New Skoda Fabia

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 14/18 km/l (city/highway) Diesel
10/15 km/l (city/highway) Petrol
Available Engines 1.4PD TDI In-line 3, 85 bhp Diesel
1.4 MPI In-line 4, 85 bhp Petrol
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions

Highlights

First-of-its-kind super hatch.
Lavish interior feel.
Striking chrome grille.

Pros

Impressive mileage.
Choice of different engines.
Large boot space.

Cons

High Pricing.

Overview

The Czech car manufacturer, Skoda Auto of the Volkswagen Group, develops and manufactures premium automobiles for the world market. The year 2001 witnessed the advent of Skoda Auto's Indian operations, beginning with a plant at Shendra on the Auranagabad border in Maharashtra (the company's single manufacturing unit outside of Europe).

Skoda has introduced its second generation Skoda Fabia in India as a 2008 model. The Skoda Fabia is a 5-door large hatchback which was introduced to the world at the March 2007 Geneva Auto Show. The first generation of Skoda Fabia has sold since 1999 and has been a very successful model with over 15 Lakh of them being sold in Europe and other countries.

Based on the PQ25, which is a large new platform, the Fabia has a chassis with a sophisticated front MacPherson strut suspension along with a strong lower A-arm and non-independent rear suspension. The Czech manufacturer has kept Indian concerns in mind before release of the new model by introducing a raised suspension and returned springs and dampers – all together called the 'rough road' package.

The Fabia's anti-lock braking system (ABS) ensures maximum control of the vehicle in emergency braking situations. Its Motor Speed Regulator (MSR) and dual brake assist system ensure utmost safety while driving. The model also features dual front air bags that provide cushioning and reduce the impact in case of collisions. Fabia resembles the Maruti Swift in looks, but it is longer than the Ford Fusion.

Powertrain & Performance

The Fabia in India comes in diesel and petrol variants that are borrowed from the Skoda roomster, which is another successful model from Skoda. The 1.4 PD TDI diesel variant comes with an Inline-3 engine that generates 68 bhp. The 1.4 MPI petrol variant has an Inline-4 engine. Both engines are coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The diesel Fabia gives amazing fuel efficiency, which is close to 14.1 km/litre in the city and 18.5 km/litre on the highway. The Petrol variant is expected to deliver approximately 14.7 km/litre on the highway.

Build & Styling

The Skoda Fabia has an instant appeal with its cheeky cuteness. This large hatchback has a sharp design that makes it stand out in its class. The Fabia successfully gives a compact appearance with a tight-fitting roof, projector headlamps that are a blend of aesthetics and functionality, and a big chrome bar with a classy look. The exterior appeal is further complemented by alloy wheels with wide tyres for better road grip.

Stepping into the hatch will give an altogether new experience of comfort, innovative technology, and safety features. The interiors have an impressive dual tone design for a lavish feel. Fabia's multi-textured seat fabrics give a touch of class to the interiors. The interior of the hatch is packed with technology that includes a multi-function information display of the current time, outdoor temperature, instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, distance traveled, time driven, and average speed range. Convenience features include a remote keyless entry for one-touch lock and unlock, electronically adjustable and heated outside rear view mirrors, and front and rear power windows.

To keep occupants entertained, Fabia adds a CD/MP3 player with large graphic display and auxiliary audio input to use portable audio players.

New Volkswagen Passat

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 6.0/10.0 km/l (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.0L lnline-4 turbo diesel, 140 bhp
Available Transmissions 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
6-speed Sportronic Automatic (AT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Top-notch technology.
Two-zone temperature control.
Electronic stabilization program (ESP) for better safety.

Pros

Luxurious interiors.
Excellent ride and handling.
Two-stage front airbags.

Cons

Only one engine option available.

Overview

The Volkswagen group (Wolfsburg, Germany) is one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. It is now entering the Indian market with Passat, a luxury sedan.

The Volkswagen Passat is a thoroughly engineered, full-sized diesel saloon that offers class-leading comfort, performance, and safety. With its elegant design and stylish appearance, the Passat will definitely stand out in the crowd of luxury sedans lining the Indian market. Passat has acquired the highest rating of five-stars by the NCAP in Europe for occupant protection during crash testing.

The new Passat is designed on a stretched version of the PQ45 platform used by the new Golf. Known as the PQ46 on the Passat, its 2.7-metre wheelbase is almost as long as that of the Accord or Camry. The new Passat comes with a more efficient use of space and also uses a transversely-mounted engine and an independent rear suspension.

The Passat is available in two variants - DSG and DSGS, which are offered in front-wheel-drive configurations. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre TDl lnline-4 turbo diesel engine. The top competitors of the Passat include the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Volkswagen is planning to add more choices/variants to the Passat depending on the response to the launch in India.

Powertrain & Performance

The DSG and DSGS variants receive a 2.0L TDI diesel engine that generates 140 bhp @ 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm. The DSG teams with a 6-speed automatic transmission while the DSGS is mated to a 6-speed Sportronic automatic transmission which gives a sportier feel and is smoother in comparison. Acceleration is sporty and active. The six-speed automatic transmission provides seamless acceleration and a sport mode 'tiptronic' transmission offers an exhilarating driving experience.

A power assisted rack and pinion steering is quick and responsive. The Passat now uses a transversely-mounted engine and an independent rear suspension setup for improved ride and handling dynamics. The Passat receives a spring strut front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension which is retuned for Indian bumpy roads. The ride quality on hilly regions is quite pleasant and smooth.

Build & Styling

The Passat is sleek and sports a graceful look. The massive V-shaped Volkswagen grille which is stylishly designed in attractive chrome grabs the attention at first sight. The front is also adorned with rectangular-shaped headlamps that give the car an eagle-like intense gaze. High-tech LED rectangular-shaped tail-lamps give the rear a bold appearance. The Passat rides on 16" alloy wheels with 215/55R16 front tyres and 215/55R16 rear tyres.

The interiors exude style and luxury. The seats are large and comfortable with adequate leg room and shoulder room. The design of the dash is striking. The instrumentation cluster resembles an Audi A8 design cluster where the dials and displays are placed directly into satin-finished metal bezels. The Passat comes with an electromechanical parking brake, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seating, two-zone climate control, cup holders, and an audio system with an AM/FM radio, CD player, and MP3 player.

The Passat is armed with various safety features that include cruise control, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), central locking, a remote keyless entry, an engine immobilizer, dual-stage airbags, and an anti-theft alarm system.

New BMW 3 Series

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 7.2/10.6 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.0L 136 bhp Inline-4 petrol
2.5L 218 bhp Inline-6 petrol
2.0L 156 bhp Inline-4 diesel
2.0L 169 bhp Inline-4 diesel
Available Transmissions 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
World-class steering and brake components
New double pivot suspension

Pros

Brilliant handling
Good value for money
Ample safety features

Cons

Costs more than its competitors

Overview

BMW raises the bar on its 3-Series benchmark sedan for this year. Renowned for its blend of engineering, technological advancements and brilliant performance, the BMW 3-Series is one of the most respected sport-sedans on the roads today.

The new BMW 3-Series sedan is available in three trims: 320i, 325i, 320d and the latest '320d highline'. Choosing one over the other is a question of engine, power and price. The car is now bigger, faster and more fuel-efficient. Innovative technology marks the debut lineup: new exterior and interior styling, powerful engines, 6-speed Automatic Transmission and a newly-developed double pivot suspension.

Top competitors include Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The BMW 3-Series costs more than its competitors do, but always manages to stay a step ahead in the compact sports-luxury class. The 320d highline variant is priced a lack more than the regular 320d variant. The 3-Series still remains the standard when it comes to vehicle engineering, luxurious interiors and outstanding handling.

Powertrain & Performance

The BMW 3-Series has always delivered an impressive balance between ride and handling. The sedans accelerate more quickly, stop shorter and turn with more lateral grip, redefining that mix of rear-wheel drive, great steering feel and a perfect balance between the front and rear axles.

The new BMW 3-Series suspension has double-joint aluminium control arms and a five-link independent system in the rear. BMW 3-Series' electrically-operated active steering is more responsive than the conventional rack-and-pinion steering. The 320d highline's engine is the most powerful of the line-up delivering an impressive 169 bhp. Hefty anti-lock brakes provide impressive stopping power. The brilliance of the BMW 3-series is in its handling and control, enhanced by superior technology in the suspension, steering, tyres and brakes. With a road feel that few others can match, an engine that loves to rev and electronic wizardry, the 3-series simply feels rock-solid, adding up to a truly exhilarating driving experience.

True to the BMW tradition, the components of driving -- acceleration, shifting and cornering -- perform impressively, giving the person behind the wheel maximum driving pleasure. The 3 Series' power matches its ability to hold a curve while muscular brakes provide impressing stopping power. The 320d Highline is equipped with the famous iDrive function that works as a control system for the car. In a class increasingly dominated by front-wheel drive, the typical BMW aficionado will appreciate the amazing technology built into the rear-wheel drive and automatic transmissions. Bottom-line, no matter how fast you go, you will have fun driving this car.

