This is review about Sony Alpha DSLR- A100 Feature:
Sony Alpha lens mount
Identical to the Minolta A-type bayonet mount, enabling the use of a large back catalogue of existing Minolta and third party lenses as well as avoiding the development of a whole new system. Interestingly only four of the new lenses introduced are designed for an APS imaging circle.
10 megapixel APS-C CCD
Interestingly Sony has gone for CCD rather than CMOS with this camera, so it's not the same sensor as used in the DSC-R1. We've no official confirmation but it seems likely that this is the same 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD used in the Nikon D200.
Anti-Blur
Sony has renamed Minolta's CCD shift Anti-Shake system as 'Super SteadyShot', but the principal is the same. However we have it on good authority that Sony's engineers have made some significant improvements to the system and now claim shutter speeds 3.5 stops slower can be used with Super SteadyShot enabled. The second part of the Anti-Blur story is the availability of high sensitivities of up to ISO 1600.
Anti-Dust
The 'dust' issue has been around since the beginning of digital SLR photography and it affects different cameras to different degrees. Olympus took the advantage with their SSWF filter, Sony appear to be keen to capitalize on this. Firstly a special anti-static coating (Indium Tin Oxide) on the low-pass filter in front of the CCD ensures no build up of dust due to static electricity. Secondly an 'Anti-Dust vibration' using the cameras CCD shift system, but instead of introducing a delay at startup this occurs at power off.
Bionz Image Processor
Canon can be thanked for the trend of branding the image processor used in the camera, Sony clearly realize the value of this but unfortunately haven't exactly picked a very dynamic name. Their new 'Bionz' image processor is said to be a significant improvement over anything used in previous KM digital SLR's, it also enables one of the A100's unique features; Dynamic Range Optimization. Sony claim this will be the fastest such system as it is designed in at a hardware level.
Eye Start AF
Eye Start AF isn't anything new to previous Minolta SLR owners but Sony are obviously keen to continue its use. On the A100 Eye Start AF does exactly what it says, when the sensor detects the proximity of your eye to the eyepiece it begins to auto focus and remains in 'continuous' auto focus until the shutter release is half-pressed or you put the camera down. In reality this means that the camera is likely to have an approximate focus on the subject before shutter release.
Continuous shooting until media full
We have seen this on a couple of other digital SLRs but the A100 allows you to shoot continuously at three frames per second at any image quality setting (apart from RAW) until the storage card is full (with a reasonably good performance Compact Flash card).
40 segment honeycomb pattern metering
The Konica Minolta 7D and 5D both featured 14 segment honeycomb pattern metering sensors, the A100 advances this with its 40 segment sensor.
2.5" 230,000 pixel 'Clear Photo LCD Plus' monitor
The large high resolution LCD monitor appears to provide a very good image and has good viewing angles (better from above, left and right than from below).
Lithium-Ion battery
The A100 takes a new NP-FM55H battery which while not carrying the InfoLithium name is apparently compatible with any other Sony DSC which used the NP-FM50, however the A100 doesn't have the InfoLithium readout. You can't use standard NP-FM50 batteries in the A100.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Nikon D5000
The D5000 is the latest in a long line of impressive DSLRs from Nikon, delivering great image quality and a powerful feature-set that represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the D60. Like many of today’s new DSLRs, the D5000 borrows a great deal from a higher-end model in the range, in this case the D90, but repackages it in a more affordable form factor with at least one key advantage in its favour.
While arch rival Canon continues to increase resolutions, Nikon has sensibly stood still with the D5000, equipping it with exactly the same sensor as the D90. It’s sensible because while the Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i features three extra Megapixels, the D5000 delivers what we regard to be superior image quality overall. Set the Canon to 100 ISO with a decent lens and it will out-resolve the D5000, but use the standard kit lenses or increase the sensitivity much beyond 200 ISO and the D5000 takes the lead.
You can see examples of this in our Real Life Resolution and High ISO noise pages: Nikon struck a great balance between number of pixels and real-life performance with the earlier D90, and the D5000 inherits that. The D5000’s kit lens may not have the reach of the D90’s DX 18-105mm VR, but it also remains a decent performer for the money. So in terms of image quality, the D5000 matches the D90’s output and therefore becomes one of the best at its price point.
While arch rival Canon continues to increase resolutions, Nikon has sensibly stood still with the D5000, equipping it with exactly the same sensor as the D90. It’s sensible because while the Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i features three extra Megapixels, the D5000 delivers what we regard to be superior image quality overall. Set the Canon to 100 ISO with a decent lens and it will out-resolve the D5000, but use the standard kit lenses or increase the sensitivity much beyond 200 ISO and the D5000 takes the lead.
You can see examples of this in our Real Life Resolution and High ISO noise pages: Nikon struck a great balance between number of pixels and real-life performance with the earlier D90, and the D5000 inherits that. The D5000’s kit lens may not have the reach of the D90’s DX 18-105mm VR, but it also remains a decent performer for the money. So in terms of image quality, the D5000 matches the D90’s output and therefore becomes one of the best at its price point.
Cyber-Shot DSC-TX9
Sony publish cameras with sophisticated 3D Sweep Panorama, the Cyber-Shot DSC-TX9 has become the best in the models of T-series, which replaced the DSC-TX7. This little camera has interesting features in the iron frame. On top of her fashion 3d panoramic sweep, TX9 generate 12-megapixel resolution from R Exmor CMOS image sensor, and auto exposure modes superior system, background de-focus, autofocus mode, flash natural, selection, background color, 1920x1080 AVCHD video recording with (60i) , and the last is a touch screen LCD with 3.5inch size very efficiently.
