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EDITORIAL
Expecting trust
here’s only so far hype can take you. Without delivering solid
T products and following through on promises, you’ll just fall flat

on your face. Apple is a company we constantly watch because
of its ability to balance hype with genuine innovation. It’s
managed to use product design, marketing, user interaction and consumer
psychology to imbibe its products with unmatched levels of desirability.
This is what industry watchers call a “reality distortion field”, and Apple has
used it to full advantage. This is the effect that glorifies every new feature
and makes all faults and omissions seem insignificant in comparison.
The illusion needs careful and regular tending. It’s also worked because
Apple has been an underdog for a very long time. Its computers have
always had miniscule market share, but a disproportionate (and carefully
engineered) amount of media coverage portraying them as the preferred
choice of artists, creative professionals, fashionistas, free thinkers and
bohemians of all types. These days its iPods and iPhones are everywhere,
and apart from outer cases and two body color choices, there aren’t many
things differentiating one user from another. The white earphone cords
that once advertised your exclusivity now only make you one of a million
drones. No longer the underdog, Apple is now one of the most visible
success stories in tech— so visible, in fact, that it’s become somewhat of
a target.
It’s difficult to comment on the justifiability of claims that the

company’s latest iPhone antenna design is critically flawed without much
firsthand experience using the device, but it’s extremely easy to believe
people’s claims that the company deliberately released a flawed product
into the market. Whether or not that proves to be true, the company has
been unusually high-handed and defensive about dealing with complaints,
dragging its competitors into the fray and setting off another storm of
high-profile criticism. Telling people to hold the phone differently hasn’t
just annoyed users, it’s painted Apple as arrogant. Recommending people
buy insanely overpriced slipcovers makes it seem callous. Refusing for so
long to acknowledge that there might be a problem turns their
pioneering spirit into pigheadedness. If the halo effect proves true in
reverse and people start believing that the company’s new product
designs severely compromise the most basic functionality, the
distortion field might never recover its full strength.
Maybe Apple understimated the amount of trust buyers have in it, or

maybe it's built expectations up too high over the years. Facebook
found itself being similarly demonized everywhere a few months
ago, proving that rapid growth earns companies as many critics as
fans. Apple needs a serious image fix and a more humble public
tone—and everyone else needs to learn that no one is too big or
too well loved to fall.
Jamshed Avari
Deputy Editor
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP 08/2010 3

Contents AUGUST 2010
54 COVER STORY
We help you make the best buying decision
for your next desktop PC
NEWSWIRE TEST CENTER FEATURED

10 News Snippets 22 Product of the Month 54 Cover Story
A look at what's making news in the world of High-end gaming on a 12-inch form factor Confused about what needs to go into your PC?
technology. laptop; Alienware makes it possible. Afraid it'll get outdated? Check out our guide.
14 New Products Launched 24 Hardware Tested 62 Fast and Furious

A round-up of the latest products that are The latest PC hardware, cameras, mobile phones Want the ultimate gaming experience? Choose
hitting shelves now. and peripherals tested and rated. from one of these 18 high-end graphics cards.
18 Science on the Move 40 Software Spotlight 69 HD or SD? You Decide

NIIT’s innovative approach to teaching science One of the finest tools for enhancing and A round-up of seven sub-Rs 35,000 standard
through the Mobile Science Lab. organizing photos just got a lot better. and high definition camcorders.
43 Software Tested 74 Be a Social Media Manager

Everything from language tools and system Social media is serious business. Here's how
utilities to video editors and photo managers. you can turn your hobby into a career.
52 Laptop Configs 76 Banking on the Move

Specifications and prices for a range of Standing in lines and filling up slips is passe.
netbooks and budget and mainstream laptops. Mobile banking brings the bank to you.
78 Caution! Kids Online

Norton's Onlinefamily helps parents keep a vigil
on their children's online activities.
4 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP

Contents
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22 TEST CENTERR
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86 HANDS ON
NETWORKING @ HOME
Share your Internet connection
and files between two PCs
40 TEST CENTER
SOFTWARE SPOTLIGHT
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3.0
HANDS ON UNWIND REGULARS

86 Networking @ Home 102 Split/Second 03 Editorial, 08 Colophon,
How you can network two PCs with a simple An explosive thrill ride that will have you on 10 In the News... 14 New Products
cross-cable in under Rs 100. the edge of your seat. Launched, 52 PC Configs, 80 Web Watch,
82 Dr CHIP, 92 Tips & Tricks,
88 Tweak 'n' Tune 104 Pure Football 108 Market Watch, 124 Contests,
Optimize system performance using the best The not-so-beautiful game. Ubisoft's first 128 Letters, 130 Personal Tech
freeware tools. football title fails.
90 Wi-Fi For Dummies 106 International Cricket 2010

A simple guide to help secure your wireless A new way to play last year's game.
network from snoops.

AUGUST 2010 | VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 09 www.chip.in
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Surajit Agarwal
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - SALES
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NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS
DANGER BAROMETER IN THE NEWS...

HIGH RISK COMPILED BY JAMSHED AVARI
Peace is restored
after the football
world cup—but we SECURITY
still need to be
careful and avoid
attachments from
MEDIUM RISK
Social networks, financial sites at most risk in 1H 2010
unknown senders
The first half of 2010 saw a Top targets of phishing scams
rise in the number of threats 2% 1%
3% 2% Paypal
LOW RISK 3%
aimed at Web 2.0 sites, most 4% ebay
notably social networks, HSBC
7%
says a report published by Facebook
security vendor BitDefender. IRS

53%
VISA
Phishing has been rising 10%
Mastercard
THE PHISHING-WORLD CHAMPIONS

steadily, and while PayPal is
Bank of America
the target of a whopping 53 Poste Italiane
percent of all scams, eBay EGG
16%
USA 73% follows with 16 percent
and HSBC is in third place Top malware infections
China 5% with seven percent. Two
11.26%
Trojan. AutorunINF.Gen
huge events around which Win32.Worm.Downadup.Gen
5.66%
Canada 4% scammers tried tricking Exploit.PDF-JS.Gen
people were the FIFA world 4.80% Trojan.Clicker.CM

Germany 2% cup and the earthquake in 3.18% Win32.Sality.OG
2.90% Trojan.Wimad.Gen.1
Guatemala. Search engine
HongKong 2% 61.46% 2.68% Exploit.PDF-Payload.Gen
results for these terms were
Trojan.Autorun.AET
2.32%
commonly polluted to capture
Korea 1% 2.08% Worm.Autorun.VHG
high levels of Web traffic. 1.90% Trojan.FakeAV.KUE
1.76%
Phishers try to steal your data using Spam grew to 86 percent Other
falsified Web pages. These are the
countries hosting such websites. of all email in total with
Source: Antiphishing.org pharmacy-related mails in the lead at 66 target computers' master boot records (MBRs)
percent. The distant follower subjects were also saw a resurgence.
DANGER: BOTNETS DON’T DIE replica products at seven percent, loans and
insurance at five percent, and malware at 3.5
BitDefender predicts that the second half
of the year will see more threats targeted at
1,00,000 percent. Autorun trojans continued to make exploits in third-party software and online
80,000 up the bulk of all attacks, while threats which platforms including Facebook.
60,000
40,000
20,000 FAIR USE
0
Jan
2009
Mar
2009
May
2009
July
2009
Sept
2009
Nov
2009
Dec
2009
Brazil outlaws DRM on public domain, fair use cases
A study conducted by Symantec shows Brazil has become one DRM from being enforced in
the results of the closure of Providers
of the most progressive situations in which a person's
Real Host had in 2009. The botnets have
regained their strength since then. countries on the planet actions would ordinarily be
Source: Symantec when it comes to allowed under commonly
regulating the artificial recognized fair use laws and
FIGURE OF THE MONTH restrictions imposed conventions.
on media files in the DRM, originally designed
92
The number of countries in which AdMob now
name of Digital Rights
Management. Proposed new copyright laws
would ban DRM from applying to files in
perpetuity, since all content must eventually
become public domain. DRM measures would
to prevent piracy, has been
widely abused by content sellers to restrict
competition, often resulting in inconvenience
to users because files and media simply
won't work except in certain restrictive
serves over 10 million ad impressions per month
have to expire when copyright does. The situations, such as music CDs that can't be
Source: AdMob Metrics Report
proposed amendments would also prevent played in cars or on computers.
10 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP SMS us! Story code: NSN to 51818
NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS
WEB INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LIFE SECURITY
Google Me, Games Cathay Pacific to Hardcover books Videocon D2H

target Facebook? offer broadband lose out to Kindle warns of phishing
Google is widely believed Videocon D2H has warned
to be preparing yet another the public that fake websites
attempt at challenging are using its brand name and
Facebook's dominance in image to scam unsuspecting
the social networking scene. members of the public.
While neither company has According to the company,
commented on the speculation, Cathay Pacific will offer Amazon reports that ebook which has registered a
even a former Facebook CTO broadband Internet access sales for its Kindle reader complaint with the Mumbai
has said the project is real as well as phone and live TV have spiked massively since it Cybercrime Cell, users are
and is a huge priority for the connections across its fleet cut prices on its hardware in being directed to fake websites
search giant. Speculation says by 2012. A satellite link will June, and have now surpassed via SMS broadcasts. They
Me will incorporate Buzz and provide each plane with up sales of hardcover books. The are then informed they have
Google Latitude. to 50 Mbps of connectivity, online store has been selling won a free Videocon DTH
A separate set of rumors which will also be used to books for 15 years, and subscription, but have to pay
point towards an undisclosed enable telemetry of flight data started selling digital ones less a service tax via bank deposit.
US$ 100-200 million from the ground in realtime. than three years ago. Around Further, users are instructed
investment by Google in Passengers will be able to 143 Kindle format books are to fax their deposit slips
Zynga, the makers of Facebook stream media and use new sold for every 100 hardcovers. to a particular number. The
sensation Farmville. This could e-commerce applications Popular authors Stieg Larsson, concerned banks have already
be a move to tempt users to from their seatbacks or own Stephenie Meyer, and James been approached to shut
play their games on a Google- devices. The cost of the new Patterson, have sold over down accounts linked to these
operated platform. service is currently unknown. 500,000 ebook copies each. deposits, says Videocon.

NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS
SECURITY SOFTWARE
SECURITY
New threat spreads via pen drives, 74% of office PCs
NEW SECURITY not dependent on autorun.inf still use XP
RISKS DETECTED A new rootkit threat,
going by the names
Microsoft has published the
results of a survey which
AND PATCHED Stuxnet and Tmphider reveal that 74 percent of
amongst others, is office PCs still use Windows
gaining notoriety XP, and are an average of
after it has emerged 4.4 years old. The figure is
that it can spread particularly interesting since
via pen drives in an the cutoff date for support for
entirely new fashion. Windows XP
Multiple antivirus and security vendors are reporting that SP2 as well as
on being connected to a system, the rootkit can use LNK Windows 2000
files, rather than the well-known autorun.inf file method. expired in July.
It can be triggered simply by opening the drive location in That means an
Windows Explorer or any other file manager. The threat is unknown number of PCs will
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS4
currently rated as highly severe. have to be updated to at least
If one opens a manipulated Photoshop
The rootkit places two files on a compromised system, SP3 or remain at risk without
CS4 file in formats such as ASL or ABR,
attackers can get the complete control named mrxnet.sys and mrxcls.sys, which are essentially any future security updates.
of the system. drivers that instruct the operating system to mask the XP will continue to be
SOLUTION: Buffer overflows are to be threat. Incidentally, both drivers somehow manage to available as a downgrade
blamed for these faults. A patch is produce certificates signed by Realtek Semiconductor Corp. option until two years after
ready and copies updated to the Other signs of infection are files with names similar to the introduction of Windows
version 11.0.2 are safe. Photoshop "Copy of shortcut to.lnk". Symantec reported in mid July 8, the launch date of which is
CS5 is not affected at all.
that nearly 40 percent of infections were in India. still unknown.
VMWARE
Software plug-ins from different SECURITY SECURITY
manufacturers that contain
virtualization ehancements for
VMWare have security holes through
Koobface morphs yet again, poses VoIP attackers
which hacking software can be
sneaked into a system.
fresh danger to users could cost dearly
SOLUTION: For the VMware products Koobface, the botnet-
ESX, ESXi, vCenter and vMA, patches fueled worm that has
are available from the manufacturer’s been around for at
website.
least two years in
some form or other,
SUN OPENOFFICE has unleashed a new
Through a weak point in the free wave of attacks that
Office suite from Sun, hackers can run are more dangerous The Internet Storm Center is
certain damaging code. For this the
than ever before. warning of increased activity
attackers use Python scripts
After spreading password-stealing spyware, popup ads and detected on ports usually used
embedded in deliberately manipulated
documents. Apart from this, a new TLS redirecting search requests across the world, McAfee Avert by Voice-over-IP applications
lapse has been found in the SSL Labs now reports that a new variant of the worm has that use the SIP protocol.
library. started hijacking DNS instructions. This allows it to block The organization attributes
SOLUTION: The company has managed to off a computer's access to security vendors' sites and other this to attempts to use brute
cement both lapses in its update, sources of information. force attack methods to crack
version 3.2.1. You can find the
Infected users will also see popups of typically fake weak passwords. Once users'
download link on the Sun website.
antivirus program "AV Security Suite" warning them that accounts are compromised,
their computers are infected. Most EXE files on the system the attackers might use
APPLE SAFARI
will be prevented from running, pretty much paralyzing them themselves or sell the
About 44 critical lapses have been any infected PC. Preying on users' fears of viruses that credentials online. Use of the
detected in the Webkit 2 rendering
delete important files, Koobface then blocks all web traffic accounts would then be billed
engine, on both Windows and Mac OS.
SOLUTION: Apple has been quick to except to its own websites, where users will be directed in to the original owners and
release patched versions. order to purchase the full version of the supposed antivirus might remain undetected for a
product for US$ 50–70 and "fix" their computers. long time.

NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS
WEB WEB GEEK CULTURE
Senior CNN staffer fired for New .xxx "porn Web pranks
inappropriate Twitter comment domain" okayed target teen singer
CNN's Senior Editor of
Mideast Affairs, veteran
journalist Octavia Nasr,
has been fired after a
massive controversy
over a tweet posted
to her official account
that said " Sad to After years of debate, ICANN, Justin Bieber, a 16-year old
hear of the passing of the authority that manages pop singer famous for being
Sayyed Mohammad top-level domains, has discovered through YouTube,
Hussein Fadlallah.. One approved of the .xxx TLD for has become the target of
of Hezbollah's giants I respect a lot. #Lebanon". While Nasr "voluntary self regulation" of repeated pranks orchestrated
later explained that Ayatollah Fadlallah (who had praised terror adult material online. While by the infamous 4chan online
attacks on the US and is regarded as a terrorist himself there) it would be extremely easy community. Fake reports that
has been a positive influence on women's rights in the face of to filter out .xxx sites, there he has died violently, joined
totalitarian beliefs, the outrage was too strong for CNN to ignore. are so far no plans to compel a cult and contracted Syphilis
Nasr also apologized profusely for using a Tweet to comment adult websites to use this have spread virally; YouTube
on the situation, calling the medium "simplistic", and admitting domain, making simple filters was hacked last month to
she should have realized it was insufficient for commenting on ineffective. redirect his videos to porn
sensitive issues. Meanwhile, Chinese sites, and a public poll of which
Nevertheless, CNN dismissed her within three days, with a (Pinyin) has become the next country he should tour was
statement that the company believed her credibility had been international language in which manipulated so that the winner
compromised after the incident. URLs are available. turned out to be North Korea.

NEWSWIRE
NEW PRODUCTS LAUNCHED

COMPILED BY JAMSHED AVARI
AOC Turbo PC and Secure Lock. One can just peace in increasingly crowded
leave the drive plugged in and move on environments by shielding them from
Stylish LCD TVs as they only extend 5mm from the laptop. annoying ambient noise by up to 90
This new drive can transfer data 20 percent. One of the lightest pairs of active
percent faster as it comes with Turbo PC. noise-cancelling earphones available in
The Thumbnail Flash Drive supports the market today, they have an added
Microsoft Windows 7 and comes in three feature that enables the user to keep
different colors, black, white and red. listening to his/her favorite music or
PRICE: 2 GB: Rs 700; 4 GB: Rs 1,000; 8 movie in passive mode after the battery
GB: Rs 1,600 power has run out—an advantage for
WEBSITE: www.buffalo-asia.com travelers. Tuned Neodymium magnet
drivers offer powerful playback for
ZYXEL today’s digital music or in-flight
entertainment. Combines with the
Compact Wireless pristine delivery from high-
AOC has launched its range of LCD TVs Adapter quality Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)
cabling and gold-plated plug, users
called Nautilus. AOC’s stylish LCD TV will find the Creative EP-3NC earphones
series is available in 22, 26, 32 and ZyXEL Communications has to be an aural delight, anywhere.
42-inch screen sizes. AOC Nautilus comes announced its new NWD-270N PRICE: Rs 5,999
in a stylish, high gloss piano finish with a Wireless N-lite USB Adapter, combining WEBSITE: www.asia.creative.com
fashionable red and black dual colored the lightning fast speed and greater range
bezel and is available in Full HD and HD of 802.11n technology which delivers INTEX
Ready formats, with a super dynamic maximum convenience to its users. The
contrast ratio of 50,000:1, boasting new streamlined device provides an easy Dual-SIM QWERTY
amazing picture quality. Other features
include surround sound, Real Color
and cost-effective way to add or upgrade
the wireless network performance of a phone
Engine, USB Cinema and HDMI input. AOC desktop or notebook computer. The
Nautilus has a built in DMP Engine (Digital adapter is compatible with a 802.11n The Intex IN 6633 brings Wi-Fi,
Media Player). The USB Hub present on network so users can access high- face-to-face chat, dual SIM,
the side makes it very easy for users to speed Internet services and and QWERTY keypad features
connect their other AV gadgets and play includes features like WMM QoS to users. It is a dual SIM
images or audio and video files. AOC certification to deliver time- (GSM+GSM) handset with a soft
Nautilus provides this ergonomic feature sensitive applications such as video and attractive QWERTY
across its entire LCD TV series. and voice streaming by optimally keypad. People hooked on to
PRICE: TBA prioritizing data traffic. the Internet can use Nimbuzz,
WEBSITE: www.aocdisplays.in PRICE: TBA the instant messaging tool,
WEBSITE: www.zyxel.in Java, Facebook, and games
BUFFALO like M-Sudoku, etc. Users can
CREATIVE also have a face-to face video
Tiny Flash Drive chat on 2G, facilitated by the
Compact noise- dual cameras. Wi-Fi further gives
Buffalo Technology has announced its
ultra-compact USB RUF2 PSG Flash Drive cancelling them faster net surfing, download and
chatting experiences. Push Mail allows
series. Featuring AES encryption
software, the drive is so small that no
earphones access to 10 mailboxes (on different
portals) without logging in and out again
inserting and removing is required; one Creative has announced the and again. The phone is very dapper
can leave it plugged into a laptop EP-3NC in-ear noise- with a wine-red and black exterior
and move. This thumbnail drive cancelling earphones. The and a 5.8 cm screen.
is a fast, easy and EP-3NC earphones are PRICE: Rs 4,500
secure way to ideal for busy commuters WEBSITE: www.
transfer data with and travelers who seek intextechnologies.com
14 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP SMS us! Story code: NPL to 51818
NEWSWIRE
The products and services listed here have not been reviewed by IC-CHIP.
These are not endorsements or recommendations. All prices, specifications and
claims are as stated by the respective manufacturers and publicists.
TARGUS tions,
and vivid color options,
ual
rather than the usual
Ergonomic laptop cases e
black and grey. The
P3110, available
Targus has introduced its latest Crave in Cherry Red,
collection of laptop cases made of premium Shiny White and
material that is durable, water and stain Glossy Black, has an
resistant. These new laptop cases were ife of six
excellent battery life
created to merge style with durability in and half hours. It is an 11.6-inch
the rainy season. The fun and funky Crave movie nights or watch the match with your notebook with an ultra-low-voltage Intel
Collection combines unique styling and family and friends with astounding visuals Core 2 Duo processor, high-resolution LED
practical functionality with its cushioned with the LED TV. Imagine playing your screen and Energy Star 5.0 rating. Low
design reminiscent of a plush ski jacket. favorite games on your TV with visual power consumption coupled with long-life
With a colorful blue exterior and vivid effects which bring you even closer to batteries enable users to work for longer
green interior, these cases are made of a feeling that you are IN the game. durations. The Lifebook P3110 weighs just
nylon material with a scratch-resistant PRICE: 32-inch: Rs 42,00; 40-inch: Rs 1.6 kg. An integrated 1.3-megapixel
microfiber interior. Crave cases are 70,000; 46 inch: Rs 95,000 webcam and built-in digital microphone are
available in three styles, which include a WEBSITE: www.technologies.vu perfect for video conferencing. This laptop
16-inch backpack, a 10.2-inch netbook case is 3G enabled and offers maximum data
and laptop slipcases ACER security in terms of Integrated TPM module,
available in four sizes. fingerprint sensor and optional Fujitsu
Crave cases feature Slim, stylish monitor advanced theft protection features.
double foam padding PRICE: Rs 63,500
and a front zippered Acer has launched an innovative TFT WEBSITE: www.fujitsu.com
compartment to store monitor that is poised to change the face of
accessories. PC displays. The S Series monitor, S243HL is WILEY
PRICE: Backpack: Rs a showcase of modern design, sporting a
2,699 razor-thin profile with a depth of only Microsoft Silverlight
WEBSITE: www.
targusonline.com
about half an inch and features an LED that
radiates a soft blue light when power is book
turned on. The Acer S243HL is made for
VU users who expect tasteful design, great With the release of
performance and earth-friendly Silverlight 4.0 and the
Efficient LED TV functionality. Encased in a stylish black Silverlight Control Toolkit,
bezel, it stands out and adds a it is time to start thinking
Vu has brought out their LED collection touch of class to any room. The about entire websites and
which is an efficient range of TVs monitor saves space and uses line of business
designed to enhance your white LED technology for power applications written from
viewing pleasure. They conservation. The Acer S243HL the ground up utilizing the new features
help you save on will be best appreciated by aimed specifically at this type of
electricity bills with their trendy, design-conscious users development. This book will take the user
low powered, energy & earth-caring advocates. through the steps of creating a live fully
efficient LED panels. Also, PRICE: Rs 15,000 functional application for the web utilizing
they are easily degradable WEBSITE: www.acer.co.in Silverlight 4.0, the Silverlight Control
and do not harm your Toolkit, and the new .NET RIA Services
surroundings. The new platform. Readers will learn how to create
range of LED TVs FUJITSU their own fitness tracking website called
guarantees sharp picture FitnessTrackerPlus and create the next
quality and a high Long-life laptop generation of Rich Internet Applications.
contrasts for deep black PRICE: Rs 449
or high brightness. Bring Fujitsu has launched its new WEBSITE: www.wiley.in
out the popcorn and have P3110 laptop with extra gloss – [email protected]

NEWSWIRE
FEATURE
Science on the move

NIIT’s Mobile Science Lab is an innovative approach to teaching science by encouraging
students to conduct experiments. BY PRIYANKA TILVE
W
hat happens when the water and practical, reducing the impact of The Mobile Science Lab allows you
reaches its boiling point? what has been learnt in the classroom. to actually monitor changes that occur
What happens when you add With Mobile Science Lab, we aim to every second during the experiment
sulfuric acid to sugar? Why is there a bridge this gap; it is a portable science rather than just noting the end result. For
cooling sensation when we have antacid laboratory that comes to the students instance, for checking the boiling point
pills? It’s easier to get answers to all instead of having the entire class going of water, all you have to do is select the
these questions and many more now to the lab.” experiment, connect a thermometer and
with NIIT’s Mobile Science Lab.
The Mobile Science Lab is part
Be it in sports or
of NIIT’s endeavor to come up with
IT-enabled learning solutions to bring academics, success comes
back the joy of learning to young minds. to those who inculcate learning
Abraham Tharakan, Vice President as a 24x7 experience. I am
& Head, Design and Development at delighted to unveil a product
NIIT School Learning Solutions, says
that makes teaching and
“Conventional methods of teaching and
learning science pose vast challenges
learning of science a 24x7
both for teachers and students alike. fun experience, thus awakening
Today, science is taught largely in and encouraging the young
classrooms with intermittent lab scientists.
sessions that allow students to perform – Viswananthan Anand
hands-on experiments. This means that World Chess Champion and
there is a large time gap between theory NIIT Mind Champion
18 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP SMS us! Story code: NNT to 51818
NEWSWIRE
FEATURE
SPECIFICATIONS
The mobile science lab is made up of a 7-inch TFT LCD touch screen
and it consists of 39 scientific sensors that can be used to measure
various factors. It can typically be used by three students at a time.
The case, alongwith its other components, is made of ABS plastic,
making it sturdy and capable of withstanding rough handling. It
comes with integrated Wi-Fi and works on battery. Maintenance is
easy as it does not consist of any moving parts. The NOVA comes
with a one-year warranty, and NIIT provides three days of training at
the beginning of every academic year for three years.
dip it in a beaker that contains water. As the temperature

of the water rises slowly, the same will be represented on
screen in the form of a graph. Then as the water reaches
boiling point, you will see that the graph is stable as
the temperature remains constant. The Mobile Science
Lab covers a wide range of subjects, including Physics,
Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Sciences. More than
210 experiments from the NCERT-defined curricula for
classes 1–10 can be performed on it with the help of various
accessories.
Owing to its portability, the students can even carry it
during field trips to extract real-time data for conducting
experiments. For example, if students want to check the
amount of carbon dioxide in the air at various parts of the
city, they can do so by simply carrying the Mobile Science
Lab and carbon dioxide sensor with them. The machine will
automatically take readings of all the samples collected, and
store the data.
The device is also equipped with standard features such
as Internet access, word processing, spreadsheets and
e-mail. This helps students tabulate, record and share their
observations during an experiment.
NIIT will make this technology-enabled learning solution
available through computer-aided experimentation, and the
device will make use of Fourier Systems' Nova 5000 science
data logger. NIIT has worked to customize the solution for
use in Indian schools, but it will cost over Rs 1 lakh. If a
school decides to introduce the Mobile Science Lab only
for class 10 students, for example, it will be equipped with
only those apparatuses required for the experiments in the
curriculum and the cost will be calculated accordingly.
– [email protected]
Students try out NIIT's Mobile Science Lab at its launch in Mumbai.

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE PRODUCT
OF THE
MONTH
VERDICT
XXXXX
GAMING LAPTOP
DELL
ALIENWARE MX11
VERDICT: Serious gaming on a 11.6-inch laptop.
FOR: Great for gaming, excellent multimedia experience,
extremely portable.
AGAINST: This model is exorbitantly priced, very little value
for money.
LAPTOP
LAP
PTOP
A
lienware
lie
enw
ware gaming notebooks
w no
otebooks
b k are known
kno
own gaming
ming notebooks,, it’s the size and weight.
gam ght. It is
weig
for
or their
fo
XXXX
heir rugged build,
th
h b d, powerful hardware,
are,
excellent performance, and exorbitant price
tags. The new Alienware MX11 gaming notebook
essentially a small
smaller M15X.
5X. The lid and
ler version of the M15
screen frame are thankfully the only parts on the
entire unit with a glossy finish. Typical of Alienware
offers all of this, except for the high price. Let’s find notebooks, you’ll find lights all over, and the keyboard
FOR: XXX
out how. and power button are backlit. Then there are lights
AGAINST:
AGAIA NST: XXXX
Gaming notebooks are a dime a dozen, and in the front and even underneath the unit. Speaking
usually, they are large (about 15 inches), they weigh of underneath the unit, turn the laptop upside down
X
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
at least 3 kgs, and offer very little battery runtime.
XXXXXX and you’ll notice an inlet fan (with LEDs) on the
The Asus G51J and the previous Alienware
XXXx models bottom. This fan enables effective air circulation by
- M15X and M17X, are perfect examples, but pulling
utheyant.khilnani@ch
- [email protected]
dush in air from below, which is then expelled from
hip.in
Alienware M11X has changed everything. It weighs the side-vent.
almost half as much and is slimmer, hence easier Ergonomically, it matches up well with other
to carry. So gaming is no more restricted to desktop Alienware notebooks. The entire wrist rest and the
replacements, but even ultra-portable laptops can textured touchpad have a matte finish, and the
handle serious gaming; that too at a good price. mouse buttons are quite comfortable to use. All the
This new entrant has a 12-inch form factor with ports are at either side and the only connection at
a 11.6-inch screen and weighs less than 2 kgs. In the rear is the DC power connector. In terms of build
terms of aesthetics, if there’s anything about this quality, the overall package, including the chassis and
notebook that’s different from other Alienware hinges, is rock solid.
This machine is built around an IGP chipset; an
Intel G45, which features an Intel GMA X4500 HD
onboard GPU. It also has a discrete GPU - an Nvidia
SPECIFICATIONS GeForce GT335, so you can toggle between the
Rs XXX two when required. Coming back to the low-voltage
www.XXXX.XXXX
processor; it uses an Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300, which
XXXXX: XXXXXX;
is common to ULV laptops. The other hardware
CONTACT XXX
PHONE XXX includes 4 GB DDR3 RAM, a 256 GB SSD, and a
EMAIL XXX 11.6-inch glossy screen with a native resolution of
RATINGS 1366x768.
BUILD QUALITY If you notice the hardware, specifically the
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
processor and the absence of an optical drive, it’s
PERFORMANCE hard not to compare it with laptops belonging to
OVERALL RATING
The illumination color of the keyboard, logo and front grille can
be customised. It looks super-cool in the dark. the ultra-portable laptops category. But gaming,
VALUE FOR MONEY
22 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP SMS us! Story code: HCI to 51818
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
VERDICT
V
VE RDIC
RD CT
something that this machine is good at, has never

so
been a forte of ULVs. And perhaps that’s the USP of
be
XXXXXX
XXXX
the M11X.
The ports on this machine include VGA, three
USB, FireWire, HDMI and a display port. Connectivity
US
options include 10/100 Ethernet, Wi-Fi N and
op
Bluetooth. The machine comes pre-loaded with
Blu
Windows 7 Home Premium, and the bundle doesn’t
W
include
in
inc much side from an OS recover disc. It’s funny
that they supply optical media, when the machine
tha
doesn’t
d
do have an optical drive to read it.
Typical
T y Alienware features
BINARY GFX: Common to all Alienware gaming
BI
notebooks, this option allows you to manually toggle
no
between discrete and onboard graphics, and it’s very
be
useful, especially when you’re using the machine on
us and this price tag forces us to compare it to a
the go and when you aren’t using it for gaming. gaming laptop in the same price range, like the Asus
STEALTH
LAPTOP MODE: This is another common feature,
ST
L G51J, which costs Rs 99,000, but offers much more
which puts the machine into a mode that helps in terms of features. An Intel Core i7 QM (which is a
XXXX
maximize the battery runtime.
ALIENFUSION: This is a separate interface for
power management of the laptop. It offers the same
powerful quad-core processor), 4 GB DDR3 RAM, two
320 GB hard drives and good discrete graphics are on
offer in the Asus G51. Over and above, its screen is 3D
features as those found in Windows’ power options. compliant and the machine bundles with it Nvidia’s
FOR: XXX
ALIENWARE ALIEN FX: This option let’s people who 3D vision kit.
AGAINST: XXXX X
hate those light effects to turn them off completely So why should you spend so much money on the
using the AlienFX button on the top-right corner of M11X? The standard M11X variant, which costs Rs
X
the keyboard.
XXXXXX Also, for those of you who love the
XX 70,000, is not very bad, especially since itXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
allows you
XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX
lights, you XXXx
can
XX
XXxchange the colors from the AlienFX to play demanding games on the go. It makes almost
control Panel. The Alienware Command
- [email protected]
dushyant.khilna Center lets
[email protected] no sense to spend Rs 20,000 extra to get an SSD in
you access these features. this machine.
Alienware has smartly used a low-voltage To test performance, we started by playing a 720p
(weaker) processor and a good discrete GPU, which HD movie on this machine and the playback was
is an ideal combination for gaming notebooks, while flawless and completely stutter-free. Although the
it also keeps the price in check. It’s very crucial that sound wasn’t very loud, the clarity was excellent.
you configure this machine properly, to get the best Coming to games, we ran most of the game
value for your money. The M11X with a standard 500 benchmarks at the native resolution and with some
GB hard drive costs Rs 70,000, which is a good price, settings at high. This was mainly to see how the
considering the machine performs under stress. In Crisis Warhead,
SPECIFICATIONS
ultra-portable we got playable frame rates in the performance
Rs 90,000
www.dell.co.in form factor, and mainstream modes, and the gamer’s mode
Dimensions (WxHxD): 285.7 x 32.7 x 233.3 mm; and, the gaming was playable at lower resolutions. The same was
Weight: 1.99 kg; Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300, and multimedia SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIF
the case with Left 4 Dead, where at 1366 x 768 FICATIONS
and
1.30 GHz; Memory: 4 GB DDR3; Hard disk: 256 GB experience. Rs fps,
medium settings and no AA, we got over 40 XXX
XX
SSD; Screen size: 11.6 in; Connectivity: 10/100 www.XXXX.XXXX
www.XX
XXX.XXXX
Ethernet, Wi-Fi N, Bluetooth However, the which is good enough.
XXXXX:
X: XXXXXX;
CONTACT Dell India model we tested This laptop targets a very specific audience. It’s
CONTACT
CON
NTACT XXX
PHONE 1800-425-8046 features an SSD only for someone who wants an affordable laptop
PHONE
PH XXX
EMAIL NA
that adds Rs that can handle demanding games and is EMAIL
extremely XXX
RATINGS 28,000 to the easy to carry around. But the M11X only meets those
BUILD QUALITY
RATINGS
ERGONOMICS
cost. So the criteria if you opt for the Rs 70,000 variant. The
BUILD Rs
QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES total cost of this 90,000 machine, which we tested, is completely
FEATURES
over
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
machine comes the top. PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY up to Rs 98,000, – Dushyant Khilnani
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
VERDICT
A POWERFUL
ION-BASED
LAPTOP WITH
INCREDIBLE
PERFORMANCE.
NETBOOK
ASUS EEEPC 1201N

FOR: Excellent performance, decent price.
AGAINST: Volume could have been better.
T
he EeePC 1201N is not as slim other netbooks. Built around Nvidia’s
or as light as the previous Ion platform, the Asus EeePC 1201N
Seashell 1008HA netbook, is powered by an Intel Atom N330
which was merely an inch in thickness processor. It has 2 GB RAM, a 250 GB
and weighed a kilogram. Nevertheless, hard drive, GeForce 9400M integrated
at about 1.3-inches in thickness and graphics, and a 12.1-inch glossy screen
weighing about 1.4 kg, this netbook (1366x768). There’s no optical drive, but
packs more than double the power and that’s not yet a downside on netbooks.
offers the same style and sexy looks. Other features are rather common,
In fact, ergonomically, it’s much more such as HDMI and VGA ports, webcam,
comfortable to use, thanks to the larger memory card reader and three USB ports.
12-inch form factor. Typing on it is more Finally, the machine we tested came pre-
convenient because the keys aren’t as loaded with Windows 7 Starter, but there
SPECIFICATIONS crammed as they are on most netbooks. are also variants that come with Windows
Rs 28,999 Except for the keys and the base, 7 Home Premium. This netbook is twice
www.asus.in which feature a black matte coating, the as powerful in terms of processing and
Dimensions (WxHxD): 297.18 x 33 x 208.3 mm; Weight: entire unit has an overall glossy finish. graphics when compared to entry-level
1.4 kg; Display: 12.1-inch; CPU: Intel Atom N330; RAM: Ports are well-placed at either side and netbooks. As a matter of fact, you can
2 GB; Hard disk: 250 GB; Graphics: Nvidia Ion.
the built-in speakers are in the front, even enjoy light gaming on this machine,
CONTACT Asus India
PHONE 022–67668800 which isn’t the best thing. When using thanks to Nvidia’s Ion platform. In terms
EMAIL [email protected] the machine placed on the lap, you might of multimedia, it can seamlessly playback
RATINGS cover the speakers, which easily drowns HD-movies. The battery runtime under
BUILD QUALITY out the sound. medium load is 3 hours 43 minutes, which
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
In terms of features, it is the hardware isn't bad.
PERFORMANCE that distinguishes this machine from all - Dushyant Khilnani
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
VERDICT
THIS ONE'S A
TOUGH NUT TO
CRACK,
LITERALLY!
DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS TOUGH 3000

FOR: Excellent build, good color reproduction, 1 GB built-in memory.
AGAINST: Controls are too small, HD video lacks quality and sharpness.
T
he Olympus Tough-3000 is a The rubber panel (buttons) are not very The HDMI and USB ports are neatly concealed behind
point-and-shoot camera that’s built responsive, forcing you to press really hard an air tight flap that prevents water from seeping in.
to withstand punishment. Encased to make things work. The overall interface
in a rugged plastic body, it is, as the name is good, but it feels a little too sluggish
suggests - tough. The device isn’t quite and it lacks fluidity when changing
compact, but it isn’t bulky either. The modes or settings. The Tough-3000
camera comes with a 28 mm wide angle can record in HD at 720p, but the video
lens, but with only 3.6x optical zoom. The lacks the sort of sharpness and overall
rear sports a 2.7-inch screen that performs picture quality you would expect from an
well under direct sunlight. First-time users HD video. Overall, color and saturation
shouldn’t find using this camera difficult is handled well, with a decent level of
as it comes with a detailed in-camera sharpness. However, images tend to lose
manual that explains almost all functions. sharpness towards the top edges, though
SPECIFICATIONS
Another major plus point for this camera this is only viewable if you scrutinize
is its built-in 1 GB memory. The Olympus them closely. The night mode was a bit
Rs 13,999
www.olympus-imaging.co.in
Tough-3000 is specifically designed to of a letdown, as the images looked too Dimensions (WxHxD): 95.9 x 65 x 23.4 mm; Weight:
withstand harsh weather conditions. It overexposed. The camera’s super macro 160 g; Resolution: 12 megapixels; Focal length (35
can survive freezing temperatures of -10 range is a sweet 1.3 cm, while the normal mm equiv): 28 - 102 mm; Aperture range: f3.5 – f5.1;
Shutter range: 4 - 1/2000 sec.
degrees Centigrade and is waterproof macro is 5 cm. The Tough-3000 may
CONTACT Olympus Imaging Corporation
to a depth of 3 meters. Moreover, it not be the best point-and-shoot camera, PHONE 022-22854495
can withstand a fall from as high as 1.5 but it performs well in comparison EMAIL [email protected]
meters, which we actually tested, and it to other mid-range cameras. At Rs RATINGS

did work after the drop test. While these 12,999, this is an affordable all-weather BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
are all reassuring features, we weren’t too camera with decent performance. FEATURES
impressed with the tactility of the device. - Sandeep Balachandran PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
VERDICT
A COMPACT
CAMERA WITH
A GOOD BLEND
OF STYLE AND
PERFORMANCE.
DIGITAL CAMERA
CANON IXUS 105

FOR: Good color reproduction, ISO values till 800, wide angle lens, excellent build.
AGAINST: No HD recording, limited features.
T
The large buttons make the IXUS 105 responsive and
he Canon IXUS 105’s standout support HD recording. However, the
easy to use. feature is its super compact size; video output is quite well balanced at a
it’s just about the size of your resolution of 640x480 pixels. The IXUS
palm and quite comfortable to hold. 105 delivers a near perfect balance of
It sports a metal build with a matte color and saturation, which is quite rare in
finish that ensures that the body is free cameras at this price range. Images aren’t
of fingerprints. The camera packs in a the sharpest, but the overall image quality
decently sized 2.7-inch screen, which is is quite usable. It is only the finer details
pretty impressive considering the size of that the camera loses out on, and those
the device. Also in contradiction to its can only be detected once you zoom in
small size, the camera has surprisingly and scrutinize the image. Images in Low
large buttons, which makes it quite Light mode display a considerable amount
comfortable to use. Button placement is of noise, making them almost unusable.
SPECIFICATIONS
typical of Canon cameras, with the usual The IXUS 105 performs well till ISO
Rs 10,995 zoom rocker that encircles the shutter 800, beyond which there is a significant
www.canon.co.in
Dimensions (WxHxD): 90.5 x 55.8 x 21.2 mm; Weight: release button. You also get a decent 4x decrease in image quality. The camera’s
140 g; Resolution: 12.1 megapixels; Focal length optical zoom with a 28 mm wide angle macro range is a little disappointing at 3
(35mm equiv): 28 - 112 mm; Aperture range: f2.8 – lens. The interface is similar to other cm, but overall details are captured quite
f5.9; Shutter range: 15 - 1/1500 sec.
Canon cameras, with a total of 12 shooting well. The Canon IXUS 105 has a great
CONTACT Canon India
PHONE 1800-180-33-66 modes. The low light mode, a regular mix of style and performance, but it is a
EMAIL [email protected] feature in recent Canon cameras, allows little short on features. For Rs 10,995, one
RATINGS you to shoot at a much higher ISO value would expect at least HD video recording.
BUILD QUALITY (max 5000), but at a limited resolution But if you’re not too keen on hi-res videos,
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
of 2 megapixels. The video mode was a the Canon IXUS 105 will do just fine.
PERFORMANCE bit of a letdown though, since it doesn’t - Sandeep Balachandran
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
VERDICT
AN AVERAGE
PERFORMER
FOR ITS PRICE.
DIGITAL CAMERA
CASIO EXILIM Z550

