Kawasaki 250R Ninja (2008-current)

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.

Best Cordless Drills

19.2-volt Sears Craftsman 11542 (Around $120)

Budget cordless drill. For everyday around-the-house jobs, reviews say the Craftsman 11542 is an excellent value. This variable-speed cordless drill has two built-in bubble levels and 420 inch-pounds of torque. The 24-position clutch helps prevent over-driving screws. Other features include a 1/2-inch keyless chuck and a spindle lock. It comes in a kit that includes a case, a light, two bits and two NiCd batteries with a charger. The Craftsman drill weighs about 6 pounds. Cordless drills with NiMH and lithium-ion batteries weigh less, but they’re more expensive.


18-volt Makita BDF452HW (Around $200)

Best cordless drill/driver overall. Cordless tools that use lithium-ion batteries weigh much less and have much longer run time, but they are more expensive. The lithium-ion Makita cordless drill weighs just 3.5 pounds, so it’s less fatiguing to use than cheaper drills that use different battery types. Performance is very good in tests, and owner satisfaction for this drill is exceptional. The Makita drill comes with a three-year warranty on the drill, one year on the batteries.


10.8-volt Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver (Around $120)

Best cordless screwdriver. For light screw-driving jobs like hanging shelves, building cabinets or assembling furniture, the Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver gets rave reviews for its comfort and ability to get into tight spaces. The 10.8-volt lithium-ion battery brings the weight down to 1.6 pounds, and the batteries hold their charge well between uses. An LED light makes the Pocket Driver easy to use in a closet or cabinet. It's not intended for big jobs, but reviews indicate that the Bosch Pocket Driver is a great small tool, with price as its main drawback.


3.6-volt Skil iXO2 (Around $40)

Budget cordless screwdriver. At 3.6 volts, the Skil iXO2 doesn't have much power, but as a cordless screwdriver that weighs only about 10 ounces, it's just right for simple jobs needing 2-inch screws or smaller. Reviewers say it's comfortable to use and gets into small spaces. The lithium-ion battery takes 3 hours or more to charge, but then holds its charge for up to 18 months between uses.


12-volt Panasonic EY7202GQW (Around $290)

Best cordless impact driver. For greater ease when driving lots of screws, reviews recommend cordless impact drivers, which save wear and tear on hand and wrist. While reviews say most pro-level cordless impact drivers work well, they praise this innovative Panasonic impact driver because it adds a clutch to keep it from stripping screw heads. It weighs less than 4 pounds, uses NiMH batteries for long runtime, and carries a one-year warranty.

Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 - Home Movie Camcoder

The good: Excellent video and performance; impressive still photos for a camcorder; adequate manual controls; docking station included.

The bad: No wind filter; USB on dock only, not on camcorder; doesn't include Mini HDMI cable; no viewfinder.

The bottom line: As the flash-memory-based equivalent of the HDR-SR7, the Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 serves up the same pleasing performance and quality as its hard-drive cousin.

Price range: $611.99 - $899.99

oin me, if you will, along the slow march toward the obsolescence of tape in video. We've definitely got a long road ahead of us, but it's fun to notice how much camcorders have changed already. On the one hand, tapeless camcorders such as Sony's Handycam HDR-CX7 give product designers the freedom to make smaller, sleeker camcorders. On the other hand, we've yet to see a model that records in the AVCHD format, as this one does, match the quality of the footage we've seen from tape-based models using the HDV format. However, for an AVCHD camcorder, this does produce very nice video, and will likely blow your socks off if you're used to a standard-definition camcorder.

Though it's been on the market in various camcorders for a while now, the AVCHD format has been slow on the uptake in software for editing and playback. Lori Grunin's recent blog post outlines which software titles are compatible and notes whatever glitches she has found when using those programs. Ultimately, the easiest way to watch your HD video is still a direct connection to your HDTV, but there is a modest, and slowly growing, list of software out there if you like to watch on your computer or edit your footage.