Build & Styling

The sporty design, that distinguishes the BMW 3-Series, carries the trademark double-kidney grille and a more rounded, brawny appearance. Clear-lens xenon swivel headlights wrap around corners emphasising the car's width. Four lines sweep back to the trunk lid, defining the rocker panels and doors. Traditional L-shaped red taillight lenses and chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets bring up the rear.

Cabin interiors are vintage BMW, with emphasis on driver comfort. Build-quality is exceptional, seats are supportive and the dash has simple, neat analog gauges. All the trims come well-equipped with a multi-functional steering wheel, green strip windscreen, electric seat adjustment with memory function for driver seat, fog lights, automatic air-conditioning, car telephone preparation, six-CD changer, bad road package and hot climate version. The interiors are adorned with fine wood trim and leather upholstery.

Every model comes with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control and dynamic brake control. Other safety features include front side-impact airbags and head curtain airbags for the front and rear.

Review of Hero Honda Hunk

Hero Honda has come up with a new bike in the 150cc called ‘Hunk’ (What a name!!).The company has launched two varieties of the bike in the same name ‘Hunk’ ,one is kick start and the other is a self start bike .The two types of models differ in their market costs. The kick start costs Rs 2000 less than the self start Hunk of Hero Honda. Hero Honda has 5 models in the 150 cc range and it includes Hunk, Karizma, CBZ Extrem and. Achiever.

The market of bikes has been dominated by Pulsar but Hero Honda is trying to get into the competition with the introduction of its new bike in the market in the range of 150cc.

Sporty Look of the Bike

The look of the bike is definitely a upright one having a brawny styling. The bike is available in the market in four colors black, blue, red and silver. The cover of air filter and battery are of black and silver colors and the tail extension has a dual black color painted on it.


The engine is also not the typical black in color but it has got silver and gray colors on it. The front forks and gas filled rear have copper and gray colors. The bike has got a big tank and black alloy wheels. The bike is like Pulsar 180 DTSi in the way it has come up with the all black fashion.

Engine, Power, Torque

On comparing Hunk to CBZ Xtreme, the engine specifications, the power and torque are not as such modified in the new bike but many other few features have been added to make it perform and look better.

The air cooled, 4 stroke and single cylinder, 150cc engine of Hunk is powered with 14.4Ps @ 8500rpm and has got 12.80 Nm @ 6500 RPM of torque. The displacement of the bike is 149.2 cc. The front suspension is telescopic and rear suspension is a rectangular swingram. A new GRS, 5 step Gas Reservoir Suspension (GRS) is attached to the bike at the rear and 5 spokes are also colored in black. The capacity of tank is 12.4 liters and the usable reserve goes to 2.2 liters.

Comfort and Ride

The riding position in Hunk is very comfortable and it is smooth up to 6000rpm.The professional design in the looks of the new bike Hunk is its selling point as compared to CBZ Xtreme. The Goiter shape turn indicator in CBZ Xtreme has been removed in the new bike and tank look is changed to the type found in a few Yamaha Gladiator models which is a big plastic tank. The same kind of tank will be seen in the coming model of TVS called TVS Flame. The plastic extension has the name of the bike which reads Hunk.


Engineering and Styling

The chassis of the Hunk is a tubular diamond shaped and the rear wheel mud flap looks like the rear flaps of Bajaj Pulsars models. The front brake is a 240 mm dia disc and the rear one is a 130 mm drum type. The wheelbase is 1325 mm and ground clearance is 145.

The front rim is made up of1.85 X 18 of alloy and rear rim is of 2.15 X 18 of alloy .The headlight is of the halogen type having12V 35/35W light and tail light is 12V - 5W .There are 4 turn signal lights and clear lens that are of multi reflector type to help the rider. The weight of the bike is 143 kg for the kick start model and 146 kg for the self start model. The height of the bike is 1095 mm.

Special features

The features of the bike are:

* Engine - single cylinder , air cooled, four-stroke
* Power - 14.4 @ 8500 RPM
* Torque - 12.80 @ 6500 RPM
* Bore X Stroke - 57.3 X 57.8 mm
* Carburetor is a CV Type
* Ignition is of Advanced Microprocessor Ignition System(AMI)
* Gearbox is a 5 Speed Constant Mesh

Some positive and negative specifications of the Motorcycle

Positive features of Hunk

* The riders who have experienced to ride on the bike are claiming that the mileage of the bike goes to 50.5 kmpl but it varies depending upon the bikers.
* The CBZ Xtreme bike was good except for its looks and Hunk is similar to it except that it has improved its looks which make it look better.
* The fuel efficiency is good.
* Handling is easier.
* As compared to RTR which has a good pick up, is easy to handle and has good looks, Hunk has better mileage.

Negative features of Hunk


* The bike is basically CBZ Xtreme having the same engine and same wheelbase

* No Digital meters are present in the bike

* No Lead rear tail lamps in the bike and it have the normal bulb lamp similar to CBZ Xtreme.

* No Split Rear Grab Rails

* The alloy triple clamp is also missing and Hunk has the steel plate clamp.


Cost

The cost of the bike ranges from Rs. 55,000 to 57,000 and it depends on the type of Hunk bike you are selecting .The self start one is costlier by Rs. 2000 .In a ex showroom in New Delhi you can get the self start model for Rs 57000 and kick start model for Rs. 55,000.

Technical Specification

Engine

Engine: Air Cooled, 4 Stroke, Single Cylinder
Engine Displacement: 149.2 cc
Max Power: 14.4 Ps @ 8500 RPM
Max Torque: 12.80 Nm @ 6500 RPM
Bore X Stroke: 57.3 X 57.8 mm
Carburettor: CV Type
Ignition: AMI- Advanced Microprocessor Ignition System
Gearbox: 5 Speed Constant Mesh


Chasis

Type: Tubular, Diamond Type
Front Suspension: Telescopic
Rear Suspension: REctangular Swingarm, 5 step Gas Reservoir Suspension (GRS)
Front Brake: 240 mm dia Disc Brake
Rear Brake: 130 mm Drum Brake

Wheels

Front Rim: 1.85 X 18, Alloy
Rear Rim: 2.15 X 18, Alloy
Front Tyre: 2.75 X 18
Rear Tyre: 100/90 X 18


Physical Dimensions

Length: 2080 mm
Width: 765 mm
Height: 1095 mm
Wheelbase: 1325 mm
Saddle Height: 795 mm
Ground Clearance: 145 mm
Keb Weight: 143 Kg (Kick)/146 Kg (Self)

Electricals

Battery: 12V- 7Ah
Headlight: 12V 35/35W - Halogen
Tail Light: 12V - 5W
Stop Light: 12V - 21W
Turn Signal Light: 12V - 10W X 4 Nos. Clear Lens Multi Refector Type


Tank Capacity

12.4 Lts, Usuable Reserve 2.2 Lts.

KTM RC8 (2008-current)

Overall verdict

The KTM RC8 is the revelation of 2008… even though we’ve known it’s been coming for four years. Perhaps we should’ve given KTM more credit because all their machines (on and off-road) to date are superb. Nonetheless the RC8 is simply stunning and for all the right reasons. Its engine is powerful and usable; handling shames Japanese and Italian superbikes; looks totally different to the norm but is, oh so appealing.

Engine

KTM claims 150bhp from its own designed and built V-twin. Whatever the final figure delivered at the rear wheel is it’s ample for 99% of riders. The torque curve is flat and juicy with power at the top end of the rev scale. There weren’t any signs of erratic fuelling on the bikes MCN rode and no sign of missed gears – although some launch bikes were reported as suffering from both faults. MCN’s first ride on the RC8 rates the engine as one of the best V-twins on the market today.


Ride and Handling

Another high point of the KTM RC8 is the clever use of WP Suspension front and rear. Four years of development with the RC8 project has lead to comfortable suspension for the road, and race-like action with just a few simple tweaks of the suspension’s easy reach adjusters. The RC8 steers like a whippet on a sugar rush but this quick steering doesn’t translate into instability, far from it. The RC8’s premier level of handling will flatter any riding style and is only one of two bikes available today that will anyone to ride proper fast so very easily.


Equipment

Ultra-modern WP Suspension. Complete adjustability of footpeg and handlebar controls. Easy to get out rear ride height adjuster. MotoGP dash that can be toggled between road and track applications and worked via a bar-mounted control. Rear subframe adjustable for height… and the detailing goes on.


Quality and Reliability

Every component part, be it plastic, metal or other, fits so perfectly and looks to have been made by redundant Swiss watch makers. Reliability shouldn’t be an issue as the motor is based on the already successful 990cc LC8 engine powering the Super Duke and SM models


Value

One point lost here because the £10,695 asking price drops the RC8 midway between Japanese 4-cylinder superbikes and Ducati’s 1098 exotica. If KTM had pitched the price closer to the Japanese, its proposed R version of the RC8 would be cheaper and, arguably, steal some of Ducati’s 1098S and 1098R sales.


