Disney has launched a range of licensed USB flash drives. The pen drives come in different shapes and capacities feature various Disney characters. We received three products for testing; Mickey Mouse 4 GB and 8 GB drives and one Spiderman 4 GB drive. The drives are embedded in a rubber body so they are scratch proof and damage resistant. The body itself is thick and could make the drives hard to use with another pen drive in an adjacent port. The 4 GB drive shows a usable capacity of 3.65 GB. It gives a write speed of up to 4.4 MB/s and an impressive read speed of up to 21 MB/s, so the drives are best suited for accessing files rather than transferring data. At Rs 750 for 4 GB, and 8 GB priced at Rs 1,250, they are a little expensive.
Verdict: A good gift option for children.
For: Good read speed, sturdy rubber body.
Against: Slightly bulky.

SPECIFICATION
www.accessinfoworld.com
Capacity: 4 GB, 8 GB; Interface: USB 2.0.
              Mobile computing makes it possible to do just about anything on the go - work, learning, banking, communicating and entertainment. With the growing number and types of mobile computing devices like netbooks, smartphones and tablets available for both consumer and business use, figuring out which device suits your needs requires some important consideration. Here we compare the performance, capabilities and ergonomics of different mobile computing devices and what they are best suited for.


NET BOOKS

              Net books are classified as personal computers designed for mobile use. They are relatively smaller and cheaper than notebooks, but they have limited scope of usage, such as basic wireless internet access and limited operating system options. Most netbooks are equipped with lesser storage capacity, RAM and weaker processors than notebooks in order to improve battery life and portability. All of these features make netbooks ideal only for basic computing tasks and Internet browsing with the use of a full keyboard, touchpad and 10-14 inch screen.

SMARTPHONES

              Smartphones are mobile phones that offer more advanced computing capabilities and features than contemporary phones. In fact, smartphones are often more like handheld computers that come with mobile telephone capabilities. The latest smartphones usually have a touch screen interface and sometimes offer even a QWERTY keypad for input. Smartphones run on various operating systems. They are the most portable computing device and are great for basic Web browsing, email access, and communication. But with screen sizes averaging around four inches, they are pretty small and not very comfortable for extended reading.

TABLETS

              Tablets or tablet computers are complete personal mobile computers that are designed for portability. They are generally larger than mobile phones and feature a flat touch screen that is its primary means of operation. The screens, ranging in size from 7 to 10 inches, offer multi-touch capabilities, and tablets are compatible with hundreds of thousands of mobile apps or software for different functions. With a long battery life and a large touch screen that includes a virtual keyboard, tablets are perfect for reading, writing, Internet browsing, mobile communication and entertainment.

OPERATING SYSTEM

              Smartphones are produced by a range of developers using their own technologies and operating systems. Currently, the most popular operating systems for smartphones include BlackBerry OS, Windows Phone 7, iOS and Android. Whatever the operating system, developers are looking to develop apps that are simple and cheap to download on smartphones to increase their use and functionality.
              Tablets, however, have integrated a different sort of OS as compared to the one you’d expect on a netbook. Android has the biggest presence in the tablet space, with most devices running one of many Android versions. Apple’s iPad runs its own iOS and some tablets like the Viewsonic Viewpad 10 utilize the touch-screen features of Windows 7. Whatever the operating system, a tablet’s larger display and better hardware gives them the ability to perform almost the same amount of tasks that a netbook can perform.
              Windows 7 and Android can be modified to run on netbooks as well, but the powerful hardware such as dual core processors and up to 2 GB RAM of netbooks allows them to use full-fledged operating systems that allow the user to perform almost any task on the move. However, netbooks can be twice as heavy and bulky when compared to a keyboardless tablet.

BATTERY LIFE

              Battery life is a major issue when using a smartphone. Most of the manufacturers implement batteries that are mostly just designed for making and taking calls. Receiving emails and powering an always-on data connection tend to drain the battery very fast. These batteries are not as durable when running multiple applications and applications that are always running in the background, such as GPS. Simultaneously swapping between Wi-Fi and a data network for long periods of time also takes its toll on the battery life.
              The batteries in netbooks and tablets are similar. Both provide a backup of up to eight hours. Tablets do require a lot of power for the large touch screen interface, but this is compensated for by the comparatively lower powered hardware as compared to a net book.

MULTITASKING AND PROCESSING POWER

              Although many smartphones are capable of multitasking, some of which include BlackBerrys, Android devices, and handsets running Windows Phone 7, they still are not powerful enough to perform them smoothly and they consume more battery and also slow the phone down.
              Tablets and netbooks are usually designed to run like regular notebooks, so they are much more capable of running more than one program or app at a time without being bogged down. Processor speed is the main thing to consider here. You will obviously get a much higher speed from tablets and netbooks thanks to a full-fledged processor. Whether you opt for Intel, ARM or any other processor, it will always be faster than a smartphone, and can also offer speeds up to 1.6 GHz.

STORAGE

              Tablets and smartphones have a long way to go as far as storage space is concerned. Mostly using flash drives, they offer a maximum of 16 GB storage as compared to the 160 GB hard drives in netbooks. Most smartphones and tablets come with enough space so you can always store every document you’ve ever written, in addition to music and video. Although they have the option of adding up to 64 GB of additional storage in the form of a memory card, it’s still not enough to match the memory of netbooks, which can be extended to more than 320 GB. Netbooks are also compatible with external hard drives of up to 1 TB via a 2.0 USB port.