• Durable metal chassis in two colors (Dark Grey and Pink / Red) • 12-megapixel "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor • Carl Zeiss 4x optical internal zoom lens with 25mm field of view • 3.5-inch touch panel Xtra Fine LCD with 921k dots of resolution • Optical SteadyShot image stabilization • New Superior Auto exposure mode • Intelligent Auto, scene modes plus nine settings • Sweep Panorama mode, including new 3D Sweep • Records AVCHD video at 1920x1080 (60i) or MPEG-4 (. MP4) movies at 1440x1080 (30p) with stereo sound • MS Pro Duo and SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card slots (Eye-Fi compatible) • Li-ion rechargeable battery pack • HDMI output
TX9 is a function of the hallmarks of Sweep 3D Panorama. By moving the camera around a scene, users can take multiple images and then will be processed by kameran thus becomes a 3d image. There are also Multi-Angle Sweep mode, where the camera takes 15 photos at different angles as you move the camera. And you can tilt the camera to playback mode and see the results in a projected image on the screen 3d camera.
Despite not being the first in a 3d camera technologies, a variety of features that have been owned by the fusion line of Cybershot camera sony make 3d images in the camera is very different than the closest competitor, Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W1. As 3d features a panoramic sweep that is blend features a panoramic isweep capable of uniting in a continuous image 224 degrees wide in the form of 3d. Button certainly can already imagine the results will be obtained will be fantastic when you play them on sony tv's 3D. Even now sony has developed this feature to be more creative by bringing multi-angle sweep that can capture up to 15 frames. By enabling 3d-style, these photos can be viewed in various angles. Tx-9 capable of recording 1080i HD video to produce sharper images and smoother. No need to fear running out of memory, because Sony uses a video compression system that will make the AVCHD video files remain small. Optical Steady Shot Sony to have active during video recording is useful when you record an event in a high speed that makes your hand moving, optical SteadyShot stabilizes images automatically
Sony brings tx-9 only in three colors only (red, silver and black). But for those of you who are interested to have to be patient, because this new camera will be released next September with a range of four million rupiah.
• Durable metal chassis in two colors (Dark Grey and Pink / Red) • 12-megapixel "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor • Carl Zeiss 4x optical internal zoom lens with 25mm field of view • 3.5-inch touch panel Xtra Fine LCD with 921k dots of resolution • Optical SteadyShot image stabilization • New Superior Auto exposure mode • Intelligent Auto, scene modes plus nine settings • Sweep Panorama mode, including new 3D Sweep • Records AVCHD video at 1920x1080 (60i) or MPEG-4 (. MP4) movies at 1440x1080 (30p) with stereo sound • MS Pro Duo and SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card slots (Eye-Fi compatible) • Li-ion rechargeable battery pack • HDMI output
TX9 is a function of the hallmarks of Sweep 3D Panorama. By moving the camera around a scene, users can take multiple images and then will be processed by kameran thus becomes a 3d image. There are also Multi-Angle Sweep mode, where the camera takes 15 photos at different angles as you move the camera. And you can tilt the camera to playback mode and see the results in a projected image on the screen 3d camera.
Despite not being the first in a 3d camera technologies, a variety of features that have been owned by the fusion line of Cybershot camera sony make 3d images in the camera is very different than the closest competitor, Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W1. As 3d features a panoramic sweep that is blend features a panoramic isweep capable of uniting in a continuous image 224 degrees wide in the form of 3d. Button certainly can already imagine the results will be obtained will be fantastic when you play them on sony tv's 3D. Even now sony has developed this feature to be more creative by bringing multi-angle sweep that can capture up to 15 frames. By enabling 3d-style, these photos can be viewed in various angles. Tx-9 capable of recording 1080i HD video to produce sharper images and smoother. No need to fear running out of memory, because Sony uses a video compression system that will make the AVCHD video files remain small. Optical Steady Shot Sony to have active during video recording is useful when you record an event in a high speed that makes your hand moving, optical SteadyShot stabilizes images automatically
Sony brings tx-9 only in three colors only (red, silver and black). But for those of you who are interested to have to be patient, because this new camera will be released next September with a range of four million rupiah.
Blackberry Curve 3G
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Rubik's Touch
Rubik’s Touch – Solving the Cube with the swipe of a finger
It’s the smooth mover and the sleek operator of the Rubik’s family. Touch sensor technology takes the cube into a league of its own.
No twisting and turning required, but coloured lights that can be swiped with the touch of a finger.
At first it might seem a bit like an 80’s disco floor, but this is the real thing and once you get the hang of it, it’s an exciting way to solve the Cube. With its advanced technology the Rubik’s Touch is a bit of a collector’s item and a must have for the real Rubik’s fan.
More Picture @ http://www.google.co.id/images?hl=id&q=rubik%27s+touch&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1024&bih=581
Friday, August 20, 2010
iPad 3g Buyer Guide
The iPad 3G hit stores and customer mailboxes on Friday afternoon, but how does this slightly modified model compare against the original? Is the ability to use 3G worth the extra $130 per model? After spending the weekend using the iPad 3G and comparing it head-to-head with a Wi-Fi-only model, we hope we can help potential buyers figure out what iPad model might be best for them.
For my own comparison, I used a 32 GB Wi-Fi-only unit that was purchased on launch day and a 64 GB Wi-Fi+3G model that arrived Friday. Both units were connected via 802.11n to the same home network and my 3G tests were done in the area of my house that gives the best AT&T 3G signal.
Look and Feel
First and foremost, the iPad 3G is, well, an iPad. That’s a good thing. Physically, the two devices look nearly identical, the only difference is in a small black band that is overlays the top of the back of the iPad 3G. This plastic shield is for the 3G modem and it remains flush with the rest of the device.
From a weight perspective, Apple says that the 3G unit is 1.6 lbs versus 1.5 lbs for the Wi-Fi only model, but it was difficult for me to tell any difference in my own tests (and the fact that I was comparing a 32 GB unit against a 64 GB unit blurred any weight differential further.)