Model History

2008: KTM RC8 launched

Other Versions

None

New price £10,695
Engine size 1148cc
Power 152.2bhp
Top speed 178mph

Suzuki GSX-R1000 (2005-2006)

Overall verdict

The first Suzuki GSX-R1000 set new superbike standards in 2001, the second one did it again in 2003 and this, the third full Suzuki GSX-R1000 update, went straight back to the top of the superbike tree in 2005 and stayed there, pretty much ever since. The reasons for the Suzuki GSX-R1000's dominance are simple. Sublime, lithe ergonomics and handling, radical styling and full-on usable power.

Engine

Under pressure from its rivals, the Suzuki GSX-R1000's capacity was raised from 989cc to a full 999cc. The result is a claimed 175bhp at the crank – putting the Suzuki GSX-R1000 on a par with the competition on paper but in truth giving the bike an advantage as Suzuki horses are often more muscular than those of other manufacturers when it comes to a dyno shoot-out. If you want the boss, the Suzuki GSX-R1000, pretty much, is it.

Ride and Handling

The all-new chassis was designed to bring as much weight as possible together in the middle of the Suzuki GSX-R1000 but Suzuki also decided to move the weight down, making the centre of gravity as low as possible. The result is that the Suzuki GSX-R1000 boasts fantastically sharp steering and ‘flickability’ without any significant trade off in stability.


Equipment

The K5/K6 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is standard fare, early 21st century kick-ass superbike. Neat alloy controls (pegs, bars, levers) dainty but comprehensive instrumentation and, er, not a lot else. When it comes to cutting-edge speed, less is always more… as the Suzuki GSX-R1000 demonstrates.


Quality and Reliability

Fair enough. Suzuki’s top end bikes are better than most if looked after (although you have to fastidiously clean them through winter) and there have been no major reliability issues with the Suzuki GSX-R1000.


Value

The Suzuki GSX-R1000 is cheaper than a Fireblade and still, arguably, the best superbike most of the time. Due a replacement in 2007 so plenty of discounts are currently available. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 costa a lot of money, but you get an awful lot of bike for that money. Find Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycles for sale.

Model History

2005: Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5 launched available in black/grey, blue/white or yellow/black colourschemes.
2006: Suzuki GSX-R1000 K6. Colour changes only, now in black or red/black.


Other Versions

Limited Edition all-black Suzuki GSX-R1000 launched in 2005.
Suzuki GSX-R1000 Phantom. Road legal Yoshimura silencer and special black/silver paintscheme launched in 2006.

New price £8,799
Used price range £2,200-3,975

Engine size 999cc
Power 176bhp
Top speed 186mph

Audi A8

In many parts of the world Audi is by far taking the lead from its top class competitors like Mercedes Benz and BMW. The 2008 Audi A8 is definitely in a different league and goes above any traditional luxury. This car has been upgraded from the A8 that was first brought out back in 1994. It was then the first car in the world to have been built on an aluminum platform, known as the Audi Space Frame (ASF). The A8 for 2008 has been updated to improve the suspension of the vehicle, the soundproofing, the steering as well as technology offering of the flagship model.

There are four different versions available in the Audi A8 model. It is available in A8, A8 L, A8 L W12 and then there is the S8. All of these models have the same chassis except for any of the "L" models as they have an extra 5-inch wheelbase, which results in passengers in the rear gaining extra room.

The Audi A8 and the A8 L are available in a V8 engine that is a luxury full size sedan. It comes standard with:

• Valcona leather seats

• dashboard inlays are both aluminum and wood

• front seats are heated and are power adjustable

• xenon headlamps

• voice controlled DVD navigation

Both models have electronic shock absorption control with air suspension, and they come standard with 18-inch alloy rims.

The Audi A8 L W12 is a 12-cylinder and has a 450-hp W12 engine and is only available with a long wheel base platform. This particular model comes standard with more luxury features:

• rear power seating

• side and rear power sunshades

• rear passenger control their temperature

• insulated glass in the doors for all doors which reduces any noise levels

This model has the same suspension design as the A8 as well as the A8 L but it comes standard with 19-inch alloy rims.

All these A8 models have been built with ASF. The use of the old steel chassis is now being replaced by the use of hybrid-welded laser-MIG aluminum. It is used for the castings, the panels and the profiles. With the car being built in aluminum, the Audi A8 model is now as much as several hundred pounds lighter than it would be if constructed in steel. By using the ASF the A8 has got a chassis more rigid than before, the vehicle handling is better, the crash performance has improved and to top it off the fuel economy is far better.

For the 2008 models there is a choice of three different engines. The Audi A8 and the A8 L both have a 4.2 liter V8 engine with 325 lb. Ft. of torque and 350 hp. The Audi A8 L W12 has a 6 liter W12 engine with 420 hp and 428 lb. Ft. of torque. All these models come standard with the Audi quattro's four wheel drive and include the automatic transmission which is a 6 speed Tiptronic that have both Sport Program and DSP features.

The Air Suspension is Audi's very own design and it balances the comfort of the ride with great sporty handling. This system uses air sprung struts that are controlled by electromagnetic valves that adjust each shock absorber. It is left up to the driver to either leave it in total automatic mode or he can select one of four suspension settings for different ride heights.

Technology of this vehicle

Audi has added "side assist". This is a system based on radar that monitors any blind spots and will let the driver know if there is any other traffic near.

The "lane assist" will let the driver know if the vehicle is moving from the lane without him realizing. The driver is warned by the steering wheel vibrating.

You can't go wrong with the entertainment system in the 2008 A8. It comes standard with a BOSE surround sound 12 speaker system with a satellite radio that is capable of WMA/MP3 playback. Or you can go for the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system that has a 6 disc CD changer.

Safety Features

Both driver and passenger are protected by front and knee air bags. There are air bags mounted on the sides for additional protection that are fitted both for front and rear passengers. There is Tethers and Lower Anchorage so the Children are safe, this feature is standard in the A8 model, and so is the monitoring system of the tire pressure. The vehicle also comes equipped with an anti-theft alarm system.

Price

The cost of the 2008 Audi A8 models range from $70,680 to $120,100.

This model has safety, technology as well as class altogether in one package that makes this vehicle a very attractive model for this year.

Best Snow Blowers

Craftsman 31AE5HTG799 (Around $950)

Best value, 2-stage gas snow blower. Reviews say this Craftsman snow blower is an excellent choice for clearing dense, compacted and/or deep snow. It has an easily adjustable chute deflector and power-driven wheels, which can disengage independently to assist in turning. A 9-horsepower motor supports its 28-inch clearing path. The Craftsman snow blower is designed to handle long sloping driveways and snowfalls of over eight inches. Reviews say this model doesn’t throw quite as far as the Toro Power Max 828 LXE, but for most people, that tradeoff will be worth the $500 cost savings. It comes with a two-year warranty.


Toro Power Max 828 LXE (Around $1,500)

Long-throw 2-stage gas snow blower. Features-wise, the Toro Power Max snow blower is virtually identical to the cheaper Craftsman 31AE5HTG799, but reviews say the Toro throws farther, which may be important if you have a wider driveway. Reviews say two-stage snow blowers are best for hilly drives, since they have powered wheels. They are also the only option for gravel drives, since the auger doesn't touch the surface of the driveway. The Toro snow blower has a 28-inch clearing path and a two-year warranty.


Toro 1800 Power Curve (Around $300)

Single-stage electric snow blower. Although it's only appropriate for light snowfalls and short, flat driveways, the Power Curve snow blower has wheels, so it's easier to push than a power shovel. The Power Curve has a movable chute and an 18-inch clearing path. Reviews say the Toro 1800 Power Curve does a nice job, but definitely isn't built to handle ten inches of wet snow on a long driveway. You'll have to contend with a power cord, but you won't have to worry about the engine maintenance and fueling required with gas-powered snow blowers.


Toro Power Shovel(Around $110)

Electric power shovel. If your snow clearing needs amount to cleaning off light snow from short sidewalks or a deck, the Toro Power Shovel will save you from bending to use a manual shovel. However, since it does not have wheels, you'll still need to do the pushing. Despite initial skepticism, testers say snow blowers in this class actually work surprisingly well for their intended purpose.

Best Treadmills

Sole F80 (Around $1,500)

Best mid-range folding treadmill. According to treadmill reviews, the Sole F80 is the best in this price range, with a strong warranty (20 years on the motor, five years on parts and two years labor), as well as options that are comparable to more expensive treadmills. The Sole has a 335-pound weight capacity, and its 55" x 20" running surface is longer than other treadmills in its price class. It has six programs, plus speed and incline controls on the armrests, and both handgrip and chest-strap pulse sensors. The Sole treadmill folds up for storage. The Sole F80 is best for walkers who want to try the occasional run, but it won't take the same pounding as a more expensive treadmill.


Image 19.0R (Around $600)

Budget treadmill for walking. The Image 19.0R, along with other inexpensive treadmills, has only a 90-day parts and labor warranty -- the shortest in the industry. Even so, reviews say the Image treadmill is fine if your fitness plans only include walking. This treadmill has a wider 19" belt and a stronger motor (2.8 horsepower with a ten-year motor warranty) than some other budget models. Even so, regular walkers and runners will need a more durable treadmill. It folds up for storage and comes with a handgrip heart-rate sensor. The Image treadmill has a user weight limit of 300 pounds.


