Rs 1.5 lak h+
wo W sof rth of tw pr IN are ize ! , PC s in c acc lud ess ing ori ga es me & h s, m ous ov eho ies ld g , bo adg oks, ets
NOVEMBER 2009 • VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 12 • Rs 150
11 09
www.chip.in
WINDOWS 7 REVIEWED It’s here at last! We tell you everything there is to know about the new Windows
HOME NETWORK NIRVANA Living Smart
UUse se Wi-Fi Wi-Fi to to stream stream aand nd share multimedia all over your house
| Budget Laptops & Inkjet MFDs Tested | Wi-Fi Router Positioning
TESTED LLaptops aptops uunder nder RRss 330,000 0,000 Inkjet multi-function printers
HTC HERO AAnn Android Android phone phone finally done right
Rs 150
LIVING SMART Complete with a home theater, central storage, intelligent appliances and centralized controls, the smart home of the future can be yours today.
EDITORIAL
Budget laptops have always been a dicey proposition. The term is of course relative— you’re still paying a hell of a lot of money if you buy a cheap model—which perhaps makes it feel a lot less satisfying to buy a device you know is in some way reduced, or less capable, than the ones which are priced out of reach. There have always been several strata of laptops: our own comparison tests in years past segregated them into “budget”, “mainstream”, and “high-end”. The budget devices of course were the plainest, least attractive, and least powerful ones available—some so poor that it almost seemed cruel to recommend them since they would almost certainly reach the end of their useful lives within two years. Their bodies were flimsy, their screens were dull, and in one or two extreme cases, their buttons fell off. They had barely any expansion ports, lousy internal components, no built-in accessories, and two hours of battery life at the most. Today, prices are lower in general and features have trickled down to the extent that even the most basic laptops ought to have at least Wi-Fi, a webcams, a card reader and a DVDRW drive. And the price barrier that separated budget from mainstream is also significantly more accessible. Build quality is impressive too. In fact super-high-end laptops now have to be made of some exotic material or come with a designer’s signature to justify their premiums.
Don’t let anyone, especially a salesman convince you that a netbook is just a cheap, low-end laptop. The new variable to consider now if you're looking for a cheap portable computer is that the same amount of money which buys a low-end laptop will also buy quite a fancy netbook. While there are many situations in which a netbook is perfectly sufficient (or possibly even more convenient), it’s important to remember that netbooks are completely different devices. We've seen a lot of people wondering which is the better choice. Go for a netbook if you only want to surf the Web and chat with friends, or if you really need to travel light. But if you’re a student who is going to be typing out a 10,000-word dissertation or a businessman who needs to multitask between applications, you’re better off with a cheap but full-sized laptop. Don’t let anyone, especially a salesman convince you that a netbook is just a cheap, lowend laptop. Think hard whether you can really do without a full-sized screen and a comfortable keyboard. In most cases, netbooks are better companion devices for occasional use, but as a primary device, even the cheapest full-sized laptop today is better value for money.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
3
Contents 64 FEATURED LIVE THE SMART LIFE Your new intelligent home awaits!
NEWSWIRE 08 In the News Catch up on the latest happenings in the everunpredictable world of tech news.
14 New Products Launched Some of the latest gadgets and components, fresh off the factory lines and into our local computer shops.
TEST CENTER 20 Product of the Month The HTC Hero is India's second Android-based handset. Is it merely the evolution of an old formula, or is there more to be seen?
22 Hardware Tested CHIP put this month's selection of devices through the grind: motherboards, cameras, laptops, netbooks... you name it!
52 Software of the Month Norton Internet Security 2010 claims to be faster, lighter, and less intrusive. We'll see if it lives up to those claims.
54 Software Tested Our selection of software this month includes an entire operating system, along with utilities to keep your PC humming away.
FEATURED 64 Live the Smart Life Your home is your castle. Tech it up with our innumerable smart home solutions.
75 The Bare Essentials Budget laptops today are more than capable of multimedia and productivity work. Here are some of the best models under Rs 30,000.
80 Do More Than Just Print Multifunction devices are fast replacing standalone printers—they just make a lot of sense. Here are the best ones for your home.
86 Windows 7: The Definitive Review We've been waiting an awful long time for an operating system that could break through Vista's bad reputation. Now we have it.
60 Anand's Picks and PC Configs Anand shares his favorite light text editing programs. Power in your hands!
4
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
92 Home Network Nirvana Your Wi-Fi router takes center stage and
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.in
75 TEST CENTER THE BARE NECESSITIES A budget laptop might be all you need for your work.
08 09
.chip www
11/09
R E 9 • Rs UE ISSU IS E 6 • ISSUE ME UME LUME VOLU VOL VOLUM 9•V T 2009 AUGUS
SUBSCRIBE SUB BSC CRIBE NOW NOW! W! Turn to page 130
DUAL LAYER 8.5GB
November 2009
SECURITY APPS PACK
A collection of 140+ free applications including multimedia, security, Internet and system tools essential for everyday computing AND a selection of 7 free antivirus programs
5 RED HOT APPLICATIONS Corel Digital Studio 2010 Corel Home Office 5.0.56 Corel Photo Album 6 Corel Snapfire 1.2 PowerDVD 9.0.1909
3 GAME DEMOS Need for Speed: Shift Supreme Ruler 2020 GOLD World of Zoo
7 FULL ANTIVIRUS APPS A-squared Free 4.5.0.11 AntiVir Personal 9.0.0.407 Avast! Home Edition 4.8.1351 AVG Free Edition 8.5.409 BitDefender 10 Free Edition ClamWin 0.95.2 Cloud Antivirus 0.08.82 Beta 3
FREE SOFTWARE Busy: Free accounting, inventory and billing software
ON DVD FREE Busy accounting software and loads of other full free programs.
106 HANDS ON SELECTIVE MONOCHROME Another neat special effect for your photos.
54 TEST CENTER SOFTWARE TESTED Utilities for fun and productivity.
performs a whole bunch of new tricks, with our guide to home multimedia networking.
96 Web Watch The coolest things to do on the Web, whether you're looking for fun diversions or answers to solving your problems.
HANDS ON 102 Dr CHIP The doctor is in! He'll check out your faulty fans, misbehaving motherboards and grouchy gadgets for free.
106 Selective Monochrome Ever wanted to jazz up a photo by turning it black and white except for one object? It's easier to do than you think.
UNWIND 120 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves We were barely able to put the controller down long enough to get this review written. It's just that good.
122 Need for Speed: Shift After years of ho-hum installments, can this new formula save the NFS series?
REGULARS 03 Editorial, 06 Colophon, 08 In the News... 14 New Products Launched, 18 Personal Tech, 60 PC Configs, 96 Web Watch, 102 Drr CH C IP, P, 110 Tips Tips & T riccks, k CHIP, Tricks, 136 L Le ette tte ers, s, 132 Ma Marke ark rkett W rke atch, at atc h,, Letters, Market Watch, 138 C Conte Co nte ests sts,, 146 L La stt Wor W d Contests, Last Word
124 Halo 3: ODST Halo fans should be happy, even though Master Chief gets somewhat of a rest.
125 Ninja Gaiden Sigma II A new style of gameplay brings Ninja Gaiden closer to hordes of potential gamers.
108 Wi-Fi Heatmapper A simple, free utility turns your laptop or netbook into a signal-sniffing genius, so you can put your router in just the right spot.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
5
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NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS
DANGER BAROMETER HIGH RISK
Virus writers are taking to manipulated updates for GPS devices. So check each download with a scanner
IN THE NEWS... COMPILED BY JAMSHED AVARI
WEB MEDIUM RISK
LOW RISK
Sidekick disaster raises concerns over online storage A series of recent high-profile cloud
mainstream and online media. Even worse,
computing failures has cast long shadows
customers were not able to back up or sync
over the entire concept of remotely storing
their devices with a desktop PC, since the
personal data and relying on Web-based
platform was designed solely for online
services.
storage (PCs can also only be synced from
American cellular service operator T-Mobile's popular Sidekick device and
TOP ATTACK TARGETS
network platform was
the cloud—which was of no use). Microsoft will almost certainly face enormous lawsuits over its inability to maintain
compromised for over
the service, but the reputation
a week, with customers
of its Azure platform, though
60%
at risk of losing all their
unrelated, will also take
50%
contacts, SMS messages
40%
and emails which are
apparent failure of all
30%
all stored remotely
related backups was not
on Microsoft-owned
immediately explained
servers (the original
by either Microsoft or
developer Danger was
T-mobile.
20% 10% 0% 2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
bought over in early 2008, making Microsoft
a severe beating. The
While Gmail's day-long outage earlier this year
Browser
Operating system
responsible for their quality-of-service
made corporates and individuals think twice
Documents
Multimedia
promises). Most user data was recovered
about letting themselves be completely
after over a week of panic and outrage.
dependent on a single vendor for their online
Attackers are finding browser loopholes and manipulated documents on computers.
The Sidekick platform stores all user
presences, users at least were assured that
Source: IBM
information in the cloud, syncing with
all their data was safe. However the near
THIS IS HOW HACKERS EARN
individual devices only when needed.
possibility of over a million Sidekick users
Customers were notified not to remove their
losing their data permanently casts dark
batteries or let their devices run out of
shadows over the perceptions of cloud-based
power, since this would wipe out even their
services, even ones which are supposed to
locally cached data, sparking fury across
have multiple redundant backups.
1
Credit card information €0.04 - €21 (approx Rs 2.76 - Rs 1,454)
2
Bank account data €7 - €690 (approx Rs 484 - Rs 47,781)
3
Hacked email access €0.06 - €70 (approx Rs 4.15 - Rs 4,847)
4
Valid email addresses €0.23 - €70 (approx Rs 16 - Rs 4,847)
5
Web proxys €0.11 - €4 (approx Rs 7.61 - Rs 276)
Selling stolen bank account data is the biggest money spinner.
GADGETS
Amazon to bring Kindle ebook reader to India Amazon, the US-based online retailer which
constantly consumer power. Battery life is
started off specializing in books, has tasted
pegged at 14 days with moderate usage.
digital retail success with its Kindle series
Indian customers will be able to visit www.
of ebook readers. Now,
amazon.com/kindlestore to buy
it's bringing its second-gen
the device, which will not be
FIGURE OF THE MONTH
device to India.
available in retail stores. Around
The Kindle's main
280,000 ebooks, newspapers
1.2 billion
feature is a crisp, 6-inch
and magazines are available,
monochrome E-Ink display
with Indian titles coming soon.
which does not consume
The device can access Amazon's
power unless its contents
online store using a cellular data
are being changed,
connection at no extra charge. Its
Source: Symantec
SMS messages were sent around the world in the 24 hours following Michael Jackson's death earlier this year. Source: Verisign
8
11/2009
unlike most devices'
price is $259 (approx Rs 12,077)
LCD screens which
plus shipping and duties.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
SMS us! Story code: NSN to 51818
NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS INFRASTRUCTURE
Indian private cloud service launched Zenith Infotech has launched a private cloud computing platform for small businesses, designed to let them purchase and use IT infrastructure as a single, centralized resource. The platform, named PROUD, promises to enable easier management of hardware and appliances by using virtualized machines, and to provide high availability, continuous backups and other failsafe guarantees. The cloud can be hosted on premises or at a datacenter. Users could use thin clients to connect to their work environment without being tied to any one physical terminal. Storage is taken care of with a distributed storage area network promising scalability and built-in disaster recovery.
WEB
Indians can buy from US on Ebay Ebay India has rolled out a service called Global Easy Buy, designed to let Indian shoppers buy from sellers abroad and pay a single, clear rupee amount with the guarantee of a safe transaction. The catalog of 18 million products doesn't offer everything in the US store, but costs include shipping and duties. Payments are processed via Ebay's PaisaPay gateway. The available products include clothing from fashion labels, health and beauty products, musical instruments, electronics, computer parts, car accessories, toys and sports equipment. Item availability is still subject to Indian customs laws.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Finland makes 1 Mbps broadband a fundamental human right The government of Finland has announced that 1 Mbps broadband access will be a fundamental right, starting July 2010. The move comes as a precursor to a larger plan to ensure that all citizens have access to at least a 100 Mbps connection by 2015. It is the first country to have done so. The government now considers broadband fundamental enough that it cannot be provided as a commercial profit-making venture alone. However, vague wording indicates that households in "farflung areas" might be excluded.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
9
NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS
SECURITY
NEW SECURITY RISKS DETECTED AND PATCHED
SECURITY
SECURITY
Laptop biometric scans defeated by simple printed photos
Fake antivirus apps spreading
Several new notebook models no longer need you to enter a password to log in. Your face is scanned with biometric software, and facial features are detected to unlock the PC. However, experts from Bkis Internet Security in Vietnam have proven how easy these are to defeat. Despite more recent versions of the technique using multiple images shot
MICROSOFT WINDOWS The software giant released the largest number of patches ever in a single day—34 vulnerabilities were addressed on October 13. Five are intended for Windows 7 even before its launch, and 8 were classified as "critical". SOLUTION: Users should enable Windows Update and install all recommended patches over the next few weeks.
GOOGLE CHROME A bit of manipulated website code is all that is needed to force the browser to crash, opening up a security hole for hackers to exploit. SOLUTION: Update to at least version 2.0.172.43
Symantec reports that it
in different conditions
has tracked over 43 million
to improve accuracy, the
installation attempts for
software used by several
over 250 distinct varieties of
major manufacturers was
rogue antivirus and security
proven to be so weak
applications. However many of
that anyone could simply
these are the same underlying
hold a printed image of
program with different
the owner to unlock the
front ends, popularly calling
laptops. In some cases,
themselves Antivirus 2008
even the owner's Facebook
or Antivirus 2009, and all
profile photo could be
throwing up fake warnings
printed and used. In
for nonexistent threats such
some cases, the researchers needed to create high-contrast
as “Spyware.Monster” and
versions of the same photos, but they still worked.
“Spyware.IEmonster”. These
PC users are advised that these scanners are more of a
programs typically prompt the
gimmick than actual security. Fingerprint scanners are much
user for payments to "fix" the
more effective.
fake viruses.
WEB
PIRACY
Researcher's Twitter account blocked for malware warnings
iPhone app piracy rampant
Security researcher Mikko Hypponen of
OPENOFFICE
F-Secure recently had
A security loophole in the XML module of the free office package makes it possible for attackers to sneak damaging code onto a computer through embedded WMV videos and even change administrator rights. SOLUTION: The problem has been rectified in the latest version, 3.1.1
his Twitter account
SKYPE Software developers have found evidence of software available online that is able to tap into usually secure Skype calls using a Trojan. Using this, outsiders could listen in on your conversations and even record them. It is rumored that the software was supposed to be a secret, available only to governments and law enforcement. SOLUTION: Skype says it is working on a solution for the problem, but has not released any patch or update yet.
10
11/2009
suspended and all prior tweets deleted without warning because the
A report on iPhone app piracy
site thought his malware
by analytics firm Pinch Media
warnings were actual
claims that 38 percent of
links to Trojan-infested
jailbroken iPhones have at
sites. Hypponen's
least some pirated apps, and
account, which had
that over 60 percent of the
thousands of followers,
apps it can track have been
contained regular
pirated. The study shows that
updates about his
not everyone who unofficially
discoveries and general
mods their phones is doing so
security-related events.
to steal apps, but relatively
The tweet flagged as
few are paying for them after
malicious was a warning against a MySpace phishing site
"sampling" through piracy.
which was attracting attention at the time (www.rnyspece.
Apps such as games and
com). Despite having been sent in August, the account was
messengers connect to servers
suspended in early October. The account was restored,
or otherwise use resources
but all followers were deleted for unexplained reasons,
which burdens developers who
according to Hypponen.
receive no payments.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS GADGETS
SECURITY
Microsoft "Courier" concepts show off tantalizing UI, more to come in 2010
Facebook clone delivers malware
While the world trades rumor after rumor about Apple's nearly mythical upcoming tablet device, Microsoft has been showing off its own touchscreen Courier concept. Gadget blog Gizmodo.com was the first to show photos and a video of the device, stating that it is in a "late prototype" stage of development. Roughly the size and shape of a netbook but with a
Security firms are warning
touchscreen on each half rather than a physical
users to verify links they
keyboard, the Courier would fold away when
receive via email or chat
not in use. The dual screens support multitouch
messages. A site deceptively
gestures as well as input with a stylus.
designed to resemble Facebook
Further unconfirmed reports have stated
video pages serves Trojans to
that the device will run Windows 7 with
users after tricking them into
additional software overlaid to drive the unique
believing they need to update
user experience, which is designed to feel like
their version of Flash. This
using a digital, web-enabled journal somewhat
new strain of malware keeps
like OneNote, but optimized for the hardware.
users busy with fake onscreen
A final product might or might not look like
Capcha requests which do
this, but Microsoft is said to be showing it to
nothing other than keep them
partners and vendors already. There might
occupied while system files
even be additional designs that haven't been
are being modified in the
unearthed yet.
background.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
11
NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS FUTURE TECH
Intel shows off new processors, architectures and strategies at IDF 2009 Intel's annual Developer Forum was the venue for a number of announcements and unveilings that together outline the company's plans for the coming year. The most important consumer products in focus were the first mobile variants of Intel's Nehalem microarchitecture, till now seen only in high-end desktop CPUs. The first Core i7 Mobile chips will be available in regular and Extreme editions, bringing benefits such as an integrated memory
with three small OLED screens below
controller and Turbo Boost intelligent clock
the main screen was also demonstrated,
speed adjustment to laptops for the first
though there were few details about it
time. Demonstrations of gaming and high-
ever going into production.
end machines from Alienware, Asus and Toshiba were shown.
A new high-speed interconnect called Light Peak was announced for the first
Plans for future Nehalem, Westmere
time. Light Peak will adapt optical cable
and Sandy Bridge chips were also outlined,
technology for use in connecting devices
along with updates on Intel's 32-nm
such as hard drives, displays, docking
manufacturing process. A new System-on-
stations, etc at Gigabit per second speeds.
Finally, Intel's future hybrid CPU-GPU star
a-Chip (SoC) platform called Jasper Forest,
Components are expected to show up in
Larrabee was also shown off. Working
based on Atom CPUs, will enable a new
devices within a year. USB 3.0 products
samples are already in developers' hands,
level of miniaturization and control for
were also demonstrated, indicating
The first actual product will be a discrete
embedded appliances. A laptop concept
release dates in the near future for them.
graphics chip sometime in 2010.
HARDWARE
FUTURE TECH
Nvidia pulls plug on Intel chipsets
Nvidia outlines "Fermi" architecture for future GPUs Not content to let AMD steal attention with
name for programmable shader units. Current
the surprisingly good performance of its latest
GTX-series GPUs have 240, and we can safely
graphics cards, Nvidia has shared details
assume Fermi's will have improved capabilities
of its upcoming
as well. Memory
graphics processor
bandwidth will be 384
design, codenamed
bits, and fast GDDR
Fermi. With no new
5 memory will keep
In an unsurprising move,
consumer graphics
feeding the core with
Nvidia has announced it
products in sight for
information to process.
is ceasing research and
the next few months,
development work for Intel
Nvidia's focus has
features are the
CPUs due to an ongoing
been on promoting
design's ability to
dispute about whether Intel
its proprietary
process ECC (error
can block them from selling
CUDA system for
correction), and double
chipsets for current-gen
accelerating CPU tasks
precision arithmetic
Nehalem CPUs with integrated
on the GPU.
for data-intensive
memory controllers. That
Other headlining
Continuing the
applications such as
leaves only Atom and older
progression of
simulations. Parallel
Core/Pentium CPUs eligible.
graphics chips into
caching helps reduce
Nvidia also clarified that its
the general CPU
latency by intelligently
plans to release the ION 2
space, Fermi chips
chipset with improved graphics
will accelerate general-purpose computing
the L1 and L2 caches. Fermi designs are
for Atom CPUs, remain on
applications even further. The chip would
already planned for massive supercomputing
track for the end of this year.
include up to 512 "CUDA cores", the new
deployments.
12
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
arranging data in
NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS EVENTS
Scenes from the 2009 Tokyo Game Show
What would the show be without booth babes? Japan's got plenty of these to show off too.
Journalists got several chances to get their hands on upcoming and unreleased games.
The PSP Go was on display, and should be available all over the world quite soon.
Attendees line up for a chance to play Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker.
Gagan Gupta and Avinash Bali flanking one of their living gods, Hideo Kojima.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
13
NEWSWIRE
NEW PRODUCTS LAUNCHED
NEW PRODUCTS LAUNCHED COMPILED BY JAMSHED AVARI
WACOM
security for peace of mind
TRANSCEND
Creative multitouch tablet
when performing online
Secure Flash Drive
Wacom has
when PCs are turned
announced the
off. The innovative EZ UI
second generation
lets administrators easily
tasks. The maximum wireless speed throughput is 300Mbps and it also enables 24/7 downloads to wireless clients even
set up and manage their
Bamboo interactive tablet that merges multi-
network environments. Home and
touch functionality with pen tablet
business users can seamlessly allocate
technology in a single device. Bamboo
bandwidth to suit their specific needs,
provides a simple and spontaneous
share multimedia content and set up
Transcend has teamed up with Trend
way of using your computer with the
printer or scanner functions.
Micro to preinstall Trend Micro’s
touch of a finger or stroke of a digital
PRICE: Rs 6,775 WEBSITE: www.asus.in
advanced USB Security software on
pen. Bamboo is ideal for those who use computers as part of a digital
its popular JetFlash V85 USB Flash Drive. Users now have the advantage
lifestyle to communicate, share and
COREL
of Transcend’s hardware and proven
create content. A finger tap will
Blu-ray/DVD software
Trend Micro software to share,
select an icon, open a menu or start an application. Two-finger gestures enable you to rotate an image or
store and manage their valuable data more safely and securely. Trend Micro
document, flip through a digital photo
USB Security is specially
album or presentation, scroll through
Corel has announced
developed to protect against
a blog or an excel sheet and zoom in
the newest version
malicious content in files
and out of a photo or map. With a few
of its DVD playback
transferred to USB Flash
simple strokes of the pen, you can add
software WinDVD Pro
Drives from the first moment
a doodle, signature or comment to any
2010. This release
it is connected. Upon finding
digital document, including your blog.
introduces speed
threats, the software alerts
It also lets you easily draw natural
enhancements across
the user and moves all
strokes, retouch digital images, and
the application,
dangerous files to a hidden
free your creative side.
improved Blu-ray
PRICE: TBA WEBSITE: www.wacom-asia.com
support with BD-Live, new GPU-based
the JetFlash V85 is plugged into a
upscaling that boosts standard-
computer with Internet access, Trend
definition (SD) video to HD-like quality,
Micro USB Security will automatically
ASUS
all delivered through a new clean
download and install the latest
Flexible Wi-Fi router
and easy-to-use interface. Whether
updates.
you're watching a Blu-ray disc or an
PRICE: 2GB: Rs 1,000; 4GB: Rs 1,200; 8GB: Rs 1,900 WEBSITE: www.transcendusa.com
AVCHD or SD home movie, WinDVD Asus has announced the RT-N16, a
Pro 2010 provides life-like HD video
wireless router with a host of
quality. q y Increased format support lets
quarantine folder. When
intuitive, easy-to-use o-use features.
you y watch popular video
LOGITECH
Engineered for the future, the
formats, even direct from f
Asus RT-N16 is a Wireless-N
your y camera or camcorder.
Gigabit Router offering speed for
New support for BD-Live
ultra-fast data transfers,
gives g access to bonus
Noise-isolating earphones
simplicity for
interactive features.
ease-of-use
PRICE: US$ 99.99 (approx P Rs 2,318) W WEBSITE: www.corel.com
and ease-ofsetup, and
14
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING COMPUTIN NG CHIP CH HIP IP
Logitech has announced the new MetroFi 170 and MetroFi 200 noiseisolating earphones which deliver
SMS us! Story code: NPL to 51818
NEWSWIRE
NEW PRODUCTS LAUNCHED The products and services listed here have not been reviewed by IC-CHIP. These are not endorsements or recommendations. All prices, specifications and claims are as stated by the respective manufacturers and publicists.
customized comfort for listening to music on an iPod. While ear buds sit at the opening of your ear, Ultimate
MILESTONE
performance.
Game shopping site
Users can run up to three displays from a single
Ears by Logitech earphones deliver
graphics card,, thanks to
customized comfort by creating a
Milestone Games, a Milestone
"magic" seal between your ear and
Interactive Group company, has
the Eyefinity technology. echnology.
the outside world, dramatically limiting
announced the launch of their new
The ASUS EAH5800 H5800 Series
ambient noise. So you can hear your
game retail website, www.game4u.
comes specially bundled with DiRT
music clearly without being cut off
com, the first of its kind in India.
2—by far the most anticipated DirectX
from the world around you, both the
Game4u.com allows you to choose
11 game—pushing the boundaries of
MetroFi 170s and the 200s provide 16
from a wide range of consoles,
immersive gaming with true-to-life
dBs of noise isolation. The 170s deliver
visual realism and effects.
authentic sound quality that helps
PRICE: EAH5870: Rs 31,900; EAH5850: Rs 21,250 WEBSITE: www.asus.in
ensure you'll hear your music clearly, while the MetroFi 200 earphones give you a fuller mix with more detail in the higher-frequency range.
WILEY
PRICE: MetroFi 170: Rs 3,495; MetroFi 200: Rs 5,495 WEBSITE: www.logitech.com
Autodesk Inventor 2010 book
SONY
accessories and games for the PS3,
New Video Walkman
PSP, PS2, Xbox360, DS, Wii and
Wiley India has
PC. It also lets you place pre-orders
launched Autodesk
for games that are soon to release.
Inventor 2010: No
Sony has launched the new NWZ-
Game4u.com offers attractive deals on
Experience Required,
E440 promising superior audio and
games and consoles, customer-friendly
a continuous, step-
visual entertainment. It provides
policies and gift coupon programs. The
by-step tutorial on
exceptional audio for users who enjoy
website allows you to browse games
the essentials of
music on the go. Combined with
according to genre and platform, and
this manufacturing
Sony’s Clear Audio Technology with
has a cash-on-delivery option for
program. If you
Clear Stereo and Clear Bass the new
products over Rs 499.
want to get up and
Walkman players deliver excellent
WEBSITE: www.game4u.com
running quickly on the industry-leading
audio experiences with crisper, cleaner
3D mechanical design software,
sounds. They also feature extended
ASUS
Autodesk Inventor 2010: No Experience
battery life with and up to 30 hours
DX11 graphics cards
Required is your resource. It quickly
of music playback and 6 hours of video playback. At a featherweight
teaches the essential skills and demonstrates the software using a
54g, the NWZ-E440 also features a
Asus has launched the new
continuous, real-world tutorial project.
2.0-inch LCD screen. Also incorporated
EAH5870/2DIS/1GD5 and
Once you understand the interface and
are voice and FM recording and
EAH5850/2DIS/1GD5. The first to
how to use Inventor conventions, you'll
multiple codec support for convenient
utilize Voltage Tweak technology, these
begin actually designing and modeling
playback. It is available in funky colors
graphics cards enable users to boost
a project from start to finish. Along
like pink, violet, red and black to zing
GPU voltages via the SmartDoctor
the way, you'll learn the "why" behind
up the user’s personality.
application to enjoy up to a 38 percent
each step. The companion website
PRICE: 4GB: Rs 5,990; 8GB: Rs 6,990 WEBSITE: www.sony.com
boost. Both cards support Microsoft
provides "before and after" tutorial
DirectX 11 and Windows 7 to provide
files, enabling you to jump in at any
users w with the most intense gaming
point and compare your work with the
experience. The latest 40nm process and GDDR5 memory technologies deliver faster pr processing and general system
author's results.
PRICE: Rs 429 WEBSITE: www.wiley.com – jamshed.avari@chip.in
NEWSWIRE
PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY
FORGET ABOUT BARGAINS ON OLDER PARTS. NEW LOW-END ONES AT THE SAME PRICE ARE USUALLY BETTER VALUE. JAMSHED AVARI, ASSISTANT EDITOR - TECHNICAL
WORSE WITH AGE O
ne of the most important functions we perform as the CHIP team is to keep readers up to date about what’s going on in the markets and which products are the current best valuefor-money picks. Unlike many other types of products, PC components have very short shelf lives. The pace of this industry results in new generations of major products roughly every year, and new models of individual parts at least three times as often. I’m not saying that all technology products are doomed to becoming useless within a few months of being purchased, but they might not remain the best choices for very long. Sadly, all products shipped out of a factory are not sold when they’re within their prime, and thousands of four- or five-year-old motherboards, graphics cards and game consoles lie in warehouses and store displays until they’re sold to unwitting customers. I can still see GeForce 6600 and Radeon X1950 cards which should have disappeared half a decade ago being sold on the streets at their original prices despite current models being available cheaper. Online stores have vast collections too, with almost no indication of product age. If you weren’t familiar with Nvidia and ATI’s businesses you might have no way of knowing how many new models have been released since these were good cards to buy. And if you didn’t study their naming and numbering schemes, you might never know whether a GeForce 8800GTX or a GeForce GTX280 is the better buy today. It’s not that they won’t work— you’d still get better graphics than most
ALL TOO OFTEN, I SEE BRAND NEW PCS WITH RECENT CPUS ON ANCIENT MOTHERBOARDS
18
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
onboard systems can manage—but you won’t have any idea how much you’ve missed out on. These cards could still be great bargains if they were priced according to their ages, but that is rarely, if ever, the case. And if old parts aren’t being sold openly, they’re quietly being shoved inside new PCs. Neighborhood assemblers and big brands alike hardly ever specify the chipsets they use. All too often, I see brand new PCs with recent CPUs on ancient motherboards. Again, these feel quite fast to those who are upgrading after years. But in a little while when they want to add a hard drive, they’ll discover they don’t have enough SATA ports. Or they’ll try to play a high-defi nition movie clip, and discover their onboard graphics are completely unable to handle it. Apple’s latest iPod nano and touch models are physically identical when seen in their retail packaging, and bear no indication of their generations. The new nano has a video camera, while the new higher-capacity touches have faster CPUs for better gaming. Both devices have twice as much storage space as their predecessors for roughly the same price. Both old and new models are currently in the market. Parents shopping for gifts wouldn’t ordinarily expect there to be any ambiguity to the devices, but they too could wind up with less than what they deserve for their money. In this day and age, buyers have to be aware of what they’re in the market for. Check model numbers online and search around for news of the companies whose products you’re thinking of buying. A little background checking could save you from being cheated and help get you the best value for your money. - jamshed.avari@chip.in
SMS us! Story code: NJC to 51818
PRODUCT MONTH
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
OF THE
SMARTPHONE
HTC HERO VERDICT: This handset has a lot to offer but the camera is not up to the mark and it still has a few bugs that need weeding out. It begs serious consideration! FOR: Smooth and responsive UI, very user friendly widgets, music player is superb, great video playback. AGAINST: Slow camera and average image quality, limited Bluetooth functionality.
he HTC Hero is the second Android powered
T
Interface
handset to be launched in the country and
The Sense UI is a simplistically designed interface.
in quite a short span. The initial model, the
Essentially it’s a total of six desktop pages with
HTC Magic was launched exclusively with Airtel and
widgets that can be assigned to each page.
so is the Hero. But it’s also available as an open
Widgets can also be downloaded from the Android
GSM model for use with any other operator.
Market. This time the app is available with the handset so you’re free to browse the variety of
Form Factor
add-ons that are available for download. This is the
There’s nothing to dislike about the handset’s
only handset with the multiple desktop option, and
design. The slight rubbery surface makes it easy
the full page widgets are extremely well designed
to grip and gives a good feel. The chin portion
and easy to use. The HTC QWERTY keypad is easy
tends to give you a sense of closeness to the
to use in landscape mode but we recommend the
microphone; you’ll never have to raise your voice.
regular phone keypad in portrait. QWERTY is a little
Trackball navigation is not new but it does beat
cramped in this case.
the nav-pad option. The keys are well placed and
While the UI does seem relatively smooth it is
easy to use when necessary. The volume keys are
also a little bit sluggish in certain instances. When
almost invisible as they blend perfectly with the
it comes to opening the album folders to view
rear portion of the handset. The display size and
images or videos it tends to take a few seconds.
resolution hasn’t been upped from the Magic’s. It’s
The transition from portrait to landscape is also a
still a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen with a 320 x
bit slow and not very seamless. Perhaps the 528
480 pixel resolution and support for 65K colors.
MHz processor is just a little bit underpowered than
A proprietary styled mini USB port is located
what one would need.
at the bottom and it’s compatible with the
20
11/2009
standard mini USB cables though. A 3.5 mm
Media
handsfree jack is located on the top. The saddest
We were impressed with the superb sound quality
part is, unlike some handsets if you’re using
that the Android music player delivers. Even
your own set of earphones and not the bundled
without EQ settings, it delivers crisp sound with all
handsfree, you’ll have to unplug them to take a
frequencies blending perfectly and a brilliant thump
call as the mic doesn’t seem to work with third
in the bass line. The player itself is simple with the
party headphones. The hot-swap slot for the
option of creating playlists on the go. The lack of an
microSD card is located under the rear panel.
FM radio is still a big problem.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
SMS us! Story code: HCI to 51818
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
The supported video formats are MPEG4 and
networks with a click of a button. You can also
3GP, and videos don’t really look all that bad. They
upload images to a Picasa album or send them via
play without a hitch and you can also opt to change
Gmail.
the resolution from widescreen to full screen, cutting out the black bars from the edges. The gaming experience is still not even close
Google has its own little arrangement of goodies from a Gtalk application that also syncs with your contacts. That’s all in addition to Gmail app as
to being anything as good as that on the iPhone.
well as Google Maps which is certainly a few steps
The ones designed for this platform, although
up from what the Magic had to offer. Footprints
entertaining, are still simplistic in creation and look
is a great geotagging application that at shows you
or feel.
the location on Google maps. The funniest unniest thing is that although the camera supports geotagging, we
Connectivity
weren’t able to simply click on a captured ptured image
The HTC Hero is connectivity-ready but that isn’t
and find the position on Google Maps ps unless we
the whole truth. Yes it is a 3G ready handset with
used the Footprints app.
HSDPA capabilities and thus easily supports basic EDGE and GPRS. It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0
Other features
as well and supports PC connectivity. But here’s
When it comes to the simpler applications cations such
the glitch—like the high and mighty iPhone, HTC’s
as Calendar, Alarm, Notes, Stopwatch tch and such,
Android handset also offer limited Bluetooth
if you can’t find it on the handset already lready just
capabilities. We were unable to send or receive any
get it from the Android Market, it’s all there.
data to or from the handset via Bluetooth. A2DP
The Hero comes preloaded with QuickOffi ickOffice
worked just fine with a stereo Bluetooth headset
(read only) that reads .TXT and .XLS S files
but we found the range to be a bit of an issue.
quite easily. PowerPoint files take quite uite
As usual it was externally easy setting up Gmail
a while to open and .DOC files that had
as well as other POP3 and IMAP accounts. The
any images in them refused to read while
handset is also set to handle Microsoft Exchange
normal word files were no problem. The
accounts if that’s what you use. A widget can be
PDF reader also took time opening files.
placed on one of the many desktops to give you on the fly updates of your accounts. The browser is
Camera
still the best part about the handset. It’s fast and
The Hero’s 5 megapixel camera was s
navigation is simple. Its full web capabilities with
not very good. It’s slow and unsteady, dy,
Flash support give mobile web surfing a great feel.
so almost all captured images seemed med
This Android handset comes plenty of skill to
a bit blurred. The settings include white
handle most of the popular social networking sites.
balance, self-timer, effects and even n ISO settings
First up is the ever popular Facebook that has a
up to 800. It allows you to select an n area of focus
widget all to itself, a sync option for your contacts
by touching the screen. But that didn’t make things
that also stores their profile images. Twitter is
any better. Macro shots are a problem as we could
next with another helpful widget called Peep for
never get the camera to focus on the subject of
SPECIFICATIONS
receiving and
choice.
Rs 31,990
sending updates.
www.htc.com/in
You can set
Battery
Dimensions (WxHxD): 56.2 x 112 x 14.4 mm; Weight: 135 g; Display: 3.2-inch, 320x480 pixels; Camera: 5 MP; OS: Android 1.5; Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPRS, EDGE, 3G.
these various
Depending on how often or how much you like
functions
staying connected you can maximize your battery
up with your
life. With quite a few of the Widgets and email
accounts so
being active simultaneously with a few calls and
transactions
messages, the battery lasted for a little over a
between the two
day and a half. You can switch off the Internet
will be seamless.
connectivity and get quite a lot more. Talk time
ERGONOMICS
Pictures can
by itself averaged in at about four hours which is
FEATURES
also be quickly
not bad. So on the whole the Hero’s battery life is
uploaded to
better than just average.
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Jaina Marketing 011-46604660 deepak@jainaindia.com
RATINGS BUILD QUALITY
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
all of these
– shayne@tech2.com
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
21
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A STYLISH BASIC NETBOOK WITH GOOD BATTERY LIFE, THIS IS A GOOD OPTION. NETBOOK
LENOVO IDEAPAD S10-2 FOR: Good keyboard, above average performance and presence of 3 USB ports. Competitive price point. AGAINST: The color combination of this particular unit might not be liked by many. While the slim design adds to the style factor, the battery pack protrudes to spoil the look.
F
or those familiar with the Ideapad
and all other mainstream applications
S-10, the S10-2 will be an obvious
will run smoothly. The unit comes pre-
improvement mostly with regard
loaded with Windows XP Home Edition
to ergonomics. The rounded
(SP3). The hardware is courtesy an Intel
edges, overall matt finish and the color
Atom N280 processor clocked at 1.66
scheme make this netbook stylish. While
GHz, 1 GB RAM and a 160 GB hard drive.
the lilac and white unit might not seem
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 20,640 www.lenovo.com/in
Dimensions (WxHxD): 102 x 18 x 76 mm; Weight: 1.17 Kg; Processor: Intel Atom N280, 1.66 GHz; Memory: 1 GB DDR2; Hard disk: 160 GB; Screen size: 10.1-inch; Connectivity: Ethernet and Wi-Fi. CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Lenovo India 1800-4253-353 direct@in.lenovo.com
there isn’t much to differentiate the
ladies. Thankfully there are other color
S10-2, except that there are three USB
options available. The keyboard and its
ports as opposed to two. There’s a VGA
keys are larger and more comfortable
port, audio jacks, a multi-card reader,
compared to its predecessor and many
a Kensington lock slot, a 1.3 megapixel
other netbooks. While the shift key on the
webcam and a physical switch for Wi-Fi
right-hand side is revised for the better,
and Bluetooth.
the Ctrl key should have been swapped
The overall performance is slightly
with the Function key, which is at the
better than other netbooks, especially
extreme left-hand side corner.
those powered by an Atom N270
Another noticeable factor is the better
processor. The S10-2 scored 889 CB-CPU
battery runtime. With over six hours of
in the Cinebench R10 test, whereas the
juice, you can watch almost three movies
Aspire one D250 scored 848. Encoding
in a row. The speakers are loud and clear
audio on this netbook was completed in
and there’s no need for headphones.
9 minutes 37 seconds, where as the D250
Equipped with the standard netbook
RATINGS
As far as features are concerned,
very macho, it should appeal to the
took 11 minutes 37 seconds for the same
BUILD QUALITY
hardware, this one too is suitable for
task. The difference won’t be greatly
ERGONOMICS
basic computing on the go. Office
noticeable in a real world scenario.
FEATURES
applications, Internet, emails, video calls
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
22
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
- dushyant.khilnani@chip.in
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
A VERY POWERFUL LIGHT-WEIGHT BUSINESS LAPTOP.
LAPTOP
LENOVO THINKPAD T400S FOR: Stupendous performance, extremely light in weight. AGAINST: Card reader and fax modem are absent. onsidering its excellent
C
All the ports and connectors, except for
performance and ridiculously
a USB port and headset jack, are at the
light weight, we’d say that the
back, which might prove inconvenient.
businessmen and professionals who want
nothing to complain about. The laptop
to leverage powerful portable computing.
trounces other business laptops and
Most of it is courtesy the combination
gives many desktop replacement laptops
of an Intel Core 2 Duo T9400—which is
a run for their money. In Cinebench R10
clocked at 2.53 GHz and has a whopping
benchmark, the Dell Studio XPS, the
6 MB L2 cache—and of the 4 GB RAM
Lenovo Ideapad Y650 and the Apple
which is clocked at 1066 MHz. A striking
MacBook Pro scored 5231, 4928 and 5497
point is the presence of a 128 GB SSD
respectively, whereas the T400s scored
drive, which means no moving parts, no
5295, which makes the MacBook Pro its
heat emission, and faster access time.
closest competitor. In some real world
The onboard graphics should suffice
test it trounced even the MacBook Pro.
for the intended audience. There are
The unit comes preloaded with Windows
two USB, an eSATA/USB combo port,
Vista Business SP 1. The setup process
a display and a VGA port, an integrated
includes configuration for security,
webcam and hardware for 3G support.
connectivity and maintenance. A 60 day
There’s no fax modem.
trial of Microsoft Office 2007, automatic
T400S is mainly intended for
Though there's one USB port at the side, the others are incoveniently located at the back.
With regard to performance, there’s
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 85,000 www.lenovo.com/in
Dimensions (WxHxD): 335 x 33 x 238 mm; Weight: 1.76 Kg; Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T9400, 2.53 GHz; Memory: 4 GB; Hard disk: 128 GB; Screen size: 14.1-inch; Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi N and Bluetooth. CONTACT
backups and finger print scanning is
PHONE
Thinkpad, except that it's much slimmer
included. The battery life is one of the
and lighter. While the metal hinges and
best we’ve seen, 5 hours 25 minutes
the plain rubberized surface of the lid
under full work load. Its processing power
BUILD QUALITY
gives it a tough professional look, the lid
is what will take this laptop places.