One nice thing to note — the iPad 3G is sold unlocked — meaning you can use a micro SIM from another GSM carrier in place of AT&T. That means you can get EDGE quality data speeds with virtually any GSM provider. If you’re in the United States or Canada, the frequencies of the 3G modem will still tie you to AT&T or Rogers if you want to get 3G service, but if you want to take the iPad 3G to Europe and use a data plan there, you can without having to worry about paying the ridiculous fees AT&T charges for users that want to use their services overseas.
Data Plan Options
When it comes to setting up the 3G data plan on the unit, the process is very straightforward. You can use a new menu item for Cellular Data in the Settings app on the iPad and proceed with setting up a new AT&T account. You simply need to select what plan you want (the default is for the $29.99 a month unlimited data option, though you can also choose a $14.99 250 MB option) and then fill out your credit card and billing information.
You can’t tie your iPad 3G with an existing AT&T account, which is annoying, and the plan is set to auto-renew unless you cancel it before the end of 30 days. Just keep that in mind if you see yourself only using 3G data sporadically.
Once you have your data plan setup, you can view how much data you’ve used and how much time remains on your account at any time by going to the Cellular Data menu.
By default, if you are connected to both 3G and Wi-Fi, the device will choose whatever connection is faster or is more reliable. You can also turn one or both options off if you know you aren’t going to be using Wi-Fi or 3G at a specific location.
The best part of the current data plan structure, at least with AT&T, is that it requires no contract. This is really, really important for those individuals who might only need 3G on a irregular basis and don’t like being tied to yet another cellular contract when it won’t be used consistently. No contract is a very, very good thing.
iPad 3G: The Good
Moving on from the basics like look and feel and the overview of data plans, let’s look at some of the best aspects of the 3G-specific model.
In addition to having a 3G modem, the iPad 3G also has built-in GPS. This means that for mapping applications and other location-specific information, the iPad 3G will be more accurate than the Wi-Fi-only iPad, which uses Wi-Fi to grab location coordinates. Now, the Wi-Fi location solution isn’t bad — and for most uses, it’s more than adequate.
However, if you are wanting to do any sort of turn-by-turn work or you want a compass or to use mapping applications that really need to have full GPS support, the iPad 3G will be great for that. If you thought that having an iPad installed in your car was a cool idea before, think about it with full GPS support on a 9.7-inch touch screen!
Having a 3G modem also goes a long way at making the iPad a truly mobile device. For the last month, I’ve mostly used the iPad in the confines of my house, at Starbucks or some other place I knew I would have Wi-Fi. That meant that using it out by the pool was out (unless I wanted to spend some time hacking into Wi-Fi from one of the neighbors) and that using it in the car was limited.
Just knowing I can have a data connection virtually anywhere makes the iPad 3G instantly more useful as a go-to connected device. Before, I’ve always felt like I had to make the decision to just go with the iPhone or also pack up my laptop.
If you don’t already have a MiFi box or gadget and want something more portable than a laptop to take with you, the iPad 3G is nice, if only because you have the security that if Wi-Fi is crappy or isn’t available, you can still likely get data access.
iPad 3G: The Bad
The downside about the US iPad 3G is that the 3G service comes from AT&T, of course. I had hoped that the speed of the 3G connection in the iPad 3G would somehow be better — even if just slightly — than that of the iPhone 3GS. It’s not.
This isn’t to say that using the iPad over 3G is unbearable. It isn’t; it’s just going to be significantly slower than a fast home broadband network accessed via 802.11n. I did a number of head-to-head tests between the 3G iPad and the Wi-Fi-only iPad, loading the same website from a clean cache and in each instance the Wi-Fi-only model trounced the iPad 3G by a sizable margin.
Keep in mind, I’m also testing AT&T’s 3G network from an area that performs significantly better than many other major cities: Atlanta. The AT&T Mobility corporate offices are literally around the corner from where I live and a 3G tower is both close and unobstructed.
In some instances, the difference was less profound. For instance, when playing back video on CNN.com, I couldn’t detect any difference in how quickly video started playing or in quality. Now, I’m not sure how much of that has to do with the fact that that web video is likely optimized to fast-start on mobile connections, but it does look like the performance differences will be less profound if a site is optimized for a 3G connection.
Using the Speedtest.net iPhone app, I ran speed tests with Wi-Fi on and Wi-Fi off on the iPad 3G. These are the results:
In short: As great as having 3G is as an option, don’t mistake AT&T’s 3G speed for what you can get from Verizon, Sprint or even local providers like Clear.
Battery Life
As a gadget junkie, I regularly discount 20% of a manufacturer’s promised battery life off of any product. That’s why I was so shocked to see the Wi-Fi-only iPad consistently last longer than its 10 hours advertised rate.
The iPad 3G is rated to last nine hours while using 3G, and in my tests, I found that to be an accurate estimate. The guys at iLounge did a much more scientific test than me, re-loading the same large website over and over until the battery died. I simply turned Wi-Fi off and used the iPad until it told me it couldn’t. This meant I accessed the web, downloaded apps, watched videos and played games.
The battery life isn’t quite as strong in 3G mode as it is when just using Wi-Fi, but it’s still pretty strong. Just be aware that you’ll need to likely shave 10 – 15% off the lifespan of a Wi-Fi-only iPad if you are using it with 3G. Eight and a half hours is still nothing to sneeze at, but be aware of the energy constraints that 3G access takes on the device.
iPad 3G: The Ugly
The iPad has quickly established itself as a really competent media player. Thanks to iTunes, plus the Netflix and ABC apps (and apps like Air Video that let you stream videos off your Mac or PC to your iPad with ease), viewing video on the iPad is a real joy.
