New Ford Ikon

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

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.


Highlights

Peppy engine.
Sturdy body.
Styling.

Pros

Transmission.
Stability at high speed.
Acceleration.

Cons

Suspension can be softened.

Overview

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

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

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

Powertrain & Performance

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

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

Build & Styling

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

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

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

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

New Mahindra Bolero

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

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

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

Pros

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

Cons

Looks can be more modern.

Overview

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

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

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

Powertrain & Performance

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

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

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

Build & Styling

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

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

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

New Tata Sumo Grande

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

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions


Highlights

DICOR Engine
Lavish interior.
Exterior Styling.

Pros

Impressive mileage.
Spacious Cabin.
Wide Wheelbase.

Cons

Dashboard design.

Overview

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

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

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

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

Powertrain & Performance

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

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

Build & Styling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price range: $229.94 - $249.99

Design

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

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

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

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

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


Features

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

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

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

Software

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

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

Performance

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

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

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

Final thoughts

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

GIMP

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


Pros & Cons
Pros:

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

Cons:

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

Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse

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

The bad: Wordy instructions; no user manual.

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

Price range: $29.99 - $40.69

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

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

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

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

Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse

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

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

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

Price range: $48.99 - $72.99

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hedge Trimmers

Little Wonder 2420 (Around $260)

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


Makita UH6350 (Around $150)

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


Craftsman 79957 (Around $70)

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


Echo HC160 (Around $350)

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


Black & Decker NHT518 (Around $70)

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

Sony KDS-55A3000 - HDTV

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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Pioneer Kuro PDP-5080 HD - HDTV

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best Gas BBQ Grills

Weber Genesis E-310 (Around $550)

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


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

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


Kenmore 16233 (Around $450)

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


Weber Q 220 Portable Grill (Around $200)

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


Broilmaster P3 (Around $1,000)

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

Bose QuietComfort 3 - Head Phones

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

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

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


Specifications

Manufacturer:Bose Corp.


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

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

Headphones

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

Miscellaneous

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

Power

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

Price $350

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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