Asus Zenbook UX31

 Want a laptop that's a wafer-thin square of aluminium with more power and storage than a MacBook Air, but for £400 less? That's the promise of the Zenbook, one of the first notebooks to meet lntel's full Ultra book spec.

From a distance, it could easily be mistaken for an Air, but the Zenbook is shinier, more industrial and not as smartly dressed, with a mismatched lid and body. That said, the build quality is spectacular. It's cold to the touch, at least at first - beryllium alloy heatpipes under the skin turn the case into a giant heatsink for the CPU. This means it warms up around most of its surface area when in use, without developing a hot spot when you use it on your lap for a while.

The Zen book uses Intel's HD graphics for 30 rendering, which means it's tuned for high-speed video editing at HD resolutions and can run new games, albeit at very low graphics settings. It's just a shame that the high-resolution screen is pale and lacking in contrast. Asus' flattery of the MacBook Air continues in the pricing- there's also an 11in model for E850 – but this Core i7 model offers exceptional performance and value.

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Posted in america , Asus , Asus Zenbook UX31 , computer , europe , laptop , NES 2012 , notebook , ultrabook , usa , Zenbook UX31

Samsung Series 9

 The uniquely sculpted body of Samsung's Series 9 isn't just elegant, it's the thinnest.
The difference between this and the Vaio is fractions of a millimetre, though, so it had better have something else to distinguish itself. The good news is that it does.

The screen, for starters, is so bright it can be used in direct sunlight, and there's a good six hours of charge in the battery, which puts it a close  second to the Sony in terms of how long you can use it for.
The 900X3A was launched a little while ago, though, and newer rivals such as the Asus Zenbook have since emerged with better and faster processors for the same price. If all you do is surf the web and read spreadsheets, you may never notice the difference. But compare its performance in anything more processor- intensive, such as video encoding or gaming, and it will become apparent. Not that the Samsung isn't up to these tasks - it's just that the others will outperform it.

While this is a nice- looking machine, it feels flimsy next to the Zenbook and Air. There's a bit of give in the plastic keyboard, which serves as a reminder that it is possible to go further than is healthy with those weight -loss programs.

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Posted in america , computer , europe , laptop , NES 2012 , Samsung , Samsung Series 9 , Series 9 , ultrabook , usa

Acer Aspire S3

With a bladelike body, bright screen and a Core i7 processor, the Aspire S3 has almost everything you'd want in an Ultrabook. But its big selling point is its price. On the face of it, you get pretty much what you get with the Sony, plus just over a thousand pounds. For the Ultrabook to become the computer of the next decade, there will need to be more laptops like this.

That doesn’t quite tell the whole story, though, because the S3 isn't without drawbacks. Its body is plasticky, and while it may not look cheap, neither does it have the super-sleek design kudos of the Zenbook or Air. Similarly, the screen is decent enough but lacks the pixel density and exceptional colour performance of its peers. 

Compared to almost any other Windows notebook, the S3 would be an out and out winner. But the standard of competition for Ultrabooks is outrageously high already, and things are only going to get better. However, Acer may have one more card to play: right now, the extra £90 for an equivalent Zenbook is well worth paying, but the S3 has fallen in price by £100 in less than two months since launch. If it continues to drop like that it will become a far more convincing proposition.

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Posted in Acer , acer aspire s3 , america , aspire , computer , europe , intel core , laptop , s3 , Sony , ultrabook , usa , windows , zenbook

Sony Vaio Z

Thin and light often means slow and shoddy when it comes to 3D processing, but the Valo Z confounds that expectation.

It doesn't meet the full set of specs lntel requires to use the Ultrabook branding, but it has something none of its rivals do: a plug- in graphics card that gives it the power of a desktop PC when docked. The dock uses a proprietary connector that combines both the Thunderbolt technology used in Apple's MacBooks and a USB3.0- compatible port. Hook it up and it takes the role of charger, Blu-ray player and graphics card. The AMD HD6550M inside the dock won't run Battlefield 3 in super HO, but it's exponentially better than the lntel HD3000 graphics that feature in the laptop itself (and every other machine tested here), making the Vaio a viable desktop replacer.