Sony's designers definitely made the most of the fact that the HDR-CX7 records its video to MemoryStick Pro Duo cards. The camcorder is little more than a lens and LCD screen in terms of size, though that's both a positive and negative thing. Sure, you can fit the CX7 into almost any bag, and even a large jacket or sweatshirt pocket, but the ergonomics of the grip are a little off. It's certainly more comfortable to hold than Panasonic's SD-based HDC-SD1, but since there's no eye-level viewfinder, I often found myself holding it higher than I would some camcorders, and at a slightly odd angle. Also, since your hand basically covers the right side and top of the CX7, Sony was forced to put a handful of buttons on the left side, behind the LCD screen. That's never a very good move, since you can't readily see that spot when you're shooting, and if you do need to use one of those buttons while capturing video, you'll likely shake the camera horizontally while pressing it. Of the buttons placed there, the backlight compensation button is probably the most worrisome, since it's highly likely you'll use it on the fly, while most of the others would be used before or after shooting.

As usual, the HDR-CX7's main interface is its LCD touch screen. Even though the LCD is 2.7 inches in size, it still felt a bit small as a touch-screen interface. The main virtual buttons are big enough, but ancillary buttons, such as the OK button in the upper-left, or the X (cancel) button in the upper-right of some screens are rather tiny. On more than one occasion, I accidentally hit one of the bigger buttons when trying to hit the tiny ones. Combine that with the fact that the touch screen requires such an extensive tree of submenus, and the thrill of a touch-screen interface starts to wane pretty quickly. Still, some people say they like this kind of interface, so make sure you try it out in a store first to see if you like it before you buy.

Following a recent trend in camcorders, the CX7 doesn't include a minijack microphone input. If you want to add an accessory mic, you have to use one of Sony's in the CX7's Active Interface Shoe (aka proprietary hot shoe), which provides an interface and power for accessories. You have two options to send video to your TV directly from the camcorder. You can either use a mini-to-full-size HDMI cable, or use the composite AV breakout cable included with the CX7. Given that they are rather rare right now, it would've been nice for Sony to include the special HDMI cable, as Canon does with the HG10. A third option is to use the dock, which has the same composite AV out as the camcorder, as well as a component output (also via a breakout cable), and a Mini USB jack to connect to your computer. I was surprised that Sony didn't include a normal-size HDMI jack on the dock. It would've been a really nice touch.

Sony did include some great features though, such as the automatic lens cover, flash for still photos, and a nice complement of manual controls. While it doesn't include the SR7's shutter speed control, the CX7 does have the same exposure shift; manual, indoor, outdoor, and auto white balance; Spot Focus and Spot Metering; Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization; and Super NightShot infrared mode for shooting in the dark. Since the CX7 doesn't include Sony's CAM CTL dial (as the SR7 does), you have to adjust focus on the touch screen, which isn't quite as nice as the dial, but works well nonetheless.

Since the HDR-CX7 records its video to a MemoryStick Pro Duo card, you should plan on buying at least one high-capacity card. On a 4GB Pro Duo card, the HDR-CX7 can fit 32 minutes of best-quality, HD video. Stepping up to an 8GB Pro Duo ups that to a little more than an hour. By contrast, the HDR-SR7 can fit up to eight hours of the same level footage onto its 60GB hard drive.

Footage from the CX7 is very nice. The camcorder's Zeiss T lens is very sharp and Sony's Super SteadyShot does an excellent job of taming hand shake. Its 10X optical zoom might seem tame next to the 30X+ zooms now finding their way into lower-end models, but at a 400mm 35mm-equivalent on the telephoto end (in 16:9 mode), it's got plenty of reach. Plus, by keeping the optical zoom range within reason, you get more reliable stabilization across the entire zoom.

Both the autofocus and metering systems perform quite well, adjusting quickly to changes in subject, lighting, and environment. I was particularly impressed with the autofocus' ability to keep up with changes in zoom and quick changes between near and far subjects. The camcorder's white balance does a very good job. While colors aren't quite as neutral as I've seen in some other models, it's still very close and colors are well saturated and look realistic. Still images are definitely above average for a camcorder. Depending on the shooting conditions, you should be able to get pleasing letter-size or smaller prints.

