panasonic unveils its 2011 range of products
DIY Make yourself an invisible bookshelf
54
46
Regulars Tech News NouvoTech Quiz Tech Favourites 48 Tech Directory
10 12 55 56 63
Letters to the Editor If you have any queries, mail us on tech@deenarmedia.com, and we will try to answer them in our next issue
Dear Deenar Media, It feels nice to know about new technologies we’ve never seen before such as the ones in TECH. In issue 12, Pg. 12, you mentioned about an Apple iPhone 4 case that was said to meet military specifications. I would like to see this product with my own eyes. Can you suggest where and when I can do so? I would like to gift one to my brother who is currently in the military. Suman Thapa Shaaru Hi Suman, The case you are looking for is not directly sold here in Oman but is available for purchase online at http://www.lifeproof.com/lifeproof-store/apple-cases/iphone-4. -Ed
Dear TECH team, Which format do I use to burn music files in a CD so that it plays in most music players? Also can you suggest software that is best suited for the same? Sneha Dear Sneha, Most music players today are capable of playing MP3 disks. If not, a standard audio disk will work well. Any good media burning software such as Nero has all that you will require along with step-by-step walkthroughs. All you will have to do is select the type of disk you want to burn and follow the subsequent instructions. -Ed
Hi TECH team, Congrats on your wonderful magazine that covers such a wide variety of tech stuff. I want to buy a new mobile. What I am looking for is WLAN, fast processor, durability, touchscreen, good imaging, battery life, screen visibility, navigation, etc. I love the Nokia C6 which covers almost everything. I think it is good value for money. But I have heard a lot of negative factors about the phone like poor visibility under sunlight, slow processor, weight, etc. Are there any such problems with the phone, and if so, can you suggest an alternative (Nokia being my first preference)? I would also like to know if water or sweat can affect the touchscreen on a phone. Cherian Kuruvilla
Hi, I have to wear gloves where I work. So it is very tough for me to use my phone. Is there any way I can fix this problem without having to remove my gloves each time I have to make a call or send a message? Khalfan Dear Khalfan, There are three ways to fix this problem. The first is buying some conductive touchscreen-friendly gloves. Alternatively, if you can get a hold of some conductive thread, sewing them onto the fingertips of the gloves will also work. An easier solution would be to get a hold of some thermal compound, used during PC assembly. It is available at most computer stores. Apply them onto the tips of the gloves. The brand shouldn’t matter and it should work like a charm, but I would suggest applying a screen protector before using this method because you may get some on the screen occasionally. -Ed
want a Nokia smartphone, I suggest you wait for some of Nokia’s new phones that will be using Window’s Phone 7 (WP7) OS. If all goes well these phones should be really promising. Alternatively, there are a number of options available to you in the Android OS powered market that will meet your requirements. If you are willing to wait just a little there are a number of new interesting phones on the horizon such as the new Samsung Galaxy S II, LG Optimus 3D, Sony Ericsson Play and many more. Dear Cherian, The C6 is a decent phone by most standards, including price, but the problem with Nokia is not so much the hardware (which Nokia has always been good at) as it is the software. The Symbian OS, also used in the C6, is not as smooth or user friendly as some of its competition. If you definitely
As for sweat and water, these even on a regular basis should in no way affect the screen, unless of course water enters the phone itself. Most modern phones have been built to survive and work under just such day to day situations. Just wipe the screen clean and you are good to go. -Ed
...TECH Favourites section is excellent Sahil Verma
...product that affects
purchase decisions Ujjawal Tankha
...finally someone in Oman is providing
real time updates
...TECH can be a referral
on the latest products in the market
for any student or professional
Himanshu Shah
...very informative and useful
Ajay Ganti ...feels nice to know about
newnever technology seen before
Aleemuddin Saifi
Suman Thapa Shaaru
...your articles are
just awesome
Iwin Francis
...wonderful work and
congrats on your
congrats to your team
wonderful magazine
K R Anand
Cherian Kuruvilla
...TECH has filled an
...your team has been delivering
importantin the niche market
an excellent publication
Ross Cormack
...round of applause to all the team members Vembu Kumar
Anup Sunder
...a one-stop arena for the latest in technology
Tariq al Barwani
Thank you for the support
TECH NEWS
Off-road bruiser
Light it up Panasonic’s eco friendly series of energy saving light bulbs, which was launched for the Middle East region recently, offer energy
Dhofar Automotive recently launched the All New Dodge Durango at a special event held at the Dhofar Automotive showroom in Azaiba. Oman was the first country in the gulf to bring the American branded SUV to their dedicated group of loyal Dodge customers. From its sleek exterior design to its modern, spacious interior, and intelligent, fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, the 2011 Dodge Durango is all-new from the inside out. And the changes are more than skin deep. The Durango’s unibody structure is more than 25 per cent stiffer than its predecessor. The end result is a vehicle with crossover versatility, SUV capability and performance in a different league than its competitive class.
savings up to 80 per cent as compared to an incandescent bulb that is producing the same level of brightness. The new series of spiral lamps also features up to 40 per cent longer useful life (10,000hrs Vs 6,000hrs) as compared to normal spiral type energy saving light bulbs. The new spiral model has an electrode path that is 1.4 times longer than that on the 3U fluorescent arc tube and the longer electrode path contributes to the efficiency of the lamp. Panasonic has also successfully reduced the minimal lamp wattage down to 13W for a 70W incandescent equivalent.
New partnership Olympus Europa Holding GmbH has appointed Photocentre as their new distributor for Oman. Photocentre will now market the full range of Olympus digital cameras, binoculars and dictation products. The new partnership will enable Olympus to benefit from one of Oman’s longest standing, well established and trusted names in regional photographic services, having operated for nearly four decades. The partnership was launched at a joint press conference attended by Roman Askari, head of sales and marketing for the Middle East at Olympus Europa Holding GmbH and Photocentre general manager Mohammad al Farei in front of an audience of the media and key dealers and business partners of Photocentre.
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Spring collection Fujifilm and Grand Stores recently launched the 2011 Spring collection of Fujifilm Digital Cameras, which include 29 models. Also showcased was a breakthrough sensor-driven Fujifilm EXR CMOS technology that allows low-noise, high-speed shooting, and has improved light sensitivity, resulting in superior image quality even in low light conditions. Introducing Fujifilm superior digital technology at a launch event, Fujifilm and Grand Stores officials said that the new range offers a versatile choice of imaging technology to professional as well as amateur photographers in the UAE and the region.
Welcome to the Elite Club
Growing smarter Samsung Gulf Electronics and Al Seeb Technical Establishment (SARCO) recently held the launch of the 2011 Samsung Smart TV lineup that is set to redefine the home entertainment experience. Samsung Smart TVs line-up combines elegant design with a wide range of smart features that offers viewers the most out of their entertainment experience. Combining smart content and smart experience, the Smart TVs offer an immersive viewing experience with its minimal aesthetics and 3D impact, as well as a new world of web-connected TV entertainment. Samsung’s new ‘Smart Hub’ is the interface to all Samsung’s Smart features, offering a simple menu system that is easy to connect, discover and enjoy the wide range of content the TV offers.
Being part of the Nawras family is now even more rewarding with the introduction of the Elite Program, an exciting new way of saying thank you and giving greater value to every customer. Nawras is now giving points to all customers for every recharge made or bill paid, whether for mobile or fixed services. Customers can save points and after three months, redeem them for free calling minutes or free SMS. All customers can immediately subscribe to the Elite Program to start earning tier points every time they use a Nawras service and will also be able to earn bonus points during special promotions or offers. Elite Club members will also earn additional bonus points every month, based on the tier points they accrued in the previous calendar month.
Breathe easy
LG Electronics (LG) has just launched the Titan, a premium residential air conditioning model, in the Omani market. This updated version of an already successful, high-tech LG air conditioner will deliver powerful cooling made to withstand the region’s often punishing weather conditions. The Titan can blast out cool air over a distance of up to 10 metres, the longest range of any air conditioner in the market today. The Jet Cool function and the four-way swing system enable the unit to blow cool air in practically any direction at maximum speed, making rooms cooler in the shortest possible time. Additionally, a special Multi-stage Tropical Compressor combines a highly efficient motor, minimised oil circulation and a specially designed resonator and cylinders to ensure powerful cooling even in extreme weather conditions.
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Sound the Horn
Transparent storage Ever wondered what the inside of your hard disk looks like as you save, move, copy or delete data? If so then you need to get yourself one of these. The Convar ByteSpotter is the world’s first and only transparent external USB hard drive. The heart of the ByteSpotter, the ‘actual’ hard drive, is a high-end 7,200rpm, 1TB hard drive from Hitachi. The casing itself is made by Convar and makes use of high-quality materials such as woods, white glass and metal. Definitely worth a look if you have the cash to spare.
The Horn is the new HI-MACS hand-made iPod dock/art piece, designed by the renowned Korean architect Shi-hyung Jeon – from Jeon Associates – in collaboration with the HI-MACS team at LG Hausys. It is made especially for iPod devices and delivers the full spectrum of sounds. The acoustic material and sweeping curves serve up a stunningly clear, precise listening experience that today’s audiophiles are looking for. The only caveat: it will probably never be sold outside of Korea but you can always try to get hold of one online.
World’s largest Western Digital just introduced its My Book Studio Edition II dual-drive storage system with a massive 6 terabytes (TB) of storage to meet the capacity needs of today’s storage-hungry buyers and Mac enthusiasts who create, store, edit and archive large HD video and photo files. The new capacity provides about 33 per cent more storage than the previous capacity, while maintaining the same footprint. The system offers a quad interface providing great flexibility including eSATA, FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0.
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Neon glow Sony’s new VAIO C Series could very well be the ultimate PC for those who seek to be noticed. Available in a range of vibrant colours, the new 15.5-inch and 14-inch C Series feature ‘light emitting’ material that absorbs ambient ultraviolet light through its flat surfaces and creates a dramatic, glow effect along the edges of the translucent PC lid and other surfaces. If customisation is your thing then a colourful array of Bluetooth wireless mice and keyboard skins are also available to mix and match with the C Series notebooks.
Tell your story Canon Middle East has just enhanced its LEGRIA HF M-series consumer camcorder range with the launch of the new LEGRIA HF M41, LEGRIA HF M46 and LEGRIA HF M406 – a collection of touchscreen AVCHD models combining a high quality HD video system and a new range of creative features. All models feature Canon’s HD CMOS Pro sensor, adopted from Canon’s professional camcorder range with a 160 per cent increase in the light sensing area, to provide outstanding, professional-quality full HD video. There is also a new and unique Story Creator feature that provides a fresh, intuitive way to capture movies that tell a story.
Free yourself The FREEWAY is Jabra’s latest speakerphone which features an intuitive design and a complete handsfree experience for users, allowing them to focus on the task at hand. Once it is clipped to the car’s visor, it automatically turns on when the car door is opened and then helps the driver pair the device to a mobile phone. Drivers can then sit back with their hands on the wheel and focus on the road ahead and use their voice to solicit all kinds of commands – making, answering, ending, redialing or rejecting calls – without touching their phone. And once a conversation is finished or a destination reached, the FREEWAY automatically shuts off so there is no need to worry about saving battery life for the next use. The device also comes with a free one year subscription to Voice Assist, a voice-controlled app that can be used with any type of mobile phone or IPconnected device. With Voice Assist, calls and commands can be performed by voice-controlled communication, allowing users to call, send or respond to emails and text messages, or post to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, all by voice.
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special feature
RedCarpet PROMO Backstage with the TECH Team
One year ends, and the rest now begins. For a change, let’s show you who we are
A
sk anyone to describe their jobs in an equation and it will most probably be 80 per cent hard work and 20 per cent fun. But ask our team of the 20 and 30 somethings and their percentage would be reversed. Every brainstorming session, usually with a slice of pizza and can of Mountain Dew, was a step towards something new. The most enjoyable part of it all was working together as a team with
the last minute scramble to give the finishing touches to an article, the sessions with the photographer and the models, discussing outfits and make-up over a cup of coffee and a sandwich. Don’t believe our words of fun – look at our team enjoying themselves at a photoshoot session pictured here. But enough of the fun. We wouldn’t want to make you all envious. Take a step backstage for a round of introductions.