Unfortunately, if you are wanting to watch video without Wi-Fi, the 3G iPad presents some limitations — at least when used with AT&T’s service
First, look at what happens if you try to play video on the ABC app without using Wi-Fi:
AT&T has had a policy in place that requires any video-streaming app to serve video in a lower bitrate option. We touched on this when discussing Encoding.com’s new iPad-optimized streaming options, and it looks like ABC just hasn’t optimized the app to serve video at a lower bitrate. YouTube (YouTube), Netflix and most other video streaming sites will serve video in lower bitrates over 3G, but keep in mind that ABC doesn’t (at least for now) and thus doesn’t work over 3G.
While Netflix and YouTube will work in a lower bitrate mode, the quality difference is pretty noticeable. Check out these two screenshots; one is from the iPad while operating in Wi-Fi mode, the other while only using 3G. You can immediately tell the difference.
iPad on 3G
iPad on WiFi
I specifically chose King of the Hill from Netflix because as an animated series, the quality difference is usually less noticeable than other kinds of content. It’s watchable, sure, but it’s nowhere near as clear.
iPad 3G: The Bottom Line
So is the iPad 3G worth an extra $120? As with all decisions, this ultimately depends on your personal needs. If you don’t already have a MiFi solution (and you aren’t interested in getting one — keep in mind, most start at $60 per month for data, plus hardware cost and a two-year commitment) and want to be able to reliably use your iPad basically anywhere, the iPad 3G is the way to go.
If you already have a MiFi solution or are looking at getting one, the reality is that the data speed from MiFi will likely be faster than what you can get from AT&T. Plus, if you already have MiFi or something similar for your laptop, you can just share the connection with multiple devices and have one less bill.
The fact of the matter is, while AT&T’s payment options are fair, comparatively inexpensive and require no contract, the service itself puts certain limitations on what you can do and also will keep you surfing at speeds that may be slower than you are accustomed to using. If most of your day-to-day work is in an area with Wi-Fi, you might be better off skipping the iPad 3G.
For users who travel a lot on business — especially if you are in a car or on a train a lot — I think the 3G feature is definitely worth the money, if only to have as a “just-in-case” backup.
For my own comparison, I used a 32 GB Wi-Fi-only unit that was purchased on launch day and a 64 GB Wi-Fi+3G model that arrived Friday. Both units were connected via 802.11n to the same home network and my 3G tests were done in the area of my house that gives the best AT&T 3G signal.
Look and Feel
First and foremost, the iPad 3G is, well, an iPad. That’s a good thing. Physically, the two devices look nearly identical, the only difference is in a small black band that is overlays the top of the back of the iPad 3G. This plastic shield is for the 3G modem and it remains flush with the rest of the device.
From a weight perspective, Apple says that the 3G unit is 1.6 lbs versus 1.5 lbs for the Wi-Fi only model, but it was difficult for me to tell any difference in my own tests (and the fact that I was comparing a 32 GB unit against a 64 GB unit blurred any weight differential further.)
One nice thing to note — the iPad 3G is sold unlocked — meaning you can use a micro SIM from another GSM carrier in place of AT&T. That means you can get EDGE quality data speeds with virtually any GSM provider. If you’re in the United States or Canada, the frequencies of the 3G modem will still tie you to AT&T or Rogers if you want to get 3G service, but if you want to take the iPad 3G to Europe and use a data plan there, you can without having to worry about paying the ridiculous fees AT&T charges for users that want to use their services overseas.
Data Plan Options
When it comes to setting up the 3G data plan on the unit, the process is very straightforward. You can use a new menu item for Cellular Data in the Settings app on the iPad and proceed with setting up a new AT&T account. You simply need to select what plan you want (the default is for the $29.99 a month unlimited data option, though you can also choose a $14.99 250 MB option) and then fill out your credit card and billing information.
You can’t tie your iPad 3G with an existing AT&T account, which is annoying, and the plan is set to auto-renew unless you cancel it before the end of 30 days. Just keep that in mind if you see yourself only using 3G data sporadically.
Once you have your data plan setup, you can view how much data you’ve used and how much time remains on your account at any time by going to the Cellular Data menu.
By default, if you are connected to both 3G and Wi-Fi, the device will choose whatever connection is faster or is more reliable. You can also turn one or both options off if you know you aren’t going to be using Wi-Fi or 3G at a specific location.
The best part of the current data plan structure, at least with AT&T, is that it requires no contract. This is really, really important for those individuals who might only need 3G on a irregular basis and don’t like being tied to yet another cellular contract when it won’t be used consistently. No contract is a very, very good thing.
iPad 3G: The Good
Moving on from the basics like look and feel and the overview of data plans, let’s look at some of the best aspects of the 3G-specific model.
In addition to having a 3G modem, the iPad 3G also has built-in GPS. This means that for mapping applications and other location-specific information, the iPad 3G will be more accurate than the Wi-Fi-only iPad, which uses Wi-Fi to grab location coordinates. Now, the Wi-Fi location solution isn’t bad — and for most uses, it’s more than adequate.
However, if you are wanting to do any sort of turn-by-turn work or you want a compass or to use mapping applications that really need to have full GPS support, the iPad 3G will be great for that. If you thought that having an iPad installed in your car was a cool idea before, think about it with full GPS support on a 9.7-inch touch screen!
Having a 3G modem also goes a long way at making the iPad a truly mobile device. For the last month, I’ve mostly used the iPad in the confines of my house, at Starbucks or some other place I knew I would have Wi-Fi. That meant that using it out by the pool was out (unless I wanted to spend some time hacking into Wi-Fi from one of the neighbors) and that using it in the car was limited.
Just knowing I can have a data connection virtually anywhere makes the iPad 3G instantly more useful as a go-to connected device. Before, I’ve always felt like I had to make the decision to just go with the iPhone or also pack up my laptop.
If you don’t already have a MiFi box or gadget and want something more portable than a laptop to take with you, the iPad 3G is nice, if only because you have the security that if Wi-Fi is crappy or isn’t available, you can still likely get data access.
iPad 3G: The Bad
The downside about the US iPad 3G is that the 3G service comes from AT&T, of course. I had hoped that the speed of the 3G connection in the iPad 3G would somehow be better — even if just slightly — than that of the iPhone 3GS. It’s not.
