Sony VAIO TXN17P/B - Laptop

The good: Great battery life; built-in mobile broadband antenna; typically impressive Sony industrial design; LED-backlit display provides bright screen and aids battery life; compact and light; still includes optical drive.

The bad: Slow Core Solo processor; small and slow hard drive; expensive warranty extensions.

The bottom line: Sony adds Windows Vista to its ultraportable VAIO TXN17, which doesn't change much otherwise from its XP-based precursor. With a gorgeous design, excellent battery life, and wireless broadband, it remains one of the best ultraportables on the market for business travelers.

Price range: $1,683.95

After the first wave of laptops specifically designed for Windows Vista, such as the HP Pavilion tx1000 and the Toshiba Portege R400, major PC vendors are releasing updated versions of workhorse systems, nearly identical to previous iterations with the exception of Windows Vista. Sony has added Windows Vista Business Edition to its popular mobile-broadband-enabled ultraportable model, the VAIO TXN17 P/T. For $2,699, you get one of the smallest ultraportable systems that comes with an optical drive on the market, although the Intel Core Solo processor is going to be a step down for anyone used to dual-core computing. Expensive but attractive is the VAIO mantra, and fashion-conscious titans of industry will like this high-end conversation piece, as will anyone who needs Sprint-powered mobile broadband in the smallest possible package.

Measuring 10.8 inches wide, 8 inches deep, and 1.2 inches high, the TXN17 is among the smallest ultraportables we've seen. It's tiny enough to carry around without much hassle, but the small screen and the cramped keyboard will be uncomfortable for extended use. The Sony VAIO TXN17 weighs 2.9 pounds (3.6 pounds with the AC adapter), which is extremely light when you consider the system has a built-in optical drive, something many smaller laptops omit to save on weight and bulk. The Asus S6F features a similar footprint and an optical drive but is noticeably thicker.

The tradeoff with using an ultraportable laptop is the miniaturized keyboard, and the VAIO TXN17 is no exception. The flat-topped keys are an acquired taste, similar to those on a MacBook, and those without nimble fingers will find themselves hitting the backspace key often. The touch pad, by comparison, is plenty ample for every day use, and the media control buttons built into the hinge are accessible, even when the lid is closed.

The 11.1-inch screen has a native resolution of 1,366x768, which translates into small text and images when Web surfing, but not more so than other ultraportable systems. The display is nice and bright, thanks to new LED backlight technology, and displays video and image files nicely.

You'll find fewer ports on the Sony VAIO TXN17 than on larger laptop. The compact size leaves room for two USB 2.0 ports, a four-pin FireWire jack, VGA output, SD card and Memory Stick readers, and headphone and mic jacks. There's also a Type II PC Card slot, but no room for ExpressCards. Like last year's TXN15 model, this system offers a complete set of connectivity features: LAN, modem, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Sprint WWAN. The only caveat is that the laptop's rather large cellular antenna is attached, via rotating hinge, to the side of the system.

With only a 1.2GHz Intel Core Solo U1400 processor, you're not going to get a lot of horsepower from the TXN17. It does improve on the TXN15's specs by adding a second gigabyte of RAM, which is highly recommended for Vista use. Rounding out the basic, nonconfigurable specs are an 80GB hard drive, running at 4,200rpm, and integrated Intel Mobile Express 945GM graphics--the bare minimum graphics muscle you'll need for Vista.

Taking its single-core processor into account, we were impressed with the VAIO's performance. Compared to the Windows-XP-powered TXN15, the Vista-powered TXN17 scored significantly better in our Microsoft Office productivity test, while matching the earlier system's performance on the iTunes encoding and Photoshop CS2 tests. The Fujitsu LifeBook P1610 shares the same Core Solo U1400 CPU but only half the RAM yet offered similar performance. The extra RAM, which would usually boost a system's scores, is seemingly consumed by Vista's increased overhead.

The Sony VAIO TXN17's biggest plus is its battery life. In our battery-drain test, we got 4 hours and 54 minutes from the system--making this one of the longest-lasting laptops we've seen. When we tested the previous model, the TXN15, last year, we got around 9 hours of battery life from it, but that was with an older, less taxing test. The included battery does stick out slightly from the back of the system, but it's a fair trade-off for the extended running time. Working on tasks less battery intensive than playing a DVD will yield even more uptime, making this a great system for long plane trips or all-day on-the-road use.

Sony backs the VAIO VGN-TXN15P/W with a one-year warranty--the industry standard for consumer laptops, but not the lengthy three years most businesses demand. After the warranty expires, support calls cost $20 per incident. Warranty upgrades are expensive: $200 to extend the warranty to three years and $250 for three years of onsite service. The company's Web site provides a thorough knowledge base, and you have the option of e-mailing Sony technicians for support.

Lenovo ThinkPad X60s - Laptop

The good: Extremely portable design; excellent keyboard; fingerprint reader; integrated WWAN radio; great performance; incredibly long battery life when configured with high-capacity battery.

The bad: More expensive than comparable models; lacks built-in optical drive; lacks built-in support for ExpressCards.

The bottom line: The first ultraportable to accommodate Intel's Core Duo processor, the ThinkPad X60s combines blazing performance and incredible battery life with a full feature set and a compact case. We like it.

Price range: $1,215.00

The latest model in the ThinkPad X series, the ultraportable X60s is almost imperceptibly lighter and thinner than its predecessor, the ThinkPad X41. Though the X60s improves upon the previous generation by adding a few more features, including built-in WWAN connectivity and the latest Intel Core Duo processors, it still lacks the built-in optical drive found in smaller, lighter competitors, such as the Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P and the Fujitsu LifeBook P7120. And yet the ThinkPad X60s is as costly as the Sony and more expensive than the Fujitsu--our loaded test configuration cost $2,299. Still, the ThinkPad's keyboard is larger than those laptops', making it the better choice if comfortable typing is more valuable to you than viewing CDs and DVDs. In general, if you can do without a built-in optical drive, we think the ThinkPad X60s delivers a best-in-class balance of comfort, performance, battery life, and portability.

Measuring 10.5 inches wide, 8.3 inches deep, and 0.8 inch thick at the front (1.1 inches thick at the back), the ThinkPad X60s is nearly identical to its predecessor, the ThinkPad X41. The base X60s configuration weighs a spritely 2.7 pounds, though our test unit, which included an extended battery, weighed 3.5 pounds (the extended battery also adds 1 inch of depth and 0.4 inch of thickness at the back). The laptop's diminutive AC adapter adds 0.7 pound to its total weight. The VAIO VGN-TX670 and the LifeBook P7120 are smaller and lighter and yet manage to incorporate an optical drive, though they also have smaller displays.