Life Fitness T3-0 (Around $2,200)

Best treadmill for running. The Life Fitness is a favorite of professional runners for its shock-absorbing deck and customizable controls. This treadmill can also save user data and favorite workouts for several family members. Its 58" x 20" running surface is long enough and wide enough for most runners and its 3.0-hp motor is smooth and quiet. An included heart-rate monitor works in conjunction with special programs to keep you in your heart-rate zone. It has a high 400-pound user weight limit, and is backed by a lifetime frame warranty with ten years on the motor, five years on other parts and one year labor.


PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR (Around $2,400)

Runner's treadmill with negative incline. Reviews say the PaceMaster Platimum Pro VR is unique in that it has a negative incline (down to a -3.0 grade) -- helpful for runners who want to strengthen the fronts of their legs by simulating downhill running. Some testers say this treadmill is helpful in preparing for hilly races like the Boston Marathon. The PaceMaster's Constant Effort Compensation mode adjusts speed to keep your exertion level constant. It has a 3.0-hp motor, a long 60" x 20" belt and a 400-pound weight limit. The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR is one of the few treadmills still made in the U.S.


Landice L7 Pro Sport Trainer (Around $3,000)

Best treadmill for pros. Reviews say that this sturdy, well-built Landice treadmill feels like one of the commercial treadmills you'd find in a health club. The Landice can take a real pounding from serious runners. Like the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR, a 400-pound weight capacity ensures that pretty much anyone can use it. Reviews also give the Landice L7 high marks for ergonomics and build quality, backed by a lifetime warranty on all parts. If you're looking for a quiet treadmill, reviews say the 3.0-hp motor is smooth and discreet. This treadmill has a larger footprint for stability, so you'll need plenty of floor space for the L7.

Best Hybrid Cars

2007 Toyota Prius (Around $22,175 to $23,070)

Best compact hybrid car, hatchback. Despite changes in the way the EPA reports mileage, the Toyota Prius remains the undisputed miles-per-gallon champ. The compact Prius hatchback uses an electric motor assisted by a gasoline engine. At city-driving speeds, the electric motor operates alone, and the gas engine kicks in at higher speeds. Real-world fuel mileage tests say you can reasonably expect about 46 mpg in mixed driving from the Prius. In addition to better gas mileage, reviews say the Toyota Prius hybrid car has a roomier interior than the competing Honda Civic Hybrid. The hatchback-only Prius has a distinctive look that many reviews say makes it stand out from the economy-car pack.


2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid (Around $26,860)

Best mid-sized hybrid sedan. Critics say the hybrid version of the Toyota Camry is the best choice for those who want a roomier hybrid car than the Toyota Prius, and it easily outclasses the hybrid version of the Honda Accord in reviews. The Toyota Camry Hybrid looks pretty much like any other Camry, with everything that makes a Camry a family favorite (except for cargo space that’s reduced because of the battery pack). Fuel economy is good, but it doesn’t match that of the Prius, despite using the same hybrid system. In addition, some reviewers say their test cars fell short of the revised EPA estimates 34 mpg in mixed driving.


2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid (Around $22,370)

Budget hybrid family car. Despite using a relatively simple hybrid technology, the Saturn Aura Green Line gets 25 percent better fuel economy than the car’s gas-only version. Although that means it does not get the same good gas mileage as some of its competitors, such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, it is considerably cheaper, and according to some reviews, it’s more fun to drive. Because the premium over the gas version of the Aura is so low, it’s easier to come out ahead with this car, especially while federal tax rebates are still available.


2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid (Around $23,495)

Best compact hybrid SUV. Saturn offers its low priced hybrid SUV with the mantra of "go green without going broke." At just over $23,000, with a federal tax credit and incentives from GM (when available), some buyers may end up paying only a few hundred dollars more for a hybrid Vue than a standard gas-powered Vue. Its simple hybrid system doesn't get the most impressive hybrid gas mileage (about 32 mpg in mixed driving), but reviews say it handles much like any standard small SUV, and it has done very well in government crash tests. Some might like the fact that the Vue Green Line can be safely flat towed behind a motor home.


2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (Around $32,490 to $36,550)

Largest hybrid SUV. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV is the largest current hybrid vehicle, with seating for seven. Most critics are surprised by the level of performance that’s delivered using Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Gas mileage is improved over gas versions of the Highlander, but some real-world tests have failed to match even the EPA’s revised estimates of 27 mpg/city, 25 mpg/highway or 26 mpg combined. Some reviewers have also noted that given the Highlander Hybrid’s premium over standard versions, recouping the price difference through fuel savings will likely be difficult unless you plan to hold onto the vehicle for a fairly long time. The Highlander did very well in IIHS crash testing.

Carbonite Online Backup

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Test and Review of Carbonite Online Backup

This is my personal experience using Carbonite!

One of my good friends tipped me off to this service last month while the Carbonite company was finishing up some beta testing of the software. Having had a hard drive failure just a month before that, I checked out the software as soon as I heard about it!

With the option to do a free trial and not have to put in my credit card, I couldn't pass it up. Plus, I had been seriously considering a remote backup service like xDrive after losing data on more than one occasion. (I was sticking with backup DVDs to save some money.)

So when I thought about it, I was probably spending $5 a month with my current backup system, not counting all the time wasted! Carbonite was a no-brainer.

Downloading and Setup

After a quick download and about 3 minutes of setup time, Carbonite was working as promised. All I had to do was pick out which drives or folders on my computer I wanted it to backup, nothing more.

There is always a small Carbonite icon in the system tray, which will open up this control panel. Notice it's in the process of backing up a picture of mine. It's all automatic!

How It Works

The automatic backup works great. I've had no problems with it slowing down my connection speed, since it only transfers stuff when the computer is idle.

I have about 14 gigs of backups right now and haven't had a problem. It just took a few days/nights for the initial backup. (Leave your pc online overnight, that helps.) Now it's just a quick backup whenever I change a file or create a new file. Even better than the speed is that it takes ZERO effort on my part!

The value is truly incredible. Unlimited backups for one low price!

It's real easy to see which files are backed up.

There are dots on the files / folders. That tells you if Carbonite has backed up the files. There will be different colors depending on the file type and if it is backed up or is pending backup.

t's easy to change your backup preferences whenever you want, too. Picking out what to backup is simple. Just right-click on a file or folder, and you are presented with a menu like the one shown below.

Just go to the Carbonite option and choose whether or not to backup that file.

Restoring Backups

Restoring stuff is a piece of cake. You can easily access everything from the "My Computer" window where Carbonite adds another drive, which is the remote storage with all your documents.

Clicking on that drive will open up a folder containing all your backed up documents. You can simply copy the files from there onto your computer.

Everything is pretty straight forward. I would have to agree that Carbonite is "backup for everyone" as their website says.

Everything is secure, too. Your data is encrypted before it leaves your computer. Only you have access to it. (Not even someone at Carbonite can get into it.)

Final Decision

This service gets my highest recommendation. When you consider price, ease of use, and functionality, nothing beats it. To be honest, there is nothing I dislike about it. That doesn't mean it's perfect, but you never know, it could be the perfect solution!

Go ahead and try it out. There's no obligation since you don't even have to enter your credit card information. You just enter your name and email and they let you download a trial version.

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New Maruti Swift DZiRE

Quick Take

Fuel Economy 12/17 kmpl(city/highway)(Petrol) (estimated)
14/19 kmpl(city/highway)(Diesel) (estimated)

Available Engines 1.3L Inline-4, 87 bhp, petrol
1.3L Turbocharged Inline-4, 75 bhp, diesel
Available Transmissions 5-Speed Manual Transmission (MT)

Highlights

Striking Chrome Grille.
Climate Control.
Generous Trunk.

Pros

Handling.
Interior materials.
Price.

Cons

Rear legroom.

Overview

Maruti Suzuki has been reborn as a make with a portfolio of global models. Way back in 1994 when Maruti had introduced its first entry level sedan 'Esteem', it set a benchmark that continued to rule till late 2000. With the aging of Esteem, Maruti scrapped the model from 2008 and has now introduced the new Swift DZiRE sedan. Swift DZiRE is the sedan version of the famous Swift hatchback and resembles its sibling in most aspects.

While designing the new sedan, Maruti has made an effort to retain the original overall design theme of the Swift hatchback. But the rear of the car is a complete deviation from the Swift and resembles the recently launched Maruti SX4 Sedan.

The Swift DZiRE comes in six variants - LXi, VXi, and ZXi (Petrol) and LDi, VDi, and ZDi (Diesel). The trims are packed with upscale accessories, quality interior materials and safety features that are a first for the segment. The new car certainly looks to be a good replacement for the Esteem. By incorporating the design of the Swift hatchback, Maruti has saved heavily on design cost and has managed the project on a low budget.