This isn’t to say that using the iPad over 3G is unbearable. It isn’t; it’s just going to be significantly slower than a fast home broadband network accessed via 802.11n. I did a number of head-to-head tests between the 3G iPad and the Wi-Fi-only iPad, loading the same website from a clean cache and in each instance the Wi-Fi-only model trounced the iPad 3G by a sizable margin.
Keep in mind, I’m also testing AT&T’s 3G network from an area that performs significantly better than many other major cities: Atlanta. The AT&T Mobility corporate offices are literally around the corner from where I live and a 3G tower is both close and unobstructed.
In some instances, the difference was less profound. For instance, when playing back video on CNN.com, I couldn’t detect any difference in how quickly video started playing or in quality. Now, I’m not sure how much of that has to do with the fact that that web video is likely optimized to fast-start on mobile connections, but it does look like the performance differences will be less profound if a site is optimized for a 3G connection.
Using the Speedtest.net iPhone app, I ran speed tests with Wi-Fi on and Wi-Fi off on the iPad 3G. These are the results:
In short: As great as having 3G is as an option, don’t mistake AT&T’s 3G speed for what you can get from Verizon, Sprint or even local providers like Clear.
Battery Life
As a gadget junkie, I regularly discount 20% of a manufacturer’s promised battery life off of any product. That’s why I was so shocked to see the Wi-Fi-only iPad consistently last longer than its 10 hours advertised rate.
The iPad 3G is rated to last nine hours while using 3G, and in my tests, I found that to be an accurate estimate. The guys at iLounge did a much more scientific test than me, re-loading the same large website over and over until the battery died. I simply turned Wi-Fi off and used the iPad until it told me it couldn’t. This meant I accessed the web, downloaded apps, watched videos and played games.
The battery life isn’t quite as strong in 3G mode as it is when just using Wi-Fi, but it’s still pretty strong. Just be aware that you’ll need to likely shave 10 – 15% off the lifespan of a Wi-Fi-only iPad if you are using it with 3G. Eight and a half hours is still nothing to sneeze at, but be aware of the energy constraints that 3G access takes on the device.
iPad 3G: The Ugly
The iPad has quickly established itself as a really competent media player. Thanks to iTunes, plus the Netflix and ABC apps (and apps like Air Video that let you stream videos off your Mac or PC to your iPad with ease), viewing video on the iPad is a real joy.
Unfortunately, if you are wanting to watch video without Wi-Fi, the 3G iPad presents some limitations — at least when used with AT&T’s service
First, look at what happens if you try to play video on the ABC app without using Wi-Fi:
AT&T has had a policy in place that requires any video-streaming app to serve video in a lower bitrate option. We touched on this when discussing Encoding.com’s new iPad-optimized streaming options, and it looks like ABC just hasn’t optimized the app to serve video at a lower bitrate. YouTube (YouTube), Netflix and most other video streaming sites will serve video in lower bitrates over 3G, but keep in mind that ABC doesn’t (at least for now) and thus doesn’t work over 3G.
While Netflix and YouTube will work in a lower bitrate mode, the quality difference is pretty noticeable. Check out these two screenshots; one is from the iPad while operating in Wi-Fi mode, the other while only using 3G. You can immediately tell the difference.
iPad on 3G
iPad on WiFi
I specifically chose King of the Hill from Netflix because as an animated series, the quality difference is usually less noticeable than other kinds of content. It’s watchable, sure, but it’s nowhere near as clear.
iPad 3G: The Bottom Line
So is the iPad 3G worth an extra $120? As with all decisions, this ultimately depends on your personal needs. If you don’t already have a MiFi solution (and you aren’t interested in getting one — keep in mind, most start at $60 per month for data, plus hardware cost and a two-year commitment) and want to be able to reliably use your iPad basically anywhere, the iPad 3G is the way to go.
If you already have a MiFi solution or are looking at getting one, the reality is that the data speed from MiFi will likely be faster than what you can get from AT&T. Plus, if you already have MiFi or something similar for your laptop, you can just share the connection with multiple devices and have one less bill.
The fact of the matter is, while AT&T’s payment options are fair, comparatively inexpensive and require no contract, the service itself puts certain limitations on what you can do and also will keep you surfing at speeds that may be slower than you are accustomed to using. If most of your day-to-day work is in an area with Wi-Fi, you might be better off skipping the iPad 3G.
For users who travel a lot on business — especially if you are in a car or on a train a lot — I think the 3G feature is definitely worth the money, if only to have as a “just-in-case” backup.
iPhone 4th Preview
Prices and Specifications Review iPhone 4. Apple CEO Steve Jobs formally introduced its latest-generation iPhone to the audience, at the Worldwide Developers Confrence event that was held in San Francisco. About four to four times this iPhone theme. Yes, this phone has the ability four times more slender, four times more sharply, and four times faster than the previous iPhone.
iPhone 4
The most obvious changes, seen from the shape of this body the iPhone 4. Jobs claimed that the newest products, is the thinnest smart phones available in the world today.
The fourth generation of Apple's smartphone comes with a higher screen resolution, battery last longer, and thinner size than any previous generation. Only 0.38 inches thick compared to the previous generation iPhone which is about 0.5 inches. The battery hold seven hours on the active condition or two hours longer than before. Same 3.5-inch wide screen, but the resolution is four times better.
Slightly more prominent appearance with a shiny layer of glass on the screen and back. Sides are surrounded by a stainless steel plate which also functions as an antenna. 5-megapixel camera and can record video with a standard HD (high definition).
On the front is now added a secondary camera for videoconferencing. Apple has devised Facetime applications for videoconferencing, but whereas only 4 and antarpengguna iPhone via WiFi.
iPhone 4 works with the latest iPhone operating system OS 4 and will be available starting June 24 in the U.S. with the price of the iPhone 4 ie 199 and 299 U.S. dollars with a choice of black and white.
