Samsung 6 Series

The Samsung 650 series, also known as the 6 series, is one of the high-end offerings part of Samsung's 2008 LCD line up. It is positioned above the 550 series and below the top-of-the-line 750 series. The 650 series has similar features and specifications to the 750 series, as the most significant upgrade is the addition of a USB port found on the 750. Upgrading from the 550 series, the 650 series adds an Ethernet port for downloading Internet content, and a 120Hz mode for smooth display performance of video containing fast motion. The 6 series is considered the successor to the Samsung 71F series, released in 2007, that features a similar glossy panel, and 120Hz mode.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•120 Hz refresh rate and 4 ms response time
•Great black levels
•4 HDMI inputs
•Ethernet port for RSS and weather
•10 bit processing
•10 bit panel
•Excellent motion handling
•Do you like Entertainment modes

Cons:

•Picture-in-Picture support only for analog signals
•Doesn't have an LED backlight.
•Ugly remote control
•Red tinted bezel can be distracting
•Can't turn off the Auto-Motion Plus (AMP) feature
•Super-reflective surface leads to glare
•Sometimes the TV will randomly shut off for no reason

More information

Specs

•1080p native resolution
•50,000:1 contrast ratio
•120Hz mode
•4ms response time
•Ethernet port for RSS, news, weather and stocks
•Inputs: 4xHDMI 1.3, Component, Composite

750 and 650 features

Ethernet port - the included ethernet port will allow you to access RSS feeds and other real time content to display sports information, news, stocks and weather. It's currently unknown whether other forms of content such as full Internet access will be available in the future.

4 HDMI ports - the lower level series feature 3 HDMI ports, with the high-end models adding an extra HDMI port for more expandability. All HDMI ports are version 1.3.

Common to all 2008 Samsung plasmas

Anti-glare screen - first introduced in the Samsung's 71F series of television released in 2007, Samsung claims they have improved the glossy anti-glare screen to reduce glare and reduce reflections.

3D support - the televisions can accept and properly display 3D content. If you have the proper glasses and source conent the TV will handle 3D images.

Upgrades over 71F series

Upgrades have been made to the internal circuitry to reduce power consumption and improve image quality. The new backlight system runs at twice the frequency which reduces the amount of flicker perceived. Samsung has also reworked the Auto-Motion Plus (AMP) feature to reduce what is known as the Triple-Ball-Effect (TBE) where fast moving items in an image will appear three times. AMP settings have also been made more flexible as they can be adjusted independent of the 'display mode' chosen.

Models

The naming convention for the 6 series models: Samsung LNxxA650T. Where the "xx" is replaced by the size of the set.

LN40A650T - 40" screen | March 2008
LN46A650T - 46" screen | March 2008
LN52A650T - 52" screen | March 2008

Apple iMac - Desktop

Product

1."built-in Firewire ports and bundled software give you a complete and very powerful system"

2."the most incredible desktop computer Apple has ever made."... Biosmagazine

3."remarkably sleek, self-contained system".

4."incredibly quiet system".

5."powerful, stylish and easy-to-use computer"..

6."since it's so powerful, it could also be a good system for the Adobe Photoshop interns in your art studio.".

7."Apple?s latest all-in-one desktop computer is gorgeous."... Biosmagazine

8."great home computer".

9."high-quality flat-panel display".

10."When combined with Apple's latest operating system, Mac OS X 10.1, which is supplied with the iMac, the G4 chip provides impressive performance, particularly in multimedia applications.".

Hard drive

1."250GB Serial ATA drive"

Processor


1."brilliant, built-in 17-inch widescreen LCD panel".

2."powerful new Core 2 Duo processor".

3."The 1-GHz G4 processor is capable of handling most of the applications you need—with Office for the Mac—when taking classes, and with 512MB of RAM and the nVidia GeForce4 MX, the iMac can tackle advanced functions like video editing.".

4."new Core 2 Duo T7600 processor".

5."brand new Intel Core Duo processor"

Graphics

1."decent graphics card".

2."Core hardware improvements make it even stronger in our graphics and overall performance tests, resulting in a home computer whose performance is matched only by its good looks.".

3."The Intel 950 graphics card is perfectly adequate for basic computing and video work.".

4."The Radeon 9600 is good for light 3D tasks and helps OS X display really cool graphics via Core Image.".

5."it's nice being able to run 1,600-by-1,200 at all on an all-in-one (the iMac's display supports up to 1,920-by-1,600 resolution).".

6."new graphics processor".

Support

1."Other features include a built-in webcam and wireless networking support, along with Apple's excellent iLife 06 software suite.".

2."fine support pages".

3."If you're having trouble and the warranty period has ended, look to Apple's fine support pages".

4."Apple warranties the iMac for one year on parts and labor and also gives you 90 days of free phone support.".

5."Apple offers 90 days of free phone support and one year of repairs, but that's too skimpy; the phone support, especially, should be longer."

Speaker

1."the quality of the speakers and the stereo separation are fine for routine music and computing use.".

2."The Harmon Kardon speakers sound great for their small size".

3."built-in iSight camera, microphone and stereo speakers"...


Display

1."incredible 20-inch widescreen LCD".

2."great big 24in widescreen display".

3."massive 20 inch widescreen".

4."The screen itself is very bright and legible".

5."15in screen is a bit small"..

6."The 20-inch screen seems a little large at first, especially at typical PC-viewing distance.".

7."It's unfair to expect a larger screen at these prices, but a 17in should be an option at the very least.".

8."the screen is too bright.".


Keyboard

1."The keyboard is very stylish".

2."Super slim keyboard".

3."A new optional Apple Wireless Keyboard is available, along with Apple?s wireless Mighty Mouse, to offer a highly recommended cable-free desktop.".

Multimedia

1."Connectivity is reasonable too, allowing you to get the best from external multimedia peripherals.".

2."Multimedia marvel"


Performance

1."It is also a great Photoshop performer: In Windows, the iMac completed Photoshop tests in 57 seconds flat, which again puts it in the high-powered multimedia class"


Looks


1."stylish and solid build oozes quality".

2."The Apple iMac looks and feels good in any environment, whether it's your home office, your child's bedroom, or the kitchen; it is part of the home decor.".

3."good looks".


Upgradability

1."no expansion slots"


Price


1."Apple has even made the pricing extremely competitive"

Range $1100 to $1800

Mouse


1."The one-button optical mouse is quite pleasant to use however."

Portal - Video Games

Portal is a single-player first-person action/puzzle video game first released as part of The Orange Box collection of games released in October 2007 for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. The game was included along with more established titles Half Life 2, and Team Fortress 2, but, somewhat unexpectedly, Portal became a standout on its own, with many gamer's buying the box set for Portal alone. It was released as a standalone game for the PC on Steam in October 2007, and retail games appearing in stores on April 9th, 2008.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Well thought out gameplay
•Excellent script
•Cheap - $20 on Steam

Cons:

•Short

More information

Gameplay

In Portal, the player controls the character, Chell, from a first person perspective as she is challenged to navigate through a series of rooms using the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device ("portal gun"). The portal gun can create two distinct portal ends, orange and blue. Neither is specifically an entrance or exit; all objects that travel through the one portal will exit through the other with no change in momentum magnitude. If subsequent portal ends are created, the previously created portal of the same color is closed. Not all surfaces are able to accommodate a portal, and any attempt to do so will not affect the existing portals. Chell can also pick up objects, though she can only throw objects a short distance (affected by the player's momentum). These objects ("Aperture Science Weighted Storage Cubes" or a "Weighted Companion Cube") can be used to press large buttons to open doors or activate platforms, but barriers (known as "Material Emancipation Grids" or 'fizzlers', as described by the audio commentary) at the end of each test chamber or within certain test chambers prevent the player character from carrying such objects beyond them. Passage through these fields also closes any open portals, and portals cannot be fired through these fields.

Zoom H2 - Recording Equipment

The Zoom H2 is a portable audio recording device that records in four channels simultaneously using its 4 built-in microphones. Its main technology comes from 4 mic capsules that can capture sound in all directions. It is designed as a complete recording system ideal for meetings, conferences, podcasts, and musical performances. The Zoom H2 records in either mp3 or wav format to an SD card (512 MB card included), and features a USB 2.0 interface for 1) transferring the audio files and 2) recording live audio to your computer directly. The Zoom H2 retails for $199 and is now available.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•4 mics built-in
•Create 5.1 surround mixes
•Can be used as a USB mic for computer recording and podcasting
•Decent sound quality
•Compact size
•Inexpensive recording solution
•Many recording format options (sample rate, bit resolution, mp3/wav)

More information

Features

•4 channel recording with 4 mic capsules
•records in 16, 24 bit at 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz in .wav or .mp3 formats
•SD card digital storage (ships with 512 MB card)
•records in stereo or 4-channel and can be encoded to 5.1 with additional software
•includes a foam windscreen
•price: $199

Nextar Q3 - GPS Receiver

The Nextar Q3 is a midline turn by turn navigation system using the NAVTEQ baseline software. The unit features a touchscreen data entry and setup, the standard voice guided directions (Turn by Turn), US and Canada Maps, SD card for addresses and MP3's, MP3 Player (headphone output for most car stereo's), Remote Control (For Navigation and MP3's), Points of Interest, USB Interface with software to update routes (Map updates not yet available) and all normal accessories. The Nextar series GPS provides a cost effective alternative to more expensive units by other manufacturers.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Very good (real world) price for features
•Multi Language
•Voice, Turn By Turn
•MP3 Player with jacks for stereo
•Alternative Routing (street by street)
•Uses Stereo for turn by turn, when connected (mutes music)

Cons:

•No map updates (at time of submission)
•No Live Traffic
•Short battery life in portable mode

More information

NAVTEQ is the baseline maping company for most, if not all, GPS maping services / hardware.