The ThinkPad X60s's 12.1-inch display has a 1,024x768 native resolution that provides just enough screen real estate for basic business tasks and Web surfing; the Fujitsu's and Sony's smaller displays have slightly finer resolutions. Though most ultraportables sacrifice key size to fit a smaller case, the X60s's keys are large and very comfortable for extended typing. Our only complaint is that the right-side Alt and Ctrl keys are a bit narrow--annoying if you're accustomed to using shortcuts. As with all ThinkPads, the X60s includes a red TrackPoint pointing stick; beneath the keyboard are three mouse buttons (the center acts as a scroll button) and a fingerprint reader for security. Otherwise, you get just volume controls and a long, blue ThinkVantage button that launches system maintenance, connectivity, and other utilities. Tucked into the lid is a nifty light that illuminates the keyboard in dim environments.

Business travelers will find all the ports they need on the ThinkPad X60s: VGA, four-pin FireWire, and three USB 2.0 ports, as well as headphone and microphone jacks. The laptop also includes slots for Type II PC Cards and Secure Digital cards, though ExpressCards require an adapter (not included). Aside from the aforementioned missing optical drive, the ThinkPad X60s's connections match up well with those of both the VAIO VGN-TX670P and the LifeBook P7120. Our review model included the X6 Ultrabase docking station ($160 if you buy it as an option), which features a DVD/CD-RW drive in addition to a number of other ports and connections.

Like the Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P, the ThinkPad X60s offers the maximum degree of connectivity, with modem, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi, and an integrated cellular radio (on select models, including our review unit) that connects to Verizon's EV-DO data network. Though data plans are still expensive and throughput speeds are occasionally slow, this is a great feature for workers who need to stay connected at all costs.

Priced at $2,299, our ThinkPad X60s review unit featured a solid collection of the latest components, including an Intel Core Duo 1.66GHz processor; 512MB of fast 667MHz RAM; a midsize 80GB, 5,400rpm hard drive; and integrated Intel graphics. Based on its performance on CNET Labs' mobile benchmarks, the ThinkPad X series realizes some significant performance gains with its Intel Core Duo processor. Its MobileMark score was 28 percent higher than the Pentium M-based Fujitsu LifeBook P7120's and 32 percent higher than the Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P's; the X60s also bested its predecessor, the 1.5GHz Pentium M-based ThinkPad X41, by 28 percent. Those speed gains are enough to notice with average use and will be particularly useful for multitasking. The X60s's 8-hour, 16-minute battery life is the longest we've ever seen--very impressive, though not quite surprising, given that our review unit's price included an 8-cell high-capacity battery. The battery costs $143 if you buy it as an option, and we think it's worth it.

Like other ThinkPads, the X60s is backed by either a one-year or a three-year warranty, depending on the configuration you buy, and reasonably priced upgrades are available. Lenovo's support Web site includes a handful of troubleshooting topics, as well as the expected driver downloads; the site lacks interactive features such as customer forums or the chance to chat in real time with a technician.

New Honda City ZX

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 12/18 km/l city/highway
Available Engines 1.5L, In-line 4, 76 bhp petrol
1.5L, In-line 4, 100 bhp petrol
Available Transmissions Manual Transmission with CVT

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

i-DSI technology.
14-inch wheels / Tubeless tyres.
Good driving dynamics.
Low emissions.
Attractive Fuel Economy.

Pros

Refined interiors.
Sleek, sporty styling.
Superb VTEC engine.
Excellent road grip.
Enhanced safety features.

Cons

Non-VTEC variants not as powerful as their competitors.

Overview

The Honda City ZX is an upmarket sedan available in four variants: the EXi, GXi, CVT, VTEC and VTEC Plus. The City has a sleek, aerodynamic profile with futuristic styling, trendy interiors and the option of a VTEC engine. The car enhances passenger safety with an advanced impact absorbing body structure, impact absorbing wiper pivots, a collapsible bonnet hinge, head restraints and adjustable headlamp beams.

Honda is renowned for making some of the world's most powerful, fuel-efficient and cleanest engines. This tradition continues in India with the Honda City ZX. The Hyper-16 valve, VTEC engine and programmed fuel injection translate into some of the lowest emissions in any car in the Indian auto market. The City ZX is built to tackle congested driving conditions in Indian cities and comes armed with a 4.9 metre turning radius, excellent suspension, power steering and high torque to ensure ride comfort in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the hood, an efficient 1.5 litre i-DSI engine that makes 76 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque at 2,700 rpm. The potent ZX VTEC engine churns out 100 horsepower and 13.3 kgm of torque at 4,800 rpm. The VTEC engines are powerful, accelerate smoothly and maintain good speed on highway. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) sends power to the wheels seamlessly, thereby minimising power loss and enabling refined ride quality.

Improved suspension flattens out the drive; the car displays excellent road grip, especially while cornering. Fuel efficiency is decent with 12 km/l in city driving and a decent 18 km/l on highway.

Build & Styling

The Honda City ZX has a low, wide stance with sporty design cues; slanting headlights wrap around the front of the car. A wide grille consisting of two horizontal strips sports a chrome Honda badge. The 2006 model has a higher bonnet and larger grille. The rear-end of the ZX VTEC looks smarter and leaner, with part of the taillights incorporated into the trunk lid.

Standard exterior features include 14-inch wheels, tubeless tyres, resin wheel cover with chrome 'H' badge, chrome grille, 3-d multi-reflector headlamps, tail-light cluster, body-coloured bumper, green tinted glass and a radio antenna.

The Honda City ZX interiors are classy, refined and comfortable. The cabin is well-equipped and spacious with generous seating for five and a trunk capacity of 500 litres for the traveler. Standard interior features include a centre console and switch panel in metallic grey, two speakers, a digital odometer, two-tone grey interiors, grey upholstery and chrome surround gauges.

Conveniences include front passenger seatback pocket, air-conditioning with heater, a power tilt-steering wheel, power door locks, power door mirror, power windows, intermittent front wiper, rear armrest, a cigarette lighter, remote trunk/fuel lid opener, twin glove box and centre console with glass holders.

New Honda Accord

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 10/14 km/l (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.4L i-VTEC In-line 4, 178 bhp
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
5-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Refreshing new exterior and interior design.
Larger cabin room with classy interiors.
Improved fuel economy.