ERGONOMICS
The design of the laptop is typical of a
flexes a bit which is likely to disappoint.
- dushyant.khilnani@chip.in
Lenovo India 1800-425-3353 direct@in.lenovo.com
RATINGS FEATURES
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
23
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
COULD HAVE BEEN GREAT IF NOT FOR THE UI QUIRKS AND POOR CAMERA QUALITY.
MOBILE PHONE
LG GC900 VIEWTY SMART FOR: Well designed, good audio, plenty of image editing options. AGAINST: Very quirky UI, sluggish, XviD videos didn't play, camera takes long to focus, quality was average, battery life could have been better. The 8-megapixelcamera with flash and auto-focus is fancy but doesn't deliver.
L
G has always managed to offer us
and access to Blogger are preloaded. It
handsets with pretty packaging
comes with a document viewer that also
and the Viewty Smart is no
allows you to open presentations in .PPT
exception.
format but not .PPS.
A 3-inch screen in today’s touchscreen
SPECIFICATIONS
camera with Schneider-Kreuznach optics
when you consider the price. LG’s new
is designed to be its biggest asset but
S-Class UI with multi-touch and 3D
doesn’t deliver. Settings include–smile
menus was quite sluggish and not
shot with face tracking, beauty shot,
consistent with responses. The normal
geotagging, image stabilization and
keypad is ok but could have been better
manual focus. Image quality is not great.
laid out. The same goes for the QWERTY.
In normal daylight, black levels are quite
Rs 27,500
Audio is good and activating the
www.lgindia.com
Dolby Mobile engine gives it a serious
Dimensions (WxHxD): 56.1 x 108.9 x 12.4 mm; Weight: 102 g; Display: 3-inch, 800x480 pixels; Camera: 8 MP; Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPRS, EDGE, 3G.
kick in the right direction. Video playback
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
LG Electronics Pvt ltd 0120-2560900 viveksingh@lgindia.com
The Viewty Smart’s 8 megapixel
world doesn’t seem to cut it, especially
deep but the focus always went haywire even with Intelligent Shot. The battery life wasn't good and
was an issue with .AVI files though it’s
averaged just about three hours and
supposed to read DivX and XviD formats
change for talk time. The battery
without conversion.
compartment tends to get very hot while
The browser supports Flash content
it’s charging or if you use the handset
but the rendering of pages is not great.
for too long. The GC900 Viewty Smart
BUILD QUALITY
The GC900 offers 3G, Wi-Fi, EDGE,
is priced at Rs 27,500 which makes it a
ERGONOMICS
Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and USB. Google
little pricey considering the issues.
RATINGS FEATURES
Maps, Gmail, Google Search, YouTube
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
24
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
- shayne@tech2.com
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
THE OMNIA HD WILL BE TOUGH TO BEAT AS A HARDCORE MULTIMEDIA HANDSET.
MOBILE PHONE
SAMSUNG OMNIA HD i8910 The front camera meant for video calls also comes in handy for taking self shots.
FOR: Well designed, great camera, good audio (calls & music), reads all video formats flawlessly AGAINST: No map software included for GPS, battery life should have been much better.
T
he previous model, the i900
to handle all sorts of connectivity - 3G
when it released in September
(HSDPA, HSUPA), EDGE and Wi-Fi, GPS
of last year. Read on to find out
Bluetooth (A2DP) and USB, it’s all there.
how the upgrade did. The Omnia HD is sexier than the i900
SPECIFICATIONS
The Omnia HD is also well equipped
Omnia, didn’t fare too well
The camera is loaded with features that include Face, Smile and Blink
with its 3.7-inch AMOLED display and
Detection, Samsung’s WDR (Wide
slim black and silver lines. It’s a solid
Dynamic Range) setting, geotagging,
handset with a good grip, and it’s not all
image stabilization, scene modes and, an
that heavy making it easy to tote around.
auto stitch Panorama setting which can
With its 1GHz (combined) processor it’s
be used horizontally as well as vertically.
a speedy handset running on a Symbian
The battery life manages to make
Rs 33,990
OS (v9.4) with a little of their TouchWiz
the handset look quite good raking in
wwwsamsungmobile.com
UI featured with its widget system.
a little over four hours of talktime, so
Dimensions (WxHxD): 59 x 123 x 12.9 mm; Weight: 148 g; Display: 3.7-inch, 360x480 pixels; Camera: 8 MP; Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPRS, EDGE, 3G. CONTACT
Samsung India 011-41511234 sarfaraz.b@samsung.com
With its superb audio quality with Samsung’s DNSe and a 5.1 Surround Sound option on-board and the ability to
you’ll easily get at least two full days of nominal usage. Like its predecessor, the Omnia HD is
read DivX and XviD video formats as well
also quite steep priced at Rs 34,000. But
as AV Out, the Omnia HD takes its media
all things considered especially the 16
functionality seriously. Since games
GB of space and capacity for more the
BUILD QUALITY
haven’t been developed for large displays
Samsung Omnia HD simply put, makes
ERGONOMICS
like this, except the iPhone, the Omnia’s
for a great purchase.
PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS FEATURES
potential in this sense is not peaked.
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
26
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
- shayne@tech2.com
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
THE PHONE IS A BLEND OF LOW COST AND FEATURES GALORE - AN EXCELLENT MIX.
MOBILE PHONE
RAY T65 FOR: Fluid and responsive UI, good sound quality, video playback is almost flawless, plenty of features, camera is decent, battery life is good. AGAINST: UI is slightly quirky, onscreen keypad is too small, no hot swap for the memory card.
R
ay Mobiles. Heard the name?
media features include an FM radio with
Possibly. But The Mobile Store
a recording function.
by Essar (we’ve heard those names), has gone into the
The T65 is equipped to handle basic WAP and GPRS connectivity. The
mobile making business for themselves
browser is simple but not very effective.
and has launched a few handsets of
The Ray mobile phone has support for
their own under the Ray brand name.
Java and other modes of connectivity
For starters take a look at this their T65
include Bluetooth with A2DP and a video
mobile phone.
streaming feature.
The T65 is a block of a phone and the
The Ray T65 is equipped with a 3
black lined metal front and rubberized
megapixel autofocus camera and an LED
rear panel don’t exactly make it an eye
flash that can be used as a webcam.
catcher. The touchscreen display is clear
Image quality is not great but it’s not
Rs 8,999
and quite responsive with a smooth
altogether bad either.
www.themobilestore.in
3D like UI that has just a couple of
Stand alone talk time averaged about
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (WxHxD): 58 x 110 x 12.2 mm; Weight: 113 g; Display: 1.7-inch, 320x240 pixels; Camera: 3 MP; Connectivity: Bluetooth, WAP.
drawbacks one being the tiny QWERTY
3 hours and 45 minutes which is pretty
keyboard that will require the use of the
decent. What should make this handset
stylus. The music player’s interface is
sell is the fact that its price tag is just
PHONE
a little ‘loud’, metaphorically speaking.
Rs 6,999 (street price). There are no
Audio quality is not bad at all but the
other touchscreen handsets that are as
decibel level is a mite low. The video
fluid and easy to use as this in this price
BUILD QUALITY
player has codecs for 3GP and MPEG4
range. So hoo-Ray!
ERGONOMICS
formats. Playback was smooth. Other
CONTACT
The Mobile Store 022-67335000 mobicares@mytms.in
RATINGS FEATURES
- shayne@tech2.com
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
27
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
A TRUE UPGRADE IN TERMS OF FEATURES, AND IT OFFERS MORE THAN JUST SIMPLE AV OPTIONS.
PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER
APPLE IPOD NANO FOR: Great design, good camera and FM reception, good battery life. AGAINST: Placement of the camera is bad.
T
he new range of Apple iPods is
The video recorder captures in a
upon us. Apple has decided to
640 x 480 pixel resolution, suitable
go with consistency in design
for YouTube but not very much else.
and I say bravo! The fifth
There are a multitude of video shooting
generation nano is still slim and sexy and
effects that make it fun to use, such
now in a polished aluminum shell. The
as monochrome, sepia, heatmap, and
UI is still easy to use and very fluid. And
cyborg. Video files can be accessed
like all new Apple devices you’ll need the
directly from the drive that appears
latest version of iTunes to use it.
when you plug it in. Apple has also
The new hardware changes include a
SPECIFICATIONS
larger display (2.2-inches) and of course
preloaded a Fitness application including a pedometer. The company still hasn’t fixed the
Rs 11,200
the VGA video camera loaded on the
www.appleindia.com
rear. The placement of this camera is a
battery issue with the Nano—it seems to
Dimensions (WxHxD): 38.7 x 90.7 x 6.2 mm; Weight: 36.4 g; Display: 2.2-inch, 376x240 pixels; Capacity: 16 GB; Video capture: VGA, H.264@30fps.
big problem as it’s located at the bottom
have the potential to drain a bit even if
right. So if you’re shooting in portrait
not in use. Music playback clocked in at
mode, your finger is, almost all of time,
about 15 hours and change.
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Apple India 1800-425-4646 indiasales@mac.com
going to get in your way. We were not sure what to expect with
The new nano comes in two capacities—8 GB and 16 GB which
this, the very first iPod with a built in FM
are priced at Rs 9,400 and Rs 11,200
BUILD QUALITY
radio and may we just say, about time!
respectively. The Indian version is
ERGONOMICS
Reception is great and the Live Pause
available in seven colors.
RATINGS FEATURES
lets you pause live radio.
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
28
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
- shayne@tech2.com
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
WALKMAN
SONY WALKMAN NWZ B143F VERDICT: A slick solid state music player without many frills and fancies. FOR: Good audio quality and battery life, voice recorder has good range. AGAINST: FM reception is average.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 3,990 Dimensions (WxHxD): 85.8 x 23.2 x 14.1 mm; Capacity: 4 GB; Display: 20 mm LCD; Functions: Music, FM radio and voice recorder. Sony India 1800-1037-799 sonyindia.care@ap.sony.com
PHONE EMAIL
S
specific preferences a personalized tone
B143 has a slightly rugged looking
quality. The FM Radio's reception was
albeit a little bulky design. But
average at best. A dedicated Record
looks aren't everything so allow me to
button can be used for the radio or
give you a 'lobotomy' of sorts and fill you
the voice recorder. The B143F also
in on how good the B143.
comes with Sony's AVLS audio limiting
The UI is simplistic and quite user
www.sony.com
CONTACT
ony's latest Walkman player, the
RATINGS BUILD QUALITY ERGONOMICS FEATURES
friendly. Data transfer is multi-optional - Syncing with Windows Media Player,
technology. The MP3 player is capable of over 12 hours of non stop playback. At Rs 3,990 for 4 GB, the Sony
copy pasting onto the 4 GB of internal
NWZ-B143F makes for a pretty good MP3
memory and using Sony’s Media Transfer
player. The Zappin feature may be a little
software. No complaints about the music
redundant considering the player has a
player from its quality to decibel. The
display. The player is available in a few
Zappin feature works fine. Sony has also
funky colors so you might want to ask if
included the one touch Bass enhancer.
you're planning on purchasing it.
The customizable EQ gives users with
PERFORMANCE
- shayne@tech2.com
OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
MEDIA PLAYER
WD TV MINI VERDICT: A very compact and convenient media player for a home or holiday. FOR: Compact size, ease of use. AGAINST: No HDMI output, no support for MKV format.
N
eed a portable high-definition
The unit does not have a single button on
(1080i) movie player when on
on the body, but is completely controlled ed
a holiday? Try out the WD TV
via the remote controller. Sadly, the
Mini. The size of a pack of playing cards,
remote control does not have the option on
this one is a very compact video player
of controlling the volume which makes
which can play videos, music and photos
it a little inconvenient as you need to
right off a USB flash drive or external
use the TV’s remote control too. The
USB hard drive. The player is a straight-
interface is very intuitive and easy to
forward unit with absolutely no fuss in
follow, except that the list of the media
Rs 6,000
the installation — just connect it to the
content on the screen is a bit too tiny
www.wdc.com
AV input of your television, plug-in a USB
making readability an issue. So if you are
drive with the media content and power
on holiday and are stuck with a 21-inch
on the device. It bundles an IR remote
television, make sure you are seated
Dimensions (WxHxD): 91 x 21 x 91 mm; Weight: 113 g; Interface: USB 2.0; A/V outputs: Composite, component, optical S/PDIF.
controller, a composite AV cable and
close to the screen. The player supports
PHONE
a component video cable and a power
Xvid, MPEG1/2/4, VOB, MOV, RM, JPEG,
adapter. Additionally, one can connect
GIF, TIFF, BMP, PNG, MP3, WAV, AAC,
a 5.1-channel speaker system using the
FLAC, MKA, OGG, APE and RA.
optical S/PDIF connector on the unit.
- francis.dsa@chip.in
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTACT
RATINGS BUILD QUALITY FEATURES PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
30
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
Western Digital 9321029204 amarjeet.singh@wdc.com
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
SPEAKERS
ALTEC LANSING BXR1221 VERDICT: A small system that looks nice and unique, but could be louder in output. FOR: Good portability, good design, decent frequency balance, especially bass. AGAINST: Lacks adequate loudness, low SNR . his speaker set is quite compact,
T
section, hidden behind a permanent cloth
though the pics might be
grille. The output power is at 30 watts,
misleading as to the overall size of
frequency response is at 30Hz-20 KHz.
set with a subwoofer and two satellites.
and into our PC and played some single
Rs 1,690
The sats are uniquely shaped like conical
sine tones and frequency sweeps. The
www.rptechindia.com
disco lights. The speakers have a matte
bass goes low—audible clearly till 35
Type: 2.1 stereo; Frequency Response: 30Hz – 20 KHz; Sat driver size: 2-inch; Sub driver size: 4 inch; Power output: 30 watts RMS.
black finish, and are supported by a lead
Hz, after which it tapers off fast. The
colored brace on the front panel, which
highs are quite impressive at the end of
acts as a stand.
12 -16 KHz, no spikes or ‘jaggies’ in the
the units — they are quite small. It’s a 2.1
SPECIFICATIONS
Rashi Peripherals 022-67090828 response@rptechindia.com
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS BUILD QUALITY ERGONOMICS FEATURES
The left unit has a similar lead colored
We plugged the little guys together,
sound. Frequency balance was above
volume dial positioned at the top. It also
average, with no boomy bass. But, it’s
houses the connections at the back,
not powerful enough. Even for a single
which include AC input and a subwoofer
bedroom or private audience scenarios,
input. Each satellite speaker has a single
the speaker lacks the dB SPL output.
2-inch driver housed in the front cross
PERFORMANCE
- sandeep.balachandran@chip.in
OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
IPOD DOCK
ALTEC LANSING IMT800 VERDICT: Pick this if you want a loud, bass-thumping iPod dock . FOR: Insanely loud, good bass. AGAINST: Muffled mids, expensive.
T
The iMT800 consists of a pair
Sadly the navigation buttons are hard
of 1-inch tweeters, two 3-inch
enough to make your fingers ache when
mid-range drivers and a set of
continuously used. An FM player is also
5.25-inch subwoofers that sit on both sides of the player. The player as usual
integrated just in case. The iMT800 is impressively loud but
takes centre stage, which also includes
delivers a rather muffled and flat output
a retractable supporter that keeps the
when the EQ is set to zero. It’s only with
docked player in place. Source, EQ,
the EQ turned on will you get to enjoy
Forward and Backward track buttons
the sheer power of the iMT800. The bass
Rs 19,990
are towards the top along with the
is good and gives the thump required to
www.rptechindia.com
power button/volume knob. The player
keep your feet tapping to the music. The
also includes two auxiliary-IN ports that
highs and mids aren’t quite impressive at
Dimensions (WxHxD): 556x196x236 mm; Frequency response: 40Hz to 20kHz.
allow you to connect two more devices
its default level (0) but do a decent job
alongside the dock though only one
when adjusted. Nevertheless the Altec
can be used at a time. The unit also
Lansing iMT800 is an expensive piece of
includes a sleek little remote with a clip,
equipment and it doesn’t quite add up to
BUILD QUALITY
which can be hooked on to your pant
the overall performance.
ERGONOMICS
loop preventing you from misplacing it.
- sandeep.balachandran@chip.in
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Rashi Peripherals 022-67090828 response@rptechindia.com
RATINGS FEATURES PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
32
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
SPEAKERS
HEADPHONES
ROUTER
CREATIVE INSPIRE T3100
CIRCLE CONCERTO
VERDICT: Decent build quality and frequency balance, could be louder. FOR: Satisfactory design, decent bass response. AGAINST: Lacks adequate loudness, distorts at higher levels .
VERDICT: A good pick for gaming, voice chatting and hip-hop music. FOR: Punchy bass, long cord, bendable mic, inline volume control. AGAINST: Mids could have been better.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
D-LINK DIR-600 WIRELESS 150 VERDICT: The D-Link Wireless 150 router is a great value for money. FOR: Stable performance, good price. AGAINST: Non-scratch resistant body. SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 3,699
Rs 399
Rs 2,700
www.creative.com
www.entercircle.com
www.dlink.co.in
Type: 2.1 Speaker system; Frequency Response: 40Hz 20kHz; Sat Driver size: 2.5 inch; Sub Driver size: 5.5 inch; Power Output: 30 watts RMS.
Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 KHz; Impedance: 32 Ohm; Maximum power: 1500 mW; Cord length: 1.7 meters.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 111 x 30.4 x 144 mm; Weight: 45 g; Standards: 802.11 b/g; Security: WPA/WPA2, WPS.
Compuage Infocom 9223325430 vinod.thakkar@compuageindia.com
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS
Circle Infotech Pvt Ltd 022-66711234 completecare@entercircle.com
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
FEATURES
OVERALL RATING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
BUILD QUALITY FEATURES PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
PHONE
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
D-Link India Ltd 022-26595765 divya.shetty@dlink.co.in
CONTACT
A
T
especially the cuboidal, straight-edged
Circle Concerto delivers on both fronts
a little difficult to blend it with your
subwoofer. The sub is very lightweight,
but it has a minor quirk that needs to
interiors. Based on the 802.11 Draft-n
made of regular MDF with a black
be ironed out. Sporting cushioned ear
technology for improved wireless
matte finish. The driver is a 5.5-inch
pads and a bendable microphone, it is
reception and coverage, this 802.11g
affair, with a power rating of 17 watts
primarily aimed at Internet telephony
router from D-Link is a really good
RMS. Then we have the 2 satellites,
and voice chat users. But that doesn’t
performer. Setting up the router is a
again, light weight slim little things
mean these can’t be used for gaming,
breeze and the configuration menus
with a centrally positioned 2-inch
music and movies. The audio quality
are simple and quite user –friendly
driver. The sound has this clarity due
isn’t top notch but way better than
even for a first timer. The router
to the mids and highs sounding quite
many cheap headphones out there.
features security options of WPA
accentuated. The high mids do tend
The mids could have been better due
and WPA2 along with the easy-to-
to get a little crystalline and edgy
to which the vocals and instruments
setup security option of WPS (Wi-Fi
sounding. The good thing about this
sound a bit flat. But gamers and fans
Protected Setup). Other basic features
speaker system is that the bass does
of hip-hop and trance genres will love
include advanced firewall options such
not overpower the rest of the sound’s
the tight bass and loud volume. The
as NAT (Network Address Translation)
frequencies, like in other 2.1 systems.
Concerto is comfortable on the ears
and SPI. The router fared well when
The main issue and drawback with this
and doesn’t feel fatiguing. A lengthy
tested and we managed to get a
speaker system is that its overall levels
1.7 meter cord sleeved in knitted fabric
decent range and signal strength in
are not loud, plus it distorts a bit at
and the inline volume control add to
various corners of our office (around 25
maximum volume.
the comfort. We say go for it!
meters, with average barriers).
good pair of headphones is the
T
he Creative Inspire T3100 has striking similarities to the older Creative Inspire pieces,
- siddharth@tech2.com
34
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
one that offers good wearing comfort and delivers pristine
sound quality. The budget-friendly
- anand.tuliani@chip.in
he DIR-600from D-Link is a very smart looking wireless 150 router sporting a black and
glossy body, though you may find it
- francis.dsa@chip.in
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
CONSIDER THIS IS MOTHERBOARD RD IF YOU ARE DEAD SERIOUSS ABOUT QUALITY AND D PERFORMANCE. CE.
MOTHERBOARD
ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i FOR: Excellent quality of components, very good layout. AGAINST: Fan for the bundled RAM cooling bracket should have been bundled.
The large heatsink for the southbridge is coated with a ceramic material for enhanced heat dissipation.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 17,700 www.asus.in
CPU Socket: LGA 1156; Chipset: Intel P55; Memory: 16 GB DDR3-1333 (max 16 GB); Expansion slots: 2x PCIe X16, 2x PCIe x1 and 2x PCI; SATA | USB: 8 | 14. CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
ASUS Technology 022-67668800 media_india@asus.com
RATINGS FEATURES
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
36
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
T
he Ultimate Force (TUF)
Like all high-end boards by Asus, the
is Asus’ new lineup of
Sabertooth 55i features a very good
motherboards designed
layout. The CPU socket has ample
for durability and extreme
breathing area around it and you can
performance. Based on the Intel P55
easily fit large heatsinks without any
chipset, the Asus Sabertooth 55i is the
capacitors coming in the way. The RAM
first TUF motherboard built for Intel’s
slots have only a single clip—the modules
latest generation of Core i5 and Core
slide into the notch at one end and snap
i7 processors. What makes this board
into place by the clip at the other end.
special is a slew of innovative features
The chipset supports both CrossFire X
that Asus claims enhance component
and SLI in dual-8x mode. Three PCIe
life and performance. Since the new LGA
x1 and two PCI slots are provided for
1156 processors feature on-die memory
add-on cards. Out of the six SATA
and PCI Express controllers, the P55
ports supported by the chipset, four
chipset sports a simpler chipset design
are stacked vertically at the right edge
with only a single southbridge chip. The
of the board and two are placed at the
large heatsink for this chip and the finned
base inline with three USB headers (each
heatsinks for the voltage regulators
supporting two ports). Two additional
around the CPU socket are coated with
SATA ports and two eSATA ports are
pitted ceramic material that boosts
courtesy JMicron JMB322 controller.
surface area by more than 50 percent.
A bracket with two USB ports and an
The capacitors fitted are all-solid and are
eSATA port is bundled in the package.
labelled ‘TUF’.
- anand.tuliani@chip.in
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
A GOOD BUDGETFRIENDLY P555 BOARD FOR UNDER RS 10,000
MOTHERBOARD
ECS P55H-A FOR: Good value for money, good feature set. AGAINST: The heatsinks could have been of better quality. Enthusiasts will love the LED debugger and onboard buttons for power and reset.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 8,800 www.sesindia.com
CPU Socket: LGA 1156; Chipset: Intel P55; Memory: 16 GB DDR3-1333 (max 16 GB); Expansion slots: 2x PCIe x16, 1x PCIe x2, 1x PCIe x1, and 2x PCI; SATA | USB: 6 | 14. CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
SES Technologies 022-30862500 Jacques.roux@sesindia.com
RATINGS FEATURES PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
38
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
he new P55 chipset-based
T
The P55H-A comes bundled with four
motherboards that have
SATA cables, an IDE cable and the ECS
recently trickled into the market
eJIFFY application disc. ECS eJIFFY is a
are premium models that cost
tiny Linux-based OS which loads in a few
more than Rs 10,000. However, there are
seconds after the POST screen appears.
a few budget P55 motherboards such as
It offers tools for chatting, web browsing
the ECS P55H-A that won’t pinch your
and viewing photos.
pocket. The P55H-A doesn’t pack a lot
The P55H-A belongs to ECS’s Black
of bells and whistles but offers a great
Edition series and hence features a black
mix of features for its price. Most of the
PCB. The red and bright yellow expansion
motherboard’s features are courtesy
slots and fancy heatsinks for the voltage
Intel P55 Express chipset. It supports 16
regulators give this board a funky look.
GB of DDR3 memory and offers 14 USB
Although the heatsinks do a good job,
ports and six SATA ports—more than
they are a bit loose and shaky. The layout
enough to build a high-end gaming PC.
of the board is good except for the 8-pin
The two PCIe x16 slots support CrossFire
power connector that’s placed above
in dual x8 mode. The only extra feature
the PCI express slot. ECS has provided
that ECS has added is an eSATA port
buttons for power and reset near the
on the rear panel which is supported by
SATA ports and a clear CMOS button on
the JMicron JMB361 controller. The rear
the rear panel. The 7-segment display
panel sports PS/2 ports, eight USB ports,
debugger is also a useful feature for
gigabit Ethernet port, optical S/PDIF
detecting errors during POST.
out and discrete 7.1-channel audio jacks.
- anand.tuliani@chip.oin
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
NETTOP
ZOTAC MAG HD-ND01 VERDICT: A nettop with a rich feature set for space-constrained desktops. FOR: VESA mount, good performance. AGAINST: Average build, the stand doesn’t hold the PC steadily. fter having launched the mini-ITX
A
the bundled VESA bracket to mount the
motherboard based on Nvidia’s
unit behind the monitor to save space
Ion platform, Zotac is out with a
on your desktop. The rear panel sports
nettop based on the same motherboard.
an eSATA port, VGA connector, gigabit
Zotac calls this nettop MAG which stands
Ethernet port, optical S/PDIF output and
Rs 17,500
for Mini All-in-one Giant because it boasts
four USB ports. Additional USB ports are
www.zotac.com
of a pretty good configuration. It weighs
present on the front panel and on top
Dimensions (WxHxD): 189 x 186 x 38 mm; Weight: 678 g; CPU: Intel Atom 330; Chipset: Nvidia Ion; Memory: 2 GB; Hard disk: 160 GB; Wi-fi; 802.11n; Video out: VGA and HDMI.
merely 678 grams and is powered by the
of the unit. A card reader and jacks for
dual-core Intel Atom 330. A 160 GB hard
headphone and mic are also present on
drive and 2 GB of RAM makes it perfect
the front panel.
SPECIFICATIONS
Zotac India 022-25396230 deepak@zotac.com
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS BUILD QUALITY FEATURES
for everyday applications. With support
The MAG HD-ND01 looks sleek with
for Nvidia PureVideo HD, the GPU is
a glossy black shell and silver borders.
capable of decoding full HD content with
The bundled vertical stand is also black
great ease. An HDMI port is provided on
and glossy. Zotac should have included a
the rear panel for connecting the unit to
cloth for wiping the exterior.
an HDTV or an LCD monitor. You can use
PERFORMANCE
- anand.tuliani@chip.in
OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
LCD MONITOR
SAMSUNG SYNCMASTER D190S VERDICT: This is a good option for a lifestyle home or office. FOR: Good design, slick looks and presence of a USB DisplayLink. AGAINST: The menu options are limited and the flip stand isn’t quite reassuring.
D
esign and looks are the two main
presence of DisplayLink via the USB port.
aspects that set the Samsung
So, you can connect this monitor to your
D190S apart. This monitor has
netbook or laptop, install the DisplayLink
an 18.5-inch screen with an unusual
software (downloadable for free) to use
resolution of 1360 x 768 and an aspect
this monitor instead of a tiny screen.
ratio of 16:9. It has a good viewing angle
The overall design, sexy frame and
and a response time of 5 ms. Considering
absence of a pedestal collectively add to
the stylish and unconventional design,
the slick looks. Though the rubber pads
we’d say that at Rs 8,300 this monitor is
at the bottom should hold the unit in
ideal for a lifestyle home or office. Also,
place, without a sturdy pedestal, it might
the rich colors make movie-watching
accidentally tumble, so handle it with
a treat. A hitch you might face is that
extra care. Connectivity options include
there’s almost no way to physically adjust
the uncommon USB DisplayLink and a
the monitor, except for a slight tilt back
VGA input. The hidden menu buttons are
PHONE
and forth. The collapsible flip stand
activated with a feather touch close to
differentiates this monitor and makes
the power button. Finally the package
it look more like a TV or a large photo
includes VGA, power and USB cables.
frame. Another striking feature is the
- dushyant.khilnani@chip.in
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 8,300 www.samsung.com/in
Dimensions (WxHxD): 450.2 x 296 x 720 mm; Screen size: 18.5 inches; Response time: 5 ms; Optimal resolution: 1360x768; Aspect ratio: 16:9; Contrast ratio: 1000:0; Brightness: 250 cd/m2. CONTACT
Samsung India Electronics 011-41511234 sabharwal.a@samsung.com
RATINGS BUILD QUALITY FEATURES PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
40
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
PROCESSOR
EXTERNAL STORAGE
AMD ATHLON II X4 620 VERDICT: The Athlon II X4 620 is here to stay and will give stiff competition to dual core processors. FOR: Performance, affordable quad core processor. AGAINST: None. SPECIFICATIONS
APACER SHARE STENO 320 GB AC202
IOMEGA HOME MEDIA NETWORK HARDDRIVE
VERDICT: If you are on a low budget and need a good external hard drive, keep this one on your list. FOR: Secure partition software. AGAINST: Obstructive rubber sleeve. SPECIFICATIONS
VERDICT: It’s pricey for 1 TB, but the add-on features really set it apart. FOR: Print server, media sharing. AGAINST: Quite expensive. SPECIFICATIONS
Rs. 5,950
Rs. 3,800
www.amd.com
www.techcomindia.com
Package type: AM2+; Speed: 2.6 GHz; Cores: 4; Fab process: 45 nm; L2 cache: 2 MB.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 81.2 x 13.4 x 130 mm; Weight: 233 g; Capacity: 320 GB; Connectivity: USB 2.0.
AMD India 1800-425-6664 fusion.india@amd.com
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS
EXTERNAL STORAGE
www.iomega.com
Shree Sagarmatha Distrubutors 011-41618544 techcom@airtelmail.in
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Rs. 12,000 Dimensions (WxHxD): 40 x 125 x 199 mm; Weight: 1.1 Kg; Capacity: 1TB; Connectivity: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet, USB host; Server functionality: Print, iTunes, DLNA. CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS
Zac 9845645123 malaia@iomega.com
RATINGS
FEATURES
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
PERFORMANCE
FEATURES
FEATURES
OVERALL RATING
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
C
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and refreshed Athlon II X4 620 AMD’s
for instant backup. Bundled with the
wireless devices. It can be connected
budget CPUs are finally making a
drive is a mini-CD which contains
only via Gigabit Ethernet. Just plug it in
comeback. With the Athlon X4 620 you
the backup utility and the necessary
and the drive will pick up an IP address
can now own a quad core processor
drivers for the device. The utility
via DHCP. Iomega advises you to install
that will deliver performance close to
has a very good security feature
a system tray utility, but it does nothing
Intel’s Core 2 Quad Q8200 and that
which enables you to create a secure
but launch Explorer windows for each
too for a much lesser price. Speaking
password-protected partition. It
folder icon, so it can safely be skipped.
about price the Athlon II X4 620 is not
comes bundled with a rubber sleeve
EMC’s Retrospect Express HD backup
only the cheapest quad core in the
which can be mounted over the entire
software is also included. It's capable
market but it also beats Intel’s dual
casing for additional shock protection.
of archiving files on a schedule, but
core processors. The Athlon II X4 620
Although the rubber sleeve solves its
isn’t the easiest to use. However
handled most real world tests with
purpose, the looks are blemished due
the drive has many hidden secrets,
ease but the place where it showed
to the bad quality of the material.
including iTunes Server and DLNA
absolute performance was in the video
Once the rubber sleeve is mounted, it
support for sharing your digital music
encoding test. A mere 27 seconds to
is almost impossible to depress the
and videos with suitably equipped
encode a 1 minute MPG file to AVI.
backup switch, which makes operating
PCs, laptops, LCD TVs, digital photo
That’s faster than most Phenom’s as
the drive a little intricate. Transfer
frames, etc. You can also set access
well as Intel’s Q8200. So if you are
speeds are average with speeds of
permissions for security. And a USB
planning to build a new rig then the
around 26 MB/s for single files and 18
port allows you to hook up your printer
Athlon II X4 620 will not disappoint.
MB/s for multiple files.
and share it across the network.
ompetition as they say brings out the best in people and it surely has as far as AMD is
concerned. With the newly launched
- sandeep.balachandran@chip.in
he 320 GB Apacer Share Steno AC202 uses the USB 2.0 interface for connectivity
and features a SmartCopy button
- francis.dsa@chip.in
I
omega’s unimaginatively-named Home Media Network Hard Drive plugs into your router and provides
shared storage for all your wired and
- jamshed.avari@chip.in
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
41
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
A FUN-FILLED DSLR-STYLED DIGITAL CAMERA THAT PERFORMS GREAT.
DIGITAL CAMERA
SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-HX1 FOR: Excellent details reproduction, sweep panorama works great, tilt screen, good build. AGAINST: Over-saturated colors, slow focussing in low light. The tilt LCD is very convenient for shooting in crowded places.
lthough prosumer digital
A
camera automatically aligns and stitches
cameras don’t match up with
the captured shots to a single wide
DSLR cameras when it comes
panoramic shot within a few seconds.
to image quality, they have
Other interesting features are smile
a lot more features to offer. The Cyber-
shutter and in-camera image effects.
shot DSC-HX1 is Sony’s new offering for
You can add effects such as radial blur,
those who want a high-end camera with
partial color and smiling faces with just a
complete manual control. This chunky
few button presses.
SLR-like camera features a 9.1 MP CMOS sensor and a 20x optical zoom lens. The DSC-HX1 packs a bunch of unique
The DSC-HX1 feels robust and offers a very good grip. The control panel has a good layout with a 5-way d-pad and
features that makes it a compelling pick
a jog dial for adjusting the ISO, shutter
Rs 29,990
for amateur photographers. The large
speed and aperture. Dedicated buttons
www.sony.com
3-inch tilt LCD panel is a great feature
are provided for selecting the drive mode
Weight: 514 g; Resolution: 9.1 MP; Optical zoom: 20x (28 - 560 mm); ISO: 125 - 3200; Shutter speed: 30 1/4000 sec; LCD: 3.0-inch; Video out: HDMI.
for shooting images in the crowd with
and focus.
SPECIFICATIONS
the camera held over your head. Also
The performance of this camera isn’t
you won't have to strain your neck while
exceptional but very commendable for its
shooting tall structures and subjects
class. The outdoor performance is great
that are high up. The Sweep Panorama
in broad daylight, but the colors are a
mode makes shooting panoramas a
bit over-saturated. The quality of video
BUILD QUALITY
breeze. All you have to do is press
recording is excellent—you get a smooth
ERGONOMICS
the shutter release button and sweep
30 fps at 1440x900.
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Sony India 1800-1037-799 sonyindia.care@ap.sony.com
RATINGS FEATURES
(pan) the camera from left to right. The
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
42
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
- anand.tuliani@chip.in
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
THIS ONE IS NOTHING MORE THAN A POINTAND-SHOOT CAMERA WITH A BIG ZOOM LENS.
DIGITAL CAMERA
NIKON COOLPIX L100 FOR: Good overall performance, great build quality and design. AGAINST: No manual control, ISO settings only in auto mode, burst mode is slow. The layout of the control panel is pretty standard. We like the thumb grip.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 17,950 Dimensions (WxHxD): 110 x 72 x 78 mm; Weight: 360 g; Resolution: 10.1 MP; Focal length: 28 – 420 mm, 15x optical zoom; Shutter: 8 sec - 1/2000 sec; Aperture: F3.5 – F5.4; LCD: 3-inch; Storage: SD/ SDHC card. PHONE EMAIL
great mechanical image stabilization—the
78 mm, this hot looking
camera is usable without a tripod.
superzoom is smaller than
As per our tests, the image quality
most others in its class, and
was pretty good, white balance was
is light too. The body is made of tough
spot on (a bit towards the warm side
black plastic and boasts a good rubber
indoors) and color reproduction was
grip and textured thumb grip, that are
vivid. Where the camera falters is with
ergonomically placed making it a pleasure
manual functionality. Even most compact
to wield. A steel finish plastic plate
cameras have more manual features
around the power and shutter buttons
than the L100, apart from the fact that
adds to the aesthetics.
you cannot play with shutter speed and
The button placement's like any other
www.nikon.co.in
CONTACT
M
easuring just 110 x 72 x
Nikon India 0124-4688500 nindsales@nikonoa.net
you set ISO manually! There's only an
buttons are placed on top, while the
auto ISO 80-3200 mode, and a high
preview, menu, delete and camera mode
ISO scene mode. Macro performance
buttons are on the back of the camera,
was great though, and so was low light
along with the navigation D-pad. Overall,
performance. Macro shots were averagely
the camera's sturdy, it looks powerful,
detailed, but you can close-ups from as
and is ergonomically designed.
close as an inch. Overall, the camera is
The sensor supports pictures of up
RATINGS
aperture, the camera doesn't even let
superzoom— the shutter and power
good but there’s nothing extraordinary
BUILD QUALITY
to 10.1 megapixels, and even though the
about it. If you want a camera with lots
ERGONOMICS
body's petite, it houses a 15x optical
of manual controls, look elsewhere.
FEATURES
zoom lens. Even at full zoom—thanks to
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
44
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
- nikhil@tech2.com
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
IT'S GREAT ON FAMILY VACATIONS, BUT DEFINITELY NOT FOR VIDEOPHILES.
CAMCORDER
PANASONIC HDC-HS20 FOR: Great build quality, good image stabilization. AGAINST: Grainy results in low light, full HD claim is false, oversaturated colors.
he Panasonic HDC-HS20
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of storage from that. Of course you can
boasts full HD video recording
also keep things simple by storing videos
capabilities all over, but the
on the hard drive and still images on the
fact is that it can shoot at the
SD card, or whatever else suits you.
That's because the HS20 shoots at an
microphone embedded on the top the
effective resolution of 1.17 megapixel.
camcorder. Unfortunately you have no
Inside, the sensor is CMOS based and
option but to use that, as there's no jack
1/6 inches. There is however, 16x optical
to plug in an external microphone, or
zoom with optical image stabilization.
even a hotshoe for that matter.
maximum resolution of 1080i, not 1080p.
The build quality of the HS20 seems
There's a nifty little 5.1 channel zoom
The camcorder performs best in
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 49,990
quite sturdy with a firm yet comfortable
bright conditions, where it can shoot at
www.panasonic.co.in
hand grip, and easy to reach button
lower ISOs and give sharper and clearer
layout. The button clutter on the inside
images. In low light, however, there is
has been reduced with only the essential
noticeable compression and graininess
three buttons visible. The reason for this
in image quality. The colors in our test
is that Panasonic has finally included a
videos seemed over-saturated, making
Dimensions: 64 x 69 x 128 mm; Weight: 360g; Media: HDD (80GB), SD/SDHC Memory Card; Display: 2.7 Wide LCD (230,400 pixels); Video: 1080/60i MPEG4AVC/H.264; Audio: Dolby Digital (5.1ch); Still Picture: 2.1 megapixels (1920 x 1080); Optical Zoom: 16x; Digital Zoom: 40x-1000x; Image Sensor: 1/6" CMOS
touchscreen interface in the HS20.
them look bright and 'happy'.
HS20 uses its internal 80GB hard
There's no denying that even with
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
drive for storage, but it also supports SD
its drawbacks, Panasonic has done a
cards for expansion. With the camcorders
number of things right with the HDC-
BUILD QUALITY
maximum recording quality restricted at
HS20 camcorder.
ERGONOMICS
17 mbps, you'd easily get around 10 hours
Panasonic India 0124 - 4596800 rajat.sharma@npi.panasonic.co.in
RATINGS FEATURES
- gagan@tech2.com
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
45
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
CAMERA
KODAK EASYSHARE Z915 VERDICT: The Kodak Z915 averages out as a point and shoot camera. FOR: 10x zoom, decent build and IS. AGAINST: Struggles to focus in video mode, grainy pictures above 200 ISO.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 11,990 www.kodak.com
Dimensions (WxHxD): 90x64x39 mm; Weight: 194 g; Resolution: 10.0 MP; Focal length (35 mm equiv): 35 - 350 mm; Aperture range: f3.5 - f4.8; Shutter range: 16 - 1/1000 sec. Kodak India 022-66416300 contactindia@kodak.com
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS BUILD QUALITY ERGONOMICS FEATURES
uperzoom cameras have taken
S
10x zoom along with its optical image
off in quite a remarkable way and
stabilization. The image stabilization on
if you look around you’ll notice
the Z915 makes it possible to take decent
that most companies have at least one
pictures without the need of a tripod.
under their belt. As with most Megazoom
You can also record video at a maximum
cameras the Kodak EasyShare Z915
resolution of 640 x 480, which appears
includes features like Image Stabilization,
decent but the camera struggles to stay
16 shooting modes and a decent 10x
in focus when moved around, which is
optical zoom. As far as the build quality
really disappointing. Pictures taken with
is concerned the Z915 has a decent build
the Z915 feel a little more sharp and clear
quality but doesn’t quite add up to what
though there are instances when they
manufacturers offer in the same price
seem a little underexposed and at times
range. For a Megazoom the Z915 is pretty
overexposed. The Kodak Z915 is a decent
compact and can be easily carried around
point and shoot camera but there are
without much fuss.
better options out there.
The USP of the camera lies in its
PERFORMANCE
- sandeep.balachandran@chip.in
OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
BLU-RAY PLAYER
PHILIPS BDP7500 VERDICT: A very good performing player with decent features. FOR: Brilliant aesthetics, Impressive output quality. AGAINST: Quite expensive. his piece of gear is one swanky
T
The player supports BD Live, and onboard
looker, filled with oodles of
decodes DTS-HD Master Audio Essential,
style and high tech sparkle. The
Dolby True HD.
brushed aluminum surface, with the
load from disc insert to welcome screen,
front panel being made up of reflective
which is decently fast. The UI is very well
dark glass.. The icing on the cake in
designed and non-tacky. We checked out
terms of aesthetics is a slight indent at
DVE test disc, Ratatouille and The last
the center of the bottom edge, which
Samurai Blu-ray discs and were quite
houses a flat blue LED. The back houses
impressed by the cutting edge clarity. In
connectors, we have a single HDMI 1.3
both static and moving images we hardly
out, a component video, optical audio
saw any traces of noise and jaggy line
and analog 7.1 audio output. Besides there
artifacts, but it was not purely absent.
