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

Grand Theft Auto 4

The next-generation sequel to the controversial number one selling game. Grand Theft Auto 4 has you playing as Russian immigrant, Niko, trying to escape his shady past in modern-day New York. In a break from the trend of increasingly larger worlds to explore, Rock Star opted for a more densely packed smaller game world than in San Andreas. Major improvements over the previous games come in the form of a more vibrant city, substantially improved combat mechanics, "deeper" personal relationships, fleshed out physics and animation systems, and a comprehensive online component.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Emergent physics system and animation with Endorphin
•A city that feels more "alive"
•Storyline or freeform abilities
•In-game cell phone is absolute genius
•New wanted system much better, no need for Pay 'N Spray
•Excellent graphics (every version gets better)
•Seamless multiplayer
•Incredible soundtrack
•Deep hand-to-hand combat system
•Characters in the game have a quality about them that makes you care for what happens
•Over the shoulder aiming works perfect

Cons:

•Limited co-op gametypes
•Awkward camera control
•Lower resolution and blurry image on the PS3 version
•Bad shadow dithering on Xbox 360 version
•Some people with certain models of the PS3 can't get past the initial cutscene
•Linear storyline
•Most buildings and objects can't be used
•Rockstar never talks about a PC release until a year after the consoles.
•Cars can be difficult to control
•Framerate issues


More information

Gameplay

GTA4 fundamentally resolves down to the basic mechanics the first incarnations pioneered - stealing cars, shooting gangsters/cops, and completing missions. The fourth main installment of the franchise refines and improves many of these fundamentals. Most notably is the change to the gun shooting mechanics, where before auto-aim played a very large role and often times frustrated players, GTA4 uses an over-the-shoulder view similar to that in Gears of War. Also similar to Gears of War is the inclusion of a cover system that lets Niko hide behind objects to avoid getting hit. Hand-to-Hand combat has also been refined with a deeper moveset, and more combos available.

Driving has taken on a more realistic feel to match the rest of the game's setting. Cars now have more distinctive weights and features that sometimes make them more difficult to drive than in previous games. Vehicles that can be driven by Niko include cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and helicopters. Bicycles and airplanes introduced in San Andreas don't make the cut.

Setting

Rockstar is taking the game back to its roots and placing the setting in the fictitious Liberty City. This time around the city is far more realized and offers a more than passing resemblance to New York City. Four of the Five burroughs are found in the game under fictitious names, with the notable exception of Long Island. Rockstar has been quoted as saying the city is smaller than the one in GTA:San Andreas, however its far denser, making the overall amount of places you can travel to be equal. Buildings are more interactive with many containing full interiors.

Multiplayer

Grand Theft Auto 4 is the first time that online multiplayer is available to console players. Rock Star has taken cues from other modern online games and added their own GTA twist. Up to 16 players can take part in online matches that exist within the same open world of the single player. This means you can engage in one of the 16 different multiplayer modes and still travel to any part of the map, engage with civilians and do everything you can do in the regular game. Rock Star attempts to keep the interactions localized by making health and weapon respawns occur in select parts of the map.

Customization plays a large role in the multiplayer modes. Hosts are given the ability to specify the number of pedestrians available, cars in the streets, if cops are active, auto-aim settings, etc. Players themselves can also customize their digital personas with different clothing and body shape choices, the more you play, the more points you gain to unlock further customizations for your avatar.

Rock Star Social Club

Taking inspiration from Halo 3 Rock Star has a website that accompanies the game to provide statistics, community organization and other benefits to gamers. Not only do online games get logged in the social club, but extensive leaderboards and challenges for the single player game.


Differences between Xbox 360 and PS3 versions

Downloadable episodic content will be available exclusively for the Xbox 360 version. Any exclusive content/features for the PS3 version has not been announced yet.

Audacity - Media Software

Audacity is a free cross-platform digital audio editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux licensed under the GNU General Public License. It is a multi-track audio editor with many features found in commercial software. Audacity was originally written, and currently maintained by Dominic Mazzoni, now a Google employee, while he was a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University. The current stable version is 1.2.6 released on November 15th, 2006 and is currently one of top 10 most popular downloads from SourceForge.net.


Pros & Cons
Pros:


•Free, open-source audio editor
•Supports multi-track editing
•Great free tool with all essential features
•Silence detection for automatically splitting up analog recordings into multiple files or tracks
•Fast. loading files, zooming, applying effects

Cons:

•Commercial programs have better features for more advanced functionality
•Multi-track functionality is limited and could be improved

More information

Features

- free, open-source
- cross-platform, with support for Windows, Mac, and Linux
- recording and playback of sound files
- multi-tracking editing
- file formats: supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, Ogg Vorbis
- many digital effects and plugins, that can be written in Nyquist (LISP-like language)
- noise removal
- amplitude envelope
- independent speed/pitch
- normalization
- fading (in/out)
- trimming
- support up to 96 kHz sampling and 24 bit resolution
- can detect silences in audio tracks to automatically break up files into tracks recorded from vinyl records and audio tapes

New Ford Endeavour

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 7/11 km/l (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.5L In-line 4, 141 bhp
3.0L TDCi Inline-4, 154 bhp
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Rugged appearance.
3.0L Turbo diesel engine
Ample cargo space.

Pros

Dual control air-conditioning system.
Premium audio system.
Great off-road driving dynamics.

Cons

Performance for highway cruising could be improved.

Overview

The Ford Endeavour was introduced in India in 2003. It is sold as the Ford Everest (a midsize SUV) in Asia and was built on the lines of the local Mazda-based Ford Ranger pickup truck platform. With this offering, Ford brought to the Indian consumer a premium, world class and versatile 7-seater. The new Ford Endeavour is available in two versions: the 2.5L XLT 4x2 and the 3.0L Thunder+ 4x4.

Besides its commanding road presence and imposing built, the Endeavour offers a genuine SUV experience and proclaims its SUV-truck roots with pride. It is a hugely functional SUV with serious off-road capability, especially in the all-wheel drive (AWD) version. For city driving, however, the 2-wheel drive variant would be a better choice.

This new Ford is equipped with a comprehensive list of safety features that meet the highest standards of excellence and are in keeping with the Indian regulations. It has been designed to withstand the impact of an accident with a rigid body shell, reinforced cabin and crumple zones in the front and rear. With these features and a potent engine, it competes with Hyundai Tucson and Honda CRV.

Powertrain & Performance

Endeavour comes in two variants - 4x2 XLT and the 4x4 Thunder+. The base is equipped with a 2.5L In-line 4 turbocharged diesel engine that generates a power of 141 bhp and renders 330 Nm worth of torque, whereas the Thunder+ is powered by a 3.5L TDCi In-line 4 diesel engine that churns out 154 bhp.

The XLT is available in a Two-wheel drive configuration (4x2) whereas the Thunder+ comes with All-wheel drive. 4x2 is perfect for city/highway driving, whereas the 4x4 is geared up for rugged and all-terrain driving. A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard on the model.

Despite its imposing size, the engine serves up power efficiently. It handles reasonably well, takes a corner like a veteran and delivers a satisfactory ride in the city. Transmission is smooth and seamless, with smooth upshifts and downshifts.

This SUV might not exhibit aerodynamic proficiency on the highway, but it handles rugged terrain like a pro and is in its element on dirt roads. The anti-lock braking system (ABS), with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), makes for quick braking response.

The Endeavour's humungous tyres and rigid chassis soak up bumps. Handling is superb, while steering is precise and responsive.

Build & Styling

There is no denying the Ford legacy in the Endeavour's overall architecture. The front end is distinctive with its high bonnet and behemoth size. The rather aggressive fascia out-front is decked up with a large, bold and sporty looking grille as well as multi-reflector headlamps. Aiding and abetting the new Endeavour, in its hardy off-road worthiness, are the mud flaps and wheel moldings along with fashionable roof rails. Silver side-steps run along the length of the vehicle and accentuate its brute quality. The Thunder+ variant offers a classier exterior compared to the XLT. It has larger mirrors that incorporate turn indicators and puddle lamps, a spare wheel cover, body cladding and many more attractive features.

The variants offers wide tyres (265/70 R16) that facilitate the most favourable combination of traction and stability on slippery ground.