Heading TECH is our ’mad-scientist’ Malcolm. Don’t get him started on cars and games. You will soon be drawn into his world. His interest in every weird topic under the sun amounts for quite a few laughs in the office. Poornima helps in toning down Malcolm’s overdose of information and with her chattiness on any subject, she poses a certain threat to the former. Of course, she drives Malcolm mad with her conscientiousness. Muneeb’s specialty is his amazing collection of songs that comes as a relief from work. He particularly enjoys working wonders on the gaming and the dashboard sections. And with support from our senior designer, Shyniben, the magazine has a distinction all its own. All the while, to make sure the 20 somethings do their work, Terry and Rathish bring a sense of maturity and a fresh perspective to the magazine… not forgetting the munchies and trips to the beaches that they sponsor.
Our team look on as Shakeel choreographs the anniversary cover shoot 16 / TECH
Now, for those who have not seen our baby growing from its first faltering steps, we have given an insight into 24 of our best products over the issues in the next few pages. There is also a scrapbook where we have tried to include the wishes of as many readers of TECH as possible. Happy anniversary!
Opinion Wall
Ross Cormack Ajay Ganti CEO, SARCO Oman did need a magazine which talks about technology and which is informative for the consumers. TECH magazine can be a referral for any student who wants to pursue a career in technology, for any professional who is in the business of technology, or for any entertainer who wants to keep himself updated about technology. It is a replica of a Bible for any tech-savvy in Oman. It has been improving and it has the potential to make it to the list of compulsory stack books in anyone’s library.
Tariq al Barwani Founder and President, KnowledgeOman.com I would like to congratulate the people behind the ‘TECH magazine’ which has been doing a great round in the Sultanate already. The magazine offers a one stop arena for the latest happening in technology and in specific what we carry or need to know (gadgets). Kudos and wishing all people involved many success at all times and years ahead.
CEO, Nawras TECH has certainly filled an important niche in the market by presenting the latest technology news in an entertaining, reader-friendly way. By offering such a wide variety of content TECH appeals to different audiences with its interesting coverage. The product reviews are most helpful, not only for those who enjoy technology like me, but also for people who are finding today’s choices rather like navigating through a minefield. On behalf of Nawras, I wish to warmly congratulate the team at TECH for a great first year and I wish you every success with the magazine in the years ahead.
Ujjawal Tankha Country Head, Emax Operations TECH is a unique product that affects purchase decisions. It provides people with just the right amount of information about the various brands available in the market, helping them make an informed choice. I would like to congratulate the team and hope to continue to work with them when it comes to the latest in technology in the Omani market.
TECH Hall of Fame #1
Panasonic Viera 3D TV
Apple iPad
The launch of this line-up was perfectly timed with the boom in the 3D market. It also paved the way for Panasonic’s entry into the 3D market. Launched at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2010, the line-up won the 2010 Innovation Awards at the show.
Launched in January 2010, the Apple iPad singlehandedly revitalised the tablet market, setting the benchmark for every tablet that was to come. Since its launch it came with over 140,000 apps in its Apple App store, solidifying its hold on the market. It further opened a gateway for Android tablets.
Olympus E-PL1 The Olympus Pen is the first micro four-third we tested. Unlike most point-and-shoot cameras, it utilised a proper DSLR sensor, thereby giving a perfect midpoint for beginners to get into photography without making it as complicated or as expensive as DSLRs. It also proved that there was a demand for cameras with interchangeable lenses in the mainstream market.
#2
TECH / 1
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Nvidia GTX480 The GTX480 was a flagship GPU for Nvidia and was launched in April 2010. It was the first GPU to introduce tessellation, which even today is the singled out technology for the very best in graphical fidelity. Even one year down the line it is still the benchmark against which all new GPUs are tested.
#3 Apple iPhone 4 Following in the wake of the success of the iPhone and the iPhone 3G, the iPhone 4 met all the expectations that consumers had. It introduced new technology never seen before, including Face Time and retina display. And it was and is still the most attractive phones you can buy.
Samsung Series 9 9000 3D TV The Samsung Series 9 3D TV was one of the most visually stunning TV of its time. With a depth of 23.9mm, this flagship model of the Samsung 3D TV range was the thinnest. One of the very nice additions was the advanced remote controls that featured a threeinch colour touchscreen that could be used as a second TV.
Sony PS3 Slim Were it not for the fact that we used it as a benchmark for a comparison of Blu-Ray players, the new Sony PS3 Slim would have quite easily come out tops. Not only did it match even the best player being tested in terms of Blu-Ray performance, it also has full Web browsing, 250GB HDD, and is an awesome game console to boot.
MB&F HM4 The looks, performance and technology blew us away. More than 100 hours of intricate machining and meticulous polishing is required to turn the opaque block of sapphire crystal into a clear panel that is used on the case. The rest of the watch is made from Grade 5 titanium.
#4
/1 Feb ‘10
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#5 Casio Green Slim Projector First to feature Casio’s new mercury-free laser and LED hybrid source, the Casio Green Slim projector heralded the age of next gen projectors. Not only were they capable of high brightness of 2,000 or more lumens, but they also managed to overcome the drawback of owning a projector – the life of the bulb. The LED hybrid light has a life of 20,000 hours, about ten times that of a conventional bulb.
Asus G51JX 3D The Asus G51JX was the first 3D gaming laptop to enter the Omani market. Although its performance when running games in 3D was not as good as expected, it gave a glimpse of what the technology was capable of and what was in store for gamers in the future when powerful hardware was made available to them.
Philips Cinema 21:9 Platinum Series To truly enjoy an immersive cinematic experience at home you will either need your own personal cinema hall or get yourself one of these – the Philips Cinema 21:9 Platinum Series TV. Not only was it the world’s first cinema proportion TV it was also 3D capable and featured Philip’s proprietary Ambilight technology.
#6
Samsung Galaxy S When Galaxy S was unveiled, it was the best Android phone in the market and in more ways than one it still is. It showcased how capable the Android platform was. And now, it is a benchmark to which every Android phone is compared. After getting our hands on it we can’t wait to see what its successor is capable of.
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#7 Jawbone Icon The Icon marked the entry of the Jawbone brand in Oman. Quite easily one of the most technologically advanced Bluetooth headsets you could buy at that time, the Icon featured active dynamic range management to normalise all caller volumes, customisable vocal notifications and an integrated app platform.
1 / TECH
Mad Catz R.A.T. 9 Gaming Mouse Quite easily the most customisable and advanced mouse to ever be introduced to the market, some of its key features included three ‘cyber modes’ that allow you to change sensitivity or the programmed setting on any button on the fly, giving you access to a mind-boggling 15 commands.
Alienware M15X The Alienware is responsible for producing some of the most powerful laptops and desktop computers that money can buy. Midway between the M11x and the top-tier M17x, the M15x blew us away with its build quality, attention to detail, looks and astounding performance. While the M15x we tested wasn’t cheap, we couldn’t think of a better laptop to spend hard-earned money on.
#8
Avant-Garde Trio Classico Loudspeaker Horn loudspeakers are the most natural physical concepts for sound reproduction whose characteristics offer incredible advantages compared to other loudspeaker concepts. Unfortunately, they enhance imperfections in audio just as much they enhance other aspects and they are also significantly more expensive to build. This hasn’t stopped AvantGarde from making these amazing speaker sets that cost anywhere from 24,000 to over 60,000 rials.
1 / TECH
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#9 Panasonic HDC-SDT750 This was the first 3D camcorder from Panasonic that showed that 3D video capture was viable even at the consumer level. Truly innovative was the fact that 3D video capture was possible only when the 3D conversion lens was attached. When not attached, the SDT750 reverted to being a high-end camcorder, effectively giving you two cameras in one and offering the flexibility to choose the kind of recording you want.
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Tokyo Flash Watches These stunning watches (available for purchase online) totally captivated us with their groundbreaking designs, functionality and artistic styles of telling time. Even more impressive was the fact that every design produced was based on consumers’ votes.
Thrustmaster T500 RS Completely optimised for Gran Turismo 5, the T500 RS is as close as it gets to a realistic racing experience without actually taking to a track in a race car. This stunning racing wheel has everything you could possibly ask for – a premium look and feel, responsive force feedback, 1,080 degrees rotation, adjustable all-metal pedal set and much more.
#10
BlackBerry Torch Until the release of the Torch, BlackBerrys were always considered to be a business man’s phone. The Torch was targeted at a younger audience. But what was truly well executed was that despite an updated interface, it managed to keep the traditional controls intact. This way it did not alienate the core customer base.
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Dell Inspiron Duo We have had both netbooks and tablets before but not both in one machine. This is exactly what the Inspiron Duo is: at just the flip of a screen the netbook can be converted into a tablet and vice versa. Even more impressive was the performance. It more than met all our expectations making it one of the most impressive long distance travel companion that we could recommend.
Motorola ATRIX The Motorola ATRIX brought new meaning to the word ‘mobile computing’. Not only was it one of the most advanced Android phones on the market when it was launched, it is also powerful enough to double as an Android laptop when coupled with a specially designed laptop-dock for the phone. And it was impressive enough to make it to the list.
Olympus TG-810
#12
Few cameras could take the punishment that the original Tough range from Olympus can withstand. But with the new TG-810, Olympus took it a step further. Not only did it manage to make it significantly tougher but also added a bevy of new technologies to the product, including a built-in manometer, unique three-sensor GPS, electronic compass, and a high-resolution glare-resistant LCD.
Sony Ericsson Play The Sony Ericsson Play stands as a treatment to the popularity of mobile gaming, digital distribution and technology convergence all in one. The phone was specifically designed to play games available through the new PlayStation Suite initiative. Regardless, this is a very impressive piece of technology that will surely become a hit among the mobile gaming crowd.
Issue 2 may 2011 / 23
photography
Although smaller and lighter, the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 improves on its predecessor in almost every conceivable way Fujifilm launched the world’s first 3D camera in September 2009. Unlike most commercial point-and-shoot cameras capable of 3D photography, the FinePix Real 3D W1 offered consumers the opportunity to make their own true, rather than interpolated, 3D content. Fujifilm has now upped the ante with the launch of their new
The parallax control takes residence at the top of the camera and is now in the form of a slider
camera – the FinePix Real 3D W3. While smaller and lighter than the original model, the FinePix W3 adds a bigger and better quality screen, an Auto 3D mode, the ability to view 3D content, both live and recorded, on any 3D TVs via an HDMI 1.4 mini-cable, stereo sound recording, and the unique ability to shoot video in Real 3D in High Definition.
3D images and video can be viewed without glasses through the camera’s built-in 3.5-inch autostereoscopic LCD which has three times the resolution of its predecessor
The user interface is much easier to use thanks to a number of improvements including a new ring selector, a single button for switching between 2D and 3D and another for browsing through recorded content
Tech Specs
The camera has a unique 3D HD video recording and a parallax control function that helps to remove crosstalk problems by allowing 3D fine tuning, even after the images have been taken 24 / TECH
Because the camera features twin Fujinon 3x lenses, two CCD sensors and a proprietary processor, it is capable of taking two different photos of the subject, with varying parameters, at the same time
Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3
Effective Pixels
10.0 million pixels
CCD Sensor
1/2.3-inch CCD x2
Storage Media
Internal approximately 34MB, SD memory card / SDHC memory card *2
Lens
Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, F3.7 (Wide) – F4.2 (Telephoto)
LCD Monitor
3.5-inch, approximately 1,150,000 dots colour LCD monitor with Lenticular type
Movie Recording
1,280x720 (24 frames/sec)
interview
SMART CONNECTIONS
With Ajay Ganti’s philosophy of a customer-centric approach, you can expect to see something new from Samsung in the coming months
A
n unassuming individual with over 18 years of experience in the field of electronics, Ajay Ganti, CEO of Al Seeb Technical Establishment (SARCO), exudes passion for technology and his work. Having started out as a professional in northern India, Ajay has lead companies like Sony and Videocon. His longest stint, he admits, was seven years with Sony in India. His date with the Middle East started just over six years ago, four and a half of which has been with SARCO. Of course, having spent over four years in this country as an expatriate, Ajay proudly
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states that the Omani market is quite mature. To put it simply, in his words, “Oman is up to date”. He believes that the nationals are well educated and are the first in the region to accept a new technology. He affirms, “Other regions go by the trend. But the Omani consumer is learned and well informed, and I would rate them higher within GCC in terms of knowledge.” With such an established market, it is no surprise that the local populace fervently await the launch of new products. And Samsung doesn’t disappoint. As Ajay states, the consumers in Oman have quite a lot
to look forward to in the next eight to ten months. In fact, following major shows like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas in February 2011, and the Barcelona Fair, Oman is now set to welcome quite an interesting bunch of goods from Samsung. The products to look forward to include the Galaxy S II (Issue 12, Pg. 22) and the new Tab (Pg.32) with the 8.9- and 10.1-inch screens introduced at the Barcelona fair. “There is also a new series of notebooks, slimmer and lighter, with improved performance. Then we have an LED, 3D TV line-up, a new range of printers and other appliances, including
Samsung Group headquarters at Samsung Town, Seoul aesthetically designed refrigerators with LED lighting,” adds Ajay. He confirms that there will be formal launches for some of these products. As for the rest, he says, “We will have soft launches, ensuring the availability of the product in the market”. Ajay admits that the months of April and May welcome a lot of new products, with Samsung
“The Omani consumer is learned and well informed, and I would rate them higher within GCC in terms of knowledge” also getting revved up to launch their line-up of LED, LCD and 3D TVs. But the goodies from Samsung don’t end there. What would you say to a lighter, chic pair of 3D glasses? Yes, Samsung is coming up with trendier 3D accessories too. “We are planning to have some designer frames for the new 3D glasses. They will be quite lighter and won’t look out of place. People with spectacles can actually put on those glasses. As a consumer, the experience would be a ‘wow’ effect. It will also be cheaper,” Ajay declares.
