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Google, Samsung Introduce Faster Chromebook and New Chromebox Systems
By HotHardware, published 30-05-2012
Hey look, Google and Samsung are throwing a Chrome OS party and you're all invited. Guests of honor include a faster, upgraded Chromebook model, and a Chromebox that's set to challenge Apple's Mac Mini to a dance off. Both of these products sport an updated flavor of Google's Chrome OS with a new user interface that purportedly makes it easier...
PlayStation Vita Review
By GameInformer, published 13-02-2012
Is Sony’s new handheld gaming platform worth the price of admission? We break down its performance and hand out a final grade in anticipation of the February 22 release.Display The screen is the first thing you will notice about the Vita, and understandably so. Though it doesn’t have the resolution of the iPhone 4’s Retina display, this five-inch, 960x544 resolution OLED screen still delivers bright, colorful, and stunning visuals. The graphical fidelity is markedly better than the PSP and PlayStation 2, but not quite on the same level as the PlayStation 3. The fact that the image quality is even in the neighborhood of the high-powered console is an incredible feat in and of itself. During my review I saw no hints of ghosting or tearing, frequent problems on the PSP. Vid...
The Geek Traveler: Gadgets and Tips for Your Vacation
By MaximumPC, published 20-12-2011
It’s oxymoronic to say that a vacation is stressful. But it is. And I’m not even talking about the sand that’s waiting to creep into your shorts on the beach, the hotel room that’s going to spring a leak, or the vast number of other disasters about to transpire throughout your travels. I’m talking about the very, very beginning of your vacation: The part right after you’ve planned and purchased the tickets up until the moment you step off the plane at your intended (and final) destination. As a geek, you’re probably wondering if there’s a better way to go about “the routine:” The printing of the tickets, the writing down of the key details, the absurdity of the packing, the praying that your carry-on bag isn’t too big, et cetera. Well, there is. Technology benefits al...
Buying Guide: If you liked Doom, you'll love these iOS games
By TechRadar, published 17-12-2011
iOS FPS games: going beyond DoomBefore Doom, id Software released another game that established the elements of what we now recognise as a first-person shooter. You need only check out the iOS version of Wolfenstein 3D (£1.49, Universal) to see the lineage. A 3D world, movement and strafing performed on one controller, another used to look around, an arsenal of weapons, health packs and (semi) intelligent enemies. It's a little crude by today's standards, but as a piece of nostalgia it's well worth a look. Clearly this was an avenue to be further explored, so id followed it up with the legendary Doom. The iOS version of this landmark title – rebranded DOOM Classic (£1.99, Universal) – is an almost perfect recreation of the original game. We say almost, because after the release of th...
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Amazon selling over 1 million Kindles a week
By TechRadar, published 16-12-2011
An Amazon executive has given a rather rare insight into just how many Kindle devices are being sold by the online retailer.In a statement the company revealed that more than one million Kindle devices a week have been bought by consumers and that despite some lukewarm reviews, the Kindle Fire is the most popular thing ever to be sold on Amazon. Most successful product"Kindle Fire is the most successful product we've ever launched - it's the bestselling product across all of Amazon for 11 straight weeks, we've already sold millions of units, and we're building millions more to meet the high demand," explained Dave Limp, vice president of Amazon Kindle."In fact, demand is accelerating - Kindle Fire sales increased week over week for each of the past three weeks. People are buyin...
Review: Philips 42PFL7666H
By TechRadar, published 16-12-2011
OverviewPhillips has taken its sweet time in delivering its 2011 line-up of LED TVs, but this 7000 Series screen was worth the wait. Sticking to the brushed aluminium look that has served the brand well in the last few years, this 42-inch Edge LED TV screen's headline act is Easy 3D.It's perhaps the best, simplest name yet for the passive 3D system (LG calls in Cinema 3D), although we're slightly confused as to why Phillips has chosen it over active shutter 3D for the 42PFL7666. It's a company obsessed with picture quality, debuting all manner of new processing goodies every year, so why opt for this less detailed, and often less impressive, flavour of 3D?The obvious answer is that the use of passive 3D technology means Phillips can include multiple pairs of the much cheaper 3D glasses in ...
Review: Sony SRS-BTV25
By TechRadar, published 16-12-2011
The peculiar Sony SRS-BTV25 Bluetooth wireless speaker is aimed at the smartphone, iPod, iPad and iPhone market.It will work with any device capable of connecting to a Bluetooth speaker, though, which includes most tablets and a fairly large wealth of MP3 players.Bluetooth speakers aren't exactly new, and even stylish ones are fairly commonplace. But even so, it takes Sony design to make us sit up and listen. The Sony SRS-BTV25 not only looks incredible, available in black or white, but the surprisingly punchy notes that it is capable of producing set it apart from its bulky, boxy peers.The unit boasts two speakers inside its svelte casing. The 20mm tweeter housed in the top of the unit points down at the deflector, while the 56mm woofer points upwards. The resulting sound is excellent, an...
Review: Microsoft Xbox 360
By TechRadar, published 16-12-2011
OverviewThe Xbox 360 has changed since its launch in 2005.That much is transparently clear from the updated version that debuted in 2010.The Xbox 360 S is smaller, sleeker and quieter than the previous model and designed to banish the infamous 'Red Ring of Death' hardware failure that forced Microsoft to extend its warranty on the system.Likewise the arrival of Kinect, which has gone on to sell over 10 million units, has transformed the machine from solely the preserve of hardcore gamers to a casual gamer friendly environment.While some of the novelty of Kinect may have worn off, if anything the games are improving – finding new ways to take advantage of what is still fascinating technology.But Microsoft is and always has been a software company first and foremost and, fittingly, that's ...
Buying Guide: 14 best projectors in the UK today
By TechRadar, published 15-12-2011
Best projector: all your best projecting optionsOur constantly updated list of the best projectors aroundAs the temperature drops and the days get ever shorter, curling up with a good movie seems the sensible option.Big TVs are fine, but if you want a seriously impressive home cinema experience then a projector is what you should search for.It used to be the case the best projectors were hugely expensive and could only be used in blackout situations, something that few can achieve at home.However, that's changed over the last few years and the latest DLP and 3LCD projectors are not only bright enough to use in the daytime (though direct sunlight nearby is still a big no-no), but have also plummeted in price.That's just as well, because you'll also need to think about a sound system – som...
In Depth: Apple in 2012: 10 things to expect
By TechRadar, published 14-12-2011
Apple in 2012: 10 things to expectIt's that time of year where we dust off the ol' crystal ball and try to figure out where Apple's heading over the next 12 months. Although the company lobs the odd curveball, its releases to date, along with scrutinising subtler trends, point to the following ten things arriving from the Cupertino giant over the coming year.1. iPad 3You can barely swing a digital cat on the internet without nastily cracking its head on a ton of iPad 3 rumours. Reports suggest anyone wanting a higher-resolution iPad screen might be in luck, but we recommend taking rumours about major changes in form factor (such as a 7-inch iPad) with a fistful of salt. Less fanciful rumours we're hoping come true are that the device will have more storage and some kind of Thunderbolt supp...
Buying Guide: Best Mac backup software: 6 apps tested
By TechRadar, published 03-12-2011
Best Mac backup softwareAll Mac users should have a backup routine. It's as plain and simple as that. However, many people don't; they are complacent and trust their hardware. Those people also run the risk of losing everything - music, movies, photos, and documents. Everything. The mantra for any Mac user should be: back up, back up, back up! Without an adequate backup, each day there is a chance that all your precious data could be lost. Traditional hard drives are made up of tiny moving parts. All it takes for disaster to strike is for one of those parts to go awry and it's curtains for your documents. Even SSD drives aren't immune. Stories of failures and reliability issues for the super-fast drives are out there. The problem for backup regimes is that they are incredibly boring and th...
Buying Guide: Best Mac backup software: 6 apps tested
By TechRadar, published 03-12-2011
Best Mac backup softwareAll Mac users should have a backup routine. It's as plain and simple as that. However, many people don't; they are complacent and trust their hardware. Those people also run the risk of losing everything - music, movies, photos, and documents. Everything. The mantra for any Mac user should be: back up, back up, back up! Without an adequate backup, each day there is a chance that all your precious data could be lost. Traditional hard drives are made up of tiny moving parts. All it takes for disaster to strike is for one of those parts to go awry and it's curtains for your documents. Even SSD drives aren't immune. Stories of failures and reliability issues for the super-fast drives are out there. The problem for backup regimes is that they are incredibly boring and th...
Buying Guide: Best Mac backup software: 6 apps tested
By TechRadar, published 03-12-2011
Best Mac backup softwareAll Mac users should have a backup routine. It's as plain and simple as that. However, many people don't; they are complacent and trust their hardware. Those people also run the risk of losing everything - music, movies, photos, and documents. Everything. The mantra for any Mac user should be: back up, back up, back up! Without an adequate backup, each day there is a chance that all your precious data could be lost. Traditional hard drives are made up of tiny moving parts. All it takes for disaster to strike is for one of those parts to go awry and it's curtains for your documents. Even SSD drives aren't immune. Stories of failures and reliability issues for the super-fast drives are out there. The problem for backup regimes is that they are incredibly boring and th...
Buying Guide: Best Mac backup software: 6 apps tested
By TechRadar, published 03-12-2011
Best Mac backup softwareAll Mac users should have a backup routine. It's as plain and simple as that. However, many people don't; they are complacent and trust their hardware. Those people also run the risk of losing everything - music, movies, photos, and documents. Everything. The mantra for any Mac user should be: back up, back up, back up! Without an adequate backup, each day there is a chance that all your precious data could be lost. Traditional hard drives are made up of tiny moving parts. All it takes for disaster to strike is for one of those parts to go awry and it's curtains for your documents. Even SSD drives aren't immune. Stories of failures and reliability issues for the super-fast drives are out there. The problem for backup regimes is that they are incredibly boring and th...
In Depth: The BBC Micro at 30: a very British institution
By TechRadar, published 01-12-2011
The BBC Micro at 30The clickety-clack keys, The Cub touchscreen monitor. The terrible beige chassis. That row of bright orange function keys at the top of the keyboard. The BBC Micro turns 30 years old today. It was a pionnering machine - not least because you use a descendent of it every single day - your mobile phone.So how did the BBC come to be involved in such a project? And how did the BBC Micro come to have such influence over a generation?Let's rewind slightly. In 1975, a now defunct company called MOS Technology introduced the 6502 processor.Technically, it was nothing special – an 8-bit chip designed by the team responsible for the Motorola 6800, and similar to it in many ways. Where it broke new ground was in its cost. With a launch price of $25, considerably less than equival...
In Depth: The BBC Micro at 30: a very British institution
By TechRadar, published 01-12-2011
The BBC Micro at 30The clickety-clack keys, The Cub touchscreen monitor. The terrible beige chassis. That row of bright orange function keys at the top of the keyboard. The BBC Micro turns 30 years old today. It was a pionnering machine - not least because you use a descendent of it every single day - your mobile phone.So how did the BBC come to be involved in such a project? And how did the BBC Micro come to have such influence over a generation?Let's rewind slightly. In 1975, a now defunct company called MOS Technology introduced the 6502 processor.Technically, it was nothing special – an 8-bit chip designed by the team responsible for the Motorola 6800, and similar to it in many ways. Where it broke new ground was in its cost. With a launch price of $25, considerably less than equival...
Review: Sony Tablet P
By TechRadar, published 29-11-2011
OverviewThis time last year - when the Tablet P wasn't even a twinkle in Sony's eye - we were weeping into a mound of rubbish iPad rip-offs, begging for sweet release from our tiresome lives. Every week we saw yet more rectangular lumps of plastic, fit only for use as door wedges. They ran outdated versions of Google's Android operating system, designed for the humble smartphone, so the blocky desktops and stretched-out apps looked truly horrendous.But just as we were headed to the bathtub with our toasters, two miraculous things happened. First, Google released Android Honeycomb - a slick, tablet-oriented version of its mobile operating system. And second, manufacturers started paying attention to the slew of negative reviews and actually started producing decent devices.The excellent Sam...
Review: Updated: Apple TV
By TechRadar, published 29-11-2011
OverviewThis second version of Apple TV (also commonly known as Apple TV 2) dumped its forebear's 40GB of local storage, chopped its footprint by three-quarters and halved its UK price down to £99.But its real advance only became apparent when iOS 5 was released in October 2011, which is why we're updating this review, first published when Apple TV 2 was released in 2010.iOS 5 has opened up Apple TV to a whole new level of functionality, which means that if you're an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch owner its well worth reconsidering Apple's little black box if you don't already own one, because it just developed a reason to exist.Perhaps we're being a bit harsh though – Apple TV has always been a darn good media streamer to use with your Mac/PC. You simply plug it into your HD TV via a HDMI ...
In Depth: 10 ways PCs will change over the next 25 years
By TechRadar, published 27-11-2011
The PC in 25 yearsThe best way to predict what the future holds, they say, is to look to the past, but such a philosophy isn't necessarily the best option when it comes to computers. It's a useful way of extrapolating the numbers to see how fast the processors of the future may be; that's one reason Moore's Law continues to work. We can even use it to predict how much RAM future machines will have access to and how big hard drives are going to get, but given that the biggest changes to computers come in the way we use them, any predictions of the future would be better left to futurologists, industry wishlists and brief glimpses of roadmaps. You need only look at the rapidly changing way in which we use our computers to see that it's not just technological advances that have pushed the PC ...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 26-11-2011
This week we've reviewed Google's new Galaxy Nexus - the first Android 4.0 handset as well as the new, souped up Apple MacBook Pro.We've also checked out a brand new 46-inch LCD from Philips as well as Sony's whacky personal 3D viewer. Read on for all the reviews posted on TechRadar this week. Philips 46PFL9706H reviewThe Philips 46PFL469706H is a milestone in TV design. Picture quality on an LCD TV was simply not possible until now, and it's all made possible by the new 'moth eye' filter. It uses tiny nodules to mimic similar structures found on moth's eyes and is used to eliminate reflections on the screen, resulting in a greatly enhanced perceived contrast range. You have to see it to truly believe it, but it takes this TV from being a great contender to a market leader. There are a few...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 26-11-2011
This week we've reviewed Google's new Galaxy Nexus - the first Android 4.0 handset as well as the new, souped up Apple MacBook Pro.We've also checked out a brand new 46-inch LCD from Philips as well as Sony's whacky personal 3D viewer. Read on for all the reviews posted on TechRadar this week. Philips 46PFL9706H reviewThe Philips 46PFL469706H is a milestone in TV design. Picture quality on an LCD TV was simply not possible until now, and it's all made possible by the new 'moth eye' filter. It uses tiny nodules to mimic similar structures found on moth's eyes and is used to eliminate reflections on the screen, resulting in a greatly enhanced perceived contrast range. You have to see it to truly believe it, but it takes this TV from being a great contender to a market leader. There are a few...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 26-11-2011
This week we've reviewed Google's new Galaxy Nexus - the first Android 4.0 handset as well as the new, souped up Apple MacBook Pro.We've also checked out a brand new 46-inch LCD from Philips as well as Sony's whacky personal 3D viewer. Read on for all the reviews posted on TechRadar this week. Philips 46PFL9706H reviewThe Philips 46PFL469706H is a milestone in TV design. Picture quality on an LCD TV was simply not possible until now, and it's all made possible by the new 'moth eye' filter. It uses tiny nodules to mimic similar structures found on moth's eyes and is used to eliminate reflections on the screen, resulting in a greatly enhanced perceived contrast range. You have to see it to truly believe it, but it takes this TV from being a great contender to a market leader. There are a few...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 26-11-2011
This week we've reviewed Google's new Galaxy Nexus - the first Android 4.0 handset as well as the new, souped up Apple MacBook Pro.We've also checked out a brand new 46-inch LCD from Philips as well as Sony's whacky personal 3D viewer. Read on for all the reviews posted on TechRadar this week. Philips 46PFL9706H reviewThe Philips 46PFL469706H is a milestone in TV design. Picture quality on an LCD TV was simply not possible until now, and it's all made possible by the new 'moth eye' filter. It uses tiny nodules to mimic similar structures found on moth's eyes and is used to eliminate reflections on the screen, resulting in a greatly enhanced perceived contrast range. You have to see it to truly believe it, but it takes this TV from being a great contender to a market leader. There are a few...
This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By MaximumPC, published 25-11-2011
This week we've reviewed Google's new Galaxy Nexus - the first Android 4.0 handset as well as the new, souped up Apple MacBook Pro. We've also checked out a brand new 46-inch LCD from Philips as well as Sony's whacky personal 3D viewer. Read on for all the reviews posted on TechRadar this week. Philips 46PFL9706H review The Philips 46PFL469706H is a milestone in TV design. Picture quality on an LCD TV was simply not possible until now, and it's all made possible by the new 'moth eye' filter. It uses tiny nodules to mimic similar structures found on moth's eyes and is used to eliminate reflections on the screen, resulting in a greatly enhanced perceived contrast range. You have to see it to truly believe it, but it takes this TV from being a great contender to a market leader. There are a ...
Tutorial: How to reinstall Windows but keep your program settings
By TechRadar, published 23-11-2011
Reinstall Windows but keep your program settingsIf your PC is unstable, seriously misbehaving, then reinstalling from your Windows disc will often get the system working smoothly again.But there's a problem. If you can't run a simple Upgrade reinstall of Windows (or it just won't work) then you'll be forced to try a Custom install, which creates a brand new Windows installation - and that means you lose all your program settings.This can be a frustrating experience. Your application files will still be on your hard drive, but try to launch them and you'll find many will no longer work. And even if they start, any settings stored in the Registry will have disappeared, so you'll have to configure everything from scratch. If you've several email accounts, for instance, you may have to dig out...
Tutorial: How to reinstall Windows but keep your program settings
By TechRadar, published 23-11-2011
Reinstall Windows but keep your program settingsIf your PC is unstable, seriously misbehaving, then reinstalling from your Windows disc will often get the system working smoothly again.But there's a problem. If you can't run a simple Upgrade reinstall of Windows (or it just won't work) then you'll be forced to try a Custom install, which creates a brand new Windows installation - and that means you lose all your program settings.This can be a frustrating experience. Your application files will still be on your hard drive, but try to launch them and you'll find many will no longer work. And even if they start, any settings stored in the Registry will have disappeared, so you'll have to configure everything from scratch. If you've several email accounts, for instance, you may have to dig out...
Tackling the Tablet Conundrum: Which One is Right For You?
By MaximumPC, published 21-11-2011
Do you even need a tablet? If so, which one? We review the current crop of tablet mainstays. We explain the hardware and OS features that matter the most. Follow along as we unravel what tablets are actually good for. When a consumer electronics category confuses the masses, it’s usually because the technology is hard to understand on a fundamental level. Have you ever tried to explain texture fill rates to your GPU-ignorant brother-in-law? Or RAID levels to your mom—who shouldn’t even be asking about RAID in the first place? Videocards and storage devices can confuse the lay consumer, but at least the prospective hardware buyer usually knows he or she needs a videocard or storage device in the first place. Your game won’t play at a high resolution? A new videocard is probably the...
Review: Updated: Nokia Lumia 800
By TechRadar, published 18-11-2011
Overview, Design and FeelUPDATED: We've now updated the software on our review device to match that available at release for consumers, so take a look at our updated findings, complete with star rating.The Nokia Lumia 800 is the first Windows Phone handset to spring from the Microsoft / Nokia tie-up announced in February, and we've got our hands on an early sample to check it out.The Nokia Lumia 800 shares its exterior styling with the previously substantially less hyped Nokia N9, a Meego-based smartphone, although the screen size is reduced from 3.9" (854x480 pixels) to 3.7" (800x480 pixels) to conform to the Windows Phone spec list. brightcove : 1276810377001The CPU, however, increases from the 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 to the 1.4GHz MSM8255 Snapdragon/Scorpion which certainly helps add...
Review: Updated: Nokia Lumia 800
By TechRadar, published 18-11-2011
Overview, Design and FeelUPDATED: We've now updated the software on our review device to match that available at release for consumers, so take a look at our updated findings, complete with star rating.The Nokia Lumia 800 is the first Windows Phone handset to spring from the Microsoft / Nokia tie-up announced in February, and we've got our hands on an early sample to check it out.The Nokia Lumia 800 shares its exterior styling with the previously substantially less hyped Nokia N9, a Meego-based smartphone, although the screen size is reduced from 3.9" (854x480 pixels) to 3.7" (800x480 pixels) to conform to the Windows Phone spec list. brightcove : 1276810377001The CPU, however, increases from the 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 to the 1.4GHz MSM8255 Snapdragon/Scorpion which certainly helps add...
Review: Updated: Nokia Lumia 800
By TechRadar, published 18-11-2011
Overview, Design and FeelUPDATED: We've now updated the software on our review device to match that available at release for consumers, so take a look at our updated findings, complete with star rating.The Nokia Lumia 800 is the first Windows Phone handset to spring from the Microsoft / Nokia tie-up announced in February, and we've got our hands on an early sample to check it out.The Nokia Lumia 800 shares its exterior styling with the previously substantially less hyped Nokia N9, a Meego-based smartphone, although the screen size is reduced from 3.9" (854x480 pixels) to 3.7" (800x480 pixels) to conform to the Windows Phone spec list. brightcove : 1276810377001The CPU, however, increases from the 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 to the 1.4GHz MSM8255 Snapdragon/Scorpion which certainly helps add...
Review: Updated: Nokia Lumia 800
By TechRadar, published 18-11-2011
Overview, Design and FeelUPDATED: We've now updated the software on our review device to match that available at release for consumers, so take a look at our updated findings, complete with star rating.The Nokia Lumia 800 is the first Windows Phone handset to spring from the Microsoft / Nokia tie-up announced in February, and we've got our hands on an early sample to check it out.The Nokia Lumia 800 shares its exterior styling with the previously substantially less hyped Nokia N9, a Meego-based smartphone, although the screen size is reduced from 3.9" (854x480 pixels) to 3.7" (800x480 pixels) to conform to the Windows Phone spec list. brightcove : 1276810377001The CPU, however, increases from the 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 to the 1.4GHz MSM8255 Snapdragon/Scorpion which certainly helps add...
Buying Guide: Best printer 2011: 15 top inkjet and laser printers
By TechRadar, published 16-11-2011
Best printer: best inkjet printersWhat's the best printer to buy? All-purpose printers are a booming market, and you're spoilt for choice, so here's our pick of the best printers on the market right now. In choosing the best printer your first decision is whether to go for a standard printer, or a multi-function device which includes a scanner and which can also work as a standalone copier. These aren't much larger than regular printers, but they're a whole lot more versatile, especially when you need to keep a copy of a letter, a bill or any other important document, so our first list includes the best inkjet printers and best multi-function devices. You should also think carefully about whether to invest in an inkjet or a laser. Lasers are usually associated with office environments, wh...
Review: Dell Inspiron One 2320
By TechRadar, published 14-11-2011
Overview We're certainly warming to all-in-one computers, and if they continue to be as good the Dell Inspiron One 2320 we can happily see them taking over all of our desks. Positioning itself between low-end models such as the bargain Advent Discovery MT1804 or the well-balanced MSI Wind Top AE2210, its pricing comes in under high-end models such as the ultra-expensive Apple iMac 27-inch 2011 and the more wallet-friendly Sony Vaio L Series. The £799 price means a lot, and there's a lower-end Pentium model also available, at an MSI Wind Top AE2210-beating £599.As with the other PC all-in-ones we've mentioned, the main "new" headline feature - despite the option of the Sandy Bridge Core i5 processor - that the marketing boys are dying to tell us about is the touchscreen. Decades o...
Buying Guide: 13 best Android tablets in the world
By TechRadar, published 11-11-2011
13 best Android tabletsOur list of the best Android tablets in the world - regularly updatedIf you're looking for a tablet and don't fancy an iPad, then Android is currently the way to go. (Don't know what an Android tablet is? Check out: what is an Android tablet?)There are other options out there; Windows 7 tablets are available, the BlackBerry PlayBook is on sale now and the HP TouchPad has come and gone in a flurry of £99 panic-buying. But Android 3.2 is currently the main OS rival to the iPad, and the products are creeping onto the shelves one by one.Follow our tablets channel: @TR_TabletsWe've gone from zero Android tablets to stacks of the things in a very short space of time, and inevitably some are better than others.Some have ten-inch screens, others seven, and there are big dif...
Review: Canon IXUS 230 HS
By TechRadar, published 11-11-2011
OverviewCanon's IXUS range has long been synonymous with stylishly designed compact metal-bodied cameras, such as the IXUS 310 HS, IXUS 220 HS and IXUS 115 HS. The latest line of IXUS cameras, including this Canon IXUS 230 HS and the more expensive Canon IXUS 1100 HS, sport Canon's HS technology, which uses a high-sensitivity 12.1MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor and the latest DIGIC 4 image processing engine to improve the quality achieved at high sensitivities. This technology should enable pictures to be taken in low lighting conditions, retaining the original atmosphere of the scene, without bleaching the ambient light with flash.The DIGIC 4 processor on the Canon IXUS 230 HS also has a feature called iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space), which analyses the scen...
Review: Samsung Galaxy Note
By TechRadar, published 11-11-2011
Overview, Design and Feel.Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Neither. It's a tablet. Or a phone. Or both. We really don't know – but it has some of the best specs around and Samsung's hoping this will ship by the bucketload.The Samsung Galaxy Note is a phone / tablet hybrid that doesn't really sit in any category - we've reviewed it as a smartphone simply due to the fact it can make calls, but Samsung is definitely trying to create a new category of device with this 5.3-inch screened behemoth.It's funny how mobile trends can change. Just a few years ago, manufacturers were falling over themselves trying to outdo each other to to provide the smallest handset in the world. Motorola got them pretty thin with the RAZR line and Samsung's own D500 was titchy. brightcove : 1268512853001Then something...
Iomega launches eGo Mac Edition portable HDD
By SlashGear, published 11-11-2011
Iomega today announced a new eGo Mac Edition Portable Hard Drive that rounds out its 2011 Mac-oriented hard drive lineup. The device is sleek with an industrial look and minimlist styling that will complement your other Apple products. It’s also very compact for easy traveling and is built tough enough to withstand a drop up [...]
Tutorial: Shell folders: the best-kept Windows time saving secret
By TechRadar, published 08-11-2011
Windows shell folders explainedMost of the important Windows user folders are quite easy to access. If you need to view your desktop, Documents, Pictures or Videos, say, they're usually just a click or two away.Windows has many more system folders which you might need to access occasionally, though, and they're much harder to find. Would you know exactly where Windows stores your cookies, for instance? Your SendTo shortcuts, desktop themes, saved searches?Spend a while browsing in Explorer and you'll probably find whatever you need, eventually, but there's a much quicker and easier way: the shell command. Click Start (or Start > Run in Windows XP), type shell: and the folder name and you'll see the folder immediately. So entering shell:Cookies will display the cookies folder; shell:Sen...
Review: Nokia Lumia 800
By TechRadar, published 07-11-2011
Overview, Design and FeelThe Nokia Lumia 800 is the first Windows Phone handset to spring from the Microsoft / Nokia tie-up announced in February, and we've got our hands on an early sample to check it out.We have to point out at the start that this is a pre-production sample from Nokia, and as such further features will be added – it's close enough to completion that we can give you a good idea what the phone is all about, but in line with TechRadar's reviews guarantee, we won't be giving the phone a score until the final software is releasedThe Nokia Lumia 800 shares its exterior styling with the previously substantially less hyped Nokia N9, a Meego-based smartphone, although the screen size is reduced from 3.9" (854x480 pixels) to 3.7" (800x480 pixels) to conform to the Window...
