Bee Movie: The Game

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

Cons
No Cons.

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

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

Mario Kart for Nintendo Wii

Pros
Everything. Just a downright awesome game!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Portable Air Conditioners

Haier HPE07XC6(Around $360)

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


Sharp CV-P10MX(Around $550)

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


Amcor ALTL 12000E (Around $430)

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


Sharp CV-P12LX (Around $650)

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

Ducati Desmosedici RR (2007-current)

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

overall verdict

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

Engine

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

Ride and Handling

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

Equipment

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

Quality and Reliability

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

Value

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

Model History

2007: Ducati Desmosedici RR launched.

Kawasaki ZX-10R (2008-current)

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

Overall verdict

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

Engine

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

Ride and Handling

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

Equipment

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

Quality and Reliability

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

Value

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

Model History

2008: All-new model launched.

Ducati 1098R (2008-current)

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

Overall verdict

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

Engine

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

Ride and Handling

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

Equipment

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

Quality and Reliability

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

Value

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

Model History

2008: Ducati 1098R launched.

Balance by High Gear Basic Pedometer EC1600

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

Pros
flip-up display, calorie counter, reset delay

Cons
not the most comfortable clip when you're sitting

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


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

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


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

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


Some cool and/or useful features:

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


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

Finis SwiMP3 v.2 Waterproof MP3 Music Player

Great swimming companion

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

Cons
Storage space, multi-function buttons.

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

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

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

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

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

New Ford Fusion

Quick Take

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

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights


Spacious and sleek.
Excellent ergonomics.
Comfortable seating.

Pros

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

Cons

Could use a more powerful engine.

Overview

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

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

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

Powertrain & Performance

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

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

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

Build & Styling

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

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

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

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

Suzuki GSX-R1000 Motorcycle

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

Overall verdict

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

Engine

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

Ride and Handling

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

Equipment

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

Quality and Reliability

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

Value

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

Model History

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

Other Versions

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

Honda CB1300S Motocycle

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

Overall verdict

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

Engine

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

Ride and Handling

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

Equipment

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

Quality and Reliability

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

Value

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

Model History

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

Other Versions

Honda CB1300: Naked version.

BMW F800GS Motorcycle

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

Overall verdict

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

Engine

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


Ride and Handling

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

Equipment

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

Quality and Reliability

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

Value

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

Model History

2008: BMW F800GS launched.

Best Elliptical Trainers Top Rated

Spirit XE 350 (Around $1,450)

Best entry-level elliptical trainer. If you're looking for a lot of features, but a Precor elliptical trainer is beyond your budget, reviews recommend the Spirit XE 350. This elliptical trainer has ten customizable programs and an included wireless heart-rate monitor. Unlike the Precor EFX, it includes an upper body workout. Articulated foot pedals help decrease ankle strain, and there's a weight capacity of 325 pounds. The stride length is 20 inches, so it should be plenty comfortable for taller users. Best of all, Spirit includes a five-year warranty on parts, a lifetime warranty on the frame and an unheard-of two years of labor coverage, far better than other manufacturers.


Precor EFX 5.17i (Around $2,700)

Best elliptical trainer. Reviewers say Precor makes the best elliptical trainers on the market. The EFX 5.17i is Precor's entry-level elliptical trainer, but reviews say that doesn't stop it from being one of the most durable options. It has four programs, and there are 20 resistance levels. One feature that sets it apart from cheaper elliptical machines is an incline that adjusts from 12 to 25 degrees. Its long, 19-inch stride makes it comfortable even for tall users. According to the manufacturer, Precor's elliptical trainers don’t have a weight limit, so they're appropriate and stable for heavier individuals. The EFX 5.17i doesn't have moving handles for an upper body workout.


Fitness Quest Eclipse 1100 HR/A (Around $400)

Budget elliptical trainer. The Fitness Quest elliptical trainer has one huge advantage over other models in its price range -- it has a one-year warranty on parts and labor, longer than other models, which usually have only a 90-day warranty. The Fitness Quest elliptical trainer has ten preset programs and two heart-rate-controlled programs (it has handgrip heart-rate sensors) and can support up to 275 pounds. However, this model weighs only 90 pounds, so it's not as heavy or stable as pricier models.