the end of this year. “It is all about integration – right from the television to notebooks to cameras to mobile phones and music. We will be talking a lot about this in the future. It’s all about connectivity – connecting with consumers, with technology, information and visuals. We are evaluating options to partner with different Internet service providers at different levels. We want to make sure that the consumers get the best out of it.” When talk moves on to connectivity, Ajay mentions Samsung’s new approach to connecting with consumers directly. Just two words to describe it – ‘road shows’. Ajay explains the need for the road shows, “We would like to demonstrate products in key areas where people can go experience the touch-and-feel of a product, before venturing into a buying decision. It is not just about the visuals anymore. The consumers
will also have to be educated about the products, so that they make an informed choice not an imposed one.” Having talked about the expected launches, Ajay declares that in all its new products, Samsung’s philosophy of going ‘green’ comes through. Most of the components in the products are either biodegradable or can be recycled. “It is our social corporate responsibility to contribute to the betterment of the environment. And also, year after year, Samsung has tried to keep the mind of the consumer fresh by launching new technology and products. We hope to make Samsung an essential part of everyday life. We believe in enhancing the quality of life for consumers.” Ajay’s concluding remarks show his zest for what Samsung believes in – comfort, experience and value proposition.
Samsung has also planned to launch a whole lot of other accessories along with the televisions, like wireless chargers for the glasses and for the remote. Best news of all – these goodies are already in transit. Another surprise that Ajay pulls out of his magic hat is the ‘Smart TV’. The Smart TV seems to be a dream that will come true by
may 2011 / 27
audio zone
Melodiously
curved Audio systems are now more about just the sound The HTS3111/12 is a good companion for people passionate about listening to their favourite artistes’ performance with great surround sound. It allows for flexible placement – you can either mount it on the wall or put it on a table. For hasslefree entertainment all your devices can be linked with your home theatre system and enjoyed on your TV.
You can also charge a second mobile device via a USB connector
MP3 Link allows playback of MP3 files directly from a portable media player
When it comes to looks, the 360-degree compact design of the DS1100/12 looks elegant from every angle
The features of the iPhone/ iPod dock include auto clock synchronisation and a soft glow night light
The Fidelio docking speaker is another elegantly designed audio system from Philips that delivers rich sound. With neodymium speakers and shielding technology to block mobile phone interference, rest assured you can enjoy nonstop interruption-free audio.
The ‘DoubleBASS’ technology is responsible for delivering the deepest possible bass tones from the compact-sized subwoofers, while the Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround decoder enhance the quality of music and videos
The curved SoundBar design of the HTS3111/12 goes beyond being just visually-appealing; it ensures wider sound dispersion
Tech Specs
Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight Available at 28 / TECH
HTS3111/12
DS1100/12
Main Unit: 945x58X93mm 71x67x171mm Subwoofer: 123x369x309mm 9.8kg 0.75kg Mustafa Sultan Electronics, 24636015
With a special dust-resistant mesh material the speakers are well protected
Bring theatre-quality audio home with the new Logitech Z906 Successor to the highly acclaimed Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speaker System, the new THX-Certified Z906 delivers 500W of pure power to recreate that perfect theatre-quality audio experience in your living room.
For added convenience, a wireless remote is included to let you control your listening experience from the comfort of your couch
With its easy-to-read display and easy-to-stack design, the control console will surely look good with your home-entertainment system
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You can connect up to six audio devices to the system simultaneously — including your TV, DVD, DVR, Blu-Ray player, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, iPod and even your PC or Mac
For all you bass lovers, the ported, side-firing subwoofer delivers 165W of pure, distortion-free bass
The Z906 Surround Sound Speakers convert two-channel stereo into an immersive surround sound experience
With 500W (RMS) of power on tap, the Logitech Surround Sound Speakers deliver audio thunderous enough to shake the house down
The Speaker system has met strict performance standards to achieve THX certification — so you can be sure that your entertainment will sound the way it was meant to
All the satellites are wall-mountable, giving you the means to turn any room into a home theatre
Tech Specs
Logitech Z906
Total RMS Power
500W RMS (Satellites: 5x67W; Sub: 165W)
Connectivity
Digital optical input (2), Digital coaxial input, Six-channel
Satellite Speaker Dimensions
92x99x165mm
Centre Speaker Dimensions
92x165x99mm
For all your Dolby digital or DTS encoded soundtracks, the system has onboard 5.1 digital decoding for detailed surround sound
direct input, RCA input, 3.5mm input
Subwoofer Dimensions
318x280x292mm
Control Console Dimensions Weight Key Features
17.9x42x110mm 13.3kg THX Certified, Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding, DTS decoding, 3D Stereo, Mountable satellites, Infrared remote USD349.99 (Approximately OMR135)
MSRP
may 2011 / 31
video zone
Passive Experience Philips’ Cinema 21:9 Series is going passive and gold
Pretty much one of the only major TV brands to offer up a 21:9 screen, Philips is quite easily affirming its leadership in the category of cinema proportion TVs. Following the launch of Cinema 21:9 Platinum Series last year, the world’s first cinema proportion 3D TV, the company is now attempting to make this cinema experience available to a broader audience by expanding its range with the Cinema 21:9 Gold Series Smart LED TV.
When it comes to gaming, in 2D mode the Cinema 21:9 Gold Series displays standard dual-player games on a split-screen with player one getting the top half and player two getting the bottom half; when you activate this mode with Easy 3D and put on your 3D glasses, each player simultaneously sees his or her view expand to fill the entire TV screen
Unlike most TVs, the Gold Series offers a comfortable 3D viewing experience with sharp images and low crosstalk, thanks to the combination of lightweight passive 3D glasses and the advanced 3D polarised screen
The TV is complemented by two-sided ‘Ambilight Spectra 2’, which adds to the immersion by projecting a glow of light from the back of the screen onto the surrounding wall
The 50-inch full HD screen is LED edge-lit and utilises a 100Hz screen with Philips’ powerful ‘Pixel Precise HD’ picture processing engine
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This could be one of the most comprehensive smart TV packages to be made available once it is out, with the ability to stream music, photos and videos from your tablet, smart phone or laptop, and store programs and movies on your hard drive on demand
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computing
Tab Works The new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 8.9 are the slimmest tablets ever and will feature the first customised Android 3.0 experience Soon to join the original seven-inch Galaxy Tab are two new models – the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 8.9. These new models will feature Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface implemented on the Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) platform, offering improved multi-tasking and enhanced user interaction and navigation. They are all set to provide consumers with an array of mobile tablet choices that fits their needs best.
Samsung’s TouchWiz UX user interface is the company’s proprietary overlay that features a Live Panel menu that users can customise to display a variety of content on the home screen including digital pictures, favourite websites and social network feeds
Both Tabs, the 10.1 and 8.9, measure in at just 8.6mm, making them the thinnest ever mobile tablets
Developed in collaboration with industryleading partners such as Cisco, Sybase, SAP and Citrix, Samsung’s enterprise mobility solutions will provide flexibility and connectivity for mobile workforces, ensuring that business users are able to operate more efficiently on-the-move
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Both systems come pre-loaded with the Readers Hub and Music Hub giving consumers instant access to more than 2.2 million books, 2,000 newspapers in 49 languages, 2,300 magazines in 22 languages and 13 million songs
The combined ultra-thin form factor and lightweight design of the Galaxy Tabs, 595g for the 10.1 and 470g for the 8.9, gives them outstanding mobility
The devices are also designed with Samsung’s Social Hub, which will aggregate email, instant messaging, contacts, calendar and social network connections into a single interface
Both Tabs will include a 1GHz dual-core application processor for a powerful multimedia and Web browsing experience
Both devices feature a 3MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera, providing smooth transition and seamless 1080p HD video and Flash playback
In addition, the interface includes a Mini Apps Tray containing all commonly used features such as task manager, calendar and music player which can be launched while other major applications are also in use, including large file downloads and document editing
With its surround-sound stereo speakers and support for Flash 10.2, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will deliver premium entertainment experience, be it watching videos, movies or playing games
As the names imply, the 10.1 and 8.9 have a 10.1-inch and 8.9-inch WXGA TFT LCD display (1,280x800) respectively
Tech Specs
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
The new Galaxy Tabs will support HSPA+ network speeds of up to 21Mbps as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity to deliver rapid mobile download speeds and reduce data transfer times
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
OS
Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
Display
8.9-inch WXGA TFT LCD 1,280x800
10.1-inch WXGA TFT LCD 1,280x800
Processor
1GHz dual-core application processor
1GHz dual-core application processor
Camera
3MP AF with LED Flash and 2MP Front
3MP AF with LED Flash and 2MP Front
Connectivity
Bluetooth v3.0, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi
Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi
Memory
16GB/32GB/64GB and microSD slot
16GB/32GB/64GB and microSD slot
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Elegant engineering Samsung’s latest notebooks combine style and performance Every notebook is unique, and not just in its configuration. People are looking for more, in terms of patterns and colours. And the Samsung R540 does not disappoint. It is a notebook that
combines style with engineering. One of the USPs of this notebook is its graphic performance. With the latest ATI Mobility Radeon HD545v graphics card, advanced 3D graphics processing power and a
dedicated 1GB gDDR3 memory, the combination is stunning. The RV510 is also ultra-stylish. And with its expansive 17-key numeric keypad, it offers easy, enhanced usability.
Samsung R540 The R540 has a design that enhances your sense of style, because not only does it have patterns and colours to choose from, but with its ergonomic engineering and durable casing, this mobile computer is an all-rounder. The durable casing reduces the risk of scratches and fingerprints. Above all this, you need to factor in its graphic performance to truly experience the R540. The computer is available in elegant hairline or small diamond patterns.
The R540’s 16:9 aspect ratio lets you enjoy games and movies the way they are meant to be; the images are fine-tuned on a 15.6-inch HD LED display
The Intel Core i5 processor is at the heart of the R540 and with Intel’s Turbo Boost technology, it allocates processing power where it’s needed the most; the Hyper-Threading technology also delivers fast, optimised response times
With Samsung’s AllShare feature, without installing time-consuming drivers you can stream and play videos, music and photos on your mobile PC
Features Bluetooth 3.0 High Speed delivers higher data transmission speeds (24Mbps), 8x faster than Bluetooth 2.0 (3Mbps). Samsung Recovery Solution automatically and regularly backs up your PC data to the hard drive. Silent Mode is one of three operating modes that Samsung lets you choose by the pressing of the Fn+ F8 key.
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Samsung RV510 The Samsung RV510 notebook has all the essential features you need, like Windows 7 Home Premium. It also comes with a practical 17-key numeric keypad and a selection of useful tools that help simplify everyday tasks like sharing information and enjoying movies and games.
The ultra-stylish RV510 is a combination of cool features and a distinctive design
Similar to the R540, the 16:9 aspect ratio lets you enjoy games and movies; the images are fine-tuned with sharp details and bold colours on a 15.6-inch HD LED display
It is built to withstand bumps and knocks and its durable casing keeps contents safe and sound
Features The RV510 incorporates advanced communications technologies, including 802.11bgn wireless, to provide highspeed access to the Internet. The RV510 is equipped with the Samsung Recovery Solution and in the case of sudden loss of power it automatically creates system restore points on the HDD, allowing you to continue where you left off.