Powertrain & Performance

The DZiRE provides a choice of the same two engines available on the hatchback version of Swift. The petrol engine is a 1298cc 16-valve In-line 4 that delivers 87 bhp@6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 113 Nm@4500 rpm. The diesel variants get a 1248cc turbocharged DDiS engine that generates 75 bhp@4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 190 Nm@2000 rpm.

The Swift DZiRE variants have lower kerb weight in their class with petrol variants ranging from 1010-1035 kg and Diesel variants ranging from 1090-1115 kg. The lower kerb weight advantage translates to good performance of the car. The gearbox is slick and the clutch is smooth. This makes driving the car a pleasure.

Overall, the DZiRE gives the driver good feel and performance that is similar to the Swift hatchback.

Build & Styling

The Swift DZiRE retains the cheeky appeal of its hatchback sibling with a more premium look. Though the front fascia looks almost the same as the hatchback, it has got a flashy chrome grille and slightly sharper design headlamps.

From the side, the sedan has a complete redesign compared to the hatch, especially from the second pillar. It has bigger doors and larger window glass areas that make occupants feel roomier.

The DZiRE's back is entirely different from the hatchback. The trunk lid is raised and has a lip that merges with the shoulder line of the car. A thick chrome garnish on top of the rear number plate attempts to offset the heaviness of the oversized trunk lid. The rear also flaunts new clear-lens combination lamps.

The car's interior has a luxurious look and feel with the use of good materials. The steering wheel is the same unit that is offered with the Swift and SX4. The instrument cluster has round dials with chrome surround and features a white backlight.

Compared to the hatchback, the most notable changes in the sedan are in the top-end variants that now come with standard steering mounted controls for the music system and the new music system has been well integrated into the dashboard to add a lot of charm. The DZiRE also has a comfortable seating position for the rear occupants compared to the Swift hatchback. The rear seat backrests are angled at 27 degrees.

The VXi, ZXi, VDi, and ZDi come with quality fittings like integrated audio system, tachometer, and convenience features such as audible headlights-on reminder, centre and front cabin lights, vanity mirror, rear seat center armrest, and front electric power windows. The top-end ZXi and ZDi variants are equipped with more upscale features like front airbags, ABS with EBD brake assist, rear window defogger, adjustable tilt steering, and automatic climate control.

SanDisk Cruzer Titanium (512MB, silver)

The good: Syncs with Outlook; comes preloaded with password protection and backup utilities; extremely durable.

The bad: None.

The bottom line: SanDisk's Cruzer Titanium delivers a trinity of useful utilities and superior durability at a competitive price per megabyte.

Specifications

Manufacturer:SanDisk Corp.

General

Product Type - USB flash drive
Storage Capacity - 512 MB
Width - 0.8 in
Depth - 2.9 in
Height - 0.3 in
Compatibility - Non-specific

Memory

Interface Type - Hi-Speed USB

Expansion / Connectivity

Compatible Slots - None
Interfaces - 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A

Miscellaneous

Included Accessories - Lanyard, Pocket clip

Software / System Requirements

OS Required - Apple MacOS 9.1 or later, Apple MacOS X 10.1.2 or later, Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP

Expansion / Port(s) Required

Required slot - None

Price Around $10 - $40

Lexar JumpDrive Mercury (2GB)

The good: The JumpDrive Mercury has a handy capacity meter that requires no power supply or host-based software. In addition, the drive comes preloaded with Lexar's Secure II software, which works on both Macs and PCs.

The bad: The JumpDrive Mercury is slow to write data.

The bottom line: The JumpDrive Mercury provides a handy feature we have yet to see on a thumbdrive: an external capacity meter that lets you know at a glance how much space is left on your drive.

Specifications

Manufacturer:Lexar Media Inc.


General

Product Type - USB flash drive
Storage Capacity - 2 GB
Compatibility - Non-specific

Memory

Form Factor - USB Drive
Interface Type - Hi-Speed USB

Expansion / Connectivity

Compatible Slots - None
Interfaces - 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A

Manufacturer Warranty

Service & Support - 2 years warranty

Expansion / Port(s) Required

Required slot - None

Warranty

Service & support type - 2 years warranty

Price Around $ 35 - $55

Seagate FreeAgent Pro USB/eSATA/FireWire external hard drive (320GB)

The good: AutoBackup and FreeAgent Tools software are easy to use and highly configurable; drive offers good gigabyte-per-dollar value; smooth interface with Internet Drive and Shutterfly; eSATA connectivity offers fast transfer speeds; elegant design; generous warranty.

The bad: Mac users can't take advantage of the bundled software; software installation is a bit slow; accessing your data "anywhere" requires you to have the foresight to upload it to the Internet Drive and potentially purchase more online storage capacity from Seagate; Shutterfly is the only online photo service it works with.

The bottom line: The Seagate FreeAgent Pro external hard drive is an elegant workaround for users who are intimidated by NAS drives. The bundled software is simple to use and makes copying your data to various location a cinch. We really like this external hard drive.


Specifications

Manufacturer:Seagate Technology Inc.


General

Device Type - Hard drive - External hard drive
Width - 1.4 in
Depth - 6.3 in
Height - 7.5 in

Hard Drive

Form Factor - 3.5"
Capacity - 320 GB
Interface type - IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300
Spindle speed - 7200 rpm

Storage Controller

Type - None

Storage Controller (2nd)

Type - None

Expansion / Connectivity

Interfaces - Hi-Speed USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), ESATA-300
Compatible Bays - None
Compatible Slots - x None

Miscellaneous

Cables Included - 1 x USB cable, 1 x IEEE 1394 cable
Package type - Retail

Power

External Hard Drive Power Source - Included AC adapter

System Requirements

OS Required - Microsoft Windows Vista, Apple MacOS X 10.3.9 or later, Apple MacOS X 10.4.6 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Software / System Requirements

Software type - Drivers & Utilities

Manufacturer Warranty

Service & support type - 5 years warranty
Service & Support Details - Limited warranty - 5 years

Price Around $ 250

Western Digital MyBook World Edition NAS server

The good: Dead-simple to set up remote access and file sharing; includes support for Gigabit Ethernet; bundled backup software lets you restore as well; generous warranty period.

The bad: Slow read/write speeds; no print server or media server; some file types not supported by MioNet for sharing.

The bottom line: The Western Digital MyBook World Edition is a simple-to-use NAS drive that makes remote access and file sharing easy for even beginners. Only its slow data transfer speed gives us pause.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Western Digital Corp.


General

Device Type - NAS server
Host Connectivity - Gigabit Ethernet
Total Storage Capacity - 500 GB
Width - 2.2 in
Depth - 5.6 in
Height - 6.8 in
Weight - 2.6 lbs

Hard Drive

Type - Standard
Capacity - 1 x 500 GB
Spindle speed - 7200 rpm

Storage

Optical Storage - None

Optical Storage

Type - None

Expansion / Connectivity

Expansion Bays Total (Free) - None
Expansion Slots Total (Free) - None
Interfaces - 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Ethernet 1000Base-T - RJ-45

Optical Storage (2nd)

Type - None

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous compliant standards - RoHS
Cables Included - Network cable

Storage Removable

Type - None

Power

Power device type - Power adapter
Power Device - Power adapter - External
Voltage Required - AC 120/230 V

Hard Drive (2nd)

Type - None

System Requirements

OS Required - Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Peripheral / Interface Devices - CD-ROM, Internet connection

Software / System Requirements

Software type - Drivers & Utilities, EMC Retrospect Express
Min Processor Type - 500 MHz
System Requirements Details - Pentium III - RAM 512 MB - HD 500 MB

Networking

Type - Network adapter
Data link protocol - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

Manufacturer Warranty

Service & support type - 3 years warranty
Service & Support Details - Limited warranty - 3 years

Environmental Parameters

Min operating temperature - 41 °F
Max operating temperature - 95 °F

Video

Video Output - None

Price Around $ 200

Drobo Hard Drive

Product Summary

The good: Protects your data without your interference; can take a 3.5-inch SATA drive of any capacity and from any vendor; hot swappable; your data is available while Drobo is formatting a new drive (even if one drive fails); runs quietly; dashboard lets you track the condition of your Drobo.

The bad: Drobo itself is an USB-only device, and networking capability adds $200 to the bill; we would like to see Drobo bundled with a good backup application.

The bottom line: Drobo takes the pain and confusion out of data protection and lets you tailor and expand the drive according to your needs. This so-called storage robot works exactly as promised and is the most innovative storage device we've seen in a long time. We want one.

Specifications

Manufacturer:Data Robotics, Inc.


