Chip Dec11

DECEMBER 2011 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1 Rs 200
PRAYAS
12
11
Empowerment
through technology
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MAN VS MACHINE
SPECIAL
EDITION
How close are we

to true artificial
intelligence?
TECH MYTHS
DEBUNKED
Putting all the
rumors to rest
BLUESTACKS
Gadget Shopping for 2012
Run Android
apps on your
Windows PC!
THE FUTURE OF CPUs
| 5 Android Tablets and 15 Graphics Cards | Run Android apps on Windows
Fundamental shifts
are about to
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ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR BUYING

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AMD FX-8150 Black Edition

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EDITORIAL
Looking to the future

hat a year its been for technology! Apart from the usual hardware and
software refreshes, 2011 has seen a number of major shifts in the way people
buy, use and think of tech products. Android has zoomed to the top of the
charts, tablets have become a serious category in the market, ARM has
become a force to reckon with, cloud-based services are attracting ordinary consumers,
and mobile apps are making tons of money. Online censorship has become a huge
concern, social media has demonstrated its power through wars and peaceful protests,
and some of the biggest hacks and security breaches in memory have taken place. Here
in India local brands have found success with their ventures into phone and gadget
manufacturing, 3G is driving mobile Internet adoption, and even multinational
conglomerates are spending time and money on research into the needs of people
outside the usual urban markets. Further afield, the ongoing hard drive crisis is having
disastrous effects throughout the industry, patent-related lawsuits are being filed all
over the planet, and the fundamental freedoms that the Internet infrastructure grants
us are being eroded in the name of security. Weve been tracking developments in the
field and analyzing the ways in which they affect us throughout the year, and are already
studying trends that will shape 2012.
At the end of last year, we took a look at some of the most interesting research
projects going on, and predicted that each of them would have a breakout moment in
2011. LightPeak, now known as Thunderbolt, has found considerable success even in the
niche Macintosh market to which it is currently confined2012 will see a mainstream
breakout. We looked at research into many-core parallel processors, and as predicted,
Intel has made huge strides with its Knights Corner 50-core processor which is already
headed to a new generation of supercomputers. Memristors are an exciting new kind of
storage component, but while significant progress has been made on developing them,
it might be another year or more before they will become commercial products. We
examined hybrid display panel technology that would not require power to maintain a
static image on screen. While these arent commercial yet either, theyve been
demonstrated in action and panel self-refresh should become quite the buzzword
next year (along with massively improved battery life in portable devices). Finally, we
looked at gesture-based input and 3D without glasses. Microsofts Kinect effort has
paid off in unimaginably diverse waysapplications for everything from robot-assisted
surgery to virtual clothes fittings have been created. Motion wont replace our
keyboards and mice anytime soon, but its going to be a huge part of our
interactions with machines in the near future.
In this issue, we bring you another kind of look into the futurethe status
of artificial intelligence. While robots today can register sensory inputs just as
well as humans, it's the way our brain processes them that still sets us apart.
We've also got expert views on the future of humancompute interaction,
and an examination of what lies in store for CPUs, the most fundamental
building blocks of all our computers and gadgets.
Here's wishing everyone a happy new year!
Jamshed Avari
editor@chip.in
Contents
DECEMBER 2011
94 COVER STORY
Step into the new year with all-new gear! You won't be caught unprepared
after reading this gadget shopping guide.
NEWSWIRE
16 In the News...
A look at what's making news in the world of
technology.
22 The Buzz List

The people, products and innovations that have
got the tech world talking.
28 Empowerment Through
Technology
How Project Prayas is using the iPad to aid the
differently abled.
30 Technology for Everyone

How the gadgets we take for granted can be
adapted for the disabled and tech novices.
32 Digitally-equipped Tourism
The next time you visit the Taj Mahal, you can
carry your own digital tour guide with you.
TEST CENTER
36 Product Spotlight
Is the Alienware M14X the baddest 14-inch
gaming laptop around?
38 Hardware Tested
The latest PC hardware, mobile phones, digital
cameras and more, tested and rated.
60 Wallet-friendly and Powerful

We test and compare 15 of the top graphics
cards priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000.
68 10-inch Wonders
We group test five 10-inch Android-based
tablets and tell you which one's the best.
72 Software Spotlight
A comprehensive system utility suite to keep
your PC in good health.
74 Software Tested
Everything from recovery tools and system
utilities to video and image editors.
12/2011
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP
FEATURED
94 Gadget Shopping for 2012
Step into the new year with a bag full of new
gear! CHIP gives you eight simple steps for
buying anything you want.
111 Man vs Machine

Despite scientific advances, we don't have to
worry about being replaced by robots just yet.
124 Powerchips for 2012

Chips with new transistors and mobile CPUs
with four cores will give us double the power.
128 Google's Clean-up Act

Google has made some noticeable changes to a
few of its most popular products.
2011
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DECEMBER 2011
09
11
.chip
www
Contents
MBER
SEPTE
s
step
is just
ware
Hard the story.
half
SUBSCRIBE
SU
UBSC
CRIBE NOW
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Turn to page 42
36 TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
The latest hardware reviewed.
3
DVDS
DVDS
S
Ubuntu 11.10 Live DVD
154 UNWIND
TECH DETOX
Are you getting burnt out
by your gadgets?
72 TEST CENTER
SOFTWARE SPOTLIGHT
TuneUp Utilities 2012
HANDS ON
134 Dr CHIP
Our in-house expert helps you out with your
computing woes.
140 Run Android Apps in

Windows
We show you how you can test and use
Android apps on a Windows-based system.
144 Relocate Your Applications

Move installed applications from one driver to
another without uninstalling.
146 Tips N Tricks

Some useful tweaks and hidden application
features you may not know about.
12/2011
UNWIND
154 Tech Detox: Knowing When
to Cut the Cord
Too much of anything is harmful, and
technology is no different.
156 Intel's Secret Weapon

Genevieve Bell is quietly revolutionizing the
way the tech giant thinks about its business.
160 Technology Myths Debunked

Myths are commonplace in the tech world.
Here is the truth behind some of the common
ones.
REGULARS
04 Editorial, 10 Colophon, 12 Letters,
16 In the News..., 22 The Buzz List,
24 New Products Launched, 88 PC Configs,
130 Web Watch, 134 Dr CHIP, 146 Tips &
Tricks, 163 Market Watch, 175 Contests,
178 Personal Tech
COLOPHON
FOUNDER & EDITOR, NETWORK18

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Published by Lakshmi Narasimhan and printed by Mohan Gajria on behalf of Infomedia18 Ltd.
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LETTERS
STAR
ER
LETT
th's winner
INBOX
This mon cool

gets a set
accessories
Next month's Star Letter wins

accessories set (worth Rs 5,000)
Don't bl
blame the tools
ols
Hi CHIP
First, congrats to Jamshed Avari for the Polestar award. He deserves it. In this November
issue of CHIP I read a small article titled Indian parents worry about childrens exposure
wa to ask you whats wrong if teenagers join social networks. I think they
online. I want
t know the different applications of social sites, especially Facebook with
will come to
Timel
its Timeline.
Teenagers might aspire to develop such apps in the future. They can
lear new technologies and may become geeks. They learn topics from videos
also learn
YouT
that YouTube
provides, and they also could also be gamers. There is nothing wrong
in becom
becoming a gamer, as we saw recently that Nvidia hosted one of the biggest
gaming events in Mumbai. Of course parents should watch out if children are
visiting porn sites. Accept that there is nothing wrong in using the Internet or
joining social networks.
RAVI SETA, RAJKOT
Hi Rav
Ravi,
Tha
T
nk for your wishes! The award was a great honour but readers' letters like
Thanks
y
you
ours are even more gratifying. With regards to social networking, there is
yours
n
otthin
h
nothing
wrong with such websites and services per se, and at no point did we
me
m
ean to suggest that there was. Still, parents are advised to make sure they
mean
tteach
e ch their children how to use them responsibly. Teenagers need to understand
eac
th sec
the
security risks that come with social networking, such as giving out personal
detail
d
etailss to
t strangers
details
strangers, falling victim to scams and peer pressure, unknowingly posting
embarrassing photos, and participating

participat
in or being the target of cyber bullying. Parents are generally advised to
track their pre-teen childrens' Web usage and guide them, just as they would with any offline activity.
Similarly, gaming is a healthy activity that can help develop childrens' motor skills, coordination, strategy,
and personality. As with anything else, an excessive amount of gaming can become unhealthy. If anything cuts
into time that should be prioritized elsewhere, parents have the right to lay down rules. They should also be
aware whether or not their children are playing games suitable for their age groups.
Regards,
TEAM CHIP
Sachin Pandit
Resistance to change
jailbroken iPod touch and it is great.
pirated, it can delete the partition
Hey CHIP,
Many people do not know the pros
table and render the HDD unusable.
I have been an avid reader of CHIP
and cons of jailbreaking and do not
Is this true? I also feel that it would
since May 2011. Even though my
know to do it correctly and end up
be useful if you could release a
parents scold me for reading CHIP
bricking their device. Moreover, it
story on computer OSes like
instead of doing my work, there is
was recently made legal.
Windows and the various releases
something that makes me read it as
CONTACT INFO
Please send your

letters to:
editor@chip.in
with "LETTERS" in
the subject line
12/2011
of Linux like Fedora, OpenSuse,
soon as it arrives. I want to thank
install Windows 7 because they are
Ubuntu, etc.
Team CHIP for doing an EXTREMELY
not used to it. It is also a genuine
Regards,
wonderful job. Your article about
version (I got it from my friend). I
the Mobile OSes last month was
have tried it on different systems
great. It was also very informative.
and I love it, mainly because of the
Hi Dinesh,
Anyway, I have I have a few
refreshed interface. Can you give
Thanks for your letter and words of
suggestions. Why don't you release
me some reasons to convince my
encouragement! We are looking into
an article about jailbreaking on
parents please!
the pros and cons of jailbreaking and
different platforms? I have a
12
My parents do not allow me to
I heard that if Windows 7 is
DINESH KUMAR L N
modifying various types of devices,
LETTERS
and I think you'll be happy with
SMS US
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Hi CHIP,
I am proud to be a reader of a
technology magazine with a heart.
parents, it might be a good idea to
THE SMARTEST
slowly introduce them to Windows 7.

Take them to a store where they can
You guys have been trying to bring

to notice the technology made for
physically challenged people (Blind
try it out on a display machine.

Assure them that nothing will be
with Camera and If Looks Could
Hardware is just
half the story.
lost, deleted, or otherwise negatively
Control). I congratulate you for
affected (and make sure you back up
bringing these things to our notice.
thoroughly before starting the
I've come across some products

aimed at the rural market, which is
process!). Are you still using XP?

Mainstream supports and updates
To rate a story, product

review, etc look out for the
story tag at the base of each
article and type:
ICCO <Story tag> <Rating>
Example: ICCO PWS 5
Magazine with heart
NOVEMBER 2011 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 12 Rs 150
what we have planned in a few
REVIEWED
Asus Eee Pad Slider
Lenovo IdeaCentre B320
ended in 2009, and critical updates
Samsung Galaxy Tab 750
COMPARISON TESTS
10 A75 & A55 Motherboards
for AMD's A-series Fusion APUs
Canon IXUS 310 HS

HTC Radar
won't be released after 2014. A
Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray
10 Multifunction Printers
for homes or small offices
BlackBerry Bold 9900
comparatively new to laptops,

tablets, smartphones, etc (greCO).
Also, the detailing you give in your
reviews is unmatchable! Kudos to
genuine copy of Windows 7 will be

eligible for all updates and security
find any competition for the Apple
the editor and to team CHIP for
patches, which is a huge reason to
iPad until I saw the Aakash Ubislate
bringing such technology to us in an
upgrade. Newer software won't be
7 tablet. I found this a competitor
easy, readable, digestible way!
usable with XPmany programs
because of its price: a tablet for
already insist on at least Service
only Rs 3,000 and for students its
Pack 3. Make a list of all the
only Rs 1,200. I can imagine that
Timely intervention
hardware that you'll need drivers for
soon everyone will be buying this
Hi CHIP,
and all the things your parents are
thing as it offers an unlimited
I was going to buy a motherboard
used to doing with the computer.
Internet plan for only Rs 98/month
and I would have purchased the one
Make sure that suitable equivalents
and it has a USB port too. This could
with the highest price, but after
are available and acceptable to
transform the education system and
reading your Spec Scan I got a
themfor example, IE6 on XP, they'll
increase the app market in India.
better and cheaper one. Now I want
DINESH KUMAR L N
have to get used to IE9 which looks
-SYED ATHER ABBAS
to know if an AMD Phenom II X6

1100T is better than an Intel Core i7
quite different. The point is for them
2600K ?
to experience minimal disruption. If
Hi Naveen,
you have enough hard drive space,
Tablets are definitely getting more
you can always install Windows 7
popular, but it might not be accurate
and leave XP as a backup, which
to say the Aakash is competition for
Hi Subhash,
they can turn to if anything goes
the iPad. They exist for very
The Phenom II X6 1100T is
amiss.
different purposes, and even though
significantly slower than the Core i7-
the Aakash is extraordinarily
2600K, but also a great deal more
cannot do what youve described,
affordable, you can't expect it to be
affordable. The X6 is more closely
but they will leave you open to
able to do all the things an iPad can.
matched against Intel's Core i5-
security holes that could allow
Be sure you know exactly what you
2500K, which still offers much
viruses to compromise your data.
want out of the tablet you buyand
better value for the money. Before
Regards,
if possible, wait till you have the
making the final decision, add up the
chance to spend some hands-on time
prices of each CPU with its matching
with the Aakash. Demand is going to
motherboard and compare the totals
Aakash dreams
be extremely high, and initial stocks
- sometimes the difference in
Hi CHIP
will be used for the Government's
motherboard prices can equalize the
This is Naveen A M from Janakpuri.
various educational schemes, so
difference in cost between an Intel
I am a very big fan of your
don't expect to be able to buy one
and AMD CPU.
magazine. Even with the escalation
for a few months at least.
Regards,
Pirated versions of Windows
TEAM CHIP
of the tablet wars, I was unable to
- SUBHASH YADAV
- TEAM CHIP
- TEAM CHIP
WRITE TO US!
CUSTOMER CARE
Readers' letters, feedback and suggestions: editor@chip.in (Subject: LETTERS)
Late delivery, DVD malfunctions, and all subsciption

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Industry representatives: editor@chip.in

Marketing and sponsorship enquiries: marketing@chip.in
Dr CHIP: drchip@chip.in
Tips and Tricks: tnt@chip.in
14
12/2011
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NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS
IN THE NEWS...
DANGER PREDICTION
Attackers bet on
social networks
to carry out their
phishing attacks.
Ignore mails from
unknown users,
and don't click on
suspicious links.
COMPILED BY JAMSHED AVARI
BUSINESS
Flooding in Thailand leads to global shortage of hard

drives; prices skyrocket and PC sales stall
HOW VIRUSES REACH PCs

Via user
interaction
45%
USB auto run
26%
Network
auto run
17%
Via available
loopholes
3%
Password
hack
2%
Office
macros
The record ooding that has hit Thailand in
to satisfy shoppers this Christmas, putting
the past few months has killed hundreds of
a damper on what is usually the most
people, left thousands homeless, destroyed
protable season of the year in markets
ancient monuments and left the country's
around the globe. Stocks could dry up as
industries in shamblesand is going to have
early as November. Analysts project that
a huge effect on the global supply of hard
supplies will remain constrained till well into
drives this holiday season.
2012, recovering fully only by the second
Western Digital, Toshiba and Seagate have
0.3%
Almost half of all users allow malware onto

their PCs by downloading and running
malicious software themselves.
Source: Microsoft
WINNING AGAINST SPAM

90
Rustock botnet
deactivated
half of the coming year.
major manufacturing facilities in Thailand, all
With various sectors of the tech industry
of which have become inundated with water.
consolidating manufacturing operations over
With stocks dwindling and no new drives
the past decade, localized natural disasters
being manufactured, supplies have dwindled
are a huge risk for the entire supply chain.
and prices have already risen by between
The only upside will be increased demand for
60 and 180 percent. A shortfall of around
solid-state storage, although SSDs are still
48 million units is expected for the fourth
relatively high priced at far lower capacities,
quarter of 2011. As a result, PC vendors will
and ash manufacturers have nowhere near
be unable to ship enough PCs and laptops
enough volume to supply the entire market.
Cutwall
botnet
deactivated
50
CENSORSHIP
0
07/10
12/10
06/11
As against last year, the number of spam mails

sent worldwide sank by 64 billion. The reason:
two gigantic botnets have been destroyed
Source: Microsoft
FIGURE OF THE MONTH
200m
Android devices have been activated to
date, with 550,000 more each day
Source: Google
16
12/2011
Will Pakistan be able to ban SMS "obscenity"?

In an effort to crack down on perceived
per day is a huge technological challenge, and
obscenity circulating via SMS, the Pakistan
people stand to be inconvenienced if they
Telecommunication Authority has published a
have to remember the entire list, or risk their
list of over 1,500 words and phrases which
messages not going through.
operators will be expected to ban. The move,
Of course, creative spellings will defeat
now deferred, was initially met with ridicule
the ban, and protestors have already started
due to the inclusion of innocuous phrases
simply replacing swear words with their
like "Jesus Christ" and common words like
numerical values in the list, for amusement.
"harder" which are barely obscene even in
Others have blogged about the government's
certain contexts. The more pressing matter,
list actually increasing their vocabularies. On
however, will be whether or not such a ban
the other hand, human rights activists are up
is technically feasible. Even the list of words
in arms about the restrictions on free speech
is edited, ltering millions of text messages
and increasing prevalence of moral policing.
SMS us! Story code: NSN to 51818
NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS
SECURITY
NEW SECURITY
RISKS DETECTED
AND PATCHED
VMWARE VSPHERE
A configuration setting in a third-party
Web server component of the VMware
Update Manager allows for remote
directory traversal, potentially
allowing unauthorized access to
systems.
SOLUTION: A patch is available. Users
can download vCenter Server 4.1
Update 2 from the company's website.
SECURITY
SECURITY
Facebook blames browsers for

allowing huge porn spam attack
App Store flaw

allows malware
A huge wave of
Apple's famous "walled garden"
pornographic and
around the iOS app store was
otherwise offensive
shown to have a shocking
spam hit Facebook in
vulnerability that allowed
early November, ooding
almost any code to be added
some users' walls with
to a program after it had
graphic images, videos
passed through the company's
and links. The social
verication process. This
network, however, says
would have allowed innocent-
it isn't to blamebecause
looking apps to be turned
a fundamental weakness in the way Web browsers handle
into entry points for malicious
JavaScript allowed the attacks to happen in the rst place.
attacks after they are installed
Standard social engineering tricks and misleading posts were
on users' devices.
used to trick users into copying and pasting lines of code
The aw was discovered
into their browsers' address bars, which were then able
and publicized by noted
to interact with and control elements of the site without
security researcher Charlie
further user intervention. Facebook says that it acted
Miller, who demonstrated it by
diligently to detect unusual activity on users' pages, and
publishing a simple stock ticker
responded appropriately. Hacktivist collective Anonymous
app, which he later modied
is widely suspected to have been behind the attacks.
to steal personal data. Apple
Facebook later updated its blog to say it had identied the
released a x in iOS 5.0.1
perpetrators, but declined to publish its proof.
shortly thereafter.
SECURITY
SECURITY
ADOBE FLASH PLAYER

Critical vulnerabilities could cause
crashes on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux,
Solaris and Android, allowing a remote
attacker to take control of a computer.
SOLUTION: Users are advised to make
sure they have been automatically
upgraded to at least version
11.1.102.55. Users of Adobe AIR are
also affected, and should download
the update to version 3.1.0.4880.
Water plants attack in US, fears of Most dangerous:

cyber warfare spread
Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif has become the
"most dangerous celebrity in
Indian cyberspace", according
to McAfee research. She is
APPLE ITUNES
followed by Deepika Padukone,
iTunes 10.5 on Windows PCs could

allow malicious software to pose as a
system update, which users might
unsuspectingly execute.
SOLUTION: iTunes 10.5.1 now uses a
secure connection to check for
available updates.
Kareena Kapoor and Saif
MICROSOFT WINDOWS 7/
WINDOWS SERVER 2008
A security flaw in the Windows kernel
could allow denial of service attacks. A
user would have to execute a specially
modified TrueType font file, which
could arrive as an email attachment,
network share. The flaw is rated as
moderately severe.
SOLUTION: Windows Update will
automatically deliver a patch.
18
12/2011
Ali Khan in the company's

Two public waterworks utilities in Illinois and Texas, USA,
rankings. Criminals have been
have been attacked and tampered with in the past month.
using the names of popular
A hacker known only as "pr0f" has stepped forward to
actors and sportspeople to
take credit for the second incident, in which damage was
improve the search engine
not caused, terming it a wake-up call to authorities who
ranking of malicious websites.
denied the rst incident was malicious or indicative of
Fans who search for celebrity
weak national security. The attacks targeted weaknesses
names along with phrases such
in the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)
as hot pictures, screensavers,
equipment used by the facilities. "pr0f" has boasted that
and videos are often tricked
the Texas facility used a three-character password on
into clicking links to such
its human interface software, which is connected to the
websites, losing their personal
Internet and discoverable via easily available snifng tools.
information and becoming
was easily compromised. The SCADA equipment in question,
infected with viruses. 10.26
manufactured by Siemens, has come under criticism in the
percent of search results for
recent past for its vulnerabilities. The Illinois attack could
Kaif were risky websites,
still be considered an act of cyber terrorism.
according to McAfee.
NEWSWIRE
NEWS SNIPPETS
GADGETS
INTERFACES
INFRASTRUCTURE
Facebook phone Kinect is coming

rumored in 2012 to Windows 8
Revolutionary low-cost carrier offers

cell service over Wi-Fi in the US
Fresh speculation about a
Republic Wireless,
Facebook-branded phone
which bills itself
has emerged, with industry
as "the mobile
watchers claiming that the
network that runs
company will be forking
Kinect is coming to
on freedom", is
Android into a heavily
Windows 8, along with
launching in the
customized phone OS with
specialized hardware that
US with a unique
deepy integrated Facebook
will be optimized for desktop
value proposition
functions, and that a deal has
situations with users as
extraordinarily
already been struck with HTC
close as 40cm in front of
cheap voice and
as manufacturing partner.
the cameras. According to a
SMS fees, as long as subscribers agree to do most of their calling
Facebook itself continues
Microsoft blog, there will also
and texting over Wi-Fi, using their own connections, whether at
to assert that it is working
be a USB dongle to "improve
home or work. The cost is US$ 19 per month (approx Rs 950),
on all mobile platforms and
coexistence with other USB
and subscribers will be able to fall back on cellular networks as
developers across the industry.
peripherals". Improvements
and when Wi-Fi is unavailableupto a certain limit. The idea is
Competitors Microsoft, Google
to the speech and motion
that the Internet is a much faster and stronger network than any
and Apple already tout deep
tracking algorithms continue to
cellular network, and it's a waste of money to try and maintain
integration of their platforms'
be developed. The Kinect SDK
both. The service will require a specially modied Android
contact lists, IM and camera
has already been applied in
handsetthe company currently offers only one model. Republic
apps with their own social
the elds of medical imaging,
Wireless also recognizes that its service will only be useful to a
services, or with third parties
special needs education and
small set of people in urban areas right now, but if it takes off,
such as Twitter.
physical therapy.
it could revolutionize the telecom sector.
GADGETS
GADGETS
WEB
Kindle Phone
next year?
Tablet market to
consolidate?
Google shutters more services;

Logitech regrets Google TV project
Amazon might be planning
Digitimes, the
e
In addition to the
its own Kindle-branded
Taiwanese
previously announced
phone, according to analysts.
industry
closures of Google
Following the strong reception
e,
news service,
Wave, Gears and Labs,
of its Kindle Fire tablet, which
is reporting
Google has announced
signicantly undercuts the
that Dell, HP and Asus are
the end of Knol, its
iPad in price, Amazon could
considering an exit from
once-hyped Wikipedia
be exploring its chances of
the Android tablet business.
competitor. Knol
launching a device to compete
All three are traditional PC
was envisioned as a
with the iPhone. The Kindle
makers, and are struggling to
resource driven by
Fire already runs a heavily
differentiate their products in
human personalities,
customized fork of Android,
an increasingly commoditized
where contributors would be highlighted for their expertise and
which could be adapted for
market. The report cites the
would receive monetary compensation for their time and effort.
the suggested phone, giving
prospect of erce competiton
The move is unsurprising, since nothing new has been heard
the company a price advantage
from the likes of Amazon
about Knol in nearly a year. Another project getting the axe is
and differentiating factor.
and Barnes & Noble, who are
Renewable Energy Cheaper than Coal, an effort to focus scientic
Amazon also runs its own app
selling subsidized hardware
research on producing cheaper energy from renewable sources.
store already. Such a device
with clearly differentiated
would obviously tap into the
software, and have additional
despite a refresh to the GoogleTV software. Logitech further
Amazon store for music, video,
revenue streams in the form
cited the Revue as responsible for losses amounting to over
and books. The phone would
of content stores. However,
$100 million, including a $34m writeoff to clear excess revenue
launch in the second half of
the companies could still have
at discounted prices. With no big content partner in sight, Sony
2012, if the rumors are true.
plans for Windows 8 tablets.
is left as the only major brand selling a GoogleTV product.
20
12/2011
Meanwhile, Logitech has discontinued its Revue set-top box,
NEWSWIRE
BUZZ LIST
WEB
WEB
Adobe kills mobile Flash
.XXX domain panic
So was Apple
The new XXX top-level
right all along,
domain has been criticized by
or was it just
many for adding nothing of
mighty enough
value to the World Wide Web,
to bend reality
but its potential as a money-
to its will?
spinner was never in doubt.
Either way,
Apart from the thousands of
Flash for
pornographic websites that
mobile platforms is going nowhere, with Adobe officially
have rushed to claim their
discontinuing development and promising that Android 4.0 will be
names, a huge number of
the last major release to get its own Flash Player. Since the launch
commercial brands with no adult connotation whatsoever have
of the iPhone in 2007, Apple has been leading the charge that
also submitted applications, aimed at preventing their
Flash on mobile devices is just too much of a drain on CPU power
trademarks from being abused or misrepresented. The ICM
and battery life, without any benefits. The Web might not have
registry, which has overseen the "sunrise" period for registrations,
had many alternatives then, but HTML5 has become far more
has received over 80,000 applications so far. Once XXX domains
widespread today, making Flash much less relevant than it once
are available to the general public, anyone will be able to register
was. Hopefully, the move will discourage
one and squat on it. The demand for XXX
casual and unnecessary use of Flash, for
domains has far exceeded the demand for
instance in basic Website navigation bars

and buttons. On the downside, the Android
platform now loses one of its most widely
touted features, making it just a little bit
harder for phone and tablet makers to sell
their products against the iPhone and iPad.
HARDWARE
Batteries finally
evolving?
BUZZ
LIST
The simple lowdown on

what everyone's talking
about this month
.MOBI and .ASIA, which became available

last year. Assuming all adult websites
volunteer to switch over to XXX top-level
domains, Web filtering could become a bit
easier for network administrators and
concerned parents to manage.
LEGAL ISSUES
Personal data
and the law
Researchers at Northwestern University
Does an employee's
have been experimenting with graphene, the atomic-scale
personal Twitter account
wonder material that's been revolutionizing all kinds of products
become company
and processes. Batteries developed using the nanoscale
property when you leave,
composite material could hold up to 10 times as much power as
and can your followers be
conventional Lithium batteries do today, and would also charge
considered company
10 times as quickly. The composite allows for charged ions to flow
assets? That's the
directly through the
contention of one blog,
graphene layer, rather
Phonedog. The employee
than around it as in
in question, Noah Kravitz,
designs that have been
created the Twitter handle @Phonedog_Noah, which he changed
used till now. Clusters
to @noahkravits upon leaving. He says he created the account on
of silicon between the
his own initiative and tweeted about his work without any
graphene layers will
directive from the company, which had no social media policy or
increase the material's
accounts of its own. Now, Phonedog is laying claim to Kravitz's
ability to carry charged ions. Prototype batteries also fare better
17,000 followers, valuing each at US$ 2.50. Kravitz filed to have
in testing after multiple discharge cycles, which makes hem
the case dismissed, but since he used the brand in his Twitter
particularly important for electric vehicles. To come down in price
handle, a US court has decided that the case should proceed.
and gain more acceptance, the industry needs smaller, lighter
In another, unrelated case, an American couple has been
batteries that go longer between charges and don't degrade over
ordered to hand over their Facebook passwords to each others'
time. It could still take years for such batteries to hit the
lawyers as part of a divorce and child custody case, in order to
mainstream, but the effect on our lifestyles would be profound.
secure evidence posted online that was at risk of being deleted.
22
12/2011
SMS us! Story code: NBL to 51818
NEWSWIRE
NEW PRODUCTS LAUNCHED

SONY
Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android
Indian consumers.
Slim digital camera
smartphone or tablet from anywhere.
PRICE: TBA
WEBSITE: www.milagrow.in
One just needs to connect LinkStation

Live to the network and follow the easy
Sony India has
setup process for installation. The
SAMSUNG
launched the
inclusion of BitTorrent and DLNA certified
DSC-TX55, which
media server makes downloading and
is just 12.2 mm
streaming of the favorite videos, movies,
thick
photos and music to any network
High-resolution
smartphone
(measurement
effortless. Your media files can be

downloaded directly to the LinkStation
Samsung has announced
even slimmer than a standard AA-size
without the need for the PC to be
the revolutionary Galaxy
battery. This latest Cyber-shot model is
switched on for the duration of the
Note in the Indian market.
the worlds thinnest camera in its class
process.
Developed based on
and offers 16.2 megapixels, Full HD video,
PRICE: 1TB: Rs 17,250; 2TB: Rs

23,250; 3TB: Rs 45,000
WEBSITE: www.buffalo-asia.com
extensive consumer
excludes lens cover), making it
5x Zoom and 3D capability. The DSC-TX55

also boasts of the highly acclaimed Exmor
research, Galaxy Note

represents a unique
product category. Galaxy Note features
R CMOS sensor that delivers incredible

image detail and ultra-low picture noise
MILAGROW
the worlds first and largest 5.3-inch HD
in both still images and video. The
Tab Top PC
Super AMOLED display. This is an
cameras hi-speed auto focus can lock
expansive high-resolution smart screen

that provides an immersive viewing
onto a subject in as little as 0.1 seconds.

Superior Auto mode recognizes a wide
Milagrow Business
ss and
range of shooting situations, adjusting
ions
Knowledge Solutions
exposure and other settings for high-
has launched the
on-the-go usability.
quality images with low noise and high
red
TabTop PC. Powered
Additionally, an advanced pen-
dynamic range. The back panel is
by a 1.2 GHz
input technology, called the
dominated by a super-sized 3.3-inch
A2918 cortex
Smart Pen, combines with
(8.3cm) Xtra Fine OLED wide touch-
processor and
Galaxy Notes full touch screen
screen.
1GB RAM, the
to introduce a unique user
PRICE: Rs 19,990
WEBSITE: www.sony.co.in
Milagrow
experience. Taking full
experience while ensuring

smartphone portability and
TabTop PC is a
smartly-built, full-featured, fully loaded,
advantage of the large display,

Galaxy Note users will be able to multi-
BUFFALO
portable device. The Milagrow TabTop PC
task, create and consume more, with
Enhanced Network
Drive
comes armed with built-in 3G module,
fewer interruptions. The digital Smart Pen
compatible with most Indian 3G
can be used for accurate sketching and
providers, direct ports in terms of USB
artwork, while superior handwriting
host, Full USB, HDMI, SD card, 8
recognition allows ideas to be freely
computer-5 device Wi-Fi modem
captured and shared with other devices
Buffalo Technology
capability, 1080 Full HD, Adobe flash 11,
without the need to perform any
has announced the
multi-touch-A+ grade LED backlit
additional digitization.
launch of the
capacitive 4:3 screen, Wi-Fi-Bluetooth-
LinkStation Live LS-XL
LAN capability, multi tasking and 10+
PRICE: Rs 34,990
WEBSITE: www.samsung.com
series with enhanced
hours of battery life (5000 mAh). These
Web Access feature
TabTops come with over 50 pre-loaded
HP
for smartphones and
applications for Productivity, Utility,
tablets. LinkStation
Networking, Media, Education, Women,
Stylish all-in-one PC
Live is a simple and
Medical, Finance etc. The tablet
dependable solution to store, share,
showcases the best of the Android 2.3.1
HP has launched its new all-in-one
stream and backup your files in one
version coupled with 50 customized pre-
desktop PC, the 23-inch diagonal HP
convenient location. It provides an
loaded applications designed specifically
TouchSmart 610, designed for consumers
effortless access to content from any PC,
to meet the aspirations and usage of
who demand a premium multimedia and
24
12/2011
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.
c
USB to connect
both PC and also mobile
perip
peripherals.
The phone also has a built
in e-book reader for its growing
aud
audience
and LED torch. The phone
Transcends SATA Solid State Drives are

high speed, ultra-lightweight and shockproof alternatives to traditional hard disk
drives. With built-in wear leveling, ECC and
touch experience. Along with 2nd
supports EDGE and GPRS for connectivity.
TRIM support, these drives offer long-term
Generation Intel Core Processors, the
PRICE: Rs 3.599
WEBSITE: NA
reliable performance and compatibility
TouchSmart 610 features a suite of builtfor-touch applications and a free-standing
It utilizes a DRAM buffer to achieve read
full HD display that tilts up to 30 degrees,
TARGUS
complementing its environment instead of
Flexible iPad
Case
defining it. The newest version of HPs

exclusive TouchSmart 5.0 software
provides the most intuitive, immersive
with both notebook and desktop systems.

rates up to 230MB/sec and write rates up
to 180MB/sec. The product
offers low power consumption,
no noise during operation,
in
increased
shock resistance, and
lo
lower
heat generation during use
touch experience to date. Some of the

features include touch optimized
Targus has
applications from Twitter and Facebook, as
announced
well as HPs exclusive RecipeBox, webcam
the 9.7-inch
and music applications. Users can also
360 degrees
conveniently access the Windows Start
Rotating Case & Stand
menu, apps, desktop icons and applications
(Black), a new case specifically designed for
WILEY
within the same desktop environment.
the Apple iPad 2. The sophisticated styling
Users can easily drag and drop their
of the case features a distinctive, patent-
Rails 3 in Action
favourite files and apps onto the
pending mechanism that creatively frames
TouchSmarts carousel.
the Apple logo.The case rotates all the way
Rails 3 is a full stack, open source web
PRICE: Rs 71,999 (starting)

WEBSITE: www.hp.com
around, allowing the iPad 2 to stand on a
framework powered by Ruby and this book
recline in either landscape or portrait mode.
is an introduction to it. Whether you're just
This innovative 4-way stand allows easy
starting or you
iBALL
setting on desktops or tables, enjoying
have a few cycles
Touch-and-typee
phone
hands-free viewing from different angles.
under your belt,
Th hard-shell professional outer layer is

The
Touch-N-Type bar phone

enriched with superb
PRICE: Rs 19,758 (120 GB)

WEBSITE: www.in.transcendinfo.com
you'll appreciate
machined accurately to fit the body of
the book's guru's-
the device. The thin design adds little
eye-view of
weight or thickness to the iPad itself.

iBall has launched the IPS-261
261
t
than
regular SSDs.
T
The
soft interior microfiber materials
pr
protect
the iPad 2 from damage and
scra
scratches.
While in the case, all ports,
idiomatic Rails
programming.
You'll master Rails
3.1 by developing a
features and aesthetics.
butto and switches on the iPad 2 can be

buttons
ticket tracking application that includes
This dual-SIM phone has
acce
accessed
conveniently.
RESTful routing, authentication and
over 18 hours of talk
PRIC Rs 3,099
PRICE:
WEB
WEBSITE: www.targusonline.com
authorization, state maintenance, file
time with long battery

life and a big 2.6-inch
uploads, email, and more. You'll also

explore powerful features like designing
screen for enhanced viewing.
TRANSCEND
your own APIs and building a Rails engine.
The iBall-IPS-261 has a 2-megapixel
Fast Solid-State Drive
You will see Test Driven Development and
primary camera with digital zoom and flash,

and 0.3-megapixel secondary camera. It
Behavior Driven Development in action

throughout the book, just like you
allows night vision and special photo
Transcend has announced a 2.5
would in a top Rails shop. It is helpful
effects. The mobile phone has a video
SATA SSD with 250MB/s transfer
for readers to have a background in
player, MP3 player, and FM recording with
speed. This next generation SSD's
Ruby, but no prior Rails experience is
wireless FM. It supports microSD cards up
performance translates into
needed.
to 16GB, giving users immense flexibility to
faster system boot up and
store as much as they want for video and
application launch speed,
PRICE: NA
WEBSITE: www.wiley.com
music. It has Bluetooth support and also
responsiveness and stability.
26
12/2011
NEWSWIRE
FEATURE
Prayas:
Empowerment
Through
Technology
The iPad is probably the most sought after
gadget today, but a lesser known fact is how
its being used to change the lives of the
differently abled.
BY PRIYANKA TILVE
leven year-old Mayank Mishra,
enrolled individuals along with monthly
them and their families. These solutions
afflicted with mild autism, had
workshops on awareness related to
seem to be the non-threatening tools
difficulty communicating, but
the existing useful technology-based
for individuals with Autism Spectrum
solutions.
Disorders; where we need to look at
with the help of Tap to Talk, an app on

the iPad, he can now effectively express
Autism that impairs normal neural
issues related to sensory- defensiveness
himself. This has brought much joy to his
development is a kind of a developmental
(sensitivity to light, touch, noise, etc.)
family, who are now contemplating buying
disorder. Individuals with autism are
exhibited by them.
an iPad for Mayank. Twenty-one year-old
characterized by repetitive, restrictive
Preksha, a high functioning autistic adult,
behavior, and impaired communication
used meaningfully, through the earlier
loves spending time on her iPad, from
and social interaction skills. The cause
stages of intervention, help enhance
reading newspapers, magazines and
of autism is yet to be established, but it
cognition, communication and thus social
books to watching videos and playing
is generally linked to genetic problems,
skills. Through this programme, we are
word games. Her mother says that her
and has no cure. Such individuals may
trying to establish the prerequisites for
interest in acquiring knowledge has
be overly sensitive in sight, touch, are
reading, writing and arithmetic, and also
increased tremendously after she started
distressed when routines are changed,
to teach social skills through games by
using the iPad.
perform repetitive body movements,
turn-taking and meaningful occupation.
communicate with gestures, repeat
The other part of the programme deals
Prayas in Bangalore, initiated by the
words, have difficulty in communicating,
with computer training; this will lead to
Autism Society of India in collaboration
prefer being alone, can get agitated with
developing skills related to employment.
with the Spastics Society of Karnataka
noise, throw tantrums, etc. These may
These can be related to Internet-based
and with support of SAP Labs India,
occur varyingly in individuals.
activities, data entry, validation of
They are not alone. Under project
90 individuals with Autism Spectrum
So how does technology help
She states further, These tools, if
software, development of teaching aids
Disorders will be trained over a period of
these individuals? Kavita says, Autism
like PECS, social stories and development
three years. Elaborating on the initiative,
Spectrum Disorders are very little
of symbols through appropriate animation
Kavita Sharma, coordinator and head of
understood in terms of root cause.
software, etc.
the project, says, We have a computer/
These are highly heterogeneous in
iPad training center for individuals in
nature. This situation leads us to look
six iPads to Prayas in June 2011. The
the age group of 5-18 years afflicted
at it only therapeutically. In the recent
iPad, which is denitely more interactive
with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
past, technology has brought in lots of
than a PC owing to the sheer number of
The training aims at enhancing their
hope for these individuals. Computers,
apps and ease of use, has been a boon
learning, communication and meaningful
the iPad, the iPhone and some other
for Prayas. Kavita says, Our experience
occupation by using indigenous
assistive technology based devices like
with iPad usage has been only around
technology-based solutions. The project
Alpha Smart, go-talk, etc. along with
six months, but we can say it with a
also aims to empower the parents of
some software, have made life easier for
lot of condence that we nd iPad
28
12/2011
Jagdish Limbachiya
SAP Labs India, Bangalore, donated
SMS us! Story code: FPR to 51818
NEWSWIRE
FEATURE
Prayas aims to enhance their

learning, communication and
meaningful occupation, as well as
empower the parents of enrolled
individuals by creating awareness
of existing useful technologybased solutions.
TaptoTalk is an extremely useful

app that helps autistic individuals
communicate with the help of
pictures. This app can also be
customized.
apps very useful for early intervention,
the iPad, she has access to a wider range
communicating, initially on the suggestion
communication for non-verbal ASD
of literature and her interest in acquiring
of the therapy center, we used an album
individuals and leisure time activities
knowledge has increased tremendously.
with pictures to help him communicate,
through various interesting games. Also,
Also, Preksha is passionate about word
but he would rarely use it. However, now
the iPad's larger screen has made this a
search puzzles and we used to get her
with the iPad app Tap to Talk, which
particularly useful technology for many
many books from local book stores. But
lets him communicate through pictures,
of those with special needs. The iPads
they too could not cater with so many
he has learned to express himself. For
screen holds promise for reading without
books every week. Initially, we would
example, when he wants to go out.
eye fatigue. We selected the iPad because
look for alternatives on the Internet, but
Little wonder then that Kavita has
it has a larger screen with quality visuals,
a PC or even a laptop is not that handy.
seen positive results. The response has
ease of use, navigation and the apps.
The iPad ts the bill as its extremely
been amazing, right from the tolerance
portable. This project has helped parents
to sit through to completing the task
iPad, Kavita says, It cuts down on the
to identify the potential in our children
to appreciating their own work. They
usage of interfaces like the mouse and
and work towards it. By coming to Prayas,
have accomplished a lot. Some parents
the keyboard for coordinating with the
Prekshas self-esteem and condence
want to continue in the next batch as
monitor, which are needed on a computer.
has gone up and she has learnt to work
they say that their kids have shown
Thus, this is very useful for younger kids.
independently. She looks forward to
remarkable progress in a short period
Here, touch remains the single mode of
coming there everyday.
of ve months. Buoyed by the success,
Further highlighting the virtues of the
Kavita plans to replicate it in other states.
operation. Also, the apps are designed
Resonating her feeling is Manjusha
by meaningful sequencing and chances
Mishra, whose son Mayank has beneted
She says, We hope to present a series
of task failure are very few, while the
form the iPad. She says, Mayank was
of iPad workshops and presentations
rewards offered are very motivating. We
good at computers, but the iPad has
for all of the various interested parties
are using Tap to talk, Verbally, Photo
opened up a whole new world for him. He
out there - teachers, special educators,
story, Math Board, White board, Show
loves mathematics, but had difficulty in
therapists, administrators, coordinators,
me, Autism Apps, and many more.
understanding the concept of subtraction.
social workers, parents, technologists and
Additionally, the instant feedback and the
When I taught him the same with the help
students. We hope that we can intrigue
fact that the tasks can be repeated to
of an app on the iPad, he could grasp
those who have no experience with this
reinforce the concepts is an advantage.
it quite well, so its helping him grow
technology and bring new ideas by using
academically. Similarly, he has learned
our own culture settings. We look forward
couldnt agree more. She says, The iPad
to build words, as he can listen to them
to making this a valuable experience to
is the wonder gadget for her. Preksha by
and at the same time see the picture,
all and especially those special students
nature is a voracious reader and loves to
which makes it easier for him to learn.
with ASD to showcase their abilities
read anything from books to newspapers
But, most importantly, he can express his
irrespective of socio-economic strata.
to magazines. With the introduction of
feelings now. Since he had difficulty in
Preskshas mother Vani Rajendra
priyanka.tilve@chip.in
12/2011
29
NEWSWIRE
FEATURE
Technology for Everyone

In a world where everyone wants to be treated as equals, adaptable changes in technology
can help bridge the digital divide.
BY KAMAKSHI SHRIVASTAVA
ndia is a very culturally diverse

country that is growing at a rapid
pace. While most of us embrace
technological advancements without

a second thought, the number of
people who want to but cannot is quite
overwhelming. While the availability of
resources does play a major role, more
often than not, its our cultural mindset
that creates such a rift. When we talk
about lack of technological access, we
limit our understanding to people who
have physical or mental disabilities.
While adaptibility is making its way into
a few products making them usable by
the disabled, those products form a very
small minority. Most of the gadgets we
use today cannot be used by differentlyabled people.
Awareness Campaigns
Demonstration of an asseccible ATM at the Antarchakshu 2011 awareness event conducted by XRCVC.
The Xaviers Resource Center for the

Visually Challenged (XRCVC) located at
but in the consumer experience. People
people with reading disabilities; Angel, a
St Xaviers College, Mumbai is a state of
were taken through the supermarket
multipurpose portable digital device with
the art support centre that helps visually
experience, and then we went on
features of DAISY player, voice recorder,
challenged persons. The organization is
to entertainment. We also made
music and FM player, e-book reader and
actively advocating the need to make
participants experience banking services,
handheld magnier.
consumer gadgets adaptable to those
using an accessible ATM and a whole lot
Off all the tech manufacturers,
who are visually challenged.
of other technologies that are available.
Apple products rate very high on Dr

Taraporewalas list. Apart from the
Dr Sam Taraporevala, the Director at

XRCVC, who is also a Reader and Head
Successful initiatives
MacBook Pro, which has an in-built
of the Department of Sociology, believes,
It isnt that adaptable technology hasnt
screen reader called Voice Over, other
Products should be designed in such
made its way to the general public. One
apple devices like the iPad, iPhone, and
a way that any person irrespective of
visit to the resource center and you can
iPod Touch offer adaptability apps that
mobility would be able to use them.
see it for yourself. The facility boasts
can make using devices quite easy for
As a part of making general consumers
of a number of easy to use accessible
the disabled.
aware of the troubles faced by those
technologies including a massive Index
who cant see, the center organized a
4X4 PRO Braille Embosser to print books
major area of change that is being
familiarization drive called Antarchakshu.
in Braille; Mountbatten MB Pro that lets
pushed for strongly by the center. Sam
you print diagrams, maps and graphs
adds, We have worked very closely
reveal how minor tweaks can help the
in Braille; screen readers; magnication
with the ATM industry and with the
consumer experiences of the disabled.
tools; Indian language Braille translators
RBI as well to get these rules passed,
Dr Taraporewala elaborates, What
(ShreeLipi Braille); OCR tools that come
but the banks process has gone too
we showcased at the event, apart
with Braille conversion options; and other
slow. They have passed off partially
from the sensitization element, was
talking devices.
speaking machines as accessible. Now
The idea behind the event was to
basically the focus on the consumer.
Apart from these, there are several
Adaptive banking services are one
an accessible machine, something
We looked a products from the
devices that can be used on-thego, like
that speaks out every screen and not
perspective of a disabled consumer and
Ruby, a portable video magnier for low
just 'hello and welcome' and 'thank
how manufacurers can make adaptive
vision persons; DAISY (Digital Accessible
you', actually gives feedback, and has
changes, in not only the overall design
Information System) players that help
built in safety features like capacity to
30
12/2011
SMS us! Story code: FTE to 51818
NEWSWIRE
FEATURE
blank your screen so that nobody can
The way ahead
to even retrot a chipset with speech.
shoulder stuff.
While there are a number of tools that
Try running a microwave with your eyes
The center has also pushed for
let partially and completely blind people
closed, you may not be able to, but if
changes in the elds of entertainment
use computers with ease, such tools are
the same unit gives you knob control,
and health care. Sam adds, Not that
not limited to just computing. Visually
and button control through speaking out
the blind dont go to the movies; they
challenged or not, everybody needs
everything that you key in or touch, your
enjoy watching movies too, but the
automated consumer gadgets, and
work is done. That can also be a fully
consumption of movies can be further
technologies to make their life easier.
automatic washing machine, or a dish
enhanced if you have audio description.
Dr Taraporewala explains, We have
washer, and its not expensive today.
Peepli Live is a movie, whose commercial
done a survey among blind users that
We have done that with a mainstream
DVD available in the market has a built-in
have thrown up specic needs that
physiotherapy machine for the blind.
adaptability track. So when you start
the blind have. One is about having
We got two manufacturers, in fact, to
the DVD, it gives you the option to start
accessible set top boxes. As a sighted
retrot machines and they have done
audio narration simultaneously. So we
person, you can scroll through your
a brilliant job. Every single screen is
gave our audience a two-minute clip of
set top boxes and see what is running
spoken. India is an aging population, so
Peepli Live minus the audio description,
where. Hypothetically, you can have a
it is far better to give double stimuli than
and two minutes with audio description.
speech-enabled system on that. He
a single stimulus, where a voice prompt
This is something we are pushing the
goes on to add, Audio description has
is complimented with a visual prompt. It
industry towards, and the producers of
come of age in the West. In fact, digital
would also provide help to a semiliterate
Peepli Live actually adapted to that.
TVs have the provision for that.
person. So it has endless possibilities, not
As far as the healthcare industry
What the center wants is consumer
just for the blind. One of our motives is
goes, the center has provided research
durables that conform to adaptability
talking to mainstream manufactures to
and development to two leading
standards. Sam ends by saying, As a
get it done. Research and development
manufacturers of electro physiotherapy
campaign, we get mainstream consumer
will cost them just a few hundred
equipment in Maharashtra and
durables manufacturers to look at
thousand rupees and the chipsets in
Gujarat to launch fully accessible
accessibility. Today, everything is based
comparison cost next to nothing. In fact,
talking electrotherapy physiotherapy
on a motherboard, or circuitry, or a
they would get a brilliant USP.
equipments.
chipset. Hypothetically, its very easy
feedback@chip.in
NEWSWIRE
FEATURE
Digitally
Equipped
Tourism!
As several states compete to ensure that the Incredible
India tourism campaign gains momentum, the industry
is all set to adapt technology to make global tourists
more comfortable and self-reliant. BY KAMAKSHI SHRIVASTAVA
f you have ever been to
Need for Revolution

Revo
coming in to help tourists and guides to
a tourist friendly place,
Meet Gautam Shewakramani,

Shewa
who is the
interpret world heritage sights, the instinct
especially the ones
founder of AudioCompass,
AudioCom
a full-service
is people feel threatened, and thats not
cultural interpretation provider. The idea
really what we are trying to do. Being as
behind AudioCompas
AudioCompass is implementing
passionate about technology as we are,
hawkers swarming foreign tourists, local
technology-enabled s
solutions to enhance
we know that it cannot replace human
guides trying to grab their attention in
the interpretation of Indian heritage to
beings. An an audio guide cannot match
broken English, or worse still, conmen
global visitors. Their voice-enabled

v
tour
a top notch high quality guide unless the
trying to take them for a ride. These
guides can be found at the Taj Mahal,
visitor is interested in something different.
scenes are not just damaging to our
the Agra Fort, Khajuraho, Sanchi and
So I dont think this kind of technology
international image, but can kill tourism
Pattadakal (for now). We spoke with him
will replace tour guides, because the
altogether. While the latter doesnt seem
about how the idea came about and how
market for official tour guides is very
like it's going to happen anytime soon, it
effective the system really is.
different from the market for audio
that foreigners tend to frequent, it

is not a pretty sight. You would have
guides. Official tour guides for locations
is time to get ourselves tech-savvy. One

simple, yet effective tech-based initiative
Picking Spots
like Taj Mahal charge as much as Rs
is desgined to help tourists freely enjoy
Gautam has a family background
2,000, and they always have a top end of
the scenic beauty India is known for.
rooted in the hospitality business, and
the market. While we welcome anyone to
his interest in tourism and technology
pick up an audio guide, our real market
was what prompted him to start
comes from visitors who cant or dont
AudioCompass. As for picking his tourist
want to pay for an extremely expensive
spots, he says, We take into account
tour guide, but at the same time want the
several things; one is the number of
accurate experience of a monument.
visitors to the site. Since my business
He further says that this technology
is mainly based on interpretation, its
cannot be developed in isolation; it needs
potential for interpretation is vital. Thirdly,
inputs and users from the industry too.
how the entire thing ts into the visit for a
He adds, We are also working with the
visitor. We also approach the site to nd
tour guides association in Agra, and we
out if they are interested at all in doing it.
are engaging with them with technology

to conduct tours better. We do that in
These Android-powered devices also help to set up

group tours.
32
12/2011
Man vs Machine: The Great

Divide
two ways; we encourage them to take our
While the obvious concerns over affecting
and delivery, because we have done
tourism-driven occupations crops up,
things to make our content better through
Gautam explains that the sense of being
audio delivery. The second thing we have
vulnerable is unnecessary. He says,
done is something that is desperately
When people hear about technology
needed in India today; it is what we call
Jagdish Limbachiya
audio guides to refresh their memories
SMS us! Story code: FDT to 51818
NEWSWIRE
FEATURE
the group tour system for tour guides.

Elaborating on the group tours, he says.
This is a very simple technology; it is a
While we welcome anyone to pick up

an audio guide, our real market comes
from visitors who cant or dont want to
pay for an extremely expensive tour guide,
but at the same time want to get an
accurate experience of a monument.
one-way wireless broadcasting device.