Buying Guide: 10 best ebook readers for the UK
By TechRadar, published 03-11-2011
Best ebook readers for the UK: 1-5We love ebooks. They may be rubbish for swatting wasps but they're great in lots of other ways: they're convenient, they're brilliant for travelling and they don't take up much space in your house.Forget all that stuff about the death of the book: ebooks are giving it a whole new lease of life, providing more ways to read your favourite writers than ever before. From E-ink to LCDs, thin readers to tablet computers, these are the ten ereading devices you need to know about.1. Amazon Kindle Keyboard 3G - £149Best ereader for: serious ebook buyersWhen Amazon unveiled its latest Kindles, the existing third generation Kindle became the Kindle Keyboard and the Wi-Fi model disappeared. The third-gen Kindle is still our pick, though: it's more comfortable to hold...
Review: HTC Radar
By TechRadar, published 02-11-2011
Overview, design and feelThe HTC Radar is the latest smartphone to run Windows Phone 7.5, following on from the HTC Titan. With a smooth unibody design, HD video recording and 5MP camera, will it be enough to make Windows Phone a success?If HTC was at school right now, you can't help feeling it'd be getting an A for effort. The Taiwanese manufacturer is certainly churning out handsets like nobody's business. For the last few years, it's been concentrating mainly on Android - but now Windows Phone 7.5 Mango is here, it's going for gold. Probably much to the annoyance of Nokia, which adopted WP as its main operating system months ago, but is still being pipped to the post by HTC when it comes to getting handsets on the shelves.Little brother of the HTC Titan and the second handset from HTC t...
Buying Guide: 10 best gifts for iPhone owners
By TechRadar, published 02-11-2011
10 best gifts for iPhone ownersThere's no shortage of iPhone gadgets on the market in time for the holiday season, but how do you separate the best iPhone accessories from the also-rans? With our help, of course! We've delved into our extensive knowledge of iPhone accessories to provide you with a definitive list of 10 of the best gifts for anyone with an iPhone, whether it's an iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS or 3G. So whether you're stuck for what to get a friend or relative for Christmas, or feel like treating yourself, read on for some inspiration.1. Case - Pro/Tec Executive Leather Case - £7iPhone cases can be expensive, but you needn't shell out loads of cash to get a decent one. This Pro/Tec Executive Leather Case gives fantastic protection, helps keep dust out of the Dock connector and comes in...
GarageBand arrives on iPhone and iPod touch
By TechRadar, published 01-11-2011
Apple has added support for the iPhone and iPod touch to the GarageBand app, which arrived on the iPad earlier this year.The massively successful home music creation tool costs just £2.99, but if you've already downloaded it for the iPad it's free to bring the app over to your other iOS devices.The app's universal nature means all of the features that made the iPad iteration one of the most popular of 2011.Smart instrumentsWith virtual guitars, basses, pianos, keyboards and drum kits and more, it's easy to record your own multi-track tunes and you can also plug your instrument into the device's headphone jack.If you've never played an instrument before, Apple has you covered thanks to the "smart instruments", which will allow you to play chords and create beats with the minimum of...
Updated: Top laptops: the 20 best laptops in the world
By TechRadar, published 31-10-2011
Choosing the best laptop for youOur continually updated list of all the best laptops available today.Choosing which laptop is the best for you can be a tricky business, and the amount of choice can be overwhelming. There's no shortage of cheap laptops out there to choose from, but with new models being released and almost immediately replaced by manufacturers, the choice is no easy task. As well as reading through this feature, you can also check out our video buying guide below:brightcove : 1070855030001The lure of netbooks and the rise of the mini-laptop are also huge factors for those looking for a new notebook, but each has their downsides.That's why we've pored over our huge database of laptop reviews and picked out the best notebooks money can buy. We've picked out five of the best c...
In Depth: 5 best programs to speed up your PC
By TechRadar, published 30-10-2011
5 best programs to speed up your PCThe way Windows handles software is far from perfect. Every time you install a program, bits of it are scattered all over your system, and the end result is a slower PC. You've probably encountered this; old computers tend to feel clogged up and sluggish. The parts inside haven't degraded - they're still as capable as the day you bought the PC - it's your programs that are to blame. This even applies to programs you've already uninstalled, which leave traces of themselves behind like litter after a particularly fine picnic. It's not surprising, then, that the primary method of speeding up a system is to clean it thoroughly. Remove the artefacts of past programs and you remove the dilly-dallying of Windows looking for things it will never find. But there's...
Tutorial: How to make OS X Lion like Snow Leopard
By TechRadar, published 30-10-2011
How to make OS X Lion like Snow LeopardNew features that make your Mac easier to use are always welcome, and Lion is packed with plenty of them, but it also changes a few things that can be hard to adjust to. Many of them can be rolled back in System Preferences and in applications' preferences. In addition, there's a bunch of covert settings that can be amended by typing commands into Terminal. So, if you're finding it hard to settle in with Lion, here's how to restore a sense of normality to many aspects of OS X. The first thing that will hit you is what Apple calls 'natural scrolling'. It makes moving around a document or website more like pushing a piece of paper around your desk, rather than making you interact with artificial elements like scrollbars and a viewport onto a document. E...
Review: Iomega Mac Companion 2TB
By TechRadar, published 29-10-2011
The Iomega Mac Companion 2TB is no ordinary desktop hard drive. Along with the brushed aluminium and smoky black casing, designed to sit comfortably (and look great) on the foot of an iMac or Apple Display, Iomega Mac Companion also has a useful charging feature. Mac Companion is, of course, Mac formatted out of the box. Connect it to your computer through USB and you also benefit from its two-port hub. If you use FireWire 800 for its faster data transfer speeds, there's a second port for daisy chaining. But far more interesting is the high-powered USB port on the side of the drive. It's there for charging iOS devices, and is optimised as a fast-charging port if you're using FireWire, or have the drive powered via the mains but not connected to a computer. With the drive connected to your ...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 29-10-2011
This week's hottest reviews on TechRadarThis week's we've got a great batch of reviews for you as well as lots of hands on reviews including the new Motorola Atrix 2 and Nokia's new Lumina 800.In full reviews, tablets are also prevalent this week - we've got the rather fine new Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 as well as the Asus Eee Pad Slider review.And for camera fans, there's the super new Nikon J1. Read on to check out all this week's reviews from TechRadar.Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 reviewSamsung's attitude to the tablet market has been to throw so much mud at the Android wall that at least some of it sticks. It's got its Android 2.3 7-incher, the wonderful 10.1-inch flagship, the beautiful forthcoming 7.7-inch model and this here 8.9-inch masterpiece. By having all bases covered elegantly, Samsun...
Review: Asus Zenbook UX31
By TechRadar, published 28-10-2011
OverviewThe Asus Zenbook UX31 is one of the first laptops to conform to Intel's Ultrabook specification.And, right away, we'll tell you - it stands toe-to-toe with Apple's MacBook Air in the fight for the title of best luxury ultraportable. More competition is to come, however, in the form of the Lenovo IdeaPad U300 S, Acer Aspire S3 and, potentially, others from the likes of HP and Dell.Back to the present though and Asus has done a terrific job with the Zenbook's design - even if you have to acknowledge that the designer took more than a sneaky glance at Apple's ultraportable first.The 13-inch Zenbook is fantastic to look at. When closed, the wedge-shaped laptop measures 17mm at its thickest point and a mere 3mm at its thinnest.The aluminium silver lid boasts a distinctive concentric cir...
Review: Apple Thunderbolt Display
By TechRadar, published 28-10-2011
Glance at Apple's new Thunderbolt Display and you might mistake it for an iMac. Look a bit closer, and you might still be fooled – the display is the same as the panel used in the current 27-inchers. Even if you were to take it apart, the sheer volume of chips, ports, fans and assorted gubbins inside it might not convince you that this is just a monitor. But it's more than just a monitor! Let's start with its performance as a straight display, though. It's entirely as we've come to expect from Apple: a glossy panel (no option for matte) with a high resolution and gloriously wide viewing angles. As usual, colours are good – if perhaps no more than good in the eyes of demanding creative professionals – and the general feel is rewarding. 27-inches can dominate many desks, but it's unden...
Buying Guide: Which iPad should you buy?
By TechRadar, published 28-10-2011
Which iPad should you buy?So you've decided to buy an Apple iPad - either for yourself or as a Christmas present for someone else (lucky them!). But should you get the Wi-Fi iPad or 3G iPad, and how much storage space do you need on it? Equally importantly: do you want the white or black iPad?Apple only sells the iPad 2 new, though the original model may still be available through its Refurbished Store (see more below) or through other retailers.In terms of the colour, it's purely a matter of taste. If you've already got a black iPhone or iPod touch, do you want the iPad to match it? Or have you fallen in love with the white iPad? The choice is entirely yours - they cost exactly the same.Our iPad 2 video review is below.brightcove : 11705332570013G iPad or Wi-Fi iPad?Having decided on the ...
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
By TechRadar, published 27-10-2011
Overview The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is one of the best tablets yet released.Taking a lesson from the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and adding a few features beyond what the Apple iPad 2 offers, this thin, light and longer-lasting tablet is the best option around if you're more interested in portability than in playing games and watching movies on a 10-inch screen.The slightly smaller size is also a better fit for reading books, browsing the web and checking email.Some might wonder why this model even exists. After all, there's a slew of 7-inch tablets available, including the Acer Iconia Tab A100, the BlackBerry PlayBook and even the Cisco Cius, which is coming to the UK. At its 8.9-inch size, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 fits somewhere between those 'too small for movies' 7-inch tabs and the larg...
Review: Asus Eee Pad Slider
By TechRadar, published 25-10-2011
Overview and designWe were totally taken by the Eee Pad Transformer when it came out because it did something different to the iPad, and so gave itself room to breathe away from the tablet big guns.Now its brother, the Asus Eee Pad Slider has arrived, and manages to stand out in much the same way.The specs are fairly typical for tablets these days. The Eee Pad Slider features a 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 system-on-a-chip, offering dual-core power and good graphics performance, which powers Android 3.1 out of the box (though you can upgrade to 3.2 as soon as you get it connected to the internet, and an Android 4.0 update is on its way).There's 1GB of RAM to keep multitasking smooth, along with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, though a microSD card slot means you can boost this. Wi-Fi is present u...
Buying Guide: Best iPad speaker dock: 5 reviewed
By TechRadar, published 16-10-2011
Best iPad speaker dock: 5 reviewedThe first extra thing you buy when you get an iPhone is likely to be a speaker dock, and with good reason: having one gives you somewhere safe to set your iPhone down, that keeps its charge topped up and ready to go, and that gives your music some richness and power compared to the reedy little built-in speaker. And it's exactly the same with an iPad, except up until now there haven't really been enough speaker docks built for Apple's tablet for us to be able to out them together in an iPad speaker dock group test. Happily, though, we've brought five together here, and spent weeks listening to all kinds of music on them, using them every day with both the original and second-generation iPads to reveal which is the best iPad speaker dock. It's worth nothing...
31 Apps, Games, and Utilities to Enhance Your Chrome Experience!
By MaximumPC, published 12-10-2011
Like any dependable sidekick, Google Chrome has proven to be reliable, fast, and easy to work with; so much so, in fact, that we decided to feature the various apps, games, and utilities Chrome has to offer in a weekly series. But to make things easier for all you Chrome fans, we've decided to compile the last 30 weeks worth of posts and bring them to you here, in one huge comprehensive list of reading apps, games, utilities, and more. Check em' out below, and by all means, let us know what we missed in the comments. Enjoy! Gaming Gun Brothers No matter how much we love Gun Brother’s special brand of shoot ‘em up gunplay on Android and iOS devices, we couldn’t recommend it for use as a Chrome web app. When it was released to the Chrome Web Store several months ago, it was a glitchy, ...
Asus Zenbook to MacBook Air: Let's Dance
By MaximumPC, published 12-10-2011
Asus this week unveiled its first Ultrabook, the Zenbook. Much to the delight of Intel, the Zenbook starts at a buck shy of $1,000, but with twice the storage of Apple's $999 MacBook Air and with a faster processor to boot. The Zenbook is as much about style and portability as it is function. It measures 0.11 inches thin at the front and 0.67 inches at the rear, and sports a silver exterior panel with a concentric circle design that refracts a halo of light, Asus says. There are five different models to choose from: UX21E-DH52 (11.6 inches), UX21E-DH71 (11.6 inches), UX31E-DH52 (13.3 inches), UX31E-DH53 (13.3 inches), and UX31E-DH72 (13.3 inches). The main difference between the $999 UX21E-DH52 and $1,199 UX21E-DH71 is the former features an Intel Core i5 2467M processor and the latter bri...
Review: HTC Titan
By TechRadar, published 12-10-2011
Overview, design and feelHTC is doing fairly well right now. From the days of making (not so great) Windows Mobile handsets for networks, it's found its identity and is now riding high with a hugely recognisable brand around the world. Android was its saviour (and still is) but Windows hasn't been forgotten. HTC was the first to roll out Windows Phone 7 devices when they launched in the UK last year. And, true to form, it's in the lead with Windows Phone 7.5 devices too. The HTC Titan is one of its two first Mango-powered handsets - the other being the Radar. So, what's in a name? Well, quite a lot actually. The Titans were giant beasts from ancient Greek mythology. So by giving the phone a name like this, HTC's certainly aiming high. And you see that as soon as you take the HTC Titan out ...
Updated: Top laptops: the 20 best laptops in the world
By TechRadar, published 11-10-2011
Choosing the best laptop for youOur continually updated list of all the best laptops available today.Choosing which laptop is the best for you can be a tricky business, and the amount of choice can be overwhelming. There's no shortage of cheap laptops out there to choose from, but with new models being released and almost immediately replaced by manufacturers, the choice is no easy task. As well as reading through this feature, you can also check out our video buying guide below:brightcove : 1070855030001The lure of netbooks and the rise of the mini-laptop are also huge factors for those looking for a new notebook, but each has their downsides.That's why we've pored over our huge database of laptop reviews and picked out the best notebooks money can buy. We've picked out five of the best c...
In Depth: Are PCs to blame for the financial mess we're in?
By TechRadar, published 08-10-2011
Are PCs to blame for the financial mess we're in?During 6 May 2010, the Dow Jones Industrial Average - the second oldest US market index and one of the most commonly used indices to reflect the state of the market as a whole - saw its biggest and fastest decline ever. By 2:42pm that day, the Dow had dropped 300 points since the start of trading that morning. By 2:47pm, a mere five minutes later, it had dropped by a further 600 points. Suddenly, hundreds of stocks had had their prices slashed to almost zero. The crash instantly wiped out almost $1trillion in stock value. Even major blue chip companies weren't safe from its effects: Accenture shares fell more than 90 per cent from $40 to $0.01. Even more amazingly, just 20 minutes later the market had bounced back up to almost the same level...
In Depth: Kindle Fire 2: 8 things we want Amazon to do
By TechRadar, published 07-10-2011
Kindle Fire 2: 8 things we want Amazon to doFor the last few months, the only device that could match the iPhone 5 for sheer volume of rumours was surely the fabled Amazon tablet.When it finally arrived in the form of the Kindle Fire - alongside two new Kindle ereader models - it turned out to be a lot like what we expected, which is no bad thing.The Kindle Fire has impressed a lot of people - including us - with its revamped Android interface and impossibly low price, but like any first release, there are more features we want to see.Here's what we're hoping for in the Kindle 2.1. 3GWell, it's the obvious one for Kindle 2, isn't it? There's always been an option for 3G-capable regular Kindles, so it's a little disappointing not to see a Kindle Fire model capable of connecting to the mobil...
Review: Asus PA238Q
By TechRadar, published 06-10-2011
Page 1: OverviewFed up with cheap and not-always-cheerful monitors based on TN panel technology? Then get a load of the new Asus PA238Q. At around £235, it's pricier than your average 23-inch TN screen. But, joy of joys, it's got an IPS panel.IPS stands for in-plane switching and just so happens to be the finest panel technology known to man or beast. That's why Apple, for instance, exclusively uses IPS in its iPhones and iPads. It's simply the best when it comes to colour accuracy and viewing angles.As it happens, colour accuracy is a big part of the remit for the Asus PA238Q. It's pitched as a low-cost screen for graphics professionals. However, Asus is also claiming 6ms response times, which makes for a tantalising all-round package. Could this affordable, colour-accurate screen also b...
Tutorial: How to create your own cloud with Linux
By TechRadar, published 25-09-2011
How to create your own cloud with LinuxWe've prodded cloud computing from a technical point of view several times but, from a user's perspective, it's a lot more than your always-available hard drive on the internet. It's omnipresent across platforms and, with the proliferation of smartphones, even devices. Apple created a lot of buzz when it announced its iCloud service earlier this year. It's designed to enable users to store content so it's accessible from all of their devices. Guess what? With Linux you can do it better. In the following article we'll show you how to harness the power of the cloud to access all types of data stored on remote services on your devices - from Chrome on your office laptop running Ubuntu, to Firefox on your Fedora desktop at home, to your Android mobile pho...
In Depth: 18 of Linux software's unsung stars
By TechRadar, published 24-09-2011
18 of Linux software's unsung starsWe might not pay these Linux gems much attention but we'd soon notice life without them. Here, we salute some of the things that make using Linux so enjoyable.01. Top Do you want to know why your six-core CPU is running like a ZX Spectrum? Top, or its more colourful brother Htop, shows you just what is hogging all of your CPU or memory, and lets you shut down errant processes into the bargain. You may not need it often, but never forget it's there. 02. Anaconda The distro installer created by Red Hat, now used by Fedora. It was the first successful attempt at an easy-to-use graphical installer for Linux and paved the way for even more friendly installers, such as Mandrake's DrakX. Anaconda heralded a significant change in mindset that opened up the possib...
Review: Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray
By TechRadar, published 22-09-2011
Overview, design and feelIt's been a busy old year for Sony Ericsson. As it struggles to regain a foothold in the market it was once sucha major player in, it's been firing out more Android-based Xperia smartphones than long-lost relatives on an episode of Jeremy Kyle. And they're not half bad either.The Xperia Arc has been the flagship of 2011's bunch. Arriving in the spring, it became the skinny poster girl for the Swedish-Japanese hybrid, showing off its amazing screen presence with the help of the Sony Reality Display (the bit that reproduces colour on the screen and makes it look great) but in the Xperia Ray, Sony Ericsson has gone for a smaller model.Before we go any further, there is one point we have to make clear: this phone is small. And thin. Think smaller and thinner than you e...
Tutorial: 50 Windows 8 tips, tricks and secrets
By TechRadar, published 21-09-2011
50 Windows 8 tips, tricks and secretsIt's far from finished, but the Developer Preview edition of Windows 8 is already packed with important additions, from the colourful Metro interface, to a revamped Explorer, appealing desktop applets, useful system repair options, and more.In places, though, Windows 8 is also very different to what's gone before. So if you've installed the new Windows 8 build, perhaps on a virtual machine but found yourself a little lost, don't worry - read our Windows 8 tips and tricks and you'll soon be back on track, and taking a close-up view at some of the best features Windows 8 has to offer.Windows 8 tips: getting started1. Lock screenLaunch Windows 8 and you'll first see the Lock screen, which appears whenever your system boots, resumes or you otherwise need to...
Apple Releases Firmware Updates For MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini
By HotHardware, published 15-09-2011
It’s a veritable firmware update jamboroo this week at Apple. On Monday, the company released a firmware update for mid-2011 MacBook Air models (EFI Firmware Update 2.1), and today it rolled out updates for mid-2011 Mac minis (EFI Firmware Update 1.3) and early-2011 MacBook Pros (EFI Firmware Update 2.2). The firmware fixes all essentially...
In Depth: Hands on: Windows 8 review
By TechRadar, published 13-09-2011
Hands on: Windows 8 reviewAs expected, Microsoft is using its Build developer conference to distribute a pre-beta, developer preview version of Windows 8 (for x86 PCs only; the hardware to run the ARM version on isn't finished yet). Windows 8 is Microsoft's combined desktop, laptop and tablet operating system, designed to go from 10-inch touch-only tablets to big screens in your living room, from ultra-portable notebooks to massive gaming systems and business desktops. It's got the Windows Phone 7 Metro-style touch interface of live tiles, the Metro programming model for building web apps and native apps that run full screen and share information. Windows 8 also features gestures to put two apps on screen side by side, and the traditional Windows desktop for when you need richer apps like ...
Analyst: Apple Could Rock a Record 4.6 Million Mac Sales this Quarter
By HotHardware, published 13-09-2011
After a blockbuster summer that witnessed the launch of the new MacBook Air, MacBook Mini, and Mac OS X Lion, Apple is on pace to close the year out with a record 4.6 million Mac sales, analyst Gene Munster with Piper Jaffray said in a note to investors. Mr. Munster made his prediction after combing through data from market research firm NPD,...
Apples strikes new blow to Samsung in German court kerfuffle
By TechRadar, published 09-09-2011
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is officially banned in Germany.In what is surely the most tiresome, baffling and ill-welcome tech story of the summer, a German court has upheld Apple's complaints and placed a ban on all Galaxy Tab sales in Germany until further notice.The ruling follows a temporary injunction which was placed on Samsung's German arm in August, after Apple claimed that Samsung products were intentionally designed to look like its own.Today, judge Johanna Brückner-Hofmann in Düsseldorf sided with Apple, and agreed that 'informed customers' were of the 'overall impression' that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 was deliberately designed to look and feel like the iPad 2."The court is of the opinion that Apple's minimalist design is not the only technical solution to make a tablet...
Mini Computer Review: Mac Mini 2011, Small But Sturdy
By DigitalVersus, published 09-09-2011
Following the Macbook Air 11 and 13-inch models, it's the Apple Mac Mini's turn to get a Sandy Bridge processor. While Apple has managed to reduce its Mac Mini...
Review: Philips DS9010
By TechRadar, published 07-09-2011
The first thing you notice about the Philips DS9010 speaker dock is that it's huge, in part because it works with iPads as well as iPhones and iPods. The second thing you notice is that it sounds glorious – there really isn't any other word for it.The third thing you notice is that it costs around £350 online.Ah. That is a lot of money to consider spending on a speaker dock. And yet, we're about to convince you that you really should.We start with that sound. It's spectacular. It will make you sit down for hours, going through your music collection, relistening to old favourites and falling in love with them all over again.Unlike many speakers, there are no obvious gaps in the Philips Fidelio dock's audio spectrum; everything from sharp treble to gutsy bass is very well reproduced. Also...
Review: Microsoft Touch Mouse
By TechRadar, published 07-09-2011
The mouse. An icon of computing. An essential tool of the workplace and the home. It can show off great style, be purely functional or be an out and out gaming plaything. It can boast two buttons, seventeen buttons or be buttonless. The mouse can be a huge, hunch-backed beast, or a svelte thin-as-a-PC Card travel buddy. The computer mouse, in other words, can say as much about you as anything else you attach to your PC or Mac. The latest mouse to enter this throng is the cautiously stylish Microsoft Touch Mouse, and it's a freak of nature.?Let us backtrack a little. Those sober lines could be seen as the height of style to some. Plus there are some neat little tricks and ideas on display to make you want to rub its sleek form. There's a major problem that needs voicing for this chunky rode...
Updated: Windows 8: everything you need to know
By TechRadar, published 07-09-2011
Windows 8: what you need to knowThe Windows 8 picture is becoming clearer. Following on from the slides allegedly leaked in June 2010 by a software engineer at HP, Microsoft has outed far more details about the interface design. Microsoft says Windows 8 is a reimagining of Windows, "from the chip to the interface" and has launched an Engineering Windows 8 blog. The corporation has promised that a pre-release Windows 8 build will be available to the public. Microsoft says that "a Windows 8-based PC is really a new kind of device, one that scales from touch-only small screens through to large screens, with or without a keyboard and mouse." Opinion: Windows 8 could make you rethink buying iPad 3Indeed, the new OS appears to have two completely separate interfaces - one, a trad...
Buying Guide: Best PAYG phone - budget mobiles compared
By TechRadar, published 07-09-2011
Best budget PAYG phonesWith the mobile marketplace teeming with a multitude of smartphones, one might wonder whether cheap pay and go phones still have a place in the mobile infrastructure.With massive innovation in both hardware and operating systems, phones now do a lot more than just let you talk and text, with phones like the Samsung Galaxy S2 and Apple iPhone 5 stealing headlines around the world these days.Sadly all this innovation isn't cheap – and most of it is reserved for high-end contract handsets. So, is there such a thing as the 'best pay as you go phone on a budget'?Omio has provided a list of the top selling cheap phones at the moment, which we've taken to task to bring you the best PAYG phones around at the moment - so if you're looking to pick up a decent handset for not...
In Depth: Top 50 best Linux apps 2011
By TechRadar, published 07-09-2011
Top 50 best Linux apps 2011For everyone at Linux Format magazine and most of its readers, computers and Linux are a passion. Linux is perfect: its open source nature and excellent shell make it the ultimate hobbyist's operating system. Fortunately, there's a huge number of top-class applications available as well: market leading packages for professional and consumer level media creation, tools for developers, systems administrators and students - as well as great games to help you procrastinate on a Friday. Here we introduce you to the 50 best apps for Linux. We didn't just want the 50 most popular, so we asked our readers on TuxRadar for their favourites in a bid to discover some little-known gems. The response was overwhelming. You introduced us to great programs that we'd never heard o...
In Depth: Top 10 best gadgets at IFA 2011
By TechRadar, published 02-09-2011
Top 10 best gadgets at IFA 2011It's been a great year for gadgets at this year's Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) in Berlin with all kinds of surprises - from internet-connected TVs to super-sized smartphones - in the exhibition halls. Here are just 10 of the best in show...1. Sony Android tabletsSony's long-rumoured rivals to the Apple iPad 2 finally made their debut at IFA 2011 - and they confounded as much as they surprised. The Sony Tablet P (£499) and Tablet S (£399), both include Nvidia Tegra 2 mobile processors running Android Honeycomb OS, front- and rear-facing cameras, a USB 2.0 port and an SD card slot.Just like the iPad 2, both tablets are available in Wi-Fi only and 3G models, but it's the clamshell Tablet P that really piques our interest. For the Sony Tablet P sports n...
Updated: IFA 2011: all the latest announcements
By TechRadar, published 31-08-2011
IFA 2011: all the latest newsIFA, the world's largest consumer electronics and home appliance show, will open its doors for the 51st time on 1 September 2011. For five hectic days, this annual extravaganza of all things electronic will redefine the consumer electronics landscape for the next 12 months. IFA is not just another gadget show. It's a technology event on an enormous scale. Last year, the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin attracted over 230,000 visitors. And yes, it is open to the public.Indeed, the IFA site is so huge it has its own transport system to help get folks around. With more attendees and exhibition space than CES, it can legitimately claim to be the world's biggest tech expo.Amazingly, the show first opened its doors way back in 1924. Since then it's seen numerous...
Bad Jobs: Steve Jobs' Biggest Apple Flops
By MaximumPC, published 26-08-2011
In Steve Jobs' two stints at Apple, the company made some great products. Their most amazing products. But no one's perfect. Not even Steve Jobs. And Apple produced a few pieces of total crap during his reign. Here're the worst. Lisa The Apple Lisa, named after Jobs' daughter, may have been the first computer to employ a GUI in 1983, but it cost $10000 and had a hulking, unsightly design. Few bought the thing. A year later, the cheaper Macintosh came out and rendered the Lisa largely irrelevant. iMac USB Mouse The mouse introduced with the iMac in 1998 is up there with Comic Sans and Clippy when it comes to inciting geek rage. Not only was it a single-button mouse, like all other Apple input devices before and after it, but it was round, like a hockey puck. And truth be told, it probably ...