It is also fitted with a highly toughened and modern bull bar, two-tone body cladding that gives it an even sportier look, alloy wheels, a fifth door mirror that comes in handy while parking or reversing, and a hard top cover for the extra tyre that can be locked to prevent its theft. Decals on the body of the vehicle enhance its looks.

The interior of the Ford Endeavour is roomy and elegant with world-class levels of comfort. Both the variants are endowed with luxurious leather upholstery and AC vents for all the three rows to make long and bumpy drives cushy. It comes with well-appointed amenities harboring little details, that both surprise and delight. For entertainment on-the-go, the vehicle has been endowed with an iPOD-compatible audio system. The Thunder+ is enhanced by Camel tone full leather interiors, six CD changer and MP3 player with six speakers. The entertainment is also loaded with an interior roof-mounted DVD player and dual air conditioning with controls mounted on the ceiling.

A standard cutting-edge theft protection feature, passive anti-theft system (PATS), prevents the engine from being started with an incorrectly coded key by automatically shutting off fuel to the fuel injection system after two seconds. A high visibility "command" driving position makes for better visibility while driving. Also included in the new Ford Endeavour are amenities such as a 4-wheel ABS with EBD and dual airbags, child-proof rear door locks, fuel tank shields, seat belts for all seven occupants, front passenger airbags, and more.

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New BMW X3

Quick Take
* Fuel Economy 15/22 km/l (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.5L I-6, 192 bhp
Available Transmissions 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
5-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with Steptronic

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Stylish build inside and out.
xDrive feature.
Loaded with safety features.

Pros

Comfortable, roomy interiors.
Offers decent acceleration.
Delivers a smooth ride.

Cons

Off-road ability needs improvement.

Overview

The BMW X3 is a 4-door Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) produced by the German automaker BMW. Based on the BMW 3-Series automobile platform, the X3 is available in a four-wheel drive (4WD) version and a five-seater configuration.

The X3 was launched at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003 but has been brought to India only in 2007. It is available in a single petrol variant, the 2.5Si.

The X3 comes with a basic vehicle warranty and a powertrain warranty of four years or 50,000 miles, and contends with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan X-Trail.

Powertrain & Performance

The 2.5Si derives power from a 2.5-liter In-line six-cylinder (I-6) petrol engine, which generates 192 bhp and 245 Nm of torque. The engine is teamed up with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. However, it can also be coupled with an optional 5-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.

The suspension system includes a double-joint spring strut front axle and central-arm rear axle. It also comprises front and rear anti-roll bars. Sports suspension without vehicle lowering and Servotronic is optional on the 2.5Si.

Inner-vented disc brakes in the front and outer-vented disc brakes in the rear offer forceful stopping power to the X3. The X3 features xDrive, all-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution.

Build & Styling

The X3 rides high on a wave of style. It measures 4565 mm in length, with a 2795 mm long wheelbase. Its front fascia incorporates black bumpers with integrated fog lamps, ornamental twin-kidney grille with chrome surround and distinct, sleek headlights.

Electrically-adjustable exterior mirrors and a rear window wiper are standard on all X3 variants. Also standard is a body-coloured roof spoiler that incorporates the third brake light. Roof railings are available as optional on the X3, as is a trailer tow hitch with removable ball head that includes trailer stability control. It stands on 17-inch light-alloy wheels.

As for the interiors, it comes standard with cloth upholstery, while leather upholstery is available as optional. It features a standard 60:40 split-and-fold rear bench seat. Manual seat adjustment is standard on the X3, though the option of electric seat adjustment with memory function for the driver's seat is also available. Sport seats and seat heating for driver and passenger are also optional on the 2.5Si.

The 2.5Si is also available with an optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift-knob. However, it comes standard with a manually-adjustable steering column. A multi-function feature as well as heating for the steering wheel is optional on the 2.5Si.

Some standard interior features present in the X3 are power windows, power door locks, air-conditioning including micro-filter, heat-insulating tinted glass on windows, and cup-holders. Instrument panel in the X3 includes round speedometer and rpm dials, fuel gauge, and coolant temperature gauge.

The option of an automatic air-conditioning system is also available on the 2.5Si. Also available is the option of an electric panorama glass-roof with slide and lift function, which allows the sun to stream in to or the breeze to waft through the cabin. Rain sensor, including automatic headlight activator, is also available as optional on the X3.

The X3 also comes with ample storage options. There are storage compartments in the centre armrest in the rear, the centre console in the front, the dashboard, and all doors. The X3's luggage compartment comes with a capacity of 480-1560 litres. It also features a light in the tail-gate and a partition net for added convenience.

For entertainment, the X3 comes with various options that include a 6-disc CD changer including an MP3 decoder; a HiFi loudspeaker system, and a HiFi system Professional.

A blend of style, comfort, and power, the X3 does not forget to ensure the protection of its occupants. It features bumpers with aluminum impact absorbers in the front and steel impact absorbers in the rear; deformation units at the front and integrated side impact protection in the doors. Door reinforcements offer optimum occupant protection in the event of a side collision.

It also comes standard with airbags, seatbelts, central locking with electronic immobilizer and crash sensor, child seat fastening in the back seat, and flat tyre indicator.

In addition it features Dynamic Stability Control, Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), Brake-Force Display, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), and Hill Descent Control (HDC) to give you complete safety and control over the car on different types of terrains.

ADB-X emulates the function of a differential lock through direct intervention on a specific wheel. The HDC enables the X3 to take steep downhill gradients safely by automatically reducing the car's speed without the driver having to apply brake.

Some optional safety features includes a front and rear Park Distance Control, a child seat fastening in the front passenger seat, and an alarm system with remote control.)

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Asus EN9600GT - Graphics Card

Product Price : 12,000

The graphics card market has been heating up in the recent past. After a succession of wins for Nvidia, ATI was finally able to put together a competitive answer in the form of the HD3850 and 3870. Not to be
left behind, Nvidia has launched the first of the 9000 series. And it's not a high-end, extremely expensive part. Rather, it's the 9600GT, the successor to the 8600GT. We tested the Asus EN9600GT. The
GeForce 9600GT is fabbed on a 65nm process and sports a 256-bit memory bus. The core runs at 650MHz, while the 512 MB of GDDR3 memory runs at 1.8 Ghz. 64 Stream Processors are rather less than the 112 found in the 8800GT.

The card looks very similar to the 8800GT, with the same physical dimensions. The single slot design and sole PCIe power connector make it easy to plug into mid-range systems. The card draws about 95 watts under load, which is not too much. A 400 watt SMPS is good enough. Heat and noise levels are quite low, and the improvements made to the PureVideo HD feature mean that this might make a nice card for a powerful HTPC. A nice touch is the inclusion of an S/PDIF connector on the card. Asus supplies the little wire that you need to hook this up to the S/PDIF connector on your motherboard. ATI's solution of putting a audio chip on the graphics card for HDMI is perhaps more elegant, but this works as well.

We tested this card on our upgraded test rig. We used a Intel Q6600 Quad Core processor on the new Intel DX38BT motherboard, paired with 4 GB of DDR-3 RAM, and a 150 GB Raptor. Since this card is intended to compete with the Radeon 3850, we tested against that. The 3850 is hampered a little, since it only has 256 MB of RAM. We also tested it against the 8800GTX and the Radeon 3870X2, but since those cards are not directly comparable, we've kept them out of the ratings. The 9600GT did quite well in 3D Mark 2006, getting a score of 10211 3D Marks, as compared to 9945 for the 3850. In our gaming tests, the 9600 GT maintained a healthy lead over the 3850, averaging between 20 - 40 % faster. We tested Crysis, Unreal Tournament 3, Company of Heroes, World in Conflict, Supreme Commander, and our old stalwarts: Doom 3 and F.E.A.R. We tested at 1680x1050 for the most part, except for Crysis - 1024 x 768, Doom 3 - 1280x1024, and F.E.A.R - 1024x768.

Crysis was quite playable at 1024x768 with settings set to High and 8X Anti-Aliasing. If you switch AA off, then the frame rates rise to 36, which is eminently playable. The 3850 managed 20 and 29 frames under
the same conditions. Unreal Tournament 3 was very smooth, running at 54 frames with all graphics sliders set to maximum. The 3850 lagged behind with 54 frames. In the rest of the games a similar story
unfolded.