What happens here is that the tour guide
puts a small device the size of an iPod in
his pocket and clips a microphone to his
shirt. Each tourist in the group is provided
with a similar device with headsets. All
he has to do is speak into his mic in
Gautam Shewakramani,
normal pitch and everyone tuned into
Founder & CEO, Audio Compass (India) Pvt Ltd
his frequency can hear him. This has

tremendous advantages not only for the
Indian tourism industry, but also the tour
and good quality translations. To start
what they want along with complying
guide. If you've ever visited the Taj Mahal,
with, we identify which languages are
with the Archeological Society of Indias
you will nd one tour guide competing
necessary, and most of this data comes
(ASI) demands.
with others in terms of volume. Now the
from the Government as they are the
visitor need not look at the guide all the
gate keepers of such information, but we
The Way Forward
time, but can direct his attention to the
also keep our eyes on the ground. Next
Although tightlipped about what the
monument and hear the guide as well.
we have native speakers to translate. It
companys plans for the future are in
It also helps the guides protect their
is easy to translate a 10,000 word script
the tourism industry, Gautam does say
voice, which is their livelihood. In the next
from English to French; that is not the
that he will bring in more sights and
3-5 years, tour guides who use group
challenge. The challenge is getting the
languages into the kitty. Does he see
tour systems and technology to help
context right; the dialect, the phrases,
the technology enhancing other elds
them will nd themselves more eligible
the idioms all need to make sense.
of corporate India? I was invited by the
for insurance, and avoid making it a
The other thing we do is appoint two
Public Relations Society of India, Chennai
professional hazard.
translators for every language; one as
to talk on applying this technology in
the primary translator and the other as
Public Relations. Corporate houses having
Quality Control
an independent reviewer. Internally, both
museums, factory tours, campuses, etc
While most audio guides are targeted
dont know who the other is, and that
would like to show VIP visitors or new
towards foreign tourists, these devices
their work is being checked, so it works
employees their facilities, and they can
can help you enjoy the bliss of a location
as quality control as well. In languages
benet greatly using either the group tour
at your own pace without being intrusive.
like French and Spanish, which has
system or self paced audio system, or a
For this, the diction, the dialect, the
dialects, we use standard dialects that
hybrid of both.
voice accent and context of the content
are considered neutral.
explains to us the meticulous detailing
Happy Tourists
process that every travel script goes
While the monuments age, the demand
through. We do a few things to ensure
to see them will grow in proportion.
that we have good quality voice over
Akanksha, one of the companys Indian

ndian
tourists, wrote, It
I was my third visit
sit [to
the Taj] and the most enjoyable one
ne yet
because of the audio
a
guide. I loved
d that
little tinkling laugh
laug in the Meena Bazaar
azaar
section. It made me feel like I was there
when Shah Jahan
Jaha met Mumtaz Mahal.
ahal.
deman swells the company
pany
And as demand
needs to ev
evolve its strategies to
nts of
match up to the requirements
ind
ys, We
the industry.
Gautam says,
i the process of looking
ooking
are in
at the demographics
cs of
what visitors spend
nd
how much time on
and at what place.
ace.
The self-guided tour

devices are well
planned and easy to
navigate and use.
34
12/2011
So, the next time you plan a visit to

the Taj Mahal, why not opt for a digital
needs to be spot on. Gautam agrees, and
Such statistics
will
w help us revise
our c
content better.
We need to give our tourists
tour guide yourself!

feedback@chip.in
TEST CENTER
PRODUCT
SPOTLIGHT
HARDWARE
VERDICT
XXXXX
LAPTOP
DELL
ALIENWARE
M14X
VERDICT: Great style and good performance, but
at a price.
FOR: Good performance, looks great.
AGAINST: No USB 3.0, noisy vents, expensive.
LAPTOP
XXXX
ells Alienware series of gaming rigs has
of three USB 2.0 ports (no USB 3.0), DisplayPort,
been a favorite amongst gamers for
HDMI, 7-in-1 memory card reader, dual headphone
years, and its only recently that other
jacks and microphone jack, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet
FOR: XXX
AGAINST: XXXX
segment, and are actually doing well. Still, Alienware
companies like Asus and MSI have entered this
remains a household name in the gaming and no
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
port, and nally, a slot-loading DVD burner. The

charging port and exhaust vents are placed in the
rear. Flipping the notebook over, we nd theres no
one has truly been able to beat

them in terms
XXXXXX
easy way to swap the hard drive or memory without
of design and nesse. Till now, we

had limited
XXXx
unscrewing the entire base. There are two large
intake vents at the bottom with bower-style fans.

choices for Alienware notebooks in India; until
- dushyant.khilnani@chip.in
recently, we had just two models to choose from,
These are meant for the graphics card and only kick
the mighty M17x and the more portable M11x.
in once the discrete card is active; the rest of the
Dell lled the void when they launched the M14x,

which provides the perfect balance of performance
time, they are off.

The 14-inch screen sports a higher 1600x900
and portability. Two preset congurations are on
resolution and is LED backlit. The entire screen has a
offer out of which Dell has sent us their agship
glossy nish, which makes the pictures pop, but also
offering. So, lets take the fully pimped out M14x for a
introduces reections. The keyboard is backlit, as
spin and see what its like.
are many other parts of the notebook, and you can

customize the lighting effects to virtually any color
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs XXX
XXXXX: XXXXXX;
PHONE
EMAIL
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
your heart desires. Overall, we were very impressed
This is one area where the Alienware notebooks
with the design and build quality of the notebook
never fail to impress and this ones no exception. The
and even though weve seen the fancy lighting on
materials and attention to detail is impeccable; one
their larger models, it just never gets old.
look at it and you know that it means business. The
www.XXXX.XXXX
CONTACT
Design and Build
XXX
XXX
XXX
matte black nish oozes style and the surface barely
Features
attracts any ngerprints or dust, making it very easy
Dell has gone all out on their agship version of the
to keep clean. The angled wedge-like design gives
M14x. Powering the beast is an Intel Core i7-2860QM
it a very striking look when closed. Although its a
quad-core processor running at 2.5 GHz with the
14-inch notebook, its quite chunky and heavy with
ability to Turbo up to 3.6 GHz. For memory, we have
its weight slightly above 2 kg.
8 GB of DDR3 RAM running at 1600 MHz. The third
The front portion bares a back-lit honeycombed
and most important component, the graphics card,
PERFORMANCE
grill and the lid can easily be opened with a single
is an Nvidia Geforce GT 555M with 3 GB of GDDR3
OVERALL RATING
nger due to the weight of the base. We have a total
memory. The card also has Optimus technology,
VALUE FOR MONEY
36
12/2011
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HARDWARE
VERDICT
XXXXX
which should help with the battery life. Other
Dell Alienware M14X Toshiba X500 Qosimo
components include a 750 GB hard drive, Bluetooth,

and Intel Wi-Fi n module.
MODEL & CONFIGURATION
Dell bundles along a bunch of software

applications and their own utilities. We have a 15
Intel Core i7-2860QM,

8 GB RAM,
Nvidia GT555M

4 GB RAM,
Nvidia GTX460M
Asus G74SX
16 GB RAM,
Nvidia GTX560M
SYNTHETIC TESTS
month trial version of McAfee Security Center and
PCMark Vantage
7669
7479
8452
Roxio DVD creator. Dells own bundled software
3DMark Vantage
P6299
P8727
P9203
includes AlienRespawn, which is a system restore
SiSoft Sandra
utility; and Alienware Command Center, which lets
CPU Arithmetic
you customize the lighting on the notebook, change
Dhrystone (GIPS)
120.3
100.4
103.3
and create custom power proles, and adjust the
Thetstone (GFLOPS)
72.23
61.5
64.2
15.8
12.8
16
sensitivity of the mouse, all through a single interface.
Memory bandwidth (GB/s)
Real World Tests
Performance
Before starting, we updated all the drivers and
installed the updates through Windows Update. The
M14x was set to High Performance mode. The M14x
manages to edge out the Toshiba X500 due to the
Video encoding (lower is better)

POVRay (lower is better)
1 MIN 11 SEC
41 SEC
53 SEC
23 SEC
30 SEC
27 SEC
35.1 FPS
40.6 FPS
39.2 FPS
Cinebench R11.5 (higher is better)

OpenGL
5.7 PTS
4.9 PTS
5 PTS
which
is way ahead due to the butt-load of RAM
LAPTOP
Resident Evil (everything High)
38.3 FPS
31 FPS
46.5 FPS
and faster GPU. The similar situation is noticeable
Far Cry 2 (Ultra High, 8x AA)
33.4 FPS
38 FPS
61.2 FPS
faster CPU, but is still no match for the Asus G74SX,
XXXX
CPU
in 3DMark Vantage as well. In the pure CPU-based

tests like SiSoft Sandra and POV Ray, the M14x
Battery Life
takes the lead once more. While it may appear the
The M14x comes with an 8-cell battery as standard
Alienware trumps the X500 in the real world gaming
and we tested it using Battery Eater Pro. The
FOR: XXX
tests, both the Asus and Toshiba were running at
AGAINST:
XXXX
1920 x 1080, while the M14x is limited to 1600 x 900
notebook managed to get a battery life of 1 hr 10

mins, which is rather low. We made sure that the
resolution.
battery drain test used the onboard graphics, but
despite that, the intake fans immediatelyXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

kicked in
The keyboard
XXXXXX is extremely comfortable to type on
even for long

durations and the back-lighting is near
XXXx
which is what killed it faster. With regular use like
perfect, illuminating- dushyant.khilnani@chip.in

all the keys without being too
surng and office applications, the M14x will easily
bright. You cant adjust the intensity of the lights, but
last you about 3 hrs or even a little more.
you can pick any color from the RGB palette, which
is a fair compromise. The trackpad is responsive and
Verdict
the buttons have a nice soft touch to them. Theres
The M14x that we received will set you back a
ample room on the palm rest to comfortably rest
whopping Rs 1,19,000, which is nearly the same as
even large hands. The speakers are placed above the
the Asus G74SX. You may argue that the high price
keyboard and sound good for notebook speakers. Its
is for the small form factor and portability, but the
not as loud as the ones on the Toshiba X500, but
fact is that its just too heavy to be truly portable;
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 1,19,000
www.dell.co.in
for the size of
you certainly wont be lugging this around. If
the notebook, its
this was priced closer to Rs 60,000 (wishful
decent.
thinking, we know!), we would recommend this
One annoying
CPU: Intel Core i7-2860QM; RAM: 8 GB DDR3; HDD:

750 GB; GPU: Nvidia GeForce GT 555M; Display:
14-inch, 1600x900; Connectivity: USB 2.0, HDMI,
DisplayPort, VGA, GbE, Wi-Fi N
thing about the
in a heartbeat. But at its current standing, it just
SPECIFICATIONS
makes more sense to get the Asus G74SX. Theres
M14x is that
Rs XXX
no denying the fact that Dell has built a really
the intake fans
good notebook; the nish and features are
are really loud.
really hard to nd with the competition.
It sounds a bit
However, the high price, the
PHONE
like a jet getting
fact that theres no USB
EMAIL
ready to take off,
3.0 support, and the noisy
FEATURES
which is not a
fan is what stops it from
BUILD QUALITY
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sound you want
being truly a great gaming
ERGONOMICS
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when youre
notebook.
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gaming.
CONTACT
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EMAIL
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1800-425-4026
NA
www.XXXX.XXXX
- Roydon Cerejo
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CONTACT
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XXX
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RATINGS
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PERFORMANCE
A powerful
machine with impressive specifications,
RATING
but theOVERALL
absence
of USB 3.0 is disappointing.
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37
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
PROCESSOR
AMD FX-8150
BLACK EDITION
FOR: Good for multithreaded apps, easy upgrade for AM3 owners.
AGAINST: Superior Intel CPUs are available at the same price.
MD has had a hard time breaking
HyperTransport 3.1, SLI CrossFireX, and
Intels streak of successes.
PCIE 2.0 (no 3.0 yet). There are just
Honestly, the only reason to
minor differences between the 990FX,
go for a AMD-based system today is
990X and 970, which involve the number
the low price. As far as performance is
of supported GPUs and the maximum
concerned, Intels mid-high end CPUs can
supported TDP. Theres also a new
easily match, if not beat, AMDs agship
Southbridge, SB950 with six native SATA
offerings. With the arrival of Bulldozer,
6Gb/s ports, but oddly, no native USB 3.0.
AMD has tried to up the ante by offering
MSI 990FXA-GD80 motherboard. The
price. These chips adopt the FX brand
bundled aluminum and copper cooler
name and are based on the new AM3+
is nothing much to shout about and is
socket for which the 990 chipset was
just too noisy, with an annoying rattling
created. As a high-end series, all of
sound even when idle. Thankfully, all AM3
them come with unlocked multipliers.
coolers work just as well with AM3+, so
Bulldozer is a completely redesigned
was silent and immediately reduced
each host two integer cores. Each module
temperatures by 10 degrees.
Core i7-2600K, which is the best CPU
all the modules. The agship FX-8150
you can buy for Socket 1155 right now.
features four Bulldozer modules, which
All tests were run with Turbo enabled
AMD says make it equivalent to an 8-core
for both CPUs. The FX-8150 scored 2785
CPU. The max TDP is 125W, which is the
points in PCMark 7, as opposed to the
same as the previous Phenom II X6.
Core i5s 3453 points. Real-world as well
www.amd.com
CPU socket: AM3+; Cores: 8; Frequency: 3.6 GHz; L2/

L3 cache: 8 MB/8 MB; Manufacturing process: 32nm;
TDP: 125 W
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
AMD India
1800-425-6664
fusion.india@amd.com
RATINGS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
38
12/2011
as gaming tests showed the Intel chip far
Turbo Core makes a comeback, allowing
outclassing the FX-8150: 160 fps vs 95.5
some cores to run faster when others are
fps in Far Cry 2, and 177 fps vs 121 fps in
not in use. The built-in memory controller
DIRT 2.
now natively supports 1866 MHz DDR3
Rs 15,000
We pitted the FX-8150 against the
a single pool of L3 cache shared between
Core unlocking is not supported, but
SPECIFICATIONS
we bolted on an Antec Khuler 620, which
architecture, designed as modules which

gets to play with 2 MB of L2 cache, with
The FX-8150 is a Socket AM3+ CPU, but will work on

most older AM3 motherboards after a BIOS update.
We reviewed the FX-8150 CPU on an
consumers an 8-core CPU at a reasonable
You might think that an 8-core CPU
memory; something Sandy Bridge lacks.
would cost a lot, but the FX-8150 costs
Unlike other recent chips, theres no
only as much as the Core i7-2600K.
onboard GPU, since this is targeted at
Still, thats irrelevant since the 2600K
high-end users who wouldnt bother with
pummelled it in every test. Weve all
an IGP. With the new CPU architecture
waited a long time for Bulldozer and
come new 9-series chipsets to support
sadly, AMD has failed to deliver.
the AM3+ socket. The new series features
- Roydon Cerejo
VERDICT
IF YOU WANT A FUTURE-PROOF RIG,

SANDY BRIDGE IS STILL THE WAY TO GO.
TEST CENTER
H
HA
HARDWARE
RDWARE
LAPTOP
ASUS G74SX 3D
FOR: Very good design and build, Nvidia 3D Vision ready, good
performance, USB 3.0, comfortable keyboard.
AGAINST: GPU isnt powerful enough for full HD 3D gaming, no
physical toggle switch for 3D mode.
he G74SX is designed like a stealth
7200rpm. The graphics is taken care of
ghter and built like a tank. The
by a single Nvidia GTX 560M with 3 GB
rubber coating on the entire
of GDDR5 dedicated memory. Gaming
notebook makes it easy to grip. It does
at a high resolution and in 3D requires
attract some ngerprints, but not as much
a large frame buffer, so the more the
as a glossy-nish notebook. The matte
better. The 17.3-inch screen sports a full
nish is welcome, giving the notebook a
HD resolution and a max refresh rate of
very simple, yet striking appearance. The
120Hz for the Stereoscopic 3D to work
hinge is sturdy and the lid can easily be
right. The in-built speakers support EAX
opened with one nger. With the 8-cell
Advanced HD 5.0 and THX TruStudio
battery, its about 4.28 kgs, which clearly
sound enhancements.
indicates this is designed as a desktop

replacement, rather than being portable.
All the exhaust vents are placed in the
The notebook is extremely comfortable

to use, thanks to the wonderful chiclet
keyboard. Typing for extended periods
rear, so you dont come in contact with
of time does not cause a lot of fatigue.
the heat. The large vents are designed to
This is is also attributed to the 30 degree
give you maximum ventilation while still
incline of the keyboard that makes it very
maintaining the aggressive look. There
ergonomic. The speakers are placed just
are loads of connectivity options, like four
above the keyboard, thereby giving you
USB ports (one USB 3.0), Blu-ray writer,
loud and wholesome sound. The added
HDMI, VGA and audio jack.
sound effects help in boosting the volume
It has an anti-glare, full HD resolution
and also enhance the mids and highs.
screen. Next to the 2 megapixel webcam
Bass is quite weak, but we didnt really
is Nvidias 3DVision transceiver built right
expect much here, anyways. The 3D
into the bezel. This way, all you need are
effect in gaming is good as weve come to
the 3D shutter glasses and youre good
expect from Nvidias 3DVision.
to go. The full-sized keyboard is backlit
In our Battery Eater Pro test, we
with adjustable brightness and the layout
managed to get a little more than an hour
is well done with good spacing. There are
of battery life, which is below average
just two buttons placed above; one for
for a laptop, but not an uncommon sight
the power and one for toggling between
amongst gaming notebooks.
different power modes. Unfortunately,

theres no button to toggle the 3D mode.
Powering the notebook is an Intel
For a price of Rs 1,18,000, the Asus

G74SX offers good value when you
consider what youre getting. Its a lot
Core i7 2630QM Sandy Bridge CPU,
of money, but then youre getting all the
along with a massive 16 GB of DDR3
major high-end features one could ask for
memory. For storage, we have a 500 GB
in a notebook, and more.
and a 750 GB hard drive, both running at
- Roydon Cerejo
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 1,18,000
www.asus.in
Dimensions (WxDxH): 325 x 420 x 62 mm; Weight:

4.28 kg; Processor: Intel Core i7-2630QM; RAM: 16
GB; Hard Disk: 750 GB, 500 GB; Optical Drive: Bluray/
DVD writer; Screen Size: 17.3 in, 1920 x 1080; GPU:
Nvidia Geforce GTX 560M, 3 GB; OS : Windows 7 Home
Premium; Connectivity: HDMI, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Ethernet,
USB 3.0; Battery : Li-Ion 8-cell
CONTACT
PHONE
VERDICT
A TOTALLY BONKERS GAMING

NOTEBOOK.
EMAIL
Asus Technology
18002090365
reachus@asus.com
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
12/2011
39
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
NETBOOK
ACER ASPIRE ONE HAPPY 2

VERDICT: A great netbook that will appeal to the younger generation.
FOR: Attractive design, boots into Android or Windows, great battery life.
AGAINST: Long boot-up time.
he Acer Aspire One Happy2
it with Acer Crystal Eye Webcam and
netbook sets itself apart by
Acer GameZone Console apps. It fared
having the ability to run the stock
well during synthetic as well as real
Windows 7 Starter Edition and also boot
world benchmarks, making the overall
into Android. The design is quite trendy
performance of the netbook good. It
and is available in a range of colors. It
is a cool customer and doesnt really
measures 10.1 inches and weighs just 1.25
get heated up at all. The boot time is
kg, so it is pretty lightweight. The USB
a bit long, taking 23 seconds to start
and other ports lie on either side of the
Android up. This battery can easily last
netbook. Design-wise, it would denitely
more than 6 hours with a fair amount of
appeal to the younger audience. This
usage, including videos and browsing.
netbook can boot directly into either
If you use Android, the battery can
CONTACT
Windows or Android. It features the
possibly last even longer. The Acer Aspire
PHONE
dual-core Intel Atom N570 processor
One Happy 2 is available in India at Rs
EMAIL
running at 1.66 GHz, with which you can
15,600. Though the dual-boot feature is
expect better battery life. The other
not heavily marketed, we found it to be
core components include a 320 GB hard
this netbooks biggest advantage.
drive and 1 GB RAM. Acer has preloaded
- Aaron Almeida
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 15,600
www.acer.co.in
CPU: Intel Atom N570 1.66 GHz; RAM: 1 GB DDR3; Hard

drive: 320 GB; OS: Windows 7 Starter Edition, Android
Connectivity: Memory card reader, Bluetooth 3.0,
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
Acer Pvt Ltd
080-3940 8700
ailenquiries@acer.co.in
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
PROJECTOR
ACER C110
VERDICT: A wee little gadget that can project a gigantic screen.
FOR: USB powered, compact design, good color reproduction.
AGAINST: No lens cover, glossy shell.
he Acer C110 is a wallet-sized
a distance of 0.5 meter, but the optimal
projector, albeit a little thicker.
size is 36 inches from 1.5 meters; youll
Its uses DLP projection and has
get good brightness levels and a fairly
a native resolution of 854x480, but it
large display. Beyond this point, youll
accepts video signals up to 1280x800.
need an absolutely dark room, and you
The device is all black and feels a bit
can easily go up to 70 to 80 inches. We
plasticky because of its glossy shell. The
ran a few PowerPoint presentations and
www.acer.co.in
C110 doesnt come with a remote control
photo slideshows and found the color
Dimensions (WxHxD): 85 x 25 x 110 mm; Weight: 175 g;

Projection system: DLP; Native resolution: 854x480;
Colors: 16.7 million; Lamp type: LED; Contrast ratio:
1000:1.
nor does it have a control panel. The only
reproduction very good. The C110 is
control is a focus dial on the side. You
perfect for those who are constantly on
rst have to hook it up to your laptop/PC
the move making business presentations.
using the supplied USB Y-cable and the
Its light and tiny enough to slide into a
internal memory shows up as a virtual
laptop bag. Those meticulous about video
drive. It contains the driver software and
quality should look elsewhere, but at Rs
the user guide. You simply have to connect
15,900, this is one of the most affordable
the projector and run the software. The
and pocketable options out there.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 15,900 +
Rs 2,500 for foldable screen
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Acer India
080 - 39408700
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES
minimum projection size is 12 inches from
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
40
12/2011
- Anand Tuliani
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
PHONE
NOKIA 701
VERDICT: A worthy buy for its powerful specs and performance.
FOR: Fast, intuitive UI, good design and build, 720p recording, range of
connectivity options.
AGAINST: Limited app support, xed focus camera, no document editor.
okias new 701 comes with a 1
good sound, with the right amounts of
GHz processor and runs on their
thump and treble. Connectivity options
Symbian Belle operating system.
include Wi-Fi b/g/n, 3G, Bluetooth 3.0,
The phone has retained the trademark
USB on-the-go and an FM transmitter.
rounded edges It uses a lot of metal,
Also, the phone comes with NFC support.
which adds to its charm, and the 701
The 701 comes with an 8 megapixel xed
looks quite impressive in its overall design.
focus camera, which is a downer. Theres
The 1 GHz processor clearly shows when
a dual LED ash for your night shots,
youre navigating through the interface.
and the camera dishes out some nice
Its fast, quick and responsive. Nokia
images if youve got the right settings.
has added the Android-like pull-down
The 1300 mAh battery easily lasts a full
CONTACT
notication bar with quick toggle options
day with brightness settings maxed out.
PHONE
for mobile data, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and
The phone is powerful, zippy and fun
EMAIL
silent mode. The music player is pretty
to use. So, if youre looking for a slightly
basic, with standard options and home
different experience than Android or iOS,
widgets for easy access. The bundled
the Nokia 701 is denitely worth a buy.
earphones are impressive and produce
- Karan Shah
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 16,700
www.nokia.co.in
Dimensions: 117.2 x 56.8 x 11 mm; Weight: 131g;

Display: 3.5 in, 360 x 640; OS: Symbian Belle; Memory:
Internal 8 GB; Camera: 8 megapixels (rear), VGA
(front); Connectivity: 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB OTG,
EDGE, GPRS; Battery: Li-Ion
Nokia
30303838
NA
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
PHONE
MOTOROLA FIRE XT
VERDICT: High price and poor performance. Gives this droid a miss.
FOR: Good battery life, lightweight, good design, TuneWiki music player.
AGAINST: Poor display, expensive, average camera , clunky physical buttons.
he Fire XT is Motorolas new
audio quality with lyrics support. The
budget Android handset that
phone also has heating isues, even when
competes with the HTC Explorer
you arent doing much. The quad-band
and LGs Optimus Net. Its an 800 MHz
phone supports 3G HSDPA and HSUPA
droid running Gingerbread and is well
along with Wi-Fi n. The 5 megapixel
packaged in a nice form factor. The
shooter is decent for outdoor images, but
multi-touch capacitive screen works well
indoors, under ambient light, it doesnt
but gets greasy quickly. Motorola has
fair too well despite having an LED ash.
added some handy tweaks to the UI to
Video recording is restricted to 480p. The
make it user friendly. The main problem
stand-out feature though is the battery
is the screen, which is poor in resolution
life, which lasted 7 hrs 50 mins in our
and color gamut. Its decently sized, but
video drain test. At Rs 12,799, the Fire XT
a 320x480 resolution just doesnt cut it.
is too expensive for what it offers, and
The physical buttons are also placed a
in all truthfulness, it isnt a very good
BUILD QUALITY
little too ush with the sides, making it
phone to begin with. In this price, the HTC
ERGONOMICS
difficult to use them. The music player is a
Explorer is a much better option.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 12,799
www.motorola.com/in
Dimensions: 114 x 62 x 11.95 mm; Weight: 114;

Display: 3.5 in HVGA, 320 x 480; CPU: 800MHz;
Memory: 512MB; OS: Android 2.3; Camera: 5
megapixels (rear), VGA (front); Connectivity: 3G
HSDPA, Wi-Fi, USB, EDGE, GPS
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Motorola Mobility India

1800 3000 4343
info.in@motorola.com
RATINGS
FEATURES
version of TuneWiki, which delivers better
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
42
12/2011
- Roydon Cerejo
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
MOBILE PHONE
LAVA S12
VERDICT: Some good features, but fails to compare to other Android phones in
this price range.
FOR: Great speakers, excellent build quality, decent UI.
AGAINST: Sluggish, sound drops during phone calls, delayed photo capturing.
avas rst Android smartphone - the
Lava has loaded the phone with some
S12 has excellent build quality,
cool India-specic apps, such as SAAVN,
with a stylish look. The 3.2-inch
which is a Bollywood music app; the
SPECIFICATIONS
touchscreen with 480 x 320 resolution
Times of India app; Advanced Task Killer
is quite bright, has a good color range,
to improve performance; and Facebooks
and is good for playing videos. Lava
Android app. The 5 megapixel camera
has implemented its own custom UI
captures crisp and clear pictures, but
called Lava 3D UI, which is a modied
again, there is a noticeable delay in image
version of the popular SPB shell home
capturing. Besides the 120 MB internal
launcher. Although the phone is armed
memory, the phone supports up to 32
with a Qualcomm 600 Mhz processor,
GB of expandable memory. With support
CONTACT
it runs the graphics-intensive 3D UI
for EDGE, 3G and Wi-Fi and impressive
PHONE
quite smoothly. Apart from the home
battery life, the S12 is a good buy for
EMAIL
launcher, however, the phone is a little
rst-time Android users, but can leave
slow. The display takes a couple of
you a little frustrated if you expect fast
seconds to light up when the phone is
performance from a budget phone.
unlocked and some apps run sluggishly.
- Kushal Mamoowala
Rs 8,500
www.lavamobiles.com
Dimensions (WxHxD): 57.5 x 13.4 x 117 mm;

Weight: 120 g; Display: 3.2 in LCD full touchscreen;
Camera: 5 megapixels; Storage: 120 MB internal,
expandable up to 32 GB; Connectivity: GPRS/EDGE,
Bluetooth, 3G, Wi-Fi, mini-USB; Functions: FM Radio,
music player, video player, Facebook, mobile TV
Lava International
0120-4637333
tarun.verma@lavainternational.in
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
PHONE
COLORS X5
VERDICT: A decent dual SIM budget handset with basic features and functionality.
FOR: Powerful loudspeaker, good build quality, dual-SIM standby.
AGAINST: Poor camera, supports only upto 8 GB of expandable memory, no EDGE
or 3G support.
he X5 is alow budget dual-SIM
good sound. The phone supports a variety
handset for the masses. The candy
of media le formats such as MP3, WMA,
bar style phone has a decent build,
MP4 and 3GP, so it is a good option for a
with a stylish full plastic body. However,
multimedia phone. The small screen and
the glossy nish does make the phone
the on-screen menu in the video player
prone to scratches. The 2.4-inch LCD
make long videos hard to watch. Other
screen with 240 x 320 resolution is bright
features include a 1.3 megapixel camera
and shows a wide range of colors, but it
that is below average, FM radio, torch,
is quite reective and difficult to see in
call blacklist, sound recorder and e-book
direct sunlight. The keypad is a standard
reader. The built in memory is limited, and
alpha numeric multi-tap keypad, but the
it supports only up to 8 GB of expandable
three columns of keys are separated,
memory. Call quality is quite decent, but
making it awkward to type text messages.
the mic is exposed to ambient noise. For
BUILD QUALITY
The function keys that ank the D-pad
connectivity, it offers mini USB, Bluetooth,
ERGONOMICS
are also quite oddly spaced. The speaker
and GPRS, but no EDGE or 3G.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 2,149
www.colors-mobile.com
Dimensions (WxHxD): 51x12.4x115 mm; Weight: 109 g;

Display: 2.4 in QVGA TFT LCD screen; Camera: 1.3MP;
Storage: up to 8GB micro SD; Connectivity: Bluetooth,
mini USB, GPRS; Functions: FM Radio, MP3 player,
video playback, torch, e-book reader.
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Colors Teletech
9999388111
info@colors-mobile.com
RATINGS
FEATURES
is really loud, and at low volumes, gives
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
44
12/2011
- Kushal Mamoowala
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
SMARTPHONE
SONY ERICSSON XPERIA PRO

VERDICT: A good handset that combines style and performance.
FOR: 8 megapixel camera, great audio quality, good design, uid UI.
AGAINST: No hot-swap for memory card.
he Xperia Pro is designed to
settings include EQ presets and an option
make a style statement as well
called xLOUD to boost the output via
as be effectively usable, and it
the built-in speakers. Audio quality is top
does this with class. Available in three
notch and the bundled handsfree is comfy.
colors silver, black and red, with a
The Xperia Pro is equipped with an 8
chrome rim and a slick slide-out QWERTY
megapixel auto/touch focus camera. It can
keypad, it scores high for design. It
also record video in 720p with continuous
features a 3.7-inch LED backlit capacitive
autofocus. The 1500mAh battery fared
touchscreen with Sonys Mobile BRAVIA
decently in our battery tests, clocking 7 hrs
Engine enhancing the colors, brightness
25 mins running just video non-stop with
and contrast. It makes for crystal clear
no background connectivity. With EDGE
viewing in all lighting conditions. The lack
running, we ran the handset non-stop with
of a hot-swap slot for the microSD card
2 hrs of music, 2 hrs of audio streaming,
CONTACT
is a bit of an issue, but the bundled 8 GB
2 hrs of video and 1.5 hours of talk time.
PHONE
card should be plenty. Under the hood is a
The Xperia Pro is a great handset for its
EMAIL
1 GHz Snapdragon processor that SE has
price. If youre looking for a phone with
put to effective use. The UI is super uid;
good aesthetics, smooth functioning,
apps open up instantaneously. Screen
and a decent camera, this is it.
rotation was smooth and lag-free. Audio
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 23,990
www.sonyericsson.com
Dimensions (WxHxD): 57 x 120 x 13.7 mm; Weight:

142 g; Display: 3.7-in, 480x854; Camera: 8 MP with
LED flash; CPU: 1 GHz; Memory: 320 MB storage, 512
MB RAM; OS: Android 2.3; Rated talk time: 6 hr 55 min.
Sony Ericsson
1800-11-1800
NA
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
- Shayne Rana
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
MONITOR
LG FLATRON D2342
VERDICT: A decent performance in both 2D and 3D playback.
FOR: 3D capability, full HD.
AGAINST: Stand is wobbly, price is a bit steep.
he LG D2342 is a 3D-capable
display is held up by a narrow stand and
LED-backlit monitor with a
frame. The base has a slightly curved
native resolution of 1920x1080
design with a glossy nish on it. Viewing
and a 23-inch viewing area. LG claims a
angles are decent, although some
response time of 5ms. The connectivity
dimming takes place at extreme angles.
options found are a 3.5mm audio
Colors appear bright and vibrant. There
connector, HDMI, DVI and D-Sub. The
is some backlight bleeding at the top
Rs 16,650
OSD interface is easy to use thanks
of the screen and in general, blackness
www.lg.com
to the buttons being lined up with
levels are nothing spectacular. Its inbuilt
Display: 3D LED; Native resolution: 1920x1080;

Response time: 5ms; Connectivity: D-Sub, DVI-D, HDMI,
3.5mm audio
the interface. There is the 2D-to-3D
2D-to-3D conversion feature doesnt
feature that is found on many 3D TVs.
work as impressively as the Cinema 3D
The monitor comes with two pairs of
TVs. Theres little-to-no eye strain after
passive 3D glasses, which are lightweight
viewing content. The volume output
and comfortable to wear. The monitor
from the 3.5mm audio jack is average in
has a decent design and the screen is
intensity. The D2342 is a decent buy at
BUILD QUALITY
surrounded by a thin bezel. The stand
Rs 16,650 for 3D games and movies.
FEATURES
is lightweight and easy to setup. The
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
LG Electronics India
1800 180 9999
Serviceindia@lge.com
RATINGS
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
46
12/2011
- Rossi Fernandes
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
DIGITAL CAMERA
NIKON COOLPIX P500

VERDICT: One of the best superzooms available in the market right now.
FOR: 36x zoom, tilt-out screen, 1080p video recording, stylish, lightweight.
AGAINST: Slightly pricey.
he P500 belongs to the
Having an optical zoom of 36x and
Professional Series from Nikons
an image stabilizing functionality, the
CoolPix range, featuring a NIKKOR
pictures shot were crisp and a fair amount
ED glass lens with 36x optical zoom and a
of detail was noticed. The ash is quite
12.1 megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS
powerful and can illuminate an area of
sensor. The vibration reduction feature
15 feet. Indoor images captured well and
allows a user to capture action shots
colors looked natural, with minimal grain.
easily. The side zoom control assists with
Macro images provided a ne amount
this feature, while the black rubberized
of detail too. Full HD video recorded
handgrip facilitates easy handling. This is
was really good. The 1100 mAh battery
also possible due to the light weight of
can shoot up to 220 shots on a single
the P500, which is approximately 494 g.
charge. The overall performance of this
CONTACT
The Vari-angle type monitor allows one to
camera was really good, and no issues
PHONE
tilt the 3-inch screen in a way so images
were noticed. The P500 sells at a MOP
EMAIL
can be captured from either high or low
of Rs 18,950. This is a really great camera
angles and as close as 0.4 inches. We
and does well in design, build quality,
found the presence of a wide-angle and
features as well as performance.
telephoto rocker on the lens interesting.
- Aaron Almeida
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 18,950
www.nikon.co.in
Dimensions (WxHxD): 115.5 x 83.7 x 102.5 mm; Weight:

494 g ; Resolution: 12.1 megapixels; CMOS: 1/2.3-inch;
Lens: 36 x optical f/3.5-5.7; Video: 1920x1080 @30
fps; ISO: 160 - 3200; Shutter: 1/1500 - 2 sec
Nikon India Pvt Ltd
0124-4688500
nindsales@nikonoa.net
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
DIGITAL CAMERA
KODAK EASYSHARE MAX

Z990
VERDICT: A superzoom that offers great value for money.
FOR: 30x zoom is great, 1080p video recording, photo-sharing abilities, price.
AGAINST: Uses AA batteries.
he main feature of the Kodak
EVF. Outdoor images shot well, with a
Easyshare Max Z990 is its
fair amount of detail being at 30x zoom
superoom lens with 30x optical
and all colors appearing natural and
zoom. Kodak has added a 12 mega
detailed. The quality of indoor images
pixel BSI CMOS sensor on this camera.
was good and minimum amount of grain
www.kodakindia.com
It features three-step photo sharing
was noticed. Video recorded at 1080p
Sensor: 12 megapixel BSI CMOS; Zoom: 30X optical;

Focal length: 28840 mm; Display: 3 in HVGA LCD;
Memory: 128 MB internal; Video recording: 1080p
to social networks sites like Facebook
was awless. The only downside is that
and Twitter. All the settings can be
it uses AA batteries to power it up. This
viewed through the EVF, allowing you
is a really good camera, offering good
to conserve the battery. The Z990 has
shots with the zoom being really good.
128 MB of internal memory, expandable
Kodak has really stepped up their game
further via an SD or SDHC card. It
in this segment. This camera offers
BUILD QUALITY
features the bridge camera design and
great value for money, and it is ideal for
ERGONOMICS
the overall build is strong. It features a
wildlife and nature photography.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 16,499
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Kodak India Pvt. Ltd.

1800 224 949
NA
RATINGS
FEATURES
3-inch screen, a pop-up ash and an
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
48
12/2011
- Aaron Almeida
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
MONO LASER PRINTER
HP LASERJET PRO P1108

VERDICT: A highly compact and well performing printer for professional
document printing for homes and small ofces.
FOR: Speedy prints, hassle-free operation, eco-friendly, compact size.
AGAINST: A cancel print button wouldve been handy.
he HP Laserjet Pro P1108 is an
button should have been included. The
eco-friendly mono laser printer.
P1108 uses the conventional laser printing

g
It uses the Instant-On/Auto-off
technology and can print at resolutions
technology to save on power and is
of 600x600 dpi with an awesome print
designed with a highly compact body
speed of 19 pages per minute. The printer
to save space on the desk. It has an
powers up in just 13 seconds. The print
excellent build and a matte-nished
quality results in crisp text and sharp
dual-tone exterior. The foldable input
graphics which makes this printer ideal
and output paper trays can hold around
for professional document printing. The
150 and 100 sheets respectively. The rear
ink cartridge is priced at around Rs 2,900,
features just a power socket and a USB
which can print around 1500 pages,
Dimensions (WxHxD): 349 x 196 x 238 mm; Weight: 5.2

Kg; Print resolution: 600 x 600 dpi; Interface: USB 2.0;
Paper handling: 150-sheet input, 100-sheet output.
port. It weighs just 5.2 Kg and combined
bringing the print per page cost to just
CONTACT
with the compact size, it makes it easy
Rs 1.85. Priced at just Rs 6,599, the laser
PHONE
to move around. A single power button
printer is a steal for home and small
and two error indicators make up the
office use. The monthly duty cycle of
whole control panel, which helps in
this printer is around 5,000 pages.
hassle-free operation, but a cancel print
- Francis Dsa
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 6,599
www.hp.com/in
EMAIL
Hewlett Packard India sales Pvt. Ltd

1800 425 4999
in.contact@hp.com
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
AIO
EPSON K200
VERDICT: An excellent economical monochrome printer with AIO features.
FOR: Economic printing, network enabled, good build, compact, auto-duplex.
AGAINST: White glossy exterior.
he K200 is an all-in-one
and is highly compact, but the exterior is
monochrome inkjet printer
glossy and white in color, which makes
aimed specically at large scale
it prone to scratches and dust. The front
businesses. It features a print resolution
panel comprises of a simple control panel
of 1440x720 dpi using a 2 pl ink droplet
(no display) and features the power, copy,
size. An auto-duplex printing mechanism
cancel, ink tank replacement and network
on the rear makes printing on both sides
info switches. There is no USB port or
www.epson.co.in
of the page easier and faster, needing no
card reader. We tested the printing speed
Dimensions (WxHxD): 445 x 154 x 330 mm; Weight: 4.6

Kg; Print resolution: 1440 x 720 dpi, Scan resolution:
1200 dpi; Functions: Print, Scan, Copy; Network:
10/100 Ethernet.
user intervention. Other features include
of the K200 and achieved a maximum
a atbed scanner with a resolution of
speed of 22 pages per minute in draft
1200 dpi and a 10/100 Ethernet port for
mode. Normal and best modes can give
network printing. The K200 makes use
out a maximum of 17 pages and 2 pages
of two T1371 black ink cartridges with a
per minute respectively. The printer is
combined yield of around 2,000 pages.
very economical and highly benecial
Each set of two cartridges costs around
for offices that require large volumes of
Rs 1,208, which brings the cost per print to
monochrome prints on a daily basis.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 9,999
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Epson India
080-30515000
think@eid.epson.co.in
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES
just 60 Paise. The AIO has a rugged build
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
50
12/2011
- Francis Dsa
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
HTPC
BRAG MJOY
FOR: Wi-Fi adapter, good overall package.
AGAINST: No USB 3.0 ports on the front panel.
rags latest offering - Mjoy, is a
DVD-writer. MJoys conguration is very
home theater PC for those who are

hom
power-friendly and doesnt require a high-
on a shoe string budget. The PC is
end power supply unit. The one installed
congured using entry-level components,

but with attention paid to performance.
The MJoy is powered by the AMD
The rear panel of the motherboard has multiple video

outputs and USB 3.0 ports.
is the FSP Saga II 400W.

One of the aspects that weve like
about all Brag PCs has been cable
Athlon II X4 645 processor which has
routing. Its more challenging in a
a good deal of power to handle media
compact HTPC such as this due to the
playback as well as basic everyday
lack of space. The power and SATA
applications such as office suite and
cables are neatly tied up and routed
Web browsing. The memory module
along the sides to reduce clutter and
used is a single 4 GB stick of G.Skill Rip
facilitate air circulation.
jaws DDR3-1600. It provides headroom
For an entry-level conguration, the
for overclocking, but the motherboard
performance of the MJoy is very good. It
and CPU arent too overclocking friendly
scored 10145 points in PCMark Vantage
because they are entry-level components.
and 3.46 points in CineBench R11.5. These
To keep the price low, Brag has opted
scores indicate that this PC is far more
to use the Radeon HD 4250 integrated
powerful than a similar rig powered by a
graphics, which is the part of the AMD
Core i3 Sandy Bridge processor. It goes
880G chipset. However, with the Gigabyte
without saying that processors by AMD
880GM-USB3 motherboard, you have
are great value for money in the entry-
two USB 3.0 ports on the rear and a PCIE
level segment. Further, it took 55 seconds
x16 expansion slot. You can upgrade to
to compress 100 MB of multiple les into
discrete graphics, but youll need a low-
7.zip format using Ultra prole and 51
prole graphics card such as the Radeon
seconds to transcode a 1 minute MPEG
HD 6450 or 6570. The motherboard has
video to H.264 format. The OCZ Vertex 2
one PCIE x1 and two PCI slots. A 300
SSD is a great performer HD Tune Pro
Mb/s Wi- adapter is tted into one of
reported average read speed of 136 MB/s,
the PCI slots. Apart from the low prole
whereas the Seagate Barracuda Green
cards, the rest of the components are
reported 111 MB/s which is very good for a
of standard form factor thanks to the
regular desktop hard drive.
Silverstone Milo ML03 PC case. Low-
The MJoy is a good attempt by Brag
prole slots are provided to keep the
and we appreciate the fact that it has
form factor slim. The storage comprises
carved out something for the budget-
of OCZ Vertex 2, 60 GB SSD for system
conscious audience. If you want an
drive and Seagate Barracuda Green 2 TB
entry-level home theater PC that doesnt
www.primeabgb.com
for secondary storage. So you get quick
compromise on performance and the
Dimensions (WxHxD): 440 x 105 x 340 mm; CPU: AMD

Athlon II X4 645, 3.1 GHz; Chipset: AMD 880G; Memory:
4 GB DDR3; Storage: 60 GB SSD and 2 TB HDD;
Optical drive: DVD-writer; Power supply: 400 W.
response time and plenty of storage
quality of components used, this one will
space at the same time. Being an entry-
keep you satised.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 35,000
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Prime Abgb
022-67402000
pankaj@primeabgb.com
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
52
12/2011
level PC, you get a standard tray-loading
- Anand Tuliani
VERDICT
A COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR THOSE

ON A LOW BUDGET.
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
MOBILE PHONE
MEDIA PLAYER
SICT iV171
VERDICT: A very affordable and simple
dual SIM GSM phone with gigantic battery
life.
FOR: Battery life, sturdy shell, highvolume speakers.
AGAINST: Proprietary PC interface and
headphone jack, disappointing camera
and video performance.
SPECIFICATIONS
LCD MONITOR
PORTRONICS
SOUNDBOX
PHILIPS BRILLIANCE
273PLPH
VERDICT: A good source of

entertainment while youre on the move.
FOR: Compact design, very good sound
quality, uses Nokia BL-5C battery.
AGAINST: Sluggish menu navigation, no
mass storage interface.
VERDICT: A large screen monitor good

enough for ofce use.
FOR: 27-inch panel, PowerSensor,
swivel-tilt-pivot base.
AGAINST: Max resolution of 1920x1080.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 2,299
Rs 1,800
Rs 23,899
sictindia.com
www.portronics.com
www.india.philips.com
Dimensions (WxHxD): 119 x 15.3 x 51 mm; SIM: 2 x GSM;

Display: 2.4-inch QVGA; Battery: 3000 mAh; Camera: 1.3 MP;
Network: GPRS, WAP, Bluetooth.

Sources: MicroSD card, USB flash drive and FM radio;
Rated power: 2 x 2 Watt; Frequency response: 200 Hz-20 KHz;
SNR: >78 dB.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 642 x 244 x 528 mm; Weight: 8.74 Kg;

Panel: 27-inch TFT LCD, LED backlight; Aspect ratio: 16:9;
Resolution: 1920x1080 @ 60 Hz; Response time: 3.5 ms;
Contrast ratio: 1200:1.
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
iVK Mobile Pvt LTD

1800 1022017
customersupport@sictindia.com
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
RATINGS
Portronics
9768661331
ssingh@portronics.com
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Mmd India
9654455821
mayank.singh@mmd-p.com
RATINGS
FEATURES
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
PERFORMANCE
FEATURES
FEATURES
OVERALL RATING
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
for weeks. The phone can also
makes it quite compact. For its size, the
power saving. It has a 27-inch TFT
automatically turn on or off at set
feature set is quite impressive. It can
LCD panel with a white LED backlight.
times, giving you additional power
play songs in MP3 and WMA formats
It features a maximum resolution
saving. It has a dual SIM network
directly from microSD memory card
of 1920 x 1080p dpi @ 60 Hz (16:9).
and memory expansion up to 16 GB.
and USB ash drives. The memory card
Connectivity options include DVI,
The handset is well built, has a dual
slot and USB port are located at the
D-sub, HDMI, 3 x USB ports, and
tone color with a glossy white surface
bottom along with a mini USB port and
2 x 3.5 mm jacks. The front panel
and a large 2.4-inch QVGA display.
a 3.5 mm audio jack. The mini USB port
is completely touch sensitive. The
The keypad is good, with spacey and
serves only as power input for charging
shell is rugged and sits on a height-
tactile keys, but the d-pad is a bit
the li-ion battery via the PCs USB port
adjustable base stand. Two 2W built-in
smaller. A huge disappointmentthe
and not as a mass storage interface,
speakers are included for audio too.
PC interface-cum-headset jack is
which would have been useful for
The monitor is designed for offices,
proprietary, making it impossible to use
transferring songs to the memory card.
but not for extreme professional use.
your own earphones. We recommend
The li-ion battery is Nokia BL-5C type
You can select from various modes
this phone to those who are constantly
which is easily available should it need
like Office, Image, etc., to t the
on the move either in the city, trekking
to be replaced. The Soundbox uses two
application in use, based on which
or camping and dont have the time or
35 mm neodymium drivers for playback
the monitor optimizes the contrast,
facility to recharge the handset.
and the audio quality is fantastic.
color saturation and sharpness.
he USP of the SICT mobile phone

lies in its 3,000 mAh battery,
which can keep your phone powered
- Francis Dsa
54
12/2011
he Portronics Soundbox is slightly

larger than the average candybar
phone, but twice as thick, which still
- Anand Tuliani
he 273PLPH monitor is designed

with PowerSensor technology,
which detects user presence for
- Francis Dsa
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
SSD
WIRELESS HDD
WIRELESS HDD
SILICON POWER VELOX

V30, 60 GB
SEAGATE GOFLEX
SATELLITE
VERDICT: Superior performance at an

affordable price.
FOR: Excellent read and write speeds,
bundled 3.5-inch bracket.
AGAINST: None.
VERDICT: A great portable wireless

media streaming device with 500 GB of
storage.
FOR: Wireless streaming, 5 hour battery,
USB 3.0 interface.
AGAINST: Glossy exterior.
SPECIFICATIONS
KINGSTON WI-DRIVE
VERDICT: Youll be able to carry more
music and video, but enjoy them only as
long as its battery lasts.
FOR: Unique solution to spacechallenged iPhones.
AGAINST: Limited utility, high price.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 17,999
Rs 11,500
Rs 9,900
www.silicon-power.com
www.seagate.com
www.kingston.com/india
Form factor: 2.5-inch; Dimensions (WxHxD): 69.8 x 9.4 x 100

mm; Interface: SATA 6 Gb/s; Capacity: 60 GB; 3.5-inch
bracket: Yes.