Updated: Windows 8: everything you need to know
By TechRadar, published 24-08-2011
The Windows 8 picture is becoming clearer. Following on from the slides allegedly leaked in June 2010 by a software engineer at HP, Microsoft has outed far more details about the interface design. Microsoft says Windows 8 is a reimagining of Windows, "from the chip to the interface" and has launched an Engineering Windows 8 blog. The corporation has promised that a pre-release Windows 8 build will be available to the public. Microsoft says that "a Windows 8-based PC is really a new kind of device, one that scales from touch-only small screens through to large screens, with or without a keyboard and mouse." Opinion: Windows 8 could make you rethink buying iPad 3Indeed, the new OS appears to have two completely separate interfaces - one, a traditional (and, on the surface of it, unchanged) W...
Updated: Sony S1: what you need to know
By TechRadar, published 24-08-2011
It's taken Sony a while to join the tablet party, but anything from a firm famous for its pin-sharp displays and desirable PCs is going to be worth waiting for. And it's in the form of the S1 - or Sony Tablet S - that is Sony's main new tablet. From what we know so far, the new PlayStation-certified tablet and its sibling, the S2, are very desirable indeed - so what do we actually know, when can we get our hands on one and where do we go to pre-order? Let's find out. The Sony S1 is a traditional tabletWhile the Sony S2 is doing something very different, the Sony S1 tablet is in iPad territory: as you'll see from our photo-tastic Sony S1 update, the device is a typically rectangular ten-incher with a curved, tapered body.The Sony S1 features include DLNAThere's no HDMI port, but the Sony S1...
Corsair Announces DDR3 Memory Upgrades For Apple Computers
By HotHardware, published 23-08-2011
Corsair is working to make it easy for you to upgrade your Apple Mac desktop and laptop PCs with the availability of its 4GB DDR3 memory kit. These kits are tested at Apple Developer Compatibility Labs and are guaranteed to work with any Mac desktop or notebook PC that supports 4GB DDR3 SODIMMs. This includes iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro, MacBook,...
Canon releases new superzoom PowerShot
By TechRadar, published 23-08-2011
Canon has announced a new superzoom compact camera to slot into its PowerShot line-up. The SX150 IS boasts 12x optical zoom and new Intelligent IS technology.Also on board is a 14.1-million pixel sensor and 4-stop optical Image Stabiliser. Combined with the new Intelligent IS technology, image blur as a result of camera shake should be minimised.Intelligent IS automatically detects what the scene is to select the most appropriate form of image stabilisation from seven settings which include Normal IS, Dynamic IS, Powered IS, Panning IS, Macro IS, Tripod mode and Dynamic Macro IS. Powered IS is a feature that has been brought over from Canon's LEGRIA camcorder range.The 12x optical zoom lens is equivalent to 28mm-336mm in 35mm format.Smart AutoSmart Auto, Face Detection and Advanced Subject...
In Depth: Whatever happened to Wireless USB & HDMI?
By TechRadar, published 19-08-2011
A few years ago, we were promised that USB cables would be a thing of the past. And that our HD TVs would also connect to our Sky boxes and Blu-ray players wirelessly. So where are the wireless ultrawideband (UWB) technologies that were supposed to get rid of these cables? Picture the scene – it's CES 2007. The consortium of manufacturers that make up the USB Implementers Forum has a small but significant presence on the show floor, demoing cameras which download their pictures to your PC just by being placed in their presence. A printer starts spitting out high quality prints with no cables attached. In a side room below the Sands Convention Centre, Philips shows off TVs with Wireless HDMI adaptors. It's a triumph, winning praise from those who like to mount their screens on the wall, b...
Review: Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini
By TechRadar, published 18-08-2011
Before the arrival of Sony's Ericsson's new Xperia Mini, the X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro were an odd little couple, launching in mid-2010 with Android 1.6 and a bespoke and heavily-customised user interface on top.They weren't amazingly powerful phones and their 2.55" screens were shockingly small - but Sony Ericsson did a good job of maximising the available space with its corner-based interface. The same system has returned in 2011's updates, albeit improved thanks to Sony Ericsson's developers having another year to fiddle with the interface and add more new layers of social integration. We've got some real-life footage of ACTUAL people using the phone - check it out if these grouped-together letters are too much:The new Xperia Mini is available SIM-free for just over the £200 mark, with...
In Depth: Asus Eee Pad Slider: what you need to know
By TechRadar, published 18-08-2011
We love Asus's Eee Pad Transformer, so we can't wait to get our hands on its Slider sibling. As the name suggests, the Asus Eee Pad Slider has a slidey bit - a display that reveals a proper keyboard - but what else is inside, and what's it going to cost? Let's find out.Asus Eee Pad Slider specificationsAsus has revealed all: the Eee Pad Slider specs include a 1.0GHz dual-core NVIDA Tegra 2, a full QWERTY keyboard and USB port, SRS surround sound, a 10.1-inch WXGA (1280x800) screen and 1GB of RAM. There's a choice of 16GB or 32GB of storage, twin cameras - 1.2MP on the front and 5MP on the back - 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1. The panel is an Apple-style Intelligent Plane Switching (IPS) job, delivering a wide 178-degree viewing angle.Asus Eee Pad Slider softwareHardly a surprise, this: the...
Review: Acer Aspire Ethos 8951G
By TechRadar, published 17-08-2011
These days we're seeing a lot more slim and light ultraportable laptops. Rising up against these size zero models is the Acer Aspire Ethos 8951G.Like the Dell XPS 15z and the Macbook Pro 17 inch, this is all about packing in huge amounts of power, and who cares if it's on the chunky side. After all, as our mothers told us: it's not the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts.As with the previous Ethos models, the Acer Aspire Ethos 8951G is an entertainment centre that's designed to sit on your desk at home.Crushing the scales at 4.2kg, you wouldn't want to carry this laptop any further than the next room, to avoid popping a couple of vertebrae.That said, we were impressed at how thin the Ethos is. Sure, 40mm can't really be described as 'thin', when you consider that the Samsung 900...
Kanex unveils C247DL Dual-link DVI to Apple Mini DisplayPort adapter
By SlashGear, published 17-08-2011
Kanex has unveiled a new converter that will help the Mac users out there connect an existing Mac computer to the new and cool Apple LED Cinema display that only has a Mini DisplayPort. The adapter converts the video signal from DVI to the Apple display and supports resolution up to 2560 x 1600 meaning [...]
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 13-08-2011
This week we've reviewed a huge variety of kit including BlackBerry's latest handset, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 - and, as you'll read, it's a cracker.We've also taken an in-depth look at the HTC Evo 3D, Samsung ST6500 as well as the brand new 11-inch MacBook Air. Apple's new baby replaces the low-end MacBook (well, we say low end, but it's still expensive) and features Intel's latest Core i5 processor. Read on and click through to read our best reviews this week. BlackBerry Bold 9900 reviewIt's been a long time coming, has BlackBerry's touchscreen Bold handset. While the BlackBerry Torch offered both a touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard, it wasn't perfect for keyboard aficionados; that annoying edging, the cramped keyboard… But with the launch of the BlackBerry Bold 9900, its first proper to...
In Depth: Windows 8 gestures: what the Touch Mouse tells us
By TechRadar, published 12-08-2011
Microsoft's new Touch Mouse is a lovely piece of design in its own right.It's a comfortable wireless mouse that's great for just about any size of hand, works on literally any surface thanks to the BlueTrack optical technology and gives you the best of a mouse and trackpad combined. But it's also a clue to the gestures we expect to see in Windows 8.In the three years that the Microsoft hardware team has been working on the Touch Mouse - they had a prototype a month before Apple announced its own multitouch mouse - they've worked closely with the Windows and Surface teams and it shows in how well the gestures work with the Windows 7 features like Aero Snap and Aero Peek. But when Microsoft UK showed us the mouse again this summer, they let slip that these are gestures we'll see again in Win...
Feature of the Week Super Roundup: 52 Awesome Sites, Add-ons and Apps
By MaximumPC, published 12-08-2011
Here at Maximum PC, we adhere to a few simple maxims: Make it faster! Be thorough. And keep things as simple as possible. Adhering to that philosophy, we'd like to present to you a mega-ultra-laser-shark mix and mash of features we've published these past couple of months, including some of our favorite websites, Windows Phone 7 aps, and Chrome and browser add-ons that you've been seeing grace the pages of our site recently. Because, after all, we wouldn't want you guys to have to dig around for all these yourselves. Remember. We keep it simple, just for you. Enjoy! Awesome Sites NASA The last Star Trek TV series was kind of terrible, and they cancelled Firefly before the series had a chance to really come into its own. Sure, Battlestar Galactica was great but now that it...
Review: BlackBerry Bold 9900
By TechRadar, published 10-08-2011
The BlackBerry Bold 9900 comes as something of a shock. You see, for years, BlackBerry has, in a sense, been catching up. That's not a dig at its parent company – it's practically royalty in push email and corporate handset circles. But it has been rare for RIM to lead the way. Cameras, internet browsing, HTML emails – all were included on RIM's phones years after they'd become standard fare on other handsets. For recent examples of decent phones that didn't really push the envelope all that far, just take a look at the Bold 9780 and 9700.But the Bold 9000 finally offers some cutting-edge tech, and in an attractive package to boot. Its 1.2GHz processor, high-spec touchscreen, brand new OS7 and HD video camera are all specs we never really expected a BlackBerry to have before the next m...
In Depth: 80 handy iPhoto tips and tricks
By TechRadar, published 10-08-2011
Probably the best tip we can give you for a happy iPhoto life, is to try and take good pictures in the first place. So we'll kick off with 20 top tips for better photos. And the great news is you don't need anything fancy. Even an everyday compact camera can take great shots when you know how to get the most from it. And if your photos still aren't quite right, iPhoto has the tools to fix them. It might not be as advanced as Photoshop, but what it does, it does quickly and simply, and underneath that simple-looking surface is an impressive image-editor.iCloud: everything you need to knowBefore long, of course, your photo library will be growing to epic proportions, but luckily this is what iPhoto was designed for – managing and displaying thousands of digital photos in a way that lets yo...
Gary Marshall: Apple vs Samsung: something here is rotten
By TechRadar, published 10-08-2011
Last week, we announced that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 had finally made it to the UK, aiming to prove "that you can buy a decent slate that doesn't have a fruit logo on it." Not any more, you can't: Apple's persuaded almost all of the EU to ban it.The ban is the latest development in the ongoing "you copied our stuff! You suck!" "No, you copied our stuff! You suck!" patent argy-bargy between Apple and everybody else on the planet.What's interesting isn't the rights and wrongs of the arguments, though. It's that Samsung wasn't warned about the case or given the right to reply. "Apple says you suck!" the court has effectively said. "I like them! Bring me the banhammer!"EU can't be seriousThe way things work in Europe is fairly simple: if one country decides you're a big old intellectual pr...
Review: 11-inch MacBook Air 2011
By TechRadar, published 09-08-2011
The 2011 MacBook Air refresh retains the form factor introduced with 2010's line of ultraportables, but makes significant improvements to the core technologies. Apple has switched the ageing Core 2 Duo chips for new Sandy Bridge processors, the Mini DisplayPort has been replaced by a versatile and powerful Thunderbolt port and the backlit keyboard makes a welcome return too.The new MacBook Air range (check out our 13-inch MacBook Air review) contains four off-the-shelf versions. The cheapest offers an 11-inch screen, 64GB of flash storage and 2GB of memory for £849. The next in line, also an 11-inch model, has a 128GB SSD and 4GB of RAM for £999. A similarly spec'd 13-inch MacBook Air costs £100 more, while for £1349 you can get a 256GB flash drive. All four MacBook Airs have dual-core...
Tutorial: How to install and run Windows on Mac
By TechRadar, published 09-08-2011
Whether you're a Mac user who occasionally needs to use Windows, or a Windows user who's just switched to Mac, it's great to know you can enjoy the best of both worlds and run Windows on Mac without having to run completely separate computers.That is, as long as you Mac has an Intel CPU inside you can run Windows on your Mac. All you need is a copy of Microsoft Windows, of course, some virtualisation software and for your Mac to meet Windows' minimum specsWhether you own a Mac with multiple internal SSD or hard disk drives or just the one, the principle is the same: you'll need to create a Windows-compatible partition or dedicated drive that you can install and run Windows on Mac. Run Windows in Boot CampOne of the easiest and cheapest ways to do this is to use the Boot Camp Assistant soft...
Screenshots reveal iOS 5 speech-to-text feature
By TechRadar, published 09-08-2011
Screenshots of a speech-to-text feature that is said to be making its way to iOS 5 have surfaced. The Nuance-powered feature will require users only to tap the microphone icon next to the on-screen spacebar, and speak aloud leaving text to magically appear on screen. The microphone overlay (pictured below) appears once you've clicked the microphone and sticks around as long as you keep talking. Image credit: 9to5MacAccording to the source who sent the screengrabs to 9to5Mac, this feature is only coming to iPod touch and iPhone with iOS 5, and won't be making its way to the iPad. It's not entirely clear why Apple would withhold it from the tablet, but it has been known to keep certain features back in the past so isn't entirely outside of the realms of possibility. iOS 5, which was announce...
Updated: Windows 8: everything you need to know
By TechRadar, published 01-08-2011
The Windows 8 picture is becoming clearer. Following on from the slides allegedly leaked in June 2010 by a software engineer at HP, Microsoft has now outed more details about the interface design. Microsoft says Windows 8 is a reimagining of Windows, "from the chip to the interface". It says that "a Windows 8-based PC is really a new kind of device, one that scales from touch-only small screens through to large screens, with or without a keyboard and mouse." Opinion: Windows 8 could make you rethink buying iPad 3Indeed, the new OS appears to have two completely separate interfaces - one, a traditional (and, on the surface of it, unchanged) Windows desktop and the other a new touch-based interface that borrows heavily from Windows Phone.Actually, as you'll see, it basically is Windows Phone...
Apple’s Sandy Bridge-Based Mac Mini Review @ HotHardware.com
By TechwareLabs, published 29-07-2011
Daily Roundup: 2011-07-29
By Bjorn3D, published 29-07-2011
CPUs, RAMs, Mobos ASRock CoreHT-252B HTPC Review at OCC ASRock Core HT at PureOverclock Fractal Design CORE 3000 at techPowerUp Apple's Sandy Bridge-Based Mac Mini Review at HotHardware.com ASUS F1A75-V PRO AMD Llano motherboard review at HEXUS.net Video Cards
Apple's Sandy Bridge-Based Mac Mini Review
By HotHardware, published 28-07-2011
Apple's Mac mini hadn't seen a substantial update for about a year, but with Intel's Sandy Bridge-based second generation Core processor family arriving in 2011, it was only a matter of time before one of those chips found favor with Apple's tiniest desktop. The Mac mini design really hasn't changed all that much in the year or so it took...
In Depth: Sony S1: what you need to know
By TechRadar, published 28-07-2011
It's taken Sony a while to join the tablet party, but anything from a firm famous for its pin-sharp displays and desirable PCs is going to be worth waiting for. From what we know so far, the new PlayStation-certified tablet and its sibling, the S2, are very desirable indeed - so what do we actually know, when can we get our hands on one and where do we go to pre-order? Let's find out. The Sony S1 is a traditional tabletWhile the Sony S2 is doing something very different, the Sony S1 tablet is in iPad territory: as you'll see from our photo-tastic Sony S1 update, the device is a typically rectangular ten-incher with a curved, tapered body.The Sony S1 features include DLNAThere's no HDMI port, but the Sony S1 feature list includes DLNA compatibility for streaming media to and from DLNA-compa...
Review: Sony VAIO Z Series
By TechRadar, published 26-07-2011
The old cliché states that good things come in small packages, which means that chicken nuggets, dead hedgehogs and Peter Andre's head are all apparently 'good things'. However, we have to agree with this logic when it's applied to Sony's latest VAIO Z Series ultra-portable laptop, the Sony VAIO VPC-Z21V9E.Despite being cursed by a name that's less catchy than an N-Dubz tune, this is an excellent little 13.1-inch PC laptop that we'd happily use as our everyday computer. That is, if we happened to have a spare couple of grand knocking around, priced as it is at £2,699.We've seen a lot of ultra-portables lately, from the sleek and sexy Samsung 900XSA to the business-oriented Lenovo ThinkPad X1. It's impressive how much power you can now cram into a tiny frame, ably demonstrated by the new ...
Review: LG 42LV550T
By TechRadar, published 26-07-2011
Although LG's passive 3D system has comprehensively proven its worth, at least where relatively compact screen sizes are concerned, it still comes as a slight relief to find that the brand's 42LV550T doesn't have 3D built in. It means there's no need to have to get into the whole passive vs active 3D philosophical debate again, allowing this review to focus solely on the product itself rather than larger issues beyond it. What's more, despite its lack of 3D, the 42-inch smart TV has a decent quantity of tricks to get stuck into. The LV550T series does, after all, represent the top end of LG's non-3D TVs, and the brand traditionally isn't shy of delivering plenty of bang for your buck with its relatively high-end sets.Among the LG 42LV550T's headline features is something called MCI 500Hz. ...
SlashGear Weekly Roundup Video – July 24, 2011
By SlashGear, published 24-07-2011
The much anticipated Mac OS X Lion touched down this past Wednesday along with revamped MacBook Airs, Mac Minis, and Cinema Displays. Apple’s on a winning streak with more than 1 million Lion copies sold in the first day and a record breaking third quarter earnings call. Intel and Microsoft also did quite well, but [...]
Does the Apple way keep Thunderbolt at bay?
By Thinkdigit, published 24-07-2011
When Intel unveiled Thunderbolt on Apple computers earlier this year, everyone was curious what the new 10Gbps transfer technology would mean for the industry as a whole. After Apple's announced yesterday that Thunderbolt will appear on Mac Minis and MacBook Airs, and drive its first official display, the answer would appear to be: nothing. The dream of the do-everything interface has tantalized the tech industry for years; the Universal Serial Bus, aka USB, is proof of that. Ubiquitous as it m [...] Read the entire article
In Depth: 10 top Pages tips and tricks
By TechRadar, published 24-07-2011
Pages is Apple's word processing and page layout app, part of the iWork productivity suite for the Mac. It's extremely easy to use but is also very powerful - here's our list of useful tips and tricks to help you get more from Pages. 1. Tables of Contents (TOCs) Tables of Contents are useful for longer documents, and so easy to do. First, make sure you use defined paragraph styles for your headings. Now place the insertion point where you want it to be added, then use the Insert > Table of Contents command. This displays the TOC tab in the Document Inspector, and you check the box next to each heading style you want the TOC to include. If you check the 'Make page numbers links' box below, you can click on a page number in the TOC to go straight to that heading. This works both in Page and ...
Buying Guide: 5 best Bluetooth keyboards for iPad
By TechRadar, published 23-07-2011
The on-screen keyboard in iOS does the job for short bursts of text, but if you want to use your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch for long-form writing, you're better off using a discrete keyboard. Even for shorter things, such as text messages, instant message chats or brief emails, a separate keyboard speeds you up no end. As well as actually typing, you can manipulate your text more quickly because iOS lets you use shortcuts for commands such as copying and pasting, and Shift+arrow keys to select text. You can also use the arrow keys on their own to move the cursor around, so no more dragging your finger and squinting at the on-screen magnifier to position it. Apple sells a dock for the original iPad with a keyboard attached to it, but a Bluetooth model gives you more freedom, both in terms o...
Buying Guide: MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: which is right for you?
By TechRadar, published 22-07-2011
When Apple released a new MacBook Air in time for OS X Lion, it also took the chance to cut the white MacBook from its line up. This leaves buyers with a choice between the MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro.But if you're after an Apple laptop and were thinking of getting the white MacBook, which is right for you now? The MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros have some quite significant differences, so we've put together the following guide to help you decide which will fulfil your needs.If you decide the current Apple range isn't right for you, also check our top 20 laptops list here.MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: PriceThe new MacBook Air range starts at £849 for the 11-inch, 64GB model, with the 128GB model coming in at £999. The 13-inch MacBook Air starts at £1,099 for the 128GB version, with the 256...
Week in Tech: It's a Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac world
By TechRadar, published 22-07-2011
If you're not an Apple fan, we've got bad news for you: pretty much all the tech news this week revolved around the Cupertino corporation. There was a brand new OS, some brand new computers, a whole bunch of rumours and some truly staggering numbers - and those numbers might just show us the way computing is heading.That's what columnist Gary Marshall reckons, anyway. With Apple reporting yet another record financial quarter, Marshall noted that "iPads are already outselling Macs... by a factor of two to one. Factor in Apple's staggering iPhone sales and the growing importance of the iPod touch [and] it's clear that Apple is a mobile device firm first and a computer firm second."It's not just about Apple, though. It's about all kinds of mobile devices. "In 2002, the number of PCs in the wo...
Review: ASRock CoreHT 252B
By TechRadar, published 22-07-2011
Is ASRock's all-in-one Home Theatre PC (HTPC), the CoreHT 252B-4G50/B, the perfect living room companion to sit by your TV? Depending on how you measure it, it's smaller than an Apple Mac Mini (the Mini is about half the height, but the CoreHT wins from the overhead dimensions) and has the advantage of coming with a Blu-ray drive built in and front-facing USB 3.0 ports for other media.It looks good too, in its tiny tin enclosure that's been lacquered in a glossy black. Attach a USB TV card and it's realistically a replacement for most of your set-top boxes in a chassis that's smaller than most Freeview tuners. The ASRock CoreHT 252B then really is a media box par excellence. The Core i5 2520M Mobile Sandy Bridge processor also features Intel's higher-end HD Graphics 3000 tech, and Creative...
The New Mac Mini is Still Best Choice for the Living Room
By SlashGear, published 21-07-2011
Over the years, I’ve tried to find the best device to connect to my television and enjoy entertainment. I’ve gone with the Apple TV, Roku set-top boxes, the TiVo, and countless other products. But when it was all said and done, I decided that Apple’s Mac mini was the best option for me. The Mac [...]
Apple introduces the world?s first Thunderbolt Display; gives the Mac Mini an update
By Thinkdigit, published 21-07-2011
This is basically 27-inches of Thunderbolt goodness, LED style! The display is a 27-inch display has edge-to-edge glass design, aluminum an glass enclosure and uses the IPS technology. The aspect ratio is 16:9, and has a 178-degree viewing angle. The built-in ambient light sensor adjusts brightness according the brightness around you. This display is compatible with any Thunderbolt capable MacBook, and is being positioned as the ‘ultimate docking station’. Users can access FaceTim [...] Read the entire article
Buying Guide: Best Mac webcam for Mac: 5 tested
By TechRadar, published 21-07-2011
All Mac notebooks, iMacs and Apple displays have a built-in iSight, FaceTime or FaceTime HD camera. Positioned directly above the screen, it's great for keeping in touch using apps such as iChat and FaceTime. But what if your monitor doesn't have an internal camera, or you want to show a wider view of yourself? Apple no longer produces the external iSight, but there are third-party webcams that work brilliantly with Macs. Here we look at five webcams for your Mac. Also, to get more from your webcam, you can buy the iGlasses app. It gives extra controls for brightness, contrast, colour balance, orientation and more. It's due an update, but we're promised iGlasses 3 is on the way. So what's the best Mac webcam? Let's find out.01. Liquid Digital Solutions aGent V5 HD - £56 agent.liquiddigita...
In Depth: Hands on: Mac OS X Lion review
By TechRadar, published 20-07-2011
It's here, it's clogging up the internet and it's probably put a few people over their monthly bandwidth caps already. Yes, we mean Lion, the latest version of Apple's desktop and laptop OS. It promises to bring the best of iOS back to the Mac, and there are some interesting new features too. So is it worth the budget price of £20.99?We'd say yes, but only if your apps will work on it: for example, we found Logic Pro 8 refused to launch once we'd upgraded; if we were musicians rather than writers, that would have been a disaster. As it is, we suspect an update won't be forthcoming, and Logic isn't exactly cheap. Expect other irregularities too. Lion decided it didn't like our mouse, and decided not to recognise our magic trackpad in a fit of pique. These are the joys of early adoption: if...
Apple unleashes Lion, new MacBook Air, and more
By TechReport, published 20-07-2011
Fresh from telling the world just how much money it makes, Apple has invited everyone to give it some more. Mac OS X 10.7 Lion has become available on the Mac App Store, and with it, Apple has introduced updated MacBook Air laptops, a new Mac mini, and...
Apple scraps white MacBook
By TechRadar, published 20-07-2011
Apple appears to have abandoned the white MacBook, with the latest MacBook Airs pushing all mention of the older laptop from the official site. With the lowest priced MacBook Air now coming in at £849, the MacBook seems to have been squeezed out for the thinner and lighter consumer offering, with the MacBook Pro giving another option. The white MacBook has been one of the company's iconic products over the past few years, although the Air has become its flagship consumer-focused laptop. ThunderboltThe new MacBook Airs bring the new Thunderbolt port along with a return for the backlit keyboard and the latest Intel Core processors. Also announced by Apple were new Mac Minis and a new Thunderbolt display. "It was the most popular mac and an iconic piece of kit," said MacFormat editor Graham ...
Apple announces update for Mac Mini
By TechRadar, published 20-07-2011
Apple has announced updates to its Mac Minis, with the latest offering boasting next-gen Intel Core processors, discrete graphics card, Thunderbolt ports and the brand-spanking new Lion flavour of OS X. The Mac Mini, which is available from today, will be priced from £529 and offers the now familiar aluminium small form factor of just 7.7 inches by 1.4 inches. "Mac mini delivers the speed and expandability that makes it perfect for the desktop, living room or office," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. Versatile"With faster processors, more powerful graphics and Thunderbolt in an incredibly compact, aluminum design, the new Mac mini is more versatile than ever," he added.Users can chose from dual-core Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processo...
Apple announces new Thunderbolt LED Display
By TechRadar, published 20-07-2011
Apple has announced the arrival of the world's first Thunderbolt LED display. The 27-inch monitor is being marketed as a docking station for a Mac notebook and will allow you to access a FaceTime webcam, high quality audio, Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt ports of your notebook once docked.The monitor is 16:9 and has a 178-degree viewing angle. It is compatible with any Thunderbolt-enabled Mac notebook and has an ambient light sensor which automatically adjusts the display brightness based on external lighting conditions.Ultimate docking stationSpeaking about the new display, Apple's Philip Schiller said: "The Apple Thunderbolt Display is the ultimate docking station for your Mac notebook."With just one cable, users can dock with their new display and connect to hig...
Apple announces beefed-up MacBook Air range
By TechRadar, published 20-07-2011
Apple has announced its new MacBook Air models, with 11- and 13-inch editions coming with souped-up processing power and the return of the backlit keyboard.The new 11- and 13-inch models are powered by Intel Core i5 processors and come complete with Thunderbolt connectivity, as predicted by leaks that hit earlier today. The Sandy Bridge processors mean the new range is "up to twice as fast as the previous generation", according to Apple: the 11-inch Airs come with the 1.6GHz Core i5, while the 13-inch editions offer 1.7GHz, with a custom configuration of the 1.8GHz i7 processor available. Ah, memoriesA memory boost has also come to the new Air models; the lowest-spec model comes with the same 2GB RAM as its predecessor, but the three higher-end editions come with 4GB of 1333MHz DDR3 RAM. A...
Apple Unveils Fruit Basket Filled with OS X Lion, Updated MacBook Air and Mini, and More
By HotHardware, published 20-07-2011
Today is shaping up to be a big day for Apple. It was just yesterday that the Cupertino outfit announced yet another record quarter, bragging about revenue being up 82 percent and profits up 125 percent, and today marks the launch of a bevy of products and technologies that will keep all those Apple exec pockets lined with cash for the foreseeable...