As long as you don't mind the limited software compatibility and added cost of buying a few high-capacity Pro Duo cards, Sony's Handycam HDR-CX7 is a really nice AVCHD camcorder. As software catches up and flash memory prices continue to drop, it will only become that much more attractive, and the smaller physical size that goes along with a flash-based camcorder will wow your friends and make it more practical to have your camcorder with you when you want it. If Mini-DVDs appeal to you more than flash-memory cards, Sony also makes the HDR-UX7, which can record AVCHD video onto 8cm DVDs and is very similar to this model, though not quite as small in size.

Panasonic SDR-H18 - Camcoder - Budget

The good: Records to hard drive or SD card; optical image stabilization; 32X optical zoom; comfortable grip.

The bad: No macro mode; menu button a bit hard to reach with a thumb; USB jack hidden behind battery; awkward manual control switch.

The bottom line: Combining the simplicity of SD recording, a roomy 30GB hard drive, a long zoom, and pleasing image quality, the SDR-H18 is a good choice for a standard-definition, hard-drive camcorder.

Price range: $902.96

Hard-drive camcorders have been slower to catch on than I would've thought. Sure, they cost a bit more than their DVD- or tape-based equivalents, but the convenience of having such a large storage capacity--and not having to deal with tape--make them appealing. However, some buyers can't get past the idea of not having removable storage, which is why Panasonic is so keen to point out that their new SDR-H18 can record to either its built-in 30GB drive or to a SD/SDHC flash memory card, without any difference in quality. Of course, it also helps that the company is part of the SD Card Association, and has been on a big push to champion SD memory cards as the next big storage medium for consumer video.

Unlike the awkward body designs we've seen with some recent SD-based camcorders, the SDR-H18 is very comfortable to hold. Part of the reason is that designers had to find a place to put the camcorder's hard drive, which finds its home in the right side of the body--creating an iPod-sized block that is just the right shape for a hand to wrap around. Almost all the camcorder's controls are also on the right-hand side; most of them can easily be reached with either a forefinger or thumb. While I had a hard time reaching and pressing the menu button with my right thumb, you still can access the most frequently used controls--such as backlight compensation, white balance, and shutter and iris controls--by pressing the joystick, so this isn't much of a problem. It would've been nice for Panasonic to put the menu button somewhere more convenient, however.

At its heart, the SDR-H18 sports a single 1/6-inch, 680,000-pixel CCD sensor. When recording in 16:9 mode, it uses 460,000 pixels to capture video or still images. That drops to 340,000 pixels when capturing 4:3 video or 350,000 when capturing 4:3 stills. Panasonic's online specs are a bit misleading, in that they hint that this model has three CCDs when it doesn't. Since the H18 has the same instruction manual as the higher-end H200, it's a simple error, but one that happens way too often on the company's Web site.

Playing along with the über-zoom craze, the H18 includes a 32X optical zoom lens, which sports a maximum aperture range of f/1.8-3.7. The variable zoom lever atop the camera is easy to get used to and gives a nice range of zoom speeds. As usual, the image stabilization doesn't effectively cover the entire zoom range, but does a good job out to approximately 75 or 80 percent of the zoom. That's pretty impressive, when you consider that you end up with a stabilized zoom range of about 24X, which is more total zoom than you could've expected in a similar-level camcorder just a few years ago (though it wouldn't have been a hard-drive or SD camcorder). If you like to shoot very close to your subject, you should note that the H18 doesn't include a macro mode. You'll have to step up to the H200 for this option.

Image quality impressed us, considering that this camcorder uses a lone, sub-megapixel imager. We saw ample detail given this restraint, even at the far end of the zoom, and colors look generally accurate, though a bit washed out. While not perfect, the H18's automatic white balance does a very good job of neutralizing colors across different light sources. We did notice that fluorescent lighting yields a minor, but noticeable, greenish cast--so you're probably better off setting the manual white balance in this shooting situation. If you like to use white balance presets instead of auto, you'll be pleased to know that you can change the white balance while recording. This means that you can move from a room with fluorescent lighting into a room with incandescent lighting and seamlessly switch from one white balance preset to the other without interrupting your footage. Not all camcorders let you do this. Autofocus reacts quickly and does a nice job of maintaining focus while zooming. Of course, everything isn't tack sharp as you zoom, but once you stop, the camera locks in very quickly.