Tech Specs
Samsung R540
Samsung RV510
Processor
Intel Core i3 350M
Intel Pentium T4500
System Memory Display
3GB 15.6-inch HD LED
2GB 15.6-inch HD LED
Graphic Memory
512MB gDDR3 (External)
Shared Memory (Internal)
Graphic Processor Storage (HDD) Available at
ATI Mobility Radeon HD545v 500GB SARCO, 24593025
Intel GMA 4500MHD 320GB
may 2011 / 37
op-ed
Free fame The big question today is: Do artists benefit in any way from piracy
P
iracy brings to mind the horrific plundering of the sea-faring ships by the famed Blackbeard, Anne Bonny and others. But the oceanic version is far removed from the digital piracy that companies are trying to fight. The unauthorised copying of software, music or films may not be as appalling as the piracy of old. But stealing other people’s R&D and artistic endeavour is theft nonetheless. Stanley Fernandes, general manager, HiTec Center, believes that piracy is deep rooted. Says he, “It has become a resident evil in this technologically savvy world of ours. The infringement, the use and eventually the abuse of intellectual property is the driving
force behind piracy,”. But Stanley is positive that although piracy can never truly be eliminated, it can be controlled. When the topic of piracy is broached, it is usually the big software companies that start protests, waving placards with the slogan ‘Piracy is bad for business.’ Companies try to make the argument that a copy of pirated software is equivalent to a lost sale. But this argument is sometimes flawed for a couple of reasons. For one thing, it is not always true that a user of pirated software would have actually purchased a legitimate copy in the first place. This is because some original software programs are extremely expensive,
far beyond the reach of day-to-day folk. While we do not condone piracy in any way, it is at times a necessary evil that actually works in a company’s favour. Take Photoshop, for example. It is used by almost every graphic designer and digital artist out there. But as is expected most copies are pirated, simply because of the enormous cost of purchasing an original copy. Officially, the software giant has taken a firm line against piracy. But unofficially, it is these pirated copies that give rise to budding artists who will later work as professional freelancers or for design companies, who in turn make up the majority of the Adobe’s customer base. But when the original software is so expensive, what can businesses do to prevent piracy? Annurag Chawla, head of marketing and communications, Towell Auto, has an answer to that. “While we need to pay the premium for original concepts, ideas, technologies or works of art, it should be a justified amount. Piracy cannot be stopped if the original version is prohibitively expensive. So, perhaps, businesses have to take another look at their pricing and arrive at a fair selling cost, keeping in mind the research and development expenses incurred while developing new ideas, products and technologies.”
Annurag Chawla
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Setting aside the worries of companies, though, piracy seems to be widely welcomed by fans. The pirate market can satisfy fans in ways that the retail market is incapable of doing. It allows them to keep permanent
Stanley Fernandes
copies of things the creative industries would rather they not have. You can keep an enjoyable episode of Friends for posterity, save an enthralling cricket match or share an interesting article that might otherwise be buried behind a pay wall. To be a fan is to be an aficionado. What sustains the piracy market, though, is not just the appeal of a free record or film. It’s the innate consumption compulsion of the fans. So, whatever the arguments about the morality or legality of consuming something you haven’t paid for, if piracy is not only cheaper but considerably more hassle-free than enduring a dozen unavoidable anti-piracy advertisements and movie trailers, it’s going to be a tempting option for a lot of people.
at a restaurant and eating food from the hawkers. As a step towards increasing awareness and educating consumers, we [at Genetco] give a demonstration of the difference in quality between using pirated software and the original. But compared to about ten years back, the awareness has gone up. People are willing to pay a slightly higher price to buy something that is of good quality. And especially in countries like India and Dubai, people are now moving more towards branded items.” Stanley concludes, “Piracy is very much rampant in Oman under the broad umbrella of piracy of music, software, entertainment and literature, to name a few. I understand
that laws are in place to empower owners of intellectual property and dampen the effects of piracy in Oman. We must understand and accept that piracy can never truly be eliminated but can be controlled through pro-active measures both by the government and individuals, such as you and me.” So, although fans would resort to piracy to enjoy, for instance, a rare album that was never released, it is the duty of the individual to support the developers and their respective companies. Besides, true aficionados will always drift towards the original.
But even as an aficionado, Ambuj Khare, senior general manager of Genetco, believes in owning an original. “I am fond of reading, especially non-fiction. And wherever I go, be it India or Dubai, I always pick up a book I want after looking at the quality of print. I would like to pay a slightly higher price for a good quality print book than a pirated one. And although I did not follows this vehemently in the past, over the last ten years I have gone in for only the original, and now have a collection of about 500.” Ambuj also believes that piracy can be controlled by increasing the awareness of the consumer. “They need to know that the quality of pirated software is low. The difference between the original and pirated software is like eating quality food
Ambuj Khare
may 2011 / 39
dashboard
We take a look at Yamaha’s incarnation of the super-high-revving YZF-R6 From a history of making pianos, today Yamaha R6 still makes music but just not from taut strings. Yamaha has a certain attitude that some folks are all too familiar with if they have been following the Japanese manufacturer from the time of Kenny Roberts – the man who pioneered sitting-in (or hanging off the bike) to increase corner speeds.
The YZF-R6 was the first production motorcycle with a fly-by-wire throttle system for flawless response under all conditions A back torque-limiting slipper-type clutch greatly facilitates braking/downshifting from high speed
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So as you are reading this just a month away from the peak of summer, you might want to spend a few hours contemplating how you will welcome the next winter (or make use of this time to strike a deal with the dealer). Light, powerful and bristling with knowledge gained from years of racing, the
YZF-R6 is the most advanced production 600cc motorcycle Yamaha has ever built. The best-selling supersport for 2010, it is no surprise that the YZF-R6 is ready to tackle the track and the city. We have brought you a product feature with inputs from Yamaha Motor Corp., Japan.
YCC-I, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake, is used to vary intake tract length for excellent cylinder filling and a broader powerband; on the higher-revving R6, its benefits are even more pronounced
A close-ratio 6-speed transmission delivers seamless power and maximum possible acceleration
Instrument Cluster Multifunction digital and analogue instrumentation features: programmable shift light, digital speedometer, analogue tachometer, dual trip-meters with miles-onreserve function, odometer, water temp gauge and lights for neutral, high beam, low fuel and turn signals
Chassis/Suspension Dual 310mm front disc brakes use forged onepiece radial-mount callipers and radial-pump front master cylinder with adjustable lever for astounding braking power and feel Deltabox aluminium frame incorporates GP thinking in terms of engine positioning and rigidity for the ultimate in 600-class handling The lightweight swing-arm pivots high in the frame, for increased anti-squat effect and mid-corner stability The casting technique for the five-spoke 17-inch wheels makes the rims light and strong, not to mention wickedly cool-looking Removable rear shock spacer and adjustable fork ride height allows the rider to tailor the ride position for the best fit and comfort TZ-type chain adjusters ease rear tire changes
Engine Compact, lightweight 67x42.5mm, 599cc DOHC 16-valve, liquid-cooled titanium-valved four-cylinder has a compression ratio of 13.1:1, for great response, while domed pistons with valve cutouts produce a compact combustion chamber Fuel injection mapping for the YCC-T – Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle dualinjector system complements the high compression ratio for great throttle response and reduced engine braking Twin-injector fuel injection: showertype injectors above each intake funnel help achieve optimum fuel atomisation at high rpm Linerless, direct-plated ceramiccomposite cylinder bores mean greater heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and reduced friction
Tech Specs
Engine
Yamaha R6 599cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 16 titanium valves
Power
122hp @ 14,500rpm
Compression Ratio Transmission Net Weight Available at
13.1:1 6-speed with slipper clutch 189kg Zubair Automotive, 24500477 may 2011 / 41
gamer’s delight
Game on The Nintendo 3DS is finally here bringing with it the age of portable 3D gaming. We got our hands on one the day it was released in Oman The 3DS is not an upgrade to the DS, like the DSi and DSi XL. It is an entirely new handheld from Nintendo. Launched in Oman on March 27, the 3DS finally makes portable 3D gaming a reality and heralds the age of next generation portable gaming as we wait for the Sony NGP to join the fray at the end of the year. But as exciting as it sounds, how does it really feel? Is the 3D just a gimmick or does it really contribute to the games? And does the 3D really work? To find out the answers to all these questions and more, read on.
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In the box
There are two colours available at launch – aqua blue and cosmo black, which will also determine the colour of the box. If you want the red one that was showcased at E3, you will have to wait a bit longer as it is not part of the launch lineup. Either way the contents of the box are pretty straightforward. The box is split into two layers. The top contains the manuals, warranty information and AR cards, which we will get to later on in the review. The bottom layer contains the system itself along with the charger, a charging cradle, which you will be using quite often, and not much else. As a rather nice touch the system comes pre packaged with a 2GB SD card inserted into the SD slot on the console.
Walk around The system itself is a great improvement, both in looks and quality, over any of the previous DS models. It even looks a lot more grownup with its glossy finish and triple layer design. The 3DS is similar in size to the DSi but is a lot thicker, making it more backpack-friendly than pocket-friendly. It also shares the clamshell design of the DS family and has two displays, with the bottom one being a touchscreen. On the right side of the bottom screen you will find the regular cluster of four buttons marked A, B, X and Y and below that you will find the power button. The buttons are similar in feel to the previous system and so should not pose to be much of a problem for gamers. On the left side of the screen you will find the D-Pad (which is pretty much identical to the previous DS D-pads) and the all-new analogue thumb slider, or as Nintendo calls it, the Circle
pad. Its purpose is similar to the slider on the PSP but is vastly superior. It is better designed with a rubberised coating and is properly indented to fit your thumb for comfort and ease of use. It also has a stronger spring than that of the PSP, offering more precise and controlled movements.
facing the user you will find the ‘power on’ and ‘charging’ indicator on the right and a 3.5mm headphone socket in the centre. Moving to the left side of the system you will find the volume slider and the slot for the SD card, which is capable of utilising both SD and SDHC cards.
And finally, in a row below the touchscreen you will find the last three buttons: the select, home and start. The top screen is now of the widescreen variety and is flanked on either side by speakers and to its right you will find a 3D slider to control the amount of 3D effect you desire. Above the top screen you will find the front-facing camera.
On the back of the system you will find the power port, the game cartridge slot (which supports DS and DSi games in addition to 3DS games), the hidden telescopic stylus and two shoulder buttons. These shoulder buttons are more pronounced than the earlier DS models, making them easier to press, perhaps a bit too easy. So be careful when navigating the main menu as it is very easy to activate the camera while doing so. The top of the system is glossy and rather plain aside from the two lenses for the 3D camera.
On the right side of the system itself you will find the wireless slider and its accompanying indication light. At the bottom of the console
may 2011 / 43
The screens and 3D The Nintendo 3DS comes equipped with a significantly more powerful graphics processor than what was available in the previous DS models, giving it superior visual capability and the power it needs for the 3D visuals. The bottom screen is a 3.02-inch 4:3 non-3D resistive touch panel with a resolution of 320×240 pixels. This is a rather large jump in resolution and quality than what we found in the previous DS models but it is also rather disappointing that Nintendo utilised a resistive instead of a capacitive touchscreen. On the plus side, the resistive touchscreen is quite responsive and you will be pleased to know that it works just as well without the stylus should you feel inclined to use your fingers instead. But the real draw of the 3DS is the top screen. As we mentioned before, this is now a 3.5-inch 5:3 3D screen with a resolution of 800×240 pixels that is capable of producing an auto stereoscopic three-dimensional effect using a parallax barrier display. Or simply put, it is capable of 3D gaming
without the need for 3D glasses. And this is no gimmick, it truly works and needs to be experienced first-hand to realise just how good it looks. The 3D slider on the side can also be adjusted to either increase or decrease the 3D effect or turn it off altogether. Its usefulness in games depends on the game itself. We can see it being truly effective in racing and flight sims more than anything else but we will have to wait and see what the game developers can dream up. Also, the 3D effect only works when you are watching the screen dead on. Any deviation to the sides will cause the image to distort. While this may seem like a really bad thing, it isn’t. The vertical movement is quite liberal so getting a comfortable position is easy, just don’t expect to share the stunning 3D visuals with your friends without actually handing over the system. One thing to note is that the resolution of the screen drops to 400×240 pixels per eye in 3D mode but is still vastly superior to what was available in previous DS consoles.