FOR: Decent color reproduction, neat set of shooting options, 2.7-inch display.
AGAINST: Noise at low ISO, disappointing night mode.
T
The calendar view allows you to quickly review
he Casio EX-Z550 is a compact camera's strongest facet, thanks to some
images taken on a specific date. little camera with a mixed panning issues. There is also a visible
plastic and metal construction. amount of noise when capturing video
The camera features a high resolution under low light. However, the playback
14.1 megapixel CCD sensor that comes quality is smooth. The Z550 does a good
combined with a decent 4x optical job of capturing color. At times, the reds
zoom. The Z550 also boasts a wide and yellows tend to look a little dull,
angle lens (26 mm) that allows you to but the overall picture is well balanced.
capture a much wider frame. Despite Sharpness and detail aren’t great though.
its diminutive size, the camera manages There is considerable loss in details
to accommodate a 2.7-inch LCD when pictures are viewed at 100 percent.
display, which works well, but feels In night shots, the image tends to be
too reflective when used in a well lit too blotched and hazy, with a yellow
SPECIFICATIONS
area. The interface is quite simple to tinge and a slight reduction in color.
Rs 10,995 comprehend, and options for flash, ISO, The Macro mode is one of the camera’s
www.casioindiacompany.com
Dimensions (WxHxD): 99 x 53 x 20 mm; Weight: 140 timer, etc. are conveniently located. strong points, and the Super Macro mode
g; Resolution: 14.1 megapixels; Focal length (35mm The Z550 also comes with a allows you to take close up shots from
equiv): 26 - 104 mm; Aperture range: f2.6 – f5.9; dedicated record button for video a distance of 2 cm. This is a straight
Shutter range: 4 - 1/2000 sec.
capture. The Z550 packs in a whopping forward point-and-shoot aimed at casual
CONTACT Casio India company
PHONE 011 - 47154346 43 shooting modes. Amongst these, users. It offers a wide range of shooting
EMAIL [email protected] the silent mode gives you the freedom modes and the ability to record video in
RATINGS to record video in black and white and HD, even if video quality isn’t the best.
BUILD QUALITY without audio. Like all cameras these But with an asking price of Rs 10,250, you
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
days, there is the obvious Intelligent cannot ask for much more.
PERFORMANCE Auto mode. Video recording is not the - Sandeep Balachandran
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
VERDICT
THE COWON
J3 OFFERS
AN IN-DEPTH
AUDIO
EXPERIENCE.
PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER
COWON J3
FOR: Lightweight, great design, superb audio quality, memory expansion.
AGAINST: Lag evident when accessing high resolution images.
T
he Cowon J3 is as generic in design offer customizable options to enhance
as PMPs get. That being said, it’s overall audio quality. BBE+, which is a Thanks to the microSD slot, the player's memory can
still a very sleek device that’s just licensed audio enhancement engine, be expanded by up to 16 GB.
9.9 mm in depth. The 3.3-inch Super is also on-board to further customize
AMOLED touchscreen (capacitive) display the audio, as are options for Stereo
sports a resolution of 272x480 pixels Enhancement Reverb effect. Video
and as expected, it’s crystal clear and playback is also a plus point; you can
extremely comfortable for viewing. It’s drag, drop and play videos of popular
also scratch-resistant to quite an extent. formats like DivX and XviD. The FM radio
We loaded it with an 8 GB microSD card, worked quite well too, although it did
and it worked without a hitch and no take over 15 seconds to locate most of
speed loss during operation. The bundled the channels. The J3 also has a built-in
3.5 mm standard earphones work quite voice recorder, support for TXT files and
well and are easy on the ears in both tone Flash games, and wireless connectivity
quality and comfort. The Flash-based UI via Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP. With music
SPECIFICATIONS
is simple, smooth, responsive and easy to playback on a non-stop loop, the device Rs 12,500
www.cowonindia.in
navigate. The J3 also employs the use of ran for over 50 hours, which is excellent.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 56 x 106.5 x 9.9 mm; Weight: 76
multiple pages. Options can be dragged While playing video, the J3 ran for a little g; Display: 3.3-inch, 480 x 272 pixels; Video codecs:
to different screens just like you would over 9 hours 45 minutes. The Cowon J3 DivX, XviD and WMV; Audio codecs: MP3, WMA, OGG,
FLAC, WAV and APE; Connectivity: USB and Bluetooth.
in an iPod Touch or iPhone. The J3 also is available in three capacities – 4 GB, 8
CONTACT Lipap Systems
supports multitouch, which is every bit GB and 16 GB that are priced at Rs 10,750, PHONE 022-28743457
as responsive as Apple’s. The J3 can dish Rs 12,500 and Rs 14,500 respectively. EMAIL [email protected]
out some seriously high quality sound That’s not too bad considering its
RATINGS
if your music files are optimized. The features. For the true audiophile, the BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
most impressive feature is the inclusion J3 is a great option for the price.
FEATURES
of iAudio’s Jet Effect 3.0 settings, which – Shayne Rana PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
VERDICT
NOKIA'S N900
HAS PLENTY OF
POTENTIAL,
BUT COMES OFF
AS A WORK IN
PROGRESS.
SMARTPHONE
NOKIA N900
FOR: UI is well designed, supports DivX, XviD, FLV, excellent browser
AGAINST: Music player volume is low, UI is sometimes sluggish and buggy.
N
okia’s N900 is more of a mobile preloaded FM radio, but it has a built-in
The 5 megapixel camera is equipped with dual LED

computing device or mobile antenna, so you can download an FM
flash and has a sliding cover for protection. Internet device than a phone. It’s radio app. The video player supports
bulky, but like the N96 or N95, it’s still almost all codecs, including DivX and
easy to carry around. The 3.5-inch display XviD. Connectivity options include 3G,
is bright and clear with a surprisingly GPRS/EDGE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, and
responsive resistive touchscreen. The USB 2.0. While the native browser is
slide-out QWERTY keypad takes a while fantastic, a few of its functions didn’t
to get used; it’s small, but the placement work. Push mail is also fully supported.
of the keys is good. In addition to the 32 The handset’s GPS module took quite
GB of built-in memory, the N900 also a while to locate a signal for Ovi Maps,
supports MicroSD cards of up to 16 GB. and the Geotagging function didn’t work
In keeping with today’s multiple-desktop too well either. Image quality from the
trends, the N900 offers widget, shortcut standard 5 megapixel autofocus camera
SPECIFICATIONS
and bookmark support, enabling quick was decent, but colors seemed a bit
Rs 28,449 and easy access to your favorite features, dull. The N900 has the poorest battery
www.nokia.co.in
Dimensions (WxHxD): 59.8 x 110.9 x 18 mm; although a few applications took quite amongst Nokia’s handsets. On a full
Weight: 181 g; Display: 3.5-inch, 800 x 480 pixels; a long time to load. For existing Nokia charge, you get just a little over 12 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-FI and USB; Camera: 5 MP, users, switching over to the new OS will of usage, while Android devices and
autofocus; Memory: 32 GB; Talk time: 6.5 hours.
be a cinch as they’ve tried to retain as other N-Series handsets manage much
CONTACT Nokia India
PHONE 0124-4833000 much of the Symbian UI as possible. Also, more. As much potential as the N900
EMAIL NA you can use any and every part of the may have, it’s still a work in progress for
RATINGS UI without the use of the pesky stylus. the Indian market. One might as well go
BUILD QUALITY The music player, although capable of with the N97 or Mini instead, which offer
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
clear tones, dishes them out at a very almost as much as the N900 does.
PERFORMANCE low decibel level. The N900 doesn’t have - Shayne Rana
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
MOBILE PHONE
LEMON iQ 707
VERDICT: The iQ 707 is certainly no lemon.
FOR: Lightweight, good QWERTY keypad, quick interface, decent battery life.
AGAINST: Dodgy software, inconvenient dual SIM sockets, poor camera.
W
ith a shiny chrome ring running but we were unable to play any AVI files.
all around, the Lemon iQ 707 There’s no Wi-Fi and 3G; just Bluetooth
is certainly a looker. It sports and EDGE. The device comes bundled
a QWERTY keypad, which seems sturdy with Opera Mini, and Nimbuzz IM, and
SPECIFICATIONS and responsive. The 2.2-inch TFT display there are shortcuts to Facebook, Twitter,
Rs 4,499 is a bit tiny, but bright. The dual-SIM etc. There's an email app that supports
www.lemonmobiles.com feature sports slots on top of each other, POP3 and IMAP4, but we couldn't get it
Dimensions (WxHxD): 61.5 x 111.9 x 11.9 mm; making it quite inconvenient to insert a to work with Gmail. The 3.2 megapixel
Weight: 96 g; Display: 2.2-inch; Camera: 3.2 MP; SIM card. Internal memory is a measly 20 camera works well only in well-lit
Memory: 20 MB; Talk time: 4.5 hours.
MB, though there is support for memory environments. The 1100 mAh battery
CONTACT Lemon Mobiles
PHONE 9810924618 cards of up to 8 GB. The audio out is comes pretty close to the manufacturer's
EMAIL [email protected] through the mini-USB port, but a USB- claim of 4.5 hours talk time. If you're on
RATINGS to-3.5 mm adapter is included. The iQ a tight budget and want to try a good-
BUILD QUALITY 707 comes with a nice, quick interface, looking QWERTY phone, then the Lemon
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
but it can be a bit frustrating at times. iQ 707 may be a good starting point.
PERFORMANCE The music and video players are basic, - Ivor Soans
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
MOBILE PHONE
ZEN S10 DUAL SIM

VERDICT: A good looking handset, but there is nothing truly special about it.
FOR: Good looking, comfortable design, good FM reception.
AGAINST: Average music quality, poor battery life.
T
he S10 is a rather masculine comes to the UI, Nokia users should find
looking handset encased in its the transition comfortable. The quick
all metal, chromed body. It isn’t access shortcut bar on the desktop is
exactly lightweight, but holding it gives reminiscent of a Nokia Series 40 handset.
you a reassuring feel. The S10 employs Basic GPRS/WAP is all the S10 has
a Nokia Sirocco series-like slider with to offer in terms of network connectivity.
an enclosed keypad. The keypad looks This means no email, but you will be
SPECIFICATIONS
small and compact, but you’ll quickly get able to send and receive MMS. The only
Rs 4,999
used to it. A power button is located at social networking option available is www.zenmobile.in
the top and a universal mini USB port an MSN Windows Live chat app. Other Network support: GSM 900/1800; Display: 2.2 in,
for the headset and charger is located connectivity features include Bluetooth 128x160 pixels; Camera: 2 megapixels; Connectivity:
USB and Bluetooth; Rated talk time: Up to 10 hours.
at the bottom. The S10 also packs in a and USB. It also doubles up as a webcam
CONTACT Zen Mobiles
2 megapixel camera with an LED flash. when connected to a PC. PHONE 011-46555676
Unfortunately, the S10 doesn’t have The battery life is one of the phone’s EMAIL NA
hot swap for the microSD card, but on biggest drawbacks. Its 800mAh battery is
RATINGS
the plus side, Zen has included a 2 GB capable of less than a day’s usage and it BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
card. The 2.2-inch display is quite clear had to be charged quite frequently.
FEATURES
for viewing in all conditions. When it - Shayne Rana PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
VERDICT
THE XPERIA
X10 MINI
MIGHT BE
SMALL BUT IT
PACKS SOME
HEAVY DUTY
FEATURES.
MOBILE PHONE
SONY ERICSSON XPERIA

X10 MINI
FOR: Comfortable design, smooth UI, good audio quality, great camera, good
battery life. The Xperia X10 Mini is very compact, but the battery is
not removable.
AGAINST: The glossy face attracts dust and fingerprints.
T
here’s never a dull moment with the well. The Android browser is great, and
Xperia X10 Mini. It’s small, easy to its zoom feature is a real blessing. Push
operate, and comfortable to hold. email is also available and it’s really easy
The lightweight handset features a 2.5- to set up your email accounts. The phone
inch capacitive touchscreen. The Android packs a very capable 5 megapixel camera
OS (v1.6) runs on the Mini’s Qualcomm into its tiny body, but we were unable to
MSM7227 600MHz processer, making access any of the settings except for the
the UI extremely zippy. Sony Ericsson’s scene mode and flash. Photos came out
TimeScape UI works well and is easy to really well, with colors and clarity that do
navigate using just your thumb. The music justice to the price. The 950 mAh battery
player is simple and capable of providing allowed over a day and a half of usage
SPECIFICATIONS
loud and clear tones. The FM radio didn’t with email, geotagging, and IM turned
work out too well, as sound reception on. Talk time averaged at around 3 hours
Rs 16,475
www.sonyericsson.com
wasn’t very good. The Mini supports 3GP 15 minutes, which is quite impressive. Dimensions (WxHxD): 50 x 83 x 16 mm; Weight: 88 g;
and MPEG4 video, but the screen size and However, the battery cannot be removed, Display: 2.55-inch, 240 x 320 pixels; Connectivity:
resolution don’t make it easy to watch for so if the handset hangs, there’s no quick Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB; Camera: 5 MP, autofocus;
Memory: 128 MB; Talk time: 4 hours.
too long. The Mini is 3G-enabled and it fix. The X10 Mini’s Rs 16,475 price tag
CONTACT Sony Ericsson
also supports EDGE and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth may seem a little steep, but for all it has PHONE 1800 11 1800
v2.1 with A2DP is also available, and to offer, it really isn't. If you’re looking for EMAIL NA
it packs in GPS with apps like Google a handset that does everything, is easy RATINGS
Maps, GeoTags and WisePilot. Although to use, and is as cute as button, you BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
the small screen becomes an issue, the can’t go wrong with the X10 Mini. FEATURES
handset handles the GPS software really - Shayne Rana PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
VERDICT
DEFINITELY A
YES IF YOU’RE
SERIOUS ABOUT
3-WAY SLI OR
QUAD-
CROSSFIRE.
MOTHERBOARD
MSI BIG BANG XPOWER

FOR: 4-way CrossFire support, buttons for overclocking and over-volting.
AGAINST: Dual NF200 bridges for 4-way SLI support would have been cool.
M
There's a lot to tinker with at the bottom — OC Genie,
SI’s Big Bang series of enthusiast you’ll find touch-sensitive buttons for
over-volting DIP switches, voltage check points, etc. motherboards has some insane adjusting base clock (BClk) on the fly,
models packed to the gills an automatic overclocking button (OC
with features that will blow your socks Genie), and DIP switches for over-volting.
off. Big Bang XPower features the Intel Even the power and reset buttons are
X58 chipset, which means it supports touch-sensitive.
Intel Core i7 CPUs that come in socket Serious overclockers will like the
LGA 1366 package. The first thing that provision of check points for measuring
you’ll notice is a fleet of PCIe x16 slots. votages with a multimeter. The rear
There are six of them; two run at full panel has a pair of eSATA and USB 3.0
x16 speed, two run at x8, and two run ports, a FireWire 400 port, dual gigabit
at x4. Support for CrossFire is offered LAN jacks and a proprietary socket to
by the X58 chipset, plus MSI has thrown which a bundled overclocking device (OC
in an NF200 bridge for SLI. Thus, this Dashboard) hooks up. The OC Dashboard
SPECIFICATIONS board supports quad-CrossFire and up works straight out of the box; no drivers
Rs 19,000 to 3-way SLI. We feel MSI should have required. It allows you to adjust Bclk and
www.in.msi.com
gone all out and added another NF200 voltages and displays fan speed and CPU
Socket: LGA 1366; Chipset: Intel X58; Memory:
bridge to offer 4-way SLI support. temperature. The package also includes
DDR3-1333 (24 GB max); SATA | USB: 8 | 11 (four via
headers); Expansion slots: 6x PCIe x16 and 1x PCIe x1; The Big Bang XPower packs in some eSATA and USB rear brackets, three SLI
LAN: Dual gigabit. uber-cool features on-board. First of all, links and a 7.1-channel QuantumWave
CONTACT MSI Computer India it uses military class components (Hi-C soundcard that fits into the PCIe x1 slot.
PHONE 011-41758808
EMAIL [email protected] caps and new generation ferrite core We configured three GTX 470s in SLI on
chokes) that MSI claims have eight times this board just for kicks and it worked
RATINGS
FEATURES
longer life-span, run cooler and facilitate without any hiccups.
PERFORMANCE overclocking. At the bottom of the board, – Anand Tuliani
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
DESKTOP SPEAKERS
CREATIVE INSPIRE S2
VERDICT: The S2 is slightly expensive considering its overall performance.
FOR: Decent highs and bass.
AGAINST: Weak mids, bass tends to get boomy at high volumes, expensive.
T
he Creative Inspire S2 is a 2.1 adjust the bass.
desktop audio system that The Creative Inspire S2 speakers deliver
features a very slick design. The rather decent sound and listening to
package consists of a direct throw music is quite a joy. The bass is rich, but
SPECIFICATIONS
subwoofer and a pair of satellites. The needs to be adjusted depending on the
satellites connect to the sub-woofer, music you are listening to. It delivers quite
Rs 5,999
www.in.creative.com
however, the right speaker comes fixed a punch, but there are times when the Dimensions (WxHxD): satellite - 74 x 73 x 103 mm,
to the woofer, so you can’t unplug it. bass tends to be quite boomy. The highs subwoofer - 232 x 180 x 200 mm; Power rating (RMS)
Nevertheless, the system is compact were also handled well while the mids (subwoofer/satellites/total): 17/6/39; Signal-to-noise
ratio (rated): 75 db
and rather well designed. The right were on the weaker side. The S2 also
CONTACT Creative India
speaker consists of an aux in and a handled music at near full volumes well, PHONE 022-64510751
provision to connect your headphones. but listening to genres like rock and metal EMAIL [email protected]
Here, you will also find the volume control threw out a boomy bass. On the other RATINGS
slider that doubles up as a power knob. hand, the S2 sounds best when listening BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
The rear of the woofer has left speaker to genres like pop and hip hop. FEATURES
audio out, and a knob that allows you to - Sandeep Balachandran PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
DESKTOP SPEAKERS
ARTIS S-DUAL USB FM

VERDICT: Good budget desktop speakers with pleasant sound quality.
FOR: Good sound quality at mid-level volumes.
AGAINST: Inconvenient placement of the control panel, harsh at high volume.
C
hoosing desktop speakers can be small control panel on the top, making it
a very tricky decision, especially uncomfortable to operate when placed
when you’re looking for budget on the floor. It features a USB and MMC
speakers without compromising on sound card reader along with a few buttons
quality and features. The Artis Dual USB to control the input selection, playback,
FM is a 2.1-channel desktop multimedia and select/scan FM radio stations.
speaker set with a power output of 2800 The rear of the subwoofer features the
SPECIFICATIONS
Watts PMPO. The product features a FM antenna and the bass control.
Rs 2,700
www.artis.co.in built-in FM radio and MP3 player with The speakers performed surprisingly
Dimensions (W x H x D): subwoofer - 250 x 195 x 270 support for flash storage via the USB well with average bass and mid tones
mm, satellites - 73 x 175 x 75 mm; Power output: 1400 and MMC card reader. The sub-woofer along with extreme highs. The bass
Watts + 700 Watts x 2 PMPO; Frequency response: 20
comprises of two 4-inch drivers, while the is pleasant but it lacks ‘thump’. The
Hz – 20 KHz; SNR: 65 DB.
two satellites have a single 2.5-inch driver speakers sound good at up to 70 percent
CONTACT Kunhar Peripherals
PHONE 022-66345758 each. The speakers are controlled via an volume level beyond which it sounds
EMAIL [email protected] in-line volume control pod, which also very harsh. The S-Dual USB FM is a
RATINGS features line-in and headphone jacks; it great choice, but only for those who like
BUILD QUALITY can only control the input via the aux input listening to music at low volume levels.
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
from the computer. The subwoofer has a - Francis Dsa
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
VERDICT
A GREAT
ROUTER WITH
HASSLE-FREE
INSTALLATION
AND GOOD
PERFORMANCE.
WI-FI ROUTER
BELKIN PLAY MAX

FOR: Simple installation, loads of features, good performance, USB ports.
AGAINST: No network status indicators.
I
Gigabit Ethernet ports and two USB ports for sharing
f you are unfamiliar with setting up Setting up the Play Max is simple.
printers and storage are highlighted on the rear panel. a wireless router and want to avoid We simply plugged in the router to the
the hassles of configuring its tedious Internet modem, powered it up, and the
security, Belkin’s Play Max can be of great device was instantly visible in the WLAN
help. The 802.11 N-based router is pre- list on the laptop. The router includes a
configured with security for straight-out- small card containing SSID and security
of-the-box use. The Play Max supports key details. After entering the details,
dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) 802.11 N we were ready to surf the Internet. The
with MIMO technology for faster speeds router performed well even in constricted
of up to 300 Mb/s. The security features spaces and from a distance of 50 meters,
include 256-bit WPA and WPA2/PSK providing sufficient signal strength.
encryption and 64-bit WEP encryption. Network performance and Internet
Other standard features such as NAT, connectivity was comparable to standard
SPECIFICATIONS
SPI firewall and WPS are available. Wi-Fi routers, but transfer of data from
Rs 8,199
www.belkin.co.in The Play Max has a rugged build and the laptop to the USB storage on the
Dimensions (WxHxD): 75 x 175 x 180 mm; Weight: 369 houses twin antennae internally. The router wirelessly was a bit slow.
g; Network standards: 802.11a/b/g/n; Bandwidth: 20 rear features five gigabit Ethernet ports, Overall, the Belkin Play Max is intended
MHz, 40 MHz, auto; Encryption: 256-bit WPA/WPA2,
including one for the Internet connection. for those who are looking for a simple and
64/128-bit WEP; Interface: Gigabit Ethernet (4 x LAN,
1 x WAN), 2 x USB 2.0 (printer/storage) Two USB 2.0 ports to share USB storage feature-rich router with good performance
CONTACT Belkin India or printers over the network are the icing and simple installation. But using
PHONE 0124-6688800 on the cake. The router bundles the Belkin advanced features such as backup, music
EMAIL [email protected]
Router Manager, which includes useful gadgets and the automatic torrent handler
RATINGS applications such as Bit Boost, Music can be a little complicated for those who
BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES
Mover, Daily DJ, Music Labeler, Memory are new to Wi-Fi routers.
PERFORMANCE Safe, Torrent Genie and Self-healing. - Francis D'sa
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
LASER PRINTER
SAMSUNG ML-2526
VERDICT: One of the smallest and fastest mono laser printers on the market.
FOR: Speedy printing, small footprint, rugged build.
AGAINST: Slightly expensive.
C
laiming to be the world’s smallest few seconds. If you hold the button for
laser printer, the Samsung ML-2526 more than two seconds, the printer prints
is truly a laser printer with the only the active window. The print quality,
smallest footprint we have seen till date. especially in graphics, was unsatisfactory.
It can print at resolutions of 1200x600 The linearization test exposed the inability
dpi with blazing speeds of 24 ppm. The of the printer to handle smooth gradation SPECIFICATIONS
enclosed input paper tray can hold 250 of black to grey. However, regular text Rs 8,999
www.samsung.com
sheets, providing a dust-free environment and standard graphics for presentations
Dimensions (W x H x D): 360 x 197 x 389 mm; Weight:
for the paper sheets. A simple control print extremely well. The toner cartridge
7.3 kg; Print resolution: 1200 x 600 dpi; Input paper
panel is located on top, comprising of costs Rs 2,493 and yields 1,500 pages, tray: 250 sheets; Monthly duty cycle: 12,000 pages.
just three buttons - Power, Cancel and pegging the print economy at just Rs CONTACT Samsung India
Print Screen, along with two indicator 1.75. Considering the performance, PHONE 0124-4881234
LEDs, one each for power and errors. The feature set, print economy and small
ML-2526 brings back the Print Screen footprint, this printer is best suited for RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
function, which lets you print the exact home use, small offices and SMBs. FEATURES
contents of the entire screen in just a - Francis D'sa PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
SMALL FORM FACTOR PC
PANACHE BLACK CURRENT 2.0

VERDICT: The small size is its USP, but upgrading it is near impossible.
FOR: Small footprint, feature-rich, roomy hard drive, ample RAM installed.
AGAINST: Below average build quality, non-upgradable.
T
he Panache Black Current is a slim provided is a slim line DVD writer. Six USB
desktop PC with some character ports, VGA and DVI interfaces, gigabit
below the hood. Though the unit Ethernet and a 5.1-channel audio-out
looks tiny, it is a fully functional computer show up on the rear panel, while the front
and can be used for basic-to-mainstream panel features two USB ports and audio
computing for homes or small businesses. in/out jacks. The interior of the cabinet
Graphic designers and gamers can look seems quite cluttered, with absolutely
SPECIFICATIONS
elsewhere; this one is not a workhorse no room for any additional components.
Rs 21,990
www.panache.in and you cannot upgrade the onboard But there is sufficient space for air flow
Dimensions (WxHxD): 88 x 253 x 230 mm; Weight: 3.13 display with a graphics card. The slim and a single exhaust fan does the job.
kg; CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7500, 2.93 MHz; RAM 4 GB cabinet is an all-black metal casing with The Panache is aimed at those who
DDR2; Chipset: Nvidia nForce 630i; HDD: 500 GB; DVD
a powder-finish but glossy paint, and it require a simple entry-level desktop PC
writer: Slim; USB: 8 ports.
attracts dust and scratches quite easily. for space-constrained homes or offices.
CONTACT Panache Infotech
PHONE 022-25007002 The PC is built around a nForce 630i All that you need to get started are a
EMAIL [email protected] chipset with an Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 mouse, keyboard, monitor and a pair of
RATINGS processor clocked at 2.93 MHz, and 4 GB speakers. The Black Current 2.0 ships
BUILD QUALITY of DDR2 RAM. The 2.5-inch hard drive with SUSE Linux operating system.
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
is a roomy 500 GB and the optical drive - Francis D'sa
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
EXTERNAL STORAGE POWER SUPPLY UNIT USB HUB
SEAGATE FREEAGENT CORSAIR AX1200 ROCCAT APURI

GOFLEX DESK VERDICT: Perfect for high-end VERDICT: A very convenient USB hub
workstations and gaming rigs. with four fully-powered ports.
VERDICT: The ideal personal backup FOR: Fully modular design, flat cables, FOR: Superb design, excellent build
solution. 7-year warranty. quality, fully-powered ports.
FOR: Good aesthetics, upgradable. AGAINST: None. AGAINST: None.
AGAINST: Glossy body.
SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS

Rs 7,100 $260 (approx Rs 12,300) Rs 2,500
www.seagate.com www.corsair.com www.roccat.org
Dimensions (WxHxD): 44 x 158 x 124 mm; Weight: 944 g; Dimensions (WxHxD): 150 x 87 x 200 mm; Max wattage: 1204.8 Dimensions (WxHxD): 130 x 65 x 130 mm; USB 2.0 ports: 4;
Capacity: 2 TB; Interface: USB 2.0. W; Current on +12 V: 100.4 A; Connectors: 6x peripheral and Additional power source: 5 V, 2A.
CONTACT Fortune Marketing SATA, 8x PCIe and CPU and 1x 24-pin ATX; Fan: 130 mm. CONTACT Mihira Tech
PHONE 011-26414468 CONTACT Corsair Memory PHONE 9893086869
EMAIL [email protected] PHONE 1800-425-5464 EMAIL [email protected]
RATINGS RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY RATINGS BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES FEATURES FEATURES
PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING OVERALL RATING OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY VALUE FOR MONEY VALUE FOR MONEY
T he Seagate GoFlex Desk kit is a

superbly built external storage
drive, which comprises of two units -
B e it a 4-way CrossFire or 3-way
SLI setup using high-end graphics
cards, throw in a bunch of hard drives
T he RoccatApuri is no ordinary USB
hub. It sports a whacky design
and convenient features, which include
the storage device and the base, which in RAID, and this massive 1200 W PSU four fully-powered USB ports and a
is basically a SATA-to-USB adapter will handle it all with great ease. The flexible cable mount called a mouse
with a power indicator and capacity Corsair AX1200 sports a fully modular bungee. Although it works when you
gauge. The unit has a rugged build design and bears the 80 Plus Gold hook it up to a USB port, a 5V adapter
with a glossy face and matte sides. seal. Corsair claims this PSU delivers is provided so that multiple power-
The drive performs just like any more than 90 percent efficiency hungry devices, such as portable hard
other external USB storage drive, at full load with a 230 V input. drives, when plugged in simultaneously,
with average read and write speeds The advantage of modular design receive adequate power. The mouse
of 29 MB/s and 25 MB/s respectively. is that you can use only those cables bungee, which looks like a scorpion’s
Alternatively, you can get higher that you need, thereby reducing cable tail, is a flexible rubber cable mount
performance from the drive by clutter. The package includes one that holds the mouse cable so that it
attaching the optional FireWire 800 or 24-pin ATX cable, two EPS 12V CPU doesn’t drag or stretch when you move
USB 3.0 adapters. Also available are cables, six PCIe cables, five SATA the mouse. The device stays glued
GoFlex Desk Drive Only packs, which cables, four 4-pin Molex cables, and to the desk thanks to its rubberised
contain only the storage drives in 1 TB, two FDD adapters. All the cables are feet. The all-black Apuri has a smooth
2 TB and 3 TB capacities. The drive flat, with ribbon design and the ones rubberised finish and looks great in
bundles the Memeo automatic backup, for graphics cards and main power are the dark with the illuminated logo on
sync and encryption software stored on meshed. All these come neatly packed the base lighting up the ports and
the hard drive itself. in a nylon case. the surface on which it rests.
- Francis D'sa - Anand Tuliani - Anand Tuliani

TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
USB FLASH DRIVE WEBCAM WIRELESS MOUSE
PATRIOT XPORTER MINI TAG 20 MP WEB CAM TARGUS WIRELESS

VERDICT: Ideal for storing and sharing VERDICT: A simple webcam with an
COMFORT LASER MOUSE
small amounts of data. effective resolution of 0.3 megapixel.
FOR: Rubberized body, small size. FOR: Good image quality, mounts on TFT VERDICT: Exquisitely designed keeping
AGAINST: Sluggish performance. monitors and laptop screens. both right and left handed users in mind.
AGAINST: Misleading specifications, no FOR: Good design, rubberized grip.
bundled application, average build. AGAINST: Ultra smooth scroll wheel.

Rs 485 Rs 999 Rs 1,775
www.technologyandgadgets.com www.technologyandgadgets.com www.rptechindia.com
Dimensions: 42 x 8 x 18 mm, Weight: 8 g; Interface: USB 2.0; Resolution: 640x480; Focus: Manual; Interface: USB 2.0; Focus Dimensions: 57 x 34 x 108 mm; Connectivity: RF 2.4 GHz;
Capacity: 4 GB. range: 5 cm to infinity. Operating range: 33 feet; Weight: 118 g; Battery: AA x 2.
CONTACT Technology and Gadgets CONTACT Technology and Gadgets CONTACT Rashi Peripherals
PHONE 022-23823331 PHONE 022-23823331 PHONE 022-67090828
EMAIL [email protected] EMAIL [email protected] EMAIL [email protected]
RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS

BUILD QUALITY BUILD QUALITY BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES FEATURES ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE FEATURES
OVERALL RATING OVERALL RATING PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY VALUE FOR MONEY OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
M easuring just 1.6 inches, this

USB flash drive by Patriot has a
rugged build. The rubberized exterior
A 20 megapixel webcam! A
manufacturer shouldn’t go this
far to create gimmicks that not only
T he Targus AMW51AP is an
ergonomically designed wireless
mouse that can be used with laptops
makes it easy to grip, reducing the sound ridiculous, but also mislead as well as desktops. It features a 1200
chances of accidental drops. The drive the customer. When we hooked this dpi laser sensor that smoothens out
can store 4 GB of data; enough for a webcam to our PC, we found it was a movements and improves accuracy to
few movies or a bunch of documents plain Jane webcam with a resolution a great extent. Moreover, its 2.4 GHz
or songs. The rubber body has a of 640x480 pixels; a meagre 0.3 frequency gives it an operating distance
provision for use as a keychain and megapixel. The package includes only of up to 33 feet. The mouse features
the snug-fitting USB cap ensures that the webcam; a driver disc isn’t included a very lucid design, where the bottom
you won’t lose the cap easily. This because the webcam doesn’t need half sports a soft rubberized layer that
flash drive has very disappointing any drivers for installation. Just plug provides superior grip and comfort.
performance when compared to it into a USB port and Windows will The top layer of the mouse, where
regular pen drives. Write speeds are automatically install a generic driver. your palm rests, is easily detachable
ridiculously slow, while the read speeds The webcam works with chat clients as it is only held in place by three
were above average. We transferred such as Yahoo Messenger and MSN magnets. Here, you will find a well
a single 1 GB file as well as multiple Messenger, but if you wish to capture designed retention system that holds
files amounting to 1 GB between the videos or images, you’ll need a third- the two AA batteries in place, while
drive and our test PC's hard drive. The party application. The only thing we also securing the micro USB receiver
read speed is average at 9.3 MB/s liked about this webcam was its stand within it. Flip the mouse over and you
(single file), but the write speed is that allows mounting on the frame will find a battery life indicator that
dismal at a sluggish 3.8 MB/s. of an LCD monitor or laptop. displays the amount of power left.
- Francis Dsa - Anand Tuliani - Sandeep Balachandran

TEST CENTER
TESTED SOFTWARE
SPOTLIGHT
PHOTO ENHANCING AND ORGANIZING TOOL
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
LIGHTROOM 3.0
VERDICT: One of the finest tools for enhancing and organizing photos just got a lot better.
FOR: Tethered shoot support, improved noise reduction, watermarking support, you can
now publish your photos to Flickr.
AGAINST: None.
A
dobe Photoshop Lightroom2 received IMPROVED MODULE FOR IMPORTING
minor updates that fixed small issues PHOTOS: You can now import photos from a
and added support for newer camera storage device or digital camera from a single
models. The move to version 3.0 is a big one module, and you can preview the photos in the
that brings a slew of new features to the table. specified location. Photos can be added to the
The new version looks and feels the same, but catalog directly from the location or they can be
you’ll discover new features as you keep working. moved to another location prior to importing.
So you won’t need to hone your skills towards PUBLISH YOUR PHOTOS TO FLICKR: Yes, you
something that’s drastically different. If you’re an can now upload photos to Flickr, manage photo
avid Lightroom user, you’ll discover and learn to sets, tags and comments from Lightroom 3.0.
use most of the new features in a day. TETHERED CAPTURE: Connect a Canon or Nikon
For those who aren’t familiar with Lightroom, DSLR camera to your PC using a USB cable and you
this is a very powerful workflow-based solution can capture images directly into Lightroom 3.0.
that helps import and organize your photos, IMPROVED NOISE CORRECTION: The noise
enhance them, create slideshows, print photos and reduction function has undergone a big change
create web photo galleries. and the results are stupendous. It does a great
Here’s a list of the biggest additions and job at eliminating grains and color artefacts while
improvements in the latest version of Lightroom: retaining the contrast and detail, giving standalone
IMPROVED PREVIEW AND IMAGE noise removal tools a run for their money.
RENDERING: Rendering/refreshing of MORE TEMPLATES AND PRESETS: You now
thumbnails in a large catalog used to take quite a have a bunch of new black and white filters and
few seconds in Lightroom 2. This was most evident other cool effects to play around with. Hovering
when files were added or while scrolling through over presets displays a thumbnail preview, and
a collection of photos. Lightroom 3 is significantly clicking on one applies it to the selected image.
speedier, and even zooming in and out of photos is Additions have also been made to the list of
now much faster. templates for web photo galleries.
The Export Video function is a new feature of Lightroom 3. Slide shows can be The Watermark Editor lets you create graphic and text watermarks. You can
exported to full HD videos in MP4 format. specify advanced parameters such as opacity, angle and shadows.
40 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP SMS us! Story code: ASM to 51818
TESTED
CUSTOM PRINT PACKAGES: This feature