If you tend to shoot in auto-mode, or only occasionally use more advanced functions, you'll most likely be pleased with Panasonic's SDR-H18. The footage isn't overly marred by compression artifacts that so often ruin video you get from lower-priced camcorders, and yields better footage from a sub-megapixel sensor than I've seen in a while. Add to that the benefits of hard-drive recording and the option of using removable SD media, and you've got a solid camcorder that should appeal to a wide range of users. It's not without its quirks, but none of those take away too much from the usability of this model.

Panasonic Viera 800 Series

The 800U series is at the high end of Panasonic's 2008 plasmas, which is their 11th generation of plasma offerings. Positioned above the 85U series and below the 850s, the 800s offer premium features such as the one-sheet glass design and THX certification, but lack some of the more professional level calibration settings of the 850Us. The 800U series is the first line of plasma to achieve THX certification, with the LG PG60 Series subsequently released as the second.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Best-in-class image quality
•THX mode works as advertised
•Good connectivity with four HDMI inputs
•Ghosting effect isn't that bad for a plasma
•Excellent contrast performance
•More shades of color gradation than many competitors
•A good blend of glass finish without being too reflective
•Less grainyness than previous generations
•Runs much cooler than previous generations

Cons:

•High priced
•24p mode can introduce flicker
•The bezel/frame could be more attractive

More information

Specs

* 1080p native resolution
* 30,000:1 static contrast ratio, 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
* 24p film mode
* Game mode
* THX certified with a THX configuration built-in
* VIERA link
* Inputs: 4xHDMI 1.3, 1xVGA, Component, Composite, S-Video

800U features

One-sheet glass - The one-sheet glass design is similar to the Sony XBR4's, and Pioneer Elite and Kuro televisions where a single pane of glass covers the entire front of the television, including the bezel. This design reduces/eliminates the "halo" effect that can occur around lettering and logos with traditional 3-pane designs.

THX Certification - Panasonic pays the THX company to run their televisions through a set of tests to get a stamp of approval (THX tests). Not being THX certified doesn't mean a television won't pass the tests, the company just didn't choose to pay THX to test them. Alongside the stamp of approval is the addition of a THX Movie Mode. This a display setting that is pre-calibrated for "optimal" movie watching as the gamma, luminence and other features are pre-set.

800U, and 850U features

PC-input - usually a staple among HDTVs, in Panasonic's 2008 offerings only the higher end televisions retain a dedicated input for computers.

24p support - the high-end sets from Panasonic are the only lines that perform a true direct multiple of 24p content. When receiving a 24p source from something like a Blu-Ray disc the output displays at 48Hz with each from showing for 2 refresh cycles. What this means, is that movie content is smoother and more true to the original source.

Common to all 2008 Panasonic Plasmas

Anti-reflective screen - created by Fujitsu these screens reduce the amount of ambient reflection that can appear in a brightly lit room.

100,000 hour half life - Panasonic rates the panel to last 100,000 hours, which is about 30 years of regular usage, or 11 years of non-stop, before the brightness of the display is halved.

Models

* TH-58PZ800U - 58" screen | MSRP $3600 | May 2008
* TH-50PZ800U - 50" screen | MSRP $3200 | May 2008
* TH-46PZ800U - 46" screen | MSRP $2800 | May 2008
* TH-42PZ800U - 40" screen | MSRP $2300 | May 2008

Best Jogging Strollers

Dreamer Design Rebound Lite (Around $250)

Best jogging stroller.According to reviewers, the Dreamer Design Rebound Lite is the best value in a jogging stroller. With its 16-inch air-filled tires, fixed front wheel and shock absorbers, experts say it’s great for running and fitness walking. Its height-adjustable handle makes this stroller a good choice for parents of differing heights, and its bubble canopy is widely praised as the best jogging-stroller sun canopy on the market. At 24.5 pounds, the Dreamer Rebound Lite is a little heavier than the lightest jogging strollers, but it’s also $100 less expensive than other top-rated strollers like the BOB Ironman (Around $360). The Dreamer Rebound also has a high child weight capacity of 85 pounds.