First impressions and software While the launch line-up is lacklustre (with only Street Fighter and Ghost Recon Shadow Wars being worthy titles to pick up), the 3DS itself is by far one of the most comprehensive packages that you will find on the handheld market in terms of built-in software. Firstly, the Miis make a return and the 3DS makes amazing use of them. The system has something called StreetPass that communicates with other 3DSs in the vicinity to share game data. Depending on the developer the games utilise them in various ways. In the case of the Mii, the system has
an interesting mini game called StreetPass Quest that is practically a full-fledged RPG utilising Miis from other systems shared via StreetPass. Also included is a stunning music player, a fun and quite addictive AR game called Face Raiders, a 3D camera which is rather underwhelming considering the poor quality of the camera itself and AR games. These AR games utilise the AR cards that come packaged in the system to great effect, turning your table or bed into a playfield for mini games. This is something truly worth checking out as much as the 3D effect of
Worth a purchase?
Deciding to purchase the 3DS is a question of whether you have a DSi or not. If you do it may not be worth the upgrade since the launch line-up doesn’t really have any must-have games aside from Ghost Recon Shadow Wars and Street Fighter. Also the full capability of the 3DS won’t be unlocked till the second major patch, which was not available at the time of writing this review. On the other hand, if you don’t own a DSi then it might be worth a purchase because of its backward compatibility with all the old DS and DSi titles. The system is also definitely future proof with a very strong line-up of games heading its way. And at just under OMR150 it is even reasonably priced. At the very least, the 3D effect is worth showing off to friends till they get one as well.
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the screen. Also included in the system is something called Download Play which, if supported by the game, allows players to play a multiplayer game on two 3DSs using only one game cartridge.While there is no chatting software at launch there have been promises made that it will be made available in a future patch along with the activation of the web browser. There have even been rumours that the system will eventually support 3D video playback, which does seem quite promising considering a 3D video was launched with the first patch of the system.
Game Release Calendar May 2011 06 May 04 May Section 8: Prejudice Publisher: Timegate Studios Developer: TimeGame Studios Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3, PC Genre: Action ESRB Rating: R/P PEGI Rating: 16
Duke Nukem Forever Publisher: 2K Games Developer: Gearbox Software Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360 Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Mature PEGI Rating: RP
17 May
10 May
Brink
The First Templar
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks Developer: Splash Damage Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, PC Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Teen PEGI Rating: R/P
Publisher: Paradox Interactive Developer: Haemimont Games Platform(s): Xbox 360, PC Genre: Action ESRB Rating: R/P PEGI Rating: 16
24 May DiRT 3 Publisher: Codemasters Developer: Codemasters Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3 Genre: Driving ESRB Rating: R/P PEGI Rating: R/P
27 May F.E.A.R. 3 Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Ent. Developer: Day 1 Studios Platform(s): PS3, PC, Xbox 360 Genre: Action ESRB Rating: R/P PEGI Rating: R/P
The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings Publisher: TBA Developer: CD Projekt RED Platform(s): PC, Xbox 360, PS3 Genre: RPG ESRB Rating: R/P PEGI Rating: R/P
Dead or Alive Dimensions Publisher: Nintendo of America Developer: Tecmo Koei Platform(s): 3DS Genre: Fighting ESRB Rating: R/P PEGI Rating: R/P
L.A. Noire Publisher: Rockstar Games Developer: Team Bondi Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3 Genre: Adventure ESRB Rating: R/P PEGI Rating: R/P
Bioware has taken a much more actionoriented approach with the Dragon Age II, but was it a wise choice? We play through this long dark fantasy to find out
D
ragon Age Origins brought back the golden days of Baldur’s Gate, Planescape and Neverwinter Nights. It was an absolute masterpiece in almost every aspect and became a blockbuster success. If this were the case, most companies would usually try to evolve the mechanics of the game with the sequel and add in a few extras for good measure – sort of following the ‘if it aint broke don’t fix it’ adage. However, in the case of Dragon Age 2 Bioware has diverted quite a bit from the original gameplay mechanics and story progression while retaining a few key components. For starters, the game no longer allows you to select a race. By default you are stuck as a human but are given the freedom to choose a gender and one of three classes. You are also stuck with the ‘Hawke’ family name but your
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first name can be anything you choose. You still get the same level of facial customisation options available to you as in the first game. While this may seem limiting, it has given Bioware the freedom to fully voice the lead champ letting you get a much more personal and cinematic experience. Also, do not fret over the choice of three classes. Bioware has greatly streamlined the character levelling system making clear cut distinctions in each class depending on your preference of skills, choosing to progress in only those skill trees, of which there are numerous per class, that truly benefit you. As such even characters of the same class can perform completely differently in combat. And speaking of combat, Bioware has opted for a much more action-oriented approach that now favours quicker, easier battles
and immediate rewards. You can still pause and give commands to your squad mates to perform but this is vastly unnecessary outside of large boss battles. Cross-class combos are back and are given much more emphasis this time round. Should you wish to delve into its intricacies, careful levelling and choice of companions is in order. Nevertheless, the rewards and satisfaction of pulling off such attacks are well worth the effort. Overall, this focused action-oriented approach works well in the console variant’s favour and makes the distinction between them and the PC version a lot less profound.
Publisher: EA Developer: BioWare Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, PC Genre: RPG ESRB Rating: R/P
SCORE
8.7
The Good Much more action oriented, the lead character is now fully voiced, improved graphics and sound The Bad
Combat depth reduced, story is not as cohesive, companion’s equipment is no longer fully customisable
In true Bioware tradition the story is epic with real consequences to every key action you take. But this time the story lacks the cohesiveness of the originals. It is more broken up and spaced out, feeling like a mission-based adventure than one grand story. While it isn’t bad in any way and does come together by the game’s end, we miss the consistent pacing of Origins. The voice work is spotless as always bringing the characters to life in true Bioware fashion, lending a touch of humanity to the characters. The visuals have also been improved from the original in subtle ways, both on the PC and on the consoles, and most of the characters are much more memorable this time round. Most of the game takes place within the confines of urban landscapes with very little in the way
of variety. This may feel limiting but fits well with the context of the story and with such an engaging combat system and very good enemy variety you will most probably never even realise it. However, the long loading times and occasional framerate stutters are inescapable. On a special note, graphical fidelity has been vastly improved on the Xbox 360 this time making the visual difference between the two consoles next to negligible. And to complete the impressive visual package, the sound score has been improved, offering more variety. And it is a lot less generic than its predecessor. Despite all its improvements, better than its predecessor it is not. It is however a stunning adventure in its own right that will easily captivate you for the 30 hours or so you will need to complete it.
movie review
Forever Dreaming M AY
Malcolm X Crasta signs up for dragons, zombie Nazis, mechs, samurais and awesome visuals With movies like 300 and Watchmen under his belt, Zack Snyder’s Sucker Punch came with very high expectations. Whether these were met or not depends heavily on the kind of audience, more so than any of his previous endeavours. Sucker Punch is a truly epic action fantasy that takes you into the vivid imagination of a young girl (Emily Browning) who is locked away in a mental asylum by her abusive stepfather where she will undergo a lobotomy in five days’ time. But Babydoll, as she is lovingly called, has not lost her will to survive. Her dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality where, unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her. The lines between reality and fantasy blur as Babydoll and her four companions, Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish), Rocket (Jena Malone), Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens) and Amber (Jamie Chung), as well as a mysterious guide, fight to retrieve the five items they need that will allow them to break free from their captors and escape the facility before it’s too late.
While the plot may feel paper thin at first glance, its dream within a dream approach is actually deeper than it seems. It is not until the end that you can piece together what has taken place. But regardless of whether you enjoy the story or not, the movie’s true brilliance lies in its visual presentation. The action sequences are well spaced out and take inspiration from some of the very best action movies, videogames, fantasy novels and anime in equal measure, so much so that you can clearly identify the source material. This should also give you a clear image of the audience that this movie is aimed at. But regardless of this, the combat sequences are brilliantly choreographed and are by far the most stunning moments of the movie. As long as you fit into the aforementioned audience category, they will surely leave you spellbound and begging for more. Just like with Transformers or with the Fast and the Furious series, drawing you in with a strong story was never its intention; it’s simply the pretty girls, mind-blowing action and stunning special effects that matter. If these appeal to you then you will not in any conceivable way be disappointed and you may actually end up appreciating the story. On the other hand if they don’t, steer far clear. Sucker Punch isn’t meant for you.
DVD RELEASES The Green Hornet 2 May Action | Comedy| Crime
The King’s Speech 9 May Biography | Drama | History
The Mechanic 20 May Action | Crime | Thriller
Tangled 23 May Animation | Comedy| Family
The Fighter 27 May Biography | Drama | Sport
THE ALL-NEW AUTOMOTIVE PUBLICATION
time zone
BASELWORLD 2011 Another year, another show, they are back with even more stunning watches and groundbreaking tech to lust after
The 39th Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show took place from March 23 to 31 with a total of 1,892 watch and jewellery producers and representatives of the supplier industry, from no fewer than 45 nations, showcasing their innovations and sophisticated
collections in Basel over the course of eight days. This year’s show had a surprising influx of visitors. 103,200 visitors from more than 100 countries marked the secondbest result of all times for Baselworld and an increase of 2.5 per cent over the
previous year, making it a resounding success. We are quite huge fans of stunning designer watches and what better way to commemorate our anniversary than by covering our favourite watches of the show, just like we did a year ago.
4N MVT01/D01/4² The MVT01/D01/4² (USD80,000) model is the first to be released by the brand 4N. Limited to 16 pieces, it has a manual winding mechanism and a 12-hour digital display. It is based on a configuration of discs rotating in discontinuous mode. Three discs made of aluminium or titanium alloys and held in carbon cage structures are activated to reveal the time on a display that changes as each minute passes. This model will be available in 18-carat white gold and platinum versions. The dial, covered by a sapphire glass front, frames the bright orange figures. The model has an easy time-setting system that enables the hours to be set independently of the minutes.
HARRY WINSTON
HISTOIRE DE TOURBILLON 2 The bi-axial flying tourbillon of the Histoire de Tourbillon 2 combines two concentric carriages to create a striking visual effect. Housed within an outer carriage completing one full turn in 120 seconds, the internal carriage, containing the balance, balancespring and escapement, revolves in just 40 seconds. Eight sapphire crystals punctuate the case, revealing the tourbillon coupled with running seconds at 9 o’clock, the hours with day/night indication at 2 o’clock, and the minutes at 6 o’clock. This is an Haute Horlogerie high-tech instrument and is a 20-piece limited edition.
HARRY WINSTON
OPUS ELEVEN Harry Winston’s Opus Eleven (USD250,000), designed by Denis Giguet, sports the latest in technology and architecture. Three overlapping cylinders, with a sapphire crystal in between, are configured to tell time. The main circle indicates the hour, flanked by two pavilions – one showing the minutes on a jumping disk for the tens and a running disk for the units. The other, slightly lower pavilion, displays the regular beat of a big titanium balance-wheel. The transparent display back of the gold case reveals a manually wound movement. Consisting of 566 components, including 155 jewels, there are only 111 pieces existing in the world.
HERMES ARCEAU
TEMPS SUSPENDU Arceau Le Temps Suspendu (USD19,600), the latest creation from Hermès, suspends time without disturbing its precision. This illusion is made possible by an additional module that enables the watch to alternate automatically between real and suspended time, coordinated by two synchronised column wheels, one for the hours, the other for the minutes and date. Thanks to its 360-degree hour and minute retrograde mechanism, the time stops and moves into the ‘time suspended’ zone at 12 o’clock, while the date hand disappears completely. The case is 18K pink gold or 316L stainless steel and the watch is water-resistant up to 30m.
ZENITH
CHRISTOPHE COLOMB The Christophe Colomb (USD209,000) has a hand-wound 45-jewel, 36,000VpH Academy 8804 manual winding movement and features a unique gyroscopic system. This system is enclosed in a cage composed of 166 parts, ten conical-geared wheels (with six spherical wheels) and six ball bearings. The 45mm-diameter case comes in a choice of white, rose or yellow gold and is fitted with cambered glareproofed sapphire crystals on both sides, with the gyroscopic system topped by its own sapphire crystal ‘dome’. The faceted hands are in blued steel, as are the applied numerals and hour-markers. This model with its revolutionary interior is secured to the rest with a crocodile leather strap and fastened by an 18-carat gold triple folding clasp.