General

Device - Type Hard drive array
Width - 6 in
Depth - 10.7 in
Height - 6.3 in

Cabinet (Chassis)

Supported Devices / Modules Qty - 4

Storage Controller

Storage controller interface type - Hi-Speed USB
Controller interface type - Serial ATA-300
Type - Serial ATA - Integrated - Hi-Speed USB
Storage Controller / Supported Device Type - Hard drive

Storage Controller (2nd)

Type - None

Expansion / Connectivity

Interfaces - 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type B

Miscellaneous

Cables Included - 1 x USB cable
Miscellaneous compliant standards - UL, CUL, FCC Part 15 B

Power

Power device type - Power supply
Voltage Required - AC 120/230 V

System Requirements

OS Required - Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 2003, Microsoft Windows Vista, Apple MacOS X 10.4 or later

Software / System Requirements

Software type - Drivers & Utilities

Manufacturer Warranty

Service & support type - 1 year warranty
Service & Support Details - Limited warranty - 1 year

Price around $500

Mac OS X Leopard

Mac OS X version 10.5, known as "Leopard", is the 6th version of the OS X line of Mac operating systems. Apple introduces over 300 new features in the upgrade from Tiger to Leopard including substantial changes to the desktop. It released today with only one version, in stark contrast to Vista's approach. The biggest new features according to Apple are the new Dock, the new Finder system, the Time Machine feature, and Spaces. The OS in general remains somewhat similar to Tiger so if you're familiar with OS X at all, then you'll be able to use Leopard right away.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Spaces for virtual desktop management
•Improved Spotlight UI & performance
•Screen sharing for controlling other machines remotely
•Built in parental controls are very powerful
•iChat Theater for sharing screens/presentations/etc over video chat
•Evolutionary upgrade
•Time Machine makes back ups a no-brainer
•Better performance than Tiger

Cons:

•New Dock removes useful features from Tiger version
•Spaces is buggy
•Not enough major improvements

More information

Pricing

Single license - $129
Family 5-pack license - $199

The new Dock has a change in look and is more 3D, with the "stand" portion reflecting in real-time what is above it, including program windows and wallpapers. Stacks are a new feature of the dock that work similar to smart folders. Leopard will automatically group similar files together and put them under one icon in the doc, you then click on the icon to have the files fan out or appear in a grid view.

Finder undergoes significant changes to its look featuring a more streamlined and accessible side bar. The biggest change is the introduction of a new view named "Cover Flow". This view works similar to iTunes' album view where you flip through the icons. Apple is also introducing a new technology named Quick Look which lets you do an in-depth preview of a multitude of files before fully opening them. Combining Quick Look with Cover Flow lets you easily perform mini slide shows with images, or view videos in quick succession. Quick Look even lets you page through PDF or Keynote presentations.

Spaces is a virtual desktop management system that lets you keep four different virtual desktops, each with their own set of programs running. You can switch between the desktops easily, and rearrange their positioning relative to one another.

Time Machine is an automatic backup, and quick recovery system for your files. With a few clicks you can specify which folders you want to keep backed up, and where they should be stored. Storage can occur on the local drive, or for better backup reliability on an external, or networked drive. The system then keeps a record of every single file that is in those monitored folders, and lets you recover a lost file, or return to a previous version.

As opposed to other recent Operating System releases, Leopard comes in one form that includes everything for all users. This includes 64-bit support, as Steve Jobs said "Leopard is 64-bit top to bottom".

Official site: www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/

Halo 3

Halo 3 is one of the most anticipated games for 2007 as the series that defined the Xbox makes its debut onto the next generation successor. This third installment marks the conclusion of the Halo trilogy and ending of this particular story arc. Bungie has been developing the game for over 3 years and in a marked difference from other Microsoft Game Studios titles is using their own engine as opposed to Unreal Engine 3. Bungie is also incorporating a large number of substantial new features such as saved films, the Forge system, and 4-player online co-op while keeping all of the old game modes of Halo 2.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Extraordinary replay value in single player
•Online co-op with 4 people
•Tons of features and value for your money
•Satisfying conclusion to the series
•Massive scale in battles and environments
•New weapons and equipment add more depth to already deep gameplay
•Perfectly balanced multiplayer

Cons:

•Doesn't innovate very much
•Forge mode can be frustrating.
•Causes some 360's to crash, and must be sent in for repair
•Graphics are Halo 2 in HD
•Single player taken by itself isn't very compelling

More information

Gameplay

The Halo series revolves around the design concept of an extremely refined 30 seconds of gameplay continually repeated. This gameplay involves giving the player tools and environment to fight against their enemies. With Halo 3 Bungie is expanding the core mechanics introduced with the first two games by expanding the range of tools at your disposal and the kind of tools that are available. Players run, jup, shoot, use vehicles, and use elements in their environment to move around the levels and kill their enemies. The player has a rechargeable shield that automatically refills after a few seconds have passed without the player being hit by enemy fire.

Weapons, Vehicles and Equipment

All the trademark weapons of the Halo franchise return with new weapons being added that represent the Brute enemy's arsenal. A new class of weapons is being added known as "support" that are heavier tools of destruction that put the player in a 3rd person view, and cause the player to move slower.

A new class of tools is introduced with H3 called "equipment". These items can support you and your teammates, or hinder your opponents. Shields, portable lifts, RADAR jammers, are examples of equipment that can be deployed in the field.

Vehicles make a return in Halo 3 with the classic warthog once again taking a prominent role. Similar to the weapons new vehicles are added that represent the Brute's arsenal.

Campaign

The campaign mode sees you playing through the last chapter of the Halo arc started with the games, and the three novels. The tag line of Halo 3 is "Finish the Fight" with the ending of Halo 2 seeing Master Chief heading back to Earth to defend humanity from a full scale Covenant invasion. Being the ending in the series many fans expect H3 to answer many of the questions involving the Forerunners and the purpose of the Halos and the Ark.

The campaign is mission based seeing the player traverse the landscape accomplishing the assigned mission objectives, usually in the form of destroying something or rescuing something else. Story is relayed through cutscenes and in-game acting and dialog.

Similar to both of the previous games, the entire campaign can be played cooperatively with another player on the same Xbox 360. And for the first time in the series up to four players can go through the campaign cooperatively over Xbox Live.

For the first time Bungie is creating what they call a "meta-game" around the campaign mode that tracks the player's accomplishments through a particular level and assigns them points and medals. Performing more advanced maneuvers such as double kills, and head shots result in more points. Leaderboards will be available for the overall score, and leaderboards for individual level scores are also available.

Multiplayer

Multiplayer is a large part of the Halo franchise and Bungie is expanding the mode for Halo 3. Similar to Halo 2 multiplayer games can be found by joining a friend's custom game, or through the Matchmaking party system. New for Halo 3 are public custom games which let you join other custom games similar to a server list that don't affect your ranking. The party system sees you joining your friends in a group and going through the matchmaking process together, so you always join the same games.

All the new vehicles, weapons and equipment introduced will be available for multiplayer. And similar to H2 there will be a multitude of game modes available for customization for custom games, alongside an ever changing playlist of ranked matchmaking modes.

The ranking system which tracks your kills and other accomplishments gets factored into the Matchmaking system to try and match you up with similarly ranked players so people get a "fair" game. People who continually drop out of a game will have their rankings negatively affected reducing their ability to find games with "good" players.

Forge

Forge is a new kind of mode that has a significant impact on the multiplayer game. With Forge mode activated players can take on the role of an entity outside the game and manipulate the level and rules of the game in a variety of ways. Spawning weapons, vehicles and other items is already confirmed. At any time players can switch between the Forge mode and normal playing resulting in new ways of playing multiplayer.

New levels can not be created from scratch, and level geometry can not be modified. Forge simply allows you to create and move items around existing multiplayer maps and change their settings. Modified levels and rules can be saved and played through as a normal multiplayer game. Custom creations can even be shared with other players on your Friend's list and beyond. Bungie has stated they'll have a website dedicated to the best Forge games and levels and let people download new Forge levels to play on their own system.

Saved Films

Halo was an extremely popular title to use for Machinima, films created using video games. The popular video series Red vs Blue is an example of Machinima, though others also exist. Bungie is supporting these kind of film makers by integrating the film making capabilities into the game itself. Players can record, save, and playback any of their gaming sessions either in the campaign or multiplayer modes. Saved films aren't actual video files, but instead scripts that playback within the game engine itself. This allows you to watch a saved film from any angle and even manipulate the camera on the fly. Saved films can be shared with friends, and uploaded to Bungie's servers with the best films being available for anyone to download.

Editions

Halo 3 will be offered in three different editions in increasing forms of fan service.

Standard Edition ($59.99) - Game disc and manual

Collector's Edition ($69.99) - adds an Interactive Xbox 360 disc containing new themes and gamer pictures, and the Beastiarum which is a hard cover book detailing the flora and fauna in the Halo universe

Legendary Edition ($129.99) - adds Legendary DVD which contains even more exclusive content, and a Master Chief Helmet to hold all three discs.

Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U - LCD

The 85U series is at the mid range of Panasonic's consumer plasmas for 2008, which is their 11th generation of plasma offerings. Positioned above 80U series and below the 800Us, the 85Us feature the same core technology as the more expensive sets but sacrifice some of the more advanced features such as THX Certification and the 4th HDMI input. It first became available in the late-February and retails for $2200.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Single pane of glass design reduces haloing of white text and improves aesthetic
•Very solid price/performance ratio


Cons:

•Plasma technology is being phased out, so long term support is shaky


More information

Features

- 1080p native resolution
- 30,000:1 contrast ratio
- 24p film mode
- Game mode
- VIERA link
- One-sheet glass design with anti-reflective screen
- 100,000 hour half life
- Inputs: 3 x HDMI 1.3, 1 x VGA, Component, Composite, S-Video
- price: $2199

85U, 800U, and 850U features

One-sheet glass - The one-sheet glass design is similar to the Sony XBR4's, and Pioneer Elite and Kuro televisions where a single pane of glass covers the entire front of the television, including the bezel. This design reduces/eliminates the "halo" effect that can occur around lettering and logos with traditional 3-pane designs.