Baby Trend Expedition (Around $100)

Budget jogging stroller.Reviewers say the Baby Trend Expedition is the best budget jogging stroller for fitness walking and the occasional run. The 27-pound Expedition has an aluminum frame, adjustable sun canopy and 16-inch bicycle tires. Its front wheel does not swivel, so the Expedition is not as maneuverable indoors as all-terrain strollers. Unlike the Dreamer Rebound Lite, the Expedition has a parent tray with two cup holders and a removable child tray. However, some owners say the Expedition is bulky and tricky to close, and reviewers say it's not as durable as pricier jogging strollers.


Mountain Buggy Urban Single (Around $430)

Best all-terrain stroller.It’s expensive, but reviews say the Mountain Buggy Urban stroller is excellent on trails, gravel or just neighborhood strolls (it’s not meant for jogging). Its swiveling front wheel makes negotiating store aisles easier, and the wheel can be locked for better off-road stability. The 22-pound Urban has a height-adjustable handle and large storage basket. What sets it apart from most other three-wheeled strollers is that its fully reclining seat makes it appropriate for newborns. Although other strollers cost less, the full-featured Urban is top-rated overall.


Phil & Teds Sport Buggy (Around $400)

All-terrain stroller, convertible to double stroller.The Phil & Teds Sport Buggy is another highly rated, durable all-terrain stroller (not intended for jogging). What distinguishes this model from others is its unique ability to convert into a double stroller with an optional kit (*est. $90). The second seat installs above or below the main stroller seat. Reviewers say the Sport Buggy is great for parents who anticipate needing a double stroller, but don't want the added width or length of a traditional twin stroller. Otherwise, the three-wheeled, 21-pound Sport Buggy has adjustable-height handles, plenty of storage and a fully reclining seat (so it's appropriate for newborns). Its swiveling front wheel makes it easy to maneuver.


InStep Safari (Around $130)

Budget all-terrain stroller.The InStep Safari (also sold as the Schwinn Safari) isn't meant for jogging, but it does have a swiveling front wheel for better everyday maneuverability. Reviews say the InStep is a great value for parents who want a three-wheeled stroller but don't want to jog with it or spend $400. The Safari has a storage basket, as well as an adjustable handlebar, a child tray, a parent accessory tray and a partly reclining seat. Reviewers say it’s easy to fold and maneuver, and at 21 pounds, it’s not too heavy. The InStep Safari isn’t made to stand up to the same abuse as pricier all-terrain strollers, but reviews say it’s a good value.

Panasonic Viera PX80 Series

The PX80 Series of televisions are Panasonic's entry-line of plasmas and feature a native 720p resolution. An entry level line means there is a sacrifice in features compared to the more advanced lines, with the benefit being a significantly lower price. One of the big changes from the 2007 to 2008 models is the replacement of the anti-glare screen to an anti-reflective screen across the entire lineup. Panel life has also been extended from 60,000 hours to 100,000 hours. The step-up line over the PX80 Series is the PZ80 Series which contains many of the same features, but has a native 1080p resolution.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Great dollar/performance ratio
•Deep blacks
•Decently attractive design
•Long panel life
•Low power consumption

Cons:

•Poor noise reduction capabilities
•Reds are oversaturated and needs to be compensated for

More information

Specs

•720p native resolution
•15,000:1 static contrast ratio, 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
•Game mode
•VIERA link
•Inputs: 3xHDMI 1.3, Component, Composite, S-Video

Clarification on 24p handling - Unlike the higher end PZ800U and PZ850U series, both the PZ80U and PZ85U series perform a 3:2 pulldown on 24p content. What this means is that the 24 frames per second signal is converted into a 60Hz display, with one frame showing for 3 refreshes, and the next frame showing for 2 refreshes. The higher end models display each from for 2 refreshes which makes for smoother motion especially during pans and zooms.