In Depth: OS X 10.7 Lion guide: get started with Lion today
By TechRadar, published 20-07-2011
The eighth release of OS X - OS X 10.7 Lion - is packed with over 250 new features, many of which were inspired by iOS. With Lion, Apple takes note of lessons learned developing the engine that powers the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, and brings them to the Mac. Take LaunchPad. You can tell at a glance Lion's new application launcher is based on the iOS home screen, with its application icons arranged in a user-modifiable grid. Lion brings full-screen apps to Mac OS too. At the push of a button, your application fills the screen, offering the same distraction-free usability you get with an iOS device. Mail, Apple's respected email client, also benefits from qualities and features developed for the small-screen version.But it's not all about features gleaned from iOS; Mac OS has also learned...
Leaked MacBook Air specs suggest new lease of life
By TechRadar, published 20-07-2011
The revamped MacBook Airs' specifications have been leaked, sparking rumours that it may be officially unveiled today with the launch of OS X Lion.Apple shipment forecasts also suggest that we may be saying farewell to the old white Apple MacBook with a new entry-level MacBook Air as its possible replacement.Apple will probably continue with the 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch screen sizes, according to the leak, with Intel Sandy Bridge processors mooted in all models.Out with the oldThe smaller MacBook Air could have a 1.6GHz processor with 2GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD also included in the standard configuration. The more expensive version is likely to have an identical processor while doubling the RAM and storage.According to an anonymous source, the larger screened MacBook Air should include a 1.7...
White MacBook killed off in favor of Air
By SlashGear, published 20-07-2011
Apple has quietly retired its white plastic MacBook, with the company’s Mac range now consisting solely of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro notebooks along with the Mac mini, iMac and Mac Pro desktops. The MacBook – which had stuck around as a perennial student favorite – had not been refreshed since March 2011, and the consensus was that Apple would [...]
Apple Thunderbolt Display revealed
By SlashGear, published 20-07-2011
It’s not just a new MacBook Air and Mac mini fresh from Apple’s Cupertino labs this morning. The company has also officially introduced its updated Apple Thunderbolt Display, now complete with a pair of Thunderbolt connections allowing for daisy-chaining of multiple displays from a single socket. Priced at $999, the new display is 27-inches and offers audio, gigabit [...]
Apple Mac mini refreshed: Sandy Bridge and dual-drive Server
By SlashGear, published 20-07-2011
Apple’s Mac mini has been updated, packing new Intel Sandy Bridge processors along with Thunderbolt connectivity. The compact desktop keeps the slick aluminum design of the last-gen models but ditches the optical drive and offers a choice of new Core i5 and Core i7 processors; there’s also a Server model and an optional 256GB SSD. [...]
Mac mini & Mac mini Server specs leak ahead of official unveil
By SlashGear, published 20-07-2011
Leaked details of the refreshed Apple Mac mini expected to debut later today have emerged, tipping a similar upgrade path suggested for the MacBook Air. Although aesthetically unlikely to change, the new Mac mini and Mac mini Server models, so 9 to 5 Mac‘s source claims, will indeed get Intel Sandy Bridge processors as well as [...]
Buying Guide: Best iPhone speaker dock: 5 reviewed
By TechRadar, published 17-07-2011
Shopping for a speaker dock has to be one of the most daunting choices any music lover has to make. There are thousands: big ones, small ones, weird ones, blue ones... It's enough to make you want to stick with headphones. But cordoned off behind a velvet rope at the back of the shop are the special ones.These audiophile iPhone speaker docks are a select bunch, full of high-class brand names, and they come with high price tags to match. What makes them different is that sound quality is their prime consideration, not just an adjunct to an iPod battery charger and some funny flashing lights.The £499 Arcam rCube is our first port of call. It took the audio experts at A&R Cambridge three years to develop this little black box, and it's packed with amazing features: from its clever handle rec...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 16-07-2011
In this week's top reviews we've reviewed several new cameras including the PowerShot A3200 IS and A800 from Canon as well as the latest PEN from Olympus. We've also looked at a high-performance Medion Core i7 laptop as well as the new super slim Lenovo X1. Canon PowerShot A800 reviewIt's budget compact season in the world of Japanese giant, Canon! The latest snazzy snapper to hop off the cheap train is the Canon PowerShot A800. The A800 is Canon's entry-level compact camera, and as you'd expect for 60 quid, it's a no-frills affair. No-frills doesn't necessarily mean dumbed-down, however, and there's actually quite a lot to like about this device. Indeed, the specifications belie the bargain-bucket price and include a 10-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, Digic III processor and Smart Auto...
Apple releases iOS 4.3.4
By TechRadar, published 15-07-2011
Apple has rolled-out a minor iOS 4 update to fix a potentially dangerous security flaw.The iOS 4.3.4 upgrade plugs a vulnerability in the PDF reader in the Safari browser, which JailbreakMe.com exploited to enable users to jailbreak their device.However, the security flaw also made iPhone, iPad and iPod users vulnerable to attackers seeking to steal personal data."The Jailbreakme.com exploit downloads a payload to jailbreak the phone, but it could be changed to deliver a malicious payload," Apple security expert Charlie Miller told CNET this week.VulnerabilityThe iTunes software download screen explains to users that the 4.3.4 upgrade "Fixes security vulnerability associated with viewing malicious PDF files."This isn't the first time Apple has had to plug a security weakness relating to th...
Apple’s Revamped LED Cinema Displays With Thunderbolt Coming Soon
By SlashGear, published 15-07-2011
Rumors for an upcoming MacBook Air revamp alongside Mac OS X Lion are so prominent that we’ve pretty much accepted their launch next week as fact. However, other rumors on upcoming Mac Pro, Mac Mini, and even a revamped white MacBook keep flip flopping. The part numbers leaked earlier in the week are now believed [...]
Does Not Compute: 10 PC Myths from Movies and Television
By MaximumPC, published 15-07-2011
For over half a century, Hollywood has been making computers do whatever they damn well please. Routinely featured on television and in movies, supercomputers, desktop rigs and laptops—and in some cases, the people that use them—are all too often imbued with near-magical capabilities, painting a deceptive picture of what our beloved machines can and cannot do. Not sure of what tech-centric malarky we’re talking about? No problem: We’ve put together a list of our top ten Hollywood TV and Movie myths. We’re betting they’ll be just as familiar and irritating to you as they are to us. A computer will blow up if there is a question it cannot answer. According to Hollywood, computers are so delicate that when confronted with a question that they’re unable to answer, they’ll exp...
Review: Micromega AS-400
By TechRadar, published 13-07-2011
Streaming digital music from your computer is a great idea, but it's also a challenging one for the non-technical. Setting up such systems is getting a lot easier, but Apple's Airplay is about as easy as streaming can be. All you need is an Apple touchscreen device or computer and an Airplay receiver, then you can play whatever is on the source wirelessly through the receiver. By combining the interface with the source cuts out a whole stage from regular wi-fi streaming systems. Micromega clearly likes the concept and is the first audiophile brand to make an Airplay-compatible integrated amplifier. Library of titles Micromega makes this distinction because Denon and Marantz both have Airplay-ready receivers and Bowers and Wilkins' latest Zeppelin Air is also in on the action. Make no mista...
Updated: Windows 8: everything you need to know
By TechRadar, published 11-07-2011
The Windows 8 picture is becoming clearer. Following on from the slides allegedly leaked in June 2010 by a software engineer at HP, Microsoft has now outed more details about the interface design. Microsoft says Windows 8 is a reimagining of Windows, "from the chip to the interface". It says that "a Windows 8-based PC is really a new kind of device, one that scales from touch-only small screens through to large screens, with or without a keyboard and mouse." Opinion: Windows 8 could make you rethink buying iPad 3Indeed, the new OS appears to have two completely separate interfaces - one, a traditional (and, on the surface of it, unchanged) Windows desktop and the other a new touch-based interface that borrows heavily from Windows Phone.Actually, as you'll see, it basically is Windows Phone...
Bowers & Wilkins unveils first ever in-ear headphones
By TechRadar, published 11-07-2011
Bowers & Wilkins has been busy in its workshop coming up its first stab at in-ear headphones, the noise-isolating C5. Discerning Apple product users step this way; it's time to eschew those cheap, white-wired ear buds that come with the iPhone, iPod and iPad in favour of Bowers & Wilkins' in-ear headphones which have been "designed specifically" for Apple devices. Of course, you can enjoy the noise-isolation, hi-grade aluminium materials and cushion-looped headset with non-Apple products too, it's just that Apple users are (supposedly) more likely to pony up the premium-level cash - £149.95, to be precise.PriceyFor £150, you'd be wise to expect a superior playback performance from the C5s; they come with a bespoke micro-porous filter which diffuses the music and limits noise bleed, suppo...
Buying Guide: Tablet buying guide: 10 things to look for
By TechRadar, published 09-07-2011
With more tablets arriving on the market, how do you choose which is best for you? Here's our quick and easy guide to choosing your perfect tablet.1. What operating system does it run? There are various different operating systems available for tablets. By far the most popular is iOS - the Apple option found on the iPad and iPhone. Many of the tablets due out during 2011 will run Android 3.0 - a new purpose-built version of the Google-backed operating system found on many phones. See our article What is Android? for more.Other operating systems are on tablets from Blackberry and HP. Although there are some tablets that run Microsoft's Windows 7, this operating system isn't specially designed for tablet use but Windows 8 is looking increasingly tablet-friendly. For more on tablet operating ...
Dream Machine 2015: 7 Maximum PC Editors Predictions
By MaximumPC, published 09-07-2011
Want more Dream Machine 2011 coverage? Check out our gallery of 30 Unbelieveable Custom Cases You know what's always fun? Dream Machine predictions. Not because they ever turn out to be very informative, but because it's always fun to look back and see just how wrong we were about the future. Why's it fun to be wrong? Because even though sometimes we get a little too optimistic, more often than not our predictions are wrong because the future turns out even more awesome than we expected. We asked everyone around the office to make their predictions for Dream Machine 2015, so that in 4 years we'll have something to have a good laugh about. Check out what we thought, then hit the comments and leave your own predictions for the future. NATHAN EDWARDS, SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDI...
Exclusive: Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables must be withdrawn
By TechRadar, published 08-07-2011
HDMI Org has confirmed that manufacturers of Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables have been told that their product is unlicensed and should not be sold.TechRadar brought you the news last week that it was rumoured that hundreds of thousands of Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables are to be recalled because HDMI Org has deemed the cable system to be out of HDMI spec.The DisplayPort system is used primarily by Apple in its Mac range, but there's a number of other manufacturers who use the port - including Toshiba.HDMI Org has exclusively contacted TechRadar about the situation and confirmed that any cable that has a DP male connector on one end and an HDMI male connector is unlicensed and should not be on sale.Not allowedHDMI Org explained to TechRadar that there were a number of reasons for this. "T...
Review: Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo
By TechRadar, published 29-06-2011
Sitting pretty in the hand, the small Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo smartphone and its 8.1-megapixel camera offer photographic skills far beyond what you'd expect for its 125g weight. The 3.7-inch screen with multi-touch Reality display is nice and sharp, and benefits colour-wise from Mobile Bravia technology. However it fares poorly in direct sunlight, with us having to pull the ol' hand-as-a-sun-blocker move. The phone is small enough to use comfortably with one hand, so it's not a huge problem, but essentially, with smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S2 carrying AMOLED and the Apple iPhone 4 with its Retina display technology, should we really be having problems with direct sunlight any more?But, moving on, the (blue for us) semi-anodised finish, curved posterior and well-distributed wei...
Where It All Began: The 10 Original Software Companies
By MaximumPC, published 28-06-2011
In compiling a list of the world's oldest software companies, one comes face to face with an inevitable question. Namely, what is it? What the heck is this thing we call "software?" We searched the darkest corners of our brains and perused the online dictionaries for quickie text bytes and never really could come up with a single, all-purpose answer. Is it the overtly simplistic "Anything that is not hardware but is used with hardware" or the seemingly too limiting "The programs used to direct the operations of a computer?" How about this metaphysical beauty: "Unlike hardware, software can't be touched." Ouch. That makes our heads hurt. While it's easy to say that Windows or Office or even the wanton dismemberment of Dead Space 2 are obvious examples of software, where does one draw the li...
Explained: How SSDs work
By TechRadar, published 26-06-2011
From reading the advertising copy, you could be forgiven for thinking that SSDs have no downsides. Much faster than traditional spinning hard drives, far more resilient to being dropped, ultra quiet, it seems the only negative anyone can point to is the price. In reality, there are a couple of issues you should be aware of when using SSDs, and why the operating system you use is suddenly very important. When you use a PC day in, day out, you get used to how the machine as a whole runs with your particular mix of applications. Some of these applications could be compute-bound - that is, the bottleneck in using the app is determined purely by how quickly the CPU is able to run. A great example of this is converting video from one format to another - from DVD to MP4 to play on your iPod Touch...
In Depth: 10 best iPhone and iPad photo editing apps
By TechRadar, published 22-06-2011
Whether you're an occasional snapper or an enthusiast, the App Store is full of apps to help you take photos and to cater for almost everything you could want to do with your pictures once they're in your camera roll. There are hundreds of one-shot apps that apply a specific effect, others that enable you to manipulate pictures of your friends in weird and wonderful ways, and some that distort pictures so heavily that, frankly, they should never see the light of day. Most of the apps are geared towards the iPhone, because the idea is that you take pictures and manipulate them immediately. Others are either universal or are built for the bigger screen on the iPad. Now that the iPad has gained a couple of cameras, you can be sure that there will be more apps designed to take advantage of bot...
Review: Toshiba Satellite P755-113
By TechRadar, published 21-06-2011
Things are moving fast in mobile gaming right now. For the traditional laptop to stay relevant in these tablet-filled times, it has to offer something special to offset the decreased mobility compared to its touchscreen foe. The easiest area to exploit is raw power, specifically graphics. Fruit Ninja is all well and good on an Apple iPad 2, but what if you want to play the latest DirectX 11 games on the go?Enter Toshiba's Satellite P775-113. Under the bonnet, an Nvidia GT 540M handles the pixel pushing, which spells playable frame rates in graphically demanding DX11 titles. It's the latest in a new breed of vaguely affordable gaming PCs making the most out of rapidly advancing mobile technology. And at this price point, things are starting to get crowded. Medion's Erazer X6811 has impressi...
Review: Leica S2
By TechRadar, published 21-06-2011
Twenty grand is a lot of money. By today's prices that will buy you a brand-new Mini Cooper, a deposit on a house, or even a university education. With £20,000 you can buy a lot of camera kit, too: a pair of Nikon D3X bodies with 14-24mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses plus an Apple MacBook Pro, 27-inch screen and the whole Adobe Creative Suite doesn't come to that much. But what if you could also spend this princely sum on just one camera body and a standard lens. Would you? That's about what the Leica S2 costs when paired with with its standard lens, the Summarit 70mm f/2.5. The Leica S2 is a medium-format camera, meaning its sensor is bigger than you'd find in a full-frame DSLR – 56% bigger in this case. There are many other medium-format cameras on the market of cours...
Updated: 14 best Android tablets in the world
By TechRadar, published 20-06-2011
Our list of the best Android tablets in the world - regularly updatedIf you're looking for a tablet and don't fancy an iPad, then Android is the way to go.There are other options out there; Windows 7 tablets are available, the BlackBerry PlayBook is on sale now and the HP TouchPad is coming soon. But Android 3.0 is currently the main OS rival to the iPad, and the products are creeping onto the shelves one by one.We've gone from zero Android tablets to stacks of the things in a very short space of time, and inevitably some are better than others.Some have ten-inch screens, others seven, and there are big differences in battery life, processing power and on-board RAM. So which tablets are the most tempting? Let's find out.1. Asus Eee Pad TransformerBest Android tablet for: replacing your net...
Mac Pro and Mac Mini August refresh tipped: Sandy Bridge, Thunderbolt and Lion
By SlashGear, published 20-06-2011
Apple is planning to release updated versions of its Mac mini and Mac Pro desktops in the first week of August, according to the latest leaks, with an update to Sandy Bridge 2011 Core processors and Thunderbolt connectivity. CNET TV’s Brian Tong says his insiders have confirmed that Apple is holding off on the new [...]
Father's Day Shortbread
By TechReport, published 19-06-2011
7 Up AppleInsider shares rumor: Apple's new Mac Pro, Mac mini with Thunderbolt coming by August Reuters: Oracle seeks up to $6.1 billion in Google lawsuit Forrester: Windows 7 powering 21% of corporate desktops; XP still at 60% HuffPost Tech: Internet Explorer 8 most common browser, trailed...
Tutorial: How to fix Mac hardware problems
By TechRadar, published 19-06-2011
If you've got problems connecting hardware to OS X, you're in the right place. Here's our guide to the most common Mac hardware issues you might encounter - the biggest questions and, hopefully, some useful answers. "My Mac won't recognise new external hardware" Assuming your Mac meets the system requirements for whatever kit it is, have you checked all the wiring's okay? You might want to try hooking it up with a different lead and (where possible) port on your Mac. Will the device work with another Mac? Are the lights on the device coming on? If not, there may be some problem with the hardware or its power adapter. If you're sure that all the wiring is okay, you might want to check that you installed the driver software? Even if something says it'll work without drivers, it's often best ...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 18-06-2011
This week we've got a full review of Samsung's new tablet, the 10.1. It's a real competitor to Apple's dominance in the tablet market and is light years ahead of the original Galaxy Tab. We've also got a hands on review with the new Nintendo Wii U as well as a full review of the new TomTom Go Live 82, Canon EOS 600D and the new AMD Vision laptop platform. Read on to check out all this week's hot reviews from TechRadar. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 reviewThe influx of Android tablets is picking up pace, and the latest from Samsung is a right belter. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is Samsung's second attempt at a 10-inch Honeycomb, tablet – the first one which was thicker and had an 8MP camera, was canned earlier this year. This one though has sleek good looks and is lighter and thinner than Apple's iPad ...
MacBook Air, Mac Mini Revamps With Sandy Bridge Won’t Launch Until Release Of OS X Lion?
By SlashGear, published 16-06-2011
There have been reports that Apple’s revamped MacBook Air will be arriving sometime later this month. The new MacBook Airs will sport Intel’s latest Sandy Bridge chips as well as the super high speed 10Gbps Thunderbolt connector port. But some insider sources are now saying that Apple is holding back the release until Mac OS [...]
Updated: Top 200 best iPad apps 2011
By TechRadar, published 15-06-2011
Whether you have an iPad or iPad 2 that means deciding which apps you should purchase and download right away.We tested the launch apps when the first iPad became available in the US and we ranked them below based on how they test out, if they make use of the larger screen, and any added perks.iPad review (Wi-Fi version)iPad 3G reviewiPad 2 reviewWhen the iPad became available in the UK, we trawled the UK App Store to pick our favourite free iPad apps, paid-for iPad apps, free iPad games and paid-for iPad games. You'll find links to all those round-ups at the end of this article.1. Kindle for iPadWhy list a free e-book reader as the top pick when Apple's own iBook is included? Ask anyone who owns a Kindle - with this free app, you can download every book and magazine you have ever purchase...
DRM from 1998 to the Present: A Brief History of Copy Protection
By MaximumPC, published 15-06-2011
Avast ye mateys, piracy is alive and well on the virtual high seas. Argh! Time was that if you wanted to see a movie, you went to a theatre or you waited a few months to rent a VHS tape or DVD at five bucks a pop. If you wanted to read a book, you either drove to the bookstore and bought it, or to the library and borrowed it, under strict regulations governing its return. If you wanted to listen to a specific band or singer, you shelled out for the LP – or more recently, the CD.That's just the way it was. An artist/performer/writer would create something and you would pay real money to buy a copy. Or you'd pay less money and/or be somehow inconvenienced to borrow a copy that someone else had already paid for. Makes sense, right? Who wouldn't want to get paid for the work they do? Proble...
Buying Guide: What's the best Core i7 laptop?
By TechRadar, published 13-06-2011
Intel's Core i3 and Core i5 processors provide ample power for the price. But when it comes to getting the most power for your money, nothing comes close to Intel's high-performance Core i7 processors, especially in the latest Sandy Bridge versions. The Core i7 has finally blurred the lines between laptop and desktop PCs and, in many cases, the prices are highly affordable.What's the best Core i3 laptop?To help you choose the right machine for your needs, we've brought together four of the best Core i7-powered laptops, at prices to suit all budgets.What's the best Core i5 laptop?Offering staggering performance and features ideal for the whole family, you won't fi nd a more powerful range of consumer laptops. 1. MSI CX640-018UK - £512The combination of excellent performance, long battery l...
Tutorial: How to improve your Mac's performance
By TechRadar, published 12-06-2011
What can you do if your Mac randomly crashes or kernel panics? Random crashes and kernel panics (when the screen goes dark and you're told to restart) could be down to hardware going wrong. Check things aren't getting too hot - are any of the air vents filled with dust? A utility such as iStat Menus will enable you to see how hot different parts of your Mac are running. Every model is different, but unless you're doing some really intensive work, it shouldn't be going above 80°C. Next, check your RAM is seated properly by removing it and plugging it back in, and run the Apple Hardware Test by inserting your Applications Install DVD and restarting while holding down D. If this finds no trouble, you could work through crash logs to pinpoint what might be causing it, but we suggest, you back...
Tutorial: How to fix Mac startup problems
By TechRadar, published 05-06-2011
If your Mac won't switch on, what can you do? If you have an iMac, Mac mini or Mac Pro, try another lead, a different power outlet or the lead with a different device and swap the fuse. Also, check if it's your external screen that's not on as opposed to the Mac - If none of this helps, try resetting the System Management Controller. If this fails, the power supply in your Mac could have failed. Apple may replace it under warranty or AppleCare. If you have a notebook, check the battery's charged or plugged in. If the light on the connector is not coming on, plug the adapter into a different socket. If the adapter's working, resetting the SMC may help. Still no joy? The power adapter could have failed. If you have AppleCare, take it back to Apple - if that doesn't help, something may be wro...
In Depth: Best Linux music player: 5 reviewed and rated
By TechRadar, published 04-06-2011
Most desktop distros include at least one music player, which many people won't even think about changing. But with Ubuntu 11.04 dropping its old Rhythmbox application and opting instead for Banshee, our curiosity was piqued: which are the best music players for Linux? We compiled an initial shortlist of three that we felt everyone should try: Rhythmbox, the default Gnome player; Amarok, the default KDE player; and Banshee, a player that has been around for a while and has now supplanted Rhythmbox on Ubuntu. To this we added Songbird, a music player built on the Mozilla codebase; and the doughty VLC, which has been playing media in various formats and on various operating systems since 1996. Direct comparisons between such diverse software may seem unfair - a bare-bones player such as VLC...
HTC Sensation vs Samsung Galaxy S2
By TechRadar, published 03-06-2011
We've been treated to a cornucopia of high quality mobile phones recently, but it's a certain two that have got the tongues wagging: the dual-core majesty of the HTC Sensation and the Samsung Galaxy S2.We've reviewed them both already, but so often we're asked the question of 'which should I buy?'So here's TechRadar's detailed and in-depth look at the differences between the two handsets - and if you still can't decide after reading through our guide, then we can only suggest you toss a coin in your local phone retailer.Build qualityThere's a marked difference between the HTC Sensation and Samsung Galaxy S2 when it comes to the design of the devices – which basically comes down to thickness and weight.The Sensation has a plastic and aluminium chassis combined with a relatively heavy glas...
Updated: Windows 8: everything you need to know
By TechRadar, published 02-06-2011
The Windows 8 picture is becoming clearer. Following on from the slides allegedly leaked in June 2010 by a software engineer at HP, Microsoft has now outed more details about the interface design. Microsoft says Windows 8 is a reimagining of Windows, "from the chip to the interface". It says that "a Windows 8-based PC is really a new kind of device, one that scales from touch-only small screens through to large screens, with or without a keyboard and mouse." Indeed, the new OS appears to have two completely separate interfaces - one, a traditional (and, on the surface of it, unchanged) Windows desktop and the other a new touch-based interface that borrows heavily from Windows Phone.Actually, as you'll see, it basically is Windows Phone. You can move seamlessly between the interfaces and ev...
Early View: Samsung Chromebook vs Acer Chromebook
By TechRadar, published 30-05-2011
The Google Chromebook UK release date is 15 June, when the first units go on sale. Google intends Chromebooks to be a simpler way of browsing the web – the OS is essentially just the Google Chrome browser itself, with no desktop, taskbar or separate app browser. It's a completely cloud based computer and is dependent on being connected to the internet to work properly. The bonus of this is that your files are always updates as is the Chrome OS used on Chromebooks – the software will always be updated automatically. It's certainly a limited OS but, depending on what you use a laptop or a tablet for, it might be enough. However, a Chromebook is no workhorse - it's very much in the netbook category though, as you'll hear, the pricing is surprisingly high. You can check out our Hands on: G...
Buying Guide: Best iPhone alarm clock dock under £100
By TechRadar, published 29-05-2011
With so much technology available, it could take over your whole house if you're not careful. Just look at your bedside table - you've probably got an alarm clock there, your iPhone charger wire will be lying around somewhere (if it hasn't fallen down the back) and you may even have a radio. Now wouldn't it be good to do away with all that clutter and replace it with a single sleek bit of kit that does all those jobs? That's where the dock comes in, and we've put five of the best iPhone alarm clock docks through their paces so you can choose your perfect bedside companion. We tested each one for real-world usability, looking at things like how easy it is to find the snooze button when you flail your sleepy arm in its vague direction in the morning. They don't all have identical sets of fea...
Buying Guide: 5 best replacement iPhone and iPod earphones
By TechRadar, published 28-05-2011
Apple called the iPhone "the best iPod we've ever made" when it was launched, and while you'll hear no argument from us, it's nevertheless ironic that the company that has so completely reinvented the music industry ships headphones with its iPods, iPhones and iPads that are mediocre at best. You're really not letting your music shine if you stick with Apple's standard white earbuds, and their leaky sound is likely to turn fellow passengers on public transport against you. In this group test, we've selected five 'step up' earphones - models that you should consider if you want to get more from the music, movies and podcasts on your device. Even better: we've selected those that aren't especially expensive. Whether you've received an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch for Christmas, your notoriousl...
Review: LG Optimus Black
By TechRadar, published 27-05-2011
Sitting alongside the LG Optimus 2X, the LG Optimus Black is a top-end smartphone, slipping in at just over £400, attempting to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S2 and Apple iPhone 4 for the smartphone crown, but with considerably fewer features and less processing power than its LG stablemate.First things first – the LG Optimus Black is light. Weighing a featherweight 109g, it even reaches a skinny 6mm side edge curvature, and 9.2mm thickness at its deepest point, besting the Apple iPhone 4 by a millimetre. Some may feel the lightness cheapens the feel of this handset somewhat, but our jeans pockets were thankful and it was nice to tote around something that didn't weigh us down.The slightly metallic back cover is smooth, and the phone's few soft keys are well-blended into the chassis, ...
Review: Acer Iconia Tab A500
By TechRadar, published 26-05-2011
In the contest to replace your laptop – and maybe even your TV – Android 3.0 tablets such as the Motorola Xoom are ganging up on the Apple iPad 2 by sheer quantity. We absolutely thrilled over the Asus Eee Pad Transformer, for example. Now it's time for the Acer Iconia Tab A500's day in the sun.In many ways, this is all about the operating system, so we'll admit that the differences between the three main Android 3.0 tabs are marginal at best. You have to choose your OS poison wisely – the iPad 2 is better for music, movies and games, and it has better quality apps and more of them. Meanwhile, the BlackBerry PlayBook is more secure than the competition, has real multi-tasking and even a more fluid interface for controlling your apps (er, all four of them). Android 3.0 Honeycomb table...