HUBLOT MASTERPIECE
MP-02 KEY OF TIME
Master time with the Hublot Masterpiece. The mechanism driving the MP-02 Key of Time (USD261,000), thanks to a three-position crown, enables you to ‘modulate’ the speed at which the hours and minutes pass. Three different indicators in a star arrangement on the dial indicate the current speed of time, to avoid any confusion. This performance is made possible by a genuine ‘mechanical memory’ built into the movement. In addition to this complication the MP-02 Key of Time boasts a vertical flying tourbillon cage, with the particularity of a seconds indicator on its edge. It features 512 components, including 74 jewels.
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PATEK PHILIPPE
PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH REF. 5270 Patek Philippe is expanding its classic chronograph collection with the introduction of its very latest perpetual calendar model. This new flagship of haute horlogerie is fitted with a unique column wheel chronograph movement. The day and month appear in a double window at 12 o’clock, with a hand indicating the date around the moon phase. The leap year is displayed in a small round window at 4:30 opposite a matching window for the day/night display at 7:30. It has two interchangeable backs: one in sapphire crystal that reveals the complexity of the movement and the elegance of its finishing, the other, a white gold solid back that can be personalised with a dedication or an engraving.
TAG HEUER
MIKROTIMER FLYING 1000 The TAG Heuer Mikrotimer Flying 1000 (USD50,000) Concept Chronograph has a flying central hand that makes an astounding ten rotations per second, indicating 1/1000th of a second and 1/100th of a second on a scale on the external part of the dial, which has 100 graduations over 360 degrees. A second, smaller central hand indicates minutes and 1/12th of a minute on a 150-second scale. A counter at 6 o’clock displays 1/10th of a second, calibrated to five seconds. This unique dial-scale display system allows direct, instantaneous reading of minutes and seconds. Stunningly beautiful, with its black Titanium Carbide coated case with titanium horns and the black ruthenium-treated movement inside, the Mikrotimer Flying 1000 is still in the Concept Stage.
ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL
NEW EXPLORER II
It’s been 40 years since the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II with its highly legible dial, the introduction of the date, a 24-hour hand and a fixed graduated bezel. The updated model now combines technical innovations and aesthetics. Its case, enlarged to 42mm, houses the new calibre 3187 designed and manufactured by Rolex. The movement includes Paraflex shock absorbers and the non-magnetic Parachrom hairspring, ensuring shock resistance. The bracelet is equipped with an Oysterlock clasp and the Easylink comfort extension link. On the dial, the 24-hour hand is the arrow shape and orange colour of the original 1971 model. However, the hour and minute hands are broader and more legible.
may 2011 / 53
BUSINESS TECH
Big Plans Panasonic unveiled its 2011 range of products along with its strategic plans for the upcoming year at its 2011 Media Convention Panasonic has set itself some ambitious goals both in terms of sales and the environment. Panasonic has already achieved consolidated sales of 110 per cent in 2010 and witnessed strong growth in all product categories in comparison to the previous year. This year the company aims to increase sale of 3D TVs and Viera LED TVs by 300 per cent across the region and has set itself an ambitious target of a
double digit growth in consolidated sales. It also aims to become the ‘No. 1 Green Innovation Company’ in the Electronics Industry in the Middle East. These targets are not without backing. The company has already planned out its strategy for the year, and unveiled its product portfolio for 2011 at the recently held Panasonic’s Media onvention for
Middle East and Africa. According to Seiji Koyanagi, managing director of Panasonic Marketing Middle East, “The Middle East continues to be a key market for Panasonic, and we will continue to invest in the region, bringing in new technology and products. 2011 will also see Panasonic concentrate on Africa, with the company looking to establish regional offices in Kenya and Angola by the end of the year.”
At the forefront of their strategic plan this year is the company’s new intelligent VIERA line up, called Viera Black. These new panels will feature two very impressive technologies – infinite black pro and interactive Internet connection which Panasonic calls Viera connect. These new models will also be equipped with a 600Hz sub-field drive. Infinite Black Pro technology enables over 5,000,000:1 native contrast that significantly improves the images in brightly lit locations. Enhancement to the panel and cells help reproduce images with smoother, more natural gradation and deeper blacks. In movies, this technology faithfully conveys the intent of the filmmaker, adding power and realism to the viewing experience and this is one of the most important factors for a realistic 3D image. 54 / TECH
Viera Connect is a new and enhanced cloud-based Internet service. It basically allows users to enjoy sports, interactive games, and a variety of other contents in addition to the standard movies and television programmes on supported TVs through simple operations on the remote control.
In addition to their televisions, Panasonic also introduced a new range of Lumix cameras. This new range features dedicated cameras for business users and consumers who pursue an active and outdoor lifestyle. There is also a dedicated range for the beauty conscious consumer. The latter camera, with its beauty retouch mode, gives users the ability to touchup a virtual face: for instance, users can change the hue of the skin or whiten teeth and even choose the colour of the foundation, lips, cheeks and eye shadow.
On the other scale of the spectrum, outdoor and sports enthusiasts will appreciate the altimeter, barometer and GPS functionality present in a couple of new cameras. These will also have a million pre-registered global landmarks and will automatically archive pictures based on location, date and time.
Over the course of the past year the company also launched various eco initiatives including a biodiversity project titled ‘Lake Victoria Environmental Education Program’ around Lake Victoria, in association with WWF. Panasonic also provided full scholarships to four undergraduate students of Environmental Sciences from the UAE’s Abu Dhabi University. Panasonic’s ‘green plans’ are part of its group-wide global commitment to drive eco-innovation in the world by 2018, the 100th anniversary of its
foundation. Additionally, the Japanese manufacturer will also introduce to the region advanced system and business solutions targeting offices, home and commercial enterprises. A new range of eco-friendly ACs and CFC lamps are also being introduced in keeping with the company’s eco declaration to introduce green products in the region. As such the company is well on its way to achieving its environmental goals and has even pledged to double the sales of its industry-leading green products in the region.
DIY
Invisible reading With Makita’s BTP140 get yourself some really cool bookshelves When it comes to furnishing your home, one of the must-haves is a bookshelf, be it in your bedroom or the living room. But instead of the traditional wooden bookshelves that take up a lot of space, why not go in for something that looks cool, is cheap and most importantly, is simple to make. Without calling in the professionals make yourself invisible bookshelves.
Once the books are stacked horizontally on these ‘shelves’, they appear to just float. In just a few steps get yourself these invisible bookshelves.
First, choose a nice wall to have the bookshelves on. Get some simple L-brackets – two for each level of bookshelf that you can think of.
Now, with the help of Makita BTP140, a cordless four-mode impact driver, fix the L-brackets on the wall. The BTP140 has one lever and by operating just that you can select one of four options – drill, impact-driver, percussion-drill and screwdriver. Set the BTP140 to ‘screwdriver’ mode. The BTP140’s no load speed is 0 to 2,300rpm. The rubberised grip of the handle is perfect for control and reducing hand fatigue and pain. Available at Gulf Services & Industrial Supplies, 24811238
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Once you fix the L-brackets to the wall, your bookshelves are complete… and so, stack up and happy reading.
Fax to 24693569
Choose the correct answer and send in your entries for a chance to win
1. A rapidly emerging Web application in which you can take classes online is
2. What acts as a security buffer between a company’s private network and all external networks?
(a) Host Learning (b) Virtual Learning (c) Client Learning (d) e-Learning
(a) Firewall (c) Antivirus
3. A keyboard key, like Caps Lock, that turns a feature on or off is called a
4. Each computer on the Internet has a unique numeric address called
(a) Power Key (b) Function Key (c) Toggle Key (d) Control Key
(a) Domain Address (b) IP Address (c) Binary Address (d) Web Address
(b) Password (d) Virus Checker
Previous quiz answers: 1 – (b) 2 – (d) 3 – (c) 4 – (a)
Please send us your entries by 22nd of May for a chance to win a Sony DVD player. Gift courtesy of EMax
Name ___________________________________ Age ______ Mobile ________________________ Email ____________________________________ Occupation _______________________________ Company _________________________________
Last month’s winner:
DOMINIC SAVIO
wins his Sony DVD player
Employees and family members of Deenar Press and Publishing and Emax cannot participate in the quiz. Judge’s decision is final. Please email the answers to tech@deenarmedia.com or fax this page to 24693569 by the deadline. Correspondence after the deadline will not be entertained. PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY. Incomplete or illegible entries will be disqualified. Winner must provide valid ID to claim the prize. Allow up to two weeks to process.
may 2011 / 57
Welcome to our ‘TECH Favourites’ section. With these lists we aim to keep you updated with our favourite products in a concise format. Please give us your feedback on the basis of which we can further improve it.
Flat-Panel Displays LG 42LE5300 OMR479.900
This is a 42-inch, full HD, 2MP, LED TV with 100Hz motion flow. It sports four HDMI/PC input, and has an AV and energy-saving mode.
Philips 46PFL9704 OMR1205.000
Besides the excellent design, this 46-inch LED TV is known for its ‘Ambilight’ technology. It supports various types of multimedia playback and has a three-way hybrid tuner that supports CI+ encryption.
LG 60PK550 OMR899.900
This is a 60-inch Plasma television with 2MP screen. It has a contrast ratio of 3,000,000: 1 and a 600Hz sub-field. It also sports two HDMI/PC input and a USB port.
Sony KLV32EX400 OMR179.900
This is a 2MP, full-HD 32-inch TV with four HDMI inputs, USB port and P.I.P. It has a Live Colour Creation feature and an Ambient Sensor.
Sony KLV46EX700 OMR599.900
This is a 46-inch, full HD, 2MP, edge-lit LED display with 100Hz motion flow. It sports four HDMI inputs, a USB port, P.I.P and Internet TV.
Sharp LC46LE820M OMR799.000
This is a full-HD 1080p 46-inch TV with 2MP RGB LED screen. It has four HDMI/PC inputs and supports USB DIVX HD.
Panasonic THP-46U20M OMR309.900
This is a 2MP, full HD 46-inch TV with a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 and 600Hz sub-field drive. It has three HDMI inputs and an SD card slot.
Samsung UA32C5000 OMR299.000
This is a 32-inch LED TV with stunning picture quality and a 1080p display. It has two Dolby Digital and DTS decoders for a lush soundscape and includes four HDMI inputs.
SEVEN DAYS EXERCISE T U O H T I W EAK W E N SO MAKE
3D TVs LG 72LZ9700 OMR3499.000
3D LED 72-inch screen, 400Hz motion flow, four HDMI/PC input, two USB port, two megapixels
Sony KDL60NX815 OMR1499.900
3D LED 60-inch screen, four HDMI/PC input, Internet TV, 200Hz motion flow, Bravia Engine III
Panasonic TH-P50VT20M OMR799.900
3D Plasma 50-inch screen, four HDMI/PC input, THX surround sound, 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio
Samsung UA65C8000 OMR2699.000
3D 65-inch screen, four HDMI/PC input, USB port, Internet TV, 200Hz motion plus
Players LG HB994PK OMR999.900
1,00W RMS, full HD 1080p, Wireless Rear Speaker, iPod dock, Blu-Ray playback, supports DVD, VCD, CD, MP3 and DIVX, iPod dock
Philips HTS7140 OMR309.900
Surround sound, full HD 1080p, DTS-HD, Dolby Tru-HD, Blu-Ray playback, supports DVD, VCD, CD, MP3 and DIVX
LG HX-995TZW OMR349.900
Full HD, Blu-Ray, DVD, VCD, CD, MP3, DIVX playback, USB port, Internet, HDD playback Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
Excellent range of fitness equipment at fantastic prices!
