Best Home Design Software

Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite 7.0 (Around $85)

Easiest-to-use home-design software. One of the biggest complaints about home-design software is that it’s hard to use, but reviews give the edge to Better Homes and Gardens when it comes to ease of use. Made by Chief Architect (whose professional architectural software starts at $1,300), Home Designer is easier to learn than other titles, say reviews. New users can start with quick-start pre-designed rooms or specify their own space. Landscaping and deck-design software is also included. Reviews say that the competing Punch! Professional Home Design Suite Platinum 10 is ultimately more robust and flexible, but its learning curve is more steep. Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite is compatible with Windows systems; there is no Mac version.


Punch! Professional Home Design Suite Platinum 10 (Around $85)

Best home-design software. According to reviews, Punch! Professional Home Design Suite isn't nearly as ease to learn to use as Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer. However, reviews also indicate that Punch! is ultimately the more sophisticated of the two. Experts say that Punch! is a powerful program with realistic graphics and sophisticated tools to design everything from sprinkler systems to decks. It also has electrical, foundation and plumbing planners. Altogether, Punch! is a more serious product than Better Homes and Gardens, but it takes far more patience and persistence to learn. Indeed, many people evidently give up on this software because of the steep learning curve. A Mac version is available: Punch! Home Design Studio for Mac (Around $125).


Better Homes and Gardens Landscaping and Deck Designer (Around $60)

Landscape and deck-design software. Landscape and deck-design software. Although Better Homes and Gardens' landscaping and deck-design components are included in its Home Designer Suite 7.0, you can save some money if you don't need to work with interiors. Reviewers say this software is intuitive enough that you don't have to spend too much time reading manuals or tutorials. They also indicate that it's a fun tool for homeowners who want to play with outdoor landscaping possibilities. Water features like pools and ponds are also included.


Google SketchUp Free, http://sketchup.google.com

Free software. If you're just looking for something fun and simple, Google SketchUp is a free download that let's you draw up any 3D object, including homes and interiors. This community-supported software has an ever-growing database of other images (such as furniture) that you can incorporate into your sketch. When you're finished, you can even add your sketch to Google Earth and see how it fits into your neighborhood. While not as detailed and sophisticated as paid software, SketchUp is one way to play around without investing a lot of time or money. Google SketchUp is available for PC or Mac.

Best Portable Digital Projectors

Epson PowerLite S4 (Around $600)

Best low-resolution business projector. If you mostly need a projector for PowerPoint presentations, reviews say you can get by with a cheaper SVGA projector, which has a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels. Reviewers agree that the Epson S4 is impressive for the price. The light output is bright enough for medium-sized conference rooms. Colors are rich and accurate, although contrast is not particularly good -- a common problem with low-cost LCD projectors. Reviews say video performance is not bad, and at 5.7 pounds, it's reasonably lightweight. Reviews say the remote is easy to use, but this digital projector doesn't include a laser pointer. Password protection is a nice plus, as is the two-year warranty.


Dell 2400MP (Around $1,200)

Best digital projector overall. The Dell 2400MP has resolution of 1024 x 768, so reviews say it's a better choice than an SVGA projector for presentations involving spreadsheets, software demos or training videos. At 5.5 pounds, it’s not the lightest business projector around, but it's not the heaviest either. To make travel easier, Dell includes a "drop-tested" case that's large enough for the projector and some accessories. Reviewers say that this digital projector has more features and better performance many more expensive models. With a light output of nearly 3,000 lumens, it's among the brightest in its class.


Optoma EP719 (Around $815)

Budget XGA digital projector. While this Optoma office projector is not feature rich, and reviewers say that the remote control lacks some functions, experts say image quality is crisp and accurate. Text and graphics are said to be sharp from edge to edge and contrast is high enough for many applications, including decent video performance. The brightness, which measures close to the manufacturer's claim of 2,000 lumens, is sufficient for most presentation settings.


Optoma EP1690 (Around $1,200)

Best dual-duty multimedia projector. Experts say the Optoma EP1690 is best for those who want a business projector that can also deliver good (though not great), home-theater performance. Thanks to its widescreen WXGA resolution, it can display every detail of a 720p HDTV signal, and it has an HDCP-compliant DVI input for use with home entertainment gear. For business users, the projector is on the heavy side (7 pounds), but it produces plenty of light output and has a laser-pointer remote with full mouse controls. Image quality -- including color, black levels and contrast -- is good for a business projector, but it doesn’t match the best dedicated home-theater projectors.


Canon Realis SX50 (Around $3,425)

High-resolution LCoS business projector. When fed with SXGA+ (1400 x 1050 pixels) data and images from a computer source, reviewers say this Canon projector offers the best image quality of any business-class digital projector. According to reports, individual pixels are invisible from as close as two feet from the screen, images are razor sharp, and the colors are fully saturated to create vivid pictures that pop off the screen. Although this digital projector has also found a place in some home theaters, reviewers say that it does not do a great job with video. Its 8.6-pound weight makes it better as a permanent installation rather than a portable projector.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 - Digital Camera

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300, along with the DSLR-A350 are Sony's latest announced Digital SLR cameras. These models are essentially upgrades to the Alpha DSLR-A200 release in the fall of 2007. Both the 350 and 300 two distinct new features: 1) Live View mode for the LCD viewfinder, and 2) an articulating LCD screen. The A300 features a 10.8 megapixel sensor, whereas the A350 boasts an impressive 14.2 megapixels. The A350 will sells for $700 for the camera and DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (DSLR-A300K), and $900 for a kit bundled with an additional 55-200mm telephoto lens (DSLR-A300X). Both versions (A300K, A300X) are available for pre-order now from the Sony online store and are expected to ship April 2nd and April 25th, 2008, respectively.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•More superior LiveView implementation compared to competition (has to be proven yet)
•Articulating screen combined with Live View allows for easier over-the-heads and ground-level shots
•Good balance between resolution (10.2 MP) and low-light performance for APS-C size sensor
•In-camera image stabilization allows for using of non-stabilized lenses, by thus lowering the cost of ownership
•Battery life is better than the competition
•Noise level is better than in A350
•FPS (frames per second) rate and overall performance is better then A350

Cons:

•Startup/shutdown time can be better
•A300X is not available in many parts of the world
•A300K is $100 more expensive in Rest Of the World than in US after currency conversion.