We were pleased with the performance of the 9600GT. In the wake of the 8800GT and GTS launch, Nvidia has followed up with another solid product. ATI is not giving up though, and the graphics card market is heating up again.

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Intel DX38BT - Motherboard

Product Price : Rs. 10,000

The Intel DX38BT (Bonetrail) motherboard is supposed to replace the BadAxe 2 D975XBX as Intel’s top of the line enthusiast motherboard. Unfortunately, the board is obsolete at launch, since it does not support a 1600 Mhz Front Side Bus, thereby ruling out Intel’s fastest processor — the QX9770. However, let’s examine the things the board does offer. PCI Express 2.0 is supported, and Intel has done away with all legacy ports, including the floppy drive and PS/2 connectors. Eight USB ports on the back panel along with four on the board take care of peripheral connectivity. Six SATA ports and two eSATA ports mean that you can hook up a whole lot of storage. This board only supports DDR-3 memory, which is a bit of a shame. Gigabit LAN and a single FireWire 400 port are par for the course.

The board performed quitewell, scoring exactly 100 on our WorldBench tests. We tested it with an Intel Quad Core Q6600 and 4 GB of DDR-3 RAM. A PCMark score of 8800 meant that the board is not holding back the CPU. Intel also makes it easy to overclock with BIOS options for CPU and memory clock speeds and voltages. You can also use Intel’s Desktop Control Center to tinker about without having to reboot. The BIOS suffers from a little bit of lag, which surprised us.

Intel is poised to launch the X48 chipset, which will add support for 1600MHz and further enhance overclocking. We’d suggest holding off for a month or so to see what Intel serves up next.

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Aten CS52A - KVM

A KVM (keyboard Video Mouse) switch has generally been considered to be the domain of server rooms and sysadmins. However, in these technologically advanced times, many of us have two computers at home. If you often motor your chair from one monitor to another in the same room, or have a tangle of cables on your desk as two keyboards fight it out for your valuable desk space, the Aten CS52A is for you. An entry-level KVM switch, it lets you control two computers with one keyboard, monitor, and mouse. It also
has audio support, so you need only one set of speakers as well.

The setup is easy enough, since you just have to plug in the various wires. The keyboard can be connected through a PS/2 port, but you’ll need to have a USB mouse. Once everything is connected, you simply press a button on the wired remote, and control switches from one PC to another. It’s slightly surreal, but works quite well. We had no issues using the switch, and mostly you just forget about its existence. Games, movies, and the usual range of office tasks worked fine. There’s no support for DVI, so you have to use the VGA input. You can plug a USB hub into the USB port and connect other devices as well.

This is a niche product, but if you are in this particular niche, you’ll find it quite useful. At a low price of Rs. 3,000, it makes sense to pick it up rather than buy a pair of monitors, keyboards and mice, and deal with the resulting confusion. Aten also has a DVI model, but that costs a little bit more.

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Kawasaki ZX-6R (2007-current)

New price £7,190
Engine size 599cc
Power 110bhp
Top speed 164mph


Overall verdict

In the Kawasaki ZX-6R, Kawasaki has built a race ready 600 which is road legal, just. Everything about the ZX-6R is track focused, you could enter a standard Kawasaki ZX-6R into a club race and you wouldn’t be far behind the top runners. The more you thrash it the more fun you’ll have. The Kawasaki ZX-6R is easily the most fun 600 on track but let down by its real world capabilities.

Engine

A measured 109.61bhp at the back wheel made the Kawasaki ZX-6R the most powerful 600 in our recent group test. You have to keep the Kawasaki ZX-6R motor singing to get the most out of it above 9,000rpm ideally, but revving it to its 16,000rpm redline sends shivers down your spine.

Ride and Handling

The track-focussed Kawasaki ZX-6R is built for carving up race tracks. The brakes are outstanding, and the Kawasaki ZX-6R remains stable no matter how late you dare to brake. You can carry a stupid amount of corner speed on the Kawasaki ZX-6R, which is really confidence inspiring. The Kawasaki ZX-6R's front will give the odd twitch over bumps and imperfection on the road.

Equipment

The Kawasaki ZX-6R has fully adjustable suspension front and back, radial brakes up front... it ticks all the boxes for a 600 supersport machine. The standard slipper clutch is one of the best on the market something the Kawasaki ZX-6R has always led in term of development for the original ZX6-RR. Read reviews of parts for a Kawasaki ZX-6R.

Quality and Reliability

Kawasaki has never had a problem with engine reliability or build quality and the Kawasaki ZX-6R is no exception. An MCN staffer who owned one of the original high revving ZX6-RRs says it never missed a beat despite its hard life. The Kawasaki ZX-6R feels well built and solid with attention to detail in the finish.

Value

At £7190, the Kawasaki ZX-6R is the second cheapest 600 on the market and it’s a new model for 2007, only Suzuki’s older GSX-R is cheaper. Haggle with a local dealer and you should be able to steal a Kawasaki ZX-6R for under £7,000 which for the latest, track-focussed 600 which will hold its own against almost anything on track, is a bargain. Find Kawasaki ZX-6R motorcycles for sale.

Model History

2007: All new Kawasaki ZX-6R, now 599cc.

Other Versions

None (RR version discontinued now that Kawasaki ZX-6R is 599cc).

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New Maruti SX4

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 10/14 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.6L In-line 4, 102 bhp
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

1.6L M-Series petrol engine.
Choice of two variants.
Comes packed with more features at a lower price than its competitors.

Pros

Influenced by European styling.
Comfortable interiors.
Low running costs.

Cons

Option of a diesel engine would have bettered the competition.

Overview

The Maruti Suzuki SX4 is an A3 premium segment sedan that blends style, comfort, performance, and safety.

Launch of the Maruti SX4 coincides with the phasing-out of the Maruti Baleno, which was launched in 1999 and could not see great success. The SX4 is the second international offering from the house of Maruti, the first being the Swift. India is the first country to see the launch of the SX4, which proves India's worth as one of the hottest car-markets in the world.

The SX4 is being touted as the tallest, widest, and broadest sedan in its class. It is available in two variants, the Vxi and the Zxi. The SX4 boasts of various features which are available only in cars that cost about a lakh more as compared to it. That is why the SX4 is expected to give a tough competition to the Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Honda City, and Hyundai Verna.

Both, the Vxi and the Zxi variants are available in a host of Metallic colours such as Silky Silver, Clear Beige, Midnight Black, Sunlight Copper, Pearl Arctic White, Supreme Red, and Azure Grey.

Powertrain & Performance

The SX4 Vxi and Zxi variants derive power from a contemporary and economical 1.6-litre M-Series petrol engine that delivers a generous 102 bhp of power @ 5,500 rpm and 145 Nm of torque @ 4,200 rpm.

The Vxi as well as the Zxi are maneuvered by a highly responsive electronic power steering and are mated to a smooth shifting 5-speed manual transmission.

Both the variants ride on independent gas-filled McPherson strut suspension with anti-roll bar in the front and semi-independent torsion beam suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers in the rear. These types of suspensions help the car sail over the uneven Indian roads offering the occupants of the SX4 with a silky ride.

Ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear provide sharp stopping power to the SX4 and minimize its stopping distance. The Zxi comes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that makes your command of the car safe on highways.

A ground clearance of 180 mm and 190 mm endows the SX4 Vxi and Zxi respectively to be driven on all kinds of roads without the worry of its floor being damaged. With a turning radius of 5.3 metres, the SX4 can be driven, turned, or swerved in narrow lanes without any hitch.

The Vxi stands on 195/65 R15 tubeless tyres while the Zxi is propped on 205/60 R16 tubeless tyres. Fuel tank of both the variants can hold a maximum of 50 litres.

Build & Styling

Influenced by the latest European design trends, the SX4 boasts of a trapezium form, with wide treads and large wheels. Measuring 4,490 mm in length and 1,735 mm in width, the SX4 looks imposing. Arched fenders further add to its athletic and muscular stance. Its front fascia is dominated by a sporty boat-shaped grille and a headlamp cluster touching the bonnet. At the rear, the SX4 has got a large tail gate and rear bumper that improves its expediency.

Both the variants come with body-coloured bumpers, rear fog lamps, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, and a glass antenna. Some exterior features limited to the Zxi include front fog lamps and alloy wheels.