Accessories: Home charger, car charger, USB cable, carry pouch, window mount, stylus. Optional items: Alternative mounting brackets.

Hitachi 1.5 Series - TV

The 1.5 Series from Hitachi combine form and function to offer a 1080p LCD tv in a cabinet that is only 1.5 inches deep. Intended for "luxury living" with the corresponding premium price tag, Hitachi markets this line of sets for affluent homes that want the TV itself to be an aesthetically addition to the room. Hitachi claims these sets are the "world's thinnest" in contrast to JVC which makes the same claim. Both are correct in their own way, as this Hitachi set lacks integrated tuners, and is more technically called a monitor, while the JVCs contain the television tuners.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Ridiculously thin
•Wide viewing angle
•Sleek design

Cons:

•Very expensive
•No tuners
•Limited video/audio input options

More information

Specs

•1080p native resolution
•120Hz
•15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
•450-500cd/m2 brightness
•IPS-Alpha panels
•Two 6-Watt speakers
•Inputs: HDMI x 1, VGA x 1

Due to the slim nature of the design the TV's inputs are limited to only 1 HDMI and 1 VGA. When used in conjunction with a receiver this may be sufficient, but for those that wish to connect more devices directly to the television, an external "Audio/Visual" center can be purchased for $299.

IPS-Alpha Panels - Hitachi uses the same panel technology as Sharp which allows for greater viewing angles without a loss in color and contrast ratio. Hitachi claims that the TV will retain a 100:1 contrast ratio at an angle of 178 degrees. IPS gains the greater viewing angle at the expense of color vibrancy found in the panels used by Samsung and Sony.

Models

The 1.5s are available in two distinct lines, the Director's Series, which is more expensive than the companion Ultra Vision series, as the Director's Series comes with a two year warranty as opposed to one, and most likely improved specifications but exact details are unknown at this point.

Director's Series

UT32X802 | 32" screen | $1,999 | March 2008 | 720p | No 120Hz
UT32X812 | 32" screen | $2,299 | August 2008 | 720p
UT37X902 | 37" screen | $2,999 | April 2008
UT42X902 | 42" screen | $3,699 | May 2008
UT47X902 | 47" screen | $4,699 | September 2008

UltraVision -- V Series

UT32A302 | 32" screen | $1,799 | August 2008 | 720p | No 120Hz
UT32V502 | 32" screen | $2,099 | August 2008
UT37V702 | 37" screen | $2,799 | July 2008
UT42V702 | 42" screen | $3,499 | July 2008
UT47V702 | 47" screen | $4,499 | September 2008

Assassin's Creed - Video Games

The first game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise is set in 1191 AD, when the Third Crusade was tearing the Holy Land apart. Shrouded in secrecy and feared for their ruthlessness, the Assassins intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. Players, assuming the role of the main character Altair, will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and to shape events during this pivotal moment in history.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Excellent graphics
•Free roam enviorment
•Great game play
•Excellent story line

Cons:

•Missions all seem to be basicly the same
•Game does not increase challenge in later part of game
•Single player only

More information

Jerusalem, 1191 AD. The Third Crusade is tearing the Holy Land apart. You are an elite Assassin sent to stop the hostilities by suppressing the powers on both the Crusader and Saracen sides. But as you carry out your missions, a conspiracy begins to unfold. You find yourself tangled up in a conflict that threatens not only the Holy Land, but the entire world. « Nothing is true, everything is permitted »

•Be an assassin: Plan your attacks, strike without mercy, and fight your way to escape.
•Realistic and responsive environments: Every action has consequences. Crowds react to your moves, and will either help or hinder you on your quests.
•Action with total freedom: Eliminate your targets wherever, whenever, and however. •Do whatever it takes to achieve your objectives.

Tata Nano

Tata Nano – The People’s Car

The unveiling of the 4-door Nano, which is a 1 Lakh rupee car made by Tata Motors was held at the Auto Expo in New Delhi. The car is grabbing attention from the people from all over the world not only for its low price but also for its beautiful looks and striking features.

The car was driven by the owner of the company Tata Motors Mr. Ratan N. Tata at the unveiling ceremony that was held at the 9th Auto Expo who said that the bringing out the car was a dream come true for him. The booking for the car will be started by the June – July of the year 2008 and by September and October the car will be on roads in India.

Look and Comfort

Nano is an attractive cute small 4-door car .The car is made for 5 people to be seated and the engine of the car is located at the back of the car. Initially the car is launched in three color Red, White and Light green. The car will also be coming in two versions one is the standard version that is marked by the single color interiors, two spoke steering wheel and vinyl trimmed seats.

The Luxury version will have dual color interiors, three spoke steering wheel, fabric seats and body color bumpers .The luxury version will also be equipped with stylized steel wheels, fog lamps, central locks, power windows and A/C with heater.

The length of the car is 3.1 meters that is 8% smaller from the exterior than the Maruti 800 but the car is 21% more spacious than Maruti 800.The width of the car is 1.5 metres and height is 1.6 metres.

Engine and Chassis

The car will be equipped with 2-cylinder, 623 cc engine. Currently the company is launching the petrol model but later the diesel models will also be launched. The multi-point fuel-injection petrol engine is rear mounted and for the first time the car has been equipped with two-cylinder gasoline engine. The design of the car has made it to be light weight machine and gets maximum power per unit of energy consumed.

Safety and driving the car

An electronic engine management system is equipped to control performance of the car. The car can run up to the speed of speed is 90km/h.The car has been tested for the safety measures. The sheet metal body of the car is tested for crumple zones and intrusion-resistant doors. The car has strong seat-belts, and anchorages and the rear tailgate glass is bonded to the body. The tyres of the car are tubeless.

The car has been designed to be environmental friendly and the pollution level is claimed to be lower than the two wheelers. The high performance by the engine and control on fuel efficacy will lower the greenhouse gases emission. The car has a fuel efficiency of 20 km/litre. The car has passed the full frontal crash tests and side impact tests.

Special features

* Design: 4 door, 5-seater
* Engine: The car is equipped with 624cc petrol engine, 33 HP, 4-speed manual gear shift, Rear engine, front boot.
* Pollution Check: The car meets the Bharat Stage-III emission norms and Euro 4 norms
* Brakes: Equipped with Front disk and rear drum brakes
* Mileage: The car gives an average of 20km per litre mileage but can go up to 26km per litre on highway
* Fuel Tank: 30 liter fuel tank
* Space: The length of the car is 8% smaller than Maruti 800 but provides 21% more interior space.
* Luxury version comes with AC
* No power steering in the car

Positive and Negative specifications of the car

Positive specifications of the car

* Cost is the most attractive specification of the car. The people who spend to buy high cost two wheelers can go for a four wheeler after the launch of this car.
* The looks of the car are very attractive that makes it look better than many luxury cars from outside.
* The mileage given by the car is good that is 20km/l but it can go up to 26km/l on highway. This also indicates high fuel efficiency provided by the car.
* The car is eco friendly as per the emission standard.
* The car has been tested for safety measures for full frontal crash tests and side impacts.
* The length of the car is good for people to park and keep.

Negative specifications of the car

* Though he car is launched for a 1 Lakh rupee mark the actual cost can go high
* Initially the availability of the car will be a problem for the buyers as the Tata Motors is launching only 250,000 units in a year.
* The car has a low maximum speed of 90km/h.
* Space inside the car is less for keeping luggage
* The car is not equipped with power steering
* The car has cleared emission tests but increase in number of car on roads can not be environmental friendly.

Cost

The Tata Motors has launched the car for Rs 1 Lakh(US$2500, GB£1277, €1700 ). The car will be available in the market for about $3000 or Rs 1 Lakh 30 thousand after the taxes and insurance is added to the cost. The cost of the luxury version has not been declared by the Tata Motors and it is expected to be in high ranges. The car can be bought on installments of Rs 2,600 for three years or Rs 1,759 for five years.

Technical SpecificationName:
Tata Nano - 1 Lakh Rupee Car

Model: Petrol
Car Body Type: Hatchback
Segment: A Segment
Top Speed: 90
Fuel Consumption: Highway 26.00
Fuel Consumption: City 22.00
AC: Without Climate Control
Power Windows:
Central Locking: Manual
Remote Boot: No
Remote Fuel Filler: No
Rear Wiper: No
Rear Defogger: No
Steering Adjustment (Rake/Reach) : No
Driver Seat Adjustment: Manual
Leather Seats: No
Door Mirror: Driver Side
Tinted Glass: No
Rear AC Vent: No
Folding Rear Seats: No
Sun Roof: No
Buttons/Controls on Steering: No
Auto Viper: No
Auto Headlamp: No
Airbag: No
Parking Sensors: No
Fog Lamp:
Traction Control: No
EBD: No
ABS: No
ESP: No

Yamaha Gladiator SS - Motorcycle

After few unsuccessful years on the Indian roads Yamaha, the past time heroes of sports biking, has kept it's promises and launched the all new Yamaha Gladiator Sports series. This time the sporty bike named Gladiator SS comes to you with 28 unique mind-blowing features.

Yamaha has made sport biking more accessible in India with Gladiator Type SS and Type RS. This full size dynamic sporty machine is one of the best in the fiercely competitive 125 cc segment. Power packed with 28 new features, this 4-stroke, 11 bhp and 5-speed bike is a unique combination of sports biking and style. Developed with the true Yamaha DNA, the Gladiator will kick start a new sports biking lifestyle in the Indian market. Its 28 newly developed features, add values of superb performance, new styling, greater handling and comfort.