Common to all 2008 Panasonic Plasmas

Anti-reflective screen - created by Fujitsu these screens reduce the amount of ambient reflection that can appear in a brightly lit room.

100,000 hour half life - Panasonic rates the panel to last 100,000 hours, which is about 30 years of regular usage, or 11 years of non-stop, before the brightness of the display is halved.

Models

TH-42PX80U - 42" screen. Spring 2008.
TH-50PX80U - 50" screen. Spring 2008.

Pioneer VSX-1018TXH

The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH is an upcoming 7.1 a/v receiver expected to be released in June 2008 for around $600. It features 130 Watts / channel of power and 3 x HDMI inputs. It can decode high-definition audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA. The 1018TXH features what Pioneer calls an Advanced Direct Energy power amplifier, which they claim high power output, wide frequency response for the new HD audio formats, and superior heat management. It also features Pioneer Hybrid Amplifier Technology (P.H.A.T.) power module found in VSX-518-K, VSX-818V-K, VSX-918V-K receivers, that Pioneer also claims improves audio performance.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•High power output @ 130 Watts / channel
•7.1 channel pre-outs
•Video upconversion to 1080p
•Front panel USB port for connecting mp3 player
•3 HDMI inputs

Cons:

•No S-Video inputs
•No switched AC outlet
•No phono input

More information

Features

•Direct Energy Amplifier
•130 watts x 7 amplification
•Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration w/ microphone
•Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio
•Video Conversion to HDMI
•1080p HDMI 1.3 inputs - 3 in
•1080p Component inputs - 3 in, 1 out
•Digital inputs/outputs - 6/1
•iPod Digital, Auto Level Control (ALC), XM Satellite Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio
•AKA: Pioneer VSX-1018TXH-K (K=black)
•Price: $599 US
•Release date: June 2008

Lenovo ThinkPad X41 Tablet

The good: Tablet is thin, light, and convertible; more than five hours of battery life; sturdy case and hinge; great screen for writing; top tablet security; excellent screen controls.

The bad: Writing surface is recessed; character recognition software is a work in progress; has neither S-Video nor FireWire ports; expensive.

The bottom line: With the performance of a laptop in a lightweight case, the ThinkPad X41 tablet is one of the best convertible tablets we've seen.

Price range: $1,646.50

With the ThinkPad X41 tablet, Lenovo has added tablet functionality to one of the best ultraportable notebooks on the market, the ThinkPad X41, without compromising on the screen quality or the security. At $1,899 (as of July 2005), this tablet's price is similar to that of convertible tablet competitors with faster hardware, but the ThinkPad X41 tablet's balance of portability, performance, and security make it one of the best convertibles on the market.

Its smooth, jet-black case may look just like the X41 notebook, but the tablet version is slightly bigger, measuring 1.1 inches thick, 10.7 inches wide, and 9.5 inches deep. And weighing 3.6 pounds, it's almost a pound heavier than the notebook. The extended battery pack adds an inch to the depth and 0.5 pound to the weight, but that's still significantly thinner and more than half a pound lighter than either the HP Compaq tc4200 or the Averatec C3500. The X41 tablet's AC adapter adds a tolerable 0.7 pound to the travel weight.

Like other convertibles, the ThinkPad X41 tablet has a split personality: you can use it like a standard notebook, or you can swivel the display and fold it over the keyboard to create a digital slate for writing, drawing, or just doodling. Unlike other convertibles, the X41 tablet's screen doesn't wobble on its single hinge, and the digital grid layer required to interpret the pen's movements doesn't diminish the quality of the 12.1-inch XGA display. We did find that the slightly recessed screen makes writing a little awkward, though the glass surface closely mimics the feel of pen on paper. The character recognition is still a work in progress, so you'll need to write slowly and carefully for scratches and scrawls of the pen to be correctly translated into editable text; in our usage, the X41 tablet recognized 86 percent of our handwritten comments. Alongside the screen are helpful buttons for scrolling, rotating the display orientation, rebooting, and calling up a system control panel, plus Enter and Escape keys--pretty much everything you'd need to control your computer while it's in tablet mode.