3 Key Mobile Technologies Explained
By MaximumPC, published 24-05-2011
In our last white paper roundup, we explained the technology behind three modern connectors. And while stuff like USB 3.0 and Light Peak is pretty exciting, we can't help but feel like technologies that speed up physical connections are a little behind the times. After all, isn't the future supposed to be wireless? In that spirit, our new batch of whitepapers explores the wild world of wireless technologies, including 4G, Near Field Communication, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. So keep reading, and educate yourself about this generation's wireless tech. 4G Wireless How the next generation of mobile technology boosts performance The statement “4G mobile technology has evolved beyond 3G” might score high on the “Duh” meter; but when we asked how this evolution manifested itself, we got differen...
Tutorial: How to watch live TV on your iPad and iPhone
By TechRadar, published 22-05-2011
A quick search on the web will bring up startling figures about how much time we spend watching TV, and now you can add to that from just about anywhere in the world using your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Doing so is wonderfully easy, but the variety of ways in which you can get live (or indeed catch-up) TV on your iOS device can be a bit bewildering at first, so we spent many hours trying out lots of the hardware and software you can use. Oh, all right, we watched lots of daytime TV - it's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. We've focused on ways to watch or record live TV using your iOS device, but that's only part of the story - you may want to catch up on something you missed the previous night or enjoy some of the videos you've got stored on your home PC. Let's explain a couple o...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 21-05-2011
This week's reviews include HTC's tablet as well as the new 2011 iMac lineup.The HTC Flyer was announced at Mobile World Congress when it impressed, but how does it stand up to the iPad 2 and plethora of Android 3.0 devices?The new 21.5 and 27-inch iMacs offer awesome power, but do they give you more power than you need? We've also looked at an epic 50-inch plasma TV from Panasonic and much more. Read on to find out more. HTC Flyer reviewNow that Android is a major tablet OS, with Android 3.0 appearing on the likes of the Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1V, HTC is still staying separate from the crowd. The most notable change from the norm is the 7-inch screen and the touchscreen stylus, known officially as the Magic Pen. It connects wirelessly to the Flyer, and enables you to anno...
'Mac Defender' trojan causing Mac users woe
By TechRadar, published 20-05-2011
A scareware programme known as 'Mac Defender' is currently causing an increasing number of Mac users woe by demanding payment to remove viruses it claims to have found on their machines.The programme appears to automatically download to unprotected machines, exploiting the default 'open files after download' setting of most web browsers. Although the user must provide an administrator name and password to install the bogus software, a 'significant number' of users seem to have done just that. The software then autoruns, makes out like its scanning the Mac for viruses and asks users for credit card details in order to remove the viruses it claims to have found. Mouldy AppleApple support staff have been instructed that: "AppleCare does not provide support for removal of the malware. You shou...
Review: Apple iMac 21.5-inch 2011
By TechRadar, published 20-05-2011
Apple's new 2011 iMac range retains the form factor of the 2010 models, but enjoys a very significant component upgrade. Second-generation quad core Intel Core i5 processors are used throughout the 2011 iMac lineup - which includes two 21.5-inch models and two 27-inch models - where previously all but the most expensive model had dual Core i3s. New graphics give up to three times the power of the mid-2010 iMacs, and the Thunderbolt port could revolutionise I/O technology.The 2011 21.5-inch iMac reviewed here is the new range's entry-level model, costing £999. It offers a quad core Intel 2.5GHz Core i5 processor, a great leap forward from the dual core 3.06GHz Core i3 used in the cheapest 2010 release. Its discrete graphics chip is a powerful AMD Radeon HD 6750M, with 512MB of GDDR5 memory...
Review: Apple iMac 27-inch 2011
By TechRadar, published 20-05-2011
Although the form factor is unchanged, the 2011 Apple iMac refresh represents a significant step forwards for the popular all-in-one computer. Again consisting of two 21.5-inch models and two with 27-inch screens, the entire lineup has switched to Intel's Sandy Bridge processors, the second generation of the respected Core-i CPU series. Quad core Intel Corei5s are used throughout, whereas the 2010 iMacs they replace used dual core Intel Core i3s in all but the most expensive model. The 27-inch iMac under review here is the priciest in the 2011 range, but instead of the quad-core 3.1GHz Intel Core i5 processor offered in the standard configuration, ours was fitted with a quad core 3.4GHz Core i7 CPU. This is available as a configure-to-order option on the online Apple store, costing £1,809...
Windows 8 Preview: 23 New Features You Should Know About
By MaximumPC, published 19-05-2011
Still a year or more from final release, the next version of Windows has been making its fair share of appearances on leak sites in recent months. Codenamed Windows Next, the OS release we’ve come to know as Windows 8 will look much like its recent predecessors on the surface, but looks to be getting a serious revamp from the kernel up. The rumors are coming in fast but, as with any unreleased software, it’s hard to be certain which of the rumored features will make it into the final product, which will wind up on the cutting room floor, and which never existed in the first place. We’ve taken a look at all the rumors, all the leaked screenshots, and a few screens we’re pretty sure were flat-out faked, and we’re ready to make a few prognostications about what to expect in Windows...
Updated: 30 best iPad games - paid apps
By TechRadar, published 19-05-2011
With the iPad, the larger screen and extra clout from Apple's A4 chip creates a gaming experience markedly superior compared to that on the iPhone, and there are plenty of fantastic titles available. iPad 2 review (Wi-Fi version)iPad 2 3G review Those games marked 'universal' will work on both your iPad and iPhone. So ere are our favourite iPad games.1. Plants vs. Zombies HD (£3.99)PopCap's bonkers tower defence game Plants vs. Zombies HD should appeal even if you're sick of the genre. On iPad, the graphics are fantastic, and the multi-touch screen perfect for positioning your plants to battle the undead. There's also an iPad-only minigame, 'buttered popcorn', where you 'butter' multiple zombies and fire corn-cob cannons at them. 2. Flight Control HD (£2.99)Firemint's line-drawing classi...
Review: Acer Aspire 5750G
By TechRadar, published 18-05-2011
We've seen Sandy Bridge laptops emerge from almost every major manufacturer since Intel unveiled its second generation processor earlier this year. While these laptops have differed wildly in look and size, from the tiny Samsung 9000S to the hulking Dell XPS 17, we've found that performance is consistently excellent.Now it's Acer's turn to join the Sandy Bridge club, with the Aspire 5750G. It looks like a typical Acer machine on the outside, with the Taiwanese giant's standard design in place, but inside it's brimming with power. Best of all, the £680 asking price is rather low considering the tight specs. If you're a student with high demands, or need a laptop that'll suit the whole family, this is a great, affordable option.With a pleasant blue finish to the lid and palmrests, the Aspir...
Updated: Windows 8: everything you need to know
By TechRadar, published 18-05-2011
What we know about Windows 8 is incomplete and unofficial - garnered from job postings, rumours and the slides allegedly leaked in June 2010 by a software engineer at HP responsible for OEM relations.The slides include plenty of marketing ideas rather than technical details, they show that Microsoft has its eye on what Apple is doing to make its operating systems so popular and they declare themselves a work in progress. Not only is every page marked 'this is not a plan of record' but the opening discussion includes the line "reality: there are currently more ideas than there is time to implement them". That's especially true if the Windows 8 release date is as soon as we think it might be. Windows 8 release dateWindows 8, say the slides, will be available "for the holiday" - but not which...
Updated: Samsung finally rolling out UK Galaxy S Android 2.3 update
By TechRadar, published 16-05-2011
Samsung has announced it will be re-rolling out the Galaxy S Android 2.3 update in the near future.The Korean brand has confirmed it will be bringing the Gingerbread update to theGalaxy Ace, Gio, Fit, Mini and Galaxy Tab as well as the Galaxy S.As many Galaxy S owners might remember, the Android 2.3 update landed last month for Vodafone customers but was halted by Samsung after rumours that parts of the new OS were causing the platform to fail.Back from the deadThe new update is set to come to the UK as one of the first markets in 'mid-May', so we can only assume the upgrade will be landing any moment now.UPDATE: Samsung has got in contact with us to say that the new update will be hitting the UK in 'late May'. It seems the update has been pushed back slightly as a number of users have rep...
Review: HTC Flyer
By TechRadar, published 16-05-2011
HTC has always stood out among the raft of Android phone manufacturers. The company's been partnering with Google since the start, but still forges its own style, which has won it a lot of fans.Now that Android is a major tablet OS, with Android 3.0 appearing on the likes of the Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1V, HTC is still staying separate from the crowd.The most notable change from the norm is the 7-inch screen and the touchscreen stylus, known officially as the Magic Pen. It connects wirelessly to the Flyer, and enables you to annotate, highlight and erase in supported apps. It offers a measure of pressure sensitivity (unlike most styluses on capacitive screens), so may pique the interest of artists.Instead of Android 3.0, the Flyer uses Android 2.3.3, skinned with HTC's fami...
21 New Rules for Technology: A Maximum Manifesto
By MaximumPC, published 12-05-2011
Four Score and… no, that’s not going to work. We the People of the Geek World, in Order to form a more perfect Desktop… no, that probably won’t work either. The Founding Fathers had it easy. Alas, there’s really no “Geek manifesto” that I can quote from, nor any real historical document that I can pilfer and humorously change, to reflect the modern-day demands of geek consumers. Look, there’s no reason why you should let hardware and software manufacturers dictate terms for how you go about your daily geek life. Whether you’re a hardware hacker or a Best Buy shopper who just wants to get the latest gadgets sans fuss, it’s up to you to demand that all of your technological interactions meet a bare minimum of standards. Why? Doesn’t it make you mad when ...
Review: Panasonic DMP-BDT110
By TechRadar, published 12-05-2011
The Panasonic DMP-BDT110 3D Blu-ray player is the 'lite' version of the DMP-BDT310, boasting many of the same features but with a few nips and tucks to get the price down a bit (by £70, to be precise). It's actually two rungs down the range ladder from the DMP-BDT310 – sitting between them is the DMP-BDT210, which is practically identical to the BDT310 in everything but connections. The DMP-BDT110, on the other hand, has some much more obvious omissions.Those missing features are things that you could file under 'luxuries' though – most of the big new features and core Blu-ray tricks for everyday viewing are still present and correct.All three decks look roughly the same, with their moody black finish and the sort of slimline dimensions to make a cover girl green with envy. The casing...
Review: LSD Programming Writer 1.3
By TechRadar, published 12-05-2011
Writer's website describes the app as a 'minimal text editor' and it's not kidding. This is a product designed to get you writing rather than distracting you with options or, for that matter, anything else. In its windowed mode, Writer merely provides a word count and a couple of icons. You use the pin at the top-right to pin the window above others, while the fullscreen icon sends Writer to fullscreen mode, to block out all other distractions. A little customisation is available. The app's preferences enable you to toggle a 'high contrast' mode, with yellow text on a grey background (more readable than the default white/black combinations), and you can define the fonts used in each mode. Interestingly, the zoom button in windowed mode has custom behaviour – when clicked, it makes the wi...
VIA QuadCore mobile processor gets detailed
By SlashGear, published 12-05-2011
Right now if you pick up most netbooks, the best you can hope for inside the machines designed for power efficiency and long battery life is a dual core processor. You generally have to move up to a full size notebook or desktop to get quad-core power under the hood. That won’t always be the case though; you can bet that Intel and other firms are working towards getting quad-core processor into small computing devices that run Windows and other OS’ that are cheap. One of the companies that are looking to bring cheap quad-core power to netbook users is VIA. VIA has been offering its Nano X2 dual core processor for a while now. The follow up to that X2 processor is a quad-core offering called simply enough QuadCore. The new processor packs a pair of dual core processors onto th...
Review: Asus Eee Pad Transformer
By TechRadar, published 10-05-2011
With every electronics manufacturer in the entire universe looking to release an Android tablet in 2011, individual products are all going to need some kind of unique selling point.This is especially true with Android 3.0 products, because the vast majority of them are all packing near identical innards – namely Nvidia's Tegra 2 dual core CPU platform.The LG Optimus Pad, then, has its 3D camera. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1V has its 8MP snapper. And the Android 2.3-toting HTC Flyer comes with its own Sense UI overlay.So it makes perfect sense that Asus - the company that gave birth to the netbook - would seek to position its first Android tablet in a niche it knows well.Ever since the iPad was unleashed on the world like an Apple-scented hurricane in 2010, the humble netbook's days have b...
Buying Guide: Best Intel Core laptops 2011
By TechRadar, published 09-05-2011
Intel may have announced its new Sandy Bridge Intel Core i3, Core, i5 and i7 processors in January. But laptops based on the platform have been slow to emerge - it's only now that we're seeing the results drip slowly into stores. So here's the best of our reviews so far - now you can choose the Sandy Bridge laptop that's right for you. 1. Packard Bell EasyNote TS13This laptop features an updated version of the Core i3-2310M CPU, which offers considerable power on a budget. With 4096MB of DDR3 memory also on board, you can comfortably multi-task with applications.The EasyNote TS13-HR-035 is a great and cheap way of enjoying and editing your media on the move. Performance is strong and the display is satisfyingly vibrant, while usability and a range of useful features are additional highligh...
SlashGear Weekly Roundup Video – May 7, 2011
By SlashGear, published 09-05-2011
Once again, we attempt to bring you a roundup of the week’s tech news in under 6 minutes. The chaos of the Sony PlayStation Network breach continued into this past week. Apple unleashed an iOS update that addressed most of the location tracking concerns. Intel made their biggest announcement of the year with a new 22-nm 3D Tri-Gate transistor technology that really puts it ahead of the competition. Other major announcements came from the BlackBerry World conference as well as from a Samsung event. For the full list and video continue after the cut. Sony PlayStation Network Breach update and recap of the week’s developments: PlayStation Network and Qriocity back online from this week; Compensation detailed Sony Online Entertainment Offline During Hacker Inv...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 19 2011
By SlashGear, published 08-05-2011
Welcome to this week’s edition of the SlashGear Week in Review. We had some interesting things going on in the tech world during the week. One of the interesting stories was the white iPhone and if it was thicker or not. Apple’s Phil Schiller insists that the white iPhone is no thicker than the black one, but it does use a different sensor and camera design. The biggest news in the world this week was the fact that Osama Bin Laden was killed. One man unknowingly tweeted about the raid when it was going on mentioning a helicopter hovering, which wasn’t usual. Apple whipped out a new version of the iMac AIO computer this week. The machine gained Thunderbolt, Intel Sandy Bridge processors and FaceTime HD video chatting among other things. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 tablet ...
In Depth: 20 bits of Hi-Fi kit for audio perfection
By TechRadar, published 08-05-2011
With all the exhibition space sold there was a buzz about the 2011 Bristol Sound & Vision show before it had even started. A buzz which rose to fever pitch when the massed audio enthusiasts burst into the Marriott foyer on the first day. This show has grown in importance to the point where it is the most popular in the hi-fi events calendar. The driving force being the array of key manufacturers showing their latest wares. This year's theme was clearly affordability. There was definitely some high-end exotica in action at Bristol, but even more keenly priced components and accessories. Three cable manufacturers revealed radically revised designs with one coming straight out of left field. Speaker makers, meanwhile, have been revisiting the sub-£200 sector with renewed enthusiasm, which ha...
Mother’s Day Tech Gift Roundup
By SlashGear, published 07-05-2011
Ok, so Mother’s Day is just two days away. What to get? There are a lot of great techie gifts out there, and we’ve got them all rounded up right here for you. We’ve got eReaders, tablets, an unusual video camera, and an amazing phone for an amazing price. Plus, great ways for Mom to get organized and get rid of clutter, and digital storage to keep all those pictures in one place. And, a free way to keep the kids entertained so that Mom can relax. Read on to see it all. The Kindle 3G is the quintessential eReader, with its eInk display and non-glare surface. And it comes with Whispernet (on some models) so Mom can download books from anywhere, with no monthly fee. Before you ask, no, I don’t get kickbacks from Amazon, I just own a Kindle and am a big fan of it. Th...
Review: HP G72-a10SA
By TechRadar, published 04-05-2011
Business is booming at the low end of the laptop market. The PC platform has basically levelled out in terms of the functionality most of us expect. You don't need to shell out on a Macbook Pro or a high end Dell laptop such as the Latitude XT2 XFR to get a slick desktop performance – around £350 will do the trick.So here's one of HP's best efforts in the low end 17-inch laptop sector – and yes, appropriately enough, the HP G72-a10SA is a 17-inch monster with relatively modest insides.Not that you'd know of its inadequacies from looking at it, though. In terms of presentation, HP has done an incredible job – the G72 sports the seemingly ubiquitous textured casing of the current generation of laptops, a huge trackpad which blends seamlessly with the rest of the wrist-rest, and a soli...
ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Review
By SlashGear, published 03-05-2011
ASUS has been plugging away at tablets for years now, experimenting with convertible netbooks and trying to coax some semblance of finger-friendliness out of Windows. It’s taken Android 3.0 Honeycomb and the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 to actually deliver, however: an eye-catching hybrid offering the touch-usability of a slate and the content creation flexibility of a Keyboard Dock. Has Eee Pad outclassed iPad 2 or do the ASUS Transformer’s two halves not quite add up to a whole? Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut. Hardware With its plastic chassis and brown color scheme, the Eee Pad Transformer is always going to struggle against the brushed metal and wafer-thin build of the iPad 2. At 271 x 171 x 12.98 mm and 680g, ASUS has produced a bigger slate than th...
New Apple iMac: Thunderbolt, Sandy Bridge and FaceTime HD
By SlashGear, published 03-05-2011
Apple has unveiled its new iMac range, and as expected the all-in-one desktops have been upgraded with Intel’s 2011 Sandy Bridge quad-core processors, new graphics and Thunderbolt connectivity. The new iMacs come in the same 21.5-inch and 27-inch versions, with the entry-level $1,199 21.5-inch model having a 2.5GHz quad-core Core i5 processor, AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics and a 500GB hard-drive. At the other end there’s the $1,999 27-inch machine with a 3.1GHz quad-core Core i5 processor, Radeon HD 6970M graphics and 1TB of storage. Optional is a $200 quad-core Intel Core i7 processor upgrade on select models, running at up to 3.4GHz. There’s also a second 21.5-inch pre-config model, with a 2.7GHz Core i5, Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB of storage, for $1,49. The entry-level 2...
Brit Week: Molyneux: Minecraft is 'most impressive' game of last 10 years
By TechRadar, published 03-05-2011
To most gamers, Peter Molyneux needs little introduction. Not only is he a great British games designer, he is one of the gaming industry's most high-profile developers.Inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) and awarded an OBE back in 2004, Peter was most recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Game Developers Choice Awards, in addition to receiving a BAFTA Fellowship at the 2011 British Academy Video Games Awards.So it's already been a great year for the man widely credited with inventing the god game genre with 1989's Populous, the second major title to come out of his first studio, Bullfrog Productions. That company was acquired by Electronic Arts in the 1990s, where Molyneux worked for a few years before founding Lionhead Studios in 1997 ...
Best Buy Puts Current Mac Models On Sale, Supports iMac Refresh Coming This Week
By SlashGear, published 02-05-2011
If you are in the market to buy a new Apple iMac or any of the other products in the Mac lineup, then pay attention. Best Buy has just put all of its current Mac products on sale, including all Macbooks, iMac, Mac pro, and Mac mini computers. The sale can potentially save you up to $260 on a Mac Pro and generally under $100 for all of the other Mac products. An additional incentive to make the plunge is free shipping. The deal may be enticing, but if you don’t want to regret picking up an older generation iMac just a day before the new one is released, then hold on tight. We reported last week that a refreshed iMac was likely to arrive on May 4th. Speculation had been building up on the refresh due to reports that there were constrained supplies of the current model iMac on retaile...
How To Build a Compact 3D-Enabled HTPC For Less Than $1000
By MaximumPC, published 02-05-2011
We set out to build a Sandy Bridge box that takes up little space in our entertainment center and fulfills all our streaming needs Back in the August 2010 issue of Maximum PC I built a 3D HTPC that I was pretty damned happy with, but the times have changed. The CableCard quad tuner that was featured prominently in that machine is no longer needed, as I have joined the ranks of the Cable Cutter Movement™. So without the need for a CableCard, I wondered if I could build a rig with all the same capabilities but make it much, much smaller. Ingredients Case/PSU Silverstone Lascala LC12 w/120W PSU $180 www.silverstonetek.com Mobo Zotac H67-ITX WiFi $160 www.zotacusa.com CPU Intel Core i3-2100T $130 www.intel.com Cooler Si...
In Depth: 16 things we'd change about Ubuntu
By TechRadar, published 02-05-2011
Ubuntu is a popular Linux-based distro but, like everything in life, it isn't perfect. There's plenty that could be improved, both in terms of software and the way it goes about doing things. Here's what we think would improve it.1.?Show how it helpsThis was doing the rounds recently: "What many people don't understand about Linux development is that it's truly a team effort: Red Hat develops the kernel, Novell develops the applications, Debian does the packaging and Ubuntu takes the credit!" It's a little unfair on Ubuntu, but maybe that's because it doesn't get credit for what it does contribute - such as making Linux more accessible for the masses. It should blow its own trumpet more.2.?Make better colour choicesWhat is it with Ubuntu's colour schemes? It's not just the drabness of some...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 18 2011
By SlashGear, published 01-05-2011
Welcome to the latest edition of the SlashGear Week in Review! Monday bought with it news that Nintendo was set to unveil a replacement for the Wii console at E3 this summer. The console itself is due to land for purchase sometime next year according to reports. The biggest story of the week has been the Sony PSN outage. Sony admitted that the Dev accounts and user accounts were hacked by outside sources. A really cool LEGO helmet that looks like the ones the Minifig astronauts wear that is sized for kids to be able to put on turned up. The helmet is very cool and has speakers inside to read LEGO comics to the kids via a digital file right off a USB drive plugged into the back of the helmet. Apple is facing its first class action suit over the tracking of user location details on the iP...
Tutorial: The complete guide to AirPlay
By TechRadar, published 01-05-2011
AirPlay was originally demoed by Steve Jobs during the announcement of the new Apple TV, but then its memory slipped away. Maybe it was the long wait for iOS 4.2 that dulled its impact, or perhaps it was the lack of AirPlay-compatible devices on the market. Either way, this is a technology to shout about. While streaming a video from your iPhone to your Apple TV (as shown by Steve) is great, there are many more uses for AirPlay, as you will find out here. This includes the ability to stream music to every room in your home without wires.Of course, as we mentioned before, there are few AirPlay devices on the market at the moment and they're likely to be fairly expensive when they do arrive, so we've looked at a number of AirPlay alternatives you might want to try out using some kit you may ...
In Depth: What Apple's patents reveal about its plans
By TechRadar, published 30-04-2011
For anybody who wants to know what a company is thinking, just look at its patent portfolio. Patents are about protection: without them there's nothing to stop your rivals from copying your best ideas and making money from your hard work. If you patent your revolutionary unicorn-powered laptop and a rival copies you, you'll be able to sue them until they squeak - and possibly get their product pulled from the shelves too. Smart companies patent everything, and Apple is a smart company - so a trawl through Apple's worldwide patent applications can uncover future products. Back in 2006, patent application 20,060,268,528 showed what was described as a "portable computing device capable of wireless communications... [that] is a media player". A few months later, Steve Jobs unveiled it: the iPh...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 30-04-2011
This week we got our hands on the hugely impressive Samsung Galaxy S2 and the eagerly awaited BlackBerry PlayBook.We also spent some time looking through the lens of the good-looking Leica X1 and tested more Sandy Bridge chips from Intel.Read on for the most popular reviews on TechRadar this week.Samsung Galaxy S2 reviewThe Samsung Galaxy S2 is the phone the Korean firm deems a worthy successor to its best smartphone so far - with a 1.2GHz processor, super-slim chassis and feather-light innards, it's easy to see why.The phone is almost impossibly thin when you pick it up – dimensions of 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5mm mean it's one of the thinnest smartphones on the market at the moment, rivalling the likes of the iPhone 4 and Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc for the title.BlackBerry PlayBook reviewWith a ...
TechRadar Phone Awards: Vote for your favourite mobile phone app
By TechRadar, published 29-04-2011
The TechRadar Phone Awards are in full swing, but they still need your vote on what you think are the best phone innovations of the past year. One of the most burgeoning phone sectors of recent years has to be the advent of apps. These mini software programs can turn your handset into a games console, a running aide and even an ebook reader. With this in mind, TechRadar has narrowed down the best apps around today to a longlist of 10 - all of which need your vote now. See below for the 10 apps we think are the greatest on any app store at the moment and don't forget that if you don't like any of our choice, then you can still have your say in the TechRadar Phone Awards by adding in your own personal favourite.If enough people like the same app as you then it will go into the shortlist in t...
Samsung Galaxy S II Review
By SlashGear, published 26-04-2011
Samsung has a lot riding on the Galaxy S II. When your displays, chips and memory are found in the flagship devices of OEMs around the world, you have to expect consumers will demand more from the hardware that bears your brand. The Galaxy S II (aka Galaxy S 2 or GSII) has even more to live up to: the original Galaxy S spawned several carrier variants that helped it become the best-selling Android smartphone in the US last year, and positioned Samsung as one of the key names to beat in the segment. So, with dual-core – and freshly overclocked – processor at the ready and a huge, Super AMOLED Plus display providing some eye-catching glitz, the Galaxy S II wades into the crowded smartphone market. New Android king or pretender to the throne? Check out the full SlashGear review af...
Review: BlackBerry PlayBook
By TechRadar, published 26-04-2011
With a name that sounds like something you'd use at a sporting event, the BlackBerry PlayBook is the latest – and most unique – Apple iPad 2 challenger. Running a new OS called QNX, with quirky features like bridging to a BlackBerry phone for secure email and an oddly confusing initial setup, the PlayBook is a stark departure from the more iPad-like Motorola Xoom. Business-minded features such as built-in viewers for spreadsheets and word processing files are welcome, and the PlayBook gets extra credit for being fast and nimble on a dual-core 1GHz processor.Throw in a 3MP front-facing camera, a 5MP rear-facing one, a bright and crisp 1200x600 resolution screen, a light 425g body and all the typical gyro, accelerometer and GPS sensors and you have the makings for a powerful 7-inch table...
Apple MacBook Pro set for complete makeover?
By TechRadar, published 26-04-2011
Apple could be set to give the MacBook Pro a whole new look, its first design makeover since 2008, if insider sources are to be believed.No clues have surfaced as to what this new design will entail, but it is said to be already under development, described by one sources as a "milestone" for the MacBook Pro range. The latest MacBook Pros were unveiled in February this year and were the first to include high-speed Thunderbolt file transfer. The design, however, was largely the same as its previous iterations, with the now-familiar aluminium unibody casing.New iMacs incomingThe other Apple computing chitchat today is that we may see the next iMac refresh surfacing next week, complete with Thunderbolt connectivity. Apple has dispatched delay notes for iMac orders speaking of 'unexpected dela...
Video: Gallery: Sony Tablet S1 and S2
By TechRadar, published 26-04-2011
Sony has officially unveiled the Sony Tablet S1 and the Sony Tablet S2, with the Japanese company hoping that its Android 3.0 offerings will be a public hit. The Sony Tablet S1 is the company's attempt at an iPad competitor, boasting a 9.4 inch screen and designed to team up with Sony Qriocity and the PlayStation Network. The Sony Tablet S2 offers up dual 5.5-inch screens which will either work together or independently. We've gathered together all of the official images for your perusal, with both designs at the very least looking unlike any of the rival offerings.From the front, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Sony Tablet S1 was very similar to the slew of rectangular Android tablets already arriving to market.But a side view of the tablet shows the novel design - something that ...