D/A converter: 12 bit/150MHz; BD region code: C; DVD region code: 5; Signal to noise ratio: 105 dB; Aspect ratio: 21:9, 16:9, 4:3
is also a coaxial audio out and Ethernet
After motion, we gauged straight up color
CONTACT
port. This player also has a USB 2.0 slot in
performance, which was visually very
PHONE
the front, for all your DivX and MP3 files.
vivid, and contained a level of saturation
As for file playback, we have H.264, VC-1,
that really pleased the eye.
chassis is finished in an impressive
MPEG2, DivX Ultra, AVCHD, WMV, XviD.
The player takes about 7 seconds to
- siddharth@tech2.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 25,990 www.india.philips.com
Philips India Ltd 011-66001111 customercare.india@philips.com
RATINGS BUILD QUALITY PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
46
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
VERDICT
MEANT FOR ENTHUSIASTS BUILT FOR ENTHUSIASTS.
PC CASE
ANTEC SKELETON FOR: 250 mm fan, distinctive look. AGAINST: Expensive, not easy to setup. he Antec Skeleton!! What
T
such as the graphics card, sound or even
better name could anyone
your LAN card.
absolute innovation at its best. It not
of patience to put things together.
only looks stunning but also has a rock
Nevertheless, installation of the
solid build quality. Come to think of it, the
motherboard and other components
Skeleton is aimed towards enthusiasts
is easy since the tray slides out. The
who simply cannot keep their hands off
problem starts when things need to get
the rig. Another aspect that will grab
connected. Since the space in-between
the viewer’s attention is its massive 250
is almost negligible, routing wires can
mm fan that’s elegantly placed above
be extremely annoying but pays off
the case. This huge fan does wonders at
once things are in place. Drives slide in
keeping your core components such as
with ease but with no locking system in
the graphics card, RAM, CPU as well as
place the drives will need to be screwed
Rs 11,500
the overall motherboard cool. You’ll also
on. Since the large 250 mm fan isn't
www.tirupati.net
find two switches beside the fan using
sufficient to cool the hard drives, an
Dimensions (WxHxD): 376 x 419 x 317 mm; Expansion Slots: 2x 5.25-inch & 2x 3.5-inch drive bays; Cooling system: 250mm overhead fan; I/O panel: 2x USB, 1x Firewire, 1x eSATA, Front audio.
which you can adjust the fan speed and
additional fan has been provided in
change the LED color.
front of the hard drive bay. The Skeleton
Despite its near naked look the front panel allows you to connect up to three USB devices and an external drive via eSATA.
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Tirupati Enterprises 9339207519 mail@tirupati.net
RATINGS BUILD QUALITY ERGONOMICS OVERALL RATING
48
11/2009
At first sight installation might
case? The Antec Skeleton is
seem simple but actually needs a lot
Towards the front of the case you will
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
also comes with a total of four hard
find a pair of USB ports, one Firewire
drive brackets that allow you to hang
port, one eSATA port, headphone/
additional drives on the sides. The only
microphone jacks along with the usual
downside that the Skeleton will face
power and reset buttons. At the rear you
other than its beefy price tag would be
will find a transparent plastic supporter
its mammoth size.
that allows you to screw in add-on cards
FEATURES VALUE FOR MONEY
give this bulbous open air PC
- sandeep.balachandran@chip.in
TEST CENTER HARDWARE
CARD READER
APACER MEGA STENO AM400 VERDICT: This one is like any other card reader available on the roadside. FOR: Compact, portable. AGAINST: Expensive for a card reader. SPECIFICATIONS
DATA TRANSFER HUB
APACER PH250 HUB VERDICT: The Apacer PH250 surpasses most other Data Transfer hubs in both usability and performance. FOR: PC to PC connectivity, affordability. AGAINST: Nothing.
SPECIFICATIONS
USB ACCESSORY
DIGIMICRO USB MICROSCOPE VERDICT: A very useful device for viewing micro objects in detail. FOR: Self lit, easy to use. AGAINST: Stand could have been longer. SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 375
Rs 475
Rs. 6,000
www.techcomindia.com
www.techcomindia.com
www.accessinfoworld.com
Dimensions (WxHxD): 59x17x59 mm; Socket: MS/MS Duo, SD/ MMC, CF/MD, xD; Case material: Aluminium/plastic.
Dimensions: 20x20x70 mm; Number of USB ports: 3; Weight: 40 g; Connectivity: USB 2.0, PC to PC.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 33 x 33 x 110 mm; Weight: 50 g; Sensor: 1.3 MP; Magnification: 10X to 200X.
Shree Sagarmatha Distrubutors 011-41618544 techcom@airtelmail.in
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS
Shree Sagarmatha Distrubutors 011-41618544 techcom@airtelmail.in
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS
Access 022-32233353 accessinfoworld@vsnl.com
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES
BUILD QUALITY
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
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T
slots. The reader supports almost
first sight the Apacer PH250 looks
MP sensor and is mounted with a lens
all card formats but will require a
like any other ordinary USB hub but
that can magnify the subject from 10x
separate adapter to be able to read
features just don’t end there. Other
to 200x. It is actually a regular webcam
microSD and M2 card formats. The
than the three USB ports that the
with a macro lens. It has a focal
Apacer card reader is also elegantly
device sports, the PH250 also comes
length of 10 mm to infinity and can be
designed sporting a plastic body
equipped with a mini USB port that
precisely focused using the manual
topped up with a polished brown
allows you to connect to a second
mode via the focus dial. Shipped with a
aluminium faceplate. You also have the
machine thereby converting this little
small table stand, the USB microscope
option of downloading software called
black box into a Data Transfer Hub. To
is easy to install and use. One does not
“Smart TAG”, which basically helps in
be able to make this work the PH250
need an external light source as the
differentiating the types of card slots.
comes with an executable file that
Digimicro is equipped with four bright
can only be accessed once the second
white LEDs for illuminating the subject.
a card reader is useful especially if
PC is connected. The application then
The images are sharp and clear which
the need is to transfer large chunks
opens up a window divided into two
makes it perfect for those who need to
of data but the asking price for the
parts where you can view both the
take pictures of small/micro subjects.
Steno AM400 is more than double as
local machine and the remote machine.
The microscope is ideal for those in
compared to other brands. In other
The hub can also support devices that
the profession of working with small
words there isn’t much value added to
consume more power since the PH250
objects—for example, watchmakers,
the price one would be paying for this
comes with a dedicated 5V power
chip-level computer engineers, doctors,
card reader.
source.
miniature sculptors and others.
here is nothing new about the Apacer Mega Steno AM400. The Steno AM400 is a USB 2.0
card reader that has four card reading
It goes without saying that owning
- sandeep.balachandran@chip.in
50
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
ransferring data can at times be a real pain in the neck especially when you want to transfer files
between two different machines. At
- sandeep.balachandran@chip.in
his is a straightforward device for magnifying anything put in front of the lens. The Digimicro
is a digital USB microscope with a 1.3
- francis.dsa@chip.in
SOFTWARE SPOTLIGHT
TEST CENTER TESTED
INTERNET SECURITY SUITE
NORTON INTERNET SECURITY 2010 VERDICT: NIS 2010 is a must have if you are looking for an effective security suite that will keep hackers and viruses at bay. FOR: Feature rich, top notch scanner and firewall. AGAINST: Manual scans are a little slow.
I
t has only been a little more than a year since
called “Quorum”. This newly developed security
Symantec redesigned their security suite to
model basically rates files based on information
meet standards that other security suites
it obtains from the Norton community.
offer. The Norton Antivirus, without a doubt,
Information sent across basically includes file
had the most effective Anti-Malware and Virus
name, file size and hash key. Even the slightest
scanner but was best known for eating into your
modification in file size causes a change in the
memory. But things have progressed significantly
hash value and the overall rating of the file.
ever since the launch of their 2009 version. With
interface is much slicker and easier to use,
to build on the unprecedented success they
though there isn’t much of a difference. The
made last year. Just like their previous version,
main page displays general information of the
Norton Internet Security 2010 promises to do
security suite along with the amount of CPU
much more than just catch nasty malware. The
clicks the security suite uses. But if you want to
security suite is the easiest to install and makes
dig deep, you will find plenty of additional links
itself home in a matter of minutes. The new
on the main page itself. For example, clicking on
version of Norton utilizes a new breed of security
the performance link towards the left flips over
The flip-3D interface gives you a graphical representation of the the total number of downloads, installs, detections as well as the total CPU usage.
52
11/2009
Compared to their previous version the new
their latest 2010 version Symantec continues
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
Here you get to view the list of processes that have already been assigned a trust level based on the information gathered from the Norton Community.
SMS us! Story code: ASM to 51818
ON DVD and gives an in-depth detail about the amount of RAM and CPU consumed. You can also get
DUAL LAYER 8.5GB
RED HOT APPLICATIONS
a more detailed view of the graph by taking into account the last 10 minutes of activity to a maximum of 1 month. Clicking on the graph lists the processes that consumed the maximum number of CPU clicks. Norton System Insight on the other hand lets you view system activities such as application installation/downloads, disk optimization, threat detection and quick scans. Tabs are also placed at the top of the graph where you can get hold of details for the current month and for the last two months. The Optimize option improves the boot time of your computer by rearranging file fragments into adjacent and contiguous clusters. Now if you thought that the new Norton Internet Security 2010 was all about fancy graphics, think again. Norton uses a combination of Quorum alongside their behavioural based detection technology called SONAR2 with a standard set of signatures. Both features work
Corel Digital Studio 2010 Corel Home Office 5.0.56
Corel Photo Album 6 Corel Snapfire 1.2
PowerDVD 9.0.1909
FU LL FR E E N VERSIO
FULL SOFTWARE AntiVir Personal 9.0.0.407 a-squared Free 4.5.0.11 Avast! Home Edition 4.8.1351 AVG Free Edition 8.5.409 BitDefender 10 Free Edition ClamWin 0.95.2 Cloud Antivirus 0.08.82 Beta3
FREE Accounting, Inventory & Billing Software
hand in hand such that, if Quorum finds a file genuine then SONAR2 will brush aside the file but if Quorum encounters a suspicious file SONAR2 will challenge the file’s integrity. But the best part of the security suite is the firewall. No matter what the situation, the program will never pop up if an application requires Internet access. Instead, it automatically assigns the required rule
TOYS GAME DEMOS Need for Speed: Shift Supreme Ruler 2020 GOLD World of Zoo
Champions Online Just Cause 2 Red Faction: Guerrilla The Secret World Time of Shadows Tropico 3
GAME TRAILERS
GAME ADD ONS
Aion: Tower of Eternity
50 PC Game Icons 26
that a program needs to access the Internet.
Batman: Arkham Asylum Wallpaper Pack 2 Command & Conquer: Generals Zero Hour Vietnam Glory Obscured Mod Defense Grid: The Awakening v1.1 DR Patch King Arthur Wallpaper Pack
Taking memory consumption into consideration the program left a very small footprint when idle; less than 15 MB. System
LINUX
slowdowns are also a thing of the past, with the
LINUX DISTROS
new NIS 2010 it’s all about speed, efficiency and unparalleled system security. With certification
Chrome OS 0.4.206 Beta Moblin 2.1 Preview Puppy Linux 4.3
from AV-Comparatives, ICSA and West Coast Labs NIS 2010 offers more than just security, it
LINUX TOOLS
offers peace of mind.
ALSA driver 1.0.21a avast! Linux Home Edition 1.3.0 Camera Life 2.6.3 Beta 3
- sandeep.balachandran@chip.in
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 1,450 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows XP SP2 / Vista / 7; RAM: 256 MB; Disk space: 300 MB CONTACT
Swati Dwivedi
PHONE
9920929298
swati@2020india.com
RATINGS EASE OF USE FEATURES PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
TOOLS MULTIMEDIA
www.symantec.com
Aiseesoft Total Video Converter 3.3.08 AnyDVD HD 6.5.8.6 Beta Auto Collage Studio 3.0 CDBurnerXP 4.2.6.1616 DHTML Menu Creator 2.9.9 iTunes 9.0.1 (32-bit) K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 5.10 Maple4 Site Creator 5.2 (3) MediaShow Espresso
INTERNET
SECURITY
Ares 2.1.1 BySoft Network Share Browser 1.0 DHCP Find 1.2 Easy WiFi Radar 1.0.2 FileZilla 3.2.8 RC1 / 3.2.7.1 Firefox 3.6 Alpha 1 Flash Movie Extractor Scout LITE 2.35a1 FlashGet 1.9.6.1073 Google Chrome 4.0.211.7 Beta Internet Explorer 8 8.0.6001.18702 Final
Ashampoo UnInstaller 4.0.2 Clear Blue Security 2.7 Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal 2010 9.0.0.714 Beta McAfee VirusScan 10 Norton AntiVirus 2010 Norton Internet Security 2010
SYSTEM Active@ Partition Manager A-PDF Text Extractor 1.3.6 Free Registry Defrag 2.40 NetBeans IDE 6.7.1
MUST HAVES MOBILE iPhone PC Suite 1.0.7.2 iTwin 2.1 Final MyPhoneExplorer 1.7.4 Nokia Ovi Suite 2.0 0.4.122.0 Beta Sony Ericsson PC Suite 6 Sony Ericsson Themes Creator 4.08
Adobe Air 1.5.2 Flash Player 10.0.32.18 (IE) ATI Catalyst Drivers NVIDIA Forceware Drivers
E-BOOKS CHIP ARCHIVES June 2009 to Aug 2009
TEST CENTER TESTED
VERDICT
AN UPGRADE THAT BUILDS ON OS X’S STRENGTHS BUT WITHOUT NEW BELLS AND WHISTLES. OPERATING SYSTEM
MAC OS X SNOW LEOPARD FOR: Future-ready engineering, speed improvements, good price. AGAINST: Won’t work on older hardware. Expose now differentiates between open and minimized application windows.
now Leopard has few evident
S
new QuickTime X, are 64-bit. While this
changes but many subtle
doesn’t impact the end user that much,
ones. It's a trimmed, optimized
it is a statement of Apple’s foresight.
version of v10.5 (Leopard)
Grand Central Dispatch is another feature
which came before it—a full 7GB smaller
that you won’t see but that will make
after install! Some minor features are
applications work better with multi-core
indeed new, but the majority of the
processors. The same goes for OpenCL,
changes are under the hood.
which allows apps to take advantage of a
To begin with, installation is drama-
SPECIFICATIONS
Mac OS X Snow Leopard www.apple.com
Computer: Any Intel-based Mac (2005 onwards); Disk space: 5 GB; Memory: 1 GB CONTACT
Apple India
indiasales@mac.com
RATINGS FEATURES OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
11/2009
Exposé is subtly different with a more
you already have installed. Backups are
even distribution of windows when
recommended prior to the upgrade, but
activated. A nice touch is how it can now
we experienced no loss of any kind. The
just show a single app’s windows with a
rumors of being able to upgrade from OS
click-and-hold of its dock icon. The dock
X v10.4 are true, but Apple only officially
and stacks have some new functionality;
supports upgrades from Leopard.
use them a while and you’ll notice they
Snow Leopard doesn’t have any of the usual hype around new features,
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
play really well with multiple windows open. All in all, this is an upgrade that isn’t
user can see. All improvements are
as significant in terms of features as
backstage, designed to make OS X
Leopard, but contains many potentially
faster, stronger, and less prone to bugs.
important advances for the future. Sadly,
That also explains its relatively low cost.
all this is Intel-only; there’s no support for
Snow Leopard is now fully 64-bit. All
older PowerPC-based Apple hardware.
key components of the OS, including the
PERFORMANCE
54
On to what you can actually see:
an hour, depending on how much stuff
because there are barely any that the
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
graphics processor to speed up tasks.
free as expected. Upgrades take about
- tushar.burman@infomedia18.in
TEST CENTER TESTED
WINDOWS 7 TWEAKING TOOL
TWEAK-7 VERDICT: An extensive tool with tons of tweaks for optimizing Windows 7. FOR: Lots of useful tweaks, one-click optimization. AGAINST: The trial period is too short. ustomizing the look and feel
C
categories are System Information and
of Windows and optimizing
tweaks, Miscellaneous tweaks, Visual
the system performance is
customizations, and Internet tweaks.
very time consuming because
Tweaks for customizing the performance
you have to navigate through plenty of
of the core components (CPU, memory
options under various sections (Start
and hard drive), startup items, input
menu, display, Internet options, control
devices, Start menu, taskbar, desktop,
panel, and so on). Therefore a Tweaking
context menus and Internet Explorer are
tool that offers all the tweaks and
all present in the form of check boxes
$38.92 (approx. Rs 1,950)
optimization tools in one suite is very
and sliders. In addition to the tweaks,
www.totalidea.com
convenient for both first-timers and
there are utilities for system cleanup
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
advanced users. Tweak-7 is one such suite
(cache, logs and temporary files), restore
for tweaking and optimizing Windows
point management, Registry cleanup and
7. The user interface of the tool is very
security. A one-click auto-optimization
intuitive with a Windows Explorer-like
feature is also present.
look and feel. The most important
SPECIFICATIONS
OS: Windows 7; Disk space: 14 MB; RAM: 1 GB CONTACT
Totalidea Software Ltd
RATINGS EASE OF USE
- anand.tuliani@chip.in
FEATURES PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
VIDEO CONVERTER
AISEESOFT TOTAL VIDEO CONVERTER VERDICT: A basic and easy to use video converting tool. FOR: Ease of use. AGAINST: Very expensive.
SPECIFICATIONS
$35 (approx. Rs 1,750) www.aiseesoft.com SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows NT4/2000/2003/XP/Vista; Hardware: Intel/AMD CPU 800 MHz; Memory: 512 MB CONTACT
Aiseesoft Studio
support@aiseesoft.com
RATINGS FEATURES PERFORMANCE
simple, yet powerful video
A
respect to bit rates, frame rates, etc. to cut
converter from Aiseesoft is the
down the size of the final file. Additionally,
Total Video Converter. Very
one can also tweak the brightness,
easy to use, this software has
contrast, saturation and de-interlacing and
a simple and user-friendly interface which
also trim or crop the video. The conversion
can be learned in minutes. Just drop the
of the video is pretty fast, but if you
video file(s) into the window, choose the
add effects and crop the video size, the
profile to which player the video needs to
process slows down gradually. A downside
be converted and press the start button.
of the software is that it does not convert
The final output file is stored in the
multiple files at a single given time. For
destination folder, ready to be transferred
the price this product sells, we strongly
to the portable device. The Aiseesoft Total
recommend the ImTOO MPEG Encoder
Video Converter has built-in profiles for
Platinum at $46 as it has better features
different types of video formats and player
and is capable of converting multiple files
types. These profiles can be tweaked for
at the same time.
one’s own preference of video quality with
- francis.dsa@chip.in
OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
55
TEST CENTER TESTED
DISC BURNING UTILITY
DVD DECRYPTION TOOL
BACKUP UTILITY
CDBURNERXP
SLYSOFT ANYDVD
SYNCBACKPRO
VERDICT: If you want to use a free and bare-bone disc burning utility, download this one. FOR: Very easy to use and requires very little RAM. AGAINST: None.
VERDICT: A great tool for watching Blu-ray and DVD movies without going through any hassles. FOR: Eliminates region protection, speed control for discs. AGAINST: None.
VERDICT: If you need an all-in-one backup utility, get this one. FOR: Excellent feature set and very good help and support. AGAINST: None.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
Free
¤63 (approx. Rs 4,350)
www.cdburnerxp.se
www.slysoft.com
OS: Windows all (except 95 and 98); Disk space: 14 MB; RAM: 256 MB
OS: Windows All; Disk space: 2 MB; RAM: 64 MB
Canneverbe Limited
CONTACT
RATINGS
CONTACT
SlySoft Inc.
SPECIFICATIONS
$49.95 (approx. Rs 2,500) www.2brightsparks.com
OS: Windows all (except 95 and 98); Disk space: 23 MB; RAM: 512 MB 2BrightSparks
CONTACT
RATINGS
RATINGS
EASE OF USE
EASE OF USE
EASE OF USE
FEATURES
FEATURES
FEATURES
OVERALL RATING
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
C
VALUE FOR MONEY
that case you can change the region
S
discs, audio CDS, erasing RW discs,
code of the drive in order to play the
your computer. You can backup
creating ISO files for data backups
disc, but it can be done only five times.
and synchronize data with different
and such. Other trivial features let you
When you have exhausted the number
folders, partitions and hard drives
drag and drop files into the existing
of changes, Slysoft AnyDVD comes in
within a computer or even with an FTP
compilation, burn multiple copies,
very handy.
server over the Internet. The SFTP
DBurnerXP is an easy-to-use, free and basic application for burning CDs and DVDs. The standard feature set
includes options for burning data
use the drop box for adding files from
I
t’s frustrating to find that the DVD or Blu-ray you want to watch doesn’t play on your PC because it’s protected by region code. In
This application eliminates region
yncBackPro is a comprehensive data-backup program with a multitude of functions to maintain
the safety of your data in and outside
option can be used to ensure there’s
different locations, display recorder
code check and copy protection for
no leakage of classified information
and media information and so on. The
DVD and Blu-ray discs irrespective
such as passwords over a network.
user interface is a complete no-brainer
of your optical drive’s region code.
Automated backups is another
and the program uses merely 14
In addition to this the software also
strong point, which means that once
MB of disk space. With its ease of
offers other useful features such as
you’ve set a profile, backups can be
use, you might not need the help
skipping annoying advertisements and
scheduled and no human intervention
and support section on the website.
trailers thereby allowing you to jump
is required. The number of options,
Nonetheless, novice users can use
to the movie as soon as you insert the
configuration settings and functions is
the option. Overall, we’d say it’s worth
disc. If the whirring noise from your
quite exhaustive. The program is fairly
giving it a try, just download the 4 MB
optical drive distracts you, it is even
simple to use and very light on system
executable file and the installation
possible to lower the motor speed of
resources—the RAM usage is merely
takes merely a couple of minutes.
the optical drive.
about 17 MB.
- dushyant.khilnani@chip.in
56
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
- anand.tuliani@chip.in
- dushyant.khilnani@chip.in
TEST CENTER TESTED
VIDEO CUTTER
MAGIX VIDEO EASY VERDICT: Easy-to-use video program, which is however recommended only for novice with no HD ambitions. FOR: Integrated anti-shake filter and scene recognition features. irtually as an alternative for
V
corrections. One can even add captions
other popular video editing
and animated title, but the thing that is
tools, Magix has now come
missing is the colored video effects, which
out with the new Video easy,
are offered by conventional video-cutting
with help of which anyone can create
programs. And if anyone feels lost, he
breathtaking videos without any kind
can simply watch the introduction video
of prior training. Importing videos goes
or read the handbook. The automatic
on smoothly; the tool even accepts the
video-cutting feature is disappointing
latest HD video codecs of camcorders
since it provides with only two styles;
and digital cameras. However, it is always
additional styles are available over Magix
recommended to convert these videos
portal website and cost extra. In case of
into a slimmer format so as to avoid
output, one has options between DVD,
jerking during editing or previewing. The
YouTubeUpload and local storage. The
cross-section is restricted to storyboard
missing burning options for Blu-ray or
with manual cutting, two cross-fade
AVCHD DVD are inconsequential.
effects along with color and brightness
- francis.dsa@chip.in
SPECIFICATIONS
¤40 (approx. Rs 2,800) www.magix.com SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Hardware: Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 1 GHz and higher; Disk space: 400 GB; Memory: 512 MB CONTACT
Magix AG
PHONE
1-305 722 5810
RATINGS FEATURES PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
UNINSTALLER
ASHAMPOO UNINSTALLER VERDICT: Removes programs completely and offers loads of extras. FOR: Support for Internet Explorer 8. AGAINST: Fails to uninstall certain security programs completely. shampoo UnInstaller
A
of programs, which are always active
executes what Windows fails
in the background, for example virus
to do—deleting a program
scanner, still does not function optimally.
completely from the hard disk.
The reason—the tool uses its own
A monitoring function logs all system
uninstallation routine instead of that of
changes made during an installation
the respective program. Thus, it fails to
and automatically reverses them while
abort active processes and und thereby
uninstalling the program. Thanks to
fails to remove them completely.
different wizards both these processes are
SPECIFICATIONS
The latest version now introduces two
easy to perform. However, an installation
more features than its predecessor— guar-
takes a little longer since every time the
anteed removal of files as well as recovery
$50 (approx. Rs 2,500)
uninstaller first saves the complete system
option for files deleted by mistake. In
www.ashampoo.com
configuration (registry, system file, and
addition, the defragmentation module has
so on). The new version 4.02 functions
a more effective algorithm; the browser-
more effective than its predecessor and
cleaner now supports Internet Explorer 8
identifies interlaced installations with
and with a subsequent update even the
numerous program parts in a much better
new Mozilla Firefox 3.5.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows XP/Vista CONTACT
RATINGS FEATURES PERFORMANCE
ashampoo GmbH & Co. KG
way. On the other hand, the uninstallation
- francis.dsa@chip.in
OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
57
TEST CENTER TESTED
VIDEO CONVERTER
CYBERLINK MEDIASHOW ESPRESSO VERDICT: For conversion beginners, thanks to the simple operation, it’s a good choice, but the format support could include a wider range. FOR: Speedy encoding, inexpensive. he future of video conversion
T
graphics card and needs just about four
lies in graphics cards, because
minutes in the fast DXVA profile. Besides,
the GPU does it faster than a
it gives better picture quality. Espresso
CPU. CyberLink MediaShow
on the other hand, is specialized in
Espresso uses ATI Stream and Nvidia
the conversion for mobile devices and
CUDA for video transcoding. The user
delivers only profiles for the different iPod
must only check, whether he has the
variants as well as for the consoles by
$40 (approx. Rs 2,000)
suitable graphics card and driver on the
Sony and Microsoft. However, web videos
www.cyberlink.com
computer. We converted the HD trailer
for YouTube can also be created as well
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
of ‘The Dark Knight’ on a quad-core with
as individual profiles. Here, the user can
GeForce 8800GT. With CUDA, Espresso
even make HD films, but only for the
OS: Windows XP, DirectX 9; Hardware: Intel Pentium IV 3.0 GHz and above; Disk space: 1 GB; Memory: 1 GB; GPU: refer to website
works around three times smoother than
Blu-ray format–MP4 or MKV format is not
CONTACT
CyberLink Corp.
without a graphics card. Compared with
possible. The competition is clearly more
PHONE
001-46-8254280
sales@xitinc.com
the professional encoder x264 however,
flexible in this aspect, but mostly at the
the gains are not so high, because the
cost of the operability.
x264 stores even calculations on the
SPECIFICATIONS
RATINGS - francis.dsa@chip.in
FEATURES PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
VIDEO TRANSCODER
MOVAVI MEDIA OCTOPUS VERDICT: Easy to transcode videos but a few quirks need to be sorted out. FOR: Completely automatic. AGAINST: Cannot save new profiles, crashes at times.
A SPECIFICATIONS
$30 (approx. Rs 1,500) www.movavi.com SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista; Hardware: Intel or AMD 1 GHz and above; Disk space: 40 MB; Memory: 128 MB
n especially uncomplicated
operating-comfort. Media Octopus did
film transfer between a PC
not convince us completely despite the
and mobile devices is what
conversion automation. The video profile
the Movavi Media Octopus
is based predominantly on the older
promises. Through USB, video files can
MPEG4 ASP and does not make the most
be easily dragged & dropped between
of the technical options of the devices. A
both platforms. In case of any format
modern MPEG4-AVC Encoder is included,
conversions, the software automatically
and user can create coding profiles with
takes care of it – if a suitable profile
it, but Media Octopus forgets these
exists. Completed profiles are available,
after restarting the computer. Also,
among other things, for Apple products
the conversion in the H.264 format is
such as iPod, Sony PSP and for
anything but reliable—the coding process
various mobile multimedia viewers and
either ends immediately with an error
CONTACT
Movavi
BlackBerry smartphones. What can be
message, or the converted videos cannot
NA
rather considered as give-aways, are
be played without errors. Movavi has
a DVD-ripper for video DVDs that are
announced an update, which will take
not copy-protected and a grabber for
care of the bugs.
RATINGS EASE OF USE FEATURES
online videos–both lack functions and
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
58
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
- francis.dsa@chip.in
TTEST TE EESST CE CCENTER ENT N TE TER R PC CON PC CO CONFIGS NFIG FIGS GS
PSPad
www.pspad.com
verdict A powerful and featurerich Notepad replacement—a musthave for programmers. love FTP client, HEX and macro editor, color picker and translator, spell checker. hate None that I came across. Perfect 10!
SPECIFICATIONS OS: Windows All; RAM: 64 MB; Drive space: 12 MB.
ANAND'S PICKS
NOTEPAD REPLACEMENTS Freeware replacements for the plain Jane Windows Notepad Notepad++
notepad-plus.sourceforge.net o
NoteTab Light www.notetab.com
verdict A popular replacement for ve
verdict A great Notepad replacement
No Notepad with a good user interface and loa loads of useful features. love Tabbed interface, templates for lo pro programming languages, macro, compare mo mode. hate Could have been more feature-rich ha (m (macro manager, better toolbar, etc)
with tons of formatting options and fun features. love Tabbed interface, libraries (HTML, smilies, utilities), lots of formatting options. hate Doesn't color code HTML tags, builtin spell checker would have been great.
SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS
OS: Windows All; RAM: 64 MB; Drive space: 3 MB.
OS: Windows All; RAM: 64 MB; Drive space: 10 MB.
Notepad2
www.flos-freeware.ch ww
Metapad
liquidninja.com/metapad/
verdict A super-lightweight text editor ve
verdict A plain vanilla replacement for
tha that's a lot better than Windows Notepad, bu but with limited features. love Schemes for HTML and programming lo lan languages, lots of useful options. hate Not suitable for working on multiple ha do documents, low on features.
Windows Notepad with just a handful of useful features. love Very low on resources, find and replace option, switch between fixed and variable width fonts. hate No tabbed interface, doesn't support HTML editing, very low on features.
SPECIFICATIONS OS: Windows All; RAM: 64 MB; Drive space: 700 KB.
SPECIFICATIONS OS: Windows All; RAM: 64 MB; Drive space: 100 KB.
60
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
TEST CENTER
ANAND'S PC CONFIGS PICKS
FACE AND SMILE DETECTION ARE PASSE. TALK ABOUT SMILE SHUTTER AND HD VIDEO RECORDING! ANAND TULIANI, HEAD—TEST CENTER
SAY CHEESE! D
igital cameras have progressed far from boxy point and shoot devices that they used to be not too long ago. Resolution, LCD size and the number of scene modes are no longer unique selling propositions. Although these are important parameters, most digital cameras share similar technical specifications within their categories. For example, an 8 megapixel sensor, 2.5-inch LCD, a bunch of scene modes and 3x optical zoom lens are standard features found in entry-level digital cameras. However, there are many more striking features that digital cameras boast nowadays. Despite being slim, some cameras sport 5x optical zoom lens with image stabilization for getting blur-free shots. The focal length of the lens is now highlighted as a major feature on the packaging of certain cameras that feature wide-angle lens. Shorter focal length allows capturing wider landscapes and bigger groups of people without having to move back. Most budget and mainstream digital cameras are equipped with a 32 mm lens, but the better ones of the lot feature 28 mm lens. While optical zoom and focal length are properties of the camera’s optics, the image processor and fi rmware of today’s digital cameras offer numerous features to help you get that perfect shot. One such feature that’s not too surprising today is face detection. But an extension to this feature is smile detection and smile shutter that will raise your eyebrows. So you can be rest assured that everyone in the group has a broad smile. The smile shutter is a step ahead—
the camera will release the shutter only if the subjects are smiling. All you’ve to do is mount your camera on a tripod, enable smile shutter, pose with your friend and smile when you’re ready! Getting well-exposed shots in low light is one of the biggest challenges for digital cameras. To overcome this, some cameras offer flash exposure compensation, special ISO speed for night mode and better noise reduction mechanisms. You can further enhance and touch up your photos using the in-camera image editing feature. While entry-level digital cameras capture video at a resolution of 640x480, higher end ones can shoot videos in high defi nition at 720p and even 1080i. Sharing photos and videos has also become a lot more convenient. With support for slideshows and background music and HDMI output you can now show off your photos in style. If you’re planning to buy a digital camera, don’t go by the salesman's gyaan. Instead, make a checklist of the features you want in your camera and lookup the options on the web. Some of the good brands to consider are Canon, Sony, Panasonic and Fujifi lm. Try getting as many features as you can and do keep a budget of a few hundred rupees for additional useful features.!
TODAY’S DIGITAL CAMERAS OFFER NUMEROUS FEATURES THAT HELP YOU GET THAT PERFECT SHOT.
– anand.tuliani@chip.in
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
61
TTEST TE EESST CE CCENTER ENT N TE TER R PC CON PC CO CONFIGS NFIG FIGS GS
PC CONFIGS GAMING (ENTRY LEVEL)
Rs 37,500
GAMING (MID-RANGE)
Rs 59,000
Processor
Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5300, 2.60 GHz
3,400
Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo E7400, 2.80 GHz
5,800
Motherboard
Biostar G41D-M7, Intel G41
2,700
Motherboard
Gigabyte EP45-UD3L, Intel P45
6,600
RAM
2 GB Zion DDR2-800 MHz
1,850
RAM
2x 2 GB Kingston DDR2-800 MHz
3,700
Hard disk
Western Digital Caviar Green - 320 GB SATA
2,300
Hard disk
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 - 500 GB SATA
2,800
Graphics card
Zotac 9800 GT - 512 MB DDR3
6,100
Graphics card
Palit GTS 250 - 512 MB DDR3
7,400
Optical drive
LG GH22 SATA 22x DVD-writer
1,100
Optical drive
LG GH22 SATA 22x DVD-writer
1,100
Network card
Onboard 10/100/1000 GbE
Network Card
Onboard 10/100/1000 GbE
Monitor
Dell 1909W - 19-inch TFT
Monitor
Benq E2200HD - 22-inch TFT
Keyboard
Circle Simple Combo
Keyboard
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
Mouse
Included in Combo
Mouse
Logitech MX518
1,400
Speakers
Umax PowerBeatsUPB 3200
Speakers
Altec Lansing MX5021E
6,700
Sound card
Onboard high-definition audio
Sound card
Onboard high-definition audio
PC Case
Cooler Master Elite 335 with Extreme Power 500
PC Case
Thermaltake Matrix VD2000BNS
2,800
Power supply unit
NA
Power supply unit
Cooler Master Extreme Power 500 W
2,900
Operating system
Windows Vista Home Basic
4,150
Operating system
Windows Vista Home Basic
4,150
Office suite
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student
2,600
Office suite
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student
37,500
TOTAL
6,900 600 1,200 -
TOTAL
HTPC
4,600
Rs 1,01,700
10,100 950
-
2,600 59,000
HOME PC
Rs 28,150
Processor
AMD Athlon II X2 245, 2.80 GHz
3,600
Processor
Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5300, 2.60 GHz
3,400
Motherboard
Asus M3N78-EM, GeForce 8300
4,600
Motherboard
Asus P5KPL AM-PS, Intel G31
2,450
RAM
2x 2 GB Kingston DDR2-800 MHz
3,700
RAM
2 GB Zion DDR2-800 MHz
1,850
Hard disk
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 - 1 TB SATA
4,200
Hard disk
Western Digital Caviar Green - 320 GB SATA
2,300
Graphics card
Zotac GeForce 9400 GT Zone, 512 MB
2,600
Graphics card
Onboard graphics
Optical drive
Sony BC-5100S-OB, 24x SATA Blu-ray combo
8,700
Optical drive
LG GH22 SATA 22x DVD-writer
Network card
Onboard 10/100/1000 GbE
Network card
Onboard 10/100/1000 GbE
Monitor
AOC 619FH - 26-inch LCD
Monitor
Samsung SyncMaster 933SN - 18.5-inch TFT
Keyboard
Logitech Cordless Desktop EX90
Mouse
Logitech Z-5500 Digital
Keyboard
Microsoft Desktop 500
Speakers
Asus Xonar DX 7.1-channel
Mouse
Umax PowerBeatsUPB 3200
Speakers
Onboard high-definition audio
Sound card
iBall EngineX with 400 watts power supply
4,400
PC Case
Included with the PC Case Windows Vista Home Basic
4,150
Sound card PC Case Power supply unit
GlacialTech Altair A381 Included with the PC Case Leadtek WinFast PVR3000 Deluxe
23,000 1,400 21,000 5,000 10,600 -
1,100 6,900 800 1,200
1,400 -
Input device
Windows Vista Home Premium
6,300
Power supply unit
Operating system
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student
2,600
Operating system
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student
2,600
16,500
Office suite
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student
2,600
1,01,700
TOTAL
Office suite
Microsoft Office 2007 Professional
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28,150
TTEST TE EST S T CE CEN CCENTER E NTE T ER PC CON CONFIGS C ONF NFIGS GS S
LAPTOP CONFIGS BUDGET
MAINSTREAM
NETBOOK
PROCESSOR Intel Celeron, Pentium Dual-Core,
PROCESSOR Intel Pentium Dual-Core, 2 GHz or higher,
PROCESSOR Intel Atom N270 / N280 / Z530
1.73 GHz to 2 GHz AMD Turion X2, 2.1 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GHz or higher.
MEMORY 1 GB or 2 GB
MEMORY 2 GB or 3 GB
MEMORY 1 GB
HARD DRIVE 160 GB, 250 GB, 320 GB
HARD DRIVE 250 GB or 320 GB
HARD DRIVE 80 GB to 160 GB
DISPLAY 14.1-inch or 15.4-inch
DISPLAY 14.1-inch or 15.4-inch
DISPLAY 8-inch, 9-inch, 10-inch or higher
GRAPHICS On-board
GRAPHICS On-board
GRAPHICS On-board
WEIGHT 2.5 Kg to 3 Kg
WEIGHT 2.3 Kg to 3 Kg
WEIGHT Up to 1.5 Kg
OTHER Bluetooth, DVD-writer
OTHER Bluetooth, DVD-writer,
OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi b/g or n,
Wi-Fi b/g, Webcam
Wi-Fi b/g or n, Webcam
Webcam
PRICE RANGE Rs 21,000 to Rs 33,000
PRICE RANGE Rs 33,000 To Rs 45,000
PRICE RANGE Rs 17,000 to Rs 35,000
COMPAQ PRESARIO CQ40-427TU Rs 26,000
ACER ASPIRE 5738 VHP Rs 36,100
ACER ASPIRE ONE D250 Rs 19,900
CPU Intel Celeron C900, 2.2 GHz MEMORY 1 GB; HARD DISK 160 GB DISPLAY 14.1-inch; GRAPHICS On-board WEIGHT 2.3 Kg; OTHER FEATURES Wi-Fi, DVD-writer
CPU Intel Core 2 Duo CPU T6600, 2.2 GHz MEMORY 4 GB; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 15.6-inch; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.8 Kg; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DVD-writer
CPU Intel Atom N270, 1.60 GHz; MEMORY 1 GB; HARD DISK 160 GB; DISPLAY 10.1-inch; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.1 Kg; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi b/g, card reader
ACER ASPIRE 4736Z LINUX Rs 28,226
HP COMPAQ PRESARIO CQ40-423TU Rs 38,500
LENOVO IDEAPAD S10-2 Rs 20,640
CPU Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4200, 2 GHz; MEMORY 2 GB; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 14-inch, GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.45 Kg; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi n, DVD-writer
TOSHIBA SATELLITE L300 P501 Rs 30,500 CPU Intel Pentium Dual-Core T3400, 2.16 GHz; MEMORY 2 GB; HARD DISK 250 GB; DISPLAY 15.4-inch; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.7 Kg; OTHER Webcam, Wi-Fi, DVD-writer
ACER ASPIRE 5536 VHB Rs 31,500 CPU AMD Athlon 64 X2 QL-65, 2.1 GHz; MEMORY 2 GB; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 15.6-inch; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.8 Kg; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DVD-writer
CPU Intel Core 2 Duo CPU T6500, 2.1 GHz; MEMORY 3 GB; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 14.1-inch; GRAPHICS On-board WEIGHT 2.3 Kg; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DVD-writer
HP COMPAQ PRESARIO DV4-1319TU Rs 42,500 CPU Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4200; MEMORY 3 GB; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 14.1-inch, GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.2 Kg; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DVD-writer
DELL STUDIO 14 Rs 42,800 + Taxes CPU Intel Core 2 Duo CPU T6600, 2.2 GHz; MEMORY 4 GB; HARD DISK 500 GB; DISPLAY 14-inch; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.4 Kg; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DVD-writer
CPU Intel Atom N270, 1.60 GHz; MEMORY 1 GB; HARD DISK 160 GB; DISPLAY 10.1-inch; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.2 Kg; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi b/g, card reader
ASUS EEE PC 1000 HE Rs 23,500 CPU Intel Atom N270, 1.60 GHz; MEMORY 1 GB; HARD DISK 160 GB; DISPLAY 10.1-inch; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.4 Kg; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi n, card reader
DELL INSPIRON MINI 10 Rs 23,500 CPU Intel Atom Z520, 1.33 GHz; MEMORY 1 GB; HARD DISK 160 GB; DISPLAY 10.1-inch; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.2 Kg; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi b/g, card reader
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SMART HOMES
LIVING THE SMART LIFE Home is where you come to rest at the end of a long workday. Control all your gadgets together seamlessly, so you don’t have to stress out about anything. BY TEAM CHIP
hinking of the future allows us to project our dreams
T
some of the conveniences and comforts that we hope the
and fantasies, no matter how improbable, onto a blank
future will hold. That’s where smart homes come in, and that’s
canvas. The ideal future holds infinite possibilities
how we figure out what makes them smart in the first place.
with! Who hasn’t watched an episode of The Jetsons without
common, and security cameras don’t necessarily make you
wishing they too could zip around in flying bubble cars and
look outlandishly paranoid. Once-exotic technology is trickling
live in space pods with machines for every convenience? Who
down into mainstream products to the point that anyone can
hasn’t wanted to wave a finger or shout a command, only to
stuff a house full of gadgetry and string wires between them.
have invisible computers spring into action?