ON DVD
lets you to create custom layouts as opposed to
choosing from predefined templates. It’s as simple
as dragging photos onto the blank layout and RED HOT APPLICATIONS
resizing them. Photos automatically snap into place,, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3
which ensures they are aligned and don’t overlap.
Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X4
WATERMARK YOUR PHOTOS: Lightroom 3.0
has a built-in watermark editor in which you can set Corel Paint it!
text or images as logos. The editor allows setting Corel PaintShop Photo Express 2010
the font, shadow, opacity, angle and position of the
watermark. Watermarking is available in the export, Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3
slideshow and print modules.
EXPORT SLIDESHOWS TO VIDEOS: Previously,
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5
you could export slideshows as a single PDF file or
individual JPG slides. Now, you can export them to
MP4 video with the option to set the resolution from FULL SOFTWARE
320x240 pixels right up to 1080p. With options to AAA Photo Album 1.0 CleanSkinFX 1.0 Free Digital Camera Enhancer 1.3
add shadows, set background music, and customize Adobe Camera Raw Presets Color Correction Wizard 1.1 HotPixels Eliminator
slide duration and fading, you can create great- Adobe Lightroom Presets ColorCastFX 1.0 Light Artist 1.5
cam2pc 4.6.0 DigiBookShelf 11.1.11.20 Photo Card Maker and more...
looking slideshows to flaunt your photos.
FILM GRAIN EFFECT AND BETTER
VIGNETTES: The Vignettes section under the FULL GAMES INTERNET DesktopSlides 2.0.0.0
Avant Browser 2010 Build 1 DiskGetor Data Recovery Free 2.08
Develop module is now a subsection of the Effects Cursed Cave Crusade v1.0
Core FTP LE 2.1 (Build 1649) DocX Viewer 1.1 Build 100518
section, which also has an addition called Grain. Daffy Studio Adventure v1.0
Firefox 3.6.3 FileGee Backup & Sync Personal
Flash Cricket 2
You can now control the highlights in vignettes Firefox 4.0 Beta 1 Candidate Edition 9.0.7
Flash Strike 1.0
and prioritize attention to highlights or colors. The Free Online TV Player 2.0.0.9 JetDrive 2010 5.0.0.0
Great Juju Challenge 1.0
Google Chrome 6.0.447.0 Beta Kijio - Subtitle Editor (formerly
Grain effect has three sliders - amount, size and Hulk Bad Altitude 1.0
Google Earth 5.2.1 Beta SubMaster) 0.3.0.0 Beta
roughness. Hulk Central Smashdown v1.0
IncrediMail 2 Build 4631 Macrium Reflect 4.2.2525
Jumpin' Juju v1.0 and more...
PERSPECTIVE CORRECTION AND LENS Internet Explorer 9 Platform Microsoft Money Plus Home &
Preview 3 1.9.7874.6000 Business 17.0.150.3817
PROFILES: The Lens Correction section is one GAME DEMOS Microsoft Download Manager 1.1 MiniTool Drive Copy 5.0
of the major additions. The controls under the Bubbly Burst Lite 2.0 PeaZip 3.2.0
ooVoo 2.8.0.27 and more...
Transform section let you correct distortions caused Cubix Mania Lite 2.0 PilotEdit Lite 3.3.0
Frog Fury Lite 2.0 MOBILE Pinoteo 0.4.2.4 Experimental
by the properties of the optics. You can either apply International Cricket Captain 2010 Daniusoft iTransfer 2.0.1 Portable Aximion 1.2.336 RC1
a lens profile or correct the perspective manually. Jisei 1.0 and more... FExplorer (S60 3rd Edition) 1.21 Simple Groupware 0.621
Profiles for the Apple iPhone camera and a variety off F-Secure Anti-Theft for Mobile Simpo PDF Creator Lite 3.0.1.0
lenses by Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc are built in. LINUX F-Secure Mobile Security for Series 60 Soluto 1.0.2 Beta
LINUX TOOLS Nimbuzz 2.3.0 SQLite PHP Generator 10.3.0.17
Arista 0.9.5 Nokia Map Loader 3 3.0 Sumatra PDF 1.1
Final words Gaupol 0.16.1 Nokia Messaging for IM beta TuneUp Utilities 2010 9.0.4300.7
Professional photographers and hobbyists will KAlarm 2.5.2 Ovi Maps 3 3.04 and more... VSuite Ramdisk and more...
benefit largely from the new features that improve
Linux Mint 9
Me TV 1.2.6 SECURITY MUST HAVES
speed and enhance productivity. Even if you’re Puppy Linux 5.0 and more... Ad-Aware 8.2.0.0 .NET Framework Version 4.0
new to enhancing and Avast! Free Antivirus 5.0.594 Adobe Air 2.0.2.12610
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 16,353 managing photos, TOOLS AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5.1.43
www.adobe.com/products/ we suggest you start
MULTIMEDIA Kaspersky Anti-Virus 11.0.0.232 ADOBE PLAYERS
photoshoplightroom AKVIS ArtWork 3.5.961.6777-r Keyparc 0.9.3.0 ATI Catalyst Drivers 10.6 Vista
with Lightroom. You Audio Editor Master 5.0.1.186
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Loaris Trojan Remover 1.2.1.6 ATI Catalyst Drivers 10.6 XP
can get astounding Baby Paint 1.34 Martik File Eraser 1.0 DirectX 9.0c (Jun 10)
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7 and Mac OS X
v10.5 or v10.6; RAM: 2 GB; Disk space: results with just a few dBpowerAMP Music Converter 13.5 No Autorun 1.1.0.16 Flash Player 10.1.53.64
1 GB. FastPictureViewer 1.2 Build 152 Norton Removal Tool 2011.0.0.15 Java Runtime Environment 1.6.0.20
clicks and managing
GreenForce-Player 1.00 Build 1147 PC Tools AntiVirus Free 7.0.0.545 NVIDIA Forceware 257.21 WHQL
CONTACT Adobe India photos is a breeze. If K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 6.10 Sencrypter 1.0 and more... Shockwave Player 11.5.7.609
you’re already using Microsoft Windows Media Player 11 Silverlight 4.0.50401 and more...
RATINGS
FEATURES Lightroom 2, then this Stereoscopy 1.2 SYSTEM
PERFORMANCE
upgrade is a must-
Synfig 0.62.01 ACS Avira Update Backup Creator 1.0 E-BOOKS
EASE OF USE VideoPad Video Editor 2.10 Automatic System Cleaner 2.5 CHIP ARCHIVES
OVERALL RATING have. Vista Codec Package 5.7.7 and more... Comfort Typing Pro 4.1.2.0 MARCH 2010 to MAY 2010
VALUE FOR MONEY – Anand Tulianii
TEST CENTER
TESTED
VERDICT
A VERSATILE
PHOTO
MANAGER
WITH WELL
THOUGHT-OUT
FUNCTIONS.
PHOTO MANAGEMENT TOOL
ACDSEE PHOTO
MANAGER 12
FOR: Improved user interface, integrated FTP client, speedy.
AGAINST: None. The built-in image editor has several easy-to-use tools
for enhancing images.
I
f your memory cards are overflowing scanned. Images can be imported from a
and you don’t know how to go about memory card, scanner, hard disk, optical
managing thousands of photos on drive or any other storage medium. Photo
your hard drive, then it’s time to use a Manager 12 even manages images on CDs
photo managing tool such as ACDSee and DVDs without the disk being present
Photo Manager 12. What’s evident in the drive, but you’ll have to import
instantly is the new interface of the them into the catalog first. The user can
image database. It’s a big move from then add notes or other metadata.
the previous version, with a variety of The user can now use optical markers
new features. The introduction of four to identify pictures. When organizing
modules (Manage, View, Edit and Online) photos, the program supports the IPTC
is similar to those in Adobe Photoshop standard for metadata, but only when
Lightroom, which isn’t a coincidence. editing individual pictures. Unfortunately,
In addition to the look and feel, even it doesn’t work in combination with
SPECIFICATIONS
the performance is quite convincing; it stack processing. On purchasing Photo
$69.99 (approx Rs 3,400)
took just 45 minutes to import around Manager 12, you get a free ACDSeeonline. www.acdsee.com
6,500 images into the database, which com account with 2 GB of storage. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
is faster than many other programs of Photo Manger manages web space and OS: Windows XP/Vista/7; RAM: 1 GB; Disk space: 1 GB.
its class. However, such a complete transfers photos even to Facebook, if CONTACT ACD Systems
EMAIL NA
cataloguing is necessary only after the required. For those who have their own
first installation. After that, the user website or file server, it also has an RATINGS
FEATURES
has to feed the images into the catalog integrated FTP client.
PERFORMANCE
gradually as and when they are shot or - [email protected] EASE OF USE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
TESTED
PHOTO TO PAINTING
AKVIS ARTWORK
VERDICT: Convert your photos into great looking pieces of art.
FOR: Artistic results, lots of tweakable parameters.
AGAINST: No built-in help.
H
ow about converting the sunset control over the styles. For example, in
scene you shot with your digital the Painting mode, you can tweak the
camera into a realistic looking oil intensity, curvature, thickness and length
painting? With Akvis ArtWork, you can do of brush strokes. You can also select
that and much more with just a click of a the texture of the canvas and tweak the
button. You start by opening a JPG, BMP, brightness, details and embossing of
SPECIFICATIONS
TIF or PNG image file, which shows up in the texture. We tried converting photos
$72 (approx Rs 3,400)
www.akvis.com the work area and a preview box displays into paintings and comic characters and
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS the effect of the various parameters. You the results were incredible. Although
OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X 10.4-10.6; can drag the box over the portion you the built-in presets deliver good results,
RAM: 1 GB; Disk space: 100 MB.
wish to preview. The main controls lie you can get more impressive results by
CONTACT AKVIS in the vertical pane to the right. You can tweaking the parameters manually. We
choose to apply one of four styles to the recommend referring to the online help,
RATINGS image you’re working on - Oil, Comics, which cites very useful examples and
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
Pen & ink and Linocut. What makes this explains each parameter in detail.
EASE OF USE software really powerful is the fine-grain - Anand Tuliani
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
VIDEO EDITING
VIDEOPAD VIDEO EDITOR

VERDICT: A free and easy-to-use professional-like video editing software.
FOR: Ease of use, burn DVDs, upload to YouTube.
AGAINST: Intimidating interface for beginners.
E
dit your home videos yourself color, brightness, rotate and crop, pan and
and make them seem like a zoom, watermarks and text tiles. You can
professionally edited movies with also record your own narration and insert
the use of this simple free software. With the audio track in the video. The projects
VideoPad Video Editor, you can clip out can be saved with the option of importing
boring and uninteresting parts of a video and sharing clips between projects too.
clip, add a voiceover or a music track, give Once you’re done editing, you can
transition effects, and much more. finalize your video on a DVD disc, save it
The software is very simple to use, on the computer, encode it for a portable
SPECIFICATIONS
although first-time users might find it device, or simply upload it to YouTube.
Freeware
quite confusing as there are no help The VidePad Video Editor is free, but www.nchsoftware.com
wizards; you’ll have to learn your way if you need technical support, you’ll SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
through the features. You can also capture have to purchase the software for $60 OS: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7.
video from a webcam or simply download (approx Rs 3,500). This software is an CONTACT NCH Software
PHONE NA
the video clips from any camcorder. Clips excellent choice for those who'd like to try
EMAIL NA
can be selected from the original video, editing their own videos at home without
split into sections, and each section can spending a dime. RATINGS
FEATURES
be further tweaked with effects such as - Francis D'sa EASE OF USE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY

TEST CENTER
TESTED
MULTIMEDIA
SUPER
INTERNET TV
VERDICT: An excellent application for internet-based radio and
TV entertainment.
FOR: Plenty of free channels, very easy to use.
AGAINST: Channels are often off-air.
W
atching TV or listening to the radio over the internet
cannot get any simpler than this. Super Internet
TV is a free application using which one can watch
television feeds and listen to radio channels broadcast over
the internet for free. All you need is this application and a
broadband connection with at least 512 Kb/s speed. Although
you can use it over a
SPECIFICATIONS
slower connection, you
Freeware
www.ahusoft.com would end up watching
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
the whole show in
OS: Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003, 2000, ME, 98, 98SE; frequent pauses due to
Browser: IE 5.0 or later; Hard disk: 2 MB.
buffering of the video
CONTACT Ahusoft feed.
PHONE NA
EMAIL NA
The interface is very
simple to operate and
RATINGS
different skins can be
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE applied too. A single
EASE OF USE
click on the radio or
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY TV icons pops up a
menu window with a
huge list of channels from different countries the world over.
You can apply filters such as countries and genre and even
create a list of your personal favorite channels. Additional
plug-ins for Windows Media Player and Real Player are
installed automatically. Channels were streamed flawlessly,
but there were quite a few channels that were off-air when
we tried. The premium version is available for $35 (approx Rs
1,750), which allows recording, faster streaming, auto channel
updates, reliable connections, and technical assistance.
- Francis D'sa

TEST CENTER
TESTED
LANGUAGE TOOL DEFRAGMENTER HARD DISK TOOL
COMFORT TYPING PRO ABELSSOFT JETDRIVE O&O PARTITION

VERDICT: A typing application with an
2010 ULTIMATE MANAGER 3
array of features and keyboard shortcuts.
FOR: Easy-to-use interface, creation of VERDICT: Defragmenting for beginners. VERDICT: A reliable partition tool.
templates. FOR: Easy to use, well-equipped. FOR: Disk shredding, SMART information.
AGAINST: Takes a little getting used to. AGAINST: Expensive. AGAINST: None.
$19.95 (approx Rs 920) Euro 30 (approx Rs 1,950) $49.95 (approx Rs 2,400)
www.comfort-software.com www.abelssoft.net www.oo-software.com
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7; RAM: 64 MB; Hard disk: 10 MB. OS: Windows XP/Vista/7 OS: Windows XP/2000/Vista/7; RAM: 1 GB; Disk space: 20 MB.
CONTACT Comfort Software Group CONTACT Abelssoft CONTACT O&O Software GmbH
EMAIL [email protected] EMAIL [email protected] EMAIL [email protected]
RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS

FEATURES FEATURES FEATURES
EASE OF USE EASE OF USE EASE OF USE
PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING OVERALL RATING OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY VALUE FOR MONEY VALUE FOR MONEY
T his little application allows you

to replace specific keywords with
predefined text. It features a built-in
J etDrive is a defragmenter that aims
to get the hard disk working more
efficiently than the standard Windows
O &O Partition Manager can be
considered an upgraded version of
the Windows Disk Manager. The new
multilingual auto-complete function tools. The program interface is intuitive program can be used to not only create
that lets you replace words you type. It enough even for amateur users; a new partitions and move or expand
is more or less like the T9 dictionary in wizard helps you as soon as you select existing ones, but also for converting
your mobile phone. Templates can also a function. JetDrive 2010 Ultimate dynamic volumes, including conversion
be created, which allows you to quickly offers a variety of functions, such as between MBR to GPT partitions.
complete frequently used phrases, defragmenting storage files, start files However, the tool makes every change
signatures, dates, addresses etc. Often and registry. Seven clean-up algorithms the right away. With other programs,
used messages or documents can have been added, which let you sort you first have to choose the settings
also be created using the template. In files based on the last time they were and apply all of them in one go; this
addition to this, selected text can be accessed, or arrange them in a space- one is safer and easier. An advanced
changed to either lower case, upper saving manner. However, the sorting feature of Partition Manager 3 is the
case or you can choose to capitalize according to the storage location took ability to shred storage devices. In our
each word – a feature that is already thrice as long as the standard method test, it took two hours to delete the
present in Word 2007. However, this on our test system. The performance contents of a 1 GB USB flash drive using
tool will take some getting used to and benchmarks returned better results the highest security level. There was
those with fast typing speed wouldn’t after running this tool. The difference no way in which data could be restored
quite require this, as selecting the is noticeable on flooded Windows XP from it after that. In addition to this, the
appropriate word from the drop down systems, but not so much in Windows tool defragments drives and displays
menu would surely take up more time Vista and Windows 7, because they the SMART information of hard drives,
than typing the word out. perform their own clean-ups. which isn’t present in Windows.
- Sandeep Balachandran – [email protected] - [email protected]

TEST CENTER
TESTED
MULTIMEDIA
FREE AUDIO
EDITOR 2010
VERDICT: A basic and easy-to-use audio editing utility with
loads of features and functions.
FOR: Simple operation, easy to use, batch converting.
AGAINST: No wizard, no real-time sampling.
F
ree Audio Editor is a simple, powerful and handy
application for editing audio files and music. The
application supports audio file formats such as WAV,
MP3, OGG, WMA, and a few more. Using this utility, you can
edit the audio tracks using a range of functions such as cut,
copy, paste, insert, etc. Tracks can further be tweaked with
effects like normalize,
SPECIFICATIONS
amplify, reverb, echo,
Freeware
www.free-audio-editor.com chorus, noise reduction,
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
delay, pitch, and
OS: Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003, 2000, ME, 98, 98SE; equalization filters.
Browser: IE 5.0 or later; Hard disk: 2 MB.
Free Audio Editor
CONTACT FAE Distribution, Inc. can import audio
PHONE 1-253-243-2809
tracks directly from
YouTube videos using
RATINGS
the Internet connection.
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE It also features ripping
EASE OF USE
of audio tracks directly
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY from an audio CD.
Additional features
such as ID3 editing, batch processing, and text to speech are
also included. The free version has a few limitations, such as
the ability to only save output files in WAV format. For other
formats and the option to burn audio CDs, you would need
the Deluxe version, which costs approximately Rs 1,500. Free
Audio Editor is a great utility for those who would like to try
their hand at basic audio editing. The application can be
useful for creating ringtones, school/college projects, or office
presentations.
- Francis D'sa

HARDWARE
CPU GPU GUIDE
CHIP CPU-GPU Guide

This CHIP guide provides you the necessary perspective on
the processors and graphics chips market.
BY ANDREAS VOGELSANG
T
he latest from Intel are two new goes, it’s too expensive considering
CPUs that will excite enthusiasts. it’s a dual-core CPU. Our purchase
AMD too has a new mobile CPU recommendation this month comes from from the mobile CPU segment is the Intel
which is the first of its kind. the entry-level segment. The AMD Athlon Core i5-520M. It’s slightly less powerful
Desktop CPUs: The top three desktop II X3 435 costs only Rs 4,000 and with than the Intel Core i7-620M, but it offers
processors come from the market three cores, it has enough power for the best value for money out of all the
leader. The Intel Core i7-875K at the third seamless HD video playback and gaming; 30 mobile CPUs.
position deserves special attention. It ideal if you’re upgrading with a tight Graphics chips: The ATI Radeon HD
costs one-third as much as the i7-975 budget in hand. 5550 is a new entrant in the entry-level
Extreme Edition and offers a much better Mobile CPUs: There’s now a triple-core segment. The reason for its meagre
bang for the buck. What’s even better, CPU for the mobile platform. The AMD performance is the slow DDR2 memory.
thanks to the unlocked BClk multiplier, Phenom II X3 N830, the first model Even Radeon HD 4670 and HD 4650,
is that the i7-875K can be overclocked based on the new Danube architecture, which cost less, are more powerful.
without any problem. This new feature features in the middle section of our However, it runs without any problems
was available earlier in only the Extreme top 30 mobile CPUs. In spite of its with a fully-passive cooler, which makes
Edition Core i7 CPUs that came in the three physical cores, this CPU cannot it perfect for HTPCs. If you want a
socket LGA 1366 package. The Core outperform the Intel Core i5-520M, which powerful GPU for an attractive price, our
i5-655K also has an unlocked BClk is a dual-core CPU, or the Intel Core recommendation is the HD 4770.
multiplier, but as far as its performance i3-330M. Our purchase recommendation – [email protected]
DESKTOP CPUs
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PC Au UT
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1 Intel Core i7-980X Gulftown 100.0 1366 6 3.33 1.5 QPI6400 32 1170 130 1137 141 188 40
2 Intel Core i7-975 XE Bloomfield 87.0 1366 4 3.33 1 QPI6400 45 731 130 1086 140 199 54
3 Intel Core i7-875K Lynnfield 86.5 1156 4 2.93 1 QPI4800 45 383 95 1100 138 195 56
4 Intel Core i7-960 Bloomfield 85.1 1366 4 3.20 1 QPI4800 45 731 130 1058 138 201 56
5 Intel Core i7-870 Lynnfield 82.0 1156 4 2.93 1 DMI2500 45 774 95 1000 138 213 58
7 AMD Phenom II X6 1090T BE Thuban 79.2 AM3 6 3.20 3 HT4000 45 904 125 922 131 215 60
11 AMD Phenom II X6 1055T Thuban 72.0 AM3 6 2.80 3 HT4000 45 904 125 824 123 235 69
12 AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE Deneb 71.9 AM3 4 3.40 2 HT4000 45 731 140 933 130 224 79
14 Intel Core i5-670 Clarkdale 70.4 1156 2 3.45 0.5 QPI6400 32 383 73 1025 124 215 95
16 Intel Core i5-655K Clarkdale 68.8 1156 2 3.20 0.5 QPI6400 32 383 73 983 125 217 99
17 Intel Core i5-661 Clarkdale 68.3 1156 2 3.32 0.5 DMI2500 32 383 87 1089 116 244 98
18 Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 68.2 775 4 2.83 12 FSB1333 45 820 95 881 126 263 79
19 Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550s Yorkfield 67.4 775 4 2.83 12 FSB1333 45 820 65 882 126 263 82
21 Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale 63.7 775 2 3.33 6 FSB1333 45 410 65 1034 112 240 126
26 AMD Athlon II X4 630 Propus 59.2 AM3 4 2.80 2 HT4000 45 300 95 754 105 282 103
30 AMD Athlon II X3 435 Rana 56.5 AM3 3 2.90 1.5 HT4000 45 300 95 782 106 275 132
* in KB/s
48 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP SMS us! Story code: HCG to 57007
MOBILE CPUs
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1 Intel Core i7-920XM Clarksfield 100.0 4 2.00 8 DMI 2500 55 98 7955 623 1563 13876 — 22000 35000
2 Intel Core i7-820QM Clarksfield 97.3 4 1.73 8 DMI 2500 45 120 7725 611 1494 13670 — 21500 34500
3 Intel Core i7-720QM Clarksfield 95.4 4 1.60 6 DMI 2500 45 120 7651 598 1470 13220 — 21000 34000
4 Intel Core i7-620M Arrandale 95.1 2 2.67 3 DMI 2500 35 154 7105 663 1339 13950 6125 20000 33000
6 Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300 Penryn 87.4 4 2.53 12 FSB1066 45 120 7555 464 1459 12255 6000 18000 30000
7 Intel Core 2 Quad Q9100 Penryn 84.9 4 2.27 12 FSB1066 45 120 7489 459 1340 12127 5950 17700 29500
9 Intel Core 2 Duo T9900 Penryn 80.8 2 3.07 6 FSB1066 35 154 6922 558 1034 11487 5900 17400 29000
11 Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 Penryn 71.2 2 2.53 6 FSB1066 25 216 6514 467 854 10631 5700 16200 27000
12 Intel Core 2 Duo SP9600 Penryn 70.8 2 2.53 6 FSB1066 25 216 6512 464 847 10551 5600 15900 26500
13 Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 Penryn 68.1 2 2.53 3 FSB1066 25 216 5866 469 836 10075 5400 15300 25500
14 Intel Core 2 Duo SP9400 Penryn 67.0 2 2.40 6 FSB1066 25 216 6385 430 782 10103 5300 15000 25000
15 AMD Phenom II X3 N830 Danube 63.8 3 2.10 1.5 HT1800 35 154 5065 334 926 11370 5200 14800 24500
17 AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 Griffin 52.0 2 2.40 2 HT1800 35 154 4300 342 609 8750 5000 12000 20000
19 Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 Merom 50.8 2 2.00 2 FSB800 35 154 5307 334 613 6600 4800 — —
20 Intel Pentium Dual T4200 Penryn 48.6 2 2.00 1 FSB800 35 154 5006 352 621 5460 4700 — —
21 Intel Core 2 Duo SU9600 Penryn 38.3 2 1.60 3 FSB800 10 480 3566 298 543 4003 4600 — —
22 Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 Penryn 33.9 2 1.30 3 FSB800 10 480 3184 254 468 3745 4500 — —
23 Intel Pentium SU4100 Penryn 31.9 2 1.30 2 FSB800 10 480 3121 234 410 3715 4300 — —
24 AMD Athlon X2 QL-62 Griffin 31.1 2 2.00 1 HT1800 35 154 1600 240 531 4912 4100 — —
25 Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 Penryn 28.4 1 1.40 3 FSB800 5.5 700 3121 249 249 3612 3900 — —
26 Intel Celeron-M 743 Penryn 27.3 1 1.30 1 FSB800 10 480 3014 238 238 3500 3700 — —
27 AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 Huron 27.0 1 1.60 0.5 HT1800 15 360 2150 231 231 4951 3500 — —
28 VIA Nano U2250 Isaiah 11.8 1 1.30 1 FSB800 5 600 1588 142 142 655 3300 — —
29 Intel Atom N450 Pineview 11.8 1 1.67 0.5 FSB667 5.5 800 1497 93 139 1070 3100 — —
30 Intel Atom N270 Diamondville 11.5 1 1.60 0.5 FSB533 2.5 800 1491 90 135 1050 3100 — —
1 Mobile-CPUs are mostly available only in laptops
2 Typical runtime in shared video memory, more efficient graphics reduce the runtime by up to 40 percent.
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1 ATI Radeon HD 5970 2 x 1024/GDDR5 100.0 725 — 4000 2 x 256 3200 40 4300 294 109 170 81 16361
2 Nvidia GeForce GTX 480 1536/GDDR5 84.5 700 1401 3696 384 480 40 3200 320 85 113 90 14975
3 ATI Radeon HD 5870 1024/GDDR5 82.1 850 — 4800 256 1600 40 2154 188 80 124 82 14302
15 Nvidia GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512/GDDR3 46.7 738 1836 2200 256 128 55 754 141 32 60 81 6808
16 Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 1024/GDDR3 46.1 738 1836 2200 256 128 55 330 141 36 41 80 7353
19 Nvidia GeForce 9800 GT 512/GDDR3 37.8 600 1500 1800 256 112 65 754 110 27 37 69 5793
23 Nvidia GeForce GT 220 512/GDDR3 23.0 720 1566 1800 128 48 40 486 50 15 23 40 3461
24 ATI Radeon HD 4650 512/DDR2 17.2 600 — 1000 128 320 55 514 48 11 17 30 2204
25 ATI Radeon HD 5550 1024/DDR2 17.0 550 — 800 128 320 40 627 45 10 14 27 2303
29 ATI Radeon HD 4350 512/DDR2 7.6 650 — 800 64 80 55 242 20 5 6 12 707
30 Nvidia GeForce 9400 GT 512/DDR2 7.0 550 1350 800 128 16 55 314 50 4 9 13 880
Enthusiast (100-90.0) High-end (89.9-75.0) Mid-range (74.9-45.0)
Entry level (44.9-0) All valuations in points (max. 100)
TTEST
TE
EESST CE
CCENTER
ENT
N TE
TERR
PC CON
PC CO
CONFIGS
NFIG
FIGS
GS
MSI 785GM-E51
Rs 3,850
www.msi.com
verdict Packed with ample features,
this board is perfect for a home
theater PC.
love Four RAM slots, overclocking
switch, HDMI output, eSATA port.
hate None.
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: AMD 785G; Memory: Up to 16 GB; Video: DVI
and D-sub; SATA | USB: 5 | 12.
ANAND'S PICKS
ENTRY-LEVEL MOTHERBOARDS FOR

AMD PROCESSORS
The cheapest motherboards with DDR3 memory support for socket AM2+ and AM3 AMD processors.
Gigabyte GA-MA74GMT-S2 Asus M4A78LT-M LE
Rs 3,150 Rs 3,850
www.gigabyte.com in.asus.com
verdict Pick this if you want something verdict An excellent board for a home/
really good without shelling out much. office PC, but it should have been a little
love Great features and performance for cheaper.
the price, good layout. love Excellent layout, good heatsink,
hate None. overclocking switch.
hate Slightly overpriced for its features.
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: AMD 740G; Memory: Up to 8 GB; Video: DVI and SPECIFICATIONS
D-sub; SATA | USB: 4 | 12. Chipset: AMD 760G; Memory: Up to 8 GB; Video: DVI and
D-sub; SATA | USB: 6 | 10.
Biostar TA785G3 Asus M4N68T-M

Rs 3,700 Rs 3,100
www.biostar.com.tw in.asus.com
verdict A decent 785G chipset verdict You can get something much
motherboard but with a few quirks. better for just a few hundred rupees more.
love Color-coded connectors, attractive love The cheapest motherboard with
price. DDR3 support for AMD CPUs.
hate There should have been additional hate Outdated chipset with DirectX 9
USB ports instead of PS/2 ports on the rear. graphics, no DVI port.
SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: AMD 785G; Memory: Up to 8 GB; Video: DVI and Chipset: GeForce 7025; Memory: Up to 8 GB; Video: D-sub;
D-sub; SATA | USB: 4 | 8. SATA | USB: 4 | 10.

TEST CENTER
ANAND'S
PC CONFIGS
COLUMN
A DECENT DUAL-CORE
PC FOR BASIC HOME OR
OFFICE USE FOR RS 22,000
ANAND TULIANI, DEPUTY EDITOR - TECHNICAL
DUAL-CORE GOODNESS
M
y latest build was for a friend, for Rs 1,050. Power supply units that
who runs a small office come bundled with cabinets suffice for
from his home. He called entry-level PCs. Brands such as Circle,
me one fi ne day to ask if I iBall, TAG and VIP have good designs to
could build an affordable, yet powerful choose from. My friend chose the iBall
PC. His applications were basic day-to- Pride, which is an elegant micro-ATX
day tasks such as accounting, printing case that comes-fit with a 250 W power
invoices, browsing the Internet, email, supply. Its front panel features two USB
and scanning. I took up this build as a ports and audio jacks. The appropriate
small project to fi nd out how much one monitor for the budget was the 20-inch
would have to shell out if he/she were Samsung SyncMaster B2030. It’s a sleek
to assemble a good dual-core PC on a LCD panel with a
shoestring budget. native resolution
When it comes to building a low-cost
PC, the fi rst thing that comes to my
of 1600x900 pixels,
and both D-sub and
SINCE PRICES OF DDR2
mind is AMD’s line-up of entry-level
dual-core CPUs. Starting from the Athlon
DVI inputs. I picked
the Microsoft Wired
AND DDR3 MEMORY ARE
II X2 245 2.9 GHz that costs Rs 3,000,
AMD has a good range of entry-level
Desktop 500 combo
(PS/2 keyboard and
AT PAR, IT MAKES SENSE
CPUs. I chose to go with the Athlon
II X2 255 3.1 GHz, which costs Rs
USB optical mouse)
and Creative SBS A35
TO OPT FOR THE LATTER
3,400. Since the prices of DDR2 and speakers. The total cost of the hardware
DDR3 memory are now at par, it makes came to Rs 22,000. Additional expenses
absolute sense to opt for the latter, which included Windows 7 Home Basic (Rs
performs better. So I settled for the 4,300) and a 600 VA UPS (Rs 1,550).
Gigabyte GA-MA74GMT-S2 motherboard I sourced all components from a
and a 2 GB DDR3-1333 stick. For Rs reliable system integrator, who gave me
3,150, you cannot go wrong with the a bill mentioning all items and their
AMD 740G chipset-based MA74GMT-S2, respective serial numbers.
which offers both D-sub and DVI ports. – [email protected]
So if you want to upgrade only your
Component Model Price (Rs)
CPU, motherboard and RAM, it should
CPU AMD Athlon II X2 255, 3.1 GHz 3,400
cost you around Rs 9,200. Motherboard Gigabyte GA-MA74GMT-S2 3,150
Deciding on the rest of the RAM Strontium 2 GB DDR3-1333 2,500
components was easy. I started off with Hard disk WD Caviar Green, 500 GB 2,500
the hard drive, picking a 500 GB Western Optical drive LG 22x SATA DVD-writer 1,050
Cabinet iBall Pride (250 W PSU) 1,650
Digital Caviar Green with 32 MB buffer LCD monitor Samsung SyncMaster B2030 6,600
for Rs 2,500. As for the final internal Input device Microsoft Wired Desktop 500 700
component, the DVD writer, I got a Speakers Creative SBS A35 450
22x model by LG with SATA interface Total 22,000

LAPTOP
L APT
AP
PTOP
OP C
CON
CONFIGS
ONF
NFIG
IGSS
LAPTOP CONFIGS
BUDGET NETBOOK MAINSTREAM
PROCESSOR Intel Celeron, Pentium Dual-Core, 1.73 GHz PROCESSOR Intel Atom N450 or higher PROCESSOR Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GHz or higher,
to 2 GHz AMD Turion X2, 2.1 GHz MEMORY 1 GB to 2 GB Intel Core i3, 2.1 GHz or higher,
MEMORY 1 GB or 2 GB HARD DRIVE 160 GB, 250 GB, 320 GB Intel Core i5, 2.26 GHz or higher.
HARD DRIVE 160 GB, 250 GB, 320 GB
DISPLAY 10-inch to 11.6-inch MEMORY 2 GB or 3 GB
DISPLAY 14.1-inch or 15.6-inch
GRAPHICS On-board HARD DRIVE 250 GB or 320 GB
GRAPHICS On-board
WEIGHT 1 Kg to 1.5 Kg DISPLAY 14.1-inch or 15.4-inch
WEIGHT 2.3 Kg to 2.7 Kg
OTHER Bluetooth, DVD-writer, OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-fi, Webcam, Card reader GRAPHICS On-board or Discrete
Wi-Fi b/g, Webcam PRICE RANGE Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 WEIGHT 2.3 Kg to 3 Kg
PRICE RANGE Rs 23,000 to Rs 30,000 OTHER Bluetooth, DVD-writer, Wi-Fi b/g or n,
Webcam
PRICE RANGE Rs 33,000 To Rs 45,000
SAMSUNG R528-DA01IN ACER ASPIRE ONE 532H DELL INSPIRON 1464

Rs 24,500 Rs 15,000 Rs 38,500
CPU Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4400, 2.2 GHz; CPU Intel Atom N450, 1.66 GHz; CPU Intel Core i3-330M, 2.13 GHz;
MEMORY 2 GB; HARD DISK 250 GB; DISPLAY 15.6 in; MEMORY 1 GB; HARD DISK 160 GB; DISPLAY 10.1 in; MEMORY 4 GB; HARD DISK 500 GB; DISPLAY 14 in;
GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.5 kg; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.2 kg; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.2 Kg
OTHER DVD-writer, BT, Webcam, Wi-fi OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-fi, Webcam, Card reader OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DVD-writer
ACER ASPIRE 4736Z LINUX

UX LENOVO IDEAPAD S10-3 HP PAVILION DV4-2101TU
Rs 27,000 Rs 18,000 Rs 42,500
CPU Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4400, 2.20 GHz; CPU Intel Atom N450, 1.66 GHz; MEMORY 1 GB; CPU Intel Core i3-330M, 2.13 GHz; MEMORY 3 GB;
MEMORY 3 GB; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 14 in; HARD DISK 250 GB; DISPLAY 10.1 in; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 14.1 in;
GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.4 kg; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.5 kg; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.36 kg;
OTHER DVD-writer, BT, Webcam, Card reader, Wi-fi OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-fi, Webcam, Card reader OTHER DVD-writer, BT, Webcam, Card reader, Wi-fi
LENOVO IDEAPAD G550 9495 HP MINI 210-1095TU ACER 5740G

Rs 27,000 Rs 23,000 Rs 45,500
CPU Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4400, 2.20 GHz; CPU Intel Atom N450, 1.66 GHz; MEMORY 2 GB; CPU Intel Core i5-430M, 2.26 GHz; MEMORY 4 GB;
MEMORY 3 GB; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 15.6 in, HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 10.1 in; HARD DISK 500 GB; DISPLAY 15.6 in;
GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.5 kg; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.22 Kg; GRAPHICS ATI Radeon HD 4670; WEIGHT 2.8 kg;
HP COMPAQ PRESARIO CQ42-116TUU SONY VAIO M 126AG SONY VAIO VPCEA25

Rs 28,000 Rs 23,000 Rs 48,000
CPU Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4200, 2.0 GHz; CPU Intel Atom N450, 1.66 GHz; CPU Intel Core i3-350M, 2.26 GHz; MEMORY 4 GB;
MEMORY 2 GB; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 14.1 in; MEMORY 2 GB; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 10.1 in; HARD DISK 320 GB; DISPLAY 15.6 in;
GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.2 kg; GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.4 kg; GRAPHICS ATI Radeon HD 5145; WEIGHT 2.35 kg;

FEATURED
COVER STORY
We tell you exactly what you need to

know before you buy.
BY JAMSHED AVARI
54 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP Nirmal Biswas SMS us! Story code: CGG to 51818
FEATURED
COVER STORY
There is no single PC that can be the best for

everyone. With prices falling every year, one
needn't spend anything more than the bare
minimum for a perfectly good machine. We've
identified five key niches and scoured the
markets for the best branded PCs available.
We've also evaluated assembled systems where
possible. The graph below gives us an idea of
the proportionate costs of various components,
and the vast differences between segments.

FEATURED
COVER STORY
BUDGET
A PC that fits into the budget segment 3-4 GB of RAM, which will be more than monitor, the choices will be limited to
needn’t be cut-rate in any way. What enough to run Windows 7, Office 2010, screen size. Don’t expect panel quality
we’re looking for here is solid value that new-gen rich Web browsers and heavy and response time ratings, or any kind of
will not only give people a respectable Flash websites, audio/video playback, earth-shattering quality here, but 18–19
level of power and run all current simple games, etc. The hard drive will inches or above will definitely be more
software, but also continue to meet be anywhere from 320 to 500 GB, comfortable than the 15-inch baseline.
those expectations for at least four years. which is quite a good thing considering Because of its low demands, a budget
The emphasis here is not on cutting the amount of music and video even system will be fairly compact and quiet.
corners; in fact we’re willing to pay a beginners can accumulate today. Avoid slim cabinets if you think you might
little more for components that will help There won’t be any exotic components add a graphics card later, to be sure one
keep this computer in use for as long as in this PC. Practically everything required can fit. Manufacturers are bringing out
it needs to be. The expected uses for this will be onboard—sound, graphics, and a innovative colors and designs so you
PC will include Web surfing, audio/video network adapter at the very least. You might want to browse around a little
playback and streaming. might get a system that supports the before buying.
Our target for this budget-minded box new SATA 600 Mbps standard, but USB Our market survey unsurprisingly
is around Rs 25,000 (including monitor 3.0 ports will be highly unlikely, and you showed that all major brands had a
and operating system). Pretty much every might need to buy an add-in card in a presence in this segment. While the
single brand has a few models to offer year or so. Branded PC manufacturers prices from smaller companies such as
in this segment, including both Indian sometimes obfuscate lesser-known but Panache and Chirag start at Rs 20,000
and MNC options. It’s unlikely that we’ll important component specifications such or so for a Core 2 Duo system, you can
get the latest and greatest 2010 series as the chipset, RAM speed rating, and expect to find Core i3-based systems
Intel Core CPUs at this price today, but quality of the cabinet and power supply. starting at around Rs 28,000 (including
i3 CPUs will be more common by the If your choice comes bundled with a montior) from Dell and HP/Compaq.
end of the year. We’re happy to stick
with Pentium Dual Core and Core 2 Duo BUDGET PC OPTION FOR ASSEMBLERS Rs 28,300
models, and of course AMD’s Athlon II
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo E7500, 2.93 GHz 5,200
and Phenom II lines provide excellent
Motherboard Gigabyte G41M-ES2L, Intel G41 chipset 2,600
value. But we draw the line at the
RAM 2 GB Strontium DDR3-1333 2,500
cheapest nettops based on Intel Atom
CPUs. These can dip as low as Rs 20,000 Hard disk Western Digital Caviar Green, 500 GB 2,500
in price, but we recommend a bit more Graphics card On-chip graphics (Intel HD) –
muscle so the PC will last at least three Optical drive LG GH22 SATA 22x DVD-writer 1,050
years. One limitation we’ll face is that Monitor Samsung SyncMaster B2030, 20-inch 6,600
a few years down the line, replacement Keyboard and
parts such as the motherboard and RAM
Microsoft Desktop 500 700
mouse combo
might become expensive or difficult to Speakers Creative SBS A300, 2.1 stereo 1,400
find, so a solid warranty could make a PC Case Circle Delight Grey 1,450
huge difference here.
Power supply unit Included with the PC Case -
The good news is that with the prices
Operating system Windows 7 Home Basic 4,300
of some components dipping after a
long time, you should be able to get a TOTAL 28,300

FEATURED
COVER STORY
GAMING
Gamers generally fall into two categories: most internal parts are easy to come by, For faster load times, consider two drives
those who want to play games but don’t they won’t get the warranty support or striped in RAID, or even a solid-state
want to spend on high-end hardware, the high-end fit and finish that branded drive, which is more affordable now.
and those who are willing to spend gaming PCs abroad offer. The biggest variable in the budget
anything it takes to get the best possible Even on the lowest end, budget is the graphics card (or cards). Stick
experience. While there’s plenty of parts won’t do. They might work now, to the latest generation GPUs. While
hardware to fulfill the needs of the first but you’ll never get all the effects and older ones might be fast, new ones
type of buyer, it’s the second lot who get image quality that games now promise, generally support new and better image
to have the most fun configuring a PC! and the next generation of titles will quality enhancements and other neat
That said, there aren’t that many leave you even more disappointed. Intel’s features. You’ll need at least an ATI
brands which offer high-end gaming rigs, Core i5 series is where you should start, Radeon 5770 or Nvidia GeForce GTX
mostly due to lack of demand and poor with AMD’s Phenom II X2 and X4 chips 460 (approx Rs 11,000 and Rs 15,000
volumes (the most notable exception competing at the same price levels. Core in retail respectively). Above that level,
being Dell’s Alienware lineup, which i7 CPUs are for the most demanding a gaming PC’s sticker price could go
happily populates the other extreme end gamers, but the overall cost including up by as much as Rs 1,00,000 for the
of the pricing scale). Boutique system motherboard and RAM will skyrocket. highest-end multi-card solutions! Keep
integrators in the larger cities are more Generic RAM will do, but you can also in mind the additional power and cooling
likely to have solutions available, or be get branded, high-performance kits. Ask requirements these high-end cards will
willing to build and customize them for the brand, speed rating and timings impose on your system.
for you to a large extent. The most of the RAM going into your new machine. Discerning gamers should ensure the
discerning gamers are undoubtedly better You’ll need at least a 1 TB hard drive, keyboard and mouse are sensitive and
off assembling their own PCs, but while since games today weigh in quite heavily. comfortable enough for their standards,
or throw away the bundled ones and
GAMING PC OPTION FOR ASSEMBLERS Rs 79,297 invest in good aftermarket replacements.
Gamers' mouse surfaces also make a
Processor AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition, 3.0 GHz 8,600
big difference. Finally, pay attention to
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H, AMD 880G chipset 5,700
the monitor and speakers. 22-inch full
RAM 2 x 2 GB Strontium DDR3-1333 5,000 HD monitors are quite cheap and easily
Hard disk Western Digital Caviar Black, 1 TB 5,700 available today, but don't just buy the
Graphics card Zotac GeForce GTX 460, 1 GB 14,999 biggest one you can afford. With a lower-
Optical drive LG GH22 SATA 22x DVD-writer 1,050 end graphics card, you might not be able
to run at a high resolution with all the
Monitor BenQ V2400 Eco, 24-inch 16,700
graphical effects turned on, so you might
Keyboard Razer Arctosa 2,499
get better results with a smaller monitor
Mouse Razer Abyssus 1,699 at a lower resolution with more image
Speakers Altec Lansing Octane 7 VS4621 3,250 quality settings pumped up. You won’t
PC Case Cooler Master Gladiator 600 3,500 regret an investment in good speakers
Power supply unit Tagan Stonerock Series TG600 4,300 either. All games today support and fully
utilize surround sound. If not a decent
Operating system Windows 7 Home Premium 6,300
set of speakers, at least get a really good
TOTAL 79,297 pair of headphones.