More information

Detailed Specifications

System

Camera type - Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses

Lens Compatibility - Sony α lenses, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lenses

Image Sensor

Sensor type - APS-C type (23.6x15.8mm), with RGB primary color filters

Effective pixels - Approx. 10.2 megapixels

Total pixels - Approx. 10.8 megapixels

Anti-Dust Function - Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism

ISO sensitivity range - AUTO, 100 to 3200 (in 1-stop increments, Recommended Exposure Index)

A/D conversion - 12 bits

Recording

Recording format - JPEG (DCF2.0 and Exif 2.21 compliant, DPOF supported), RAW (Sony ARW 2.0 format), RAW + JPEG

Image size - L size: 3872 x 2592 (10M), M size: 2896 x 1936 (5.6M), S size: 1920 x 1280 (2.5M) L size: 3872 x 2176 (8.4M), M size: 2896 x 1632 (4.7M), S size: 1920 x 1088 (2.1M)

Image quality modes - RAW, RAW + JPEG, Fine, Standard

Media - CompactFlash (Type I, Type II), Microdrive * Separately sold "Memory Stick Duo Adapter for CompactFlash Slot AD-MSCF1" is necessary to use with Memory Stick Duo / Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo

Noise reduction - Long exposure NR: On/Off selectable, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 sec. High ISO NR: On/Off selectable, available at ISO 1600 or higher

Color space - sRGB, Adobe RGB

Other features -Creative Style, D-Range Optimizer (Off, Standard, Advanced)

White Balance

Modes - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash Color Temperature / Color filter, Custom

Bracketing - 3 exposures, H/L level selectable

Focus Control

Type - TTL phase detection system

Sensor - CCD line sensors

No. of focus point - 9 points

Sensitivity range - EV 0 - 18 (at ISO 100)

Modes - AF/MF selectable. AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF

Focus area - Wide, Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable)

Other features - Predictive control, Focus lock, Eye-start AF, AF illuminator (Built-in flash, Range: approx. 1-5m)

Exposure Control

Metering - Type: TTL metering Sensor: 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC Sensitivity range: EV 2 - 20 (EV 4 - 20 in spot metering mode), (at ISO 100 with F1.4 lens) Modes: Multi segment, Center weighted, Spot

Exposure - Modes: Program AE (AUTO, AUTO - Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait / view) Exposure compensation: +/-2 EV in 0.3-stop increments Bracketing: 3 continuous or single exposures selectable, in 0.3 or 0.7-stop increments

Viewfinder

Type - Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror

Coverage - 95%

Magnification - 0.74 x (with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m-1 )

Diopter adjustment - -3.0 to +1.0 m-1

Eye point - Approx. 20.8 mm from the eyepiece lens, Approx. 16.7 mm from the eyepiece frame

Screen - Spherical Acute Matte

LCD Monitor

Type - 2.7-inch type, TFT

Total number of dots - 230,400 dots

Coverage - 100%

Brightness adjustment - Selectable in 5 steps

Live view

Type - Pentamirror tilt system

Image sensor - Dedicated to live view

Metering - 1200-zone evaluative

Sensitivity - EV 2 - 17 (in all metering modes, at ISO 100 with F1.4 lens)

Coverage - 90%

Smart Teleconverter function - 1.4x or 2x selectable

Other functions - Histogram display, real-time image-adjustment display (exposure compensation, white balance, sunset / B&W in Creative Style)

Shutter

Type - Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type

Speed range - 1/4000 to 30 sec., Bulb

Flash sync speed - 1/160 sec.

Super SteadyShot® (Image Stabilization)

Type - Image-sensor shift mechanism

Indication - Super SteadyShot scale and Camera-shake warning in the viewfinder

Compensation effect - Equivalent to approx. 2.5 to 3.5 steps in shutter speeds (varies according to shooting conditions and lens used)

Built-in Flash

Pop-up - Auto

Guide number - 12 (in meters at ISO 100)

Flash coverage - 18 mm (focal length printed on the lens body)
Control ADI, Pre-flash TTL

Flash compensation - +/- 2 EV (in 0.3-stop increments)

Modes - Auto (Flash-off), Auto, Fill-flash, Red-eye reduction, Rear sync, Slow sync,
High speed sync, Wireless

Flash bracketing - 3 exposures (in 0.3/0.7-stop increments)

Recycling time -Approx. 4 sec.

Drive

Modes - Single, Continuous, Self-timer (10 sec. / 2 sec. delay selectable)

Continuous shooting speed - Max. 3 fps (approx.) with viewfinder, max. 2 fps (approx.) in live view mode

No. of frames recordable - JPEG (L size, Fine): Until memory card is full, RAW: 6 frames, RAW+JPEG: 3 frames

Playback

Modes - Single (with or without shooting information, with 4 previous / following images, RGB histogram & highlight / shadow warning), 4 / 9 / 25-frame index view, enlarged display mode (max. zoom - L size: 12x, M size: 9.1x, S size: 6.1x), Image orientation, Slideshow

Interface

PC interface - USB2.0 Hi-Speed (mass storage, PTP)

Video output - NTSC / PAL selectable

Supported OS Environments

Windows Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional / XP Home Edition / XP Professional /

Vista Home Basic / Vista Home Premium / Vista Ultimate / Vista Business / Vista Enterprise

Macintosh Mac OS X (v. 10.13 or later)

Print

Compatible standards - Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, PictBridge

Power

Power source - One Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FM500H * NP-FM55H for DSLR-A100 is not usable.

Battery performance - Approx. 730 shots with viewfinder, approx. 410 shots in live view mode * Both measured using CIPA standard

External power source - AC Adapter / Charger AC-VQ900AM (optional)

Others

Dimension (WxHxD) - Approx. 130.8 x 98.5 x 74.7 mm (5-1/4 x 4 x 3 in.) (excl. protrusions)

Weight - Approx. 582 g (1 lb 4.5 oz) (w/o batteries, memory card, accessories)

Operating temperature - 0 - 40 degrees C (32- 104 degrees F)

Casio EX-Z9 - Digital Camera

The EX-Z9 is Casio's newest offering of the ultra-compact camera in the Exilim product line. The camera is simple with 8.1 megapixel resolution and basic functionality. It has a large LCD screen for its size (2.5") and standard 3x optical zoom. Face detection technology is also part of its main offering. The EX-Z9's claim-to-fame is its simple and easy-to-use functionality. It has an Easy Mode option, which sets the menu to 3 options: image size, flash and self-timer. All the rest of the functionality and options are hidden from the user, making it a nice point-and-shoot for older or less tech-savvy users.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Stylish
•Great price point
•Easy to use
•Straightforward menus

Cons:
Nothing to think of

More information

Features

Self-timer
Movie recording at 848x480 resolution
Face detection technology
8.1 megapixels
3x optical zoom
Dimensions: width - 3.64” x height - 2.17 x depth - .91”
Weight (without batteries) - 4.48 oz

Best Game Controllers

Saitek X52 Flight Control System (Around $100)

Best joystick. For flight-simulator fans, the Saitek X52 game controller has a main joystick control and a separate throttle controller, and it's the top joystick in reviews for both PC and Mac gamers. The customizable buttons allow for optimum configuration for each game, and reviews say its simple software makes set-up a breeze. The Saitek joystick includes four fire buttons, 3D rudder twist and an eight-way hat switch. The throttle provides two additional fire buttons, a scroll wheel and mouse controller.