And builders are hyping ready-made flats with all kinds of
and none of the limitations or baggage that we currently live
In fact fiction is where some of the best ideas for the future
Home theater systems are affordable enough to be almost
electronic devices built in. What makes a home smart is the
have come from, and if we can’t have them exactly the way
way they are all put together. Homes become smart when
they work on TV and in the movies, we can at least replicate
they serve your needs through technology. That means all the
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SMS us! Story code: CSH to 51818
FEATURED
SMART HOMES
technology needs to be unobtrusive but simultaneously easy
during construction. Power efficiency is also becoming
enough to use that you don’t end up punching buttons and
important, with more and more devices adding to a house’s
scrolling through menus for every little thing. Your projector,
load. Lighting and soundproofing make you more comfortable,
screen, amplifiers and speakers don’t make a smart home on
voice control improves accessibility for some, while user
their own, but they get closer to the ideal if you set them up
sensing can adjust a room’s climate control depending on
so you can press one button on a remote to turn them all on
the preferences of the people in it. Some of today’s most
while your lights dim and blinds close automatically.
advanced concepts even involve kitchen appliances that order
Design and aesthetics are important in making a true smart home, since the technology has to be invisible and the overall
food via the Internet as your household supplies run low. Maybe you want only a smart entertainment center, or
effect is to please and relax the owner. To make sure all
maybe you want to optimize natural light and wind to save
devices have space and there are no ugly wires running around
power. That bubble car is still a while off, but you can have
your rooms, it’s best to plan the elements of an installation
quite a bit of the home of the future today. INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
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UTILITIES Although multi-room audio system, high-end media server and home theatre speakers are luxury, there are smarter and more affordable alternatives that can do the same job. Here are a few must-haves and handy utilities to make your home smart.
[1] Logitech Z-5500 Digital
[2] Logitech Harmony 1100
[3] Sony PlayStation 3
If your home theatre room isn’t large (around 300 sq. feet) and you want a good set of digital surround speakers, these speakers will satiate your aural desires. These speakers can belt out 500 watts of power and feature a fancy control pod to configure the speakers and sound quality. Audio inputs include discrete analog jacks, stereo line-in and digital coaxial. Price: Rs 25,000
You can control up to 15 devices with this slick tablet-type touchscreen remote control. Feed the controls of your television, DTH box, amplifier, DVD player, air conditioner and gaming console using the learn feature and you’ll have all the controls in one universal device—great for home theatres. If you want something leaner and more affordable consider the Harmony One. Price: Rs 25,000
This mighty gaming console is also a great Blu-ray player. With an exquisite user interface and support for Wi-Fi you can listen to music and watch movies and photos shared on PCs on the wireless network or LAN with great ease. Price: Rs 16,990
3 1 7
10
5
4
2
[5] iPod control [4] Automatic drapes and window blinds Whisper silent motorised drapes such as this can be controlled with the touch of a button. These can be programmed to be partially or fully rolled up depending on the time of the day to let in the desired amount of sunlight. Price: Rs 40,000 onwards
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This module helps you distribute the songs and videos on your iPod to multiple rooms in your house. It interfaces with the multi-room audio system and allows navigating the iPod using touch panels, remote controls and PCs. With a control pad installed in the room, users can sort songs by artist, album name or genre and listen to any song using the jog dial and buttons. Price: Rs 35,000 (approx)
FEATURED
SMART HOMES
[10] Elli Di it l HMR Ellion Digital HMR-350H
[9] Crestron Adagio
Fit a 1 terabyte hard drive full to the brim with movies, music and photos into this media server and hook it up to your high-definition television. This device supports nearly all compressed video formats including DivX, Xvid, VOB and MKV. It can also play media off external USB and network attached storage devices. Price: Rs 15,000
Comprising a media player, amplifier and audio distribution module, this system makes audio CDs, MP3 and satellite radio accessible from anywhere in the house. It supports up to six rooms (expandable up to 24) and family members can select and listen to music of their choice. Price: Rs 7,00,000 (approx)
[8] Pinnacle PCTV To Go HD Wireless Hook up a DivX, DVD or Blu-ray player to this device and stream music and movies over Wi-Fi or wired network to your home theatre PC or laptop—a cost-effective solution if you don’t want to splurge on a high-end media player. Price: Rs 15,000
9
8
[7] Touch switches and light control
[6] Logitech diNovo Mini This handheld Bluetooth keyboard and touchpad is great for controlling your home theatre PC and PlayStation 3 wirelessly from up to a distance of 10 meters—great for browsing the Internet on the big screen while lazing in the couch! Price: Rs 9,500
If you want to go all out and automate even the smallest things such as switching of lights, fans and appliances, you can go in for touch switch panels. In contrast to regular mechanical switches, these are digital, feather touch and programmable. The backend comprises a control system that stores presets for fan speed control, lighting and so on. This works great when combined with motion sensors and home theatre control unit. How about dimming the light and switching on the air conditioner, projector, media server and amplifier at the press of a button that says “Movie Mode”? Price: Rs 40,000 onwards
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SECURITY When you have a lavish home like these, security is a necessity to protect is your premises. By opting for home security you are able to protect yourself, your family members and your property. Having a quality alarm system in place, you can be alerted when someone is in the house while you are away. IP cameras / night surveillance IP cameras / night surveillance Motion detection cameras can detect an intrusion and trigger an alarm or alert the local police station. IR cameras can do the same in pitch darkness too. Price Rs 8,000 onwards (Approx)
[2] PTZ cameras Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras can be custom programmed to pan or zoom on an area to be monitored. These cameras can also be controlled from the monitor room or remotely via the internet. Price Rs 55,000 onwards (Approx)
8
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[3] Video door phones View and communicate with your visitors on your doorstep before letting them in. An emergency panic alarm system can also be implemented. Price Rs 7,000 onwards (Approx)
9 3
[4] Video recording for cameras DVR (Digital Video Recorders) are connected to every camera in and outside the house. The video feeds are recorded for future references. Options of recording at specific schedules or intrusion detection are possible. Price Rs 40,000 (Approx)
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[5] Keychain alarm It is a pocket gadget that can be given to ladies, children and servants to trigger an alarm in case of a physical assault. The alarm can be programmed to trigger an SMS, email or an alarm to the local police station too. Price Rs 5,000 onwards (Approx)
[6] Motion/glass break/smoke/carbon monoxide/heat detectors These sensors can detect movement, glass window/door break-in, smoke due to fire, excess carbon monoxide in the air and heat due to fire inside the house. Price Rs 2,000 (Approx)
FEATURED
SMART HOMES 6
7
4
[10] Swimming pool alarm Swimming pool sensors can be deployed as most pools in houses are unattended. In case a child, pet or anything else accidentally falls into the pool, the sensor triggers an alarm. Price Rs 10,000 onwards (Approx)
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[7] Water sensors Water sensors placed around the oor of the house can sense a ood in the house due to a bad weather or leaking taps. These sensors are useful to prevent damage to expensive house electronics and upholstery caused due to possible ceiling leaks and if you accidentally leave any taps running in the kitchen or bathrooms. Price Rs 2,000 onwards (Approx)
5
[8] Door/window protection Magnetic/optical sensors deployed along the door and window frames can detect an unauthorized entry. Price Rs 2,500 onwards (Approx)
[9] Digital door locks Numeric codes are used to lock the doors securely. This eliminates the possibility of an unauthorized entry into your house in case of a lost or stolen key. Price Rs 25,000 onwards (Approx)
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ENTERTAINMENT Having a home theatre in your apartment is one thing and being able to control everything, the lighting the air conditioning, speakers, motorized screen and projector lift and other gadgets is a different ball game. While an existing home cinema setup can be automated to a large extent, setting the foundation right from the beginning can give you a smart home cinema. Audio and video equipment are a given when it comes to entertainment, but first let’s take a look at our prerequisites.
4c
3
4b
4a
2b
Room design Since watching movies and listening to music involves factors like viewing distance, the placement of the speakers, and so on, the overall design of the room determines how true-to-life your home cinema feels. An ideal design can be achieved best when done from scratch, so make the changes when renovating.
2a 6
Acoustics No matter how good your sound system is, if your room isn’t designed for acoustics, your home cinema will lack the X-factor. There are a few materials used for insulating the walls for best sound proofing and effects. Some of them include rubber, carpeting, glass wool and industry-grade plywood and so on.
Wiring Proper wiring is also crucial. Ensure that there are sufficient junction boxes at different locations, as this will make future upgrades easy and hassle-free. At any given time, any engineer should be able to run cables from one point to another seamlessly.
All-in-all, hiring an architect, a good electrical and a sound engineer is the best choice you’ll make. Also ensure that each one of them knows what the other is doing, so they’re all on the same page. Now that you have your basics right, it’s time to get the gadgets in.
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1
FEATURED
SMART HOMES [1] Projector Various multimedia and video projectors are available for watching movies. But a home cinema is best when it has a good full-HD projector which can cost as much as Rs 2,00,000. Of course there are cheaper options available such as a 720p projector, available for as little as Rs 40,000.
[2] Music and DVD players If you’re spending a considerable amount of moolah on automating your entire home, you’d like a media server installed. It comes with one or more players that slide under your TV or CD/DVD rack in a home cinema. These players are wired to the media server which is placed somewhere else in the home, perhaps in the control room. A media server houses large hard drives and is meant to be used as a repository for your collection of music and movies. Also, its main purpose is to enable sharing of the content, so if you have multiple players, say one in each room, all players can play movies and music independently and simultaneously while using one common server. Kaleidescape offers a similar package for around US$10,000 where it offers multiple players with a media server. Cheaper alternatives include smaller media players such as the hard drive-based Ellion Player. To add to the entertainment room, you can connect radio, and cable TV. Using DTH for cable TV and radio together is a good idea.
5
[3] Display For a projector, you need a screen too and an HD projector goes well with a high-end screen which might cost upto 2,00,000. But if you’re looking for a standard pulldown screen, Rs 20,000 is all you need. Alternatively, you can use an LCD or plasma TV which have become quite affordable. Today, a 42-inch LCD TV can cost around Rs 55,000.
[4] Speakers and amplifier Watching HD movies on a standard low-end sound setup is a bad idea. To get the true feeling of high-definition content, you need a high-fidelity surround-sound system. Though there are decent 5.1 channel sound systems and amplifiers available out there, they’re nowhere close to the real thing.
[5] Time to put everything together Actis is one of the companies that provide solutions for putting together smart homes and offices. They design their software according to cutomers’ needs and use it on hardware that suits their customer’s budget. This hardware is sourced from companies such as Crestrone. With this they can integrate and remotely control practically anything that is electronic and electrical in the premises. Remote controls available for about Rs 1,50,000 are the size of a standard remote and are capable of controlling everything. They are pre-programmed with desired presets. For instance, when you push the ‘Movies’ button, the lights dim out, the air condition sets on a specific temperature, the projector descends from the ceiling while powering on, the screen rolls down and so on. All these things can be controlled individually as well.
[6] Good to have A basic remote control costs as little as Rs 70,000, but when it comes to automation, having a full-fledged 007-like touch-screen control panel can be hard to resist. Know how many hours of life is left in your projector lamp, check the temperature your AC is running at, flip through terabytes of music and movies and the possibilities are endless. You could even integrate the controls of all the devices in your home into this little device
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How much does it cost? Unlike computer hardware that can be bought and put together to build a PC by oneself, home automation requires the collaborated efforts of specialists such as the solution provider, architect, audio / video engineer, security experts, structured cabling experts and so on. It’s not as simple as going to the market, picking up components and fixing them yourself or with the help of your local electrician. Depending on what you want to automate, the first step is to get in touch with an end-to-end solution provider or a domain specialist. These professionals will survey your home and suggest the ideal solution. Here are estimates for an elite 2 BHK home and a basic 1 BHK home. Note that these are the approximate costs of only the components excluding the cost of installation and service fees of professionals.
MID-SIZE BUNGALOW QUANTITY
ELITE 2 BHK HOME RATE (Rs)
COST (Rs)
SECURITY
QUANTITY
10
8,000
80,000
DVR
3
40,000
Pan Tilt Zoom camera
3
Door phone
QUANTITY
RATE (Rs)
COST (Rs)
16,000
SECURITY
IP camera
6
8,000
48,000
IP cameras
2
8,000
1,20,000
DVR
1
40,000
40,000
Door phone
1
7,000
7,000
55,000
1,65,000
Pan Tilt Zoom camera
1
55,000
55,000
Sensors
3 smoke, 1 gas, 1 water
2,000
10,000
6
7,000
42,000
8 smoke, 4 gas, 4 water
2,000
32,000
15
2,500
Door phone
Door protection
COST (Rs)
SECURITY
IP cameras
Sensors
BASIC 1 BHK HOUSE RATE (Rs)
Sensors
2
7,000
14,000
Door protection
5
2,500
12,500
4 smoke, 1 gas, 2 water
2,000
14,000
Digital lock
1
25,000
25,000
10
2,500
25,000
UTILITIES
1
25,000
25,000
Touch switches
3
55,000
Drapes
3
1,20,000
Door protection Digital lock
3
25,000
75,000
Swimming pool alarm
2
10,000
20,000
Digital lock Sub-total Sub-total
Sub-total
70,500
37,500
1,73,000
5,71,500 UTILITIES
Sub-total
1,75,000
UTILITIES Touch switches
6
90,000
Drapes
10
4,00,000
Touch switches
6
90,000
Drapes
10
4,00,000
Sub-total Sub-total
ENTERTAINMENT Ellion Digital HMR-350H
15,000
LCD TV
45,000
Speakers
25,000
4,90,000
4,90,000 ENTERTAINMENT
ENTERTAINMENT Media server
8,50,000
Full HD Projector
2,00,000
Speakers
2,00,000
Multi-room audio system
7,00,000
Amplifier
1,50,000
HTPC
30,000
LCD TV
55,000
Media player (audio CD and DVD)
Sony PlayStation 3
16,900
Couch
Speakers
25,000
Logitech Harmony 525
Media player (audio CD and DVD) Couch
Screen
20,000
Control unit 35,000
Recliner
50,000
Control unit Sub-total GRAND TOTAL
3,00,000 26,85,000
37,46,500
Sub-total 20,000
GRAND TOTAL
70,000
Sub-total
2,23,400
GRAND TOTAL
8,86,400
HOME AUTOMATION SOLUTION PROVIDERS Actis Technologies Pvt Ltd 022-30808000 contact@actis.co.in www.actis.co.in Adaar Technology 9820000913 info@adaartech.com www.adaartech.com Adrett Homes 011-26510103 info@adretthomes.com www.adretthomes.com Lifestyle Networks 044-42116969 serviceindia@lifestylenetworks.com www.lifestylenetworks.com VASU Infosec Pvt Ltd 9325407068 sales@vasuinfosec.com www.vasuinfosec.com Zicom 1-800-22-4567 sales.zrpl@zicom.com www.zicom.com
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6,000
6,500
2,00,000
Media player (audio CD, DVD and Blu-ray)
6,500
1,17,500 3,63,000
PC
Media Server
CONTROL UNIT
Drapes
AC
Jacuzzi
Fan
Screen
CONTROL UNIT
DVD player
Projector
DTH box
MANUAL OVERRIDE SWITCHES (IN CASE OF SYSTEM FAILURE)
SECURITY SYSTEM
Biometric sensor
LIGHTING CONTROL
Fire alarms
Smoke detectors
Surveillance cameras
Dimmer
Lights
Digital door lock
Video door phone
Automating an entire home or office requires a series of hardware and software solutions. All the back-end hardware is pre-programmed, which includes the main control unit and various subsystems. The former is what interprets and processes all the commands and the latter execute them, as they are directly connected to the devices. So when you push a button on a remote controller to turn the lights on, the signals from the remote go to the main control unit via the subsystem, the former sends the signal back to the lights via the same route to switch them on. Each subsystem is designated several devices. For instance, the lights can be controlled via one subsystem, the security devices are controlled by another and so on. Also, all subsystems are interconnected. Finally, if one or all control units fail, the manual override switches located in the control room can be used as emergency backup for switching on the devices.
Systems and subsystems
SMART HOMES
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LAPTOP COMPARISON
The Bare Necessities Today's entry level laptops are feature-rich workhorses which can get all your work done. BY CHIP TEST CENTER
L
one offers the most bang for the buck.
aptops have gradually yet continually undergone a multitude
The hardware in these laptops is quite
in performance, they have much smaller screens and crammed keyboards. Also,
decent and can handle basic computing
netbooks do not feature an optical drive,
meet the needs of power users. In
seamlessly. Of course, since, budget
where as laptops have an upper hand in
the bargain, their prices have sky-
laptops are not designed for high-end
all these cases too. The only thing these
rocketed too. But when it comes to
and stressful applications, playing
laptops cannot do is, slide into your
basic office applications, emails, casual
games or using demanding programs
hand bag.
Internet-surfing on the go and light
cannot be expected. Here’s what you can
entertainment, a very basic laptop can
expect - a good single core processor
is concerned, most of them aren’t much
also suffice.
or even an entry-level dual core, around
to look at and are not the lightest in
1 to 2 GB RAM, a 14 or 15-inch screen,
weight either. Nonetheless, design-
is capable of running mainstream
onboard graphics, ample hard drive
wise what’s most notable about these
applications seamlessly and considering
space, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
laptops is their tough build quality
the dipping hardware prices, today
and a good keyboard and touch pad—
and good ergonomics. While having
laptops are quite affordable. So, unless
some even feature numeric pads. Most
all the required features, there’s very
you’re a power user and if you can
of them feature at least two USB ports
little or no fluff involved. There are no
make do with a laptop which costs
while some have three. Other standard
funky LEDs, no extraordinary sound or
less than Rs 30,000, no need to buy a
features such as a VGA port, audio jacks,
display performance, no additional or
power-packed laptop. Essentially, it’s
a webcam and a multi-card reader are a
uncommon features and such. So if
the attractive price tag which sets these
given in most laptops. What one might
you’re looking for a laptop that solves
laptops apart. This time around, we’ve
debate about is that even netbooks
the purpose without burning a hole in
tested some budget laptops to find out
offer these features and are cheaper
your pocket, these laptops are the ones
which one is most capable and which
too. Well, netbooks comparatively lack
you should consider first.
of developments in order to
Today even the most basic laptop
SMS us! Story code: HLT to 57007
Jagdish Limbachiya
As far as the design of these laptops
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LAPTOP COMPARISON
TEST PROCESS
ACER EXTENSA 5630
Budget laptops are mainly intended
category such as the presence of the
to fit a very specific price bracket
Wi-Fi N standard are always preferred
and still deliver performance which
in a laptop. Finally we logged the
matches up with everyday computing
connectivity options offered such as
needs such as surfing the Internet,
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and so on.
checking emails, using office applicatons such as working with
Build quality
spreadhseets, accounting and so on.
Considering the purpose of these
While factors such as budget and
laptops, it is important for them to have
basic computing are prime when testing
a robust build. More than anything,
budget laptops, it is crucial to note as to
while logging, we noted the quality of
which laptop offers the most features,
parts such as the chassis, screen frame,
has the most processing power and best
hinges, keyboard, touchpad and the
build quality. This way, the comparison
battery retention mechanism.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 360 x 39 x 266 mm; Weight: 2.8 kg; Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T6600, 2.20 GHz; Memory: 2 GB DDR2; Hard disk: 250 GB; Screen size: 15.4-inch.
Performance
CONTACT
becomes evident for a buyer as to which laptop offers the most value for money.
Though performance can be considered
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 29,999
PHONE EMAIL
Acer India 080-40708700 dinesh_nair@acer.co.in
Features
a secondary criterion when buying
For a laptop to be most utilitarian while
a budget laptop, it is still a crucial
fitting into a given budget, it needs to be
determining factor of how well the
BUILD QUALITY
equipped with hardware that is capable
laptop can handle applications in
ERGONOMICS
of handling mainstream applications
comparison to other laptops. We
and light entertainment seamlessly.
tested each laptop with some standard
Furthermore, even features must be up
synthetic and real-world benchmarks.
to the mark so that the peripherals and
The former included PCMark Vantage
external devices can be connected.
and SiSoft Sandra, and the latter were
T
file compression, audio and video
to most laptops in this segment. As
encoding, Cinebench R10 and so on.
opposed to an all-black body, its bezel
First we noted the details and specifics of each core hardware
RATINGS FEATURES
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING WARRANTY VALUE FOR MONEY
he Extensa 5630 looks stylish and is more powerful when compared
component such as the chipset,
and screen frame are ash-black with a
processor, RAM, hard drive, onboard
matt finish. Also, the keyboard is slightly
graphics and so on. What goes without
arched which adds to the good looks and
saying is that the more powerful the
is ergonomically better. On the left-hand
hardware, the better the laptop will
side of the keyboard, there are hotkeys,
perform. Then we moved on to the
but this is perhaps a tradeoff where the
display type and size, which is very
numeric keypad has been done away
crucial as the laptop's screen should suit
with. Nonetheless, the overall package
the user’s needs, be it for entertainment
is a good mix suited for home and office
or work environment. A crisp, vibrant
users. This laptop is powered by an Intel
and larger screen is usually preferred.
Core 2 Duo T6600 processor. There’s
Then we logged the various
a 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB RAM, Intel
ports, connectors and other built-in accessories such as the presence of a webcam. Uncommon features in this
4500M onboard GPU and a 15.4-inch Larger laptops with their controls in front are convenient to use when on a desktop.
screen. Uncommon features include an HDMI, an eSATA and three USB ports, a line-in jack, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi N, and a PC card slot. Other features include a webcam, a DVD writer and a VGA port. Performance-wise its closest competitor is the MSI CR 400X mainly due to the processor. Notice the scores in the tables; the 5630 trounces most laptops in both synthetic and real-world benchmarks. VERDICT: If you want an affordable but powerful laptop for business and entertainment, you search ends here. FOR: Good performance, stylish looks
When placed on a lap, a laptop with the uncommon arched keyboard is more comfortable to use.
76
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
The presence of ports such as eSATA and HDMI in budget laptops are major plus points.
and great build quality. AGAINST: None.
FEATURED
LAPTOP COMPARISON
MSI CR 400X
SPECIFICATIONS
WIPRO EGO BM4930
SPECIFICATIONS
ACER EMACHINES E725
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 26,400
Rs 29,000
Rs 23,999
Dimensions (WxHxD): 345 x 37 x 224 mm; Weight: 2.1 kg; Processor: Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo T6400, 2.00 GHz; Memory: 2 GB DDR2; Hard disk: 250 GB; Screen size: 14-inch.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 360 x 38 x 245 mm; Weight: 2.5 kg; Processor: Intel Pentium T4200, 2.00 GHz; Memory: 2 GB DDR2; Hard disk: 320 GB; Screen size: 14-inch.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 372 x 42 x 241 mm; Weight: 2.5 kg; Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T4300, 2.10 GHz; Memory: 1 GB DDR2; Hard disk: 160 GB; Screen size: 15.5-inch.
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
MSI 011-4175-8808 marketing@msi-in.com
RATINGS
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Wipro Infotech 1800-3453-312 sales.enquiry@wipro.com
RATINGS
CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Acer India 080-40708700 dinesh_nair@acer.co.in
RATINGS
FEATURES
FEATURES
FEATURES
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
WARRANTY
WARRANTY
WARRANTY
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
W
T
C
the Extensa 5630 and the Wipro Ego, it
a small package. However, at 2.5 kg it
former has a larger screen and body, it’s
is the lightest in weight and compact. Its
isn't any lighter than the eMachines eM
heavier, has a dual core processor and a
build and portability can be compared
E725. Nonetheless, it redeems itself by
numeric keypad. Also, the E725 comes
to the eMachines D525. So, it’s an
being comparable performance-wise.
pre-loaded with Windows Vista Home
ideal pick for people who travel and
It performs almost as well as the E725,
Premium. Otherwise, all aspects are
want to work with slightly demanding
because its processor is marginally
almost identical. If you prefer a bigger
applications. It looks comparatively good
different. The Ego is ideal for people
screen, but still want a basic laptop for
but isn’t the best, as the Extensa and
who want a rugged business laptop in a
home and office use, this one's ideal. As
the Ego are better-looking. Pre-loaded
14-inch package. Also, if you’re looking
far as performance is concerned, this
with Windows Vista Ultimate, it has
for additional features such as an HDMI
laptop is a cut above the D525. Mainly,
14-inch glossy screen, a 1.3 megapixel
port and eSATA port, Bluetooth, a 2
the tasks will complete faster and
webcam as opposed to VGA, a memory
megapixel webcam and a 320 GB hard
watching movies and light gaming will
card reader, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi N and a
drive, this one will get your attention.
also be a better experience. Take a look
PC card slot. Other features include 3
Built around an Intel GL40 chipset, it
at the tables, apart from performance
USB and a VGA port, audio jacks and
is powered by an Intel Pentium T4200
and physical differences, all hardware
a DVD writer. Built around an Nvidia
processor. Graphics are courtesy an Intel
and features such 1 GB RAM, a 160 GB
nForce 730i chipset, this laptop is
GMA 4500M GPU and the glossy screen
hard drive, two USB and VGA port, a
powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo T6400,
has a native resolution of 1280 x 800.
webcam, and connectivity options are
has 2 GB RAM and a 250 GB hard
The design is simple yet elegant, and
same as the D525. With regard to design
drive. This hardware suffices for office
the build quality is very good. The body
and build quality, this laptop at 2.5 kg is
applications and light entertainment
follows an all-black theme, similar to
half a kg heavier than its little brother.
on the go. The build quality and
the IBM ThinkPads. Ergonomically, the
Also, despite the large screen, its battery
ergonomics could have been better.
keyboard is satisfactory as the keys are
runtime is over four hours under medium
Although the keys are large, the spacing
large and well-spaced. However, unlike
load, which is quite good for a laptop of
and lack of tactility are disappointing.
all other laptops in this comparison, this
this size.
VERDICT: For a light in weight but
one has its Ctrl key wrongly placed.
VERDICT: If you want a basic business
capable laptop, keep this one in mind.
VERDICT: If you buy this laptop, it’ll be
laptop with a larger screen, buy this.
FOR: Easy to carry and good
due to the features and build quality.
FOR: Good battery run time and the
performance.
FOR: Good build quality, performance
presence of a numeric keypad.
AGAINST: Build quality and keyboard
and above average features.
AGAINST: Looks could have been
usability are disappointing.
AGAINST: No Windows OS.
classier.
hile the performance of the MSI CR 400X is comparable to that of
he Wipro Ego is a feature-rich, good looking and rugged laptop in
onsider the E725 as the big brother of the D525 mainly because the
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
77
FEATURED
LAPTOP COMPARISON
ACER EMACHINES EMD525
PERSONAL TAKE SpecScan
DUSHYANT KHILNANI dushyant.khilnani@chip.in Today, a 30K budget for a laptop is a good one, especially if you only want basic computing on
SPECIFICATIONS
portable, unless you want a bigger screen—
Rs 23,499 Dimensions (WxHxD): 337 x 39 x 227 mm; Weight: 2.1 kg; Processor: Intel Celeron 900, 2.20 GHz; Memory: 1 GB DDR2; Hard disk: 160 GB; Screen size: 14-inch. CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
the go. Try to get something powerful, yet
Acer India 080-40708700 dinesh_nair@acer.co.in
hence a bigger body—which adds to the weight. Decide whether you need it for home use or for the road. If you’re looking for portability, very basic computing and bare bone features, just buy the eMachine D525. It handles basic office applications such as Microsoft Office and
RATINGS
even light entertainment seamlessly. Also its 2
FEATURES BUILD QUALITY
kg weight won’t give you sore shoulders and
ERGONOMICS
not to mention the money that you’ll be saving.
PERFORMANCE OVERALL RATING
If you need a larger screen with the same or
WARRANTY
slightly better performance than the D525,
VALUE FOR MONEY
then the E725 is a very good option.
C
power with all the features, either get the MSI
is intended for basic computing on
CR 400X or the Wipro Ego. Now the Ego looks
the go. The D525 will easily handle
better, it’s more rugged, has an HDMI port, a 2
mainstream applications such as surfing
megapixel webcam and more storage space.
the Internet, emails, Microsoft Office
But, it doesn’t come with Windows and is
2007 and such. Even light entertainment
slightly heavier when compared with the CR
such as movies and light gaming with
400X. So, the comparison of these two laptops
the onboard Intel GMA 4500M graphics
boils down to portability—CR 400X—versus
and the 14-inch screen, are enjoyable.
good looks and features—Wipro Ego. Their
onsidering the basic features and hardware, it’s clear that this laptop
This laptop has all the essential
Otherwise if you want portability and
performance is almost same. In any case, these
features such as two USB and a VGA
are just examples, there are perhaps better
port, a webcam, audio jacks, a DVD writer
options available out there, so it’s always
and a multi-card reader. Connectivity is
better to do some research before buying.
offered via gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi. It
Since performance and features are a
comes pre-loaded with Windows Vista
priority for me, I’d opt for the Extensa 5630
Business. The design is office-like and
even though it’s the heaviest of all. It has
the overall build quality is fairly rugged.
features which are a rarity amongst budget
The rounded corners, matt bezel and
laptops and it's the most powerful of the lot.
glossy screen aren't much to look at.
Under Rs 30,000, I’d get a laptop powered by
Performance-wise, powered by an Intel
an Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor, 2 GB
Celeron, which is a single-core processor,
RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, HDMI and SATA
this laptop is ideal for office-goers who
ports, Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi N. Also, the
make presentations and basically need
screen is larger with a proper 16:9 aspect ratio.
it for work purposes. Also, 1 GB RAM and
All of this in a budget laptop isn’t something
the 160 GB hard drive should suffice for
you want to miss. On a side note, it would be
such applications.
great if in addition to features enabling
VERDICT: If you’re looking for budget
multimedia such as HDMI port and larger hard
laptop for business, this is great one
drive capacities, companies would instill
to pick.
security features such as finger print scanning
FOR: Attractive price tag, good build
and such. After all, many—if not most—of these
quality and ergonomics.
laptops are meant for work purposes.
AGAINST: Looks too basic.
NAME Contact Phone E-mail Price* OVERALL Features (30%) Build quality (10%) Ergonomics (20%) Performance (30%) Warranty (10%) Overall Value for money FEATURES Dimensions ( W x H x D) | Weight CPU Chipset | Memory Graphics | HDMI port Display | Audio Optical drive | Pointing device | Webcam Ethernet | Wi-Fi | Fingerprint Sensor No of ports: USB | eSATA | Firewire) Memory card reader | Bluetooth | IR | Modem Bundled: Recovery disc | OS disc | Drivers | Bag / sleeve | Mouse Operating System BUILD QUALITY Chassis | Screen frame | Hinges Keyboard | Buttons and switches | Optical drive tray Battery retention mechanism | Use of metal in construction Resistant to scratches | Aesthetic appeal ERGONOMICS Keyboard: Size | Spacing | Tactility Touchpad buttons: Size | Placement | Tactility Location of: Memory card reader | Audio | USB Status indicators: Bluetooth | Wi-Fi | On battery Switch for Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Media player controls PERFORMANCE Synthetic tests: Sisoft Sandra 2009: CPU Arithmetic: Dhrystones | Whetstones Memory Bandwidth: Hard drive: Drive index | Random Access time Sequential | Random (Read/Write) PCMark Vantage: Overall | Memory | HDD | Productivity Real World: File Compression Encoding: Audio | Video POVRAY | Cinebench Battery Eater Pro: Classic | Reader WARRANTY Warranty period Service centers: Across India | Number of cities * Prices are indicative and are subject to change, taxes extra.
78
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INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
FEATURED
LAPTOP COMPARISON
1
2
3
4
5
ACER EXTENSA 5630-662G25MN Acer India 080-40708700 dinesh_nair@acer.co.in Rs 29,999
MSI CR 400X MSI 011-41758808 marketing@msi-in.com Rs 26,400
WIPRO EGO BM4930 Wipro Infotech 1800-3453-312 sales.enquiry@wipro.com Rs 29,000
ACER EMACHINES E725-431G16MI Acer India 080-40708700 dinesh_nair@acer.co.in Rs 23,999
ACER EMACHINES EMD525-901G16MI Acer India 080-40708700 dinesh_nair@acer.co.in Rs 23,499
75
66
78 65
90 0
50
49 85
35 100
0
76
50 91
62 100
47 77
44
89 50
47 79
41
70 0
69
71
65
70 50
100
0
50
70 100
0
50
100
70
62
35
70
70
36.0 x 3.9 x 26.6 cms | 2.8 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo T6600, 2.2 GHz, 2 MB L2 Intel GM45 | DDR2-667, 2 GB Intel GMA 4500M | ✔ 15.4-inch glossy (1280x800) | Stereo DVD-writer | VGA Gigabit | ✔ | ✖ 3|1|0 ✔|✔|✖|✔ ✖|✖|✔|✖|✖ Vista Business
34.5 x 3.7 x 22.4 cms | 2.1 Kg Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo T6400, 2.0 GHz, 2 MB L2 Nvidia nForce 730i | DDR2-667, 2 GB GeForce 8200 M G | ✖ 14-inch glossy (1366x768) | Stereo DVD-writer | 1.3 MP 10/100 | ✔ | ✖ 3|0|0 ✔|✔|✖|✖ ✖|✖|✔|✖|✖ Vista Ultimate
36.0 x 3.8 x 24.5 cms | 2.5 Kg Intel Pentium T4200, 2.0 GHz, 1 MB L2 Intel GL40 | DDR2-800, 2 GB Intel GMA 4500M | ✔ 14-inch glossy (1280x800) | Stereo DVD-writer | 2 MP Gigabit | ✖ | ✖ 3|1|0 ✔|✔|✖|✖ ✖|✖|✔|✖|✔ Linux
37.2 x 4.2 x 24.1 cms | 2.5 Kg Intel Pentium Dual Core T4300, 2.1 GHz, 1 MB L2 Intel GL40 | DDR2-667, 1 GB Intel GMA 4500M | ✖ 15.5-inch glossy (1366x768) | Stereo DVD-writer | VGA 10/100 | ✖ | ✖ 2|0|0 ✔|✖|✖|✖ ✔|✖|✔|✖|✖ Vista Home Premium
33.7 x 3.9 x 22.7 cms | 2.1 Kg Intel Celeron 900, 2.2 GHz, 1 MB L2 Intel GL40 | DDR2-667, 1 GB Intel GMA 4500M | ✖ 14-inch glossy (1366x768) | Stereo DVD-writer | VGA 10/100 | ✖ | ✖ 2|0|0 ✔|✖|✖|✖ ✔|✖|✔|✖|✖ Vista Business
Good | Good | Very good Very good | Very good | Average Very good | ✖ ✔ | Average looking
Above average | Good | Good Average | Good | Average Very good | ✖ ✔ | Average looking
Excellent | Good | Very good Above average | Average | Average Very good | ✖ ✔ | Good looking
Very good | Good | Very good Good | Very good | Below average Very good | ✖ ✔ | Average looking
Good | Good | Very good Good | Very good | Below average Very good | ✖ ✔ | Average looking
Average | Very good | Very good Very good | Very good | Very good front | front | side / rear ✔|✔|✖ ✔|✖
Very good | Average | Average Average | Very good | Average side | side | side ✔|✔|✖ ✖|✖
Very good | Average | Good Very good | Average | Poor side | side | side / rear ✔|✔|✖ ✖|✖
Very good | Very good | Good Very good | Very good | Very good front | side | side ✖|✖|✖ ✖|✖
Very good | Very good | Good Very good | Very good | Very good front | side | side ✖|✔|✖ ✖|✖
18.81 GIPS | 16.17 GFLOPS 3.86 GB/s 45.04 MB/s | 10 ms 35.02 MB/s | 30.45 MB/s 2904 | 1729 | 2405 | 2507
17.15 GIPS | 13.62 GFLOPS 4.44 GB/s 57.16 MB/s | 10 ms 40.69 MB/s | 41.13 MB/s 3022 | 1756 | 2591 | 2988
17.09 GIPS | 14.7 GFLOPS 4.48 GB/s 52.97 MB/s | 9 ms 39.72 MB/s | 38.1 MB/s 2805 | 1590 | 2586 | 2329
17.95 GIPS | 15.4 GFLOPS 3.79 GB/s 50.82 MB/s | 8 ms 39.84 MB/s | 36.72 MB/s 2348 | 1203 | 2235 | 2502
9.39 GIPS | 7.95 GFLOPS 3.91 GB/s 51.7 MB/s | 10 ms 38.71 MB/s | 29.75 MB/s 1761 | 980 | 2483 | 1949
96 sec 178 sec | 66 sec 102.51 sec | 4484 CB-CPU 1 hr 13 min | 3 hr 24 min
90 sec 189 sec | 70 sec 110.5 sec | 4121 CB-CPU 1 hr 34 min | 1 hr 51 min
97 sec 196 sec | 73 sec 113.12 sec | 3936 CB-CPU 2 hr 45 min | 3 hr
112 sec 200 sec | 71 sec 108.72 sec | 4025 CB-CPU 1 hr 27 min | 4 hr 11 min
125 sec 345 sec | 108 sec 205.92 sec | 2175 CB-CPU 1 hr 45 min | 3 hr 43 min
1 year 443 service centers
2 years 22 service centers
1 year 58 service centers
1 year 443 service centers
1 year 443 service centers
a. INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
79
FEATURED
INKJET MFD COMPARISON
Do More Than Just Print All-in-one printers have matured with time and can do more than just print documents, while economy and compactness are the biggest benefits these units offer. BY CHIP TEST CENTER
echnology in printing and imaging
T
Printing photos cannot get easier with
blessing. Those featuring an answering
is advancing at such a rapid pace
the presence of a flash memory card
machine and a handset are the most
that there has not only been
reader and image editing functions built
advanced all-in-one devices. Apart
shrinking sizes but falling prices as
into the device. You have to insert your
from these features, they also have
well. Imagine owning a printer, scanner,
memory card containing the images you
an automatic document feeder so you
fax machine, copier and phone, all
want to print, enhance the pictures on
don’t need to feed paper manually into
separately. Not only will they occupy a
the fly and fire a print command—as
the scanner when you want to copy or
significant portion of your desktop’s real
simple as that! You don’t need to rush to
send faxes. Such machines may seem
estate but also make it look cluttered.
a photo lab which will take another few
intimidating at the first glance, but even
Thanks to convergence, we have All-
hours to do the job.
a first-timer will be able to use them
in-one printers that can handle all the
Some AIO printers which have a
without any hassles, thanks to the
tasks seamlessly. AIO printers not only
built-in network adapter are a boon
user-friendly interface AIOs offer today.
print, but also work as a scanner, fax
for office users. You can not only fire
We now have devices that come with
machine and photocopier. They make
print commands over the network
navigational aids such as jog dials and
your desk less cluttered but also add
but share such a device with multiple
directional buttons that make operation
a certain level of grace and classiness,
users on the network. A Wi-Fi adapter
a breeze.
and more than anything else, they
is more advantageous as you can print
come integrated with three or four
wirelessly from Wi-Fi-enabled devices
AIO devices. While some are ideal for
functions in one package. Some AIOs
such as laptops or smartphones.
home use, others are best suited for
In this comparison we tested seven
photographers or office desks. And
come with PictBridge technology that
Such printers not only eliminate
enables users to print photos directly
wire clutter but also make life a whole
yes, owning such a device is no longer
from their digital cameras. Some even
lot simpler. If your daily tasks involve
expensive. You can buy one for as low
come equipped with an LCD display for
sending and receiving faxes, an AIO
as Rs 5,600. So turn the page and take
previewing images before printing them.
with built-in fax function will be a
your pick.
80
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
Jagdish Limbachiya
SMS us! Story code: HIM to 57007
FEATURED
INKJET MFD COMPARISON
TEST PROCESS
PERSONAL TAKE
The AIOs were evaluated on the basis
print of a 4x6 photo on a 240 gsm photo
of features, build quality, ergonomics,
glossy paper. We evaluated the quality of
performance, warranty and support.
the print in terms of faithfulness in color reproduction, contrast, image details and
Features
skin tones, image quality of a 300 dpi
We started with logging the general
scan of an A4 size photo, and the print
features of the devices. Since all AIOs
quality of a magazine page copy taken in
come with a built-in scanner, they all
normal mode.
serve as a copier. Those with the fax
FRANCIS D'SA francis.dsa@chip.in All-in-one devices are actually recommended
function, memory card reader and
Build quality
for those owning small enterprises, shops and
support for PictBridge scored additional
We evaluated the quality of the outer
even for those who run businesses from
points. Also devices that featured
shell of the AIO and the paper trays.
home, such as lawyers, interior designers,
multiple connectivity options scored
Printers that sport glossy exteriors
artists, and so on. These units not only save
higher points than those with only one
enhance the visual appeal but lose
desk space and reduce clutter, but also save
USB port.
points as they are scratched easily.
power. Additionally, the technology employed
Performance
Ergonomics
photo printer. All-in-one printers which have
Speed: We measured the pages
An intuitive UI, well laid out control
multiple connectivity options are preferred
printed per minute using text and combi
panel, and good button size, contribute
as they have less wire clutter and can be
documents in draft, normal and best
to user friendliness. We also noted if the
deployed in any corner of the office. They
modes. We also measured the time
paper trays could fold to prevent dust.
don't need to be physically connected to a
is so good that the devices can double as a
taken to print a 4x6 photo in best mode.
computer. Wireless, Bluetooth and Network
These speeds exclude the time taken to
Warranty and support
printing makes using the AIO a breeze when
spool the document prior to printing.