Yamaha's race-bred technology delivers an enhanced ride, agile cornering and precise braking. The result is enjoyable sport biking experience unmatched by any other bike in the category. Added to this, the new Gladiator Type SS and RS have been designed for substantial improvement in running performance, overall sporty design and product reliability with added advantages of practical functionality, fuel economy and cost effectiveness.

Describing Gladiator as a next generation bike, Mr. T. Maeda - Chief Marketing & Sales Officer, Yamaha Motor India says, "The Gladiator Type SS and Type RS have been designed to be true to the Yamaha DNA. In its category, it is the only machine that can deliver a sport biking experience which is intrinsic to Yamaha brand. Catering to the young, evolving lifestyle market, Gladiator Type SS and Type RS will target young students or young executives who seek a solid machine with good overall product balance and distinctive style. The Type SS and Type RS is a strong product and we are confident it will drive our sales to the fifth gear".

The Gladiator showcases benchmark 125cc styling, refinement and a free-revving 11 bhp engine with Yamaha Throttle Position Sensor (YTPS) technology that delivers stupendous standing acceleration. 5 speed close ratio transmission allows the rider to make the most of a wide power band to experience excellent performance in both around-turn and high-speed riding. Aerodynamic racy under cowl, sporty tachometer, wind tunnel designed front cowl, lightweight aluminium wheels and powered front disc brakes gives it a dynamic yet sophisticated demeanor.

The Bike will deliver mileage of 67 km per litre on actual city road conditions. The Gladiator Type SS will be offered in 2 colours, Yellow and Red and Type RS in Blue colour. The bike will be priced at Rs.46,350 onwards ex-showroom. With the Yamaha signature all over, the Gladiator is an extremely well built, practical, stylish and promises to be the best bike in its class.

Xfire - Im & Chat

Xfire is a new, free tool that automatically keeps track of when and where gamers are playing PC games online and lets their friends join them easily. It works regardless of game type, server browser, or gaming service that a player is using. Xfire eliminates the hassles of running multiple programs like IRC, instant messengers, or in-game friends lists to keep track of when and where a gamer's friends are playing. It supports the best and the latest online PC games including server- and non-server-based First Person Shooters, Real Time Strategy, and Role Playing Games.

Xfire was founded by Dennis "Thresh" Fong (World Champion of Quake) and Mike Cassidy (former CEO of Direct Hit). Xfire is based in Menlo Park, CA.

In April of 2006, Xfire was acquired by Viacom. Viacom is one of the leading global entertainment content companies, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Offering programming and content for television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom's world-class brands include MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 120 networks around the world), BET Networks, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, DreamWorks and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•See when your friends are online, what game they're playing, and what server they're on
•Communicate with your friends while playing a game
•Xfire's voice chat lets you talk 1:1 or in groups with your friends while you're in or out of game.
•One-Click Join
•Server Browser
•Profiles with Automatic Stats
•Doesn't support *all* games, but they will add the game you're missing messaging support for if you ask them by e-mail.
•Talk to your girlfriend/wife/boyfriend/husband/boss while you're playing your favorite game, uninterrupted.
•Records in-game video and screen shots and uploads it to your profile page for other people to enjoy

Cons:

•Does not support other IM networks such as MSN, AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, etc.

Wii Fit - Video Games

Wii Fit is an exercise simulation game (aka exergaming) in development by Nintendo that makes use of the Wii Balance Board peripheral. It was announced at E3 in July 2007 and has been described as "way to help get families exercising together". There will be over 40 activities included in the game broken up into four categories: (1) Aerobic Exercises, (2) Muscle Conditioning, (3) Yoga Poses, and (4) Balance games. It was released in Europe on May 8, 2008 and will be released in North America on May 21st, 2008 for $89.99 with the inclusion of a Wii Balance Board.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Innovative pressure sensitive gamepad
•Integrates Mii characters into gameplay
•Measures BMI
•Tracks your fitness progress with "Wii Fitness Age"
•Encourages people to live an active lifestyle
•Inexpensive, only $69.99 with Wii Balance Board
•Makes exercise fun
•Helps you use the proper form with animations, tips, and feedback based on the Balance Board
•Effective in-game personal trainer

Cons:

•Can only track four people's fitness ages.
•Uses BMI to determine fitness age but doesn't account for different body structures and muscle mass
•You can't input other biometric data that you've attained on your own (% body fat for example)
•May label children as "obese"

More information

Activities

•yoga exercises
•press ups
•step aerobics - done in sync with background music
•hula-hooping
•heading soccer balls
•ball-rolling mini game
•ski-jumping

Wii Fit will track your "Wii Fitness Age" in a similar manner as "Brain Age" was tracked in Brain Age and Big Brain Academy for the DS and Wii. There is speculation that Wii Fit may utilize the WiiConnect24 feature to help doctors and fitness professionals interact with patients and clients.

The Wii Balance Board will be included with the game and is expected to be reused by other games as they become available. The Balance Board is similar to a bathroom scale and includes multiple sensors that can determine its user's (1) center of gravity, and (2) BMI (Body Mass Index). These reading are used as part of the gameplay. There may be a larger "American sized" balance board released in the US after initial feedback is received from the upcoming Japanese launch.

Creative Vado VF0570 - Camcoder

The Creative Vado is an inexpensive handheld camcorder that's focus is on ease-of-use and simplicity. The camera has a USB connection built-in so that it's easy to transfer video to your computer, or even directly to YouTube or Photobucket. The Vado has 2GB of built-in memory and 2 hours of battery life, which can be recharged through USB. The Vado aims to be your everyday camcorder, with its small size and easy publishing capabilities, it is intended for YouTube-style video sharing (meaning it's not super high resolution).

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Great value for the price
•Lightweight
•Easy to publish online
•Easy to transfer to your computer
•Built-in battery, rechargeable through USB

Cons:

•No extended memory option
•No Mac software
•No optical zoom

More information

Features

•Video resolution: 640 x 240
•Video format: MPEG-4 AVI at 30 frames per second
•Sensor: VGA CMOS
•2x digital zoom
•2" LCD
•Built-in speaker and microphone
•2GB memory - 2 hours video at good quality, 1 hour at top quality
•TV-out
•USB connector
•2 hours battery life
•Dimensions: 3.9" x 2.2" x 0.6"
•Weight: 84g

Best Dishwashers

Bosch SHE55M02UC (Around $900)

Best dishwasher. In recent appliance-reliability surveys, Bosch dishwashers are the most quiet and most reliable dishwashers overall. The Bosch SHE55M02UC has extra features for the most flexibility, though some less expensive dishwashers clean just as well. Adjustable racks with fold-down tines and a cup shelf make for loading flexibility. A quick-wash cycle is handy for lightly soiled loads and a special half load only cycle is helpful for small loads. The Energy Star rated Bosch SHE55M02UC is available in white and black. A stainless steel finish costs extra (Around $1,050).


Kenmore 13742 (Around $650)

Best value. This less expensive Kenmore dishwasher receives high scores for excellent cleaning ability, low noise and overall reliability, but it doesn't have quite as many extra features as more expensive models. This Kenmore dishwasher skips the stainless steel tub in favor of a plastic one which helps to reduce costs. The Kenmore 13742 has a delay start and a quick-wash cycle, along with extra sound insulation for lower noise. The Kenmore 13742 comes in white, bisque, black or stainless steel (Around $750). All models are Energy Star rated.


Whirlpool DU1100XTPQ (Around $450)

Budget dishwasher. The Whirlpool DU1100XTPQ doesn't have adjustable racks, fold-down tines or extras like a quick-wash cycle or cutlery rack. It does have a delay start, self-cleaning filter, sanitary cycle and Energy Star rating. Reviews say this dishwasher cleans well and is quiet. Owner surveys also say that Whirlpool is one of the more reliable brands. If you don't care much about loading flexibility or extra cycles, the Whirlpool is a solid, reliable budget dishwasher.


Whirlpool DU850SWPQ (Around $280)

Basic dishwasher. This low-cost Whirlpool dishwasher doesn't clean quite as well as pricier models and it's not as quiet either. But if you just need a bare-bones unit and don't want many features beyond a self-cleaning filter, the Whirlpool is one of the most inexpensive units on the market. There are three wash cycles, a delay start and a one-year warranty.

World Of Warcraft

Design a character from one of two factions, the Alliance or the Horde. There are eight races to choose from (all races can be both Female and Male) in the basic game and ten races with "The Burning Crusade" expansion. Currently there are eight playing classes (see below), but this is subject to change when the new expansion "Wrath of the Lich King" is released later in 2008.


Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Customizable interface with addon mods
•Great interface
•Excellent, interesting, and unique storylines
•Make your own adventure (not stuck on one storyline)
•Huge playerbase (amount of people playing)
•Excellent customer service in the game and on the phone
•Voice emotes and dances unique to your choice of race

Cons:

•Your friends might make fun of you (but who cares? its a great game)
•Frequent Updates (interface mod incompatibility)
•A lot of obnoxious people (most people have used this game as an entry point into the MMO scene)
•Different versions are tied to their regions, i.e. an American version of the game cannot play on European Servers and vice versa.
•Monthly subscription fee (about $15)

More information

You basically roam around inside the dynamic online world called "Azeroth" killing beasts, monsters, giants, dragons and even other players of the opposing faction if you so wish, while completing tasks (quests) to earn virtual money and items to improve your character and take it to the next level.