Pros

Strong build & elegant styling.
Enhanced safety features.
F1-inspired paddle shifters.

Cons

Too many buttons on the dashboard can be confusing.

Overview

Take one look at the 8th generation Honda Accord and notice that it clearly stands out as royalty. Honda has re-worked on every aspect of the car from exterior styling to the interiors to the chassis and engine. The new Accord has no resemblance to its 7th generation predecessor.

The car is more agile and flexible along curves than ever before. The front fascia is now more muscular and cabin has been enhanced for more legroom. The new Accord also packs more safety features than before. It is the largest Accord ever made and almost reaches the Mercedes-Benz E-class in proportion. The wheelbase is longer by 3 inches and the width and height have been increased by nearly an inch.

The Honda Accord has always been a leader in the D+ car segment in India. The new 8th generation Accord is pitted against the likes of Skoda Superb, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class.

Powertrain & Performance

The engine on all the three variants available variants (2.4, 2.4 Elegance and 2.4 Inspire) is the same - 178 bhp 2.4-litre i-VTEC Inline-4. A choice of either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic is offered. Honda has dropped the 3.0-litre V6 engine that was available on the previous model of Accord. The new engine generates 30 bhp more power. The new E10 engine is capable of running on a combination of 10% ethanol and 90% petrol to give enhanced fuel economy. The fuel efficiency on the new Accord has increased by 8 percent.

The chassis of the car has been made 20 percent stiffer and this makes driving in a straight line very easy. Like the successful Honda Civic, the Accord too now comes with Formula One inspired paddle shifters. All variants get a tilt/telescopic steering wheel and the top end 2.4 Inspire variant comes with a premium 4-spoke leather steering wheel with an aluminium colour panel and a leather gear shift knob.

When it comes to driving, the car is very agile and responds quickly to inputs. The refined nature of the powerful engine makes the ride very enjoyable. The new Accord also accelerates much quicker than its predecessor and gear shifts are smooth and effortless.

Build & Styling

The Honda Accord has an aggressive front fascia. The 6-sided mesh grille with chrome slats gives a luxury feel. The body construction is rigid and strong. The fenders carry fog lamps on the front and rear. The car rides on large 16-inch alloy wheels.

On the interior, the dashboard has been revamped. The dual tone finish is very appealing. The plastic used is of good quality and the upholstery is smooth and gives a rich feel. On the whole, the cabin is very classy.

Cabin space is enhanced and occupants get more leg room, shoulder room and thigh support. The driver's seat gets 8-way power adjustment with lumbar support. Rear seats have independent air vents and air conditioning. The rear seats also get their own audio control knobs.

For entertainment, the car comes with a 6-disc CD changer and MP3 player, a USB connector and 6 speakers. The car also comes loaded with convenience features like power retractable door mirrors, headlight height adjuster, noise and vibration reduction carpet and foldable rear seats.

Some of the safety features on the car include dual front i-SRS airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock braking with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution technology, high mounted LED brake lights, G-force Control technology (G-Con), engine immobilizer, and security alarm. The top-end Accord Inspire variant adds parking assist system.

New Honda Civic

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 10/14 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.8L In-line 4, 130 bhp petrol
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
5-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Choice of MT and AT
Cockpit style dash
Fuel efficiency

Pros

Futuristic sporty styling
Roomy interiors
High performance powertrain

Cons

Cargo space can be increased

Overview

The Honda Civic is the eighth generation Civic and all-new in India, rolling out from the Honda Siel Cars plant located in Greater Noida. The Honda Civic has been voted as the 'Car of the year' for 2007. The Civic, after its launch in the US, comes with some tweaks to suit the Indian road. It is powered by 1.8L i-VTEC engine, comes with higher ground clearance and stiffer suspension. With top-of-the-line technology, sporty looks, choice of automotive and manual transmissions, the Civic is bound to please the Indian taste palates.

The Civic places itself in the entry-level D Segment and competes with Corolla and the Skoda Octavia. The Civic design is youthful and trendy in comparison with its competitors. The Civic comes in two main variants, the 1.8S and 1.8V. The 1.8S comes with a 5-speed manual transmission whereas the 1.8V comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The Honda Civic is the futuristic family car!

Powertrain & Performance

With its peppy engine and buttery smooth transmission, the Honda Civic comes with a high-tech and revolutionary 1.8L inline-4 engine that cranks out 130 bhp at 6,300 rpm and a peak torque of 172 Nm is achieved at 4,300 rpm. The incorporation of variable timing control for the single overhead cam enhances engine performance at high speed. The all-aluminium engine is ultra smooth and almost silent at low revs. Equipped with the 5-speed manual or an optional automatic (1.8V variant only), the Civic is swift. The power graph remains stable between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm, and that is when power is essential for a stop-and-go drive. It is a muscle engine and roars at high revs.

The all-independent suspension with McPherson Strut in front and coil over double wishbone with torsion bar in the rear is excellent during high speeds and highway drives, but not a very good mate for bad roads. The suspension system is tweaked for minimal body roll during tight cornering. The all disc brakes with brake assist give instant halt to the mighty car. The power-assisted, collapsible steering is precise and takes speed of the car into consideration for inputs. With all these smartly tuned features, the ride quality of the Civic takes driving to a new horizon.

Build & Styling

The Honda Civic is not a typical three box character; the A-pillar is shifted forward for better aerodynamics that makes it look like the next generation car. The easy flow design with the kick-up eyed headlights and floating chrome grille are some of the stand out features.

The circular roof rises gradually and falls on the boot gracefully; the Civic's short boot gives it a contemporary feel. A touch of elegance is visible at every corner. The low-slung car looks sporty and outgoing. The interiors are also no less competitive; the cockpit style dash is really impressive and practical. The glove box has a handle on the right that makes it convenient for the driver. The Z-shaped hand break, side door knob, steering wheel and the instrument console are all futuristic for better practicality.

The digital speedometer impresses the most, while the premium sound system keeps you entertained all the way. The design gives scope for sufficient headroom and shoulder room. Though the boot is not voluminously large, it is still sufficient. The futuristic design makes this sedan a comfortable one.

Kawasaki 250R Ninja (2008-current) - Mororcycle

New price £2,995
Engine size 249cc
Power 32.5bhp
Top speed 110mph

Overall verdict

The American market has been a big success for the Kawasaki Ninja 250 range for years and years and… But even the septics need a fresh brew every now and then and the Ninja 250R is the latest offering. Fortunately for 33bhp probationary riders in mainland Europe and the UK, we are getting the bike too, complete with emissions compliant fuel injection. A brave move by Kawasaki because the Ninja is virtually in a class of its own. Trend setting? Maybe.