Capacity: 500 GB; Interface: Wi-Fi b/g/n, USB 3.0.
Dimensions (WxDxH): 121.5 x 61.8 x 9.8 mm; Capacity: 16 GB;

Interface: USB 2.0, Wi-Fi g/n; Maximum users: 3
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Silicon Power
9971574826
india_service@silicon-power.com
RATINGS
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Fortune Marketing
011-2641 4468
Sales@fortune-it.com
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
RATINGS
Kingston Technology
022 42230300
sales_india@kingston.com
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
3 and Kingston HyperX SSDs are
Wi-Fi-enabled gadgets. It houses a
longer and narrower than an iPhone
based. It has eight NAND chips for total
standard 2.5-inch hard drive along with
3GS, it lets you connect via Wi-Fi. You
storage space of 64 GB. However, on
the built-in battery and the wireless
can plug the drive into any computer
formatting the drive, you get 51 GB. The
802.11 b/g/n hardware. The Satellite
using a standard USB cable to charge
rated maximum read and write speed
can simultaneously stream media
it and load it up with content. After
is 550 MB/s and 500 MB/s respectively.
to three wireless devices using any
that, download the Wi-Drive app from
We rst ran the le benchmark in HD
Web browser. The built-in batteries
the iOS App Store and set your device
Tune Pro using 256 KB length. The peak
can provide up to ve hours of
to choose the Wi-Drive as the active
read and write speed were close to
entertainment wirelessly. The internal
Wi-Fi connection. If you simultaneously
350 MB/s and 425 MB/s respectively.
storage is a 500 GB 2.5-inch SATA hard
need your home or office Wi-Fi for
Next, we ran a low-level test using
drive and the connector is a switchable
Internet access, you can connect to it
HD Tach RW. It reported average read
USB 3.0 USM adapter. Bundled along
through the Wi-Drive app. The app is
and write speed of 275 MB/s and 214
is a USB to DC cable for charging and
straightforward, allowing you to browse
MB/s respectively. In the real world
a compact car and wall charger. The
content by type and play it using any
le transfer test, we got average read
Satellite has a rugged build, but the
suitable app you have installed. The
and write speed of 227 MB/s and 85
shell is highly glossy. It features just
battery is rated for about four hours
MB/s respectively. For its price, the
a single power button and two LEDs
of continuous video streaming, which
Velox V30, 60 GB is good value.
for Wi-Fi activity and power.
should be enough for a long ight.
he Velox V30 is powered by the

SandForce2000 controller on
which the more-expensive OCZ Vertex
- Anand Tuliani
56
12/2011
he GoFlex Satellite can not only

be used for storing media, but
also to stream it directly to your
- Francis Dsa
f your iPhone or iPad doesnt have

enough space for all your media, the
Wi-Drive could come in handy. Slightly
- Jamshed Avari
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
MONITOR
AOC E2352PHZ
VERDICT: An excellent display for 3D entertainment.
FOR: Bundled 3D glasses, slim design,includes HDMI and DVI cables.
AGAINST: Glossy frame attracts dust and stains.
capable of converting 2D videos into 3D.
uses passive polarized 3D glasses. If the
lend it an elegant look, apart from the
game or the media application you use
ngerprints it picks up too easily.
OCs latest 3D monitor isnt a 120

Hz display like Nvidia 3D Visioncompatible monitors; instead, it
The monitor is less than 20 mm thick

and the glossy black border and pedestal
supports passive 3D, this monitor should
Performance is also very good.
be able to display content appropriately.
Although you have presets for various
SPECIFICATIONS
types of content, tweaking the colors,
Rs 14,990
LED backlit 1920x1080 panel. The LED
brightness and contrast manually yields
www.aoc.com
backlight gives it a high contrast ratio as
better results. The viewing angle is very
compared to conventional LCD displays.
good with very slight deviation when
The monitor has VGA, DVI and HDMI
viewed from extreme angles, but the
Dimensions (WxHxD): 547.8 x 398.7x190 mm;

Screen size: 23 inches; Resolution: 1920x1080 @60 Hz;
Backlighting: LED; Response time: 2 ms; Video inputs:
DVI, VGA and HDMI 1.4a.
inputs and AOC has generously included
screen has to be perpendicular to your
CONTACT
all the three cables along with a pair of
eyes for best results with 3D content.
PHONE
polarized 3D glasses and clip-on lenses
Overall, the AOC e2352Phz is an
The AOC e2352Phz features a 23-inch
that t on top of any glasses you might
exciting package for 3D entertainment and
already wear. The software includes
is great value for money.
sample 3D clips and photos, and is
EMAIL
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
FEATURES
- Anand Tuliani
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
TPV Technology Ltd

0124-2806116
infoindia@aoc.com
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
NAS
MOUSE
CPU COOLER
QNAP TURBONAS TS659 PRO PLUS
MICROSOFT TOUCH
MOUSE
GLACIALTECH IGLOO
5620
VERDICT: One of the most powerful,

secure and feature-rich NAS money can
buy.
FOR: High on features, easy to congure,
power management.
AGAINST: None.
VERDICT: A unique product thats

designed specically for lifestyle users.
FOR: Good touch performance, good
looks, solid tracking.
AGAINST: Expensive, no middle click,
somewhat uncomfortable to lift.
VERDICT: Effective cooling and multiple

socket support at a great price.
FOR: Multiple platform support, thermal
compound included.
AGAINST: The build quality could have
been better.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 97,000
Rs 3,999
Rs 1,028
www.qnap.com
www.microsoftstore.co.in
www.GlacialTech.com

CPU: Atom Dual core; RAM: 1 GB; HDD support: 6 x SATA
2.5/3.5-inch; RAID: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD; Ethernet: 2 x Gigabit;
USB: 5 x USB 2.0; eSATA: 2 x eSATA.
Buttons: Three finger touch sensitive surface; Interface: USB

2.0, Wireless micro dongle; Power: 2 x AA batteries

Fan size: 92 mm; Socket support: Intel LGA 775, 1155, 1156
and 1366, AMD Socket AM2, AM2+, AM3 and FM1.
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Arihant Info Solutions

022-23812398
abhishek@arihant.net.in
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Ingram Micro India Ltd

022-30561291
mohit.j@ingrammicro.co.in
PHONE
EMAIL
RATINGS
ACRO Engineering
9910532246
himanshu@amigointernational.biz
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
RATINGS
CONTACT
FEATURES
BUILD QUALITY
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
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OVERALL RATING
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VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
It supports up to six hot-swappable
clicks and a touch sensor on top. There
socket LGA 775 and AM2 upwards,
hard drives with RAID 0, 1, 10, 5 and
is no middle click or sensitivity switch.
you can upgrade to this cooler even
6 and JBOD congurations. It also
It is a very low-lying mouse and is
if youre using a 3 generation old
features servers for Web, le, SMTP,
almost a centimeter lower than most
platform. The kit comprises of a
surveillance, media, MySQL, backup,
desktop mice. With the two batteries
heatsink, a 92 mm PWM fan, mounting
download and torrents. It uses
in it, its a little heavy and somewhat
hardware for various sockets and a
two Gigabit Ethernet ports for load
slippery because of its low-prole
high viscosity thermal compound. The
balancing and redundancy, giving you
design. In terms of performance, it
heatsink has two copper heatpipes
powerful networked storage. The NAS
tracks awlessly. The clicks register
that come in direct contact with the
also features storage expansion via
well and the scrolling comes naturally.
CPU. Installation requires patience. The
USB and eSATA ports. The strong set
While actions like snap to the right, left,
assembly uses a backplate for tting
of security features can be congured
maximize and minimize can be done
the heatsink, requiring you to remove
using a simple browser UI. The build
using keyboard shortcuts, there is one
the motherboard if youre upgrading.
uses a rugged metal shell with front
unique feature, which lets you view
The backplate is common for all CPU
loading drive bays, an LCD display and
all windows in one glance. Priced at
sockets. The supplied fan is extremely
a two-button control panel. The rear
Rs 3,999, it is designed it for lifestyle
silent and the cooling is sufficient for
contains the ports and a D-sub for
users and therefore, theres a very
this cooler to be used in entry-level
monitoring and administration.
niche audience for this product.
and mid-range gaming PCs.
he TS-659 Pro Plus features

an Atom D525 1.8 GHz based
CPU with 1 GB RAM and Linux OS.
- Francis Dsa
58
12/2011
he new Microsoft Touch Mouse is

different to look at, but its more
rened and precise. There are two
- Rossi Fernandes
he Igloo 5620 is an affordable CPU

cooler that supports multiple Intel
and AMD sockets. With support from
- Anand Tuliani
TEST CENTER
HARDWARE
LAPTOP COOLER
LAPTOP COOLER
AUTOMOBILE POWER INVERTOR
COOLER MASTER
NOTEPAL LAPAIR
ANTEC NOTEBOOK
COOLER DESIGNER
VERDICT: A uniquely designed laptop

cooling solution with ergonomics,
comfort, and efcient cooling.
FOR: Lightweight, cleaning facilities, USB
port extender.
AGAINST: None.
VERDICT: Great performer, but try it

before you buy it.
FOR: Good looks and performance, silent.
AGAINST: Stability issues, speed cannot
be changed.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
LAPCARE KV-150-USB
VERDICT: Ideal for powering or charging
electronic equipment in an automobile.
FOR: Angular plug, universal power
socket, protection circuit, 5V USB port.
AGAINST: Average build quality, no
built-in fuse.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 1,500
Rs 1,235
Rs 2,000
www.coolermaster.in
www.hdigitallifestyle.com
www.rxinfotech.in

Fan: 80 mm, single speed, silent; Power requirements: 5 V,
340 mA, via USB.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 330 x 284 x 22.8 mm; Fan: 110 mm,

silent; Fan speed: 800 rpm; Power requirements: USB

Power requirements: 12 V Car cigarette lighter port;
Power output: 220 V AC, 150 W, 50 Hz, 5 V USB.
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Acro Engineering Company

9820207871
sanket_naik@coolermaster.com
RATINGS
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Antec
9824499751
info@hdigitallifestyle.com
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
RATINGS
Rx Infotech Pvt Ltd

1800-120-0852
sales@rxinfotech.in
RATINGS
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offers comfortable usage. It weighs
tapers downwards and is extremely
It uses your cars 12 Volt battery via
just 1.2 Kg and rests comfortably on
lightweight. The center has vents for
a conventional cigarette lighter port
your lap using a soft sponge base. It
the fan inside and a heat dissipation
to power/charge your electronic
can accommodate laptops with up to
vent on the top. The back consists of
equipment. It also includes a USB
17-inch displays. It features a single 80
a USB cable that snugly ts into the
port which has a 5 Volt DC output
mm silent blower fan powered by a
pathways etched into the product.
for charging smaller gadgets such as
USB port and consumes just 1.7 Watts
There are rubber pads that prevent
mobile phones and music players.
of power. The USB power connector
slipping. It features a 110mm fan
It is a basic inverter that converts
is designed as a port extender using
that blows at 800 RPM, but there is
12 Volt DC from the battery to 220
which you can simultaneously connect
no provision to alter speed. There is
Volt AC. The unit has an angular
another USB peripheral. The LapAir
no stand to lower the inclination of
port to tilt it sideways or up/down
intakes fresh air through the vents
the pad. While on a lap, there was
for more convenient placement. The
in the front and blows it below the
no slot-in option for the laptop, so
power socket is a universal type to
laptop to exhaust the hot air from
stability was a problem. The angular
accommodate any type of power plug.
the sides. The cover is a removable
placement also changes the entire
The Lapcare also features a built-in
metal mesh designed for easy cleaning
viewing angle. It is extremely silent
protection circuit to protect the cars
of the internal fan. The LapAir can
and worked seamlessly. There was no
battery and the connected equipment.
also be used on the desktop or table
visible extra battery consumption and
It also has a built-in fan to exhaust
thanks to its ergonomic design.
the over heating was reduced.
heat dissipated when in use.
he Notepal LapAir is a unique and

elegantly designed laptop cooler
which features efficient cooling and
- Francis Dsa
he Antec Notebook Cooler Designer

is for notebooks up to 15 inches
and looks sleek and smart. The design
apcare is a universal charging

adapter that lets you charge your
electronic equipment while you drive.
- Karan Shah
- Francis Dsa
12/2011
59
TEST CENTER
GRAPHICS CARD COMPARISON
Wallet-friendly
and Powerful
Don't underestimate the power of mainstream graphics cards. They are capable of
handling the latest games with great ease.
BY ROSSI FERNANDES AND AARON ALMEIDA
ne thing weve all been noticing is that the system
report we received 15 of them, all priced between the Rs
requirements of games have been slowly going
5,000 to Rs 8,000 range.
title by id Software - RAGE. Any gaming enthusiast will tell
brands such as Asus, Galaxy, Palit, Sapphire, XFX and
you that id Software makes some really intensive games
Zotac. There were also some newcomers. Forsa, for
and Doom 3 pushed the boundaries when it came out
example, is a relatively new brand, and HIS, a brand
back in 2004. RAGE, it seems, will be able to run on three
not so commonly known in India, was also present
year-old graphics cards. A mid-range range card today
for the test. Chipsets ranging from Nvidias GTS250
then makes ideal sense for those are on a tight budget,
to AMDs Radeon 6770 were all present. The point
but still want to game. Theres no shortage of these cards,
of the test was to try and pinpoint the best graphics
but which one do you buy? To nd out, we called up all
card around this price range. Users using 22-inch and
of the graphic card manufacturers in India, asking them
24-inch displays and wanting a graphics solution in a
to send us all their budget graphics cards. Were happy to
somewhat tight budget would nd these cards suitable.
down. The best example of this is the latest game
60
12/2011
We received products across chipsets, featuring
SMS us! Story code: TGC to 51818
TEST CENTER
TEST PROCESS
Since performance in graphics cards is
in todays games. We looked out for the
1680x1050. We also wanted to see how
paramount, we did not score them on
types of output ports on the rear of the
well the cooling solution on these cards
parameters such as build quality. We
card; extra points were awarded to those
would perform. Many of the systems
looked at just three parameters
that supported new-generation interfaces
running these cards might be run as 24/7
Features: It is important to note
such as HDMI and DisplayPort.
rigs. Temperatures under gaming load
that Nvidia and AMD have different
Performance: Being graphics cards,
also must be under reasonable levels, so
approaches towards stream processors.
the key factor that governs the buying
we took a separate reading to see how
Thus, while an ATI GPU that has more
decision is the performance. In order to
hot the cards would get under load.
stream processors than that of Nvidia,
do this, we ran a barrage of benchmarks,
Warranty: We simply noted the
both may be equally powerful. So, we did
which included the synthetic benchmark
warranty period of each card. The greater
not consider higher scores for the amount
3DMark Vantage. Games such as Resident
the period, the better for the consumer.
of stream processors present. We logged
Evil 5, Maa 2, Far Cry 2, Dirt 2 and Just
Value for money: We calculated
parameters such as GPU speed, type
Cause 2 were also run. This ensured
this index by stacking the sum of
and amount of memory, memory speed,
that we covered most popularly used
features and performance against the
DirectX support, and so on. All of these
game engines across developers. We ran
price. The card that scored the highest
features enable the visual effects you see
games at two resolutions - 1280x1024 and
index was awarded Best Value.
Jagdish Limbachiya
12/2011
61
TEST CENTER
VERDICT
A POWERFUL
GRAPHICS CARD
FOR A SWEET
PRICE.
SPARKLE GEFORCE
GTX 550Ti
he GeForce GTX 550 Ti GPU was
pair of DVI ports and a mini HDMI port.
launched after the GTX 560 Ti. Its
So youll need a suitable HDMI cable to
more affordable and is targeted
connect the card to the TV which has a
at those who want to build a low-budget
standard HDMI port. Performance-wise
gaming PC. The GTX 550 Ti features
the GTX 550 Ti ts right between the
the new GF116 GPU, which benets from
GTS 450 and GTX 460. The overall
similar transistor level improvements like
3DMark Vantage score was 12252 at stock
in the GTX 580 and GTX 560 Ti. This
speed. The card handled most of the
means less heat, more performance
games very well at above 60 fps. Some
per watt, and obviously, enhanced
games such as Resident Evil 5 and Far
performance thanks to higher memory
Cry 2 ran smoothly at over 70 fps with
bus width and clock speed. The GTX
High settings. So even if you crank the
550 Ti has a total of 192 shader units,
resolution to 1920x1080, you can expect
which is similar to the GTS 450. However,
games to run smoothly but with a slight
the memory bus is wider (192-bit versus
compromise in frame rates. The Galaxy
128-bit on the GTS 450) and both the
GTX 550 Ti is priced almost the same
core and memory are clocked around 100
as this card and even the performance
MHz higher at 900 MHz and 1025 MHz
was almost identical. However, this card
respectively. This card by Sparkle has the
performed slightly better in Dirt 2 and Just
core and memory clocked at stock speed.
Cause 2, because of which it made it to
The cooler used is pretty simple, but very
the top. We strongly recommend this card
effective thanks to the large fan tted
if you want to build a gaming PC without
on the aluminium heatsink. The plastic
shelling out a lot for a graphics card.
shell that covers the heatsink directs air
FOR: Good cooling, great performance for
OVERALL RATING
through the ns and also acts as a dust
the price.
VALUE FOR MONEY
cover. The rear panel of the card has a
AGAINST: None.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 7,900
Stream processors: 192; Core | Memory speed: 900 MHz | 1026 MHz;
Memory: 1 GB GDDR5; Memory bus width: 192-bit; Outputs: DVI
and mini HDMI.
CONTACT
PHONE
EMAIL
Abacus Peripherals Pvt. Ltd.

1800-221-988
enquiry@abacusperipherals.com
RATINGS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
62
12/2011
TEST CENTER
ASUS RADEON HD
6670
hile being perfectly suited
youll nd that it churned out more than
for home theater PCs,
30 fps in all the game benchmarks. The
the Radeon HD 6670 also
most strenuous games were Maa 2
addresses the entry-level segment who
and Far Cry 2. The game engine used
need a discrete graphics card for casual
in Resident Evil 5, like the one used in
gaming, accelerating video playback and
Devil May Cry, is a very pretty and rened
transcoding. The HD 6670 is available
engine that churns out high frame rates
in both DDR3 and GDDR5 variants.
no matter what the hardware. This
The Asus Radeon HD 6670 has 1 GB of
card scored 53 fps at a resolution of
GDDR5 memory that runs at 1000 MHz
1680x1050 with High settings and 8xAA.
and connects to the GPU via a 128-bit
With just about enough power to handle
memory bus. The GPU has 480 stream
most of the latest games comfortably at
processors and runs 10 MHz faster than
1680x1050, this card would struggle at
the reference speed at 810 MHz.
1920x1080, in which case you may have
We have seen a few HD 6670 graphics
A GREAT CARD FOR

BOTH HOME
THEATER PCS AND
CASUAL GAMING.
to lower the quality of visual effects for
cards with single-slot designs by other
smoother frame rates. However, for a
brands, but this one uses a dual-slot
graphics card that can chug happily with
cooler. The heat sink used in this card is
the power drawn from the PCIE slot, this
slightly larger and the fan mounted on
level of performance is commendable.
top adds to the height. The card features
VERDICT
If gaming is not a priority and you
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 5,200
Stream processors: 480; Core | Memory speed: 810 MHz | 1000 MHz;
Memory: 1 GB GDDR5; Memory bus width: 128-bit; Outputs: D-sub,
DVI, DP and HDMI.
CONTACT
DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI outputs on
want to save money, the Radeon HD
PHONE
the rear and the power is drawn via the
6570 would be an even more affordable
EMAIL
PCIE slot.
option.
For its affordable price, the Asus
FOR: Low power consumption, multiple
Radeon HD 6670 delivers great
video output types.
performance. If you go through its scores,
AGAINST: None.
ASUS Technology Pvt. Ltd.

1800-209-0365
reachus@asus.com
RATINGS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
12/2011
63
TEST CENTER
PERSONAL TAKE
SpecScan
ROSSI FERNANDES
rossi@tech2.com
Two good options available are the Sparkle
GTX550 Ti and the Galaxy GTX 550 Ti. Theyre
both priced almost identical to the more expensive
XFX Radeon HD 6790. With frame rates touching
NAME
XFX RADEON HD 6770
GALAXY GEFORCE GTX 550Ti
Contact
Rashi Peripherals Pvt Ltd
Technology And Gadgets
Phone
022-40470828
022-23823331
E-mail
response@rptechindia.com
sales@technologyandgadgets.com
Price*
Rs. 7,700
Rs. 8,000
OVERALL
Features (35%)
70 fps at a resolution of 1680x1050, one can
Performance (60%)
easily crank up the resolution to 1920x1080 and
Warranty (5%)
76
Overall (out of 100)
proposition with these cards. With temperatures of
Value For Money
these GeForce GTX 550 Ti cards not crossing 65
FEATURES
93
60
notice a small hit in performance. The ability to

setup CrossFire and SLI is also an interesting
73
94
50
60
100
50
86
84
GPU
Radeon HD 6770
GeForce GTX 550Ti
Fabrication process
40 nm
40 nm
No. of stream processors
800
192
good sense for a HTPC, where youd like to game
Core speed
850 MHz
900 MHz
occasionally. A good bang-for-your-buck card is
Memory
degrees C under load and 40 degrees C on idle,

they make sense for dual-GPU setups.
The slower Asus GTS450 card with its passive
cooling solution is dead silent and might make
the XFX Radeon 6770. For its reasonable price, it
Amount
1 GB GDDR5
1 GB GDDR5
offers stellar performance.
Speed
1150 MHz
1026 MHz
Bus width
128-bit
192-bit
Connectors
D-sub | HDMI
DVI | DisplayPort
HDMI Version
1.4a
1.4a
AARON ALMEIDA
aaron@tech2.com
DirectX support
DX 11
DX 11
Power connector
The budget graphics cards comparison was pretty
Multi-GPU support
11999 pts | 10301 pts
12268 pts | 9753 pts
78.6 fps | 99.7 fps
74.7 fps | 96.9 fps
55.8 fps | 68.5 fps
57.9 fps | 72.8 fps
61.43 fps | 71.48 fps
71.14 fps | 86.24 fps
64.3 fps | 76.7 fps
55.1 fps | 66.5 fps
64.3 fps | 76.7 fps
55.1 fps | 66.5 fps
51.3 fps | 1291 pts
51.8 fps | 1305 pts
40 deg C | 56 deg C
36 deg C | 65 deg C
3 years
3 years
unique in many ways. Firstly, there were a large

number of cards in the specific price range. There
was good presence across vendors as well. Its
pretty amazing to see the kind of performance one
can achieve with these rather inexpensive cards.
With this kind of performance, its easy to run
most of the recent games with high quality
settings at a reasonable resolution of 1680x1050.
Anyone with a 19-inch or 20-inch display should
be able to play the latest titles such as Skyrim just
fine at medium settings.
Each of these cards is able to perform
consistently well with temperatures well under
acceptable limits. With this kind of price range, we
expect gamers with a tight budgets building rigs
that cost less than Rs. 30,000. With more and more
PERFORMANCE
3DMark Vantage
Overall | GPU
Resident Evil 5 - High, 8xAA
1680x1050 | 1280x1024
Mafia 2 - High, 4xAF, No PhysX
1680x1050 | 1280x1024
Far Cry 2 - Very High, 2xAA
1680x1050 | 1280x1024
Dirt 2 - Medium
1680x1050 | 1280x1024
Just Cause 2 - High, Med shadows, 2xAF
1680x1050 | 1280x1024
Unigine Heaven - High, No AA
games being ported from consoles to PC, this is a
1280x1024 | Score
trend were hoping to see in the near future. For
Temperature (Furmark)
those whove wanted to upgrade and have had

budget constraints, there hasnt been a better time
to make the jump.
Idle | Load
WARRANTY
Warranty period
All scores are out of 5
64
12/2011
* Prices are indicative and are subject to change, taxes extra
100
SPARKLE GEFORCE GTX 550Ti
ZOTAC GEFORCE GTS 450
HIS RADEON HD 6750
SPARKLE GEFORCE GTS 450
ASUS RADEON HD 6670
Abacus Peripherals Pvt Ltd
Aditya Infotech Ltd
Tirupati Enterprises
Abacus Peripherals Pvt Ltd
ASUS Technology Pvt Ltd
1800-221-988
0120-4555666
9339207519
1800-221-988
1800-209-0365
sales@adityagroup.com
mail@tirupati.net
reachus@asus.com
Rs. 7,900
Rs. 6,300
Rs. 6,900
Rs. 6,400
Rs. 5,200
66
75
97
60
0
50
79
80
10
100
61
78
60
50
100
50
78
83
65
60
100
50
60
100
50
84
79
77
74
69
GeForce GTX 550Ti
GeForce GTS 450
Radeon HD 6750
GeForce GTS 450
Radeon HD 6670
40 nm
40 nm
40 nm
40 nm
40 nm
192
192
720
192
480
900 MHz
810 MHz
700 MHz
789 MHz
810 MHz
1 GB GDDR5
1 GB GDDR5
1 GB GDDR5
1 GB GDDR5
1 GB GDDR5
1026 MHz
902 MHz
1150 MHz
940 MHz
1000 MHz
192-bit
128-bit
128-bit
128-bit
128-bit
| (mini)
| yes
| (mini)
1.4a
1.4a
1.4a
1.4a
1.4a
DX 11
DX 11
DX 11
DX 11
DX 11
12252 pts | 9752 pts
10987 pts | 8749 pts
9628 pts | 8039 pts
10933 pts | 8719 pts
8782 pts | 7261 pts
75.2 fps | 97.5 fps
61.3 fps | 80 fps
65.8 fps | 83.7 fps
61.7 fps | 80.1 fps
53.3 fps | 68 fps
58.8 fps | 74.2 fps
49.5 fps | 62.5 fps
45.3 fps | 55.4 fps
49.7 fps | 62.6 fps
34.8 fps | 44.2 fps
71.18 fps | 86.09 fps
59.52 fps | 71.56 fps
50.45 fps | 60.15 fps
59 fps | 71.32 fps
39.64 fps | 47.5 fps
68.3 fps | 83.3 fps
46.4 fps | 54.4 fps
53.1 fps | 64.5 fps
58.8 fps | 71.3 fps
44 fps | 53.5 fps
68.3 fps | 83.3 fps
46.4 fps | 54.4 fps
53.1 fps | 64.5 fps
58.8 fps | 71.3 fps
44 fps | 53.5 fps
51.8 fps | 1306 pts
45.6 fps | 1148 pts
41.3 fps | 1040 pts
44.8 fps | 1128 pts
34.6 fps | 873 pts
32 deg C | 64 deg C
39 deg C | 72 deg C
39 deg C | 60 deg C
43 deg C | 59 deg C
39 deg C | 58 deg C
3 years
5 years
3 years
3 years
3 years
100
12/2011
65
TEST CENTER
10
NAME
GALAXY GEFORCE GTS 450
SAPPHIRE RADEON HD 5670
FORSA GEFORCE GTS 450
Contact
Technology And Gadgets
Aditya Infotech Ltd
SpecScan
Phone
022-23823331
0120-4555666
9339207519
E-mail
sales@technologyandgadgets.com
mail@tirupati.net
Price*
Rs. 5,950
Rs. 4,750
Rs. 6,400
OVERALL
Features (35%)
67
Performance (60%)
70
61
Warranty (5%)
60
0
Overall (out of 100)
50
71
57
54
60
100
50
60
100
63
62
60
GPU
GeForce GTS 450
Radeon HD 5670
GeForce GTS 450
Fabrication process
40 nm
40 nm
40 nm
No. of stream processors
192
400
192
Core speed
783 MHz
775 MHz
783 MHz
Amount
1 GB DDR3
1 GB GDDR5
2 GB DDR3
Speed
902 MHz
1000 MHz
902 MHz
Bus width
128-bit
128-bit
128-bit
Value For Money

FEATURES
Memory
Connectors
D-sub | HDMI
DVI | DisplayPort
HDMI Version
1.4a
1.3
1.4a
DirectX support
DX 11
DX 11
DX 11
Power connector
Multi-GPU support
8090 pts | 6330 pts
6604 pts | 5325 pts
7180 pts | 5607 pts
38.5 fps | 50.6 fps
47.9 fps | 61.3 fps
32 fps | 42.3 fps
36.4 fps | 46.8 fps
30.5 fps | 38.6 fps
31.5 fps | 40.9 fps
41.16 fps | 49.5 fps
34.79 fps | 41.73 fps
35.8 fps | 43.62 fps
25.5 fps | 35.2 fps
37.8 fps | 46.6 fps
26.9 fps | 29.9 fps
25.5 fps | 35.2 fps
37.8 fps | 46.6 fps
26.9 fps | 29.9 fps
33.4 fps | 842 pts
29.5 fps | 742 pts
29.6 fps | 746 pts
32 deg C | 59 deg C
40 deg C | 61 deg C
36 deg C | 56 deg C
3 years
3 years
3 years
PERFORMANCE
3DMark Vantage
Overall | GPU
Resident Evil 5 - High, 8xAA
1680x1050 | 1280x1024
Mafia 2 - High, 4xAF, No PhysX
1680x1050 | 1280x1024
Far Cry 2 - Very High, 2xAA
1680x1050 | 1280x1024
Dirt 2 - Medium
1680x1050 | 1280x1024
Just Cause 2 - High, Med shadows, 2xAF
1680x1050 | 1280x1024
Unigine Heaven - High, No AA
1280x1024 | Score
Temperature (Furmark)
Idle | Load
WARRANTY
Warranty period
All scores are out of 5
66
12/2011
50
100
TEST CENTER
11
12
13
14
15
SAPPHIRE RADEON 6570
FORSA GEFORCE GTS 250
PALIT GEFORCE GTS 450
ASUS GEFORCE GTS 450
HIS RADEON HD 6670
ASUS Technology Pvt Ltd
Aditya Infotech Ltd
9339207519
9339207519
1800-209-0365
9339207519
0120-4555666
mail@tirupati.net
mail@tirupati.net
reachus@asus.com
mail@tirupati.net
Rs. 5,400
Rs. 6,750
Rs. 7,200
Rs. 5,250
Rs. 4,650
69
67
55
60
0
50
60
63
56
40
100
60
56
60
50
100
50
62
51
43
60
100
50
60
100
59
59
55
51
Radeon HD 6570
GeForce GTS 250
GeForce GTS 450
GeForce GTS 450
Radeon HD 6670
40 nm
40 nm
40 nm
40 nm
40 nm
128
192
192
480
480
550 MHz
783 MHz
594 MHz
800 MHz
650 MHz
2 GB DDR3
50
1 GB GDDR3
1 GB DDR3
1 GB DDR3
1 GB DDR3
1100 MHz
902 MHz
800 MHz
800 MHz
900 MHz
256-bit
128-bit
128-bit
128-bit
128-bit
1.4a
1.4a
1.4a
1.4a
1.4a
DX 11
DX 11
DX 11
DX 11
DX 11
5325 pts | 4128 pts
7478 pts | 5835 pts
6256 pts | 4867 pts
5951 pts | 4762 pts
5332 pts | 4237 pts
36.9 fps | 47.4 fps
33.7 fps | 44.5 fps
35.2 fps | 46.1 fps
34.7 fps | 44.9 fps
32.2 fps | 41.4 fps
34.3 fps | 42.7 fps
32.9 fps | 42.3 fps
32.1 fps | 41.1 fps
28.3 fps | 37 fps
25.7 fps | 32.4 fps
34.38 fps | 40.75 fps
37.17 fps | 45.14 fps
37.12 fps | 44.5 fps
34.23 fps | 41.06 fps
24.72 fps | 29.6 fps
43.9 fps | 52.2 fps
27.1 fps | 32.6 fps
36.3 fps | 45 fps
30.5 fps | 38.7 fps
24.6 fps | 30.1 fps
43.9 fps | 52.2 fps
27.1 fps | 32.6 fps
36.3 fps | 45 fps
30.5 fps | 38.7 fps
24.6 fps | 30.1 fps
31.4 fps | 792 pts
30.7 fps | 772 pts
29.2 fps | 736 pts
25.5 fps | 642 pts
22.6 fps | 570 pts
49 deg C | 62 deg C
38 deg C | 62 deg C
34 deg C | 60 deg C
36 deg C | 54 deg C
48 deg C | 64 deg C
3 years
2 years
3 years
3 years
3 years
100
12/2011
67
TEST CENTER
10-INCH TABLET COMPARISON
10-inch Wonders
The markets flooded with new tablets every month. This time, we put together five Androidbased tablets with 10-inch display panels to know which one rules in terms of performance
and value.
BY FRANCIS DSA
he market has seen a huge
implementing features such as memory
dimensions and weight of each tablet
increase in Android-based tablets
expansion, HDMI display output, USB
were also distinguished; a bulky or heavier
ranging from 7-inch screens to
host ports, etc, they tend to lose out a
tablet is denitely a deal-breaker. The
10-inch ones. But it is the larger screens
bit on portability in the process. In this
display types and size were noted; a
that are more popular with users. This
roundup, we have put together a few
larger screen with a higher resolution
increases the productivity because of a
Android tablets that feature 10-inch
creates a richer visual experience. The
larger workspace and a higher display
display panels. Take a look at the next
processors specications were taken
resolution. While most tablets with larger
few pages to get a glimpse of all the
down; a faster processor helps increase
display sizes have the latest Android
tablets that contested in this roundup
the overall performance and also plays
operating systemHoneycomb 3.x,
and how each one performed.
a vital role in the overall ergonomics of

the device. We noted down the internal
they largely differ in processor and GPU

variants, system RAM internal storage,
Test process
storage capacity and system RAM as
connectivity options, and not least of all,
This roundup features 10-inch Android-
these also have an impact on overall
the overall weight and thickness.
based tablets. We tested each of the
performance. Connectivity options such
tablets based on parameters such as
as USB host, USB OTG, 3G, Wi-Fi and
to work on, but if the tablet is bulky
Features, Built Quality, Ergonomics,
Bluetooth functionalities were also
or heavy, the purpose of mobility is
Performance and Warranty to nally
logged. We also did note characteristics
defeated. For example, the best tablet
gauge the winners in the performance
of the cameras, speakers and built-in
performances can be experienced on an
and value for money segments. Read
sensors for light and proximity. Finally,
Apple iPad and the sleek body and light-
on to get an insight on how we tested
we noted the battery ratings and a few
weight shell makes it highly portable.
each tablet across each of the above
other areas, if any. Lastly, we noted the
But there are limitations towards the
parameters.
capacity of the bundled storage cards, if
features that it offers too; limited internal
Features: The tablet tests began by
provided, and also checked for package
storage, absence of memory expansion
noting down vital details of each of the
contents such as sleeves, chargers, etc. A
or USB host ports, and also missing is
devices. To start with, the version of the
few more features that were also noted
a display output. While Android tablets
installed Android operating system was
can be seen in the comparison tables
are giving Apple a run for its money by
noted; higher the better in this case. The
ahead.
A larger screen is denitely great
68
12/2011
Jagdish Limbachiya
TEST CENTER

Build quality: The overall build of
a device designed for regular use and
high portability should denitely be
rugged. In this section, we noted very
important characteristics such as
the quality of the shell, the battery
compartment (if any), tactility and
spacing of the function keys, presence
of port aps, and a few more details.
Since a scratch-resistant surface or
shell highly affects the aesthetics after
prolonged use, we allotted points
for a scratch-resistant body. Finally,
we also assigned points to the most
aesthetically appealing tablets in this
round-up.
Ergonomics: We took note of

the types and sizes of the buttons,
such as home, search, menu and
back, evaluated the overall handling
comfort, and nally, the location of
the camera and the headphone jack.
This sections points also greatly
affect the performance scores of each
tablet and hence the points of the
ergonomics are clubbed along with
ASUS EEE PAD

TRANSFORMER TF101
VERDICT
A TRUE TRANSFORMING TABLET WITH POWERFUL FEATURES
the performance to nally arrive at the
actually matters the most. Here, we
benchmarked each tablet using a set
a tablet into a netbook. It features a dual
of benchmarking applications, which
core 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A9 CPU and a ULP
included An3DBench, An3DBenchXL,
GeForce GPU which run on a Tegra 2 T20
PHONE
AnTutu System Review and Quadrant
chipset. The system runs on 1 GB RAM
EMAIL
Professional. Each benchmarking utility
and features 16 GB of internal storage, of
spews out performance results of the
which 12.63 GB is available for user data
CPU, GPU, memory, I/O and storage of
and applications. The display is a 10.1-inch
each tablet. Performance and clarity
IPS panel with a resolution of 1200 x 800
of the display screen were also noted
dpi. The interfaces include 3G, Bluetooth,
by viewing a few photos and videos.
Wi-Fi b/g/n, HDMI and two USB host ports
Additional benchmarking utilities such
for external storage. A 5 megapixel rear
dock it when back in the office. For the
as Electopia, Qualcomm Vellamo and
camera and an MMC card reader make
price of Rs 32,999, this tablet is a steal,
Antutu Battery Test were run to know
up the rest of the tablet. The TF101 has a
but if you want similar performance, want
how each tablet performs in gaming,
very rugged build with a metallic scratch-
to be light when travelling and are ready
browser performance and battery
resistant frame. When clubbed along with
to sacrice the feature of the keyboard
consumption respectively.
the keyboard, it has the best ergonomics of
dock, additional battery life, an HDMI port
Warranty: A device that is designed
any tablet in this round-up. The keyboard
and MMC card reader expansion option,
for almost every day use at home,
also doubles up as a docking station, with
the sleek, good-looking and lightweight
office or whilst travelling (especially in
touchpad and a built-in battery backup for
Samsung Galaxy Tab P750 is just right for
changing weather conditions), should
additional battery life of up to a whopping
you at almost the same price. Sadly, this
denitely carry a robust warranty from
16 hours when clubbed together. But yes,
tablet does not include a bundled sleeve
its manufacturer. The highest warranty
the keyboard will add another 600 grams
to carry it around.
period of each tablet was noted.
of weight to the device, making it as
FOR: Bundled full QWERTY keyboard
Value For Money Index: This index
heavy as a netbook at 1.27 kg. The TF101
with touchpad, additional battery in the
is derived by clubbing the overall
is best suited for executives and marketing
keyboard, good build quality, MMC card
scores of the tablet against the price it
professionals who are continuously on
reader, two USB ports, good performance.
is retailed at, telling us if the tablet is
the move between office and outdoors.
AGAINST: Bulky when in netbook mode,
worth its price tag.
They can just carry the tablet around and
no bundled sleeve.
winner of the Best Performance title.
Performance: Lastly, it is the

performance of a tablet that
s the name suggests, the
SPECIFICATIONS
ASUS Eee Pad TF101 is a true
Rs 32,999
Transformer with its full-QWERTY
Dimensions (WxHxD): 271 x 171 x 13 mm; Weight: 680 g; CPU: Dual

core, 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A9; GPU: ULP GeForce; Chipset: Tegra 2
T20; RAM: 1 GB; Storage: 16 GB; Interface: Wi-fi n, Bluetooth, 3G;
HDMI, 2 x USB, MMC card reader; Battery: 3300 mAh (tablet only).
docking keyboard that transforms it from
CONTACT
Asus Tech Pvt Ltd (India)

022-267668871
helpline_west@asus.com
RATINGS
BUILD QUALITY
ERGONOMICS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
12/2011
69
TEST CENTER
PERSONAL TAKE
1
SpecScan
FRANCIS D'SA
francis.dsa@chip.in
Getting down to actual business, between all the
tablets, my first choice would be to pick the
Samsung Galaxy tab P750. The reasonawesome
looks, slim body, light weight and sheer
performance. If you take a look at the scores in the
tables, you can see that it also tops the battery test
and is also the best tablet in sheer performance.
The Samsung P750 lost the Best Performance title
BRAND
Model
Contact
Phone
E-mail
Price*
OVERALL
Features (30%)
Build quality (10%)
Ergonomics (10%)
Performance (45%)
Warranty (5%)
ASUS
Eee Pad Transformer TF101
022-267668871
Rs. 32,999
Overall (Out of 100)

Value For Money
FEATURES
Dimensions | Weight
Processor
Chipset | GPU
Android operating system
Memory: RAM | Storage / Usable
Display
Connectivity
Camera | QWERTY Keyboard
Ports: HDMI | USB host
Battery rating
Bundled: Sleeve | Cleaning cloth
Aestheric appeal (Out of 5)
BUILD QUALITY (OUT OF 5)
Quality: Shell | Buttons
Resistant to scratches | Port flaps
ERGONOMICS (OUT OF 5)
Button size | Handling grip or comfort
Location of audio jack
PERFORMANCE (OUT OF 5)
Quality: Audio | Video | Photos
An3DBench (Overall)
An3DBench XL (Overall)
AnTutu System Benchmark:
Overall
Memory
CPU: Integer | Float
Graphics: 2D | 3D
SD card: Write | Read
Quadrant:
Overall
CPU | Memory | I/O
Graphics: 2D | 3D
Electopia
Antutu Battery Test (out of 1000)
Qualcomm Vellamo
WARRANTY
Warranty period
87
light weight make it highly portable and best suited

as a travel gadget. On the other hand, the Asus
Transformer is also recommended as the bundled
detachable keyboard allows you to use it as a
netbook and a docking station.
I was disappointed bu the fact that, due to some
reason, Motorola could not participate in this
roundup with their Xoom 10-incher. Had it been
here, we would have witnessed some more
competition within this category. Of the five tablets
we received, all featured similar CPUs, GPUs and
chipsets. While most were 16 GB models, the
Lenovo K1 was the only one which had a roomy 32
GB of storage. But given that all the tablets featured
here have a fair amount of internal storage, all have
a similar downside that cannot be ignoredif the
tablet needs to be reset to factory defaults, you will
end up losing all personal and important data
stored within the internal memory. Hence, a backup
is necessary at all given times either on your PC or
on an SD card.
Tablets are here to stay and are definitely
replacing the netbooks with their powerful
processors, easy-to-use touch interfaces, superlight Android operating system and highly-portable
form factor. If you are looking to picking up one of
these wonderful gadgets yourself, you should
definitely consider portability and aesthetics.
Opting for a bulkier tablet will definitely make you
regret your decision, as it can hinder your usability
and travel comfort over a period of time. If you
need the convenience of a laptop and portability of
a tablet, the Asus Transformer is definitely the
perfect combination of both. You can use it as a
tablet while travelling and as a netbook at home or
in the office. As for me, I will gladly stick with the
Samsung Galaxy Tab P750 and plug in my desktop
keyboard when I need it.
95
93
100
0
simply because the Asus Transformer bundles along

a detachable keyboard. The P750s slim body and
80
65
271 x 171 x 13 mm | 680 g

Dual core, 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A9
Tegra 2 T20 | ULP GeForce
Honeycomb 3.x
1 GB | 16 GB / 12.63 GB
10.1-inch, 1200 x 800, IPS panel
Bluetooth, 3G, Wi-fi b/g/n
5 MP | Bundled
|2
3,300 mAh
Cleaning cloth, Charger
5
5|5
|
5 | 4.5
Side
4.5 | 4 | 5
8983
29776
4700
711
1234 | 903
336 | 860
15 MB/s | 19.1 MB/s
1798
4968 | 1954 | 967
250 | 841
8.36 fps
845
948
1 year
70
12/2011
50
100
TEST CENTER
LENOVO
IdeaPad K1
Ingram Micro
022-39894645
NA
Rs. 33,990
ACER
Iconia A501
Acer India
080 -39408700
Rs. 34,900
SAMSUNG
P750
Samsung India Electronics Ltd
1800-110-011
support.india@samsung.com
Rs. 36,290
ASUS
eePad Slider SL101
022-267668871
Rs. 36,999
71
77
91
68
85
89
90
88
50
100
50
95
94
100
0
49
85
85
100
60
65
100
91
100
50
100
100
0
50
100
84
84
83
78
264 x 189 x 13.3 mm | 750 g

Honeycomb 3.x
1 GB | 32 GB / 26.44 GB
5 MP | Optional
|
7,400 mAh
Charger
4
260 x 177 x 13.3 mm | 730 g

Honeycomb 3.x
1 GB | 16 GB / 12.79 GB
10.1-inch, 800 x 1280, LCD panel
5 MP | Optional
|1
3,260 mAh
Sleeve, Cleaning cloth, Charger
5
256.7 x 175.3 x 8.6 mm | 565 g

Honeycomb 3.x
1 GB | 16 GB / 13.27 GB
10.1-inch, 800 x 1280, PLS TFT panel
3.15 MP | Optional
| 1 (via bundled dongle)
7,000 mAh
5
273 x 180.3 x 17.3 mm | 960 g

Honeycomb 3.x
1 GB | 16 GB / 12.63 GB
Bluetooth, Wi-fi b/g/n
5 MP | Built-in
|1
2,260 mAh
4
4 | 4.5
|
5|5
|
5|5
|
5 | 4.5
|
4 | 4.5
Bottom
5|4
Left
5|5
Top
5 | 4.5
Side
4|5|4
7139
23818
5|5|5
7307
23503
4|4|5
7578
27672
4 | 4 | 4.5
8613
29511
4479
701
1222 | 914
284 | 787
11.5 MB/s | 13.1 MB/s
3566
734
1147 | 1010
128 | 168
10.6 MB/s | 16.3 MB/s
4818
766
1360 | 1042
277 | 830
11.1 MB/s | 17.2 MB/s
5037
780
1368 | 1046
322 | 861
15 MB/s | 19 MB/s
1808
5195 | 1998 | 1001
246 | 600
6.65 fps
933
946
2162
6639 | 2338 | 1097
86 | 652
6.65 fps
777
934
2362
4489 | 1954 | 4268
259 | 841
7.96 fps
1000
894
1917
5802 | 1711 | 1064
260 | 748
7.99 fps
724
987
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
12/2011
71
TEST CENTER
TESTED
SOFTWARE
SPOTLIGHT
SYSTEM UTILITIES
TUNEUP
UTILITIES 2012
VERDICT: A brilliant collection of over 30 tools that helps you manage, tweak and optimize your
Windows operating system.
FOR: Easy UI similar to prior version, very light on system resources, impressive addition of
performance enhancement tools for portable devices.
AGAINST: Pricey.
uneUp Utilities is an amazing tool to
Deactivator that rst surfaced in the earlier
keep your system tuned up and in check.
2011 version. When a combination of the two
Best suited for beginners, the tool helps
is used, the energy efficiency of Windows 7
you maintain, tweak, optimize and manage
systems can go up by as much as 30 percent,
your Windows operating system using a single
as compared with the built-in energy saving
utility. The 2012 version of the suite is quite
mode in the OS. But that is just a way to
easy to navigate and use, as its basic structure
optimize just the power settings. To reduce
is similar to the 2011 version. However, the
load on your system, you can use the TuneUp
application adds TuneUp shredder and disk
Deactivator tool. It not only helps you control
space explorer options to the context menu.
what programs will load at startup, but you
You can also pick a proxy server to connect to
can also disable those applications that dont
the Internet with ease and using the TuneUp
hamper performance but yet tend to hog on
wizard to get product updates. The 1-click
both the power and the resources on your
maintenance link lets you optimize your PC and
device. The Optimize System section of the
offers a FixIT support center, Registry cleaner
application also lets you defragment your hard
and disk defragmenting all at once with a
disk, remove broken shortcuts, manage and
single click.
maintain registry, and optimize system start up

and shutdown.
REDUCING SYSTEM LOAD

Designed keeping in mind laptop, netbook
FIXING SYSTEM ISSUES
and notebook users, the suite offers TuneUp
Although Windows gives you a very potent
Economy Mode alongside the TuneUp Program
set of tools to x OS issues (FixIt center),
The new Start Center lets you navigate around the application with ease.
72
12/2011
The 1-Click and Automatic Maintenance options help you keep your system
working like clockwork.
SMS us! Story code: TSM to 51818
ON DVD
NOVEMBER 2011
RED HOT APPLICATIONS
Autodesk 3ds Max 2012
You can configure the behavior of all the 30 tools easily as the
settings UI is very convenient to work with.
you must ensure that you have the right

service packs installed for the application to
run. Moreover, additional tools tend to hog
system resources and affect PC performance.
With TuneUp Utilities, you can use the same
services without having to bother about system
upgrades. Also, the UI is a lot easier to work
with, especially if you are a cautious user. You
can also check the drive for errors using TuneUp
Disk Doctor. All these options are listed under
the Fix Problems section of the support center.
From here, you can also restore deleted les
and manage your Windows Task Manager.
1-CLICK MAINTENANCE
The 1-click maintenance tool is actually lighter,
quicker and more in-depth than the prior versions.
FULL SOFTWARE
Autodesk 123D
FULL GAMES
ArmA 2 Free
80 in 1 Best Flash games 1.02
Marvel vs Capcom 2 FE
Rainblood: Town of Death Martial Arts Game
Super Motocross Africa Download Motocross Game
Crazy Duck Hunter Duck Hunting Game
F1 Chequered Flag Free Formula 1 Game
Jack the Ripper - Letters from
Hell - Free Investigation Game
Secrets of the Vatican - The Holy
Lance - Travelling Game
Snowy: The Bears Adventures Download Bear Game
Fix-it-up: Kates Adventure Car Repair Game and more...
GAME DEMOS
options as per your requirements.
The Adventure of Tintin 1.0

FIFA 12
Dungeons The Dark Lord
A New Beginning
Wasteland Angel
Carmella the Flying Squirrel
Second Life v3.0.3.240895 Client
Redneck Racers and more...
IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF TOOLS
GAME ADD ONS
The suite boasts of as many as 30 tools that
Sengoku v1.2 Patch

EVE Online Patch (Classics and
Premium Graphics Content)
6.10.304168
Dragonica Patch 2.1.0
Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine
Patch 1.513U to 1.515U
ArmA 2 Patch Beta 85478
Soldat Patch 1.6.2 and more...
Like with the prior versions, you can schedule

updates, and customize what actions need to
be taken during updates. You can manage and
congure automatic and 1-click maintenance
include power boosters, registry and disk

defarmenters, system startup and shut down
acceleration tools, installation managers,
deleted le restoration mechanisms as well
as tools to delete les safely. If you have used
TuneUp Utilities before, then navigation will be
a breeze. Moreover,
SPECIFICATIONS
$ 49.95
(approx Rs 2,500)
www.tune-up.com
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
the new Start Center

segments tools based
on usage. If you nd
it difficult to navigate
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7; Diskspace:

25.44 MB.
around the OS, then
CONTACT TuneUp Distribution GmbH
provides for tools like
PHONE
NA
EMAIL
NA
this application also
GAME TRAILERS
Max Payne 3 HD
Hitman Absolution - Run for
Your Life Teaser HD
The Darkness II Black Hole HD
Spider-Man: Edge of Time
Launch HD
Spider-Man: Edge of Time
Combat HD and more...
the TuneUp Styler and
TOOLS
the TuneUp System
MULTIMEDIA
FEATURES
Control that let you
PERFORMANCE
use your PC without
Vectorian Giotto 3.0.0

SolidWorks eDrawings 2011 SP04
FreeFotoWorks 10.1.7
M.U.G.E.N
RATINGS
EASE OF USE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
hassles.
- Kamakshi Venugopal
Autodesk Maya 2012
Fighter Factory Ultimate

2.6.0.2010
Lyricist 2.0.2.0
1X-RIPPER
Apophysis 7X Portable 14 Beta
CDBurnerXP 4.3.8.2631
InfraRecorder 0.52 (32-bit)
ImgBurn 2.5.6.0
DeepBurner 1.9.0.228
AnyConverter 4.0
SMRecorder 1.2.2
SMConverter 1.0.8
SWF Tools 0.9.1
DVD Slim Free 1.7.0.8
GVC 2008.5
CardWorks Business Card
Software 1.04
PhotoStage 2.12
Pixbook 2.9C and more...
INTERNET
ContaCam 3.5.5
ERank Booster 5.7.1.920
Virtual WiFi Router 2.0
Advanced IP Scanner 2.1.200
SVDownloader 1.3.7
Upload Rabbit for
Facebook 2.0.6.8
Tor 0.2.2.33-2
Orbit Downloader 4.1.2
Free Download Manager 3.0.852
FileZilla 3.5.1
Core FTP LE 2.2 (Build 1695)
FlashGet 3.7.0.1156
Yahoo! Messenger 11.0.0.2014
Pidgin 2.10.0
Google Talk 1.0.0.104 Beta
Skype 5.5.0.119
Ares 2.1.7 and more...
MOBILE
BlueStacks 0.5.0.2002 Alpha
iPhone Configuration
Utility 3.4.0.283
Nokia Suite (formerly Nokia
Ovi Suite) 3.2.64 Beta
Nokia Link 1.1.271.2083
Nokia Configuration Tool 6.3 Beta
Nokia Software Updater 3.0.495
Nokia PC Suite 7.1.62.1
Samsung Kies 2.0.3.11082_152_4
Firefox for Mobile 7.0 and more...
SECURITY
Norton AntiVirus 2012 19.1.1.3
Norton Anti-Theft 1.0.0.69 Beta
Avast! Free Antivirus 6.0.1289
AVG Free Edition 2012.0.1831
(32-bit)
Avira AntiVir Personal 12.0.0.855
SuperAntiSpyware 5.0.1128
SpywareBlaster 4.4
Spyware Terminator 3.0.0.45
Secret Data Manager 3.1.8
Scarabay 3.1.2.0 and more...
SYSTEM
7-zip Outlook 1.0.1.16
Comodo BackUp 4.0.6.12
TuneUp Utilities 2012
12.0.2030.10
Hard Disk Sentinel Professional
3.70 Build 4981
EarthTime 3.3.1
Ailt All Document to
Word Converter
Fix Settings 1.1
Storybook 3.0.0
Glary Utilities
SpeedUpMyPC 2011 5.1.4.2
EASEUS Partition Master 9.1.0
Windows 7 God Mode Tool 1.0.0.0
Windows Login Screen
Changer 2.0
Hardware Freak 1.0.0
Synergy 1.4.4 Beta
Input Director v1.3 build 97 Beta
Desktop Reminder 2.17
GiMeSpace Free Edition 1.0.6.15
PC Decrapifier 2.2.8
Directory Compare 3.39.1
DiskCheckup 3.1 Build 1001
Aero Adjuster 1.1.1.0
PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Foxit Reader 5.0.2.0718
Feed Demon 4.0.0.22and more...
MUST HAVES
AMD Catalyst Drivers 11.9 XP /
Vista / Win7
NVIDIA Forceware 280.26 WHQL
XP / Vista / Win7
DirectX 9.0c (Jun 10)
Java Runtime Environment
1.7.0.1 (32-bit)
.NET Framework Version 4.0
Realtek High Definition Audio
2.65 XP / Vista
Silverlight 4.0.60831
ADOBE PLAYERS
Flash Player 11.0.1.152
(IE & Non-IE)
Adobe Air 3.0.0.4080 and more...
E-BOOKS
CHIP ARCHIVES
October 2010 to September 2011
TEST CENTER
TESTED
VERDICT
MUCH FASTER
THAN ITS
PREDECESSOR,
BUT IS
DEMANDING ON
THE HARDWARE.
VIDEO EDITOR
MAGIX VIDEO DELUXE

MX PREMIUM
You can now transform your personal home videos
into professional videos with this powerful editor.
FOR: Easier to use, simple user interface.

AGAINST: Needs high-end hardware.
obby lmmakers face one
but you can now zoom thumbnails to a
main problemthe hardware
usable size. If the lm material is loaded in
requirements increase with every
the media pool, several new creative tools
new video editing software, and this
are now available. These editing patterns
one is no exception. Magix promises a
simulate the dramaturgy of the lm and
faster AVCHD export compared to its
make it easy for amateurs to compose
predecessor. The only problem is this
a well-rounded work. Every template
function requires a CUDA or Open-CL-
contains placeholders, which are then
compatible graphics card. With an Asus
exchanged for self-shot video sequences.
Geforce GTX 560 Ti graphics card, we
Every template has thematically
found noticeable differences even in a
suitable music. This ensures a harmonious
short lm sequence. This was done with
audio-visual atmosphere. Naturally,
CUDA enabled. The mix-down of the
video experts can customize this sample
AVCHD material including burning took
anytime or ignore it completely. The
130 (approx Rs 9,100)
15:20 minutes. Without CUDA, it took
pros are probably happy about other,
www.magix.com
25:40 minutes. Video Deluxe 17 (which
less spectacular innovations. The image
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
had no CUDA-support), was incidentally
stabilization has been optimized to use
barely slower at 26:40 minutes. As for
in multi-core PCs. We veried this on a
speed, version 17 took 2:40 minutes when
Core-i7 system. For a blurred scene of 1:15
importing the media pool to produce tiny
minutes, the stabilizer took over a minute,
preview pictures of 250 AVCHD clips. With
while Video Deluxe 17 took ten times that.
just under four minutes, the successor
Dubbing and audio editing is possible.
SPECIFICATIONS
OS: Windows XP and above.