There are currently a total of 70 levels in World of Warcraft, you start at level one and as you progress in the game you gain levels, making your character more powerful with better character statistics (strength, stamina, intelligence, spirit and agility) and abilities/spells (depending on what class you choose/roll).

World of Warcraft is the most played game of the MMORPGs, connecting a huge amount of realms over several continents and countries. With over ten million subscribers --and growing-- you're sure not to adventure alone, but can of course if you prefer not to adventure with other people.

World of Warcraft has always been the gateway MMO for a lot of people new to the genre, it is a fairly simple game with a fast learning curve, the game only becomes as advanced as you want it to get.

The user interface is very simple and easy to understand, but for people that want a different look, or more advanced control there are custom user interfaces and interface enhancements to download from various World of Warcraft Interface sites. But for the inexperienced, the basic UI will take the new player to the highest level without any real need to change your UI.

Classes & Races

The Alliance consist of:

•Dwarves (Hunter, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Warrior)
•Draenei (BC only) (Mage, Paladin, Priest, Shaman, Warrior)
•Gnomes (Mage, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior)
•Humans (Mage, Paladin, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior)
•Night Elves (Druid, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Warrior)

The horde consist of:

•Blood Elves (BC only) (Hunter, Mage, Paladin, Priest, Warlock)
•Orcs (Hunter, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, Warrior)
•Tauren (Druid, Hunter, Warrior)
•Trolls (Hunter, Rogue, Shaman, Warrior)
•Undead (Mage, Priest, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior)

Both factions now have the same classes (after BC was released), the classes are the following:

•Druid (Able to Shapeshift into various animals to benefit him or herself)
•Hunter (A tamer of animals and most commonly a ranged DPSer)
•Mage (A DPS class that focuses on magic spells to deal heavy damage to it's enemies)
•Paladin (The holy warrior that is a combination of a caster /healer / warrior with it's heavy armor, healing magic and combat magic.
•Priest (The primary healer, but can also be dealing damage if he or she is talented in that direction)
•Rogue (Uses the shadows, moment of surprise and stealth to deliver heavy blows to it's enemy)
•Shaman (With the use of totems that buff yourself or your group, also provide excellent for combat aid.
•Warrior (Primary tank class, but can be talented to deal melee DPS)
•Warlock (A caster with the ability to summon a demonic pet and a combination of DoT spells and heavy damaging spells like a Mage)

Tradeskill

There are also several trading professions in the game such as:

•Alchemy
•Blacksmith
•Enchanter
•Herbalism
•Jewelcrafter (BC Only)
•Leatherworker
•Skinner
•Tailor

Neuton Battery-Powered CE 6.2 Mower

The Neuton mower is a battery-powered machine that lets you mow your lawn with the ease of a gas-powered motor and the environmental and cost effective savings of an electrical. The Neuton uses a 24-volt battery that can be used for 45-60 minutes continuously. A big attraction to the Neuton mower is its quiet operating level - it was named the quietest rotary mower by the Noise Pollution Clearing House.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•No gas to buy
•No cord gets in the way
•Easy to start
•Extremely quiet

Cons:

•Expensive
•Battery doesn't last very long
•Battery takes long to charge
•Not that powerful, only 2.4 HP - 36 Volts x 50 Amps
•Heavy

More information

Features

•Battery: 360 Watt-Hour lead/acid with charging station
•Battery takes up to 8 hours to charge
•Battery life: 45 - 60 minutes
•Motor: 36 volt, 50 amp electric motor
•Blade-tip speed: 1800 ft/min
•Weight: 69 lbs.
•19-inch wide cut

Accessories

•Rear collector bag
•Mulching add-on
•Edge/trimmer attachmen

MythTV

MythTV is an open-source digital video recorder and media streamer software for Linux and Mac OS X. It is most often used in PCs as a free alternative to the popular TiVo service. It also has many of the network media streaming capabilities in Xbox Media Center. MythTV has almost all PVR functionality found with TiVo, including "Live TV" that allows you to pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV. It supports multiple TV tuners for multiple simultaneous recordings. Video is compressed using rtjpeg (from Nuppelvideo) or mpeg4 (from libavcodec). It is available as a free download, and is very often bundled with an Linux-based operating system for easy setup. One of the more popular MythTV bundles is Mythbuntu, a combination of MythTV and the popular Linux distro Ubuntu. The current release is version 0.21 released on March 8th, 2008.


Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Free, open-source alternative to TiVO
•Commercial detection/skipping
•Distributed architecture supporting multiple clients and multiple servers for a more advanced setup
•Web-based interface for remote recording
•Customizable menus
•Includes many other apps including weather, web-browser, gallery, music player
•Support for multiple simultaneous TV tuners
•Live TV functionality. pause/rewind/fast forward live TV
•Web-powered electronic program guide
•Control your set-top box with an IR blaster
•HDTV support
•Built-in DVD importer for "backing up" DVDs

Cons:

•Complicated setup geared towards more techie people
•Difficult working with digital broadcasts and HDTV
•Doesn't interact with digital cable/satellite directly but instead requires an IR blaster

More information

Features

•Supports ATSC, QAM, and DVB high-definition television.
•Pause, skip, and rewind live TV shows.
•Intelligently schedules recordings to avoid conflicts.
•Interfaces with free TV listing sources such as XMLTV or PSIP.
•Interfaces with subscription listings service Schedules Direct in the United States and Canada.
•Schedule and administer various system functions using a web browser-based interface.
•A backend server and frontend client architecture, allowing multiple frontend client machines to be remotely served content from one or more backend servers. A single computer can perform as both the frontend client and the backend server.
•Analyzes recorded shows for optional commercial skipping
•Plays recordings at an accelerated or decelerated rate, adjusting the audio pitch as necessary.
•Controls a decoder/STB using an infrared remote (Irblaster)
•Web interface for setting up recordings remotely
•Customizable, skinnable menu

Setup

MythTV should be installed on a PC (or Mac) with a compatible video tuner card. MythTV continues to support more tuner cards as they are released, but it currently supports Hauppauge WinTV-PVR 150/250/350/500 series of tuner cards. The combination of PC + MythTV now can be used as a HTPC. The tuner card can be hooked up to your (1) analog OTA or cable directly, or (2) can be connected to your cable or satellite set-top box which can then be controlled using an IR blaster connected to the HTPC. The MythTV interface has an EPG (powered by XMLTV) that should be configured to your TV programming setup. A unique feature to MythTV is its distributed architecture allowing for multiple recording machines and multiple playback machines on the same network for a transparent experience to the user. For example, you could have MythTV connected to your digital cable in the living room, and have a second MythTV box in your bedroom that connects seamlessly to the digital cable and access the recorded shows remotely.

Yamaha YZF-R1 (2007-current) - Motorcycle

New price £8,999
Engine size 998cc
Power 187bhp
Top speed 182mph


Overall verdict

Yamaha’s latest R1 features new-found midrange drive from junking Yamaha’s tried and tested five-valve per cylinder in favour of the traditional four-valve set up, but at the same time installing some of the “bad boy” engine manners the original model was famed for. The chassis also gets updated by way of new frame, swingarm and suspension to make this latest Yamaha R1 a perfect road bike tool and the basis for a stonking trackday and superstock motorcycle.


Engine

The Yamaha R1 was never short of top end drive and that’s true of this latest version. What the latest Yamaha YZF1000-R1 does have though is a healthy dollop of midrange kick. Not that this will be a worry in the lower gears as the fly-by-wire system, linked to detailed ECU mapping, won’t deliver everything the rider asks for, instead giving what it thinks is best. Variable length inlet trumpets (worked by electronic motor at 10,400rpm) boosts midrange revs and props up top end poke – not just a gimmick, it actually works.

Ride and Handling

With race-like suspension front and rear, the standard set-up of this latest Yamaha R1 is just about right for dealing with everyday riding on UK roads. Turn the pace up (road or track) and there’s enough adjustment to suit every situation and riding style. Typically the R1 is a front end motorcycle, meaning that every road detail is felt through the bars and it drops into a turn as quick as you like. Race track manners along with road motorcycle stability takes some beating and believing, but it does both with style.

Equipment

As a leading sports bike/race replica, niceties of heated grips and shaver points simply don’t exist. The Yamaha R1's dash layout is spartan but effective; big tachometer face, gear shift light and LCD speedo are all you’ll really need. Yamaha has brought back six-piston brake calipers to fly in the face of four-pot fashion, but they work very, very effectively on the smaller-sized discs of the latest R1. The rear shock features high/low compression damping, which is good, as is the roomy seating position. Six-feet plus? Not a problem.

Quality and Reliability

As there are only three major motorcycle fastener suppliers in Japan –used by all the Japanese manufacturers – the old belief that Yamaha’s finish is inferior is complete rubbish nowadays. What is questionable is the bitty way certain panels of this latest Yamaha R1 are tacked on or used to cover areas eg the flimsy placcy bit covering the down pipes. Reliability shouldn’t be a problem as the Yamaha R1 hasn’t got a reputation for being a lemon.

Value

Yamaha’s pricing has always been strange: in 2005 the R1’s list price was £9k-plus, but then dropped to just over £8k in 2006. For 2007 the R1’s projected price will be around £8999, which (typically) is around £200 more than the competition. Value for money? Yamaha think so, as do previous Yamaha R1 customers.

Model History

1998: The very first YZF1000 R1.
2000: New titanium silencer, revised gearbox, modified carb, magnesium engine case covers, new bodywork and fuel tank, lighter chassis components, new suspension settings.
2002: Fuel injection now fitted along with catalytic converter and uprated ECU for more power. Revised frame and suspension and cosmetics.
2004: Full make-over for the Yamaha R1; new engine internals, underseat exhaust, sharper styled bodywork, more power, frame and suspension mods (longer swingarm in 2006).
2007: Launch of all-new Yamaha R1.