Engine

A major overhaul of the old, forgotten about ZZ-R/GPX 250 engine has bought Kawasaki Ninja 250R bang up date by being environmentally friendly and as easy to use as a Raleigh bicycle. The Kawasaki Ninja 250R’s claimed 33bhp is spread thinner than gold plating – there’s no sensation of the power coming into play or fading as the motor spins to 14,000rpm so very quickly. Fuel injection does what it does precise and cleanly, which kinda sums up the motor.

Ride and Handling

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a lithesome agile number that makes the most of narrow tyres, high-ish bars and minimalist 154 dry weight figure. It all adds up to make town work and B-road rides a hoot – think slightly more powerful 125cc sports learner motorcycle and you’ll be spot on. The Kawasaki Ninja 250R’s suspension is perfectly suited to all but the worst of UK roads but lacks any damping adjustment, which is a blow on the rear side because the single rear shock needs more preload to keep the bike from getting all floaty and bottoming out. The standard tyres are for upright city use in our book.

Equipment

You wouldn’t know it, even looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 250R up real close, but it is manufactured in Taiwan under strict quality control. The gear linkage looks budget but is no worse than other manufacturer budget-line specials. The clocks are olde worlde analogue and there’s even a front wheel driven speedometer cable, which is novel. But the styling and dramatic black or corporate green paintwork is choice and the wave-style brake discs are ultra-cool… on a what is essentially a learner bike.

Quality and Reliability

Good marks here because the Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a good motorcycle – it works perfectly as a motorcycle, and works better as bike to gain confidence on. MCN’s only worry is what will the Kawasaki Ninja 250R be like after the 24 month probation period; a period of time where the bike will undoubtedly be hammered non-stop and (hopefully not) be treated much the same as a cheapy 125cc learner machine.

Value

You could do worse by buying a more powerful machine and getting it restricted especially if it’s a new bike where insurance costs will be horrific. Even a decent private-sale second-hand bike would be expensive and probably lose more money over the next 24 months.


Model History

2008: Model introduced.

Other Versions

None.

New Tata Indigo CS

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 11/15 kmph (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.2L In-line 4, 64 bhp Petrol
1.4L In-line 4, 69 bhp Turbocharged Diesel
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Stylish look.
Performance.
Quiet engine.

Pros

Comfort.
Fuel efficiency.
Affordable.

Cons

No central locking system.

Overview

The Indigo CS is a sub 4-meter sedan based on the popular mid-size Indigo sedan from Tata Motors. The sedan was introduced by Tata to allow consumers to benefit from the current tax structure favouring small cars. At 3988 meters in length, the Indigo CS manages to qualify as a small car. The 'CS' in Indigo CS stands for 'Compact Sedan'. The car has good pickup and comes with a lightweight body. It is a great sedan available at the price of a hatchback. The model comes in both petrol and diesel versions.

Powertrain & Performance

The Indigo CS is offered in five variants- LE, LS and LS DiCOR in diesel & GLE and GLS in petrol. The petrol variants come equipped with a 64 bhp 1.2-litre multi-point fuel injection in-line 4 engine and the diesel variants get a 1.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine that delivers an output of 69 bhp. With minimal engine noise and vibration, the performance of the sedan is acceptable. All variants come with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The wheelbase of the Indigo CS is exactly the same as its parent model Indigo sedan and as such the ride quality of both the cars is nearly the same. The independent front and rear McPherson strut suspension systems ensure a smooth ride even on tough roads. The reduced length of the Indigo CS makes parking easy and city driving more enjoyable.

Build & Styling

The exterior is adorned by a classy chrome grille, body coloured bumpers (LS, GLS and LS DiCOR) and black bumpers (LE and GLE), well positioned dual-beam headlights and taillight cluster. All variants ride on the 14"steel wheels with 165/65 R14 radial tires (LE and GLE) and 175/65 R14 radial tires (LS and GLS). The LS and GLS get full wheel covers.

The interior gives a good feel that's typical of C segment sedans. The petrol and diesel versions get unique interior trim options. Petrol variants are available with quite beige interiors whereas the diesel variants get sporty black upholstery. The steering wheel has a sporty look and the gear shift knob is leather-wrapped. Power steering comes only with the higher end LS and GLS variants. The instrument cluster comes with a very useful light intensity adjustment feature.

The partial fabric covered seats on the Indigo CS are quite comfortable. The front seats, being anti-submarine type, keep the driver and front passenger from sliding forward in case of hard braking or minor road accidents. The double folding backrest on the rear seat offers additional luggage space. The air conditioning system on the car is quite powerful. Higher-end LS and GLS variants get a more efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and AC) system.

Aliph Jawbone2 - Headset

Aliph's Jawbone is a noise canceling Bluetooth headset that uses technology developed for the United States military. A new Jawbone was released May 15th, 2008, replacing the existing model with a smaller formfactor (smaller by 50%) and improved noise canceling design. Jawbone's technology is called NoiseAssassin and works to actively measure the ambient noise in the environment and filter them out so you better hear the person on the other end. At the same time the voice-activated sensor that measures vibrations from your jawbone (hence the name) identifies and amplifies your voice so that your voice is clear while talking.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Excellent sound quality
•Subtle and sleek design
•Volume increases based on surroundings
•Specific earloop available for glasses-wearers

Cons:

•Awkward button placement
•Short battery life
•No volume control

More information

One of the standout features of the Jawbone is its stylish and unique design. Two buttons are hidden on the outside of the headset, one that is located on the perforated surface, and the other located as the black piece of plastic. The perforated button is used for turning the Jawbone on and off, answering/ending calls, redialing, and transferring a call from headset to handset and back. The black button is the Noise Shield that turns toggles noise canceling activation, rejects a call, or adjusts the Jawbone's volume. The headset itself will automatically adjust the volume of your voice, however there are five different volume settings available for more control.

Customized Fit Options

The Jawbone aims to fit perfectly on either ear and comes with a variety of options for a proper fit.

•3 sizes of earbuds
•4 earloop options
•2 sizes of leather earloops
•2 sizes of slim earloops to be used with glasses

Features

•Weight: 10 grams
•Talk Time: 4 hours
•Standby Time: 8 days
•Range: Up to 33 feet (10 meters)
•Charge: 80% charge in 35 minutes, 100% charge in 1 hour
•Supports Bluetooth 1.1, 1.2, and 2.0

The battery life has been reduced from the previous model from 6 hours of talk time to 4 hours, although the new model has a fast-charge battery that can be 80% charged in just 35 minutes. The headset can be charged through USB on your computer or with an included AC adapter.