Note: 85U doe NOT have a one-sheet-glass design.

PC-input - usually a staple among HDTVs, in Panasonic's 2008 offerings only the higher end televisions retain a dedicated input for computers.

24p support - the details are still unclear if this means the television changes the refresh rate to match content that comes in at 24 frames per second, or if it just means the TV can accept 24FPS content and does a conversion. As of January 2008 the only consumer grade Plasma with native 24p support is the Pioneer 5080HD. Most likely this feature simply does a conversion from 24FPS to the set's native 60Hz.


Common to all 2008 Panasonic Plasmas

Anti-reflective screen - created by Fujitsu these screens reduce the amount of ambient reflection that can appear in a brightly lit room.

100,000 hour half life - Panasonic rates the panel to last 100,000 hours, which is about 30 years of regular usage, or 11 years of non-stop, before the brightness of the display is halved.

Winamp

Winamp is a popular media player developed by Nullsoft that was first released by Justin Frankel in 1996. Version 5.5 was released on October 10th, 2007 marking the 10th anniversary of the software and includes many upgrades includes a new Bento skin. Winamp first gained popularity in 1997 when the new mp3 format of compressed digital music first made its appearance on the Internet.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Extensive plugin support
•Great UI, with easy to access library, playlist, EQ, visualization, etc.
•Not a computer resource hog like WMP
•Slick look with cool visualizations
•Shoutcast support
•Highly customizable look and feel with skins
•Excellent Internet radio integration
•Customizable visualizations are great
•Multiple sound card support: listen on your hi-fi card while Windows gets the onboard chip.
•Auto-Tag feature: good for roll your own mp3s and to correct these collectors items.

Cons:

•Windows Only
•Still somewhat bloated compared to Foobar2000 and other players aimed at expert users

Features

Audio formats: MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis MIDI, MOD, MP1, MP2, M4A, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, WAV, WMA, Chiptunes, and more

Video formats: AVI, MPEG, NSV (Nullsoft Streaming Video)

Includes many visualizations with full-screen support

Keyboard shortcuts

Extensive plug-in support for input/output, sound and visual effects

Skinnable with many freely available skins

Free access to streaming media including: Internet radio and XM Satellite radio (powered by AOL radio)

Ripping, encoding, burning in Winamp Pro version

Support for portable media players

t is currently the second most popular media player to Microsoft's Windows Media Player. As of 2005, Winamp had approximately 55 million user worldwide. It is available in two versions: 1) a fully-functional free version, and 2) a Pro version available for $19.95 that adds extensive ripping, encoding, and burning functionality. See www.winamp.com for more information and to download the player.

OpenOffice

OpenOffice.org is a multiplatform and multilingual office suite and an open-source project. Compatible with all other major office suites, the product is free to download, use, and distribute. To help build the community, join us. StarDivision, the original author of the StarOffice suite of software, was founded in Germany in the mid-1980s. It was acquired by Sun Microsystems during the summer of 1999 and StarOffice 5.2 was released in June of 2000. Future versions of StarOffice software, beginning with 6.0, have been built using the OpenOffice.org source, APIs, file formats, and reference implementation. Sun continues to sponsor development on OpenOffice.org and is the primary contributor of code to OpenOffice.org. CollabNet hosts the website infrastructure for development of the product and helps manage the project. The OpenOffice.org source code includes the technology which Sun Microsystems has been developing for the future versions of StarOffice(TM) software. The source is written in C++ and delivers language-neutral and scriptable functionality, including Java(TM) APIs. This source technology introduces the next-stage architecture, allowing use of the suite as separate applications or as embedded components in other applications. Numerous other features are also present including XML-based file formats based on the vendor-neutral OpenDocument standard from OASIS and other resources.


Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Free
•Simplified, more lightweight word processor (Writer vs. Word)
•Very closely mimics the interface and functionality of Microsoft Office
•Open-source software
•Uses and helps promote the OpenDocument standard

Cons:

•Not all Excel charting functions supported in Calc
•Not as much support as MS Office (books, manuals, training)
•No support for Excel macros (does support Word macros)

More information

Office Suite Applications

Writer - word processor similar to Microsof Word
Calc - spreadsheet software similar to Microsoft Excel
Impress - presentation program similar to Microsoft PowerPoint
Base - database program similar to Microsoft Access
Draw - vector graphics editor comparable in features to early versions of CorelDRAW
Math - A tool for creating and editing mathematical formulae, similar to Microsoft Equation Editor

Releases

The current stable release of OpenOffice is 2.4. In September 2008, OpenOffice.org 3.0 is expected to be released, and will include Office 2007 file format support.

Best SLR Cameras

Canon EOS Rebel K2(Around $135 body only, $200 lens kit)

For a bargain price, the EOS Rebel K2 is the best budget single-lens reflex (SLR) camera according to both professional and user reviews. Compared with earlier Rebel budget models, the K2 has an improved pop-up flash, better autofocus and exposure metering and an LCD display on the back. At 1.5 frames per second (fps), film advance is slower than more expensive cameras, but the plastic body keeps the K2's weight to a comfortable 12 ounces.


Canon EOS Rebel T2 (Around $190, body only, Around $260 with lens kit)

For an entry-level or family camera, reviews and owners agree that the Rebel T2 is worth the price difference over the Canon EOS Rebel K2. The T2 has all the features of the K2 but adds a metal lens mount, depth-of-field (DOF) preview and several other features. With shutter speeds as fast as 1/4000 second and 3 fps film advance (2.8 fps for continuous shooting), it captures better action shots.


Canon EOS Elan 7N (Around $300 body only, $410 with lens)

More money buys more features, durability and convenience. Reviews recommend the top-rated Elan 7N for most users, with its metal body (the Rebel K2 and T2 have plastic bodies), more comfortable viewfinder, mirror lockup, backlit LCD screen, 13 custom functions and the option of silent film rewind. Autofocus and shutter speed are faster than those of the Rebel T2, and the film advance of 4 fps nearly matches more expensive pro models. A related model, the Elan 7NE, has eye-control, which tracks the movement of your cornea.


Nikon F100 (Around $940, body only)

For a rugged, weatherproofed body and 100% viewfinder, reviews recommend the pro-level Nikon F100. It can focus in dimmer light than the Canon EOS Rebel T2 and Elan 7N, offering more precise spot metering as well -- plus interchangeable focusing screens and 22 custom functions. Focus tracking and film advance can be as fast as 4.5 fps, or completely silent at 3 fps. You can download shooting data to a PC, so you don't have to record notes by hand.


Nikon F6 (Around $2050 body only)

This brand new flagship model has already earned one award as the best SLR camera of 2005. To the Nikon F100's features, the F6 adds mirror lockup along with improved weatherproofing and autofocus, plus 1,005 metering segments. Designed for ultra-quiet operation, the F6 also minimizes the vibration that can blur pictures. It has 41 custom settings and a customizable button as well. Shooting speed is 5.5 fps. With an optional MB-40 Battery Pack ($320), you can shoot at 8 fps.

Best Digital Picture Frames

Kodak EasyShare SV811(Around $150)

Best digital picture frame. We found the most top ratings for Kodak's digital photo frames. Experts and owners say image quality is very good overall, with nice color and saturation. The EasyShare SV811 has 128 MB of internal memory for photos, which can be transferred using memory cards, a USB flash drive or a USB-connected PC. The Kodak also plays videos and MP3s, and has an on/off scheduler. Other sizes include the 7-inch SV710 (Around $100) and the 10-inch SV1011 (Around $200). One caveat is that the Kodak frame has no "shuffle" feature, so you must view photos in order.


Coby DP562 (Around $75)

Best budget digital photo frame. According to reviews, Coby digital photo frames are a very good value. Most say they don't have the very best image quality, but the tradeoff is acceptable for the low price. Along with photos, the small, 5.6-inch Coby DP562 can also play MP3 music and video files. One unique feature is its ability to "shuffle" photos so you can display images randomly. While no reviewer rates Coby as best overall, it's better than other budget digital frames. Other sizes include the 7-inch Coby DP772 (Around $90), the 8-inch DP882 (Around $130) and the 10-inch DP102 (Around $150).


Ceiva 7-inch Digital Photo Frame (Around $150)

Best for grandma. If you are considering a photo frame as a gift for a distant relative and want to be able to send photos remotely to the frame, you'll need to consider the recipient's technical comfort level. That puts Wi-Fi frames out of contention unless the recipient has a home wireless network and is fairly technically savvy. Although no reviewer puts Ceiva frames ahead of the pack in terms of image quality or value, they are unique in that they can access photos over the Internet using a dial-up modem over an analog phone line. With a required PicturePlan subscription (starting at Around $100 per year) remote users will be able send images to the frame. Be aware that frame won't work outside the U.S. and Canada.