“We don’t track anyone” Steve Jobs reportedly tells user
By SlashGear, published 25-04-2011
Apple CEO Steve Jobs may be taking a leave of absence right now, but it seems he’s still checking his email. Asked by a MacRumors reader about the ongoing furore over iPhone tracking, which reports suggested this morning was occurring even when location services are shut off, Jobs reportedly denied any such tracking and said “the info circulating around is false.” Q: Steve, Could you please explain the necessity of the passive location-tracking tool embedded in my iPhone? It’s kind of unnerving knowing that my exact location is being recorded at all times. Maybe you could shed some light on this for me before I switch to a Droid. They don’t track me. A: Oh yes they do. We don’t track anyone. The info circulating around is false. Sent from my iPhone R...
Review: Thinkflood RedEye Mini
By TechRadar, published 23-04-2011
The universal remote control market seems to be undergoing a period of transformation with purpose-built and often pricey multi-function handsets under threat from a new wave of control solutions that use Apple and Android devices instead. The RedEye Mini from Thinkflood works with Apple's iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad and has a big brother, the RedEye, which allows for control of multiple devices in the home using Wi-Fi by slotting said kit into a cradle. The Mini package has two parts – a 290mm-long infrared adapter (for which a keyring-attachable case is provided) with a 30ft range, which attaches to your device's headphone output and the RedEye Mini control app, which is a free download from the iTunes app store. Net access needed Setting it up requires internet access and isn't too co...
iMac Refresh Imminent With Supplies Running Low
By SlashGear, published 21-04-2011
If you’re thinking about purchasing a shiny new iMac soon, you may want to hold off for just a bit. The Apple trend to look for when a possible refresh is coming for a product is when its supply starts to shrink. This happened with the MacBook Pro and iPad before newer versions were released and now 9to5 Mac has been tipped off that iMac supplies are starting to dry up, so a possible refresh could be looming. The new iMacs could be sporting Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt I/O ports when the new models roll out and may launch sometime between late April and early May. One of the sources took the above screen shot showing the dwindling iMac supplies. Apparently this is confirmed from multiple sources in both the U.S. and in Asia. The U.S. source says that not only are the iMac su...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 16-04-2011
This week we've reviewed the awesome Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1V Android 3.0-toting iPad rival as well as the Sony VAIO S Series.Also check out our review of the amazing 50-inch Panasonic TX-P50GT30B 3D plasma as well as the Sony KDL-46NX713 2D LED set. We've also looked at the INQ Cloud Touch and we've also got hands on with the new Nokia X7. Top five reviews on TechRadarSamsung Galaxy Tab 10.1V reviewThere are two versions of the Galaxy Tab 10.1. This is the original one, now a Vodafone-exclusive. It's got Android 3.0 onboard, while the standout hardware feature is the 8MP camera which, to be frank, blows the iPad's equivalent clean out of the water and into the realm of total inferiority. The tablet is powered by Nvidia's dual-core Tegra 2 chip, and is thus a pleasure to use. The drawback ...
Review: Sony VAIO S Series VPC-SB1V9E
By TechRadar, published 14-04-2011
The Sony VPC-SB1V9E is Sony's latest power ultraportable laptop but it's unusual for Sony - itfalls into the business-oriented VAIO S-Series range. The VAIO Z-Series is the Japanese giant's usual ultra-portable laptop range, producing ridiculously sexy mini machines that can handle any application. Of course, this combo of power and portability often comes at quite a cost, usually well on the wrong side of a grand.But while the VAIO VPC-SB1V9E S Series may not have the looks of the MacBook Air or the Samsung 9-Series, this is still a fantastic laptop that doesn't skimp on performance. Even better, at £899, the asking price isn't too steep for an ultra-portable.At first glance, the VAIO VPC-SB1V9E isn't much of a looker. The lid is attractive enough with a dark brushed aluminium finish, bu...
Review: Sony VAIO S Series VPC-SB1V9E
By TechRadar, published 14-04-2011
The Sony VPC-SB1V9E is Sony's latest power ultraportable laptop but it's unusual for Sony - itfalls into the business-oriented VAIO S-Series range. The VAIO Z-Series is the Japanese giant's usual ultra-portable laptop range, producing ridiculously sexy mini machines that can handle any application. Of course, this combo of power and portability often comes at quite a cost, usually well on the wrong side of a grand.But while the VAIO VPC-SB1V9E S Series may not have the looks of the MacBook Air or the Samsung 9-Series, this is still a fantastic laptop that doesn't skimp on performance. Even better, at £899, the asking price isn't too steep for an ultra-portable.At first glance, the VAIO VPC-SB1V9E isn't much of a looker. The lid is attractive enough with a dark brushed aluminium finish, bu...
iPad Arcade Cabinet “iCade” By Ion Audio To Bring Retro Fun In May
By SlashGear, published 13-04-2011
Here’s a neat little accessory to turn your Apple iPad into a retro mini arcade machine. Ion Audio first showed off this iPad arcade cabinet called the iCade at CES earlier this year but had not confirmed a date of availability. Today, the accessory just passed through the FCC signaling an on time launch for May 31. Watch the video demo after the cut. The iCade is designed to sit on top of your table and has an arcade style joystick with six numbered buttons and two “enter” blue buttons. You simply slide your iPad into the front of the iCade and connect them via Bluetooth to start playing your favorite classic arcade games. Well, you do have to go and download the games, which are thankfully free, from Apple’s App Store. The Atari Greatest Hits app is configured ...
Tutorial: How to find missing iTunes album artwork
By TechRadar, published 09-04-2011
There's nothing quite like browsing through your iTunes music library, looking at all the gorgeous album cover artwork as you go, be that on your Mac, your iPhone, iPad or iPod. At least, it is until you come to some tracks that haven't got any artwork attached to them, at which point the black square with the pair of quavers rather spoils the wow factor. So we're going to help you get that pizazz back by making sure your whole iTunes library has its cover artwork present and intact. Before we start, make sure you've got the artwork thumbnail visible in iTunes - it appears in the bottom-left corner, and you can toggle it on and off using the rectangle with the triangle in it, next to the repeat button. Just above the thumbnail, you'll see it either says Selected Item or Now Playing - flip ...
Tutorial: How to find missing iTunes album artwork
By TechRadar, published 09-04-2011
There's nothing quite like browsing through your iTunes music library, looking at all the gorgeous album cover artwork as you go, be that on your Mac, your iPhone, iPad or iPod. At least, it is until you come to some tracks that haven't got any artwork attached to them, at which point the black square with the pair of quavers rather spoils the wow factor. So we're going to help you get that pizazz back by making sure your whole iTunes library has its cover artwork present and intact. Before we start, make sure you've got the artwork thumbnail visible in iTunes - it appears in the bottom-left corner, and you can toggle it on and off using the rectangle with the triangle in it, next to the repeat button. Just above the thumbnail, you'll see it either says Selected Item or Now Playing - flip ...
Tutorial: How to find missing iTunes album artwork
By TechRadar, published 09-04-2011
There's nothing quite like browsing through your iTunes music library, looking at all the gorgeous album cover artwork as you go, be that on your Mac, your iPhone, iPad or iPod. At least, it is until you come to some tracks that haven't got any artwork attached to them, at which point the black square with the pair of quavers rather spoils the wow factor. So we're going to help you get that pizazz back by making sure your whole iTunes library has its cover artwork present and intact. Before we start, make sure you've got the artwork thumbnail visible in iTunes - it appears in the bottom-left corner, and you can toggle it on and off using the rectangle with the triangle in it, next to the repeat button. Just above the thumbnail, you'll see it either says Selected Item or Now Playing - flip ...
Review: Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc
By TechRadar, published 04-04-2011
Sony Ericsson's original Xperia X10 was a brave first go at an Android phone, offering a large screen, a collection of social media enhancements and a stylised version of Google's rapidly growing mobile operating system.However, the X10 was hindered by delays, held back by glitchy software and arrived running the already ageing Android 1.6 - and only received an update to 2.1 recently. It was, to put it mildly, a bit of a mess.The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc obliterates all of those awkward memories in a flash. It's running the very latest Android 2.3.2 version of the OS. It's arrived on time. It's fast, and it's very, very stylish indeed. And it's not that expensive for a single-core Android phone in 2011 at £430 SIM free or £30 per month on contract - can Sony Ericsson's Reality Display, ...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 14 2011
By SlashGear, published 03-04-2011
Welcome to another edition of the SlashGear Week in Review! Let’s get right into it. Early in the week Amazon rolled out its Appstore test drive feature. The feature allows you to test out some of the apps available on the store on a virtual Android device for 30 minutes. A Montana Radio Shack store is offering a wild deal for people that sign up to have new service installed. The store will give a gift certificate for a 380 handgun or a shotgun to those that purchase service. Sony Ericsson announced that it was going to offer up a new Android bootloader unlock tool. The catch is that the tool will only be offered for certain handsets in its 2011 lineup. We went hands on with the Nokia C7 Astound for the T-Mobile network early in the week. The phone is small and for now all you get...
Tutorial: Snow Leopard guide for new users
By TechRadar, published 03-04-2011
Mac OS X is packed to the brim with clever little tricks that will enhance the way you work and help you save time. But so much of the operating system is easy to use that you could hardly call yourself a pro. However, that's all about to change. We show you just how easy it is to become a Mac OS guru with the best collection of power tips for a wide range of tasks. From Finder shortcuts to image manipulation, we've got all the techniques you need to get even more from your Mac use. We will even demystify the obscure apps lurking in the Utilities folder that you may never have used. While the majority of tips found in this feature will focus on the OS in general, we've also included some sections that cover pro tips for media and other files as well as a good bunch of tweaks to be found wi...
Tutorial: Snow Leopard guide for new users
By TechRadar, published 03-04-2011
Mac OS X is packed to the brim with clever little tricks that will enhance the way you work and help you save time. But so much of the operating system is easy to use that you could hardly call yourself a pro. However, that's all about to change. We show you just how easy it is to become a Mac OS guru with the best collection of power tips for a wide range of tasks. From Finder shortcuts to image manipulation, we've got all the techniques you need to get even more from your Mac use. We will even demystify the obscure apps lurking in the Utilities folder that you may never have used. While the majority of tips found in this feature will focus on the OS in general, we've also included some sections that cover pro tips for media and other files as well as a good bunch of tweaks to be found wi...
Tutorial: Snow Leopard guide for new users
By TechRadar, published 03-04-2011
Mac OS X is packed to the brim with clever little tricks that will enhance the way you work and help you save time. But so much of the operating system is easy to use that you could hardly call yourself a pro. However, that's all about to change. We show you just how easy it is to become a Mac OS guru with the best collection of power tips for a wide range of tasks. From Finder shortcuts to image manipulation, we've got all the techniques you need to get even more from your Mac use. We will even demystify the obscure apps lurking in the Utilities folder that you may never have used. While the majority of tips found in this feature will focus on the OS in general, we've also included some sections that cover pro tips for media and other files as well as a good bunch of tweaks to be found wi...
Buying Guide: 6 best photo editors and organisers for OS X
By TechRadar, published 03-04-2011
You might think image editors such as Photoshop are the be-all and end-all of digital photography. But the more photos you take, the more the issue of organisation rears its head. You can file away a small amount of photos in named folders and be reasonably sure of being able to find them again. But when you run into thousands, filing problems take on a new dimension. This has led to a new type of all-in-one photo cataloguing and editing app, with iPhoto at one end of the spectrum and Aperture at the other. They also offer 'non-destructive' enhancements where the original photo is left untouched, and any adjustments are stored within the program's photo database instead. Picasa takes the same approach, while Lightroom is an 'alternative Photoshop' for photographers who need organising tool...
Buying Guide: 6 best photo editors and organisers for OS X
By TechRadar, published 03-04-2011
You might think image editors such as Photoshop are the be-all and end-all of digital photography. But the more photos you take, the more the issue of organisation rears its head. You can file away a small amount of photos in named folders and be reasonably sure of being able to find them again. But when you run into thousands, filing problems take on a new dimension. This has led to a new type of all-in-one photo cataloguing and editing app, with iPhoto at one end of the spectrum and Aperture at the other. They also offer 'non-destructive' enhancements where the original photo is left untouched, and any adjustments are stored within the program's photo database instead. Picasa takes the same approach, while Lightroom is an 'alternative Photoshop' for photographers who need organising tool...
Buying Guide: 6 best photo editors and organisers for OS X
By TechRadar, published 03-04-2011
You might think image editors such as Photoshop are the be-all and end-all of digital photography. But the more photos you take, the more the issue of organisation rears its head. You can file away a small amount of photos in named folders and be reasonably sure of being able to find them again. But when you run into thousands, filing problems take on a new dimension. This has led to a new type of all-in-one photo cataloguing and editing app, with iPhoto at one end of the spectrum and Aperture at the other. They also offer 'non-destructive' enhancements where the original photo is left untouched, and any adjustments are stored within the program's photo database instead. Picasa takes the same approach, while Lightroom is an 'alternative Photoshop' for photographers who need organising tool...
Buying Guide: 6 best photo editors and organisers for OS X
By TechRadar, published 03-04-2011
You might think image editors such as Photoshop are the be-all and end-all of digital photography. But the more photos you take, the more the issue of organisation rears its head. You can file away a small amount of photos in named folders and be reasonably sure of being able to find them again. But when you run into thousands, filing problems take on a new dimension. This has led to a new type of all-in-one photo cataloguing and editing app, with iPhoto at one end of the spectrum and Aperture at the other. They also offer 'non-destructive' enhancements where the original photo is left untouched, and any adjustments are stored within the program's photo database instead. Picasa takes the same approach, while Lightroom is an 'alternative Photoshop' for photographers who need organising tool...
Review: Nokia E7
By TechRadar, published 01-04-2011
If beauty were only screen deep, the Nokia E7 series would stand a good chance in a Miss Handset competition, even up against the likes of the iPhone 4, HTC Desire S and Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. This QWERTY keyboard phone boasts a four-inch capacitive touchscreen, AMOLED ClearBlack display and sleek brushed aluminium casing that feels great in the hand. It's just under 14mm thick, but fairly lightweight for its size and depth. A strong double-thumbed push to the tilt and slide mechanism will reveal the well-spaced, rubber-buttoned QWERTY pad. The hinge is a little stiff, but the solidity is appreciated. The weight is nicely balanced held portrait, landscape or with the keypad out, and the touchscreen isn't overpowered by unwieldy additional keys. The soft keys it does have are spare and n...
Review: Nokia E7
By TechRadar, published 01-04-2011
If beauty were only screen deep, the Nokia E7 series would stand a good chance in a Miss Handset competition, even up against the likes of the iPhone 4, HTC Desire S and Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. This QWERTY keyboard phone boasts a four-inch capacitive touchscreen, AMOLED ClearBlack display and sleek brushed aluminium casing that feels great in the hand. It's just under 14mm thick, but fairly lightweight for its size and depth. A strong double-thumbed push to the tilt and slide mechanism will reveal the well-spaced, rubber-buttoned QWERTY pad. The hinge is a little stiff, but the solidity is appreciated. The weight is nicely balanced held portrait, landscape or with the keypad out, and the touchscreen isn't overpowered by unwieldy additional keys. The soft keys it does have are spare and n...
Review: Nokia E7
By TechRadar, published 01-04-2011
If beauty were only screen deep, the Nokia E7 series would stand a good chance in a Miss Handset competition, even up against the likes of the iPhone 4, HTC Desire S and Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. This QWERTY keyboard phone boasts a four-inch capacitive touchscreen, AMOLED ClearBlack display and sleek brushed aluminium casing that feels great in the hand. It's just under 14mm thick, but fairly lightweight for its size and depth. A strong double-thumbed push to the tilt and slide mechanism will reveal the well-spaced, rubber-buttoned QWERTY pad. The hinge is a little stiff, but the solidity is appreciated. The weight is nicely balanced held portrait, landscape or with the keypad out, and the touchscreen isn't overpowered by unwieldy additional keys. The soft keys it does have are spare and n...
ASUS Eee Pad Transformer first-impressions [Video]
By SlashGear, published 30-03-2011
If you’d asked us yesterday which Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet we were most excited about, we’d probably have said Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Tab 10.1, or maybe its smaller 8.9 sibling. Now we’re not so sure. SlashGear caught up with ASUS today for the official launch of the Eee Pad Transformer, the company’s 10.1-inch Tegra 2 tablet that can be optionally paired with a detachable, battery-toting keyboard dock. Announced back at CES 2011, and promptly lost amid the flurry of similar slates, it turns out that ASUS could well have a winner on its hands. Read on for our first-impressions. At 271 x 177 x 12.98 mm the Eee Pad Transformer isn’t as thin as the iPad 2 or the Galaxy Tab 10.1, and nor, at 680g, is it as light. Still, it’s a neatly portable ...
Firefox 4 for Android launched by Mozilla
By TechRadar, published 30-03-2011
Mozilla has launched Firefox 4 for Android – allowing people to use the latest incarnation of the popular browser on their handsets. Firefox has become a standard bearer for the underdog after years facing off against Microsoft's dominant Internet Explorer on PC, but the mobile sector may well prove to be a tougher nut to crack.Android is obviously a part of Google, which offers up a default browser that is considered one of the best - fighting it out with supremacy with Apple's offering on iOS."Firefox for mobile allows users to take the Firefox experience they love everywhere and minimizes typing with features like tabbed browsing, bookmarks, add-ons and Firefox Sync," explained Mozilla.Sleek"With a sleek new look that hides browser controls when not in use, Firefox allows users to foc...
Firefox 4 for Android launched by Mozilla
By TechRadar, published 30-03-2011
Mozilla has launched Firefox 4 for Android – allowing people to use the latest incarnation of the popular browser on their handsets. Firefox has become a standard bearer for the underdog after years facing off against Microsoft's dominant Internet Explorer on PC, but the mobile sector may well prove to be a tougher nut to crack.Android is obviously a part of Google, which offers up a default browser that is considered one of the best - fighting it out with supremacy with Apple's offering on iOS."Firefox for mobile allows users to take the Firefox experience they love everywhere and minimizes typing with features like tabbed browsing, bookmarks, add-ons and Firefox Sync," explained Mozilla.Sleek"With a sleek new look that hides browser controls when not in use, Firefox allows users to foc...
Palm: The Rise and Fall of a Legend
By MaximumPC, published 29-03-2011
Perhaps the most convoluted soap-opera in the history of technology... I was there, when the Pilot landed. It was the summer of 1996, and the US Robotics Pilot 5000 had just arrived in the bootLab (‘boot Magazine’ was the then-newly-launched precursor to Maximum PC). With unprecedented ferocity, we editors were fighting gladiator style for dibs on reviewing this tiny bit of pocket-sized plastic with its dingy monochrome screen. Not even the latest uber-PC or 3D graphics card generated such editorial lust. There was something magic about the initial Pilot. Something simple, elegant, genuinely useful. It was one of the few products we all knew would be worthy of a “Kick Ass” award almost immediately upon touching it. That first Pilot may not have been the first PDA, but it was...
Daily Roundup: 2011-03-28
By Bjorn3D, published 28-03-2011
CPUs, RAMs, Mobos Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch Review at Hothardware Crucial Ballistix Smart Tracer DDR3 PC3-12800 Memory Kit Review at Madshrimps Hands On Preview With ZOTAC's ZBOX AD02 Plus AMD Fusion E-350 Mini-PC at Futurelooks Video Cards XFX HD6950 1GB Overclocked Edition Review at OCC Asus
In Depth: New mobile phones 2011: the full rundown
By TechRadar, published 28-03-2011
The world of new mobile phones changes so fast that even we at TechRadar have a hard time keeping up, and we're the internet. Since we don't want anyone to miss the news about the newest mobile phone that might be ideal for them, we've put together this round up of our hands-on reviews. These aren't our full reviews, so won't have the same authoritative depth, but they're our early impressions of all these new mobiles after we've been able to spend some limited time with them.This page will be updated regularly as new mobile phones are announced, so you know it's always the best place to come for the all the upcoming mobile phone news you'll need.Samsung Wave 578NFC (near-field communications) is an area that the networks seem to be pushing more and more in new mobile phones, but we've mos...
In Depth: New mobile phones 2011: the full rundown
By TechRadar, published 28-03-2011
The world of new mobile phones changes so fast that even we at TechRadar have a hard time keeping up, and we're the internet. Since we don't want anyone to miss the news about the newest mobile phone that might be ideal for them, we've put together this round up of our hands-on reviews. These aren't our full reviews, so won't have the same authoritative depth, but they're our early impressions of all these new mobiles after we've been able to spend some limited time with them.This page will be updated regularly as new mobile phones are announced, so you know it's always the best place to come for the all the upcoming mobile phone news you'll need.Samsung Wave 578NFC (near-field communications) is an area that the networks seem to be pushing more and more in new mobile phones, but we've mos...
Buying Guide: 7 best iPhone platform games
By TechRadar, published 27-03-2011
Nintendo has quite a lot in common with Apple. Both companies are innovators in their chosen fields, developing and selling profitable consumer hardware, backed by unique intellectual property that simply cannot be found on other platforms. In the same way that you won't find Apple's iLife suddenly available for Windows, you won't see Mario, Nintendo's famous plumber, in a game on iOS (or any other non-Nintendo platform) any time soon. Luckily, though, there are plenty of games available for iOS that are in a similar vein to Nintendo's Super Mario Bros, providing a more than adequate fix for platform-game fanatics. Probably the closest gaming experience to Super Mario Bros on iOS is Giana Sisters, (£2.99) a title that has something of a chequered past. The original version of the game was...
Buying Guide: 7 best iPhone platform games
By TechRadar, published 27-03-2011
Nintendo has quite a lot in common with Apple. Both companies are innovators in their chosen fields, developing and selling profitable consumer hardware, backed by unique intellectual property that simply cannot be found on other platforms. In the same way that you won't find Apple's iLife suddenly available for Windows, you won't see Mario, Nintendo's famous plumber, in a game on iOS (or any other non-Nintendo platform) any time soon. Luckily, though, there are plenty of games available for iOS that are in a similar vein to Nintendo's Super Mario Bros, providing a more than adequate fix for platform-game fanatics. Probably the closest gaming experience to Super Mario Bros on iOS is Giana Sisters, (£2.99) a title that has something of a chequered past. The original version of the game was...
Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review
By TechRadar, published 25-03-2011
We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the Big G. Our Chrome OS netbook has arrived in the office today, so we've ignored the big hot sun to bring you more in-depth thoughts on Google's Windows basher than we were able to put together in a few minutes on a baking show floor at CES. First thing's first, this is still very early kit. Some of the creases we'll explain here will be ironed out by the time Chrome OS gets into your hands in hardware from many of the usual netbook vendors. Second thing's second, Google Chrome OS looks like Chrome the browser because, essentially, that's exactly what it is. Here's a few of the different bits. That's what it is. It's a browser. There is no desktop. And that ...
Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review
By TechRadar, published 25-03-2011
We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the Big G. Our Chrome OS netbook has arrived in the office today, so we've ignored the big hot sun to bring you more in-depth thoughts on Google's Windows basher than we were able to put together in a few minutes on a baking show floor at CES. First thing's first, this is still very early kit. Some of the creases we'll explain here will be ironed out by the time Chrome OS gets into your hands in hardware from many of the usual netbook vendors. Second thing's second, Google Chrome OS looks like Chrome the browser because, essentially, that's exactly what it is. Here's a few of the different bits. That's what it is. It's a browser. There is no desktop. And that ...
Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review
By TechRadar, published 25-03-2011
We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the Big G. Our Chrome OS netbook has arrived in the office today, so we've ignored the big hot sun to bring you more in-depth thoughts on Google's Windows basher than we were able to put together in a few minutes on a baking show floor at CES. First thing's first, this is still very early kit. Some of the creases we'll explain here will be ironed out by the time Chrome OS gets into your hands in hardware from many of the usual netbook vendors. Second thing's second, Google Chrome OS looks like Chrome the browser because, essentially, that's exactly what it is. Here's a few of the different bits. That's what it is. It's a browser. There is no desktop. And that ...
Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review
By TechRadar, published 25-03-2011
We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the Big G. Our Chrome OS netbook has arrived in the office today, so we've ignored the big hot sun to bring you more in-depth thoughts on Google's Windows basher than we were able to put together in a few minutes on a baking show floor at CES. First thing's first, this is still very early kit. Some of the creases we'll explain here will be ironed out by the time Chrome OS gets into your hands in hardware from many of the usual netbook vendors. Second thing's second, Google Chrome OS looks like Chrome the browser because, essentially, that's exactly what it is. Here's a few of the different bits. That's what it is. It's a browser. There is no desktop. And that ...
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Latest mobile phones 2011: hottest handsets reviewed
By TechRadar, published 25-03-2011
In the ever-changing mobile market, it can be hard to keep pace with the latest mobile phone trends. That's why we've put together this hub for our new mobile phone reviews: to give you the ideal jumping-on point for understanding the most current handsets around. We cover a plethora of brands, including Apple, HTC, Nokia, Palm and Blackberry, and operating systems, such as Android, iOS and Windows Phone 7, so you should find something that piques your interest here. In short, if you're seeking a new mobile phone, this is a great place to start.Nokia C2-01With the ink now dry on the contract between Nokia and Microsoft, the C2-01 is among the last of a dying breed: a Symbian OS-toting Nokia mobile. Oh, and it's sans touchscreen, too. Yes, for a new mobile phone, it's decidedly old-school. ...
Latest mobile phones 2011: hottest handsets reviewed
By TechRadar, published 25-03-2011
In the ever-changing mobile market, it can be hard to keep pace with the latest mobile phone trends. That's why we've put together this hub for our new mobile phone reviews: to give you the ideal jumping-on point for understanding the most current handsets around. We cover a plethora of brands, including Apple, HTC, Nokia, Palm and Blackberry, and operating systems, such as Android, iOS and Windows Phone 7, so you should find something that piques your interest here. In short, if you're seeking a new mobile phone, this is a great place to start.Nokia C2-01With the ink now dry on the contract between Nokia and Microsoft, the C2-01 is among the last of a dying breed: a Symbian OS-toting Nokia mobile. Oh, and it's sans touchscreen, too. Yes, for a new mobile phone, it's decidedly old-school. ...
Latest mobile phones 2011: hottest handsets reviewed
By TechRadar, published 25-03-2011
In the ever-changing mobile market, it can be hard to keep pace with the latest mobile phone trends. That's why we've put together this hub for our new mobile phone reviews: to give you the ideal jumping-on point for understanding the most current handsets around. We cover a plethora of brands, including Apple, HTC, Nokia, Palm and Blackberry, and operating systems, such as Android, iOS and Windows Phone 7, so you should find something that piques your interest here. In short, if you're seeking a new mobile phone, this is a great place to start.Nokia C2-01With the ink now dry on the contract between Nokia and Microsoft, the C2-01 is among the last of a dying breed: a Symbian OS-toting Nokia mobile. Oh, and it's sans touchscreen, too. Yes, for a new mobile phone, it's decidedly old-school. ...
Browser Battle 2011: Who Is the New King of the Web?
By MaximumPC, published 24-03-2011
The last time Maximum PC played host to a knock-down, drag-out dogfight for the browser crown, it was predominantly a two way scuffle featuring Mozilla’s spunky Firefox browser, then in version 2.0, versus Microsoft’s revitalized Internet Explorer, which had just been updated to IE7. We ultimately declared Firefox the winner, but that was four years ago, which, in computer years, is an eternity. Boy how things have changed since then, and at the same time, stayed the same. For starters, Internet Explorer still claims the largest share of the browser market. This has been the case for more than a decade now. Firefox, meanwhile, has maintained its rank as the world’s second most used browser and remains a fan favorite among enthusiasts. But there’s also now a third contender vying f...