Other Versions

Yamaha R1-SP: 2006 limited edition with Ohlins suspension, Marachesini light weight wheels, and slipper-type clutch
Centenary: limited edition all-yellow model in 2005/2006.

New Ford Ikon

Quick Take
* Fuel Economy 9/14 km/l (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.3L In-line 4, 69 bhp petrol
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.


Highlights

Peppy engine.
Sturdy body.
Styling.

Pros

Transmission.
Stability at high speed.
Acceleration.

Cons

Suspension can be softened.

Overview

Ford made its presence in India in 1907, when it launched the Model A. After establishment here, it discontinued its operation in 1954 and again reestablished itself as Mahindra Ford India. From a 50:50 joint venture with Mahindra, Ford grew to be 92.18% stake holder and rechristened itself as Ford India Limited. It started manufacturing Ford Ikon from its Chennai facility in 1999.

The 2006 Ford Ikon was launched as Ikon Flair with added youthful, sporty features and a competitive price tag. This new edition of the Ikon Flair was designed to garner the attention of the young icons that are keen to begin their experience with four-wheelers with a world-class stylish sedan.

Ikon Flair is a hot cake, and driver's car in comparison to the Maruti Esteem, Baleno, Hyundai Accent and the rest. Priced moderately, it is worth the money paid and stands out in competition.

Powertrain & Performance

The Ikon uses the 1.3L ROCAM (Roller Finger Camshaft) engine that is a spirited performer, generating 69 bhp @ 5,500 rpm and 105 NM of torque @ 2,500 rpm, and is ideal mate for urban usage. Power is transferred to the front wheels and regulated by a 5-speed manual transmission. Gear shifting is simply superb and leaves no room for complaints. It uses the chain-drive Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) technology that keeps the system free from rattles.

The ride quality of the Ikon has not changed dramatically; it has independent McPherson Struts mounted on separate sub-frame and a heavy duty twist-beam with strut-type coil spring/damper units on the rear. This suspension setup is good at high speed but a little harsh on bumpy roads. Handling is no doubt Ford type and is quite impressive. The car is not completely planted to invite trouble on speed breakers unlike its competitors. Still it is firm on highways; beyond 4,000 rpm, the engine growls and is fun for those adventurous young drivers.

Build & Styling

The Ikon has a perfect three box profile, which has changed the sedan styling in India. It is youthful, appealing and a perfect aerodynamic profile. The build quality is strong and finish is perfect.

The Ikon is designed with great panache and appeals all. The interiors are inviting; the cabin is noiseless and there is enough legroom in both the rows. The seats are a bit firm and not as one expects in a modern car. The dash is neatly designed and the controls come in handy. To top it all, the steering wheel plus the gear shifter are placed so well that driving for a long journey is fun.

The Ikon gets sufficient boot space (400 litres) without compromising on the cabin space. The thick C-pillar, which is slightly pushed on the boot, makes it contemporary; this pattern is being imbibed by others. The side skirts give the Ikon a racy feel and alloy wheels add to it. Standard features on the Ikon include power windows on all doors, CFC-free air-conditioning, tachometer, boot light and fabric seats.

Some of the standard safety features include Ford Dynamic Safety Engineering, laminated windscreen, child-proof rear locks, front and rear side impact door beams, front and rear seat belts, centre high mount stop lamp, central locking and electric fuel cap release.

New Mahindra Bolero

Quick Take
* Fuel Economy 12/15 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.5L Inline 4 (Turbo) XD3PU
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Plenty of variants to choose from.
Improved interiors.
High ground clearance.

Pros

Just right for the Indian roads.
Sturdily built.
Good Fuel Economy.

Cons

Looks can be more modern.

Overview

The Mahindra Bolero is a combination of power, size and rugged looks, which makes it ideal for the Indian roads. It offers an array of trims in regular and soft top versions that include SLX, SLE, DI, Plus, and Diz. For 2007, the earlier models have been renamed and new standard equipment has also been included. A sturdy body and high ground clearance render the Bolero ideal for Indian roads.

All variants wear a sporty look with chic decals and prominent bumpers. Besides sharp exterior styling and ample interior amenities, the Bolero offers the added advantage of a mechanic or a service centre in most parts of the country.

Furthermore, the manufacturer states that the Bolero's body is primed with a "state-of-the-art" CED process that enhances rust resistance. It has a minimal operating cost and is available in 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) and 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) options. It is rigged out with a host of features and amenities that include an appealing injection moulded dash panel, attractive interior trims with matching seats, maneuverability and stability, an electronic shift transfer case and a wide array of attractive metallic colours to choose from.

Powertrain & Performance

The Bolero SLX is available with an option for Four Wheel Drive. The SLX gets a 2.5L (Turbo) diesel engine and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 4WD is equipped with a XD3PU engine and serves up power worth 68 hp at 3,200 rpm with 137.5 Nm of torque @ 2,000-2,500 rpm. All the other models, the Bolero SLE, DI, DI and Diz, have a 2.5L engine that forks out 63 bhp of power at 3,200 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 1,800-2,200 rpm.

All the models get a 5-speed manual as standard. Emission levels have been brought down in compliance with BS III norms. This facilitates reduced expenditure on maintenance as well.

All Bolero models possess an independent front suspension with coil spring suspensions in the front and leaf springs in the rear, except the DI, which gets rigid leaf springs in the front. It comes with a hugely responsive power steering, standard on the SLX and SLE. Shifting is smooth but some more power would have been better.

Build & Styling

The new models of Bolero look modern, with lot of exterior and interior improvements. The frontal look is more aggressive with a new commanding grille element, bigger headlamps and muscular front bumper. The new design has an imposing presence and a roughly hewn silhouette. On the exterior, its rugged structure is smoothed-out with a vast expanse of steel. Muscular bumpers and sporty decals add to its sturdy-sporty aura (which is a blessing, built as it is for off-road driving). A high ground clearance protects the undercarriage from any untoward damage.

The interior is roomy and spacious with ample seating for seven. Power steering eases driver's effort on bad and rural roads. The new cabin is well-appointed; it has colour coordinated interiors and attractive upholstery. The new Bolero has an extended wheelbase, allowing far more legroom and general overall comfort. The roof has been raised too. Aluminium side and rear footsteps make for easy entry and exit.

The Mahindra Bolero has variants that could cater to the needs of a large family with its roomy interiors and modular seating options.

New Tata Sumo Grande

Quick Take
* Fuel Economy 10/14 km/l (city/highway) Diesel
Available Engines 2.2L DICOR Inline-4, 118 bhp, Diesel
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions


Highlights

DICOR Engine
Lavish interior.
Exterior Styling.

Pros

Impressive mileage.
Spacious Cabin.
Wide Wheelbase.

Cons

Dashboard design.

Overview

When Tata Motors thought about improving the popular Sumo, it must have thought about a toy. This SUV is indeed a toy but for the big boys. The metamorphosis of the Sumo into the Sumo Grande is witnessed in virtually every section of the vehicle. And it should be as Tata has spent more than Rs. 300 Crore to make it look 'Grande'.

The design of the Sumo Grande is eye-catching and so are all the attractive colours it is available in. The vehicle gets the look of a sophisticated personal car. It is also a perfect car for weekend outings by large families.

On the outset, the car's headlamps have been made larger than the Sumo Victa and the grille has been enlarged. The wheel arches are more prominent and the bumpers look muscular. And to top it off, the spare wheel can be placed underneath the 3rd row seat and not on the rear door as was the custom till date.

The Sumo Grande fits into the urban environment very easily. The utility vehicle is available in three variants- LX, EX, and GX. The available seat configurations are 6+1 and 7+1. The car is truly value for money.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the lid it still looks like the Sumo Victa, but its more refined power shows the difference. The Sumo Grande's engine has been borrowed from the Tata Safari. It comes with the same 2.2 litre VTT DICOR engine that churns out a healthy 118 bhp at 4000 rpm and a torque of 25.5kgm at 3000rpm.

There is an option for torque with a wider RPMs band which can improve manouverablity in narrow city lanes and while cruising on highways. The engine is paired with a variable geometry turbocharger. The MUV comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox across all variants. For those who used Tata's vehicles will be surprised to find out that the gears move smoothly in harmony at the driver's will. The Sumo Grande feels adequately empowered.

Build & Styling

The Sumo Grande's styling is very contemporary. For once, designers at Tata Motors have worked very hard to get the vehicle's looks right. All the sharp edges of the Sumo have been tweaked into curves. The smooth flowing lines on the exterior give it an aura of sophistication. The front fascia still has the butch stance. The larger headlamps and a bulging bonnet paired with an oversized grille with the chrome Tata badge add an urban character to the vehicle. The front bumpers get a large air dam and two circular fog lamps placed on either corner. The oversized wheel arches house the 16-inch wheels. The square window glass and flat roof have been carried over from Sumo.

The Grande comes with three row seating and even the third row seating has enough space for adults. There is more legroom and thigh space and the back gets a comfortable support to enjoy long drives without pain. The third row can be folded to make space for additional cargo. The seats are in light beige, making the cabin appear roomy. The interiors have been refined and the plastic feels smooth and exudes quality finish. The car comes fitted with a modern HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and AC) system with dual zone air conditioners. Some convenience features are power windows, rear seat arm rests, electrically adjustable rear view mirrors and remote keyless entry. The lighting has been improved by the provision of puddle lamps on the front door, follow-me-home lights, and the interiors get theatre style lighting. The rear window comes with a fog/rain water wiper to improve rear visibility.