Samsung 6 Series

The Samsung 650 series, also known as the 6 series, is one of the high-end offerings part of Samsung's 2008 LCD line up. It is positioned above the 550 series and below the top-of-the-line 750 series. The 650 series has similar features and specifications to the 750 series, as the most significant upgrade is the addition of a USB port found on the 750. Upgrading from the 550 series, the 650 series adds an Ethernet port for downloading Internet content, and a 120Hz mode for smooth display performance of video containing fast motion. The 6 series is considered the successor to the Samsung 71F series, released in 2007, that features a similar glossy panel, and 120Hz mode.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•120 Hz refresh rate and 4 ms response time
•Great black levels
•4 HDMI inputs
•Ethernet port for RSS and weather
•10 bit processing
•10 bit panel
•Excellent motion handling
•Do you like Entertainment modes

Cons:

•Picture-in-Picture support only for analog signals
•Doesn't have an LED backlight.
•Ugly remote control
•Red tinted bezel can be distracting
•Can't turn off the Auto-Motion Plus (AMP) feature
•Super-reflective surface leads to glare
•Sometimes the TV will randomly shut off for no reason

More information

Specs

•1080p native resolution
•50,000:1 contrast ratio
•120Hz mode
•4ms response time
•Ethernet port for RSS, news, weather and stocks
•Inputs: 4xHDMI 1.3, Component, Composite

750 and 650 features

Ethernet port - the included ethernet port will allow you to access RSS feeds and other real time content to display sports information, news, stocks and weather. It's currently unknown whether other forms of content such as full Internet access will be available in the future.

4 HDMI ports - the lower level series feature 3 HDMI ports, with the high-end models adding an extra HDMI port for more expandability. All HDMI ports are version 1.3.

Common to all 2008 Samsung plasmas

Anti-glare screen - first introduced in the Samsung's 71F series of television released in 2007, Samsung claims they have improved the glossy anti-glare screen to reduce glare and reduce reflections.

3D support - the televisions can accept and properly display 3D content. If you have the proper glasses and source conent the TV will handle 3D images.

Upgrades over 71F series

Upgrades have been made to the internal circuitry to reduce power consumption and improve image quality. The new backlight system runs at twice the frequency which reduces the amount of flicker perceived. Samsung has also reworked the Auto-Motion Plus (AMP) feature to reduce what is known as the Triple-Ball-Effect (TBE) where fast moving items in an image will appear three times. AMP settings have also been made more flexible as they can be adjusted independent of the 'display mode' chosen.

Models

The naming convention for the 6 series models: Samsung LNxxA650T. Where the "xx" is replaced by the size of the set.

LN40A650T - 40" screen | March 2008
LN46A650T - 46" screen | March 2008
LN52A650T - 52" screen | March 2008

Apple iMac - Desktop

Product

1."built-in Firewire ports and bundled software give you a complete and very powerful system"

2."the most incredible desktop computer Apple has ever made."... Biosmagazine

3."remarkably sleek, self-contained system".

4."incredibly quiet system".

5."powerful, stylish and easy-to-use computer"..

6."since it's so powerful, it could also be a good system for the Adobe Photoshop interns in your art studio.".

7."Apple?s latest all-in-one desktop computer is gorgeous."... Biosmagazine

8."great home computer".

9."high-quality flat-panel display".

10."When combined with Apple's latest operating system, Mac OS X 10.1, which is supplied with the iMac, the G4 chip provides impressive performance, particularly in multimedia applications.".

Hard drive

1."250GB Serial ATA drive"

Processor


1."brilliant, built-in 17-inch widescreen LCD panel".

2."powerful new Core 2 Duo processor".

3."The 1-GHz G4 processor is capable of handling most of the applications you need—with Office for the Mac—when taking classes, and with 512MB of RAM and the nVidia GeForce4 MX, the iMac can tackle advanced functions like video editing.".

4."new Core 2 Duo T7600 processor".

5."brand new Intel Core Duo processor"

Graphics

1."decent graphics card".

2."Core hardware improvements make it even stronger in our graphics and overall performance tests, resulting in a home computer whose performance is matched only by its good looks.".

3."The Intel 950 graphics card is perfectly adequate for basic computing and video work.".

4."The Radeon 9600 is good for light 3D tasks and helps OS X display really cool graphics via Core Image.".

5."it's nice being able to run 1,600-by-1,200 at all on an all-in-one (the iMac's display supports up to 1,920-by-1,600 resolution).".

6."new graphics processor".

Support

1."Other features include a built-in webcam and wireless networking support, along with Apple's excellent iLife 06 software suite.".

2."fine support pages".

3."If you're having trouble and the warranty period has ended, look to Apple's fine support pages".

4."Apple warranties the iMac for one year on parts and labor and also gives you 90 days of free phone support.".

5."Apple offers 90 days of free phone support and one year of repairs, but that's too skimpy; the phone support, especially, should be longer."

Speaker

1."the quality of the speakers and the stereo separation are fine for routine music and computing use.".

2."The Harmon Kardon speakers sound great for their small size".

3."built-in iSight camera, microphone and stereo speakers"...


Display

1."incredible 20-inch widescreen LCD".

2."great big 24in widescreen display".

3."massive 20 inch widescreen".

4."The screen itself is very bright and legible".

5."15in screen is a bit small"..

6."The 20-inch screen seems a little large at first, especially at typical PC-viewing distance.".

7."It's unfair to expect a larger screen at these prices, but a 17in should be an option at the very least.".

8."the screen is too bright.".


Keyboard

1."The keyboard is very stylish".

2."Super slim keyboard".

3."A new optional Apple Wireless Keyboard is available, along with Apple?s wireless Mighty Mouse, to offer a highly recommended cable-free desktop.".

Multimedia

1."Connectivity is reasonable too, allowing you to get the best from external multimedia peripherals.".

2."Multimedia marvel"


Performance

1."It is also a great Photoshop performer: In Windows, the iMac completed Photoshop tests in 57 seconds flat, which again puts it in the high-powered multimedia class"


Looks


1."stylish and solid build oozes quality".

2."The Apple iMac looks and feels good in any environment, whether it's your home office, your child's bedroom, or the kitchen; it is part of the home decor.".

3."good looks".