Moving components make AIOs prone to
used in a large office network.
Quality of fine print: We first took
mechanical problems. It’s good to have
When opting for an all-in-one device, one
prints of a text passage in 1 point, 2 point
extensive warranty and support for it.
must first decide what he/she needs from it.
and 3 point font sizes in draft, normal
For example, If you don't fax often, It is
and best modes on a sheet of Bond
Value for money
advisable to choose an AIO without a fax
paper. Then we took a macro shot of the
This was calculated by stacking the sum
option. If printing only text and office
print with a digital camera to evaluate
of the device’s features, build quality,
documents are uppermost priority, check out
the quality of character formation.
ergonomics and performance scores
which printer can perform faster (higher
Imaging quality: To assess the quality
against its price. The AIO that scored the
pages per minute) and also save on ink.
of photo print, we took a borderless
most won the Best Value award.
Another example, if you need to use an AIO in a lavish office or home and do not want wires sticking out, opting for an AIO with network or wireless features makes sense. Out of the seven printers that I tested and reviewed, I personally was taken up by the Brother MFC-490CW. It has a fax, printer, scanner, ADF, MMC reader, PictBridge, Network and Wi-Fi. The only two features that I think should have featured here is Bluetooth and a handset. The printer sports a great print resolution, a 3.3-inch color LCD display, a huge 480 page memory for fax and a four ink cartridge design, which makes this AIO a feature-rich winner amongst the rest. The printer is a great choice for those looking for a feature-rich AIO in a small and compact size. If price is an issue, but compact design and excellent performance is the need for the day, the HP OfficeJet J3608 is the answer. At just Rs 6,773, I felt that this AIO would not perform well, but I was proven wrong. The
Reproduction of colors, details, overall contrast, and skin tones were subjectively evaluated for analysing the quality of photo prints.
The combi document comprised of colored text, highlighted text, images and graphs. The most challenging was yellow text on black background.
printer is an excellent desk space saving unit for any home or small sized office.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
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81
FEATURED
INKJET MFD COMPARISON
HP OFFICEJET J3608
LEXMARK X5650
CANON PIXMA MP496
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 6,773
Rs 7,500
Rs 6,995
Dimensions (WxHxD): 16.7 x 8 x 13-inches; Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi; Connectivity: USB
Dimensions (WxHxD): 18.3 x 8.1 x 11.6-inches; Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi; Connectivity: USB, PictBridge, MMC card reader
Dimensions (WxHxD): 17.8 x 6.1 x 13.2-inches; Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi; Connectivity: USB, PictBridge, MMC card reader
RATINGS RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
RATINGS
ERGONOMICS
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES
ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
FEATURES
FEATURES
WARRANTY
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
WARRANTY
WARRANTY
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
T
P
A
HP Officejet J3608. The printer has an
performance and price. Inspite of an
the Canon Pixma MP496. The MP496
excellent build quality with ergonomically
excellent build quality, it looks bulky
features an average looking design with a
designed folding input and output
and a bit ugly. It is feature-rich with
high-gloss and white body which can be
trays and an aesthetically good looking
an ergonomically designed control
easily scratched if not handled carefully.
scratch-resistant body. At first glance it
panel and buttons. The front features
The control panel is thoughtfully hidden
looks like an ordinary plain paper fax, but
a memory card reader along with
using a flap which also holds the 1.8-
it can spew text documents at a good
a Pictbridge port and an additional
inch color LCD screen. A good set of
12 pages per minute. Along with good
USB port in case the AIO has to be
buttons, menu navigation and intuitive
speed, the AIO does not compromise
connected urgently. The Scanner lid
menu interface makes the AIO easy to
on quality—the 4x6-inch photo printing
which comprises of the ADF is actually
use. The build quality does not seem to
test shows that the 4800 x 1200 dpi AIO
designed badly. It does not stay firmly
be up to the mark as the body seems
can is not only a document printer and
open but slams down threatening to
like it's made from a thinner gauge of
fax, but can also double as an excellent
break either the scanner glass or the
plastic. The scanner lid, the input and
photo printing device. Unfortunately, it
ADF unit. So if you opt for this printer,
output trays are so flimsy that they
printed a 4x6 photo in over two minutes
we advise you to handle the scanner
might break if handled carelessly. The
while the others could complete the task
section with extreme care. It did not
MP496 is similar to the Canon MP276, in
in just over a minute. Other great features
perform very well in the font print quality
terms of features. The only difference is
include a 200 page memory fax machine
test—it spews average quality prints
the enclosed front control panel which
which can store your incoming fax
at almost 14 pages-per-minute. The
houses a 1.8-inch color LCD display and
documents even if the paper runs out.
4x6 photo printing quality test turned
a neatly hidden MMC card reader which
The J3608 has a dot matrix LCD display
out to be above average, which is the
the MP276 lacks. This AIO would have
but the buttons on the control panel are
same with the photo scanning quality.
bagged the title of Best Value if it wasn't
made of rubber which makes the device
Another drawback is that the startup or
for its price difference of Rs 1,400. The
slightly sluggish when operating.
initialization time is almost 30 seconds.
performance tests reveal that though the
VERDICT: This AIO is a superbly priced,
VERDICT: Taking into consideration the
printer prints good quality text its photo
compact AIO for an office desk.
performance, feature-set and the price
prints are of average quality.
FOR: Compact size, good features and
this AIO sells at, there is little chance for
VERDICT: Good value for money.
well-priced.
it to survive in the market.
FOR: Regular office/home AIO needs.
AGAINST: The quality of color scanning
FOR: Good build quality.
AGAINST: Below average build quality,
quality is a bit disappointing.
AGAINST: Average quality prints.
non-scratch-resistant glossy body.
he smallest and most compact AIO you can find in the market is the
82
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
riced at Rs 7,500, the Lexmark X5650 stands midway between
nother AIO standing mid-way between price and performance is
FEATURED
INKJET MFD COMPARISON
CANON PIXMA MX328
SPECIFICATIONS
CANON PIXMA MP276
SPECIFICATIONS
HP DESKJET K209A
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 8,595
Rs 5,595
Rs 8,179
Dimensions (WxHxD): 18 x 7.8 x 16.1-inches; Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi; Connectivity: USB, PictBridge
Dimensions (WxHxD): 17.8 x 6.1 x 13.2-inches; Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi; Connectivity: USB, PictBridge
Dimensions (WxHxD): 17.5 x 6.3 x 22-inches; Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi; Connectivity: USB
RATINGS
RATINGS
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
FEATURES
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
WARRANTY
WARRANTY
WARRANTY
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
S
T
S
a built-in fax and an ADF. But priced at
ration of the combined scores of the
K209A seems to be priced too high for
around Rs 8,595, the product seems to
performance, build quality, ergonomics,
the features it offers. The unit is simply
be priced quite high when compared to
features and warranty and support to its
a printer combined with a scanner which
other AIOs from the same manufacturer.
selling price. This AIO is available for a
doubles as a copier machine. The lack of
The built-in fax can hold only 50 pages
price of just Rs 5,595 and is definitely a
a PictBridge and MMC card reader makes
in case the paper runs out. The product
very good deal considering its features
this AIO almost useless for those looking
bears a dot matrix LCD display on the
and performance. This 4800 x 1200 dpi
for a fine photo printer. It has a good
easy to use and intuitive control panel.
AIO performed quite well in areas such
build quality with excellent quality paper
The AIO has a white glossy exterior
as photo and text printing. It is very
trays, but won't appeal to many as it has
which can be easily be blemished. The
similar to the Canon Pixma MP496 with
a vague design and color on the scanner
build quality is much better than the
the same build quality, glossy white
lid. Also, the body isn’t scratch-resistant.
MP496 and the MP276, except for the
finish body, the only difference being the
The easy-to-use control panel is on the
paper tray which seems flimsy. The AIO
control panel which sports a 7-segment
extreme left and has a good button size
features a 4800 x 1200 dpi printer which
display. The control panel is very
and quality. The control panel looks
prints good quality text documents but
intuitive and easy to use. It starts up in
delicate, but is quite tough and rugged.
at a slow speed of only eight pages per
an amazingly short duration of only one
The AIO scored quite well in the copy
minute. The photo printing test offered
second which is great for those who are
and photo printing quality section. The
good quality prints with above average
in need of urgent prints or photo copies.
print quality is very good even at draft
reproduction of details and colors. The
The printer sports a PictBridge port in
modes and at a maximum speed of 17
printer can only print a maximum of eight
the front which is great for those who
pages per minute. A 4x6 photo prints in
pages per minute which is the same in
need a photo printer for their home. With
barely 65 seconds (the fastest in the lot)
case of the other two AIOs from Canon.
just eight pages per minute, this printer
and the result was also quite impressive
The printer uses two ink cartridges, one
is an ideal unit for a home or small office
with very good results in image details
for black and the other for the three
only—those looking for a fast printer with
and skin tones.
colors (C, M and Y) and can be bought
a small price tag should look elsewhere.
VERDICT: A good performing printer, but
for a combined price of Rs 2,350.
VERDICT: A great AIO at a great price.
low in features.
VERDICT: An average performing AIO.
FOR: Good value for money, good
FOR: Speedy, good quality photo and
FOR: Good quality and evenly spaced
quality photo prints.
text printing.
control panel buttons.
AGAINST: Glossy finish attracts stains
AGAINST: Passable looks, doesn't
AGAINST: Glossy finish.
and finger prints, flimsy paper trays.
support PictBridge.
imilar to the Canon Pixma MP496, is the Pixma MP328 which features
he Canon Pixma MP276 bagged the title of the Best Value due to the
coring barely 27 percent in the features section, the HP Deskjet
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
83
FEATURED
INKJET MFD COMPARISON
BROTHER MFC-490CW SpecScan
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 10,990 Dimensions (WxHxD): 15.34 x 7.1 x 14.8-inches; Print resolution: 6000 x 1200 dpi; Connectivity: USB, PictBridge, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, MMC card reader
RATINGS
NAME Contact Phone E-mail Price* OVERALL Features (30%) Performance (40%) Ergonomics (10%) Build Quality (15%) Warranty & Support (5%)
1
2
BROTHER MFC-490CW Brother 022-40988900 info@brother.in Rs 10,990
HP OFFICEJET J3608 HP India 011-30304499 in.contact@hp.com Rs 6,773
86
ERGONOMICS FEATURES PERFORMANCE WARRANTY OVERALL RATING VALUE FOR MONEY
T
he best of the lot, the Brother MFC-490CW left all the other AIOs
way behind in the features scoring 86 points out of 100. It features a 6000 x 1200 dpi printer which is great for printing quality photos. The printer uses four ink tanks which makes it more economical because you only need to change the ink tank that has exhausted, unlike other printers that have a common color ink tank. The MFC-490CW offers the network printing option (both wired and wireless). It also has excellent ergonomics due to a good button placement and intuitive menu operations. It sports a large 3.3-inch wide-screen color LCD display which can be tilted to an angle for a convenient usage. The printer performed quite well in the photo mode, but lacked in the quality of text printing. Scanning quality too was below average. As far as pure performance is concerned, this printer did not match any of the others in the competition, but due to the combined scores of features, performance and ergonomics, the Brother MFC-490CW bagged the Best Performance title. VERDICT: An excellent AIO device for small offices. FOR: Network printing support. AGAINST: Average text printing quality.
Overall Value for money FEATURES Dimensions (WxHxD) Functions: Printer | Scanner | Copier | Fax Connectivity: USB | PictBridge | Bluetooth Wi-Fi | Ethernet | Memory card reader Display type Resolution: Printer | Scanner Copier settings Max copies | Quality presets | Intensity Reduce / enlarge | Paper type | Paper size Fax: Modem | Handset | Page memory Number of cartridges Total price of cartridges PERFORMANCE Initialization time Printing speed (pages per minute) Text document: Draft | Normal | Best Combi document: Draft | Normal | Best 4x6 Photo (Best mode) Copying speed (Normal mode) Text document | Magazine page Scanning speed: A4 photo Font size test: Draft | Normal | Best Print quality (4x6 photo) Image details | Skin tones Color reproduction | Contrast Scan quality (A4 photo) Image details | Skin tones Color reproduction Copy quality (Magazine page) Image details | Quality of text Color reproduction | Contrast BUILD QUALITY Quality: Body | Paper trays Resistant to scratches Aesthetic appeal ERGONOMICS Folder paper trays: Feed | Output Display quality Size of buttons WARRANTY Warranty period
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
88 95 100
74 90 50
100
0
50
75
68
15.34 x 7.1 x 14.8-inches ✔|✔|✔|✔ ✔|✔|✖ ✔|✖|✔ 3.3-inch Color LCD 6000 x 1200 | 1200 x 2400
16.7 x 8 x 13-inches ✔|✔|✔|✔ ✔|✖|✖ ✖|✖|✖ Dot matrix LCD 4800 x 1200 | 1200 x 2400
99 | ✔ | ✔ 25% - 400% | ✔ | ✔ 33.6 Kbps | ✖ | 480 pages 4 Rs 3,010
100 | ✔ | ✔ 72% - 100% | ✔ | ✔ 33.6 Kbps | ✔ | 200 pages 2 Rs 2,327
17 sec
12 sec
16 ppm | 4 ppm | 2 ppm 13 ppm | 3 ppm | 1 ppm 93 sec
12 ppm | 5 ppm | 1 ppm 8 ppm | 2 ppm | 1 ppm 145 sec
34 sec | 43 sec 19 sec Poor | Below average | Average
39 sec | 85 sec 40 sec Good | Very good | Excellent
Good | Good Very good | Good
Good | Excellent Good | Excellent
Below average | Average Average
Below average | Below average Below average
Average | Good Average | Average
Excellent | Above average Good | Good
Excellent | Excellent ✖ Downright sexy!
Excellent | Excellent ✔ Good looking
✔|✔ Excellent Excellent
✔|✔ Excellent Excellent
1 year
1 year
* Prices are indicative and are subject to change, taxes extra.
84
63
100
0
BUILD QUALITY
49
58
100
FEATURED
INKJET MFD COMPARISON
3
4
5
6
7
LEXMARK X5650 Lexmark International India Pvt Ltd 1800-1804-477 rraja@lexmark.com Rs 7,500
CANON PIXMA MP496 Canon India 1800-3453-366 info@canon.co.in Rs 6,995
CANON PIXMA MX328 Canon India 1800-3453-366 info@canon.co.in Rs 8,595
CANON PIXMA MP276 Canon India 1800-3453-366 info@canon.co.in Rs 5,595
HP DESKJET K209A HP India 011-30304499 in.contact@hp.com Rs 8,179
47 0
50
0
50
0
50
100
79
79 100
53
52
52 79
100
88
100
100
100 52
75
79
72
72
88 92
27
40
50
57
62 61
100
0
50
100
0
50
100
68
68
66
65
60
18.3 x 8.1 x 11.6-inches ✔|✔|✔|✔ ✔|✔|✖ ✖|✖|✔ Dot matrix LCD 4800 x 1200 | 600 x 1200
17.8 x 6.1 x 13.2-inches ✔|✔|✔|✖ ✔|✔|✖ ✖|✖|✔ 1.8-inch Color LCD 4800 x 1200 | 1200 x 2400
18 x 7.8 x 16.1-inches ✔|✔|✔|✔ ✔|✔|✖ ✖|✖|✖ Dot matrix LCD 4800 x 1200 | 1200 x 2400
17.8 x 6.1 x 13.2-inches ✔|✔|✔|✖ ✔|✔|✖ ✖|✖|✖ 7 segment 4800 x 1200 | 1200 x 2400
17.5 x 6.3 x 22-inches ✔|✔|✔|✖ ✔|✖|✖ ✖|✖|✖ 7 segment 4800 x 1200 | 1200 x 2400
99 | ✔ | ✔ 25% - 400% | ✖ | ✔ 33.6 Kbps | ✖ | 240 pages 2 NA
99 | ✔ | ✔ 25% - 400% | ✔ | ✔ NA | NA | NA 2 Rs 2,350
99 | ✖ | ✔ 25% - 400% | ✔ | ✔ 33.6 Kbps | ✖ | 50 pages 2 Rs 2,350
20 | ✖ | ✔ Fit to page | ✔ | ✔ NA | NA | NA 2 Rs 2,350
9|✖|✖ Fit to page | ✖ | ✔ NA | NA | NA 2 Rs 868
29 sec
2 sec
4.31 sec
1 sec
3 sec
14 ppm | 9 ppm | 2 ppm 8 ppm | 2 ppm | 1 ppm 116 sec
8 ppm | 8 ppm | 2 ppm 5 ppm | 3 ppm | 1 ppm 98 sec
8 ppm | 7 ppm | 2 ppm 5 ppm | 3 ppm | 1 ppm 104 sec
8 ppm | 8 ppm | 2 ppm 5 ppm | 3 ppm | 1 ppm 83 sec
17 ppm | 7 ppm | 2 ppm 11 ppm | 3 ppm | 2 ppm 65 sec
16 sec | 95 sec 38 sec Average | Below average | Average
28 sec | 74 sec 14 sec Average | Very good | Good
24 sec | 69 sec 24 sec Average | Good | Good
20 sec | 43 sec 18 sec Average | Very good | Very good
27 sec | 45 sec 38 sec Very good | Good | Above average
Good | Good Good | Excellent
Average | Average Average | Average
Good | Good Good | Good
Above average | Good Above average | Very good
Very good | Very good Good | Good
Good | Good Above average
Good | Above average Good
Good | Above average Good
Good | Very good Good
Average | Average Average
Above average | Very good Good | Above average
Good | Very good Good | Good
Good | Very good Good | Good
Good | Good Good | Good
Good | Good Good | Good
Excellent | Excellent ✔ Average looking
Good | Good ✖ Average looking
Good | Good ✖ Average looking
Good | Good ✖ Average looking
Good | Excellent ✖ Passable looks
✔|✔ Excellent Excellent
✔|✔ Excellent Excellent
✔|✔ Excellent Excellent
✔|✔ Excellent Excellent
✔|✔ Excellent Excellent
1 year
2 years
2 years
1 year
1 year
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
85
FEATURED
WINDOWS 7
QUICK Jump lists open documents quickly
Windows 7: the definitive review There has been a lot of excitement and praise for Windows 7 before its launch. We have tested the improved features of the final release, and can now make our own judgment. BY JAMSHED AVARI AND DOMINIK HOFERER
fter Vista’s less-than-stellar
A
Installation: The goal of making
reception, it’s a surprise to see
Windows 7’s installation quicker and
that Microsoft’s latest operating
easier has largely been met. The process
system introduction has been met with
is entirely graphical and doesn’t need
critical praise around the world. Most
much user intervention. You can set up
early testers have not found anything
your network during the process so you’re
major to complain about in the beta
ready to download the latest updates as
versions and even the final release of
soon as installation is done.
Windows 7, which has been circulating
Taskbar: The new taskbar is the
privately for some time. And now, it’s
most obvious change, designed to
the moment of truth: CHIP brings you
make window management faster. It’s
its verdict after spending more than
more powerful, since it lets you launch
a month with this final version of the
programs and see previews of open
successor to Vista (as well as XP, which
windows, but the changes will take some
many users have not given up despite
time to get used to. Text labels are gone
its age). While it's clear a lot of effort
by default, and the bar shows only an
has gone into making sure old mistakes
icon even if you have opened multiple
are not repeated, there is a lot more to
copies of one application. When you
consider than just the hype.
hover the cursor over this icon, Windows 7 shows a live preview of the window
Improving all the basics
contents compete with trendy Aero
Windows 7 is satisfied with fewer
glass effects. Multiple open windows
resources than those required by Vista:
are shown as individual thumbnails in
Microsoft recommends a 1 GHz CPU and
a horizontal bar, and programs can use
1 GB of RAM. The company has learnt a
their button space to show notifications
lot from the mistakes made during the
such as file copy progress or error
Vista launch: many teams of developers
messages. The former Quick Launch
sat in their laboratories with everyday PC
bar is therefore merged into the taskbar,
a familiar fixture, is no longer there.
users and kept a close watch on them
which unfortunately makes it confusing
Instead of that you can call up the Aero
while they were working, as described
to see which programs are actually
Peek function using a new button at
in several blog posts that they have
running and which are not. Applications
the end of the taskbar, even beyond
published. With this knowledge, they
can be pinned so they are always on
the clock. If you hover over the button
have tried to optimize Windows’ handling.
the taskbar whether running or not.
with the mouse, transparent outlines
A few annoying things that users have
Moreover, the familiar positions of your
of all open windows are displayed, so
had to struggle with for a long time have
icons can sometimes change without
you can see the desktop through them.
been eliminated, and new integrated
the user realizing it. And you cannot just
This kind of transparency effect does
functions like Aero Snap and Aero Shake
drag documents or media files onto the
not necessarily consume your CPU
on the desktop allow for entirely new
icons of applications to make them open
power, since Windows 7 can accelerate
ways of window management. You can
instantly in those applications anymore.
it completely on the graphics card. Aero
now minimize windows and call them
Luckily, the customization options let you
also includes a snapping effect which
up again with mouse gestures, e.g. a
turn on text labels, but you can’t disable
lets you drag windows to the top or
simple shake movement, or can also
all the new modifications.
edges of the screen to maximize or tile
tile windows to half the screen with a
Desktop: The ‘Show Desktop’ icon in
them respectively (and the [Win] key
familiar drag and drop.
the Quick Launch area, which has been
can be used for loads of new shortcut
86
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
SPACIOUS A new look for the taskbar
SMS us! Story code: FW7 to 51818
ORGANIZED
NETWORKED
Libraries prevent folder chaos
Sharing files is now easier
TRANSPARENT
MINIMALIST
CONVENIENT
You can get a clear view of the desktop with Aero effects
The notification area is less intrusive
Always-on mini applications
combinations, including all the Aero
Jump lists: One of our favorite new
releases will incorporate more such
Snap features). There is no demarcated
innovations is the introduction of Jump
functionality to allow for quick controls
sidebar for gadgets, which are still there,
Lists, which are program-specific
and manipulations.
and can just be dropped anywhere on
context menus that replace the usual
Libraries: Designed to help you cope
the desktop. Themes make it easy to
right-click context menus for icons in the
with the ever-increasing mess of files,
group settings for wallpaper, sounds, and
taskbar and entries in the Start menu.
libraries act as virtual folders which
Aero glass color and opacity. And the OS
They display lists of files frequently (or
aggregate your default ‘My Documents’
finally includes the ability to rotate the
in some cases recently) opened with
contents with any other locations on
wallpaper at adjustable intervals like a
that application, but you can also pin
your hard drive(s). For example the
slide show.
your favorite files onto program icons,
‘Videos’ library can show the contents
Notification area: This has also been
such as songs on your media player
of the ‘Videos’ folder as well as your
cleaned up; the most important change
or bookmarks on the Web browser.
movie collection on another hard drive
is it will show only system icons by
Once you have done this, the Jump List
and your shared home videos on an
default, i.e. the battery status, volume,
becomes a practical feature that saves
external storage device or networked
network, and security alerts. All others
time and clicks. Applications such as
PC. You can even sort and organize
are lumped into a flyout menu unless you
media players can include playback
libraries by file metadata including
specifically allow them to be displayed.
control buttons, and future software
the date they were created, the artist, INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
87
FEATURED
WINDOWS 7
album, genre, length, etc. This makes it possible to manage and share all media files centrally. Libraries aren’t just virtual though, you can save files to them and they will be placed in the default folder for that file type. As an added advantage, Windows Search indexes the libraries automatically. If you are searching for files that are stored there, Windows 7 shows you the results in a split second.
Enhanced functions Search: The integrated search function offers another new and practical
MISSING FEATURES WINFS We’ve been waiting for this one since the early days of Vista’s development, but it’s still not here. Microsoft’s new WinFS file system was supposed to use a huge database that could recognize data attributes to speed up searching and correlating different kinds of information, rather than relying solely on folder structures as we currently know them. Development continues but it’s still not ready for primetime.
feature, it not only rummages through
second-generation Ribbon interface. This makes both of them stick out from the rest of the operating system; more so because they don’t have enough features to justify the Ribbon. Still, Paint now comes with different brushes and you can create custom shapes.
Multitouch: We haven’t been able to test Vista on a touch-capable device yet, but laptops and tablets have already been announced by most manufacturers. With OS-level support for finger-based pinching and twisting, the way we interact with software could change profoundly. Notice how the taskbar is
the computer but can also be used to
ACCELERATORS
wider, and the icons are more spaced
search specific sites on the Internet or
Just like the ill-fated Smart Tags in Microsoft Office, Accelerators allow you to select text in any program and then add it to a calendar, translate, spell check, search online with Live Search, get directions using Live Maps, send by Live Mail, etc. Maybe they were too invasive or maybe Microsoft was afraid of criticism because of their close ties with their own online services.
out—many parts of the OS have been
a corporate server from the desktop. This feature was primarily intended for corporate environments, but requires only a small file in the Federated Search (also known as OpenSearch) OSDX format; so some sites have started offering them for anyone to download. The feature isn’t immediately visible until you have installed these search connectors, after which they show up as options in the Search folder. We thus quickly browsed the image database at DeviantArt.com as well as Google News, and the results seemed as if they were stored locally. You can right-click and copy or save search results too.
Windows Media Player: Version 12 of the default media player has also taken a big leap forward. While Vista and XP users have always needed to
designed to be finger-friendly. Early demos of drawing in Paint, playing interactive games and panning around Virtual Earth look great. Using touch to go through the Start menu or drag and drop files between folders will undoubtedly add a new dimension to our interaction with computers. Aero Shake and Aero Snap suddenly make even more
GUEST MODE Early demos showed a Guest Mode which basically let administrators freeze the state of an account on a PC so that no changes to files or system settings were retained when guests use it. The computer’s hard drives were locked down and even files they save were wiped out when a new session begins. Without explanation, this feature is missing in the final release.
install additional codecs or use extra
sense than they first appeared to.
Practical additions User Account Control (UAC): This should have brought more security to Vista, but it only put users off by constantly bombarding them with messages. Windows 7 now make it less aggressive, for instance the user can deactivate messages that pop up when he/she makes deliberate modifications to settings. Windows 7 only shows warnings
software like the famous all-purpose VLC
ULTIMATE EXTRAS
when programs want to modify the OS
player just to view DivX movies from the
After Vista’s promised Ultimate Extras failed to materialize, the concept has been dropped for Windows 7 Ultimate.
automatically. This new concept reduces
Internet, Windows 7 includes almost all standard codecs such as AAC or H.264. WMP also hardly stresses the CPU even in the case of HD videos and remained under ten percent resource consumption in our observations. Media Center builds on this further with improved file handling from network storage and support for Internet TV.
Paint and Wordpad: Both these programs have received facelifts to
WINDOWS LIVE PROGRAMS With the coming of the Windows Live suite of downloadable programs, regular fixtures like Windows Mail, Movie Maker and Messenger are no longer preinstalled by default. You can install whatever you like by visiting www. download.live.com.
HIT OR MISS Two alternative views for the new taskbar make it easier to find the window you want, but there's no way to trim the icon spacing 11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
though this comes at the cost of a few new security risks. Yet, the balance will
make them look like Office 2010 with its
88
the UAC dialogs by roughly 30 percent
be better and the bigger risk of people disabling UAC altogether is avoided.
XP emulation: Windows 7 is characterized by its backwards compatibility; all Vista drivers can also run under the new operating system. Microsoft also offers a solution for older programs—the XP mode, which is only available in the Professional,
FEATURED
WINDOWS 7
is easy; if you didn’t go through it during Windows’ installation, you can create a Homegroup through the ‘Network and Sharing Center’ and determine what data you want to share. Then set a 10-digit password. Other computers are added to the group by entering this password. Windows 7 will then show these computers clearly in the explorer just like an external hard disk. The Windows media player also shows the shared songs and videos. The complicated setup of network printers is also a thing of the past. With Windows 7, you just have to install the hardware once. All group members automatically get the driver and can use
FEDERATED SEARCH
the printer as if it was connected directly.
Turn DeviantArt image results into your wallpaper with a few clicks
If you take your office laptop home, you can switch over to the home network (provided that the office computer is
Ultimate and Enterprise versions. You
to more aggressive settings for going to
can make tools that are not compatible
sleep and hibernating when idle.
System recovery: If the PC refuses to
with Windows 7 run by means of
Network configuration: Windows
start, Windows 7 has something new to
virtualization. The free virtual XP
7 offers many reasons for network
help. The ‘Repair' function which you can
integrates itself unnoticed into the actual
administrators and even home users
call up while booting using the [F8] key
operating system. Visually, there is no
with multiple PCs to upgrade. They can
now offers an interface through which
difference as the programs do not run
now connect multiple PCs with improved
the user can import system recovery
inside a demarcated window which is
file sharing and security measures with
points or reconstruct a system image.
common for virtual machines. In addition,
the ‘Homegroups’ function. You can
Vista introduced the convenient Shadow
we did not notice any significant lag in
exchange music, videos or documents
Copies feature to revert to previous
comparison with a pure XP installation.
between computers provided that
versions of files in its more expensive
The host system is totally transparent.
Windows 7 is installed on all of them. XP
editions, and this is now also available in
You can install tools so that they always
users will be left out just like Linux and
the Home edition of 7.
run in XP mode, with regular shortcuts
OS X users, but a Vista update to enable
Sensors: Many laptops come with
in the Start menu as if they were normal
Homegroups has been hinted at. Setup
light sensors to control backlighting, but
configured within a domain).
programs. But XP emulation increases the hardware requirements: 2 GB of memory and a processor that supports hardware virtualization are a must.
Action Center: This is where all your system-level alerts and maintenance tasks can be taken care of from. Like the erstwhile Security Center, you can check the status of your Windows updates, firewall, antivirus and backups. You can tweak notification settings, configure UAC, and even launch the System Restore wizard from here.
Speed improvements: If you have
ACTION CENTER All your important security alerts
previously worked with Vista, you should find Windows 7 on the same hardware faster and more responsive. The new OS has plenty of tweaks and refinements to focus on pure performance. One indicator of this is that while Vista loaded 45 or more services on startup, Windows 7 loads only 30. Battery life on laptops is also noticeably improved, thanks partly INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
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now the OS can be aware of outside conditions too. Sensors for light, noise, temperature, GPS location, physical direction and position, etc would enable a whole new generation of user-specific applications, and transform the way people use mapping services and follow directions. Of course a misused sensor also increases the possibility of supertargeted advertising and the potential
WINDOWS 7 AS A SECOND OS Even if the Windows 7 looks appealing enough, you might want to keep your smooth-functioning XP or Vista around as a backup. It is therefore advisable to first install Windows 7 as a second OS. This way, you can test whether your hardware suits the requirements.
damage that malware can do, so those worried about privacy can turn the feature off through the Control Panel.
Device support Drivers: Most current hardware should work on Windows 7 without a hitch, since there are no major changes to the device driver model like Vista had. That means upgraders won’t face the same headaches that they did last time. In fact most major hardware vendors have had their drivers ready for a while now, and the nearly two months between 7’s finalization and its retail launch will have given everyone enough time to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Device Stage: Although barely any devices support it right now, Device Stage is designed to allow users to
PARTITIONING AND INSTALLATION: You need about 25 GB free space on the hard disk, preferably on a separate partition in order to make sure Windows 7 functions smoothly and with a sufficient number of programs installed. If you do not have this much space you can downsize an existing partition by right-clicking ‘My computer’ and ‘Manage | Disk Management’. If you have only one partition on the hard disk you must opt for tools like the full version of Paragon Partition Manager. Insert the Windows 7 installation disc into the drive, boot the PC, and select the empty partition for installation. After about 20 minutes, Windows 7 is at your disposal and the Windows boot manager will ask you which OS you would like to run each time you restart the PC.
control their peripherals through a
mesh in which PCs access the network through each other to boost range.
Virtual Hard Drives: Windows 7 can natively mount VHD virtual hard drive files as regular volumes, which are treated just like physical drives or partitions. You can even boot into another instance of Windows 7 which is installed in this virtual image.
Features for corporates Apart from enhanced media and user friendliness, Windows 7 comes with a few features designed to make corporate deployment easier. Most of these will be available only in the Business and Ultimate editions.
Direct Access: For those running Windows Server 2008 in their corporate environments, Direct Access allows for secure remote connections without the hassle of setting up a Virtual Private Network. It requires IPv6 and some fairly specific network infrastructure, but should allow for new levels of remote management and ease of access to networked storage, resources, and business applications.
BitLocker To Go: Drive encryption is now extended to removable drives to protect their contents even if they are
standard interface. When plugged in,
recognize multiple virtual instances of
physically lost. Administrators can set
printers, cellphones, digital cameras and
your Wi-Fi adapter, letting you establish
policies requiring BitLocker to be enabled
other peripherals that support Device
multiple connections without additional
before external drives can be used at all.
Stage will launch a window allowing
hardware. In theory, this should let you
AppLocker: Similar to BitLocker,
you to perform common tasks such as
share a Wi-Fi connection with other
AppLocker lets administrators control
syncing files and performing diagnostics,
devices, connect to multiple Wi-Fi
which programs are allowed to run on
as well as order consumables from the
networks simultaneously, or create a
the desktops they control. Security is
manufacturer and check the battery status. Device Stage windows will be customized with the product image and manufacturer’s branding.
Graphics: More of a software improvement, Windows 7 will of course be the first version to enable DirectX 11 with compatible graphics cards. Its DirectCompute component accounts for the smoothness of the Aero effects, since these are handed off to the graphics processor. DX11 will also allow the next generation of 3D games to use more realistic effects, better shadows and improved multi-threading.
Virtual Wi-Fi: This feature is so
SENSORS
ambiguous that we wouldn’t have
These will open up some new functions, but there will be privacy issues.
discovered it without prompting from Microsoft, and we apparently need new drivers before it can be tested. But the basic idea is that the OS can now
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FEATURED
WINDOWS 7
bandwidth can be saved by reducing incremental transfers.
Verdict With Windows 7, Microsoft has launched a well-thought-out and fast operating system which manages with fewer resources than its predecessor Vista required. The Home Premium version is the most suitable for a normal user; it comprises all important things like the HomeGroups functionality, multitouch support and the Media Center. Those who need professional features like the
BITLOCKER Hardware-level encryption for fixed and removable drives.
XP mode, AppLocker and VHD support should go for the Ultimate edition. Those buying new netbooks, laptops and PCs in the near future might also have the choice of the Starter and Home Basic versions. Whichever you choose, Windows 7 is fully stable and ready for
enforced by pre-approving software and
locations, network resources can be
mass public use, and should not cause
preventing users from installing whatever
cached locally to eliminate long file
any problems. Upgrading from XP is
they like, but letting software update
transfer times. Branch offices can
worthwhile in most cases, and even Vista
itself without upsetting the rules.
have their own copies of data usually
users will appreciate the better handling
Branch Cache: For users on a single
hosted exclusively at the head office.
and new conveniences.
network across multiple physical
Permissions can be set for security, and
– jamshed.avari@chip.in
FEATURED
HOME NETWORK
Home Network Nirvana To experience true media and Internet sharing joy, set up a system to stream movies and music through every room in your home network. It can be done even with your existing router. BY FABIAN VON KEUDELL
urf the Internet while in bed,
S
with networking functions, it is much
and cheaper routers on the other hand
retrieve music from your desktop
easier than you might think. CHIP shows
are usually equipped to handle only the
PC to play in your living room,
you how to set all this up conveniently.
slower 802.11g standard. Its theoretical
straight to the console. You can even
High speed Wi-Fi
to even 15 Mbit/s in practice due to
quickly send a letter to the printer while
The center of your home network is a
interference such as thick walls or
sitting at the breakfast table if you want.
normal router. You can use older models
Bluetooth devices.
This can be done with a modern home
no doubt, but a modern device with the
network. And since almost all devices
802.11n standard is a better option for
function in dual modes, i.e. it can transfer
sold today—right from TVs and game
fast Internet sharing and HD video. You
data at the 300 Mbit/s theoretical rate of
consoles to answering machines and
can identify compatible devices with
Wi-Fi n as well as the older Wi-fi g mode
external hard disks—are all equipped
the “n” icon on the packaging. Older
which the majority of devices today will
or download add-ons for your games
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transfer rate is 54 Mbit/s , which shrinks
CHIP recommends a router which can
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FEATURED
HOME NETWORK
assign two new names for your wireless connections—one for the 5 GHz and one for the 2.4 GHz band each. Save the configuration using ‘Save Settings’. In order to ensure that an unknown person cannot creep into your network, be using. The reason is some n-standard
the antennas in, since current devices
you need to secure it. The best option is
routers will fall back to the slower speed
use internal antennae and adjust these
the current WPA2 technology with AES
for all devices if they cannot support
automatically.
encryption. Click ‘Wireless Security’ and
dual modes simultaneously. Once
Once the router is placed, you can
select ‘WPA2 Personal’ as the Security
you have a router which meets your
move on to the configuration. The steps
Mode. Click ‘AES’ under ‘Encryption’, and
requirements, you can consider upgrading
here outline the setup process for a
enter a password next to ‘Passphrase’,
your laptop with an inexpensive USB
Linksys router, but it will be extremely
ideally around 20 characters: a mixture
Wi-Fi n adapter to take full advantage of
similar for others. Open the configuration
of digits and alphabets. Save the
it. If your laptop is relatively new, chances
page of the router in your PC’s Web
configuration using ‘Save Settings’.
are it supports the n standard already.
browser, it is 192.168.1.1 by default. Enter
Even the location of the router is very
We still need to change the router’s
“admin” as the username and password.
own password from the default
important. The connection functions at
Next, set up your Internet connection as
‘admin’– this protects the settings
its best if it is mounted on a wall, as high
per its settings, either PPPoE or Static.
from a stranger’s eyes. Click on the
as possible. Besides, the router should
Now you can move on to the wireless
“Management’ tab in the ‘Administration’
not be placed directly behind a computer
security settings. Most routers can
menu and enter a new password under
or any other device which emits strong
automatically set up secure connections
the option ‘Router Password’. Save again
radiation or shields radio waves through
with other devices from the same brand.
through ‘Save Settings’.
a metal casing.
We’ll use manual settings to make the process more transparent. To set the
NAS replaces big servers
Bluetooth devices and microwave ovens
name (the SSID) of the network yourself,
Until now, the PC’s own hard drive has
have been known to interfere. You need
go to the ‘Wireless Devices’ tab and
been used to store all your photos,
not worry about which direction to point
click ‘Manual’. Under ‘Network name’,
videos and MP3s. Now, a NAS system
In case of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi g networks,
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HOME NETWORK
(Network Attached Storage) takes up this work so that you can access files from any device on the network even
INFO
when the PC is off. You can find relatively
Multifunction remote control
cheap and high-capacity NAS devices
You now control your devices not only from the sofa, but also from every room in your apartment.
in the market, or you can get empty network-attached drive enclosures and add your own drive(s). If you are doing this, choose a “green” hard drive, since the task is not very demanding and it will save power in the long run. Some devices come with additional software for backups and configuration. Now you can serve up media and even create individual shares for music, videos and photos. iTunes Server and DLNA (Digital
You now require just one thing to make your multimedia home perfect: a universal remote control for all entertainment devices. Then you really won’t need to be on your feet every time any longer to enjoy your digital audio and video files. One great (though expensive) example is the Logitech Harmony 1100. You can select your devices from a huge database on the computer, without going through any
complicated programming. Even macros for various scenarios can be created easily. For example, you can use just one button to simultaneously switch on the television, switch over to the video input, start the DVD player and play the inserted disc. Everything functions through a touchscreen that displays the suitable information. Optionally, the remote control can control devices from other rooms wirelessly.
Living Network Alliance) are two ways you can tell devices to search for media on a shared storage device, so make
you might find an Ethernet port (or in
companies like Netgear make network-
sure your NAS supports these features.
rare cases integrated Wi-Fi). Some others
connected adapters which use regular
If not, you can always create a shortcut
have USB ports which let you add a Wi-Fi
video and audio inputs, but act like a
to it using Windows Explorer, or map the
adapter too. You will need to use the
bridge to your network. You could also
network store as a separate drive so it is
remote to navigate through the settings
get a combination device, which has an
always visible in Explorer. More advanced
menus and configure the set to recognize
integrated hard disk as well as network
drives allow you to determine when
your LAN. You will have to configure the
access, to store your files and hook up
they should spin down to reduce power
IP address (or set it to automatic) and
directly to the TV.
consumption, and let you define a “sleep
enter your Wi-Fi password, if applicable.
mode” for the night.
Once set up, the TV remote will let
VoIP for long distance call
you surf through the available network
You have to pay through your nose for
The TV isn’t static
resources, including your NAS. Select the
even a short conversation with your
If you are lucky enough to own one of
file you want, and just press play.
family abroad—but with VoIP, the same
the latest flat-screen high-definition TVs,
For those with less high-tech TVs,
conversation costs you just a few paise, and that too without worrying about any cable connections. Since you already have Wi-Fi coverage all over your home, you can walk around and make calls
Some NAS devices can host a spacious hard drive, connect to your network, and also connect directly to your TV and home theater.
just like you would with an ordinary cordless phone. Special Skype phones are available but expensive. A cheaper idea would be to use your Wi-Fi enabled cellphone and an application such as Skype, Gizmo5, or even chat programs like Google Talk which allow voice calls.