The Alpine music system with six speakers with a fake wood paneling comes standard on the top-end variant GX. The plastic moulded tilt power steering wheel, though lightweight, gives a strong grip. The GX gets leather wrapped steering.

Compared to the older Sumo, the Sumo Grande's extra height of 20 mm and longer wheelbase makes it more stable on highways. The leaf spring suspension in the rear enables a smooth ride. Independent double wishbone suspension and coil springs are placed to the front. This is useful for easy driving.

Safety features include central locking, side impact beams, door open warning, driver's seat belt unfastened warning, tiltable/collapsible steering column, tubeless tyres, child safety door locks, antiglare internal rearview mirror, high mount stop lamp, low fuel indicator warning, rear fog lamps, and motorized headlamp adjustment system.

The higher end EX and GX variants get central locking and an intelligent rotary lock mechanism that avoids locking of doors when the key is still in the ignition. Engine immobilizer and clear lens front fog lamps are exclusive to the GX variant. The seat fabric on all variants has been treated for resisting stains. The upholstery on the GX is fire resistant.

Zune (second generation, 80GB, black) - MP3 Player

The good: The 80GB Microsoft Zune MP3 player features a 3.2-inch glass LCD; a user-friendly interface; exceptional navigation control; audio and video podcast support; a superlative FM radio with RBDS information; wireless syncing and sharing; high-quality earphones; revamped Zune Marketplace PC software; Zune Pass subscription music support; good audio quality; and a built-in composite-video output.

The bad: The Zune is a PC-only device that requires its own software and still does not support older WMA-DRM9 music files; Zune Marketplace does not offer TV or movie downloads; the USB connection is proprietary; no Wi-Fi music streaming; and the EQ feature has been removed.

The bottom line: The Zune has blossomed from an ugly duckling into a worthy iPod alternative.

Price range: $229.94 - $249.99

Design

The 80GB Zune cuts a much slimmer figure than its bricklike older brother. Measuring 4.3 inches high by 2.4 inches wide by 0.5 inch deep, Microsoft shaved some considerable bulk off the Zune's thickness, while nearly tripling its capacity. Beyond its more pocket-worthy form, the two major improvements to the Zune's hardware design are its screen and its navigation pad.

With a diagonal measurement of 3.2 inches, the 80GB Zune's luxuriously large LCD screen leaves the 2.5-inch screen of the iPod Classic in the dust. The screen size may seem like a marginal improvement from the first-generation Zune's 3-inch screen, but the 80GB Zune's use of an optical glass screen shield (instead of plastic) further distinguishes it from its older sibling, as well as the competition. The Zune's new glass screen not only affords the device a sophisticated feel, but it also provides a more scratch-resistant surface with less optical distortion than the ubiquitous plastic variety.

The second major improvement engineered into the new fleet of Zune MP3 players is a completely unique navigation control that Microsoft dubs the Zune Pad. You can think of the Zune Pad as a cross between a standard four-direction navigation pad and a laptop's touch pad. With the Zune Pad, users can navigate menus by either pressing or sliding their finger in four directions, and select items by clicking on the middle of the pad. We we're initially skeptical about the Zune Pad's usability compared with the tried-and-true click pad of the first-generation Zune, but after just a few minutes, we found the Zune's old interface to be positively archaic. Navigating lengthy song lists is a breeze, especially with an accelerated scroll kicking in when the pad is held down. The new Zune Pad interface also lets you skip through songs, photos, and radio stations with just a light brush of the finger. Buttons for play/pause and menu still flank each side of the Zune's control pad and behave exactly as they did in the first-generation Zune.

The most significant design change to the Zune is an overhauled graphic user interface that no longer looks like a rehash of the Portable Media Center operating system found on the Toshiba Gigabeat S. While the critically beloved "twist" interface of the first-generation Zune remains, the main menu screen has been replaced with stunning, oversized text that takes readability to the next level. This same main menu screen can be customized with a background image from your digital photo collection. Existing Zune loyalists will be very happy to know that Microsoft is offering the new Zune operating system as a free upgrade to all first-generation Zune owners.

The 80GB Zune has a handful of smaller cosmetic changes worth noting, as well. The back of the Zune is now covered with a matte-finished aluminum etched with the Zune logo (or custom-etched by Microsoft's ZuneOriginals.net). The top edge of the Zune now features an inch-long mirrored plastic window for its built-in Wi-Fi antenna. Lastly, the 80GB Zune includes a pair of high-quality, Zune-branded, sound-isolating earphones constructed with a cloth-braided cable.


Features

We admit the first-generation Zune certainly wasn't the coolest-looking MP3 player on the block, but its features were fairly advanced. With subscription music support, wide-screen video playback, Wi-Fi music sharing, high-quality photo viewer, RBDS-enabled FM radio, and composite video output, the original Zune looked like a serious iPod challenger on paper. The 80GB Zune maintains all of the original Zune's compelling features and ups the ante with tightly integrated audio and video podcast support, as well as the unique ability to automatically sync content over a home wireless network.

Ever since Apple rolled podcast support into its iPod and iTunes products back in 2005, no one has been able to match its seamless integration of audio and video podcast discovery, subscription, and management tools (although Creative's Zencast alternative gets close). With the latest refresh of the Zune PC software, first- and second-generation Zune owners can now enjoy audio and video podcasts with the same ease as their iPod contemporaries. Podcasts now have their own directory within the main menu of the Zune, which is subdivided between audio and video podcasts. The Zune PC software also includes a new podcast tab that allows users to browse through a growing library of podcasts. If your favorite podcast can't be found in the directory, links are provided to both recommend the podcast for inclusion, as well as add the podcast manually by copying and pasting its URL into the Zune software. In the end, podcast downloads, autosync preferences, and subscription management match that of iTunes. In fact, Microsoft takes podcast integration a step further by allowing users to unsubscribe from podcasts directly on their Zune--a great feature for podcast junkies who want to tidy up their podcast subscriptions on the go. (Editors' note: Microsoft removed the podcast unsubscribe feature from the Zune's initial firmware release due to instability. Microsoft plans to reintroduce the feature in its next firmware update.) We were also happy to see that the Zune includes a playback resume option for digesting long podcasts in sections.

The second major addition to the Zune's set of features is the ability to wirelessly sync content from your PC over your home Wi-Fi network. The feature requires a one-time setup to familiarize the Zune with your home network, after which it will remember to look for the network automatically each time it is plugged in for a recharge. If you're within range of your wireless network but don't feel like recharging your player to trigger the wireless sync, you can also initiate the sync manually by digging through the Zune's settings. Of course, you can always connect the Zune directly to your computer using the included proprietary USB cable, but the wireless option is a neat trick.

Software

Using the Zune also means using the Zune's PC-only software. The Zune software has seen a major overhaul from its days of looking like a hipster-skinned version of Windows Media Player. The new Zune software interface is shockingly clean and bright. New icons lining the bottom edge of the software make playlist creation and content syncing much more intuitive. Fans of Windows Media Player will definitely need some time to adjust to the new file and category organization, but we believe the new system is more intuitive.

As with iTunes, the main benefit of giving the Zune its own dedicated software is the ability to integrate an online music store (Zune Marketplace) alongside the users' own music library. The Zune Marketplace is also seeing a refresh, with added DRM-free download content, more attractive artist pages, better genre-based editorial content, a podcast directory, and more granular subcategories within genres. The Zune Marketplace is still missing the TV and movie content found through competitors such as iTunes, although it does offer music videos. Expect Microsoft to make another big push for its all-you-can-eat Zune Pass music subscription service.

Performance

The Achilles' heel of the Zune is its built-in Wi-Fi antenna. As any laptop owner knows, a Wi-Fi antenna sucks a lot of juice and can wreck battery performance. To optimize the Zune's battery life in spite of its Wi-Fi capabilities, Microsoft decided to ditch the built-in audio equalizer found on the first-generation Zune. While one can argue that EQ presets are simply a Band-Aid for poor quality earbuds, there's just no way to feel good about having a perfectly good feature ripped away from a product. Luckily, Microsoft includes a pair of high-quality dynamic driver earphones with the 80GB Zune to maximize the perceived audio quality out of the box. Listening on our full-size Ultrasone HFI-700 headphones, we were more than satisfied with the Zune's fidelity (especially considering its support for WMA Lossless). That said, bass addicts, control freaks, and people with partial hearing loss will certainly be disappointed with the Zune's lack of sound enhancement.

Video performance on the 80GB Zune is quite good. The Zune's 3.2-inch screen is a monster, bested only by the iPod Touch and full-fledged PVPs. The glass-covered 320x240 LCD presents excellent viewing angles, with above-average clarity and color. With the recent addition of podcast support, the 80GB Zune is unquestionably the high-capacity choice for video podcast fans. Support for Windows Media Center DVR content is just icing on the cake.

Unfortunately, the 80 GB Zune's battery life is only average when held up to a high-capacity competitor such as the iPod Classic. With the Wi-Fi feature turned off, Microsoft rates the Zune's battery life at 30 hours for audio, and 4 hours for video. Our CNET Labs found that the Microsoft Zune 80 is realistically capable of 22 hours of audio-only playback with the Wi-Fi feature turned off, or 18.5 hours with the Wi-Fi feature enabled. Compared with the 45 hours of audio-only playback our lab was able to squeeze from Apple's 80GB iPod Classic, the Zune 80's lackluster battery performance is a notable disadvantage. In the context of the first-generation Zune's 13 hours of audio playback, however, the Zune 80's 22 hours is a relative step forward. Our CNET Labs testing concluded that the Zune 80's video playback battery performance nearly matches Microsoft's 4-hour claim. During testing, the Zune 80 managed 3.8 hours of video playback with Wi-Fi off, and 3.7 hours with Wi-Fi active.