With a wheelbase measuring 2,500 mm and a high roof-line, the SX4 offers roomy and comfortable interiors. It can seat up to five people and comes standard with fabric seats and power windows in the front and the rear. However, the Zxi is also available with the option of complete leather interiors that offers optimum comfort.

Some interior features common to both the variants are a heater, centre room lamp, twin map lights, remote operated fuel-tank lid, remote-operated trunk lid, rear seat centre armrest, adjustable head rests in the front and rear, and a rear defogger.

The Vxi comes with a manual air-conditioner while a single-zone auto air-conditioner maintains temperature in the Zxi. The Zxi is also equipped with a driver's seat height adjuster, a feature absent from the Vxi.

For safety of the driver and passengers, the Vxi as well as the Zxi feature seat-belts, child-lock rear doors, side impact protection beams, an intelligent Computerised Anti-Theft System (iCATS), and front door-lock canceller. iCATS is an engine immobiliser, which when fitted into an automobile prevents its engine from running unless the correct key is present.

However some safety features restricted to the Zxi are a driver's airbag, passenger airbag, 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiter, keyless entry, ABS, and Emergency Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

New Hyundai i10

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 15/19 km/l (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.1L iRDE Inline-4, 66 bhp
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Intelligent Responsive Drive Engine.
Wide range of colours.
Optional anti-lock braking system.

Pros

Elegant styling.
Spacious interiors.
Affordable family car.

Cons

Lack of adjustable headrests.

Overview

Hyundai Motor India Limited launches i10 under the PA code name in November 2007. Taking advantage of the demand for more small cars in the Indian auto industry, Hyundai rolled out i10 with a powerful engine and an upscale interior. It is one of India's most popular 'A' segment small car. It is built to take on sub-compact segment cars such as the Chevrolet Spark, Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo, Maruti Suzuki WagonR, and Tata Indica Xeta.

The well-equipped i10 is an affordable small car and a perfect combination of superior technology, roomy interiors, and the stamp of reliability. It was the most talked about car in small car segment before its launch and it is sure to gain the confidence of car enthusiasts with its aerodynamic design, array of standard convenience and comfort features, and luxurious fittings. It comes with all elements that would please a buyer looking for a small family car at an affordable price.

It is available in 4 variants: D-lite, Era, Magna, and Magna O. All these variants come with a 1.1-liter engine and are available in a wide range of colours. Magna O is a top-end variant. It comes with safety features like an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and airbags. It also comes with an optional sunroof with slide and tilt feature.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the hood, the i10 boasts of a 1.1-litre Inline-four Intelligent Responsive Drive Engine (iRDE) that churns out 66 bhp at 5,500 revs and 99 Nm of torque at 2800 rpm. Hyundai's intelligent responsive technology strengthens and powers the engine to improve performance and mileage. The 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive that comes standard across all variants is quick and responsive. The i10 is designed with ventilated discs in the front and self-adjusting drums in the rear.

It is lively and handles well with its short wheelbase and turning radius that makes it ideal for swift maneuvers. The car shows minor body lean while cornering, so that is something to watch out for. The new i10 sports top class McPherson Strut suspension in the front and CTBA with coil springs in the rear that best suit Indian road conditions. It rolls on steel wheels with tubeless tyres to increase the level grip and comfort while negotiating slippery surfaces.

Build & Styling

The i10 is a wide and smartly designed small car that draws the attention of enthusiasts with its stylish and aerodynamic design. It is built and styled contemporarily similar to that of the Ford verve concept and the new Aveo U-VA. Its low slung grille flanked by the two large headlamps distinguishes the i10 design from its competitors in the segment.

The most impressive and stylish cues are the sharply raked windscreen and ellipsoidal glass that enhance the overall look of the i10. The interiors display luxurious fine fittings to provide unsurpassed comfort and the interior looks quite modern with dashboard integrated center console instead of conventional floor shift pattern.

Elegantly designed interiors are not only plush but also provide a luxurious feel. Dual Tone Beige Interior features 3-spoke steering wheel that makes handling easier and nimble. The design of the dash is impressive and appealing. All equipments including the instrument cluster, the AC, and the audio system have been fitted and placed properly on the console. Five persons can comfortably fit in its spacious interior. The seats are supportive and offer good comfort but the lack of adjustable headrests would slightly reduce the level of comfort on long drives. Standard interior features include an Electronic Trip-meter, an Electronic odometer, a low fuel warning lamp, an air conditioner with heater, and an internally adjustable ORVM. It is packed with safety features including child safety door locks, seatbelts, and crumple zones.

New Chevrolet Spark

Quick Take
* Fuel Economy 13/18 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.0L S-TEC In-line 4, 63 bhp petrol
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions

Highlights

Handsome, sturdy, and solid good looks to give it an edge in the market.
The city-drivability of Spark is extremely comfortable due to its compact size, agility, and easy handling.
Accelerates from 0-100 kph in 14 seconds.

Pros

Roguishly striking design and easy-to-maneuver compact styling.
Siemens EMS to monitor emissions, which allow it to burn fuel more efficiently thereby giving a better mileage.
Large boot space of 170 litres.

Cons

Instrument pod is placed in the center of the dashboard, which might make it difficult for the driver.

Overview

GM launched Chevrolet Spark in India as a come-back vehicle to the long forgotten Matiz. GM is trying to grab a 10 percent share of the rapidly growing automobile market in India by 2010. Chevrolet Spark will be produced at GM's Halol factory near Baroda.

The automaker will also consider exporting the Spark, which is a version of the Daewoo Matiz, to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. India's small-car market makes up the lion's share of the country's market for passenger vehicles. The Spark has a more stylish and expensive look in comparison to its predecessor, so that it can compete in the small car segment in the country.

The Chevrolet Spark offers a host of features that combine with its handsome, sturdy, and solid good looks to give it an edge in the market. This Hatchback has a new and improved body design and all the space that you would want for your family.

The proposed compact car would compete in the same segment as that which is currently dominated by the Maruti Alto, Zen, Wagon R, Swift, Hyundai Santro, and Tata Indica.

Spark could very well be the next BIG story in the automobile industry as it tries to capture Indian hearts and Indian roads with its roguishly striking design and its easy-to-maneuver compact styling. Spark also brings with it the variety of color, so that your car remains different and one among the few. Available only in petrol versions, Spark allows you to choose from ten different colors: Galaxy White, Poly Silver, Teal Blue, White Gold, Ocean Blue, Peach Orange, Apple Green, Super Red, Jazz Blue, and Pearl Black.

Powertrain & Performance

The Chevrolet Spark comes in four variants: 1.0, 1.0 PS, 1.0 LS, and 1.0 LT all with 4 cylinders 1 litre (995 cc) petrol engines. All variants generate a power of 63 bhp at 5400 rpm and a torque of 90.3 Nm at 4200 rpm. This makes the Spark a definite improvement on the Matiz in with much more engine power and acceleration. All the engines have a 5-speed manual transmission.

The city-drivability of Spark is extremely comfortable due to its compact size, agility, and easy handling. It has a 4.6 wall-to-wall turning radius that may cause a problem during sharp turns, but its compact size will allow you to park in constrained spaces. The front McPherson struts suspension and the rear torsion beam axle suspension provide you with a smooth ride even on bumpy Indian roads. The Spark has a top speed of 155-157 kph and due to its heavy weight the car is steady even at high speeds. It can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 16 seconds.

It comes with a Siemens EMS to monitor emissions, which allows it to burn fuel more efficiently.

Build & Styling

The Spark measures 3495 mm in length, 1495 mm in width, and 1518 mm in height. It has a kerb weight of 850 Kg that ensures it steadiness during turns. It has a 2345 mm wheelbase. The headroom and legroom are spacious enough for four people to sit comfortably in.

The interior of the car is designed with the word "different" in mind. The instrument pod is placed in the center of the dashboard, above the console. This gives the entire interior of the car a new look. Through the steering wheel is placed a digital pod that comprises of all the warning signs. This innovative design is a true novelty of sorts even though it might be a tad impractical. The interior is designed as an attempt at having all the small luxuries that people usually only find in luxury cars. There are hooks to hang shopping bags, bottle and card holders, a sunglass case, and drawers under the front seats.