All the world’s a radio Finally, you can listen to music without advertisements, and tune in to hundreds more choices than our local FM stations offer. Some of the best radio stations around the world broadcast high quality streams online, which your Wi-Fi enabled home will allow you to listen to anywhere. Live365 and Shoutcast are some of the better online repositories for finding good stations. Tune in through your cellphone, or a suitable receiver box which can plug into your living room speakers or home theater. Configure all your network devices for security. Each brand's configuration page will look different.
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– feedback@chip.in
FEATURED
WEB WATCH
Web Watch AUDIO/ VIDEO TWEAKING
GO GREEN
O
ased out of the UK, Mr and Mrs
B
are equally commendable.
Green prolifically post on their
Powered by Wordpress and
blog named Little Green Blog, to
created around the Arthemia theme,
share the information and experiences
this blog goes well with the whole
equipment and gadgets. In the last
they’ve had over the years. As the
conceptualization. Plugins and widgets
decade, as the number of file formats
name suggests, at www.littlegreenblog.
have been chosen wisely to suit the
and compression techniques has
com, you’ll find various methods and
theme and avoid clutter. The main
grown, so has www.ddigest.com.
techniques to maintain a healthier and
horizontal menu bar has the necessary
Today, whatever information you
greener environment all around. The
elements that complete a blog or website
need on digital audio and video, be
main menu includes various sections
to make it look professional. Home,
it, software, codecs for all operating
such as family and home, green food,
About, Community, Advertising options,
green technology, health and wellness,
Contact details, and Library are some
ver the years, digital audio and video formats have largely changed the ways in
which we use our audio and video
and mind and spirit. These sections are further divided into relevant. Some of the popular posts are ‘Stop junk mail’, ‘Switch your light bulbs to LEDs’, ‘Gas or electric-which is more eco-friendly’, ‘six tips for a green office’ and so on. Most of the articles revolve around what the authors are truly passionate about, and that’s what makes the posts even more informative and interesting. The authors share knowledge about environmental systems, gadgets, peripherals and
issues, self sufficiency, healthy food,
such, you’ll find it here. Articles,
frugality and so on. Out of the hundreds
of sections you can explore. Despite the
product and news updates from
of posts, although there are some which
presence of some flash elements, the
around the world, latest movie
are more relevant to the masses abroad,
blog loads quickly and the navigation is
trailers, synopsis and reviews,
they are interesting to read.
intuitive. If you aspire to lead an eco-
software downloads, you name it, it’s here. ‘HDTV viewing distance
As much as this blog is inspiring and informative, its design and overall layout
friendly, healthy and green way of living, you’ll like this blog as much as we did.
calculator’, ‘ASF to AVI conversion guide’, ‘ATI DVD player review’ and ‘capturing from VHS’ are a few of the of interesting articles. Searching and navigating is fairly simple and the options available are helpful. The main sections include
DO IT YOURSELF
I
f you like to get creative with
the categories section of this
electronics and gadgets and if DIY
blog and notice the amount of
accounts for one of your hobbies,
creativity shown in the various projects
Movies, News, Articles, Software, and
here’s a link, http://blog.makezine.
implemented and shown step-wise. There
so on. The riches of the content are
com/archives.html. Head straight for
are not only DIY guides for computers
courtesy power users around the
and electronics, but you’ll see how to do
world who seem experienced with
more with a bicycle, car, home appliances
ripping, encoding and transcoding
and much more. A couple of interesting
audio and video content using various
posts are ‘Mini-joystick from a ball-point
software and techniques. Most
pen’ and ‘Build a CNC hotwire foam
guides and articles are in a step-wise
cutter’.
manner and include screen shots, to enable better comprehension and
DIY-fans will also like this very small, yet interesting blog called www.
implementation. If you want to have
diygadgets.blogspot.com. Though not as
a good understanding of digital audio
elaborate as Makezine, it is the level of
and video, bookmark this website.
creativity and innovation at this site that caught our eye.
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FEATURED
WEB WATCH
The best of what the Web has to offer this month, for fun, enlightenment, or profit.
SHOPPING
W
NEWS
hile we’re amidst this festive
such as www.indiangiftsportal.
season, shopping can be hard
com, then your options are even more
to resist, but it can be quite
and you can leverage on the enormous
time-consuming too. If you plan to send gifts abroad or to a different part of
COMPILED BY DUSHYANT KHILNANI
number of gift ideas and services.
T
hough it might sound clichéd, the truth is that fitness today has probably taken
a back seat, especially for people who
The exhaustive number of gifts at
can’t take time out of their busy work
the country, logistics are also a matter
Talash range from ladies and men’s wear
schedules. Here’s a website which will
of concern. Here’s a website that lets
to electronics, books, CDs, handicrafts,
help you rejuvenate the mind and
you send gifts to various parts of the
jewelry, fresh fruits, confectionary items
world, www.talash.com. It is part of the
and so on. Be it international or local,
IndiaNIC group that provides IT services
most brands are available. All gift items
worldwide. At Talash, many items are
are categorized into sections. Navigation
truly Indian, and are hard to find on
is simple and alternatively the options
international online shopping sites. So,
of searching by keyword or by price are
if you want to send a pooja thali along
available too. Almost all online payment
with a bunch of well-decorated box of
methods are available at this site.
Indian dry fruits, this is the site you’re
Based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh,
looking for. Of course if you bump into
Indian Gifts Portal offers similar features
websites which offer similar services,
and services on their website. Navigation is slightly different, but very easy. Also, its categorization and segregation of
body with the least amount of time
items is less elaborate in comparative
available. It is called www.shapefit.
terms. Similar to Talash, this site offers
com, and essentially it’s a website
choice of gifts by seasons, festivals
filled with tips and techniques to
and occasions such as Diwali, birthdays,
burn body fat, build muscles and to
anniversary, wedding and so on. What’s
maintain a healthy and good-looking
most interesting is that as Indian
body. Exercise guides, articles, videos,
festivals approach, you’ll notice relevant
success stories, diet tips, calorie and
gift items on sale. All-in-all, these two
BMI (Body Mass Index) calculators
websites are likely to end your search
and strength training are some of
for gifts for friends and family.
the main areas that this website covers. Each section is broken down into various categories. For instance,
REAL ESTATE
B
in the Exercise section you’ll notice a multitude of exercises meant for
uying or renting a house is no
If you’re looking for a home
specific body parts. There are diet
cinch, because there are too
for staying or for investment
charts to keep a track of how your
many aspects involved such as
purposes, or if you simply want to
workout regime and food intake strike
surroundings, locality, arrears and most
be updated about the scenario in the
a balance. There are specific workout
importantly the modes of payments.
real estate market, logon to www.
and diet plans jotted for getting
allcheckdeals.com. A Naukri.com
desired results. If you don’t get the
venture, this website let’s you browse
time to hit the gym, there are small
through most of the major cities such
exercises that can be performed at
as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai,
home or at work. Kris Bierek, the
Pune, Hyderabad and so on. Be it for
founder of this website, created this
commercial or residential purpose, or for
to help people around the world with
corporate lease, you can search the site
quality health and fitness information.
by city, your budget and by the number
He has an extensive background in
of bedrooms you may need. You can
strength training and nutrition. Click
even sift through a list of developers
on the Writers section and you’ll see
to keep a track of new and upcoming
his and other professionals’ profiles.
projects.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
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FEATURED
WEB WATCH
Web dictionaries for all uses An always-on connection means you're never too far from help. Just jump to any of these resources to look up whatever you want. BY DUSHYANT KHILNANI
O
nline dictionaries have been
are relevant to various fields such as
around for a while, but today
medicine, legal and finance. It’s called
they offer a lot more than just
The Free Dictionary by Farlex. Also, the
meanings and definitions of words.
Hutchison Encyclopedia on this website
The colossal growth in the number of
is packed with loads of information
offered features on online dictionary
and facts from around the world. From
websites is amazing. In this story
Hinduism to the Mayan culture, erosion
we shall discuss some of the most
to energy, Cyprus to Costa Rica and
comprehensive and unabridged online
English to Aramaic, simply type in what
dictionaries on the Internet. While most
you’re looking for and you’ll learn about
of the dictionaries are free to use, there
it here.
www.urbandictionary.com
paid services.
the iPhone and alternatively you can use the latest audio WordWeb dictionary on
are some which even offer premium and
the go. It covers most English spellings, be it American, British, Australian, Asian
www.merriam-webster.com
and so on.
One of the most comprehensive and Webster dictionary which not only
www.shabdkosh.com and www. dict.hinkhoj.com
offers the traditional online dictionary
So much for common usage English and
and thesaurus, but has various other
slang, here are a couple of websites
features too. A few main sections
for Hindi words and phrases. You can
include downloads, word of the day,
use these websites for translating
popular of the lot is the Merriam
Hindi words into English and vice
word games, open dictionary, spelling bee hive, word for the wise and so on.
There are countless websites for actual
versa, and also get their meanings in
English words and phrases; now here’s
either language. Shabdmala even states
a dictionary for phrases and words
examples with the resulting words,
that aren’t commonly used across the
which can be quite useful for easy
globe, which includes slang language.
comprehension.
It’s called the Urban Dictionary, where
There are some features which are
you can browse through words listed
common to most of the websites. One
alphabetically, look up a specific word or
of them is the choice for integration.
phrase or simply sift though the words
Instead of re-visiting the site every
that appear each day. So if you come
now and then, you can integrate the
across some slang during a conversation
Dictionary you like into your browser
website are learner’s dictionary and
with your friend, girlfriend or foe, you
and Google or Yahoo toolbar by
Word Central. The former is a great
know where to look it up.
downloading the relevant widget from
A couple of other ventures on this
the dictionaries’ website.
source for teachers and students of ESL (English as a Second Language), EFL
www.wordwebonline.com
(English as a Foreign Language) and
Coming back to English, here’s another
number of Internet users and with the
TOEFL (Test Of English As A Foreign
great application and online English
Internet being made widely available
Language) courses. Another great
dictionary. WordWeb Online, although
on portable devices, there’s very little
resource for kids and teachers is the
not as feature-rich as some other
chance that you want to carry a physical
Word Central where kids can play word
websites, is quite useful. The installable
copy of a Wren and Martin with you.
games and build their own dictionaries
version of this application is the
All you have to do is go to your mobile
and teachers can source various ways to
most convenient of the lot. Install the
phone’s browser, look for the word and
make their teaching experience richer.
software, point the cursor to a word
get results instantaneously. If you’re
and simply right-click. The definition
searching for meanings, definitions,
www.thefreedictionary.com
and explanation of the word appears
synonyms, related words or antonyms,
Speaking of richness, here’s a must-
instantaneously. What’s most interesting
you know where to look when online.
visit online source for dictionaries that
is that, this application is available for
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With the considerable increase in the
- dushyant.khilnani@chip.in
SMS us! Story code: FWD to 51818
FEATURED
DUSHYANT'S WEB WATCH COLUMN
ONCE YOU GET STARTED, YOU HAVE TO DISTINGUISH YOURSELF. KEEP THE TRAFFIC FLOWING TO KEEP THE ADVERTISING CASH COMING IN. DUSHYANT KHILNANI, TECHNOLOGY WRITER
BLOGGING: LEVEL TWO W
hat many prolific bloggers might agree with is that consistent and incremental traffic largely determines the success of a blog. Also, making a blog interesting is one thing, but always keeping it that way is what’s most important. Now the inflow of traffic and the growth of a blog are directly proportionate in ways more than one. This is where taking your blog to the next level comes in. If you’ve followed one or more successful blogs, you’ll notice a pattern. Gradually but continually, bloggers add value to their writings. Since content is more important, it’s good to pay attention to it and innovation in design can wait until your blog has good amount of traffic. If you don’t offer new and interesting content regularly, chances are that readers will re-visit a few times, but on realizing the lack of consistency, they’ll drift away. Also, even if the content is top notch but no one knows about it, you won’t have any readers in the fi rst place. There’s very little value—if any—in blogs that merely offer links to other websites and fi le-download servers. When there’s original content, it gets indexed and is valued by search engines. Whether a reader is interested will depend a lot on how the article is written. For blogs featuring fiction stories, even a sad but well-written tale can be a hit. But if you try to put across a lengthy and technical piece packed with jargon into a single post, you might loose the reader midway. In such cases, break it up into chapters, such as ‘Managing terabytes of data in 10 days’. Then each post could be about different types of data. Ranting on a subject that you’re well-versed with can be used to your advantage. Once you've built up a collection of posts, you can
offer a free ebook when a user signs up. Also, whenever you want to detail your readers about something, send them an ebook, there’s added value and they can read it at their own leisure. Send weekly or fortnightly newsletters to subscribers. Speaking of which, there should be simple-to-use email subscription and RSS feeds on your blog so that subscribers can stay updated in the way they choose to be. The idea is to ensure that existing readers come back. Now, it’s time to attract more visitors. Although word-of-mouth and emails to friends and family are effective, social networking can prove to be much more powerful. Join a couple of sites and tell your friends and their friends about the blog. Also, when meeting people, it’s good to be ready with a 30-second description. Not everyone has a very good attention-span, so being able to concisely explain what your blog is about is a great idea. Try not to overdo the promotion, too much of it can backfi re. Here’s a fun way to keep your blog lively. Actively participate on other blogs which involve people who share similar interests. This way you get updates ahd also exchange traffic, which means newer visitors. You can even have your own forums, which will mean continuous interaction amongst readers. The more value you add to your blog, the higher expectations are set, and the more your blog has to consistently be enjoyable.
ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE ON BLOGS WHICH INVOLVE PEOPLE WHO SHARE SIMILAR INTERESTS.
- dushyant.khilnani@chip.in
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
99
HANDS ON DR CHIP
Dr CHIP SEND YOUR QUERIES TO: drchip@chip.in
Sachin Pandit
[Q]
Yahoo entry and remove or disable the
of the burning smell. Inspect the area
SP2 and am using Mozilla Firefox 3.5.2.
blocking. Your Yahoo mails will work
thoroughly for any burnt indications. At
Whenever I try to send my emails
again.
times a new power supply unit (usually
Hi Dr CHIP. I have Windows XP
a lower quality brand) heats up fast and
from Yahoo, an error occurs and it states ‘component returned failure
[Q]
code: 0x805e000a [nsidomlocation.
been a burning smell coming out of my
burning.
replace]’. It also happens with other
computer. I have checked the system
The power supply unit (which is the
Yahoo IDs. This problem has started
temperatures and fan control settings
high voltage area inside a computer
recently. It was perfectly working fine
and they seem to be fine. I am unable
cabinet) is always dusty from the inside.
before. I also have Internet Explorer 6.0
to detect any cause of the burning
Higher moisture levels in the atmosphere
through which I am able to send emails
smell. Please help!
during the rainy season make the dust
Hi Dr CHIP. Recently there has
– Abhay
without any issues. Please tell me how
the varnish coating smells as though it is
moist or damp. This creates sparks and short circuits inside the power supply
to rectify this problem. It is urgent.
[A] Hello Abhay, you need to act fast
unit. Something might be slowly burning
on this problem. Usually a burning smell
inside due to higher heat levels as the
from a computer is not common, but
damp or moist dust becomes a good
a serious issue. There could be several
conductor of electricity. You should
while browsing using Mozilla FireFox, you
reasons for the burning smell
inspect the power supply from inside
might have right-clicked and accidentally
Firstly switch-off all the power to
and clean out the dust after completely
blocked the Yahoo panel from Mozilla’s
the computer and unplug the main
drying the interior of the unit. Make
Adblock. All you would need to do is go
power cable. Use your sense of smell to
sure that the power supply is drained of
to the blocking rules and search for the
locate and zero-in on the exact location
power completely and then handle it as
Thanks. – Shishir Gupta
[A]
Hello Shishir. At some point in time
there are high voltages stored inside the power supply unit even if the unit is not powered. Ask an expert to handle the problem if you are not confident enough and avoid any risk. The similar problem of dust may be possible on the other peripherals such as the motherboard, cards and the memory chips. Make sure you clean the complete cabinet and peripherals inside the case. The possibility of a damaged power connector or wire from the power supply Go to the blocking rules and search for the Yahoo entry and remove or disable the blocking.
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INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
Make sure you clean the whole cabinet, especially the motherboard and power supply unit.
to the motherboard, hard drive or optical drive could be burning or over-heating. If
SMS us! Story code: HDC to 51818
HANDS ON DR CHIP
the cable is damaged or weakly/loosely
might be software such as some versions
connected, this causes very high power
of DivX or Nero burning rom. Try the
to pass through a tiny connection causing
latest versions of DivX, use Nero’s higher
overheating or even sparking and burning.
version, update Windows Service pack
The outer plastic/rubber insulation of the
to the latest, etc. to solve the problem.
cables could be melting and causing the
You will definitely need an internet
burning smell. Inspect every cable and
connection for the updates. Make sure
connector inside the cabinet carefully.
that the system is free from viruses.
The external power cable from the
You can also try uninstalling the DivX
wall unit to the power supply could be
and Nero software completely and
sparking due to a carbon deposit on the
reinstalling a newer version downloaded
connectors. Have these connections
from the Internet. It is recommended to
inspected.
install the Vista Codec Pack to update
Check the monitor for any smell of
all the codec in Windows Vista. In certain
burning. It could be the similar condition
cases, disabling the thumbnail preview
repartition the drive and reformat the
as of the power supply unit.
also helps.
partitions completely. Download a utility
Ensure that the computer is not kept
Use the ‘CHKDSK’ command from the command prompt to scan for bad sectors on the hard drive.
which can scan the entire hard drive for
near a window or in a room that has an
[Q]
air conditioner running on extremely low
my new hard disk. My system has an
try Norton Disk Doctor, HDD regenerator
temperatures especially during the rainy
Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB RAM,
or Hard Drive Test Pilot for scanning the
season.
Nvidia 8600GT Graphics card and 160
drive. As you have mentioned that the
GB HDD. I am using Windows XP SP2.
hard drive is barely five months old, you
Recently I bought a new Seagate 500
should send the hard drive back to the
15 laptop with 2 GHz Intel Core 2
GB HDD (internal SATA drive) around
company or dealer and have it replaced
Duo processor, 250 GB hard disk, 2
five months ago and connected it to
under warranty.
GB memory with MacAfee antivirus
my system. It was basically used for
preloaded. But I didn't update my
my movie collection. I partitioned it
[Q]
antivirus because I do not have an
using my XP bootable CD. The biggest
machine with 1 GB DDR1 memory and
Internet connection available and now
partition was 300 GB and now it is
160 GB hard drive running Windows
I have a problem. The system reports
completely full. Only 5 GB is available
XP service pack 2. Till yesterday my
an error ‘Com surrogate had stopped
as free space. Now I’m receiving errors
machine was working perfectly? But
working ‘ and also ‘Rundll32error
on this drive. I performed a disk check
this morning I have noticed that when
Windows has stopped working’
using default Windows CHKDSK utility.
I press the power button, some lights
whenever I open any folder in my
After restarting, the disk checking
on the cabinet are showing up but
laptop. I need to know the reason for
hangs on the third stage. It passed
the system won’t start. I opened the
the errors and the solution too. You
stage 1 and 2 without any issues.
computer cabinet and found that the
are a great hope for me. Thanks in
When I skip the CHKDSK procedure, it
fans don’t work and neither does the
advance.
works fine, but sometimes the drive
CDROM tray eject. Even the power
hangs again and I have to restart the
supply fan is not spinning. I tried
computer. I tried checking the drive
cleaning all the components, but it still
with TuneUp utilities 2009, but it
won’t start. What could the problem
usually caused due to codecs and other
also crashes at the end of checking. I
be? I suspect the power supply to be
COM components, installed by various
don’t want lose 300 GB worth of data.
dead, but if it is so, then why are some
software, that are not completely
Also backing-up the entire data is not
lights working? Please help.
compatible with Windows Vista. These
possible as I don’t have a spare hard
[Q]
Hi Dr CHIP. I have a Dell Studio
– S. Sathiyamoorthy
[Q]
Hello Sathiya. This problem is
Hi Dr CHIP. I have a problem with
bad sectors and repair them. You can
Hi Dr CHIP. I have a Pentium 4
– Sachin
drive. Are there any other options that I can try? Thanks. – Ifthikhar, Chennai
[A]
Hello Ifthikhar. Your hard drive
seems to be in a bad shape and your data is definitely at high risk. You would need to backup the data as fast as possible. Ask a friend or your office administrators if they can help you in this situation and lend you an external/ internal hard drive for some time. Else This problem is due to codecs and components, installed by various software.
you would have to backup the data to DVDs. Once all the data is backed up,
Test the power supply using a multi-meter and check if the power outputs are correct.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
103
HANDS ON DR CHIP
[A]
Hello Sachin, as you have notified
high. To confirm this, try disconnecting
opting for a DTH connection at home.
that you have cleaned the system from
the monitor from the TV tuner box and
I need a few details from you before I
inside, I am sure that the duct is not a
connect it directly to the computer’s
go ahead to buy one. I need some help
cause for the present problem. I suspect
VGA slot on the graphics adapter or
and information. Is Reliance BIG TV
the power supply too. There is a high
onboard graphics connector of the
going to start Internet service on the
possibility that the power supply is faulty
motherboard. If you get a display, your
DTH network? Will I get HD content if
and not supplying 12 V on the yellow
TV tuner or the cable connecting the
I opt for Reliance BIG TV? Can I use
rails—this is the reason some lights are
TV tuner to the computer could be at
the Reliance STB and get service from
working while the fans are not. To find
fault. If you do not get a display even
TATA or Airtel? Can I connect the STB
the exact problem, I would recommend
after bypassing the TV tuner, then you
to my computer to record programs?
that you test the power supply using
should try cleaning the motherboard,
a multi-meter and check if the power
memory chips and the graphics card and
output is correct. If you don’t have a
try again. If it still does not work after
multi-meter, try using another power
cleaning, then you would need to trouble
supply and check if the system works
shoot the system using different spares.
fine. If it does, you would need to repair
Call a computer engineer and have it
the power supply unit. But as the power
inspected if you do not have spares.
– Jignesh
supply unit is not expensive and can cost a mere Rs 400 to Rs 600, I would advise
[Q] Hello
you to opt for a new one. This is because
hard drive is dead and wont spin up.
a repaired power supply unit could
It is a Seagate 250 GB hard drive and
damage the other components of the
contains a lot of data. Though the data
computer in future and the new power
is not very important, I would still like
supply unit would come along with a two
to retrieve the data. Is there anything
or three year warranty.
I can do?
Dr CHIP. My computer
You can connect the STB to the computer, but you would need a TV tuner card for the input.
– Nisha
[Q]
[A]
Hi Dr CHIP. I have a Core 2 Duo
Hello Jignesh, opting for DTH
processor with 2 GB RAM and 250 GB
connection is a great move, and you will
hard drive. It has Windows XP SP3
not repent for your decision. Reliance
installed. I also have an external TV
BIG TV is definitely going to start
tuner box connected to the computer
Internet services in India using the DTH
for watching cable TV on the same
technology, but it is not yet confirmed.
monitor. I have a major problem and
We still do not have an idea if they are
am very concerned. When I switch on
going to use the same STB hardware
the system, there is no display and the
for Internet or one would need to add or
monitor power light keeps blinking. I
change the hardware at the premises.
think the machine is working properly,
So I cannot answer this question, but
but I am not getting any display. When
you can definitely inquire with Reliance
I switch on the TV tuner box, I am able to watch TV, but the computer does
A dead drive is usually opened and the platters are mounted on a similar drive to rescue the data.
not work. Please help.
viewed using the Reliance STB, but as no channels in India are presently
– Pramod
[A]
BiG TV help desk. HD content can be
Hello Pramod, the possibility of
your computer being faulty working is
[A]
Hello Nisha, there is very little
beaming HD content (except for two
that you can do with a hard drive which
south channels), there is no point of
is dead and cannot be detected. If
thinking about HD for a while.
the hard drive is under warranty, have
You cannot use the STB from one
it replaced, else if you want the data
service provider with another provider’s
to be rescued, you will have to give it
service network. You would need to
to a professional. Repairing the drive
install the STB from another DTH service
would be expensive (depending on the
and install their dish antenna too. You
problem) and rescuing the data would
can connect the STB to the computer
involve a cost which would include the
and record programs, but you would
cost of repairing the drive. You should
require a TV tuner card for the input on
get an estimate for the same and
the computer.
then decide. Get a computer service technician to help you with the needful.
Install a TV tuner card and connect the STB’s AV cable or RF cable to the TV tuner and run the program to capture
[Q] Try disconnecting the monitor from the TV tuner and connect it directly to the computer’s VGA port.
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INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
Hello Dr CHIP. I have read
and save it. TATA Sky+ has a built-in
through your article about the DTH
recording feature which does not need
services in India and liked it a lot. I am
a computer to be connected. It has a
HANDS ON DR CHIP
built-in hard drive which can record and save the programs. Why don’t you opt for one? Reliance BIG TV also has a similar option with their STBs.
[Q]
Hello Dr CHIP. I have a computer
at home and it has Windows XP on it. My brother is a very inquisitive person and always keeps cracking my passwords and uses my computer. How can I prevent him from doing so? Please guide me with some tricks. – Shridhar Sawant
Install an external IR filter in front of the camera lens if you have misplaced the original filter.
[A]
Hello Rahul. You cannot use the
hacked camera in broad daylight as
A laptop cannot usually be upgraded in any aspect (except for the RAM and hard drive).
increase the performance of the laptop by upgrading the hardware.
the camera is very sensitive to IR light and daylight has a higher intensity of IR
[Q]
rays. The camera will give out washed
upgrade my system. My budget is
out images. You need to install the filter
Rs. 15,000. Which parts of which
back again. But if you have lost the IR
specification should I buy, so that I
filter, there is very little possibility of
can use it for playing new games and
getting one in the market.
internet use?
Hello Dr CHIP. I want to
The only way you can get one is to
– Godwin Joel
hunt for a similar camera in the scrap Use a password in the BIOS to prevent intrusions. This can even prevent the system from booting.
market and remove the IR filter from it
[A]
and mount it on your camera. Another
specify the present configuration of
Hello Godwin. You need to
way is to install an external IR filter in
your computer in order to judge which
Hello Shridhar. As there are a
front of the camera lens. IR filters are
parts need an upgrade. But casually
lot of utilities available to crack the
available, but are large in size and are
speaking, usually the motherboard, CPU
Windows password in the pirated
also expensive. I would recommend
and memory are the ones that need
zone on the internet, I would advise
you to buy another camera rather than
upgrading.
you to install a password in the BIOS
spending on the filter. Another cheap
itself. If you install a password in your
alternative is to step down to your local
with 1 GB memory should suffice for
motherboards BIOS, he would not be
spectacle shop and ask him to provide
Internet surfing. But when gaming is
able to crack the password with ease
you with waste IR lenses or filter glasses.
concerned, it would depend on your
unless he opens the computer cabinet
You would need to cut this IR glass to
present configuration because depending
and removes the battery or resets
size and figure out a way to mount it
on your configuration and motherboard
the password by clearing the CMOS
whether behind the lens or in front of it.
specifications, a graphics card can be
using the jumper. For this, you would
All the very best!
installed for a gaming performance.
Newer cabinets have the feature where
[Q]
[Q]
you can lock the computer cabinet to
customized further for better gaming
motherboard is suitable for the
prevent such cases and even thefts.
performance?
AMD ATHLON X2 7750 BE processor?
[A]
Opting for a basic Intel Core 2 Duo
need to physically lock the computer. Hello Dr CHIP. Can a laptop be
– Niraj Pal
[Q]
Hello Dr CHIP. I referred to the
Hello Dr CHIP. Which
I have shortlisted Gigabyte GA-MA78-US2H and Asus M3N-78.
workshop in CHIP which helps make
[A]
a regular webcam into an IR camera
would be a yes and a no. Yes would be
whereas Gigabyte provides ATI
for night vision. It was fantastic and I
that there are possibilities by heavily
RADEON chipset, but Gigabyte has
am having fun with the workshop. But
tweaking your operating system and
got lot more features than Asus?
now I am in trouble. I need to use the
make it perform faster. But games that
Please help and reply soon because I
web camera in my balcony and during
would require a graphics card would not
am planning to buy one. Thank you.
the day I cannot get any images at all.
run anyways.
I thought of replacing the IR filter back
Hello Niraj. In this case the answer
Asus provides NVIDIA chipset
– Mangesh Barde
A laptop cannot be upgraded in any
again in the camera, but I have lost
aspect (except for the memory and
[A]
the filter. What can I do now? Where
hard drive). Hence you cannot install
you to opt for the Gigabyte GA78-US2H
can I get a filter? Is there any other
a graphics card and make the laptop
motherboard.
alternative?
perform as a gaming computer. I would – Rahul Mani
Hello Mangesh. I would advise
— Send your queries to Francis D'Sa
say that you cannot do anything to
at drchip@chip.in
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
105
HAND HA HANDS D S ON ON
W RK WO WORKSHOP KSH SHOP
Selective Monochrome Make your pictures stand out by coloring only the elements that need to be portrayed while greying out the rest. BY SANDEEP BALACHANDRAN
hen it comes to expressing
W
that the colors stand out. But if you need
| Adjustments | Selective Color”. The
yourself via pictures, color
to remove small unwanted specks from
picture chosen in this workshop had very
plays an important role at
the picture you can make use of the
subtle yellows while the blacks looked
capturing and drawing people’s attention.
Clone stamp tool by selecting the tool
light grey. Selective Color allows you to
How you present your pictures makes
on the left or by using shortcut key “S”.
make changes only to the color that has
a lot of difference. This method is best
Now by keeping “ALT” pressed select
been chosen from the drop down menu.
used when you want to attract the
an area on the picture similar to specks
So if you are working on yellows, select
viewer’s attention to particular areas
surrounding. Let go of the “ALT” key
yellow from the menu and move the
of the image while greying out the rest.
and move the mouse over particle that
slider towards the positive direction to
Layer masks play an important part here
needs to be removed. You can increase/
highlight the yellows. The same applies
since they allow you to color the area
decrease the size of the Stamp Tool by
to all other colors, but you will need to
that you want to highlight, which needs
clicking the left or right square bracket.
mix and match the colors for some time to get the final outcome you feel is best
to be controlled with the precision that only a brush can provide. Certain adjustments need to be made
Step 1: Levels
for the picture. After you have made
We will now need to enhance the overall
adjustments click on “OK”.
to make the overall picture stand out.
image by adjusting the color levels. To
The selective color tool basically allows
do this click on “Image | Adjustments |
Step 2: Layers
you to make fine changes to specific
Auto Levels”. To be able to highlight color
Double click the thumbnail image named
colors. Before starting we’ll need to
of your choice even further choose the
background in the “Layers” palette to
correct the overall picture to make sure
Selective color mode by going to “Image
convert it into a workable image. You
ADJUSTING COLOR LEVELS AND ADDING LAYERS STEP 1
106
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
STEP 2
SMS us! Story code: HSM to 57007
HANDS ON
WORKSHOP
MAKING FINE ADJUSTMENTS AND MASKING STEP 5
STEP 6
STEP 7
FINAL IMAGE
could either rename the layer or leave it
Step 4: Brush tweaking
brush though the required parts of the
unchanged as “Layer 0”. Now, right click
Choose the black and white image and
image till you achieve what you set out
on the newly created layer and select
select the “Layer mask thumbnail” that
to do. To make things easier zoom in
“Duplicate layer”. This will allow you to
was just created. Change the foreground
when painting over the desired object.
work on your image without damaging
color to black and select the brush
the original. You can save a copy as a
tool. Choose a hard round brush from
somewhat like the image shown above.
backup for good measure.
the list of brushes and uncheck “Shape
Now that you know how to make a
dynamics”. You can also make use of
partial monochrome image, go ahead –
Step 3: Adjustments
the short cut button “F5”. Note: Brush
experiment and see how your pictures
Remember that we need to convert
size can be increased or decreased by
turn out. Keep in mind that this is best
a good percentage of the image into
toggling between the square brackets.
used when you want to highlight a
black and white. To do this go to “Image
Once done your picture should look
particular scene especially when there is
| Adjustments | Hue and Saturation”.
Step 5: Masking
Select the colorize box and enter 221
After you have selected the brush and
for Hue and slide the saturation level to
defined its size, carefully paint over the
painting your picture. You can use the
5. Or you could simply choose “Image |
areas that needs to be highlighted. If
lasso tool or even the pen tool which
Adjustments | Black & White”. Click on
you paint over an undesired location all
is the most effective way of making a
“Auto” to make the necessary changes.
you need to do is swap the foreground
selection. For the Pen tool you will need
Now add a layer mask to the black and
color with white. To do that, simply click
to click on “Paths” once done tracing
white image by selecting “Layer | Layer
on the Swap button placed just over the
around the highlight object, right click
mask | Reveal all”. This is needed since
foreground/background swatch palette.
on “Work path”, and follow the same
we will be bringing back color to certain
Remember in layer masks black conceals
process as given above.
parts of the image.
and white reveals. Keep running your
a whole lot of color in the image. There are a couple of other ways of
– sandeep.balachandran@chip.in
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
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107
HANDS ON
WORKSHOP
Wi-fi Heatmapper Analyze Wi-Fi signal strengths and make necessary adjustments to enhance network coverage. This free tool will display the best location for your WLAN router. BY NIELS HELD
S
ome of us who connect via a
or netbook. Start the tool and
a continuous line on the layout. End the
router often face problems such
select “I have a map image”. Now
walk by right clicking on the point you
as slow data transmissions
select the layout of your building
are currently standing on. You can undo
and load it in HeatMapper.
the last step using the ‘Undo Survey”
and connection disruptions. All these problems point towards a badly situated
Now if you don’t have an image or
router. With the Ekahau HeatMapper you
map of your apartment simply select
tab in case you misclicked.
can find the best installation locations
“I don’t have a map image”. The
found routers with details like names,
to cover all rooms with radio signals in
software should now show a grid layout
SSID, channel number or encryption
the best possible manner. The software
with the centre point being your router
on the map and show where the
also shows the security settings of all
access point.
reception of devices is the strongest
HeatMapper will now position the
with the help of color gradations from
access points within the range making it
Step 2
green to red. The device currently
Place your router possibly at a place
having the best connection with the
the tool since the tool itself requires
from where you often access your
Laptop is marked green. Once you
you to be mobile to be able to measure
WLAN such as the living room or
are done marking the signal strengths
signal strengths in different parts of the
bedroom. Now connect the router to
around your house save the overview
room. Also, it is recommended to import
the socket; an internet connection
map by clicking “Take Screenshot”.
the blueprints or layout of the building
need not be established as of now.
into the program in order to simplify
It is best to start testing along with
Step 3
the measurement. The HeatMapper
the laptop in the corner of the house
You can now optimize the location
alternatively shows the measurement
or apartment. Click on the map
of your router with the help of the
results and router location on a grid. CHIP
where you are currently standing
reception map. The map basically
tells you how to optimize your WLAN
in-order to start the measurement.
helps you analyze the signals and setup
ideal to trace unsafe and new networks. A laptop is compulsory when using
using this software. But before we start
Now walk slowly into the next corner
access points wherever you find the
you will need to download this free utility
of the building. Keep clicking on your
signals to be weak. The red areas on the
from www.ekahau.com. You will find this
current location continuously while
map show where the reception is bad.
tool under the products section.
walking. Walk to all rooms so as to draw
You can improve on the reception by moving the router around till you get a
STEP 1
green bar.
Install the software on your laptop
108
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INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
– feedback@chip.in
SMS us! Story code: HWH to 51818
HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
Tips & Tricks NOVEMBER 2009
SHARE YOUR TIPS. Write to: tnt@chip.in
Sachin Pandit
TIP OF THE MONTH Excel XP, 2003, 2007 ADJUSTING DIAGRAMS AND TABLE VALUES EASILY WITH THE MOUSE One of the benefits of a spreadsheet is that you can create diagrams out of just column of figures. However, changing the height of the bars can only be done by manipulating the data and that too in a complicated way. There’s also another way to do it: You can vary the diagram values with the mouse as well—Excel aligns the underlying data automatically to the changed graphic. First of all, click on the diagram to focus on that particular object. Subsequently, click successively (not a double click) on the column whose height needs to be changed. You need to do that because all columns are selected after the first click. Now position the mouse pointer on the upper edge of the column. As soon as the curser changes into an up-and-down arrow, keep the left mouse button pressed. You can now change the height of the column using the mouse. Only experimenting will tell you the positions at which you can move and change the individual elements with the mouse in the various diagram types. While the anchor point in case of the columns of a bar diagram lies in the centre of the upper edge, you need to get the individual segments at the external corners in case of a pie chart or a circular diagram for instance.
WINDOWS
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1.
Windows XP, Vista, 7
Avoiding auto-installation of updates while shutting down the machine
2.
Windows 7
Using your own picture as the background of the login-dialog
3.
Windows XP, Vista
Having the Recycle Bin handy despite a full Desktop
4.
Windows Vista
Present thumbnails in directories as filmstrips
5.
Windows XP, Vista
Faster access to the Control panel
6.
Windows Vista
Customizing folder templates in Windows Explorer
7.
Windows XP, Vista
Testing your PC for compatibility with Windows 7
8.
Windows XP, Vista
Translating error messages in comprehensible clear text
9.
Windows XP
Starting the System Console window immediately in a practical size
APPLICATIONS
113
10. Excel XP, 2003, 2007
Checking results and formulas more easily
11. Office 2007
Finding commands faster through usual classic menus
12. Outlook 2003, 2007
Defining a preset size and color for notes
13. Word XP, 2003, 2007
Duplicating certain text parts of a document faster
14. Excel XP, 2003, 2007
Using the Find and Replace function only for text contents
15. Panorama photography
Optimally tuning wide angled photos with panorama stands
16. Picture Optimization
Optimizing boring picture compositions
17. Digital photography
Conjuring up a dynamic zoom-effect in the photo
18. Internet Explorer 8
Enabling more than six parallel downloads
HARDWARE 19. IBM / Lenovo ThinkPad
117 Resetting a forgotten TPM-password in BIOS
20. Working memory under 32-bit Using the full four GB RAM under Windows Vista 32-bit
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INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
SMS us! Story code: HTT to 51818
HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS WINDOWS
with ‘Accept’ and ‘OK’. After another click Unlike in XP and Vista, in Windows
1
on ‘Yes’ you can create the sub-folder ‘\
Windows XP, Vista, 7
7, you can change the background
backgrounds’ and copy the JPG-pictures
Avoiding auto-installation of
without having to use any external
there.
updates while shutting down
software. For that, you must activate a
the machine
From the next login, Windows 7 will
function in the registry and then integrate
greet you a background picture of your
a photo of a suitable size.
own choice.
On a notebook it is better to decide
ACTIVATING A FUNCTION: First,
yourself when Windows should install
enter ‘regedit’ in the search field of the
the available updates. The best time
Start Menu and press Enter. Now confirm
would be when it is back to the power
the question regarding the user account
supply from the electric socket. You
administration with ‘Yes’ and navigate to
should therefore change the standard
the key
The Recycle Bin serves the purpose
option, so that you do not have to wait
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
of deleting files using Drag&Drop. But
for the installation to be done when
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
there is something annoying about it:
you shut down your computer.
Authentication\LogonUI\Background’.
the view of the Desktop must be free,
On the right side in the window, This can be done by creating
Windows XP, Vista Having the Recycle Bin handy despite a full Desktop
so that the recycle bin is accessible.
search for the value ‘OEMBackground’. If
an additional registry entry. For that,
that is not available, create it using ‘Edit
open ‘Start | Run’, enter ‘regedit’ and
| New | DWORD-value’. Double-click on
click on ‘OK’. In Vista or Windows 7, it
the new entry to edit, change its ‘value’
is enough to just type the command
to ‘1’ and confirm with ‘OK’. Then close
in the search field of the Start Menu
the registry.
and press enter. In the Editor, navigate
PREPARING THE PHOTO: Windows
to the key ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER\
uses the file ‘backgroundDefault.jpg’
Software\Policies\ Microsoft\Windows\
as the background picture and scales
WindowsUpdate\AU’. If the last sub-keys
it to the current screen resolution, as
are still not available, create these with
long as no other file is available in the
‘Edit | New | Key’. Then click in the right
suitable pixel format. The files for special
side of the window and select ‘Edit |
formats must be in the form ‘background
New | DWORD value’. Enter the name
1024x768.jpg’. Here, the file names should
‘NoAU AsDefaultShutdownOption’ and
include both values of the screen size.
then press [Enter].
The best option is to edit the different
To edit, double-click on the new entry.
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3
You will be able to access the shortcut to the Recycle Bin even when windows are maximized.
Integrate the Recycle Bin in the
image versions using a graphics program.
Change the ‘Value’ in ‘1’ and confirm it
While doing so, take care that the
always visible, left-side of the quick-
with ‘OK’. This thus prevents Windows
maximum file size does not exceed 256
launch bar. This way, you will always
from automatically selecting the option
Kb. If required, reduce the image quality
have access to it. If the bar is hidden,
‘Install updates and Shut down’. Set the
of the JPG-file.
right-click on a free area in the taskbar
value to ‘0’, if you wish to activate this
COPYING IN THE SYSTEM FOLDER:
and activate ‘Toolbars | Quick Launch’.
option again later.
Now copy the edited JPG-files in the
Minimize all opened windows by pressing
NOTE: the displayed entry changes the
actual folder meant for OEM-providers
[Win]+[D], select the Recycle Bin and
setting only for the current user. If the
‘%windir% n\system32\oobe\info\
drag it to the quick-launch bar by keeping
configuration should be applicable to all
backgrounds’. Since this is not available
the mouse key pressed. After letting go
users, enter the same new DWORD value
in most systems, you need to create it.
of the mouse key, Windows integrates a
as described also in the Registry key
For that, and to copy the files, you need
shortcut of the Recycle Bin.
‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\
writing rights.