Upgradability

1."no expansion slots"


Price


1."Apple has even made the pricing extremely competitive"

Range $1100 to $1800

Mouse


1."The one-button optical mouse is quite pleasant to use however."

Portal - Video Games

Portal is a single-player first-person action/puzzle video game first released as part of The Orange Box collection of games released in October 2007 for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. The game was included along with more established titles Half Life 2, and Team Fortress 2, but, somewhat unexpectedly, Portal became a standout on its own, with many gamer's buying the box set for Portal alone. It was released as a standalone game for the PC on Steam in October 2007, and retail games appearing in stores on April 9th, 2008.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Well thought out gameplay
•Excellent script
•Cheap - $20 on Steam

Cons:

•Short

More information

Gameplay

In Portal, the player controls the character, Chell, from a first person perspective as she is challenged to navigate through a series of rooms using the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device ("portal gun"). The portal gun can create two distinct portal ends, orange and blue. Neither is specifically an entrance or exit; all objects that travel through the one portal will exit through the other with no change in momentum magnitude. If subsequent portal ends are created, the previously created portal of the same color is closed. Not all surfaces are able to accommodate a portal, and any attempt to do so will not affect the existing portals. Chell can also pick up objects, though she can only throw objects a short distance (affected by the player's momentum). These objects ("Aperture Science Weighted Storage Cubes" or a "Weighted Companion Cube") can be used to press large buttons to open doors or activate platforms, but barriers (known as "Material Emancipation Grids" or 'fizzlers', as described by the audio commentary) at the end of each test chamber or within certain test chambers prevent the player character from carrying such objects beyond them. Passage through these fields also closes any open portals, and portals cannot be fired through these fields.

Zoom H2 - Recording Equipment

The Zoom H2 is a portable audio recording device that records in four channels simultaneously using its 4 built-in microphones. Its main technology comes from 4 mic capsules that can capture sound in all directions. It is designed as a complete recording system ideal for meetings, conferences, podcasts, and musical performances. The Zoom H2 records in either mp3 or wav format to an SD card (512 MB card included), and features a USB 2.0 interface for 1) transferring the audio files and 2) recording live audio to your computer directly. The Zoom H2 retails for $199 and is now available.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•4 mics built-in
•Create 5.1 surround mixes
•Can be used as a USB mic for computer recording and podcasting
•Decent sound quality
•Compact size
•Inexpensive recording solution
•Many recording format options (sample rate, bit resolution, mp3/wav)

More information

Features

•4 channel recording with 4 mic capsules
•records in 16, 24 bit at 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz in .wav or .mp3 formats
•SD card digital storage (ships with 512 MB card)
•records in stereo or 4-channel and can be encoded to 5.1 with additional software
•includes a foam windscreen
•price: $199

Nextar Q3 - GPS Receiver

The Nextar Q3 is a midline turn by turn navigation system using the NAVTEQ baseline software. The unit features a touchscreen data entry and setup, the standard voice guided directions (Turn by Turn), US and Canada Maps, SD card for addresses and MP3's, MP3 Player (headphone output for most car stereo's), Remote Control (For Navigation and MP3's), Points of Interest, USB Interface with software to update routes (Map updates not yet available) and all normal accessories. The Nextar series GPS provides a cost effective alternative to more expensive units by other manufacturers.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Very good (real world) price for features
•Multi Language
•Voice, Turn By Turn
•MP3 Player with jacks for stereo
•Alternative Routing (street by street)
•Uses Stereo for turn by turn, when connected (mutes music)

Cons:

•No map updates (at time of submission)
•No Live Traffic
•Short battery life in portable mode

More information

NAVTEQ is the baseline maping company for most, if not all, GPS maping services / hardware.

Accessories: Home charger, car charger, USB cable, carry pouch, window mount, stylus. Optional items: Alternative mounting brackets.

Hitachi 1.5 Series - TV

The 1.5 Series from Hitachi combine form and function to offer a 1080p LCD tv in a cabinet that is only 1.5 inches deep. Intended for "luxury living" with the corresponding premium price tag, Hitachi markets this line of sets for affluent homes that want the TV itself to be an aesthetically addition to the room. Hitachi claims these sets are the "world's thinnest" in contrast to JVC which makes the same claim. Both are correct in their own way, as this Hitachi set lacks integrated tuners, and is more technically called a monitor, while the JVCs contain the television tuners.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Ridiculously thin
•Wide viewing angle
•Sleek design

Cons:

•Very expensive
•No tuners
•Limited video/audio input options

More information

Specs

•1080p native resolution
•120Hz
•15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
•450-500cd/m2 brightness
•IPS-Alpha panels
•Two 6-Watt speakers
•Inputs: HDMI x 1, VGA x 1

Due to the slim nature of the design the TV's inputs are limited to only 1 HDMI and 1 VGA. When used in conjunction with a receiver this may be sufficient, but for those that wish to connect more devices directly to the television, an external "Audio/Visual" center can be purchased for $299.

IPS-Alpha Panels - Hitachi uses the same panel technology as Sharp which allows for greater viewing angles without a loss in color and contrast ratio. Hitachi claims that the TV will retain a 100:1 contrast ratio at an angle of 178 degrees. IPS gains the greater viewing angle at the expense of color vibrancy found in the panels used by Samsung and Sony.

Models

The 1.5s are available in two distinct lines, the Director's Series, which is more expensive than the companion Ultra Vision series, as the Director's Series comes with a two year warranty as opposed to one, and most likely improved specifications but exact details are unknown at this point.

Director's Series

UT32X802 | 32" screen | $1,999 | March 2008 | 720p | No 120Hz
UT32X812 | 32" screen | $2,299 | August 2008 | 720p
UT37X902 | 37" screen | $2,999 | April 2008
UT42X902 | 42" screen | $3,699 | May 2008
UT47X902 | 47" screen | $4,699 | September 2008

UltraVision -- V Series

UT32A302 | 32" screen | $1,799 | August 2008 | 720p | No 120Hz
UT32V502 | 32" screen | $2,099 | August 2008
UT37V702 | 37" screen | $2,799 | July 2008
UT42V702 | 42" screen | $3,499 | July 2008
UT47V702 | 47" screen | $4,499 | September 2008

Assassin's Creed - Video Games

The first game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise is set in 1191 AD, when the Third Crusade was tearing the Holy Land apart. Shrouded in secrecy and feared for their ruthlessness, the Assassins intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. Players, assuming the role of the main character Altair, will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and to shape events during this pivotal moment in history.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Excellent graphics
•Free roam enviorment
•Great game play
•Excellent story line

Cons:

•Missions all seem to be basicly the same
•Game does not increase challenge in later part of game
•Single player only

More information

Jerusalem, 1191 AD. The Third Crusade is tearing the Holy Land apart. You are an elite Assassin sent to stop the hostilities by suppressing the powers on both the Crusader and Saracen sides. But as you carry out your missions, a conspiracy begins to unfold. You find yourself tangled up in a conflict that threatens not only the Holy Land, but the entire world. « Nothing is true, everything is permitted »

•Be an assassin: Plan your attacks, strike without mercy, and fight your way to escape.
•Realistic and responsive environments: Every action has consequences. Crowds react to your moves, and will either help or hinder you on your quests.
•Action with total freedom: Eliminate your targets wherever, whenever, and however. •Do whatever it takes to achieve your objectives.