Review: Exclusive: Acer Iconia Tab W500
By TechRadar, published 24-03-2011
Tablet or notebook? It's a question not only for the new Acer Iconia Tab W500, but for anyone looking to buy a new portable PC at the moment.Tablets are clearly all the rage; you only need to look at the excitement surrounding the launch of the Apple iPad 2. Many perceive these tablets as holding the key to moving mobile computing forward. The problem is, tablets aren't particularly productive devices. They're about watching movies or listening to music. They're about surfing the web on your sofa, or reading a book in a hammock. Tablets are about entertainment. They're rarely about actually creating the content that they are consuming.Anyone looking to do work or create content on the move is generally limited to using a standard computer.There is a place for showing reports using a tablet...
Review: Exclusive: Acer Iconia Tab W500
By TechRadar, published 24-03-2011
Tablet or notebook? It's a question not only for the new Acer Iconia Tab W500, but for anyone looking to buy a new portable PC at the moment.Tablets are clearly all the rage; you only need to look at the excitement surrounding the launch of the Apple iPad 2. Many perceive these tablets as holding the key to moving mobile computing forward. The problem is, tablets aren't particularly productive devices. They're about watching movies or listening to music. They're about surfing the web on your sofa, or reading a book in a hammock. Tablets are about entertainment. They're rarely about actually creating the content that they are consuming.Anyone looking to do work or create content on the move is generally limited to using a standard computer.There is a place for showing reports using a tablet...
Review: Exclusive: Acer Iconia Tab W500
By TechRadar, published 24-03-2011
Tablet or notebook? It's a question not only for the new Acer Iconia Tab W500, but for anyone looking to buy a new portable PC at the moment.Tablets are clearly all the rage; you only need to look at the excitement surrounding the launch of the Apple iPad 2. Many perceive these tablets as holding the key to moving mobile computing forward. The problem is, tablets aren't particularly productive devices. They're about watching movies or listening to music. They're about surfing the web on your sofa, or reading a book in a hammock. Tablets are about entertainment. They're rarely about actually creating the content that they are consuming.Anyone looking to do work or create content on the move is generally limited to using a standard computer.There is a place for showing reports using a tablet...
Review: Exclusive: Acer Iconia Tab W500
By TechRadar, published 24-03-2011
Tablet or notebook? It's a question not only for the new Acer Iconia Tab W500, but for anyone looking to buy a new portable PC at the moment.Tablets are clearly all the rage; you only need to look at the excitement surrounding the launch of the Apple iPad 2. Many perceive these tablets as holding the key to moving mobile computing forward. The problem is, tablets aren't particularly productive devices. They're about watching movies or listening to music. They're about surfing the web on your sofa, or reading a book in a hammock. Tablets are about entertainment. They're rarely about actually creating the content that they are consuming.Anyone looking to do work or create content on the move is generally limited to using a standard computer.There is a place for showing reports using a tablet...
BMW Launches DriveNow Car Sharing Program
By SlashGear, published 23-03-2011
BMW has partnered with rental car company Sixt for its own car sharing service called DriveNow. The two German companies will be providing a “premium” car sharing service with a fleet of BMW’s sub brand BMW i and MINI vehicles. The service is open to all drivers, but if you’re between 18 and 21 you’ll have to take an extra driving safety test before you can use a use a car. Using the service is quite simple as all you’ll need is a chip that will be attached to your driver’s license with a sticker, no need for keys with DriveNow. You can locate a DriveNow vehicle with either a mobile phone app or a website and you unlock the vehicle by waving your license over the sensor. Inside a Dell Streak is attached to dashboard and you will enter your PIN number to verify yourself. Onc...
Review: Packard Bell EasyNote TS
By TechRadar, published 23-03-2011
It would be fair to say that we were a tad skeptical when we got our first look at the Packard Bell EasyNote TS. It's ostensibly a pretty laptop without much obviously going for it bar its shiny lid, so we were a little bit dismissive – that's the sort of stock response we reserve for anything in the sub-£500 bracket.Perhaps – and this does take a certain degree of humility to say – we shouldn't have been so hasty. Because while it's not up to the lofty 3D standards of the Sony Vaio F Series and it doesn't have the leg-melting power of the high-end Apple MacBook Pro, the EasyNote TS is a mid-range performer at a low-end price, and absolutely the sort of laptop we'd be happy to welcome into our own homes. And we see a lot of laptops, so that's no mean feat.Packard Bell was kind enoug...
Review: Packard Bell EasyNote TS
By TechRadar, published 23-03-2011
It would be fair to say that we were a tad skeptical when we got our first look at the Packard Bell EasyNote TS. It's ostensibly a pretty laptop without much obviously going for it bar its shiny lid, so we were a little bit dismissive – that's the sort of stock response we reserve for anything in the sub-£500 bracket.Perhaps – and this does take a certain degree of humility to say – we shouldn't have been so hasty. Because while it's not up to the lofty 3D standards of the Sony Vaio F Series and it doesn't have the leg-melting power of the high-end Apple MacBook Pro, the EasyNote TS is a mid-range performer at a low-end price, and absolutely the sort of laptop we'd be happy to welcome into our own homes. And we see a lot of laptops, so that's no mean feat.Packard Bell was kind enoug...
Steve Jobs: “We Have No Plans To” Kill Off iPod Classic
By SlashGear, published 23-03-2011
The iPod Classic is a favorite for those who have a large music library and need to take it with them. An avid iPod Classic fan e-mailed Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs a while back concerned that the company was planning to kill off the device since there were a lack of updates. Jobs replied back to the email via his iPhone stating, “We have no plans to.” According to MacRumors, the email appeared legitimate and was revealed today. The largest member, capacity wise, in the current iPod family is the classic and it was introduced back in 2005. Apple has focused its efforts on its more popular siblings the iPod nano and iPod touch. It still sports the click-wheel and design-wise it looks a little dated. The only changes to the 160 GB iPod classic recently are the price and thickness. T...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 12 2011
By SlashGear, published 20-03-2011
Another week in the history books and another Week in Review for you to check out. We started the week last week with the alarms not working on older OS versions of the iPhone. At least the alarms were an hour early and not an hour late. The only fix for me was updating to the latest version of the OS. Terminix and its ad agency created a billboard in Dallas last week using thousands of live roaches. The board was designed to warn people of the germs roaches carry and to set an example to all the roaches watching of what can happen if they come into your home. Analysts claim that Apple sold a million iPad 2 tablets last week. Best Buy is said to have sold out in ten minutes. The Japanese market Prius will get an option for lithium ion battery packs. A cheaper model will continue to use t...
Review: Viewsonic ViewPad 10s
By TechRadar, published 18-03-2011
There is a ludicrously thin 9.7-inch shadow over tablet releases at the moment. The iPad 2 has landed, and we judged it the best tablet yet. However, that doesn't stop the march of Apple's competitors.We first saw the ViewSonic ViewPad 10s at CES, and we were intrigued by the Tap UI it used to disguise Android. However, we also remember the pitiful excuse for modern electronics that is the ViewPad 10 (Note the lack of 's').Fortunately, the ViewPad 10s has much more in common with the Motorola Xoom than it does its own predecessor, packing in Nvidia's Tegra 2 system on a chip for power. It actually beats Moto's great tablet in one area: Flash is included for internet browsing.That means twin 1GHz ARM processor cores and powerful graphics capabilities, backed by 512MB of RAM, which should ke...
Review: Viewsonic ViewPad 10s
By TechRadar, published 18-03-2011
There is a ludicrously thin 9.7-inch shadow over tablet releases at the moment. The iPad 2 has landed, and we judged it the best tablet yet. However, that doesn't stop the march of Apple's competitors.We first saw the ViewSonic ViewPad 10s at CES, and we were intrigued by the Tap UI it used to disguise Android. However, we also remember the pitiful excuse for modern electronics that is the ViewPad 10 (Note the lack of 's').Fortunately, the ViewPad 10s has much more in common with the Motorola Xoom than it does its own predecessor, packing in Nvidia's Tegra 2 system on a chip for power. It actually beats Moto's great tablet in one area: Flash is included for internet browsing.That means twin 1GHz ARM processor cores and powerful graphics capabilities, backed by 512MB of RAM, which should ke...
Fast Forward: Windows on ARM
By MaximumPC, published 16-03-2011
It's about time Microsoft is the latest slow-moving behemoth to realize that the gravitational center of personal computing is moving from desktops to pockets. Intel sensed the shift about four years ago and developed the lower-power Atom processor. Now, Microsoft is porting the next generation of Windows to run on low-power processors based on the ARM architecture. Of course, neither Intel nor Microsoft is a total newbie to mobile computing. Intel even acquired some ARM-compatible processors in the 1990s before foolishly selling them and starting over with Atom. For even longer, Microsoft has sold a stripped-down version of its operating system for ARM (Windows CE) and more recently has struggled to establish another ARM-compatible Mini-Me mutant (Windows Phone) in handsets. But for year...
The Cheapskate's Guide to Power Computing: 31 Ways to Save Money Without Sacrificing Performance
By MaximumPC, published 15-03-2011
Our guide shows you how to live a frugal, fast, and free PC existence Cheapskate. Some folks say it with a snarled upper lip and a curt, terse emphasis on the final syllable, like it’s some kind of awful, horrible moral failing. Puh-leeze. More often than not, cheapskates aren’t ripping off anyone. But the cable, satellite, software, and phone companies sure are. In a day and age when everyone is trying to upsell, premium-ize, and shake us down on a weekly basis—often under the guise of saving us money—we actually view cheapskatism as a sign of higher intelligence and reason. If approached the right way, of course. Cooling the Piggy PC's ceramic chassis was a little harder than we had anticipated. Over the next few pages, we’re going to show you how your PC can save you thousan...
In Depth: IE9 vs Firefox 4 vs Chrome 10
By TechRadar, published 15-03-2011
Cloud computing brought the browser wars back: Microsoft, Google and Mozilla have been rewriting JavaScript engines, improving their support for web standards and improving their user interfaces. The result is the big three's best browsers yet: IE9, Chrome 10 and Firefox 4 RC. So which one deserves a place on your desktop?IE9 vs Firefox 4 vs Chrome 10: appearanceThe trio keep on-screen "chrome" to a minimum and don't look bad at all. From a purely aesthetic point of view IE9 looks nicest, but having everything on one line quickly gets cluttered. Chrome is stripped back to the point of near invisibility, and Firefox 4 is the prettiest Firefox yet. Yes, that's a bit like saying "the smartest thing Charlie Sheen has ever said" but after years of blocky ugliness the new UI is a vast improvemen...
Review: IE9
By TechRadar, published 14-03-2011
The newly minted IE9 is now finished, nigh on two years after IE8 landed on our PCs.Microsoft is championing improved speed and performance in the Internet Explorer 9 in a bid to shake IE's reputation as a bloated beast. This is a change of tack for the company, which in 2009 said that benchmark tests shouldn't be the main factor when determining the quality of a browser.Then, the software giant insisted the public didn't care about slight differences in speed, and was more concerned about features like security and reliability. It was wrong. IN CONTROL: Don't want to use ActiveX controls? You can turn them all off and then reinstall one by one if you really need them (like Flash, say)While Internet Explorer 8 was well received on the whole, it was slammed for being slower than its rivals....
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 11 2011
By SlashGear, published 13-03-2011
It’s that time again, welcome to this week’s edition of the SlashGear Week in Review. Biggest news in the tech world this week has to be the iPad 2, hitting shelves on Friday and promptly selling through Apple’s initial stocks for online orders. We posted up our review of the iPad 2 mid week. The new iPad 2 is clearly far ahead of competitors on most levels. Samsung says that its Galaxy Tab 10.1 is on schedule and no changes will be made to the device. This is after reports surfaced last week that Samsung was rethinking the Tab 10.1 and changes might be made. Western Digital announced that it plans to purchase Hitachi GST in a deal that will cost WD $4.3 billion. The deal still has to get regulatory approval before it can complete. National Geographic has taken the c...
Tutorial: How to speed up your Windows PC
By TechRadar, published 13-03-2011
The First Law of Computing states that, no matter how much money you spend on a PC, it's never quite fast enough. As a result, we're always looking for new ways to squeeze a bit more performance out of our systems. While there are plenty of speed-up guides available online, most deliver only minor variations on advice you already know: uninstall unwanted programs, disable any irrelevant services, clean up temporary files, defrag your hard drive and so on. These are all good, solid tips, but if you're an experienced user, there comes a time when you want to move beyond the basics - to crank up the volume and hear something new. 10 Windows speed tips that don't workAchieving this is easier than you might think, because your PC's OS includes a host of amazing ideas and technologies that rarel...
Tutorial: How to speed up your Windows PC
By TechRadar, published 13-03-2011
The First Law of Computing states that, no matter how much money you spend on a PC, it's never quite fast enough. As a result, we're always looking for new ways to squeeze a bit more performance out of our systems. While there are plenty of speed-up guides available online, most deliver only minor variations on advice you already know: uninstall unwanted programs, disable any irrelevant services, clean up temporary files, defrag your hard drive and so on. These are all good, solid tips, but if you're an experienced user, there comes a time when you want to move beyond the basics - to crank up the volume and hear something new. 10 Windows speed tips that don't workAchieving this is easier than you might think, because your PC's OS includes a host of amazing ideas and technologies that rarel...
Tutorial: How to speed up your Windows PC
By TechRadar, published 13-03-2011
The First Law of Computing states that, no matter how much money you spend on a PC, it's never quite fast enough. As a result, we're always looking for new ways to squeeze a bit more performance out of our systems. While there are plenty of speed-up guides available online, most deliver only minor variations on advice you already know: uninstall unwanted programs, disable any irrelevant services, clean up temporary files, defrag your hard drive and so on. These are all good, solid tips, but if you're an experienced user, there comes a time when you want to move beyond the basics - to crank up the volume and hear something new. 10 Windows speed tips that don't workAchieving this is easier than you might think, because your PC's OS includes a host of amazing ideas and technologies that rarel...
Tutorial: Guide to Mac OS X File Sharing
By TechRadar, published 13-03-2011
You're sat in the lounge with your family, and you want to show them your holiday videos on the Mac mini you use as a media centre. But the videos are on your iMac. How do you transfer them? Or maybe you've just finished a Keynote presentation, and need to share it with a colleague who has his own user account on your Mac. It's too big to email, so how do you get it to him? You could use a USB stick, or email smaller files to yourself. Or for your home network, you could invest in a network attached storage (NAS) drive, accessible to everyone. But there's another way. Using OS X's file-sharing abilities, you can define a folder as 'shared', enabling other computers on your network - and other user accounts on your Mac - to access them. Privileges can be set to give different access rights ...
The iPad Failed Me As A Living Room Companion
By SlashGear, published 12-03-2011
I was recently sitting in my living room, thinking about what my next column topic should be here on SlashGear. I considered a discussion on Microsoft’s Kinect. I thought about talking about my experience with set-top boxes that have clunky menus. But then I remembered the iPad 2 is now on store shelves. And it quickly became clear that it was the perfect time to talk about my issue with Apple’s tablet. I bought Apple’s first-generation iPad the day after the device launched. I reasoned at the time that it would be an ideal companion for me while I was on-the-go. More importantly, I thought it would also be a trusty companion in the living room. See, I’m one of those people that performs research in the living room. If I’m watching television and want some clarification on some...
Buying Guide: Which is the best HTC phone?
By TechRadar, published 12-03-2011
Our constantly updated list of the best HTC phones.So you've decided that HTC is the brand you want to spend the next 24 months of your life with - but that's not the end of the quest.You have a plethora of devices, price points and operating systems to choose from and it can all get a little bewildering. But which is the best HTC phone for you?Thankfully TechRadar is on hand to help you out - check out our run down of all the HTC phones around at the moment:HTC Incredible SOS: Android 2.2The HTC Incredible S is rather nice piece of kit, but has a very odd rear - the innards are vacuum packed to the case, giving the impression of a much thinner phone than it actually is.The OS is still only Android 2.2, and we'd have hoped for a spot of Gingerbread on a cutting edge handset like this - but...
Review: Lexmark Genesis S815
By TechRadar, published 12-03-2011
This new Lexmark multifunction device (MFD) is full of fresh ideas. A printer, scanner and photocopier with USB or Wi-Fi 'n' connectivity and colour fax support.The Genesis' optical image capture is based on Lexmark's new Flash Scan technology, replacing the usual reflective scanner with a 10MP digital camera. This makes it incredibly fast, capturing the entire scannable area in just three seconds, with no warm-up time needed. Genesis abandons the traditional form factor in favour of a much more upright design. The 'scanner' is positioned in a near-vertical orientation, allowing for a smaller, space-saving footprint. A clip at the top of the scannable area and a shelf at its foot stop your documents from sliding down the glass. Its 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen does more than control the...
Review: Lexmark Genesis S815
By TechRadar, published 12-03-2011
This new Lexmark multifunction device (MFD) is full of fresh ideas. A printer, scanner and photocopier with USB or Wi-Fi 'n' connectivity and colour fax support.The Genesis' optical image capture is based on Lexmark's new Flash Scan technology, replacing the usual reflective scanner with a 10MP digital camera. This makes it incredibly fast, capturing the entire scannable area in just three seconds, with no warm-up time needed. Genesis abandons the traditional form factor in favour of a much more upright design. The 'scanner' is positioned in a near-vertical orientation, allowing for a smaller, space-saving footprint. A clip at the top of the scannable area and a shelf at its foot stop your documents from sliding down the glass. Its 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen does more than control the...
Review: Lexmark Genesis S815
By TechRadar, published 12-03-2011
This new Lexmark multifunction device (MFD) is full of fresh ideas. A printer, scanner and photocopier with USB or Wi-Fi 'n' connectivity and colour fax support.The Genesis' optical image capture is based on Lexmark's new Flash Scan technology, replacing the usual reflective scanner with a 10MP digital camera. This makes it incredibly fast, capturing the entire scannable area in just three seconds, with no warm-up time needed. Genesis abandons the traditional form factor in favour of a much more upright design. The 'scanner' is positioned in a near-vertical orientation, allowing for a smaller, space-saving footprint. A clip at the top of the scannable area and a shelf at its foot stop your documents from sliding down the glass. Its 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen does more than control the...
Review: Quirky Space Bar
By TechRadar, published 12-03-2011
Products that get everything right are a rarity, but Quirky's Space Bar comes close to such perfection. Its design shows a great deal of attention to detail and aesthetics. Crafted from brushed aluminium and finished with white plastic details, it's the perfect match for Apple's aluminium keyboard and an iMac. At 52cm long and 17cm deep, it's spacious enough to support most monitors, and is obviously an ideal fit for both the iMac and Apple Display's footprint. The area underneath the device is 44cm wide and 1.5cm tall, which is big enough to stow a full-sized Apple USB keyboard with numeric keypad. If you need some more room on your desk and you're not using your Mac, just push your keyboard under the Space Bar and free up valuable space. It's also enough for a closed Apple notebook, so y...
Review: Quirky Space Bar
By TechRadar, published 12-03-2011
Products that get everything right are a rarity, but Quirky's Space Bar comes close to such perfection. Its design shows a great deal of attention to detail and aesthetics. Crafted from brushed aluminium and finished with white plastic details, it's the perfect match for Apple's aluminium keyboard and an iMac. At 52cm long and 17cm deep, it's spacious enough to support most monitors, and is obviously an ideal fit for both the iMac and Apple Display's footprint. The area underneath the device is 44cm wide and 1.5cm tall, which is big enough to stow a full-sized Apple USB keyboard with numeric keypad. If you need some more room on your desk and you're not using your Mac, just push your keyboard under the Space Bar and free up valuable space. It's also enough for a closed Apple notebook, so y...
Review: Quirky Space Bar
By TechRadar, published 12-03-2011
Products that get everything right are a rarity, but Quirky's Space Bar comes close to such perfection. Its design shows a great deal of attention to detail and aesthetics. Crafted from brushed aluminium and finished with white plastic details, it's the perfect match for Apple's aluminium keyboard and an iMac. At 52cm long and 17cm deep, it's spacious enough to support most monitors, and is obviously an ideal fit for both the iMac and Apple Display's footprint. The area underneath the device is 44cm wide and 1.5cm tall, which is big enough to stow a full-sized Apple USB keyboard with numeric keypad. If you need some more room on your desk and you're not using your Mac, just push your keyboard under the Space Bar and free up valuable space. It's also enough for a closed Apple notebook, so y...
Apple Doesn’t Understand the Living Room
By SlashGear, published 06-03-2011
For Apple, the mobile market is a cash cow. The company’s iPhone and iPad are proving to be the top mobile companions for people around the globe. Apple has sold over 100 million iPhones. Its iPad sales have hit 15 million. The company understands the mobile market and it knows how to capitalize on it. But what about the living room? It has the Apple TV, sure, and the Mac mini is often times connected to an HDTV, but what else has Apple done to push the envelope in the living room? It still hasn’t launched the long-rumored television we keep hearing about, and it seems that offering a game console — a hope for many Apple fans over the past few years — won’t happen. I fully realize that Apple can’t be everything to every customer. It delivers computers, smartphones, ta...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 10 2011
By SlashGear, published 06-03-2011
Welcome to the latest edition of the SlashGear Week in Review! There were big goings on this week in the tech world with a new tablet and lots more so let’s get to it. The Kinect was hacked into a 3D scanner for turning the person it scans into a 3D foam bust. The pieces it makes are like foam puzzle pieces. An ad agency in New Zealand created a new board for park benches that presses an ad into the legs of the people that sit down. When those ad pressed folks start to walk around people behind them can read the ads. Fujitsu unveiled a really cool 22-inch screen that has no cords at all. The display uses inductive power and wireless data links for a very clean look. TazTag announced that it would be showing off a new tablet at CeBIT 2011 called the TazPad. The little tablet is pret...
Updated: iPad 2: all the latest details
By TechRadar, published 02-03-2011
The iPad 2 launch took place today, 2 March. Links to all of our iPad 2 coverage are below.Hands on: Apple iPad 2 reviewThe Apple iPad 2 has been unveiled, and TechRadar has spent some time with the hottest piece of kit so far in 2011.Read our hands on: Apple iPad 2 reviewiPad 2 launch live coverageiPad 2 launch live, minute by minuteApple iPad 2 officially unveiledThe new iPad is dual core, front and rear facing cameras, an all new A5 dual core CPU and a nine times more powerful GPU. And yes, there is a white iPad 2 as rumoured. And the iPad 2 UK price? Apple says it will be the same.Read Apple iPad 2 officially unveiledApple iPad 2: our first impressionsThe new iPad is thinner - 33 per cent thinner. Wow. It looks incredible and has the expected front-facing camera (as well as one on the ...
Updated: iPad 2: all the latest details
By TechRadar, published 02-03-2011
The iPad 2 launch took place today, 2 March. Links to all of our iPad 2 coverage are below.Hands on: Apple iPad 2 reviewThe Apple iPad 2 has been unveiled, and TechRadar has spent some time with the hottest piece of kit so far in 2011.Read our hands on: Apple iPad 2 reviewiPad 2 launch live coverageiPad 2 launch live, minute by minuteApple iPad 2 officially unveiledThe new iPad is dual core, front and rear facing cameras, an all new A5 dual core CPU and a nine times more powerful GPU. And yes, there is a white iPad 2 as rumoured. And the iPad 2 UK price? Apple says it will be the same.Read Apple iPad 2 officially unveiledApple iPad 2: our first impressionsThe new iPad is thinner - 33 per cent thinner. Wow. It looks incredible and has the expected front-facing camera (as well as one on the ...
MacBook Pro 15-inch Review (early 2011)
By SlashGear, published 01-03-2011
Apple’s MacBook Pro refresh last week didn’t get a press event with huge fanfare, but it’s arguably the most important update to the notebook range in some time. Bringing in Intel’s 2011 Core processor range across the board, and spicing up the larger models with AMD discrete graphics, the new versions may look the same but they promise a huge leap in performance. The high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro arrived on the SlashGear test bench last Thursday and we’ve been putting it through its paces ever since. Could this really be the best notebook around? Check out the full review after the cut. Hardware At first glance, there’s little to differentiate this new MacBook Pro from the model it replaces. Apple has kept the unibody aluminum chassis, backlit keyboard...
Buying Guide: MacBook vs MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air
By TechRadar, published 01-03-2011
The latest versions of the MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are the kind of kit you'd happily swap your kidneys for. But which one should you go for, and much kidney would you need to sell? Here's everything you need to know about the MacBook range: specs, prices and how much it'll cost to replace those internal batteries.MacBook vs MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air: PriceEntry to the MacBook family starts at £867 for both the MacBook and MacBook Air, with the 2011 MacBook Pro starting at £999 - although of course if you head for the top of the range and start adding custom options you can easily make a Mac that costs more than a car.There's only one MacBook, but there are two base MacBook Air models - an 11-inch for £867 and a 13-inch for £1,122 - and three MacBook Pros: a 13-inch (£999...
Steve Jobs knighthood blocked by ex UK Prime Minister
By SlashGear, published 01-03-2011
Steve Jobs was reportedly blocked from receiving an honorary British knighthood in 2009, after then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown was supposedly snubbed by the Apple CEO. According to an unnamed senior MP from the UK’s Labour party – who left the UK Parliament at the country’s last general election – Brown had invited Jobs to speak at the annual Labour party conference but been turned down. In response, Brown denied requests by the MP to honor the Apple CEO for services to technology. “Apple has been the only major global company to create stunning consumer products because it has always taken design as the key component of everything it has produced” the ex-MP claims, according to the Telegraph; ”no other CEO has consistently shown such a commitm...
Apple Cuts Off iPad Supply Ahead Of iPad 2 Announcement
By SlashGear, published 28-02-2011
Apple’s special event for announcing the iPad 2 is only two days away and we’re starting to see some interesting developments suggesting that the iPad 2, once announced, could be available almost immediately. 9 to 5 Mac reported that a number of Apple resellers have been notified that the current iPad supply has been constrained with no ETAs indicative that Apple has stopped production of the 1st gen iPads and ceased shipments. Below is the iPad SKUs inventory notification: MB292LL/A – iPad 16GB WiFi – Constrained – No ETA MB293LL/A – iPad 32GB WiFi – Constrained – No ETA MB294LL/A – iPad 64GB WiFi – Constrained – No ETA MC349LL/A – iPad 16GB 3G – Constrained – No ETA MC496LL/A – iPad 32GB 3G – Constrained – No ETA MC497LL/A – iPad 64GB 3G ...
Review: HTC 7 Pro
By TechRadar, published 28-02-2011
Windows Phone 7 has been with us since last October, where the first flurry of handsets came quickly with a trio from HTC, the HD7, HTC 7 Mozart and HTC 7 Trophy being joined by the Samsung Omnia 7 and LG Optimus 7.Since then, things have been a little quiet on the hardware front, with the Dell Venue Pro only just surfacing. However, we anticipate the arrival of an update to the Windows Phone software very soon, and of course Nokia's recent announcement that it is joining forces with Microsoft on the smartphone front has turned heads. Now we've a new piece of hardware to gawk at too, the HTC 7 Pro. This is the first Windows Phone 7 smartphone to have a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and, as such, it is an obvious candidate for the businessperson. But if it's well designed and sleek enough, it m...