FEATURED
COVER STORY
HOME
ENTERTAINMENT
While our budget build is perfectly fine powerful enough to handle HD and what you can watch.
for most ordinary home uses, this type Blu-ray decoding, so if you want a cool, With a huge amount of streaming
of computer goes after those who want quiet, dedicated living-room system, media freely available online today, a
a bit more power to handle high-def this will be the way to go. AMD currently good Internet connection will transform
entertainment and other media-intensive has the advantage when it comes to your entertainment PC. You can opt for
duties. The Entertainment PC costs quite system flexibility, since Intel’s latest a Wi-Fi adapter to eliminate wires, or to
a bit more than the budget box, but solutions place the graphics on the CPU make Internet connection sharing easier.
makes up for it with plenty of muscle as rather than the motherboard, limiting the Finally, you could even opt for a TV tuner
well as style. combinations of components that can with the computer. In areas where DTH
We’re primarily looking at HD be used. is mandatory, ensure your tuner has the
entertainment, so a large monitor is On the other hand, a graphics card required audio and video inputs to work
absolutely necessary. If you want, this PC will always provide more power, allowing with a set-top box.
can also be integrated with your home the PC to double up for light gaming and If style is a major concern, look for the
theater or simply plugged into a large providing quicker overall performance. quietest and most compact computer
LCD or plasma TV. You should probably You don’t need the highest-end graphics around, but check the specifications
pick up the speakers separately though, card; a GeForce GT 220 /240 or Radeon thoroughly. The smaller the device, the
to allow you to test their sound quality 5450/5550 will suffice. These models higher the chances that manufacturers
at leisure and make your decision. Some don’t require extra space, power and have cut corners somewhere in order
of the 2.1 and 5.1 sets available today cooling, and don’t make much noise to manage heat and power. A cordless
are also quite compact and stylish. All either. Blu-ray drives are extremely rare keyboard and mouse set will let you sit
this functionality is facilitated by the full in branded PCs today, but you could comfortably on a sofa or bed and still
complement of connectivity options that consider the upgrade for more choices of control media playback.
we expect on a PC of this class, which
include DVI, HDMI and optical audio HOME ENTERTAINMENT OPTION Rs 80,750
outputs at the very least.
Processor Intel Core i5-650, 3.2 GHz 8,700
The processor should ideally be a
Motherboard Gigabyte H55M-S2H, Intel H55 6,800
quad-core Intel i5/i7 or AMD Phenom
II X4 model, but don’t be surprised to RAM 2 x 2 GB Strontium DDR3-1333 5,000
see older Core 2 Duos/Quads still in the Hard disk Western Digital Caviar Green - 1 TB 3,400
market. Multiple cores are really utilized Graphics card Sapphire Radeon HD 5550 4,450
during media file ripping and conversion; Optical drive Sony BC-5100S-OB, 24x SATA Blu-ray combo 8,700
since pretty much all software today
Monitor BenQ V2400 Eco, 24-inch TFT (LED) 17,500
is optimized to take advantage of the
Keyboard and
ability to handle multiple simultaneous Logitech Cordless Desktop EX90 1,400
mouse combo
operations of this type. Four gigabytes of
Speakers Creative Inspire T7900, 7.1-channel 8,200
RAM should be the minimum level you
consider. PC Case GlacialTech Altair A381 10,300
It’s important to pay attention to the Power supply unit Included with the PC Case –
motherboard chipset here as well: stick
Operating system Windows 7 Home Premium 6,300
with the latest possible generations.
Integrated graphics solutions are now
TOTAL 80,750

FEATURED
COVER STORY
WORK
STATION
Today’s high-end computers can handle or self-employed professionals.
some incredibly intense workloads, The world's current fastest-
including those that would have been performing desktop CPU is the
impossible just a few years ago. But Core i7 980X, with six cores. This
there’s a difference between a high-end ought to blaze through heavy graphical desktop components, and you can count
PC assembled from common retail and numbercrunching tasks. It will work on the latest and greatest technological
parts, and a proper workstation. If you with ordinary consumer motherboards advances in this price segment.
need rock-solid stability and the highest (you don't have to spend on gamer- Depending on your type of work, you
possible levels of performance for targeted overclocking features, since might want a dedicated graphics card,
demanding tasks such as heavy scientific stability is key here) and RAM. The latest such as AMD’s FirePro/FireGL and Nvidia’s
calculations, animation, 3D visualization, Nvidia GeForce and ATI Radeon graphics Quadro products. The main difference
or medical imaging, then it’s time to get cards will also take care of high-end between consumer and professional
serious about workstations. Computers in computational tasks, so you can save cards is the ability of the latter to execute
this class aren’t found at neighborhood some money here too. extremely accurate calculations and work
shops, but the kind of warranty and But there are serious benefits to with specific enhancements for CAD and
on-location support that big brands dedicated workstation-class hardware. design software. These cards may also
provide are important to keep in mind if For a true workstation, you’ll need an have much more memory and different
you’re considering an assembled solution Intel Xeon or AMD Opteron CPU with display output options. Graphics cards
for your work. Needless to say, you’ll be matching ECC (Error Correction Code) are also interesting today because of
looking at a significant investment. memory. Suitable current CPU models their ability to perform superfast parallel
It would be fairly simple to build include the Xeon 34xx and 36xx series calculations for general computing,
or buy a super-high-end desktop to and the AMD Opteron series. These providing a massive speed boost for
keep costs manageable. This is a good are designed to accelerate heavy tasks repetitive tasks including simulations,
middle ground for serious enthusiasts beyond the capabilities of regular renders, and encryption.
Graphics professionals will need the
best quality monitor(s) available. High-
CHECKLIST performance LCD monitors that display
Single or dual workstation-class Xeon/ a wide color gamut with 24-bit accuracy
Opteron preferred are available, but very expensive.
6 GB RAM minimum, ECC preferred Storage will obviously be important
and you’ll want the fastest drives (or
10k RPM hard drive, RAID array or solid-
state drive preferred RAID arrays) around. External network
shares or servers are preferable for
Workstation-class Quadro FX/FirePro
backups in a workstation environment.
graphics card
Finally, make sure the manufacturer
64-bit operating system
has specified noise, heat and power
External storage for backups; additional consumption details, and has used a
remote backup location preferred high-quality power supply.
Minimum three-year warranty Consumer workstations are available
commitment with same day or next Workstation graphics cards look like desktop ones from Dell and Lenovo amongst others,
business day on-site service with different ports, but are quite different inside.
with prices on request.

FEATURED
COVER STORY
COMPACT
& STYLISH
Beige boxes are dead, and there’s no
need for ordinary home and office users
to put up with the same ugly, noisy
computers that were the norm a decade
or two ago. While LCD monitors have
now completely replaced their unsightly
CRT cousins, most computers are still
designed the same way as always even
though times have changed. Quite
simply, almost everything needed for
comfortable operation is now integrated
onto motherboards, largely eliminating
any need for expansion cards, and
thereby leaving mostly empty air inside
those roomy cabinets. If you’re not going As stylish as all-in-one designs are, your upgrade Lunchbox-style PCs can look quite cute. Use
to play games that demand a graphics paths will be highly limited. wireless peripherals to eliminate trailing wires.
card or use professional accessories, all
that space is wasted. Plenty of brands parts become too old, or vice versa if to match this one. HP, Dell, Zenith and
have now realized this and are selling the panel happens to die. You won't get Lenovo also offer a variety of such
PCs in “slim” cabinets, or at least trying extremely powerful hardware because designs, including some with multitouch
to make them as compact as possible. the compact size makes cooling difficult. screens. Lunchbox-style boxes are more
These are usually perfect for bedrooms, One interesting development in recent difficult to come by, although assorted
studies, kitchens, or wherever you times has been the use of touchscreens. companies including Apple, Dell, Zotac
might want an unobtrusive computer HP has a few models that allow for and Panache do sell such products. More
for any reason. There are often some multitouch gestures, which add a unique commonly, low-cost PCs based on low-
compromises to the hardware, and prices dimension to computer usage and make power AMD Athlon Neo, Intel Atom CPUs
tend to be on the premium side, but for it fun, especially for children, when or even low-powered laptop components
those whose main concern is looks, this coupled with software designed to take are also available in these form factors.
shouldn’t be a problem. advantage of this feature. There’s an obvious tradeoff in processing
There are two main types of compact Lunchbox designs on the other hand power, so they’re worth buying only if
computers: the all-in-one panel PC are typically easy to open and customize, they aren’t going to be used for anything
style, which shoves all the guts behind and you’re free to match them with more than basic Web surfing and
an LCD in one single enclosure, and whatever type of monitor you like to document work.
the lunchbox style, which still remains bring down the cost. Still, you are limited Look for plenty of USB, FireWire and
a small, separate box connected to in choice for the same reasons. eSATA ports, since these will pretty
everything else. All-in-one PCs are the The most famous all-in-one is of much be your only avenues for upgrades,
most stylish and almost totally eliminate course Apple’s iMac. It uses high-end even if you just need more storage
wires running around your desk. However desktop parts and even offers some space. On the other hand, you're likely
they aren’t all that easy to upgrade, and pretty powerful graphics options, to get built-in goodies such as include
you might find yourself throwing out a but all at a price of course. If you’re a webcam, card reader, Wi-Fi and/or
perfectly good monitor when the PC looking for a style statement, it’s hard Bluetooth, unlike boxy desktops.

FEATURED
COVER STORY
ADDONS:
ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY IDEAS
All of the types of PCs here are them, fr
from specialized at all. Choose
quite complete on their own, but keyboards and mice with tons
keyboa from plain USB,
a few additional accesories will of extra buttons, to speciality FireWire, eSATA
add a ton of fun and functionality headsets and even
head or the latest USB
to them. Some of the functions mousepads (better known
mous 3.0 standard. Some
we take for granted on laptops surfaces) which are
as su models come with
today are optional on most available in various textures
availa automatic backup
types of desktops, most notably depending on personal
depend software.
wireless adapters for Bluetooth and
nd preferences.
pre
p referen A good pair of headphones will help
Wi-Fi. Apart from that, webcams aren't Budget-minded
B udge you enjoy late-night games and
all that common either, but luckily buyers
b uyers who didn't movies without disturbing the
some excellent aftermarket models
ls spend on the largest
large possible rest of the family.
are available from companies including
uding hard drive, or those
thos with And depending on where
Microsoft and
Micro cramped all-in-one PCs you live, do consider buying
Logitech.
Log needn't fear. Rather than a UPS. These help prevent
Gamers have opening up the cabinet and damage due to fluctuating line
a all kinds struggling with connections, conditions, and give you enough
of choices external hard drives aren't time to save your work when
available to very expensive any more the power suddenly goes out.
THE VERDICT:
BRANDED vs ASSEMBLED
The price difference between branded fit and finish of a branded PC is almost our very clear conclusion is that the
and assembled PCs has largely eroded, always superior these days, mostly due best branded offerings are in the sub-Rs
and promises of qualified at-home to the poor availability of affordable high- 35,000 category. This appears to be the
service and phone support are making quality cabinets and the manufacturers’ sweet spot around which most models
it extremely tempting to forget about constant efforts to differentiate their are concentrated, and also targets buyers
buying individual parts for good. The products’ exteriors. Mass production also who won’t want too many customizations
allows the brands to offer better moulded to their PC configurations. Going higher
plastics, goodies like built-in card readers, up the price range, we find more stylish
intelligent cable management, and “lifestyle”-branded PC models with
qualified installation at home. You’ll save increasingly powerful hardware, but the
money on the OS and other included choices of components do not generally
software, though some extra unnecessary represent the best possible distribution
programs are bound to be present. of money to make them optimal for
However you are limited in other gaming. Here, in the middle and at the
ways. Choices and customization options upper end of the price range, gamers
are often limited. Buyers are caught and extremely discerning consumers are
between paying way more than market often better off seeking out local system
rates for simple upgrades like extra RAM, integrators who can build something as a
and voiding their warranties by having custom order, or simply buy the parts and
it installed later. Choices are also often assemble a desktop themselves. And as
limited when it comes to the monitor, far as full-blown workstations go, the tide
speakers, keyboard and mouse. If you turns swiftly in favor of branded options
need higher quality sound and video or again, considering the kind of component
more comfortable peripherals, you’ll be choices, construction quality and after-
out of luck. sales support the target audience for
Big brands offer high quality construction and After analyzing product datasheets these machines would value.
attractive finishes in various designs.
from nearly every major player in India, - [email protected]

FEATURED
GRAPHICS CARDS COMPARISON
Fast and Furious

Want the ultimate gaming experience? Take your pick from some of the fastest graphics cards
on the market to satiate your desire for extreme eye candy. BY ANAND TULIANI AND FRANCIS D'SA
I
magine you’re playing a first-person high-end desktop processors will fall TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio,
shooter wearing 3D glasses on a short. That’s how powerful and complex making them perfect for home theater
home theatre setup with a massive graphics processors are! PCs. Certain video editing applications
display and surround sound. The game The latest in the world of gaming use the GPU’s stream processors for
has a dark environment with an eerie and entertainment is 3D technology. transcoding and applying filters on the fly.
score playing in the background. You hear You can go completely 3D with Nvidia’s With a powerful graphics card, you can
footsteps behind you. You turn around to 3D vision kit, a suitable graphics card transcode videos more than twice as fast
find yourself face-to-face with a dreadful and a compatible monitor. But again, to as a powerful desktop CPU.
monster. So you pull out that big fat enjoy games in 3D, you need a powerful In the last few months, ATI and
gun and blast the beast into a hundred graphics card because processing Nvidia have been churning out one GPU
pieces. graphics for 3D is even more intensive after another. The high-end segment
Today’s games look so life-like and than rendering regular graphics. At now looks more or less complete,
immersive that they literally make you present, the hardware required for a with a decent number of options to
feel like you’re in some other world. 3D experience is expensive, but a few choose from. Manufacturers are ready
Visual effects such like reflections, years down the line, 3D will become with models that use these GPUs, and
water ripples, HDR lighting and detailed mainstream. some have even introduced their own
textures make games look movie-like. The need for graphics cards is not PCB designs and custom coolers that
However, only with a high-end graphics limited to gaming alone. The power of outperform the stock design. This month,
card can you enjoy games in full glory. the GPU can be harnessed to accelerate we bring you an exciting roundup of 18
Some games are so visual effect-heavy HD video playback, imaging and video high-end graphics cards. Let’s find out
that they bring even top-end graphics editing applications. The latest graphics which one takes the crown and what you
card to their knees. Rendering graphics is cards are equipped with HDMI 1.3 ports should pick if you want a good bang for
such an intensive task that even a dozen and audio processors that decode Dolby the buck.
62 Jagdish Limbachiya SMS us! Story code: FLC to 57007

FEATURED
TEST RIG SPARKLE GTX 480 ZOTAC GTX 460

CPU: Intel Core i5-661, 3.33 GHz
Motherboard: MSI H57M-ED65
Memory: 4 GB DDR3-1333
SSD: Intel X25-M, 80 GB
LCD monitor: ViewSonic VX2433wm
TEST PROCESS
In this roundup, we've only included
models based on the latest Radeon
HD 5800 series (HD 5830, 5850 and
SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS
5870) and GeForce GTX 460, 465, 470
and 480 series GPUs. Vendors were
Rs 27,500 Rs 14,999
welcome to send variants with different Core speed: 701 MHz; Stream processors: 480; Memory: 1536 Core speed: 675 MHz; Stream processors: 224; Memory: 900 MHz,
MB, 924 MHz; Ports: DVI, mini HDMI. 1024 MB; Ports: DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort.
memory sizes, custom coolers and
CONTACT Abacus Peripherals CONTACT Aditya Infotech
factory-overclocked core and memory. PHONE 022-40914600 PHONE 011-46665666
We evaluated cards on the following EMAIL [email protected] EMAIL [email protected]
parameters: RATINGS RATINGS

Features: The GPU architectures of FEATURES FEATURES
PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE
Nvidia and ATI are completely different. WARRANTY WARRANTY
So while an ATI GPU may have more OVERALL RATING OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY VALUE FOR MONEY
stream processors, both may be
equally powerful. So, we didn’t assign
any weight to the number of stream
processors. We did consider the core
and memory speed, amount of video
N udging its way past the Zotac GTX
480 by a single point, the Sparkle
GTX 480 bagged the Best Performance
T he GeForce GTX 460 is Nvidia’s
latest addition to its lineup of
high-end GPUs. As compared to the
memory and memory bus width. Extra title. The Fermi architecture finally GTX 465, which has 11 clusters of stream
points were awarded to cards with showed its true potential when sheer processors, the GTX 460 is much leaner,
custom coolers that were more efficient. performance was the need of the hour. with four clusters less, which takes away
We also took note of contents like HDMI The card not only performed better in 128 stream processors (4 x 32). However,
adapters and cables. Features accounted most sections, but also scored decently it runs both the core and memory faster
for 25 percent of the overall score. in the features section. It is built on than the GTX 465 at 675 MHz and 900
Performance: We ran 3DMark Vantage the GTX 480 GPU with 480 stream MHz respectively. The Zotac GeForce
in Performance mode and noted the GPU processors and is clocked at 724 MHz. GTX 460 is the first graphics cards in the
score. For the real-world tests, we ran Supporting the GPUs performance market to feature the new GPU. The GTX
the following games at 1920x1080: is the 1536 MB of GDDR5 memory 460 is available in two variants; 768 MB
Left 4 Dead: Very high, 8xMSAA running at 924 MHz tied to a 384-bit and 1 GB. This model features 1 GB DDR5
Just Cause 2: Very high, 8xCSAA bus. Demanding games such as Crysis memory tied to a 256-bit wide bus. As
Crysis Warhead: Enthusiast mode, No Warhead and Just Cause 2 ran smoothly far as performance goes, the GTX 460
AA and 4xAA at over 30 fps with all the visual effects is almost as powerful as the GTX 465
We ran Unigine Heaven 2.1, a DirectX maxed out. Even stressful benchmarks and comes very close to the Radeon HD
11 benchmarking tool, at 1920x1080 with such as Unigine Heaven and FurMark 5850. Fewer stream processors means
tessellation disabled, normal tessellation, ran smoothly. But the downside of this lower power consumption and less heat
and extreme tessellation. The final card is that it runs extremely hot and generation. You also won't require an
test was FurMark with 8xAA and the power consumption of the system expensive high-end power supply unit to
post-processing enabled. We noted the goes as high as 430 Watts under load. feed this card. It consumes a little more
average frame rate after a one-minute So if you go in for this card, make sure than 250 Watts under load, which is
run and the power consumption. After that you also invest in a roomy cabinet just a tad higher than the consumption
running benchmarks, we let the rig settle with a good number of exhaust fans, of HD 5850. But considering its overall
for five minutes and noted the idle power because in spite of a gigantic cooler, the performance, it’s definitely a better
consumption. This section was allotted a GPU can touch a whopping 95 degrees bargain than the HD 5850, which costs
weight of 75 percent. Centigrade. around Rs 4,000 more.
Warranty: Most vendors offer 3 years VERDICT: An excellent choice for VERDICT: If you’re looking for pure value
warranty. Bonus points were awarded to gamers, enthusiasts, serious graphics for money, look no further than this
cards that offered greater warranty. designers and animation specialists. graphics card.
Value for money: This was calculated FOR: Excellent performance. FOR: Very good performance for its
by stacking up features, performance and AGAINST: Hogs power, runs extremely price, power efficient.
warranty scores against the price. hot and hence needs a lot of cooling. AGAINST: None.

FEATURED
PERSONAL TAKE
SpecScan
1 2
NAME Zotac GTX 480 Sparkle GTX 480
Contact Aditya Infotech Abacus Peripherals
ANAND TULIANI
Phone 011-46665666 022-40914600
[email protected]
E-mail [email protected] [email protected]
Good performance doesn’t mean only high Website www.zotac.com www.abacusperipherals.com
frame rates. A graphics card should also be Price* Rs. 29,999 Rs. 27,500
energy-efficient and run cool. No doubt OVERALL 64
Nvidia’s GTX 480 and GTX 470 offer top notch Features (25%) 59 84 66
performance, but they heat up like crazy and Performance (70%) 78 93 94
drink up electricity. The Radeon HD 5000 Warranty (5%) 88100 60
series graphics cards are comparatively power- 0 5050 100 0 50 100
friendly but they can’t match up with Nvidia’s Overall (out of 100) 86
0 50 100 85
GPUs when it comes to tessellation and PhysX, Value For Money
which look awesome in action. My favorite FEATURES
from this round-up is the winner of the Best Chipset GeForce GTX 480 GeForce GTX 480
Value award, the Zotac GeForce GTX 460. It’s No. of stream processors 480 480
almost as powerful as the GTX 465 and offers Core speed 701 MHz 701 MHz
similar performance as the Radeon HD 5850 Memory
for a much lower price. Also, it doesn’t heat up Speed | Amount 924 MHz | 1536 MB GDDR5 924 MHz | 1536 MB GDDR5
as much as its elder siblings and neither does it Bus width 384-bit 384-bit
hog power. If you want sheer power, buy a pair Factory overclocked ✖ ✖
of GTX 460s and put them in SLI; it defeats a Cooler type Stock Stock
single GTX 480 and costs the same. DirectX support | 6-pin power connector DirectX 11 | 6 + 8 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 8 pin
Backpanel Ports
DVI ✔ ✔
DisplayPort ✖ ✖
HDMI ✖ ✖
Mini HDMI ✔ ✔
Package contents
Bundled games ✖ ✖
FRANCIS D'SA
[email protected]
Mini HDMI to HDMI connector ✔ ✖
HDMI to DVI connector ✖ ✖
As this roundup is for gamers and enthusiasts, I HDMI cable ✖ ✔
would rather sit this one out. But having been PERFORMANCE
involved in the test process, I do have a few 3DMark Vantage (Performance)
recommendations myself. If you don’t mind GPU 17416 17786
lightening your pocket, a card that offers top- Left 4 Dead
of-the-line performance should be your choice. 1920x1080 - Very High - 8xMSAA 77.00 fps 76.81 fps
Check out the GeForce GTX 480 series cards; Just Cause 2
an excellent choice for those looking for sheer 1920x1080 - Very High - 8xCSAA 61.00 fps 61.1 fps
performance from demanding games. Based on Crysis Warhead
the Fermi architecture, these cards offer true 1920x1080 - Enthusiast - No AA 37.20 fps 36.62 fps
performance. They can do a whopping 30 fps 1920x1080 - Enthusiast - 4xAA 32.09 fps 32.39 fps
with tessellations enabled in extreme tests, Unigine Heaven 2.1
such as Heaven. But beware; these rigs can 1920x1080 - 4xAA - Disabled tess 47.40 fps 47.5 fps
send your electric bills through the roof by 1920x1080 - 4xAA - Normal tess 38.20 fps 38.2 fps
sucking almost 430 Watts of power. To keep 1920x1080 - 4xAA - Extreme tess 30.00 fps 29.8 fps
your heart right, Zotac has the latest GTX 460 Furmark v1.8.2
well within the budget line of high-end cards. 1920x1080 - 8XAA with post-processing 43 fps 44 fps
Retailing at Rs 15,000 with a 5-year warranty, Power consumption
this card is great value for money, and can Idle | Load 89 W | 427 W 90 W | 426 W
handle demanding games like Crysis Warhead WARRANTY
and Just Cause 2. Warranty period 5 years 3 years
* Prices are indicative and are subject to change, taxes extra.

FEATURED
3 4 5 6 7
ASUS Matrix 5870 Platinum Ed. ASUS EAH5870 XFX HD 5870 Galaxy GTX 470 MSI GTX 470 Twin Frozer II
Asus India Asus India Rashi Peripherals Technology and Gadgets M.S.I
022–67668800 022–67668800 022-67090828 022-23823331 011-41758808
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.asus.com www.asus.com www.rptechindia.com www.technologyandgadgets.com www.in.msi.com
Rs. 38,000 Rs. 30,000 Rs. 25,500 Rs. 27,000 Rs. 23,000
78 71 73 64 57
83 83 82 79 79
60 60 60 60 60
0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100
81 79 79 74 73
Radeon HD 5870 Radeon HD 5870 Radeon HD 5870 GeForce GTX 470 GeForce GTX 470
1,600 1,600 1,600 448 448
894 MHz 850 MHz 875 MHz 625 MHz 608 MHz
1200 MHz | 2048 MB GDDR5 1200 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5 1300 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5 837 MHz | 1280 MB GDDR5 837 MHz | 1280 MB GDDR5
256-bit 256-bit 256-bit 320-bit 320-bit
✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔
Stock Stock Stock Custom Custom
DirectX 11 | 8 + 8 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖
✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖
✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔
✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖
✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔
✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖
✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖
17635 17346 17395 14207 14049
82.2 fps 83.94 fps 84.82 fps 70.36 fps 68.63 fps
39 fps 41 fps 42 fps 34 fps 34 fps
74 W | 307 W 62 W | 277 W 64 W | 278 W 93 W | 369 W 73 W | 301 W
3 years 3 years 3 years 3 years 3 years

FEATURED
SpecScan
8 9 10
NAME MSI R5850 XFX HD 5850 Zotac GTX 470
Contact M.S.I Rashi Peripherals Aditya Infotech
Phone 011-41758808 022-67090828 011-46665666
E-mail [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Website www.in.msi.com www.rptechindia.com www.zotac.com
Price* Rs. 21,500 Rs. 19,250 Rs. 22,999
OVERALL
Features (25%) 67 67 52
Performance (70%) 76 76 79
Warranty (5%) 60 60 100
0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100
Overall (out of 100) 73 73 73

Value For Money
FEATURES
Chipset Radeon HD 5850 Radeon HD 5850 GeForce GTX 470
No. of stream processors 1,440 1,440 448
Core speed 765 MHz 765 MHz 608 MHz
Memory
Speed | Amount 1125 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5 1125 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5 837 MHz | 1280 MB GDDR5
Bus width 256-bit 256-bit 320-bit
Factory overclocked ✔ ✔ ✔
Cooler type Stock Stock Stock
DirectX support | 6-pin power connector DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin
Backpanel Ports
DVI ✔ ✔ ✔
DisplayPort ✔ ✔ ✖
HDMI ✔ ✔ ✖
Mini HDMI ✖ ✖ ✔
Package contents
Bundled games ✖ ✖ ✖
Mini HDMI to HDMI connector ✖ ✔ ✔
HDMI to DVI connector ✖ ✖ ✖
HDMI cable ✖ ✖ ✖
PERFORMANCE
3DMark Vantage (Performance)
GPU 15582 15359 13560
Left 4 Dead
1920x1080 - Very High - 8xMSAA 81.23 fps 80.44 fps 70.61 fps
Just Cause 2
1920x1080 - Very High - 8xCSAA 40.53 fps 40.52 fps 48.36 fps
Crysis Warhead
1920x1080 - Enthusiast - No AA 34.3 fps 34.12 fps 31.41 fps
1920x1080 - Enthusiast - 4xAA 29.89 fps 29.83 fps 27.49 fps
Unigine Heaven 2.1
1920x1080 - 4xAA - Disabled tess 38.2 fps 38.1 fps 38.7 fps
1920x1080 - 4xAA - Normal tess 25.3 fps 25.3 fps 30.6 fps
1920x1080 - 4xAA - Extreme tess 15.8 fps 15.7 fps 24.1 fps
Furmark v1.8.2
1920x1080 - 8XAA with post-processing 34 fps 35 fps 34 fps
Power consumption
Idle | Load 66 W | 257 W 65 W | 253 W 84 W | 320 W
WARRANTY
Warranty period 3 years 3 years 5 years

FEATURED
11 12 13 14 15
ASUS ENGTX470 Zotac GTX 460 ASUS EAH5850 Sparkle GTX 465 Galaxy GTX 465
Asus India Aditya Infotech Asus India Abacus Peripherals Technology and Gadgets
022–67668800 011-46665666 022–67668800 022-40914600 022-23823331
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.asus.com www.zotac.com www.asus.com www.abacusperipherals.com www.technologyandgadgets.com
Rs. 19,580 Rs. 14,999 Rs. 29,250 Rs. 16,500 Rs. 19,000
52 66 54 55 60
79 68 70 66 63
60 100 60 60 60
0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100
71 69 66 63 62
GeForce GTX 470 GeForce GTX 460 Radeon HD 5850 GeForce GTX 465 GeForce GTX 465
448 224 1,440 352 352
608 MHz 675 MHz 725 MHz 608 MHz 608 MHz
837 MHz | 1280 MB GDDR5 900 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5 1000 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5 802 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5 802 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5
320-bit 256-bit 256-bit 256-bit 256-bit
✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖
Stock Stock Stock Stock Custom
DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
✖ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖
✖ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖
✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔
✖ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖
✔ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✖
✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖
✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔
14048 11580 14805 11475 11486
31.49 fps 31.97 fps 32.3 fps 26 fps 26.03 fps

38.9 fps 35 fps 30.7 fps 31.1 fps 28.9 fps

34 fps 27 fps 33 fps 27 fps 27 fps
74 W | 303 W 64 W | 255 W 64 W | 220 W 74 W | 258 W 74 W | 293 W
3 years 5 years 3 years 3 years 3 years

FEATURED
SpecScan
16 17 18
NAME MSI GTX 465 Twin Frozer II Golden Ed. Zotac GTX 465 ASUS ENGTX465
Contact M.S.I Aditya Infotech Asus India
Phone 011-41758808 011-46665666 022–67668800
E-mail [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Website www.in.msi.com www.zotac.com www.asus.com
Price* Rs. 19,000 Rs. 17,999 Rs. 20,500
OVERALL
Features (25%) 55 48 48
Warranty (5%) 60 100 60
0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100
Overall (out of 100) 62 61 59

Value For Money
FEATURES
Chipset GeForce GTX 465 GeForce GTX 465 GeForce GTX 465
No. of stream processors 352 352 448
Core speed 608 MHz 608 MHz 608 MHz
Memory
Speed | Amount 802 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5 802 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5 802 MHz | 1024 MB GDDR5
Bus width 352-bit 256-bit 256-bit
Factory overclocked ✖ ✖ ✖
Cooler type Custom Stock Stock
DirectX support | 6-pin power connector DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin DirectX 11 | 6 + 6 pin
Backpanel Ports
DVI ✔ ✔ ✔
DisplayPort ✖ ✖ ✖
HDMI ✖ ✖ ✖
Mini HDMI ✔ ✔ ✔
Package contents
Bundled games ✖ ✖ ✖
Mini HDMI to HDMI connector ✔ ✔ ✔
HDMI to DVI connector ✖ ✖ ✖
HDMI cable ✖ ✖ ✖
PERFORMANCE
3DMark Vantage (Performance)
GPU 11505 11224 11462
Left 4 Dead
1920x1080 - Very High - 8xMSAA 59.42 fps 58.83 fps 59.65 fps
Just Cause 2
1920x1080 - Very High - 8xCSAA 39.11 fps 38.85 fps 38.8 fps
Crysis Warhead
1920x1080 - Enthusiast - No AA 25.98 fps 25.26 fps 25.95 fps
1920x1080 - Enthusiast - 4xAA 22.14 fps 21.8 fps 22.16 fps
Unigine Heaven 2.1
1920x1080 - 4xAA - Disabled tess 27.68 fps 27.1 fps 28.5 fps
1920x1080 - 4xAA - Normal tess 21.9 fps 21.5 fps 23.1 fps
1920x1080 - 4xAA - Extreme tess 17.3 fps 16.7 fps 16.9 fps
Furmark v1.8.2
1920x1080 - 8XAA with post-processing 27 fps 27 fps 27 fps
Power consumption
Idle | Load 72 W | 256 W 73 W | 251 W 79 W | 280 W
WARRANTY
Warranty period 3 years 5 years 3 years

F E AT
FE
FEATURED
ATUR
T UR
URED
U ED
CAMCORDER COMPARISON
HD or SD? You Decide
Need help in deciding which camcorder to buy? Here are a chosen few to get you started.
BY SANDEEP BALACHANDRAN
Storage capacity: Look for a

C amcorders have gone through
major transitions over the years.
MiniDVs, which dominated the market
further allows you to add more space
should you run out of it. So in comparison,
flash and hard disk based camcorders
camcorder with a high capacity drive as
it will allow you to record for a longer
until recently, are now being phased allow you to record hours of video over timeframe.
out because flash and hard drive-based a fixed 90-minute MiniDV tape/disc. Resolution: A camcorder with a higher
camcorders are far more compact and However, this didn’t hold true for all test sensor resolution will not only deliver a
offer richer feature sets. Also, flash subjects, as the Samsung HMX-H200BP better video output, but will also capture
memory-based camcorders are less and the Panasonic SDR-S26 were devoid decent still images.
likely to break down as they have fewer of internal memory and a hard disk. Optical zoom: Good optical zoom
moving parts. The second most important factor is value allows you to zoom into the subject
Now when it comes to storage, both their ability to record in high definition, without compromising on the overall
flash and hard disk-based camcorders and interestingly, HD camcorders almost picture quality.
offer substantial storage space. As of fall in the same price range as most Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS): This
now, flash memory supports just about standard definition camcorders. It’s is probably the most important factor
16 GB of space, whereas their hard disk ultimately for you to decided whether you when purchasing a camcorder with high
counterparts can give you as much as would like to own an HD camcorder or an optical zoom. It will help in maintaining a
240 GB. This gives you the freedom to SD one. One thing’s for sure; even though jitter-free video at full zoom. We suggest
even record and store more than what HD camcorders are a tad expensive, they you test the camcorder at full zoom to
you might actually need. Since this can record at a much higher resolution, test the IS.
roundup had a limiting price factor of thereby producing a much cleaner, crisper LCD screen size: Look out for a
Rs. 35,000, we could only get our hands and clearer image. camcorder with a decently sized screen
on camcorders with a maximum of 80 Before we dig in, here are a few tips on and a bright display. After all, you
GB space. In addition, all test products what to look out for before purchasing a wouldn’t want to be squinting while going
featured an SDHC expansion slot, which hard drive or flash-based camcorder – through the menu settings.
SMS us! Story code: FCC to 57007 Jagdish Limbachiya

FEATURED
Test Process
PERSONAL TAKE The test process was based on five
WEIGHTAGE USED FOR
parameters: features, build quality, EVALUATING CAMCORDER
ergonomics, performance and warranty.
40% PERFORMANCE 5% WARRANTY
So let’s walk you through each of them.
Features: The versatility of a camcorder 30% FEATURES
depends on not only its feature set, but

also on its overall performance. Each
SANDEEP BALACHANDRAN
[email protected] category was given a decent amount
of weightage in accordance with their
In comparison to cameras, the camcorder features. Camcorders that came with
segment is still much of an unexplored area. additional or extra features were given
20% ERGONOMICS 5% BUILD QUALITY
Camcorders are certainly a more viable option greater scores. The test process was
if you plan on recording video rather than started by noting down the CMOS sensor
capturing still images. But deciding on a size/resolution, the total zoom, maximum with the mode set to program with the
particular brand and model of camcorder is video resolution, video/audio format, ISO best possible setting. That apart, the
just as confusing as choosing a camera. For speeds, shutter speed and the number tests also included low light performance,
some, a camcorder’s size and capacity are of of preset scenes. Moreover, camcorders still image quality, IS performance at full
more importance, while for others, it is the were given scores on their overall image zoom, playback smoothness/sharpness
overall video quality that is of great stabilization. After all, what good is a and overall audio quality, which is often
importance. But what good is video quality if camcorder if it features a weak image the most overlooked aspect when buying
you can only record 10-15 minutes of high stabilizer? Features accounted for 30 a camcorder. Audio tests were conducted
definition video? percent of the overall score. both indoor and outdoor at a distance of
This brings me to our Best Performer - the Build Quality: The overall build quality eight feet. This was needed especially for
Samsung HMX-H200BP. Quality-wise the HMX- is vital as camcorders aren’t exactly outdoor tests (audio) as the recordings
200BP is almost flawless in almost all aspects an affordable proposition. Moreover, sounded rather muffled due to excessive
of recording. It delivered exceptional video a better build also ensures that parts ambient noise. Each level was analysed
and audio clarity that outdid my personal don’t come lose over extended use. stringently and points were awarded on
favourite – the Sony HDR-CX150E. The only Here, the overall quality of construction, the overall clarity and sharpness of the
major drawback was that the Samsung firmness of moving parts, such as battery video captured and of the audio. Points
features no built-in memory, nor does it come compartment lid and port flaps, was were also awarded to camcorders that
with a memory card; one of the main reasons evaluated. Build quality accounted for 5 could capture acceptable still images.
for it being the cheapest HD camcorder in the percent of the overall score. Although not a very important aspect, it
roundup. Considering that a 16 GB SDHC card Ergonomics: A good camcorder is still adds up as an extra feature. Since
will set you back at least Rs 2,000, it still designed with the user in mind. In other performance is considered to be a very
makes the Samsung HMX-H200BP a cheaper words, the overall design should be such important aspect in all of our tests,
proposition. Settling for a camcorder with no that the user finds it easy to use and performance accounted for 40 percent of
flash memory or hard drive definitely doesn’t navigate between the various functions. the overall score.
suite my taste. That’s the main reason I still We looked at the overall design, button Warranty: You can never predict the
consider the Sony HDR-CX150E a better size/spacing, and the user interface. It life of any electronic gadget, and since
purchase over the Samsung HMX-H200BP. should offer decent grip along with easily camcorders are considered expensive and
Not only has Sony embedded the CX150E accessible controls during and after delicate, it is important for them to be
with 16 GB of flash memory, but have also the shoot. The overall menu navigation backed up by warranty and support. For
thrown in an extra 16 GB SDHC card. The Sony and interface were also taken into this, the total number of service centers
CX150E is also one of the most versatile consideration as it is the ease of use that in the country, the number of cities in
camcorders under Rs 35,000. What you get adds value to the camcorder. Both grip which these centers are present, and the
are a whole bunch of features that allow you and menu navigation were given a fair warranty period of each camcorder were
to manually set the exposure, focus and white chunk of points. We also looked for the taken into account. A total of 5 percent
balance. Irrespective of my likes and dislikes, presence of navigational aids such as of the overall score was assigned to this
given a choice between the two, I would still joystick, mode selection dial, and built-in section.
settle for the Sony CX150E, mainly for its rich help. Ergonomics accounted for 20 Value for Money: Last but not least
feature set and 16 GB of flash memory. percent of the overall score. was value for money, which was derived
If you are looking for better image quality Performance: The performance by clubbing the features, build quality,
and don’t really care about recording space, section is the biggest distinguishing factor ergonomics, performance and warranty
then the Samsung HMX-H200BP should be on between camcorders. So to get an idea and pitting it against the price. Higher the
your list. On the other hand, if you are not too of each camcorder’s performance, we score, better the value for money rating.
concerned about recording in high definition recorded an indoor scene and an outdoor The camcorders were finally awarded
and space is of more concern, then the Sony scene. Both scenes were captured with Best Performer and Best Value according
DCR-SR68 seals the deal. the highest recordable resolution along to the final score that they returned.