Saitek Cyborg EVO (Around $35)

Basic joystick. The Saitek Cyborg EVO is a more basic model than the Saitek X52 game controller, with a single joystick unit (the X52 also has a separate throttle). The Cyborg, however, is very flexible -- and it is one of a handful of joysticks that also works well for left-handed gamers. The Cyborg has five fire buttons, an eight-way hat switch and 3D twist. It is compatible with both PC and Mac computers.

Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 Vibration Feedback (Around $30)

Cordless gamepad. If you're a fan of sports games or action games, reviews say this Logitech gamepad is the best basic game controller for PC gaming. The Logitech is a favorite of both expert reviewers and owners, who praise its comfortable ergonomics. The vibrating gamepad has ten programmable buttons, which allows maximum play control for each game. The Rumblepad 2 is PC and Mac compatible.

Logitech MOMO Racing Wheel (Around $85)

Steering wheel game controller. The top-rated Logitech MOMO Racing Wheel comes with six buttons, two pedals, a shifter knob and two paddle shifters. It has force feedback on the 10-inch wheel. Another nice feature is that it can remember your settings for different games, so your profile is saved for the next time you play. In PC Magazine's tests, the MOMO steering wheel performed "superbly."

Thrustmaster Ferrari GT Rumble Force (Around $50)

Budget steering wheel. Although reviews say the Thrustmaster Ferrari GT Rumble Force isn't the best steering wheel, you get a lot of bang for the buck. The pedals tended to slide around a bit, but the "understated" vibration feedback is a nice touch. It is significantly less expensive than the Logitech MOMO and is compatible with both PCs and PS2 game consoles.

Best Computer Speakers

Logitech Z-2300 (Around $100)

Best 2.1 computer speakers. If you're more interested in music than 3D gaming, or you just don't have the space for so many speaker units, reviews say the Logitech Z-2300 is the best 2.1 computer speaker system (two 40-watt satellites plus a 120-watt subwoofer). Reviews say the Logitech PC speakers are nice and loud, without losing clarity or becoming distorted at higher volume levels. The Logitech speakers come with an adapter so you can also use them with game consoles and DVD players.

Altec Lansing VS2321 ( Around $40)

Budget 2.1 computer speakers. Among cheaper 2.1 speakers, the Altec Lansing VS2321 receives excellent reviews, and many experts say they simply could not find any faults for the price. Although the Altec Lansing speakers won't get loud enough to pump music through more than one room, reviews do not note any distortion at the upper reaches of its volume. One of the 6-watt satellite speakers contains a volume knob and headphone jack, plus a second input for plugging in an MP3 player. There's a 20-watt subwoofer.

Logitech Z-5500 (Around $275)

Best 5.1 computer speakers. Reviews are unanimous about the power and sound quality of the Logitech Z-5500 PC speakers. A 5.1 system consists of five satellite speakers plus a subwoofer for true surround sound. The 505-watt Logitech Z-5500 speaker system is best for gamers and movie buffs who crave ambient 3D sound. Every review we found comments on the Logitech Z-5500's speaker's disturb-the-neighborhood, room-shaking volume capacity and bass control. You'll need a sound card that supports Dolby 5.1 or higher to take full advantage of the Z-5500 computer speakers, which can also be used with game consoles, stereo equipment and portable audio players.


Altec Lansing VS3151 (Around $75)

Budget 5.1 computer speakers. While they don't come anywhere close to the Logitech Z-5500 PC speakers, reviewers say the Altec Lansing VS3151 computer speaker system is a decent way to get cheap surround sound. Each satellite gets 5-watts (compared to the Z-5500 speaker's 62-watt satellites), and the subwoofer gets 20-watts (compared to the Z-5500's 188-watts). While they don't get very loud, and bass is a little lacking, reviews say output from the Altec Lansing speakers is clear and well defined, with no distortion.

Best Webcams

Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision (Around $100)

Best webcam overall. Reviewers unanimously agree that the QuickCam Ultra Vision produces the best image quality of any webcam. The precision glass five-lens system produces clearer images than other webcams, and the camera is capable of capturing video at up to 960 x 720. The Ultra Vision is more expensive than the similar and cheaper Logitech QuickCam Fusion, but reviewers still give the Ultra Vision the edge in sound and image quality. Some say the QuickCam Ultra Vision is a little bulky, and it works better on a monitor than a laptop.

Logitech QuickCam Fusion (Around $65)

Best value. The Logitech QuickCam Fusion is one of the two best webcams on the market, according to reviews. The more expensive Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision has better image quality, but the Fusion is still very good. This model also does a good job in low light -- a common challenge for webcams. The Fusion has a true 1.3-megapixel sensor for stills, and it shoots VGA video. Its face-tracking feature aims to keep your face in the center of the picture as you move around. The Logitech Fusion webcam has a sensitive built-in microphone. If you don't care about face-tracking and can live with lower resolution, the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX costs less.


Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX (Around $45)

Budget Webcam. Budget webcam. If you don't need fancier features like face-tracking and enhanced audio, reviews say the QuickCam Communicate STX Webcam is the best inexpensive webcam. The Communicate has 640 x 480 VGA resolution for video and still photos -- that's better than the typical 352 x 288 on the cheapest webcams. The Logitech does much better in low light than other cameras in its price class. It has an integrated microphone in addition to a headset microphone.


Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro (Around $65)

Laptop Webcam. Most webcams come with a stand that you can hang on a monitor or position on a desktop. This Logitech laptop USB web camera is just for PC notebooks, with a spring-loaded clip that clamps to most laptop screens. The top-rated QuickCam for Notebooks Pro has a good integrated microphone, a glass lens for very good image quality and a 1.3-megapixel image sensor that's capable of capturing video at resolutions of up to 960 x 720. A face-tracking feature keeps your face in the center of the image even if you move around

Best Internet Security Software

BitDefender Internet Security 2008 (Around $50)

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


Norton Internet Security 2008 (Around $55)

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


Panda Internet Security 2008 (Around $40)

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

Best Multifunction Printers

HP Officejet Pro L7680 (Around $330)

Office multifunction printer with fax. Multiple reviews identify the Officejet Pro L7680 as the best small-business multifunction printer. Text quality is very good, and printing speeds are fast. The Officejet Pro L7680 has built-in networking, duplexing capability, a legal-size scanning bed, color faxing and a 250-sheet tray. Users can print from a camera, copy documents and fax without using the computer. Photo quality is generally described as good, which is a nice bonus for a business-first multifunction printer. The downside is this unit's large size of about 21" x 17" x 14", with a weight of about 35 pounds.