Reported by MacWorld, Tuesday (06/08/2010, screen resolution also becomes transformation on this iPhone. Yes, with a much more sharply, iPhone 4 can record and play video with high definition quality.
Based on the information this site following the Apple iPhone is the latest specification.
Shape:
* Colors: Black or White
* Height: 4.5 inches
* Width: 2.31 inches
* Thin: 0.37 inches
* Weight: 137 grams
Kapastitas:
* 16GB or 32 GB
Display:
* Retina Display
* 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch display
* Resolution 960 x 640 pixels, with 326 ppi
* Contrast Ratio 800:1
* Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on the front and rear
* Supports multiple languages and characters simultaneously
Camera, Photo, Video:
* Footage of HD (720p) up to 30 fps
* 5MP Camera
* VGA front camera with 30 fps
* LED flash
* Geotagging feature on the photo and video
Audio:
* Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000 Hz
* Audio Format: AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
TV and Video:
* Video Format: H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, the Main Profile level 1.3 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48KHz, stereo audio in. M4v,. Mp4, and. Mov file formats; MPEG- 4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48KHz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4, and. mov file formats; Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in. avi file format
* Supports resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels, with a dock connector to VGA for 576p and 480p.
Cellular and Wireless:
* UMTS / HSDPA / HSUPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz)
* GSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
* 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz)
* Bluetooth 2.1 EDR wireless technology
Location Features:
* A-GPS
* Digital Compass
* Wi-Fi
Batteries and Power:
* Battery lithium-ion battery that can be in charge
* Power USB via PC / Mac
* Talk time up to 7 hours (3G), up to 14 hours (2G)
* Standby Time: 300 hours
* Use of the Internet up to 6 hours (3G), up to 10 hours (WiFi)
* Video Recording: up to 10 hours
* Record Audio: up to 40 hours
Information excerpted from detik.com, kompas.com and okezone.comIncoming search terms for the article:
* 4 iphone price
* Price iphone4
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* Review the iphone 4
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* 4 iphone price
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* IPhone reviews
* Specification of the latest iphone
iPhone 4
The most obvious changes, seen from the shape of this body the iPhone 4. Jobs claimed that the newest products, is the thinnest smart phones available in the world today.
The fourth generation of Apple's smartphone comes with a higher screen resolution, battery last longer, and thinner size than any previous generation. Only 0.38 inches thick compared to the previous generation iPhone which is about 0.5 inches. The battery hold seven hours on the active condition or two hours longer than before. Same 3.5-inch wide screen, but the resolution is four times better.
Slightly more prominent appearance with a shiny layer of glass on the screen and back. Sides are surrounded by a stainless steel plate which also functions as an antenna. 5-megapixel camera and can record video with a standard HD (high definition).
On the front is now added a secondary camera for videoconferencing. Apple has devised Facetime applications for videoconferencing, but whereas only 4 and antarpengguna iPhone via WiFi.
iPhone 4 works with the latest iPhone operating system OS 4 and will be available starting June 24 in the U.S. with the price of the iPhone 4 ie 199 and 299 U.S. dollars with a choice of black and white.
Reported by MacWorld, Tuesday (06/08/2010, screen resolution also becomes transformation on this iPhone. Yes, with a much more sharply, iPhone 4 can record and play video with high definition quality.
Based on the information this site following the Apple iPhone is the latest specification.
Shape:
* Colors: Black or White
* Height: 4.5 inches
* Width: 2.31 inches
* Thin: 0.37 inches
* Weight: 137 grams
Kapastitas:
* 16GB or 32 GB
Display:
* Retina Display
* 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch display
* Resolution 960 x 640 pixels, with 326 ppi
* Contrast Ratio 800:1
* Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on the front and rear
* Supports multiple languages and characters simultaneously
Camera, Photo, Video:
* Footage of HD (720p) up to 30 fps
* 5MP Camera
* VGA front camera with 30 fps
* LED flash
* Geotagging feature on the photo and video
Audio:
* Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000 Hz
* Audio Format: AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
TV and Video:
* Video Format: H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, the Main Profile level 1.3 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48KHz, stereo audio in. M4v,. Mp4, and. Mov file formats; MPEG- 4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48KHz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4, and. mov file formats; Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in. avi file format
* Supports resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels, with a dock connector to VGA for 576p and 480p.
Cellular and Wireless:
* UMTS / HSDPA / HSUPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz)
* GSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
* 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz)
* Bluetooth 2.1 EDR wireless technology
Location Features:
* A-GPS
* Digital Compass
* Wi-Fi
Batteries and Power:
* Battery lithium-ion battery that can be in charge
* Power USB via PC / Mac
* Talk time up to 7 hours (3G), up to 14 hours (2G)
* Standby Time: 300 hours
* Use of the Internet up to 6 hours (3G), up to 10 hours (WiFi)
* Video Recording: up to 10 hours
* Record Audio: up to 40 hours
Information excerpted from detik.com, kompas.com and okezone.comIncoming search terms for the article:
* 4 iphone price
* Price iphone4
* Specifications iphone 4
* Review the iphone 4
* Review the iphone 4
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* 4 iphone price
* Price i phone 4
* IPhone reviews
* Specification of the latest iphone
Blackberry Torch (9800)
Today we're reviewing the brand new handset by Research in Motion (RIM) with their all new BlackBerry Torch 9800. The touch-screen with full QWERTY keyboard device comes with the brand new BlackBerry 6 OS, which shows great improvements over the Bold and Curve 8900.
The Hardware
The BlackBerry Torch has all your standard BlackBerry buttons, including the send key, quick menu, trackpad, escape/back key and the end/power key. The trackpad is very smooth and very sensitive on this device when compared to other BlackBerry phones; this allows you the freedom to select even the smallest of objects on the web or within application. The Torch also comes with a silent and lock button located at the top of the phone, for quick access.