Precor EFX 5.33 (Around $3,800)

Club-quality elliptical trainer. Precor's health-club-quality EFX 5.33 elliptical trainer adds moving handlebars for an upper body workout. There are 14 programs (including manual), along with 20 resistance levels. The incline is fixed at 20 degrees. With Precor elliptical trainers, you must choose between an adjustable incline or an upper body workout.

Best Backpacks

Gossamer Gear Mariposa (Around $130)

Best ultralight backpack. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa camping backpack weighs just 18 ounces, yet its 4,200 cubic inches can hold enough ultralight gear for a multi-day trip. Siliconized nylon makes the pack water-resistant; oxford cloth reinforces key stress points. For hiking in rougher areas off trail, the Mariposa Plus (Around $130) uses tougher cloth but weighs 3 ounces more.


Granite Gear Vapor Trail Ki (Around $160)

Women's ultralight. This 37-ounce backpack fits most women better than a unisex pack, uses tough fabric, and has a load lifter to shift weight between shoulders and hips as desired. The 3,600-inch volume of the Granite Gear Vapor Trail Ki camping backpack can be compressed well for shorter trips, and you can add an optional lid (Around $22) to store often-used items. A men's version is also available.


GoLite Jam (Around $90)

Weekend ultralight pack. True ultralight hikers can fit enough gear into the GoLite Jam backpack's 2,750 cubic inches for an even longer camping trip, and the GoLite Jam weighs just 21 ounces. It's frameless but otherwise full-featured, with hip belt, side pockets for water bottles, a sleeve for hydration bladder, and more.


Arc Teryx Naos 55 (Around $430)

Waterproof off-trail backpack. Top-ranked in recent roundup reviews, the 72-ounce Naos 55 waterproof backpack uses watertight zippers, welded seams, and urethane-coated nylon, so you need neither rain cover nor inner drysack. The hip belt pivots to move with you, and reviews praise this backpack's balance for loads up to 50 pounds -- heavier than many other backpacks. Its 3,700-cubic-inch size is good for weekends and, with the right lightweight gear, can serve for even longer trips.


Gregory Shasta (Around $270)

Best backpack for big heavy loads. Reviews say this camping backpack is comfortable for loads of 65 pounds or even more, and it can hold 4,950 cubic inches of gear, enough for a winter trip without ultralight planning. The Gregory Shasta's shoulder straps and hip belt rotate automatically to fit you, and a sleeping bag compartment makes it easier to load.


Gregory Deva 60 (Around $250)

Women's backpack. The classic Gregory Deva backpack has been redesigned for 2006 to use Gregory's most comfortable suspension system. The 86-ounce weight is over twice that of the ultralight Vapor Trail Ki, and the 3,900-cubic-inch volume is about the same, but the Gregory Deva is rated for heavier loads up to 45 pounds. Big loads are convenient to access, with a sleeping bag compartment and both top and back zippers. The back panel is ventilated to keep you as cool as possible.

SeeqPod - Website

SeeqPod is a search engine for music that allows you to play the results through an embedded flash player. It recently has added video support, via YouTube. The files found do not have download links, however they can be downloaded if you use the Firefox extension Video DownloadHelper.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Play online mp3s using your web browser
•Access a huge library of music
•Create custom playlists
•Has both mp3s and videos
•Easy to use
•Firefox extension available
•You can download mp3s as files with an easy hack
•Cool "discover" button makes playlist based on similar artists

Cons:

•Can't copy and paste text from the interface (URLs for example)
•Somewhat clunky Flash interface
•Grey-area music copyright situation

Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H - Motherboard

The Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H motherboard is the first platform based on the new AMD 780G chipset. This new chipset includes a DirectX 10.1-compliant graphics core reused from the Radeon HD 3200; with AMD making use of ATI technology inherited from the July 2006 merger of AMD and ATI. The AMD 780G chipset enables decode acceleration of Blu-ray movie playback, second-generation PCI Express, Hybrid CrossFire, a new SB700 south bridge, and a Phenom-ready HyperTransport 3 processor link. Corresponding with the March 4th, 2008 announcement of this board, AMD is introducing a new energy-efficient 45 Watt Athlon X2 4850e for $89. The GA-MA78GM-S2H retails for $95.