Canon Pixma MP610 (Around $200)

Best all-in-one printer, no fax. Reviewers find that Epson Stylus Photo models have better photo quality and HP Officejet models have better text quality, but the Canon MP610 has the best balance of the two. The Canon Pixma MP610 prints, copies and scans, but does not include fax capability. Just about all reviewers say the Canon is a great choice if you don't need to fax. The MP610 is feature rich, including direct printing from cameras, duplexing, and copy enlargements and reductions. The Pixma MP610 is also an exceptional value, according to reviewers. It's small and easy to use, with a footprint of about 17" by 17".

Epson Stylus Photo RX595 (Around $160)

Best photo quality, no fax. Though the Epson Stylus Photo RX595 is a new model, it is the direct successor to the highly rated Epson RX580, and experts generally agree that Epson is the best all-in-one for printing photos, even though text printing isn't as nice. The Epson RX595 can print directly from a camera and has a 2.5-inch display for previews. The six-color printer uses inks that can last up to 200 years. Past Epson models have been criticized for being slow and lacking features; text quality receives mixed reviews. The 120-sheet paper tray is on the small side, but the whole unit is compact.


Canon Pixma MP470 (Around $90)

Best budget multifunction printer, no fax. Reviews say that its combination of print quality, features and price make the Canon Pixma MP470 an almost unbeatable bargain in an all-in-one printer. Unlike other options in its price range, the MP470 is rich in features. Critics say it is easy to use, has robust copying features and includes an LCD screen for previewing prints. You can print directly from most memory cards, and the printer is also PictBridge compatible. Print and scan quality is judged very good, but print quality and speeds are better with higher-end Canon models. Still, the Canon MP470 outperforms sub-$100 models from HP, Brother and Lexmark in both regards.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass - Game

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is the fourteenth installment of the long-running and popular Legend of Zelda series of video games. Releasd for the Nintendo DS, The Phantom Hourglass is an action-adventure game that can be played almost completely with the use of the stylus and touchpad. The game uses 3D cel-shaded graphics and features and overhead camera perspective and makes use of the dual-screen with a map that can be pulled down and sketched on to make notes to help you along the way. Phantom Hourglass was released in North America on October 1st, 2007.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Fantastic use of the DS stylus
•Beautiful visual style and graphics
•Nice music and sound effects
•Effective in creating a portable version of Wind Waker and is true to the Zelda series
•Lots of playing time - 15+ hours in adventure mode

Cons:

•Easy, and appeals more to kids


More information

Game Modes

Adventures Mode - This is the traditional game mode found in all Zelda games. You plays as the protaginist Link, as you make your way through various challenges, puzzles, and battles in your quest to free Tetra and battle the evil of Bellum. The game follows logically after its prequel the The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

Battle Mode - This is the multi-player mode dubbed "Hide-and-Go-Seek" in which players alternate in controlling Link on offence and three Phantom Guardians on defense. Link must attempt to gain as many points without being caught by the guardians. The game can be played both locally and online with the WiFi connection.

Sony Bravia W4100 Series - LCD TV

The W-series by Sony is part of their high end lineup of LCD televisions. Last year's W-series offerings came under the W3000 label, with 2008's following the W4100 naming convention. These TVs come below the premium level Z-series and feature most of the same standard high-end display technology such as 1080p native resolution and 120Hz frequency, but lack the advanced connectivity options in their more expensive siblings. Just below the W-series is the V-series which removes the 120Hz mode for smooth display of fast motion.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Handles 60p content through both HDMI and component inputs
•4 HDMI inputs
•Small bezel/frame

Cons:

•No DLNA support

More information

Specs

- 1080p native resolution
- 120Hz mode
- USB port for accessing digital content
- thin bezel, and "ultra-thin" cabinet depth
- Inputs: 4xHDMI 1.3, 2xComponent, Composite

Z-Series and W-Series features

120Hz - to handle fast motion found in action movies, video games and sports the television's refresh rate is doubled from the usual 60Hz to 120Hz. This results in smoother motion and reduces the image artifacting known as judder.

24p True Cinema - movie's are filmed at 24 frames per second, traditional televisions display their images at 60Hz meaning the movie information needs to be converted. With the 120Hz mode, which is a direct multiple of 24, no conversion is necessary meaning you get the source exactly as it was filmed. 24p content comes primarily from Blu-Ray video.

Z-Series, W-Series, and V-Series features

60p and 24p support - these sets can accept Blu-Ray content that is delivered at 24 frames per second with a progressive picture. They also accept a progressive signal that is delivered at 60 frames per second, this is most common in video games. Both the HDMI and Component video inputs can handle these signals.

Bravia Sync - control the other components in your home theater system, such as your A/V receiver and DVD player, directly from the TV. The other components must be Bravia sync compatible.

USB port - view pictures and audio stored on a USB mass storage device.

Features found on all 2008 Sony LCD TVs

Digital Media Extender - this is a proprietary port that acts as a central gateway for future add-ons to be installe to expand the functionality of the TV. The first add-on available is the Bravia Internet Link module that lets you view video content from the Internet. Sony claims future add-ons will be available with more features.

Best Digital Cameras (Ultra-Compact)

Canon PowerShot SD870 IS (Around $325)

Best ultra-compact digital camera. Critics identify the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS as the best ultra-compact digital camera. In addition to great image quality and ease of use, the 8.3-megapixel Canon SD870 IS has optical image stabilization. This feature helps counteract natural hand tremors and makes capturing sharp photos much easier, especially in low light. Its face-detection feature helps lock the autofocus on your subject, and its zoom lens begins at 28mm, giving this camera wide-angle capability and an advantage when shooting in close quarters. Its small size and classy case are further highlights.


Canon PowerShot SD1000 (Around $170)

Best value in a tiny camera. While it lacks image stabilization (to help counteract camera shake), reviews say the 7.1-megapixel Canon PowerShot SD1000 is a great value and an excellent performer, producing first-rate images with great colors and sharpness. This slim model is only 3/4-inch thick, with a 2.5-inch LCD display. It is a point-and-shoot camera, so manual controls are limited, but there are lots of scene modes to help photographers tackle common shooting situations.


Fujifilm Z10fd (Around $170)

Most stylish ultra-compact camera. Other ultra-compact digital cameras might take nicer photos, but the Fujifilm Z10fd is aiming for style and youth appeal. Reviews say it succeeds. It's available in five metallic colors, with sleek lines and a sliding metal cover.. The feature lineup includes face detection and a Blog mode that resizes images in camera for web posting and e-mailing. There are better cameras overall, but reviewers say the Fujifilm Z10fd is a good blend of low price, style and functionality.