The rest of the Vaio is less exciting, however. The carbon fibre body may make it lighter than the metal Zenbook, but it feels flimsy and unstable with it. That might not matter if it weren't so expensive, but you can buy a MacBook Air and a proper gaming desktop PC for less. Which means that, impressive as it is, the Vaio remains off - limits to people with only one house.

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Posted in 3D , amd , america , computer , europe , laptop , macbook , pc , Sony , Sony Vaio Z , ultrabook , usa , Vaio , Z

Canon EOS C300

 Having already rocked Hollywood with its HD SLRs, Canon's gone pro with this SLR lens-using movie camera. But is it just a glorified EOS SD Mk 11?

ElectroFocus (EF) lenses for your DSLR, you'll be pleased to hear the C300 uses the same EF mount. Like a DSLR it can also capture metadata, so you'll have a record of the lens used, aperture and shutter speed. A PL -mount version is available for use with more t raditional movie camera lenses. While both say 'EOS' on them, they won't even shoot stills- these are digital cinema cameras through and through.

Much like RED's modular cameras, which Peter Jackson is currently using to shoot The Hobbit, the C300 is designed as a starting point. lt's up to you which lens you use and whether you want to add a handle, grip or video monitor. There are even four start/ stop buttons so there's always one handy for whichever way you hold it.

Inside the C300 is an 8.29MP CMOS sensor that's equivalent to shooting on Super 35 (the film format first used by James Cameron in The Abyss). lt captures full HO video - not the 4K of competitors, despite that being the resolution of its sensor- at 24 frames per second in the Hollywood approved MPEG-2 and MXF formats. To underline its pro credentials, it doesn't support autofocus or auto exposure. This ain't no Flip Video- it'll require real skill to operate.

By its self, the body of the C300 looks a bit like a chubby version of Canon's own SO Mk 11. That might sound bulky but compared to most movie cameras it's positively miniature. Add a similarly low-profile lens and you've got a seriously maneuvrable bit of kit.

The C300 is designed for professionals, but that doesn't mean it 's without its techy trinkets. Add a WFT - E6B wireless transmitter and the C300 can be controlled remotely through the web browser of a smart phone or tablet.

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Posted in america , C300 , camera , Canon , Canon EOS C300 , dslr , EOS , europe , HD , usa , video

GoPro HD Hero 2

For most people, walking the tightrope of food hygiene by slightly undercooking an egg is as exciting as daily life gets. There is, however, a group who don't feel alive unless they kick a wolf in the lungs at least once a week. The worldproof Go Pro HD Hero 2 is for them. Mountable almost anywhere and with an 11MP sensor that shoots 1080p video at 30fps, the HD Hero 21s also now compatible with wireless controllers. Handy if you've got your hands full in the kitchen.

Price:  465 $.

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Posted in america , camera , europe , GoPro , GoPro HD Hero 2 , HD , HD Hero 2 , hero , usa

Samsung UE55D8000 – TV of the year

When we say a TV is ‘’beyond sexy’’, we mean one of twothings: either that it’s a beautifully designed, and has an exquisite pictureand an impressive roster of smart TV apps, or that someone has slipped somethinginto our drink and put your favorite movie on. The D8000 sits in the firstcategory: a silver-edged rectangle of televisual brilliance, it employs allkinds of dark magic to buff the picture on its screen. And although it’s sothin that it barely exists on one axis, it’ll make your 3D games and Blu-rayslook more convincing than almost any other telly will. Then there’s the USB recording,the media streaming and online video capabilities, the iOS and Android controlapps…

Price: 3865 $

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Posted in 3D , 55D8000 , africa , america , asia , australia , blu-ray , D8000 , europe , LED tv , Samsung , smart tv , television , TV , UE55D8000 , usa , usb

SONY PS3 3D DISPLAY

Around 1% ofPS3s are currently connected to 3D TVs - a travesty that Sony hopes to rectify withthis sleek monitor. But while it does 3D, it's the PS3 3D Display's two player talentsthat piqued our interest.

You get two pairs of active 30 glassesin the box -a hint that this is a screen that you're supposed to enjoy in thecompany of another, using the genius SimuiView tech . The specs are lighterthan earlier Sony efforts, making it easy to forget you're wearing them, andthey're universal, so you can use them with other active sets. Plus they charge quickly: each minute gives anhour of action, up to a maximum of 30hours.