Spark has been designed to possess a rear suspension that along with a comfortable ride also gives you the option of a large boot space of 170 liters, which you can increase to 845 liters if you fold the rear seats. The boot provides a low loading platform and is protected by the boot lining from the upper part of the rear bumper.

In the event of a side impact, the car's central pillar protects the occupants making it safe for all passengers.

Spark's exterior has a very soft yet bold look. It has very smooth and prominent etches that define its hood in a blunt shaped V that makes the car look like it is smiling. The poached-egg-shaped headlights are prominently placed on either side of this hood. The front bumper and grill present a look of solidarity. The symbol of Chevrolet is centralized in the front of the hood.

Highlighted wheel arches and structured sides of the car divide it prominently, giving it a futuristic and streamlined appearance. The round rear lamp is distinctive and completes this car's overall attractive and purposeful looks.

Spark's top variant comes with power steering and remote adjustable rear view mirrors for the driver, and also electronically adjustable rear view mirrors for the co-driver. Some other features that you have the option to choose from are height-adjustable seats for driver, ABS brakes, airbags, child seat tether anchorage provisions, and alloy wheels.

Best Multivitamins

One-A-Day Men's Health Formula (Around $6.50 for 60 tablets)

Best multivitamin for men. Experts say that men should look for a multivitamin with no more than 9 milligrams of iron; less is even better. Iron overload can cause health problems in men, including joint pain, heart palpitations and impotence. One-A-Day Men's Formula contains no iron, plus it has 150% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) of selenium and vitamin E, both of which may help prevent prostate problems. A 12-year study is currently under way to determine whether high amounts of selenium and vitamin E prevent prostate cancer. Until proof is in, the modestly higher amounts in One-A-Day Men's may offer prostate benefits while still being a safe level for consumption.


Centrum from A to Zinc (Around $6.50 for 50 tablets)

Best multivitamin for premenopausal women. In contrast to men, premenopausal women lose iron during menstruation. Experts recommend that women in this age group take a multivitamin with 18 milligrams of iron, like Centrum from A to Zinc. This Centrum formula also contains 400 micrograms of folic acid, which is essential for preventing neural tube defects (like spina bifida) in babies. The neural tube develops before most women know they're pregnant, so experts recommend taking folic acid even before conception. Experts also advise women to look for a multivitamin that contains at least some vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, since too much vitamin A in the form of retinol palmitate or acetate can cause birth defects. This Centrum formula contains 3,500 International Units (IU) of vitamin A, of which 29% is beta-carotene.


Equate Complete (Around $5 for 130)

Alternative store brand multivitamins. Although reviews say you should avoid vitamins from discount and dollar stores, experts say that reputable store brands often perform just as well as name-brand vitamins in testing. Equate Complete has the same ingredients as Centrum from A to Zinc, but at a fraction of the price. It contains the same 3,500 IU of vitamin A with 29% in the form of beta-carotene, 400 micrograms of folic acid, and 18 milligrams of iron.


Stuart Prenatal (Around $30 for 100 tablets)

Best prenatal multivitamin. Pregnant and lactating women have unique needs in a multivitamin, including increased folic acid and a higher percentage of vitamin A in the safer form of beta-carotene to prevent birth defects. Stuart Prenatal has 800 micrograms of folic acid and 100% of its vitamin A (4,000 IU) in the form of beta-carotene, along with 100% DV or more of other essential vitamins and minerals.


One-A-Day 50 Plus (Around $5.50 for 50 tablets)

Best multivitamin for men and women over 50. People over 50 may have a decreased ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food, so experts advise this age group to look for 25 micrograms of B12 in their multivitamin, like One-A-Day 50 Plus. This multivitamin also has 20 micrograms of vitamin K, which can help prevent hip fractures. However, vitamin K can interfere with blood-thinning medications like Coumadin, so people taking such medications should consult their doctor before taking a multivitamin with vitamin K. Iron overload can also be a concern in people over 50, but this multivitamin contains no iron.


Flintstones Children's Complete Chewable Vitamins (Around $9 for 60 tablets)

Best children's multivitamin. Children can sometimes be fussy eaters, and are notorious for not wanting to swallow pills. Flintstones Complete Chewable Vitamins are fruit flavored and contain child-appropriate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals. Flintstones Complete also passed Consumer Lab's stringent testing of multivitamins.

Bee Movie: The Game

Pros
Fun, good graphics, and give you the excitement.

Cons
No Cons.

The Bottom Line
You will have the chance to do the bee movie story.

Here is the game of the movie the Bee Movie. It lets you play as Barry B. Benson and do the bee movie story. In the game, the story has some adjustments that are not in the real movie. There are 12 chapters in the game. Each chapter has 1 to 3 levels. You will have a chance to explore New Hive City, and Honex Industries (They are separated by an elevator south of J-Gates) (The exploration is not in story mode). As a bee, you must do bee jobs. Some are long, some are easy, and some are hard. There are 7 jobs available (3 at Honex Industries, and 4 at New Hive City). The 3 jobs at Honex are drafter, honeycomb collector, and honey tanks collector. In the drafter job, you must fill honey baskets that are not filled before you hit the unfilled baskets limit. In honeycomb collector, you must collect honeycombs that fall down without collecting burnt combs. You have a limit of burnt combs to collect (If you reach the limit you lose). In honey tanks collector, you must collect tanks that come to you without leaving any tank left. You have a limit of tanks that you did not collect. In New Hive City, there are 4 jobs: taxi, food delivery, racer, and mechanic jobs. In taxi job, you must collect people and send them to there destination. You will allow 1 customer at a time and there is a time limit. In food delivery job, you must deliver all the food before the time limit. In racer job, you must come 1st in all the available races against 5 opponents. In mechanic job, you must fix all the cars before the time limit. When you finish a job you will earn money. With this money, you can buy video games, new clothes, or new cars. There are badges that you can collect while playing. To see them you must enter at a portal in front of J-Gates.

Mario Kart for Nintendo Wii

Pros
Everything. Just a downright awesome game!

Cons
Maybe a couple songs, but thats it... And alot of online players play Yoshi XD

The Bottom Line
This game is simply amazing. Music, gameplay and so forth. Buy it!

That is right. It is better then Brawl! And I love Brawl. Basically, Nintendo did everything right with this game as far as gameplay, online, and so forth goes. But that isn't the review, this is!

1) Game Play 10/10 (if you have a wheel lol)
-There are three ways to play. Gamecube controller, Classic Controller, Wii Mote and Nunchuck, and Wheel Wheel! The game is meant to be played with the wheel, so I will explain how that goes first.

Wheel----First off, the wheel is nice sized and it feels comfortable in my hand. The controls are simple to. You turn the wheel to turn, hold 2 to accelerate, 1 to drift, and directional pad to throw items. Also when in the air, you 3) can shake the controller to do tricks for an added boost. It's VERY easy to use! And the most fun. Also you can press A to look backwards, but that is dangerous. If you tilt the wheel up some, your motorcycle will perform a wheelie, assuming you are riding one. 5/5

Classic Controller---You use the left analog to steer, A to accelerate, B or R to drift, L to use items, up and down on the controller pad to do a wheelie, and press the control pad while in the air to do a trick. And X to look back. Easy, but not as fun as a wheel.4/5

GC Controller--- Basically the same as the Classic controller, and as easy. 4/5

Nunchuck--- To steer you move the left analog, and to accelerate you press A. You drift by holding the back B button, and you use items by using the Z button. You tilt the wiimote to do a wheelie, and shake while in the air to do tricks. This one feels awkward and I don't suggest this method to beginners. 3/5

2) Modes 10/10
There are four modes. Grand Prix, Time Trial, Vs, and Battle. All being awesome.