Fujifilm F40fd (Around $190)

Best in low light. Many ultra-compact digital cameras struggle in low-light situations, but the Fujifilm F40fd has a unique sensor design that gives this camera an edge for indoor and nighttime shots. In addition, image quality under better lighting is excellent. There aren't many manual controls, and the F40fd isn't very stylish. It's essentially a simple point-and-shoot camera that does really well in dim lighting -- handy if you take lots of indoor shots.


Olympus Stylus 790 SW (Around $260)

Underwater digital camera. Although the Olympus Stylus 790 SW gets merely average scores for image quality, it is one of the few truly waterproof (down to 10 feet) digital cameras on the market. The Olympus is also shockproof (it can withstand drops of up to five feet) and freeze-proof (to 14º F) -- which means it can survive a jump in the lake or a trip down the ski slopes better than most other cameras. Still, if you are not looking for a camera to take on your outdoor adventures, other cameras in the same price range take better photos overall.

Best MP3 Players

Apple iPod nano (8 GB, Around $200)

Best MP3 player overall. Although not everyone is a fan of the shorter and wider shape, the newest Apple iPod nano is the runaway choice among critics as the best MP3 player. Most say that the player is extremely easy to use (though it requires the latest version of iTunes, which might not be compatible with some older computers). Audio quality is first rate, and video playback looks great despite the small 2-inch screen size. The 8 GB nano (which can store about 2,000 songs or equivalent video) comes in a rainbow of colors. One complaint is that the nano -- and all new iPod MP3 players -- have been made incompatible with some third party video accessories that worked with earlier-generation players.

Creative Zen V Plus (4 GB, Around $100)

Best value. While critics say the iPod nano is the best MP3 player overall, reviewers say that the Creative Zen V Plus is a great budget alternative -- or a good pick for those who don't want to be tied to the iTunes music store. Sound quality and battery life are great, according to reports. The 1.5-inch OLED screen falls short compared to the display on the nano, but it's sufficient for viewing short video clips and photos. Unlike the nano, the Zen V Plus offers an FM radio. It uses a small navigation wheel for zipping through tracks, which a few reviews indicate may be too small for some users. All of Creative's current MP3 players are compatible with Windows Media Player 11, so they should have no trouble running on Vista.

iRiver Clix (8 GB, Around $240)

Most features. Like the Creative Zen V Plus, the iRiver Clix comes very close to the iPod nano in reviews, plus it has more features. The 2.5-ounce iRiver Clix is heavier than the 1.74-ounce nano, but it has a slightly larger, video-capable 2.2-inch color LCD touchscreen that doubles for navigation. Sound and video are given uniformly high marks, and there's a long list of extras: FM tuner, voice recorder, equalizer, Macromedia Flash Player, Flash games and an alarm clock. Reviews say the Windows-only Clix has a slick user interface and long battery life (20 hours).


Apple iPod Classic (80 GB, Around $245)

Best large-capacity MP3 player. The iPod dominates the market among hard-drive players. Experts agree that the iPod system by far offers the most fully integrated music experience, a seamless marriage between the iPod hardware and the iTunes software and song library. The latest iPod Classic MP3 players feature much larger hard drives, rivaling those on some laptop computers, and can hold up to 20,000 songs or equivalent video. Since Apple MP3 players use a proprietary music format called AAC, you are limited mainly to the iTunes music store for music downloads. A 160 GB version (*est. $345), which can hold 40,000 songs, is also available.


Microsoft Zune (80 GB, Around $250)

Alternative to iPod Classic. If you want a high-capacity MP3 player, the iPod Classic holds a small edge in reviews, but experts say the much improved second-generation Microsoft Zune is an excellent alternative for those who don't want to be married to Apple's AAC music format. The Zune's key unique feature is Wi-Fi -- it can sync wirelessly with your PC's music collection. The 3.2-inch video-capable display is much larger than the screen on the iPod Classic, yet overall, the Zune is about the same size. You also get an FM tuner (missing on the iPod). The Zune also comes with high-quality earphones that blow away the earbuds that come with the iPod.


Samsung YP-U3 (2 GB, Around $75)

Budget MP3 player. Reviews say there are a number of good sub-$100 MP3 players available, but this Samsung model gets a very slight edge because of its easy-to-use interface and better overall physical design. Sound quality is excellent, as is the built-in FM radio, though the lack of FM recording capabilities is a disappointment. A unique pop-out design protects the built-in USB connector and eliminates both the need for a cable and an easy-to-lose cap.

Best Digital Cameras

Canon PowerShot A570 IS (Around $175)

Best digital camera overall, best features. According to reviewers, the Canon A570 IS has the best blend of image quality, features and price, with lots of manual controls to give you room to grow. The 7.1-megapixel Canon digital camera takes excellent shots and includes optical image stabilization, which works to reduce blurry images caused by the natural movements of your hands. The Digic III image processor includes face-detection technology, which uses faces in a scene to set focus and exposure for the most natural color. This camera works well in automatic mode, but users can also play with manual exposure controls, as well as both an aperture and a shutter priority mode. One quibble is that the menu system can be a little dense for using these advanced settings. The Canon's movie mode is noted as excellent.


Canon PowerShot A560 (Around $135)

Best basic digital camera. If you just want a good basic camera, reviews point to the 7.1-megapixel, 4X-zoom Canon PowerShot A560. Images are good all around, and the camera has a nice movie mode and fun collection of automatic settings. Nice features for this price range include a 2.5-inch LCD display, a top ISO setting of 1600 and face-recognition technology. Although testers say the Canon A560 is generally fast, using the flash slows down shot-to-shot speeds considerably -- so it's better for outdoor shots than indoor shooting.

Nikon Coolpix L10 (Around $100)

Best $100 digital camera. If all you want is a camera for casual snapshots, reviews say the 5-megapixel Nikon Coolpix L10 is a great choice in its price range. Despite its very low price, this camera offers solid build quality, high-grade optics and technology to help take impressive photos without much fuss. There are no manual controls at all -- this camera works on no-brainer automatic -- but reports say that that the L10 does pretty well on its own, thanks to features like face-priority autofocus and best-shot selection. An excellent macro mode is perfect for taking photos for auction websites.


Fujifilm FinePix F40fd (Around $195)

Best for indoor shots and low light. The Fujifilm FinePix F40fd lacks a lot of bells or whistles and is mainly an automatic point-and-shoot camera. However, reviews say the Fujifilm digital camera occupies a neat niche. According to critics, the Fujifilm F40fd offers better low-light performance than most other digital cameras (including those in the Canon A-series), which means your indoor shots will turn out better, and you'll be able to use natural lighting more often. Image quality is on the high side of very good, according to reviews, and superior for low-light photography. However, shot-to-shot speed is slow. If indoor shots are a priority, experts say the FinePix F40fd is the best in its price range.


Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 (Around $365)

Advanced 10-megapixel digital camera. If you want the most flexibility aside from a digital SLR, reviews say the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 has a huge range of manual controls, image stabilization, a wide-angle 28-mm Leica lens and the ability to save images in RAW mode -- an uncompressed format that allows for extensive post-shot editing in Adobe Photoshop. The image sensor has a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, but it can also shoot 3:2 or 4:3 images at the press of a button. Images are excellent for a compact camera, but speeds are just average, so the Panasonic (like most compact cameras) isn't great for action shots. However, a good continuous shooting mode helps better capture action. If you just want a basic camera, the Panasonic is probably overkill.

Best Plasma TV

V Inc. Vizio P50 (Around $1,300)

Best value, 50-inch plasma HDTV. Nearly every reviewer we found cites Vizio plasma TVs as absolutely the best value, and the Vizio P50 gets especially good reviews for its accurate color, good black levels, picture detail and features. Though all experts say the Vizio P50 can't equal the superior performance of a Pioneer or Panasonic plasma TV, the Vizio P50 is an excellent budget pick for those who don't need the best possible picture quality. Experts say the picture will likely need some adjustment out of the box. Critics add that this plasma television actually outperforms many higher-rated TVs in displaying standard-definition TV signals.


Panasonic TH-50PZ700U (Around $2,600)

Best 1080p plasma HDTV, 50 inch. If you want the highest 1080p resolution, critics say that the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PZ700U offers a strong blend of performance and value. Black levels are among the best available, though not quite as deep as on the more expensive Pioneer KURO PDP-5808HD. Colors are first rate, and there's plenty of contrast and shadow detail. Although 1080p is the highest possible resolution right now, many experts question whether most people will notice a difference over a top-rated 720p plasma TV.


Pioneer KURO PDP-5080HD (Around $3,500)

Most cinematic plasma TV. Although it's over twice the price as some competing 50-inch plasma TVs, reviewers say the Pioneer KURO PDP-5080HD is the best plasma television for those who want the most cinematic image quality. Reviewers say the Pioneer KURO plasma TV displays rich, well-saturated colors and great black levels -- some say they are the best black levels of any flat-panel TV. The Pioneer TV is also packed with features, and an anti-glare screen coating helps reduce glare. The big downside is cost compared to others.


Samsung HP-T4264 (Around $1,400)

Best 42-inch plasma HDTV. While Panasonic and Pioneer usually come out on top in comparisons of plasma TVs, the 42-inch Samsung HP-T4264 is impressing critics with black levels that stand up well to the competition. Reports say color and shadow detail are also good. Included is a host of adjustable picture settings, and connectivity is also good. Altogether, reviews say the Samsung HP-T4264 is a good compromise, sitting between the ultra-budget Vizio TVs and pricier plasma sets from Pioneer and Panasonic.


V Inc. Vizio VP42 (Around $850)

Budget 42-inch plasma HDTV. According to reviews, the Vizio VP42 plasma HDTV has a rare combination of low price and good performance. While it won't beat the best in a head-to-head image-quality competition, reviews say the black levels and color rendition are good. The Vizio VP42 also has good connectivity and is easy to use. Other features include a versatile PIP/POP function. One downside is that this HDTV is harder to find than others.


Panasonic TH-50PH10UK (Around $1,700)

50-inch HD-ready plasma monitor. Reviews say this Panasonic industrial plasma display has some of the most cinematic black levels of any mainstream plasma display. Since it is a monitor and not a true TV, however, the Panasonic TH-50PH10UK has no speakers, no table stand or wall mount, and it offers minimal connections -- even an HDMI input is an extra-cost option. Because this monitor has no tuners, it is best for those who will use separate speakers and get all of their TV from cable or satellite. Reviews say these limitations pale next to the plasma monitor's low price given its top shelf performance.

Best LCD Monitors - Computers

NEC MultiSync 70GX2 (Around $200)

17-inch LCD monitor. Although still very popular with consumers, 17-inch monitors are rarely reviewed professionally. One exception is the NEC MultiSync 70GX2. Reviewers rave about the color quality and say that text, graphics, and video playback all look great. The 70GX2 has a glossy coating that improves brightness, but glare will bother some users in certain lighting conditions. This model was reviewed when new last year, and reviewers cited price as the major disadvantage. Current prices are 50 percent lower, and cheaper than any other recommended 17-inch LCD monitor. The NEC is Windows and Macintosh compatible.

ViewSonic VP930b ( Around $330)

Best 19-inch LCD monitor. Critics say that 19-inch flat-panel monitors don't offer any additional resolution over 17-inch displays. Even so, with a larger screen, text is easier to read. This Windows and Mac-compatible ViewSonic LCD monitor does well in any application from games and movies to text and web surfing, according to reviews. For those who work with graphics or photos, reviews say color fidelity and contrast are excellent. The monitor ships with a CD that includes display calibration software, making it easy to adjust the monitor to fit your preferences. This is a standard 4:3 aspect monitor. Reviews say these are better for viewing web pages than widescreen monitors


Samsung SyncMaster 226BW (Around $320)


Best 22-inch widescreen LCD monitor. Widescreen monitors allow you to view multiple open windows or applications side-by-side more comfortably, and they are very handy for working with wide spreadsheets. But be aware that you’ll be scrolling more to view web pages since the screen isn’t as tall as a 4:3 monitor. Reviewers agree that the Samsung SyncMaster 226BW is the best monitor in this size group. The Windows and Mac compatible Samsung LCD monitor has excellent image quality; reviewers have no criticisms of its performance. Gaming performance is a particular strength of the 226BW. Experts say that widescreen LCD monitors are cheaper for manufacturers to produce, so you can often find a 22-inch widescreen monitor for the same price as a good quality 19-inch standard monitors


BenQ FP241W (Around $730)

Best 24-inch LCD monitor; widescreen. Reviews say the widescreen BenQ FP241W monitor excels in nearly every area. Photos and graphics look vivid and accurate, and text is easy to read. Native resolution is 1,920 x 1,200 pixels. The BenQ FP241W has full HD video capabilities. It can pivot, swivel, and tilt. The monitor is loaded with connectors (including an HDMI port) and features, such as a webcam. Reviewers are very impressed by all you get for the price, and think the BenQ FP241W is a great value. It is PC and Mac compatible.