CONTACT
MAGIX AG
PHONE
NA
infoservice@magix.net
EMAIL
RATINGS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
takes more time for the same process,
EASE OF USE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
74
12/2011
-feedback@chip.in
TEST CENTER
TESTED
SYSTEM UTILITY
HARD DISK SENTINEL

VERDICT: A must-have utility for server administrators.
FOR: Good diagnostics, temperature and health monitoring.
AGAINST: Novice users might nd it tedious to use initially.
ard Disk Sentinel is an analysis
and RAID arrays can also be monitored to
tool for monitoring the condition
ensure maximum safety of your valuable
of solid-state drives and hard disk
data. Hard Disk Sentinel monitors health,
drives. This utility is benecial in case you
temperature and S.M.A.R.T. values for
are using older PCs or laptops or if you
each disk along with the disk transfer
have been storing important data on an
speed in real time, which can be used as a
internal or external hard drive and would
benchmark or to detect possible hard disk
SPECIFICATIONS
$35 (approx Rs 1,750)
to periodically check if the data is in good
failures and performance degradations.
shape. It runs a test and diagnosis and
This utility is the ideal data protection
also helps repair hard disk problems. It is
solution and can be effectively used to
basically used for reporting and displaying
prevent HDD failure and data loss well
CONTACT
H.D.S. Hungary
drive health, performance degradations
in advance. The Professional version
PHONE
NA
and failure issues in advance using a
includes scheduled and automatic disk
EMAIL
sales@hdsentinel.com
textual description along with tips and
backup options to help prevent data loss
reports. Using a single utility, external
caused by failure.
enclosure (USB / e-SATA) drives, SSDs
www.hdsentinel.com
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows all
RATINGS
FEATURES
- Francis Dsa
EASE OF USE
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
DATA RECOVERY
WONDERSHARE DATA
RECOVERY
VERDICT: An easy-to-use utility for those who handle massive amounts of important data.
FOR: Ease of use, simple UI, pause and resume scanning.
AGAINST: A tad expensive.
SPECIFICATIONS
$40 (approx Rs 2,000)

www.wondershare.com
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows XP and above.
ondershare is a software
interface of Wondershare Data Recovery
company that develops
gives you four optionsrecover les (lost
multimedia, PDF, and PC
by accidental delete operations and
utilities for businesses and mobile
overwrites), raw le recovery (to retrieve
platforms. Data Recovery is also part of
les from sectors due to accidental
the product line and is a pretty versatile
formatting of drives), partition recovery
utility for everyday use. It is ideal for
(for recovering data from lost partitions)
those who constantly handle important
and resume recovery (for resuming data
data storage and transfers, especially PC
scanning from previously stored scan
CONTACT
Wondershare Software Co. Ltd.
PHONE
+86-755-86117717
service engineers who usually migrate
information). The trial version only helps
EMAIL
sales@wondershare.com
data from one PC to another. The utility
scan and inform the user about the
is pretty simple to operate and can be
recoverable data, while the full version
easily handled by any novice to recover
can recover data without limitations.
RATINGS
FEATURES
EASE OF USE
data from their hard drives. The primary
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
76
12/2011
- Francis Dsa
TEST CENTER
TESTED
VERDICT
AN EXTREMELY
USEFUL TOOL
WITH POWERFUL
FEATURES FOR
CREATING AND
EDITING PDF FILES.
PDF CONVERSTION TOOL
PERFECT PDF 7
PREMIUM
The utility provides a plethora of options for PDF
converting and editing.
FOR: Ease of use, wide range of editing features to choose from .

AGAINST: When converting les into PDF there is no option to save them all at one go, a bit
expensive.
erfect PDF 7 Premium is a powerful
to combine PDF les, select the option
tool that allows you to create
'Document from PDF les'.
and edit PDF les and it's quite
Once you have created the PDF les,
similar to MS Word. It allows you to create
its even possible to makes changes.
PDF les from different documents,
Simply open the PDF le and click on the
edit content, change appearances, add
'Insert/Edit' tab. Select the text option if
passwords and digital signatures, create
you wish to add text, drag the text box
forms, and more.
to wherever you wish to add text. Simply
To create a PDF, simply open the
add the text and click on 'Save'. You can
document or image and click on 'Print'.
even add images or objects. From the
From the printer list, select the soft
'Review/Form' tab, you can add sticky
Xpansion Perfect PDF 7 option, click 'Ok'
notes, stamps, highlight, and signatures
and select the location to save the PDF
include text boxs, add check boxes
70 (approx Rs 4,800)
le. Alternatively, if you wish to convert
and radio buttons, and more. You can
www.soft-xpansion.com
several les together, you can open the
change the layout from the 'View' tab,
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
utility from Windows Explorer. Here, click
while from the 'Document' tab, you can
on the SX button, then click on 'Combine'
add headers, footers, watermarks, and
and opt for the option 'Documents from
signatures, amongst other things. You can
Non-PDF' les. Select this option if you
also convert Web pages as well as Excel
wish to convert Word, Excel or images
les into PDF, but when converting, the
into PDF les and it will covert each of
formatting can go haywire.
SPECIFICATIONS
OS: Win 7/Vista/XP; Disk Space: 47MB

CONTACT
Soft Xpansion GmbH & Co.KG
PHONE
+49 (0)1805 490 499

support@soft-xpansion.com
EMAIL
RATINGS
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
them into separate PDF les. If you wish
EASE OF USE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
78
12/2011
- feedback@chip.in
TEST CENTER
TESTED
SLIDESHOW CREATION
PHOTOSTAGE SLIDESHOW
PRODUCER PROFESSIONAL
VERDICT: An easy-to-use tool for creating attractive slideshows.
FOR: Intuitive user interface, plenty of effects and transitions, narration support.
AGAINST: Doesnt export to DivX format.
SPECIFICATIONS
hotostage Slideshow Producer
and 30 transitions to choose from. The
Professional lets you create great-
duration of slides, effects and transitions
looking slideshows in ve simple
can be changed from the timeline. You
steps. The user interface comprises
can choose to add narration for the slides
www.nch.com.au
of three sections. The rst takes you
which can be recorded directly from a
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
step-by-step through the workow. To the
tiny module in the fourth step. You can
right, you have a preview pane in which
burn the slideshow to a movie DVD or
you can playback the slideshow. The
export it to your hard drive. You can also

upload videos to YouTube or Facebook,
$29.99(approx Rs 1,400)
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7; RAM: 512 MB;
Drive space: 17 MB.
CONTACT
NCH Software, Inc
PHONE
NA
timeline at the bottom is for sequencing
EMAIL
NA
the photos, effects, transitions, etc. You
or export them for playback on iPod, PSP
start with adding photos and video clips,
and mobile phones. Whats missing is the
FEATURES
which will show up on the timeline.
support for DivX and MKV formats and
EASE OF USE
The next step is adding effects and
tweaking the audio and video codecs.
RATINGS
PERFORMANCE
transitions. There are over 20 effects
OVERALL RATING
- Anand Tuliani
VALUE FOR MONEY
ISO UTILITY
ULTRAISO PREMIUM EDITION

VERDICT: A nifty little utility for creating and modifying disc images.
FOR: Creates boot disks, modies ISO les, easy to use.
AGAINST: None.
Ds and DVDs are prone to
to compile a bootable disc image. The
scratches after prolonged use.
Tools menu has options to compress and
Also, you have to take care that
encrypt images, verify checksums, mount
they dont become unusable due to
images to virtual drives and convert
improper storage. One way of archiving
between image formats. The Convert
optical media is creating images of the
functions brings up a dialog box in which
discs. UltraISO Premium Edition allows
you have to specify the source le, output
you to create disc images, modify them
folder and the output format. UltraISO
and also burn them. On opening an ISO
supports converting images between
image, the contents are displayed in a
standard ISO and formats supported by
Windows Explorer-like interface in the top
Nero, Alcohol and Clone CD. Despite an
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
half of the UI. The bottom half displays
abundance of functions, the overall user
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7; RAM: 512 MB;

Drive space: 10 MB.
the content of the local drives. This makes
interface is intuitive. Its not too jazzy, but
CONTACT
EZB Systems, Inc
it easy to drag and drop content to and
the software works without any hiccups.
PHONE
NA
from the image le. The striking features
If youre looking for an easy-to-use optical
EMAIL
support@ezbsystems.com
are organized in the Bootable and
disc imaging utility, this ones an excellent
Tools menus. The Extract boot sector
option.
function comes in handy when you want
SPECIFICATIONS
$29.95(approx Rs 1,400)
www.ezbsystems.com
RATINGS
FEATURES
- Anand Tuliani
EASE OF USE
PERFORMANCE
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
80
12/2011
TEST CENTER
TESTED
DATA SHREDDER
UTILITY
O&O SAFEERASE 5
PROFESSIONAL EDITION
VERDICT: Its an effective data erasing
tool, but doesnt offer anything more than
freeware tools do.
FOR: Ease of use, highly efcient.
AGAINST: A bit expensive.
FILE COMPRESSION UTILITY
DESKSOFT EARTHTIME
WINZIP PRO v16
VERDICT: A useful app that shows local

times and dates of cities around the
world.
FOR: Alarm, customization options.
AGAINST: None.
VERDICT: An easy to use compression

tool, but it supports limited formats.
FOR: Supports encrypted archives,
archive from camera, disc burning, FTP.
AGAINST: Pricey, doesnt support many
archive formats.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
30 (approx Rs 2,086)
Freeware
$ 59.95 (approx Rs 3,000)
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Win 7/Vista/XP; Disk Space: 20MB
OS: Win 7/Vista/XP; Disk Space: 2.5MB
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7; Drive space: 52.6 MB.
www.oo-software.com
www.desksoft.com
www.winzip.com
CONTACT
O&O Software GmbH
CONTACT
DeskSoft e.U.
CONTACT
WinZip Computing, Corel Company
PHONE
+49 (0)30 4303 4303

info@oo-software.com
PHONE
NA
support@desksoft.com
PHONE
NA
help@winzip.com
EMAIL
EMAIL
RATINGS
EMAIL
RATINGS
RATINGS
FEATURES
FEATURES
FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
EASE OF USE
EASE OF USE
EASE OF USE
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
OVERALL RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR MONEY
and formatting is not enough. You
easy to install and shows the local
With WinZip 16.0 Pro, you wont be
can instead use software like O&O
times of more that 70,000 cities. You
able to create RAR les, but you can
SafeErase that will ensure that your
can select cities you want to display
pick from several ZIP formats with
data is completely wiped off. It features
the time for. It allows you to set alarms
various encryption options. You can
an analytical tool that scans your
on local time of that city, and you can
also extract RAR, 7Z, BZ2, LHA/LZH,
computer for temporary and unsafely
even set alarms for more than one
Cab, ISO Image, TAR, and GZIP les.
deleted les. You can then select
day of the week. The app displays the
The new features that are notable in
the les and folders and select the
world map in the center with the local
the latest version of the utility include
SafeErase option. The utility provides
time/date data of the countries of your
an Add from Still Camera option.
six methods to delete les, ranging
choice at the top and bottom. Also, it
Once you plug in your digital camera
from simple overwrite with zeros to
shows the view of the earth at day and
to your PC, WinZip lets to import les
35 times overwrite. It also has a newly
night, so the area which is dark signies
and convert them into compressed
added erase routine for SSD storage.
night. It also displays the current cloud
les automatically. Overall, its an easy
In the routine test, it found 6735
data. If you dont wish to see it, then
application to use, but there are better
fragmented les and took 50 minutes
just uncheck it from 'View'. Similarly,
free options available that help you
for deep cleansing of a 40 GB hard
you can do away with the arrows
work with compressed le formats
disk. It even has modules to clean your
showing city position as well as the info
better. That said, it is a good tool to
Internet history, cookies, passwords,
bar for a clean layout. Furthermore, you
invest in if you would like to create
etc. It supports Internet Explorer,
can x its position and customize the
Blu-ray disks or upload archives directly
Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.
font colors through 'Options'.
to an FTP server.
f you want to completely erase all

the data on your hard disk then
merely emptying the recycle bin
- feedback@chip.in
82
12/2011
f work requires you to collaborate

with people overseas, then Desksoft
EarthTime is a handy app to have. Its
- Priyanka Tilve
lthough there are several archiving

formats available, ZIP and RAR
are probably the most widely used.
- Kamakshi Venugopal
TEST CENTER
TESTED
CAMERA UTILITY
Paper Camera
VOICE CALLS AND TEXT

what you see is a sketch
preview of the frame in real
Viber
time. You can choose from
Freeware
12 different types of artwork,
Android
which include Half Tone,
OVERALL RATING
Pastel Perfect, Comic Boom,
Freeware
Android
OVERALL RATING
Sketch Up and Andy Pop.

This cool camera app shoots
The user has the option to
Viber is a free VoIP app for
photos as artistic sketches.
tweak the brightness, contrast
making long distant calls
It takes a while to initialize,
and details using sliders. The
and sending text messages
which can be quite annoying
Menu button lets you zoom
using the Internet via Wi-Fi
for those with entry level
in/out and share photos via
or 3G. The only catch here is
handsets. The entire UI has
email, MMS or Bluetooth. But
that the person you want to
a crumpled paper-like feel
when you resume to shooting
call or text should have Viber
with handwritten text and
mode, you again have to wait
installed on his/her Android or
for a couple of
iPhone handset and must be
seconds for the app
connected to the Internet at
person you are calling is not a
to initialize. Paper
the same time. You can send
Viber user, the app will direct
Camera is fun to
invites to your friends to join
you into making a regular call.
use and it delivers
Viber using the feature built
The app also crosschecks
excellent results in
into the app. Viber can also
your address book and lists
good lighting. Its
be used as your default phone
out your friends who are using
a good break from
app; it integrates your existing
Viber. Registration is free and
the handsets stock
contacts and can be used as
so are the calls and SMS if you
camera.
a regular dialer for outgoing
are using the Internet.
- Anand Tuliani
GAME
given a grid of 64 numbers
Math Maniac
and you have 20 seconds

(in Easy mode) to tap the
calls and texting too. If the
DOWNLOADING
aDownloader
target number. The level ends
select Share link and choose

aDownloader. The progress
of le and torrent downloads
can be seen in the notication
numbers that sum up to the
Rs 53.52
- Francis Dsa
Freeware
bar. The app uses a lot of data
Android
when youve exhausted all
Android
bandwidth and battery, so it
OVERALL RATING
the numbers in the grid. The
OVERALL RATING
is recommended to use Wi-

for torrents and large les and
rst few levels are relatively

Math Manic is an app that
easier with smaller targets and
aDownloader is a native
keep the phone connected to
can help you sharpen your
it keeps getting tougher with
torrent client for Android
a charger when possible.
number addition skills. Youre
larger sums requiring lengthier
phones and is also a
chains of numbers. If you
download manager for HTTP
think youre a human adding
links with break and resume
machine, you can try the
feature. It features a built-in
Hard mode in which you get
torrent searcher which hunts
only 10 seconds to solve the
from top torrent search
puzzle. Theres another level
engines such as Thepiratebay,
of difficulty called Free Play
Monova, Btjunkie,
in which theres no time limit.
KickassTorrents, etc. Once the
Here, you can take time to
torrent is clicked on, it starts
think and play endlessly. This
downloading immediately and
game is a must-have if you
can be paused or resumed.
like numbers games. Its also a
Downloads from HTTP sites
good tool to teach addition to
are not taken over as it does
children and let them have fun
on a desktop PC. To download
at the same time.
a le from a website, you need

- Anand Tuliani
84
12/2011
to long-press on the link and
- Francis Dsa
TEST CENTER
TESTED
MUSIC
Animoog
GAME
a two-dimensional space in
which you can create paths
Supersonic HD
pick up powerups. The most

interesting mode is 'MixTape,
which creates new tracks
for notes to slide around
$0.99
for you based on the sonic
iPhone, iPad, iPod touch; iOS 4.1
parameters of any song you
modulation of notes as they
OVERALL RATING
select. The catch is that each
Animoog uses the iPad's
ring out, and tweak envelopes
This 3D racer puts you in a
new track costs 5000 in-game
touchscreen to incredible
and lters for an innite
tunnel, where you have to
credits, which you have to buy
effect, essentially replacing
number of effects. You can
collect gems to build the
(after exhausting the 50,000
physical keys with a ribbon
start composing with the
highest possible
controller that you can slide
huge variety of presets, or
score multiplyer,
around on and congure with
create and save your own. The
while avoiding
any note intervals you like.
virtual knobs to the right of
obstacles and
The graph area represents
the X-Y display let you create
oating mines.
$29.99
on. Choose from dozens of
iPad; iOS 3.2
timbre variations, adjust the
OVERALL RATING
paths, edit orbits,
You hurtle forward
and add delays
at an ever-
and distortion
increasing pace,
effects. You can
with thumping
also record your
techno music
compositions
and gorgeous,
and use a MIDI
minimalistic neon
compatible
graphics for company. There
you start out with). Supersonic
controller via
are only four race tracks in
HD is immersive and addictive,
the iPad dock
classic mode, but there's
and you'll love the fresh twist
connector.
also a 'Blitz' mode which
it puts on your old music.
- Jamshed Avari
gives you limited time to
- Jamshed Avari
HARDWARE
CPU GPU GUIDE
CHIP CPU-GPU Guide

The CHIP guide provides you the necessary perspective on
the processors and graphics chips market.
BY MICHAEL ECKSTEIN AND ANAND TULIANI
hortly before the deadline
processors. According to Paul Otellini,
(and thus late for the CPU
Intels President and CEO, the laptops
Guide) we got our hands on
powered by the new CPUs would be
can hold his position against increasing
the long-awaited rst AMD Bulldozer
able to deliver 24 hours of battery life
competition from AMD: this is justied
CPU. Intel has not already revealed
and more than 10 days of standby.
by the sheer power of the Intel Core
the details of the Haswell processor
Graphics Processors: The new AMD
i7-2600 followed by the much cheaper
that will hit the market in 2013. It will
Radeon HD 6950 manages to balance
Core i5-2500. Both get our Best Buy
replace the Ivy Bridge architecture
performance with processing power.
title. The six-core Intel Core i7-990X
which will soon be launched. Haswell
At the tenth position, its one of the
Extreme Edition scores low on the
is both extremely energy-efficient and
most affordable cards in the top 10
value for money index because it is very
powerful processor for Ultra-books
list. However, its only a notch faster
expensive. However, its a winner when
(extremely thin notebooks). At the Intel
than our best buy, the Nvidia GeForce
it comes to performance. If you need
Developer Forum 2011, Mooly Eden, vice
GTX 560 Ti but costs signicantly less.
a six-core processor for multitasking
president and general manager of the
Also not much slower and the more-
and demanding applications without
PC Client Group, presented a PC running
affordable AMD Radeon HD 6870 is also
shelling out loads of money, grab
Windows 7 powered by a prototype
a buying recommendation. The best
the AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black
of Haswell. The power consumption
value for money once again goes to the
Edition, which is our third buying
of the new CPUs should be far below
Radeon HD 6850.
recommendation.
the current generation Sandy Bridge
Desktop and Mobile CPUs: Intel
feedback@chip.in
DESKTOP CPUs
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Intel Core i7-990X XE

Intel Core i7-2600
Intel Core i5-2500
Intel Core i7-875K
AMD Phenom II X6 1100T BE
AMD Phenom II X6 1090T BE
Intel Core i7-860
AMD Phenom II X4 980 BE
Intel Core i5-760
AMD Phenom II X6 1075T
Gulftown
Sandy Bridge
Sandy Bridge
Lynneld
Thuban
Thuban
Lynneld
Deneb
Lynneld
Thuban
100.0
95.9
92.0
83.0
80.8
78.9
77.2
76.7
76.7
75.2
1366
1155
1155
1156
AM3
AM3
1156
AM3
1156
AM3
6
4
4
4
6
6
4
4
4
6
3.46
3.40
3.30
2.93
3.30
3.20
2.80
3.70
2.80
3.00
1.5
1
1
1
3
3
1
2
1
3
QPI 6400
DMI 5000
DMI 5000
DMI 2500
HT 4000
HT 4000
DMI 2500
HT 4000
DMI 2500
HT 4000
32
32
32
45
45
45
45
45
45
45
1170
995
995
774
904
904
774
758
774
904
130
95
95
95
125
125
95
125
95
130
1008
1148
1187
863
906
869
908
946
936
827
142
143
140
138
133
131
137
137
138
126
185
172
176
195
213
215
230
205
203
228
39
48
54
56
58
60
63
72
72
64
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
18
20
Intel Core i5-2400

Intel Core i7-920
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
Intel Core i3-2100
Intel Core i5-655K
Intel Core i3-550
AMD Phenom II X4 840
AMD A8-3850
Sandy Bridge
Deneb
Thuban
Bloomeld
Yorkeld
Sandy Bridge
Clarkdale
Clarkdale
Propus
Llano
75.1
74.4
71.4
70.2
67.7
67.4
67.3
64.7
64.7
64.1
1155
AM3
AM3
1366
775
1155
1156
1156
AM3
FM1
4
4
6
4
4
2
2
2
4
4
3.10
3.60
2.80
2.67
2.83
3.10
3.20
3.20
3.20
2.90
1
2
3
1
12
0.5
0.5
0.5
2
4
DMI 5000
HT 4000
HT 4000
QPI 4800
FSB 1333
DMI 5000
DMI 2500
DMI 2500
HT 4000
UMI 5000
32
45
45
45
45
32
32
32
45
32
995
758
904
731
820
504
382
382
300
1450
95
125
125
130
95
65
73
73
95
95
1072
918
759
769
827
845
868
834
799
783
138
136
123
134
126
121
125
120
117
116
258
213
235
257
263
216
217
232
253
257
71
75
69
70
79
96
99
103
91
91
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
AMD Athlon II X4 645

Intel Core i5-650
AMD A6-3650
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300
Intel Core i3-540
Intel Core 2 Duo E7600
AMD Sempron 140
Propus
Clarkdale
Llano
Yorkeld
Rana
Clarkdale
Callisto
Regor
Wolfdale
Sargas
63.4
62.8
59.6
58.8
58.5
58.0
55.3
51.4
51.2
33.1
AM3
1156
FM1
775
AM3
1156
AM3
AM3
775
AM3
4
2
4
4
3
2
2
2
2
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3.10
3.20
2.60
2.50
3.10
3.06
3.40
3.30
3.07
2.70
2
0.5
4
4
1.5
0.5
1
2
3
1
HT 4000
DMI 2500
UMI 5000
FSB 1333
HT 4000
DMI 2500
HT 4000
HT 4000
FSB 1066
HT 4000
45
32
32
45
45
32
45
45
45
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300
382
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300
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324
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* in KB/s
86
12/2011
SMS us! Story code: HCG to 57007
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Intel Core i5-2520M
Intel Core i5-2410M
Intel Core i7-820QM
Intel Core i7-740QM
Intel Core i7-620M
Intel Core i5-520M
Sandy Bridge
Sandy Bridge
Sandy Bridge
Sandy Bridge
Sandy Bridge
Sandy Bridge
Clarkseld
Clarkseld
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Arrandale
100.0
94.8
87.5
83.4
81.1
73.2
63.7
63.1
62.2
57.6
4
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4
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2.20
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2.70
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2.30
1.73
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2.67
2.40
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DMI 5000
DMI 5000
DMI 5000
DMI 5000
DMI 5000
DMI 2500
DMI 2500
DMI 2500
DMI 2500
45
45
45
35
35
35
45
45
35
35
120
120
120
154
154
154
120
120
154
154
11391
9969
9604
9762
9168
8340
7725
7648
7105
6803
805
797
695
833
719
707
611
599
663
576
2859
2706
2363
1708
1935
1452
1494
1501
1339
1187
22400
22100
21800
20420
19882
19695
13670
13554
13950
13851
12500
12000
11500
11400
11250
11000
8500
8300
28000
27500
27000
26500
26000
25000
22000
21000
20000
19000
42000
41000
40000
38000
37000
36000
35000
34000
33000
32000
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Intel Core i3-2310M

Intel Core 2 Duo T9900
Intel Core i7-640LM
Intel Core i3-370M
AMD Phenom II X4 N930
Intel Core 2 Duo SP9600
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700
Intel Core i5-2537M
Intel Core i7-620UM
AMD A6-3400M
Sandy Bridge
Penryn
Arrandale
Arrandale
Danube
Penryn
Penryn
Sandy Bridge
Arrandale
Llano
53.5
52.9
51.6
48.9
47.3
46.3
44.6
44.0
39.7
39.3
2
2
2
2
4
2
2
2
2
4
2.10
3.07
2.13
2.40
2.00
2.53
2.53
1.40
1.07
1.40
3
6
4
3
2
6
3
3
3
4
DMI 5000
FSB1066
DMI 2500
DMI 2500
HT1800
FSB1066
FSB1066
DMI 5000
DMI 2500
CCI 25GB
35
35
25
35
35
25
25
17
18
35
154
154
216
154
154
216
216
318
300
250
7045
6922
7027
5713
6020
6512
5866
5122
5076
5136
531
558
513
466
338
464
469
445
430
289
1121
1034
1003
998
1072
847
836
754
811
831
11513
11487
11531
12587
13481
10551
10075
12803
8205
11362
9500
7900
7900
7800
5750
5600
5400
7600
6500
16500
22000
17500
17200
17000
16800
16000
15300
16900
30000
29000
28500
28000
27500
27000
25500
28000
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Intel Core 2 Duo T6500

Intel Core i5-520UM
Intel Core i3-330UM
AMD E-350
Intel Pentium SU4100
AMD Athlon Neo MV-40
AMD C-50
Intel Atom D525
Intel Atom N550
Intel Atom N450
Penryn
Arrandale
Arrandale
Zacate
Penryn
Huron
Zacate
Pineview
Pineview
Pineview
33.9
31.4
26.7
21.3
20.9
17.6
12.7
10.1
9.6
7.7
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
2.10
1.07
1.07
1.60
1.30
1.60
1.00
1.80
1.50
1.67
2
3
3
1
2
0.5
1
1
1
0.5
FSB800
DMI 2500
DMI 2500
CCI 25GB
FSB800
HT1800
CCI 25GB
FSB800
FSB800
FSB667
35
18
18
18
10
15
9
13
8.5
5.5
154
300
300
300
480
360
600
415
635
800
4401
3812
3642
2800
3121
2150
1792
2145
2142
1497
369
369
247
216
234
231
118
101
95
93
695
553
514
398
410
231
212
265
234
139
6889
7350
6500
4989
3715
4951
3422
1055
1050
1070
4900
6300
6100
9000
4300
3500
7000
3100
3100
3100
11600
19000
1 Mobile CPUs come preinstalled in laptops

2 Typical runtime with integrated graphics, powerful discrete GPUs reduce runtime by 40 percent.
GRAPHICS CHIPS
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
AMD Radeon HD 6990

Nvidia GeForce GTX 590
AMD Radeon HD 6870 X2
AMD Radeon HD 5970
AMD Radeon HD 6970
AMD Radeon HD 6950
AMD Radeon HD 6950
2 x 2048/GDDR5
2 x 1536/GDDR5
2 x 1024/GDDR5
2 x 1024/GDDR5
1536/GDDR5
2048/GDDR5
1280/GDDR5
2048/GDDR5
1536/GDDR5
1024/GDDR5
100.0
94.9
81.9
75.8
68.3
62.6
57.9
57.8
53.2
50.9
47.8
47.6
70.8
57.5
48.3
67.2
58.1
69.2
34.5
75.3
880
608
900
725
772
880
732
800
700
800
1215
1544
1464
1401
5000
3416
4200
4000
4008
5500
3800
5000
3696
5000
2 x 256
2 x 384
2 x 256
2 x 256
384
256
320
256
384
256
3072
1024
2240
3200
512
1536
480
1408
480
1408
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
5280
6000
3400
4300
3000
2640
3000
2640
3200
2640
450
375
300
294
244
250
219
200
320
200
70
78
67
60
59
53
52
50
48
50
67
38
58
51
24
35
18
32
20
32
101
102
71
63
80
61
67
57
63
13
19482
19296
13644
13768
13135
11192
11137
9855
9177
9767
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Nvidia GeForce GTX 560 Ti

AMD Radeon HD 6870
AMD Radeon HD 5870
AMD Radeon HD 5850
AMD Radeon HD 6850
1024/GDDR5
1024/GDDR5
2048/GDDR5
1024/GDDR5
1280/GDDR5
1024/GDDR5
1024/GDDR5
2 x 896/GDDR3
1024/GDDR5
768/GDDR5
50.8
49.0
48.5
46.1
42.3
42.1
41.8
40.8
34.8
33.8
83.1
84.7
30.2
79.7
69.2
45.1
100.0
26.4
72.1
52.5
823
900
850
820
607
725
775
576
607
675
1645
1640
1215
1242
1215
1350
4008
4200
4800
4008
3348
4000
4800
2016
3206
3600
256
256
256
256
320
256
256
2 x 448
256
192
384
1120
1600
336
448
1440
960
240
352
336
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
55
40
40
1950
1700
2154
1950
3200
2154
1700
2800
3200
1950
180
151
188
150
215
170
127
289
200
150
45
42
40
41
39
35
36
47
33
31
18
29
30
17
15
26
26
13
11
10
60
51
41
53
51
38
46
0
41
42
9364
7809
8830
8446
7257
7280
6104
9221
6082
6015
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Nvidia GeForce GTX 550 Ti

ATI Radeon HD 5770
ATI Radeon HD 4890
ATI Radeon HD 4870
AMD Radeon HD 5750
AMD Radeon HD 6670
AMD Radeon HD 6570
Nvidia GeForce GT 430
AMD Radeon HD 5570
AMD Radeon HD 5550
1024/GDDR5
1024/GDDR5
1024/GDDR5
1024/GDDR5
1024/GDDR5
1024/GDDR5
512/GDDR5
1024/GDDR3
1024/GDDR3
1024/DDR2
29.9
29.7
27.2
25.4
23.4
20.0
15.4
11.2
10.3
5.6
77.6
77.1
49.7
65.8
66.2
77.7
80.0
49.8
53.6
21.6
930
850
850
750
700
800
650
700
650
550
1860
1400
4200
4800
3900
3600
4600
4000
4000
1800
1600
800
192
128
256
256
128
128
128
128
128
128
192
800
800
800
720
480
480
96
400
320
40
40
55
55
40
40
40
40
40
40
1170
1040
959
959
1040
716
716
585
627
627
110
108
157
157
86
66
60
56
43
45
27
27
28
26
21
18
14
10
9
5
10
18
20
19
14
11
9
4
5
3
36
26
0
0
22
22
13
13
13
5
5297
4711
4950
4605
3725
3139
2621
1903
1579
837
Enthusiast (100-90.0)
s)
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
EST
ES T CEN
CENT
CE
CCENTER
NTER
NT
ER
PC
C CONF
CO
CONFIGS
C
NFIG
FIGS
S
Apple iPod Touch

Rs 19,900 (32 GB)
www.apple.com/in
verdict This one's engineered to

perfection. Apple's got everything just right.
love Retina display is awesome, extremely

uid UI, great form factor.
hate No native support for MKV,

earphones could be better.
SPECIFICATIONS
W
Weight:
101 g; Display: 3.5-in, 960x640; Audio codecs: MP3,
WAV, AAC; Video codecs: MP4, MOV.
ANAND'S PICKS
PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYERS

Play music, watch movies and view photos with one single device.
Cowon J3
Rs 14,000 (16 GB)
www.cowonindia.in
verdict You'll love this player for its

gorgeous display and hassle-free operation.
love AMOLED display, native support for
many audio and video codecs, memory
expansion.
hate Average earphones.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 76 g; Display: 3.3-in, 480x272; Audio codecs: MP3,
WMA, FLAC, OGG, WAV; Video codecs: DivX, WMV, XviD.
Zebronics Cinema 4.3

Rs 4,200 (8 GB)
www.zebronics.com
verdict Pick this one if you want the most

bang for your buck.
love Great value for money, supports MKV,
memory expansion, good earphones.
hate Resistive touchscreen can be a bit
annoying.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 128 g; Display: 4.3-in, 480x272; Audio codecs: MP3,
WMA, OGG; Video codecs: DivX, WMV, MKV, MP4, MOV, 3GP.
88
12/2011
Creative Zen X-Fi 2

Rs 8,999 (8 GB)
in.creative.com
verdict A pocketable device with a good

feature set and excellent earphones.
love Compact design, supports FLAC

and DivX, memory expansion, excellent
earphones.
hate UI is a tad sluggish.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 75 g; Display: 3-in, 400x240; Audio codecs: MP3,
WMA, FLAC, AAC, WAV; Video codecs: DivX, WMV, MP4.
YES PMP-100 HD
Rs 7,500 (8 GB)
www.iloveyes.net
verdict If you don't mind carrying the bulk,

this one's excellent while you're travelling.
love Large display, IR remote control,

memory expansion.
hate No touchscreen, bulky design.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 250 g; Display: 5-in, 800x480; Audio codecs: MP3,
WMA, FLAC, AAC, WAV; Video codecs: DivX.
TEST CENTER
ANAND'S
PC CONFIGS
COLUMN
IT DOESNT COST MUCH

TO BUILD A PC FOR YOUR
LIVING ROOM.
ANAND TULIANI, DEPUTY EDITOR - TECHNICAL
LOW-COST HTPC
A
home theater PC can be the

ultimate entertainment machine
if you make the most of its
feature set. It can seamlessly
play all video formats, store hundreds
of gigabytes of movies and music and
playback and stream media. With a DTH
set top box connected to it, you can even
watch and record live TV.
HTPCs are considered to be very
expensive because they look sophisticated
and use high-end hardware. Slide one into
your existing home theater setup and no
one will be able to guess its actually a PC
because the outer case looks no different
than a home theater receiver. There are
quite a few HTPCs in the market such as
Zotacs Zbox line-up and custom builds
by Mumbai-based Brag PC. They are
premium products and hence they have an
asking price which an average user might
fi nd too high. If you want an HTPC for the
price of an entry-level desktop PC, heres
how you can build one yourself for under
Rs 35,000.
Starting with the core components, you
can go in for a motherboard-CPU combo
Component
Model
Motherboard
Zotac E350-A-E
Memory
2 x 2 GB Transcend DDR3-1333
Hard disk
WD Caviar Blue, 500 GB
Graphics card
Integrated Radeon HD 6310
Optical drive
LG GH22 SATA 22x DVD-writer
PC case
Circle CC Stick
Monitor
BenQ G2220HD
Input device
Logitech MK260 Wireless combo
Speakers
F&D A510
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium
or an AMD Fusion mini-ITX motherboard.

I suggest going in for the latter, because
you get an all-in-one and its of the perfect
size to build a compact PC. The Zotac
E350 A-E is powered by AMD E350 APU
with integrated Radeon HD 6310 graphics
and features an integrated Wi-Fi adapter.
You simply have to add RAM, a hard
drive and an optical drive to build the PC
and, of course, youll need a PC case to
house all the hardware. The E350 A-E uses
SO-DIMM type RAM, which is commonly
used in laptops. A 2 GB
DDR3 stick should cost
around Rs 950; the same s a
DVD-writer would cost. The
prices of hard drives have
suddenly rocketed sky high
due to the disastrous floods
in Thailand.
Currently, the average price of a 500
GB hard drive is Rs 4,600, which is more
than the price of a 2 TB hard drive a few
months ago. The cheapest available option
for the case is the Circle CC Stick, which
costs Rs 1,850. Its meant for building
compact PCs and comes with a power
supply. This PC with 4 GB
Price (Rs) RAM would cost Rs 18,000
8,700 excluding the price of the
1,900 operating system. Add
4,600 another few hundred Rupees
- for a decent keyboard and
950 mouse combo. This PC can
1,850 be hooked up to an LCD TV
7,400 via HDMI. If you want a full
1,450 HD monitor, youll have to
1,750 spend another Rs 7,400 for a
6,200 21.5-inch model.
YOU CAN BUILD A

DECENT HTPC FOR
UNDER RS 35,000.
34,800
anand.tuliani@chip.in
12/2011
89
TTEST
TE
EESST CE
CCENTER
ENT
N TE
TER
R
PC CON
PC
CO
CONFIGS
NFIG
FIGS
GS
PC CONFIGS
GAMING - ENTRY-LEVEL
Rs 50,460
GAMING - MID - RANGE
Rs 77,400
Processor
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Ed, 3.3 GHz
5,900
Processor
AMD Phenom II X6 1055T, 2.8 GHz
8,000
Motherboard
Asus M5A88-M Evo, AMD 880G
7,000
Motherboard
Asus M5A97 Evo, AMD 970
7,400
RAM
2 GB Zion DDR3-1333 MHz
RAM
Corsair CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 - 2 x 2GB
2,100
Hard disk
Western Digital Caviar Green - 1TB
5,500
Hard disk
Western Digital Caviar Black - 1 TB
7,600
Graphics card
Asus ENGTX550 TI - 1 GB GDDR5
8,500
Graphics card
Zotac GeForce GTX 560 - 1 GB GDDR5
Optical drive
950
Optical drive
950
Monitor
BenQ G2220HD - 21.5-inch LED
7,300
Monitor
BenQ G2420 HD - 24-inch TFT
11,300
Keyboard
Logitech G1 Gaming Desktop
1,670
Keyboard
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
Mouse
Included in combo
Mouse
Razer Salmosa
1,700
Speakers
F&D FD600
Speakers
Altec Expressionist Ultra MX6021
7,500
Sound card
Onboard high-definition audio
Sound card
Asus Xonar DX 7.1-channel
5,000
PC Case
Cooler Master Elite 311
1,950
PC Case
Cooler Master Elite 430
2,800
Power supply unit
Coolermaster GX 450W
3,500
Power supply unit
Cooler Master GX 650W
5,300
Operating system
Windows 7 Home Basic
4,300
Operating system
TOTAL
900
2,990
-
50,460
HOME
Rs 31,725
TOTAL
10,600
950
6,200
77,400
HTPC
Rs 92,450
Processor
AMD Athlon X2 260, 3.20 GHz
3,450
Processor
AMD Phenom II X2 560, 3.30 GHz
5,200
Motherboard
Asus M5A88-M, AMD 880G
5,600
Motherboard
Asus M5A88-M Evo, AMD 880G
7,000
RAM
2 GB Zion DDR3-1333 MHz
900
RAM
2x 2 GB Kingston DDR3-1333 MHz
1,800
Hard disk
Hard disk
5,500
Graphics card
Onboard graphics
Graphics card
Sapphire Radeon HD 6670, 1 GB GDDR5
5,700
Optical drive
950
Optical drive
Sony BD-5300S, 12x Blu-ray Writer
11,000
Monitor
Dell IN2020M - 20-inch LED
Monitor
BenQ V2400 Eco, 24-inch TFT (LED)
15,500
Keyboard and
mouse combo
Logitech Deluxe 250 Desktop USB
Keyboard and
mouse combo
Logitech Wireless Combo MK320
Speakers
Altec Lansing VS2621
Sound card
Onboard high-definition audio
PC Case
iBall Pride
Power supply unit
Included with the PC Case - 250 Watts
Operating system
Windows 7 Home Basic
TOTAL
90
12/2011
5,500
6,700
680
1,895
-
Creative Gigaworks T3
Asus Xonar DX 7.1-channel
PC Case
Silver Stone Milo ML03
Power supply unit
Corsair CMPSU-430CX - 430 Watts
4,300
Operating system
1,750
31,725
Speakers
Sound card
TOTAL
1,650
15,000
5,000
10,700
2,200
6,200
92,450
TEST
TTE
EST
S T CE
CEN
CCENTER
E NTE
T ER
LAPTOP
L
LAP
APT
PTOP
OP
P CONFIGS
CO
CONF
NFIG
IGS
S
LAPTOP CONFIGS
BUDGET
MAINSTREAM
NETBOOK
PROCESSOR Intel Pentium P6200, Intel Core i3,
PROCESSOR Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5
PROCESSOR Intel Atom Single / Dual-core,
Intel Core i5
MEMORY 1 GB or 2 GB
HARD DRIVE 320 GB or higher
DISPLAY 14.1-in or 15.6-in
GRAPHICS On-board
WEIGHT 2.3 Kg to 2.7 Kg
OTHER Bluetooth, DVD-writer, Wi-Fi b/g, Webcam
PRICE RANGE Up to Rs 35,000
MEMORY 2 GB or 3 GB
AMD Fusion
MEMORY 1 GB to 2 GB
DISPLAY 14.1-in or 15.6-in
GRAPHICS On-board or Discrete
DISPLAY 10-in or 11.6-in
WEIGHT 2.3 Kg to 3 Kg
GRAPHICS On-board
OTHER Bluetooth, DVD-writer, Wi-Fi b/g or n, Webcam
WEIGHT 1 Kg to 1.5 Kg
PRICE RANGE Rs 35,000 To Rs 45,000
OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Webcam, Card reader

PRICE RANGE Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000
ACER ASPIRE 5733Z

Rs 21,217
ACER ASPIRE 5755G

Rs 36,770
SAMSUNG N150-JP0MIN
Rs 16,100
CPU Intel Pentium P6200, 2.13 GHz; MEMORY 2 GB;

HARD DISK 500 GB; DISPLAY 15.6-in;
GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.6 Kg; OS Linux;
OTHER Wi-Fi, Webcam, Card reader
CPU Intel Core i3-2310M, 2.1 GHz; MEMORY 4 GB;

GRAPHICS Nvidia GeForce GT 540M, 1 GB;
WEIGHT 2.6 Kg; OS Windows 7 Home Basic;
OTHER Bluetooth, Webcam, Wi-Fi, HDMI
CPU Intel Atom N550, 1.5 GHz; MEMORY 1 GB;

HARD DISK 320GB; DISPLAY 10.1-in;
GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.24 Kg;
OS Windows 7 Starter; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
Webcam, Card reader
LENOVO G460
Rs 22,990
LENOVO IDEAPAD Z570

Rs 38,990
ACER ASPIRE ONE HAPPY 2

Rs 17,509
CPU Intel Pentium P6200, 2.13 GHz; MEMORY 2 GB;

HARD DISK 500 GB; DISPLAY 14-in;
GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.25 Kg; OS Free-DOS;
OTHER Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI, Card reader

GRAPHICS Nvidia GeForce GT 520M, 1 GB;
OTHER Bluetooth, Webcam, Wi-Fi, HDMI

GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.3 Kg;
OS Windows 7 Starter + Android; OTHER Bluetooth,
Wi-Fi, Webcam, Card reader
DELL INSPIRON 14R

Rs 32,300
HP PAVILION G6-1201TX
Rs 40,950
HP MINI 110-3612TU
Rs 18,350

GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 2.38Kg; OS Windows 7
Home Basic; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI

GRAPHICS AMD Radeon HD 6470, 1 GB;
OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI

GRAPHICS On-board; WEIGHT 1.4 Kg; OS Windows 7
Starter; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Webcam, Card reader
HP PAVILION G6-1200TU
Rs 32,450
SONY VAIO VPCEG28FN

Rs 42,990
TOSHIBA NB520
Rs 18,500

Home Basic; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI

GRAPHICS Nvidia GeForce 410M, 512 MB;
WEIGHT 2.3 Kg; OS Windows 7 Home Premium;
OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI

Starter; OTHER Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Webcam, Card reader
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FEATURED
COVER STORY
Step into the new year with all-new gear!

You won't be caught unprepared after
reading this gadget shopping guide.
BY TEAM CHIP
94
12/2011
FEATURED
COVER STORY
he technology market is extremely
hand, there are plenty of products that
daunting, with new products and
are not worth your money today. Buyers
buzzwords to deal with every
need to understand their own needs and
few months. To make matters worse,
expectations, or they'll end up with some
shop staff aren't always conversant with
extremely disappointing and possibly
the products themselves, and try to sell
expensive mistakes.
outdated products for the wrong reasons.
The majority of feedback we receive at
The number one problem people have is
CHIP concerns buying advice, especially
knowing what to buy. Which products will
questions about avoiding the common
provide adequate value for a few years
pitfalls of shopping. Our guide breaks
and which ones are going to become
down the most common tech product
outdated soon? What does the jargon
categories and tells you what you need
mean, and should any of it really influence
to know before stepping outwe present
your decision? What are the things to look
8 essential tips for each of the major
out for or avoid when spending thousands
product categories.
of rupees?
There are lots of bargains and deals
to be had in the market, but on the other
Study the guide and check our regular

reviews and comparison tests before
spending your money!
12/2011
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FEATURED
COVER STORY
DESKTOPS
lthough the desktop PC
segment has shrunk because
laptops are more affordable,
its still a large segment. Some
prefer going the do-it-yourself way,
and those who want to stay away
from the nitty-gritties of individual
components prefer branded
packages. Most big brands have
line-ups spanning all budgets and
catering to various applications. The
entry-level starts from dual-core
models with smaller display sizes
(17-inch and 19-inch). Moving up, you
can choose from quad-core and sixcore models, larger displays (22-inch
and 24-inch), discrete graphics,
and so on. Besides your budget,
the conguration also depends on
what youre primarily going to use
the PC for. A workstation would

be advisable for those who are
into audio/video production and
animation, while a powerful multiGPU solution would be ideal for
gamers. Movie buffs would prefer
a classy home theater PC which
can easily be integrated into the
existing setup. The HTPC segment
is niche and hence you wont nd
these in abundance as conventional
desktop PCs. However, you can get
in touch with system integrators such
as Brag PC who sell specialized PCs.
Some brands such as ZOTAC offer
small form factor PCs optimized for
handling full HD content and with
integrated Wi- for media streaming.
The all-in-one PC segment is also
very popular. The core components
of these PCs are housed inside

the chassis or the pedestal of the
monitor. Thus all-in-one PCs occupy
less space and reduce clutter. They
also look more appealing and some
are built for living rooms meant to be
used as entertainment PCs.
Besides the top brands such as
Dell, HP and Lenovo, even small
brands such as HCL, Zenith and
Chirag have a good range of PCs.
Heres what you should look at when
buying a PC.
TIPS FOR BUYING DESKTOPS
IDEAL CONFIGURATION: A Pentium Dual-Core or

AMD Athlon X2 CPU is ideal for basic applications,
but you need at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD
Phenom II X4 CPU for image editing and a Core i7
for audio/video production and 3D modelling. Your
application area is more important than the budget.
ENTERTAINMENT PCS: These are characterized by

large displays, powerful hardware, plenty of storage
space and discrete graphics. These are needed for
playback of HD content, gaming and music listening.
Look out for Intel Core i5 or AMD Phenom II X4
CPUs, 4 GB RAM, 1 TB of storage, and an HD display.
PCS FOR HOME AND OFFICE: Entry-level or budget

PCs are available from all popular manufacturers
such as Acer, Lenovo, Dell and HP. Compare the
prices of similar congurations to arrive at a good
deal. The minimum specs you should look out for
are dual-core CPU, 3 GB of RAM, 500 GB hard disk
and a 19-inch LCD monitor.
AMD OR INTEL?: Its a myth that AMD processors

are weak and overheat. In fact the AMD Athlon II
and Phenom II offer better value for money than
Intel CPUs in the entry-level and mainstream
segments (under Rs 50,000). But if youre looking
at a workstation or a high-end gaming PC, theres
nothing to beat the Intel Core i7 processor.
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12/2011
CUSTOM CONFIGURATION: If you want to

customize your PC but not build it yourself, choices
will be limited. Some brands let you choose the
processor, amount of RAM, hard disk capacity,
display size and warranty period. If you want specic
components, approach a reputed system integrator.
GAMING PCS: Very few brands offer high-end

gaming PCs. Branded ones usually have only entrylevel graphics cards. If you're assembling a gaming
PC, choose you graphics card wisely: at least an
Nvidia GTX 550 Ti or AMD Radeon HD 6770 for
decent frame rates along with good visual effects.
WARRANTY AND AFTER SALES SERVICE: This

is a very important parameter if youre going in for
a branded PC. Most brands offer 1 year warranty
and an option to extend the period for a reasonable
price. It makes sense to opt for extended warranty
so that you dont have to worry about spending a
huge sum of money should any major failures occur.
DISCRETE GRAPHICS: The integrated graphics

cores in 2nd generation Intel Core processors and
AMD Fusion processors are capable of accelerating
HD video playback and video transcoding. However,
if your application goes beyond this, such as
gaming, imaging or 3D modelling, then yes, a
discrete graphics processor is a must.
FEATURED
COVER STORY
L APTOPS/NETBOOKS
laptop is a boon for students,
executives and even home
users who want something
really compact with which they can
move about indoors. Most laptops
have built-in webcam, Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth which usually isnt a
feature of desktop PCs. Today you
can buy a decently powerful laptop
for under Rs 25,000. You get a dualcore processor, at least 2 GB of RAM,
320 GB hard disk, DVD writer and
a 14-inch display. This conguration
is ideal for students and home and
office users who want a laptop for
just basic applications and light
entertainment. At increasing price
points you get additional features

and more powerful hardware such
as larger display, better processor,
discrete graphics, more RAM and
storage space, USB 3.0 ports, and
so on. Various brands offer multiple
combinations of these hardware at
various price points. Accordingly the
models fall under the brands budget,
mainstream, entertainment, highend and gaming segments. When
buying a laptop you have to select
the ideal combination of hardware
that suits your needs and budget.
With various brands offering dozens
of models to choose from, deciding
on the ideal model can be a bit
confusing. Its all the more difficult

with older generation models selling
at a very low price and the attractive
schemes offered by the vendors. If
youre planning to buy a laptop or
recommend a model to someone,
here are some tips that will help you
make the correct buying decision.
After all, its an expensive investment
that you will use for the next few
years down the line.
TIPS FOR BUYING LAPTOPS
LATEST HARDWARE: Make sure you get the latest

generation hardware, especially the CPU. Newer
Intel Core CPUs can be identied by four-digit model
numbers; older generation models had three-digit
numbers. Unless older laptosp are available really
cheap, we suggest sticking to the latest platform for
better service and availability of spare parts.
DISCRETE GRAPHICS: When it comes to

accelerating video playback and adding lters to
videos while transcoding, GPUs are more efficient
than the processor. Entry level GPUs such as AMD
Radeon HD 6470M and Nvidia GeForce GT 520M
are good for media playback, and the Radeon HD
6630M and GeForce GT 560M are good for gaming.
NETBOOKS: With tablets becoming popular and

affordable, netbooks are less popular. However,
these tiny machines are great value for money. They
weigh a little more than a kilo and can easily t in
your handbag. If Internet access and basic office
applications are your priority, a netbook should
suffice. They cost Rs 14,000 to Rs 23,000.
GETTING A GOOD DEAL: A simple way to get

a good deal is to note the prices of the same
conguration offered by the top brands in the
market. Settle for the one selling for the best price,
of course after weighing the pros and cons. Also
take into consideration additional features and
ongoing offers.
SCREEN SIZE VS PORTABILITY: Laptops with

smaller displays are lighter and easier to carry,
but a large screen (for example 15.6-inch) offers
better viewing comfort and allows for a larger
keyboard. Good ergonomics with a smaller screen
(for example 13.3-inch) is challenging for the
manufacturer.
FORM AND DESIGN: In addition to the budget,

you may also want to give priority to the form and
design. If you want a road warrior thats extremely
light, then make sure the battery life is not
compromised. If you want extreme durability, you
can choose from the Panasonic Toughbook or Dell
Latitude ATG and XFR series of rugged laptops.
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY: The laptops design and

conguration look attractive in advertisements,
but you cannot judge the build, display, audio
quality and ergonomics unless you have a look and
feel. The best place to try out laptops is a mall
or a brands exclusive store. Physically assess the
construction, keyboard, mouse, and audio.
EXTRA FEATURES ARE A BONUS: Features such

as USB 3.0, eSATA and FireWire ports differ between
models. Consider these features as bonuses.
They will come in very handy in the future, with
high-speed storage devices. Some vendors offer
free laptop bags, portable speakers, external DVD
writers and laptop mice. These are most welcome.
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TABLETS
eve seen Apple
revolutionize the industry
with the iPad, and almost
every manufacturer, including smaller
and unknown brands, are jumping
on the bandwagon. Tablets are
comfortable, compact and portable
devices that offer the usability of
a PC while on the move. The main
reason is the intuitive touchscreenbased user interface, a powerful
processing core within, and wireless
networking all in a single small
package. These gadgets range in
features and specications. You
can perform regular PC-like tasks
such as internet browsing, office
documentation, watching
videos, music, games, and
a lot more. This is where
the processing speed of a
tablet is given more priority
and importance. While
some cheaper models
are equipped with average
speed processors (around 600800
MHz) and smaller display sizes,
other competitors offering dual core
processors, larger screen sizes and
ample built-in storage for advanced
users. All these types are available
and your choice depends on the
price you can afford to shell out.
Since tablets are not upgradable
like netbooks or laptops, it is equally

important that you buy one for the
exact purpose and also keep in mind
your future usage. Smaller screen
sizes, sluggish processors and lack of
sufficient storage space can hamper
your work. Prior to the hunt for a
tablet, you need to consider a few
minor and major details. These tips
will help you pick the perfect one.
TIPS FOR BUYING TABLETS
OPERATING SYSTEM: Tablets are available in three

variantsWindows, iOS and Android (the BlackBerry
PlayBook is an exception). Those who are
accustomed to Windows on their PCs might prefer
a Windows-based tablet. Android requires less
disk space and runs faster. iOS is uid, but Apple
hardware is expensive and has feature limitations.
Make sure you try each OS before deciding.
PROCESSOR POWER: A single core processor

is good enough for casual gaming, internet
browsing, emails and office documentation. Dual
core processors offer faster speeds with respect
to gaming, high-denition videos, quicker office
documentation and a lot more. But it equally has an
impact on the battery life.
CONNECTIVITY: Most tablets incorporate Wi-Fi,

and newer ones have the option of using 3G Internet
connections. If you are going to need an Internet
connection when travelling, opt for a tablet with a
3G option. Newer tablets also feature HDMI ports
which can be connected to a large display panel or
a projector for presentations or movies.
AESTHETICS: This is what often actually makes

a sale. A good-looking tablet is great to aunt in
front of friends and in public. Most tablets are made
from glossy shells which can actually ruin the entire
image because of scratches and ngerprints. Black
is the best body color. A matte-nished exterior will
help prevent against stains and scratches that can
mar the tablets aesthetics.
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DISPLAY SIZE: A larger display makes for better

ergonomics and is easier on the eye. Tablets with
larger displays offer better visuals for work, media
and gaming. Opt for a higher resolution display for
crisper details, but larger displays tend to make the
unit bulkier and consume battery power. Hence the
cost of models with a higher display size tends to
be higher.
STORAGE: While most tablets offer internal disk