Updated: iPad 2 news and latest rumours
By TechRadar, published 28-02-2011
The internet loves Apple and it loves ill-founded speculation, so it's hardly surprising that iPad 2 rumours were flying before the first iPad even reached the UK. UPDATE: The iPad 2 launch date has been confirmed by Apple as 2 March 2011. And you can check out what we're expecting from the iPad 2 launch, too. And with just days to go now before its unveiling the iPad 2 release date, specs and price are still closely guarded secrets, but that doesn't mean there aren't some juicy rumours, inspired guesses and possibly even Apple leaks to consider. Reports suggest Apple is also expecting massive demand for the new device and has ordered six million units per month.Here's our pick of the latest iPad 2011 rumours.UPDATE: A white iPad 2? This rumour, which surfaced on 28 February, came with a p...
Updated: iPad 2 rumours: what you need to know
By TechRadar, published 21-02-2011
The internet loves Apple and it loves ill-founded speculation, so it's hardly surprising that iPad 2 rumours were flying before the first iPad even reached the UK. With only weeks to go before its expected unveiling the iPad 2 release date, specs and price are still closely guarded secrets, but that doesn't mean there aren't some juicy rumours, inspired guesses and possibly even Apple leaks to consider. Reports suggest Apple is also expecting massive demand for the new device and has ordered six million units per month.Here's our pick of the latest iPad 2011 rumours.UPDATE: iPad 2 has apparently been spotted. Reuters reports on a "source with knowledge of the device" who spotted the new iPad at the launch of News Corp's The Daily. UPDATE: On 8 February 2011 the Wall Street Journal claimed ...
Tutorial: 10 cool things you didn't know your Mac could do
By TechRadar, published 20-02-2011
The number of cool things you can do with your Mac will probably surprise you. For example, did you know you can use it to catch a burglar, take over somebody else's Mac or even save the world? Yes, it's all true! Here we'll show you some of the cool tips and tricks the MacFormat team have picked up over the years, using Macs day in and day out. Of course, seasoned pros will know most of these tricks, but we expect there could still be a few in there that will surprise even the most gnarly old Mac expert. So, let's start our little tour with a look at how to turn your Mac into a home-security camera. 1. Catch a burglar See that camera leering at you from your Mac? Well it's got more uses than just making FaceTime calls or taking amusing pictures. It can keep a watch over your house while y...
Oversized iPod touch PMP/tablet hybrid tipped ahead of iPad 3
By SlashGear, published 19-02-2011
Steve Jobs may have dismissed 7-inch slates as “tweeners“, but that doesn’t mean the company isn’t considering an oversized iPod touch according to the latest batch of rumors. Concord Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims Apple is working on a “big iPod touch” with a screen size of around 5-inches, AppleInsider reports, likely with the same resolution as the current model and offering the same PMP UI rather than the iPad UI. According to the analyst, the new oversized iPod touch is expected to debut in the second half of 2011, more in line with Apple’s PMP refresh than its tablet schedule. The slate would allow Apple to compete in the low-end tablet market, as well as differentiating the iPad from comparisons with cheaper, smaller rivals. It wo...
Review: Bryston BDP-1
By TechRadar, published 19-02-2011
The engineers at Bryston have made the radical decision to build the BDP-1, a digital music player that doesn't stream music from a computer. Their angle is that streaming is bad, but digital music files are not. Is this then a brief diversion from the tidal onslaught of streamed music over solid software, or it could signal a new angle that brings us music files without the complications of streaming. Bryston's approach is to let you access music files stored on USB drives, be they thumb drives or hard drives which you stock up with music on the computer and then plug into the player. Drive on This approach is already available on a number of the streaming devices we have seen and does mean you can avoid the occasional glitches of wireless streaming, but it also makes getting new music a ...
Catch up: this week's most popular posts
By TechRadar, published 19-02-2011
It's been mobile phone mayhem this week with a host of new smartphones being shown off at the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.And even though Apple wasn't there to show off a new iPhone, that hasn't stopped more iPhone 5 rumours cropping up.Read on for this week's most popular stories on TechRadar…Top five news storiesRumour: iPhone nano being developed by AppleApple could be developing a budget iPhone in order to ward off competition from Google Android handsets.A prototype version of a smaller, cheaper Apple handset than the iPhone 4 is said to exist, although this is no guarantee such an iPhone will ever make it to market.The mysterious little iPhone is apparently a third smaller than the iPhone 4, with no home button on the front of the handset, which certainly sits well wi...
Across the pond: This week on TechRadar
By MaximumPC, published 18-02-2011
It's been mobile phone mayhem this week on TechRadar with a host of new smartphones being shown off at the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. And even though Apple wasn't there to show off a new iPhone, that hasn't stopped more iPhone 5 rumours cropping up. Read on for this week's most popular stories on TechRadar… Top five news stories Rumour: iPhone nano being developed by Apple Apple could be developing a budget iPhone in order to ward off competition from Google Android handsets. A prototype version of a smaller, cheaper Apple handset than the iPhone 4 is said to exist, although this is no guarantee such an iPhone will ever make it to market. The mysterious little iPhone is apparently a third smaller than the iPhone 4, with no home button on the front of the handset, which ...
Updated: Top 20 best tablet PC iPad alternatives
By TechRadar, published 18-02-2011
This year is going to be the year of the touchscreen tablet, of that there can be no doubt.While tablet PCs have been around for yonks, only now are they becoming the desirable, usable and functional devices that we've always wanted them to be – and it's about time too.The iPad is currently the most obvious example of how tablets are going mainstream, but that's not to say that all tablets released from now on are guaranteed to be super awesome. Indeed there are some real stinkers out there – remember the Toshiba Folio 100?So allow us to walk you through the best tablets currently on sale, along with the sexy tablets that are set to tickle your fingertips later in 2011.Samsung Galaxy Tab GT-P1000UK release date: October 2010Specs: Android 2.2, 1 GHz Cortex A8 CPU, 512MB RAM, 16GB/32GB,...
Updated: Top 20 best tablet PC iPad alternatives
By TechRadar, published 18-02-2011
This year is going to be the year of the touchscreen tablet, of that there can be no doubt.While tablet PCs have been around for yonks, only now are they becoming the desirable, usable and functional devices that we've always wanted them to be – and it's about time too.The iPad is currently the most obvious example of how tablets are going mainstream, but that's not to say that all tablets released from now on are guaranteed to be super awesome. Indeed there are some real stinkers out there – remember the Toshiba Folio 100?So allow us to walk you through the best tablets currently on sale, along with the sexy tablets that are set to tickle your fingertips later in 2011.Samsung Galaxy Tab GT-P1000UK release date: October 2010Specs: Android 2.2, 1 GHz Cortex A8 CPU, 512MB RAM, 16GB/32GB,...
Catch up: this week's most popular posts
By TechRadar, published 12-02-2011
This week, the numbering and naming of future versions of Android got a little confusing as Viewsonic revealed Google's plans for Android 2.4, which involve keeping the Gingerbread name and effectively replacing Android 2.3.And on a more retro tip,we discovered that Sinclair's ZX Spectrum is set to be relaunched to celebrate the classic computer's 30th anniversary.With Mobile World Congress kicking off tomorrow evening, the HTC Desire 2 looks to be one of the handsets that'll be making an appearance.Read on for this week's most popular stories on TechRadar…Top five news storiesAndroid 2.4 to replace 2.3, retain Gingerbread flavour?Viewsonic has revealed Google's plans for Android 2.4, which involve keeping the Gingerbread name and effectively replacing Android 2.3.The American company ha...
Opera Mini Coming to the iPad
By SlashGear, published 11-02-2011
For many iPad users this is welcome news. Opera is planning to introduce a iPad specific version of its popular Opera Mini browser at the Mobile World Congress next week. Opera Mini has been available for iOS devices for awhile now, but this will be Opera’s first step into the tablet world. Expect Opera to use every inch of the iPads larger screen size. “Our developers have been hard at work building the mobile browser of the future for both consumers and mobile operators,” said Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software. The Opera Mini has been a popular alternative to Apple’s Safari and many of company’s browsers are popular for other smartphones as well as Nintendo’s Wii and DSi. Opera is also planning on introducing new versions of Opera Mini on the iPhone as well as on the An...
Apple Preparing iPhone Nano For $200 Sans Contract?
By SlashGear, published 11-02-2011
A report has come out from Bloomberg saying Apple is preparing a smaller version of its popular iPhone for $200 without contract. Its speculated that the price cut would be made possible from using older and cheaper components while the overall size of the device would be 1/3rd smaller than the current iPhone 4. This rumor has stirred the imaginations of folks all over the internet and we’ve found some rather amusing images of what this device may look like. See them after the break. According to Bloomberg, the proposed move is to stem the wave of Android smartphones hitting the market now. Google’s Android platform swelled to 32.9% market share, beating Apple’s 16% in this last quarter. Bloomberg also says that Apple wants to make the diminutive iPhone dual-mode, making it a ...
iPad Mini in the Works?
By SlashGear, published 10-02-2011
With all the absolutely absurd iPad refresh rumors permeating the digital air as of late, it’s been difficult to sort out what’s slightly possible from the completely insane. The following rumor might be somewhere in between crazy and real, but the idea is fun enough that we’d like to share it no matter what. The rumor we’re referring to here is for the iPad Mini. This rumor centers around the iPad 3 notion floating around this morning, though it’s unclear whether the iPad 3 would be the same thing as the iPad Mini or if they’d both be released closer to the end of 2011. But wait, that’d be crazy – that would mean that Apple would have to release the iPad 2 sometime very soon in order to have enough time to develop a third and maybe a four...
Nokia E7 Review
By SlashGear, published 10-02-2011
Arriving on the market late, the Nokia E7 finds itself launching at a shaky point in the Finnish company’s history. Under new management, suffering doubts – internal and external – over the strength of its current platforms, and watching increasing amounts of attention and revenue being taken by key rivals like Apple, Nokia has high expectations for its new business flagship. Misplaced, misguided or money in the bank? Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut. Hardware The E7 may be the largest of the recent Symbian smartphones – looking at first glance like an oversized N8 and significantly chunkier than the svelte C7 – but inside it’s business as usual. Keeping Symbian moving is a 680MHz ARM 11 processor, paired with 256MB of RAM and OpenGL 2...
IDAPT i1 Eco charges your gadgets while saving the world
By SlashGear, published 10-02-2011
IDAPT is pretty keen on universal charging, but with its latest model there’s a dash of earth-friendliness in there too. The IDAPT i1 Eco boasts compatibility with over 4,000 devices – assisted by the fact that there’s a regular USB output on there – and automatically shuts off when your gadgets are rejuiced. Two devices can be recharged simultaneously, and using IDAPT’s interchangeable IDAPT Tips the i1 Eco can handle Apple gadgets as well. In the box are three standard Tips – a 30-pin Apple dock connector, miniUSB and microUSB – while input options include 12V from your car or 100V-240V AC for travelling. IDAPT expects the i1 Eco to go on sale in Q2 2011, and be priced at around €20. Press Release: IDAPT i1 Eco – Dual Universal Charger ...
Dell pulls plug on MacBook Air rival
By TechRadar, published 10-02-2011
Dell has canned its MacBook Air rival, the Dell Adamo, after heavy discounting failed to ignite sales at retail.Dell has informed TechRadar that the current Dell Adamo line of luxury laptops is to be discontinued."With the launch of the XPS 15 and 17 laptops in October, we have realigned our premium products under the XPS brand," says Ellen Murphy, EMEA Consumer PR Manager for XPS. "XPS products are developed to deliver a premium performance experience associated with multimedia activities like video editing, immersive entertainment and casual gaming. The engineering excellence and cutting-edge design Adamo is known for will be incorporated into future products under the XPS brand."MacBook Air rivalThe Dell Adamo was originally unveiled at CES back in January 2009, pitched as a PC competit...
Opera hits 100m mobile users, plans iPad version
By TechRadar, published 10-02-2011
Opera has announced that it has reached the 100 million user mark on mobile phones. The company also confirmed that it has been working on an iPad version of its popular mobile web browser, which will be shown off at Mobile World Congress next week. Operatic operationsOpera Mini has proven the most successful Opera product, with 90.4 of the company's 100m customers on the diet-version of the browser. Meanwhile, 15m people are using the full fat Opera Mobile browser.Opera now controls 21 per cent of the market, leading the way ahead of Apple, Rim, Nokia and Android's proprietary browsers. Cheery news all-round for the classically-named browser company; we'll be keen to see its tablet iteration at Mobile World Congress and will bring you a hands on Opera Tablet review as soon as we can.Relat...
Buying Guide: 10 of the best home cinema gadgets
By TechRadar, published 09-02-2011
Home cinema has been shrinking for yonks, but now it's getting invisible. Away from the steady flow of mainstream all-in-one speaker packages, soundbars and, more recently, Blu-ray versions and movie streamers like Apple TV, here's the really exciting secret stuff; secret speakers, pop-up projector screens, and iPad apps that control your whole system.We've gathered together some of the best gadgets from the world of home cinema to give your den a luxury feel for an outlay of as little as £50. But don't be fooled by price; you could spend as little or as much as you like on speakers or a TV, but there's a creeping trend towards home automation. The latter often applies to boring chores like controlling the heating or lighting in the whole house, but done well it can lead to multi-room vid...
Review: Creative Ziio 7-inch
By TechRadar, published 08-02-2011
Tablets are the next big thing! They're brilliant! They're wonderful to use! They're super-convenient and awesome!That's what everybody is saying, isn't it? But where are all these brilliant devices that everyone's been squawking so loudly about?It's fairly safe to say that the tablet market hasn't exactly exploded in a whirlwind of fiery, world-beating über-tablets. Not yet, anyway.Until the likes of the BlackBerry Playbook, the Motorola Xoom and the Asus Eee Pads finally make their way onto the shelves and into our homes (not long, now), we're left with a fairly disjointed-looking product line-up.The latest Android tablet to grace the TechRadar office is the Creative Ziio 7-inch. It was announced last year alongside the Creative Ziio 10-inch, which has yet to hit the shops.At just £199...
Apple May Do Away With Boxed Software
By SlashGear, published 08-02-2011
Apple’s Mac App Store might be the main source of purchasing software for Apple customers in the future. The success of the Mac App Store’s launch could be ushering an era where Apple will only carry digital copies of software in their retail stores. Evidence of Apple moving in that direction can be seen when you buy a new Mac: When you purchase a Mac at an Apple Retail store an employee will help you setup your e-mail accounts, walk you through the Mac App Store, setup an iTunes account for you, and show you the basic pointers of owning a Mac. Some stores will even have dedicated Mac setup stations. The new MacBook Air comes with a USB drive with reinstall software loaded on it. USB flash drives are pretty cheap now so it makes economical sense to use that instead of using DVD-ROM...
Updated: iPad 2 rumours: what you need to know
By TechRadar, published 07-02-2011
The internet loves Apple and it loves ill-founded speculation, so it's hardly surprising that iPad 2 rumours were flying before the first iPad even reached the UK. With only weeks to go before its expected unveiling the iPad 2 release date, specs and price are still closely guarded secrets, but that doesn't mean there aren't some juicy rumours, inspired guesses and possibly even Apple leaks to consider. Reports suggest Apple is also expecting massive demand for the new device and has ordered six million units per month.Here's our pick of the latest iPad 2 rumours.UPDATE: iPad 2 has apparently been spotted. Reuters reports on a "source with knowledge of the device" who spotted the new iPad at the launch of News Corp's The Daily. iPad 2 specs: cameras and a gyroscopeGizmodo reckons that Face...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 6 2011
By SlashGear, published 06-02-2011
Welcome to another edition of the SlashGear Week in Review. Lots of tablet and smartphone news this week with a few other cool items tossed in for good measure. Overall, it was a good week to be a geek. Canalys offered up some stats on the smartphone OS wars that show Android was the world’s leading smartphone platform in Q4 2010. LG offered up some details on the Optimus 3D ahead of its official MWC 2011 debut. The smartphone has a 4.3-inch screen and a dual-core CPU. We learned the Nintendo 3DS browser and eShop have been delayed until May. The browser and game store were originally expected to ship loaded on the new portable console. Samsung has done some backtracking on the sales numbers for the Galaxy Tab after bragging about the sales numbers for a while that have climbed pas...
Tutorial: How to add cool Dock effects to OS X
By TechRadar, published 06-02-2011
In this tutorial, we use Deeper. Available as a free download from Titanium Software, Deeper takes the custom options from the popular Onyx and welds them to a standalone application that enables you to fiddle with hidden Mac OS X settings. TinkerTool is in a similar space, but doesn't enable you to add multiple recent-item stacks and spacers to the Dock. If you're comfortable using Terminal, you can avoid software entirely. (Note that before you input any of the following commands, make a copy of com.apple.dock.plist from ~/Library/Preferences. Should you later want to revert to your old Dock settings, trash the updated preferences, drop your copy into the aforementioned folder, and use killall Dock in Terminal to restart the Dock.) To remove the Dock's glass, use defaults write com.apple...
In Depth: Designing Ubuntu
By TechRadar, published 06-02-2011
On 20 October 2004, the first version of a new and unknown project called Ubuntu was released. It was called the Warty Warthog. The only thing that most Linux users knew about Ubuntu was that it was based on Debian and bankrolled by some millionaire they had never heard of. Little did anyone know that said millionaire, Mark Shuttleworth, would invest so significantly in a much needed aspect of open source – the user experience. I'm not going to talk about how Ubuntu was formed, the impact it's had on Linux or the growth of the project and community; much of that has already been said. Instead, I'm going to tell the story of Ayatana, the design project that powers Ubuntu, sharing some of the behind-the-scenes stories of what went on. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and let's talk about ...
Explained: HDMI vs DisplayPort: which is best?
By TechRadar, published 04-02-2011
Look on the back of a top-flight AMD Radeon such as the HD 6870 and you'll find, along with the now-familiar DVI ports, HDMI and DisplayPort connectors. That's three distinct digital connectors on one card. Why so many? Well, DVI is the current champion but is on the way out. It's been fun, but its reaching the end of the line. However, it won't vanish just yet, because it can carry analogue VGA signals and there are still an awful lot of analogue monitors out there. This leaves us two new contenders for high-definition video.The two all-digital standards are not in direct competition either. They 'complement' each other, at least that's the semi-official line. However, two new standards on one card means there is competition at some level, especially when you need to drop one for budget e...
Tutorial: How to bring Aero Snap to OS X
By TechRadar, published 04-02-2011
Mac users like to play the superiority card when it comes to Windows, sniggering behind the backs of people 'dumb' enough to use Microsoft's operating system, perhaps going so far as to point fingers and yell something about photocopiers in Redmond.But drink some reality juice and it's clear that Cupertino isn't the only place where innovation happens – often enough, Microsoft has some pretty good ideas of its own. The taskbar introduced with Windows 95 was one such feature, providing a centralised switcher/launcher long before the Mac OS X Dock arrived. Windows 7 also has plenty of interesting interface ideas, largely centred around its taskbar and window management. We don't see Apple warming up its photocopier, but enterprising indie developer Christian Baumgart has taken on the task....
iPad 2 Possibly Revealed Next Week?
By SlashGear, published 03-02-2011
Sources have been quoted saying that Apple’s iPad 2 could possibly make its appearance next week at a special event Apple is having for the iOS 4.3. There has been massive speculation about the original iPad’s successor for quite some time and sources are predicting a target release date between April 2nd-9th. Obviously, nothing is for sure right now but the iPad 2 is purportedly going to be based on the Apple A5 processor, replacing the current Apple 4 processor. The rumored speaker grill on the back will be there and a MiniDisplay port in lieu of a micro USB port. The overall look of the iPad 2 will lean more to its sibling the iPod Touch 4G. The event is for iOS 4.3 developers and the upcoming iteration of the iOS platform. The iPad 2 is undoubtedly the leader in the tablet marke...
Review: Arctic Cooling K381 Keyboard
By TechRadar, published 03-02-2011
The first keyboard produced by Arctic Cooling, the K381, manages to impress with its minimalist design and its mimicking of the made-famous-by-Apple chiclet key design. At just over ten pounds it's also going to be hard to criticise on a cost basis. No matter how you look at it the Arctic Cooling K381 keyboard has a lot going for it. If you're looking to add a keyboard to a new low-cost system, replace an existing broken keyboard or you just want a spare one hanging around it seems ideal. With 111 keys - we counted them - and a full numeric keypad all contained in a slimline, lightweight and compact design it has everything you could possibly want in a budget keyboard. If you're not already considering it then let's take a closer look at how well it performs and the build quality. The most...
Catch up: this week's most popular posts
By TechRadar, published 29-01-2011
Good news for iPhone and iPad owners – an official BBC iPlayer app is (probably) on its way.And the treat for Android fans is that the HTC Desire 2 has leaked ahead of Mobile World Congress 2011.This was also the week where the successor to the PSP2 – codenamed the Sony NGP – was announced. Read on for this week's most popular stories on TechRadar…Top five news storiesHas Nintendo really blown its Wii 2 strategy?While Nintendo has recently announced its plans for the 3DS release across Europe, there are still questions to be answered about its – still to be revealed - strategy for 'Wii 2', with some observers questioning whether a 'two console strategy' could work in the future.One analyst in particular that seems to be gunning for Nintendo is Wedbush Securities analyst Micheal P...
Updated: 40 best iPhone games - paid apps
By TechRadar, published 28-01-2011
There are now tens of thousands of games on the App Store, covering every genre. Huge studios battle it out with bedroom coders, providing iOS gamers with a mix of blockbuster titles and novel creations full of innovation and personality. Below we list our 40 favourite paid-for games for iPhone and iPod touch; if we've missed your top game, let us know what it is in the comments!Don't forget that universal apps also work natively on the iPad.1. Angry Birds - £0.59The moral of Angry Birds is that if you're a hungry pig, don't steal eggs from crazed birds with a death-wish, who also happen to own a massive catapult. If you're one of the 17 people who've not yet sampled this artillery classic, you fling angry birds at ramshackle structures, aiming to dispatch the pigs lurking within. Ingenio...
OWC Offering Souped-Up Mac Mini HTPC Bundles
By HotHardware, published 28-01-2011
Apple's Mac Mini has been viewed as a legitimate HTPC contender ever since the original model was released years back. People immediately began hacking the mounting options to get them onto the backs of their televisions, and with the new model, it became an even nicer solution. With a more powerful CPU and GPU, more storage space and great...
Synology DiskStation DS411slim NAS: up to 4TB in palm-sized box
By SlashGear, published 25-01-2011
We’re big fans of Synology’s DiskStation NAS drives and the flexible DSM software they run, so we’ve high hopes for the company’s newest small form-factor model. The Synology DiskStation DS411slim hides up to four 2.5-inch drives in a 120 x 105 x 142 mm chassis for up to 3TB of redundant storage; it’s also got a small power footprint, sucking down under 17W under load or 9.6W in hibernation mode. Up to four 1TB drives can be installed, and thanks to Synology’s own Hybrid RAID (SHR) system you can have redundant storage without all of the HDDs being the same capacity. Alternatively there’s manual control over Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 5+Spare, RAID 6 or RAID 10 arrays. External USB or eSATA drives can be added, and there’s Am...
Toy Car Rams Ahead at 18mph, Audi Auto Union Type X e-tron Makes it Longest Car Title Ever
By SlashGear, published 25-01-2011
Take a peek this magnificent machine. It’s all black with tan interiors, no top, a big fat “1″ on the side, and wheels that’ll last you just so long as you don’t go offroad at all, whatsoever. What the heck is this thing? It’s the Audi Auto Union Type C e-tron study, of course. It’s got electric drive, a smooth sailing body, and plans on being released into the wild at the International Toy Fair this early February, just so long as it gets its wish. It’s got an electric motor that makes its rear wheels speed, charged by lithium-ion batteries, has an output of 1.5 horse power, and cruises at 18.64 mph. Is this your grandmother’s tricked out buggy? Nay, man, no way. This little master of the road that only goes 15 miles tops before it h...
The Daily Slash: January 24 2011
By SlashGear, published 25-01-2011
Without giving away the whole surprise, we’ve got some big things in store for you readers over the next few weeks. New voices, free stuff, a whole new look for one of our outlets, and a variety of mini-updates you’re going to flip over. Today we’re bringing you a wild assortment of updates from all corners of the tech world, most of which are previews of devices you’ve almost certainly already got your eye on. Behold the coming of the next generation – stick with us as we cover it. R3 Media Network Editor’s Choice ADW Launcher EX Updated, Several Awesome Additions Added Motorola Xoom Launching for $699 at Best Buy February 17th Android Code NOT Copied, Florian Mueller Story Found Bunk 75% of AOL subscribers “don’t realize” they don’t need it 6...
Zotac Zbox HD Review
By MaximumPC, published 24-01-2011
Another option for cable-cutters emerges Does the cable-cutter movement have a name yet? Yes, it’s called, “I’m cheap as hell, and I don’t want to pay for your 250 channels of garbage anymore!” For those cable TV and satellite abandoners, we present to you Zotac’s Zbox HD. Think of it as the ultimate streaming box. OK, we’re exaggerating. It’s not. It’s really just a nifty, stylish PC made by Zotac. But it will certainly give you far more flexibility and options than any streaming box available today. That’s because as a PC, just about anything you can view in the browser, you can view on the TV. The Zbox HD includes an HDMI port, a DVI port, and optical S/PDIF outputs. In storage I/O you get a gigabit LAN port and—très cool on a HTPC—three USB 3.0 ports, one of w...
SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: January 24 2011
By SlashGear, published 24-01-2011
Let’s start this fine Monday with a launch straight into space: once with an Android Device, another time with a Samsung balloon full of paper planes. Next lets get back to Earth with the continuation of the 3D wave with some Tegra 2 3D Chips that’ll be popping up this spring. Grab a big fat update to ADW Launcher EX with several new docks and fixes. Next order of business, Florian Mueller’s been found bunked out – who is he? He’s the guy who found a bunch of Oracle codes in Android’s open source code, saying the suit against Android has total footing -doesn’t appear that way any more. Then remember that $10K iTunes gift card prize for the 10 billionth app downloaded? The mother of the girl who won it hung up on the “you won” call. Chec...
Updated: iPad 2 rumours: what you need to know
By TechRadar, published 20-01-2011
The internet loves Apple and it loves ill-founded speculation, so it's hardly surprising that iPad 2 rumours were flying before the first iPad even reached the UK. With only weeks to go before its expected unveiling the iPad 2 release date, specs and price are still closely guarded secrets, but that doesn't mean there aren't some juicy rumours, inspired guesses and possibly even Apple leaks to consider. Reports suggest Apple is also expecting massive demand for the new device and has ordered six million units per month.Here's our pick of the latest iPad 2 rumours.iPad 2 specs: cameras and a gyroscopeGizmodo reckons that FaceTime support's a given, and that means a front-facing camera like the iPhone 4. BuzzBizzNews echoes the camera story, suggesting twin cameras. It also suggests that the...
In Depth: Intel: 'We haven't missed the smartphone boat'
By TechRadar, published 20-01-2011
Intel believes it still has a "huge opportunity" in the smartphone market. That's according to the head of Intel's Software and Solutions Group Renee James. TechRadar grabbed a few minutes with James and colleagues Doug Fisher and Peter Biddle to talk about Intel's plans for the smartphone market, MeeGo and AppUp, Intel's application store. Believe it or not, Intel's Software and Services Group (SSG) would be among the top five software companies globally if it were a separate entity to Intel – and that's before adding in the proposed acquisition of McAfee which James is personally responsible for.ARM vs Intel: the next processor war beginsBut surely Intel realises it may have missed the boat in the smartphone market? "No I don't, obviously," says the senior vice president of Intel SSG. ...
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Apple Mac mini : (8.3/10)
7 expert reviews
0 user reviews
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Apple Mac Mini 2011 : (8.3/10)
4 expert reviews
0 user reviews
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Apple iMac 21.5 Inches : (8/10)
7 expert reviews
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Apple iMac 20 Inches : (7.3/10)
2 expert reviews
0 user reviews