LCD TV Best Buys

Samsung LN-T5265F ( Around USD 2800)

Best 52-inch LCD HDTV. According to reviewers, the Samsung LN-T5265F is the best blend of screen size, performance and price among LCD TVs. Colors are said to be accurate, and a full range of picture controls allow owners to tweak further. Critics also say that the image is crisp, blacks are impressively deep and shadow detail is good. Even better, the Samsung is inexpensive for a top performing, 52-inch LCD TV, and it costs less than many plasma TVs of this size. Unlike most LCD TVs, the LN-T5265F has a glossy screen coating that's liked by some reviewers, but called too reflective by others. The Samsung LV-T5265F has the highest HDTV resolution of 1080p


Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR4 ( Around USD 3180)

Best 46-inch LCD HDTV. Although more expensive than other LCD TVs, this Sony set delivers cinematic black levels only slightly lighter than those of the best plasma TVs. Shadow detail and color performance are described in reviews as excellent. Because the picture on the Sony KDL-46XBR4 looks better than most LCD TVs when viewed off center, it's a great choice for a family room. The great-looking TV has an elegant floating glass frame but the main reason for the high price is its 120 Hz processing to reduce motion blur. Reviewer opinion differs on how well this works, but all agree that the Sony is a great looking and performing LCD TV.

Westinghouse Digital TX-47F430S ( Around USD 1300)

Top-rated budget 47-inch LCD HDTV. While it doesn't match the color rendition and black levels achieved by top-rated Sony and Samsung LCD TVs, critics say the Westinghouse TX-47F430S comes close, and is a great value for non-picky viewers. Detail and color are good, though shadow detail and black levels fall short. Despite the budget price, this is a 1080p display that can display every bit of an HD broadcast. For the screen size, it's an even better value than most plasma TVs

Syntax-Brillian Olevia 537H ( Around USD 775)

Best budget 37-inch LCD HDTV. While this Syntax-Brillian Olevia LCD TV does not offer the highest 1080p resolution, reviews say that doesn't matter very much for TVs smaller than 40 inches. And, critics say the Olevia 537H outperforms most other LCD TVs in its size and price class when it comes to image quality. Black levels are better than with many LCD TVs, though not as good as LCD TVs from Sony or Samsung. Some say the menu system is confusing to use, and the TV is otherwise feature-light. But reviews say those shortcomings are more than offset by the TV's value.

Samsung LN-T3253H ( Around USD 870)

Best 32-inch LCD HDTV. If you need a smaller TV, reviews say this Samsung model is a standout in its 32-inch screen size. Black levels are said to be deep with great shadow details, good connectivity and attractive styling. Picture quality is said to be great out of the box, but a huge number of picture adjustments lets you tweak the picture to your liking. An adjustable backlight makes it easy to get the right brightness level for both well-lit and darkened viewing situations. The resolution of this TV is just 720p, but experts say that the benefits of higher 1080p resolution are lost in a screen of this size. Some reports say that sound quality could be better.

Syntax-Brillian Olevia 532H ( Around USD 500)

Budget 32-inch LCD HDTV. The Syntax-Brillian Olevia 532H is the 32-inch version of the larger 37-inch Olevia 537H (*est. $775), which also gets excellent reviews for value and picture quality. This Olevia LCD TV uses a lower 1366 x 768 resolution -- not the highest, but still high-def, and it's feature-light compared to the class leaders. But the Olevia 532H also costs half as much as some Sony or Samsung TVs in this size range, making it an excellent value.

Samsung LN-T2353H ( Around USD 570)

23-inch LCD HDTV. The 23-inch Samsung LN-T2353H is expensive for a small-screen LCD TV but the image quality is first rate, and the styling, featuring a piano-black bezel, fits comfortably into almost any decor. Like some of Samsung's larger-screen offerings, the TV has a startling array of picture controls that make it possible to tweak image quality to perfection. Reports say that sound quality is above average, which is especially important for a small TV that's unlikely to be hooked up to a home theater audio system

Apple MacBook Air

Apple announced the new MacBook Air as the world's thinnest laptop at MacWorld in San Francisco on January 15th, 2008. Its thickness varies from 0.16" to 0.76" as measured from different points along its edge and weighs about 3 lbs. It features a 13.3" LED backlit display, a full-size backlit keyboard, and an oversized multi-touch trackpad. Apple has made use of several new technologies and design features to create an ultra-thin form factor laptop. It does not include an optical media drive.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Extremely thin
•LED backlit display
•Large touchpad with advanced gesture support
•Large backlit keyboard
•802.11n WiFi support
•Intel Core 2 Duo is a great option

Cons:

•Fairly expensive premium for being thin
•No ethernet port
•No optical drive
•Relatively heavy considering how thin it is
•Only 1 USB port
•Recessed USB port makes it hard to connect a 3G USB modem
•Expensive to replace battery. (It is replaceable though)
•Poor battery life (Ars Technica got around 2.5 hours)
•Battery is not replaceable

More information

Specifications

13.3" widescreen LED backlit display
1.6 GHz Standard, 1.8 GHz Option -- Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB Memory standard
80 GB 1.8" hard disk standard, 64 GB SSD as an option.
5 hours of Battery Life
Multi-touch Trackpad
No optical drive
802.11n + Bluetooth 2.1/EDR
45 Watt MagSafe, 1 USB 2.0 port, Micro-DVI, Audio Out
Magnetic latch
3 lbs
Thickness: 0.16" to 0.76"
it fits inside a envelope

Versions

There are two main options for the MacBook Air (now available for pre-order: 1) a 1.6 GHz CPU with 80 GB standard 1.8" hard drive starting at $1799, and 2) a 1.8 GHz CPU with a 64 GB solid state drive (SSD) starting at $3098.

Apple MacBook Air manufacturer page - http://www.apple.com/macbookair/

Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is the eighth game released under the Call of Duty franchise, and true to its name, is the fourth main game in the series. While COD3 was developed by a separate studio, COD4 is developed by the game's original designers: Infinity Ward. Thus far the Call of Duty franchise has focused exclusively in the World War 2 era, with the fourth release being the first happening in modern times, and also the first to achieve a mature rating. Similar to the other main releases in the series, COD4 places a heavy emphasis on both the single player campaign and multiplayer portions of the game. Both sides feature new additions to the series, and some new additions to the FPS genre entirely.


Pros & Cons
Pros:


•Insane graphics
•Tons of action going on
•Fantastic presentation
•Very deep multiplayer
•Smooth 60FPS that never slows down
•Custom classes makes each player an individual
•Ranking up and unlocking makes you want to keep playing

Cons:

•Multiplayer is unfriendly to new players
•Single player is short (6-8 hours)
•In-game bonuses make unfair games even worse


More information

Gameplay

Call of Duty is a traditional first person shooter set in a real world setting. You use real guns and fight in realistic areas and locations. Unlike other modern FPS games releasing in 2007, COD does not feature a dedicated cover system, but instead uses the same crouch/prone positioning system in earlier COD games. New to the series is the introduction of a ballistics model, this means that bullet strength is analyzed and can impact the environment, even shooting through certain materials making cover a relative thing.