16 to 64 GB of space, opt for the highest capacity
you can afford. This ensures that you can carry
along your data and media les on the tablet itself
eliminating the need of tugging along memory cards
and USB drives. Check if the storage is expandible
for future needs, especially while travelling.
WEIGHT: A factor which should not be ignored is

the weight. A heavier tablet will not only hinder your
usage, but your mobility as well. Bulkier tablets are
difficult to handle and throwing in a protective case,
cover or sleeve to it will only add to the problem.
Slimmer tablets are lighter and also equally make
for better ergonomics.
ACCESSORIES: Most tablets use a proprietary

port for charging, data transfer and docking. Docks
are available for adding keyboards, display/storage
dongles and in some cases, additional battery
packs. Some tablets offer accessories free at the
time of purchase. A docking keyboard is the best
accessory to pick as it helps convert a tablet like a
desktop PC or laptop when on a table top.
FEATURED
COVER STORY
PHONES
t isnt surprising to nd people
replacing their phones twice or
more each year. With the amazing
pace at which new models are being
released all the time, yesterdays
phones are becoming outdated all
too quickly. If, on the other hand, you
intend for your phone to last you
several years, there are a number
of factors you need to decide upon.
First, as always, is the budget.
Even phones priced at under Rs
5,000 now come with cameras and
multimedia playback. If youre buying
a phone in this price band, youll
have to choose between established
brands and the newer so-called
Chinese import brands of which a
countless number have sprung up.
Make sure youre comfortable with
the physical quality and feel of the

phone. Its buttons shouldnt be
too stiff and its screen and menus
should be easy to operate.
In the smartphone arena, the
choice should rst be whether or not
to go with a full-sized touchscreen.
Some people are just not
comfortable typing without physical
keys, so no matter the phones
features, they will be unhappy with
the wrong type of phone. The step in
decision making should be based on
the smartphone platformiPhone,
Android and BlackBerry are the most
common choices, with Windows
coming up and Symbian (Nokia)
fading out. The iPhone software and
hardware both feel great to use,
but the cost is prohibitive. Android
phones
are more
affordable and
exible, at the risk of being
a bit inconsistent and difficult to use.
BlackBerrys give users the popular
BBM messenger, so the choice will
also be inuenced by what your
friends use.
Software should also play a big
part in your choice of a smartphone.
iOS and Android have the best app
stores, with iOS being safer and
easier to use, while Android offers
much more choice at the cost of
adding complexity. iOS also has the
best selection of games at present.
TIPS FOR BUYING PHONES
BUDGET: First of all, identify and budget and stick

to it. Youll always be tempted to pay a thousand
or two more for a better phone, but think carefully
about whether its really worth it. New models are
launched every day, and the one you want might
drop in price very soon.
TOUCH OR TYPE: Not all touchscreens are created

equal, and not all on-screen keyboards are easy to
use. Try to spend some time getting used to typing
on your shortlisted devices before paying lots of
money only to be frustrated later. More than the
screen, the most important part is the software
dictionary that handles error correction.
BATTERY LIFE: If youre going to rely heavily on

your phone as a camera, GPS device or MP3 player,
make sure its battery will last you through the
day. Many recent smartphones have huge screens
that suck batteries dry too quickly, making them
pointless for people who spend their days outdoors.
If not, you'll wind up carrying a charger everywhere.
GLOBAL STANDARDS: Frequent travelers should

check for global data standard support in addition
to the usual GSM/CDMA bands. You need to
connect to a high-speed data network on your
phone while abroad. Besides, LTE and other 4G
standards will eventually launch at home, too.
SOFTWARE UPDATES: Many Android phones are

never upgraded by the manufacturer after being
released (or receive updates very late). Dont buy
anything lower than Android 2.3 today, or youll be
stuck without the latest software and capabilities.
The latest version is 4.0.
SCAN THE MARKET: Dont be afraid to buy older

modelsyou might nd them at bargain prices, for
only very slight differences in looks and features.
Older top-end phones can be a lot better value for
money than newer mid-range models. Understand
your requirements, and sacrice future upgrades if
you feel that you are getting a better deal.
ACCESSORIES: Factor in the costs of accessories

youll require: a memory card, headset, hands-free
car kit, etc. The combined cost of all of these might
make you want to consider a more affordable
handset. Nearly all phones today require a
protective shell, and you'll denitely want to protect
your newest investment.
SYNCING AND STORAGE: Check to see whether

the phones available in your budget range can
sync all your datacontacts, messages, photosto
an online service, and also whether it can be
tracked via cell towers or GPS if stolen. Nearly all
smartphones today have such online services.
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CPUs
t might seem like there are only
two major choices when it comes
to CPUsIntel and AMDbut in
reality, your choice should really be
about which company has the best
product in your price range. The
choice of CPU will determine the
motherboard you need to buy (and
vice versa), so consider the price of
both CPU and motherboard when
comparing the prices of models
across company lines.
At the highest end, there really
isnt much choice. Weve been
waiting nearly a year to test AMDs
high-performance comeback chip,
formerly codenamed Zambezi, but
its performance has disappointed
us. It isnt competitive with Intels

current high end Sandy Bridge series
(the Core i5 and i7 2xxx chips), and
should be thoroughly bested by the
newly launched Sandy Bridge E (Core
i7-3xxx Extreme Editions).
These are extraordinarily
expensive CPUs, however, and are
suitable only for the most demanding
workstations or gaming PCs. Moving
lower down the value chain, Intels
i7-2600 and i5-2500 are stellar
choices. Most users, however, will
be more than happy with the Core
i3, Intels mainstream series. This
is where competition with AMD
becomes more relevantlower end
models in the current FX series are
admirable alternatives, and even

the older Phenom II series is priced
at the same level, making for some
interesting value propositions.
Most (but not all) mainstream
CPUs these days come with graphics
processors built inthese are more
than enough for most home and
office scenarios, but not for gaming.
Make sure youre pairing the CPU
with the right motherboard though,
or you wont be able to use the
onboard graphics.
TIPS FOR BUYING CPUs
UNLOCKED MULTIPLIERS: Versions of Intel CPUs

with K appended to their name are unlocked, which
makes them easily overclockable. AMD's Black
Edition CPUs have equivalent features. Dont bother
paying a premium for these if you dont plan on
seriously tweaking your PCthis is something that
most people will never do.
BETTER HEATSINKS: All CPUs come with heatsinkfan units, but you might want to spend a little
money on a high quality third-party cooler if youre
concerned about high temperatures or want to
reduce noise. Choose coolers with copper bases and
heatpipes, which are more effective than aluminum.
THE POOR CHOICES: Avoid the lowest end

Celerons and Atom models for desktop PCs unless
youre on an extremely tight budget or are sure youll
never do more than surf the Web and type emails.
The Pentium Dual Core series is found in entry-level
desktops and is a weak choice for all but the most
cost-conscious buyer.
FUTURE PROOFING: If youre planning to upgrade

halfway through your PCs lifecycle, make sure the
motherboards socket will support future processors.
AMD currently has a better track record than Intel
when it comes to maintaining compatibility across
generationsthe latter has different sockets even
across its current lineup of processors.
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INTEGRATED GRAPHICS: The integrated graphics

cores in todays CPUs are more than enough for
most home and office usage situations. If youre
interested in gaming, 3D graphics or intense video
encoding, youll be using a discrete graphics card
(or a system that doesn't support CPU graphics)
anyway, so dont bother.
SOUNDPROOFING: If youre building a cool and

quiet PC, for use as a home theater system for
example, do consider the AMD E-series, which offer
low power consumption and powerful graphics at
the cost of raw performance. These usually come
bundled with a motherboard and quiet cooler.
RAW SPEED: CPU speed, as measured in GHz, is

no longer an absolute guarantee of performance.
Modern CPUs run at variable speeds, raising the
frequencies of individual cores when quick bursts of
power are needed. Things like cache memory, bus
speed and the number of cores also play a huge
role in determining overall performance.
THE RIGHT MATCH: Another reason to pay careful

attention to specications is that even a powerful
CPU can easily get bottlenecked if it is used with
a low-end chipset, too little RAM, and even a
weak graphics card. The Windows Experience
Index will give you a good idea of which individual
components are holding you back.
FEATURED
COVER STORY
MOTHERBOARDS / R AM
ike many other PC components
these days, motherboard
manufacturers such as Asus,
Gigabyte and MSI are dependent
on the chipsets that come from
Intel and AMD. It is the chipset that
really determines a motherboards
features and the kind of CPUs it will
work with. Intel currently offers the
6-series chipsets (P67, H67 and Z68)
for its second-gen Core CPUs, and
AMD offers the 900 series (990FX,
990X, 970) for current FX and
Phenoms, and A75/A55 for the lower
end A-series integrated APUs.
Once youve decided which
CPU/chipset combination you
want to buy on the basis of price
and performance, you can start
comparing the additional features
each motherboard maker offers.

The motherboard size will depend
on your cabinet and requirements,
though you shouldnt need anything
larger than mini ATX if you dont
want to add graphics cards. Look
for solid-state components in the
power circuitry, which should last
longer. Beyond that, check for
adequate cooling around the CPU
socket and chipsetextremely cheap
motherboards will skimp on this,
whereas the highest end ones will
go needlessly overboard just to look
impressive. Check the motherboards
back panel for USB 3.0 ports, as
well as any other requirement you
have. If your cabinet has ports in
front, make sure there are enough
headers to connect them to. Multiple
graphics cards are only supported

on specic chipsets, so check this
if youre interested in gaming.
RAM comes in various avors.
DDR3 will be the standard for some
time still, but there are various speed
grades and varieties on offer. Heat
spreaders are a good idea, and youll
nd these on many modules. 1333
MHz modules are the best choice for
most purposes; you can step down to
1066 MHz to save some money, or up
to 1600 MHz for higher performance.
TIPS FOR BUYING MOTHERBOARDS/RAM
GRAPHICS: Motherboard chipsets these days do

not include integrated graphics, since this feature
has moved to the CPU. If your CPU does not have
integrated graphics, youll need a discrete graphics
card. Make sure your board has the right slot(s) for
the kind of card(s) you want to use.
CURRENT STANDARDS: No new PC today should

be without USB 3.0, 6 GB/s SATA, and Gigabit
Ethernet on board, so dont accept an expensive
motherboard without these. On the other hand, its
getting harder and harder to nd integrated FireWire
and eSATA. Motherboards have long dropped the
legacy PS/2, serial and parallel ports.
COOLING: Youll also need to pay attention to

motherboard cooling if youre planning to overclock
a CPU. Choose a high-end chipset and ensure
adequate cooling around the power circuitry, which
will get hot under heavy loads. On the other hand,
huge blocks and spirals of copper are usually just
for show, and don't add much.
SPEED GRADES: RAM speed is massively

important. Dont let a vendor sell you RAM without
checking its speed grade, or convince you that
all modules are created equal. Modules targeted
at gamers and enthusiasts are generally rated
for much lower latencies, but can come at a
considerable price premium.
PORTS: Not all motherboards include the physical

ports and connections needed to pipe graphics from
the CPU to a monitor, even if the chipset and CPU
models match and are compatible. Make sure to
read the documentation carefully before buying, or
you'll end up with an expensive mistake.
EXPANSION SLOTS: Most buyers today will never

need to open out their PCs to add expansion cards
or replace components, so you dont pay more for a
motherboard with lots of expansion slots unless you
know for certain that you need more capable sound
or graphics. In most cases, a smaller board with
only one or two slots will suffice.
MEMORY CONFIGURATION: Dual-channel memory

congurations are common, with triple channel
at the high end and quad channel now emerging
with the latest Extreme Edition CPUs on X79
motherboards. Buy matched RAM modules in kits
for the best performance, and install them in the
appropriate slots as explained in the manual.
COST OF OWNERSHIP: It isnt just the price of a

motherboard that could swing your decision about
which CPU to buyfactor in the power consumption
as well. Taken together, you might nd the balance
shifting in favor of a different CPU altogether.
Bundled accessories such as a game, Wi-Fi antenna
or software can also sweeten the deal.
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GR APHICS C ARDS
raphics cards are all about eye
candy. The more powerful the
GPU, the more realistic are the
visual effects without compromising
on the smoothness of game play.
Anyone would like smooth 35 fps
or higher with PhysX enabled,
antialiasing set to maximum and
all the visual effects enabled. Only
then everything in the game looks
life-like water, re, explosions,
shadows, physics, and so on. Even
minute details such as texture of
various objects in the scene and
depth of eld effect add a great
deal to realism. But at the end of
the day, it all depends on how much
youre willing to shell out just for
sheer visual thrill. If youre building

a mid-range gaming machine, the
graphics card would probably be
the most expensive component.
Graphics processors are becoming
immensely powerful generation
after generation. Not too long ago
you needed a high end graphics
card to play games at native
resolution on a full HD monitor with
effects enabled. But today, midrange graphics cards pack sufficient
power to handle all the latest games
with great ease.
Youll nd cards equipped with
all sorts of fancy custom coolers,
factory-overclocked variants and
different combinations of video
output types. You may either

prefer to make a smart choice and
get as many features and stellar
performance for a sweet price or
grab the most powerful card.
Both Nvidia and AMD have their
line ups of graphics cards across
all price brands ready. Here are a
few buying tips that will resolve
your confusion while shopping for a
graphics card.
TIPS FOR BUYING GRAPHICS CARDS
MORE MEMORY OR BETTER MEMORY TYPE?:

Some mainstream cards come with either DDR3
and GDDR5 memory. Further, you have memory size
variants. In such cases, you should give rst priority
to the type of memorya graphics card with 512
MB of GDDR5 memory will easily outperform a card
with 1 GB of DDR3.
HYBRID GRAPHICS: This solution uses a discrete

graphics card along with the integrated graphics
processors for boosting performance. For example,
AMDs Fusion platform for desktop PCs can take
an entry-level Radeon HD 6000 discrete GPU (HD
6450, 6570 and 6670) and combine the power for
better frame rates.
CUSTOM DESIGNS: Some manufacturers come

up with custom-designed coolers for their graphics
cards. They use multiple fans, heat pipes and
vapor chambers for more efficient cooling than
the reference design. At times, graphics cards with
custom coolers are better bargain than those with
stock coolers. Check out whats on the market when
youre shopping for a graphics card.
FACTORY OVERCLOCKED MODELS: Many

manufacturers offer models in which the GPU and
memory run a few hundred MHz faster than the
stock speed. They claim these models perform
a lot better. Weve tested several such cards and
havent ever logged a signicant difference in frame
rates. We recommend stock speeds unless the price
premium isn't too high.
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GRAPHICS CARDS FOR HTPC: You wouldnt want

to hear the fans revving up in your PC case while
watching a movie. Graphics cards designed for
home theater feature passive cooling. The GPUs
used in these cards are entry-level and dont heat
up much. Some models bundle a low prole bracket
to t the card into compact HTPC cases.
WORKSTATION GRAPHICS: Graphics cards used

in workstations for 3D modelling and animation
are architecturally very different from those used
in gaming PCs. The more powerful the GPU, the
less time it takes to render. AMD FirePro and Nvidia
Quadro series is available for both desktop and
mobile platforms.
VIDEO OUTPUTS: Graphics cards come with

different combinations of video outputs. For
example, a card may be available with D-sub, DVI
and HDMI; or DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort. Some AMD
Radeon graphics cards feature multiple DisplayPort
ouptuts for Eyenity multi-displays setup. When
buying a graphics card make sure it has the output
supported by your monitor.
WARRANTY: Most graphics cards come with

either a 1 year or a 2 year warranty depending
on the segment they belong to entry-level and
mainstream graphics cards come with 1 year
warranty. If a reputed brand is offering a greater
warrant period than the other brands, go in for it.
This parameter is important in the case of high-end
graphics card which are very expensive.
FEATURED
COVER STORY
HDD/PORTABLE STOR AGE

he hard drive market was at its
best a few months ago with
a Terabyte costing around Rs
3,000 and a 2 TB hard drive costing
only Rs 4,000. But lately, the storage
market has been volatile due to the
oods in Thailand affecting leading
manufacturers such as Seagate and
Western Digital. Production is badly
hit, and the prices of both internal
and external hard drives have soared
globally due to short supply. Today
a 500 GB hard drive costs around
Rs 4,500. The prices will begin
stabilizing as soon as the situation
gets better, which should be early
next year.
The latest trend in the mid-range

and gaming PC segments is the
use of solid state drives because
the prices have lowered. SSDs are
signicantly faster than hard drives
due to absence of moving parts.
SSDs being used along with high
capacity hard drives are a common
feature of PCs these days.
There has been no signicant
development in the external storage
segment except for capacity bumps
and the latest USB 3.0 interface. 3.5inch drives are now available in 3 TB
capacity and some brands such as
Western Digital drive offer dual-drive
solutions with storage space as high
as 4 TB. Seagates latest 3 TB hard

drive is the rst to use a 1 TB-perplatter technology. We shall soon see
capacity bumps in both internal and
external hard drives.
If youre planning to buy a hard
disk or build a new PC, here are a
few tips that will help you settle
for the ideal capacity and type of
storage.
TIPS FOR BUYING HDD/PORTABLE STORAGE
CAPACITY OPTIONS: Drives are available in

capacities ranging from 250 GB to 3 TB. Choose
your capacity depending on the rate at which you
generate data and the type of les youll be storing.
Also consider the price-per-GB ratio. If the next
higher capacity is only a few hundred Rupees extra,
it makes sense to go in for it. In the case of SSDs
you can choose from 30 GB to 256 GB capacities.
HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVES: Fast transfer

speeds and high reliability are required for sound
recording and video capturing and in le servers.
High performance drives have faster spindle speeds
and cache sizes than regular drives. They are also
more tolerant to heat and failures. WD Caviar Black
and Velociraptor are examples of such drives.
2.5-INCH V/S 3.5-INCH DRIVES: You can choose

between 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch drives. 3.5 inch hard
drives are basically made for desktop computers
and are bulky. Whereas on the other hand the 2.5
inch drive that are meant for laptops are smaller in
size and therefore more portable. Also, the 3.5 inch
drives require power adapter while 2.5 inch drives
are powered through the connector wires.
LAPTOP HARD DRIVES: Besides storage capacity,

there isnt much you should look out for in a laptop
hard drive. Today 320 GB or a 500 GB hard drive
offers the best bang for the buck. Consider 640 GB,
750 GB and 1 TB options if you need more space.
Alternatively you can consider an SSD for better
performance. However, SSDs are expensive and
youll get less space as compared to a hard drive.
INTERFACES: Most of the external portable devices

available in the market feature USB 2.0 and now
USB 3.0 interface. USB 3.0 drives offer signicantly
better data transfer speeds, and are backward
compatible with USB 2.0 ports. Alternatively you
can look for high performance eSATA drives, which
provide better speeds and consume less power, but
are less exible as eSATA ports aren't very common.
SSDS AS SYSTEM DRIVE: If you nd SSDs

expensive and dont want to compromise on speed,
we recommend a low capacity drive (60 GB) as
the system drive and a high-capacity hard drive as
secondary storage. Your operating system will be
very responsive and you wont have to wait for too
long for the applications to load.
NAS DEVICES: Network Attached Storage devices

are ideal if you want terabytes of storage space or
shared storage. These have an option to congure
drives in RAID for backups or speed. Some NAS
devices feature print server, USB host functions.
You can choose from 1-drive to 8-drive solutions
depending on the requirement. Some of the leading
brands are Qnap, Thecus and Synology.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: External drives come in

various patterns, some with ruggedized bodies to
help prevent damage in case they are dropped. A
drive might also come with backup and le recovery
software. The latest external drives come with
software that automatically copies your data to a
cloud-based server for additional safety, plus access
using mobile apps.
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FEATURED
COVER STORY
PRINTERS
he need to have a hard copy
of documents will never die.
Hence printers will always be
the most important part of any office
environment. But not only offices,
homes and photo studios also make
up a good amount of percentage to
own one and especially ones that
can print lab-quality photos. While
laser printers are still able to only
print at around 600 1200 dpi,
you can only expect crisp text and
graphics for now. Laser printers can
nd their place only at offices since
they can handle higher print volumes
per month, have a larger toner
cartridge (compared to their inkjet
counterpart), feature faster print
speeds and have a comparatively
cheaper print per page economy. On
the other hand Inkjet

kjet
printers can now
print at resolutions
s
exceeding at
9600 x 2400 dpi
to give you that
lab-quality prints for
all your captured memories.
Though you think that the
these printers ink tanks can
give you sleepless nights, the actual
gures can average around Rs 7- Rs
10 per 4x6 photo. With technologies
that have managed to shrink the
ink droplet to a mere 1 pl, you can
expect even crisper photos with a
smaller price tag. Standalone printers
are usually rare today as it makes
more sense to go economical and
opt for an all-in-one. These devices
are denitely worth it as the price for

an AIO is far cheaper than all four
individual devices and the networking
feature can help multiple users share
a single unit. AIOs are best suited
for small offices (SMBs) and homes
where space saving is highly needed.
Here are a few tips on that can help
you choose the right type of printing
device based on your everyday
needs.
TIPS FOR BUYING PRINTERS
RESOLUTION: If you are looking for printing

high-quality photos, you need an inkjet printer with
maximum dpi output. MFDs and AIOs are available
with inkjet variants that can fulll your requirements.
Check for the ink droplet technology and faster
drying inks.
COPYING AND FAXING: Medium to large scale

businesses require a document copier on everyday
basis. Opting for MFDs and AIOs are highly
recommended in this case. These multi-function
printers also incorporate fax machines to reduce the
overall space on a desk.
STANDALONE PRINT/SCAN: MFDs and AIOs which

feature interfaces such as MMC card readers, USB
host, PictBridge and Bluetooth are best suited
where one can print without the need of a PC. The
printers can directly print from and scan to the
respective compatible interface.
CARTRIDGE REFILLS: Most printer manufacturers

(including us) recommend using new and genuine
ink cartridges to avoid warranty issues, printer
damage and best print quality and economy.
While there are many companies that sell relled
and compatible cartridges, you should always
follow the printer manufacturers guidelines. If
the manufacturer recommends a third party ink
manufacturer, you can blindly opt for them.
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12/2011
EVERYDAY DOCUMENTS: Most offices and small

businesses usually print black text and partly color
graphics for making hard copies. In this case, opting
for basic inkjet and laser printers are recommended.
Look for ones that have a faster print speed and
larger ink/toner cartridge sizes.
MULTI-USER PRINTING: Laser printers, AIOs and

MFDs usually feature networking interfaces such
as Ethernet and Wi-. These can be installed on a
corner desk and networked to the entire office or
home using a wireless router for wireless hassle-free
printing.
EPRINTING: Most new AIOs that feature networking

are now incorporating ePrinting technologies
wherein one can print directly from the internet
connected to the printer. You can print origami
pages, forms, cards, stickers, calendars, and a lot
more available from various websites
COLOR OR MONO: If you know you wont need to

print color documents too often, it is wise to opt
for a monochrome laser printer. These printers are
faster in printing and the print quality is unmatched.
If you rarely print color, you can always step down
to your local stationary, cybercaf or photo-copy
center to get one when the need arises. Keeping a
color printer unused can clog/dry up the print head
and the repair cost can touch the roof.
FEATURED
COVER STORY
DIGITAL C AMER AS
efore you decide to buy a
camera consider how much
you enjoy taking pictures,
how often you plan to use your
camera and what are your intended
subjects. Today there are cameras
available for every user and in every
budget that suites your pockets.
While you can get a good quality
point and shoot camera for as little
as Rs 5000, prices for entry level
DSLRs or mirrorless camera would
cost you as little as Rs 23,000.

However, it is always better to take
into account everything that you
intend to do with the camera, and
the amount you are willing to spend.
Thus consider camera type, nature
of your shots (portraits, landscapes),
locations (indoors, outdoors,
underwater), and general features
like zoom, image stabilization, etc
before zeroing in on your device. If
you get some great shots, you can
take care of minor xes using a

good photo editing tool like Adobe
Lightroom or Photoshop.
TIPS FOR BUYING DIGITAL CAMERAS
Purpose: You need a fair idea of what you need it

for and how often you will be using it. You also need
to gure out who all would be using the camera,
and how easily they can adapt to the device, Also
consider how portable the camera really is and how
well it ts into the budget that you have earmarked.
Accessories: Make sure you check what comes

in the box. Most cameras offer a pouch, connector
cables, batteries, charger, and memory cards. If
you are picking up a DSLR, you might get a kit lens
and lters. Find out if you can change lenses or add
accessories, and what the average prices are.
Megapixels: While most cameras makers

use Megapixel ratings, it is not the single most
essential factor to consider. If you plan to print
pictures, anything above 4MP is good enough. More
megapixels will give you better detailing to the
shots, but also require more space per shot.
Research: Make sure that you know your options

and are not relying solely on the advice of the sales
person. Remember they may or may not know much
about the cameras, and may be recommending
models to make a commission. Handy reviews from
experts usually help you not just make an informed
choice but a valid comparison too.
Type: If you are looking at a serious hobby, you can
Compatible Gear: It would be smart to check
Check Optical Zooms values: Most cameras
Hands on Experience: Make sure that you hold

the camera and try taking a few shots. If you are
getting a good deal online, you should still head out
to a store and try to estimate its weight, grips and
ease of usage. Also check for all the accessories
that are promised with the device. You need to
know what you are paying for.
go for a DSLR or a MILC (mirrorless interchangeablelens camera) over a point-and-shoot camera.

While a point-and-shoot is affordable, and can give
you some good quality shots, a SLR gives you the
freedom to experiment.
if your existing accessories can be reused. These

can include memory cards, batteries, lenses, lters,
ash guns, tripods, etc. No point spending on a
new set of gear if you can use your existing set of
accessories without much of a hassle.
today offer optical zoom and digital zoom. Digital

zoom just increases the pixel size adding noise and
grain to your picture. Optical zoom values depend
on the lens, and you should have at least 3x optical
zoom to start with.
12/2011
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FEATURED
COVER STORY
ROUTERS
n todays world where each
person is connected to the other,
be it your neighbor or your aunt
on the other end of the globe, the
internet is the cheapest medium
available. Be it information, casual
entertainment, gaming, chat,
socializing, official meetings, email or
surveillance, the internet is the most
important part of our life today.
With increasing number of internetenabled gadgets in our home, having
a connection for every device is a
must and having multiple internet
connections in a single home makes
no sense. Sharing a single internet
pipeline simultaneously to multiple
devices requires wireless router.
These devices can intelligently

and securely manage and share
a single internet connection to
several devices at once. Routers
are available in various categories
based on speed (54 G, 150 N, 300
N), interfaces (ADSL, 3G) and range
(802.11 G, N). But opting for the
precise router is based completely
on your requirement at home or
office. Routers are available from
numerous manufacturers and vary
in size, speed, features, build quality,
requirements and aesthetics. When
you are out there looking for a
wireless router for your home or
office you have to make a checklist
on what you are actually going to
need from it.

There will be a few sacrices
you would have to make if your
requirements are unique. For
instance, if you are on a low budget,
you would have to sacrice on
features, looks and speed. But if you
want one of the best, you would
have to be prepared to lighten your
wallet. The most advanced routers
allow you to even share a printer or
hard drive across all the devices in
your home or office, which is a great
modern convenience. Given below
are a few tips that could help you in
choosing the right one.
TIPS FOR BUYING ROUTERS
BUDGET: if you are looking for a good router

keeping your budget in mind, a 150 N router should
be your choice. These routers provide better signal
quality, throughput speeds and denitely lower
costs.
AESTHETICS: Routers are usually kept lying low

on the desktop or ground, but the best signals
and range can be experienced only if the router
is mounted at higher levels. Opt for a router that
looks good and can blend into your interiors and is
possibly wall-mountable. These routers are usually
300 N types and have built-in antennae, keeping
aesthetics in mind.
REPLACEABLE ANTENNA: Routers that have

external antennae can serve better signal strengths
that ones that have a built-in antennae. Opt for a
router that allows antennae replacement (you can
unscrew and replace the antenna yourself). These
routers can get a range boost by replacing the stock
antenna with higher gain antenna.
INTERFACE: Telecom companies are offering

economical and high-speed broadband connections,
but older routers do not support these interfaces.
Almost all newer home and SOHO routers are 3G
compatible and ADSL models are available for
various broadband providers. These routers are
highly benecial for homes and small offices which
need an auto-fallback feature to have uninterrupted
internet connectivity.
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12/2011
SPEED: For connecting multiple machines (wired

or wireless), a 300 N based router should be the
minimum, preferably one with Gigabit Ethernet
ports. MIMO technology provides superior signal
strength and faster data throughput.
FEATURES: Routers today can be modded with

third-party rmware (DD-WRT, Tomato, etc) to
boost speed, range and tap unused features. While
most routers are compatible with this third-party
rmware, installing such software voids the
warranty. There are a few companies which make
routers especially for use with third-party rmware
and do not consider this to void the warranty.
SECURITY: While all routers feature the common

WEP, WPA and WPS security, it is still easy to reset
the router using the reset switch on the router itself.
This will reset the router to default settings and
allow access with absolutely no security. Opt for a
router which offers high WPA2 security by default
even if the router has been reset manually.
MULTIPLE SSID: This feature is seen in most new

routers. You have two or more isolated network
connections with each one having a unique name.
In this way, guest users can connect to the Internet
on your router, and you can limit their speed and
permissions, and more importantly, keep them away
from your personal/office network. This feature is
highly recommended for places which blindly offer
hotspots for their guests and patrons.
FEATURED
COVER STORY
MONITORS
oure going to be spending
a lot of time staring at your
monitor, so make sure its
right for your work. You wont nd
anything other than widescreen at
panels in the market todaythese
are great for movies and games, but
some types of work such as design
and text editing benet much more
from vertical space, so youll need to
get a larger monitor to compensate.
A 22-inch panel running at 1920x1080
should be the common standard for
most uses today, theres no need to
step down unless youre really trying
to minimize spending or are tting
your PC into a cramped space. At

this resolution, you can comfortably
view two A4 pages side by side on
screen. If youve never used a high
resolution monitor, you might not
know what youre missing out on; you
can dramatically increase efficiency
and comfort by multitasking on a
large screen. Large monitors are
cheaper than ever now.
3D is a huge buzzword, but dont
be fooled by marketing. Youll need
an expensive active-shutter 3D kit
with glasses to enjoy the benets.
Some monitors come with passive
polarized glasses, but your software
might or might not support this,

and your mileage will vary. LCDs
are lit by backlightsolder ones
use uorescent lamps (CCFLS) and
newer ones use LEDs. So-called LED
monitors arent actually made up of
LEDs, only their backlights are. These
are easier on the eyes and consume
less power, but are more expensive.
TIPS FOR BUYING MONITORS
1
3
INPUTS: Your monitor should come with at least

one VGA and one HDMI connection. Use the higher
quality HDMI cable if you can, or connect a laptop/
DVD/Blu-ray player to the unused input and save
space in your home.
5
7
ON-SCREEN CONTROLS: Try out the monitors

on-screen controls if possible. Some monitors
sacrice usability for style, and have buttons that
are hard to reach or use, combined with a painful
menu system.
CONTRAST RATIO: Contrast ratios are reportedly

as high as a few million these days, which can be
taken with a pinch of salt. A higher ratio is of course
better, the term dynamic contrast ratio is often
used to mislead buyers.
BACKLIGHTING: Monitors with LCD backlights will

have lower power consumption and crisper colors,
along with potentially being thinner and more
expensive.
2
4
RESPONSE TIME: Response time is indicative of

how fast images can move on your screen without
blurring. Manufacturers usually report the time it
takes pixels to shift from grey-to-grey, rather than
the older black-to-white, which is a better measure.
6
8
ASPECT RATIO: Its hard to nd monitors that

arent 16:9 wide, but 16:10 is more comfortable for
many types of work. Theres a huge difference in
screen area too: 1920x1200 gives a lot more surface
area than 1920x1080.
MOUNTS AND STANDS: Your monitors stand

should be stable. A wobbling screen will soon cause
eye strain. More expensive monitors will have stands
that allow swiveling and tilting as much as 90
degrees.
ACCESSORIES: Check for included accessories,

especially cables. DVI and HDMI cables cost a
bit, but are strongly recommended over the older
standard VGA cable.
12/2011
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FEATURED
FEATURED
vs
Scientific progress now allows robots to sense natural
stimuli and respond to the world around them. Still,
theres a long way to go before humans have to
o be
scared about being replaced entirely. BY MANUEL SCHREIBER
HREIBE
BER
R
s we enter 2012 with more computing power in each of

our cellphones than entire countries had at their disposal
just a few decades ago, scientists around the world are
working on the ultimate machines: intelligent robots that can

touch, smell, sense, emote and interact with humans. Humanoid
robots might soon be able to do everything a human can, but that
doesnt mean that every human function has to be mechanically
replicated. Machines capabilities are already signicantly stronger
and more exible than our sensory organs and muscles allow us
to be, but humans are still far ahead when it comes to integrating
various forms of sensory input and learning from past experiences
to adapt to new situations. More than each individual organ, it is
the human brain that processes stimuli and gives us our individual
personalities, setting us apart from machines.
Eventually, it might be possible for robots to come close to
recreating the functions of the human brain. When that day
comes, machines will be able to learn, converse, and adapt to
their surroundings just as well as we can.
SMS us! Story code: FPC to 51818
FEATURED
FEATURED
The machine
THIS IS HOW MACHINES
PROCESS OUR LANGUAGE
The computer aligns statements with its
dictionaries in order to decode the context.
It accepts all submitted information without
filtering, instead of differentiating between
important and unimportant input.
SOUND WAVES
Digitizing
The machine must first
convert sound waves
into a bit string
Noise suppression
All disturbances are filtered out to
enable the computer to recognize
voices accurately
Fast Fourier transformation

This algorithm quickly converts the
signal into a frequency spectrum
Hidden Markov model

The algorithm interprets frequencies as
individual voices and helps identify
individual words and sentences
Database
The database is made up of dictionaries
and encyclopedias. This is its memory
Frequency spectrum
The computer analyzes the
frequencies for
language patterns
Language recognition
The software converts sounds into text.
Plausibility checks and example sentences
help with the grammatical model.
Decoding the meaning

The computer compares the statement it hears with its
database and tries to understand the context based on
the relations of terms with each other. It expands its
knowledge by mechanical learning.
Strengths and weaknesses

+ Unlimited information
+ Always attentive
Filtering breaks down as soon
as several people start talking
simultaneously
Limited language recognition
Extremely limited interpretation
Understanding the Language

Machines can recognize a number of voice commands, but how well does an intelligent computer
interpret a language, as compared the human brain?
he human race took thousands
have been available for many years. An
a frequency spectrum so as to process
of years to learn languages,
extremely complicated system has to
the ltered speech signal. In case of
whereas computers have taken
piece together words and sentences from
humans this process is carried out in
only about 50 so far. The IBM computer
the recorded sounds of speech, and then
the ear, but the machine uses Quick
Watson can decode complicated linguistic
analyze them to recognize meaning.
Fourier Transformation for the same.

The frequencies are analyzed again by
of the most intelligent systems today.
correctly, sounds are rst analyzed and
the Hidden Markov model that checks
This February, it challenged the best
converted into digital signals. The system
frequencies in a short period of time
human opponent in the TV game show
needs to lter out background noise to
so as to identify individual phonemes
Jeopardyand won hands down. But
process only the voice, and also has to
(word components) and combine them
does Watson really understand humans,
identify individual voices, as a blend of
meaningfully into words and sentences.
or does it just recall factual knowledge?
all sounds together would not result in a
The machine falls backs on a database
single understandable word. The human
of grammatical models and example
and machines in speech processing, but
brain also converts sound waves into
sentences to differentiate between
the computer works only in sequential
electrical signals, but it can grasp and
similar sounding (homophone) words,
order, while the brain processes cross-
follow individual voices when several
for instance see and sea or weather
linked information all the time.
people are talking at the same time (the
and whether. Using the database, the
cocktail party effect).
sentence is checked for plausibility.
There are similarities between humans
Grasping languages
The computer does not make any
Under optimal conditions, the
Grasping a statement made by a human
distinction hereevery speech signal is
computer can recognize almost 98
is now a very simple task for computers.
dealt with in the same way. Both the
percent of the languageat least, if
Programs like Dragon NaturallySpeaking
computers as well as humans generate
the user has set the program so he or
112
12/2011
3D: Jagdish Limbachiya
In order to recognize language
ILLUSTRATIONS: ESTHER SCHENK-PANIC
connotations, and is considered one
Wernicke area
It analyzes and interprets words so
as to give them meaning
FEATURED
Auditory cortex
Electrical signals are
recognized as phonemes and
irrelevant sounds are filtered out
Corpus striatum
This area is responsible for
emotions and cognition, and affects
motivations for listening
FEATURED
DerThe
Mensch
human
THIS IS THE WAY OUR BRAIN
PROCESSES OUR LANGUAGE
The brain works just like a network,
wherein several components take part in
interpreting language. However, not
all the information is passed through the
brain, which works very selectively
Thalamus
It decides which signal looks
after the human conscience
Broca's area
Answers are formed and passed
on in this area
SOUND WAVES
Sound pressure levels in the ear

The ear converts sound waves into
frequencies, which are carried by nerves
to the brain as electrical signals
Cochlea Auditory nerve

+ Excellent filtering and sound
suppression
+ Excellent language recognition

+ Situation-specific interpretation
Ossicle
by considering the background

Limited attentiveness
Eardrum
Limited information
she can correct unrecognized language
the word today is linked with time and
link it with what it already knows. Still, it
entries manually. Even today, software
Mumbai with location. In this structure,
does not do anything other than recalling
has difficulty recognizing dialects and
the relations (edges) of the nodes are
facts and nding links between them.
colloquial language. This is a complete
also added one below the other, in order
antithesis to humansthey can adapt to
to recognize different meanings for a
pause for ambiguity; the brain simply
their partners, even if it takes some time.
word. This is how a machine differentiates
comes to a solution. Associations, events,
between mouse as a PC component
personal judgments and the environment
Recognizing contexts
and mouse as a living creature.
are taken into consideration. The human
Many problems related to the mechanical
Contextual references help the machine
brain notices its environment in a
understanding of the language or
address questions, and then prompt it to
selective and deliberate fashion, whereas
language recognition can be solved by
anticipate related questions. It can thus
the computer saves all possible details.
using a more comprehensive database
also list facts about the city and plot
that saves particular sound frequencies,
directions on its roads without further
Verdict
and a network of microphones that create
references to the city name.
A machine can't cope with language
With regard to factual knowledge,
recognition as well as interpretation on
bigger challenges where understanding
the computer is far superior to humans,
the level that humans do. Apart from
the meaning of what has been said
as proved by the new Jeopardy king
just processing language, many other
is concerned: how should a language
Watson, who accessed around 100
factors play a role in the interpretation of
be interpreted? The computer is not
GB of encyclopedia and dictionary
its intent. Human brains consider several
conscious, it follows rules. More complex
entries amongst other things. Hundreds
contexts and can understand the intent
rules give it a better understanding of the
of different algorithms increase the
of the words with reference to situations,
language. The machine falls back on a
probability of a correct result. In the
as the brain is in continuous contact with
semantic database made up of nodes
nal analysis, the program displayed
its surroundings. The only advantage of
and edges in order to understand
the answer that was calculated most
the computer is its database, in principle,
language. It can answer questions like
frequently by the algorithms and seemed
where facts are collected, classied and
How warm is it in Mumbai today? only
to be logical on the basis of the relations
can be invoked anytimeeven the most
when the terms (nodes) stored in the
(edges). Using mechanical learning, the
insignicant side note. Humans retain only
database are meaningful. In this example,
computer can store new information and
a fraction of this information.

12/2011
113
SOURCE: FEDERAL MINISTRY OF ECONOMICS AND TECHNOLOGY
a spatial picture. The machines face
On the other hand, humans dont
FEATURED
FEATURED
The human
THIS IS HOW HUMAN BEINGS
COORDINATE MOVEMENTS
Skilled motion sequences, tactics and reactions are important in football.
Reflexes protect the player from injuries in accidents.
Ear
Inner ear and cerebellum
check the specific posture and maintain
balance
Sound waves are necessary for spatial
orientation and range estimation
Brain
The motor cortex controls voluntary
movements
Basal ganglia support these and stop
distracting movements
Moving
Intelligently
In the future, football robots could beat every
World Cup team. Currently, the machines are
to stay upright when kicking.
still struggling
struggl
wo football
footb
world championships were lined up for this
year: the FIFA Womens World Cup in Germany, and the
RoboCup in Istanbul. Whereas each world championship
RoboCu
team had their sights set on the title, the robots developers
considered it a success when the mechanical footballers did not
fall when walki
walking, and merely hit the ball properly.
Do we need machines kicking balls anyway? Not really,
Eye
The perception helps to calculate the
particular position relative to the ball
but this form of sport is quite complex, and addresses all the
standard problems
proble
of articial intelligence at once. In football,
rob
robots must nd their own way in dynamically
Optical fix points help to walk upright
ch
changing surroundings, and apply tactical
The offest between both eyes creates

three-dimensional depth
movement; a soccer match is therefore the ideal

is move
kn
knowledge. However, one of the biggest challenges
experiment
experimen eld for developers from around the world.
Cameras a
and radios to model the world
Every trainer will
wi make sure he doesnt divulge any competitive
of his/her team. In RoboCup this is of the
and tactical details
det
because all the teams ght for technical
utmost importance,
importa
superiority. In the
th standard platform league, developers may
standard Nao model from French manufacturer
use only the sta
Spinal cord
Aldebaran Robo
Robotics (see image). The hardware is specied,
but the software
softwar must be created by the developer. Work
Internal cells control

reflexes and cannot be
influenced
become easier, though. The most difficult thing is the

does not becom
synchronization of individual parts. You are successful only when
the entire system
syste functions. A team called B-human, comprised
of graduate com
computer scientists from the University of Bremen
German Research Center for Articial Intelligence (DFKI),
and the Germa
has held the wo
world championship title for the last two years.
Muscle
Before the N
Nao can start operating independently, it must
know where it is
i and what it needs to do. For this purpose,
The muscle groups are

connected to the bones through
tendons.
the developers calibrate their players before every match
Proteins (actin and myosin)

ensure the contraction of
muscle fibers, through which
movement is executed.
goalkeeper to c
crash into a pole or the striker to run into the
since even the smallest

s
deviation can make the surroundings
unrecognizable to the robot. This is why it isn't unusual for the
audience instead
instea of the centre line. If a player is standing at its
position, a color
colo based camera scan follows. Pitch lines, goals,
opponentsthe robot should see everything, all the time.
However, color
co
analysis is also error-prone. If a different

+
+
+
Muscle
used, the robot will not see it. Humans do not

colored ball is u
Muscle fiber group
suffer from this problem. Color codes do not matter for them,
Quick reaction abilities
th
they are referenced
f
subconsciously. If there is any doubt, our
High running speed
brains give us information on the basis of context. This way, it is
Protecting reflexes
Unstable condition, limited
force
Injuries can lead to irreparable
damages
114
12/2011
possible even to identify a famous player by his/her gait alone.

Muscle fiber
The Nao shares knowledge with its companions using radio,

so that the latest exact images appear for each individual
instruction, creating the world model of the player. This way, the
robots can arrange themselves tactically, where one Nao kicks
FEATURED
FEATURED
The Der
machine
Mensch
Should I run towards the ball or save my goal? Human
THIS IS HOW ROBOTS COORDINATE

THEIR MOVEMENTS
beings react intuitively, by going through their options and

identifying the risks in a matter of milliseconds. However, robots
act according to tactical instructions in their behavioral control
congurations. If the Nao is blocked by an opponent when
Behavior is controlled on the basis of ambient analysis. The robot reacts to its
sensors and calls up possible movements from a library
kicking the ball, he stands still for a second to process the

situation, goes around the ball, and then kicks a new pass. This
action takes up 20 secondsunthinkable for human players.
Ambient analysis
However, the articial players cannot perform much faster
The camera scans the room

A sensor checks the head inclination
either. Computing power is a limiting factor here: the camera

records only 30 images per second, and the Nao must manage
with a 500 MHz processor.
The Nao robots are permanently programmed to understand
that they should be positioned behind the ball when kicking
it. However, if it detects that the goal is covered, the decision
Location calculation
to pass the ball to a fellow player and calculate the correct

angle to kick it in must be calculated dynamically. The tactical
nature of the game is not a problem for humans, but football
is known for its high speed. The players move constantly, the
Radio/infrared transmitters
coordinate the positions of the
players on the field
ball rolls from one end of the eld to the other, and machines
Determination of relative position to

the ball using specific coordinates
Absolute position determination using
information of the players
cannot always keep up. An instruction such as kick the ball

can already be irrelevant before the robot has even begun to
move. However, the slow response time of Nao is not always a
The world model is created

by linking all collected
information
disadvantage: since its perception is limited, it requires a certain

inertia, or it would constantly xate on gaining possession of the
ball, rather than keeping track of its actual target, which is to
Decision modules
kick the ball into the goal.
Move smartly and do not topple

Reaction speed is not the only problem for Nao: it does not
have natural sense of balance. Whereas it is not a problem for
Deliberative Control decides the

action in the planning phase
Reactive control reacts to
unforeseen events by changing
tactics
human beings to run fast and balance a slip, even a normal walk
is a challenge for humanoid robots. Therefore, Nao takes tiny
Behavior control
Hybrid Control: the central movement
interface checks the tactics using the
world model
steps to avoid falling down. It can manage 28 centimeters per

second at the most. Even striking is a problem, since Nao cannot
Balance
perform a kick when running. This is the next big challenge for
humanoid robotics researchers.
To maintain its balance, the robot must calculate its own
center of gravity with the help of a series of sensors, and then
shift it, which basically measures the angle of each joint as well
as the acceleration of the body. However, unforeseen events like
Support point calculation for

every movement so that the
robot does not fall over (zero
moment point method)
The center of mass is crucial for
this calculation
jostling and obstacles can topple the robots. Humans have a

sense of touch that is missing in robots. However, not every push
is an accidentin the end, it is football and you do not want to
Motion library
Fixed, static movements like standing
and getting up
Complex, dynamic movements like
avoiding obstacles in motion and
chasing the ball
Center of
mass
risk losing the ball.
Verdict
Robots are just at the beginning of their evolution and they
already have two advantages over human beings: they do not
have muscles which get tired, and their worn out parts can
be replaced easily. The self-proclaimed goal of RoboCups
organizers is to beat every world champion team by 2050.
Experts do not rule out this possibility. Robots still cannot move
like living beings, but tremendous progress has been made in the
last 15 years. We still have 39 years till 2050. However, even the
researchers at RoboCup have a joke about whether the robots
will actually be able to compete against humans they cannot
imagine that anybody would like to insure the human footballers
Support point
+
+
Consistent performance
Worn out parts can be replaced
Poor reaction time
Low running speed
Hardly any sense of balance
in such a game.
12/2011
115
FEATURED
FEATURED
The human
HOW THE EYE SEES
The eye adjusts to its surroundings
only to the extent necessary. A
really good picture is only created
in the brain.
Lens
The focusing range
varies from 10 cm to
infinity. The visibility
range of both eyes
amounts to around 180
degrees horizontally
Blind spot for the optic nerve

The optic nerve passes on
the information to the brain.
Here, the human is blind
Retina
It is the light-sensitive layer of
the eye and corresponds to the
sensor of the camera
Rods Approximately 124
million rods are responsible
for the brightness and contrast
in vision
Cones Only about 6 million
cones are responsible for
colored vision
Cornea
It has 80 percent of
the refractive power
and is thus together
with the lens responsible for the sharpness
of vision
Iris and pupil

The iris is the human aperture.
It controls the size of the pupil
that can vary between 1.5 and
12 mm, which corresponds to
camera apertures of 2.6 to 16
Rod
Cone
How the eye changes the sharpness

We see sharply at any distance because of the curvature of
the lensbut only within a small region of about 2 degrees
For close objects
For distant objects

Ciliary muscle
relaxed
+ Large range of vision

Blind spots
Ciliary muscle
contracted
Lens
Very limited range of sharpness

Many image errors like color
fringes (chromatic aberration)
Limited resolution
Who sees Better

The eye is our most important sense organ, and artificial eyes are still quite inferior. In spite of
this, researchers are trying to teach robots to see the way humans do.
he Hubble telescope has
information bettereven bad image
captured images of galaxies
quality can represent something beautiful.
The worlds most powerful electron
Humans invent images
vision, i.e. the area to be reproduced, is
microscope, TEAM 0.5 in Berkeley,
The human eye can concentrate on
always limited. A normal lens can usually
California, can observe atoms as small
an object and dene its sharpness,
capture images up to 45 or 50 degrees
as 0.1 nanometers across. These are
react to changes in brightness in a split
horizontally, but the eye can manage
the extremes within which cameras can
second, and detect the nest of contrast
an impressive 180 degrees, with sharp
function. The furthest galaxy that can be
differences. Still, the human sees only a
focused areas in the main eld of vision.
seen by man is only 2.3 lightyears away;
fraction of what the camera immortalizes
With every 10 degrees to the side, focus
the smallest discernible object measures
in a photo, and even that fraction is
is reduced by a fth.
some 1,000 nanometers across. Those
anything but perfect. The human eye
are the limits of the human eye.
suffers from chromatic aberration, and
only in the center of the eld of vision,
as clean as possible. Articial lenses
But the eye also perceives colors
is further handicapped with a blind spot.
since the rods responsible for this are
than the human eye, and every bit of
A photographer would not accept such
concentrated here in the retina. On the
captured information can be stored
deciencies in the lenses of his cameras.
other hand, the details and colors that a
for future retrieval. Yet, scientists
In fact, in order to minimize errors, most
camera saves is decided by a sensor. The
have been working for years to better
photographic equipment is made up of
more pixels a camera can capture, the
emulate human sight, because humans
many converging and diverging lenses of
larger the number of picture dots that the
still interpret and extrapolate image
different types, which break up light in
photographer can print on paper. But the
Machines can see much more detail
116
12/2011
are thus superior, but their range of
about 13.2 billion lightyears away.
such a way that captured images look
FEATURED
FEATURED
The human
THE HUMAN NOSE
Up to 30 million olfactory cells spread in only a few square
centimeters. The hairs clinging to the nasal cavity take in the
smell and translate it for the brain.
The olfactory mucosa contains

about 30 million sensory
neurons in a space of a few
square centimeters. However,
they have only 350 types, from
which each one takes in only one
specific molecule. But with the
combination of all olfactory cells,
the human understands up to
10,000 different scents
The olfactory bulb is a part of
the brain. The olfactory nerves
end here, but their filaments
reach through the cranial bone
(ethmoid bone) in the nose and
carry the scent forward
Brain
Olfactory bulb
Olfactory mucosa
Frontal sinus
Nasal bone
Nasal septum
Sinus
Molecule
Scents from the air bind themselves in the

mucous membrane in the area of the olfactory
epithelium and reach the hair in a liquid state
mitral cells increase and filter the stimulus
One olfactory cell has about 20 hairs

(cilia) that convert the scent into
electric impulses. The nerve fibers
(axons) lead the signal to the brain
Brain
Mitral cell
Olfactory bulb
Glomerulus
Axon

+ Identifies many smells
+ Quick perception
Dendrite
Cell bodies
Axon
Olfactory
cells
Cilia
Forgets known smells after

some time
Can smell only high
concentrations
Dependant on days conditions
Olfactory epithelium
Molecule
Who smells all molecules?