FEATURED
T he Samsung HMX-H200BP is one of

the best camcorders we’ve tested
in this roundup. It also features one of
Those who like to have the
functionalities of a digital camera in
their camcorders will like being able to
SAMSUNG HMX-H200BP
the most responsive touch interfaces manually adjust aperture and shutter
amongst the seven we tested. Unlike speed. The Samsung features a Magic
the others, it allows you to focus on the Touch Shot that allows you to shift
subject before taking still images, thereby focus anywhere on the screen by simply
ensuring sharper results. touching that area of the LCD. This allows
The camcorder features a user friendly you to choose the subject that you'd like
design that makes everything from to focus on rather than the whole picture.
navigation to usability easy. For instance, On the performance front, the
it’s free of conventional rubber port flaps, Samsung HMX-H200BP is extremely SPECIFICATIONS
and instead features a hardened plastic impressive and maintains a very
Rs 21,990
cover that effortlessly flips out when good balance of color and contrast.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 58.5 x 59.3 x 111.9 mm; Weight: 275 g;
required. It features the usual swivel Performance was equally good under Video/Audio format: H.264/AAC; Sensor size: 1/4.9 in; Focal
touch screen, with the quick menu, record broad daylight and low light conditions. length: 3.2 – 64 mm; Optical/Digital zoom: 20x/200x; Still image
resolution: 4.7/2.7 megapixels; Storage media: SD/SDHC.
and zoom buttons placed alongside it. Still image quality is decent enough as
CONTACT Samsung India Electronics Pvt Ltd
However, the screen feels a little reflective long as the resolution is scaled down to PHONE 0124-4881234
when shooting under broad daylight. This 800x600. EMAIL NA
model is devoid of a built-in hard drive VERDICT: The Samsung HMX-H200BP
RATINGS
and comes with just an SD card slot that is a great camera with a decent set of BUILD QUALITY
supports upto 32 GB. Video recording features and impressive performance. ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
is offered in three modes – standard FOR: Decent low light recording, very PERFORMANCE
definition and high definition at 720p and good balance of color and contrast, good OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
1080i. It can record a maximum of 30 macro range, responsive touch interface,
minutes at its lowest mode, while in 720p IS works well at full zoom.
and 1080i, you can squeeze in 10 and 7 AGAINST: No dedicated hard drive, no
minutes respectively on a 4 GB card. bundled memory.
T he Sony DCR-SR68 leaves very little

to fret about in terms of performance
and ergonomics. The only part that feels
the responsive and precise touch panel
works very well.
The SR68 performs quite well and
SONY DCR-SR68
a little out of place is the shutter release delivers a decent blend of color and
button as you will need to stretch your contrast. Unlike other camcorders in its
index finger to be able to access it. The category, the DCR-SR68 does a very good
placement of the mode selection also job at maintaining the overall saturation
feels off. Placed towards the extreme of blues and reds. Skin tones were also
left, it is impossible to toggle between exceptional as the results produced were
picture and video modes using one hand. quite sharp and detailed. There isn’t
Moreover, the camcorder doesn’t allow much noticeable fringing unless the video
you to take pictures when in video mode is shot under direct sunlight. However, the SPECIFICATIONS
or vice versa. overall fringing does multiply when you Rs 19,990
The positives, however, are the zoom into the subject. Even though the
Dimensions (WxHxD): 56 x 65 x 115 mm; Weight: 300 g; Video/
massive 60x optical zoom and 80 GB of camcorder features 60x optical zoom, Audio format: MPEG2/MPEG1; Sensor size: 1/8-inch; Focal length:
recording space. That apart, the SR68 it cannot be considered one of the best 1.8 – 108 mm; Optical/Digital zoom: 60x/2000x; Still image
resolution: 0.8 MP; Storage media: 80 GB HDD | SD/SDHC.
also features an SD card slot. Being a as the image stabilization struggles to
CONTACT Sony India
mid-range camcorder, it does not support maintain a steady frame at full zoom. If PHONE 1800-103-7799
recording in HD, but allows recording you go beyond 80 percent of its zoom, EMAIL [email protected]
in three other modes - high quality (20 you will have to either use a tripod or
RATINGS
hours), standard quality (29 hours) and place the camcorder on a stable surface BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
low quality (61 hours). to get a steady picture.
FEATURES
The DCR-SR68E comes with a fully VERDICT: A compact camcorder with a PERFORMANCE
functional 2.7-inch touch screen that’s chunky storage space. OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
quite vibrant and crisp, but only when FOR: Good reproduction of colors, 80 GB
viewed under the shade. Take it into a hard drive, responsive touch screen.
brightly lit area and the screen almost AGAINST: Extremely reflective LCD
turns into a mirror, making it almost screen, focussing issues under low light,
impossible to view the video. However, IS is not the best at full zoom.

FEATURED
SpecScan
1 2 3
CATEGORY HIGH DEFINITION
Name Sony HDR-CX150E Samsung HMX-H200BP Canon Legria HFR17
Contact Sony India Samsung India Electronics Pvt Ltd Canon India Pvt Ltd
Phone 1800-103-7799 0124-4881234 1800-180-33-66
E-mail [email protected] NA [email protected]
Price* Rs. 29,990 Rs. 21,990 Rs. 32,995
OVERALL
Features (30%) 96 64 73
Build quality (5%) 100 100 100
Ergonomics (20%) 75 70 58
Warranty & support (5%) 50 50 100
0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100
Overall (out of 100%) 87 79 68

Value for money
FEATURES
Dimensions (WxHxD) 50 x 56 x 114 mm 58.50 x 59.30 x 111.95 mm 60 x 64 x 124 mm
Weight 215 g 275 g 270 g
CMOS sensor: Size | Resolution 1/4-inch | 3.1 MP 1/4.9-inch | 3.32 MP 1/5.5-inch | 2.39 MP
Max video resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Focal Length 2.5 to 62.5 mm 3.2 to 64 mm 3 to 60 mm
Aperture: Wide | Tele F1.8 | F2.2 F1.8 | F3.7 F1.8 | F3.6
Zoom: Optical | Digital 25x | 300x 20x | 200x 20x | 800x
LCD display 2.7-inch 2.7-inch 2.7-inch
No of preset scene modes 7 7 10
No of white balance modes 3 5 3
No of Color modes 0 4 6
Image stabilizer ✔ ✔ ✔
Video Format H.264 H.264 H.264
Memory: Onboard | Bundled 16 GB | 16 GB NA | NA 8 GB | NA
BUILD QUALITY
Shell | Buttons (out of 5) 5|5 5|5 5|5
Flaps | Battery compartment lid (out of 5) 5|5 5|5 5|5
ERGONOMICS
Grip (out of 5) 5 5 4.5
Menu navigation ease (out of 5) 5 5 5
Buttons: Size | Spacing | Tactility (out of 5) 4|5|5 5|5|5 5|5|5
Shortcut buttons: IS | Smart auto | Photo ✖|✔|✔ ✔|✔|✔ ✖|✖|✔
Navigation aid Touchscreen Touchscreen Joystick
Built-in help ✔ ✖ ✖
PERFORMANCE
Clarity (out of 5) 4.5 5 4
Low light performance (out of 5) 4 4 1.5
Still image quality (out of 5) 4 4 3
Playback Smoothness (out of 5) 5 5 3
Overall Sharpness (out of 5) 5 5 3.5
IS performance at full zoom (out of 5) 4 5 3.5
Audio quality (out of 5) 4.5 4.5 3
WARRANTY
Warranty period 1 year 1 year 2 years

FEATURED
4 5 6 7
STANDARD DEFINITION
Sony DCR-SR68 Canon Legria FS305 Panasoninc SDR-H85 Panasonic SDR-S26
Sony India Canon India Pvt Ltd Panasonic India Pvt Ltd Panasonic India Pvt Ltd
1800-103-7799 1800-180-33-66 0124-4596600 0124-4596600
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Rs. 19,990 Rs. 14,995 Rs. 25,990 Rs. 19,990
84 70 84 64
100 100 100 100
71 65 72 69
69 72 52 58
33 67 100 100
0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100 0 50 100
74 71 70 66
56 x 65 x 115 mm 55 x 59 x 121 mm 53 x 67 x 107 mm 56 x 65 x 107 mm

300 g 235 g 350 g 250 g
1/8-inch | 0.8 MP 1/6-inch | 0.8 MP 1/8-inch | 0.8 MP 1/8-inch | 0.8 MP
720 x 480 934 x 576 704 x 480 704 x 480
1.8 to 108 mm 2.6 to 96.2 mm 1.48 to 104 mm 1.48 to 104 mm
F1.8 | F6 F2 | F5.2 F1.9 | F5.7 F1.9 | F5.7
60x | 2000x 37x | 1800x 78x | 3500x 70x | 100x
2.7-inch 2.7-inch 2.7-inch 2.7-inch
9 8 9 5
3 3 1 0
0 5 0 0
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
MPEG2 MPEG2 MPEG2 MPEG2
80 GB | NA NA | 8 GB 80 GB | NA NA | NA
5|5 5|5 5|5 5|5

5|5 5|5 5|5 5|5
5 4.5 5 5
5 5 5 5
4|5|5 5|5|4 4|5|5 4|5|4
✖|✖|✔ ✖|✖|✔ ✔|✖|✔ ✔|✖|✔
Touchscreen Joystick Joystick Joystick
✔ ✖ ✔ ✖
4 3 1.5 2
3 3 2 2.5
4 3 2 3
4 4 4 4
3.5 3.5 2 2.5
2.5 5 4 3.5
3.5 4 3.5 4
1 year 2 years 3 years 3 years

FEATURED
CAREERS
Be a Social Media Manager

If writing a blog comes naturally to you, if your Facebook profile is the center of activity, if you
have a huge following on Twitter, if you have more videos on YouTube than your peers, then
social media management is just the right career for you.
BY PRIYANKA TILVE
Y
ou will find that almost every communicate well to manage their
brand today has a presence virtual image.
on one of the many social According to Rajiv Dingra, Founder and
networking sites. And it’s not just a CEO WATMedia Pvt Ltd, social media in
happy coincidence or some brand India has taken a serious turn over the
aficionado who is doing it for them. years. It’s still at a very nascent stage
Social networking today forms a crucial but more and more companies have
part of companies' marketing and started investing their money on social
communication strategies. Having a media. He says, “There are 71 million
social media manager is no longer a Internet users in India according to the
fad, given that over 50 percent of the IAMAI (Internet & Mobile Association of
world’s population is under 30 years-old India) report in 2009. Approximately 22
and spends the better half of their day million people are active on social media. It’s important to have a social media manager, who
will create an official presence for the brand in
on social networking sites. Increasingly, Looking at these numbers, it’s important
social media.
companies are looking for dynamic to understand that these users would
young people who know their way across be sharing information about various important to have a social media
the various social platforms and brands, which could be manager who will look into these pages/
have the ability to positive or negative conversations, will manage them and
experiences.” create official presence of their brands
He states further, on social media. A social media manager
“These users create is required also because social media
pages of their favorite is two–way communication platform,
brands and start thus enabling users to communicate
conversations which their feelings about the brand. A crisis
can be harmful as these situation can be well handled on social
won’t be the official media with the presence of a social
presence. Thus, it’s media manger.”
What constitutes social

media?
When we think of social media,
Facebook, Twitter or YouTube come
to mind, but social media goes
beyond these platforms. As Robin
Jacob Abraham, Solutions Architect,
Drizzlin Media, says “How do you create
meaningful dialogue and establish
communities? This could involve going
offline to generate conversations
online, creating a branded community
itself, creating videos, presentations,
blogs, other forms of content, or
engaging in already active communities
across the web.” The most challenging
aspect, according to him, is to engage
the community. He says, “You need to
understand what conversations and
Sachin Pandit
content works in generating engagement
and buzz, maintaining engagement
74 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP SMS us! Story code: FSM to 51818
FEATURED
CAREERS
as well as reacting to negative and

sometimes abusive comments.” EXPERT SPEAK
“Anyone from a “Anyone who's
What does the job entail? communications passionate about the
Broadly speaking, the job of a social background with a fair web and understands
media manager is to communicate knowledge of the the flow of
with the customers and clients. It’s all Internet can become a conversations between
social media manager. people can become a
about talking with people rather than
Apart from that, and social media manager.
talking to people. What sets it apart from personal The industry is a fast
from PR is that while PR is one-way experience, anyone with street smarts evolving one and a lot of PR/
communication, social media facilitates and common sense can become one. And advertising/digital and specialist social
two-way communication. It is the job of hard work of course! The starting salary media agencies, along with many
the social media manager to identify the can be between Rs 15,000 and Rs brands, are looking at having social
proper channels of communication for 20,000. The growth prospects are huge media specialists. Growth is totally
since the social media concept has taken dependant on you. You could go ahead
the brand and come up with meaningful
everyone by storm, especially all the and become digital heads in agencies,
strategies. It is also his/her job to ensure marketing and advertising agencies in become entrepreneurs employing social
that all the communication flowing from the world. Every such agency has an in- media in your activities, become
the organization, be it PR, advertisement, house team, and if they don’t have one, consultants, community managers to
marketing or social networking is in they outsource it to smaller agencies. In brands, etc. Salaries are typically based
sync and conveys the same message. the past 12 months, my own startup on experience. I wouldn't advice joining
A part of the job is also to pass on
company has seen a 600% growth, with a formal training program at this stage.
an addition of two members to the team Get on the job and explore your
the communication across the various
every month.” interests in social media. It's the best
platforms to the relevant department in training module available.”
- Aditya Rao, Co-founder and Director,
the organization, so that a suggestion
Social Business Strategy, Superchooha - Robin Jacob Abraham,
can be implemented or a query resolved. Solutions Architect, Drizzlin Media
Another important aspect of the job is
“Experience in this
keeping an eye on the activities of the
field as a social media “Social media is a
competitors and always being prepared
executive is necessary specialized subject and
to combat bad publicity. to graduate to the level one needs to have a
of a social media good understanding of
Required skill set manager. The ideal the medium in terms of
If you are looking at taking up social candidate should be technology as well as in
media as a career, then firstly, you need proficient with terms of understanding
Microsoft Office products, must have a how social media
to be a social and outgoing person.
deep knowledge of online marketing, communications need to be created.
Analytical as well as out-of-box thinking
must possess excellent communication Thinking of social media like mass
abilities can come in handy. Most and writing skills. He should also have media, communication is the biggest
importantly, you should have thorough the ability to manage multiple priorities hurdle. One has to unlearn some of the
knowledge of all the social networking in a limited timeframe. He should be mass media communication principles in
sites and you must keep yourself abreast able to identify threats and order to be successful in social media.
with the latest trends and newer sites. opportunities, and make quick decisions. On the personal front, if one is an
Of course, he should have a deep introvert, then pursuing a career as a
You should not only be able to identify
knowledge and understanding of all social media practitioner is not easy;
and develop communication strategies
social media platforms. Social media is you have to be "sociable". Also, one does
for the brand, but it’s also important that an upcoming field and therefore the not need to be tech savvy, but must
you execute them with efficiency. “It is career growth of an individual depends have the ability to learn new things and
not an easy task to handle communities on his/her capability and interest in this keep oneself abreast with what is
with thousands of people in them. You field. The salary model is based mostly happening. It is sun rise industry and
have to say the right things at the right on the PR model.” growth prospects are very bright.”
time. A good psychology and common - Rajiv Dingra, Founder and - Hareesh Tibrewala,
sense are plus points. Basically, you CEO WATMedia Pvt Ltd. Joint CEO, Social Wavelength
have to be street smart and internet
smart,” says Aditya Rao, Co-founder launched India’s first social media course. International Social Media Club Group.
and Director, Social Business Strategy, The four week program is designed You can attend workshops that are held
Superchooha. to aid the corporate as well as the there, listen to the experts in the field,
student communities to demystify social meet new people, share case studies,
Courses available media and its practices. For further learn about industry trends and even
Looking at the increasing demand for information on this program, you can develop business leads. To know more
social media managers, IAMAI (Internet log on to www.socialmediacourse.in. about Social Media Club, visit www.
& Mobile Association of India) together You can also join the Social Media Club, smcmumbai.com.
with WATMedia Pvt Ltd, recently Mumbai, which is the local chapter of the – [email protected]

FEATURED
MOBILE MONEY PayMat
PayMate
Pa
PayMat
ayMa
ay
ayMa
Mate
Matttee
Intuit
Money
Banking on the
Manage
mCheck
move
Banking has never been simpler. If Internet banking made obopay
going to the bank passé, the mobile revolution promises to
make banking a breeze. BY PRIYANKA TILVE
N
o longer do you need to go to this amount to pay all your utility bills and
the bank, wait for your turn, fill recharge/top-up cell phones. There’s also
in slips, or even maintain cheque an Easy Send service that allows you to the payment mode, you must
books. Right from transferring money transfer money from person-to-person or authenticate the transaction by
to paying bills, recharging your mobile pay merchants for their products/services. entering your mChekPIN number.
to booking movie tickets, and shopping To activate this service, you will have to mChek has a comprehensive list of
to managing your finances, online go to a Nokia Priority store and download merchant partners and when you shop
and mobile media have revolutionized the application. Then, you will have to fill online, you will see an option to pay
banking. We take a look at the various a know-your-customer form (as per RBI using mChek. All you have to do is feed
banking services, which will make you a rules) to open a YES Bank account. This in your mobile number and then you will
more efficient money manager. service is activated within 24-48 hours. receive a payment authorization request
The only catch is that the recipient has on your phone, which when confirmed,
PAY USING YOUR MOBILE to be an Obopay member, otherwise completes the transaction.
the money won’t be transferred when While Obopay and mChek are fairly
doing a person-to-person money transfer. newer services, PayMate has been around
Currently, Obopay services are available for a while. It links your mobile phone to
only in Pune and Chandigarh.
Another great payment gateway using
the mobile phone is mChek. Through
this service, you can securely pay for
your phone bills, flight tickets, insurance
premiums, movie tickets, utility bills,
and online shopping. mChek links your
mobile phone to your Visa/Mastercard
credit or debit card, allowing you to make
Obopay lets you pay utility and mobile bills and

payments through your phone. It allows
lets you transfer money to other Obopay users. you to key in details for a credit card and
a debit card, and for every transaction, it
Remember that ad for a leading cellular lets you choose between the two cards
PayMate's Green Money Transfer service lets any
network that has a woman haggling with as your mode of payment. After selecting mobile user send/receive money almost instantly.
a fisherman over the price of fish, only to
end up paying using her mobile phone? your existing bank account or credit/debit
Well, that is no longer just an idea, but a card, letting you pay for online purchases,
reality. While there is still a long way to utility bills, flight tickets, and much more.
go before you can actually pay the local When you wish to conduct a financial
vegetable and fish vendors, you can start transaction (online or offline), all you have
by paying your utility bills, and you can to do is share your mobile number, and
even shop, using your mobile phone. you will instantly receive an automatic
Obopay is an application that allows IVR call-back confirming the transaction.
you to do this. Its Easy Money option is Once you authenticate the same with
just like a mobile top-up, and for this, it your PIN, your payment will be processed
has tied up with Nokia. All you have to and you will receive an SMS confirming
do is walk into a Nokia Priority store and the status. If you have more than one
pay cash; this amount will be credited to You can link your credit/debit cards to your mChek accounts linked with PayMate, then while
account to make payments through your mobile.
your Obopay account. You can then use making the payment, you can choose
76 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP Jagdish Limbachiya SMS us! Story code: FMM to 51818
FEATURED
MOBILE MONEY
y
out full-fledged banking transactions.
er
Getting started is simple; just follow
the m-banking link of your bank and
download the application. After keying in
your login details and getting verified, you
are good to go.
You can conduct funds transfers and
transactions involving purchase of goods/
Perfios services to a maximum of Rs 50,000 per
day, but this may vary from bank to bank.
Mobile banking is absolutely safe as it
is user-specific and requires a four-digit
PIN code for any transaction. In case you
lose your phone, simply call the 24-hour Intuit Money Manager helps you plan, save and
customer care and request them to block grow your money.
the application. Also, as with the ATM, the

application blocks itself on feeding three With Intuit Money Manager, you can
consecutive wrong PIN entries. even monitor your stock investments,
ULIPs, mutual funds, etc, thanks to live
price updates. It also allows you to set
reminders for all your payments, so you
don’t have to worry about missing a due
which account you wish to use. If you date. It thus acts as a constant reminder
do not wish to transact using your credit of your financial health and motivates you
or debit card, you can even purchase a to save more. Currently, it supports over
GiftMate voucher, which allows you to 40 major financial institutions in India,
transact using a pre-paid balance. including banks and brokerage firms. This
PayMate has also come up with service is available with a 90-day free
a Green Money Transfer service in trial, and if you like it, you can go for an
association with Corporation Bank and annual subscription at Rs 365.
Tata Teleservices. It is a person-to-person Another website you can look at is
Almost all major banks offer the convenience of
mobile money transfer, wherein any mobile banking at no extra cost. Perfios.com, which provides a 360-degree
mobile phone user can send or receive view of one’s personal finances, right from
money almost instantly. A person who MANAGE YOUR MONEY
wishes to send money has to go to a ONLINE
Tata Green PCO and submit in cash the With all this talk of paying bills and
amount to be transferred. He will receive shopping, let’s now look at something
an IVR call asking him to confirm the that will help us save some money. We
transaction with his mPIN. After this, he came across Intuit Money Manager (www.
will get a transaction code on his mobile intuitmoneymanager.com), which is an
to be shared with the recipient. All the online personal finance tool that helps
recipient has to do is walk to a nearby you plan, save and grow your money. The
Tata Green PCO and share his transaction best part about it is that it allows you to
code. He will then receive an IVR call consolidate all your financial accounts,
asking him to authenticate the transaction be it your bank accounts, credit/debit
Perfios.com offers you a 360-degree view of your
with his mPIN. Once the verification is cards, loan accounts, investments, and personal finances.
complete, the cash will be handed over to even your bills, under one platform.
him. Currently, the services are limited to After logging in, you’ll have to feed in the bank accounts and credit cards, to mutual
registered customers of Corporation Bank details for all your accounts and then funds, loans, and taxes. With Perfios, you
in Kerala and Karnataka. you can easily keep a track of all your can also invite your family members to
expenses at a glance. Your expenses share accounts and integrate the same
THE BANK COMES TO YOU are categorized, which allows you to with your portfolio. This will help you
If you don’t trust third-party applications, map your spending trends and even set keep tabs on your family’s finances and
look no further than your own bank. budget goals. You can fix a budget for plan better. As of now, the service is free,
Almost all major banks now offer their each category and when you reach the but they are planning to launch premium
customers the convenience of mobile limit, you will receive an SMS or email services in the near future at a nominal
banking at no extra cost. Apart from alert asking you to stop spending. It even cost. The best part is that this website
SMS alerts regarding transactions and calculates your tax liabilities, which helps even provides mobile access.
checking balance, you can now carry you to set aside money and invest it later. – [email protected]

FEATURED
KIDS ONLINE SECURITY
Caution! Kids
Online
With the ever increasing number of children
logging on to the web, software like the
Onlinefamily from Norton comes in handy to
keep a vigil on their online activities.
BY PRIYANKA TILVE
I
n the real world, parents often drill doing school work, an astonishing 68 and interactions on social networking
words of caution into the minds of percent of children download music and sites. It allows you to create up to ten
their young children, such as “don’t video games online. This ever-increasing accounts and once activated, you will
talk to strangers” and “don’t go there; it’s online presence exposes the children be able to see a list of all the websites
not safe”. But surprisingly, parents are to threats such as identity theft, cyber visited by the user of each account. If
not so foresighted when it comes to the bullying, stalking by pedophiles, etc. you don’t like a particular site, you can
cyber world, as they allow their children Over the years, we have witnessed easily block it and it even allows you
unrestricted access to the Web. Already, several instances where adults posing to customize settings for each child’s
we are witnessing an increase in cyber as teenagers have befriended young account depending on his or her age. It
crime, and what’s alarming is the rise in children and have coerced them also tracks words, terms and phrases
the number of children being victimized into inappropriate activities or even your kids search for online, which gives
on the Web. duped them into divulging sensitive you an idea about their online interests.
It goes without saying that young financial details of their families. This is Most importantly, it allows you
children today are far more tech savvy particularly dangerous since, according to monitor their activities on social
then previous generations were at the to the Norton Online Family Report 2010, networking sites as well as online
same age. And by looking at Internet children feel that their actions online will forums. You can easily monitor what they
penetration figures, the growth in go unnoticed and cannot be traced back chat about and with whom. OnlineFamily
recent years speaks for itself. While to them. The survey further reveals that also includes the option to allow users
parents today are concerned about the not many of them are aware that few to chat only with people you explicitly
amount of time their children spend on things are ever permanently deleted and approve of. As far as social networking
the Internet, they do not seem to be that anything they say or do can come sites are concerned, it gives you an
concerned about what their children are back to haunt them later. Just as there overview of your child’s profiles and how
doing when they’re online. are set rules in physical environments, they represent themselves (name, age,
A recent survey conducted by Norton you need to set rules for the cyber world and profile picture). If you are worried
in over 14 countries underlines some as well. about children spending a lot of time
startling facts. According to the survey, And with this aim in mind, Norton has online, you can easily restrict that here
over 77 percent of children in India have responded with a free Web monitoring by setting time limits for usage. Once
had a negative online experience. While tool called onlinefamily.norton.com. the set limit has been crossed, it will
the majority of parents believe that their This service monitors Web surfing as automatically cause the system to shut
children spend time playing games or well as instant message conversations down. You can continue to monitor their
online activities when you are away as
PO
P-U
P S Indian children are not following you will receive email alerts in case your
OFFERS some commonsense rules when they child ignores a warning or tries to visit a
surf the Web. blocked web site.
This may seem like a spying tool, but
Don't watch out for too-good-to-be-true offers unlike other monitoring sites, it’s not
66% hidden and the children are aware of it,
Don't always distrust online offers at first glance making it very transparent. Parents will
56% have to communicate openly about safe
Aren't wary of too many pop-ups Internet practices to ensure that children
55% don’t feel like they aren’t trusted or their
0 50 100 privacy isn’t being respected.
78 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP SMS us! Story code: FKO to 51818
FEATURED
CLOUD COMPUTING
CLOUD COMPUTING CAN PROVIDE

A SAFE AND SECURE WORK
ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
PRIYANKA TILVE, SENIOR FEATURES WRITER
POWER YOUR BUSINESS

A
s much as naysayers may want Another advantage is higher security and
you to believe otherwise, cloud reduced threat of data loss. All machines
computing is here to stay. While are prone to breakdowns and a hard disk
individuals may still be skeptical crash can also result in permanent data loss.
about adopting cloud technology, SOHOs and Imagine you are working on an important
several midsized business establishments are presentation, your hard disk crashes and
increasingly taking it up owing to its several your IT technician tells you it will take a
benefits. According to a report by consulting few days to restore your system. You could
fi rm Zinnov, the market for cloud computing have saved yourself a whole lot of trouble
in India is expected to grow nearly ten times if your data was on the cloud, and then all
to US$ 1,084 million by 2015 from the current you would have had to do is simply access it
US$ 110 million. using another system.
The biggest consideration causing the shift There are
towards cloud computing is naturally the cost
factor. Cloud computing will dramatically
many service
providers in the
CLOUD COMPUTING WILL
cut down your hardware and software
expenditure and you will also require less
market, ranging
from international
DRAMATICALLY CUT DOWN
IT support staff. Plus, you only pay for
what you use, so this cuts down unwanted
companies
including Amazon,
YOUR HARDWARE AND
expenditure. Also, as your needs increase,
you can buy more space as required or you
Microsoft, HCL,
and Salesforce,
SOFTWARE EXPENDITURE.
can even temporarily scale down usage to local service providers Zenith Infotech,
when you experience a slump in business. Orange Space, TCS, Wipro, and Infosys, who
Maintenance or even regular updates is no offer cloud computing services.
longer your headache as they will be taken While moving your data into the cloud is
care of by the service provider. It even saves very straightforward, you have to consider
you the cost of setting up infrastructure to a few points before fi nalizing the cloud
host servers at your end. provider. First up, it is important for you
Cloud computing is valuable from the to determine your requirement and select
point of view of employees as it provides a plan best suited to you. Secondly, look at
them with the freedom to access all their the cloud provider’s security and privacy
fi les from virtually anywhere. It is especially terms. See what kind of technical assistance
beneficial for those employees who have will be provided as well as their downtime
to be in the field, as they can easily access assistance. Also, look for tutorials to
the documents they require and even make familiarize yourself and your staff with the
changes if required. Apart from this, it also cloud environment for ease of usage. Most
gives employees the flexibility to work from crucially, read about the policy regarding
home, especially on days when they can’t retrieval of data in case you want to switch
make it to the office due to a strike or other your service provider in the future.
calamity. - [email protected]

FEATURED
WEB WATCH
Web Watch
ENTERTAINMENT
F
or those of you who are hooked on to soap operas on TV,
here’s good news. If you miss an episode of your favorite
show, you need not worry, as there are many websites that
now stream popular shows on TV. First up of course, there is
YouTube, where you will find all you need. But since videos
are uploaded by users, the quality isn’t great. And very often,
you will find that the videos have to be taken off due to
copyright issues. As an alternative, you will find many popular
TV channels have now started their own online entertainment
websites, where you will find complete episodes of all the
popular shows, which you can enjoy at your convenience..
Star TV, for instance has Startv.in (www.startv.in), where you
will find shows from Star Plus, Star One, Star World, Star News
and Channel V. You can watch complete episodes online or even
record them and view them later. If bandwidth is a problem,
you have the option of choosing between standard and high
quality videos. However, keeping in mind the dimensions of
the video, watching it in full screen may not be a good idea.
Instead, you can just select the ‘switch off lights’ option to
VERDICT enjoy your video without distractions. An interesting feature is
StarTV.in is a good website to catch your favorite shows across the Star network the ability to watch some of the old shows that have gone off
on a single platform, unlike other channel-specific websites. air form their archives.
GAMES
If there is too much of work stress or if you’re just bored
to death, a quick online game or two can perk you right
up. Amongst the many online gaming websites, Miniclip and
Mindjolt are undoubtedly the most popular. Even though
Mindjolt can be accessed by going to www.mindjolt.com, it
is more popularly accessed through Facebook. It hosts over
thousand games, and it has close to four million fans and
almost 20 million active users on Facebook. You can choose
from various categories like action, puzzle, strategy, sports,
shooter, etc. and you can either compete with your friends or
play by yourself. It also shows you scores and statistics so that
you can keep track of your friends’ progress..
Miniclip (www.miniclip.com) has list of game categories than
Mindjolt and does not require a login to play games. However,
if you choose to login, you can compete with other users
and set records to earn rewards. The games here have a high
quality graphics, yet they load quickly and are surprisingly
devoid of irritating advertisements. This means that you aren’t
VERDICT forced to watch adverts each time you want to play a new
The biggest USP of Miniclip, apart from the great graphics, is the fact that game or replay a game. With over 500 addictive games to
it does not require a login to be able to play games. It is also devoid of choose from, it is the largest online games site. At Miniclip, you
advertisements. have a vast variety of free games to choose from.

FEATURED
WEB WATCH
A selection of interesting websites you might want to visit.

COMPILED BY PRIYANKA TILVE
BOOKS
Thanks to smartphones and e-book readers, books have
been given a whole new meaning. No longer do you have to
lug around books with you. All you have to do is get a PDF or
a compatible version of the book for your portable gadget. A
great site to start with is Ebooks.net (free-ebooks.net), which
offers books across various categories. Once you sign up, you
can search for your favorite books and download them in the
desired format. The website offers two kinds of memberships;
the free membership will grant you unlimited access to HTML
books and up to 5 PDF versions each month, whereas the VIP
membership is available for a small fee, but allows unlimited
download of HTML and PDF books. VIP members can also
download unlimited books in the MobiPocket and ePub formats.
You must also visit Project Gutenberg (www.gutenberg.org),
which is the first and single largest collection of free electronic
books. Be it a classic that you are looking for or essays or
reference works, with over 33,000 titles to choose from, you
can be sure you will find it here. You can choose between
ePub, Mobipocket, HTML and simple text formats. In terms
of application, TextOnPhone is a great application for reading VERDICT
Ebooks.net is a great website, where you will find most of the popular titles.
books on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, whereas BooksInMyPhone
And if you subscribe to their newsletter, you will receive information about the
is a great application for users of other smartphones.
latest books available for download along with a synopsis.
GADGETS & GIZMOS

A chocolate calculator, a duct tape mug, a pay and sit bench,
a self high-five machine, a sleep enhancing toothpaste. This is
just the tip of the iceberg. Visit nerdapproved.com to find such
crazy contraptions. True to what it claims, Nerd Approved is
indeed a website dedicated to all things weird and interesting
in the world of gadgets and toys. The weird looking gadgets
that are featured on this website do actually find buyers.
The website also recently launched three sister websites -
Fashionably Geek, CubicleBot and That’s Nerdalicious. CubicleBot
will have you in splits with write ups like ‘How to respectfully
quit your job’ and ‘Start an army of cloned co-workers’, etc. It
also features comics, videos, and photos from all over the web.
You might also want to check out Retrothing (www.
retrothing.com) and take a trip down memory lane. It’s a
beautiful vintage gadget website that showcases classic gizmos
and books every month. You will see phones with ancient
dials, mechanical handheld games, the earlier versions of PCs,
robots, VCRs, boxy television sets, vintage cars, bikes and
much more. It is divided into sections like automobiles, bikes, VERDICT
books, cameras, phones, flying things, games, timepieces, classic Nerd Approved is definitely a fun website. While most of the gadgets may seem
computing, musical instruments, etc. The website also features weird and silly, at times you will come across some practical and cool gizmos
do-it-yourself guides as well as videos. that you may actually put to use.

HANDS ON
DR CHIP
Dr CHIP SEND YOUR QUERIES TO: [email protected]
Sachin Pandit
[Q] Hi Dr CHIP. I have lots of better, thus making the computer more Windows XP. But when I use Windows
questions to ask you, but I’ll only ask powerful. Previously, motherboards did 7, the speed is reduced, and I get a
a few for now. I want to know about not include an onboard GPU and a VGA maximum speed of only 25 Kbps.
the GPU. How much is the expandable card was needed for video output to the Can you please tell me why this is
memory? Where could I get a GPU? monitor. A GPU needs its own memory happening?
Which motherboard would be the best for processing data just like a CPU does. – Nikhil Sawane
for high-end gaming? What is a VGA The CPU utilizes the system RAM for
card? What is the difference between this and a built-in GPU utilizes part of [A] Hello Nikhil. The broadband
GPU and graphics card? Which one is the system RAM known as shared video connection seems fine, but there
better? Please reply. Thank you. memory. This memory can be adjusted are many applications that might be
– Akash Ajayghosh from the BIOS and one can allot around running in the background (including the
32 MB to 1 GB for the GPU. This would Windows Automatic Updating service),
[A] Hello Akash. A GPU is a Graphics also reduce the system memory for which are utilizing the Internet bandwidth.
Processing Unit or a processor that helps the CPU and slow down the computer. You will have to monitor and stop the
in accelerating the performance of a Hence, a graphics card, which has its ones that are using your bandwidth. Also,
graphics job. This is used in high-end own GPU and dedicated video memory, certain virus and spyware are known to
applications such as games in which the is needed. This card is sold separately be sending information up and down the
CPU or Central Processing Unit cannot and is available in a variety of processing internet lines, which cause the internet to
do the job sufficiently. The role of a GPU speeds and memory capacities. Hope this be slower. Ensure a virus-free operating
is to process all the graphical commands answers your query. system and your internet should be as
from the CPU. This in turn helps the CPU fast as before.
do its own functions by offloading the [Q] Dear Dr CHIP. I have a BSNL
graphics processing part, and the CPU Telecom broadband connection with [Q] Hello Dr. Chip. I am facing a
can do the other crucial data crunching a Rs 900 Internet plan. I get speeds problem while installing windows XP
jobs. The CPU and GPU together perform between 60 Kbps and 70 Kbps using on my laptop. When the installation of
windows starts, it shows a blue screen
and some technical error, and when
I went to my uncle, who is computer
engineer, he said that it contains
viruses. Kindly help me to solve this
problem.
– Ankur
[A] Hello Ankur. Your uncle may be right

as viruses can also hamper the operating
system installation, but there can also
be other reasons apart from virus issues
This is an open AGP graphics card, showing the GPU Windows can automatically get updates over the for the erratic behavior. Firstly, there can
and video memory. Internet and consume a lot of Internet bandwidth.
be a possibility of a faulty hardware;
82 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP SMS us! Story code: HDC to 51818
HANDS ON
DR CHIP
the computer used to frequently freeze [Q] Hello Dr CHIP. I am Harshal from
up within five minutes from the time Ranikhet. I have a strange problem
of booting. After restarting from this for which you guys are my only hope.
situation, it used to work fine for the Whenever I start my system, it restarts
whole day thereon. One day, when I automatically. It is not certain as to
started to work on it at around 11 AM, when it might restart. It restarts after
surprisingly the problem didn’t appear 5 or 10 minutes or maybe at the time of
at all. But for the last few days when I Windows startup too. I tried formatting
again started to work in the mornings, the system, but it restarts again. I also
the problem reappeared. Please tell me changed the CMOS battery. There is
what should I do? no problem of voltage fluctuation. The
– Indrajit configuration is Pentium D processor,
A good antivirus ensures that the OS is virus-free, [A] Hello Indrajit. The problem is 1 GB DDR RAM, 160 GB SATA HDD, MSI
the PC runs efficiently, and your data is secure.
surely weird, but not unheard of. In your 865gm chipset motherboard, and a
for example, a dusty RAM module, a case, I would recommend a complete 400 Watt PSU (which is surely enough
problem with the motherboard or the cleanup of the internal components to for this configuration). Please help and
RAM, or a hard drive failure or bad sector. ensure a dust-free interior. Also check reply soon as it is very urgent. I’m sure
Secondly, if your laptop is a new series, for any viruses and hard drive errors by you guys will definitely help me out
then it will not support Windows XP as running a scan on the system and hard with a solution. Thanks in advance.
the hardware is incompatible with older drive respectively. Ensure antivirus and – Harshal
operating systems and you would have operating system updates are installed
to use Windows Vista or Windows 7. To and are the latest. Your system should
rectify the problems and install Windows be working fine. I remember a similar
XP on your laptop, try these steps: erratic behavior of my friend’s computer,
Backup all the data from your hard where I found that he faced the problem
drive and delete all existing partitions. especially during the summer and
Use the Windows XP installation CD monsoons. The reason was that his
to boot and create new partitions and computer was placed in his bedroom
proceed with the installation. and was facing in the direction of the air
If Windows XP still does not function, conditioner’s ducts. He would use the
remove the memory stick by carefully air conditioner at very low temperatures
opening the RAM compartment. Clean throughout the night. The extreme cold
the memory module using Isopropyl draft was creating moisture droplets Make sure there is sufficient CPU cooling paste
between the CPU and the CPU fan.
alcohol and ensure that the RAM slot inside the computer and hence the
and the memory are cleaned thoroughly. system would either hang or not start [A] Hello Harshal. The problem
Install the memory module and try. up at all. Later in the day when the appears to be small but very critical.
Finally, ensure that the operating temperature of the room stabilized to The main reason seems that the either
system CD you are using is an original normal room temperature of around there is a virus problem or the processor
copy and does not have any scratches. 30 degrees Celsius, the moisture would is overheating. Check for viruses and
To verify that the optical media is not evaporate and his system would work ensure that the system is clean and
damaged, try installing the same on perfectly without even a trace of a safe from any virus or malware attacks.
another computer to confirm. problem. If you are in a similar situation, Next, confirm that the operating system
If you are still facing problems, ask a then I would suggest that you shift is not corrupt and your hardware is
hardware engineer to look into the matter the computer to a room where the properly functioning. To do this without
and resolve the problem. If you are able temperature and humidity is normal. disrupting the existing operating system
to open the laptop case, you should try and software, you should try booting
cleaning the internal components of the your system form a live operating system
laptop and check if it solves the problem. CD/DVD such as Ubuntu or Knoppix. If
We highly recommend not opening the the system works fine with Linux, then
laptop yourself unless you have the your existing operating system needs
know-how. reinstallation. But if your system hangs
even in Linux, then your hardware is at
[Q] Hi Dr Chip, I have bought an fault. There could be some heating issues
assembled PC just a month ago. The with your hardware. You should check
configuration is Intel Core i3, Biostar if the CPU fan is installed properly, is
H55 mother board, 2 GB RAM, XFX dust-free and is spinning normally (not
Radeon 5670 1 GB DDR5 and WD slow). To confirm, enter the BIOS of the
320 HDD. I used to work on it every Make sure the insides of your computer are clean,
motherboard and check if the CPU fan
morning for the first two weeks and as dust can retain moisture during the monsoons. RPM is normal and the temperature is