To delete a file, drag it to the symbol
Policies\Microsoft\Windows\
Therefore, open Windows Explorer
in the quick-launch bar. While doing so
WindowsUpdate\AU’. Then close the
with administrator rights by entering
however, you must take care that the
registry. The new setting is only effective
‘explorer’ in the input field of the Start
mouse key is released exactly above the
after you restart the computer once.
Menu, right-click on the program entry
Recycle Bin, or else an additional short-
and then open ‘Run as administrator’
cut will be created in the quick launch
Windows 7
from the context menu. In Explorer,
bar. The pointer should thus not have an
Using your own picture as the
navigate to the folder ‘%windir%\
additional plus-sign before the mouse
background of the login-dialog
system32\oobe\info’. Right-click on
key is release.
2
it, open ‘Properties’ and switch to the Instead of the regular Windows
‘Security’ tab. There, click on ‘Edit’ and
background, you would like to use one
mark ‘Administrators’ as the group or
of your own pictures right at the time
user names. Activate the Option ‘Allow’
of login.
in the line ‘Complete access’ and confirm
4
Windows Vista Present thumbnails in directories as filmstrips
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
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HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
4
Menu Properties’ dialog, the option
QUICK TIPS
‘Start menu’ is selected, then the dialog ‘Customize Start Menu’ opens. Search
EDITING GUIDELINES With ‘Start | Run’, tye ‘secpol.msc’ and a click on ‘OK’, in the XP Professional Version, open ‘Local Security settings’ to customize them.
the ‘Control Panel’ entry in Vista in the list in the upper half of the dialog. In Windows XP, you will find the entry in the tab ‘Advanced’ in the list ‘Start Menu
A registry value in Vista adds a frame to thumbnails of graphics and photo files if desired.
You wish to give your Windows system an individual touch and hence are wondering if you could give your small preview pictures, your graphics and digital photos, the ‘Thumbnails’, an unusual frame. Of course you can! You can actually you’re your thumbnails an unusual frame. For that, start the registry editor, by typing ‘regedit’ in the search field of the Start Menu and pressing [Enter]. In the tree structure, navigate to the key ‘HKEY_CLASSES_
CREATING A PATH USING A COMMAND
elements’.
With the command ‘md’ (make directory) to create new folders, you can also set up entire paths, e.g. ‘md c:\today\test’.
between the options ‘Display as menu’,
TURNING OFF THE SOUND WHEN BOOTING
use the Control Menu as a sub-menu of
Right-click on the loudspeaker icon in the notification area, then on ‘Sounds’ and deactivate ‘Play Windows Start sound’.
option corresponds to the usual behavior
Under this entry, you can select ‘Display as a link’ and ‘Never display’. Activate the first mentioned option to the Start Menu henceforth. The second of the Control Panel, while the third option completely removes the Control Panel from the Start Menu. Confirm
OPENING SEVERAL PROGRAMS
your choice with ‘OK’. The change is immediately effective.
Keep [Shift] pressed in the start menu before the first selection in a sub-menu. Then the selection of further applications is possible.
6
Windows Vista Customizing folder templates in Windows Explorer
CLASSIC START MENU FOR WINDOWS 7
Vista tries to identify automatically as
Right click the taskbar and select properties and select ‘Use small icons’ and choose ‘Never combine’ under taskbar buttons.
to which type of files a folder contains. Then it displays this with the suitable
ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image’.
template, e.g. in the form of miniature
On the right side, there is a value called
pictures for photos. But that doesn’t
‘Treatment’. If that is not there, create it with ‘Edit | New | DWORD-value (32-Bit)’.
always work. You can access the individual
Then open the entry by double-clicking.
programs directly from the Start Menu.
In the following dialog, ‘Edit DWORD
For that, right-click on ‘Start’ and select
customize the template for presenting
value (32-Bit)’, enter one of the following
‘Properties’. Then in the ‘Taskbar and
the folder content. For that, right-click
values, with which, you can determine
Start Menu Properties’ dialog, click on
on the folder and select the context
the different types of frames for the
‘Customize’ in the ‘Start Menu’ tab. If
command ‘Properties’. Switch to the
thumbnails.
you are using the classic Start Menu, in
‘Customize’ tab. In the combination field
Vista, set a checkmark in the following
‘Use this folder type as template’ and
frame with holes like that of a filmstrip –
dialog in ‘Advanced Start Menu options’
now change the setting to ‘Pictures and
that the most extravagant design option.
before ‘Expand Control Panel’ or in XP
Videos’, for example. Besides, you can
The option ‘2’ is a simple frame and
before ‘Open Control panel’ to activate
activate the option ‘Apply template for
option ‘1’ is a hardly visible, narrow frame.
the concerned option. Confirm this
all sub-folders’. You can thus apply this
with ‘OK’. If in the ‘Taskbar and Start
template to the entire following folder
The option ‘3’ gives your thumbnails a
If you do not want any frames, under ‘value’ enter a ‘0’ or delete ‘Treatment’.
In Explorer, you can quickly
5
Confirm with ‘OK’ and close the registry
6
editor with ‘File | Exit’. Windows will display desired frames from now on without restarting the computer.
5
Windows XP, Vista Faster access to the Control panel
You always access applications in the Control Panel. Irrespective of which program you open, the path to the control panel is always through a separate window which can be tedious.
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Pin the Control Panel to the Start menu to access important programs in a jiffy.
In the “Properties” of a directory, determine which templates Windows should use.
HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
structure. Confirm the setting with a
7
mouse click on ‘Accept’ and ‘OK’. If Windows should not allocate the
b7fc-09e02a13696c&displaylang=en’. Extract the archive and install the tool. Error Messages is immediately ready to
templates independently, then you can
use. The question takes place based on
switch of this setting for all new folders
the internally stored information, so that
using the registry.
an Internet connection is not required.
For that, open ‘Run’ in the start menu,
Activate the tab ‘Lookup’ and enter the
enter ‘regedit’ and click on ‘OK’. Navigate
five-digit error number in the ‘Error Code’
to the key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\
field. The explanation is given under this.
Software\Classes\LocalSettings\ Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\
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Bags. If you don’t find the folder ‘Bags’ create it by right clicking on ‘Shell’ and navigate to ‘New | Key’ and name it ‘Bags’. Now do the same by right
Windows XP Starting the System Console window immediately in a
The Microsoft Upgrade Advisor shows which components are too weak for Windows 7.
practical size
clicking on ‘Bags’ and create a key called
these are included in the test. First click
Windows opens the windows of
‘AllFolders’. Similarly, create the sub-
on ‘Start check’ and wait a few minutes
important system consoles, e.g. the
key ‘shell’ in the directory and leave it
till the result is there.
Computer Administration or the system
selected. Then click on the right side of the
The advisor gives information
services in a very small size. So you
regarding the compatibility and possible
have to drag and enlarge the window
window and start the command ‘Edit |
problems in the columns ‘System
every time. That is certainly not clear
New | Character String’. As the name,
Requirements’, ‘Devices’ and ‘Programs’.
and in keeping with times.
type ‘FolderType’ and confirm the entry
Besides, it recommends steps that help
with a click on ‘OK’. To edit, double-click
overcome difficulties. Thus, for example,
on the new entry. As the value, now enter
a direct upgrade is not possible from
consoles, there is no option to save the
‘NotSpecified’ and click on ‘OK’. Then
an XP-computer. Instead, Windows 7
window settings. With a trick however
close the registry.
must be re-installed. A backup of My
it can be done. Open ‘Run’ in the Start
Documents is thus mandatory.
Menu, enter ‘mmc’ and click on ‘OK’.
Henceforth, the operating system no longer tries to independently identify the
To check the further executed tests,
In the view settings of the
In the Microsoft Management Console
type of contained files in newly opened
click ‘See all system requirements’ or
directories. Contents identified once and
‘See all devices’. Using the button ‘Save
the user-defined settings remain intact,
report’, you can export the test results to
the four last used system dialogs. For
so that you can continue working with
an HTML file for later checking. For that,
example, to customize the window
the templates.
change the file type in the Save dialog to
for the computer management, select
‘Web page complete (*.htm; *.html)’ and
the entry that ends with ‘compmgmt.
Windows XP, Vista
click on’ Save’.
msc’. ‘services.msc’ opens the system
Testing your PC for
NOTE: The links in the dialog do not
services; ‘devmgmt.msc’ opens the
compatibility with Windows 7
always function correctly, but sometimes
Device Manager. Should the desired
lead only to the storage folder of the
system dialog not be available, you can
Even though Windows 7 is supposed
tool. The driver search must be thus
start the relevant MSC-file through the
to have a reasonable resource
carried out personally on the Internet.
‘Open’-dialog.
7
requirement, you would rather test whether your somewhat old notebook is fit for the new Windows at all.
window, now open the menu ‘File’. Here, you will find references to
Now change the size and position
8
Windows XP, Vista
of the respective program window as
Translating error messages in
you wish and close the dialog. Confirm
comprehensible clear text
the enquiry with ‘Yes’. It can also be
As before for Vista, Microsoft
that a note offers the update to a new
also offers an ‘Upgrade Advisor’ for the
In case of a system error, Windows
version for this console file. Confirm this
new Windows for free, with which you
usually delivers cryptic numbers, which
question with ‘Yes’ as well. Henceforth,
can test the system for its suitability for
hardly help any further to look for the
every customized dialog starts with the
Windows 7. The program is still in the
error. A search for the error on the
new settings.
beta phase, but is running stable.
Internet is thus often a tedious affair.
APPLICATIONS
To be able to use it you will need to install the .NET Framework 2.0. First
The freeware ‘MS Windows
extract the Zip-Archive and open the
Error Messages’ helps understand an
contained MSI-Installer packet. Then you
error quickly and offers all explanations
can directly start the tool. Before further
regarding the error codes.
analysis, ensure that you have connected
You can download this tool from ‘http://
10
Excel XP, 2003, 2007 Checking results and formulas more easily
and switched on all the important
www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.
In a comprehensive calculation, you
external devices to the computer, so that
aspx?familyid=be596899-7bb8-4208-
want it to be easier to identify as to INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
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HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
which values are a result of formulas
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QUICK TIPS
and which data has been entered. Besides, you want to quickly verify, how formatting the formulas affect the results.
EDITING SEVRAL ROWS IN A CELL To write several rows in cells in calculation tables of OpenOffice, press [Ctrl]+[Enter] to change rows unlike in Excel.
The editing toolbar shows the
ACTIVATING A SEARCH FIELD WITH A KEY
formula saved in the active cell. If you want excel to display all formulas of a worksheet at the same time, open ‘Tools | Formula Auditing | Formula Auditing Mode’. This mode can also be activated using the key combination [Ctrl]+[`],
In Firefox, [Ctrl]+[K] sets the cursor in the search field on top-right, so that you can immediately type your search query in the Google search filed.
which can also help you switch back to
QUICKLY HIDING THE MENU BAR
the normal view.
To hide the multi-function toolbar in Office 2007, press the key combination [Ctrl]+[F1] or double-click on the currently active menu tab. Repeat to show it again.
To be able to check all calculations effectively you will need to view the formulas and their results at the same time. For that, you use two windows one below the other with a view of the same calculation. Close all still open worksheets.
DEFINING A STANDARD FONT Open the command ‘Format | Font’, in Word and select the desired settings and then click on ‘Default’ on the left.
The free tool UBitMenu integrates the menus from the old versions in the latest Office programs.
the new Ribbon-command toolbars. The freeware can be downloaded from ‘http://www.ubit.ch/software/ubitmenulanguages’ – giving you the option of additionally integrating the usual menu structure in new multi-function toolbar. This method is recommended, since you do not need to hide any menu points and
Keep the cursor at the beginning of
ROUNDING UP TIME DETAILS
the current table and open ‘Window |
With ‘=ROUND(A1*96;)/96’ you can round up your time in Excel, e.g. to calculate work timings including the next 15 minutes.
New Window’. To arrange both views, select the ‘Window | Compare Side by Side with…’. In Excel 2007, switch to the Ribbon ‘View’ and click on ‘New
CODEC RETROFITTING
Window’ and ‘Arrange all’. Select the
You can optimize Windows Media Player by downloading a codec from ‘http://www. microsoft.com/downloads/details. aspx?familyid=06fcaab7-dcc9-466b-b0c404db144bb601&displaylang=en’.
option ‘Horizontal’ and confirm with ‘OK’. Then click on the button ‘Compare side by side with’. Then click in one of the two display windows and press the key
at the same time, you can use the new operation method. If you do not find the command you are looking for, you can simply make way for the known menus. After the download, close all Officeprograms and install the program. The tool is an add-in, which is integrated as a general template. From the next program start, you will the additional Ribbon ‘Menu’ in all Office programs in the multi-function toolbar. With that
combination [Ctrl]+[`], to display the formulas there. Every action in a Window
CAUTION: As far as possible, do not
you can access the usual structure of
is automatically visible in the adjacent
close the checking ‘Close side by side’.
menus and toolbars. When you later no
window so that you can always compare
This changes the window arrangement,
longer require the menu help, it can be
the same section. To control the
but leaves the second window open. It is
easily removed from the Control Panel in
action, you can activate or deactivate
better to close one of the two windows,
Windows later.
the scrolling of the other table in the
so that the original worksheet is viewable
displayed toolbar ‘Compare side by side
in full size again. Then save the changed
with’ using the button ‘Synchronous
data, since you have only closed the
scrolling’. Editing of values or formulas is
viewing copy till now.
12
Outlook 2003, 2007 Defining a preset size and color for notes
possible in both windows.
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11
Office 2007
When creating a new note, the
Finding commands faster
application opens a tiny window – too
through usual classic menus
small to edit anything. So, an extra action is always required to increase
After the switch to Office 2007,
its size with a mouse which can be very
many users are irritated with the new
annoying.
operation of the multifunction toolbar. To avoid the tedious search for a
With a few actions, you can create
command, you would like to use the
a template, which can later be used
usual old menus at least temporarily.
instead of the standard note. For this, create an empty note through ‘File | New
Microsoft did not provide Excel can display two views of a table at the same time. This helps in editing and checking formulas.
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| Note’ and change its size to suit your
any option in the new Office to use
requirement. You can also assign a new
the menus established over several
color, by clicking on the note symbol on
generations of programs along with
the left in the title-bar and opening the
HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
system menu and selecting a ‘Color’.
13
Alternatively, select ‘Tools | Options |
expressions in the formulas. To avoid this, before replacing, open ‘Edit | Go to’.
Note Options’. Outlook now offers five
Then click on ‘Special’ and select the
colors and three prescribed sizes as well
option ‘Constants’. This selects all cells
as other fonts for the notes.
that do not contain any formulas. Now
TIP: In Outlook 2007, you can only
you can deactivate the individual check
select the note color and through the
boxes under it – ‘Numbers’, ‘Text’, ‘Actual
‘Categorization’ of notes.
values’ or ‘Errors’, to further restrict the
If the given options are not enough,
selection. Confirm with ‘OK’. Now you can
open the system menu in a note,
execute the desired task.
select ‘Save as’ and in the following
BACKGROUND: The table calculation
dialog under ‘File type’ select the entry
replaces key words in formulas with
‘Outlook-template (*.oft)’. Then assign another name and click on ‘Save’. To use your own template,
the ‘Find & Replace’-function without With the help of a link, you can copy a selected text area quickly.
any warning. This, at best, causes error messages to appear, in worst case,
open ‘File | New | Select form’. In the
another area. First write the desired text
unnoticed, wrong results. For example,
dialog of the same name, activate the
on the first page and manually enter a
if you wish to replace the term ‘Number’
entry ‘Templates in file system’ in
page-break in the end with [Ctrl]+[Enter].
with ‘Numbers’, this also replaces the
‘Search in’ and then double-click on the
On the second page, enter the different
function ‘NUMBER’, which you have
entry that you have created.
text parts like headers and footers. Then
possibly used in a formula. The situation
on the first page, select the text to be
gets more critical, if you wish to replace
opening of the template, if you define a
copied and copy it to the clipboard. On
‘and’ with ‘or’ in the text. This also
shortcut to it in the links area of Outlook.
the second page, select the command
changes the logical function ‘AND’ or ‘OR’
For that, you will require the path to the
‘Edit | Paste’. In this field, select the type
in formulas and give the wrong results, or
directory, in which the template is saved.
‘Rich Text Format (RTF)’ and click on
perhaps no result at all – or only after its
You can find out the path as follows: in
the ‘Paste link’ option next to it. After
too late.
the combination field ‘Search in’ of the
the confirmation with ‘OK’, Word creates
dialog ‘Select Form’, select the entry
a field, which reproduces the original
‘Templates in the file system’. Now you
content as it is and usually updates it
can read the path in the field directly
automatically with a slight delay.
You can considerably speed up the
under the combination field. Start Windows Explorer with
15
Panorama photography Optimally tuning wide angled photos with panorama stands
In Word 2007, click on the menu ‘Start’ and then in the multi-function toolbar on
As a big fan of panorama pictures, you
[Win]+[E] and navigate in the said
the arrow under ‘Paste’, to execute the
have concluded that sometimes it is
directory. In the folder options under
command ‘Paste’.
very difficult to put pictures together
‘View | Advanced Settings’ you might
NOTE: For the next texts take care
to form a panorama. Especially when
need to first activate the display of
that changes to the source text are
the photographed objects are relatively
hidden files and directories with the help
made within the source area of the
close to the camera.
of the option ‘Show all files and folders’.
link. Besides, you must not make any
Then click on the template you have
changes in the linked section, which
saved, keep the left mouse key pressed
can be identified with the grey of the
When you are taking individual pictures
and drag the entry in Outlook to the title
border, since these are automatically
for a panorama, and for that, using
‘Links’ in the navigation area. As soon
overwritten. In the context menu of the
your body axis as the pivot, objects
as a small plus-sign appears, let go of
linked area, you can manually ‘Update
in the depth of the photos appear to
the mouse key. The new link has been
the links’ or make other settings through
have varying distances next to each
created.
‘Linked document object | Links’.
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Word XP, 2003, 2007 Duplicating certain text parts of a document faster
14
Excel XP, 2003, 2007 function only for text contents
Just like Word, the table calculation
same contents, with slight changes in
offers a function to Find and Replace
the details – for example signatures
terms. After you have changed a few
– to be able to send them to two
words on a worksheet, the formulas
different recipients. The Mail Merge
compiled before with much effort cease
function would be too much for that.
to work and give wrong results.
Using a link, you can make every
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Using the Find and Replace
You want your documents to have the
text change get copied automatically in
The culprit is the parallax shifting.
Perhaps you have not only changed the text contents, but also
When photographing individual frames for a panorama, a special panoramic stand is helpful.
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other. Correspondingly, it is difficult to
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position them on one another while superimposing them in the photo editing.
Outside, only blurred stripes, and a sharp main focus in the center: especially in sports photography, such
This effect can be prevented using a
techniques add enormous speed. How
special panorama stand. Thus, the pivot
do we create this effect?
can be the so-called nodal-point. When adjusted correctly, the parallax shifting
Zoom effects are fascinating. They
can be avoided fro closer subjects in the
emerge when the focal length changes
photo as well.
while capturing the subject. Since the
The nodal-point is different depending
eye does not find any stop in the blurred
on the camera; its position depends on
areas, the viewers eye inevitably goes to
the focal length. Usually, it is somewhat
the sharp part of the photo. But the eye
in the middle of the lens. Therefore, the pivot of the panorama stand is not fixed in the area of the camera body thread,
hardly stays there, because the many Simple errors or miscalculations can be covered up with software.
diagonals created in the photo created by the effect also create incessant
but can be freely moved in a wide area.
background. This can be managed easily:
movement and thus suggest a lot of
While setting up, a lens with a fixed focal
simply squat and then take a picture of
restlessness. You can create the effect
length is advantageous. So, the following
the bird against the sky.
either directly while photographing or
setting has to done only once. After
OPTIMIZING ON THE PC: The picture
add it later to any picture.
mounting the camera on the stand first
can be edited very well with the help of
WITH THE CAMERA: Prerequisite is
tilt it slightly downwards and then align it
some photo-editing software such as
a zoom lens, the focal length of which
to the center by marking a center.
Photoshop. Straighten it out first – for
can be adjusted smoothly, without
that, select the ruler tool in the tool
shaking, with a zoom-ring at the tube.
Picture Optimization
list and draw a line over the horizon in
Compact cameras with an adjusting
Optimizing boring picture
the picture. Then proceed with ‘Photo |
compensator must unfortunately fit here.
compositions
Rotate work surface | Apply’. Photoshop
Another important utensil is a stand.
has already determined and entered
Set your camera on it, select a suitable
In some situations, you have to be fast:
the right value through the first action.
composition and focus with the main
take out the camera and switch it on,
Now you only have to click on ‘OK’. Now
subject in the center. If possible, select
position the camera and click. And
select a narrower, asymmetrical picture
the program automatic aperture (‘TV’),
then often, the main subject – like the
section, which will shift the focus back
then, using the timer, you can set the
seagull in the picture – is not optimally
on the actual subject of the photo – the
exact exposure duration. The camera
in the centre of the picture.
seagull. Our suggestion above shows the
then automatically determines the
optimized picture. Now pep up the dreary
suitable exposure time. At 1/15 or 1/8
colors to some extent. For that, use the
seconds, experience has shown that the
this picture could have flown away the
‘Selective color correction’, which can
zoom effect is brought out very well.
very next moment, which is why one
be called through ‘Photo | Customize’.
Now the difficult part: when capturing
must stop dithering in such situations.
In the dialog, vary the color channels of
the photo, you must change the focal
Focus for a bit and click. At that speed
Cyan-, Blue-, Magenta- and gray tones.
length as uniformly as possible. Whether
however, it can easily happen that the
The optimal values must be determined
you increase it of reduce it, is your choice.
horizon is not exactly straight in the
by tying out. In the last step, we also
The following has always worked: start
picture. This is all the more prominent
stamped out the wooden stick.
turning the zoom ring before clicking the
16
THE PROBLEM: The seagull in
in pictures like these, in which the ocean
Set the camera such that the center
ruthlessly cuts through the picture.
auto-focus field is identical with the
However, what is more important than
marking. Then set-up the camera again.
the perfect picture is that the subject
Now search a point in the foreground,
should be sharp. In this picture, the
e.g. a lantern, or a lead going back. Now
cloudy weather gives the picture a very
when you rotate your camera on the
dreary gray tone. In all, the photo is not
stand towards the left and right, the
as exciting as it could have been.
distance between the two points will
CLICKING IT DIFFERENTLY:
increase of decrease depending on the
When non-artistic reasons compel
rotation. Move the camera on the guide,
a consciously symmetrical picture
till you reach a point where the distance
composition, you must place the main
between the two markers no longer
subject off the center of the picture. This
varies on rotating the camera.
triggers and continue turning it through the exposure time. With that, you will
17
increases the excitement. In the example shows us another faux pas: the sea gull is divided by the horizon. However, it would stand out better on a single-color
116
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INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
17
Digital photography Conjuring up a dynamic zoomeffect in the photo
The zoom effect can be generated either directly while photographing or after by using photo tools.
HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
have uniform lines stripes in the picture.
command ‘Edit | New | DWORD value’.
key pressed, till the computer is switched
If you first press the trigger and then
Then double-click on the entry to edit
off again. Then restart notebook and go
frantically turn the ring, the shakes are
it; change its ‘value’ to ‘10’ and leave
to the BIOS by pressing F1.
inevitable. The first time however, the
the ‘Base’ at ‘Hexadecimal’. Confirm the
‘Wow!’-effect is difficult to get. Trial and
value with ‘OK’. Navigate further to the
error is the way to go here. Try the trick
adjacent key ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\
several times in both directions, vary the
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\InternetExplorer\
Using the full four GB RAM
speed of rotation. Interesting effects can
Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_
under Windows Vista 32-bit
also be created if you accelerate or slow
MAXCONNECTIONSPERSERVER’. Here as
down the rotation during the exposure.
well, on the right, search for the DWORD-
Memory is currently reasonable.
USING PHOTO EDITING: The solution
value ‘iexplore.exe’ or create it, if it is not
Despite that, you are annoyed that
is the filter ‘Radial soft focusing’ from the
available. Then again, double-click to
1,000 MB of your working memory
menu ‘Filter | soft focus filter’. First call
edit and change this value to ‘10’ as well.
remains unused under Vista.
the layer palette with [F7] and duplicate
Close the registry. In some cases, this
the background layer. For that, right-
also accelerates normal surfing speed.
a computer, in which a 64-Bit-enabled
HARDWARE
CPU is running, you could – if available
Then open the Filter. With the instruction ‘radial’ you will get the desired zoom effect. Set the ‘Strength’ using the slider control to approx ‘60’ and use the quality
– use the entire four GB memory. If you
19
IBM / Lenovo ThinkPad
are not sure whether you have a 32-Bit
Resetting a forgotten TPM-
Vista, find out, by right-clicking on “My
password in BIOS
Computer” and then by clicking on
level ‘Very good’ – it avoid rough graining. After clicking on ‘OK’, Photoshop
Working memory under 32-bit
When you use a 32-Bit Vista on
click on the miniature layer and select ‘Duplicate layers’ in the context menu.
20
“Properties” – you can then see the used You have already replaced the old hard
memory as well as the Windows Version.
integrates the filter in the picture. The
disk of your ThinkPad-notebook with
Now you only have to confirm whether
problem in that: there is no sharp area
a new, bigger one. You want to use the
your CPU is 64-Bit-enabled. In order to
remaining. Therefore, with a mask
contents of the old disk in an external
be safe, ask the Tool CPU-Z. Shortly after
symbol, (circle in the right corner) put a
housing – however, that does not work.
the start, there is a window, in which the
mask on the background copy and select the brush tool. Set a large radius and the
CPU-properties are listed. If here, under TPM-boards are hardware
“Instructions”, the entry EM64T (Intel-
border sharpness to ‘0’. Set black as the
keys that ensure that the contents of
CPU) or x86-64 (AMD-CPU) is found,
foreground color and then paint over the
a hard disk can be read only on the
then your CPU can be compatible with
area, which should be sharp.
belonging computer. In order to remove
64 Bit. Start the command prompt in the
this protection – e.g. when you want
administrator-mode (context menu). In
Internet Explorer 8
to read the disk on another computer
the command line mode, switch to the
Enabling more than six parallel
– a password is required. Since this
“Windows/system32” directory.
downloads
password is entered once and not asked
18
Now type “BCDedit/set PAE
again, one hardly knows when it is
forceenable” and confirm with “Enter”.
needed. ThinkPad owners can reset it.
This is how you can activate the PAE
For this purpose, shut down your
(Physical Address Extension). If there
downloads. Sometimes however, this
ThinkPad (with the old hard disk on
are problems after restarting, you can
number is also not sufficient.
board). Then switch it on again and press
undo everything with “BCDedit/set PAE
the [Esc] key untiringly – and for as long
forcedisable”.
In contrast to the previous versions, the IE8 allows six simultaneous
Especially when you wish to download several big files from slow
as the Windows boot-screen appears. As soon as that happens, keep the power-
sources, a bigger number of possible
20
downloads makes sense. Similar to the
The DEP (Data Execution Prevention) should prevent any malicious code from being executed. Unfortunately it also prevents the desired operations
previous versions, the limit is defined
from being executed, causing them to
in the registry, however, at a different
be switched off normally. With the DEP
destination. First, close Internet Explorer.
however, the PAE is also deactivated.
To customize, open the command
You can permanently switch off the
‘Run’ in the start menu of Windows,
DEP using the command line (command
enter ‘regedit’ and click on ‘OK’.
prompt in administrator mode) “BCDedit
Navigate to ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\
/set nx AlwaysOff”. When in the next
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\InternetExplorer\
line, you type “BCDedit /set PAE force
Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_
enable”, you can restart the address
MAXCONNECTIONSPER1_0SERVER’.
extension. After restarting the system,
In the right side of the window, search
the full capacity should be available.
for the DWORD-value ‘iexplore.exe’. If it does not exist, create it with the
The command BCDedit/set PAE forceenable will force your system to use the available RAM.
– Compiled by Team CHIP send your tips to tnt@chip.in
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
117
UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
THIS MONTH 120 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Quite possibly the single best game experience we've had this entire decade. 122 Need for Speed: Shift Will this new formula be enough to save a dying line of games? 124 Ninja Gaiden Sigma II A fun and engaging addition to the cult classic Ninja Gaiden series.
124 Halo 3 ODST Die-hard fans of the franchise, rejoice!
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INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
UNWIND
COLUMN
IF I HAD TO PICK ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THIS PLACE, IT WOULD BE "SURREAL" AVINASH BALI, CHANNEL EDITOR—GAMING
TGS 09 EXPERIENCE S
umming up my experience in Japan for the Tokyo Game Show is tough. The Land of the Rising Sun is a country of vast disparity; on one hand the locals don’t speak a word of English but on the other they go so out of their way to help you that you feel a bit guilty. They have remote controlled toilet seats but Wi-Fi isn’t free. They have tons of options for us carnivores but vegetarians have to do with bread, butter and water. And then there are places that actually offer you the (paid) services of women who can clean your ears, exchange gifts with you, or just sit and chat like a girlfriend would. It’s a bit creepy at times but that’s Japan for you, somewhat sealed off from the rest of the world; not giving a rat’s ass about tourists or any outsiders. However when it comes to games, it’s a different story. The Tokyo Game Show
JOURNALISTS WERE WAITING IN LINES FOR AN HOUR OR TWO JUST TO SAMPLE GOD OF WAR III AND FINAL FANTASY XIII that takes place every year at the Makuhari Messe is one of the biggest video game expos out there. Hardware makers and game developers the world over congregate to display their products. The expo lasts for four days of which two are strictly for the press while the other two see nearly all of Japan descending on the venue proudly displaying their cosplay skills. Since this is the Tokyo Game Show and not E3, I was expecting local games to dominate the event but to my surprise they
had an equal number of Western games as well. Sure there were JRPGs you’ve never heard of in your life but there were booths where people could sample highly anticipated upcoming titles like Assassin’s Creed 2, God of War III, Splinter Cell Conviction and so on. We got to check out some pretty cool stuff like Lost Planet 2, Crackdown 2 and some of UTV's games. In case you didn’t know, UTV has ventured into the world of video games after acquiring Ignition Entertainment, a UK based developer. Thankfully these aren’t crappy casual games shamelessly cashing in on some Indian custom or sport; these are fullfledged 3D games for current consoles like the Xbox360 and the PS3. We spent nearly an hour running around with silly smiles plastered across our faces not knowing which booth to visit fi rst! All the major players like Sony, Microsoft, Capcom, Square Enix etc had huge booths showcasing their current and upcoming games. Journalists were waiting in lines for an hour or two just to sample God of War III and Final Fantasy XIII. Even though there were no mind blowing announcements at this year’s TGS, it was still a pretty awesome experience. We got to try out some cool games and interact with a few developers who were pretty kicked about the way gaming is taking off in India. But the highlight of this entire trip would have to be meeting up with Hideo Kojima who took some time out from his hectic schedule to pose for a picture with us. We love you Kojima San and even though you won’t remember us, we will see you next year! - avinash@tech2.com
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
119
UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
The best gaming experience this generation has had so far. BY AVINASH BALI
R
eviewing a game like Uncharted
Naughty Dog’s technical beast grabs
hindrance but trust me, it become a real
2: Among Thieves seems pretty
you by the family jewels and makes sure
bitch during the last few levels.
useless when the world and its
you’re in the driver’s seat at all times.
Speaking of the last few levels, I
If you’ve played Uncharted, UC2
got the feeling that Naughty Dog kinda
mother already knows how magnificent it is. Mere words cannot do justice to
will seem like familiar territory. The
ran out of steam during those parts.
developer Naughty Dog’s labor of love
game’s essentially divided into two
The game’s remarkably paced from
that is the prettiest, most intense and
aspects—platforming and combat (that
the start till the very end but during
breathtaking game I’ve played in recent
includes gunplay and hand-to-hand).
the last three missions it becomes a
times. It is not without its share of
Like its predecessor the platforming
tedious grind as you take on wave after
minor flaws but nothing in the world
in UC2 remains painfully linear, which
wave of well armored enemies who
can take away from the fact that if you
means you can’t even climb a ledge
like I mentioned earlier throw insanely
as a gamer do not play Uncharted 2,
if the game doesn’t want you to.
accurate grenades at your feet. Not
you suck. It’s really that simple.
Considering the technology driving this
helping matters is the fact that your
game, this comes across as a bit of a
buddy (controlled by the game’s AI)
disappointment.
can be pretty useless during those
Uncharted 2 is a direct sequel to 2007’s Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, but there’s no continuation of a plot over
Gunplay as well as the hand-to-hand
segments leaving all the work to you.
here. Drake’s been approached by a
combat system have been revamped
New to the series is a brand new
fellow fortune hunter to retrieve Marco
a bit. It still doesn’t feel 100 percent
stealth mechanic that allows Drake to
Polo’s treasure that’ll help them find
natural and there will be times when
take enemies out quickly and quietly.
the entrance to the mythical kingdom of
Drake will stick to objects you really
During the latter levels this really is a
Shangri-La. Doing so will take him and
don’t him to since dropping down to
boon as you can significantly reduce
his entourage all over the world as they
lower surfaces and taking cover are
your opposition before you go in all
partake in some of the most intense
the same button. Another issue I had
guns blazing. In a way the game can
cinematic moments you’ll encounter
with the combat was that the enemy
punish you for trying to be a Rambo by
in a game till date. Most games make
AI was remarkably accurate throwing
throwing an overwhelming number of
you relive really cool looking moments
99 percent of their grenades perfectly
enemies at you.
via cut-scenes or quick time events but
at my feet. It may not sound like a
Once you’re done with the fairly
The scenery is rich and engaging, though you won't stay in any one place for long.
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INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
Jagdish Limbachiya
SMS us! Story code: UUC to 57007
UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
lengthy single player campaign you can head online for some multiplayer mayhem. It’s no Modern Warfare but it certainly holds its own against some of the biggest MP giants in the market today. You have standard modes like Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Domination etc but you also have certain modes unique to the game and its setting. First up is Fortune Hunter that basically is a take on Capture the Flag, only instead of capturing a Flag you’re capturing an artifact and depositing it in your base. Since the artifact is heavy you can only wield your pistol while holding onto it leaving your life in the hands of your teammates who have to escort you to safety.
Uncharted 2 kept us glued to our controllers for hours. This could easily become the game of the year.
But wait there’s more. You even have a Horde mode (that seems like the norm in action games today) where
probably run out of adjectives and (2)
moments and is a relentless assault on
you and two other friends can take on
You have to see this game in action
your senses.
wave after wave of increasingly tough
to believe the kind of stuff Naughty
enemies in levels inspired by the single
Dog have pulled off on Sony’s console.
better looking game till date and unless
player campaign. It’s not revolutionary
Making it even more impressive is the
God of War III changes that I’d say we
by any means but it’s an excellent
fact that throughout the game, the
have pretty much the best looking
addition to the series.
framerate never dipped even once.
game of our generation. Besides an epic
Considering the insane stuff that goes
single player campaign that lasts nearly
mode which sadly doesn’t carry over
down in the game, this is an immense
9 hours you have a huge variety of
to the single player campaign. Co-op in
feat. Uncharted 2 may not be perfect
online options taking the term Bang for
UC2 is restricted to a bunch of stand-
but it is the closest you’ll get to
your Buck to the next level. I may have
alone missions (inspired by the SP
perfection. It has its share of flaws
said this before but this time I really
campaign) where you and two other
but all that gets overshadowed in the
mean it. If you’ve been holding back on
players tackle various mission-based
grand scheme of things. It balances all
that PlayStation 3 purchase till date,
objectives. This is an awesome addition
aspects of gameplay really well making
your reason has finally arrived.
to the game as platforming and fighting
you feel like the star of a Michael Bay
alongside your friends in a total blast.
blockbuster. It’s chockablock full with
I really won’t waste time describing
"OMFG DID YOU SEE THAT" (feel the
And finally you have the co-operative
the game’s visuals because (1) I’ll
Exaggerations aside I haven’t seen a
– avinash@tech2.com
RATINGS
emphasis with the power of CAPS)
ACTION ADVENTURE
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves PRICE
Rs. 2,499
PUBLISHER
Sony Computer Entertainment
DEVELOPER
Naughty Dog
DISTRIBUTOR
Milestone Interactive
PHONE
022-28203319
info@milestoneinteractive.coms
PLATFORM
PS3
RATINGS GAMEPLAY ENVIRONMENT OVERALL RATING
FOR Everything about the game.
AGAINST A.I seems a bit off. Game drags towards the end.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
121
UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
Treading the fine line between arcade and simulation with some interesting results. BY AVINASH BALI
E
ver since last year’s abysmal NFS
Need for Speed Shift pampers you way
does deserve praise. Not only does it
Undercover, I’ve lost all hope for
too much as far as money is concerned.
look authentic right down to the smallest
this series. After Most Wanted
Even at the easiest difficulty level it
detail, but crashing your car in that
it was an immensely steep downhill
showers you with tons of cash after
view will convey the sense of panic
journey for the franchise ending in a
every race, never letting you feel like
and urgency race car drivers feel while
horrific crash (major pun intended) with
you've accomplished anything significant.
crashing at such high speeds.
Undercover. This year EA decided to ditch
Also for some reason you can buy a car
the Underground Tuner culture they’ve
and deck it out but 60 percent of the
things right but at the same time it
been milking all these years and head
races in this game offer their own car
also tries doing too many things and
back to the race tracks with Shift.
presets rendering your purchases and
falls flat. It’s sleek, sexy and fast paced
upgrades uselelss. Another sore spot is
but at the same time it’s also a bit too
were story driven, Shift basically doesn’t
progression. Barely will you finish the
easy and doesn’t have an identity of its
bother with a plot. You’re a rookie who
first tier when the second and third tiers
own. I really don’t see myself playing
must work his way up the ladder to win
get unlocked. It’s as if the game’s trying
it at a stretch as it gets monotonous.
the World Tour. Yes, it’s that simple. Gone
really hard to be accessible to everyone.
Still if you’re looking for a racing fix till
are the loud-mouthed angsty teenagers
Another mechanic that falls flat on its
Forza Motorsport 3 or Gran Turismo 5
who’d race you for your car. Shift is all
face is the whole Aggressive/Precision
arrive, give Shift a shot and you might
about professional racing on the track
style of driving. Are you a calm driver
appreciate the hybrid that it is.
and it delivers in that aspect.
who’s going to earn Precision points
Unlike all the recent NFS games that
Your first race in the game will gauge
Need for Speed Shift does a lot of
– avinash@tech2.com
or are you gonna bump racers off the
RATINGS
your skills as a racer and choose the
track to earn Aggression Points? It really
difficulty level that’ll stick with you for
doesn’t matter because (a) playing as
the rest of the game. Of course you can
either never really affects your progress
CAR RACING
choose to ignore the recommended
in the game and (b) you can bump nearly
Need for Speed Shift
settings and bump it up, which we
every car off the track but drive the last
encourage with all assists turned on it’s
few hundred meters in a straight line and
like the game’s controlling your car most
PRICE
Xbox 360 (Rs. 2499), PS3 (Rs. 2499), PSP (Rs. 1599) and PC (Rs. 999).
wham!, you get more Precision points.
PUBLISHER
Electronic Arts
of the time, slowing down and braking
On the plus side Shift packs in a
DEVELOPER
Slightly Mad Studios
when necessary. This will also ensure
healthy dose of variety as far as events
DISTRIBUTOR
Milestone Interactive
more income for you per race.
are concerned. In the Career Mode you
PHONE
022-28203319
have regular Races, Eliminator Races,
info@milestoneinteractive.com
be used to upgrade your ride or buy a
Time Trials, Drift Modes etc and a brand
PLATFORM
PC, Xbox 360, PS3, PSP
new one. Here arises the first problem.
new mode called Driver Duels. These
Income earned by winning races can
intense races have you going up against a single car, mano a mano in a three race battle. It gets even more intense
RATINGS GAMEPLAY ENVIRONMENT OVERALL RATING
when you play these Driver Duels online against real opponents. If there’s one aspect the game really shines in, it would have to be the flashy
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
FOR Looks really good, sleek presentation, sense of speed is awesome, excellent cockpit view
and sleek menus, gorgeous visuals and
AGAINST
authentic car sounds. Also much has
Progression in SP is messed up, suffers from identity crisis, can get a bit boring after a while.
been said about its cockpit view that
122
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UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
An enjoyable romp, ODST is strictly for fans of the series who can overlook its faults. BY AVINASH BALI
alo 3 ODST is a standalone
H
down in a matter of seconds. You have
If you’re a who’s already downloaded
expansion for Halo 3 just like
to take cover, shoot carefully and at
them, you may feel a bit cheated.