Smells rouse emotions in humans and warn them of danger. Electronic noses, on the other hand,
are being developed to save humans from illnesses.
he air on a summer morning,
These sensors are precise, but need to
its electrical characteristics, and thus the
owering meadows, the seats of
be re-calibrated for every smell. The
signal that is forwarded to the computer
a new car: such smells remain in
machine can assess only what has
will be identiable.
our memories and stimulate or repulse
already been stored in its database.
us. For machines, smells are nothing but
Still, researchers are of the same
from a natural nose. While each human
characteristics of molecules that can
opinion: the e-nose will be an important
olfactory cell only detects a specic type
be analyzed and evaluated. That the
alarm system in industrial and medical
of molecule, the sensor records several
human reacts so emotionally to smells
applications in the near future.
different ones. To make a sensor react
Processing a smell
various materials like tin oxide or zinc
million olfactory cells, he can differentiate
We do not have a universal solution,
oxide to detect complete smell patterns
only 350 odd odor molecules and about
and scientists are working with various
like some types of wine. The more varied
10,000 mixed smells if the concentration
systems developed for various tasks. But
the oxide mixtures, the more accurate the
is high enough. By comparison, a dog has
an e-nose always contains one element:
subsequent analyses will be. The result is
250 million olfactory cells and can sniff
a sensor that catches odor molecules
only reliable when sensors are combined
out nearly a million odor compositions.
and converts them into electric signals.
into arrays of typically 4 to 32 units.
Articial noses (e-nose) are
Piezoelectric crystals and metallic oxides
However, the sensor alone cannot
comparatively primitive, with up to 32
are the most common sensors. The type
differentiate a ne wine from lead-free
sensors, the articial olfactory cells.
and number of odor molecules change
gas. It only records the molecules, but
120
12/2011
to individual scents, the scientists use
all that much. With approximately 30
is surprising, since he doesnt even smell
The technology is very different
FEATURED
FEATURED
On the basis of a database, the sample can be
arranged qualitatively. Here is the molecular
composition of various wine types
The graphical output

shows the sample in a 2
or 3 dimensional space
depending on the result
Trollinger
Riesling
Chardonnay
Kerner
Silvaner
Pattern recognition
ec
analyzes the electric
signals of the sensors
and evaluates them
The machine
THE ELECTRONIC NOSE
The e-nose consists of several sensors that react with odor
molecules. If calibrated correspondingly, they detect and
evaluate certain patterns.
Pump
MOS sensors
nsors
or rreact to
many different
erent scents,
sc
s
but
require a very hhigh gas
concentration
centrat
In the MOS sensor the molecules influence the

conductivity of the metallic surface and thus even
the electric voltage
Molecules
Sensitive layer
QMB seensors
so can be
set very finely
inely aand detect
the smallest
smalles of
concentrations
centrati
entrati
Ceramic substrate
Electrodes
Temperature
uree and
a humidity
sensors
rs meassure the
external environment
nvironm of the
sample;; it can thus be
comparedd with tthe others
In the QMB sensor, the molecules continue to hang

on one crystal layer, because of which its oscillation
frequency changes based on the odor

+ No tiredness
+ Consistently accurate
+ Very fine sense of smell
Sensitive layer
Molecules
Piezoelectric crystal
Electric
impulse
Molecule
Detection calibration
required for every smell
Sample
Detects only samples stored

in the database
Electrodes
does not evaluate them; it represents the
monoxide, which is odorless to humans
on the basis of carbon dioxide. He then
chemical detection level. Mathematical
no matter how high the concentration.
gets a pill and the doctor checks the
identication takes place in a computer,
Electronic sensors, on the other hand, can
breathing again. If the isotope ratio has
which links smells to certain objects or
nd even small concentrations and alert
changed, it indicates a bacterial infection.
memories. A machine, just like humans,
us to defective systems immediately.
can detect and qualitatively evaluate
Other elds of use are emergency
Verdict
a smell only by training. The sensors
operations and airports. The re
The electronic nose is still at the
produce a signal, but to know exactly
department tracks gas leakages with
beginning of its development. Its biggest
what they detect, a pattern recognition
such systems, and airport staffers detect
problem: it takes in too many varied odor
matrix must be established. The
drugs and explosives. So far there has
molecules, and is not selective enough. A
results of several olfactory tests land
been only limited success, as electronic
solution could be to develop new sensor
in databases so that the e-nose can
noses cant detect enough odors and are
materials, which have ner control than
compare subsequent tests with existing
thus too specic. A dog is still the best
todays metallic oxide semiconductors.
ones. The more extensive the database,
snoop at airports!
When this is achieved, there will be
the faster and more exibly calibrated it
The e-nose will save lives in other
quite varied possibilities. Such noses
scenarios as well. Another eld of
could pave the way for personalized
research is medicine, as even illnesses
medicine, a treatment tailored to each
The e-nose raises an alarm
can be detected with the help of
individual patient. Moreover, researchers
Electronic noses are already becoming
odors. There are references to the fact
are designing small transportable devices
standard equipment in some areas. For
that certain types of tumors have a
that can be integrated into mobile
instance, such a sensor in your car can
smell, but since we do not know which
phones, so a caller could potentially
detect when you are driving in a tunnel,
compositions these are exactly, it is
test the alcohol level of the person he
and switch from sucking in fresh air to
difficult to develop a specic sensor.
is talking to. Such a nose will soon be
recirculating air within the car. In the
Researchers rely on a combination of
able to tell you the exact ingredients of a
future, devices will also monitor catalytic
special olfactory sensors. A doctor rst
wine, but a machine will still not be able
converters that burn hazardous carbon
measures the isotope ratio of a patient
to say for certain how good it is.
will be for certain odors.
12/2011
121
FEATURED
FEATURED
The skin mainly consists of three layers: The

epidermis is a protective layer; nerves as well
as sense organs, amongst other things, lie in
the dermis. Fatty tissue is accumulated in the
hypodermis for heat isolation.
The human
HOW THE SKIN FEELS
Hair
Skin surface
The skin is our largest and most versatile organ. It

protects humans from injuries, and cools and warms the
body. Humans also feel their environment with it
Epidermis
The spinal cord

processes the stimuli
recorded by the skin, such
as pain. These signals are
not passed on to the brain
but converted as protective
reflex in a movement
immediately
Dermis
Hypodermis
Fat
Blood vessels
Sweat glands
The brain
analyzes and compares touches
possibly with experiences
collected so far. This way, humans
can perceive even minute
differences in surface structures
About 5 million receptors lie distributed in each skin area of around two
square meters. Humans essentially differentiate between six different types
of sensory cells when identifying touches
Hair follicle sensors
Meissners
corpuscle
Tactile disk
Merkels
corpuscles

+ Skin regenerates
+ Very sensitive
+ Protection function
Slow reaction
Susceptible due to aging
Pacinian
corpuscles
Ruffinis
corpuscles
The Meissners corpuscles measure touch and pressure changes

The Merkels corpuscles register pressure in the hairless regions of the skin
The Ruffinis corpuscles identify skin distensions
The hair follicle sensors respond to touches
The tactile disk perceives pressure in the hairless regions of the skin
The Pacinian corpuscles react to vibrations
Grasping the world

We feel the world around us with our skin, which robots cannot possibly match. But artificial
skin will soon allow machines to be aware of their bodies and experience the sense of touch.
and in caring for the elderly. Machines are

they dont let a glass full of water spill,
perception with the help of sensitive
learn how surfaces feel and what pain is
and they dont crush a thin paper cup.
surfaces. Machines thus get skin that
through experiencewe do not know these
optical sensors on the head and pressure
feels temperature, touch and thrusts. For
sensations automatically. We are helped by
sensors on the ngers are critical for this
humans, all this is natural; they carry out
about ve million sensory cells in our skin,
to work. The camera scans the room and
most movements instinctively. It is possible
distributed over a surface area of 1.5 to 2
identies objects; the pressure sensor
only because a human learns from birth
m2. With these receptors, we register not
helps to grasp with the correct strength.
and links his/her experiences with each
only pain but also delicate touch; a cold
The machines thus imitate man. When
other. The basis for all sensations are the
breath of wind or the warm rays of the
a robot arm tries to lift a glass, it has
nerves in the skin, such as nociceptors (the
sun. Machines lack this ability. Scientists
already estimated what kind of object it
so-called free nerve endings) which react
are therefore trying to cover robots with
is, how heavy it could be and how it feels.
to pain, and Meissners corpuscles, with
articial skin, with which they would
If, however, the glass is covered by a cloth,
which a human feels touch.
experience more about themselves.
humans can still grasp it because they
touching everything from plastic
already precise in terms of motor control:
intelligence, an enhancement of
toys to hotplates. Humans must
Scientists are now trying to reproduce
can feel its shape and make it out with
the most important of these sensors.
More tactile IQ
their ngers. The machine fails because it
Researchers have created 5 cm2 modules,
The sense of feeling is extremely important
cannot identify the object. The robot thus
each of which contains a temperature
for humanoid robots; after all, they will be
requires more than just a camera and a
sensor, an acceleration sensor which
helping humans in households, hospitals
pair of pressure sensors.
perceives vibrations, and an infrared
122
12/2011
The solution is called tactile
hildren open up to the world by
FEATURED
Thanks to the modular structure,

ture, as many discs
as desired can be connected with
ith one another. If
a module is touched, it does not
ot send the signal
directly to the computer but forwards
rwards it through
neighbouring connections to the
he central unit.
The central unit is an interface
that translates the received data
packets of the module for the
system. The machine identifies
and processes a touch in about
two to three milliseconds
Touch
The movement
of the robot is supposed to
simulate human behavior. If the
hand registers extreme heat, for
example, the machine pulls itself
away fast
The machine
HOW ROBOTS FEEL
The robot skeleton is covered with disks vested with
sensors. Thanks to these modules, the machine learns
to feel its environment and gets to know its own body
Signal
is
forwarded
The database
is the artificial brain. It calls
the suitable action for the
received signal and passes on
the command further to the
movement motors
FEATURED
Every disk As per the latest technology

echnology status,
statuss,
every disk is five square centimeters
meters large andd
consists of a processor, six temperature
mperature sensors,
four infrared sensors which registers
egisters touches
as well as an acceleration sensor
sor that identifies
movement.
Infrared
nfrared sensor
Acceleration
cceleration sensor
emperature sensor
Temperature

+ Fast reaction
+ Can be enhanced as desired
Large modules
Inflexible disks
No regeneration
distance sensor which is supposed to
The total latency period varies between
errors. In the best case, the robot would
emulate the touch capability of the human
two and three milliseconds depending on
then recalibrate itself automatically. A
skin. This method functions without any
the system used. For comparison: humans
baby does not know how all its functions
problems when only a handful of sensors
require about 200 milliseconds before they
work, but it learns who he/she is; where
are used, but sooner or later, a genuinely
can react. However, humans think ahead
the environment stops and where the
sensitive skin will need to be developed,
during a movement while the machines
'I begins. Robots will be able to do that
and will then cover the entire body of a
can only call up preprogrammed models.
when they are completely covered with
The articial skin is supposed to be
the articial skin, but it will still take
modules. Such sensor units would then
capable of much more than only reacting
some more time till the discs are small
need to program themselves, or the effort
to touch and temperature uctuations.
and exible enough. So far researchers
to make them work would be enormous. If
With it, the robot is supposed to be
have worked with only up to 31 sensors
that happens, it would not matter whether
aware of itself and is supposed to
distributed over the entire body.
one uses 10, 100 or even 1000 modules
know where its body ends and the
the skin will adapt itself to the machine.
environment begins. That would be
Verdict
an important step towards creating
Articial skin is an important milestone for
Who am I? Where do I stop?
intelligent machines that communicate
machines. Robots already react to heat,
The modules are integrated into one big
with humans and possibly deal carefully
cold or touch. In the future, a careful feel
skin, and each one has its own ID so that
with patients in hospitals. So far, robots
of shape will also be possible so that the
the system knows which module has
do not care whether they knock an object
machine can better interact with objects
reacted. If one module breaks down, the
somewhere, whether their arms can be
and humans. When articial skin will equal
machine can go through alternative paths.
raised beyond a point or whether a leg is
the human skin is a technological issue.
Thus, the robot registers the breakdown
missing. The machine still tries to carry
The next step: more exible modules
and continues using a neighboring module.
out its movement because it does not
which can be attached easily, such as
The latency period remains astonishingly
know that something is not right with its
silicon chips, to accommodate sensors and
low: the modules forward signals to a
body. This could change with the digital
processing logic in the smallest space.
central unit in less than one millisecond.
skin because it can then perceive such
feedback@chip.in
12/2011
123
ILLUSTRATIONS: ESTHER SCHENK-PANIC, CHAITANYA SURPUR
robot with hundreds or thousands of such
FEATURED
FEATURED
QUEL
QUELLE:
UEL
EL L
LE:
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XXXXXX
XXX
X XX
X
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
Tri-gate transistors operate 37 percent
faster and consume just half the power
at the same speed.
2.0
2011 Transistor
2012 Trigate
Relative switching delay
1.8
1.6
37% faster
1.4
1.2
50% power-saving
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.5
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1

Operating voltage in Volts
Powerchips
for 2012
A revolution is in store for us: chips with new transistors and mobile CPUs with four cores give
us double the computing power were used to.
BY MARKUS MANDAU
en nanometers might not seem
transistors. ARM-licensed CPUs will no
of technological innovation will have the
like a lot, but the difference it
longer be made of 40 nm transistors, but
most profound effect on mobile devices,
makes will bring about a revolution
will transition to 28 nm. For comparison,
which will become more efficient, allowing
in the computer world in 2012. Instead
the thickness of a human hair is around
batteries to last longer even after playing
of the usual 32 nm, Intel is going to
100,000 nanometers, and a a silicon atom
3D games that make you feel as if you
start selling chips made with 22 nm
is 0.3 nanometers in diameter. The speed
are sitting with an Xbox or PlayStation
124
12/2011
SMS us! Story code: FPC to 51818
FEATURED
FEATURED
3. The transistors are the smallest part
boron or aluminum, which do not have
of the computer, and it is possible to
an electron (making it negative). Thus, a
manufacture them only because of a lot

m
depletion zone is created between P and
of cutting-edge research.
N-doped silica, which blocks the ow of

the electrons.
2011 Planar transistor

The metal gates of classic transistors can be seen
under an electronic microscope
S
Small
transistors work
faster
fa
a channel opens in the depletion zone
The latest Sandy Bridge CPUs are

Th
that helps the electrons ow from the
m
made of nearly a billion tiny transistors,
source to the drain, in effect switching the
each of which always represents one

ea
transistor on. If the voltage supply at the
bit
bit. So far, the rule of thumb has been
gate is terminated, the transistor should
the smaller the transistor, the faster
still remain connected without drawing
the computing power of a CPU. At
any additional power. Here, the reducing
present, manufacturers have been
size of each structure works against it;
able to miniaturize them up to 32 nm.
a small amount of current leaks through
At this scale, quantum mechanical
even if it is supposed to be switched off.
phenomena start affecting the transistors
This means the transistor does not work
functionality. It is much tougher to make
as effectively as it should.
If a voltage is applied to the gate,
the next step down to 22 nm without
Current leakage slows the

chip down
changing their basic structure.

Until now, transistors have been
2012 Trigate transistor

The channel comes out of the silicon surface in
Intel's new tri-gate transistors; the gate contact
area is thus magnified
made of two electrodes (source and
Leaking current accounts for around half
drain), a control electrode, and a gate.
of the power consumed by a chipthe
The Source and Drain are separated by
smaller the transistors, the greater the
a substrate which isolates them. These
ratio. Controlling this is difficult as the
three components (source, drain and
electrical elds of the drain and source
substrate) are made of silicon which
inuence the properties of the substrate.
includes a small quantity of foreign
The drain eld is especially strong, and
atoms, in order to regulate their electrical
thus drastically reduces the inuence
propertiesa process known as doping.
of the gate on the channel, such that it
For the source and drain these are
remains open and electrons move through
phosphorous or arsenic which have one
it even though there is no voltage supply
electron more than silicon (making it
at the gate.
positive). The substrate gets charged with
If a barrier is too weak, the probability
Efficiency problem: Small transistors lose electricity and work slower

A transistor is switched on to let current ow through its channel, thus representing a bit. Current stops owing when the
gate is switched off. Small transistors are not disconnected though; the smaller the transistor, the more electricity is lost.
PROBLEM: LEAKING CURRENT
INTEL SOLUTION: Trigate
AMD SOLUTION: Isolation
Electrons should start flowing through the channel from

source to drain only when there is voltage supplied at the
gate. Electrons flow even in disconnected transistors.
There are four reasons for this:
The channel is raised, and provides the gate

with a larger surface area to use.
The channel is insulated in case of a Fully

Depleted Silicon On Insulator
Gate
Gateoxid
3.
Source
2.
Channel
Drain
4.
1.
Substrate
4.
1.
1. DIBL*
The source and drain fields
interact in the substrate and
reduce the effect of the gate,
causing current to leak
2. Subthreshold Leakage
Electrons diffuse from Source
to Drain
3. Gate Leakage
Gate electrons tunnel through
the protective layerthe gate
oxideinto the substrate
4. Junction Leakage
Electrons tunnel from drain
and source into the substrate
Insulated channel
The effect of the gate accelerates
the flow of electrons
3D effect
The gate encloses the
channel from three
sides and prevents
leakage of current
Drain
Gateoxid
Channel
Gate
Gate
Source
Source
Substrate
Channel
Protective layer
Blocks any kind of
current leakage in source,
drain and substrate
Drain
Buried Oxide (BOx)
Substrate
* Drain induced barrier lowering

12/2011
125
FEATURED
FEATURED
switch to a 14 nm process in 2015.
of an electron getting past it increases;
them in the third dimension: multi-gate
it comes out on the other side just like
transistors were therefore developed, with
having passed through a tunnel. As
their channels rising above the substrate
altogether different approach to solving
transistors shrink, the barriers between
like ns. The gate therefore encloses a
the leaking current problem. Instead of
components also start reducing. The
channel from three sides and acts on
taking the channel out of the substrate,
electrons in the gate tunnel through from
a larger surface area. This reduces the
they want to isolate the channel from
source to drain in the substrate. Thus,
amount of leaking current and allows
the substrate. A layer of silicon oxide
the electrons present in the gate play a
for better control of the electron ow
(BOx) is introduced between the channel
major role in the current leakage. This
from source to drain. In addition to
and the substrate in what are called
increase in energy consumption can be
this, the channel does not need to be
FD-SOI transistors (Fully Depleted Silicon
controlled only by reestablishing control
contaminated any longer, and electrons
On Insulator). With this, the negative
over the channel using a stronger gate.
can pass without any obstruction, making
impact of current leakage will not play as
Semiconductor manufacturers have come
everything faster.
signicant a role, and the channel will not
Multigate devices have been under
up with a variety of countermeasures in
So far, AMD and IBM have chosen an
need a doped charge carrier. In principle,
development for over ten years. Intel is
this makes FD-SOIs as efficient as the tri-
going to launch these in 2012 for the rst
gate design, but in contrast to Intels chips
3D structure seals the

transistors
time in its next processor generation,
that are already in production, the wafer
codenamed Ivy Bridge. For the time
for FDSOIs is expected to go into mass
For the very rst time, someone has tried
being, these chips will be used in PCs and
production in 2012 at the earliest.
to improve the insulation layer between
notebooks. Intel claims that its tri-gate
the gate and the channel. For this, Intel
chips consume 50 percent less current
had to change the material used for its 45
at the same power levels as a current-
Computes faster and saves

power
nm chips, from silicon oxide to a hafnium
day Sandy Bridge CPU, and they switch
Intel plans to use tri-gate transistor-based
alloy. The high-k material allows a
between states almost 37 percent faster
Atom CPUs by early 2013, intended for
stronger gate eld effect on the channel,
at the same consumption rate.
use in smartphones and tablets. The
the past few years.
Competitors have not yet managed
and is thicker, such that the tunnel effect
current Atom CPUs have an enormous
goes down. This however does not help
to get a good grip of this kind of
appetite for power, which is why almost
much for structures that are below 32
complicated manufacturing process.
all mobile devices today run on ARM
nm. That is why manufacturers have tried
TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor
processors, which require less current
to isolate the channel from the other
Manufacturing Company), the worlds
at the same speed. The cause is Intels
transistor components. For this, they
largest independent fabricator, produces
X86 architecture, which was originally
must change the fundamental structures
GPUs and ARM-based processors
designed for much more powerful CPUs
of the transistors that have been in
amongst many other things. They plan to
and uses an extensive command set. This
the market for decades, and must get
remain with planar transistors till they
has been an advantage so far, allowing
ARM vs Atom: Duel for the future of mobile processors

Two companies develop rival CPUs for mobile devices. At the moment, ARM (Tegra 2) supersedes Intel (Atom N450) . Only
after 2013 will the Atom chip have a chance against the fast and economical ARM CPUs.
ATOM: N450
The bigger chip generates a lot of
waste heat. It contains only one CPU
core, graphics and cache memory,
makign it relatively ineffective.
CAPACITY: Smaller, faster, lower consumption

Lower power consumption (TDP) and an optimized command architecture (pipeline length) allows the
ARM processors to always work faster. Atom CPUs lack this capability.
ARM: Tegra 2
A smaller, power-saving chip with
two CPU cores, cache and 4 systems
for special tasks
Atom
Pineview
Atom
Medfield
Atom
Silvermount
ARM
Cortex-A8
ARM
Cortex-A9
ARM
Cortex-A15
Year of publication
2009
2011
2013
2010
2011
2012
Manufactured size
45 nm
32 nm
22 nm
45 nm
40 nm
28 nm
System-on-Chip
Max. no. of cores
4 (estimate)
8 (estimate)
Typical work cycle
1.6 GHz
2.1 GHz
2.5 GHz
(estimate)
800 MHz
1.5 GHz
2.5 GHz
16 levels
(estimate)
2.5 Watt
(estimate)
13 levels
8 levels
15 levels
1 Watt
2 Watt
2.4 Watt
(estimate)
Out-of-Order
Original size: 66mm
126
12/2011
Original size: 49 mm2
Pipeline length
16 levels
16 levels
Thermal Design
Power (TDP)
5.5 Watt
5 Watt
(estimate)
FEATURED
FEATURED
for code optimizations that allow several
consideration in handheld devices. The
manufacturing is possible at the 28 nm
operations to proceed simultaneously.
TDP of the latest Atom CPUs is at best 5
process level. TSMC will be the rst to
Going forward though, power
Watts (max), but Tegra2 beats that, with
produce such a chip. The reduction in size
consumption will become a problem.
around 2 Watts. Intel could equalize this
would mean a performance improvement
Standard ARM commands have a
when it launches its 32 nm Atom by the
for devices that will launch by mid 2012.
uniform length of 32 bits, which simplies
end of 2011, and when Atom becomes a
This would allow the processors to excel
the pipeline structure. The Cortex A9
fully integrated SoC (System-on-a-Chip),
at tasks such as 3D stereoscopy. The
core from ARM that is found in the latest
which ARM already is.
next processor generation, Cortex A15, is

the result of the upgrade to the 28 nm
smartphones and tablets works with a

simple pipelineeight levels are more
Smartphones as fast as PCs
process. It will allow for clock speeds of
than enough, and the pipeline can always
Although efficiency has gone up, ARM still
up to 2.5 GHz and expansion of the L2
be kept full, making it highly efficient. X86,
has some work ahead of it to catch up
cache from 1 MB to 4 MB, which can be
in contrast, tries to predict the result of
with the latest chip generations: 40 nm
accessed by all the cores. However, the
an operation so as to be able to make
ARM CPUs four cores are expected to be
Cortex A15 has not been developed only
it available immediately. If it is incorrect,
launched by the end of 2011, most notably
for mobile devices. It will also extend its
then it must build the 16-level pipeline
the Nvidia Tegra 3, which will be found in
address space to 40 bits, and be able to
again, wasting precious clock cycles.
a number of premium tablets. This chip
address up to 1 TB of RAM. Support for
has sped up from 1 to 1.5 GHz, and can
virtualization has proven to be important
reordering the commands it needs to
even play high-resolution lms encoded
for PCs and servers. ARM licensed
execute, but Intel chose to restrict this
with the Blu-ray prole. For this, it uses
manufacturers like Nvidia are already
functionality in its Atom chips to simplify
a vector enhancement called NEON,
planning 8 core ARM CPUs, and these will
their design and reduce costs. Intel does
which allows for simultaneous processing
begin showing up in spaces traditionally
allow HyperThreading, which allows the
of oating point operations which
dominated by X86 over the next year.
operating system to compute using two
have different valuesan ability that is
With Windows 8 also making its way to
virtual cores, and utilizes some of the
used extensively in video encoding and
ARM, the X86-exclusive era for notebooks
empty pipeline. However current ARM
decoding. Nvidia claims that the Tegra
and PCs is pretty much over. Competition
chips like the Tegra2 utilize out-of-order
3 no longer needs as much power as
between Intel, AMD and the various ARM
execution. Atom and ARM chips are both
Tegra 2. The chips physical surface area
manufacturers will be an advantage for
available with multiple cores, but ARM
has increased from 49 mm2 to 80 mm2,
end users. Despite a lack of software
designs will allow for many more cores
which will result in better dissipation of
compatibility between platforms, buyers
than X86 will in the near future.
heat. Other ARM architecture license
will have the choice of a variety of fast
holders like Qualcomm and Texas
and power-efficient computers, many of
of a chip states the degree of exhaust
Instruments are working to develop
which will launch next year.
heat it will give off, which becomes a
four core processors, but will wait till
X86 could get around this by
The Thermal Design Power rating
feedback@chip.in
ARM in 2012: Double the performance in tablets and smartphones

The mobile devices launched in the next year will have more computer cores. They will have equivalent power to consoles
that run 3D games. Just like a look at these two ARM chips from Texas Instruments.
2011 2 CORE OMAP 4430
2012 4 CORE OMAP 5430
Installed in the latest ARM chip for Smartphones and Tablet PCs
like BlackBerry PlayBook from RIM
ARM
Cortex-A9
MPCore
ARM
Cortex-A9
MPCore
IVA-3-Videoaccelerator
Image signal
processor
PowerVR SGX540
3D graphic processor
Boot/secure ROM
L1-Cache
L3-Cache
M-Shield-Security-Technologie: SHA-1/MDS,
DES/3DES, RNG, AES, PAKA, secure WDT, Keys
Processor
Memory
Video accelerator
The new video accelerator
computes with double the power
required for the 3D Blu-ray
More cores increase the computing power and the special

processors also reduce the power consumption
ARM
Cortex-A15
MPCore
ARM
Cortex-A15
MPCore
PowerVR
C64x IVA 3 HD
SGX544-MPx DSP
Video
3D-GPU
accelerator
Image-SignalProcessor
2D-graphic
processor
Shared Memory Controller/DMA

Timers, Interrupt Controller, System-DMA
L2-Cache
ARM
Cortex-M4
ARM
Cortex-M4
Dynamic Memory Manager
Power VR GPU
The SGX 544 provides 5
times more computing power
for games than the SGX 540
Shared Memory Controller/DMA

Timers, Interrupt Controller
MPCore-CPU
The Cortex A15 core runs with
double the clock rate of
the Cortex A9
Audioprozessor
M4-CPU
Power saving
CPU with limited
command set for
special tasks
C64x DSP
Decoder for
reproducing the
Multimedia files
2D graphic
processor
Hardware accelerator
for representing the
2D graphics
Boot/secure ROM L3 Cache
L4-Cache
L2 Cache
The size of the fast memory
bank doubles to 1 MB
M-Shield-Security-Technologie: SHA-1/SHA-2/MD5,
DES/3DES, RNG, AES, PKA, secure WDT, Keys, Crypto DMA
L2-Cache
L4-Cache
Better Processor
New Processor
Multi-pipe Display
Sub-System (DSS)
Better Memory
New Memory
Multi-pipe DSS
Combines content
of several graphic
and video sources
and displays it.
12/2011
127
FEATURED
FEATURED
Googles clean up act

Google has made some noticeable changes to a few of its most popular products. Is the
company growing up or will we still see its fun side? BY KUSHAL MAMOOWALA
oogle turned thirteen on the 27th
stated that Google Buzz and the Buzz API
contained a bug which broke notications
of September 2011 and much
was going to be shut down with the focus
and caused users to see an error message
like any teenager, it seems to be
being transferred to Google+, Googles
when rst opening the app. Weve removed
going through some noticeable changes.
latest attempt at a social networking
the app while we correct the problem, and
In its formative years, Google introduced
site. The announcement did not seem
were working to bring you a new version
some fun and some useful features to
to affect most users as Buzz was on its
soon. Everyone whos already installed the
its search engine like the Google Doodle,
last legs anyway but with the decision to
app can continue to use it.
easter egg search queries and Google
shut down Buzz, Jaiku and iGoogles social
labs, all of which played a great role in
features, its an unofficial admission of
Gmail makeover
attracting more users. Thirteen years on
defeat in the social networking space.
In the same week, Google also unveiled

a redesign for Gmail, which is arguably
and Google has spread its inuence with

several successful web services including
Gmail app for iOS
one of the most successful Google
image search, Gmail, Maps, Earth, and
At the start of November Google also
services after web search. Redesigns
Docs. Theyve even got a rm foothold in
rolled out the Gmail app for iOS, a much
are part of any long-running service,
the mobile OS market with Android. But
anticipated application considering the
much like the frequent redesigns that
in recent months things seem to be a bit
worldwide popularity of Gmail. The
Facebook undergoes, but the latest
different at the Googleplex: some services
anticipation soon turned into dismay
Gmail changes have received a rather
have been discontinued and others are
however as users and reviewers shot
mixed response. Google notied its mail
seeing drastic changes.
down the app calling it a mess and
client users that they had rened their
unusable. It displayed an error message
pixels, giving Gmail a cleaner look. The
Google discontinues Buzz
on startup and those that managed to get
changes include an option to select from
As we entered November, users
the app running pointed out issues with
three different display densities to vary
encountered a notication when they
the Gmail notications.
the amount of white space in your inbox,
logged in to their Gmail accounts that
The bugs in the app
layout modications that allow you to
informed them that Google was closing
and the disastrous
manually adjust the chat and labels
down Buzz. You cant say that this was
responses forced
windows and you can even move the chat
unexpected, with Buzz failing to create
Google to withdraw
box to the right hand side of the screen.
much of a stir amongst users. Launched
the app on the day
Other changes include a more minimalist
in February 2010, Buzz was seen as
it was launched,
appearance by replacing text on buttons
a threat to Twitter and Facebook but
with an update on
with icons, labels displayed above the
failed to live up to expectations, and in
the Google blog that
inbox as tabs and a new mail display that
a statement made by Googles VP of
read: Earlier today we launched a
makes your mails look more like a chat
product on the official Google Blog, he
new Gmail app for iOS. Unfortunately, it
conversation and even the option to add
adsskadakd
adsskadakd
128
12/2011
adsskadakd
Jagdish Limbachiya
SMS us! Story code: FGC to 51818
FEATURED
FEATURED
a display image to your contacts. Google
construed as a move to promote Google+.
from app purchases through the Android
has also made Gmail more adaptable, in
All in all, the changes to Google Reader
market. While the company hasn't made
that the layout automatically resizes itself
have caused a lot of resentment
to t any size of window. Advanced

ed
search options and lters
amongst
its users who have been
a
quite vocal about it.
any official comment yet, do not be

surprised to nd changes in the Android
market functionality, with rumors that
suggest Google is leaning towards in-app
make searching for a specic
payments and carrier billing which will
are also new HD themes to
Google labs
shutdown
personalize your inbox with.
Google Labs had always been
provider's monthly bill.
e-mail much easier. There
While these changes might
add your app purchases to your service
k
kno
known for fun, funky and useful
seem quite useful, some users
tweaks and services that were created
Easter Eggs
have expressed their dislike on social
by Googles employees in their famous
Its not all doom and gloom for Google
networking sites and blogs. Google have
20 percent" personal time. Labs was
though; theyre still powering on with the
given users the option to temporarily
generally used to give an application or
Doodles and some Easter Eggs are still
switch back to the old Gmail format for
service a test run before Google decided
around to remind you that Google is still
now but have stated clearly that the new
whether to dedicate more time and
a child at heart. Certain search terms
design will soon be made permanent.
money to it. Services such as Google
can make your browser do entertaining
Hopefully, we can all adapt to the new
News, Google Reader, Google Trends
thingssimple, but enough to ease some
layout by then.
and Google Maps all graduated from
of your stress. The most recent Easter
Labs. Although Google announced the
Eg
Egg to go viral is Do a barrel roll.
Facelift for Reader
discontinuation of Labs in early
Search for Do a barrel roll in
Along with changes to Gmail, Google
July, before its 13th birthday,
Google to see the results page
also revamped their Google Reader
the service is not completely
do a 360 degree roll
service that enables you to compile
dead. There is still a Google
absolutely pointless (except
all your subscribed RSS feeds into
Labs for Gmail which contains
for demonstrating new
one simple and easy-to-use interface.
tweaks for your mail account.
browser technology) but
Reader gained a lot of popularity from
The company will not be killing
its networking capabilities, with which
the 20 percent time which plays
users could follow and subscribe to other
a great role in attracting creative
users' feeds, enabling the spread and
and innovative engineers to it. What
lucky to see all the elements of the page
sharing of information at a much faster
this means is that the new services, tools
fall to the bottom of your window. The
rate. Reader was given a facelift to give
and applications are more likely to be
search engine is still fully functional but
it the new Google look, which was
integrated with existing products such as
you just have to manage to sort your way
accepted as part of a standardization
Gmail, Google+, etc instead of getting a
through the button debris. Searching for
of all Google products to match the
dry run and the community feedback that
Tilt or Askew makes the search result
appearance of Gmail and Google+. But
Google Labs offered.
page tilt just a few degrees. On searching
still manages to entertain

you time and again. Type
Google Gravity and click Im feeling
for ascii art Google rewards your inner
Google also made two big changes to

the sharing capabilities of Google Reader.
Android market redesign
nerd with a special logo. When you search
The new Reader drops the feature of
Android users will also have noticed
for Recursion Google asks Did you
subscribing to other users' feeds, in an
that the Android market app got a
mean: Recursion. And even in the new
effort to drive more users to Google+
drastic makeover recently with a far
Google Reader, press Up, Up, Down,
for social networking, which has led to a
more complicated and more colorful
Down, Left, Right, Left Right, B, A to see
massive outcry from loyal Reader users.
layout which is quite un-Googlelike.
a Ninja creep onto your screen, before
Google has also taken away the option
The market is not only getting aesthetic
quietly fading out. Some children never do
to share posts to social networks apart
changes, as reports surface that Google
grow up!
from Google+. Once again this can be
are unhappy with the revenue generated
feedback@chip.in
12/2011
129
featured
web watch
Web Watch
Here are some interesting websites you might want to visit.

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each section as you go along. Once you
car loans, home loans, personal loans,
Grey scale, Painting, Retro, etc. Under
are done with creating the resume, you
educational loans, loan against property
the Decorate tab, you will find options
then have the option to email, print,
as well as credit cards. The site also lets
to add text - even glitter text, stickers,
share or save it as a PDF. Apart from
you compare Broadband, Mobile, DTH
borders, etc. You also have the option
resume making, the site also offers tips
plans as well as file income tax returns,
to create Fun Cards and Posters. To add
on how to create the perfect resume,
under the Utilities tab. Here, you can
another element of fun to your picture,
how to deal with interviews, creating
also enroll for roadside assistance and
you have the Distort tab with a range
cover letters, etc. Additionally, you can
Cashless OPD. Apart form this, the site
of funny effects like Twirl, Bulge, Pinch,
browse through the various resume
also highlights a product of the month
Squish, etc. Another great feature is the
samples and examples that will help you
and provides special offers to make your
Animation tab with which you can add
create your resume.
choice easier.
animated stars and stickers.
130
12/2011
intelligent computing chip
1301211_Web Watch + Priyanka Column.indd 130
SMS us! Story code: FWW to 51818
11/21/2011 9:01:04 PM
featured
web watch
The simple LOL

has annoyingly
found its way
into face-to-face
conversations.
PRIYANKA TILVE,
Senior Features Writer
FirstPhera.com
ecember is the month of choice for

those planning to get married and
if you are one of them, make sure
you stand out! And helping you do so is

FirstPhera.com.
The site will help you plan your
wedding completely; right from creating
your own site, sending invitations, gift
registry, shopping, planner, astrology etc.
You will have access to all of it! First
up, you can start with creating your own
site by choosing from one of the many
templates. You can go for something
traditional or modern. And if you wish to,
you can even customize it according to
your preference with the colors of your
choice and even add a flash intro. Next,
you can upload your pictures, share your
story, and you can upload an unlimited
number of pages. The best thing is you
can share these personal details with
select people of your choice with the
help of the privacy settings. Then you
can send invites by creating invites for
every function and requesting RSVPs.
Another interesting aspect of the
site is the fact that you can create a
gift registry. You can choose from the
items on the site or add your own to
create your gift registry. This can then
be shared with your family and friends
so they know exactly what to gift you.
Apart from this, the site also has a
comprehensive online shop that you
can explore. Do not miss out on the
Easy Weddings tab, where you will find
the contact details for vendors for any
wedding service you can think of. Whats
more; the site also offers some cool
discounts.
not so funny
couple of days ago when I

was shopping at a mall, I
happened to overhear an
interesting conversation.
There were a bunch of teenage girls
next to me who were contemplating
upon a pair of jeans to buy and one of
them made a very funny observation
that made me laugh. But what was
interesting was the reaction of one
of her friends. Instead of actually
laughing, she merely uttered LOL.
Not that I didnt know what LOL
meant, but its use in face-to-face
conversation seemed a bit out of place.
Later in the day, when I was narrating
the incident to a friend, she didnt find
anything weird in it as it was quite
commonly used. It is an official word
now, and it has even found its place in
the Oxford dictionary. When some of
initialisms like OMG, LOL and FYI were
included in the Oxford dictionary, it had
sparked off debates, with the language
purists arguing that this will dilute the
English language. The Oxford dictionary
compliers argued that terms like LOL had
been in use since the 1980s and their
research traced its origins in the archives
of Usenet, which was an early Internet
forum. Intrigued, I decided to run a
Google search on the origin of LOL and
came across some interesting results.
Amongst the search results was
a webpage (pages.cpsc.ucalgary.
ca/~crwth/LOL.html) that belonged to
none other than the man who coined
LOL - Wayne Pearson. He explains how

he first used LOL when he found himself
laughing out loud over something his
friend mentioned in the chat room.
He could have easily used the smiley
faces, but he wanted to send across the
message that he was truly laughing out
loud and not merely smiling. So he used
the term LOL instead, and as they say,
the rest is history. He then went on to rue
the fact that the word has lost its intent
over the years and is being used loosely
for just about anything.
And the man has a point. After all,
if you LOL with your BFF on chat, SMS
or social networking, its still fine,
but when this seeps into face-to-face
conversations, thats when it gets weird.
Imagine rattling off a joke and getting
LOL for a response. How will that
feel? Also, its difficult to decipher the
meaning behind it. Did they really find
your joke funny, did they merely say
LOL to be polite, or did they do it just
to express that the joke was so bad that
they didnt want to waste their energy on
proper laughter? Even in the chat room
or on SMS, does it mean that they are
really laughing out loud when they type
out LOL, ROFL or LMAO?
I am not a crusader of the Queens
English, nor do I spend sleepless nights
worrying about its dropping standards,
but there is nothing wrong in exercising
those facial muscles, right? After all,
laughter is the best medicine.
- priyanka.tilve@chip.in
1301211_Web Watch + Priyanka Column.indd 131
12/2011
131
11/21/2011 9:01:17 PM
HANDS ON
DR CHIP
Dr CHIP
Send your queries to: drchip@chip.in
Sachin Pandit
[Q] Sir, I am a big fan of your
should vary. But since you are using a 3G
magazine. My PCs configuration is
dongle, the internet speeds are affected
as follows: AMD dual core 2.5 GHz
by a few factors. The distance between
processor, G31 motherboard, 2 GB of
your internet dongle and the nearest
RAM and an 80 GB hard disk with IDE
mobile towerthe further away you are
(PATA) port. The CD writer and the
the speed tends to drop. Next is the
hard drive are both connected to a
amount of mobile devices being used at
common IDE Port using the same cable
a given time in your location or areathis
in master and slave configuration.
causes congestion in that particular
There is a strange problem with my
mobile tower and the internet speed will
PC. Whenever I connect my PC to the
be affected again. The server that you are
Internet using a 3G dongle, its surfing
trying to download data from is also that
and downloading speeds are very slow
matters. When you are downloading the
(around 3 to 4 KBps) in comparison to
data from particular servers, the speed
my other friends internet connections.
will also depend on that servers speed
of your system when you power it up
They get around 15 to 20 KBps speeds
and internet traffic congestion again at
means that there is an issue with the
using the same configuration as mine.
that end. If there are too many people
system RAM. Open the cabinet, remove
My system is virus-free. Please help
downloading from the server at the
the RAM sticks and clean them thoroughly
me resolve my problem. Thank you in
same time, the speed is affected for all
using a toothbrush and some Isopropyl
advance.
connected to it. Finally, the internet speed
alcohol. Clean the motherboards RAM
also depends on the number of programs
slots also in the same way. Replace the
that use the internet running on your
RAM sticks again and check if the system
system. Background (internet hogging)
works again. If the problem continues,
utilities such as program updates
you might need to replace the RAM or the
(antivirus, Windows Updates, and such)
motherboard and try again.
Vinay
Closely inspect the RAM slots to check for damage

or dust settled between the pins.
should be monitored and shut down if

not required. A virus can also affect the
[Q] Hi Dr CHIP, I read your section in
internet speeds.
every issue and find it very helpful. I

need to know how I can use my TATA
Background bandwith-hogging utilities such as

program updates should be closed if not required.
[A] Hello Vinay. Since you are stating

that the configuration of your friends PC
[Q] Hi Dr CHIP. I have an HP DX 2250
Docomo 3G Internet dongle and also
desktop PC with Windows XP loaded
connect more than one computer to
as the operating system. When I switch
it. I also have a Wi-Fi enabled Android
it on, it keeps beeping and doesnt
mobile phone and want to use the
boot. The internal fans spin up and
Internet connection on it. Is there any
the power LED of the cabinet keeps
method by which I can use the internet
blinking. Please help solve my problem.
connection on the PC as well as the
Rohan
and your PC are almost identical, there

should be no reason the internet speeds
134
12/2011
1341211_Dr_CHIP.indd 134
Android mobile phone using the Wi-Fi

connection?
[A] Hello Rohan. The continuous beeping
Sagar Goel
SMS us! Story code: HDC to 51818
11/21/2011 11:02:30 PM
HANDS ON
DR CHIP
G31T-M7 motherboard, 2 GB of RAM,
reading the error, I selected yes, and
Seagate 500 GB hard drive and
soon the partition manager closed.
Pentium Dual-Core E5200 processor. I
The next time I ran the partition
am eagerly waiting for a positive reply
manager utility, it just refused to run.
from you. Thanks.
The next day when I started the PC, it

Kaushik
just wouldnt start properly and kept

reporting an error with a blue screen
with some sort of technical errors.
With great difficulty I tried reinstalling
Windows 7 again, but it showed the
same error. Finally, I got Windows XP
Black Edition and I somehow managed
The free utility Connectify Me can help convert

the PC into a router for other wireless devices.
to install it properly. Right now I can

work on the PC, but many-a-times it
[A] Hello Sagar. In order to use the
shows the same errors as before and
internet connection from your desktop PC
the PC shuts down. I tried formatting
to the Wi-fi enabled mobile phone, you
the drive completely (the one which
need to have a wireless network card on
contains the Windows files) and while

Clean out all the older coolant paste from the CPU
and cooler, and then apply a fresh coat.
reinstalling Windows, I also used the
Me and convert your PC into a router for
[A] Hello Kaushik. You have stated that
no good results. My PC configuration
other wireless devices around your home
when the PC freezes, the CPU LEDs light
is as follows: Intel Pentium dual core
while using the internet on your PC at the
up constantly and dont turn off. This
E2180 2 GHz CPU, Asus P5KPL-AM/PS
same time. If you dont have a wireless
means that the PC has a hardware issue
motherboard, 2 GB of RAM, Nvidia GT
networking card, you can invest on one
and not software. If you watch closely,
210 graphics card and a Samsung 320
or opt for a Wireless USB network dongle
you will find that when the PC freezes
GB HDD. Please help me out as I cant
too. Another way to pass the internet
for the first time, you will find it freezing
pass my time without the computer.
connection to the mobile phone is to use
even more frequently after restarting
Thank You.
the USB tethering option. This option
or resetting it again. Your PC seems to
needs to be enabled on your mobile
be freezing because of an overheating
phone. Then you can connect your phone
componentmainly the processor. Open
to the computer and use the internet on
the cabinet, remove the processor cooler
the mobile phone using the USB route.
unit and clean all the dust from the fan
But then you will be connected using a
and the heatsink. Clean out all the older
short wire and cannot move around freely.
coolant paste that is spread across
your PC too. If you already have one, you

can use the free utility called Connectify
Hence, Connectify Me is the best
disk checking option. But it gave me
Arpit
the surface of the CPU and the cooler.
option you have. But I would advise you
Replace the cooler on the processor after
to invest on a wireless router instead of
applying a fresh coat of CPU coolant.
a wireless card and use the Ethernet port
Start the PC and check if the CPU fan
of the computer to supply the internet
is spinning at a good speed. Check
to the router and then to all other
the cooler fans RPM speed and the
computers on the network. You can also
temperature of the CPU from the BIOS.
opt for a 3G-enabled wireless router if
Finally, check if your computer works fine
you have the budget.
again. Also the possibility of a damaged
[A] Hello Arpit. Since you have use a
or corrupted system file, bad hard drive
partition management utility and an
[Q] Dear Sir. I have installed Microsoft
or a virus attack should not be ruled out.
error occurred while it was in progress,
Windows XP Professional with Service
Driver issues and mismatches can also
there is a high chance of your file system
Pack 3 on my desktop. The problem is
cause CPU freezing. Scan your system
being damages. The only option you
that my PC frequently freezes and the
for viruses and update all software,
have is to delete all partitions on your
red LED of the cabinet continuously
operating system patches and drivers
hard drive, recreate new ones and format
keeps glowing after that. This problem
frequently. Scan and defragment your
the partitions. Once done, reinstall your
has cropped up in my system since the
hard drive once a week.
operating system again. But before you
last week or so. Sometimes it hangs
Never ignore the warning messages after making

changes and applying the final configuration.
do so, you also need to find out why the
so and I am forced to press the reset
[A] Hi Dr CHIP. I recently installed
partition management utility gave out the
button. Recently I have also upgraded
a partition manager utility on my
error. It could be a possibility of a hard
my hard disk drive. I have installed
PC which is running on Windows 7
drive failure, a bad sector on the hard
Quick Heal Total Security 2011, a
Ultimate 32-bit. After it installed, I ran
drive sector, a bad data cable of the hard
30-day trial version. The configuration
the utility, but it displayed some errors
drive or a connectivity issue between
of my PC is as follows: ECS Elitegroup
stating that it could repair it. Without
the hard drive and the motherboard.

12/2011
135
11/21/2011 11:02:43 PM
HANDS ON
DR CHIP
Check and rectify these areas before you
your PC, the TV should have a VGA input.
[Q] Hi Dr CHIP, I have installed Fedora
go ahead with a complete flush of the
If it does, connect your existing monitor
version 13 and Windows 7 on my PC.
hard drive partitions or else you might
to the DVI connector on the graphics
I made changes in the disk partition
end up with similar errors and crashes
card and the TV on the second display
using some software under Windows.
and waste ample time in the process.
output (the VGA port). The system will
The next time when I booted there was
Lastly, Windows Black Edition is not a
automatically detect the other monitor
no OS selection prompt, but there was
genuine operating system. Operating
or TV and you can enable it from the
a prompt showing just the GRUB> sign.
systems, utilities and software which
display properties section in the Control
What should I do to recover my Fedora
are pirated can cause further damage
Panel. Make sure you have the drivers
13 operating system? I dont want to
to your data because they can be
for the TV or else Windows will use a
lose any of my data stored on both the
laced with viruses, malware, spyware
particular default resolution for the TV.
operating systems. Please help.
or Trojans. Also you will not be entitled

to free fixes, patches, updates and
[Q] Respected Sir, I have a problem
support from the software company. I
with the USB connection of my mobile
strongly advise you to install a genuine
phone. When I try to copy or move a
operating system and other software.
few files from the mobile to the PC, it
Ravi Kumar Bhargava
does not allow me to do so and also
[Q] Hello Dr Chip. My desktop
it doesnt show any error messages.
computers configuration is as follows:
And also when I try to copy files from
Intel core 2 duo E7300 2.66 Ghz
card reader it shows the error Write
processor, Intel DG31PR motherboard,
protected even though there is no
Samsung SyncMaster 923nw LCD
password given. Please help me sir.
monitor, 2 GB of RAM, Asus 210 SILENT
Thank you.
graphics card with 1 GB of DDR3
Indranil
video RAM and a 160 GB hard drive. I

These utilities can help access and save data from
Linux EXT partitions under Windows.
installed Windows 7 32-bit operating

system through my computer dealer.
My question is how can I connect
[A] Hello Ravi. Since you have made
my friends laptop with my PC? And
changes to the partition table using
finally, how can I use my LG Flatron
a Windows utility, the data for the
TV as s second monitor to my PC? I
Windows section would be intact, but
request you send me an email in reply
there could be a possible data threat
to my queries. Thanks.
to the EXT (Linux) partition if you

have done any changes to the same.
Atishay
Download any of the following utilities

called Explore2fs, DiskInternals Linux
Type chkdsk /f X: at the command prompt, where
X: is the drive letter of your phone.
For Windows and run it in Windows.
[A] Hello Indranil. There seems to be a
These utilities will help you access the
file system error with the memory card
Linux EXT partition. Once done, you can
or your mobile phones internal memory.
try repairing the GRUB or simply reinstall
To be sure, you should try your phone
Linux completely. To reinstall grub try
on another computer and check if the
following these steps:
problem is similar. If not, your computer
XXBoot with the Linux installation
might be having a USB port issue or a

Since this graphics card has DVI and D-sub (VGA)
connectors, you can use two monitors for your PC.
Reader or Ext2 Installable File System
possible virus or system file corruption.

If the problem still continues on the
other PC, then it could be a file system
CD/DVD.
XXWhen booting, choose the option to
rescue the existing system installation.
XXThe system will then boot with
[A] Hello Atishay. To connect your
error on the memory card. Try using
temporary root access and will be
friends PC to your PC, you can use
the command chkdsk /f X: from the
mounted on /mnt/sysimage.
different methods. You can connect
command prompt. Replace the X: with
them using an Ethernet cross-cable, you
the drive letter of your phone memory
can use a router or an Ethernet hub/
showing up on the My Computer list. In
switch or you can connect those using
certain circumstances you might need
wireless cards in Ad-hoc mode. Since
to reformat the drive again and then use
your graphics card has a DVI and a
it. Backup your data before doing so.
D-sub (VGA) connector available for a
Preferably format the memory from the
dev/sda. This will repair/reinstall the
dual-monitor setup, you can use two
phones internal settings itself.
GRUB. In this command you should
monitors for your PC. To use a TV with
136
12/2011
Execute the following commands

after this.
XXType the command chroot /mnt/
sysimage. This will allow access to

the system files.
XXType the command grub-install /
use the sda assuming the fedora
11/21/2011 11:02:54 PM
HANDS ON
DR CHIP
system is installed on /dev/sda. To
http://www.e-systems.ro/cdtraypal.htm.
1 GB card which I used with it. Then I
confirm, you can check this with the
Once done, you will find the utility in the
recently got a 4 GB Transcend Micro
command fdisk -l where the partition
system tray and you can open and close
SDHC card from a friend of mine
table for Linux will he listed.
your optical drives with ease. This utility
and inserted it into my phone and
Once done, reboot the system and
also works with all Windows versions.
surprisingly it worked perfectly fine
check if all works fine. If you need more
and even till today I am using it with
help, you can also post a query or look
[Q] Sir, I am a big fan of CHIP
no issues. I got 421 songs 12 movies
up the Fedora forums.
magazine. My problem is that I
and few photos and other videos on it.
installed Ubuntu Desktop edition on
All the movies are of .mp4 format and
[Q] HI Dr CHIP, I am a regular reader
my PC. At that time, I had three hard
work perfectly. To be frank, my greed
of your magazine. This time I have a
disk drives present in my computer.
increased and I got myself an 8 GB
question related to the CD-ROM drive.
When I opened my computer there
card from a friend. It was from a Nokia
I know that when we right click on CD/
was only one hard disk drive namely C:
phone and no specific manufacturer
DVD drive in the My Computer window,
drive which was of 74 GB capacity. At
name was written on it. It worked
there is an option called EJECT using
first it was only 45 GB, the drive D was
perfectly fine on my phone. I had
which the CD-ROM opens up the tray.
37 GB and drive E was 7 GB. Sir please
almost filled it with 7.3 GB of movies
I want to ask you if there is any way
help me as to how can I get back my
and TV stuff. It worked perfectly for
through which an INSERT option
other two drives in same volume type?
more than 2 months. Then I decided
can also be added so that the tray
Shoaib Mohammad
to buy one 8 GB card for myself and
automatically goes in and we dont
bought an 8 GB Transcend Micro
need to press the button or the tray
SDHC card. I transferred all the data
of the CD/DVD drive. Thank You in
and was using it till today with no
advance.
trouble whatsoever. Today, when I

Sagar Goel
connected my phone to computer

using the OVI suite, it took time for
detecting the phone (which it does
each time I connect the phone to
the PC) - around 30 seconds. Till
then I resumed a game which I was
playing earlier. After sometime the
USB error sounded and I minimized
Use a partition manager to resize the hard drive to
make space for multiple OSes after backing up.
the game I was playing. My internet
[A] Hello Shoaib. Your hard drive seems
OVI suite and game were running in
to be an 80 GB hard drive and you will
the background. I started my Windows
get a maximum usable space of 74 GB.
Explorer to get into the memory card,
Your drives present partition shows the
but it was not responding. Hence I
drive to be 45 GB, 37 GB and 7 GB each.
started Task Manager and saw that the
[A] Hello Sagar. If you are using
This entire values total up to 89 GB, and
H: drive (the phones memory card)
Windows XP, then you can use a very
is simply not possible. There seems to be
was not responding. So I hit the right
good and helpful trick posted online by
an error in the partitioning table which is
click and clicked on go to processes.
Vishal Gupta. It includes two files (a DLL
reporting a wrong value. Also when you
Then after that I right clicked on the
file and a REG file) which need to be
installed Ubuntu, where did you install
process and selected End process
downloaded from the link http://www.
it? Is your hard drive bigger than 80
tree and ended it completely. Then I
deviantart.com/download/41510614/
GB? Is it a 120 GB or larger drive? If you
disconnected the phone. After that, to
insert_option_for_cd_drive_by_vishal_
allocated the partitions D and E to Linux,
reduce the memory usage on the PC, I
gupta-doppsm.zip. Unzip the file and the
then you would have lost all data in that
closed browser, Photoshop and my PC
two files will be available. Copy the DLL
drive as Linux formats the drive and uses
game and connected my phone back
file to the folder C:\windows\system32.
it as an EXT file system which will not be
to computer. Nothing happened. Then
Then right click on the .REG file and
accessible by Windows anymore.
I disconnected the phone and tried to
You will see the Insert option in the context menu

of the optical drive after using the tweak.
select Merge from the context menu.
browser (Chrome), Photoshop CS 5,
check the memory card contents from
This file will add the necessary entries to
[Q] Hello Dr CHIP. I am a bigger fan
phones explorer. It didnt show the
the registry. Once done, you will now see
of you than the magazine itself. You
name and showed the default name
the Insert option in the context menu by
have a solution to every problem. No
of memory card. So then I checked
right clicking on the optical drive. If you
offence to the magazine, it is really
options and details and then the
are using Windows Vista or Windows 7,
cool too. I am using a Nokia 2700c
phone stated that the card is not
you can use a third party utility called
mobile phone. I was told that the
available. I think it lost or corrupted
CD Tray Pal which can be downloaded
expandable external memory of the
few files when I hit the end process
and activated for free from the website
phone is a maximum of 2 GB. I had a
tree. Now Ive lost all the data.