Pros:

•Best IGP solution (March 2008)
•low power consumption
•HDMI output
•Connect up to 4 displays with Hybrid CrossFireX - 3rd, and 4th display requires additional graphics card
•DirectX 10.1 compliant
•GPU decoding of HD codecs makes this board HD compatible with a relatively slow CPU
•Integrated Gigabit Ethernet

More information

AMD 780G Chipset

•Supports AMD AM2+ Phenom/ AM2 Athlon64 series processors
•Solid capacitors design in CPU VRM
•Dual Channel DDR2 1066
•Integrated ATI Radeon HD3200-based graphics (DX10)
•Ultimate graphics performance with PCI-E 2.0 x16 interface with ATI Hybrid •CrossFireX support
•Integrated SATA 3Gb/s with RAID function
•Features high speed Gigabit Ethernet and IEEE1394
•High quality 106dB SNR ALC889A HD audio
•Integrated HDMI/ DVI interface with HDCP

http://www.gigabyte-usa.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2647

Hewlett Packard 2133 Mini-Note PC

The Mini-Note PC by Hewlett Packard is the company's first venture into the low-priced, ultra-compact laptop market. The Mini-Note tries to establish itself as a higher-end version with an 8.9" screen and full size keyboard. They also offer configuration options such as operating system, processor, RAM and harddrive. This can make the price range from $499 to $749, making it more expensive than the competition. Hewlett Packard also chose an aluminum chassis for the Mini-Note to give it a slightly upscale look.


Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Nice aluminum outer case
•Great configuration options
•Can run Windows Vista
•Powerful CPU for its size
•Full size keyboard

Cons:

•Heavier than competition
•More expensive than competition
•Slow boot-up time
•Weirdly placed mouse buttons

More information

Features

•CPU: 1.6 GHz
•Screen size: 8.9"
•Harddrive: 4GB flash drive or up to 160GB traditional drive
•Full size keyboard
•Weight: 3.2 lbs
•Dimensions: 10" x 6.5" x 1.1"
•Spill resistant keyboard
•Vertical mouse buttons

Configuration Options

•Operating Systems
•Linux (starting at $499)
•Windows Vista Basic (starting at $599)
•Windows Vista Business (?)

Harddrive

•4GB flash drive
•120GB 5,400-rpm drive
•160GB 5,400-rpm drive
•160GB 7,200-rpm drive

Panasonic HDC-SD9 - Camcoder

The Panasonic HDC-SD9 is an SD-card high-definition camcorder. The SD9 is in the same line as the Panasonic HDC-HS9, without the built-in harddrive. The SD9 records in 1920x 1080 progressive recording with 5.1 surround sound audio recording.

Pros:

•3CCD recording
•Capable of recording FullHD 1080p @ 24 fps
•Very small and lightweight
•58 hours record time on 32 GB SDHC memory card
•HDMI output

More information

The SD9 also features an "Intelligent Shooting Guide" which gives the user tips on recording, real-time, taking into account the current conditions. This can help a beginner videographer who isn't sure how to use the more advanced features.

Features

3CCD camera system
Dimensions: 65mm x 67mm x 126mm
Weight: 275 g
1920x1080 HD progressive recording
5.1 surround sound audio recording
Face detection
Optical image stabilizer
Leica Dicomar lens
SD card for storage
Up to 2 hours battery life with option for a bigger battery

The Orange Box

Five games, One Box. That's the tag line behind Valve's latest offering that packages in three new games along two previously available ones. In a departure from Valve's usual operations The Orange Box will be available simultaneously on consoles alongside the PC. Naturally the title will be available from Valve's Steam digital distribution system, where each game can be purchased a la carte, though at a higher combined price.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Tons of content for your money
•Team Fortress 2 is an excellent multiplayer game
•Half-Life 2 is still one of the best games ever made

Cons:

•Many people already own Half-Life 2


More information

Half-Life 2 and Episodes

Half-Life 2 released in 2004 to great critical and commercial success. The Orange Box contains the original game with updated graphics and improvements to the underlying Source engine technology. Half-Life 2 is praised for its solid physics engine with resulting physics-based puzzles, and immersive world and environments. HL2 was also ported over to the original Xbox with many features downgraded, the Xbox 360/PS3 port are nearly identical to the PC version.

Half-Life 2: Episode 1 is the previously available episodic addition to HL2. Once again you take control of Gordon Freeman, fight alongside his partner Alyx and try to take down the Combine the game's main enemy. Episode 1 reuses many of the same gameplay elements as vanilla HL2 with the addition of a few new items and weapons.