The QWERTY keyboard does take some getting used to if you're not familiar with BlackBerry phones; the keys are a little smoother than normal as RiM tried to keep the phone as thin as possible. The keyboard has a little more room of play between the edge of the keys and the screen, so your fingers aren't making contact with the edge of the device when you type.
The right hand side of the phone has your standard 3.5mm headphone jack with your standard up and down volume buttons and a convenience key to open up any assigned application, which can be configured in the operating system.
The Phone
The phone has a nice weight to it, an important thing I look for in a phone, at least that way I know it's in my pocket and not lost on a bar stool The phone weights 5.68oz (161.1g), just slightly heavier than the iPhone 4. The phone is also slightly bigger than the iPhone 4, at 4.37” (111mm) closed, 5.83” (148mm) opened, 2.44” (62mm) width and 0.57” (14.6mm) depth.
The BlackBerry Torch also has a ribbed, rubber backing, so it doesn't feel slippery in your hand.
Display
The Torch has a high resolution 3.2” HVGA+ touch screen (480x360), with light-sensing and proximity detecting sensors to adjust the screen brightness. A very solid and smooth touch-screen, which has exceptional accuracy compared to other touch-screen smartphones out there.
Camera
Having a sharp camera is needed these days in any mobile phone, so it's no wonder the BlackBerry Torch 9800 features a 5.0 MP camera, with an auto-flash, auto-focus, 2x zoom and has video recording capabilities. Although the still camera and video camera are separate applications on the device, the quality has excellent output. The playback has a lower quality than what can be displayed on your PC, simply because of the screen limitations.
The camera supports up to 2x zoom, which can be controlled by sliding your finger on the screen, but like many smartphone cameras, can not be configured once you are filming. The camera captures colours very vividly, check the gallery at the bottom for some sample phones with the BlackBerry Torch.
RIM has improved upon the shutterlag too of the phone. Previous versions of the OS suffered from horrendous lag, the Torch has a solid 1 second delay which is better than previous iterations that had 2-3 second lag. But when compared to other phones like the HTC Incredibele, the Torch feels slow.
Internal Hardware
A smartphone isn't complete without 3G, WiFi and GPS capabilities, and the BlackBerry Torch 9800 is no exception. The Torch supports tri-band 3G UMTS networks, as well as quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks. The phone also supports WiFi 802.11b/g/n, for quick surfing at home.
The Torch packs a 624Mhz CPU with 512MB of RAM, with a 4GB internal storage, upgradable to 32GB. The processor is decent for this phone, under light to normal usage. Advanced users might be a little frustrated at times with the processor speed, but it does do a fairly good job overall.
Battery
Even though I've haven't had a long time to thoroughly test out the battery, I haven't noticed any problems with it. The battery does perform well, and gave me a charge of two full days of normal usage before I had to plug it back in again. However, it does come with a 1300 mAhr removable battery, with a 5.5 hour talk time, an 18 day standby, 5.8 hours on UMTS, 30 hours of music playback and 6 hours of video playback time.
Operating System
The BlackBerry Torch comes equipped with the brand new BlackBerry 6 operating system, which has more graphical enhancements and an updated Webkit browser.
The Home Screen has an all new look, with an adjustable menu to show more or less icons and has more room for other things, like your social network feeds. The social feeds include Facebook, Twitter, Google Talk, MySpace, Windows Live Messenger, AIM, Yahoo, and of course, BBM (BlackBerry Messenger). The OS alerts you of any new direct messages or updates through your feeds, which alerts you on the operating system and on the phone itself, through a blinking red light when you have unread feeds.
BlackBerry 6 supports universal search, so you can find contacts, emails, applications and many other things through a quick search. I found this very responsive and helpful when trying to find applications through all the pages on the device.
The all new webkit browser, software that RiM acquired through an external source, works fairly well, including a pinch-to-zoom interface, which makes it very easy to read. It supports multiple tabs, so you can easily flip through different websites. I did experience some problems with the browser, where the page would crash and return me to the home page without giving me any warnings or notifications something occurred.
Music & Video
I found that music through the headphones is very clear, but that depends on your audio quality sample. I was using a 320kbps audio track to test both the headphones and built-in speakers. The phone speakers, including speaker phone is clearer than what I've experience on other phones, such as the BlackBerry Peal and Bold.
The video quality is again limited to the screens resolution, but it does support a wide range of video and audio codecs, including MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV3 and AMR-NB, AAC-LC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, WMV, Flac, Ogg Vorbis.
BlackBerry 6 supports YouTube and MobiTV, which allows you to watch streaming TV and videos, but is restricted to the United States, so I couldn't test MobiTV. The YouTube application was a bit of a let down, it acts as a shortcut, so it just forwards you to the mobile webpage.
App Store
No smartphone is complete without an app store, something which has become the norm for all mobile devices in the last little while. The BlackBerry Torch isn't any exception, so it does come with a minimal app store, but doesn't look pretty at all. The store does have a variety of free and paid applications. Compared to the Apple App Store on the iPhone, this BlackBerry store does not match up. However, it does get the job done, and allows you to at least play games and use apps on your phone.
My Thoughts
I actually really do like this phone, but I would like to see a slightly faster processor to keep up with the iPhone 4, a higher resolution screen, so I can at least see the photos I've taken clearly. The App Store could use an overhaul, because it's not the most appealing thing in the world, something which might deter me from buying applications if they don't look good.
I do like the touch-screen, with a sliding QWERTY keyboard on the phone. The BlackBerry Torch feels very nice in my hand, and feels well built. The ribbed, rubber backing is a nice feel and addition to the phone, where the iPhone 4 feels very slippery and smooth in your hand, like you're going to drop it at any moment.