Tata Nano

Tata Nano – The People’s Car

The unveiling of the 4-door Nano, which is a 1 Lakh rupee car made by Tata Motors was held at the Auto Expo in New Delhi. The car is grabbing attention from the people from all over the world not only for its low price but also for its beautiful looks and striking features.

The car was driven by the owner of the company Tata Motors Mr. Ratan N. Tata at the unveiling ceremony that was held at the 9th Auto Expo who said that the bringing out the car was a dream come true for him. The booking for the car will be started by the June – July of the year 2008 and by September and October the car will be on roads in India.

Look and Comfort

Nano is an attractive cute small 4-door car .The car is made for 5 people to be seated and the engine of the car is located at the back of the car. Initially the car is launched in three color Red, White and Light green. The car will also be coming in two versions one is the standard version that is marked by the single color interiors, two spoke steering wheel and vinyl trimmed seats.

The Luxury version will have dual color interiors, three spoke steering wheel, fabric seats and body color bumpers .The luxury version will also be equipped with stylized steel wheels, fog lamps, central locks, power windows and A/C with heater.

The length of the car is 3.1 meters that is 8% smaller from the exterior than the Maruti 800 but the car is 21% more spacious than Maruti 800.The width of the car is 1.5 metres and height is 1.6 metres.

Engine and Chassis

The car will be equipped with 2-cylinder, 623 cc engine. Currently the company is launching the petrol model but later the diesel models will also be launched. The multi-point fuel-injection petrol engine is rear mounted and for the first time the car has been equipped with two-cylinder gasoline engine. The design of the car has made it to be light weight machine and gets maximum power per unit of energy consumed.

Safety and driving the car

An electronic engine management system is equipped to control performance of the car. The car can run up to the speed of speed is 90km/h.The car has been tested for the safety measures. The sheet metal body of the car is tested for crumple zones and intrusion-resistant doors. The car has strong seat-belts, and anchorages and the rear tailgate glass is bonded to the body. The tyres of the car are tubeless.

The car has been designed to be environmental friendly and the pollution level is claimed to be lower than the two wheelers. The high performance by the engine and control on fuel efficacy will lower the greenhouse gases emission. The car has a fuel efficiency of 20 km/litre. The car has passed the full frontal crash tests and side impact tests.

Special features

* Design: 4 door, 5-seater
* Engine: The car is equipped with 624cc petrol engine, 33 HP, 4-speed manual gear shift, Rear engine, front boot.
* Pollution Check: The car meets the Bharat Stage-III emission norms and Euro 4 norms
* Brakes: Equipped with Front disk and rear drum brakes
* Mileage: The car gives an average of 20km per litre mileage but can go up to 26km per litre on highway
* Fuel Tank: 30 liter fuel tank
* Space: The length of the car is 8% smaller than Maruti 800 but provides 21% more interior space.
* Luxury version comes with AC
* No power steering in the car

Positive and Negative specifications of the car

Positive specifications of the car

* Cost is the most attractive specification of the car. The people who spend to buy high cost two wheelers can go for a four wheeler after the launch of this car.
* The looks of the car are very attractive that makes it look better than many luxury cars from outside.
* The mileage given by the car is good that is 20km/l but it can go up to 26km/l on highway. This also indicates high fuel efficiency provided by the car.
* The car is eco friendly as per the emission standard.
* The car has been tested for safety measures for full frontal crash tests and side impacts.
* The length of the car is good for people to park and keep.

Negative specifications of the car

* Though he car is launched for a 1 Lakh rupee mark the actual cost can go high
* Initially the availability of the car will be a problem for the buyers as the Tata Motors is launching only 250,000 units in a year.
* The car has a low maximum speed of 90km/h.
* Space inside the car is less for keeping luggage
* The car is not equipped with power steering
* The car has cleared emission tests but increase in number of car on roads can not be environmental friendly.

Cost

The Tata Motors has launched the car for Rs 1 Lakh(US$2500, GB£1277, €1700 ). The car will be available in the market for about $3000 or Rs 1 Lakh 30 thousand after the taxes and insurance is added to the cost. The cost of the luxury version has not been declared by the Tata Motors and it is expected to be in high ranges. The car can be bought on installments of Rs 2,600 for three years or Rs 1,759 for five years.

Technical SpecificationName:
Tata Nano - 1 Lakh Rupee Car

Model: Petrol
Car Body Type: Hatchback
Segment: A Segment
Top Speed: 90
Fuel Consumption: Highway 26.00
Fuel Consumption: City 22.00
AC: Without Climate Control
Power Windows:
Central Locking: Manual
Remote Boot: No
Remote Fuel Filler: No
Rear Wiper: No
Rear Defogger: No
Steering Adjustment (Rake/Reach) : No
Driver Seat Adjustment: Manual
Leather Seats: No
Door Mirror: Driver Side
Tinted Glass: No
Rear AC Vent: No
Folding Rear Seats: No
Sun Roof: No
Buttons/Controls on Steering: No
Auto Viper: No
Auto Headlamp: No
Airbag: No
Parking Sensors: No
Fog Lamp:
Traction Control: No
EBD: No
ABS: No
ESP: No

Yamaha Gladiator SS - Motorcycle

After few unsuccessful years on the Indian roads Yamaha, the past time heroes of sports biking, has kept it's promises and launched the all new Yamaha Gladiator Sports series. This time the sporty bike named Gladiator SS comes to you with 28 unique mind-blowing features.

Yamaha has made sport biking more accessible in India with Gladiator Type SS and Type RS. This full size dynamic sporty machine is one of the best in the fiercely competitive 125 cc segment. Power packed with 28 new features, this 4-stroke, 11 bhp and 5-speed bike is a unique combination of sports biking and style. Developed with the true Yamaha DNA, the Gladiator will kick start a new sports biking lifestyle in the Indian market. Its 28 newly developed features, add values of superb performance, new styling, greater handling and comfort.