HANDS ON
DR CHIP
below 60 degrees. If there seems, to using Windows XP on it. I wanted an prompt’ in the boot menu. The boot
be a problem, inspect if the CPU fan is additional partition on the hard drive menu can be availed by pressing the ‘F8’
properly installed on the CPU and also and hence I used Partition Magic. button immediately before or while you
make sure that there is sufficient amount When I created the new partition, the see the Windows logo when the machine
of CPU cooling paste between the CPU system restarted and started showing starts up. Windows’ CHKDSK utility will
and the CPU fan. The fan blades and the a Partition Magic progress bar before try recovering the partition table errors
heatsink of the CPU fan should also be booting into the operating system and fixing the errors, but there is a high
clean. If the fan seems to be stopping or and the bar went up to 70 percent possibility that you might lose some or all
spinning slowly, replace it immediately. and froze. I waited for almost 8 hours the data present on the partition. I would
Also ensure that there are no other and then had to forcefully shut down strongly recommend that you save all
overheating components (motherboard the computer. And now when I power possible data to an external storage drive
chips, RAM, hard drive, etc). up the laptop, it shows a blue screen using the Ubuntu operating system that
with an error “Technical information you installed and repartition the entire
[Q] Hello Dr CHIP, I have a PC with :- 0x00000024 (0x00190203 , 0x8A hard drive before installing the operating
following configuration: Intel Pentium 298068,0xc0000102,0x00000000)” system.
Quad Core 2.66 GHz, ASUS P5QVM and recommends to disable or remove
Motherboard, NVidia Geforce 9400 any anti-virus or disk defragmentation [Q] Hello Dr CHIP, I have a strange
GT graphics card, and 3 GB of RAM. application, and to perform a problem with my mobile phone. My
I have a dual boot operating system ‘CHKDSK/F’ command on the hard phone is a Sony Ericsson P1i model
with Windows XP and Windows 7. drive. I am not able to do this because and since last week I have been
Whenever I switch to Windows 7, Windows does not start and the blue experiencing a strange problem.
the display blacks out after the boot screen shows immediately after the Whenever I open my default internet
logo is displayed, while the HDD Windows logo. The error comes in browser, I get the error ‘Application
light keeps glowing as though there boot options and also in Safe Mode closed web, kern-exec, reason no 3’
is some data being accessed. I have or CMD mode. I have installed Ubuntu and hence I cannot use the internet
tried going to Safe Mode and removing (thanks to you guys for the OS on the through the default browser. However, I
the graphics card’s drivers and then CHIP DVD) in dual-boot. I am a student am able to go online using applications
restarted the machine and it worked, and have to use Visual Studio 2010 such as Opera. However I face
but after restarting it again, it installs frequently. Please help me out here as difficulties as I cannot download files
the drivers and again the same thing you are my last hope. Thank you. (as my phone switches to my default
happens. Although Windows XP works – Anuj Shrivastava browser when I try download any file).
fine without any issues, sometimes the Please provide a solution for me, Dr
display gets blurred while running the CHIP. Thank you.
PC for around 3 to 4 hours at a stretch. – Black Raven
The system takes a long time to start
up as well. I noticed that after starting [A] Hello. Your phone has a minor
the machine, the HDD light glows for problem with either the firmware or
a while before the power LED glows. the application. Usually it is difficult to
Then there’s a beep sound and the solve such an issue easily. Check if your
machine starts booting. Please suggest phone is infected with a virus. Use a
me a way out of this. Thanks. mobile antivirus such as Kaspersky or
– Anirban Quickheal to scan the mobile. Finally,
it is recommended that you back up
[A] Hello Anirban. I would suggest you Try using ‘CHKDSK /F’ option after choosing ‘Safe your mobile data and contents to your
Mode with command prompt’ in the boot menu.
to do the following. Firstly, check your computer and update the firmware with
system for viruses. Secondly, ensure [A] Hey Anuj. The problem here is
that you are not using pirated operating pretty straight-forward. Partition Magic
systems. Thirdly, download the latest did not complete its job of resizing the
drivers for the display card and install it existing partition, possibly due to some
on both operating systems. Finally, if the error. You waited for a long time and had
problem still persists, try using another to force shutdown the PC due to which
graphics card. The graphics card might Partition Magic did not get a chance
be faulty. to finalize the entries in the partition
table; but you had no choice. There is a
[Q] Hello Dr CHIP I am a hard core very tiny possibility that you can repair
fan of CHIP Magazine. Thanks to you the partition table and rectify the size.
guys for helping us in keeping our PCs You can try using the option that the
in really good shape. I have an IBM blue screen states—‘CHKDSK /F’ after Backup all phone data to a PC before attempting a
firmware update. Follow instructions strictly.
R60 laptop; a petty old chap. I am choosing the ‘Safe Mode with Command

HANDS ON
DR CHIP
the latest version available from the on the motherboard. If the beeping
Sony Ericsson website using the Sony continues, then try using another RAM
Ericsson PC Suite application bundled chip. Ask a friend to try your RAM chip
with your phone. You can also download on his computer to confirm if the RAM is
the application from the website. Make working. If your RAM chip is working on
sure your phone is charged and the cable another computer and a working RAM
connecting the phone to the PC is firmly is still not solving the problem with your
attached. Strictly follow the procedure computer, then you will have to send the
given in the firmware update application. motherboard for repairs. Check with your
local computer vendor or a computer
[Q] Sir, I have a HP USB keyboard engineer to help solve the issue.
model KU-0841. This keyboard has
It is recommended that you backup all hard drive
[Fn] keys and helps to execute some
data and repartition it before installing a new OS.
[Q] Hey guys you all are doing a great
functions. But when I upgraded my work and as I think you are also doing
operating system from Windows Vista partition table is wrongly reporting the a good job of educating on the topic
to 7, the [Fn] keys and also the sound size and space on your motherboard. You of computers and IT. I am having a
related shortcut keys have stopped will have to delete the entire partition problem while downloading Windows
working. So I downloaded and installed that previously existed and recreate it XP SP3. I am downloading it with the
a host controller for window 7, but again using the new Windows 7 operating help of Download Accelerator Plus.
these keys are still not working. Please system. If the 160 GB hard drive has But every time it fails due to a broken
help me out. Thank you for your time. bad sectors or is faulty, you will find the link. Even while downloading it from
– Karan Datwani problem difficult to solve. Also ensure the official website of Microsoft, the
that the SATA cable is not faulty as you download is broken. What should
[A] Hello Karan. The additional function stated that your previous hard drive also I do? Now I am unable to upgrade
keys require the software bundled with went bad. Try using a new SATA cable. my Windows operating system. And
the keyboard to function. Download the one more query - will Windows 7
driver and software for Windows 7 from [Q] Hi Dr Chip. I think my run smoothly on my Computer? Its
the manufacturer’s website and install it. motherboard has a problem. Whenever configuration is 160 GB HDD, 1 GB DDR2
If the driver is not available for Windows I try to start my computer, the RAM, ASROCK G31M-S motherboard.
7, then download the older version and motherboard keeps making a beeping – Prakash Kumar
choose the compatibility option and try sound, but the monitor shows no signal
using it. Your problem should be solved, or display. I tried to reboot, but that [A] Hello Prakash. You can install
else contact the manufacturer. didn’t work either. Please help me out Windows XP Service Pack 3 from the
as you are my only hope. CHIP DVD (April 2010 DVD). Ensure that
[Q] Sir, I am a big fan of CHIP. Your – Darwin the Windows XP you have installed is not
ideas are very useful and if anyone
has any question, I recommend CHIP. [A] Hello Darwin. A continuous beeping
My PC configuration is Intel Pentium sound from the system indicates that
Dual CPU 2.0 GHz, 2 GB RAM, NVIDIA the processor has detected a fault with
GeForce 8400 GS graphics card 512 the system RAM. Either the RAM chip
MB. Earlier I had a Seagate 500 GB is faulty or has a loose connection, or
hard disk that I had bought in July the motherboard RAM slots are faulty.
2009. But in June 2010 it got damaged Remove the RAM chip carefully, clean
and I had sent it for repairs. Because the RAM slots and the connection end
of this reason I am presently using my of the RAM chip, and reinstall the chip
friend’s Western Digital 160 GB Hard
Disk with windows XP SP3 already
installed on it. But the problem is that Use Windows Update Downloader to download
Windows XP or Vista updates for use when needed.
when I want to install windows 7 on it,
the hard drive shows a single 160 GB a pirated version or else the Service Pack
partition. When I tried to partition it, will not install. Alternatively, you can also
the setup shows an error. What is the start the Windows Automatic Update
problem? and update the entire operating system
– Shanky from the internet. Windows 7 should work
fine on your system configuration, but I
[A] Hello Shanky. As the 160 GB recommend that you install another 1 GB
hard drive was partitioned on another or RAM for a smoother performance.
computer and a different operating Remove the RAM chips, and clean the slots and — Send your queries to Francis D’Sa
connection end of the chips with Isopropyl alcohol.
system, there are chances that the at [email protected]

HAN
HA
HANDS
ND
D S ON
ON
WORKSHOP
Networking @ home
Connecting multiple computers usually requires an Ethernet switch or a router. We show you
how to network two PCs with a simple cross-cable in under Rs 100.
BY FRANCIS DSA
W
ith laptops and netbooks Cut the required length of the CAT5 cable pairs for a cross-cable. Now straighten all
becoming growingly affordable you need. Peel off the insulating sleeve the wires in a neat line and align them in
by the day, most homes at both ends by approximately 2.5 cm. the following manner — White Orange -
would definitely have more than one Separate the four colored and white wire Orange - White Blue - Blue. Next, neatly
computer. Data would also be scattered pairs from each other. Keep the blue cut the edges of the wire in a manner
across these computers, be it music, and the orange pair and chop off the that all the wires are now of the exact
videos or documents. In such a situation, remaining two pairs as we need any two same length. Make sure the length of the
transferring and synchronizing data
between the computers is the need of
the hour. This can be achieved with flash
drives and external storage devices, but
the transfer would be slower as it involves
copying the data to the storage and then
again to the other computer. Networking
the two computers is the ideal solution,
be it using Ethernet switches or routers,
but the cost would be Rs 1,500 or higher,
and it only makes sense if you need to
network more than two computers. For
connecting only two computers to each
other, you can use a simple Ethernet
cross-cable, which can be made in just Rs
100 or less. We show you how to network
two computers in a simple two-section
workshop.
Making the cross cable

Requirements: A minimum of two
RJ45 connectors, CAT5 Ethernet cable
(the length will depend on the distance
required), and an RJ45 crimping tool.
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WORKSHOP
the sleeve has been locked in position

RJ45 Pin# Pin# RJ45 87654321
inside the connector. To crimp the other
RJ-45 Male White Orange 1 1 White Blue connector to the other end, follow the
Orange 2 2 Blue same procedure above, but the only
12345678 difference now will be the order of the
White Blue 3 3 White Orange
cable colors. This time, follow the order of
Not Connected 4 4 Not Connected
the colors as follows — White Blue - Blue
Not Connected 5 5 Not Connected - White Orange - Orange. The rest of the
procedure is the same. Your cable should
Blue 6 6 Orange
now be ready for use. Connect the cable
Not Connected 7 7 Not Connected
to each computer’s Ethernet port and you
Not Connected 8 8 Not Connected are ready for the next step.
Before crimping the connectors, study the pinout of the RJ45 connector properly. Make sure that the wiring
matches the diagram to avoid connectivity issues at a later stage. Else, step out and buy a readmade cable.
Networking the computers
In order to network two computers
wires coming out of the sleeves is around the wires all the way inside the connector together, a few settings need to be
1.5 cm. Now separate the last wire (Blue) using a little force. Finally, after ensuring altered in each computer’s network card
from the others , keeping a gap of around that all wires are in place inside the properties section. Firstly, each computer
½ cm. The first three wires will connect connector, insert the connector into the has to have a unique name and a similar
to pin numbers 1, 2, and 3, and the last crimping tool. Apply a little force on the workgroup name. To change the names
wire will connect to pin number 6 of the cable to push the sleeve and the wires as of the computer and workgroup, do
RJ45 connector. Now carefully insert the far as they can go into the connector and the following - right-click on the ‘My
wires into the connector. Carefully match immediately press the tool’s handle to Computer’ icon on the desktop and click
the colors with the pins and confirm they crimp the connector. You should also hear on ‘Properties’. Select the ‘Computer
are in the exact order and groove. Push a click sound when crimping to indicate Name’ tab (in Windows 7: ‘Advanced
system settings | Computer Name’)
and then click on the ‘Change’ button.
Enter a different computer name for
each computer and a similar workgroup
name for both. Apply the changes and
the system will prompt you to restart
the computer. Choose to restart later.
Now open the network section (For
Windows XP: ‘Start | Settings | Network
Connections’, and for Windows 7: ‘Start
| Control Panel | Network and Internet
| Network Connections’) and right-click
on the Ethernet card, select ‘Properties’,
and double-click on the ‘Internet Protocol
TCP/IP’. Click on the radio button to
enable ‘Use the following IP address’ and
enter unique IP addresses along with the
Subnet Mask in each computer’s network
card. For example, enter the IP address
‘192.168.0.1’ on one PC and ‘192.168.0.2’
on the other while keeping the subnet
mask common as ‘255.255.255.0’. Keep
the DNS and Gateway fields blank. Apply
the settings by clicking on ‘OK’ twice.
Your computers are now networked. Now
all you need is to share some folders
or drives on each computer in order to
exchange data.
This workshop can be carried further
to share a single internet connection
between the two computers by adding
another Ethernet card on one computer
and sharing the internet with the other.

HANDS ON
WORKSHOP
Tweak ‘n’ Tune

Optimize system performance, gain hard drive
space, beef up security, and do much more that
isn’t possible from Windows Control Panel.
BY ANAND TULIANI
O
ptimizing system performance STEP 1 STEP 2
is something many users ignore,
usually because they aren’t
aware or they don’t know how to go
about it. We all surf the web, create,
share and download content, install/
uninstall programs, play games, and
run various applications on our PCs and
laptops. These activities lead to creation
of temporary files that hog drive space,
fragmented hard drive partitions, lengthy
boot times and start up, redundant
entries in the registry, and faults that
hamper system performance. If you
haven’t optimized your laptop or PC since
the time you bought it or re-installed
the operating system, you’ll find it has
become sluggish, especially if your usage to tinker with. The program features a STEP 3
is extensive. The sluggishness is more tabbed interface and the tweaks are in
prevalent in the case of outdated or the form of checkbox options. So all you
entry-level PCs. You can breathe fresh have to do is select the tweaks from
life into your operating system if you each tab and click the ‘Apply’ button.
tweak and optimize certain settings. Start with the ‘General’ tab, from
Windows can be optimized from where you can add more options to the
the Control Panel and using the built-in context menu and customize desktop
system tools, but you should know where items. Some useful options here are
they are located and how to access them. ‘Copy to’ and ‘Hide this folder’. When
On the other hand, tweaking and system activated, they appear in the context
tuning utilities present all the necessary menu that shows up when you right-click
settings and tools in one user-friendly on any folder. On selecting ‘Copy to’, you
package. Some utilities have tweaks that get the option to copy selected files/
are otherwise accessible only via the folders to a specified location. You can
Windows registry. Thus these specialized also add ‘Turn On/Off Aero’ and ‘Device
programs provide a very convenient Manager’ to the context menu of the the icons for drive partitions, folders
means for system optimization. 'Computer' icon on the desktop. (Documents, Pictures, Favorites, Music
Here’s how you can optimize your The ‘Specific’ tab has a collection of 15 and Videos), Recycle bin and Computer.
system’s performance using some of the tools, the most interesting of them being In the next tab, you can set a
best freeware tools out there. the User Accounts CP, which allows you wallpaper for the Welcome screen. There
to manage user accounts. You can hide/ is also a bunch of tools that are part of
WinBubble unhide users in the login screen, enable/ Windows, but it’s nice to have them all
This is one of the best Windows 7 disable accounts, change passwords, etc. in one place. The ‘Security’ tab allows
tweaking tools, with plenty of tweaks The ‘Icons’ tab lets you customize you to enable or disable access to critical
items such as Control Panel, Display
Before we move on you’ll need the following applications Settings, Writing to USB flash drives,
Application Description Size Download link etc. These options are useful for offices
or cyber cafes, where you don’t want
WinBubble A tweaking utility for Windows Vista and 7. 700 kB unlockforus.blogspot.com
people tinkering with system settings.
CCleaner Cleaning and optimizing tool. 3.3 MB www.piriform.com
You can also hide hard drive partitions
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STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6
and restrict access to certain features of items you wish to clean and click the STEP 7
Internet Explorer, like disabling download, ‘Analyze’ button to see the details of the
disabling right-click, disablling Internet files that are going to be deleted. Then
Options, etc. There’s also a separate tab click ‘Run Cleaner’ to get rid of them and
for Internet Explorer, with more tweaks gain disk space. The Registry cleaner
and tools for clearing temporary files, works the same way. CCleaner fixes
cookies, history and passwords. unused file extensions, missing fonts,
The ‘Optimize’ tab has tweaks for entries of obsolete software, missing
speeding up shutdown, boosting NTFS shared DLLs, and so on. The ‘Tools’ tab
performance, and enabling/disabling has the Startup manager from which you
searching the file index during searches. can enable, disable or delete program
The ‘More Policies tab’ has the most entries that run as soon as Windows
interesting tweaks related to taskbar, loads. It is recommended that you disable
Start menu, desktop, removable storage the ones that aren’t important (such as
access, Control Panel and display chat clients and download managers)
settings. to reduce startup time. Take care not to
disable the antivirus, firewall or any other Also defragment your drive partitions
CCleaner security program. at least once a month. It will keep your
Reboot your PC to let all the changes Windows tweaks need to be applied hard drive healthy and reduce seek times.
take effect. Now run CCleaner to get the just once, or you can enable/disable You can access Disk Defragmenter from
registry into good shape and clear junk the ones you like at any point of time. ‘Start | All programs | Accessories |
files. The ‘Cleaner’ tab has two sections However, CCleaner needs to be run at System tools’.
- Windows and Applications. Check the least once a week as a maintenance task. – [email protected]
STEP 8 STEP 9

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WORKSHOP
Wi-Fi For Dummies

Secure your wireless network from unwanted snoopers.
CHIP shows you how. BY SANDEEP BALACHANDRAN
Accessing router settings

A
ccessing the internet wirelessly of Internet connection you have (Static
at home is very convenient, but Once the router is connected, open your IP or Dynamic IP). If your connection
securing your router and wireless browser and enter the following IP in the uses an automatic IP address, you will
connection is very important. Not doing address bar – ‘192.168.1.1’ to configure it. need to change the connection type to
so could allow unknown people to gain Note: If this address doesn’t work, refer ‘Automatic Configuration – DHCP’, else
access to your network. Here is a basic to your router manual for the IP address you will need to switch to ‘Static IP’ and
tutorial on how to setup and secure your and username. There a handful of routers enter the settings that you jotted down
wireless network. First, you'll need to find that have different interfaces and menu earlier. ‘PPPoE’ users will just need to
out which type of internet connection is systems. Enter the ‘Router username’ and select the same from the drop down
installed at your premises (Static/DHCP/ ‘password’ when asked. menu and enter the required username
PPPoE). Do this by right-clicking on the STEP 1: Changing the router’s and password provided by the provider.
network icon (system tray) and selecting administration password
‘Open Network and Sharing Center’. Click Click on ‘Administration’ and navigate Limiting computers from
‘Change adapter settings’, right-click to ‘Management’. Here enter a new gaining access
on the connected adapter and choose password in the ‘Router password’ You can limit the number of computers
‘Properties’. Double click ‘Internet Protocol field and re-enter to confirm. Save your that can access the router. You should
Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ and note down settings and again login into your router be able to view a setting where you can
all the entries mentioned there (such as with the new password. specify the number of users.
IP, gateway, and subnet mask). Click on STEP 2: Configuring the Internet STEP 3: Securing your network
‘Advanced’ and note down DNS settings. or WAN connection Switch to ‘Wireless | Basic Wireless
NOTE: Some routers need to restart at Navigate to ‘Setup | Basic setup’. Here, Settings’. Leave the network mode at
each page. Make sure you do so before you will need to change your WAN default settings and enter a name for
proceeding to the next stage. connection type depending on the type the router’s wireless network (SSID);
this is used to identify your network.
STEP 1 STEP 2 Once done, secure your connection with
a password. For this, click ‘Wireless
Security’ and choose a security mode,
preferably ‘WPA2 Personal’ as ‘WEP’ is
weaker. Leave the encryption type to
the chosen default and enter an 8 to 13
character password. Save your settings
and login to the router once again.
TIP: You can choose to disable the
SSID from being viewed. This hides your
wireless network so nobody can see it.
You would need to manually add the
SSID name while connecting if you do so.
STEP 4: Enabling the MAC filter
STEP 3 STEP 4
Enabling ‘Wireless MAC Filter’ helps
either prevent PCs from accessing the
network or let's you permit specific PCs
depending on their MAC addresses. To
know a PC’s MAC address, right-click
on the network icon in the task bar
and select ‘Open Network and Sharing
Center’. Click on ‘Change adapter
settings’, right-click on the wireless
adapter and select ‘Status’, and choose
‘Details’. The ‘Physical Address’ that you
see is the MAC address.
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TIPS & TRICKS
Tips &
Tricks AUGUST 2010
SHARE YOUR TIPS. Write to: [email protected]
Sachin Pandit
WINDOWS 93
TIP OF THE MONTH
1. Windows XP, Vista, 7 Easily share folders with the help of integrated wizards
Excel 2000, XP, 2003
SAVING AND APPLYING FILTER 2. Windows XP Automatically deleting references to recently opened documents
SETTINGS FASTER
Excel has effective filter functions for 3. Windows 7 Creating customized data back-up using on-board tools
evaluation of table data. Separate
filters can also be set for individual 4. Windows XP, Vista, 7 Easily customize operating system with tools
columns, but you have to set the
criteria newly each time after editing 5. Windows Vista, 7 Not deleting necessary files in spite of their old date of creation
the data. Now that’s tedious.
6. Windows XP, Vista, 7 Integrating an FTP server in Windows Explorer directly as a drive
Though there is no specific function
to save the filter settings, a user-defined view APPLICATIONS 95
retains the settings made. This is saved along
with the document. Set all the desired filter 7. Panoptic lick Checking the ‘fingerprint’ of your own system
criteria for the worksheet. Then open ‘View |
Custom views’ and click ‘Add’. As ‘Name’ enter 8. Google Chrome Restricting excessive data transmission to Google
a brief explanatory name and confirm with
‘OK’. You can save further filter configurations 9. Firefox 2.x, 3.x Tracing no longer available info on websites
as views in the same manner.
In order to call, open ‘View | Custom 10. Firefox 2.x, 3.x Avoid double virus checks of downloads
views’, select the saved entry from the list
and click ‘Show’. The view is then always 11. Opera 10.5 Re-releasing the suddenly blocked right mouse button
applicable for a certain worksheet and cannot
be applied to other tables. For quick access,
12. Photography Photos with mosaic effect, interesting patterns
create a button on the toolbar. For this, open
13. Photography Optimizing and retouching baby portraits
‘Tools | Adjust’ and change to the ‘Commands’
tab. Then select the ‘View’ category on the
14. iPod Convert DVD films and video files for the media player
left side and search for the ‘Custom views’
entry towards the right. Drag the element
15. Photoshop CS 1.x–4.x Optimum mood lighting through creative white balance
through drag-and-drop to the desired place in
the toolbar. Click ‘Close’ in the ‘Adjust’ dialog.
After setting the filters, now click in the input HARDWARE 99
area of the symbol, enter a new name, and
confirm with [Enter]. The filter can now be 16. Defective Hard Disk Exchange hard disks with Windows 7 tools without reinstallation
called by selecting this combination field.
17. PlayStation 3 Use your notebook as a repeater to get a better wireless connection?
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TIPS & TRICKS
WINDOWS object names to be used’ in the ‘Select

2
users and groups’ dialog box. Enter the
Windows XP, Vista, 7 names of the users and click on the
1 Easily share folders with the ‘Check names’. Confirm with ‘OK’. The
help of integrated wizards selected user now appears in the ‘Group
or usernames’ list. Highlight the user and
Windows can be easily integrated in a activate the access rights applicable
network. However, if you wish to allow for the account provided below. In this
access to a folder for other users in the regard, select the checkbox in the ‘Allow’
LAN, it gets a little botchy. column in front of either ‘Complete
access’, ‘Edit’ and ‘Read’ entries. The
1 selection of a user or a group and their
authorization to the shared folder can be
repeated similarly for other users. This value specifies that Windows must delete the
list of recently opened documents on shut down.
If you wish to allow write and read
folder access to all users in the network, new entry as ‘ClearRecentDocsOnExit’.
simply mark ‘All’ and activate the Open it by double-clicking, and set its
‘Complete access’. Confirm your settings ‘Value’ to ‘1’ in the ‘Edit DWORD value’
by clicking on ‘OK’ and ‘Finish’. The wizard dialog box. Confirm this change with ‘OK’
displays a summary, which you can once and close the registry editor with ‘File |
again confirm with ‘Apply’. Close’.
IT WORKS AS FOLLOWS IN XP: If you wish deactivate this automatic
Open ‘Start | Run’, enter the ‘shrpubw’ deletion of the references function, either
In this dialog box, specify the folders to which the command under ‘Open’ and click on ‘OK’, allocate the ‘ClearRecentDocsOnExit’ with
other users in the network are allowed. and then on ‘Next’. Subsequently, select ‘0’ value or simply clear the value field.
the folder. In the next step, define a
Windows features a wizard ‘Share name’ and, in if desired, a ‘Sharing Windows 7
especially for this task. However, it is very description’ in the corresponding fields. As 3 Creating customized data
well hidden. it has been explained earlier, you can now back-up using on-board tools
LAUNCHING WIZARD: In Vista and allocate access rights separately to users.
Windows 7, click on ‘Start’’ and enter the ATTENTION: Shared folders are like a soft Regularly create a back-up of important
‘shrpubw’ command in the search field of spot for possible attacks from outside. data on external hard disks. Does
the start menu. In the result window, click Therefore, at any instance your computer Windows 7 support with such routine
on the ‘shrpubw’ entry under ‘Programs’. must be protected by a firewall. tasks?
When operated using a normal user
account, Windows requests for the Windows XP
3
selection of an admin account and the 2 Automatically deleting
corresponding password for the same. references to recently opened
DEFINING ALLOCATIONS: On the first
documents
page of the wizard, click on ‘Next’. In the
next step, select the folder that is to be The ‘Documents’ folder in the start
shared. For this purpose, either type the menu displays the references to the
complete path under ‘Shared folder’ or recently used files. Thereby, anyone
select the directory using the ‘Search’ who has access to the PC can see the
button and the following selection dialog data you were working on and open
box. them.
DEFINING ACCESS RIGHTS: On the
following page, specify the users who will Windows can delete the list at the Windows 7 already features considerably
improved functions for data back-up.
have read and write access rights to the time of shut down. You can activate this
data in the shared folder. Windows offers function in the registry. For this purpose,
three options in this respect, which differs open ‘Start | Run’, type ‘regedit’ and press In order to configure this backup
between administrators, all, or other the [Enter] key. In the tree structure on option, click on ‘Control Panel | System
users, as well as complete access and the left side of the editor, navigate to and Security | Backup your computer |
write protected access rights. the ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ Set up backup’. Note: This function can
With help of the ‘User defined’ option, Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ also be used for creating a backup of a
you can select the desired user for the Policies\Explorer’ key. pre-defined folder on a regular basis.
access rights separately, which are Right-click on a free space on the As soon as it begins, Windows first
registered to the PC. For this purpose, right side of the editor and in the context, asks for the target location for the data
click on the ‘Add’ button under ‘Select the select ‘New | DWORD Value’. Name the back-up. For this option, the system

HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
automatically recommends an external your system. ‘Windows Cleaner | Startup

hard disk as long as one is connected. QUICK TIPS Manager’ informs you about the programs
Select this drive, and click on ‘Next’. that start automatically at system
Now, you may specify whether Windows
QUICKLY CREATE NEW FOLDERS start-up. You can prevent the start of
should select the data to be backed-up In order to quickly create a new folder in such applications, whereby you simply
Windows Explorer, press [Ctrl]+[Shft]+[N] and
or you would specify the same manually. remove the checkmark in front of the
enter the desired name.
In order to create a system backup, respective entries. You can even uninstall
you may continue with the Windows GROUPING IN THE TASKBAR programs using the ‘Uninstall Program’
recommendation. ‘TaskbarGroupSize’ in the ‘HKEY_CURRENT_ function in the ‘Windows Cleaner’, without
It is also possible to create a backup USER\Software\Microsoft\Win dows\ actually having to switch to the Control
of the most important directories on a CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\’ key Panel. In order to configure the system,
regular basis. For this purpose, activate determines when the grouping takes place. use ‘Windows Secret’. The page is
the ‘Let me choose’ option and click on classified in the registry as ‘Applications’,
QUICKLY TURN-OFF FIREWALLL
‘Next’. The default selection is same as ‘Control Panel’ or ‘Desktop’ so that
In Windows 7, you can enter the ‘netsh
the previous Windows recommendation. advfirewall set currentprofile state off’ Windows automatically logs in with a
You can now customize it, whereby you command in the prompt in order to turn off specific user. Click on ‘Windows Logon’. In
can select or exclude folders and libraries the Firewall. the end, select the ‘Enable’ entry on the
individually for the backup. Deactivate right side of the tool located near ‘Auto
HIDE CURSOR DURING INPUT
the ‘Save data for newly created user’ Logon’ and highlight the user in the ‘User
For this purpose, open ‘Mouse’ in the
option and click on the arrow in front of List’. In ‘Password’, enter the password
Windows Control Panel and deactivate ‘Hide
‘Libraries’. For example, simply leave the of the user. Subsequently, click on ‘Save’
pointer during keyboard entry’ option in the
‘Documents’ library activated. Moreover, ‘Pointer options’ registry. in order to activate these changes in the
deactivate the ‘Integrate system image configuration.
of drives’, otherwise every time the DISPLAYING SHORTCUT KEYS NOTE: The ‘Restore Backup’ menu item
backup process starts, Windows will In order to see all shortcut keys, open ‘Start | enables you to easily and quickly reverse
create a copy of the complete system Run’, type ‘%windir%\Help\keyshort.chm’ in the changes made by you in the above
the ‘Open’ field and confirm it with ‘OK’.
drive. Subsequently, click ‘Next’. Windows described fields.
once again summarizes the settings and
recommends an automatic schedule for TweakNow WinSecret 2010 supports Windows Vista, 7
future repetitions of this backup plan. In Windows 7 and Vista as well as Windows 5 Not deleting necessary files
order to carry out backup on a daily basis, XP. Since the application compulsorily in spite of their old date of
click on the ‘Change schedule’ button on requires administrator rights, you should
creation
left side. In the ‘Frequency’ field, set the either log in with such an account, or you
value ‘Daily’ and also select the desired must authorize the launch of the tool Certain data and temporary files must
‘Time’. Also ensure that multiple backup by selecting an account with computer be deleted automatically by Windows
processes do not start at the same time, administrator rights. On the left side based on their date of creation.
and confirm the schedule with ‘OK’. In of the tool, you will see a menu in Although the search function offers
the end, click on ‘Save settings and run large letters, whereas on the right side, special options, you must execute the
backup’. depending on the selected menu item, search and delete processes manually.
In the future, Windows automatically information and configuration options
creates back-up of your important data appear. You can allow this task to be
on the external hard disk as long as it is With the help of the ‘System performed by a script. In such a case, use
connected to the system. Information’ and subordinate menu the ‘for files.exe’ prompt program, which
items, you can get information about allows editing of files based on their date
Windows XP, Vista, 7 of creation.
4 Easily customize operating
4
To begin with, open a prompt by
system with tools typing ‘cmd’ in the search field of the
start menu, and press the [Enter]. Using
Windows can be extensively configured ‘forfiles /?’, you can receive help with the
and adapted. Unfortunately, it is not tool. As other options, you can integrate
always as easy as it sounds. For a the search path with the ‘-p’ parameter,
few settings, it is necessary to edit the date filter with ‘-d’ as well as a search
the registry. On the other hand, any sample with ‘-m’. The ‘-s’ parameter
erroneous entries in the registry can ascertains whether the search should
cripple the system such that it fails to include all subfolders. Without the path
even start again. entry, the current folder is selected as
default.
The application of configuration With TweakNow WinSecret 2010 tools, Windows You can use the date filter either by
can be easily customized for certain requirements.
tools is simple and less error-prone. directly entering the date in the form of

HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
‘DD.MM.YYYY’, whereby a preset plus It would have been so much APPLICATIONS

character selects the new files and a easier if the FTP server could be directly
minus character selects all files before activated from the Windows Explorer Panoptic lick
the specified date. As an alternative, you just like a network drive. This is exactly 7 Checking the ‘fingerprint’ of
can set the date entry in form of ‘-DD’ what the freeware NetDrive manages your own system
for the selection of files, which are older to do. The link-up in form of a drive has
than the specified number of days. For an advantage that you can access it When surfing on the Internet, you have
example, to search all Excel files in the directly from the applications and thereby doubts that your surfing habits are
‘E:\Date’ folder, which were changed after immediately work on the FTP server. being spied on by the websites you are
23.04.2010, the following command is Start the tool after the installation is visiting. Hence, you wish to check what
used: complete. A few servers of well-known data is being revealed by the browser
forfiles p E:\Date m *.xls -d companies and universities are already without being asked and to what extent
+23.4.2010 set-up as sample access. For creating it is suitable for identification and
With the help of the another FTP access, on the left hand tracking.
forfiles p C:\Temp -s -m *.jpg side, click on the desired item in the
-d -10 folder structure and subsequently click Even if you do not reveal any
command, Windows deletes all JPG files on ‘New Site’. Enter a name and on the personal data via cookies or direct inputs
in the temporary folder, which are older right hand side, complete all necessary to a website, the data transmitted by the
than ten days. Subsequently, you can parameters such as ‘URL’, ‘Server Type’, browser can be enough to identify the PC.
allocate yet another command to the and the access data. Similarly, repeat The following is applicable in the process:
forfiles command with the ‘-c’ parameter, these steps for other servers. Using the the more customized the configuration of
which shall be applied for the files in the ‘Export’ command, you can save the the browser and computer, the easier it is
search results, for instance complete server list in an INI file. This in for a website to detect that it is the same
-c cmd /c echo @FILE combination with the ‘Import’ function computer again, without even knowing
Thereby, the command in the prompt makes it easy to set-up the tool on other the personal data.
enlists all searched files. For more output computers. The Panoptic lick project determines
variables, you can even use the ‘@EXT’, how unique your computer-browser
‘@PATH’ or ‘@FSIZE’ parameters. These
6 combination is using statistical figures.
display the extension, the complete path You thus get an idea how visible you are
name and the file size respectively. A on the Internet.
command for deleting older files from the In order to test this, go to http://
‘E:\Date’ folder can, for instance, be as panopticlick.eff.org and click ‘Test me’
follows: there. The following analysis shows
forfiles p E:\Date -m *jpg -s |d which information can be read out
-14 -c cmd /c del @FILE by the website and how specific this
Your commands with the necessary configuration is. The table containing the
parameters can be copied in a text file individual components shows the data
and can, for instance, be saved on the reported by your browser and also how
desktop as a batch file with the name important the information content in it is.
‘Kill_old.bat’. This way, you will have Select the drive under which NetDrive must Most of the special features are due to
integrate an FTP server into Windows Explorer.
complete access to it. the browser plug-ins and fonts of the PC.
ATTENTION: First of all, test the To integrate the FTP server as a drive, At present, you can do little to prevent
command by replacing ‘del’ with ‘echo’ highlight an entry in the list and under this information transmission. It is
and thereby check the output of the ‘Drive’, select a free alphabet for the drive. advisable to use the latest version of
script without actually running it. In case you use this entry on a regular
Otherwise, you could unknowingly delete basis, automate the integration procedure
7
too many files, especially in case of with ‘Automatic login when NetDrive
recursive processing. starts’. A simple click on ‘Connect’ creates
the link-up within seconds and opens the
Windows XP, Vista, 7 Windows Explorer. You can now connect
6 Integrating an FTP server in NetDrive, and it then remains active in
Windows Explorer directly as a the system tray. Now, in the main window
of the program, click on ‘Options’. Here,
drive
you can specify whether the tool must be
Numerous users use a special tool such automatically activated with the Windows
as FileZilla for exchanging data with a boot-up. if you do not wish the same,
remote FTP server. However, for this, simply deactivate the ‘Automatically
one needs to first start it and then log run NetDrive when I log on to Windows’ Browser characteristics provide more information
than most of us can imagine.
in, which is a repetitive process. option and confirm the change with ‘OK’.

HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
a common browser and install only

9
the necessary plug-ins and fonts. QUICK TIPS
From now on, the private mode of the
browser should also ensure simplified OPEN FILE DIRECTLY
and standardized data transmission to Press [Ctrl] + [O] to open files directly in
the user-agent and plug-ins. Switching Google Chrome, e.g. with a CRX extension.
There is no separate menu command for it.
off Javascript completely is the most
effective option since the detection of MORE SPACE FOR ENTERING
plug-ins and fonts is prevented. If you FORMULAE
use Firefox, you can block the function to From Excel 2007 onwards, there is a formula
a great extent using the ‘NoScript’ tool. entry that extends over three cells when you
You can get more information at http:// click the double arrow at its right end.
panopticlick.eff.org/self-defense.php.
EXPAND TABLES QUICKLY
BACKGROUND: Purely from the The Wayback machine can be used to search the
Select one cell or column at a time and press Internet archive for earlier websites and versions.
statistical point of view, about 33 bit [Ctrl] + [+] to insert new cells or columns in
of independent information is required the Excel table calculation fast.
(233) to distinguish all the 6 billion The browser opens an error page
people. If the sex is known, for instance, ENABLE HYPHENATION with the code 404 if you click a few
it provides one bit information, because In Word, open ‘Tools | Language | outdated links because the relevant
Hyphenation’ and activate ‘Automatically
it is relevant for every second person website is no longer available online.
hyphenate document’. This gets saved as a
on an average. In addition, if the birth Is it still possible to access this
template file ‘Normal.dot’.
date is known without the year, it is true information which was available
of just every 365th person. The same COPY GRAPHIC OBJECTS EASILY previously?
principle also applies to the data from In Word, keep [Ctrl] pressed and drag a copy
browser information. Detailed information of the object via drag and drop to the new You have a good chance of
on this topic can be found at https:// position. This is applicable only for finding older information using the web
suspended objects.
www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/01/primer- archive. The free of charge extension
information-theory-and-privacy. ‘404 Error’ simplifies the tracing process
For that, click the tool icon right above considerably. We have included the
Google Chrome in the browser and open the ‘Options’ program with this issue’s DVD/CD. Open
8 Restricting excessive data menu. You will find details for certain the XPI file with the browser using the
transmission to Google Google services, which you can deactivate ‘File’ menu and click ‘Install now’. The
in ‘Under the Hood’ tab. The ‘Show extension is available after re-starting the
Google’s browser is particularly fast, suggestions for navigation errors’ service surfing program.
but also rather communicative. shows similar websites for instance, if the It checks in the background whether
desired site cannot be accessed. The next the ‘Page not found’ result is displayed
Google not only records search option ‘Use a suggestion service to help in the title line on calling a page. If this
queries in its browser, but also other complete searches and URLs typed in is the case, the tool automatically offers
information such as URLs and DNS the address bar’ relates to the suggestion a search in the web archive, which you
requests. You can decide on your own service of Google on entering the web just have to confirm by clicking ‘OK’. In
which of these functions you actually addresses and search terms. If you use addition, you can query the archive using
want to activate. You can thus prevent the ‘DNS prefetch for improving the page the new ‘Tools | Archive’ command.
Google from creating your exact user loading performance’, the browser sends The result of the archive search
profile. all the links on one website to a DNS often turns out to be different. In most
server to begin with so that the process cases, the older version of the individual
8
of calling links in future will be faster. sites that is being searched is available
The ‘Activate phishing and malware immediately. In comprehensive archives,
protection’ service is useful, but if you there is a choice at staggered intervals, in
are using other systems to protect which you select the desired old version
from malware and phishing sites, you for a certain time by clicking a particular
can do without Chrome's additional link.
protection, and deactivate this option. NOTE: you can also open the archive on
The transmission of usage statistics and a current website, the CHIP homepage
failure reports is deactivated by default. for instance. You will find more than
Click ‘Close’ to confirm the new settings . thousand older versions of the site there.
Firefox 2.x, 3.x Firefox 2.x, 3.x

The supplies for Google’s data hunger can be
restricted in the Chrome browser, at least partially.
9 Tracing no longer available info 10 Avoid double virus checks of
on websites downloads

HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
colors, but its perspective is distorted.