Even without the PlayStation logo onthe front it'd be obvious that this monitor is designed to partner a PS3. Itsdistinctive curved edges and glossy finish looked great next to both our chunkyold testing console and our modern slimline one. The uniform blackness alsomakes the 241n screen look biggerthan it is, and it sucks you into the action effectively. it's a mightyslim unit, too.

Monitors and small TVs rarely havegreat sound, so Sony deserves props for attempting to buck the trend with abuilt-in 2.1 system. The Integrated subwoofer may not fill out audio a hugeamount, but effects and voices emerge dearly, so you'll always hear NathanDrake's witty I annoying quips when playing Uncharted 3.

The PS3 Display has all the specs tomake games look great, especially in 3D. Some high-end displays produceslightly deeper pictures, but the Sony strikes a perfect balance betweendramatic depth and image control, In that there's almost no crosstalk ordouble- imaging.

Price:  705 $

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Posted in 3D , america , console , display , europe , gaming , play station 3 , PS3 , Romania , Sony , SONY PS3 3D DISPLAY , usa

Samsung gets Its Chat ON

Perhaps in an attempt to build some bridges,Samsung's new ChatON app allows you to send free BBM-style messages between Androidphones, BlackBerrys and even iPhones.  ltalso allows you to share your location, send videos and pies or hold groupchats.

Source: Stuff Magazine

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Posted in america , chat , chat on , europe , Samsung , smart phone , UK , usa

O2 extends 4G trials

The future's bright forthe UK's mobile phone network- but it's nothing to do with Orange. O2 has extendedits trials of 4G internet. With a lucky group in London experiencing downloadspeeds of up to 50Mbps, although once it reaches the rest of the country speedsare more likely to be around the 10-15Mbps mark.


Source: Stuff Magazine

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Posted in 4g , america , europe , extend , mobile , o2 , trials , UK , usa

Pure takes to the Highway

Pure's 300Di in-car digital radio (£180,pure.com) is a discreet little head unit that controls a box of tricks hidden behindthe scenes. With the ability to time-shift live radio for 15 minutes andcontrol an iPhone or USB drive, you'll never have to endure an inane drive-timeDJ again.

Source: Stuff Magazine

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Posted in 300di , america , europe , highway , news , pure , Pure 300di , radio , UK , usa

Samsung Star II

Samsung Star’s successor will soon be launched in the Indian market. Star II (S5260) takes the helm from Samsung’s 30 million seller Star phone and brings the same social networking friendliness plus some improved features.

Star II runs on Samsung’s proprietary OS and features 3-inch WQVGA screen, TouchWiz UI 3.0, 3.2MP camera, Bluetooth, 1000mAh battery, QuickType T9 Trace keyboard, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD card slot and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n.

As we said, the Star II comes with a 3.0-inch touchscreen, which is now capacitive in contrast to the resistive one on the original Star. With a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels and 256K colors, the screen is slightly below average, but that's what you get for such a price. The visibility outside and the viewing angles are decent, though. Underneath the display are the call and end buttons, flanking the larger menu key in the center.

The silver sidelining of the Star II houses most of its other buttons. It includes the volume rocker on the left, while on the right are the microSD slot with support for up to 16GB of memory, and the power/lock key. The top part holds a microUSB charging slot with a protective lid, and the 3.5mm audio jack. Pretty standard, the only thing that really caught us is the microSD slot, which is comfortably positioned on the side and easily accessible without the need to remove the battery.

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Posted in america , europe , microsd , Samsung , smart phone , Star II , usa , wi-fi

Canon 1DX

If a burgeoning collection oflnstagram snaps on your smart phone has got you convinced you're the nextRankin (and you have a bank balance to match) then Canon's latest top-end snapperis the tool for your new trade. The numbers speak for themselves- an 18.1MPfull-frame sensor, ISO up to 51,200, 61-point autofocus, 1080p video and super-fast 12fps shooting make it a Jack of all trades- although if it turns out thatyou're a master of none, you're probably better off sticking with lnstagram.

Price: 8.300 $

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Posted in 1080p , 18 MP , 1DX , america , camera , canada , Canon , europe , Full HD , usa