Campaign

Following the tradition of the franchise, COD4 has you take control of multiple infantry-men fighting from different perspectives of the same war. You'll take control of an American and a British soldier as they try to take down a rogue Arab terrorist, and corrupt Russian military general. Most of the action sees you taking a role in a tight squad in battles that aren't as big as WW2 ones, but still involve dozens of enemies at any one time. The story takes place over the course of 12 different levels and is told through the use of realtime cutscenes, events unfolding during the levels, and certain details fleshed out in the briefings between missions. Level events can occur even if you're not around to see them, meaning you can miss parts of they story if you're not at the right place in the right time. After the main campaign has been completed an arcade mode unlocks that is scored based giving you multipliers and extra points for stringing kill combos together. This is similar to Halo 3's metagame.

Multiplayer

Multiplayer has been a huge part of the Call of Duty series since the beginning, and Modern Warfare is no different. One of the big new changes with COD4 is the introduction of upgrades. As you play more games and accomplish goals such as killing certain number of enemies, you'll rise in military rank - from a lowly soldier to Captian and beyond. As you rise in rank you gain access to more abilities and "perks" as they're known in the game. You have three slots for perks, each slot with its own set of perks that are unlocked as you rise in ranks. Weapons can level up as well. The more you use a particular weapon and gain more kills, the more experience you get with the weapon which unlocks more upgrades and accessory options letting you add more ammo or lower the recoil. All of these upgrade options come together through the game's custom class mechanism where you can choose every aspect of your character's loadout including weapons, grenades and abilities. Similar to other games there are preset classes available, though the main focus is on creating your own that suits your playstyle the best.

Multiplayer is competitive only with no co-op modes available. Action takes place over 16 different maps that support between 16 and 18 players. Six different game types are available ranging from standard deathmatch to more objective based modes that are reminiscent of bombing runs and assault. And similar to Halo 3 each game type can be further customized with various options to increase longevity. One of the modes available is known as "Hardcore" in this mode you have no HUD, and bullets deliver more damage to give a more realistic feel.

Finding matches in Modern Warfare is again similar to Halo 3. It uses a lobby system where you can group up with some friends and go between matches together. You can also search for custom games that are unranked. Both the PS3 and 360 version feature the same matchmaking system, with the only difference being the 360 version uses Microsoft's TrueKill metric to aid in bringing players of similar skill level together.

Version details

Infinity Ward stresses that all three versions of the game are nearly identical. If you have a top of the line PC, then that version will look the best, but for the most part they all look the same running at a constant 60 frames per second. The PS3 version supports both USB and Bluetooth headsets, but does not support the upcoming Dualshock 3 rumble, with no plans in the future.

Serious Drama, And Lots Of Stupidity, Behind Stage6 Shutdown

Yesterday San Diego based DivX announced the shutdown of popular video site Stage6, to the surprise and dismay of the site’s 17.4 million happy monthly visitors (the post on the shutdown has over 5,000 comments).

There’s lots of speculation around why DivX is shutting the site down, ranging from piracy issues to the spiraling CDN costs of streaming all that HD content. But what really happened, according to multiple sources, is that a ridiculous battle of egos at the DivX board level caused most of the team to simply quit. DivX, essentially, snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

First a bit of history - just before DivX went public in late 2006 it launched Stage6 as a way to show off the capabilities of the DivX codec. Without any promotion at all the site quickly gathered users. By mid 2007, when the site went into beta, it had millions of users and tens of millions of page views. The high quality video was key - users simply flocked to it.

DivX cofounder and CEO Jordan Greenhall knew he had a potential hit on his hands. He decided to explore a sale of Stage6, and hired investment bank Montgomery & Co. to see who might buy it. He also started pitching VCs on the idea of funding it as a spinoff. Given the conflict of interest, he resigned as CEO of DivX - president Kevin Hell took over the company. Darrius Thompson, (DivX co-founder), Mark How (DivX VP Business Development), Mark Chweh, Chester Ng and about 20 other DivX employees joined him. All shared the title of “cofounder” at Stage6.

Montgomery spent the second half of 2007 pitching Stage6 to buyers, although there wasn’t much interest. But VCs were eager to buy in to the idea of a spinoff. By November they had commitments from Crosslink Capital, Sofinnova France and Mission Ventures to invest $20 million at a $90 million post money valuation. Another $5 million was committed from a strategic investor, plus $2 million more from “friends and family.” All in all, Stage6 was preparing to close a $27 million round. DivX was to retain 20% ownership in the new funded entity.

Not only was DivX to receive a substantial chunk of equity in the new company, they’d be able to get the operating costs, estimated to be around $1 million/month in CDN costs alone, off their books. And Stage6 was to give most of their 2008 revenues back to Divx as well.

Those revenues were not immaterial. Everyone who views a video on Stage6 must first download the DivX player. Packaged with the download was an option to download the Yahoo Toolbar. The revenue from Yahoo to DivX is around $16 million per year. Our sources estimate that half that, or around $8 million/year, was due to Stage6 downloads. And that share was growing - 2008 toolbar revenues may have been as high as $10 million, making Stage6 almost breakeven.

At a meeting in late November the DivX board was asked to approve the spinoff and venture financing. But at the last minute the board decided to cancel the spinoff and retain control of Stage6. It’s not clear why they did this - perhaps they were surprised at the valuation and wanted to keep control of the assets. Or perhaps the revenue from Stage6 was too material for them to let it go over the long run. From what we hear a massive battle of ego’s ultimately killed the deal. But when the decision was made, the key Stage6 founders resigned. DivX made a brief announcement about Greenhall’s departure, and added that it “expects to take additional time to consider the alternatives available to the Company related to the future of the Stage6 service.”

From that point everyone expected DivX to just continue to run the site. But over December and January they may have become concerned again about the costs of streaming the video and running the site without most of the key team there to look after things. Three weeks ago, we hear, DivX re-approached Greenhall and asked if they’d like to do the original deal. Greenhall declined.

So then DivX announced the closure of Stage6. When it shuts down all those millions of DivX downloads and associated Yahoo revenue goes away with it. At the end of the day DivX threw out the baby, the bathwater, millions of dollars in revenue and tens of millions of users. Their board and executive team, in short, look like fools. Investors seem to agree - the stock hit an all time low today.

DivX declined to comment on this post.

By

Michael Arrington