57 Acer Aspire 5820TG-484G50 OMR315.900
Laptops
Intel Core i5 480M processor, 15.6-inch HD LED screen, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera, card reader
HP ENVY 14-1111ee OMR690.000
Intel Core i7 720QM processor, 1.6GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz, 6GB RAM, 1,024MB VRAM, 500GB HDD, 14.5-inch HD LCD, DVD super multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 5-in-1 digital media reader, 1.3MP web camera
Asus G51J OMR759.900
Intel Core i7 720QM, 1.6GHz Turbo Boost, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB HDD, 1GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD Glare LED, DVD multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Alienware M15-ALNW-0181 OMR1049.900
Intel Core i7 740QM processor, 1.73GHz CPU speed, 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD WLED screen, DVD super multi drive, 1.5GB dedicated graphics, Wireless, Bluetooth, card reader, 1.3MP web camera
HP Pavilion dV6-6090 OMR484.900
Intel Core i7 2630QM second generation processor, 2GHz CPU speed, 8GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1TB HDD, 15.6-inch HD LED, DVD super multi drive, Blu-ray, Wireless, Bluetooth, fingerprint reader, HD web camera
Netbooks & Ultra Portables Dell 1090-INS-0179 OMR279.900
Intel Atom Dual Core N550, 2GB RAM, 320GB HDD, 10.1-inch HD WLED touchscreen, Wireless, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Asus 1201N OMR199.900
Intel Atom processor, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 250GB HDD, 12.1-inch LED display, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
HP Invent TM2-2199 OMR489.900
Intel Core i3 330UM, 1.33GHz CPU speed, 3GB DDR3 SDRAM, 320GB HDD, 512MB VRAM, 12.1inch LED HD widescreen, Wireless, Bluetooth
Apple iPad 2 OMR379.900
32GB, 9.7-inch LED backlit screen, 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor, Wi-Fi and 3G, two cameras
ViewSonic ViewPad 7 OMR199.900
Qualcomm MSM7227 600MHz ARM 11 processor, 3.5G Android 2.2 OS, 512MB internal memory, seven-inch capacitive multi-touch LCD screen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Toshiba Satellite L655-1EL OMR345.000
Intel Core i5 480M processor, 2.66GHz CPU speed, 3GB RAM, 1GB VRAM, 500GB HDD, 15.6-inch TruBrite HD LED screen, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Packard Bell TM86-JO-103AC OMR314.900
Intel Core i5 430M processor, 2.26GHz CPU speed, 4GB DDR2 RAM, 500GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD LED LCD, DVD super multi DL drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 5-in-1 card reader, 1.3MP web camera
Sony Vaio VPCEB46FA/B OMR369.900
Intel Core i5 480M processor, 2.66GHz CPU speed, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 15.5-inch LED, DVD super multi drive, ATI RADEON HD 5650 Graphics (1GB), Wireless, Bluetooth
Lenovo Y560A-3 OMR424.600
Intel Core i7 740QM processor, 1.7GHz CPU speed, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD LED screen, DVD super multi drive, 1GB VRAM, Wireless, Bluetooth, 5-in-1 card reader
Lenovo Z560A-3 OMR324.600
Intel Core i5 460M, 2.5GHz Turbo Boost, 4GB RAM, 750GB HDD, 1GB NVIDIA, 15.6-inch HD LED, DVD super multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth
Computer Accessories Microsoft Arc Keyboard OMR27.500
2.4GHz wireless keyboard, stowable nano transceiver, battery life indicator, lightweight and compact
Seagate GoFlex 1.5TB OMR71.900
Features USB 3.0 plug-and-play connectivity, illuminated capacity gauge, 1.5TB portable drive
WD TV Live Hub OMR90.000
With 1TB capacity, users can centralise video, music and photos, and play full-HD 1080p video on HD TVs throughout their home
SteelSeries Siberia v2 OMR62.200
Full-size headset with retractable microphone, a 50mm driver unit with clear sound, integrated volume control on the cord, earcups feature noise reducing foam
58 Cameras Canon A3300is OMR71.400
This is a 16.0-megapixel camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom. It offers the flexibility of a high-resolution image sensor. Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processing provides excellent quality shots.
Leica DLUX-3 OMR275.900
The D-Lux 3 is a premium compact digital camera featuring a ten-megapixel sensor. It sports a 2.5-inch LCD screen with face detection mode. It also has manual and auto focus features and supports 4x optical zoom.
Sony DSC-T99 OMR79.900
This is a 14.1-megapixel with a three-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus touchscreen display. It comes with a high-performance Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x optical zoom. It also has Sweep Panorama Mode for capturing landscapes.
Panasonic FT2 OMR170.000
The FT2 is waterproof (up to 10m), dustproof, freezeproof (up to -10 degrees Celsius) and shockproof (up to 2m). It has a 28mm wide-angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom.
Canon IXUS-1000 OMR154.900
This is a ten-megapixel CMOS sensor, three-inch LCD camera with 10x optical zoom. It comes in a compact, stylish metal body with smart auto and smart FE functions. Super Slow Motion Movie captures video at 240fps.
Olympus MJU8010 OMR179.900
The mju8010 digital camera from Olympus features a 14-megapixel sensor with 3x optical zoom. It is waterproof (up to 10m) and dustproof.
Samsung ST600 OMR139.500
This is a 14.2-megapixel camera equipped with a 1/2.3-inch highresolution CCD sensor. It has a Dual Display feature that lets you see the shot on the 3.5-inch WVGA touch LCD and the 1.8-inch front LCD.
Samsung ST80 OMR99.500
The ST80 is equipped with a 7.83mm high-resolution CCD sensor, in addition to an all-new image processor. It delivers 720p HD quality video at 30fps. It is a 14.2MP camera with a three-inch WQVGA TFT LCD display.
Fuji Real 3D W3 OMR209.900
This is a ten-megapixel, 3.5-inch LCD 3D camera with 3x optical zoom. It lets you shoot high resolution 3D photos and movies.
Sony W580 OMR89.900
This is a 16.1-megapixel, 5x optical zoom camera. It comes with a three-inch LCD screen and a 25mm wide-angle lens. It supports Sweep Panorama Mode for the perfect landscape images.
Camcorders Sony Bloggie MHS-PM5K OMR79.900 5MP resolution, CMOS sensor, three-inch LCD screen, HD video 1920x1080, built-in USB, 270-degree swivel lens
Panasonic HDC-SDT750 OMR499.900
Full HD 1080/60p progressive movie recording, advanced 3MOS System, Intelligent Auto function, Hybrid OIS
Sony HDR-XR350 OMR399.900
7.1 megapixel resolution, 12x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen, 120GB HDD, full HD video
Canon LEGRIA HFM36 OMR339.000
8GB dual flash memory, relay recording, easy HD shooting, 2.7-inch touchscreen LCD, Dynamic OIS and Powered IS
Sanyo XACTI-CG10 OMR64.900
10MP resolution, 5x optical zoom, digital image stabiliser, 720p HD videos, three-inch LCD screen
DSLRS & Micro Four-Thirds Sony α 380 OMR269.900
14.2 megapixel, 2.7-inch LCD screen, AF Live View mode, nine-point area point, HDMI output
Sony α NEX-5 OMR279.900
This is a 14.2-megapixel, 4x optical zoom camera. It comes with a three-inch tilt LCD screen and a 16mm wide-angle lens. It supports AVCHD movie recording capability.
Nikon D300S OMR639.900
12.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor, 51-point auto focus, three-inch super-density VGA LCD monitor
Canon EOS 1D Mark 4 OMR2329.900 16.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 10fps shooting, three-inch Clear View LCD, HD video recording
Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
59 Phones Motorola Backflip OMR134.900
This phone sports a 5MP camera and a 3.1-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 320x480 pixels. In addition, it has Wi-Fi, A-GPS and Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP.
HTC Desire OMR219.000
This phone sports a 3.7-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen and a 5MP camera. It comes with internal memory of 576MB RAM and 512MB ROM. It also supports Bluetooth, WLAN, A-GPS and Geotagging.
Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830 OMR134.900
The Samsung Galaxy Ace has an 800MHz ARM 11 processor powering it. Operating on Froyo 2.2, it features a 3.2-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen.
Samsung I9003 Galaxy S OMR209.900
Samsung’s Galaxy S smartphone is Android-powered and boasts a super clear capacitive touchscreen. It includes a 5MP camera with autofocus, HSDPA Internet connectivity, and 4GB storage. It supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and A-GPS support.
Apple iPhone 4 OMR325.000
The iPhone 4 sports a 3.5-inch LED-backlit TFT capacitive touchscreen. With an internal memory of 16GB and a 512MB RAM, the iPhone 4 supports Wi-Fi, A-GPS, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP. It has a 1GHz Apple A4 processor.
Motorola Milestone XT720 OMR219.900
This smartphone is Android powered with an 8MP camera and Xenon flash. It features a TFT capacitive touchscreen, Gorilla Glass display with touch-sensitive navigation controls.
Nokia NK N8 OMR190.000
The Nokia N8 comes with AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. Its features include a 12MP camera, 680MHz ARM 11 processor, A-GPS support and Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP.
Samsung S8530 Wave II OMR169.900
It sports a 3.7-inch super clear capacitive touchscreen, 5MP camera, ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor and Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP.
BlackBerry Torch 9800 OMR254.900
This smartphone sports a 5MP camera and a 3.2-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 360x480 pixels. In addition, it has Wi-Fi, A-GPS and Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP.
iPod Docks Boston Acoustic IDS3 OMR183.000 iPod/iPhone compatible, wireless subwoofer, 100W RMS
Logic3 iStation Studio OMR49.900
iPod dock, 40W RMS, Line-in connection, AM/FM radio, clock display
Altec Lansing M602 OMR84.900
Dock and Play, recharge for iPod, video output for iPod video, wall-mountable
Bose Sound Dock-10 OMR279.000
iPod and iPhone dock, recharge and play, remote control, audio input
iHome Studio Series OMR89.900
Speakerphone stereo system for iPhone/iPod, features Bongiovi Acoustics Digital Power Station, Class-D amplifier technology
MP3 Players Creative Zen Mozaic EZ300 OMR32.900
4GB, 1.8-inch video screen, built-in FM radio, voice recorder, picture viewer, built-in speaker
Apple iPod Nano 5G OMR82.000
16GB, VoiceOver gesture-based screen reader, 1.54-inch (diagonal) colour TFT display, Live Pause feature
Apple iPod Touch OMR103.000
8GB, 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen, multitouch display, 720p HD video capture, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Creative Zen MX OMR49.900
8GB, 2.5-inch 320x240 resolution display, integrated SDHC port
Sony Zappin NWZ-W252 OMR36.900 Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro (U201) OMR123.900
This smartphone sports a 5MP camera with auto focus, QWERTY keypad, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This phone runs on Android OS 1.6 and has a 600MHz processor.
2GB, high speed connectivity, built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, water-resistant
60 Air Conditioners Samsung AS18UU OMR185.500
Samsung’s 1.5-ton capacity split air conditioner is best known for its antivirus plasma filter and silver nano health system.
General ASG18-HTR OMR253.900
This 1.5-ton split air conditioner comes with a Blue Fin coated condenser, silver nano health system, hyper tropical compressor, deo air filter and a plasma pure filter.
Samsung AWT18WHBM OMR118.500
Samsung’s 1.5-ton window air conditioner with a rotary compressor has a digital temperature control, anti-corrosion body, fuzzy logic feature and a silver nano health system.
Panasonic CS-C12MKF OMR160.000
The CS-C12MKF incorporates the ECONAVI technology. Advance+ Plus e-ion is designed to monitor changes in the degree of air cleanliness. AUTOCOMFORT is another important feature in the ECONAVI series of air conditioners.
Hitachi RAN-209CP OMR132.900
This 1.5-ton window air conditioner has a high energy-efficient compressor with a super quite air flow. There is a symmetric twin flow air discharge, washable filters and a rotary compressor.
Hitachi RAS-18CPX OMR189.900
This split-type air conditioner has a Green Fin condenser that is durable, thanks to the green rust-resistant coating. It also employs Nano Titanium technology in its stainless steel filters.
Toshiba RAS-18G OMR135.900
With a compact design and precise operation, this 1.5-ton window air conditioner has an eight-in-one air filter system. It is a flat type window air conditioner.
Toshiba RAS-18SKP OMR198.900
This is a 1.5-ton capacity split-type wall-mounted air conditioner. It has a seven-layer air filter and a self-cleaning function that eliminates mould. It also has a new compact chassis.
LG S-186DC OMR189.900
This is a 1.5-ton capacity split air conditioner with allergy care filter and a tropical compressor. It incorporates Gold Fin coated condenser.
Sanyo SA186M5 OMR116.900
Sanyo’s 1.5-ton window air conditioner is a low noise design with a rotary compressor and comes with an anti-bacteria filter. It is easy to clean and allows smooth air flow.