Grand Prix--- Basically, you go up against 11 (or 10 if you have a buddy) computers to win the gold in each stage. At first it is easy, but in other CCs (100 and 150) the computer can be a bit cheap. But that is to be expected. It is still alot of fun though. But, it is a pain in the but trying to get the star to unlock all the characters when the comp is cheap. Still, the game is terribly fun. 4/5

Time Trial--- Kind of a relaxing one where you dont race anyone except the time. When you finish a race, you can save your ghost. And once you save you ghost, you can race him. The ghost goes through the track just like you did, exactly. And it gives you the opportunity to beat your time and get a better score. 4/5

VS.--- Basically, it is just you and your friend. Like Grand Prix, except no opponents. 5/5

Battle--- I love battle. There are two in this. Coin collect and Balloon pop. Coin mode is where you and your team must collect as many points as you can. The one to collect the most wins. And the same goes for balloon pop. You pop as many balloons as you can, and the one who pops the most wins! Heheh what is cool is after all your balloons are popped you can still go at it. God I love it... 5/5

3) Graphics 10/10
Now I know what your thinking. Compared to Brawl, the graphics are not as good. But you have to look at the bigger picture. Because of the graphics, there is no frame rate issues... Period. I am serious, for what it is, the graphics are damn beautiful. And so are the stages. The fog affect kind of helps to.

4) Stages 10/10
Seriously, there are some amazing stages in this game, some new, some old. From Moo Moo Meadows, all the way to Mario Circuit from the SNES Mario Kart. Same goes for the battle circuit levels. They bring back some old ones and bring out some new. But I think I will let you find out what those are! ;)

5) Characters 10/10
25 characters... That is amazing. Why am I surprised, especially when you can race up to 12 people at once? My girlfriend especially loves Baby Peach! LOL! But some are a lil surprising. Once again, I will let you find out who they are after you unlock them! :D

6) Music 8/10
Music is good. Granted a couple songs are a little forgetable, but some are downright catchy, Like Moo Moo meadows, Mario Circuit SNES, and Rainbow Road. Though it has some faults, it is not enough to throw anyone off.

7) Online 10/10
This is seriously the best part of this game. It is done right in every way. You can go up against people around the world in vs or battle mode and earn points. The more you win, or the better you do, the more points you earn. But that is not all! You can race friends, bring a buddy with you on the same wii as a guest, you can check ranks all over the world, and best of all... NO LAG! NOT AT ALL! NONE! NODDA! Seriously, Nintendo did Online play right for once!

Bottom Line, this game is amazing. I hear people saying that hardcore gamers will be thrown off by this game, but I don't see it. I am a hardcore gamer and this game is an absolute blast, and great for beginners as well. This game is just that good!
5/5

Best Portable Air Conditioners

Haier HPE07XC6(Around $360)

Small portable air conditioner (150 sq. ft.). The 7,000 BTU Haier HPE07XC6 is one of the least expensive portable air conditioners available, and reviews say it does a fine job in very small rooms of about 150 square feet or less. Since most of the condensed water removed from the air is expelled through the main exhaust hose, you don't have to empty the water-collection cup too often. Although this Haier air conditioner is small and inexpensive, reviews say it isn't that quiet. Sharp portable air conditioners get better reviews for low noise, but they are more expensive.


Sharp CV-P10MX(Around $550)

Quietest portable air conditioner (200 sq. ft.). Although more expensive than other portable air conditioners, the 9,500 BTU Sharp CV-P10MX has a couple of notable advantages. First, nearly every review we found for this series of Sharp AC units notes that they are quieter than others -- a plus for use in a bedroom. Second, since all of the condensate (water removed from the air during operation) is exhausted out of the main exhaust hose, you don't have to empty or drain a water-collection container as you do with most other portable air cooling units.


Amcor ALTL 12000E (Around $430)

Budget portable AC unit (350 sq. ft.). Although it's less expensive than others, reviews say the 12,000 BTU Amcor ALTL 12000E isn't the quietest portable air conditioner, and since its water-collection cup isn't removable, emptying the condensate is a little awkward. However, the Amcor portable AC unit does exhaust some of the condensate out with the main air exhaust. Features include digital controls and a remote. It can also be used as a dehumidifier.


Sharp CV-P12LX (Around $650)

Quietest portable AC for larger rooms (400 sq. ft.). This is the larger version of the highly rated Sharp 11,500 BTU CV-P09FX. Both models get the best reviews as the quietest portable air conditioners. Another advantage is that these two Sharp models send all the condensate out the window in the main exhaust hose, so you don't have to empty a separate water-collection cup. Both models can also be used as dehumidifiers. The larger Sharp CV-P12LX is meant for larger rooms of up to 400 square feet.

Ducati Desmosedici RR (2007-current)

New price £40,000
Engine size 989cc
Power 200bhp
Top speed 190mph

overall verdict

There’s no other way to describe the Ducati Desmosedici RR than as a MotoGP bike with lights; it really is that close to the real thing. The 200bhp motorcycle is a replica of Ducati’s Desmosedici GP6 MotoGP machine, which Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau rode in the 2006 World Championship and features the same chassis layout, bodywork and ‘long bang’ 989cc V4 engine architecture. There has never been a road motorcycle like the Ducati Desmosedici RR and it’s so stiff, fast and focussed that it makes R1s seem soft and cuddly by comparison.

Engine

Although devilishly powerful the Ducati Desmosedici’s V4 motor is far more docile and user-friendly than you’d imagine. It makes power smoothly from nothing all the way to 13,800rpm, although as the motor spins past 10,000rpm the power starts to get very intense. There’s bucketfuls of grunt on tap too, so much so that you can go a gear higher though corners and it’ll still pull hard. Like one of Ducati’s V-twin engines, the Desmosedici is deceptively fast, not like a screaming in-line-four superbike, which feels twice as fast as it’s really going.

Ride and Handling

Unless you’re going to push the Ducati Desmosedici RR as hard as MotoGP rider can, you’re never going to get the best out of it. Such is the stiffness of the chassis that there’s very little feel from the Desmosedici RR even at fast racetrack speeds, although you get more feel as you start to push harder. On the road the Desmosedici is going to be a waste. Where a 1098 or R1 will flatter you with its user-friendly nature the Ducati is quick to tell you that you’re not good enough to ride it. It is the best handling road motorcycle ever built; you just need to be Casey Stoner to appreciate it.

Equipment

The Ducati Desmosedici RR is built like a MotoGP bike so it’s dripping with exotic parts. The Desmodromic motor is packed with titanium, specially coated alloys and magnesium. The fairing, mudguard, heel guards, fairing bracket are all from carbon fibre and the exhaust heat shield is from a carbon/ceramic composite. The LCD display is the same as the GP7 MotoGP motorcycle and like the 1098 it comes with a datalogging facility. Marchesini wheels are forged magnesium and the rear is shod with a special 16-inch Bridgestone BT-01R tyre. The Brembo front brake set-up is the same as the wet set-up Ducati use in MotoGP and the front brake span adjuster is on the left handlebar for easy reach. The list goes on…

Quality and Reliability

Like the MotoGP machine the Ducati Desmosedici RR is built to an exquisite level of quality; there’s simply nothing you can buy that comes close. Unlike the race bike the Desmosedici RR actually comes with a three-year warrantee and three-years free servicing, which is an astonishing feat from Ducati.

Value

£40,000 is a lot of money for a motorcycle but the Ducati Desmosedici RR more than justifies its price tag; Ducati could sell it for a lot more and it would still be worth it. If you could imagine how much a car would cost that was this close to a racing machine? Probably millions, if it could ever happen, which it never would or could. Even if the Desmosedici didn’t run, the way it’s built alone would justify its price tag; the fact that it’s faster and better handling than any production sports bike ever built makes it the deal of the century.

Model History

2007: Ducati Desmosedici RR launched.

Kawasaki ZX-10R (2008-current)

New price £8,950
Engine size 998cc
Power 185.4bhp
Top speed 186mph

Overall verdict

The new Kawasaki ZX-10R scores an easy five out of five; it surely must be the fastest production 1000cc bike of the current crop. But this ZX-10R is not all about Kawasaki’s new blistering engine and head-banging attitude, it’s controllable and handles much better than the previous ZX-10R and despite the blistering pace is actually easier to ride. Not for the faint hearted, the new ZX-10R is a true superbike for the road.

Engine

If you want torque and bottom end power then look away now. However if you want arm ripping acceleration and a 1000cc engine that seems to rev like a 600 you’ll be wanting the all-new ZX-10R. Kawasaki is quoting nearly 200bhp with ram air, more than last year’s bike which was never a slow bike.

Ride and Handling

Even though the latest Kawasaki ZX-10R is actually heavier than last year, it doesn’t feel it. The shape of the motorcycle is much thinner which makes the bike feel lighter and more manoveable. Its wheelbase has been increased and the rake has been stretched which adds stability, yet the ZX-10R still turns with ease. However, make sure that steering damper is turned up.