The rest of the design matches what we've come to expect from ThinkPads, with a comfortable keyboard, a red TrackPoint pointing stick, two mouse buttons, and one button for scrolling. The battery features a grippy rubber surface that makes it easy to hold the machine in one hand while writing with the other, like a clipboard.

The port selection on the ThinkPad X41 tablet, however, is a little weak. It lacks FireWire and S-Video connectors, the latter of which is on the HP Compaq tc4200. The system does have headphone, microphone, VGA, modem, Gigabit Ethernet, and two USB 2.0 plugs (one powered), two fewer than on the larger Averatec C3500. Its PC Card slot doubles for use with the upcoming generation of ExpressCards, and there's a handy Secure Digital flash card reader, though not the multiformat flash card reader we're seeing on traditional notebooks.

In addition to Bluetooth short-range radio, the X41 tablet comes with Intel's 802.11b/g Wi-Fi radio, which was able to stay in contact with our base station for an average 100 feet in our anecdotal tests; you can also choose an Intel 802.11a/b/g radio. Unlike the Averatec C3500, the ThinkPad X41 tablet lacks an optical drive, but the companion ThinkPad X4 dock ($219 as of July 2005) has a modular bay that can be filled with a variety of drives.

In a nod to corporate buyers who may be purchasing a fleet of laptops, the ThinkPad X41 tablet features the same start-up software as some other ThinkPads. Major components and software are expected to remain unchanged for at least a year to help with long-term deployments, and when you're ready to upgrade, Lenovo will recycle your old equipment. In addition, the X41 tablet's security is every bit as good as its traditional counterpart. The TPM-based encryption hardware can protect data on the hard drive, and a fingerprint reader helps with authentication on the road or consolidates a user's passwords into one swipe of the finger.

The ThinkPad X41 tablet features midrange components that prioritize battery life over performance. Our test unit included a 1.5GHz Pentium M processor; a sluggish, 4,200rpm hard drive with a 40GB capacity; and 512MB of quick 400MHz memory. It's no surprise, then, that the X41 tablet scored in the middle of the tablet pack in CNET Labs' mobile benchmarks. The X41 tablet lagged about 20 percent behind the HP Compaq tc4200, which relies on a faster, 1.8GHz Pentium M processor and a speedy, 5,400rpm hard drive, but it scored significantly higher than the 1.6GHz Athlon XP processor in the Averatec C3500.

The ThinkPad X41 tablet ships with your choice of batteries: a light four-cell battery or the heavier but more powerful eight-cell battery. In our drain tests, the eight-cell battery pack lasted a remarkable 5 hours, 25 minutes, more than twice as long as the Averatec C3500's similarly sized cell and half an hour longer than the slightly smaller battery in the HP Compaq tc4200. We feel certain that with some judicious battery management, the X41 tablet will yield a full day of stop-and-go computing.

In addition to Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005, the ThinkPad X41 tablet comes with a wide assortment of programs, including trials of Alias SketchBook Pro 1.1, FranklinCovey PlanPlus for Windows, and utilities such as IBM Access Connections for networking and Rescue and Recovery for backing up and restoring data. The software standout, however, is InterVideo VirtualDrive, an optical disc emulator that lets you copy a full CD or DVD to the hard drive so that you don't have to carry the drive with you; the disc content actually runs faster and quieter off of the hard drive. Like most business systems, the ThinkPad X41 tablet does not include an office suite with its software bundle.

The ThinkPad X41 tablet's basic warranty includes three years of mail-in repairs, which can be upgraded to three or five years of onsite service for $119 and $449, respectively. On the downside, the battery is guaranteed for only one year. Like other business computer makers, Lenovo has a wide-ranging Web presence with troubleshooting help, setup tips, and downloads of everything you'll need, including a very informative maintenance manual. The company claims that e-mail tech-support representatives respond to your queries the next day, and the 24-hour toll-free support lines, available in 65 countries, have staff members who are fluent in a variety of languages.

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.