Half-Life 2: Episode 2 is a new addition to the series introduced in The Orange Box. The latest installment picks up right after the events of Episode 1, and again introduces a few new tricks to the bag. Originally slated for release as a standalone offering similar to Ep1 in Fall 2006, Episode 2 was delayed for a year and incorporated into The Orange Box release.

Portal

Originally started as a class project, Valve was so impressed by the initial demonstration of Portal that they hired the team and made the mod a standalone game. Built upon the Source engine Portal features no guns or weapons of any kind. Instead you have a "gun" that can manipulate portals, which are tiny wormholes that allow you to teleport from place to place. The game is a sequence of rooms each one being its own individual puzzle that requires you to figure out how and where to place the portals to get from the beginning to the end.

Team Fortress 2

Almost a decade in the making Team Fortress 2 was originally set for release in 1998 as the sequel to the popular Half-Life mod: Team Fortress Classic. The original game was set in a modern day military setting, and introduced the concept of class-based multiplayer where each person can choose from a different role with specialized weapons and abilities.

TF2 follows the paradigm of class based gameplay that has since become extremely popular, but goes for an entirely unique design aesthetic. The graphics are cartoony and over the top, with each class being represented by a highly stylized character. The abilities and skills of each class are limited relative to previous offerings as there are only a few weapons and skills available, however Valve added depth through the sheer number of classes and how they interact with one another. For example, pairing a medic with a heavy class grants the heavy character a major boost in health which makes them a far more formidable opponent to deal with.

Differences in Versions

Graphically Valve states that all three versions of the game will look nearly the same, though obviously a top of the line PC will win out. Both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game do not support mouse and keyboard setups. Valve is directly responsible for developing the PC and Xbox 360 port, while a development team inside of EA handled the PS3 port.

Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH

The Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH is one of four models of new Elite receivers released in 2007 including the VSX-90TXV, VSX-91TXH, and VSX-92TXH. The VSX-94TXH is a 7.1 channel receiver delivering 140 Watts of power to each of it 7 channels. Pioneer has caught up to its competition by including 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs with a built-in Faroudja DCDi video processor that upscales all sources to 1080p and sends to the HDMI output, and all analog sources to component video.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•LAN / Internet streaming
•Send room acoustic data to your PC over RS-232
•Upscaling using Faroudja chip to 1080p over HDMI
•Advanced MCACC system /w full phase control
•Looks great; nice build quality
•stellar audio(in pure direct for cd listening and Dolby Digital + and DTS HD MA for Blu-ray) and video

Cons:

•Lackluster UI compared to competitors

More information

The VSX-94TXH has a LAN 10/100 Ethernet connection for streaming music from either your PC or over the Internet with any DLNA compliant source. It features a USB input for connecting external media players or storage devices like an iPod. It is XM/Sirius compatible.

MCACC

The VSX-94TXH has what Pioneer calls Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration Circuit (MCACC) for equalizing and automatically tuning your system to your specific room dynamics. Place the included microphone in your typical listening position, press the MCACC button, and the receiver will automatically calibrate itself. This model includes full Phase Control as well. For hardcore enthusiasts, graphical images of your room's reverberation frequency response can be displayed on your PC over its RS-232 output.

Features

•4 x HDMI 1.3a inputs, 1 x HDMI 1.3a output
•7.1 channel surround /w 140 Watts per channel
•Faroudja DCDi video processing
•Upscaling and transcoding all video inputs to 1080p over HDMI
•Converts S-video and composite video inputs to component video output
•Multi-room, multi-source with 3 zones
•iPod/USB/XM/Sirius/DLNA/Internet Radio
•dimensions: 16 9/16" W x 7 3/8" H x 18 1/16 " D
•weight: 41.14 lbs.

Competitors

•Onkyo TX-SR875 - Reon HQV, no LAN, $1600
•Sony STR-DA5300ES - Faroudja, no LAN, slick UI, 6 HDMI ins, $1700
•Yamaha RX-V3800 - Anchor Bay ABT1010, LAN, $1700
•Denon AVR-3808CI - Faroudja, LAN, slick UI, $1600

The Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH was released in mid-August 2007 with an MSRP of $1600. The Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH boasts similar specifications and features with 3 HDMI inputs and 130 Watts / channel for $300 cheaper with an MSRP of $1300.