Equipment

Kawasaki was the first manufacturer to fit a back torque limiter or slipper clutch, and it’s the same again for the new ZX-10R. There’s also radial brakes, petal discs, fully adjustable suspension front and rear and an Ohlins steering damper as standard. Also, don’t forget Kawasaki new Kawasaki Ignition Management system, which is designed to reduce wheel spin under extreme circumstances.

Quality and Reliability

As the latest ZX-10R is brand new, it’s near impossible to comment on the motorcycle’s reliability. However there haven’t been any problems with previous models, and Kawasaki engines are generally regarded as bullet proof. On face value there is high level of quality materials used and recent high mileage Kawasakis we’ve ran on the MCN fleet have coped with everything, even a few freezing salt ridden winters.

Value

The new Kawasaki ZX-10R is competitively priced, looks the part and on first impressions from the launch looks like its going to be the fastest 1000cc sports motorcycle out there. So if you want the fastest you are going to have to pay the price. Still you can always sleep with peace of mind, as build quality is now a match for the Honda and second hand prices shouldn’t plummet, depending on its bad boy reputation.

Model History

2008: All-new model launched.

Ducati 1098R (2008-current)

New price £24,000
Engine size 1198cc
Power 180bhp
Top speed 185mph

Overall verdict

Ducati is back to its decadent best with the exotic, reassuringly expensive new 1098R. Built in limited numbers so the Italian firm can race it WSB, the 1098R forms the basis of their F08 factory racer. In fact, never has the road bike and the racer been so close, thanks to ever tightening rules in the World Championship. Aside from different pistons and a smattering of detail changes the 1099R is exactly the same as the bike Troy Bayliss will ride this year. The 1098R is incredibly rapid, thanks to its new 1200cc engine, and its party piece is its full traction control system, the first time such a system has ever been fitted to a road bike. The DTC (Ducati Traction Control) is just like one used on Ducati’s factory Superbike and MotoGP machine.

Engine

What a masterpiece! Compared to the 1098, the engine is lighter, stronger and has a bigger bore and stroke, taking the capacity up to 1198.4cc, bang on the WSB limit for twin-cylinder machines. Peak power is 180bhp, which rises to 186bhp with the carbon fibre racing Termis and race ECU fitted (supplied). This makes the 1098R the most powerful production V-twin ever produced. Torque is a staggering 99.1ftlb, which gives the Ducati the best torque to weight ratio of any road bike. Compared to the standard 1098 or 1098S the ‘R’ is an animal. It’s almost impossible to keep the front wheel on the floor in the first three gears and it keeps on pulling hard for as long as the road or track allows. Throttle response from the twin-injector fuel-injection system is perfect.

Ride and Handling

With its new fully adjustable TTX twin-tube Ohlins rear shock and 43mm forks the Ducati’s ride quality is superb. The suspension action is plush while still offering up lots of control when the tyres are loaded up during cornering, acceleration and braking. The riding position is unapologetically racy with high-set pegs and low clip-ons, the slim-line fuel tank helps you move around the bike with ease on track, but doesn’t give you anything to grip onto when the ferocious Monobloc Brembo radial caliper brakes are applied. You just have to hang on for dear life.

Equipment

Loaded with all the usual goodies you expect from a limited edition Ducati, the 1098R comes with a carbon bellypan, tank infils and front mudguard. There’s the Ohlins suspension and steering damper, Marchesini forged aluminium wheels, single-sided swingarm, an on-board datalogging system, MotoGP replica dash…the list goes on. The piece de resistance, of course is the traction control system. With the race pipes and ECU fitted the traction control is enabled and you’ve got eight modes to choose from. On setting ‘eight’ there’s full-on traction and on number ‘one’ the system allows a fair degree of wheelspin. We tried the system on the track at the launch in Jerez and was blown away with how good it was. Once the system kicks in the ignition retards and it feels like you’ve run into a rev-limiter. On the number ‘eight’ setting we reckon it would be impossible to highside!

Quality and Reliability

This is a limited edition motorcycle built to racing standards, so build quality is beyond question. Remarkably it has the same service intervals as the standard 1098, which, thanks to the increase of the quality and reliability of components is far longer than the old 999 and 916-range of bikes.

Value

£24,000 for a motorcycle can never be called good value for money, but in a way it is. The 1098R represents the most technologically advanced sportsbikes ever built and most importantly serves the role of bedroom wall dream bike. Not since the demise of the old 998R has a Ducati been so lusted after, until now, because riding the 1098R is every bit as good as you dream it would be. A truly sensational machine.

Model History

2008: Ducati 1098R launched.

Balance by High Gear Basic Pedometer EC1600

Step by Step.... Slo-o-o-wly I turn...

Pros
flip-up display, calorie counter, reset delay

Cons
not the most comfortable clip when you're sitting

The Bottom Line
The New Balance Via Step is a nice basic pedometer for walking and light running. It's also convenient and easy to use.


Have you walked your 10,000 steps today? I already have - 10,000 steps is a fairly low day for me... and the reason I know that is because I've got a New Balance Via Step Pedometer clipped onto my belt. It's one of two I own - the other one's an old Sportline 340 Electronic model I got for free.

The Via Step is made for and imprinted with the New Balance logo by High Gear. It's one of several models with the NB logo, including such niceties as a pedometer with a panic alarm, one with an FM radio, and one that performs body fat measurements. Here's what you get for sixteen dollars or so:


The gray rectangular case with rounded corners is about two inches long and an inch high, perhaps half an inch thick. Three red buttons for "up," "down," and "set" are spread around the perimeter; a fourth "mode" button is on the face of the unit. There's a two-line LCD display, with the measurement (selected by "mode") on top and the current time or stopwatch reading on the bottom line. A broad spring-loaded clip with "teeth" at the end is mounted on the back. This clips onto waistband or belt. That may be the only disadvantage of the Via Step - it's rather chunky, and the edges of the clip have a tendency to dig into the wearer's waistline.

The Via Step counts steps and calories and measures both elapsed time and distance traveled; all controlled by the Mode button. You can also set a target calorie count and check how close you're getting on a bar graph across the top of the screen. That daily calorie count and bar graph automatically reset at midnight. One screen is a 1/100 second stopwatch (no splits, if anyone cares). And there's also an "odometer" that keeps track of how many miles the pedometer's been used since the last time the batteries were replaced. Battery-wise, it uses a single CR2032 battery - no idea how long it lasts, since I've not had to do it yet...


Some cool and/or useful features:

• the readouts are upside down so that you can read them when looking down at your belt.
• the body is mounted so that you can tilt it upward to look at the face while it's in use.
• the reset button must be held for two seconds to activate, so accidental brushes don't set the counter back to zero
• there's a sensitivity adjustment on the back, so the Via Step can be optimized for "power" of the stride, e.g., runners vs. walkers, men vs. women. Not much instruction on its use, however...


Over a few hundred thousand steps, I've noticed that the Via Step is pretty dependable. It rarely gets stuck - although it did do so occasionally before I tweaked the sensitivity measurement. It's only spontaneously reset itself twice, both times when I was running my garden tiller (could that be a coincidence?). Overall, a pretty good little basic pedometer: it doesn't have an FM radio, a panic alarm, or body fat measurement; and it's not GPS-enabled and doesn't hook up to upload my numbers to my PC. Those are all a big "Who cares?" in my book - this one just counts steps and keeps track of mileage, and that's all I wanted.

Finis SwiMP3 v.2 Waterproof MP3 Music Player

Great swimming companion

Pros
It works! Music while swimming! "Good enough" sound.

Cons
Storage space, multi-function buttons.

The Bottom Line
Want music while swimming? This is the best alternative.

I love this product. It works great and the sound quality is sufficient to entertain me while I'm doing long swim workouts. An added bonus for me: with the bone conduction technology I can wear earplugs to keep water out of my ears. I bought a waterproof case for my I-Pod shuffle (which I love) and have used two other waterproof earphones (which I hated). I didn't want to have to buy another MP3 player, but am glad that I did with the purchase of this product.