Final thoughts

We can spend pages listing the Zune's features, but when it comes down to it, Microsoft's biggest achievement will be overcoming the Zune stigma still lingering from last year's debut. With its beautiful screen, podcast integration, revamped interface, and wireless sync, we believe the latest crop of Zunes should finally take hold as a true iPod alternative.

GIMP

GIMP is a popular open-source graphics editing program that is often used as a free replacement to Adobe Photoshop. Short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, GIMP is licensed under a GNU General Public License and is available for all major operating systems including Linux, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows. GIMP is a raster graphics editor, as opposed to a vector graphics editor like Adobe Illustrator, or OpenOffice.org Draw (also open-source), and thus useful for manipulating digital images such as photographs. Common tasks include cropping, resizing, adjusting color, creating composite images, removing artifacts and other unwanted image features. GIMP is including as the default graphics editor in many popular Linux distros including Ubuntu, SUSE, and Debian. Originally released in 1995, the current release version is 2.4.5 as of March 1st, 2008.


Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Free alternative to Adobe Photoshop
•Open source application
•Supports read and write of PhotoShop .PSD file format
•Available for UNIX/Linux, Mac OS X, Windows
•Extensive file format support
•Extensive featureset, comparable to Photoshop

Cons:

•Missing some advanced productivity features found in Photoshop with layer management and history
•No Pantone colors because of legal issues

Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse

The good: Long battery life; easy to install; stylish design; innovative scrollwheel; ambidextrous.

The bad: Wordy instructions; no user manual.

The bottom line: Microsoft's new Wireless Optical Mouse is the ultimate choice for everyday mousing.

Price range: $29.99 - $40.69

Priced at a reasonable $45 and available in a variety of shimmering colors, Microsoft's updated Wireless Optical Mouse may be the ideal everyday mouse. Plus, it's cord-free, so there's no need to worry about dreaded desktop entanglements.

Though Microsoft's instructions are overly wordy, our test setup for this mouse was simple and quick, taking less than 10 minutes. The base, which is housed in a cool-looking opaque case, comes PS/2 and USB ready. It is not, however, a recharging station for the mouse, which instead boasts more than six months of estimated battery life, as compared to the average of three months for most other wireless mice, before you'll need to replace the two AAs.

The overall look of the Wireless Optical Mouse is slick and stylish. It sports a comfortable ergonomic design, with added points for being ambidextrous. Perhaps because of the latter, Microsoft sticks to a simple three-button layout, which you can configure however you desire.

The most notable feature of this mouse--and of all new Microsoft mice--is the Tilt Wheel Technology. This nifty attribute allows you to scroll through windows horizontally by simply tilting the scrollwheel to one side or the other. Another unique trait is the smooth movement of the scrollwheel, which doesn't continually click like those of other mice we've used.

Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse

The good: Two modes for the scroll wheel let you spin through long documents quickly; very portable; the Logitech VX Nano laser mouse is shaped for both left- and right-handed users; programmable buttons; tiny receiver stores inside the mouse; laser tracking for precision on many surfaces.

The bad: Somewhat expensive; may be too small for people with large hands.

The bottom line: If you can afford its high price, you'll be pleased by the Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse's comfort, features, and extremely portable design.

Price range: $48.99 - $72.99

Last year, Logitech released Logitech VX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse and now the company's follow-up to that device, the smaller VX Nano, has likewise earned great reviews. Like the Revolution, the Nano provides comfortable contours, plenty of buttons, and a storage space for its tiny wireless receiver. To that the VX Nano adds a gliding scroll wheel that's even easier to use, as well as a more compact shape that's accessible to both left- and right-handed mousers. Though at $70 it's far more expensive than other notebook mice, the Logitech VX Nano represents the ultimate in portability for mousing on the go.

Measuring 4 inches long, 2.4 inches wide, and just over an inch thick, the Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse is about the size of a bar of soap, which makes it extremely portable. That's also just about the smallest you can make a travel mouse without sacrificing user comfort; the VX Nano felt comfortable for our medium-size hands, though large-handed users might prefer the slighter bigger VX Revolution. We prefer to mouse with our left hand, so we really appreciate the VX Nano's ambidextrous contours, which are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users--a major advantage over the VX Revolution, whose shape accommodates only right-handed mousing.

The Nano's USB receiver is the tiniest we've seen. The actual USB plug makes up most of its 0.8-inch length, and when you plug in the receiver less than 0.3 inch--about the radius of a dime--sticks out. At that size, you can easily leave the receiver plugged into your notebook, even when you're on the move. The receiver also stashes into a storage slot under the mouse's battery cover; we like that the mouse automatically turns off when the receiver is stowed, which saves power and ensures the mouse won't accidentally turn on when it's in your bag. To protect the mouse while in transit, Logitech provides a handy neoprene case.

Like all VX mice, the VX Nano incorporates Logitech's "nearly frictionless" scroll wheel, which lets you scroll through massive documents at extraordinary speeds. With this feature, there's no tactile feedback on the wheel: give it a flick, and it just keeps spinning. We averaged 31 pages per spin while scrolling through a 300-page PDF, and it took just two spins to reach the bottom of our 350-message inbox. If you want more controlled scrolling, just press the scroll wheel straight down to switch into a traditional click-wheel mode. This easy switching between gliding and clicking is a big improvement over the VX Revolution, which requires you to flip a switch on the bottom of the mouse to change scroll modes.

The VX Nano features high-precision laser tracking that we found to be very responsive on our desk, a notepad, and our pants leg. There's a handy LED battery meter on the top of the mouse, so you know how much juice you have left. (Logitech claims the mouse will run for 6 months on two AAA batteries.) Though you can use the VX Nano without any setup--just plug in the USB receiver to an available port and go--installing Logitech's Set Point software, available for both Windows and Mac, makes all of the mouse's five buttons programmable.

Best Hedge Trimmers

Little Wonder 2420 (Around $260)

Best electric hedge trimmer. Comparative reviews give the Little Wonder top ranking among electric hedge trimmers, with enough quiet power to handle half-inch branches. These electric hedge shears also have a host of safety features, and the blade shuts off within a half second after the handle is released. Double reciprocating blades, instead of a single blade, are made to last longer, require less sharpening and minimize vibration. The Little Wonder hedge trimmer comes in three blade lengths.


Makita UH6350 (Around $150)

Mid-range electric hedge trimmer. For a little over half the price, reviews say the single-bladed Makita hedge trimmer gives you nearly the same performance as the more expensive Little Wonder 2420, handling half-inch branches with minimal noise and vibration. It has a dual-switch safety feature, but the blade doesn't stop as quickly after the trimmer is turned off. It does have a front shield for added safety, though users give this feature mixed reviews.


Craftsman 79957 (Around $70)

Budget electric hedge trimmer. Reviews say this dual-bladed Sears Craftsman hedge trimmer can still get the job done -- just less smoothly, with more noise and vibration than more expensive electric hedge trimmers. The Craftsman doesn't have a dual-switch safety feature, but there is a lock-off switch to prevent accidental starts. You can lock the switch on to prevent trigger-finger fatigue, a feature which is a favorite among owners. A cord clip keeps the cord from being accidentally disconnected.


Echo HC160 (Around $350)

Gas hedge trimmer. For mobility plus power rated for 3/4-inch branches, Echo gas hedge trimmers get high scores in comparative reviews. Tests show the double-reciprocating blades make clean cuts through branches and thick shrubbery without jamming or slowing. Gas hedge trimmers weigh 5 or 6 pounds more than electric hedge trimmers, but you don't have to drag a heavy extension cord. You'll need hearing protection while using it, and reviews find the exhaust fumes annoying, but vibration dampening is built into this model. The two-cycle engine meets clean air requirements without sacrificing fuel economy.


Black & Decker NHT518 (Around $70)

Cordless hedge trimmer. While corded electric hedge shears keep you within 100 feet of an outlet, the 18-volt Black & Decker hedge trimmer offers cordless convenience. It's also lightweight and quiet, but not as powerful. Based on testing, the Black & Decker is a good choice for quick trims, handling branches up to just under a half-inch. An extra battery (Around $45) will increase runtime. The Black & Decker has a lock-off switch (but it doesn't lock on), and the blade stops almost instantly when the switch is turned off.

Sony KDS-55A3000 - HDTV

The good: Excellent overall color fidelity with superb color decoding and grayscale linearity, as well as best-in-class primary color accuracy; deep black levels with solid shadow detail; de-judder processing smooths out pans and camera movement; numerous picture controls; ample connectivity.

The bad: De-judder processing can seem unnatural; improper de-interlacing of 1080i film-based material; labyrinthine menu design.

The bottom line: The SXRD-based Sony KDS-55A3000 exhibited excellent color accuracy and stellar performance in general, making it the year's best performer in the rear-projection HDTV category.


Sony has a real winner with the new KDS-A3000 series, represented here by the 55-inch KDS-55A3000, the middle of three sizes. We liked Sony's LCoS-based SXRD technology when it was first introduced a couple of years ago, and the company has followed up by significantly improving performance. While not perfect, the KDS-55A3000 is the most color-accurate RPTV money can buy today. Its weakest point is in its video processing, which has been the case with Sony for years, but in this TV's instance, that's hardly a deal breaker. As far as overall picture quality is concerned, the 1080p resolution A3000 series tops our list among rear-projection HDTVs, and its excellent value proposition seals the deal.