12/2011
137
11/21/2011 11:03:02 PM
HANDS ON
DR CHIP
Tomorrow Im going to try to connect
phone and format it again. Now connect
the card using a USB card reader. Can
the phone to the PC and check if you
installed hardware.
you help me with a solution or a data
can gain access to the card and transfer
recovery option? The card is still in the
all your data back. If your data cannot

[Q] Hello Dr CHIP, I have decided to
warranty period. Are there any hopes
be visible, try downloading some data
buy a Sony HX100-V camera. I am
for recovery before I go and ask for the
recovery software from the internet and
impressed by its ability to charge
warranty? My computer is a Pentium
run it on your card.
without removing the battery. I have
4 with 2 GB of RAM. Its completely an
updates all the latest drivers for all your
a couple of queries though. Does it
old school PC. Waiting for your earliest
[Q]
reply. I need to sort these things until
for you. In some games, the minimum
using the camera itself? When I was
November as my exams would start
requirements state a word called latest
going through the companys website,
after that period. Hope this detailed
drivers. Which are those drivers? Is
it showed that the maximum recording
description helps.
there any software that can join video
time per video was only 29 min. Will
clips into one single video? Which is
that hold true even if I increase the
latest version of DirectX? What is the
memory cards size? I want to record
use of the software Driver Robot?
a program for 3-4 hrs continuously.
Shark Head
Hi Dr CHIP, I have a few queries
Abhijith
mean that it can be charged while
Please advics. Also, please recommend

worthy alternatives. Thanks.
Annish
Use a good recovery tool to access and recover

data from flash drives.
[A] Hello Shark Head. Since your

mobile phone worked with the 8 GB
card, I dont see any problem related
On every software or game, you will always find a

list of minimum requirements needed for it to run.
to the card or the phone. But the
You can keep the camera connected to a charger if

it is designed to work whilst charging.
manufacturer usually states a maximum
[A] Hello Abhijith. On every software
SD card capacity support due to a few
or game, you will always find a list of
reasons firstly if the maximum SD card
minimum requirements. These are usually
[A] Hello Annish. The manufacturer
available at that time was 2 GB only or
pointed to the hardware and software
usually refers to the camera having a
if you put in a higher capacity card, your
that are needed for it to run on the
maximum video recording time of XX
phones performance would get sluggish
system. For example, if the softwares
minutes (in your case 29 minutes) on
in time. The problem came in when you
minimum requirement is Windows Vista,
a stock battery. If you keep the camera
connected the phone to the PC to access
it will not work on Windows XP or lower.
connected to a charger continuously
the SD card and you were playing the
Similarly, your game has a minimum
and keep recording, you can exceed this
game in the meanwhile too. The card
requirement for a graphics cards driver
limit which will depend on the storage
was being accessed by the phone and
version. If the presently installed version
capacity, but will depend if the camera is
your PC tried to gain access too. The PC
of the graphics cards driver is lower
designed to work when charging. You can
went into a state of error and you killed
than the one required by the game, you
confirm this with a Sony vendor and ask
the task. So basically what happened
might have problems with either quality
for a demo. Use a higher storage card and
here is that the file system of the card
or performance of the game. You can
you can record longer videos. But if the
got corrupted and your data might be at
join two or more video clips into a single
video recording is set to a high definition
threat. The other possibility could also
video using many utilities available on
resolution, and your maximum storage is
lie in a virus infection on your PC which
the internet. Simply Google the query
32 GB, then your recording will be limited
could have caused the data damage.
to join videos and you shall be returned
to the storage itself. Higher definition at
Remove the card and use it with a card
with numerous ones for free and paid. I
60 fps will create a larger file per minute.
reader on your PC. The PC might give
personally use ImToo MPEG Encoder for
Calculate this file size by testing the
out an error stating that there are issues
all my video encoding. The present latest
video recording for each minute of video
with the card and would you like to fix it.
DirectX version is 9.0c is for Windows
recording. If you are in need of video
Select no and continue using the card as
XP, DirectX 10 and 10.1 are for Windows
recording, then why dont you opt for a
is. Copy/ backup your data immediately
Vista while DirectX 11 is for Windows
HD camcorder instead?
and then format the card completely.
7. Windows 8 will be using DirectX 11.1.
Remove the card and install it in your
Driver Robot is a utility which scans and
138
12/2011
Send your queries to Francis DSa

at drchip@chip.in
11/21/2011 11:03:22 PM
HANDS ON
WORKSHOP
Run Android Apps on Windows

In this workshop, we will show you how you can test and use Android apps on a Windowsbased system. By Francis DSa
ost Android-based smartphone
pre-loaded apps and one can add up to
limited amount of storage (around 363
users would agree that they
26 more apps of their choice. Favorite
MB) for installing apps and 262 MB of SD
would prefer testing an app
apps can be pushed directly from the
card storage space. Once BlueStacks is
before downloading it to their phones.
phone onto the PC using an Android app
installed, the application will be running
The reason behind this need is usually
via the Internet. Download and install
the Android operating system in the
to avoid unnecessary space hogging
the software for Windows from www.
background and you will see an icon in
apps and possibly the smaller screen
bluestacks.com. The utility is nothing but
the system tray area and a widget will
size. Some users also wish if cool games
a simple virtual Android operating system
be running on your screen. A single click
available for the Android platform could
which simulates an Android phone or UI.
on the widget will reveal the Android
be played on their PC on a larger screen.
It uses the desktop PCs resources such
system apps installed in it. Click on the
We will show you how you can run your
as the processor, the Internet connection,
apps and enjoy them on a large screen.
favorite Android apps on your Windows-
mouse, keyboard and the audio card.
Additional apps can be installed from the
based PC using a simple and free utility
The installed folder located on the PC
BlueStacks website by signing in using
called BlueStacks.
contains the necessary files for its use,
your Facebook account details. To get
namely the kernel, data, system, boot and
to this page, all you need to do is click
Windows, which can play Android apps
storage (the SD card). The BlueStacks
on the BlueStacks widget, scroll to and
faster than it can run on a phone and
Android (Gingerbread) virtual machine
click on the app icon/shortcut Get more
that too full-screen. The app includes 10
creates a hardware environment with a
apps. A website will open up, where
BlueStacks is an app player for
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WORKSHOP
you can login using your

Facebook details. Once
logged in, simply click on
the Subscribe button for the available
apps (in the Featured Apps section)
and they will automatically get installed
on your system via the Internet. The
Could Connect link on the same page
will highlight a special 9-pin numerical
code which needs to be entered on your
Android phone running the BlueStacks
Cloud Connect app (download it from the
Android Market for free). Once done, you
can push apps from your phone to your
PC by simply selecting multiple apps and
syncing it. Thats it! You can now enjoy
all your favorite apps from your phone on
your Windows desktop PC.
Note: There are many apps that will not
function on BlueStacks due to reasons
such as incompatible hardware, lack of
wireless network, etc. Also, a few apps
cannot be installed under the free license
of BlueStacks. The Pro version will be out
soon. The free version has a maximum
limit of 26 installable apps, while the pro
version will allow you to install unlimited
apps.
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HANDS ON
WORKSHOP
Tips and tricks
The whole procedure can be viewed at
without the cloud connection. Remember,
Since BlueStacks has a few limitations in
http://tinyurl.com/4xr8c48.
you can only install one app at a time.
terms of features, here are a few tips and
Installing apps: BlueStacks does
After increasing the storage space and
tricks which can help you around it.
not feature the Android Market to
using this method for installing apps, we
Increase storage space:
download any apps directly. You have
managed to install more than 40 apps.
BlueStacks offers a limited storage
a limited number of apps from the
Rooting and enabling Android
(SD card) capacity of 262 MB. Though
BlueStacks website to choose from. The
Market: Though you can root the
this might be sufficient for installing
other method is to first install apps on
Android UI from BlueStacks, it is useless
applications and downloading a few files,
your phone and later push them to the
as you cant do much with it. If you want
you cannot download files larger than 250
PCpainful and slow. Expert users would
to root the UI, you can follow the steps
MB. If you look up the XDA forums, there
usually use apps such as App Monster
from http://tinyurl.com/3rckfvj. The
are a few developers that have managed
or File Expert to backup apps installed
Market can also be enabled, but the
to increase this storage space to any
from the Market. These APK files can
process is tricky and works erratically.
preferred value. But for basic use, around
be installed again from the SD card and
Carefully follow the procedure at http://
2 GB should just be fine. There are two
be shared with friends. These files can
tinyurl.com/3zejz2l
methods to get this done. The easy way
be installed directly to the BlueStacks
Transferring downloaded data
outsimply download the 1 GB or 2 GB
UI using a very simple trick. Locate your
to the PC: Since the Android UI is not
SDcard.fs (readymade) file from http://
APK file, right-click on it and select Open
an open partition where one can transfer
tinyurl.com/3zn3v89 and replace the
with and then Choose default program.
the data to and from Windows, there is a
original file (folder path C:\ProgramData\
In the next window, click on Browse and
workaround. Use a file explorer app (File
BlueStacks\Android). The file is a
locate the file in the path C:\Program
Expert is free) with a built-in FTP client
compressed 1.2 MB file which contains
Files\BlueStacks\HD-ApkHandler.exe
and transfer data to the PC using an FTP
the 1 GB and 2 GB SD card files. The other
and press open. This will associate all
utility. Another alternative is to install a
way to make your own custom SD card
files with the .apk extension with the
samba client and access a shared drive
storage file size is by downloading a few
BlueStacks APK Handler utility. The utility
on your PC and transfer the files.
utilities and executing a few commands.
will start installing the app into the UI
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francis.dsa@chip.in
11/21/2011 8:50:54 PM
HANDS ON
WORKSHOP
Relocate Your Applications
Learn how you can safely relocate your installed programs from drive C to drive D or E.
By Francis DSa
ou partitioned your hard drive initially and loaded the

operating system, and now you realize that your C drive
is running low on space while D drive is lying empty?
You are now left with two options uninstall space-hogging

applications and reinstall them on the other drive, or resize your
existing partitions using a partition management utility. The
latter option is better as you can allocate the space permanently
to drive C, but the threat of losing all your data in one go is
high in case you accidentally reset your PC or witness a power
failure. The first option is a faster one and would only affect
the particular program it moves in case of any errors. Then
again, this process is painstakingly slow. We will show you a
simple utility which can relocate the programs from one drive
to another in a few minutes. Download the utility Application
Mover from http://www.funduc.com/app_mover.htm and install
it. Run the program after installing.
Step 1: On the main screen, you must specify the two paths to
the programs which need to be moved. Choose the current and
new path accordingly. Leave all other check boxes untouched.
Click OK.
Step 2: The next screen will confirm the files that will be
moved. Confirm with OK, and the file operations will begin.
Step 3: A new window will open and you will be asked to finally
confirm the replacement of the program location. Confirm with
the Replace button for every file or simply check the Do not
ask me again box.
Application Mover moves all files from the old path (and any
subdirectories under that path) to the new path. The program
then uses these strings to make changes to the Windows
registry, Windows shortcuts, .ini and Install.log files in the
program path. The application performs its operations in the
following order - Files are copied to the new path > Registry
Changes are made > Shortcuts are changed > Files are deleted
from the old path > .ini and Install.log files are changed. The
utility is shareware and can be purchased for around Rs 750.
Another alternative utility is Steammover, but the cons areit
runs under Windows Vista and 7 only, works on NTFS and not
FAT32, leaves shortcuts on C drive, and if deleted, the relocated
program wont work.
Dos and Donts: Do not move important directories (for
e.g. C:\Program Files to D:\Program Files). The utility must be
run with Administrator privileges. Do not move My Documents.
Do not move C:\Program Files\Common Files. Programs must
be shut down before moving. Backups must be taken to avoid
mishaps. Moving MS Office is unsafedo it at your own risk. Do
not move antivirus applications. Do not move programs from
one PC to another. Do not move programs over the network
unless the shared drives are mapped to the PC. Do not install
a new hard drive or USB drive which tends to replace the drive
letter of the drive where the applications are relocated.
francis.dsa@chip.in
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Tips & Tricks
Tips &
Tricks
DECEMBER 2011
Share your tips. Write to: tnt@chip.in
Sachin Pandit
WINDOWS

Windows 7
right mouse button on regedit.exe and
Then, press the key combination
in the context menu select Run as
[Alt]+[Enter]. Thereafter, Windows
administrator.
opens the dialogue Properties, without
Navigate in the tree structure on the
Hide user names while logging
left side of the application to the key
in to Windows
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\
you having to go through the context

menu of the file. If you prefer to work
with the mouse, you can still avoid
Windows shows all the user accounts
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
using the context menu by keeping
on the welcome screen and in this way
CurrentVersion\Policies\System. Now,
the [Alt] key pressed while you double
gives away the names of the users
on the right side, you will find the value
click on the icon of a file or folder.
even to unknown and curious third
dontdisplaylastusername among others.
parties. You want to prevent that from
Open this with a double click for editing
happening.
and in the following dialogue box set its
Value to 1. Confirm this entry with OK.

From now on, you will have to enter
Windows Vista, 7
Underline key combinations
and shortcuts for direct access
the name for the user account in addition
While operating menus throughout
to the password on the welcome screen.
Windows, you are used to seeing the
In this way, you make it harder for
respective shortcut letters that are
unauthorized users to start your system
characterized by underlines, which help
since they would need to know or guess
you learn how to quickly use keyboard
the name of the user account also
shortcuts.
besides the password.

Since Vista, the underlining
This registry tweak will make your PC more
secure. Use it if you're afraid of intruders.
In order to prevent unauthorized
Windows XP, Vista, 7

Access file properties without
context menu
persons from having to guess just your
In order to see the properties of a
password, click on Start and type
folder or a file, you have to first right-
regedit under Programs. Windows
click with the mouse on the symbol
shows the results of the search
and open the context command
directly in the Start menu. Double click
Properties. You want to see the
under Programs on regedit.exe to
information in a quicker way.
of shortcut keys in menus for better
start the registration editor. If you are

working under an account without the
How to get the information
administrator rights, you will have to
you want faster: Select the entry or
first get them. For this, click with the
the icon of the desired file or folder.
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Enable the old-style display of keyboard activated

shortcuts in menus and on toolbars.
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Tips & Tricks

readability is turned off as a standard
can remove it by clicking on empty space
setting. This practical and unobtrusive
in the toolbar and in the context menu
help function can be quickly activated
remove the ticks before the options
again in the Ease of Access Center.
Show title and Show text. Finally,
For this, click in the Control Panel

See icons in DLL files and
extract them
activate the option Lock taskbar that
While searching for other program
on Ease of Access and then on Ease
you had deactivated earlier by ticking the
and desktop icons, you should comb
of Access Center. There, follow the
corresponding entry in the context menu.
through the available DLL files in the
link Make the keyboard easier to use.
The icons centered in this manner work
system. However, the icons in them
Activate the option Underline keyboard
like regular links. If you click with the right
cannot be copied easily.
shortcuts and access keys. Confirm the
mouse button in Windows 7, you will see
dialogue with Apply and OK one after
just the normal context menu and not a
the other (or Save in Vista). The change
jump list.
is active without a restart. However,
contain diverse icons in addition to
these underline hints are not present

everywhere; they are mainly there in the
classic menus and, for example, not in
the Windows Explorer toolbar.
Windows Vista, 7
There are innumerable DLL files

in the Windows system folders which
Windows Vista, 7
procedures as libraries that are already
Call up user account control
used by the system. In order to use
dialogs without interrupting
such icons yourself, you either have to

extract them from the DLL file and save
Windows
as a separate ICO files, or at least know
When the user account control dialog
the serial number of the icon within the
Center the icons of running
pops up, the screen automatically
library. Both these tasks are easily and
applications in the task bar
darkens and Windows deactivates
quickly done with the help of the NirSoft
the currently running process. You
tool IconsExtract (www.nirsoft.net/utils/
Windows places the icons of started
would like to turn off this irritating
iconsext.html). After a short installation
applications in the task bar just to
behavior.
or unpacking from the ZIP archive, you
the right of the Start button. You
would like to place the shortcuts in the

middle for quicker access.
can start the tool immediately.

The dialogue box Search For Icons
will appear automatically at the start.
Activate the option Scan icons in files
and enter the complete path to the
Windows cannot really display the

icons of applications in the center of the
appropriate file containing the icons
taskbar. However, if you tweak it a little
under it. Basically, you can also search
bit, you will get what you want through
through folders with subfolders or drives
another way. You will need a new folder
for this. However, it is not recommended
which you can place anywhere on your
for C:, as this can take a long time.
hard drive using Windows Explorer. For

this, click with the right mouse button
Another handy registry tweak, which makes

Windows less annoying but a little less secure.
limited to certain characteristics. With

a click on Search For Icons, the main
in any empty space on the right side of

your screen and select New | Folder.
With More Options the selection can be
In order to change the system
window shows all the matches found.
Overwrite the name suggested by
behaviour when the user account
They are the assigned the file name of
Windows with a suitable name like Task
control is called up, an entry in the
the origin and the index numbers within
bar icons. In this folder, save links to all
registry is necessary. For this, open
this file in brackets. You will need this
the programs which you want to access
the registration editor with the key
value, for example, to refer in the registry
through the taskbar in the future. Then,
combination [Win]+[R], followed by
to a certain icon from a file. The index
click with the right mouse button on a
the command regedit in the dialogue
number cannot be determined in other
free space on the taskbar and deactivate
Run. Then, navigate to the key
dialogues by counting. All icons can also
the option Lock taskbar if necessary.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
be exported individually to ICO files. For
After this, again open the context menu
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
this, mark one or more, if necessary with
of the task bar. However, this time select
policies\system. Now, in the right
the pressed [Ctrl] key. Then open the
the menu command Toolbars | New
side of the window, open the entry
command File | Save Selected Icons,
toolbar, new toolbar with the links you
PromptOnSecureDesktop for editing.
change the target folder and the process
had saved in the folder earlier. Take the
Set the value from 1 to 0 and
by clicking on Save Icons. All icons will
mouse pointer to the left edge of the
confirm this with OK. The change is
then be in individual files which still
toolbar. As soon as it changes shape,
effective immediately without having to
contain the original file names and the
press the mouse button and keep it
restart the system. You can try it out by
index numbers.
pressed. Drag the toolbar toward the
starting the Registry editor again because
left until it shows the icons in the center.
the user accounts manager kicks in every
Release the left mouse button.
time with this. To activate the standard
If you find the title and the description

in the new toolbar to be irritating, you
settings again later, just change the value

from 0 to 1.
Windows Vista, 7
Now use mouse gestures in
Windows Explorer
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Tips & Tricks
The small free tool Taskbar
QUICK TIPS
Shadow adds this design element. You

can download it for free under tinyurl.
SPEED UP THE START MENU
Gestures are easy to learn and will greatly speed

up your work.
You love the useful mouse gestures in

your Web browser and now you want
them for working in Windows Explorer
also. You would like to know if that can
com/6e8r983.
For this, in the registry editor, change the

value of the entry MenuShowDelay under
HKEY_CURRENT-USER\ControlPanel\Desktop
to 0.
start Shadow.exe. With right click on
DISPENSE WITH THE RECYCLE BIN
command Opacity and confirm with
For this, click with the right mouse button on

the desktop, select Customize and Change
desktop icons and deactivate Recycle bin.
OK. The command Exit or a double
REMOVE FILE INFO (MS OFFICE)
visible always without having to do it
In the dialogue Properties, you can clean up

with the link Remove properties and
personal information in the section Details.
the autorun folder.
can be improved with mouse gestures.

For this, you will need, for example,
the darkness of the shadow with the
game. If you want the shadows to be

every time, you can place a link for it in
In order to pin a program to the Start menu,

simply drag and drop it onto the Start button
or even on the desired spot in the Start
menu.
Operating Windows Explorer
the displayed shadow you can control
click on the shadows ends the small
PIN START MENU ELEMENTS
be done.
After unpacking the ZIP archive,
Windows 7
Bring the Recycle Bin icon to
the taskbar and keep it visible
there
The Recycle Bin is mostly hidden
the free tool Gest (www.bambi4.
TURN ON ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
somewhere on the Desktop and is
co.uk/programs/gest/gest.php). For
You can access the dialogue for activating or

deactivating additional functions like telnet
in Windows 7 directly by typing the command
optionalfeatures in the Start menu.
thus only rarely used. Pinning it to the
installation, start Gest.exe. After a short

while, the tool will be available in the
notification area. After the automatic
taskbar makes it directly accessible

always. However, Windows refuses this.
The simple pinning of the
program start, confirm the question with

Yes. You will then go to the configuration
the sequence. In addition, the Gesture
recycle bin on the taskbar has many
dialogue. Even if no changes are required,
Box in the upper left corner shows the
practical uses. It can be reached through
take some time to get to know the pre-
recognized movements. In case the
the Explorer jump list, but that takes
defined gestures in the secton Gestures
result has not yet been defined as a
just as long as opening it from the
for controlling by mouse movements.
gesture, you can do it in the dialogue box
desktop. To use the Recycle Bin as a
The alphabets stand for the sequence
presented. Besides, mouse gestures also
real life waste bin in which you can drag
of the movements, whereby L is for left,
function in windows similar to Explorer,
and drop objects with the mouse, it
R for right and U for up and D for
including the Control Panel.
should be available directly, for example,
down. The O means a circle. However,
in the taskbar.
you should avoid this, since a circular

mouse movement is mostly interpreted
as a result of individual movements.
All the entries can be changed. Several
Windows 7
Since Windows does not directly
Add elastic shadows for the
support the pinning, you have to create
taskbar
a new link for it which you can then

pin. For this, right click on the empty
possible gestures for the same action
While windows in the Aero theme are
space on the desktop and select New |
are separated by commas. Besides
provided with surrounding shadows,
Shortcut. Enter %systemroot%\explorer.
New Window, click on Select folder
this is missing for the taskbar as a
exe shell:RecycleBinFolder as the target
and decide in which folder the Explorer
standard. You would like to add this
and click on Next. Change the name and
windows thus started will be opened, if
design element.
confirm the dialogue with Finish. Now

you can even replace the standard icon
the standard view of the Libraries is not
wanted. Besides special folders like My
given by the Explorer. For this, click with
Computer or Control Panel, you can
the right mouse button on this shortcut
also define another folder through Other
and select Properties. In the register
Folder. Finally, apply the changes with
Shortcut click on Change icon. The
Apply and OK. You can again open the
program explorer.exe already contains
configuration dialogue if needed with
some icons, from which you can sensibly
the key combination [Ctrl]+[Shift]+[F2]
select the waste basket and confirm with
or with the mouse gesture DUD, i.e. a
OK. However, you can also use an icon
movement down-up-down. For running
from another source, like for example the

file shell32.dll. In the following dialogue,
a mouse gesture, keep the right mouse

button pressed and execute the desired
movement. A blue mouse trace illustrates
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12/2011
The difference in appearance before and after

installing this little utility.
click on Apply and then OK. Finally, the

finished shortcut can be attached to the
11/21/2011 8:46:27 PM
HANDS ON
Tips & Tricks

taskbar by dragging and dropping it and
through the Windows Explorer can help
Windows differentiates between the
pinning it there on the taskbar itself.
you in your search for particular files,
states, different icons can at least be
for example, in order of last modified.
assigned for this through the registry.
10
For this, right click on Start | Last
Type regedit in the search field of
Apply paths and file names in
used and select the context command
the Start menu and press enter. Confirm
the command line
Open. The folder Recent appears in
the query of the user accounts manager
Windows Explorer and there you can
with Yes or Continue. Then, navigate
While navigating in the command line,
see last used files and folders like
to the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\
you have to work your way along the
normal links. Recent is the memory
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
paths or manually enter the complete
location for the menu Last used.
CurrentVersion\Explorer.
Click on Change view and select
target path. You would like to simplify
There, search for the sub-key Shell
Details. Then, click on Date modified in
Icons or create the same with the
the sub-menu in order to sort the entries
command Edit | New | Key. Now, open
chronologically according to when they
this and in there add the value 4 with
and file names in the command line
were last changed. After this, you will find
the command Edit | New | Character
depends on the respective Windows
the last edited Excel tables or the last
string. That is the internal key for the
version and other parameters. In Vista
written Word file higher in the list.
system icon of an open folder. Double
this difficult and error-prone work.

The correct way of applying path
By the way: You can determine the
and Windows 7, it is recommended, for
click on this new entry for editing.
example, to first navigate in Windows
number of files shown in the Start menu
Explorer and then open the command
in the registry with the DWORD value
wish. For example, use shell32.dll,-46
line in the correct folder with the
MaxRecentDocs in the key HKEY_
here. This entry points to a folder symbol
command Open command prompt here.
LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
within the library with an additional
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
green arrow. You can add an even more
ExplorerAeroSnap.
conspicuous symbol like shell32.dll,-290
For flexible application of paths and

file names for use in the command line,
or any other. But remember to always put
it is already possible in XP to drag and

drop the elements from the Windows
Explorer to the command line. While
As Value, you can assign any icon you
12
Vista does not allow it, this method is

again available in Windows7, provided
Windows 7
a minus sign in front of the index number
Keep jump lists at all times in
of the symbol. For searching for an
spite of the active clean up tool
appropriate symbol, you can use a tool

like IconsExtract. Confirm the entry with
that the command line has not been
In Windows 7, you lose some of the
OK and close the registry. When you
started with administrator rights. Thus,
jump lists in the taskbar from time
start Windows Explorer or the Registry
for example, you can type Type and then
to time. But you would like to work
editor the next time, the change will
drag a file from Explorer. Its name will be
with them always and are therefore
become effective.
added correctly and if needed with the
searching for the cause as well as
quotation marks so that the command
solution of the problem.
can be completed. In Vista, the only way

is the more difficult method of copying
The reason behind the deleted
14

Display DLL files with separate
icon
and pasting. For this, in the Windows
jump lists are tools like CCleaner.
Explorer click on the concerned element
However, you can change the settings
As a standard, all DLLs are given
while keeping the [Shift] key pressed
so that the jump lists of Windows 7 are
a single icon by the system. You
and select Copy as path. Now, change
not removed. For this, start CCleaner
would rather like to use a unique icon
to the command line and similarly click
and select the category Cleaner on the
contained within each DLL file for
there with the right mouse button in the
left. In the section Windows, search for
display in the Explorer.
window. The context command Add will
Windows Explorer. Deactivate the option
now apply the data.
Taskbar Jump Lists under this.
With a small change in the

registry, you can change the appearance
11
Windows Vista, 7
Sort last used documents
chronologically
13
Windows Vista, 7
of the standard icons. In order to change
Accentuate active folder in
the DLL icons, type regedit in the search
Explorer/Registry structure
field of the start menu or in the Run

dialogue and if necessary confirm the
In the Start menu, the entry Recent
For better orientation in the
query of the user accounts manager
items makes quick access to recently
Explorer or in the registry keys, you
with Yes or Continue. Then, navigate to
used documents and files easy.
would like the currently open elements
the key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\dllfile\
However, Windows does not sort the
to appear differently since there is
defaulticon. On the right, the character
entries in chronological order.
hardly any difference in the icons in the
string Standard is defined which symbol
standard setting.
is used by the Windows system for
The sequence of the icons

shown in the Start menu cannot be
changed. However, a small detour
display. For editing this, double click

In the system, there is no direct
setting for the used folder. But since
on this entry. Change Value to %1

and confirm with OK. Through this
12/2011
149
11/21/2011 8:46:31 PM
HANDS ON
Tips & Tricks

parameter, the particular file will itself be
registry and open Windows Explorer.
you against phishing. So having Firefoxs
In Word, use the key combination [Ctrl] +

[Shift] + U to underline text. However, if
you wish to emphasize the text by using
double underline then you can use the key
combination [Ctrl] + [Shift] + U + D and
to underline only the words without the
spaces use the key combination [Ctrl] + [Shift]
+ U + W.
recognize in the Explorer if a certain DLL

contains any icons at all. All other DLL
files will only get an standard empty icon.
APPLICATIONs
15
system, than that is already protecting
EMPHASIZE WORD TEXT
In the future, you will immediately
Norton or Kaspersky installed in your
QUICK TIPS
referred to for the icon. Then, close the
Thunderbird
Move the folder of your profile
EXPAND TABLE
to another location
In Excel, use the key combination [Ctrl] + [+]

to open the Add cells option. With this, you
can either add an individual cell or an Entire
row or an Entire column
You want to move the profile folder

of Thunderbird hidden on your system
drive to another hard disk so that you
phishing filter of Firefox, go to Tools

| Options. Here click on the security
option and here deactivate the options
Block reported attack sites as well as
Block reported web forgeries.
17
Excel 2007, 2010

Visualize cell values with
conditional formatting
When making reports in Excel, you may

using visual aids in the worksheet.
In Excel, to create charts, you can simply

select the data and use the key combination
[ALT] + F1 or F11.
15
mush consequence. For turning off the
wish to highlight certain cell values by
CREATE CHART
can conveniently include it in backup.
phishing filter activated will not be of
17
COPY TABLE SHEETS

In order to copy the Excel table, keep the
[Ctrl] key pressed and drag the table to the
desired place with the left mouse button
clicked.
DISPLAY MENU BAR

To activate the menu bar, go to IE and rightclick on the title row and activate the
desired bar.
For a new profile, you can select a storage location

of data on a more practical location.
SEARCH IN A NEW TAB
You cannot directly move the
After entering the search term press [Alt] +

[Enter] in Firefox to display the search result
in a new tab.
available profile. Instead you will have

to create a new profile, which then
accesses the restored folder. For this,
if Thunderbird is open then close it
first. Then search the relevant profile
folder in Windows Explorer. For this,
type %appdata% in the address bar
With conditional formatting, you can change the

look of cells based on the data.
16
Firefox
Select the cells whose values

you want to support visually and click
Conditional Formatting in the Home
tab. Here, you can select from several
predefined formats. These include
Switch off fraud protection
Highlight Cell Rules, Top/Bottom Rules,
(Phishing filter) in browser
Data Bars, Color Scales and Icon

Sets. Under Highlight Cell Rules, you
and press the enter key. Then navigate
You want to speed up Firefox. For this,
have the option to highlight data that is
your way to the subfolder Thunderbird\
you can switch off the automatic fraud
greater, lesser, equal to, or between the
Profiles\. The subfolder with a cryptic
protection of the browser.
specified values. Apart from this, you
name is the searched profile folder.
16
Copy it with all the subfolders to a new
can also highlight according to text, date

and duplicate values. The Top/Bottom
location. Important: Do not overwrite
Rules allow you to highlight the top
the available folder even during a data
ten, bottom ten, above average, bottom
restoration instead create a new profile
average and even top/bottom ten based
with a new folder. Type the command
on percentage.
thunderbird.exe -ProfileManager in the
For representing the data in a more
address bar of the explorer and press
appealing way, you can even make use
enter for creating a new profile. Now click
of the Data Bars, Color Scales and the
Create profile. In the dialog following
Icon Sets. With the help of the Data
it, enter a name for your new profile

and click "Select folder". Now navigate
You can often spare the double check of fraud

attempts in Firefox and hence surf faster.
to your desired folder, select it and

then click Complete. Select the newly
Bars you can make use of colored data

bar within the cell. Here the length of
the data bar corresponds with the cell
In order to gain more efficiency
value. So higher the value, longer will
created profile in the profile manager and
from the browser, you can close the
be the bar. You can also make use of
activate the option Dont ask at startup.
phishing protection of Firefox. Because
the Color Scales that displays two or
Finally click Start Thunderbird.
if you have a complete security suite like
three color gradients in the range of the
150
12/2011
11/21/2011 8:46:40 PM
HANDS ON
Tips & Tricks

cells, where the shade represents the
separate playlist. Then right click to the
value. Alternatively you can make use of
left of this list and select the context
what you are looking for in the dialog
the various icons from the Icon Sets to
command Burn playlist on medium. In
that pops up. From here you can quickly
represent cell data visually.
the next dialog, make further settings
access the Go to and Search, options.
for burning. As the format, select either
While with the help of the other icons,
Audio CD or MP3 CD.
you can specifically search for graphics,
18
iTunes
For the conversion process, you will
Convert titles from the internal
First click the circle icon and select
tables, fields, footnotes or endnotes.
however have to use the expensive
Furthermore, you can search for editing
disk. Or you can use softwares like
or comments in the text, and browse
You have purchased various songs in
NoteBurner or Virtual CD, to burn a
through the contents section by section
the iTunes store. As these are coded in
virtual CD without a medium. After the
or page by page.
Apples M4A or M4P format, the titles
procedure, you will either have an audio
After selecting the mode, you can
can normally be played only in iTunes
CD, a medium with MP3s or the images
now search forward or backward for the
or with an iPod.
developed from virtual burning. Insert the
next suitable element in the document
disks or mount the images to copy down
using the respective double arrow
the music again, or to rip it.
icons. The navigation also functions
format to MP3
18
with the keyboard with the [Ctrl] key
19
Word 2003, 2007, 2010
pressed using the scroll keys. This type
Look for certain elements
of browsing between sections, pages,
specifically in large
graphics or other elements allows for a

very efficient navigation, especially when
documents
working on larger documents.
Every now and then, you look for the

next table or the next footnote in
Even titles that cannot be converted directly can
be burned onto a CD and ripped as MP3.
larger files. For that, you either have
to go through the trouble of advanced

search for formatting or special
Its possible to convert audio files
19
this, you only have to adjust the import
Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010

Export contacts / data easily
and quickly
You want to export your contacts from
formatting.
in MP3 format directly from iTunes. For
20
Outlook to Excel or to another program

for editing.
settings. Open Edit | Preferences
20
command and then select General

category. Here, click the Import settings
button. Now in the Import using
combination field, change the setting
to MP3 encoder. Confirm both open
dialogs with OK. Open the media library
or any playlist and select the desired
title with the [Ctrl] key pressed. Then
right click on it and select the context
The special search functions in Word simplify the

navigation distinctly.
command Create MP3 version. For all

newer files, this option should work, as
Word has a highly efficient
Export your data with the help of the Import and

Export Wizard.
Apple is doing away with the old and
special search option that is hardly
much criticized DRM protection of its
known to many people. The icon for
files since some time. If some of the
which is very inconspicuous and is
your data that includes contacts, data,
files cannot be converted, it probably
placed right below the scrollbar, in
calendar etc. For this, click on File
concerns older DRM-protected M4P files.
the form of a circle icon with two
command and then select the Import
Collect these problematic cases in a
double arrows above and below it.
and Export. In the Import and Export
Outlook allows you to export
11/21/2011 8:46:48 PM
HANDS ON
Tips & Tricks

wizard you will find the Export in
file option. Select that and click on
22
Next. Now select the data format, e.g.
Word XP, 2003, 2010
23
Underline text passages in

Word in a different color
Microsoft Excel 97-2003 or Commaseparated values (Windows). After
If you want to underline text in Word,
clicking Next, select the Outlook folder
the text editing uses the same color
to be exported, e.g. Contacts and again
for it as the text. But you want to
click Next. Now determine the target
underline the text in a different color.
file. Then start the action by clicking
22
Next and Finish. Your data will be

successfully exported.
21

You can delete the appointments prior to a specific

date quickly in a tabular format
Excel XP, 2003, 2007,

2010
and months individually. For this you
Highlight the active cell in
first need to activate the calendar by
Microsoft Excel
clicking on the Calendar tab from

the Navigation field. Then go to the
It is often difficult in large tables to
View tab, click on the Change view
find the active selected cell. You want
Using font format, you can also change the look

and the color for underline.
to configure Excel in a way that this
button and select the entry List in the

following menu.
cell always and automatically stands
Now the next step is to sort the

Select the text passages to be
out from the rest of the sheet.
displayed appointments in accordance
underlined and open the menu command
with the beginning or end period. Check
Format | Font and then select the
whether Outlook has correctly sorted
desired format in the Underline
the appointments in a descending
combination field. With Only words, you
chronological order and if necessary
can determine that Word only underlines
click one more time on the column
the words from the selection without
heading till it is arranged in a correct
spaces. All other types, underline the
order. Now, look out for the first entry
entire selection including the spaces.
of the date in the list where you would
In that, you can select from various
want to delete the appointments prior
underlining types. As soon as you make
to this date and mark it. Then keeping
a selection different from (none), Word
the Shift button pressed mark
activates the Color combination box to
the last entry. All the appointments
the right. Select the color that Word is
in between the first and the last
supposed to use for underlining. Confirm
selected entries will be automatically
becomes difficult to find the active cell.
your selection with OK. However, the
selected when the shift button is
To solve this problem you can download
changed formatting only applies to
kept pressed during the selection.
a free add-in named RowLiner, which
the currently selected text passage. If
can be downloaded from http://www.
you subsequently underline other text
by pressing the [Delete] button. With
cpearson.com/excel/rowliner.htm.
passages with [Ctrl]+[Shift]+[U] or with
this, Outlook automatically moves
Double click on the file to install it. Once
the button in the toolbar, the text editing
the deleted appointments to the
installed, it can be accessed form the
again uses the color of the text.
folder Deleted Items. You can still
21
The lines and markings of RowLiner promptly lead

you to the active line even in large tables.
When working on large tables, it
restore the deleted appointments
Add-ins tab from the menu bar. Once

activated, it will highlight your active cell.
To change its settings, click RowLiner
in the Add-ins tab and select the
RowLiner Setup. Here you have
Now, delete these appointments
23
Outlook 2010
if this folder is not emptied.
Delete appointments prior to a

specific date in one go

24
Word 2007, 2010

Use word processing for
different options for rows and columns,
You want to remove all the
as to where these are shown and how
appointments prior to a specific date
they should appear. To the right, you
from your personal Calendar in order
You write new articles for a blog now
can control the structure of the active
to make some space in the Outlook
and then. For this, most of the times
cell. Then confirm the configuration with
PST database (Personal store).
you first type in the article in Microsoft

word and then step by step copy it
OK. However, the Undo function is not

available in active RowLiner. In case of
All the appointments that are set
extensive entries, you should deactivate
prior to a specific date can be deleted
RowLiner temporarily. For that, click
quickly and when displayed in a tabular
RowLiner in the Add-Ins tab and
format. It displays only the appointments
deactivate the Draw Lines option.
and does not give out the days, weeks
152
12/2011
publishing content in blogs
on to the form given on the relevant

website.
The standard Word supports
direct publishing of an article onto a
11/21/2011 8:46:58 PM
HANDS ON
Tips & Tricks
24
would save a Word document. You can
Communication
directly publish the article on to the

blog by clicking the Publish button
available in the Blog Post tab. You can
even manage the blogs over Manage
Accounts tab when you want to manage
more blogs. You can even edit the
26
Firefox
Control address bar access in
Firefox with the old shortcut
[F6]
already published articles comfortably
26
over the Open existing option.
Note: It may so happen that Word

Now it is easy to directly write and manage your
blog entries using Microsoft Word
cannot be accessed at all times when

there are changes at the server end at
the blog providers or updates in Word.
blog. For this, you will first need to set
At the moment there isnt any general
up the necessary access data and then
solution found for this problem. In such
begin writing a new blog article using
a case you can switch to a special blog
the suitable template of your choice. For
editor like say Windows Live Writer.
this, you just need to have a blog set

up. You can do this via services such as
Wordpress, Blogger, etc..
Now, go to Word and follow the path
File | New. Select the option Blog
Post from the available templates
25
Using the Toolbox, you can have easy access to all

commands.
Word XP, 2003

Ignore the auto complete
suggestions for the current
So far, you could jump directly to the
date
and then right-click on Create. A new
entry in the address bar by pressing
25
window will open, wherein you will get

a dialog for registration. Here, click on
the [F6] key. However, from version 4

onwards, pressing F6 takes you to the
current active tab.
Register now. In the next step, select

the name of the blog service you signed
With [F6], the focus always shifts
up for, for example, WordPress in the
to the topmost element in the window.
combination field and click on Next.
As it is the tab bar, the active tab is
You will now be provided with a
selected. However, pressing [Tab] once
link in the next dialog. Edit the entry
again is enough to set the cursor in the
for Blog Post URL in such a way that
address bar. In the newer versions of
it will be displayed as your own blog.

Just make sure that the suffix xmlrpc.
Firefox pressing F6 will focus on the

Disable the AutoComplete option
php remains unchanged, otherwise the
active tab instead of the address bar.

You can change this by deactivating
registration would fail. You will also need
The moment you write the current
the Tabs on top option. For this, right
to add the login data in the User name
year, Word will give you the date. You
click in a free area in the tab bar and
and Password fields. Next, activate
can ignore this suggestion altogether.
deactivate the Tabs on top option.
the option to Save password and

confirm this step by clocking on OK.
In case an error message pops up
After this address bar will become the

Open the menu command Tools
top most element followed by the tab
| AutoCorrect Options to change this
bar. So when you press F6 you will be
check the spellings in the access data
mode. Open the tab Auto Text in the
taken to top most element that is the
as well as the exact form of the URL.
next dialog and disable the option Show
address bar. Another easier option to
In addition to this, the access over the
AutoComplete Suggestions. Confirm
reach the address bar directly is using
API must also be stated in the blog.
using OK. In any case, 2003 onwards
the key combination [Ctrl] + [L
Now, you can simply write and save
Word has done away with the AutoText
the blog article in the same way as you
option for Suggestions of AutoComplete.
Compiled by Team CHIP

send your tips to tnt@chip.in
11/21/2011 8:47:08 PM
unwind
FEATURE
Tech Detox: Knowing When to Cut

the Cord
Too much of anything is harmful, and technology is no different. While tapping away on your
smartphone, you might beg to differ, but try staying away and see how restless you become.
By Priyanka Tilve
Chaitanya Surpur
"
e is always on Facebook
Are you an addict?
home? Do you check your phone as soon
goes the jingle of a leading
There is a fine line that separates
as you open your eyes in the morning?
telecom company that has
compulsive use and dependence. You
These are just a few examples of over
come out with a device that personifies
have to look inwards and ask yourself
dependent behavior, pointing towards
social networking. And it aptly describes
whether you are spending too much time
addiction.
the lives of most us, who are constantly
online.
engrossed in the virtual world, be it
Do you set an alarm just to wake up
While many might argue that they

need to stay connected 24x7 because
Facebook, Twitter or anything else. The
in the middle of the night to harvest
of work, little do they realize that this
Internet plays a huge role in all aspects
virtual crops so that they dont wither? If
in itself points towards the fact that
of our lives today: work, leisure, gaming
for some reason you cannot access the
technology, and our over-dependence
or staying in touch with friends. While
Internet, do you feel anxious that you
on it, has blurred the lines between
all of us are dependent on technology,
may be missing something important?
work and leisure. If you want to be sure,
many of us are addicts who pretend not
Do you constantly check your phone for
then just switch off your phone and stay
to care or believe. But we cannot ignore
updates? Can you ignore your phone even
away from your PC or laptop for a day.
the fact that we are spending more and
when its flashing to indicate that new
Depending upon how easy or difficult you
more time tending to our virtual lives,
messages have arrived? Do you sit down
find it and what you miss the most, you
and this can have far reaching effects.
at your PC/laptop as soon as you reach
will have your answer.
154
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FEATURE
Why detox?
her addiction didnt help either. It was
While its true that the Internet and
only when she was pulled up for farming
smartphones have made it easier to
at work that she realized her addiction
communicate with people around the
was getting out of hand. She then
Here are some ways in

which you can detox
world, they do also hamper our ability
deactivated her account for some time
XXThe most effective remedy for
to communicate in real life. Where we
to help her get over her addiction. It was
tech detox is to switch over to a
would have shared thoughts with friends
only when she actually tried to get over
basic phone. No apps, no Internet
in actual face-to-face conversations, we
her addiction that she realized just how
are now content with status updates,
much time she had been devoting to a
tweets, and virtual conversations. When
relatively useless activity when she could
The speed will frustrate you and
waiting at the bus stop, train station
have spent it more productively.
keep you from picking up your
or even at a doctors clinic, its difficult
The recent Blackberry service outage
access.
XXStick with EDGE rather than 3G.
phone out of convenience.
to find a person sitting idle. More often
acted as an eye-opener for many, making
then not, they will be bent over fiddling
them realize just how dependant and
on your phone, which effectively
with their phones. This need for constant
used to the service they had become.
cuts you off from all means of
stimulation is like a drug.
Take the case of Simran Channey, a
XXPeriodically, select Flight Mode
communication.
Technology, though convenient,
26 year-old marketing executive and
has somewhat undermined our ability
BlackBerry user for almost two years,
social networking apps altogether
to focus or even have face-to-face
who was deeply affected. She says, It
as well as apps that you use to
conversations. For instance, even when
gave me sleepless nights because I am
chat like Fring, WhatsApp, Nimbuzz
having dinner with a bunch of friends,
addicted to Twitter on BlackBerry and
you will find people often checking their
often, when I dont get sleep, I surf on my
phones, or worse still, carrying on an SMS
phone. So great was her frustration that
or friends, switch off the phone.
conversation. More than anything else,
she even toyed with the idea of switching
XXIt might be easier if you encourage
it has become a constant distraction.
over to another phone. She was not
With computing becoming increasingly
alone, as many other BB addicts shared
personal and phones becoming smarter,
her anxiety of feeling disconnected.
we find it difficult to switch off.
For others, like Desiree Fernandes, a 26
for example, switching off your
year-old account head with a TV channel,
phone and shutting down the PC
The example of waiting up late into
XXAnother option is to get rid of
etc.
XXWhen you are out with your family
your friends to detox along with

you.
XXSet limits for your gadget usage,
the night and setting alarms to wake up
who has been using a BlackBerry since
in time to harvest FarmVille crops was the
2008, the outage acted as a blessing in
real story of one particular girl in her mid
disguise. I was affected a little, but at the
meaningful conversations with the
20s. The mere thought of her virtual crops
same time was relieved from the nonstop
people around you.
withering away was unbearable to her.
emails and forwards, she says. The
Constant nagging from her friends about
breakdown helped me revisit my old life
after 9 pm.
XXMake conscious efforts to have
and I quite liked the break.