10 11
Unavoidably, taking the picture from
another perspective was not possible.
PHOTOGRAPHING DIFFERENTLY: A
polarizing filter could have increased
the color saturation level. Balancing the
perspective distortion is possible only
with an expensive tilt-shift lens.
OPTIMIZING ON THE PC: Mosaic effect
can be used as the cover page of a
photo book. Before that, the photo has
to be color corrected. Move the sign
with the Photoshop function ‘Reduce
Double virus checks of downloads do not improve Deactivating this option prevents blocking of the glare’. In the example, a value of ‘-35’
security, but do take up a lot of time right mouse button via JavaScript on websites.
for the vertical perspective leads to the
versions of Opera had ignored such desired alignment. After rotating it by a
After downloading bigger files, it takes instructions, the current browser runs few degrees, further adjust the section
a fair bit of time before the browser the JavaScript. Can this behavior with the ‘Crop’ tool. Make the colors
displays them. Your computer is be changed without deactivating more vibrant with ‘Picture | Adjust |
certainly up-to-date with respect to the JavaScript completely? Tonal correction’. For ‘Tonal inclination’,
hardware and software so there should enter ‘30’ and ‘240’ as minimum and
be no performance-related problems. The options for JavaScripts can maximum values and to darken, enter a
be specified in detail in the new version. value between the two values ‘0,87’ in the
The reason for the delay is an If you do not want to allow any change field. Through ‘Selective color correction’,
automatic virus check when downloading in the context menu, you can ban it. specifically emphasize important colors
files, which seems to be a good idea at For that, click the new Opera button for effective results. Depending on the
first glance. However, you can deactivate and open ‘Settings | Preferences’. Then subject ‘+30’ is a good approximate value.
this function safely if you have an switch to the ‘Advanced’ tab and select In the example image, it is worthwhile
updated virus scanner installed, because the ‘Content’ category to the left. Keep to intensify the shades of cyan, blue and
it checks all the downloaded files the ‘Activate JavaScript’ option activated red. Duplicate the corrected layers. As a
anyways. Performing checks twice does and click ‘JavaScript options’ next to it. filling method, select ‘Overlap [‘ and click
not really improve safety, but only ends Deactivate the ‘Allow scripts to detect ‘Filter | Pixilation filter | Mosaic effect’;
up delaying the process. In addition, the context menu events’ checkbox. Confirm experiment with different cell sizes. A
notification appears in the dialog box of the open dialog box with ‘OK’. good result will be achieved if the layer
the browser even if no virus scanner is However, a few websites use scripts is reduced in size before rasterizing. The
installed. This just feigns security, which is in order to offer more options in the mosaic appears exceedingly large if it
not provided at all in reality. context menu. You can ban JavaScript is enlarged later. Additionally, it can be
Deactivate double checking of actions dedicatedly only for certain moved a little to intensify the effect. The
downloads in the upgraded configurations websites so that you do not have to give mosaic effect is often weak on images
of the browser. For that, enter up this option. For that, click the Opera with a large homogeneous surface.
‘about:config’ in the address bar and press button and open ‘Settings | Preferences | Duplicate the mosaic layer and use it
[Enter]. Confirm the warning by clicking Manage Site Preferences’. Click ‘Add’ and on the new layer ‘Filter | Stylize filter |
‘I promise to be careful!’. Then enter the switch to the ‘Scripting’ tab. You can now Find contours’. Select ‘Soft light’ with an
search term ‘browser.download.manager. deactivate the ‘Allow scripts to detect ‘Opacity’ of ‘33 %’ as layer fill. Places that
scanwhendone’ in the ‘Filter’ field. context menu events’ option individually
Subsequently, right-click the entry with for this site. Confirm again by clicking ‘OK’.
12
the same name in the list and select the
‘Switch’ context command. The value Photography
must be set to ‘false’. Close the tab of the 12 Photos with mosaic effect,
configuration. From now on, downloads interesting patterns
are no longer checked twice for viruses.
The subject is primarily interesting
Opera 10.5 and is suitable as a starting point for a
11 Re-releasing the suddenly photo book. However, something isn’t
blocked right mouse button right with the perspective and that
‘something special’ is missing.
Some websites use a JavaScript to
block the right mouse button and THE PROBLEM: The example Make your pictures stand out without the need for
expensive lenses by adding effects and filters.
thus the context menu. While earlier image is fascinating due to the vivid

HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
are too dark due to a high contrast can be of hair; you can do that later using a
15
lightened again in the first layer with the Layer Mask. Select ‘Select | Feather’
dodge tool. and a radius of 3 to 5 pixels. If you have
the option, make the background blur
Photography with ‘Filter | Blur’ by using ‘Reduce depth
13 Optimizing and retouching sharpness’ repeatedly. Even ‘Gaussian
baby portraits Blur’ works well. Optimize the brightness,
colors and contrast using ‘Image |
The photo looked rather brilliant on Adjustments | Levels’. It is best if you
the camera display, but you were in make the correction in an Adjustment
for a disappointment on the PC. The Layer; you can thus adjust the values later
background was not blur enough and on. You can now touch up minor flaws
diverted from the subject. In addition, in the skin with the Stamp tool. You can
the eyes glowed much more in real life. simulate extremely clear skin this way. The tool Handbrake processes videos in different
file formats for mobile players like the iPod.
Duplicate the background layer, select
THE PROBLEM: Baby photos are ‘Filter | Blur | Make matter’ with values HandBrake sets the options on the tabs
often snapshots. It is not really a time around ‘5’. Leave out the eyes and mouth ‘Picture’, ‘Video’, ‘Audio’ and ‘Chapters’
for a well thought-out set structure, with a Layer Mask. You can control the automatically. To convert, click on ‘Start’
illumination, etc. And even a large effect using the Layer Opacity. Finally, at the top. The process is resource-
aperture is not sufficient in a camera allow the baby’s eyes to sparkle. Select intensive and time consuming. The overall
having an APSC sensor in order to get the eyes using the Lasso and Feather time taken to convert will depend on the
a completely blurred background of a and increase the highlights and midtones computer performance, settings and size
close-up shot. using ‘Levels’. of the video. The finished M4V file can
PHOTOGRAPHING DIFFERENTLY: A now be transferred to the iPod.
bigger blur in the background can be iPod
achieved if the baby is photographed at a 15 Convert DVD films and video Photoshop CS 1.x–4.x
longer distance and with a light tele-focal files for the media player
16 Optimum mood lighting
length. However, the photo situation does through creative white balance
not permit this in most cases. Another DVD films and video files in formats
problem - the bigger the focal length, such as DivX can't be transferred and Even with high quality cameras, the
the greater must be the shutter speed. viewed on an iPod or iPhone directly. color reproduction in photographs
In case of indoor shots, you must ensure does not conform to the colors of the
additional lighting if you do not wish With the freeware HandBrake, scenery in your memory.
to flash in the baby’s eyes. However, it films can be converted for iPod and
quickly spoils the daylight mood. iPhone. However, you may not be able to Unwanted color casts reduce the
OPTIMIZING ON THE PC: Selecting the copy DVDs if they are copy-protected. You overall white balance. Our eyes adjust to
background takes up maximum time will need to install the Microsoft’s .NET different lighting conditions, both in terms
during image editing, especially if harsh Framework. Immediately after starting, of intensity and color. Even automatic
edges are not available due to the narrow set the default path for the task. Open cameras have a chromatic adaptation.
focus range just like in this case. You can ‘Tools | Options’ and click the ‘General’ With automatic white balance, the gadget
make the basic choice with the magic tab next to ‘Output files’ in ‘Browse’. misses the color temperature of the
wand, which you can then extend with Navigate to the desired folder and select ambient light and adjusts the colors in
a lasso by keeping the [Alt] key pressed. the file that needs to be converted. the photo accordingly. The function is
Do not waste your time on single strands Through ‘Source’ select the source. Use not always satisfactory. Above all, many
‘Video file’ for an individual file or ‘DVD/ cameras have a hard time with artificial
13
VIDEO_TS Folder’ to convert an existing light and twilight.
DVD folder on the hard disk. As long as SELECT RECORDING FORMAT: A mixture
the DVD is loaded, it can be selected of technique, intuition and trial are
directly. HandBrake analyzes the source required to achieve the best results. You
and adjusts the dialogues. The title or have an optimum start position if you
chapter to be taken from the source can shoot simultaneously with RAW and JPEG
be selected with combo boxes in the format with automatic white balance.
section ‘Source’. On a music DVD, select Therefore you don’t have to be concerned
the individual titles through ‘Chapters’. In about the photograph; a greater part of
the input field for ‘Destination’, define the the image is good and thanks to the RAW
file names for the task. For all additional format, it gives the protographer freedom
settings, use the standard defaults for to adjust the white balance in important
Selective changes help you grab the viewer’s the target device. Right-click in ‘Presets’ photographs later.
attention without deviating from the subject.
on ‘Apple’ and subsequently on ‘iPod’. ANALYZE IMAGES: White balance cannot

HANDS ON
TIPS & TRICKS
‘Restore computer completely’. The tool

16 17
searches for backup files and finds the
backup on the connected external drive.
Confirm that the Windows 7 tool may
overwrite the data on the target drive.
After 30 minutes, the porting is done and
Windows starts up just fine.
PlayStation 3
18 Use your notebook as a
repeater to get a better
wireless connection?
Consciously selecting ‘Artificial light’, will provide The Windows 7 tool for a complete backup of the If the wireless connection between your
an atmospheric blue color in the scene. PC is the key to a smooth hard disk exchange.
WLAN router and PS3 is poor, wireless
be accurate for every photo. Finally, Control Panel, go to ‘Backup and restore’ connectivity might be very good when
there are some colors that are too warm, and select ‘Set up Backup’. Windows will you use your notebook.
setting the mood for a candle-light dinner. ask where you’d like to backup the hard
Therefore, the technically right white disk. You can burn everything onto a DVD, You can use your notebook as a
balance isn’t always ideal. or back it up on an USB hard disk. relay station. For this, an Ethernet patch
ADJUST WHITE BALANCE: With the Before starting the backup process, cable is the only hardware you’ll need.
subsequent white balance, you have a ensure that the external hard disk has Assign an IP address to the network
creative tool with which you can make the enough free space and that it is in the connection so that your PS3 is recognized.
color mood of the pictures intentionally NTFS format. You can also back up For this, go to ‘System control | Network
unnatural. The medium of choice is the everything on a second internal hard and Internet | Network and sharing centre
RAW converter. First, try all the default disk, but it has to be a ‘basic data | Manage network connections’ and
settings. The options ‘Light bulb’ or carrier’. Dynamic drives are rejected as right-click on the LAN connection. From
‘Fluorescent tube’, for example, ensure target drives must be converted into the context menu, select ‘Properties’
significant variation in mood lighting in a basic data carrier in the data carrier and confirm the UAC prompt. Notice the
daylight shots. ‘Artificial light’ ensures a management. Our 60 GB installation via ‘Internet connection version 4’ entry in the
blue coloration in sunset scenes. Distorted USB 2.0 was copied onto the external window that just popped up. Activate the
results often seem more interesting. hard disk in less than half an hour. The option ‘Use the following IP address’ and
PC must then be be switched off before enter the IP ‘192.168.0.1’.
HARDWARE any defective data is exchanged from Now, only the WLAN connection needs
Defective Hard Disk mass storage. Then start the PC with to be approved. Re-work your way to
17 Exchange hard disks with the Windows 7 installation DVD. After the ‘Manage Network connection’ point,
booting, the installation routine begins. right-click on the WLAN connection and
Windows 7 tools without
After entering the serial number, Windows confirm the UAC prompt. Select the
reinstallation
asks for details about hard disk partitions. ‘Approve’ tab in the window. Allow access
Windows 7 has notified you that your Partition the new hard disk and format it for the Internet connection and click on
hard disk is defective. However, your in the NTFS format. The quick formatting the protocols stated under ‘Install’.
system is working fine and you aren't in method is almost always sufficient. Finally, you only have to change the
the mood to reinstall Windows. Cancel the Windows installation setting on the PS3 from ‘WLAN’ to ‘Join
and restart the PC with the Windows 7 cables’ under ‘Network settings | Internet
Gone are the days when you installation DVD. Select the ‘Repair’ option connection’. The PS3 should support the
needed expensive programs like Norton instead of ‘Installation’. Windows 7 does Internet connection when you restart it.
Ghost to exchange hard disks; Windows not find any damaged partition. Click on – Compiled by Sandeep Balachandran
7, like Vista, can do all of that itself. In ‘Next’. From the following options, select send your tips to [email protected]

UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
Split/Second
102
An explosive thrill ride that will have you on the edge of your seat.
THIS MONTH
104 Pure Football
The not-so-beautiful game -
Ubisoft's first football title fails.
106 International Cricket 2010

A new way to play last year's
game.

UNWIND
COLUMN
SOME GAMES NOW INCLUDE

CONTENT THAT IS LOCKED
OUT IN AN ATTEMPT TO
CURB SECOND-HAND SALES
SAMEER DESAI
GAME ON LOCK
T
he used games market is massive step of completely locking out online game
in the West, particularly the modes from UFC Undisputed 2010 until
US. GameStop, the largest video the code is entered. Those without codes
game retail chain in America, will have to pay $5 to “buy” the online
earns a majority of its revenue from used features. Unlike a few additional weapons
game sales. This has caused a drop in the or mini-games which you could do
sale of new games, and publishers aren’t without, what THQ has done will make the
happy because they make no money from buyer seriously reconsider his used game
used game sales. Legally, this is a grey purchase. Being unable to play a game
area, and up until now, the retailers have online is a massive deal breaker and used
just been too powerful. Publishers who games aren’t cheap enough to justify the
take up the issue risk their games being purchase plus the $5 fee. They’d seriously
pulled off shelves. So it was only a matter consider picking up a new copy instead.
of time before they found another way to If this initiative is to work in the long
strike back. term, publishers are going to have to be
With the release of Dragon Age: Origins bold. If you lock out mini-games, like in
last year, EA introduced what is being EA’s The Saboteur, or add a few bonus
dubbed "Project Ten Dollar", which locks weapons, as in Battlefield: Bad Company 2,
certain in-game features until the player you really aren’t making a strong enough
enters a one-time-use code that is included case for a new purchase. Going forward,
in the box. If you buy the game second- we’ll probably see more publishers
following THQ’s lead and locking used
IF THIS INITIATIVE IS TO WORK, game buyers out of major chunks of their

games. It’s an interesting cat-and-mouse
PUBLISHERS ARE GOING TO situation between retailers and publishers
who are both desperate to up their
HAVE TO BE BOLD. revenues in a somewhat stagnant market.
But what does this mean for gamers in
hand and the code has already been used India? Barring a few online forums where
by the original owner, you’re stuck without you can buy and sell used games, there
that content unless you pay EA another really is no second-hand games market to
$10 to buy it for yourself. It’s a rather speak of. If anything, this will dampen
ingenious way of making used game sales piracy, in effect excluding pirates from that
less attractive, and profiting from it at the locked or bonus content. For those of us
same time. who buy new games, nothing changes at
In the beginning, these codes either all. We still get the complete game at the
gave you bonus content that wasn’t same price, and everyone’s happy. And for
necessary to enjoy the game, or unlocked once, the publishers, who are often made
content that you could do just as well to look like the bad guys in this industry,
without. But THQ, publisher of the popular get what they’re rightfully due.
WWE games, has taken the aggressive - [email protected]

UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
RATING 3.5/5
A thrilling ride that runs out of steam after a while. BY SAMEER DESAI
G
ames are constantly evolving Split/Second is best described as car is eliminated at regular intervals,
and developers are redefining an arcade combat racer, although you Survival – where you must overtake
genres to appeal to an ever- won’t see power ups and weapons for trucks that drop exploding barrels in
growing audience with a diminishing your car to use. Instead, the game relies your path, Dominator – a time trial
attention span. For example, almost on powerplays in the form of triggerable where the environment is your enemy,
all shooters now feature deep and environmental destruction to help the Air Attack – you against a chopper that
reward-based multiplayer components player tilt the race in his/her favor. The launches missiles onto the track, and
to keep players coming back. In all main game mode is the career, which Air Revenge – where you can deflect
of this, the racing genre seems to is designed like one season of a reality missiles back to the chopper to blow it
have remained somewhat stagnant. TV show. This season comprises 12 out of the sky.
However, a slew of new racing games components, or episodes, each with six You won’t find real world cars in
are aiming to change that, and Split/ events. So with 72 events, the career is Split/Second. Instead, the cars here
Second: Velocity from Blackrock Studios, reasonably long. Events are of six types, look more like Matchbox scale cars with
the guys behind ATV racer Pure, are namely Race – lapped races against the their large tires and low profile. Vehicle
at the forefront of this change. AI, Eliminator – where the last placed handling isn’t as easy as, say, a Burnout,
but it’s still very arcadey and responsive,
thereby allowing you to pay attention
to the environment around you rather
than worrying about negotiating the
next corner. Vehicles fall under three
categories – sports, muscle, and SUV.
Each category excels in certain driving
attributes, so you’ll need to pick your car
depending on the event type.
The standout feature, and one
that is fairly unique to this game, is
the powerplays. Various areas on and
around the track, be it structures like
walls and bridges or buses and petrol
stations, are rigged to blow. Driving
skillfully, namely drifting, drafting and
jumps, fills up your powerplay meter,
The game's career mode revolves around a reality TV show in which you are a participant. Everthing from which is divided into three parts. Fill
bridges to powerplants are rigged to blow in order to create a visual spectacle and gameplay challenge.
up one or two parts, and you will earn
102 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP Jagdish Limbachiya SMS us! Story code: USS to 51818
UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
RATINGS
RACING
Split/Second: Velocity
PRICE PS3 (Rs 2,499), Xbox 360 (Rs 2,499),
PC (Rs 999)
PUBLISHER Disney Interactive
DEVELOPER Blackrock Studios
DISTRIBUTOR Excel Interactive
PHONE 022 40500778
PLATFORM PS3, Xbox 360, PC
FOR
Powerplays are well implemented. Accessible gameplay. Well
created environments. Fun multi-player.
Split/Second doesn't feature real-world cars, but the fictional rides are spread across sports, SUV, and AGAINST
muscle styles, with some designs taking obvious inspiration from real-world cars.
Only 11 environments. Online lacks depth. Repetitive.
the ability to trigger level 1 powerplays. - the lack of replay value. There are Split/Second is quite an impressive
When you have a powerplay available, only 11 environments in the game, and visual showcase. The racing is chaotic
a powerplay icon shows up over enemy although each features multiple layouts, and explosive, but there’s never a drop
cars when they are in the vicinity of a the powerplays remain the same. So in frame rates. The environments are
powerplay attack. Time it right and you after a while, you’ll be able to memorize painstakingly created and it makes
can take out one or more enemies to the locations of the powerplays, thereby triggering powerplays and watching
gain an advantage. Level 1 powerplays taking away the element of surprise. them unfold all the more rewarding.
are also used to open up short cuts. The lack of environments is made very The reality TV show fits the game well,
Level 2 powerplays are only available apparent in the second half of the and thankfully they didn’t overdo it by
when you fill up all three parts of career. However, the game’s presentation featuring characters and a story line.
the powerplay meter. Each track only and AI do go a long way towards making Split/Second is a commendable
has two level 2 powerplays, but the the game enjoyable even once you’ve effort from Blackrock, who would
destructive power and scale of these seen all the environments. have surely been under pressure to
powerplays is astonishing. Level 2 Apart from the career, there’s also top their previous effort – Pure. The
powerplays can either cause widespread two-player splitscreen as well as online implementation of powerplays is spot
devastation and take out multiple racing for up to eight players. The on, and the core gameplay is accessible
enemies, or drastically alter the layout structure is fairly generic and there isn’t without being too easy. The game
of the track. Imagine having the ability much depth in the online multiplayer. is best played in multiplayer, where
to make a massive commercial jet plane There are no unlockables and no perks; everyone can take advantage of the
crash land onto the track with parts just a very basic leveling system. Still, powerplays, but there’s not enough
coming loose and flying across the track the combination of powerplays and depth to the online multiplayer to make
as cars approach it head-on. Level 2 a field full of human opponents is a you keep playing. In the career, repetition
powerplays are game changers. The first potent one, and online multiplayer, as soon sets in as you race through the
time you see one happening before you, barebones as it may be, is the best way same set of environments again and
it’s overwhelming, and these powerplays to experience Split/Second. In single- again. So while the content that is there
are easily the highlight of the game. player, the powerplays tend to skew is fantastic, there just isn’t enough of
But while the powerplays are Split/ races in your favor, but online, everyone it. There’s quality here, but not enough
Second’s standout feature, they also is just as adept at using them, and that quantity, so enjoy it while it lasts.
expose the game’s biggest drawback will keep you on your toes. – [email protected]

UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
A broken game; pure and simple.

BY SAMEER DESAI
RATING 1.5/5
P
ure Football is Ubisoft’s entry The poor animations also affect the
into the football games genre, responsiveness of controls, resulting
which is currently dominated in delayed passes and shots on goal.
by EA Sport’s FIFA and Konami’s Pro All passes and shots almost seem to
Evolution Soccer. Pure Football though, travel on rails, and regardless of where
isn’t a direct competitor to those games; you direct them, the ball seems to only
it’s instead a 5-on-5 arcade game much travel along predetermined paths. So
like the FIFA Street games, with an even though you may see a teammate
emphasis on over-the-top action and a in an open space, there is a chance that
blatant disregard for the laws of physics. your pass will be directed closer to an
If done right, arcade sports games can opponent instead. The AI doesn’t help
be a lot of fun, as evident from the matters either. Teammates have a knack
early NBA Street titles. In Pure Football, for making runs straight into opponents.
however, it’s all gone horribly wrong as it In defence, they run around everywhere
fails to implement even the most basic but in the direction of the ball.
gameplay mechanics that you would This being an arcade game, there
usually take for granted in football games. are shot meters and power bars galore.
Gameplay is where Pure Football The success or failure of a cross or shot
suffers the most, and there’s no coming on goal depends on which part of the
back from that. Stiff animations and power meter you release it on. Hit the only just. First, you must create a custom
clunky player movement make you feel green area for a good shot, and the red player and team that is full of nobodies.
like you’re controlling elephants rather for a misdirected one, but if you manage You must then take on 17 of the world’s
than the world’s top pro footballers. to hit the small white area, you’ll earn a top national teams over 28 days in order
Pure Shot, which has a greater chance to qualify for the final tournament.
of hitting the back of the net. You can All 17 national teams are licensed with
also earn Pure Shots by playing well and real players, whom you can transfer to
filling up your pure bar. There’s even a your team. Before a match, objectives
bar for fouls; fill it up all the way through are set for each opposition player;
mistimed tackles and your opponent will for example, score 3 Pure Shot goals
be awarded a penalty. It’s a good system, to unlock Fernando Torres. Achieving
but thanks to the broken gameplay, its objectives for a player unlocks him for
implementation is inconsequential. use in your team. It’s a fairly good unlock
If you’re a FIFA or PES player, you’ll system, and it ensures that you adapt
have to forget everything those games your style of play to the player objectives
have taught you to be able to play Pure rather than just looking to win. Matches
Football, and that’s got more to do with are spread across European cities in
how bad this game is than anything locations that vary from factories to
else. But if you are able to get to grips rooftops. There’s also variety in match
with the controls and compensate for types – from timed matches, to races
its inadequate gameplay, you may just to X number of goals, to mini
find the campaign mode tolerable; but leagues and tournaments. You
104 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP Jagdish Limbachiya SMS us! Story code: UPF to 51818
also earn points after each match to level is slick at times, but mostly quite bland
up your created player’s skills. and lacking in detail. Some environments
The campaign is, at times, almost look good, but the player models are
bearable enough to make you forget poor. Even if the intention was to go
about the horrible gameplay, but not after a cartoony art style, the detail and
for long. Further, it’s quite short, and texture work are way below par. There’s
beyond that, there’s not much to do in no commentary to speak of; just a barely
this game. You’ll almost max out your noticeable soundtrack and the occasional
custom player’s abilities in your first sounds of players calling for passes So
playthrough, so there’s no incentive to like in every other department, the game
play the campaign again. We didn’t really also falls short in graphics and audio.
have the opportunity to play the online No matter how much you love football,
mode, because there was absolutely no Pure Football is not a game you should
one playing this game on Xbox LIVE. So a be playing; let alone buying. Playing it
short campaign is really all there is. feels like a punishment, especially if
Internationally, Pure Football was you’ve played the good football games.
released at a budget price, and from the The campaign is a bit of a distraction,
game’s presentation and content, you but there are just too many flaws in every
can easily see why. Visual presentation department to make it even remotely
enjoyable. It’s short on content and the
gameplay is broken. Just pretend this
game doesn’t exist.
RATINGS
SPORTS
Pure Football
PRICE Rs 1,999
PUBLISHER Ubisoft
DEVELOPER Ubisoft Vancouver
DISTRIBUTOR E-Xpress Interactive
PHONE 022 29661017
PLATFORM Xbox 360, PS3
FOR
Tolerable campaign.
AGAINST
Broken gameplay. Horrible AI. Bland presentation. Short on
content.

UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
RATING 3/5 A new way to play a year-old game. BY SAMEER DESAI
C
odemasters’ announcement perspective, you’re given a new way
of International Cricket 2010 to play the same game, and it does
came as quite a surprise; significantly alter your approach.
firstly because we’re not used to Playing using the Action Cam
annual iterations of cricket games, is definitely a fun and refreshing
and second, because from the looks experience. It makes placing shots
of it, it seemed identical to Ashes between gaps in the field feel more
Cricket 2009. Last year’s game was a natural, and watching the bowlers’
phenomenal commercial success in the arm speed and the ball coming at you
UK. It topped sales charts; partly due helps time your shots better as well.
to the quality of the game, but mostly I’m personally not a big fan of the new
thanks to England’s Ashes triumph Power Stick feature for strokeplay, but
that luckily coincided with the game’s it certainly adds some variety and gives
release. But a success it was, and more you an alternate way to bat. Bowling
often than not these days, a successful is also more challenging now. Since
game is followed up with a sequel. the camera is much lower than the
International Cricket 2010 is, for most broadcast view, judging the delivery
part, identical to Ashes Cricket 2009, length becomes much more difficult.
with one fairly big, game-changing One of my favorite implementations of
addition – the Action Cam. Cricket the Action Cam is in running between
games have always stuck with the the wickets. When you set off for a run,
broadcast camera angles, and gamers you stay in the third-person perspective,
have always been comfortable with and you can either keep your focus on
them. But this year, developers Trickstar the ball, or change it to your non-striker
have introduced the Action Cam, which or the crease you’re heading towards.
puts you in a third-person perspective It adds a brilliant sense of urgency
just over the batsman’s shoulder as to what is a mundane task in the
he takes strike (like a wicket-keeper’s broadcast view.
point of view when standing up to The Action Cam isn’t without its
the stumps, but a little higher), or flaws though. While batting, the camera
right behind the bowler as he runs in. isn’t right behind the batsman, but at
There’s almost no change in gameplay a slight angle. This makes the line and
between International Cricket 2010 and angle of the oncoming delivery more
Ashes Cricket 2009, but with this new difficult to judge; although you will
106 08/2010 INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP Jagdish Limbachiya SMS us! Story code: UIC to 51818
UNWIND
GAME REVIEW
learn to compensate for that over time. played Ashes, you can’t skip the basics
But the angle gets even wider when a
left-handed batsman is on strike. This
and get to the advanced tutorials;
you’ll have to play through them all.
RATINGS
SPORTS
is probably done so that the batsman’s There are no licenses besides England
body doesn’t block your view of the and Australia, so you’ll have to go into International Cricket 2010
bowler, but it does through you off your edit mode and painstakingly rename PRICE Rs 1,999
game a little bit, and you will need to the players of other teams to their real PUBLISHER Codemasters
make some adjustments to your stroke names. Non-licensed players don’t look DEVELOPER Trickstar Games
selection as a result. anything like their real-life counterparts DISTRIBUTOR Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd.
On the whole, Action Cam is a either, and the editing options are too PHONE 022 39816600
welcome step forward for cricket scarce to change that a whole lot. In EMAIL [email protected]
games, even if its implementation is a this day and age, even budget games PLATFORM Xbox 360, PS3
little rough around the edges. But sadly, like Pure Football manage to squeeze in
FOR
beyond the Action Cam, International a career mode, but International Cricket
Action Cam is a great new addition. Improved AI.
Cricket 2010 is a very lazy effort. There’s 2010 is still without it.
no noticeable difference to any area Speaking of budget titles, you AGAINST
of the game over Ashes when played would be forgiven for thinking that Mostly a straight port of Ashes 2009. Lack of game modes; no
career. Online is unplayable.
from the broadcast view; it looks, plays International Cricket 2010 was one. The
and feels the same. There is a slight visuals look dated and the animations
improvement in the AI; it bowls better are jerky and awkward. It’s quite
and bats a little more aggressively, common to see a batsman square
but it isn’t a significant change. You cut a delivery that’s well pitched up.
still have all the elements that made Whether that’s due to the AI’s poor
Ashes one of the best cricket games, shot selection or a limitation of the
such as accurate shot selection and animation system, it isn’t pretty. It’s all
the ability to vary the severity of too similar to Ashes 2009. Commentary
swing, cut, and spin; so it’s still a good is also reused from Ashes, which in
game at its core. But as a full priced turn, had a lot of recycled commentary
game, you expect at least a subtle from Yuvraj Singh/Brian Lara
evolution, which just isn’t there. International Cricket 2007. You have
In terms of game modes, all you the same commentary team of Shane
get is the option to play through the Warne, Jonathan Agnew, Ian Bishop, best way to play International Cricket
various formats of the game (T20, ODI, etc, and it’s all very dull, comprising 2010. Stay away from the online multi-
Test), and a customizable tournament of lengthy unwanted anecdotes and player though, because it’s plagued
option. It’s very barebones, and unless history lessons rather than ball-by-ball with connection issues. You’ll be lucky
you have a friend to play with, you’ll get commentary. if you make it through a match without
bored quite fast. Like Ashes, there is Although the AI is improved this the dreaded ‘connection lost’ message.
also a Tutorial mode, for those new to year, there is still a lot of room for It’s astonishing that Codies would allow
the game and cricket games in general. improvement, so offline multi-player a game to ship with such a messy net
The annoying part of it is that if you’ve is – like in any other sports game - the code. It’s even worse than Ashes, which
also had issues, but it would at least let
you play through one full match.
The existence of International
Cricket 2010 feels unnecessary. The
Action Cam, despite its flaws, is a
great addition, but apart from that
and some AI improvements, this game
is no different from last year’s Ashes
Cricket 2009. It’s the sort of “milking”
EA Sports’ titles used to be accused of.
If Codies had instead waited another
year and worked on other areas, we
would have undoubtedly been playing
a much better game. To sum it up,
this is a year-old game with one new
worthwhile feature. And as good as that
feature is, it’s not enough to justify a
The Action Cam is the only worthwhile new feature in International Cricket 2010
new game.

MARKET WATCH
MARKET WATCH CHIP brings you a roundup of all
PROCESSORS: Intel
NUMBER OF
NAME PRICE (RS) CPU SOCKET CLOCK SPEED MFG PROCESS BUS SPEED TDP
CORES
Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5400 3,080 LGA 775 2 2.70 GHz 45 nm 4.8 GT/s 65 W
Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 5,310 LGA 775 2 2.93 GHz 45 nm 4.8 GT/s 65 W
Intel Core i3-530 5,410 LGA 1156 2 2.93 GHz 32 nm 2.5 GT/s 73 W
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 7,730 LGA 775 4 2.66 GHz 45 nm 4.8 GT/s 95 W
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 9,800 LGA 775 4 2.66 GHz 45 nm 5.2 GT/s 95 W
Intel Core i7-980X Extreme 52,500 LGA 1366 6 3.33 GHz 32 nm 6.4 GT/s 130 W
PROCESSORS: AMD
NUMBER OF
NAME PRICE (RS) CPU SOCKET CLOCK SPEED MFG PROCESS BUS SPEED TDP
CORES
AMD Sempron 140 1,820 AM3 1 2.70 GHz 45 nm 2700 MHz 45 W
AMD Athlon II X2 240 2,880 AM3 2 2.80 GHz 45 nm 4000 MHz 65 W
AMD Phenom II X2 545 4,500 AM3 2 3.00 GHz 45 nm 4000 MHz 80 W
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black ED 8,340 AM3 4 3.20 GHz 45 nm 3800 MHz 125 W
AMD Phenom II X6 1055T 10,810 AM3 6 2.80 GHz 45 nm 2000 MHz 125 W
AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black ED 14,950 AM3 6 3.20 GHz 45 nm 2000 MHz 125 W
MOTHERBOARDS: AMD - IGP

PRICE CPU PCI X16/PCI/
NAME CHIPSET MEMORY SUPPORT D-SUB/DVI/HDMI
(RS) SOCKET SATA/USB
ASUS M2A74-AM 2,980 AM3 AMD 740G + SB700 DDR3 ✔|✔|✖ 1|1|2|4
MSI 785GM-E51 3,740 AM3 AMD 785G + SB710 DDR3 ✔|✔|✔ 1|1|2|5
MSI K9A2VM-FD 3,790 AM2+ AMD 780V + SB700 DDR2 ✔|✔|✖ 1|1|2|4
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-US2H 3,890 AM2+ AMD 780G + SB700 DDR2 ✔|✔|✔ 1|1|2|5
Biostar TA785G3 4,120 AM3 AMD 785G + SB710 DDR3 ✔|✔|✖ 1|1|2|4
Gigabyte GA-MA785GM-US2H 4,300 AM3 AMD 785G + SB710 DDR3 ✔|✔|✔ 1|1|2|5
Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H 5,860 AM3 AMD 880G + SB710 DDR3 ✔|✔|✔ 1|2|5|6
MSI 790GX-G65 7,180 AM3 AMD 790GX + SB750 DDR3 ✔|✔|✔ 2|2|2|5
ASUS M4A78T-E 7,580 AM3 AMD 790GX + SB750 DDR3 ✔|✔|✔ 2|2|2|5
Gigabyte GA-890GPA 9,800 AM3 AMD 890GX + SB850 DDR3 ✔|✔|✔ 1|2|2|4
NOTE: Street prices (incl. VAT) by www.bitfang.com as on 15 July 2010.

the latest and greatest products on the market.
MOTHERBOARDS: AMD - Non-IGP

CPU
NAME PRICE (RS) CHIPSET MEMORY SUPPORT PCIE X16 SLOTS PCI/SATA/USB
SOCKET
Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P 6,060 AM3 AMD 770 + SB710 DDR3 1 2 | 6 | 12
ASRock 890FX Deluxe3 7,250 AM3 AMD 890FX + SB850 DDR3 ✔ 2 |6 |8
MSI 790FX-GD70 8,790 AM3 AMD 790FX + SB750 DDR3 ✔ 2 | 8 | 12
MSI GA-890FXA-GD70 10,310 AM3 AMD RD890+SB850 DDR3 ✔ 1 |6|8
ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 12,310 AM3 AMD 790FX + SB750 DDR2 ✔ 2 | 5 | 12
MOTHERBOARDS: Intel - IGP

CPU PCIE X16 | PCI |
NAME PRICE (RS) CHIPSET MEMORY SUPPORT D-SUB | DVI | HDMI
SOCKET SATA | USB
Gigabyte GA-G41M-ES2L 2,300 LGA 775 Intel G41 + ICH7 DDR2 ✔|✖|✔ 1|2|4|8
MSI G41TM-P33 2,360 LGA 775 Intel G41 + ICH7 DDR2 ✔|✖|✖ 1|2|4|4
MSI G41M4-F 2,530 LGA 775 Intel G41 + ICH7 DDR2 ✔|✖|✖ 1|2|4|8
Intel DG31PR 2,760 LGA 775 Intel G31 + ICH7 DDR2 ✔|✖|✖ 1|2|4|4
Gigabyte GA-G41MT-ES2L 2,780 LGA 775 Intel G41 + ICH7 DDR3 ✔|✖|✖ 1|2|4|4
Asus P5G41-M LE 2,780 LGA 775 Intel G41 + ICH7 DDR2 ✔|✔|✖ 1|2|4|8
Intel DG41TY 3,390 LGA 775 Intel G41 + ICH7 DDR2 ✔|✔|✖ 1|2|4|4
Gigabyte GA-EG41MF-S2H 3,640 LGA 775 Intel G41 + ICH7 DDR2 ✔|✔|✔ 1|2|4|4
MSI H55M-E33 4,700 LGA 1156 Intel H55 DDR3 ✔|✔|✔ 1|1|6|6
Intel DG43NB 4,950 LGA 775 Intel G43 + ICH10 DDR2 ✔|✔|✖ 1|3|6|6
ASUS P5Q-VM 5,050 LGA 775 Intel G45 + ICH10 DDR2 ✔|✔|✖ 1|1|6|4
Intel DG45ID 5,100 LGA 775 Intel G45 + ICH10R DDR2 ✔|✖|✔ 1|1|5|6
MOTHERBOARDS: Intel - Non-IGP

CPU
NAME PRICE (RS) CHIPSET MEMORY SUPPORT PCIE X16 SLOTS PCI/SATA/USB
SOCKET
MSI P43T-C51 3,940 LGA 775 Intel P43+ICH10 DDR2 1 3|6|6
MSI P45 Neo3-FR 4,040 LGA 775 Intel P45 + ICH10R DDR2 1 4|8|4
Intel BOXDH55TC 4,780 LGA 1156 Intel H55 + DDR3 1 2|6|6
MSI P45T-C51 4,950 LGA 775 Intel P45 + ICH10 DDR2 1 3|6|6
MSI P45-C51 5,160 LGA 775 Intel P45 + ICH10 DDR3 1 3|6|6
MSI P55M-GD45 5,160 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + DDR3 2 1 | 6 | 10
MSI P55-CD53 5,560 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + DDR3 1 3 | 8 | 10
Intel DP55WB 5,960 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + DDR3 1 2|6|8
Gigabyte GA-P55-US3L 7,070 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + DDR3 2 4|6|8
Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD2 7,330 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + DDR3 2 2 | 7 | 10
MSI P55-GD65 7,680 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + DDR3 2 2|7|8
MSI X58 PRO-E 9,600 LGA 1366 Intel X58 + ICH10R DDR3 3 2|2|6
ASUS P7P55D 9,750 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + DDR3 2 3|6|8
Biostar TPower i55 10,710 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + DDR3 2 2|6|8
MSI P55-GD80 10,710 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + DDR3 3 2|2|7
ASUS P7P55D Deluxe 14,900 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + DDR3 2 2|6|8
MSI BIG BANG TRINERGY 18,180 LGA 1156 Intel P55 + NForce 200 DDR3 3 2 | 10 | 10
MSI BIG BANG FUZION 19,500 LGA 1156 Intel P55+Lucid Hydra 200 DDR3 3 1 | 10 | 10
ASUS Rampage II Exteme 23,740 LGA 1366 Intel X58 + ICH10R DDR3 2 2|6|8

MARKET WATCH
GRAPHICS CARDS: ATI

RADEON MEMORY MEMORY/BUS STREAM CORE/MEMORY SPEED
NAME PRICE (RS) PCIE X16 DIRECT X
GPU TYPE WIDTH PROCESSORS (MHZ)
Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 5450 3,400 HD 5450 2.1 11.0 DDR2 1 GB / 64 bit 80 600 MHz / 800 MHz
Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 5570 5,200 HD 5570 2.1 11.0 GDDR3 1 GB / 128 bit 400 650 MHz / 1800 MHz
Powercolor AX5750 1GBD5-PDH Radeon HD 5750 7,180 HD 5750 2.1 11.0 DDR5 1 GB / 128 bit 720 700 MHz / 1150 MHz
Sapphire ATI Radeon HD5750 11164-00 8,280 HD 5750 2.1 11.0 GDDR5 1 GB / 128 bit 720 700 MHz / 1160 MHz
Powercolor AX5770 1GBD5-MDHV2 Radeon HD 5770 8,590 HD 5770 2.1 11.0 DDR5 1 GB / 128 bit 800 850 MHz / 1200 MHz
MSI ATI Radeon HD5770 R5770-PM2D1G 10,210 HD 5770 2.1 11.0 GDDR5 1 GB / 128 bit 800 850 MHz / 1200 MHz
MSI R5750-PM2D1G Radeon HD 5750 13,640 HD 5750 2.1 11.0 GDDR5 1 GB / 128 bit 720 700 MHz / 1150 MHz
MSI ATI Radeon HD5850 R5850-PM2D1G 15,660 HD 5850 2.1 11.0 GDDR5 1 GB / 256 bit 1440 725 MHz / 1000 MHz
Powercolor ATI Radeon HD5870 AX5870 22,220 HD 5870 2.1 11.0 DDR5 1 GB / 256 bit 1600 950 MHz / 1200 MHz
XFX HD-587A-ZNF9 Radeon HD 5870 25,000 HD 5870 2.1 11.0 GDDR5 1 GB / 256 bit 1600 850 MHz / 1200 MHz
GRAPHICS CARDS: Nvidia