Design
The external appearance of the KDS-A3000 series is rather basic, and not nearly as striking as the company's flat-panel LCD models, such as the KDL-XBR4 series. This big rear-projector is finished in silver, with black speaker grilles below the screen where the stereo speakers are housed and a strip of see-through paneling below that. It boasts a table-top design with commendably narrow side and top bezels for a look that's mostly screen; its cabinet is relatively narrow in depth. Overall, the 55-inch model measures 49.6 inches wide by 36.3 inches tall by 15.6 inches deep and weighs 81 pounds.

Features
Features abound on the KD-S55A3000, starting with a massive selection of picture settings. Of course, there are the usual selectable picture modes (Vivid, Standard, Custom, and Cinema), and color-temperature presets (Cool, Neutral, Warm 1, and Warm 2). We found the best combination of these to be Standard mode and Warm 2, which produced the best picture at factory presets. The Noise Reduction feature in the Advanced menu cleans up video noise extremely well without significant side effects. However, the MPEG Noise Reduction feature wipes out about 20 percent of the horizontal resolution; perhaps it should be renamed "Resolution Reduction."

Performance
Overall performance on the Sony KD-S55A3000 was excellent, and its standout characteristic compared with other HDTVs is color accuracy. When the Sony is set to Standard color space, the primary colors of red, green, and blue are nearly dead-on accurate to the ATSC specifications. The color decoding is accurate for both SD and HD sources, and the grayscale from the Warm 2 factory preset came mighty close to the broadcast standard. A quick tweak in the advanced menu under white balance made the grayscale nearly perfect.

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Pioneer Kuro PDP-5080 HD - HDTV

The good: This 50-inch plasma TV displays an exceedingly deep shade of black with excellent shadow detail; clean image with little noise; "smooth" video-processing mode removes most judder; excellent antireflective screen; sleek, minimalist styling; removable speaker; superb connectivity with four HDMI inputs and one PC input; CableCard compatible with TV Guide EPG.

The bad: Expensive; inaccurate primary color of green; no user-menu fine color temperature controls.

The bottom line: The Pioneer PDP-5080HD produces the deepest shade of black--and thus one of the best pictures--we've ever tested.


Black-level performance is one of the most important aspects of picture quality. When a display can produce a deep shade of black, it not only improves the realism and the punch of dark scenes, it also makes colors look richer and more saturated. This 50-inch plasma produces the darkest shade of black we've ever seen or measured from a non-CRT TV, whether plasma, LCD, or projection. It also offers a "smooth" video-processing mode that works relatively well, one of the best antireflective screens we've tested, and numerous picture controls. We do complain about its less-than-perfect color accuracy and its incomplete color temperature controls, but those issues don't prevent it from earning our highest praise. The only real kink in the works is its high price compared to that of other similar resolution plasmas on the market. If you can stomach the extra payout, the Pioneer PDP-5080HD delivers a jaw-dropping home theater picture.

Pioneer also makes a 42-inch version, the PDP-4280HD. We won't review this model, but we see no reason to think its performance won't be on a par with its larger brother's. Pioneer also announced step-up Elite versions of its 2007 plasmas. This year the company is marketing all of its plasmas under the mini-brand Kuro.

Design
Overall, we like the sleek, no-nonsense looks of Pioneer's plasma. The company framed the PDP-5080HD's 50-inch screen in glossy black with a minimum of adornments aside from the Pioneer logo. There's a band of silver along the sides, top, and bottom of the panel, but from the front only black is visible. The set includes a matching stand, and it allows the speaker bar below the panel to be completely removed, in case you want to use an external audio system exclusively. With speaker and stand attached, the panel measures about 48.2 inches wide by 31.8 inches high by 9.3 inches deep and weighs 88 pounds. Remove the stand and speakers and the panel measures 48.2 by 28.2 by 4.5 inches and weighs 76.7 pounds.

The hefty remote control is admirably laid out, with a central cursor key ringed by different size buttons that we found easy to navigate by feel. Although the buttons aren't backlit, they do glow in the dark, but that's not much help when trying to differentiate between the grid of similarly sized keys at the top of the wand. That group includes buttons for aspect ratio selection and picture mode, along with direct access to each of the TV's inputs--a great addition. The clicker can command three other pieces of gear.

We also found Pioneer's menu system easy to use and appreciated the text explanations for the many items. You'll have to burrow pretty far down to get to some of the more esoteric items, but that's about the only downside. The set was definitely designed with picture tweakers in mind; we loved the novel Before and After modes that let us compare the effects of picture settings, as well as the fact that picture parameter sliders were minimized discreetly into the upper left of the screen while being adjusted.

Features
Like most 50-inch plasma TVs, the Pioneer PDP-5080HD has a native resolution of 1,366x768 pixels. That's not as many as competing--and usually more expensive--1080p models, but at the 50-inch screen size, the benefits of 1080p are dubious for most sources (more info). As always, all sources, be they HDTV, DVD, standard-def, or computer, are scaled to fit the native resolution.

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Best Gas BBQ Grills

Weber Genesis E-310 (Around $550)

Best gas grill. Reviews say the Weber Genesis E-310 is the best general purpose gas grill, even though it's expensive compared to less durable models from Char-Broil or Fiesta. It has porcelain-coated cast-iron grates that heat consistently, placing it first in grill reviews. It's also extremely stable and easy to assemble, with ample shelf space and three even-heating burners. Experts say this model will last for years, and Weber backs up the claim with a lifetime warranty on the castings, ten years on the burners and five years on everything else, plus 24/7 customer service. Weber also sells the nearly identical S-310 (Around $600), which comes in stainless steel instead of black, blue or green. The related E-320 (Around $700) and S-320 (Around $750) include side burners. These models work with refillable propane tanks, but if you want to use your home's natural gas line, natural-gas versions are also available.


Char-Broil 45,000 Btu Gas Grill (Around $250)

Budget gas grill. The Char-Broil gas grill is made of painted steel, and it doesn’t look as stylish as Weber gas grills. However, in objective tests, it cooks about as well, with high scores for even heating. The budget Char-Broil gas grill has three burners and a bonus side burner for heating sauces or sautéing vegetables. The Char-Broil's relative build-quality is reflected in its warranty: Three years on the burners (Weber gives you ten) and one year on everything else (Weber provides five years). We also read some mixed reviews for durability and Char-Broil customer service.


Kenmore 16233 (Around $450)

Gas grill with infrared rotisserie. The Kenmore 16233 has this year's trendy new feature: an infrared rotisserie burner. But this Kenmore model costs far less than other grills with this feature. Infrared light heats up very quickly and produces a dry heat that's comparable to charcoal -- without the mess or wait time. That makes for a succulent whole chicken or turkey. In addition to the rotisserie, the Kenmore 16233 has four standard burners and a primary cooking area of 500 square inches, along with a side burner. Reviews give this Kenmore gas grill good scores for performance, and we didn't find the same durability complaints for this grill as for less expensive gas grills.


Weber Q 220 Portable Grill (Around $200)

Best portable gas grill. This 280 square-inch portable grill uses the same porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates you’ll find in Weber's full-sized grills. Other portable grills often use a solid grill plate, so they are more like a grill pan than a true grill, say reviews. The Weber Q brings high-quality grilling to the campground or tailgate, according to experts. You can comfortably fit about nine burgers on the Q 220, which comes with two flip-out side tables and uses single-use 14.1-ounce propane canisters. With an adapter (Around $25) you can use 20-pound refillable propane tanks.


Broilmaster P3 (Around $1,000)

Luxury gas grill. If you're one of a small percentage of shoppers who shell out big bucks for high-end grills, experts like the Broilmaster P3. This model is one of the cheaper high-end grills, with an adjustable-height cooking surface; reviews say that means you can move the grates closer to the heat to get a great sear on steaks. The Broilmaster P3 is made of high-grade stainless steel and has a long warranty. The P3 can also be hooked up to your home natural gas line, so there's no need to refill propane bottles. In performance tests, however, this model performs only slightly better than models half as expensive.

Bose QuietComfort 3 - Head Phones

The good: Bose's QuietComfort 3 headphones are a smaller and more compact follow-up to the QuietComfort 2s. They offer a more compact design, extracomfortable cushy foam earpieces, a rechargeable battery, full sound, and effective noise-canceling circuitry, and they fold up for storage in the included carrying case. Additionally, Bose offers a 30-day home trial.

The bad: The Bose QuietComfort 3s are even more expensive than their predecessors. And when the battery dies, so does the music.

The bottom line: With the QuietComfort 3s, Bose has done a remarkable job of shrinking its popular noise-canceling headphones while achieving similarly impressive sound quality--but that engineering feat doesn't come cheap.


Specifications

Manufacturer:Bose Corp.


General
Recommended Use - The noise canceling feature blocks the din on buses and airplanes. Plus, they are portable for easy transport. Active noise canceling technology makes these circumaural headphones ideal for commuting and air travel.

Product Type - Headphones
Width - 5.3 in
Height - 7.4 in
Weight - 5.6 oz
Additional Features - Noise canceling circuit

Headphones

Headphones Type - Headphones - Binaural
Headphones Form Factor - Ear-cup
Connectivity Technology - Cable
Sound Output Mode - Stereo
Active Noise Canceling - Yes

Miscellaneous

Cables Included - 1
Included Accessories - Battery, Battery charger, Carrying case, Detachable audio cable, Extension cable, 1/4 in Stereo plug adapter, Dual plug adapter

Power

Battery - 1 x Headphone battery - Rechargeable Lithium Ion - Rechargeable

Price $350