The service outage, though a blot on
the service providers track record, at least
provided an opportunity for some people
to come to terms with their dependence.
Others, however, still need to go on forced
detox sessions. If you find it difficult to
spend even half an hour without feeling
the urge to connect to the virtual world,
then you most probably need a tech
detox. This doesnt necessarily mean
switching off completely, as it would
be impractical to do so in this day and
age. It has more to do with making a
conscious effort to reduce the amount of
time that your spend online. Initially, you
may find it difficult, as you battle with
feelings of anxiety about missing out on
conversations or important happenings,
but if you keep yourself engaged in other
activities, it shouldnt be that difficult. You
never know; you might just rediscover an
old hobby or begin enjoying new types of
There are several groups on Facebook itself that talk about Facebook addiction, its symptoms and what
needs to be done to resolve it.
activities.
priyanka.tilve@chip.in
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155
11/21/2011 8:43:47 PM
unwind
FEATURE
Intels Secret Weapon

An anthropologist might seem out of place at Intels research labs, but Genevieve Bell is
quietly revolutionizing the way the technology giant thinks about its business. By JAMSHED AVARI
enevieve Bell serves as

Director of User Interaction and
Experience at Intel Labs. She
heads a diverse team of engineers and

researchers whose goal is to help the
company develop new products and
technologies designed around human
needs and desires, rather than hardware
specifications. She travels around
the world, studying how people from
different cultures use technology, and
discovering what would make their lives
betterwhich often means investigating
things that no engineer would ordinarily
consider relevant.
What have you been doing this

past year? Whats been keeping
you busy and happy?
Ive been getting my lab up and running.
Ive started doing fieldwork which is
nice, so my team has been all over
the globe doing all manner of things.
The most interesting project thus far
has been one on cars that Ive been
deeply obsessed with. I realized that
Ive spent 12 plus years with Intel and
Ive been in a lot of peoples homes
and Ive spent a lot of time in public
places, and I realized that there are,
what, 700 million cars on the planet,
and people spend a couple of hours in
those every day. People bring all their
technology to their cars and I realized
we knew nothing about cars. Im really
interested in thinking about them as a
space for consumption of technology
Genevieve Bell
Intel Fellow, Intel Labs Director

Interaction & Experience Research
and use of technology. Its a space

thats not been in the ethnographic
imagination and very there are very few
anthropologists who write about cars.
boot, the whole thing. Photographed
cars! Just staggering! Chainsaws, axes,
So I said Lets just try to see what we
everything that came out and then
beer, sunscreen, that was the usual stuff.
can get to about cars and so we figured
talked to people about what was in the
that the most interesting project would
car, why it was there, how it came to
be to get people to unpack their cars
be there, why it was in a certain place.
So what did you learn from

all of that?
entire contents. So we took a big ground
Then we asked people to put everything
Oh, that was a small data set. I like
cloth and took about 10 households
back in the car and photographed what
bigger data sets. So we did the same
and actually unpacked cars. Everything.
they didnt return. Then we started
thing in Malaysia, Singapore, China,
Glove compartments, side doors,
to piece together the narratives. Its
England, the US, and Brazil. Some
in between seats, under the seats,
amazing, the things people have in their
of these cars are incredibly intimate
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11/21/2011 8:39:24 PM
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FEATURE
spaces. We did a lot of interviews
and theyre remarkably like phones and
The Americans all had blank greeting
and drivealongs with people while
laptops in that regard.
cards in the glove compartments. I
they were doing things. So, one, cars
I developed this theory as we were
thought this notion of social safety was
are this incredible site of technology
doing it that cars were also about this
fascinating. We use mobile phones that
consumption. So theres the expected
notion of keeping you socially safe,
way; in Korea for decades now people
stuffa lot of phones, Bluetooth
not just physically safe. We unpacked
have set their ringtones to signify the
headsetsplus MP3 players, satnav
a bunch of cars in Singaporeneatest
relationship of the person thats calling
devices, DVD players, music being
cars on the planet!and in every glove
so you can answer the phone and use
brought to the car, televisions in visors
compartment of every car in Singapore
the right honorific. We keep information
Cars also tend to be full of broken
was Ang Paothe red envelopes you
in our contact lists; Facebook is
bits of technology, so the jack for the
give money in on Chinese New Year,
remembering peoples birthdays. So
phone you didnt have, or the bit for
weddings, births of children. And I
technology is not just about physical
the Bluetooth youve thrown out, a
asked Why do you have Ang Pao in
safety. The idea of social safety is really
SIM card for a phone you no longer
your glove compartment and they
interesting to start playing with. And
have, old satnav devices. So theres a
all said For emergencies. Wait, what
wed never have found itno one says to
whole fascinating aspect where cars
kinds of emergencies? You know,
you I love this technology, it keeps me
were also sites of technology decay.
like weddings!" Its about what you
socially safe!
And there was an enormous amount

of hacking to make systems work,
'Divining a Digital Future' (MIT

Press), co-authored by Genevieve
Bell and computer science
professor Paul Dourish, is a
critical examination of the idea
of ubiquitous computing;
described as a "third wave" of
computing technologies that is
already following the mainframe
and PC eras. Small, powerful
computing devices are all around
us, in our pockets and bags, and
could soon be embedded into
everyday objects including our
clothes and appliances. The book
explores the technological as well
as socio-cultural ramifications of
ubiquitous computing, including
its impact on issues of privacy,
infrastructure, and mobility.
like the cassette to headphone jack

adapters, and the thing to attach the
smartphone to the dash so you can
use the mapping functionvelcro
and duct tape and aralditewhich
was interesting. It also became clear
very quickly that cars were not only
full of technology, but also a sort of
technology in and of themselves, in a
continuum with phones and laptops.
We carry the other two; cars carry
us, but they share a lot of things in
common. Phones and laptops are also
full of obsolete stuff, but they also get
us from point to point and have things
to do in the interim.
If you look at the big car
manufacturers, who have been
thinking about the future of cars, all
of their visions are the car as a home
office, the car as a living room, and
no consumer we talked to thought
about them that way. What they did
tend to think was that cars are staging
do if you turn up and realize your gift
points for other kinds of experiences, so
isnt good enough and you need to
How does all of that translate into

what youre doing at Intel?
you stage taking your kids to the beach,
supplement it with money. Its a way
One of the things about projects like
or going to the airport, or having to work
of ensuring you dont make a social
this is that it takes a while to work out
out of your car, but your car was never
faux pas. We interviewed a guy who
what the connections are going to be.
the office, it was a sort of landing pad.
had just bought a new car on Chinese
I think for me one of the things thats
And cars were also a bit like extended
New Yeara Volvoand it came with a
interesting is that it also lets us start
storage; stuff is always there, waiting to
leather pouch in the glove compartment
to say if we think about things like
go somewhere else. And many people
preloaded with Volvo branded Ang Pao.
the future of computation in carsat
drive around with stuff in the car that
So I started looking back at some other
the moment a lot of that is really
was meant to go somewhere; when I
stuff and realized that every Australian
instrumentalist right, its about satnav
asked How long have you had that?
car wed unpacked had alcohol in the
systems and entertainmentbut if part
they said Oh, about a year and a half!
bootcases of wine, beer. And I thought
of what people are doing with cars is
Really, where was it supposed to go?
people had just bought that and were
this social stuff, theres a whole lot of
Oh, I should take it to my mothers
moving it, but people said Oh no, I
functions that cars might suddenly need
house and thats never going to
was going to give that as a gift and
to perform. Thats a different way of
happen. So, cars as extended storage,
I dont like to turn up empty handed.
thinking about the role of computing;

12/2011
157
11/21/2011 8:40:15 PM
unwind
FEATURE
the function of devices. Im really
interested in thinking about what the
next generation of humancompute
interaction looks like. A lot of people
are thinking about the next generation
of interfaces, but I actually think its
more interesting to ask about the next
generation of relationships. At the
moment we have a set of relationships
between devices and people that require
people to do a lot of work. We spend a
lot of time looking after our deviceswe
have to plug them in, give them power,
give them content, passwords and
drivers and network keys blah blah
blah! They dont work half the time, we
have to reboot themtheyre incredibly
demanding. If ones partners behave
the way our devices do, we would have
dumped them years ago. Theyd be
totally one-way relationships which
would be utterly unsatisfactory. If we
think about the current generation of
technology, we have a whole lot of
new humancompute input, new IO:
Watch Genevieve's TEDx presentation on the value of boredom: visit go.chip.in/gbell
touch, gesture, speech, haptics. What
in a sense of keeping you socially safe.
connected to a network and its doing
we havent done is fundamentally
And what would it mean to have devices
what its meant to be doing. Im really
reframe the relationship. Were doing a
that were more nurturing, that did things
interested in watching people play with
tremendous amount of work to make
like turn themselves off so you dont use
the grammar of touch. I was playing
our devices happy, but they arent doing
them.
with a BlackBerry Playbook the other
a lot of work to look after us. Theyre
day, and then an iPad: two very different

metaphors of what gestures do, what
because it has better bandwidth?
Do you think anyone else is

working else in this way? For
example, the brand new Windows
8 paradigm will change the way
we look at computers and the way
they present information to us.
Good, why are you asking me?! They
Part of whats going on across the tech
clearly makes sense for certain kinds of
constantly need to be reassured about
industry, from hardware and software to
interfaces and no sense for others. Were
things that we need to know nothing
applications, telcos and infrastructure,
in this really interesting moment when
about. So as we imagine more and more
even to the regulators, is that people
theres so much cross pollinationthe
computing platforms, imagine if all of
are having to ask some very different
guys who are thinking about phone
them were as demanding. So how do we
questions of themselves about what the
architecture and UIs are clearly being
create computation that is in some ways
future of devices will look like, and the
led by whats happening in the tablet
more self confident to act on its own?
networks and the infrastructure. Theyre
spacefive years ago Nokia wasnt
Yes, it would be lovely if you upgrade
no longer making things for people just
looking at what Apple was doing or
your antivirus/driver/system. That would
like them. People have to start thinking
what PC people were doing; PC people
be good! Why are you asking me, why
differently about how they talk about
werent thinking about what handset
havent you already done it?!
what theyre doing, and you can start
manufacturers were doing. Dell and HP
to see all these new interfaces talking
were not looking at what Motorola was
where the social safety starts to trigger.
to each other. What does it mean to
doing with the RAZR. Those were not
What does it mean to say our devices
have a stripped down UI, to reimagine
conversations that were happening, but
might also nurture us? That could be
a UI as not really being anything that
at the point when consumers now own
anything; devices that proactively keep
resembles the GUIs of ten years ago?
so many pieces across that equation,
you socially safe, and remind you to
In some ways weve hidden a lot of
they themselves are starting to force
top up your debit gift card, read a CRC
the work a machine is doing, and its
those conversations to happen. I'm
code and say yes, this is something
interesting to watch that as its moved
interested in how that dialog, both
you could take to a wedding. So not in
across platforms. It made sense on
intentional and accidental, happens.
a sense of serving you more data, but
a phoneall you want to know is its
very demanding: they basically need

us to OK things. Is it OK if I update
the driver? Well, is it going to work
better when you do? That would be
lovely! Shall I connect to this network,
But theres a second piece, and this is
158
12/2011
touch does. Clearly the Microsoft guys

have got a third set going there, and
we know at some point those are going
to standardize. My suspicion is that
in some ways, touch is here to stay. It
11/21/2011 8:40:58 PM
unwind
FEATURE
Technology Myths
Debunked
Myths and misunderstandings are commonplace in the world of technology. Here is the truth
behind some of the most common ones.
By Martin Jger
PowerLAN devices interfere

with radio signals
electricity wiring. Another adapter
globe with enough transmission power.
demodulates the signal and passes on
If the transmission power of the
The myth: The signal that PowerLAN
the information to the device that needs
PowerLAN adapter is greater than that
transmits over the electricity cables can
it. Usually, PowerLAN adapters transmit
of the radio signal, then it becomes
interfere with other radio signals in the
in the frequency band between 2 and
impossible to receive the signal
surroundings to such an extent that it
30 MHz.
without interference in the vicinity of
becomes impossible to get reception.
Does PowerLAN interfere with
the electrical wiring. The same applies
The truth: Apart from Wi-Fi and
other devices? The answer is yes and
to amateur radio operators in the
traditional Ethernet, PowerLAN (also
notheoretically yes, and practically
short wave range. They use the same
known as Powerline Communication,
almost completely no. As opposed
frequency range as in PLC and it can
PLC or dLAN) is the third pillar of home
to Ethernet, electric wiring is not
interfere in the same manner.
networks. PLC is a technology that
shielded. Thus, PowerLAN transforms
uses the electricity wiring in houses
the poorly shielded electricity cables
manufacturers of PowerLAN adapters
and apartments for building a network
into antennas. Depending on the
have reduced the transmission
and transmitting data. It saves users
transmitting power of the adapter, a
power and consequently the range of
from running Ethernet cables through
field is created in the vicinity of the
PowerLAN networks to the extent that
difficult places, and replaces Wi-Fi in
cable that overlaps signals in the same
significant interference is improbable
unfavourable conditions.
spectrum between 2 and 30 MHz and
and can be noticed only in very rare
Technically, PowerLAN adapters
thus makes it difficult to receive them.
cases. In our tests, we observed no
are carrier frequency devices. Data
The waves for short wave radio are
is modulated into a high frequency
exactly in this range. Many international
routers and other radio waves of any
signal by an adapterin principle, a
radio stations use short wave range
kind. Short wave radio is rarely used, so
modemand sent over the houses
since short waves reach around the
the benefits still outweigh any issues.
In practice, however, the
interference with mobile phones, Wi-Fi
PowerLAN interferes, but not always
PLC transforms electrical wires into antennas. They transmit in the short wave spectrum between 2 and 30 MHz
depending on the transmission power. This is what suppresses radio signals in the same range.
Wi-Fi router
PLC transmitter
Wireless LANs work

at either 2.4 or 5 GHz,
passing through the field
without a problem
Short wave radio
Short wave radio stations

cannot be received clearly by
devices in the PLC range
PowerLAN
PowerLAN
Mobile phone
transmission towers
Mobile phones transmit between
900 and 1,800 MHz and PLC does
not interfere with them
Amateur radio
Short wave radio operators transmit

exactly in the PLC spectrumso there will
be interferences
PLC receivers
Another PLC adapter converts

the signal back into data for
standard network devices
30 MHz
160
12/2011
1601211_PC Myths Debunked.indd 160
Jagdish Limbachiya
900 MHz
GRAPHICS: Magdalena Deutelmoser
An adapter modulates signals

between 2 and 30 MHz in the
electrical wiring
2.400 MHz
SMS us! Story code: UMD to 51818
11/21/2011 8:32:27 PM
unwind
FEATURE
The number of processor transistors increases every two years by a factor of two. However, the processing
power increases far more, due to increases in clock cycles and architecture improvements
Field effect transistor
Gate
Barrier coat
Source
Drain
Transistor size (nm)

3.000
29.000 Transistors
3.000 nm (Intel 8088)
2.500
Transistors form a switching network

for computer operations. Currently,
the gate length is 32 nm. High-end
server CPUS come with nearly 3 billion
transistors.
118,000 (Core i7-2600K 3.43.8 GHz)
70,000
21,957 (Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4 GHz)
20,000
275.000 Transistors
1.000 nm (Intel 80386)
1.500
Development of processing power
120,000
995.000.000 Transistors
32 nm (Core i7-2600K)
44.000.000 Transistors
130 nm (Pentium III)
2.000
Silicon channel
MIPS
Development of transistors
309 (Intel Pentium II 333 MHz)
300
16,384
54 (Intel 80486DX2 66 MHz)
1.000
4,096
200
Transistors/Chip
Transistor size
500
0
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
100
Year
nm = Nanometer
1 (Intel 80286 8 MHz)
256
32
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
Real increase
Theoretical doubling
2005
2010
Year
1 MIPS 1,000,000 instructions per second
Computing power doubles

every two years
as against 8 million times in the early
myth that CRT monitors needed less
1980s. Leakage, however, causes a
power for darker movies. The bulky
The myth: Whether it be computers,
thermal boundary for the increase in
cathode ray tubes did indeed use more
laptops or smartphones, new hardware
frequency: even today, we have not
energy to light up bright scenes, and
costs a lot and then it gets outdated
seen speeds much higher than 3.8 GHz
there was no need for lighting black
in the blink of an eye. Processor speed
(Pentium IV, 2005).
areas of the screenusage was thus
does double every two years, but
Architectural improvements ensure
reduced.
Of course in most homes and
Moores Law is often misunderstood.
better performance irrespective of
The truth: In 1965, Intel co-founder
the MHz or GHz speed. The processor
offices today, CRT TVs and monitors
Gordon E Moore outlined the future
pipelines, for instance, divide
have been replaced by flat screens.
of the semiconductor industry. Today
instructions into several units in order
Along with looking much better, the
his rule of thumb is considered a
to compute them in parallel, and
technology inside has also evolved.
famous law: Moores Law. It says
multi-core processors clearly increase
A majority of the TV sets used today
that the number of components in an
efficiency per cycle.
are based on LCD technology. Inside
integrated switching circuit will double
Intels 80286 used to process 1
these liquid crystal displays, there is a
every twelve months at constant
million instructions per second, ie 1
fluorescent tube (or thousands of small
prices. In 1975, Moore corrected
MIPS, in 1982. If doubling takes place
LED lights) which stays constantly lit.
his statement to a version which is
every two years, that should be around
The light is controlled by a crystallized
applicable even today: the number of
20,000 MIPS today. The core i7-2600K
liquid. For a black spot in the picture
transistors doubles every 24 months
performs a lot faster: 118 MIPS. Moores
being displayed, these stay at such an
with a constant chip surface area. The
Law is true even today, though no real
angle that their light does not fall on
main reason for this being true is the
conclusion can be drawn from it.
the screens surface. So whether the
reduction in the size of transistors.
Modern high-end CPUs also
However, Moore did not talk about the
encounter external bottlenecks: a
doubling of processing power.
magnetic hard drove requires 20
picture is dark or bright, the energy

consumption remains the same.
It is other way around for plasma
milliseconds for accessing files. A 3 GHz
screens. In this type of monitor, there
transistors, the processing power also
processor must therefore wait for 60
are three plasma cells under each
increasesthough not inevitably in a
million clock cycles in the worst case.
pixel that contain three different light
Its true that with the number of
linear manner. Many transistors are
components. These possess the ability
on the chips power. Besides sundry
Darker movies save

electicity
caches, storage controllers and energy
The myth: A TV set consumes less
components. In this sense, a black pixel
saving units, integrated GPUs are also
electricity for a dark movie scene as
requires almost no power to the light
counted among them. On the other
compared to bright graphics, since
components.
hand, increases in clock speed and
darkness requires no energyjust like a
architectural improvements ensure a
lightbulb that is switched off.
more power for a fully white picture as
performance gain. Today transistors
The truth: A few years ago, the
compared to LCDs, which have more or
switch over 3 billion times per second
answer was still very clear: it was no
less a constant usage, but on the other
used in areas which have no effect
to change illumination by adjusting

the intensity of red, green and blue
Plasma screens use considerably
PHOTO: Nikolaus Schffler; GRAPHICS: Magdalena Deutelmoser
Doubled number of transistors, multiplied processing power
12/2011
161
11/21/2011 8:33:10 PM
unwind
FEATURE
Power usage is dependent on the technology

To display a picture on the screen, LCD and plasma televisions use almost opposite methods.
CHIP shows you what the difference is, and how the two methods affect your electricity bills.
Brightness
0%
100 %
0%
1
2
Black pixel
Plasma television
white Pixel
LCD: An always-on light source (1)

brightens the screens surface, using
crystallized liquid (2) and color filters
(3). Plasma: A white pixel (4) requires
all three color elements to shine at full
power (5).
100 %
Darkness
0%
100 %
0%
1
2
black pixel
LCD: The angle of the crystallized liquid

(2) in front of the color filter (3) blocks
the light for the black pixel. Plasma:
For a dark picture spot, the light
components (4) Are cut off from power
(5) and do not need to be illuminated.
100 %
GRAPHICS: Magdalena Deutelmoser
White pixel
LCD television
Simplified Graphic
the email protocol SMTP, which always
black picture. Depending on the model
Cancelling spam generates

more spam
you buy, LCD and plasma sets can have
THE MYTH: Spam becomes a lot
an error message. If there is no error
equal effects on your power bill.
worse when you try to unsubscribe
message, the address is known to exist.
from advertisement mails, because the
However to find out if his mails are also
might drastically change all this quite
spammers them get to know that your
being read, the spammer must provoke
soon. Here, the LEDs that make up an
email address is real.
you to react. Therefore, many messages
LCD screens backlight will be divided
THE TRUTH: If you want to become
have fake Remove or Unsubscribe
up into individual clusters that dim
a big spammer you will need email
links which only register the fact that
selectively to save power in darker parts
addresses: millions of them. In order
you opened the mail, which means you
of the picture.
to get them at the lowest possible
have seen the spam ad. If the spammer
cost, spammers use various programs
has verified your address once, he can
few Watts, but the cumulative savings
which automatically search the net
start making money from it because he
could be significant. Manufacturers are
for addresses, or use brute force and
knows you are a potential buyer. Not only
becoming more energy efficient, and
dictionary attacks to guess typical mail
does he then send you more spam than
besides, local dimming will also lead to
addresses, such as strings with common
before, but also sells your data to other
improved picture quality by enhancing
first and last names.
spammers. In short, this myth often
Of course the difference is only of a
the contrast between light and dark in

dramatic scenes.
In order to check the addresses it has
proves to be true.
found, the spammer uses a peculiarity of
Spam Facts
Spam tactics
As soon as you react to spam, the spammer gets to know that you actively use
your email address and can read advertisement mails. Then he sends you even more spam.
WWW
Botnet
User
2
3
User
Reveals email address

in forums and in friends'
contact lists
Internet
Botnet
Botnet
receives email addresses
Sends spam to the

e-mail addresses
Botnet
Spamserver
Botnet
User
receives more spam than before
12/2011
sell the user data to

other botnet and
spam server operators
Clicks on the spam link and

confirms his email address
162
Spammers know that

the user reads and
responds to the spam
Spammers
Botnet
User
Of the 107 trillion emails sent in 2010,

89% were spam. That means 95 trillion
spam mails every year or 262 billion
every day.
User data
Searches through the net with

Trojans and webcrawlers
feedback@chip.in
Botnet
New botnets and

spam servers
7%
GAMBLING
5%
OTHERS
40%
PHARMA
PRODUCTS
11.5%
Newsletters
17.5%
WATCHES/
JEWELS
Source: SYMANTEC
However, Local Dimming technology
answers wrongly addressed mails with
19%
SEX/
DATING
Spam categories: Pharma products,

luxury watches and erotic sites lead the
worldwide spam lists.
Illustration: Magdalena Deutelmoser
hand, hardly use any power at all for a
11/21/2011 8:33:33 PM
Market Watch
Processors: Intel
NAME
Intel Pentium E5700
Intel Pentium E5800
Intel Core i3-540
Intel Core i3-2100 (Sandy Bridge)
Intel Core 2 Duo E7500
Intel Core i5-760
Intel Core i5-2500K (Sandy Bridge)
PRICE (Rs)
CPU SOCKET
3,400
4,000
5,650
6,150
6,250
9,600
10,025
10,300
11,100
11,500
11,525
15,800
LGA 775
LGA 775
LGA 1156
LGA 1155
LGA 775
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
LGA 1156
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
NUMBER OF
CORES
2
2
2
2
2
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
CLOCK SPEED
MFG PROCESS
TDP
3.00 GHz
3.20 GHz
3.06 GHz
3.10 GHz
2.93 GHz
2.90 GHz
3.10 Ghz
2.80 GHz
3.30 GHz
2.80 GHz
3.30 GHz
3.40 GHz
45 nm
45 nm
32 nm
32 nm
45 nm
32 nm
32 nm
32 nm
32 nm
45 nm
32 nm
32 nm
65 W
65 W
73 W
65 W
65 W
95 W
95 W
95 W
95 W
95 W
95 W
95 W
CLOCK SPEED
MFG PROCESS
TDP
2.80 GHz
3.00 GHz
3.10 GHz
3.20 GHz
3.20 GHz
3.20 GHz
3.20 GHz
3.40 GHz
3.60 GHz
2.80 GHz
3.00 GHz
3.30 GHz
45 nm
45 nm
45 nm
45 nm
45 nm
45 nm
45 nm
45 nm
45 nm
45 nm
45 nm
45 nm
45 W
65 W
65 W
65 W
80 W
95 W
125 W
125 W
125 W
125 W
125 W
125 W
Processors: AMD
NAME
PRICE (Rs)
2,225
3,050
3,400
3,725
4,625
5,650
6,800
7,375
8,550
9,150
9,975
11,775
AMD Sempron 145

AMD PHENOM II X4 840
CPU SOCKET
AM3
AM3
AM3
AM3
AM3
AM3
AM3
AM3
AM3
AM3
AM3
AM3
NUMBER OF
CORES
1
2
2
2
2
4
4
4
4
6
6
6
Motherboards: AMD - IGP

NAME
Asus M4A78LT-M LE
Biostar TA880GB+
Gigabyte 880GM-USB3L
Gigabyte GA-A75M-D2H
MSI 880GMA-E45
Asus M5A88-M
Gigabyte GA-A75-D3H
Asus F1A75-M LE
MSI A75A-G55
Asus F1A75-M
Asus M5A88-M EVO
Asus M5A88-V EVO
Asus F1A75-V PRO
PRICE
(Rs)
2,725
3,950
4,600
5,475
5,700
5,967
6,175
6,345
6,775
6,885
6,912
8,235
8,856
CPU
SOCKET
AM3
AM3
AM3
FM1
AM3
AM3
FM1
FM1
AMD FM1
FM1
AM3
AM3
FM1
CHIPSET
MEMORY SUPPORT
AMD 760G + SB710

AMD 880G + SB710
AMD 880G + SB710
AMD A75
AMD 880G + SB850
AMD 880G + SB850
AMD A75
AMD A75
AMD A75
AMD A75
AMD 880G + SB850
AMD 880G + SB850
AMD A75
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DVI | HDMI
4 |
4 |
4 |
4|6
4 |
4|6
4|4
4 |
4|4
4 |
4|4
4|6
4 |
6
4
4
| 6
4
| 4
| 6
6
| 4
4
| 6
| 6
4
PCI X16 | PCI |

SATA | USB
1 | 1 | 6 | 10
1 | 2 | 6 | 10
1 | 2 | 4 | 10
2 | 1 | 6 | 10
1 | 1 | 6 | 14
1 | 1 | 6 | 14
2 | 3 | 5 | 14
2 | 1 | 6 | 14
2 | 2 | 6 | 10
2 | 1 | 6 | 14
1 | 1 | 5 | 14
1 | 3 | 5 | 14
2 | 1 | 6 | 16
Note: Street prices (incl. VAT) as on 10 November 2011.
1631211_Market Watch.indd 163
12/2011
163
11/21/2011 11:37:31 PM
market watch
Market Watch
Motherboards: AMD - Non-IGP
Name
Price (Rs)
CPU SOCKET
5,975
Asus M4A87TD
MSI 970A-G45
MSI 990FXA-GD65
CHIPSET
AM3
MEMORY SUPPORT
PCIe x16 Slots
PCI | SATA | USB
DDR3
3 | 6 | 14
AMD 870 + SB850
6,900
AM3+
AMD 970FX + SB950
DDR3
2 | 6 | 14
11,100
AM3+
AMD 990FX + SB950
DDR3
1 | 6 | 14
Asus Sabertooth 990FX
14,175
AM3+
AMD 990FX + SB950
DDR3
1 | 8 | 18
Asus Crosshair V Formula
15,775
AM3+
AMD 990FX + SB950
DDR3
1 | 7 |18
Motherboards: Intel - IGP

6ame
CPU Socket
Chipset
Memory support
D-Sub | DVI | HDMI
2,850
LGA 775
Intel G41 + ICH7
DDR3
4,950
5,300
6,025
6,775
7,575
9,275
10,250
10,989
12,900
15,350
LGA 1156
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
LGA 1155
Intel H55
Intel H67
Intel H67
Intel H67
Intel H67
Intel H67
Intel Z68 + No
Intel Z68
Intel Z68
Intel Z68
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
4|6|6
4|6|4
6|4|4
4|4|4
4|4|4
4|4|6
4|4|4
4|4|4
4|6|6
6|4|4
6|4|4
Price (Rs)
Asus P5G41T-M LX
Asus P7H55-M
Intel BOXDH67BL
MSI H67MA-E35
Gigabyte H67MA-USB3
Asus P8H67-M
Asus P8H67-M EVO
MSI Z68A-G45
Gigabyte Z68X-UD3R
ASUS P8Z68-V
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO
PCIe x16 | PCI | SATA

| USB
1|2|6|6
1|1|6|6
1|1|3|6
1|1|4|4
1|1|4|4
2|1|4|6
2|1|4|4
2|2|4|4
1|2|4|3
2|2|4|6
2|2|4|6
Motherboards: Intel - Non-IGP

Name
Price (Rs)
MSI P67A-GD55
MSI X58 Pro-E
Asus P8P67
Asus Sabertooth X58
Gigabyte GA-X58-USB3
Asus P6X58D-E
MSI X58A-GD65
Asus Sabertooth P67
Asus Rampage III Gene
MSI Big Bang X-Power
Gigabyte G1.Guerrilla
Asus Rampage III Extreme
Gigabyte G1.Sniper
Gigabyte G1.Assassin
Asus Rampage III Black Edition
9,500
11,100
11,250
11,400
11,575
12,600
13,125
14,975
15,575
20,800
21,350
23,475
24,550
27,725
32,650
CPU SOCKET
CHIPSET
MEMORY SUPPORT
PCIe x16 Slots
LGA 1155
LGA 1366
LGA 1155
LGA 1366
LGA 1366
LGA 1366
LGA 1366
LGA 1155
LGA 1366
LGA 1366
LGA 1366
LGA 1366
LGA 1366
LGA 1366
LGA 1366
Intel P67
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel P67
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel P67
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel X58 + ICH10R
Intel X58 + ICH10R
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
DDR3
2
3
2
3
3
3
3
2
2
6
3
4
3
4
4
PCI | SATA | USB

2 | 6 | 14
2 | 7 | 13
3 | 8 | 16
1 | 8 | 14
1 | 6 | 14
2 | 8 | 10
2 | 6 | 14
1 | 4 | 18
1 | 8 | 13
0 | 8 | 12
1 | 8 | 16
1 | 9 | 11
1 | 8 | 16
1 | 8 | 16
0 | 8 | 15
164
12/2011
11/21/2011 11:38:03 PM
CHIP brings you a roundup of all the latest and greatest products on the market.
Graphics Cards: ATI

Name
Price
Radeon GPU
(Rs)
Asus EAH5450 SILENT/DI/1GD3

Powercolor AX5750 1GBD5-H
Sapphire HD 6750 Vapor-X
Sapphire Radeon HD 6850
MSI R6850-PM2D1GD5
Powercolor AX6850 1GBD5-DH
Powercolor AX6870 1GBD5-2DH
XFX HD-687A-ZNFC
Sapphire HD 6950
XFX Radeon HD 6950
Powercolor AX6950 2GBD5-2DH
MSI R6950-2PM2D2GD5
XFX Radeon HD 6950
Asus EAH6950 DCII/2DI4S/2GD5
MSI R6970-2PM2D2GD5
Sapphire HD 6970
2,400
6,250
6,625
9,825
10,125
10,250
12,600
14,400
14,800
15,800
16,525
16,750
18,250
18,800
21,275
21,450
HD 5450
HD 5750
HD 6750
HD 6850
HD 6850
HD 6850
HD 6870
HD 6870
HD 6950
HD 6950
HD 6950
HD 6950
HD 6950
HD 6950
HD 6970
HD 6970
Direct X
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
MEMORY MEMORY | BUS

TYPE
WIDTH
DDR3
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
STREAM
PROCESSORS
CORE | MEMORY
SPEED
80
720
720
960
960
960
1120
1120
1408
1408
1408
1408
1408
1408
1536
1536
650 MHz | 800 MHz

700 MHz | 1150 MHz
700 MHz | 1000 MHz
775 MHz | 1000 MHz
775 MHz | 1000 MHz
775 MHz | 1000 MHz
900 MHz | 1050 MHz
900 MHz | 1050 MHz
800 MHz | 1250 MHz
800 MHz | 1250 MHz
800 MHz | 1250 MHz
800 MHz | 1250 MHz
800 MHz | 1250 MHz
810 MHz | 1250 MHz
880 MHz | 1375 MHz
880 MHz | 1375 MHz
STREAM
PROCESSORS
48
48
96
96
192
336
336
192
336
336
384
384
384
384
480
480
480
512
512
512
1024
CORE | MEMORY
SPEED
625 MHz | 700 MHz
625 MHz | 400 MHz
810 MHz | 450 MHz
550 MHz | 400 MHz
910 MHz | 1025 MHz
700 MHz | 900 MHz
650 MHz | 850 MHz
900 MHz | 1025 MHz
810 MHz | 1005 MHz
820 MHz | 4008 MHz
950 MHz | 1100 MHz
822 MHz | 1000 MHz
822 MHz | 1000 MHz
822 MHz | 1000 MHz
732 MHz | 950 MHz
732 MHz | 950 MHz
752 MHz | 950 MHz
772 MHz | 1002 MHz
772 MHz | 1002 MHz
800 MHz | 1024 MHz
612 MHz | 855 MHz
1 GB / 64-bit
1 GB / 128-bit
1 GB / 128-bit
1 GB / 256 bit
1 GB / 256-bit
1 GB / 256-bit
1 GB / 128-bit
1 GB / 256-bit
2 GB / 256-bit
1 GB / 256-bit
2 GB / 256-bit
2 GB / 256-bit
2 GB / 256-bit
2 GB / 256-bit
2 GB / 256-bit
2 GB / 256-bit
Graphics Cards: Nvidia

Name
Sparkle GeForce GT 220
POV GeForce GT 220
Sparkle GT 520
Zotac GeForce GT 240
ASUS GeForce GTX 550
Sparkle GeForce GTX 460
Palit GeForce GTX 460
Zotac GeForce GTX 550 Ti Amp
Palit GeForce GTX560 OC
Zotac Geforce GTX 560
Zotac Geforce GTX 560 Ti Amp
Sparkle GeForce GTX 560 Ti
Palit GeForce GTX560 Ti
MSI Twin Frozr II GeForce GTX 560 Ti
EVGA GeForce GTX 570 HD
Zotac GeForce GTX 570
Sparkle GTX 570
Zotac GeForce GTX 580
Palit GeForce GTX 580
MSI Twin Frozr II GeForce GTX 580
Asus Geforce GTX 590
Price (Rs)
3,100
3,550
3,550
4,175
8,375
9,600
9,950
10,100
10,675
12,300
14,400
14,725
15,550
15,957
20,275
21,075
21,550
30,950
31,450
33,291
41,850
GPU Direct X
GeForce GT 220
GeForce GT 220
GeForce GT 520
GeForce GT 240
GeForce GTX 550
GeForce GTX 460
GeForce GTX 460
GeForce GTX 550 Ti
GeForce GTX 560
GeForce GTX 560
GeForce GTX 560 Ti
GeForce GTX 560 Ti
GeForce GTX 560 Ti
GeForce GTX 560 Ti
GeForce GTX 570
GeForce GTX 570
GeForce GTX 570
GeForce GTX 580
GeForce GTX 580
GeForce GTX 580
Geforce GTX 590
10.1
10.1
11.0
10.1
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
11.0
MEMORY TYPE MEMORY | BUS WIDTH

DDR3
DDR2
DDR3
DDR3
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
GDDR5
1 GB | 128-bit
1 GB | 128-bit
2 GB | 64-bit
1 GB | 128-bit
1 GB | 192-bit
1 GB | 256-bit
1 GB | 256-bit
1 GB | 192-bit
1 GB | 256-bit
2 GB | 256-bit
1 GB | 256-bit
1 GB | 256-bit
2 GB | 256-bit
1 GB | 256-bit
1280 MB | 320-bit
1280 MB | 320-bit
1280 MB | 320-bit
1536 MB | 384-bit
3 GB | 384-bit
1536 MB | 384-bit
3 GB | 768-bit
12/2011
165
11/21/2011 11:38:33 PM
market watch
Market Watch
EXTERNAL DRIVE
Name
A-Data ACH94-500GU-CBK
iOmega Red Hot Skin Series
iOmega eGo
A-Data ANH13-500GU3-CBK
Transcend StoreJet 25D3
Hitachi X Mobile Series HDD-X500
Western Digital Elements Series
Western Digital My Book Essential Series
Western Digital My Passport Essential
Buffalo HD-PXTU2 Series HD-PXT1TU2/B
Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex
Transcend StoreJet 35T
Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex
Western Digital My Book Studio II Series
Price(Rs)
3,350
3,450
3,700
4,050
4,450
5,665
6,325
6,848
8,140
8,415
8,443
8,993
12,733
25,768
USB FLASH DRIVE

Name
iball Ultra Strong
Transcend JetFlash 300
Corsair Flash Voyager
Transcend JetFlash V70
Corsair Flash Voyager
iball Ultra Strong
Sandisk Ultra Backup
Corsair Flash Survivor GT2
Capacity
4 GB
8 GB
4 GB
8 GB
8 GB
16 GB
16 GB
16 GB
32 GB
64 GB
CAPACITY
500 GB
500 GB
500 GB
500 GB
640 GB
500 GB
1 TB
1 TB
500 GB
1 TB
1 TB
2 TB
1.5 TB
4 TB
INTERFACE
USB 2.0
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB 3.0
USB 3.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB 3.0
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0 / FW 400
FORM FACTOR
2.5-inch
2.5-inch
2.5-inch
2.5-inch
2.5-inch
2.5-inch
2.5-inch
2.5-inch
2.5-inch
3.5-inch
3.5-inch
3.5-inch
3.5-inch
3.5-inch
CAMCORDERS
Price (Rs)
400
578
650
825
925
1,073
1,200
1,300
2,420
7,425
Name
Samsung K44
Sony DCR-SX45
Sony HDR-CX130E
Canon Legria HF R17
Sony HDR-XR160E
Canon Legria HF R18
Canon Legria HF M300
Canon Legria HF M31
Sony HDR-PJ50E
Canon Legria HF S200
PRICE (Rs)
15,532
15,675
23,650
25,000
37,450
39,900
41,800
50,700
55,850
58,000
STORAGE
Memory card
Memory card
Memory card
8 GB Flash
160 GB HDD
Memory card
Memory card
32 GB Flash
220 GB HDD
Memory card
Resolution Optical Zoom

720 x 480
52x
720 x 480
60x
1920 x 1080
30x
1920 x 1080
20x
1920 x 1080
30x
1920 x 1080
20x
1920 x 1080
15x
1920 x 1080
15x
1920 x 1080
12x
1920 x 1080
10x
PROJECTORS
NAME
Viewsonic PJD5152
LG BS275
Mitsubishi EX200U
Sony VPL-EX100
LG HS201 G
Viewsonic PJD5352
Sony VPL-EX120
Viewsonic PJD6531W
Mitsubishi HC4000
Mitsubishi XD600U
PRICE (Rs)
31,325
31,600
35,475
35,600
41,900
44,550
47,900
52,275
82,975
85,225
TYPE
DLP
DLP
DLP
LCD
DLP
DLP
LCD
DLP
DLP
DLP
Brightness
2600 Lumens
2700 Lumens
2300 Lumens
2300 Lumens
2000 Lumens
2600 Lumens
2600 Lumens
3300 Lumens
1300 Lumens
4500 Lumens
Native Resolution
800 x 600
800 x 600
1024 x 768
1024 x 768
800 x 600
1024 x 768
1024 x 768
1280 x 800
1920 x 1080
1024 x 768
Contrast Ratio
3000:1
2200:1
1250:1
2200:1
2000:1
2600:1
2500:1
2800:1
3600:1
2000:1
166
12/2011
11/21/2011 11:39:02 PM
Laptops
Name
Price
Weight
(Rs)
Processor
Optical
Drive
OS
Lenovo S10-3C 59-051325
16,725 1.50 Kg
Intel Atom N455
No
Win 7 Starter
HP Mini 110-3606TU
16,850 1.40 Kg
Asus X53U-SX013D
18,750 2.60 Kg
320 GB
No
DOS
320 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
HP Mini 110-3610TU
19,125 1.40 Kg
10.1-in
320 GB
No
Asus X42F-VX204D
2 GB
14.0-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
1.83 GHz
2 GB
10.1-in
250 GB
No
Win 7 Starter
Intel Atom N550
1.50 GHz
2 GB
10.1-in
320 GB
No
Win 7 Starter
21,500 2.40 Kg
Intel Pentium P6200
2.13 GHz
2 GB
15.6-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
Samsung NP-RV509-A07IN
22,400 2.40 Kg
Intel Pentium P6200
2.13 GHz
2 GB
15.6-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
Samsung NP-RV409I
22,600 2.20 Kg
Intel Pentium P6100
2.00 GHz
3 GB
14.0-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
Asus X52F-EX1258D
24,000 2.44 Kg
Intel Core i3-370M
2.40 GHz
2 GB
15.6-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
Asus A53E-SX181D
26,000 2.60 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
2 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
Samsung RV-Series NP-RV411-A01IN
26,000 2.20 Kg
Intel Pentium P6200
2.13 GHz
3 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
Asus A43E-VX087D
26,750 2.44 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
2 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
Lenovo G-560 59-304299
27,100
2.24 Kg
Intel Core i3-370M
2.40 GHz
2 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVDRW
DOS
Acer Aspire 4755 Laptop
27,700 2.30 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
2 GB
14.1-in
500 GB
DVDRW
Linux
Acer Aspire AS5755
28,150 2.60 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
2 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Linux
Toshiba Satellite C660-I5013
28,225 2.40 Kg
Intel Core i3-380M
2.53 GHz
2 GB
15.6-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
MSI Classic CR620
28,375 2.48 Kg
Intel Core i3-370M
2.40 GHz
2 GB
15.6-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
LG ED530-G Laptop
29,000 2.50 Kg
Intel I3-2310M
2.10 GHz
2 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVD RW
DOS
Lenovo G470 59-066925
29,250 2.60 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
2 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
MSI FR600
29,950 2.30 Kg
Intel Core i3-370M
2.40 GHz
3 GB
15.6-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
Sony Vaio E Series VPCEG15EN
29,991 2.30 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
2 GB
14.0-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
Sony Vaio E Series VPCEH15EN
29,991
2.70 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
2 GB
15.5-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
Dell Vostro 3400
30,500
2.10 Kg
Intel Core i3-350M
2.26 GHz
2 GB
14.0-in
250 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
Asus A43SJ-VX138R
31,750 2.44 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
2 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
Samsung NP-R439-DA08IN
31,800 2.20 Kg
Intel Core i3-370M
2.40 GHz
2 GB
14.0-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
Sony Vaio Y Series VPCYA17GG/B
32,850 1.46 Kg
Intel Core i3-380UM
1.33 GHz
2 GB
11.6-in
320 GB
No
Lenovo Z570 59-067790
33,200 2.60 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
3 GB
15.6-in
640 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
Sony Vaio E Series VPCEA43EG
33,800 2.35 Kg
Intel Core i3-380M
2.53 GHz
4 GB
14.0-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
Lenovo G570 59-066618
34,000 2.44 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
3 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVDRW
Win 7 HB
HP G42-478TX
34,050 2.20 Kg
Intel Core i3-370M
2.40 GHz
3 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
Samsung NP-RV509-A06IN
34,050 2.40 Kg
Intel Core i5-2310M
2.10 GHz
3 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
DOS
LG S530-G Laptop
36,300 2.50 Kg
Intel I3-2310M
2.10 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVD RW
Win7HB
Toshiba Satellite L640-X4310
38,050 2.26 Kg
Intel Core i5-450M
2.40 GHz
3 GB
14.0-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
speed
ram
Display
HDD
1.66 GHz
1 GB
10.1-in
250 GB
Intel Atom N570
1.66 GHz
2 GB
10.1-in
AMD Brazos C50
1.00 GHz
2 GB
15.6-in
Intel Atom N570
1.66 GHz
2 GB
20,350 2.44 Kg
Intel Pentium P6200
2.13 GHz
Lenovo S10-3s 59-044172
21,000 1.50 Kg
Intel Atom N475
Toshiba NB520 NB520-A1114
21,150 1.32 Kg
Toshiba Satellite C660-P5012
Win 7 Starter
DOS
Win 7 Pro
12/2011
167
11/21/2011 11:39:24 PM
market watch
Market Watch
Laptops
Name
HP Pavilion G4-1009TU
Price
(Rs)
38,100
Weight
Processor
speed
ram
Display
HDD
Optical
Drive
OS
2.10 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
HP Pavilion G6-1017TU
38,825
2.50 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
Lenovo Z570 59-067847
39,800
2.60 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
3 GB
15.6-in
640 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
HP Pavilion G6-1004TX
40,300
2.50 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
640 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
HP Pavilion DV4-3015TX
40,375
2.22 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
3 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
Acer Aspire 5755G Laptop
42,650
2.60 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
750 GB
DVDRW
Win 7 HP
Acer Aspire AS 4820TG
42,650
2.11 Kg
Intel Core i5-460M
2.60 GHz
3 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Sony Vaio E Series VPCEG18FG
42,650
2.30 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Acer Aspire 5830TG Laptop
43,150
2.49 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
3 GB
15.6-in
640 GB
DVDRW
Win 7 HP
Sony Vaio E Series VPCEH18FG
43,600
2.70 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
15.5-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Sony Vaio VPCEA3BGN
44,550
2.40 Kg
Intel Core i3-370M
2.40 GHz
2 GB
14.0-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 Pro
Asus X42JR-LF001V
45,200
2.25 Kg
Intel Core i3-370M
2.40 GHz
4 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
HP Pavilion DV4-3016TX
46,050
2.22 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HB
LG P530-K Laptop
46,300
2.50 Kg
Intel I5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
640 GB
DVD RW
Win7HP
Sony Vaio S Series VPCSB25FG
47,400
1.72 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
2 GB
13.3-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Samsung NP-SF511-S03IN
49,100
2.40 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVDRW
Win 7 HP
Samsung NP-SF411-S01IN
49,350
2.19 Kg
Intel Core i3-2310M
2.10 GHz
4 GB
14.0-in
640 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Lenovo Y560 59-051026
49,850
2.90 Kg
Intel Core i5-460M
2.60 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Asus B43F-VO023V
51,475
2.48 Kg
Intel Core i5-460M
2.60 GHz
4 GB
14.0-in.
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Toshiba Satellite L650-X5310
53,450
2.60 Kg
Intel Core i5-460M
2.60 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Sony Vaio C Series VPCCA15FG
55,400
2.45 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
14.0-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Toshiba Satellite A660-X5310
55,770
2.62 Kg
Intel Core i5-560M
2.66 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Lenovo Y560 59-055616
56,050
2.00 Kg
Intel Core i7-740QM
1.73 GHz
4 GB
15.6 in
500 GB
DVDRW
Win 7 HP
Sony Vaio S Series VPCSB16FG/B
56,350
1.72 Kg
Intel Core i5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
13.3-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Asus U45JC-WX016X
59,850
2.14 Kg
Intel Core i3-370M
2.40 GHz
4 GB
14.0-in
320 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 Pro
Dell XPS 15
60,000
2.44 Kg
2.00 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
750 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
LG A520-D Laptop
61,450
2.50 Kg
Intel I5-2410M
2.30 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
640 GB
DVD RW
Win7HP
Sony Vaio F Series VPCF136FG/BI
68,700
3.20 Kg
Intel Core i7-740QM
1.73 GHz
4 GB
16.4-in
500 GB
BD-ROM
Win 7 HP
Sony Vaio S Series VPCSB18GG/B
68,700
1.72 Kg
Intel Core i7-2620M
2.70 GHz
4 GB
13.3-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 Pro
Sony Vaio VPCCB17FG/B
68,700
2.85 Kg
Intel Core i7-2620M
2.70 GHz
4 GB
15.5-in
640 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Dell Alienware M11X
68,896
2.99 Kg
Intel Core i3-330UM
1.20 GHz
4 GB
11.6-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Asus N53JQ-SZ103V
69,850
2.90 Kg
Intel Core i7-740QM
1.73 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
640 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
Sony VPCSA25GG/BI
79,000
1.68 Kg
Intel Core i7-2620M
2.70 GHz
6 GB
13.3-in
640 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 Pro
Dell Alienware M15X
97,006
5.30 Kg
Intel Core i7-740QM
1.73 GHz
4 GB
15.6-in
500 GB
DVD-RW
Win 7 HP
1,02,691
3.20 Kg
2.30 GHz
8 GB
16.0-in
640 GB
BD-ROM
Win 7 Ultimate
Sony Vaio F Series VPCF217HG/BI
168
12/2011
11/22/2011 12:45:47 PM
Digital Cameras
Name
Price (Rs)
Resolution Optical Zoom
Wide Angle
Aperture
LCD Size
Shutter Speed
Canon PowerShot A800
4,256
10 MP
3.3x
37 mm
F3 - F5.8
2.5-inch
15 - 1/2000 sec
Fujifilm FinePix AV200
4,425
14 MP
3x
32 mm
F2.9 - F5.2
2.7-inch
8 - 1/1400 sec
Nikon Coolpix L23
4,425
10 MP
5x
28 mm
F2.7 - F6.8
2.7-inch
NA
Sony Cybershot DSC S3000
4,500
10.1 MP
4x
28 mm
F3.0 - F5.7
2.7-inch
2 - 1/2000 sec
Olympus FE-4020
5,700
14 MP
4x
26 mm
F2.6 - F5.9
2.7-inch
1/2-1/2000 sec
Kodak Easyshare M532
6,100
14 MP
4x
28 mm
NA
2.7-inch
8 - 1/1600 sec
Nikon Coolpix S3100
6,475
14 MP
5x
26 mm
F3.2 - F6.5
2.7-inch
4 - 1/2000 sec
Canon Digital IXUS 105 IS
6,506
12 MP
4x
28 mm
F2.8 - F5.9
2.7-inch
1 - 1/1500 sec
Canon Powershot A3200 IS
6,506
14.1
5x
28 mm
F2.8 - F5.9
2.7-inch
15 - 1/1600 sec
Canon PowerShot A3300 IS
7,566
16 MP
5x
28 mm
F2.8 - F5.9
3.0-inch
15 - 1/1600 sec
Casio Exilim EX-Z90
8,800
12.1 MP
3x
35 mm
F3.1 - F5.9
2.7-inch
1/4 - 1/2000 sec
Fujifilm FinePix JZ300
9,500
12 MP
10x
28 mm
F3.3 - F5.6
2.7-inch
8 - 1/2000 sec
Sony Cybershot DSC-W570
10,025
16.2 MP
5x
28 mm
F2.6 - F6.3
2.7-inch
2 - 1/1600 sec
Sony Cybershot DSC-T99
10,225
14.1 MP
4x
25 mm
F3.5 - F4.6
3.0-inch
2 - 1/1250 sec
Kodak EasyShare M590
10,350
14 MP
5x
35 mm
NA
2.7-inch
1/2 - 1/1200 sec
Casio Exilim EX-Z550
10,550
14.1 MP
4x
26 mm
F2.6 - F5.9
2.7-inch
4 - 1/2000 sec
Sony Cybershot DSC-WX7
12,025
16.2 MP
5x
25 mm
F2.6 - F6.3
2.8-inch
2 - 1/1600 sec
Olympus SP-600 UZ
12,125
12 MP
15x
28 mm
F3.5 - F5.4
2.7-inch
1/2 - 1/2000 sec
Nikon Coolpix S1100pj
12,225
14.1 MP
5x
28 mm
F3.9 - F5.8
3.0-inch
NA
Sony Cybershot DSC-H70
12,975
16.2 MP
10x
25 mm
F3.5 - F5.5
3.0-inch
30 - 1/1600 sec
Nikon Coolpix S8000
14,575
14.2 MP
10x
35 mm
F3.5 - F7
3.0-inch
4 - 1/1000 sec
Sony Cybershot DSC-TX9
14,765
12.2 MP
4x
25 mm
F3.5 - F4.6
3.5-inch
2 - 1/1600 sec
Canon Powershot SX230 HS
16,396
12.1 MP
14x
28 mm
F3.1 - F5.9
3.0-inch
15 - 1/3200 sec
Samsung EC-ST5500
16,551
14 MP
7x
31 mm
F3.3 - F5.5
3.7-inch
1/8-1/2000 sec
Samsung EC-WB650
16,652
12 MP
15x
24 mm
F3.2 - F5.8
3.0-inch
1-1/2000 sec
Fujifilm FinePix S4000
17,000
14 MP
30x
24 mm
F3.1 - F5.9
3.0-inch
8 - 1/2000 sec
Casio Exilim EX-H10
17,300
12.1 MP
10x
24 mm
F3.2 - F5.7
3.0-inch
4 - 1/2000 sec
Olympus MJU-Tough 8010
17,825
14 MP
5x
28 mm
F3.9 - F5.9
2.7-inch
1/4 - 1/2000 sec
Olympus SP-800 UZ
17,925
14 MP
30x
28 mm
F2.8 - F5.6
3.0-inch
1/4 - 1/2000 sec
Canon IXUS 310 HS
18,596
12.1 MP
4.4x
24 mm
F2.0 - F5.8
3.2-inch
15 - 1/1600 sec
Canon Powershot SX30 IS
22,996
14 MP
35x
24 mm
F2.7 - F5.8
2.7-inch
15 - 1/3200 sec
Canon Powershot S95
24,756
10 MP
3.8x
28 mm
F2.0 - F4.9
3.0-inch
15 - 1/1600 sec
Canon Powershot G12
29,656
10 MP
5x
28 mm
F2.8 - F4.5
2.8-inch
15 - 1/4000 sec
12/2011
169
11/22/2011 12:46:08 PM
PERSONAL TECH
EVEN FARMVILLE SPAM NOW SEEMS BENIGN

ANNOYING AS IT WAS, IT COULD EASILY BE BLOCKED.
NOW, APPLICATIONS WILL ACTUALLY PENALIZE YOU
FOR NOT LETTING THEM MINE YOUR PROFILE.
JAMSHED AVARI, DEPUTY EDITOR
SOCIAL PRESSURE
T
wo months after Facebook fi rst showed

off its Timeline approach to redesigning
our profi le pages, theres no sign of it
rolling out to users. While the company
has run into some legal trouble over using
Timeline as a trademark, most industry
watchers are speculating that the delay has more
to do with privacy concernsTimeline could be
the most polarizing change Facebook has ever
made. For better or worse though, part of the
Timeline formula is already showing up on all
of our walls: the Social Reader. This is the key
to the lesser-known part of Facebooks overhaul,
the Open Graph, and it's seen virtually no
opposition even though it's just as controversial.
Social Reader is the torch-bearer of apps
that Mark Zuckerberg described as enabling
frictionless sharing. Effectively, apps can
be tied into websites or services and can
post status updates on your behalf about
every single little thing you dowithout your
realizing it. News sites can tell your friends
about the headlines of every article you read
(whether about foreign policy or celebrity
gossip), streaming services can publicize your
entire playlist, and even special interest sites
such as cooking and exercise blogs can let the
whole world know what youre doing at any
moment.
The main problem with the Social Reader
in its current form is that you might forget
its enabled, which means that you could
be clicking around from story to story on
a website, leaving a trail of potentially
embarrassing headlines in your wake. After
all, websites make their money by writing
outrageous headlines that tempt you to click
on them. The second problem is that this
generates a lot of noisepeople often click
around aimlessly, but now each time they do,
your Facebook wall (or at least the constantly
178
12/2011
scrolling Ticker) is littered with meaningless

updates. Even worse, if you do see a post
about an article that you do want to read, you
cant simply click on it to go there. Instead,
youre the ridiculous Social Reader bullies
you into adding it to your profi le (which will
eventually make it a part of your Timeline).
This, of course, involves letting the app mine
your personal details and Likes, which it will
use to customize the stories (and potentially
the ads) displayed to your tastes. For the fi rst
time, its actually more difficult to shareyou
cant simply click on a post about a story to
see the actual story anymore. And you cant
do it without having your own reading history
shouted out to the world.
Most people dont seem to think much
of clicking through an extra agreement to
read the article they want to, but do they
really realize what that click has allowed
Facebook to do? Are they going to keep on
doing it everytime a site turns linking into
social linking? If and when music and video
streaming services ever really launch in India,
will we have to endure floods of updates
about each episode of each show someones
watching, or each and every song they fl ip
through in their playlists? The amount of
information Facebook will be able to gather
about users habits and tastes is staggering
and this is where the trouble lies.
As opposed to games, quizzes and
the other kinds of spam that have plagued
Facebook before, Open Graph apps draw a
clear line between those who blindly let them
harvest their profi le information, and those
who wish to stay out. It's still possible to
keep your information private, but now you're
almost ostracized for doing so.
- jamshed.avari@chip.in
- twitter.com/ja140

Chip Dec11

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DECEMBER 2011 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1 Rs 200

How close are we

THE FUTURE OF CPUs

| 5 Android Tablets and 15 Graphics Cards | Run Android apps on Windows

ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR BUYING

Dell Alienware M14x

AMD FX-8150 Black Edition

Looking to the future

22 The Buzz List

30 Technology for Everyone

60 Wallet-friendly and Powerful

INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP

111 Man vs Machine

124 Powerchips for 2012

128 Google's Clean-up Act

140 Run Android Apps in

144 Relocate Your Applications

146 Tips N Tricks

INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP

156 Intel's Secret Weapon

160 Technology Myths Debunked

FOUNDER & EDITOR, NETWORK18

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INTELLIGENT COMPUTING CHIP

This mon cool

Next month's Star Letter wins

embarrassing photos, and participating

jailbroken iPod touch and it is great.

pirated, it can delete the partition

Many people do not know the pros

table and render the HDD unusable.

I have been an avid reader of CHIP

and cons of jailbreaking and do not

Is this true? I also feel that it would

since May 2011. Even though my

know to do it correctly and end up

be useful if you could release a

parents scold me for reading CHIP

bricking their device. Moreover, it

story on computer OSes like

instead of doing my work, there is

was recently made legal.

Windows and the various releases

something that makes me read it as

Please send your

of Linux like Fedora, OpenSuse,

soon as it arrives. I want to thank

install Windows 7 because they are

Team CHIP for doing an EXTREMELY

not used to it. It is also a genuine

wonderful job. Your article about

version (I got it from my friend). I

the Mobile OSes last month was

have tried it on different systems