It works, and is simple to use. You plug it into your computer USB port to charge, and although it only has 256MB of storage space it is really easy to update songs and podcasts when it's charging. It attaches (clips on easily) to my favorite goggles and rests comfortably on my cheek bones. Once it's turned on, especially in the shuffle mode, I never have to think about it again. It stays in place and gives me constant company lap to lap to lap.

My only complaint are the multi-function buttons which control both volume and track. You press and HOLD to raise or lower volume. If you don't hold the button long enough it skips or starts over the track I'm playing. I rarely have this problem any longer, once I became accustomed to the controls.

Finally, don't forget to use your computer's "safely remove hardwear" button before detaching it from the USB port. Otherwise you'll have to reset the device and reload all your music before it will work.

New Ford Fusion

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 9/15 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.6L In-line 4, 100 bhp
1.4L TDCi Inline-4, 67 bhp
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights


Spacious and sleek.
Excellent ergonomics.
Comfortable seating.

Pros

The perfect midsize family car.
Elitist interiors.
Crisp handling.

Cons

Could use a more powerful engine.

Overview

The Ford Fusion has been the recipient of warm reviews and is a top contender in the 'midsize family car' segment. In fact, it is not the kind of car that blends into quiet obscurity but rather commands a second look with its aggressive stance and angular profile.

The interiors are luxurious, warm and inviting. It has an appealing, easy- to- decipher instrumental panel, plenty of storage options, plush seating and innumerable convenience features.

The Fusion now offers ten inventive stowage spaces. Its high ground clearance, a fine-tuned suspension, and excellent turning and cornering capabilities make the Fusion a nimble and fun car to drive. The Fusion is available in five attractive colours viz. Panther Black, Diamond White, Paprika Red, Moondust Silver and Platinum.

Powertrain & Performance

The Fusion is available in four variants: 1.6 Duratec Petrol, 1.4L TDCi Diesel, Plus 1.6 Duratec Petrol, and Plus 1.4L TDCi Diesel. The 1.6 Duratec variants are equipped with a 16-valve, 1.6L 100 bhp engine that dishes out 146 Nm of torque. This engine has been developed specifically for the Fusion and provides a combination of drive-ability and low emissions (which makes it extremely environment-friendly). The 1.4L TDCi variants are pulled by a 67 bhp turbocharged diesel engine with peak torque of 160 Nm.

The manufacturer claims that an aluminium block and head makes Fusion one of the smallest, and lightest car with the latest engine design from Ford. Steering assist absorbs rough driving and makes for an agile and precise steering response. It provides a smooth and responsive drive quality and optimises comfort to the driver while parking, driving or negotiating corners.

A long wheelbase and wide track make for great handling and ride as the four wheels turn a corner. Steering is precise and transmission is seamless. Courtesy its strong body structure, the Fusion offers a smooth ride and some remarkably impressive handling.

Build & Styling

The Ford Fusion is a juxtaposition of aggressive reserve and class. Attractive headlamps give it a funky appeal as they trace an alluring path into the hood and fender lines, while also enhancing visibility at the front corners. The three chrome bars add to its intrinsic appeal. The front bumper has two chrome strips that match the ones on the grille, giving it a svelte appeal. A wide track and vertical taillamps with chrome trim at the rear, and wide tyres with 15-inch alloys wheels give the Fusion a flamboyant silhouette.

The Fusion's design is a combination of upper-crust chic and utilitarian elements. Soft-touch materials figure on the dash and door; leather trims, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a storage bin in the dash are among some of the features that add to its refined aura. It has a spacious stowage area, and a split-folding rear seat paves way for ample legroom in the rear. Driver's seat is height-adjustable in the 'Plus' variants.

The instrument panel on the dashboard is easy to navigate. All the control buttons are of a convenient size. The centre stack is simple and practical. There are convenient storage options placed in suitable locations. Additional storage is provided in the door pockets, front seatback pockets and centre console. There is ample legroom in the rear because of the comfortably shaped front seatbacks. The back seat feels immensely spacious. Head and legroom dimensions are also adequate.

The Fusion Plus variants come standard with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) technology.

Suzuki GSX-R1000 Motorcycle

New price £8,799
Used price range £2,200-3,975
Engine size 999cc
Power 176bhp
Top speed 186mph

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.

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.

Honda CB1300S Motocycle

New price £6,999
Engine size 1284cc
Power 113bhp
Top speed 136mph

Overall verdict

Classic early superbike lines crash head-on with a practical top fairing and an inexpensive ABS option to make the Honda CB1300S a competent tourer-cum-commuter that’s a pleasure to ride with above average handling, plenty of practical touches and a low seat height. Read any Honda CB1300S review and you'll find nothing but praise for the way the Honda CB1300S gets you from A to B with minimal fuss.

Engine

The Honda CB1300S's powerplant is based on the old CBR1000, this 16-valve, 1284cc DOHC motor feels unstressed and lazily powerful enough to get by on just the top two gears. The fuel-injection on the Honda CB1300S is smooth (smoother than the naked version thanks to an improved 32-bit processor just like the whiz-bang Honda CBR600RR) and snatch-free.

Ride and Handling

Heavier riders who like to ‘press on’ might find the Honda CB1300S's suspension running out of ideas quickly, but for the average rider the set-up works well. For a more relaxed ride the Honda CB1300S's bar riders can be rotated through 180-degrees to shift the bars forwards by 20mm. The Honda CB1300S's four-piston Nissin brakes are superb, with plenty of feel and power.

Equipment

The Honda CB1300S clocks are amazingly comprehensive, with even a function to remind you of birthdays and anniversaries! A HISS ignition immobiliser can be backed up by an official Honda CB1300S U-lock and alarm. ABS is an inexpensive option for the Honda CB1300S at just £100.

Quality and Reliability

The Honda CB1300S is nicely built, with a stainless steel exhaust to help ward off the worst of the British winter. The Honda CB1300S paint’s thick, too, but keep the fork legs free of winter salt or they quickly develop a nasty case of psoriasis.

Value

New or used the Honda CB1300S represents a whole lot of bike for your money. Secondhand Honda CB1300S prices are stable and owners tend to be considerate owners who pamper their machines.

Model History

2003: Naked Honda CB1300 introduced.
2004: Faired Honda CB1300S version launched.

Other Versions

Honda CB1300: Naked version.

BMW F800GS Motorcycle

New price £6,695
Engine size 798cc
Power 85bhp
Top speed 130mph

Overall verdict

BMW's new F800GS is virtually unique: a 750/800 class adventure bike, that to most degrees offers the best of both worlds. It’s light, slim and perky enough to be a credible off-roader yet it’s also substantial, grunty, roomy and potentially sufficiently well equipped to tackle crossing continents. It’s also got a price that’s hugely tempting too.

Engine

Derived from the F800S unit, but with a more upright block, the BM parallel twin is intoxicatingly invigorating. 85 horses might not sound like much, but its more than enough. It’s perky and fruity, has a deliciously raspy exhaust note and is responsive, progressive and yet yearns for more and more revs up to the redline. Wring its neck and duck yours behind the reasonable screen and you’ll see 125mph, which is more than ample, thankyou. The rest of time it just delivers what and when you want it.


Ride and Handling

Unlike the 1200GS the 800’s no monster. Though tall and ‘proper’ the 800GS is lithe, slim and light, enough to both remind of conventional, single cylinder enduros, from, say KTM, and to make it a doddle, at least compared to the 1200, to manhandle and manouvere, thanks to masses of steering lock, decent suspension, lightness and assured weight distribution.

Equipment

Being a BMW the F800GS's fairly basic standard but with the usual myriad of accessories and factory fitted options available. Different seats, screens and bars are available; as are the usual sophisticated luggage systems plus creature comforts like sat nav, heated grips and the like.

Quality and Reliability

BMW rules again. Although there have been occasional hiccups in recent years, there should be little to worry about with the new F800GS. The F800S/ST upon which it’s based has proved mechanically reliable and solid and the engineering is proven. Unusually, for a BMW though, you’ll have to maintain a drivechain.

Value

At £6999 the price is possibly the new GS’s biggest trump card of all. That represents fabulous value compared to the £2000 dearer 1200 version and there really is nothing else close to it in terms of all round ability. But if you want better value still, got for the in many ways identical £5495 F650GS.

Model History

2008: BMW F800GS launched.