Offers
Service
Refrigerators LG GRP277ZGG OMR639.900
721L capacity, automatic ice maker, adjustable tempered glass shelves, deodoriser and humidity control
Toshiba GRRG-70UT OMR239.900
700L capacity, frost free, glassy finish, twist ice tray, temperature control, insulated wired shelves
Samsung RL-52VEBTB OMR219.500 350L capacity, LCD touchscreen, bottommounted freezer, blue LED display, silver plus anti-bacterial coating
Hitachi RW-660FUK OMR364.900
660L capacity, ice maker with water dispenser, nano titanium cooling system, four-door top mounted no-frost freezer
Sharp SJK42SSL OMR149.900
382L capacity, double door, frost free, nano deodoriser, insulated wired shelves, twist ice tray
Washing Machines Ariston AQ7F091 OMR179.900
7kg capacity, 16 programmes/1,000rpm, delay start, easy iron, extra rinse, Woolmark Platinum Care certified
Toshiba AW8570SB OMR89.900
7kg capacity, six wash programmes, digital display, water level selection, child lock, top load washer
Panasonic NAF-70T1 OMR95.900
7kg capacity, seven programmes, foam wash, fuzzy logic, top load washer, delay start, Aqua Beat technology
Samsung WF0804W8N OMR229.500
8kg capacity, 1,400rpm, overheating control, progress indicator, PowerFoam, Eco Bubble technology, child lock Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
Emax
61 Microwaves & Ovens Samsung CQV513S OMR169.500
A 36L oven with 800W microwave output power and 1,540W grill power, Samsung’s family-size combi steam oven has six power levels for cooking. It also has auto steam cook and auto power defrost.
Sanyo EM-C7586V OMR54.000
This is a 32L convection microwave with grill function. With an output power of 1,000W, this oven has an electronic timer. It includes auto defrost and auto delay start feature. It has five power levels and ten auto menus.
Sharp EO18LW OMR19.900
This is an 18L electric oven with knobs for adjusting the temperature. It has a 60-minute timer with chime and automatic off feature. Selector knobs for lower, upper and both heaters is a part of the appliance.
Samsung GE107Y OMR49.500
This is a 28L microwave with grill function. It has six power levels and four auto cook menus. It has a microwave output power of 900W and a grill power of 1,300W. It features the Triple Distribution System and Steam Clean function.
Samsung GE109MST OMR69.500
This is a 28L grill microwave oven. Designed for performance, it has a wide tempered glass door. This microwave features the Triple Distribution System and Steam Clean function.
GE GMOH30UCPSS OMR56.900
A 30L convection microwave/grill with electronic touch control, GE’s latest in this series has time and weight defrost feature and express cook. It has a 1,000W grill power and 900W microwave power.
LG MC-8088FRR OMR89.900
This is a 30L convection microwave with grill function. It includes quick defrost and auto defrost functions. Additional features include the speed cook and sweet menu buttons.
Panasonic NN-CD997S OMR159.900
With a 42L oven capacity, three stage memory, delay start, and two level shelf cooking, Panasonic’s exclusive Inverter technology offers real power level control.
Sharp R-200T OMR24.500
Vacuum Cleaners Philips FC-8146 OMR48.900
1,800W power, bagless, HEPA filter, special parquet nozzle with soft brush hairs, 300W suction power
Panasonic MC-761020 OMR62.200
6.2L dust bag capacity, anti-bacteria filter, three-speed control, 1,600W power
Rowenta RWRO442711 OMR74.900 2,100W vacuum cleaner, anti-bacteria HEPA filtration, Delta Silence Force technology
Karcher SV1802 OMR230.900
Steam vacuum cleaner, four suction settings, five steam-flow settings, coarse dirt filter, foam filter, HEPA filter
Samsung VCC8780 OMR59.500
HEPA H13 filter, 1,800W power, Infrared Remote handle, Multi Chamber Plus + for longlasting suction power
Domestic Appliances Philips Airfryer HD9220 OMR99.900
2.2L capacity, oil-free frying using Rapid Air technology, food separators, integrated timer, 1,425W power
Philips Blender HR2800 OMR28.500
500W power smoothie maker, 2L glass jar, two speeds and pulse, detachable blade unit
Braun Processor MR 740CC OMR58.500
Cordless hand processor, 1,000ml capacity, ultrahard stainless steel blades, chopping, ice-crushing and blending
Tefal Actifry TFAH9000 OMR99.900
This is a 20L microwave oven with Instant Action Cooking feature. It also comes with easy and express defrost functions.
1,400W power, 1.5kg capacity, LCD screen, digital display, one spoon of oil for 1kg of crispy chips, automatic stop
Black & Decker TRO2000 OMR26.700
Krups XP5200 OMR70.000
This is a 1,380W toaster oven that features a 19L capacity. It comes with an adjustable timer, a wire rack and a food tray handle. It also has a removable crumb tray for easy crumb disposal.
Espresso machine, optimum tamping system to extract flavours and aromas, Thermoblock system, clean ejection system
62 Gaming Consoles & Accessories PSP 3000 + 2 Games OMR75.500
This current version of the PlayStation Portable has a built-in microphone and a better screen that is able to resist glare and so works better outdoors.
PS3 320GB + Move Bundle OMR160.000
The Move is broken into three parts: the ‘Motion Controller’, the ‘Navigation Controller’ and the ‘PlayStation Eye Camera’. The Motion Controller contains built-in motion sensors.
Nintendo 3DS OMR144.000
A built-in 3D Depth Slider allows you to adjust the intensity of the 3D settings on the new Nintendo 3DS system. Other features include the built-in motion and gyro sensor.
Logitech G13 OMR42.800
The GamePanel LCD in this gaming keyboard keeps you informed of the game stats and other vital information to help you claim victory. It includes programmable G-keys that let you create macros on the fly.
Logitech G27 OMR160.000
Logitech racing wheels and flight controllers simulate remarkable realism. Force feedback lets you feel every slip of the tyre, every shudder of the wing and the controls feel like the real thing.
XBOX 360 Kinect 250GB OMR177.200
With a stylish design, the integrated internal memory of 250GB allows you to save games and content. It has built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) and 5.1 channel surround sound.
World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse OMR53.600
It allows incredible customisation with 15 programmable buttons with more than 130 preset game commands. It also lets you create your own custom macros or use the in-game macro scripting language.
SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB OMR53.600
This is a premium quality, wired headset designed for Xbox 360. With the custom-built soundscape via 40mm SunDancer (SCS) units, you can pinpoint the direction of noises and movement throughout the game.
Thrustmaster T500RS OMR241.000
The T500RS employs new H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) on the wheel’s steering and so offers precision, force feedback and a realistic angle of rotation. The controls feel like the real thing.
Our Current Top 5 Recommended Games Bulletstorm OMR28.900
Publisher: EA Developer: People Can Fly Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3, PC Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Mature
Crysis 2 OMR28.900
Publisher: EA Developer: Crytek Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3, PC Genre: Action ESRB Rating: R/P
Dragon Age 2 OMR28.900
Publisher: EA Developer: Bioware Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3, PC Genre: RPG ESRB Rating: R/P
Killzone 3 OMR28.900
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Developer: Guerrilla Games Platform(s): PS3 Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Mature
Marvel vs. Capcom: Fate of Two Worlds OMR28.900
Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3 Genre: Action ESRB Rating: R/P
Nintendo Wii Sports Resort Pack OMR107.000
This is Super Mario Bro.’s 25th Anniversary Edition and comes with two games. The Wii now sells its Wii Sports Resort and Wii MotionPlus accessory bundled into a console package.
For a copy of TECH on your desk
call 95172573
Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
Company
Product
Showroom
Service Dept.
Al Khalili Group
Acer
Wadi Kabir 24816303
24816303
Bahwan Electornics
Asset, Carrier, Ignis, Napro, Toshiba, Seiko, Casio, Titan, Sony Ericsson, Tempstar, Cooline, Corning, Print electronics, Dolphin, Benq, Ausonia, Daewoo, VIP, Dometic, Corby
Ruwi 24796629/32
24501965 / 66
Jawahir Oman
Bang & Olufsen
Qurm 24563213
24563213
Belltel
Nokia
Ruwi 24798222
24798222
Genetco
Sanyo, Videocon , Fujitsu, Thomson, York, Yamaha, Canon , HAAS, AEG, Sure, Caravell, Gulf Star, Safari, Admiral, Francia, Mitsubishi, Marc Climatic, Vortice, Guntner, Zanussi , Ziegra Imesa, Bitzer , Manitowoc, Bremer, Dito- Electrolux, Metro , Taylor, Costan
Al Qurum 24568806 Al Qurum 24561948 Muttrah 24713138 Ruwi 24830919 Seeb 24422797 Shatti al Qurum 24693292
24503653
HiTec Centre
Boston Accoustics, Denon, Leica, Polk Audio
Azaiba 24497384
24497384
Jumbo Electronics
Sony, VAIO, Sony professional Products, Blackberry, Supra, Midea Air-conditioners, Casio, Brother Sewing Machines, Acer, HP, Dyson, Gorenje
MBD 24818358, Al Araimi 24565845 QCC 24470529, Salalah 23291984
Wadi Kabir 24814815, 24814751, Fax 24815267
Khimji Luxury
Krups, Moulinex
Ruwi 24796161
99881627
K R Household
O General, Siemens
Wadi Kabir 24813333
24814793
MHD
Fagor, Pioneer
Ruwi 24732440
24732440
Meta Galaxy
Hitachi
Ruwi 24503653
24503653
Muscat Electronics
Daikin, Wansa, Ricoh, Chigo, Media, G-Hanz, Sony Professional products.
Ruwi 24702985, 24799246 Sohar:26845647, Salalah:23291617
24813408,24560874
Mustafa Sultan Electronics (MSE)
Samsung, Haier, Philips, Nevica, Whirlpool
Al Khuwair 24636015
Wadi Kabir 24818018
Oman International Electronics & Trading Co.
Bose, Nec, JVC
Qurm 24565490
24830606
Oman Trading Est.
Bosch, LG, Palson, TCL, Prolux, Promate, Pearl, Souq Technia, GHanz, White Westinghouse, Hostess, Kenstar,
Ruwi 24834162 Al Araimi 2456148, 24810522
24810522, 24810156, 80075545
Omasco
Raymond Weil, Kolber, Westar, Alba, Maxima, HMT, Panasonic, Xper, Aftron, Black&Decker, GE
Qurm, 24564310 Ruwi 24833630
24560232
OMASCO - System Solutions
Panasonic
24565696
24565696
Sarco
Samsung, Technoflame
Ruwi
Ghala 24593025
Sayed Bin Nasser Al Hashar
Ariston, Rinnai, Voltas, JBL, Kirloskar, Kardex, Lexmark
Ruwi 24700571 Ruwi 24706004, 24796007 Ruwi High Street 24834460 Salalah 23291405, Sohar 26840763 Sur 25544613
24704494
24702555
24702555
24700883
Oman Modern Electronics Co.
Sharp, JBL, Mastergas, Harman/Kardon, Onida, Nikai,
Shah Nagardas Manji Co.
Kodak, Olympus, Yashica, Cokin, Case Logic, Ruwi , Qurm 24562656 Lexar, Noritsu, Durst, Bushnell, Eiki, Iriver, Lulu Baushe 24593806, Nizwa 25410184 Steiner, Tasco, White Westinghouse, Igloo, Venus, Russel Hobbs, Addis, Noritake, Ocean, Wenger,
Emax
Multibrand
MCC 24558062, Fax 24558063
Technical Trading Co.
Westinghouse
Ruwi 24703515, Fax 24700010
Photocentre
Amano, Archivtechnik Kunze, Unomat Intl., Broncolor, Delkin Devices, Fuji Film, Epson, Green Clean, Hama, Hasselbald, Marumi, Mitsubishu Electric, Peli, Sigma, Sinar
Qurm 24565305 Al Khuwair 24479296
P&G
Brawn, Oral-B
24815474
Salman Store
Seb, Janome, Coolex
24799332
Abu Hani
La Germania, Starway, Westar, Starline, Tatung
24495141
Jashanmal
Mytag, Hoover
24702312
Loay
Macintosh, Benq, Epson, Sokkia, Acer
24708795
24708845
Al Moayyed Integrated Enterprise
Daewoo Electronics
24488795
24488795
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