Yamaha's race-bred technology delivers an enhanced ride, agile cornering and precise braking. The result is enjoyable sport biking experience unmatched by any other bike in the category. Added to this, the new Gladiator Type SS and RS have been designed for substantial improvement in running performance, overall sporty design and product reliability with added advantages of practical functionality, fuel economy and cost effectiveness.

Describing Gladiator as a next generation bike, Mr. T. Maeda - Chief Marketing & Sales Officer, Yamaha Motor India says, "The Gladiator Type SS and Type RS have been designed to be true to the Yamaha DNA. In its category, it is the only machine that can deliver a sport biking experience which is intrinsic to Yamaha brand. Catering to the young, evolving lifestyle market, Gladiator Type SS and Type RS will target young students or young executives who seek a solid machine with good overall product balance and distinctive style. The Type SS and Type RS is a strong product and we are confident it will drive our sales to the fifth gear".

The Gladiator showcases benchmark 125cc styling, refinement and a free-revving 11 bhp engine with Yamaha Throttle Position Sensor (YTPS) technology that delivers stupendous standing acceleration. 5 speed close ratio transmission allows the rider to make the most of a wide power band to experience excellent performance in both around-turn and high-speed riding. Aerodynamic racy under cowl, sporty tachometer, wind tunnel designed front cowl, lightweight aluminium wheels and powered front disc brakes gives it a dynamic yet sophisticated demeanor.

The Bike will deliver mileage of 67 km per litre on actual city road conditions. The Gladiator Type SS will be offered in 2 colours, Yellow and Red and Type RS in Blue colour. The bike will be priced at Rs.46,350 onwards ex-showroom. With the Yamaha signature all over, the Gladiator is an extremely well built, practical, stylish and promises to be the best bike in its class.

Xfire - Im & Chat

Xfire is a new, free tool that automatically keeps track of when and where gamers are playing PC games online and lets their friends join them easily. It works regardless of game type, server browser, or gaming service that a player is using. Xfire eliminates the hassles of running multiple programs like IRC, instant messengers, or in-game friends lists to keep track of when and where a gamer's friends are playing. It supports the best and the latest online PC games including server- and non-server-based First Person Shooters, Real Time Strategy, and Role Playing Games.

Xfire was founded by Dennis "Thresh" Fong (World Champion of Quake) and Mike Cassidy (former CEO of Direct Hit). Xfire is based in Menlo Park, CA.

In April of 2006, Xfire was acquired by Viacom. Viacom is one of the leading global entertainment content companies, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Offering programming and content for television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom's world-class brands include MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 120 networks around the world), BET Networks, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, DreamWorks and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•See when your friends are online, what game they're playing, and what server they're on
•Communicate with your friends while playing a game
•Xfire's voice chat lets you talk 1:1 or in groups with your friends while you're in or out of game.
•One-Click Join
•Server Browser
•Profiles with Automatic Stats
•Doesn't support *all* games, but they will add the game you're missing messaging support for if you ask them by e-mail.
•Talk to your girlfriend/wife/boyfriend/husband/boss while you're playing your favorite game, uninterrupted.
•Records in-game video and screen shots and uploads it to your profile page for other people to enjoy

Cons:

•Does not support other IM networks such as MSN, AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, etc.

Wii Fit - Video Games

Wii Fit is an exercise simulation game (aka exergaming) in development by Nintendo that makes use of the Wii Balance Board peripheral. It was announced at E3 in July 2007 and has been described as "way to help get families exercising together". There will be over 40 activities included in the game broken up into four categories: (1) Aerobic Exercises, (2) Muscle Conditioning, (3) Yoga Poses, and (4) Balance games. It was released in Europe on May 8, 2008 and will be released in North America on May 21st, 2008 for $89.99 with the inclusion of a Wii Balance Board.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Innovative pressure sensitive gamepad
•Integrates Mii characters into gameplay
•Measures BMI
•Tracks your fitness progress with "Wii Fitness Age"
•Encourages people to live an active lifestyle
•Inexpensive, only $69.99 with Wii Balance Board
•Makes exercise fun
•Helps you use the proper form with animations, tips, and feedback based on the Balance Board
•Effective in-game personal trainer

Cons:

•Can only track four people's fitness ages.
•Uses BMI to determine fitness age but doesn't account for different body structures and muscle mass
•You can't input other biometric data that you've attained on your own (% body fat for example)
•May label children as "obese"

More information

Activities

•yoga exercises
•press ups
•step aerobics - done in sync with background music
•hula-hooping
•heading soccer balls
•ball-rolling mini game
•ski-jumping

Wii Fit will track your "Wii Fitness Age" in a similar manner as "Brain Age" was tracked in Brain Age and Big Brain Academy for the DS and Wii. There is speculation that Wii Fit may utilize the WiiConnect24 feature to help doctors and fitness professionals interact with patients and clients.

The Wii Balance Board will be included with the game and is expected to be reused by other games as they become available. The Balance Board is similar to a bathroom scale and includes multiple sensors that can determine its user's (1) center of gravity, and (2) BMI (Body Mass Index). These reading are used as part of the gameplay. There may be a larger "American sized" balance board released in the US after initial feedback is received from the upcoming Japanese launch.

Creative Vado VF0570 - Camcoder

The Creative Vado is an inexpensive handheld camcorder that's focus is on ease-of-use and simplicity. The camera has a USB connection built-in so that it's easy to transfer video to your computer, or even directly to YouTube or Photobucket. The Vado has 2GB of built-in memory and 2 hours of battery life, which can be recharged through USB. The Vado aims to be your everyday camcorder, with its small size and easy publishing capabilities, it is intended for YouTube-style video sharing (meaning it's not super high resolution).

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Great value for the price
•Lightweight
•Easy to publish online
•Easy to transfer to your computer
•Built-in battery, rechargeable through USB

Cons:

•No extended memory option
•No Mac software
•No optical zoom

More information

Features

•Video resolution: 640 x 240
•Video format: MPEG-4 AVI at 30 frames per second
•Sensor: VGA CMOS
•2x digital zoom
•2" LCD
•Built-in speaker and microphone
•2GB memory - 2 hours video at good quality, 1 hour at top quality
•TV-out
•USB connector
•2 hours battery life
•Dimensions: 3.9" x 2.2" x 0.6"
•Weight: 84g