The Hardware
The BlackBerry Torch has all your standard BlackBerry buttons, including the send key, quick menu, trackpad, escape/back key and the end/power key. The trackpad is very smooth and very sensitive on this device when compared to other BlackBerry phones; this allows you the freedom to select even the smallest of objects on the web or within application. The Torch also comes with a silent and lock button located at the top of the phone, for quick access.
The QWERTY keyboard does take some getting used to if you're not familiar with BlackBerry phones; the keys are a little smoother than normal as RiM tried to keep the phone as thin as possible. The keyboard has a little more room of play between the edge of the keys and the screen, so your fingers aren't making contact with the edge of the device when you type.
The Phone
The phone has a nice weight to it, an important thing I look for in a phone, at least that way I know it's in my pocket and not lost on a bar stool The phone weights 5.68oz (161.1g), just slightly heavier than the iPhone 4. The phone is also slightly bigger than the iPhone 4, at 4.37” (111mm) closed, 5.83” (148mm) opened, 2.44” (62mm) width and 0.57” (14.6mm) depth.
The BlackBerry Torch also has a ribbed, rubber backing, so it doesn't feel slippery in your hand.
The Torch has a high resolution 3.2” HVGA+ touch screen (480x360), with light-sensing and proximity detecting sensors to adjust the screen brightness. A very solid and smooth touch-screen, which has exceptional accuracy compared to other touch-screen smartphones out there.
Camera
Having a sharp camera is needed these days in any mobile phone, so it's no wonder the BlackBerry Torch 9800 features a 5.0 MP camera, with an auto-flash, auto-focus, 2x zoom and has video recording capabilities. Although the still camera and video camera are separate applications on the device, the quality has excellent output. The playback has a lower quality than what can be displayed on your PC, simply because of the screen limitations.
The camera supports up to 2x zoom, which can be controlled by sliding your finger on the screen, but like many smartphone cameras, can not be configured once you are filming. The camera captures colours very vividly, check the gallery at the bottom for some sample phones with the BlackBerry Torch.
RIM has improved upon the shutterlag too of the phone. Previous versions of the OS suffered from horrendous lag, the Torch has a solid 1 second delay which is better than previous iterations that had 2-3 second lag. But when compared to other phones like the HTC Incredibele, the Torch feels slow.
A smartphone isn't complete without 3G, WiFi and GPS capabilities, and the BlackBerry Torch 9800 is no exception. The Torch supports tri-band 3G UMTS networks, as well as quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks. The phone also supports WiFi 802.11b/g/n, for quick surfing at home.
The Torch packs a 624Mhz CPU with 512MB of RAM, with a 4GB internal storage, upgradable to 32GB. The processor is decent for this phone, under light to normal usage. Advanced users might be a little frustrated at times with the processor speed, but it does do a fairly good job overall.
Battery
Even though I've haven't had a long time to thoroughly test out the battery, I haven't noticed any problems with it. The battery does perform well, and gave me a charge of two full days of normal usage before I had to plug it back in again. However, it does come with a 1300 mAhr removable battery, with a 5.5 hour talk time, an 18 day standby, 5.8 hours on UMTS, 30 hours of music playback and 6 hours of video playback time.
Operating System
The BlackBerry Torch comes equipped with the brand new BlackBerry 6 operating system, which has more graphical enhancements and an updated Webkit browser.
The Home Screen has an all new look, with an adjustable menu to show more or less icons and has more room for other things, like your social network feeds. The social feeds include Facebook, Twitter, Google Talk, MySpace, Windows Live Messenger, AIM, Yahoo, and of course, BBM (BlackBerry Messenger). The OS alerts you of any new direct messages or updates through your feeds, which alerts you on the operating system and on the phone itself, through a blinking red light when you have unread feeds.
BlackBerry 6 supports universal search, so you can find contacts, emails, applications and many other things through a quick search. I found this very responsive and helpful when trying to find applications through all the pages on the device.
The all new webkit browser, software that RiM acquired through an external source, works fairly well, including a pinch-to-zoom interface, which makes it very easy to read. It supports multiple tabs, so you can easily flip through different websites. I did experience some problems with the browser, where the page would crash and return me to the home page without giving me any warnings or notifications something occurred.
Music & Video
I found that music through the headphones is very clear, but that depends on your audio quality sample. I was using a 320kbps audio track to test both the headphones and built-in speakers. The phone speakers, including speaker phone is clearer than what I've experience on other phones, such as the BlackBerry Peal and Bold.
The video quality is again limited to the screens resolution, but it does support a wide range of video and audio codecs, including MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV3 and AMR-NB, AAC-LC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, WMV, Flac, Ogg Vorbis.
BlackBerry 6 supports YouTube and MobiTV, which allows you to watch streaming TV and videos, but is restricted to the United States, so I couldn't test MobiTV. The YouTube application was a bit of a let down, it acts as a shortcut, so it just forwards you to the mobile webpage.
App Store
No smartphone is complete without an app store, something which has become the norm for all mobile devices in the last little while. The BlackBerry Torch isn't any exception, so it does come with a minimal app store, but doesn't look pretty at all. The store does have a variety of free and paid applications. Compared to the Apple App Store on the iPhone, this BlackBerry store does not match up. However, it does get the job done, and allows you to at least play games and use apps on your phone.
My Thoughts
I actually really do like this phone, but I would like to see a slightly faster processor to keep up with the iPhone 4, a higher resolution screen, so I can at least see the photos I've taken clearly. The App Store could use an overhaul, because it's not the most appealing thing in the world, something which might deter me from buying applications if they don't look good.
I do like the touch-screen, with a sliding QWERTY keyboard on the phone. The BlackBerry Torch feels very nice in my hand, and feels well built. The ribbed, rubber backing is a nice feel and addition to the phone, where the iPhone 4 feels very slippery and smooth in your hand, like you're going to drop it at any moment.
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