Crysis Warhead was to Crysis. It
times even take a stealthy approach.
the only difference this time around
option to approach a situation
Bungie used for Halo 3 and it’s
is that you’ll be playing as an ODST
stealthily, ODST doesn’t exploit that
beginning to show its age. Sure it’s
(Orbital Drop Shock Trooper) instead
mechanic completely. On the plus side
received a graphical overhaul offering
of the legendary Master Chief. ODST
it isn’t as painfully linear as past Halo
better character models but it pales
takes place during the events of both
games allowing you to approach certain
in comparison to some of the newer
Halo 2 and Halo 3 in the city of New
enemy encounters in different ways
games on the block. Luckily frame
Mombasa where a war’s raging between
thanks to the open-world-esqe city of
rates are rock solid and presentation as
the Covenant and local United Nations
Mombasa where you’ll be searching
always is top notch. Major props go out
Space Command forces. They manage
for your teammates. Find a piece of
to the game’s OST, which simply rocks.
to repel the attack but one of the
their equipment and you’ll trigger a
Covenant ships gets destroyed while
flashback allowing you to play as one
tough to recommend Halo 3: ODST to
trying to escape, creating a shockwave
of them progressing the game’s plot in
anyone but Halo fans. Sure you can play
that takes out half the city.
the process. It’s an interesting game
it even if you aren’t one but chances
mechanic that not only allows you to
are you won’t enjoy it all that much.
to land in Mombasa at the same time
get to know your teammates better but
For starters, it’s not the longest game,
and the shockwave disrupts your pod,
also offers a welcome change of pace
at six hours of gameplay. Firefight is
separating you from your squad. The
from the lonely walk at night.
awesome but can only be played with
plays exactly like Halo 3 (well almost);
Unfortunately for you, you’re about
story is simple to understand on its own
Even though you may have the
While not being a genetically
Visually the game’s a mixed bag. It’s been made on the same engine
At the end of the day it’s really
friends on your list and there are no
but there will be times when you’ll find
modified super-soldier has its share of
new MP modes to be found. Plus, it's
yourself utterly lost unless you’ve been
disadvantages, it also provides players
not a very good looking game. Microsoft
following the series since the start.
a new arsenal to play around with. You
shouldn’t have priced ODST as a full-
have a silenced MSG for those stealth
fledged retail game but they did which
and not a super soldier anymore it’s
approaches, a powerful magnum,
is why I can’t help but cut a few points
imperative that you understand you
and a spanking new ODST VISR
recommending it only to people who
mounted on your helmet that allows
adore anything Halo.
Since you’ll be playing as an ODST
can't absorb too much damage without dying.
you to see clearly at night (a la night
Go in guns blazing like
vision) outlining friends, enemies and
you did in Halo 3 and the
equipment in different colors.
Covenant will cut you
– avinash@tech2.com
RATINGS
New to the Halo universe is the inclusion of a Horde mode called
FPS
Firefight that allows you and
Halo 3 ODST
three of your buddies to take on
PRICE
Rs 2,299
PUBLISHER
Microsoft
Unlike the Horde mode from Gears of
DEVELOPER
Bungie
War 2, Firefight is never ending and can
DISTRIBUTOR
NA
provide hours of intense entertainment.
PHONE
NA
The only downside here is that you can
NA
only play Firefight with people from
PLATFORM
Xbox 360
hordes of the Covenant on Xbox Live.
your friends list. This sucks if you’re a loner or have friends with radically
RATINGS GAMEPLAY
different tastes. On the Multiplayer front there’s hardly anything new here. The second disc is basically a compilation of all Halo 3 maps including the additional content i.e. Heroic, Legendary and
ENVIRONMENT OVERALL RATING
FOR Firefight is awesome. Tight gameplay. Killer OST.
AGAINST Not as linear as previous Halo games.
Mythic map packs.
SMS us! Story code: UHL to 57007
UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
If frantic action games are your thing and you passed on Ninja Gaiden II, NGSII is a must. BY AVINASH BALI
T
cakewalk. It’s challenging and will beat one of those guys who aren’t used to
improved on all aspects of NG II to give
games burdened by unforgiving
blocking or have really slow reflexes.
you an easier and a more accessible
difficulty. This is probably the biggest
The action in NGS II is fast paced and
game. There’s tons of extra content here
reason it appeals only to a certain
frantic much like the Xbox 360 version
in the form of extra missions, a horde
niche. Team Ninja tried to expand that
with tons of improvements. NG II while
mode, newer weapons and improved
audience with Ninja Gaiden II (NG II) and
a lightening fast game did have some
visuals. If frantic action games are your
it worked to a certain extent but it was
framerate issues that have now been
thing and you passed on NG II because
still an extremely tough game. Now it
ironed out now. The game’s been given
you were too scared of what it would
seems with Ninja Gaiden Sigma II (NGS
a visual overhaul and looks a lot prettier.
do to your ego I most definitely suggest
II) they’ve managed to come up with a
On the flipside all the awesome blood
giving NGSII a shot.
title that can be enjoyed by newcomers
and gore from the first game has been
and veterans alike.
axed considerably and decapitating
Blood or no blood Ninja Gaiden
he Ninja Gaiden series has always had a bittersweet relationship
you over the head with a stick if you’re
Sigma II is still a solid action game. It’s
with gamers. They're brilliant
NGS II is pretty much the same game as NG II. You do have bonus missions
Ninja Gaiden Sigma II is available exclusively for the PS3 for Rs. 2799.
enemies just doesn’t feel that satisfying.
– avinash@tech2.com
To most people the omission of
woven into the single player campaign
blood and gore wouldn’t mean a lot but
but the plot stays the same. To bring
for me it was nearly a deal breaker. NG II
RATINGS
you up to speed on what’s happened so
carved a name for itself as one of if not
ACTION
far head over to our NG II review. Right
the bloodiest action games ever made.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
now that you’re back let’s address the
Without that it’s just another well made
biggest boon of the game – its difficulty.
action game. Think about it for a minute.
At the lowest difficulty level (there are
Would you enjoy Gears of War or God of
just two to choose from anyway), NGS II
War or Manhunt without the violence?
is manageable and dare I say, easy to a
No you wouldn’t because that’s the
certain extent. I haven’t tried the highest difficulty level because I value my sanity but I hear it’ll reduce you to tears. While playing through the Path of the Acolyte I found a lot more health
PRICE
Rs 2,799
PUBLISHER
Temco
DEVELOPER
Team Ninja
DISTRIBUTOR
Milestone Interactive
PHONE
022-28203319
game’s identity and in doing so you
info@milestoneinteractive.com
would rob it of its identity.
PLATFORM
PS3
New to the Ninja Gaiden series is a Horde mode of sorts called Team missions whereby you and another
RATINGS GAMEPLAY ENVIRONMENT
strewn around, checkpoints replenished
player take on wave after wave of
my health bar completely (this was
enemies in a particular level for a
present in NG II as well) and bosses
stipulated period of time. If you’re a
FOR
weren’t insanely tough (initially at least).
total loner and have absolutely no
Sadly you still have boss fights back
friends or faith in friendly AI you can
Easier and more accessible than NG II, Improved Boss fights, doesn't feel cheap, co-op Horde Mode, improved Visuals
to back that can be a real bitch if you
play these Team Missions by yourself as
AGAINST
finish up all your herbs and health on
well. But that would defeat the whole
No blood
the first one. Still this game is far from a
purpose anyway.
SMS us! Story code: UNG to 57007
OVERALL RATING
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
125
MARKET WATCH
MARKET WATCH
CHIP brings you a roundup of
PROCESSORS: Intel NAME Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 Intel Core 2 Duo E5300 Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Intel Core i7-920 Intel Core 2 Extreme Q9650 Intel Core i7-950 Intel Core i7-940 Intel Core i7 975 Extreme Ed.
PRICE (RS.)
CPU SOCKET
3,536 3,640 6,441 9,297 9,297 10,529 15,513 15,999 18,145 31,922 32,259 57,124
LGA 775 LGA 775 LGA 775 LGA 775 LGA 775 LGA 775 LGA 775 LGA1366 LGA 775 LGA1366 LGA1366 LGA1366
NUMBER OF CORES 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
CLOCK SPEED
MFG PROCESS
BUS SPEED
L2 CACHE
2.5 GHz 2.6 GHz 2.93 GHz 3.0 GHz 2.66 GHz 2.66 GHz 2.83 GHz 2.66 GHz 3.0 GHz 3.06 GHz 2.93 GHz 3.33 GHz
45 nm 45 nm 65 nm 45 nm 45 nm 45 nm 45 nm 45 nm 45 nm 45 nm 45 nm 45 nm
800 MHz 800 MHz 1066 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 4.8 GT/s 1333 MHz 4.8 GT/s 4.8 GT/s 6.4 GT/s
2 MB 2 MB 3 MB 6 MB 4 MB 6 MB 12 MB 8 MB L3 12 MB 8 MB L3 8 MB L3 8 MB L3
CLOCK SPEED
MFG PROCESS
BUS SPEED
L2 CACHE
2.7 GHz 2.7 GHz 2.8 GHz 2.8 GHz 2.9 GHz 3.0 GHz 2.3 GHz 3.0 GHz 3.1 GHz 2.3 GHz 2.8 GHz 3.0 GHz 3.20 GHz
45 nm 65 nm 45 nm 65 nm 45 nm 45 nm 65 nm 45 nm 45 nm 65 nm 45 nm 45 nm 45 nm
2700 MHz 3600 MHz 3600 MHz 3600 MHz 3600 MHz 4000 MHz 3600 MHz 3600 MHz 4000 MHz 3600 MHz 4000 MHz 3600 MHz 3600 MHz
1 MB L2 2 MB L3 2 MB L2 3 MB L2 2 MB L2 2 MB L2 3.5 MB L2 7 MB L2 6 MB L3 2 MB L3 6 MB L3 6 MB L3 6 MB L3
PROCESSORS: AMD NAME AMD Sempron 140 AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 BE AMD Athlon II X2 240 AMD Athlon 64 X2 7850 AMD Athlon II X2 245 AMD Athlon II X2 250 AMD Phenom X3 8650 AMD Phenom II X2 545 AMD Phenom II X2 550 AMD Phenom X4 9650 AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Ed. AMD Phenom II X4 945 AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Ed.
PRICE (RS)
CPU SOCKET
2,253 3,525 3,581 3,748 3,945 4,410 4,532 5,410 6,049 6,756 8,289 13,221 14,386
AM3 AM2+ AM3 AM2+ AM3 AM3 AM2+ AM3 AM3 AM2+ AM3 AM3 AM3
NUMBER OF CORES 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 4 3 4 4
MOTHERBOARDS: AMD - IGP NAME
PRICE (RS.)
Zotac GF8200-A-E Zotac GF8300-A-E Biostar TA790GX 128M Gigabyte GA-MA78GPM-DS2H Asus M3A-H/HDMI MSI K9N2 SLI Platinum MSI DKA790GX Platinum Asus M4A78T-E Asus Crosshair II Formula Asus M3N-HT Deluxe/Mempipe
3,933 5,050 5,699 5,799 7,566 7,953 9,297 10,729 11,470 15,600
CPU SOCKET AM2+ AM2+ AM2+ AM2+ AM2+ AM2+ AM2+ AM3 AM2+ AM2+
CHIPSET
MEMORY SUPPORT
GeForce 8200 GeForce 8300 AMD 790GX + SB 750 AMD 780G AMD 780G nForce 780a SLI AMD 790GX + SB 750 AMD 790GX + SB 750 nForce 780a SLI nForce 780a SLI
DDR2-800 (Max 8 GB) DDR2-800 (Max 8 GB) DDR2-1066 (Max 8 GB) DDR2-1066 (Max 16 GB) DDR2-1066 (Max 8 GB) DDR2-1066 (Max 8 GB) DDR2-1066 (Max 8 GB) DDR3-1333 (16 GB) DDR2-1066 (Max 8 GB) DDR2-1066 (Max 8 GB)
NOTE: Street prices (incl. VAT and credit card charges) by www.techshop.in as on 10 October 2009.
132
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INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
D-SUB | DVI | HDMI ✔|✔|✖ ✔|✔|✖ ✔|✔|✔ ✔|✔|✔ ✔|✖|✔ ✖|✔|✖ ✔|✔|✔ ✔|✔|✔ ✔|✖|✔ ✔|✖|✔
PCIE X16 | PCI | SATA | USB 1 | 2 | 6 | 12 1 | 2 | 6 | 12 2 | 2 | 6 | 10 1 | 2 | 5 | 12 1 | 3 | 6 | 12 2 | 2 | 6 | 10 2 | 2 | 5 | 12 2 | 2 | 5 | 12 3 | 2 | 6 | 12 3 | 2 | 6 | 10
all the latest and greatest products on the market.
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MOTHERBOARDS: AMD - Non-IGP NAME MSI K9A2 Platinum v2 Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DS5
PRICE (RS)
CPU SOCKET
CHIPSET
MEMORY SUPPORT
9,297
AM2+
AMD 790FX
DDR2-1066 (Max 8 GB)
MULTI-GPU MODE CrossFireX dual x8
PCIE X16 | PCI | SATA | USB 4 | 2 | 6 | 10
9,599
AM2+
AMD 790FX + SB 600
DDR2-1066 (Max 16 GB)
CrossFireX dual x8
2 | 2 | 6 | 10
MSI 790FX-GD70
10,304
AM3
AMD 790FX + SB 750
DDR3-1333 (Max 16 GB)
CrossFireX dual x16
4 | 2 | 8 | 12
Gigabyte GA-MA790XT-UD4P
11,208
AM3
AMD 790X + SB 750
DDR3-1333 (Max 16 GB)
CrossFireX dual x8
2 | 2 | 8 | 12
Gigabyte GA-MA790FXT-UD5P
12,321
AM3
AMD 790FX + SB 750
DDR3-1333 (Max 16 GB)
CrossFireX dual x16
2 | 2 | 10 | 12
Asus M4A79 Deluxe
14,326
AM3
AMD 790FX + SB 750
DDR3-1333 (Max 16 GB)
CrossFireX dual x16
2 | 2 | 5 | 12
Asus M4A79-T Deluxe
15,147
AM3
AMD 790FX + SB 750
DDR3-1600 (Max 16 GB)
CrossFireX dual x16
4 | 2 | 6 | 12
PCIE X16 | PCI | SATA | USB
MOTHERBOARDS: Intel - IGP PRICE (RS)
CPU SOCKET
CHIPSET
MEMORY SUPPORT
D-SUB | DVI | HDMI
Zotac NF610I-C-E
2,512
LGA 775
GeForce 7050 / nForce 610i
DDR2-667 (Max 4 GB)
✔|✖|✖
1|2|4|8
Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L
2,792
LGA 775
Intel G31 + ICH7
DDR2-800 (Max 4 GB)
✔|✖|✔
1|2|4|8
Gigabyte GA-G41M-ES2L
3,744
LGA 775
Intel G41 + ICH7
DDR2-800 (Max 4 GB)
✔|✖|✔
1|2|4|8
NAME
Abit I-N73HD
4,256
LGA 775
Nvidia GeForce 7100 / nForce 630i
DDR2-800 (Max 4 GB)
✔|✖|✔
1|2|4|8
MSI P7NGM-Digital
6,664
LGA 775
Nvidia GeForce 9300
DDR2-800 (Max 8 GB)
✔|✔|✔
1 | 2 | 6 | 10
Gigabyte GA-EG45M-DS2H
7,000
LGA 775
Intel G45 + ICH10R
DDR2-800 (Max 8 GB)
✔|✔|✔
1 | 2 | 5 | 12
Zotac GF9300-A-E
7,001
LGA 775
Nvidia GeForce 9300
DDR2-800 (Max 8 GB)
✔|✔|✔
1 | 2 | 6 | 12
Intel BOXDG45FC
7,282
LGA 775
Intel G45 + ICH10
DDR2-800 (Max 4 GB)
✔|✖|✔
0 | 0 | 4 | 10
MOTHERBOARDS: Intel - Non-IGP MSI P45 Neo3-FR
7,281
CPU SOCKET LGA 775
Intel P45+ICH10R
DDR2-1066 (Max 8 GB)
NA
PCIE X16 | PCI | SATA | USB 1 | 4 | 8 | 12
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R
8,289
LGA 775
Intel P45+ICH10R
DDR2-1333 (Max 16 GB)
NA
1 | 2 | 6 | 12
Biostar TPower I45
8,591
LGA 775
Intel P45+ICH10R
DDR2-1066 (Max 8 GB)
NA
1 | 2 | 6 | 12
NAME
EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1
PRICE (RS)
CHIPSET
MEMORY SUPPORT
MULTI-GPU MODE
9,241
LGA 775
Nvidia nForce 750i SLI
DDR2-800 (Max 8 GB)
SLI dual x16
2 | 3 | 4 | 10
Asus P5Q Pro
10,626
LGA 775
Intel P45+ICH10R
DDR2-1066 (Max 8 GB)
CrossFire dual x8
2 | 2 | 8 | 12
MSI P45 Platinum
10,641
LGA 775
Intel P45+ICH10R
DDR2-1066 (Max 16 GB)
CrossFire dual x8
2 | 2 | 8 | 10
Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R
14,561
LGA 1366
Intel X58+ICH10R
DDR3-1600 (Max 16 GB)
CrossFire + SLI
2 | 2 | 8 | 12
EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1
15,625
LGA 775
Nvidia nForce 780i SLI
DDR2-1200 (Max 8 GB)
SLI 3-way x8
3 | 2 | 6 | 10
Intel BOXDX58SO
16,800
LGA 1366
Intel X58+ICH10R
DDR3-1600 (Max 8 GB)
CrossFire dual x8
2 | 1 | 6 | 12
MSI Eclipse SLI
20,161
LGA 1366
Intel X58+ICH10R
DDR3-1600 (Max 24 GB)
CrossFire + SLI
3 | 2 | 10 | 12
Gigabyte GA-EX58 Extreme
21,505
LGA 775
Intel X58+ICH10R
DDR3-1600 (Max 24 GB)
CrossFire + SLI
3 | 2 | 10 | 12
eVGA 132-BL-E758-A1
22,290
LGA 1366
Intel X58+ICH10R
DDR3-1600 (Max 24 GB)
CrossFire + SLI
3 | 2 | 10 | 12
Gigabyte GA-EX58 Extreme
21,999
LGA 775
Intel X58+ICH10R
DDR3-1600 (Max 24 GB)
CrossFire + SLI
3 | 2 | 10 | 12
eVGA 132-BL-E758-A1
22,290
LGA 1366
Intel X58+ICH10R
DDR3-1600 (Max 24 GB)
CrossFire + SLI
3 | 2 | 10 | 12
NOTE: Street prices (incl. VAT and credit card charges) by www.techshop.in as on 10 October 2009.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
133
MARKET WATCH
MARKET WATCH
CHIP brings you a roundup of
GRAPHICS CARDS: Nvidia NAME Point of View GeForce 8400 GS Palit GeForce 9600 GT Palit GeForce 9600 GSO Sonic MSI N9600GT-T2D1G Palit GeForce 9600 GT Sonic Palit GeForce GTS 250 MSI N250GTS-2G512-OC Palit GeForce GTS 250 EVGA GeForce 9800 GT Superclocked Palit GeForce 9800 GTX+ MSI N260GTX-T2D896-OC Palit GeForce GTX 260 Zotac GeForce GTX 260 Zotac GeForce GTX 275 Point of View GTX 260 Palit GeForce GTX 285 EVGA GTX 280 Superclocked Zotac GeForce GTX 285 Palit GeForce GTX 295 MSI N295GTX-M2D Zotac GeForce GTX 295
PRICE (RS)
GPU
1,952 5,425 6,000 6,384 7,561 7,729 8,848 8,848 9,521 10,753 11,761 12,097 12,601 16,801 20,106 22,289 23,522 26,602 31,923 32,482 32,482
GeForce 8400 GS GeForce 9600 GT GeForce 9600 GS0 GeForce 9600 GT GeForce 9600 GT GeForce GTS 250 GeForce GTS 250 GeForce GTS 250 GeForce 9800 GT GeForce 9800 GTX+ GeForce GTX 260 GeForce GTX 260 GeForce GTX 260 GeForce GTX 275 GeForce GTX 260 GeForce GTX 285 GeForce GTX 280 GeForce GTX 285 GeForce GTX 295 GeForce GTX 295 GeForce GTX 295
PCIE DIRECTX x16 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0
MEMORY | BUS WIDTH
DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10 DX 10
256 MB DDR2 | 64-bit 512 MB DDR3 | 256-bit 768 MB DDR3 | 192-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 256-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 256-bit 512 MB DDR3 | 256-bit 512 MB DDR3 | 256-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 256-bit 512 MB DDR3 | 256-bit 512 MB DDR3 | 256-bit 896 MB DDR3 | 512-bit 896 MB DDR3 | 512-bit 896 MB DDR3 | 512-bit 896 MB DDR3 | 448-bit 896 MB DDR3 | 512-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 512-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 512-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 512-bit 1.8 GB DDR3 | 512-bit 1.8 GB DDR3 | 512-bit 1.8 GB DDR3 | 512-bit
PCIE DIRECTX
MEMORY | BUS WIDTH
STREAM PROCESSORS 16 64 48 64 64 128 128 128 112 128 216 216 216 240 216 240 240 240 480 480 480
CORE | MEMORY SPEED VIDEO OUTPUT 460 MHz | 300 MHz 650 MHz | 900 MHz 600 MHz | 900 MHz 650 MHz | 900 MHz 700 MHz | 1000 MHz 740 MHz | 918 MHz 740 MHz | 918 MHz 740 MHz | 918 MHz 650 MHz | 950 MHz 750 MHz | 1000 MHz 650 MHz | 1080 MHz 602 MHz | 1107 MHz 602 MHz | 1107 MHz 633 MHz | 1134 MHz 602 MHz | 1107 MHz 648 MHz | 1242 MHz 621 MHz | 1134 MHz 648 MHz | 1242 MHz 576 MHz | 999 MHz 576 MHz | 999 MHz 576 MHz | 999 MHz
D-sub + DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI
GRAPHICS CARDS: AMD NAME Powercolor AX4350 512MD2-H Sapphire Radeon HD 4350 XFX Radeon HD 4350 HD-435X-YAH2 Sapphire Radeon HD 4650 XFX Radeon HD 4650 HD-465X-ZDFC Powercolor AX4670 1GBK3-P Sapphire Radeon HD 4670 Powercolor AX4850 512MD3-HV2 MSI R4850-T2D1G-OC MSI R4770-T2D512 Sapphire Radeon HD 4830 XFX Radeon HD 4770 HD-477A-YDFK XFX Radeon HD 4850 HD-485X-YDFC Powercolor AX4870 1GBD5 Powercolor AX4890 1GBD5-HM MSI R4890-T2D1G-OC Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 XFX Radeon HD 4890 HD-489A-ZDFC Sapphire Radeon HD 4870 X2
PRICE (RS)
GPU
2,144 2,170 2,446 4,025 4,445 5,096 5,144 7,000 8,176 8,216 8,737 9,368 9,483 11,088 13,329 16,801 17,921 18,280 31,642
Radeon HD 4350 Radeon HD 4350 Radeon HD 4350 Radeon HD 4650 Radeon HD 4650 Radeon HD 4670 Radeon HD 4670 Radeon HD 4850 Radeon HD 4850 Radeon HD 4770 Radeon HD 4830 Radeon HD 4770 Radeon HD 4850 Radeon HD 4870 Radeon HD 4890 Radeon HD 4890 Radeon HD 4850 X2 Radeon HD 4890 Radeon HD 4870 X2
x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0 x16 2.0
DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1 DX 10.1
512 MB DDR2 | 64-bit 512 MB DDR2 | 64-bit 512 MB DDR2 | 64-bit 512 MB DDR3 | 128-bit 1 GB DDR2 | 128-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 128-bit 512 MB DDR3 | 128-bit 512 MB DDR3 | 256-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 256-bit 512 MB DDR5 | 128-bit 512 MB DDR3 | 256-bit 512 MB DDR5 | 128-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 256-bit 1 GB DDR5 | 256-bit 1 GB DDR5 | 256-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 256-bit 1 GB DDR3 | 256-bit 1 GB DDR5 | 256-bit 2 GB DDR5 | 512-bit
NOTE: Street prices (incl. VAT and credit card charges) by www.techshop.in as on 10 October 2009.
134
11/2009
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
STREAM PROCESSORS 80 80 80 320 320 320 320 800 800 640 640 640 800 800 800 800 1600 800 1600
CORE | MEMORY SPEED VIDEO OUTPUT 600 MHz | 400 MHz 600 MHz | 400 MHz 600 MHz | 400 MHz 600 MHz | 500 MHz 600 MHz | 500 MHz 750 MHz | 900 MHz 750 MHz | 1000 MHz 625 MHz | 993 MHz 640 MHz | 993 MHz 750 MHz | 1600 MHz 575 MHz | 900 MHz 750 MHz | 1600 MHz 625 MHz | 993 MHz 750 MHz | 900 MHz 850 MHz | 975 MHz 880 MHz | 1998 MHz 625 MHz | 993 MHz 850 MHz | 975 MHz 750 MHz | 800 MHz
D-sub + DVI D-sub + DVI D-sub + DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI Dual-link DVI
all the latest and greatest products on the market.
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LAPTOPS NAME
PRICE (RS)
WEIGHT (KG.)
PROCESSOR
RAM
CHIPSET
DISPLAY (INCHES)
HDD
OPTICAL BLUETOOTH DRIVE
Acer Aspire One D250
19,999
1.1 Kg
Intel Atom N270, 1.6 GHz
1 GB
Intel 945G
10.1-inch
160 GB
NA
✔
HP Mini-1129TU
22,310
1.2 Kg
Intel Atom N270, 1.6 GHz
1 GB
Intel 945G
10.1-inch
80 GB
NA
✔
HP Compaq Presario CQ40-427TU
26,250
2.3 Kg
Intel Celeron C900, 2.2 GHz
1 GB
Intel GL40
14.1-inch
160 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Acer Aspire 4736z Linux
27,999
2.5 Kg
Intel Pentium Dual-core T4200, 2.0 GHz
2 GB
Intel GL40
14.1-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
HP Compaq Presario CQ60-313AU
29,138
2.9 Kg
AMD Turion 64 X2 QL64, 2.1 GHz
3 GB
NA
15.6-inch
250 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Toshiba Satellite L300-P5011
30,685
2.7 Kg
Intel Pentium Dual-core T3400, 2.16 GHz
2 GB
Intel GL40
15.4-inch
250 GB
DVD-writer
✖
Acer Aspire 5738z (VHP) Linux
30,999
2.8 Kg
Intel Pentium Dual-core T4200, 2.0 GHz
2 GB
Intel GL40
15.6-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
HP Compaq Presario CQ40-425TU
31,501
2.3 Kg
Intel Pentium Dual-core T4200, 2.0 GHz
2 GB
Intel GL40
14.1-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Dell Vostro A860 R521076IN9
32,118
2.4 Kg
Intel Celeron Dual-Core T1400, 1.73 GHz
1 GB
Intel 965GM
15.6-inch
160 GB
DVD-writer
✔
HP Compaq Presario CQ60-209TU
32,604
2.9 Kg
Intel Pentium Dual-core T3400, 2.16 GHz
2 GB
Intel GL40
16-inch
250 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Acer Aspire 5738 Linux
33,649
2.8 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo T6400, 2.0 GHz
3 GB
Intel GM45
15.6-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Dell Vostro A840 R520972IN9
34,358
2.1 Kg
Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2390, 1.86 GHz
1 GB
Intel 965GM
14.1-inch
120 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Acer Aspire 4736 (VHP) Linux
35,649
2.4 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo T6400, 2.0 GHz
3 GB
Intel GM45
14-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
HP Pavilion DV2-1002AU
35,703
1.6 Kg
AMD Neo MV-40, 1.6 GHz
2 GB
ATI M690G
12.1-inch
250 GB
NA
✔
Sony Vaio VGN-NW13GH
37,990
2.7 Kg
Intel Pentium Dual-core T4200, 2.0 GHz
2 GB
Intel GM45
15.5-inch
160 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Acer Aspire Timeline 4810T
38,999
1.9 Kg
Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500, 1.4 GHz
2 GB
Intel GM45
14-inch
250 GB
DVD-writer
✔
HP Compaq Presario CQ40-423TU
39,379
2.4 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo T6500, 2.1 GHz
3 GB
Intel GL40
14.1-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
HP Pavilion DV2-1003AX
39,905
1.7 Kg
AMD Neo MV-40, 1.6 GHz
2 GB AMD RS690e
12.1-inch
320 GB
NA
✔
Sony Vaio VGN-CS32GH Acer Aspire Timeline 5810T LX.PBB0X.201 Toshiba Satellite L500-D621A
39,990
2.6 Kg
Intel Pentium Dual-core T4200, 2.0 GHz
2 GB
Intel GM45
14.1-inch
250 GB
DVD-writer
✔
40,999
2.4 Kg
Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500, 1.4 GHz
3 GB
Intel GM45
15.6-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
41,539
2.7 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo T6500, 2.1 GHz
3 GB
Intel GM45
16-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
HP Pavilion DV4-1204TU
42,530
2.2 Kg
Intel Pentium Dual-core T3400, 2.16 GHz
3 GB
Intel GM45
14.1-inch
250 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Sony Vaio VGN-CS34GH
44,990
2.6 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo T6500, 2.1 GHz
2 GB
Intel GM45
14.1-inch
250 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Sony Vaio VGN- P23G
49,990
620 g
Intel Atom Z530, 1.6 GHz
1 GB
Intel US15W
8-inch
80 GB
NA
✔
Sony Vaio VGN-CS17
59,990
2.6 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400, 2.26 GHz
3 GB
Intel PM45
14.1-inch
250 GB
DVD-writer
✔
HP Pavilion DV5-1221TX
63,013
2.7 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo T6400, 2.0 GHz
4 GB
Intel PM45
15.4-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Sony Vaio VGN-BZ16GN
64,990
2.7 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700, 2.53 GHz
3 GB
Intel GM45
15.4-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
HP Pavilion DV6-1154TX
67,215
2.9 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo P8600, 2.4 GHz
4 GB
Intel GM45
15.6-inch
500 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Sony Vaio VGC-JS35GJ
74,990
2.7 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo T6500, 2.1 GHz
3 GB
Intel GM45
16-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Sony Vaio VGN-FW45GJ
79,990
3.1 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700, 2.53 GHz
4 GB
Intel PM45
16.4-inch
400 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Sony Vaio VGN-Z46GD
99,990
1.48 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo P9700, 2.80 GHz
6 GB
Intel PM45
13.1-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Apple MacBook Pro MB991ZP/A
104,900
2.0 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo P9300, 2.26 GHz
4 GB
Intel PM45
13.3-inch
250 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Apple MacBook Pro MB985ZP/A
119,600
2.5 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo P9600, 2.66 GHz
4 GB
Intel PM45
15.4-inch
320 GB
DVD-writer
✔
Sony Vaio VGN-Z48GD
149,900
1.47 Kg
Intel Core 2 Duo P9600, 2.66 GHz
6 GB
Intel PM45
13.1-inch 256 GB SSD
DVD-writer
✔
NOTE: Street prices (incl. VAT and credit card charges) by www.techshop.in as on 10 October 2009.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
135
LETTERS
STAR R LETTE
INBOX
ner gets nth's win This mo ccessories set a d by : Sponso
a co ol
re
C i rc l e
Next month's Star Letter wins a cool accessories set R
Making money online
Sponsored by:
Dear CHIP, I'm Kishore, 23, from Goa. I am not a regular reader of CHIP but happened to read your article on how to make money from blogs in the September edition. I was really looking for some more details on how one can actually make money by writing blogs. I basically am a photographer but my interest in writing has made me a parttime movie critic. I write movie reviews for an English daily here in Goa (for peanuts) and have a set of valued readers. Therefore while reading your article, the first thing that came to my mind was why not create a blog and use the reviews as material for the same? Also, since I mentioned I'm a photographer, I usually travel to places and have my own collection of quality photographs. Even these could be used for the same purpose. I would be really grateful to get your valued guidance on this and am looking forward for some much needed tips. Thanks and regards, – KISHORE Hi Kishore, Making money from a blog or website can be difficult. A lot depends on the quality of content you create, the level of your expertise in your niche and your persistence and consistency of creating fresh and stimulating content. There are millions of websites which die out due to lack of interest, time or patience from the webmaster. If you share what you're good at creating, whether it be movie reviews, photography techniques, tips etc, readers will surely come back for more. But do remember that the reviews and other content you’ve already sold are most likely now under the copyright of that company, and you might not be able to republish them. Make contact with people who share the same interests, let them know about your blog, and get their feedback. Websites like www.problogger.net will answer your queries regarding making money. Remember, being passionate about what you create is key. All the best! – TEAM CHIP
CONTACT INFO
Strong views on piracy
computers, Internet, or anything
comments like "Googling the name
Please send your letters to: editor@chip.in
Dear CHIP, Piracy is illegal and more
related to technology. The pain they
of what you need will help you out
importantly, it is a way of spreading
suffer will help them grow.
without any hassles" this article
viruses and destroying the effort of
- KIRTI
those designers who work day and
136
11/2009
seems to be one that shouts "Everyone join the pirate party, it’s
night to design things that help us. I
Mixed messages
free, easy and has close to no
think that piracy is a way by which
Dear CHIP, I'm a regular reader of
punishment!” Needless to say, I'm
a few pathetic people are trying to
the magazine, and I found the main
shocked and a bit confused. Hoping
spread viruses and fool thousands
article in October 2009, "Join the
for some clarification on what CHIP
of people of small towns who are
Pirate Party" a bit strange. Instead
intended with this article.
not even aware of this term
of demoting it, the article seems to
“piracy”. But most importantly the
promote piracy! When I saw the
Dear Rishi,
biggest problem is of those
front cover, I thought it was an
The intent of the article was to jar
parasites who sell and buy pirated
article about all the problems of
people out of their apathy towards
software and feed on the hard work
piracy. I was surprised when it
piracy. We stayed on the safe side of
of software designers. They should
wasn't. With links to the sites where
a very fine line, without telling
be sent to a place with no mobiles,
such stuff is available and
people anything they don't already
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
LETTERS
know. The main problem with piracy
how I do things (like creating
IS that it's so common and
multiple photos of a person). With
unrestricted. Go to any street corner
CHIP I was also able to design
where a vendor sits with these
brochures for my father which
plastic bags and poor imitation
have a professional look. Your
WINDOWS 7 IS ALMOST HERE
printed box labels and you'll know
workshops section is great. We all
Run all your old programs without worries
what we mean to say.
would like it if after every 4-5
CHEAP HOME SECURITY
months you would give an extra
Build an advanced surveillance system with webcams and free software
However we did get voices from the industry, law enforcement and
book with reviews, cheats, etc of
software developers themselves. You
newly launched games (you forgot
can judge whether attitudes are
NFS Shift this month). But I would
going to change soon, or whether
say CHIP is the best IT magazine I
enough is being done.
have read for giving step by step - TEAM CHIP
instructions which even students can understand. The changes made
Game requirements
by you look great. Keep making it
Dear sir, The CHIP October issue
better!
was excellent. I liked the topic of
- VIPUL ARORA
piracy. But I must tell you that by
Rs 2
SMS US
w PC orth W acce of p IN sso rize ries s in ! , tr clud avel in pac g gam kage es , ho , mov use ies, hold bo gad oks, gets
OCTOBER 2009 • VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 11 • Rs 150
lak h
E EXCLUSIV IEWS! FIRST REV
ATI RADEON HD 55870 INTEL CORE i5 75 i5-750
For general comments, create the following message: ICCO <Your comments here> Example: ICCO The cover story was very useful
TESTED
DIVX DVD PLAYERS AMD 785G MOBOs
IS PIRACY TOO EASY? Windows for Rs 60. Five movies for Rs 100. But you're probably inviting viruses and funding terrorists...
moment we switch the STB on an error message is displayed,
providing links to the websites
DVD contents request
indicating that "The digicard is not
which give pirated stuff, you are
Hello CHIP, i’m Kaushik Deka. I am a
inserted properly, please remove
tempting readers to go to them. The
regular reader of CHIP. Since I found
and reinsert it". Even after doing it
other thing I notice is that the
CHIP the best of the best of all the
many times the same message
requirements of the games you
other magazines I’ve ever read, I
continues. The service is prompt
review are not being given. Please
would like to request you to send
but even the engineers say that
mention these as it lets us know
GamePro’s latest issues on the DVD
they cannot locate the fault. Do
whether the game can run on our
in PDF format. I would really be
DTH services run well only during
computers. But the magazine is
very happy if you continue to give
the warranty period, or do the
excellent and I hope it continues
it because most people like it too. I
technicians do this purposely?
the good work. Thank you.
hope people will be more interested
-AGASTYA GUPTA Dear Agastya,
Hi Subhash,
work, team CHIP. Thank you.
While the problems you face sound
- KAUSHIK DEKA
Finally, send your messages to 51818. Cheers! Please keep comments to 160 characters per message! Include your email address to help us reply or check out the SMS Feedback thread at www.chip.in/forums
extremely frustrating, it’s pretty inconceivable that any device
Dear Kaushik,
manufacturer or service provider
Thanks for your letter and
would want their customers to have
appreciation. We would also like
a poor experience, whether that is
Learning with CHIP!
nothing better than for people to be
within or outside of the warranty
Hi! I have been a reader of CHIP
interested in CHIP. However we have
period. As we pointed out in the
since I was in the 7th standard, now
no affiliation with GamePro and no
story, the competitive scenario is
I am in the 9th. In these two years
way of distributing their PDF copies
such that unhappy subscribers can
CHIP has increased my knowledge
either. Fortunately or unfortunately,
switch providers with minimal fuss,
so much that sometimes my
we’ll be sticking with only legally
so they’d better do everything they
computer teachers also don’t know
available material for our DVDs.
can to retain happy customers.
- TEAM CHIP
Errata
The “Story tag” is mentioned at the base of every story in the magazine and the “Rating” is on a scale of 1 to 5.
- SUBHASH KARMALI
magazine. Keep up your wonderful
about the game requirements into - TEAM CHIP
To rate a story, product review, etc look out for the story tag at the base of each article and type: ICCO <Story tag> <Rating> Example: ICCO PWS 5
in buying CHIP than any other
We'll definitely take your comment consideration.
Since we like knowing what’s on your mind and what you think about our magazine, we bring you another way to get in touch. Do you have something to say about a test or review? Liked a feature story? Was the workshop useful? SMS us your feedback!
Besides, they would have to have some kind of remote trigger to
The images of Mr Vipul Sant and
DTH woes continue
suddenly cause problems with your
Mr Rajdeep Sahrawat in last
Dear CHIP, I'm a regular CHIP reader
STB, which would be extreme and
month’s cover story were
and I like the way information
unprovoked. Your letter doesn’t say
mistakenly swapped. Also, the
about different hardware is
whether the STB and/or dish were
Canon Image Class MF4680
delivered. After going through your
replaced, whether your digicard was
review carried an incorrect Value
September 2009 issue with the
cleaned and replaced, etc. It might
For Money score; the actual
DTH cover story I have some
even be something simple like dust
score is 4/5. Both errors are
queries. I have been a subsciber of
or oxidation of the metal contacts.
regretted, and we apologize for
Tata Sky for the last 15 months. We
Ask the engineers to change the STB
any inconvenience caused as a
didn't have any problem during the
and card and do let us know how
result.
warranty period but after that
things go.
problems started pouring in. The
- TEAM CHIP
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
11/2009
137
LAST WORD
An Indian Geek in Japan BY GAGAN GUPTA
et's face it. We all have a lot of
L
mecca of anime culture, video games, and just
preconceived notions about a place like
about everything related to the youth culture
Japan. It’s far too expensive for simple
in Tokyo.
the populace and the customs seem so far out
of Japanese anime, to the exclusion of all else)
and different from anything else we're used
you may cliam to be, there's no way you wont
to. Everyone must have seen one of those
be humbled by the anime culture in Akihabara.
mail forwards that show you weird Japanese
There are multiple buildings dedicated to
inventions like a toilet paper hat for colds or
anime, manga and everything related to it.
the hair noodle protector. Not to forget the
There's even a colossal Tokyo Anime Center
kind of sexually overcharged imagery that
located a little behind Akihabara. It's not
most popular Japanese films portray. But my
enough that you can buy anything anime
experience in Tokyo proved that believing
or learn to draw anime, you can even buy
what you see in Japanese films is like believing
outfits and dress up as your favorite anime
that people burst into synchronized song and
characters!
vacations, English is scarcely spoken among
dance routines in India.
It was also great to see a thriving arcade
I’m not talking about the Japanese culture
video games, I noticed that the real crowds
heading straight to the tech side, which is
gathered around the prize grabbing machines.
probably the only reason you're reading this
Even after a few minutes of lingering, I noticed
page to begin with.
that no one actually won anything out of enthusiasm of the next teen trying his skill
modernize and electronically
with the machine. Home consoles were being
supercharge everything in their
sold at some excellent rates, especially the
country, the Japanese have a good
PlayStations. No where else in my travels have
mix of super-futuristic as well as
I seen a brand new PlayStation 3 being sold
some traditional oldschool charm.
for around Rs 10,000. Akihabara warrants a trip in itself and I
of a futuristic neo-Tokyo, you will
do plan on revisiting it for sure. But you don't
be disappointed; but at the same
have to be a geek to notice how big gaming is
time the little tech innovations
in Japan. People are always mashing away on
you see every now and then do
their Nintendo DSes or mobile phones. Saying
catch you as a pleasant surprise.
that the Nintendo DS is big in Japan would
Take for example how some
be an understatement. Just about everyone
restaurants and even hotels run
seemed to own one and many of them
purely through vending machines,
played at just about any opportunity they got.
where you pre-pay
Sony's PSP on the other hand was practically
for your meals and
invisible, which was a surprise considering how
rooms. It's a simple
well it's doing worldwide.
and effective process.
So getting back to the much hyped quirky
And without getting
Japanese technology. If you stay for a couple
into too much detail, I'd
of days, I think you'll begin to understand a
like to admit that Japan
lot of things they do that seem odd. Whatever
has the best electronic
you hear as an outsider, you'll appreciate the
toilets I have ever
harmony and convenience that their local
encountered!
innovations bring to your daily life, and things
But you cannot talk about a geek's
don't seem that weird anymore. Except for Hello Kitty. Their fascination with
experience in Tokyo
that absurd, featureless pussycat is absolutely
without talking about a
bonkers, and there's no explaining that!
visit to Akihabara—the INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
these, but that didn't seem to affect the
have gone out of their ways to
If you're expecting some sort
11/2009
culture in Akihabara, but more than actual
or how awesome the residents are. I'm
While many South-East Asian countries
146
No matter how big an otaku (maniacal fan
– gagan@tech2.com
SMS us! Story code: BLW to 51818