PCIE MEMORY STREAM CORE/MEMORY
NAME PRICE (RS) GEFORCE GPU DIRECT X MEMORY/BUS WIDTH
X16 TYPE PROCESSORS SPEED (MHZ)
XFX Nvidia GeForce 9400 GT 1GB 3,240 9400 GT 2.0 10.0 DDR3 1 GB / 512-bit 16 1400 / 800
Zotac GT220 with CUDA DVI Audio 3,340 GT 220 2.0 10.1 DDR3 1 GB / 128-bit 48 625 / 800
Palit Nvidia GeForce 220 GT220 3,560 GT 220 2.0 10.1 DDR2 1 GB / 128-bit 48 635 / 1600
Zotac GT240 with CUDA DVI Audio 5,310 GT 240 2.0 10.1 DDR5 512 MB / 128-bit 96 550 / 800
Zotac Nvidia ECO GeForce 9600 GT ZT-96TEY3G-FSL 5,520 9600 GT 2.0 10.0 GDDR3 1 GB / 256-bit 64 600 / 1800
XFX Nvidia GeForce 9800 GT Fully Loaded 5,760 9800 GT 2.0 10.0 DDR3 512 MB / 256-bit 112 1675 / 1950
Palit Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 6,260 GTS 250 2.0 10.0 GDDR3 512 MB / 256-bit 128 700 / 1100
Zotac Nvidia ECO GeForce 9800 GT ZT-98GEY3G-FSL 6,370 9800 GT 2.0 10.0 GDDR3 1 GB / 256-bit 112 550 / 1800
Palit Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 6,900 GTS 250 2.0 10.1 GDDR3 1 GB / 256-bit 128 700 / 1800
XFX Nvidia GeForce 250 GTS GS-250X-ZDFL 8,690 GTS 250 2.0 10.0 DDR3 1 GB / 256-bit 128 738 / 2000
Asus Nvidia GeForce GTS250 ENGTS250/HTDI/52MD3 9,190 GTS 250 2.0 10.1 DDR3 512 MB / 256-bit 128 740 / 1100
XFX Nvidia GeForce 9600 GT 9,700 9600 GT 2.0 10.0 DDR3 1 GB / 256-bit 64 1790 / 1790
Zotac Nvidia GeForce GTX 260 ZT-X26E3KD-FSP 10,920 GTX 260 2.0 10.0 GDDR3 896 MB / 448-bit 216 576 / 1998
Palit Nvidia GeForce GTX 275 NE3TX257FT394_01 16,440 GTX 275 2.0 10.0 GDDR3 896 MB / 448-bit 240 400 / 2268
Palit NE5TX470F09DA GeForce GTX 470 (Fermi) 19,800 GTX 470 2.0 11.0 DDR5 1280 MB / 320-bit 448 607 / 3348
Palit Nvidia GeForce GTX 285 NV GTX 285 21,110 GTX 285 2.0 10.0 GDDR3 1 GB / 512-bit 240 648 / 2484
Zotac Nvidia GeForce GTX 285 ZT-285E3LA-FSP 22,810 GTX 285 2.0 10.1 GDDR3 1 GB / 512-bit 240 648 / 2592
Zotac ZT-40201-10P GeForce GTX 470 (Fermi) 22,810 GTX 470 2.0 11.0 GDDR5 1280 MB / 320-bit 448 607 / 3348
Zotac Nvidia GeForce GTX 480 ZT-40101-10L 29,700 GTX 480 2.0 11.0 DDR5 1536 MB / 128-bit 720 700 / 3696
Palit GTX4801586MBD5 GeForce GTX 480 29,800 GTX 480 2.0 11.0 GDDR5 1536 MB / 384-bit 480 480 / 3696

EXTERNAL DRIVE
NAME PRICE (RS) CACHE CAPACITY FORM FACTOR INTERFACE RPM
Transcend Storejet 25M 2,930 8 MB 250 GB 2.5 inch USB 2.0 5400 RPM
LACIE Design by Sam Hecht 2,980 16 MB 320 GB 2.5 inch USB 2.0 5400 RPM
Seagate FreeAgent Go 3,540 32 MB 320 GB 2.5 inch USB 2.0 5400 RPM
LACIE Mobile Disk 3,610 8 MB 120 GB 2.5 inch USB 2.0 5400 RPM
Western Digital My Passport Essential SE 4,150 64 MB 1 TB 2.5 inch USB 2.0 7200 RPM
Transcend Storejet 25M 4,350 16 MB 500 GB 2.5 inch USB 2.0 7200 RPM
Seagate FreeAgent Desk 4,850 16 MB 500 GB 3.5 inch USB 2.0 7200 RPM
Western Digital My Book Essential 5,260 32 MB 500 GB 3.5 inch USB 2.0 5400 RPM
Seagate FreeAgent Desk 5,560 32 MB 1 TB 3.5 inch USB 2.0 7200 RPM
Seagate FreeAgent Go 5,910 8 MB 500 GB 2.5 inch USB 2.0 7200 RPM
LACIE Design by Neil Poulton 6,520 8 MB 500 GB 3.5 inch USB 2.0 7200 RPM
LACIE Rugged 6,770 8 MB 250 GB 2.5 inch USB 2.0 5400 RPM
Seagate FreeAgent XTreme External Hard Drive 8,030 32 MB 1 TB 3.5 inch USB 2.0 7200 RPM
Western Digital My Book Essential 12,690 64 MB 2 TB 3.5 inch USB 2.0 7200 RPM
Western Digital My Book Studio Edition II 40,400 16 MB 4 TB 3.5 inch USB 2.0 7200 RPM
USB FLASH DRIVES MEMORY CARDS

NAME CAPACITY PRICE (RS) NAME CAPACITY PRICE (RS)
Sandisk Cruzer Blade USB Flash Drive 4 GB 420 Kingston Secure Digital 4 GB 420
Transcend JetFlash V30 Flash Drive 4 GB 430 Kingston Elite Pro Compact Flash Card 4 GB 720
OCZ Flash Memory 4 GB 460
SanDisk Cruzer Flash Drive 8 GB 740 Transcend Micro SDHC Flash Card with SD Adapter 8 GB 790
Transcend JetFlash V30 Flash Drive 8 GB 770 Kingston Secure Digital 8 GB 820
Sandisk CRUZER BLADE Pen Drive 8 GB 780 Kingston Elite Pro 16 GB 1,820
Sandisk Cruzer Blade 16 GB 1,420 Transcend Compact Flash Card 4 GB 1,990
Transcend JetFlash V30 USB Flash Drive 16 GB 1,650 SanDisk Ultra II Memory Stick Pro Duo (MS Pro Duo) 8 GB 2,000
Corsair Flash Memory 16 GB 1,950
Sandisk Memory Stick MS Pro Duo 16 GB 3,100
SanDisk Cruzer Flash Drive 32 GB 3,090
Transcend JetFlash V30 USB Flash Drive 32 GB 3,510 Sandisk Extreme III SDHC 32 GB 8,770
PROJECTORS
NAME PRICE TYPE BRIGHTNESS NATIVE RESOLUTION CONTRAST RATIO
BENQ MP515 27,270 DLP 2500 Lumens 800 x 600 2600:1
SONY VPLES7 32,320 LCD 2000 Lumens 800 x 600 350:1
Sharp XR50S 36,360 DLP 2700 Lumens 1024 x 768 2000:1
SONY VPLEX7 39,390 LCD 2000 Lumens 1024 x 768 500:1
LG BX275 39,900 DLP 2700 Lumens 1024 x 768 2200:1
LG DX630 49,490 DLP 3000 Lumens 1024 x 768 2300:1
Sharp PGD2500 50,000 DLP 2500 Lumens 1024 x 768 1100:1
SONY VPLEX70 52,520 LCD 2500 Lumens 1024 x 768 900:1
Sharp PGF267X 87,500 DLP 2100 Lumens 1024 x 768 2200:1
Sharp XGC335X 119,310 LCD 3500 Lumens 1024 x 768 600:1
Sharp PGD4010 144,310 LCD 4000 Lumens 1024 x 768 2500:1

MARKET WATCH
LAPTOPS
PRICE OPTICAL
NAME WEIGHT PROCESSOR MEMORY CHIPSET DISPLAY HDD OS
(RS) DRIVE
MSI Wind U100 14,000 1.04 Kg Intel Atom 1 GB Intel 945GSE + ICH7M 10.1-inch 160 GB DVD±RW Win XP Home
Asus Eee PC 1001HA 15,000 1.10 Kg Intel Atom 1 GB Intel NM10 10.1-inch 160 GB DVD±RW Win XP Home
HP Pavilion Mini 210-1084 15,150 1.22 Kg Intel Atom 1 GB Intel ICH8-M 10.1-inch 160 GB - DOS
Acer Aspire One D250 16,670 1.10 Kg Intel Atom 1 GB Intel 945GSE Express 10.1-inch 160 GB - Win XP Home
HP Pavilion Mini 210-1085 16,920 1.22 Kg Intel Atom 1 GB Intel ICH8-M 10.1-inch 160 GB - Win 7 Starter
MSI Wind U135 Atom 17,290 1.04 Kg Intel Atom 1 GB Intel NM10 10.1-inch 160 GB DVD±RW Win 7 Starter
Lenovo IdeaPad S10 18,640 1.25 Kg Intel Atom 1 GB Intel 945GSE Express 10.1-inch 250 GB DVD±RW Win 7 Starter
Asus Eee PC 1201T 21,720 1.46 Kg AMD Athlon Neo 2 GB MV-40 12.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
MSI Wind 12 U200 22,830 1.3 Kg Intel Core2 Duo 4 GB Intel GS45 + ICH9M-SFF 12.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW Win Vista HP
Acer Aspire 4736z 23,490 2.30 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 1 GB Intel GL40 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW LINUX
Toshiba L510-P401B 24,240 2.88 Kg Intel Pentium Dual Core 2 GB Intel GL40 14.1-inch 250 GB DVD±RW DOS
Sony Vaio VPCW125AG 26,450 1.19 Kg Intel Atom 2 GB Intel 945GSE Express 10.1-inch 250 GB - Win 7 Starter
Lenovo G455 59-033063 26,510 2.49 Kg AMD Athlon II 3 GB RS880M 14.1-inch 250 GB - DOS
Acer Aspire 5738z 26,770 2.88 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 3 GB Intel PL40 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW LINUX
Lenovo G555 27,040 2.70 Kg AMD Athlon II 2 GB RS880M 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
HP Compaq Presario CQ40-732TU 27,270 2.26 Kg Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4400 3 GB Intel T4400 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
HP Compaq Presario CQ40-601 27,530 2.36 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 3 GB Intel GL40 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
MSI X430 27,580 1.50 Kg AMD Athlon 2 GB AMD RS780 + SB710 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Dell Inspiron 1440 27,780 2.30 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GB Intel GM45 14.1-inch 250 GB DVD±RW DOS
HP Compaq Presario 610FD 27,780 2.49 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GB Intel GME965 15.6-inch 250 GB DVD±RW DOS
MSI CR620 28,990 2.48 Kg Intel Core i3 4 GB Intel HM55 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Acer Aspire 4740 29,040 2.20 Kg Intel Core i3 2 GB Intel GL40 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW LINUX
Dell Vostro 1015 29,290 2.30 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GB Intel 45 Express 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW LINUX
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 13 29,500 1.58 Kg AMD Athlon Neo 2 GB M780G 13.3-inch 320 GB - WIN 7 HP
Asus Eee PC K40AF 29,700 2.35 Kg AMD Athlon X2 2 GB AMD M870 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
HP Compaq Presario CQ62-103TU 30,410 2.50 Kg Intel Core i3 2 GB Intel HM55 15.6-inch 250 GB DVD±RW DOS
Lenovo G450 30,750 2.30 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GB Intel GM45 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW Win 7 HB
HP Compaq Presario CQ61-413TU 31,570 2.68 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 4 GB Intel GL40 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Lenovo ThinkPad X100e 31,790 1.50 Kg AMD Athlon 2 GB AMD RS780 + SB710 11.1-inch 320 GB - Win 7 HB
Lenovo G450 31,810 2.30 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 3 GB Intel GM45 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
MSI EX310 32,070 1.9 Kg AMD Turion Mobile 4 GB AMD RS780MN+SB710 13.3-inch 250 GB DVD±RW Win Vista HP
HP Compaq Presario CQ42-173TU 32,430 2.20 Kg Intel Core i3 3 GB Intel HM55 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
Dell Studio 14 32,730 2.38 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 3 GB Intel X58 Extreme 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
Toshiba Satellite C650-I5010 33,490 2.68 Kg Intel Core i3 3 GB Intel GM45 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
Sony Vaio VPCW217AG 33,660 1.33 Kg Intel Atom 2 GB Intel NM10 10.1-inch 320 GB - Win 7 Starter

LAPTOPS
PRICE OPTICAL
NAME WEIGHT PROCESSOR MEMORY CHIPSET DISPLAY HDD OS
(RS) DRIVE
Dell Inspiron 1564 33,890 2.47 Kg Intel Core i3 3 GB Intel GM45 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
Toshiba Satellite L640-M4010 33,990 2.26 Kg AMD Athlon X2 3 GB AMD RS880M 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW DOS
Sony Vaio VGN-NW23NE 34,620 2.70 Kg Intel Pentium 2 GB Intel GL40 15.5-inch 250 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
HP Compaq Presario CQ62-105 TU 34,850 2.50 Kg Intel Core i3 3 GB Intel HM55 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Mobile Intel 5 Series
Dell Inspiron 5010-15R 34,950 2.50 Kg Intel Core i3 3 GB 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW Win 7 HB
Express Chipset (HM57)
Acer Aspire 5740 36,360 2.88 Kg Intel Core i5 4 GB Intel HM55 15.6-inch 500 GB DVD±RW LINUX
HP Pavilion DV4-2110TU 36,770 2.20 Kg Intel Core i3 2 GB Intel HM55 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW Win 7 HB
Sony Vaio VPCEB14EN 37,020 2.70 Kg Intel Core i3 3 GB Intel HM55 15.5-inch 320 GB DVD±RW Win 7 HB
Dell Inspiron 1564 37,120 2.47 Kg Intel Core i3 3 GB Intel GM45 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW Win 7 HB
Toshiba Satellite L500-D5310 37,370 2.50 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 1 GB Intel Chipset GM45 10.1-inch 320 GB - WIN 7 HP
Acer Aspire 5740 38,380 2.88 Kg Intel Core i3 4 GB Intel HM55 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Lenovo G560 39,020 2.60 Kg Intel Core i3 4 GB Intel HM55 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Lenovo U450P 39,130 2.10 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GB Intel GS45 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW Win 7 HB
MSI X350 39,770 1.50 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GB Intel GS45 +ICH9M-SFF 13.3-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
HP Pavilion DV6-2113 AX 40,200 2.94 Kg AMD Turion 3 GB ATI Radeon HD 4200 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Toshiba Satellite L650-I5310 40,960 2.68 Kg Intel Core i3 3 GB Intel HM55 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Asus K50ID-SX069V 41,090 2.26 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 4 GB NVIDIA MCP79D 15.6-inch 500 GB - DOS
Lenovo Y450 41,350 2.49 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 3 GB Intel GM45 14.1-inch 320 GB - Win 7 HP
Lenovo Y450 41,880 2.49 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 3 GB Intel GM45 14.1-inch 320 GB - Vista HP
HP Pavilion DM3-1111AX 45,630 1.91 Kg AMD Turion Neo 4 GB AMD 780E 13.3-inch 500 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Dell Studio 15 46,920 2.51 Kg Intel Core i3 3 GB Intel GM45 15.6-inch 320 GB DVD±RW Win 7 HP
Sony Vaio VPCEB16FG 47,460 2.70 Kg Intel Core i3 4 GB Intel HM55 15.5-inch 500 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Sony Vaio VGN-NW25GF 48,090 2.70 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GB Intel PM45 15.5-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Toshiba M500-D4311 51,010 2.35 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 8 GB Intel GM45 14.1-inch 320 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
HP Pavilion DV6-2165TX 52,120 2.88 Kg Intel Core i5 3 GB Intel HM55 15.6-inch 500 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Sony Vaio VPCX113KG 52,210 0.65 Kg Intel Atom 2 GB Intel Hub US15W 11.1-inch 64 GB - WIN 7 HP
Dell Studio XPS 13 53,030 2.02 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 4 GB Intel PM45 13.3-inch 320 GB DVD±RW Vista HP
Lenovo Y550P 55,140 2.75 Kg Intel Core i3 4 GB Intel HM55 15.6-inch 500 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Toshiba Portege A600-U2530 60,810 2.26 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 3 GB Intel GS45 14.1-inch 250 GB DVD±RW Win 7 HB
Dell Studio XPS 16 61,110 2.88 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 4 GB Intel PM55 16.0-inch 500 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
HP Pavilion DV7-2213 TX 78,080 3.70 Kg Intel Core 2 Duo 4 GB Intel PM45 17.3-inch 1TB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Sony Vaio VPCX128LG 86,570 0.78 Kg Intel Atom 2 GB Intel Hub US15W 11.1-inch 128 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP
Sony Vaio VPCZ116GG 105,720 1.38 Kg Intel Core i5 6 GB Intel HM57 13.3-inch 128 GB DVD±RW WIN 7 HP

MARKET WATCH
DIGITAL CAMERAS
OPTICAL WIDE
NAME PRICE (RS) RESOLUTION APERTURE LCD SIZE SHUTTER SPEED
ZOOM ANGLE
Nikon COOLPIX L21 (Pink) 4,650 4000 x 3000 3.6x 35 mm F3.1 – F6.7 2.5 in. 2 - 1/4000 Sec
Kodak EasyShare C182 (Red) 4,950 4000 x 3000 3x 35 mm F2.9 – F5.2 3.0 in. 0.5–1/1400 Sec
Olympus Digital Camera T-100 (Black) 5,310 3968 x 2976 3x 36 mm F4.6 – F8.5 2.4 in. 1/2-1/2000 Sec
Kodak EasyShare C913 6,060 3472 x 2604 3x 3.2 mm F2.7 – F4.8 2.4 in. 1/2–1/1400 Sec
Canon PowerShot A495 (Silver) 6,520 3648 x 2736 4.0x 37 mm F2.8 – F5.6 2.5 in. 1 – 1/2000 Sec
Panasonic Lumix DMC FS42 6,570 3648 x 2736 4.0x 22.0 mm F2.8 – F5.9 2.5 in. 8-1/2000 Sec
Nikon COOLPIX L22 (Black) 6,770 4000 x 3000 3.6x 35 mm F3.1 – F5.5 3.0 in. 1/4-1/2000 Sec
Kodak EasyShare M1063 7,070 3664 x 2442 3x 3.0 mm F2.8 – F5.1 2.7 in. 4–1/1400 Sec
Nikon COOLPIX S3000 (Black) 8,190 4000 x 3000 4.0x 27 mm F3.2 – F5.9 2.7 in. 4 - 1/1000 Sec
Canon Digital IXUS 95 IS 8,290 3648 x 2736 3x 28 mm F2.8 – F4.9 2.5 in. 1 – 1/1500 Sec
Sony Cybershot DSC-W310 8,290 640 x 480 4.0x 28 mm F3.0 – F4.3 2.7 in. 1/4-1/2000 Sec
Kodak EasyShare Z915 8,690 3648 x 2736 10.0x 0.5 mm F1.5 2.5 in. 1/8–1/1250 Sec
Canon Powershot A3100 IS (Silver) 8,840 4000 x 3000 4.0x 35 mm F2.7 – F5.6 2.7 in. 1 – 1/1600 Sec
Olympus Digital Camera MJU-1010 (Black) 9,600 3968 x 2976 7x 36 mm F3.5 – F5.3 2.7 in. 1/4-1/2000 Sec
Canon Digital IXUS 105 IS (Pink) 9,880 4000 x 3000 4.0x 28 mm F2.8 – F5.9 2.7 in. 1 – 1/1500 Sec
Sony Cybershot DSC-W320 (Black) 10,100 4320 x 3240 4.0x 26 mm F2.7 – F5.7 2.7 in. 1/8-1/1600 Sec
Sony Cybershot DSC-W350(Blue) 12,120 4320 x 3240 4.0x 26 mm F2.7 – F5.7 2.7 in. 2 - 1/1600 Sec
Canon Powershot SX120 IS (Black) 12,530 3648 x 2736 10.0x 28 mm F2.8 – F4.3 3.0 in. 1 – 1/2500 Sec
Olympus MJU 550WP 12,630 3648 x 2736 3x 5.3 mm F3.5 – F5.0 2.7 in. 1/2-1/1000 Sec
Olympus MJU 9000 13,440 3968 x 2976 10.0x 28 mm F4.5 2.7 in. 1/4-1/2000 Sec
Canon Digital IXUS 130 IS (Black) 13,490 4320 x 3240 4.0x 24 mm F2.8 – F8.0 2.7 in. 1 – 1/1500 Sec
Sony Cybershot DSC-W380 (Black) 13,640 4320 x 3240 5x 24 mm F2.4 – F5.9 2.7 in. 2 - 1/1600 Sec
Nikon COOLPIX L110 (Red) 13,940 4000 x 3000 15x 28 mm F3.5 – F5.4 3.0 in. 15 - 1/1500 Sec
Panasonic Digital Camera Lumix ZR1 15,360 4000 x 3000 8x 25 mm F3.3 – F5.9 2.7 in. 8-1/2000 Sec
Panasonic Digital Camera Lumix SDR H80 17,680 640 x 480 70.0x 37 mm F4.6 – F8.5 2.7 in. 1/30-1/500 Sec
Panasonic LUMIX DMC FT1 18,690 1280 x 720 4.0x 5.1 mm F3.3 – F5.9 2.7 in. 8-1/2000 Sec
Canon Powershot SX210 IS (Gold) 18,890 4320 x 3240 14x 28 mm F3.1 – F5.9 3.0 in. 1 – 1/3200 Sec
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 19,190 3648 x 2736 12x 5.3 mm F3.3 – F4.9 3.0 in. 8-1/2000 Sec
Canon Digital IXUS 210 IS (Black) 19,800 4320 x 3240 5x 24 mm F2.8 – F5.9 3.5 in. 1 – 1/3000 Sec
Olympus SP series SP-590 UZ 20,910 2560 x 1920 26x 0.1 mm F2.8 – F5.0 2.7 in. 1/4-1/2000 Sec
Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS (Silver) 21,940 4000 x 3000 3.7x 24 mm F2.8 – F5.8 2.5 in. 1 – 1/1600 Sec
Canon Powershot D10 IS (Silver) 22,530 4000 x 3000 3x 35 mm F2.8 – F4.9 2.5 in. 1 – 1/1500 Sec
Canon Powershot SX20 IS (Black) 26,970 4000 x 3000 12x 28 mm F2.8 – F5.7 2.5 in. 1 – 1/3200 Sec

MONITORS
SCREEN NATURAL
NAME PRICE WIDESCREEN RESPONSE TIME D-SUB DVI HDMI
SIZE RESOLUTION
BENQ G610HDA 4,600 15.6-inch ✔ 1366 x 768 8 ms ✔ ✖ ✖
ASUS VH162D 4,700 15.6-inch ✔ 1360 x 768 8 ms ✔ ✔ ✖
ViewSonic VA 1601W 4,890 15.6-inch ✔ 1920 x 1080 2 ms ✔ ✔ ✔
Dell E1709W 5,560 17-inch ✔ 1440 x 900 8 ms ✖ ✔ ✖
ASUS VH192D 5,810 18.5-inch ✔ 1360 x 768 5 ms ✔ ✖ ✖
BENQ G920WL 5,860 19.00-inch ✔ 1440 x 900 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✖
AOC F19 5,910 18.5-inch ✔ 1366 x 768 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✔
ViewSonic VA 1913W 6,060 18.5-inch ✔ 1366 x 768 5 ms ✔ ✖ ✖
Acer W V203H 6,120 20-inch ✔ 1600 x 900 5 ms ✔ ✖ ✖
BENQ G922HDL 6,220 18.5-inch ✔ 1366 x 768 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✖
Samsung 2033SN 6,500 20-inch ✔ 1680 x 1050 8.9 ms ✔ ✖ ✖
AOC 2036Sa 6,570 20-inch ✔ 1600 x 900 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✔
LG W2043T 6,850 20-inch ✔ 1600 x 900 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✖
AOC 2236Vw 7,780 22-inch ✔ 1360 x 768 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✖
ASUS VH222D 7,830 21.5-inch ✔ 1920 x 1080 5 ms ✔ ✖ ✖
HP LE1901W 8,530 19-inch ✔ 1440 x 900 5 ms ✔ ✖ ✖
ViewSonic VA2026W 8,990 20-inch ✔ 1680 x 1050 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✖
ViewSonic VX2237wm 9,595 22-inch ✔ 1680 x 1050 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✖
ViewSonic square VA926 9,770 19-inch ✖ 1280 x 1024 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✖
BENQ G2420HD 11,420 24.0-inch ✔ 1920 x 1080 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✔
BENQ LED V2200 Eco 13,340 21.5-inch ✔ 1920 x 1080 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✔
ViewSonic VA 2433WM 14,020 23.6-inch ✔ 1920 x 1080 2 ms ✔ ✔ ✔
Samsung SyncMaster T240HD 15,430 24-inch ✔ 1920 x 1200 5 ms ✔ ✔ ✔
ViewSonic VX2268WM 24,400 22-inch ✔ 1680 x 1050 3 ms ✖ ✔ ✖
CABINETS
5.25-INCH 3.5-INCH NUMBER OF
NAME PRICE TYPE POWER SUPPLY
BAYS BAYS FANS
iball NetTop 009 1,230 ATX ✖ 1 1/1 1
iball Cabinet 6363 Red 1,240 ATX ✖ 3 3/6 1
CIRCLE CC623 1,370 ATX ✖ 4 6/1 1
CIRCLE Cosmo Red 1,490 ATX ✖ 3 6/1 1
CIRCLE Royal 1,870 ATX ✖ 0 5/1 1
Cooler Master Elite 335 2,111 ATX Standard ATX PS2 4 1 2
Thermaltake Matrix 2,630 ATX ✖ 4 4/2 1
Cooler Master Elite 100 3,030 HTPC/SFF Flex ATX 150W, Active PFC 0 0/0 1
Cooler Master Gladiator 600 3,540 ATX ✖ 5 5/1 2
Cooler Master RC690 4,250 ATX Standard ATX PS2/ EPS 12V 5 5/1 2
Thermaltake M9D 5,960 ATX ✖ 6 3/1 2
Cooler Master HAF 922 6,570 ATX ATX PS2 / EPS 12V 5 1 2
Cooler Master HAF 932 9,090 Full ATX ✖ 6 5/1 4
Thermaltake Kandalf 13,010 ATX ✖ 9 6/2 3
Cooler Master COSMOS S 14,140 Full ATX ✖ 7 4/0 5

LETTERS
SPONSORED BY
STAR
ER
INBOX
Next month's Star Letter wins
LETonT
th's winner
This m
gets a coolset
accessories
accessories set (worth Rs 5,000)

Open
Open source
sso
o squad
Dear CHIP,
I am writing this on behalf of my friends in college to thank you guys for the motivation and inspiration you
have given to us and the gen next for fighting against piracy. It all started when we read the October 2009
cover story of CHIP titled “Is Piracy Too Easy”. I’ve been reading CHIP for the past five years and thinking of
writing this letter for a really long time. I encouraged my friends to read it from our college library. Without
any doubt they soon got addicted to CHIP and we were soon spending considerable hours in the library
sharing our tech knowledge. Soon one of us was struck with the idea of going completely open source. We
stumbled upon Ubuntu and using their site shipit.ubuntu.com, we got our hands on our
own free copies of the OS! Since most of us aren’t hardcore gamers but hardcore
tech and gadget freaks, we were suddenly opened to a whole new world. All of us
installed Ubuntu over Windows XP, Vistas and 7, and soon found Ubuntu
powerful and intuitive enough. We eagerly wait for the Linux tools and distros
that you distribute through the DVDs. Those who found the transition hard
completely shifted to free and open source software with Windows. We
started using K-Lite and VLC media player which satisfied all our
multimedia needs; Firefox and Chrome for surfing, OpenOffice for
documenting, Picasa for photo editing and viewing, CDburner and Nero
lite for burning, Daemon Tools Lite for CD imaging, Foxit reader for PDF
files, and most importantly AVG and Avast for free antivirus programs.
We also watch movies on the day of their release and don’t worry
about movie piracy!
We suddenly felt the difference; a sense of feeling good. Since then we
have pledged to fight piracy head on. We would like to thank all of you at CHIP for
inspiring us. Thank you guys, continue your fight against piracy.
Yours faithfully,
– PRAVEEN G PRAKASH,
KOCHI, KERALA
Hi Praveen,
That's quite a story! We're all glad to hear you took the time and trouble to experiment with
Linux. Many people shy away from it, but the best way to learn is just to try a Live CD (with
no risk to your existing OS and data) and jump right in.
Quite often, people aren't even aware that the operating system and software they're running aren't just
part of the package when they buy a PC. They take it for granted that these are the only programs available,
or that there's no point trying anything more "advanced" because their needs are being met. On the other hand,
others just get caught up in ideology for the sake of it. But you and your friends have found plenty of reasons
to widen your own horizons. Congratulations for taking the risk and finding something new that you're happier
with. Keep spreading the word!
– TEAM CHIP
Sachin Pandit
CONTACT INFO Fair price buyer CHIP has not let me down in any reviews. I really love the Test
Please send your Hi to each and every one of the manner. My friends at first always Center and Market Watch sections.
letters to: members of the CHIP team! My said that it’s not worth it and now When I had to buy a PC I was
[email protected] name is Varun and I live in they are the ones who are the first looking for prices that were the
with "LETTERS" in Bathinda. It’s been a year and half to buy the lastest issues! most accurate and CHIP came to my
the subject line since I started purchasing CHIP and The best thing is that CHIP always rescue. I seriously think that a a lot
I am highly satisfied and happy that gives us the right prices and of surveying goes into your Market

LETTERS
Watch section. Well I went to buy a computers around the school SMS US
graphics card day before yesterday campus. I thought of converting Since we like knowing what’s
on your mind and what you
(a Radeon 5750). I went to the all the computers into thin
think about our magazine,
retailer to ask for this model he clients to save energy and make we bring you another way
said it is for Rs 10,000 (Sapphire). I system maintenance easy. I to get in touch. Do you have
something to say about a test
had read the July issue of chip and have searched for information or review? Liked a feature
was quite sure it read Rs 8,200 for on thin clients on the Internet story? Was the workshop
Sapphire and Rs 7,200 for Power but I have never found good useful? SMS us your feedback!
Color so I asked him to get me a software to do IT. So I am For general comments, create
Power Color one. He said it’s for Rs requesting you guys to please the following message:
ICCO <Your comments here>
9,200. Well, I got shocked and I publish articles on thin client
Example: ICCO The cover story
argued with him to give me the setup in the next edition, using was very useful
correct rates. After a bit of free software for both Windows
To rate a story, product
argument he agreed on Rs 8,200 and Linux. review, etc look out for the
and that too for the Sapphire card. Thanks, story tag at the base of each
So I finally got a decent bargain. – JIGMET MINGUR article and type:
ICCO <Story tag> <Rating>
Bathinda is a small town and people Example: ICCO PWS 5
are not very aware, so retailers Table designs
here profit from that. Now I guess Dear Sir, between different Wi-Fi adapters, it The “Story tag” is mentioned
at the base of every story in
things are changing, so I thank CHIP I think the computer tables will help us a lot in choosing one. the magazine and the “Rating”
for rescuing me once again. I love available in the market now are In the June 2010 edition I was also is on a scale of 1 to 5.
CHIP! outdated. Actually they never were impressed by the basic but useful
Finally, send your messages to
– VARUN MEHTA to-date. These tables don’t provide photo taking techniques. This letter 51818. Cheers!
any added advantage other than is not going to end if I explain all
Please keep comments to
Hi Varun, specific places for each of the the things I liked in CHIP, because 160 characters per message!
Thanks so much for your letter! It's components. The mess of cables every line printed in CHIP has great Include your email address
great to hear how you avoided which everyone hates—the user as value and is priceless for me. Lastly to help us reply or check out
the SMS Feedback thread at
being cheated. Shopkeepers resort well as anyone cleaning the room— thanks for doing such great job for www.chip.in/forums
to many tactics, including blatant still continues. I think what is us and best of luck for the future.
overcharging and trying to pass off actually needed is a wired Your regular reader,
old stock. You're lucky the computer table or a circuit printed – MUKTESHWAR SHARMA
shopkeeper you dealt with had the computer table where all BHOPAL
card in stock, and you didn't have to peripherals can be plugged into the
place a special order which could table directly avoiding the use of CHIP: my teacher
have added to the cost. Anyway, we connecting cables. Dear CHIP,
hope this serves as a warning to I should have written this letter Yes, you are my teacher. Three
everyone out there—don't mess with much earlier, as computer tables years ago I was just a kid in
CHIP readers! They're smart, themselves are disappearing from computer knowledge. Then you
informed, and always up to date the market as people are shifting entered into my life as a teacher.
about the products available in our from desktops to equally powerful You taught me not only about
markets! laptops, and also because many of computers but also electronics.
– TEAM CHIP the peripherals now available are Because of you I got interested in
wireless. computer products and I became a
Thin client advice – RANJITH SATYAN, computer engineer. Thank you CHIP!
Dear CHIP, THRISSUR, KERALA Each and every thing in CHIP is
I am Jigmet, staying in Himachal very useful for me. The Test Center
Pradesh and working in a school as Interesting products helps with the prices, advantages
a computer instructor. I am a Dear Sir, and disadvantages of products.
regular reader of CHIP and I really In the June 2010 issue I was able to Then the report on 'Behind the
appreciate the effort you put into learn about two very interesting scenes of movies' in the May 2010
coming up with this wonderful products in section New Products CHIP Plus was amazing. Dr CHIP and
magazine. I never forget to buy Launched. First the Datawind Tips & Tricks help very much.
your magazine from the market. I affordable surfing device, and then I have a small request for stories
really like the Hands On workshops the D-Link Nano Wi-Fi adapter. I on the features and installation
and Tips and Tricks. I have one big would be grateful if you provide a process of some good programs
request you. I am facing a problem review of the Datawind device. I that used in Ubuntu Linux. last once
with system maintenance since we remember that in one edition of again thank you for the valuable,
have around 52 computers in the CHIP, Wi-Fi routers were compared. updated information.
computer lab and a total of 100 Similarly, if you do a comparison – KRISHNA PRASAD M

PERSONAL TECH
IF YOU DO HAVE PRIVILEGED INTERNET ACCESS

AT WORK, TRY NOT TO ABUSE IT. EVERYONE ELSE
MIGHT GET CUT OFF TOO.
JAMSHED AVARI, DEPUTY EDITOR
LOW BANDWIDTH
T
his year’s football world cup seemed to for those whose work demanded access. Top
pass with less than the usual fanfare, bosses have no such restrictions, and a few
which I with my lifelong indifference even have private cellular Internet access
to the sport, greatly appreciated. I did dongles for their laptops. It’s a fairly common
tune out when the trickle status updates turned situation across offices, but according to him,
into floods of anguished/triumphant/defiant there are no checks and balances regarding
ALL-CAPS YELLS!!!, and thankfully the desire to who needs YouTube and who doesn’t. As a
bludgeon some rabid sports fan only came every result, some use fl imsy excuses with the IT
100th time up I heard that damned Shakira department and then waste their time and the
caller tune. I've emerged with my sanity, but office’s bandwidth watching funny videos all
judging by the stories I’ve heard this past month, day. These are the ones, he says, who then
not everyone was as lucky. enjoy gathering folks around their desks to
A bunch of friends and colleagues in show off videos of interesting moments while
various offices around the country had to put their frustrated cubicle neighbors wait eons for
up with replay YouTube videos constantly a simple search results page to load.
playing at loud volume on various parts of The issue he raises is interesting:
their office floors. Even fans who’d stayed up YouTube and other high-bandwidth sites are
at night watching the match, started getting restricted for a reason. Yet people who are
annoyed by all the noise around them, but granted access don’t respect the fact that
for some reason, the world cup gave everyone it’s a privilege, and are tempted to use it
the license to disturb others! Perhaps it has indiscriminately. So shouldn’t offices take this
to do with crowd mentality. In ordinary into account, and simply suspend all such
situations, one person wouldn’t start playing a privileges during periods of expected misuse?
loud song or video in the middle of an office. Doing this every few months also provides
If he didn’t immediately get shushed, others the perfect excuse to force individuals and
would at least come to see what was going departments to reapply for access, ensuring the
on or glare disapprovingly. In this situation, list is fresh and the reasons are genuine. In an
chances are there was already a group of ideal world, we’d all be able to monitor social
people animatedly recapping some fine point media, stream videos, run VoIP conversations
of the match or the other, probably with and use every rich app out there. But
someone challenging someone else’s judgment, every person’s usage does add up, and few
and leading naturally to YouTube for evidence companies can scale their bandwidth expenses
to settle the debate. The group approval is to such levels for every single user.
already built in, so self-imposed protocol Whether football is in season or not,
checks go out the window and the speakers workplace etiquette demands that those
get cranked up with no thought to anyone else wasting time at least do so with headphones
who might be within range. on. And companies looking to cut their service
One friend in particular had another grouse bills ought to take regular audits to check that
because of the situation. YouTube is technically resources aren’t being wasted.
banned in his office, with a few exceptions - [email protected]

Chip Aug10

Uploaded by

Chip Aug10

Uploaded by

AUGUST 2010 • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 9 • Rs 150

T products and following through on promises, you’ll just fall flat

It’s difficult to comment on the justifiability of claims that the

Maybe Apple understimated the amount of trust buyers have in it, or

INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP 08/2010 3

NEWSWIRE TEST CENTER FEATURED

14 New Products Launched 24 Hardware Tested 62 Fast and Furious

18 Science on the Move 40 Software Spotlight 69 HD or SD? You Decide

43 Software Tested 74 Be a Social Media Manager

52 Laptop Configs 76 Banking on the Move

78 Caution! Kids Online

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HANDS ON UNWIND REGULARS

90 Wi-Fi For Dummies 106 International Cricket 2010

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX For any Trade queries

Asia IT Expo 91 Subject: LETTERS

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DANGER BAROMETER IN THE NEWS...

security vendor BitDefender. IRS

THE PHISHING-WORLD CHAMPIONS

people were the FIFA world 4.80% Trojan.Clicker.CM

WEB INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LIFE SECURITY

Google Me, Games Cathay Pacific to Hardcover books Videocon D2H

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WEB WEB GEEK CULTURE

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NEW PRODUCTS LAUNCHED

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Science on the move

dip it in a beaker that contains water. As the temperature

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something that this machine is good at, has never

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ASUS EEEPC 1201N

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OLYMPUS TOUGH 3000

meters, which we actually tested, and it to other mid-range cameras. At Rs RATINGS

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CANON IXUS 105

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CASIO EXILIM Z550

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PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER

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The 5 megapixel camera is equipped with dual LED

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ZEN S10 DUAL SIM

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SONY ERICSSON XPERIA

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MSI BIG BANG XPOWER

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ARTIS S-DUAL USB FM

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BELKIN PLAY MAX

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SMALL FORM FACTOR PC

PANACHE BLACK CURRENT 2.0

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EXTERNAL STORAGE POWER SUPPLY UNIT USB HUB

SEAGATE FREEAGENT CORSAIR AX1200 ROCCAT APURI

SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS

T he Seagate GoFlex Desk kit is a

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USB FLASH DRIVE WEBCAM WIRELESS MOUSE

PATRIOT XPORTER MINI TAG 20 MP WEB CAM TARGUS WIRELESS

SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS

RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS

M easuring just 1.6 inches, this

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CUSTOM PRINT PACKAGES: This feature

PHOTO MANAGEMENT TOOL

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VIDEOPAD VIDEO EDITOR