Kodak EasyShare EX811 (Around $190)

Photo frame with Wi-Fi. While equipping a digital photo frame with Wi-Fi networking ability is a great idea in concept, reviewers differ on how successfully Kodak (and others) implements wireless features. Although theoretically, you can use the EasyShare EX811 to grab photos from your networked PC or an online photo album, we read complaints from a large percentage of owners that had trouble with setup. For that reason, the Kodak EX811 frame is best for those with patience and a good understanding of their wireless network.


Pandigital PAN150 (Around $350)

Large, 15-inch frame. We found glowing reviews for image quality and just the overall impressive size of the Pandigital PAN150 photo frame. Experts say it's easy to use, and accepts a wide variety of memory cards and USB drives for loading photos. Unfortunately, the Pandigital costs more than most digital cameras. It can also play MP3 music and video.

Best HD Camcorders

Canon HV20 (Around $900)

Best HD camcorder. While high-definition camcorders are still a new technology with some usability issues, we had no trouble identifying the Canon HV20 as the best HD camcorder in reviews. Critics say its high-resolution image quality when displayed on an HDTV is simply outstanding. Low light performance is also good, especially when the camcorder's 24p mode is used. The 24p mode mimics the way film motion picture cameras capture footage -- that means your home videos can look more like movies. A great optical image stabilization system keeps things rock-steady even where other systems fall short. The Canon HV20 records to familiar and easy to find miniDV tapes, recording about 80 minutes of top-quality footage to each tape. Right now, experts say its MPEG-2 image files are easiest to edit on a computer (compared to the MPEG-4 files produced by some other types of HD camcorders). Ergonomics on the 1.2-pound Canon HD camcorder are also good.


Sony Handycam HDR-HC5 (Around $810)

Budget HD camcorder. This Sony high-definition camcorder uses easy-to-find miniDV tapes for recording and it costs a little less than the Canon HV20, the current leader in reviews. While experts say the Sony's image quality is very good, it's missing some features such as optical image stabilization – important for minimizing jumpy images caused by the natural movements of your hands as you hold the camcorder. If you plan mainly on using a tripod, you might not need that feature, but given the relatively small price difference, the Canon HV20 is the better buy overall.


Sony Handycam HDR-SR7 (Around $1,100)

Longest recording time. Most reviews say that image quality from the Sony Handycam HDR-SR7 falls a bit short of the less expensive Canon HV20 high-definition camcorder. Still, experts say image quality looks terrific in its own right and is far better than that of a standard-definition camcorder when displayed on an HDTV. And the Sony has one big advantage over the Canon HD camcorder: its 60GB hard disc drive can store up to 8 hours of top quality HD video (compared to about 80 minutes of best-quality video on miniDV tapes used by the Canon HV20). It uses the AVCHD format and MPEG-4 files, which are relatively easy to record to standard DVD discs, but editing isn't as easy as with MPEG-2 video. The Sony's menus and features are accessed through a touch screen that most critics don't like.

Best Digital Camera Binoculars

Bushnell 8x32 Instant Replay 18-0833(Around $380)

Best digital camera binoculars. Reviews say the Bushnell Instant Replay 8x32 digital-camera binoculars outclass the competing products in this category, with better optics and camera features. While other digital-camera binoculars just add a fixed-focus digital camera between the two binocular barrels, Bushnell builds the 3.2-megapixel camera into the binoculars, so they focus together (down to 11 feet), which eliminates parallax distortion -- a major complaint about other digital binoculars. The camera takes stills and 30-second 320x240 video clips, and an "instant replay" feature lets you record the 30 seconds before you hit the 'record' button. Note that products in the digital camera binoculars category can’t compete with regular binoculars or regular digital cameras quality-wise, so you do give up something to get the combination.


Bushnell Compact 8x30 Instant Replay 11-8325(Around $170)

Best value. The camera on the Bushnell Compact 8x30 Instant Replay digital binoculars can only focus as close as 30 feet, compared with 11 feet on the more expensive 8x32 Instant Replay. However, the cheaper Instant Replay camera binoculars weigh less (14.9 ounces compared to 25 ounces) and can record video at a faster frame rate of 30 frames per second (resulting in smoother video). The 5-megapixel camera also takes still photos, which one reviewer says are slightly better than the more expensive Bushnell. Both Bushnell digital binoculars have a two-year warranty.


Bushnell 10x25 ImageView VGA 11-1025(Around $50)

Budget camera binoculars. Reviews say you shouldn't expect much from the Bushnell ImageView camera binoculars when it comes to image quality. Most reviews say the grainy 640x480-pixel photos aren't good enough for much except posting on the web or e-mailing. The ImageView digital binoculars do take short video clips, but there's no instant-replay feature. Even so, these compact camera binoculars don't cost much, and many reviewers say they are fun gadgets.

Best Web Browsers

Internet Explorer 7.0 (free, http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie)

Most stable and developer-supported browser. Reviewers agree that this newest overhaul of Internet Explorer is fast, slick, and vastly more secure than IE Version 6. Borrowing from its competitors Firefox and Opera, IE7 introduces Explorer users to tabbed browsing, enhanced security management (including ActiveX opt-out), RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds, integrated search capabilities, a one click Favorites button, and web pages that can be automatically re-sized for printing. IE7 can remember open tabs for your next session. Although it lacks the customizable interface available in Firefox and Opera, IE7 more than makes up for this with near-universal compatibility and enormous development base. Internet Explorer 7 is still technically in Beta testing, but anyone can download it (Windows XP only).


Firefox 2.0 (free, http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/)

Best alternative web browser. Reviews say the Firefox web browser is a viable alternative to Internet Explorer 7, praising its usability, lean size, lack of ActiveX security holes, and convenient features, including tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, an RSS reader, a download manager, a password manager, automatic updates, customized searching and a tweakable interface (themes). A vast number of extensions -- which add functionalities like better eBay searches and form filling -- are also available. Firefox runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. A few web pages still don't display properly in Firefox, so experts say you'll still have to occasionally revert to Internet Explorer. Firefox 2.0 is currently in Beta testing, but you can still download it, or version 1.5, which is not substantially different.


Opera 9 (free, http://www.opera.com/)

Best cross-platform browser. Opera 9 can run on Windows, Linux, Solaris, BSD and Mac OS X, and its security features do not depend on Windows XP SP2. In fact, Opera runs on more operating systems than any other browser. A mobile version even runs on many cell phones and some PDAs. Despite its small following, Opera 9 has most of the features of Firefox, plus a few more. It has fewer problems displaying web pages than either IE7 or Firefox. The latest version (released in June 2006) includes widgets, or small web applications that sit on users' desktops, and support for BitTorrent, a popular file distribution technology. Former versions of Opera cost $39, but the latest ad-free Opera 9 is entirely free.


Safari RSS (free, http://www.apple.com/safari)

Best web browser for Mac OS X. Apple, which ships and seamlessly integrates its Safari browser into Mac OS X, takes the best features from other browsers, including tabbed browsing, live bookmarks, RSS feeds (with added clipping service), pop-up blocking, and a built-in integrated search, combining them in an intuitive desktop interface. Reviews say Safari has a simple browsing interface that offers more security, via the Mac operating system, than its competitors. Although Mac users can choose FireFox or Opera as well, critics say the Safari browser is excellent in its own right.

Best Internet Security Software

BitDefender Internet Security 2008 (Around $50)

Best Internet security suite. BitDefender Internet Security 2008 is the best integrated security program (which includes antivirus protection, a firewall, spam filtering, spyware protection and more), according to the most reviews. The suite has always had a fine reputation for preventing malware, but the previous version was one of the worst offenders at slowing computers, and user control was awkward. Reviews say the program is considerably improved in those regards. Early user reviews are more favorable than those for most competitors. A similar product, BitDefender Total Security 2008 (Around $60) includes all the components of the base program, with the addition of maintenance and backup software.


Norton Internet Security 2008 (Around $55)

Most popular Internet security suite. More than half of the security programs sold carry the Norton name. Norton Internet Security 2008 benefits from brand comfort and rebate promotions, and the most credible reviewers say the new version is the best in its class as well. Norton is ranked among the best in preventing viruses and spyware in all tests. The major issue with Norton is that it will not work properly on many computers. While this problem plagues all security suites to some extent, user reviews report more trouble with Norton than others. Slowing is not as much a problem as it used to be.


Panda Internet Security 2008 (Around $40)

Budget Internet security suite. According to reviews, the main strengths of Panda Internet Security 2008 are antivirus and firewall protection. However, opinions of its spam filtering, anti-spyware and parental-control components are only fair. Still, many users may not need those features. In that case, Panda is a good value, and like its Norton and BitDefender competitors, the license covers three computers. It is also just as effective as its competitors at preventing the major types of malware. Spam filtering is the big weak point in reviews, but if you already have a good spam filter, you may not need more than Panda Internet Security.