PRICE

              The price range for a smartphone is variable depending on the level of performance and features it offers. However, for a smartphone that can compete with a netbook or tablet, the price is in the range of Rs 20,000-30,000. As a rule of thumb, tablets are more expensive than netbooks. The higher cost is attributed to the touch screen technology and the compact form factor. However, the tablets that have been on the market have not reached their full potential yet. With technology evolving so quickly, there’s no stopping the portable technology sector. Netbooks offer the best features at the moment, and provide an excellent choice for those who need access to full laptop features in a small form factor. Tablets, however, are catching up.
              Although smartphones may seem hindered by their relatively lower powered processors and smaller screens, they are actually quite powerful. The introduction of features such as multi-touch go a long way towards enhancing the smartphone user experience by allowing users to use more than one finger for certain tasks.
              Nevertheless, the smaller screen size is a significant stumbling block. Although it is likely that such devices will continue to improve in the future, even the most advanced smartphones equipped with 4-inch screens and dual-core processors simply cannot compare with tablets and netbooks at present.
              The main advantage of tablets lies in their flexibility. Unlike netbooks, which require a stable, flat surface to place them on, you can use one hand to hold a tablet and the other to operate it. This is one of the reasons why tablets are preferred by people who are always on the go.
              Note-taking is one use where tablets excel considerably over notebooks. Tablets also have their drawbacks though, in terms of the price. For a given specification, tablets cost considerably more than netbooks. But if you were to analyze all three devices on the basis of functionality, portability and ergonomics, the tablets do come out on top.
                At first glance, the Wespro 786 tablet will definitely impress you. It features a VIA WM8650 processor clocked at 850 MHz along with 256 MB of RAM and 2 GB of internal storage. The display is a 7-inch resistive touchscreen sporting a resolution of 800x480. Other features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and a VGA camera. The tablet also sports the unique functionality of wired networking and USB host by plugging in the bundled dongle. Using the internet via the Ethernet port makes it easier if you do not own a wireless router. Additionally, the two USB host dongles are great for easily transferring, storing or accessing large files from a pen drive.
                 Though the Wespro 786 has a good feature-set and an awesome price, the product does have quite a few downsides. The touchscreen being resistive makes the user interface very sluggish. There is no USB port to allow you access to the tablet using a PC, hence no rooting and tweaking are possible, which means using apps which need Root privileges are impossible to use. Also, the app market featured here is not the standard Google Android Market app. It is a thirdparty market app, which is pre-installed by the manufacturer and allows you to browse the market with limited versions and choices of apps that are only compatible with the tablet. The overall build quality is also below average and the performance scores were almost unacceptable.
                  Judging the overall features, build, ergonomics and performance, this tablet is only recommended for those who want a super-cheap tablet and wouldn’t mind the issues that come along with it. The lowest price of this tablet is the
                 only reason it managed to bag the Best Value award.
Verdict: If budget is your main constraint, the Wespro 786 is the tablet for you.
For: Cheapest tablet available, Ethernet and USB host functions.
AGAINST: Sluggish UI, resistive touchscreen, below average build quality.

Specifications
Dimensions (WxHxD): 20.6 x 11.7 x 1.7 cm; Weight: 390 g;
OS: Android v2.2; Processor: VIA WM8650 850 MHz; RAM: 256 MB;
Storage: 2 GB; Display: 800 x 480, 7-inch resistive;
Others: USB x 2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet.
              It’s great to see Indian brands offering super-affordable tablets. Although most of these devices are manufactured by Chinese OEMs, it’s a nice initiative to come out with models for those who cannot afford premium tablets. The iBall Slide i7011 is a 7-inch Android tablet that offers incredible value for money thanks to its feature set.
              It uses a 1 GHz ARM v7 CPU and comes loaded with Android 2.3. Apart from standard features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and memory expansion via a microSD card, the rest of the features completely justify the price of this tablet. A glance at the right side where the various ports and microSD slot are housed will surprise you. There are two USB ports (OTG and Host), a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a Mini HDMI port.
               These features are rare to come across even in high-end tablets. The Slide supports 3G, but via a dongle, which hooks up to the USB OTG port. The round button with the letter ‘i’ at the center is the home button and the Menu and Back buttons are located along the side at the top-right. One might easily mistake them for volume up/down buttons. To adjust the volume, you have to tap on the icons in the status bar, which is very annoying, especially when you want to adjust the volume while playing games or watching movies.

               The UI is very fluid and the 1 GHz CPU does help in app loading and quick response while using apps. The only major drawback of the iBall Slide is its poor viewing angle. In landscape orientation, the viewing is affected with even the slightest vertical tilt. However, these flaws can be overlooked considering the awesome value for money that it offers.
Verdict: An affordable tablet with an excellent feature set and good ergonomics.
For: 8 GB built-in storage, powerful processor, good audio quality, USB host function.
AGAINST: Viewing angle issues, no physical volume control.

Specifications
Dimensions (WxHxD): 20.7 x 13.3 x 1.3 cm; Weight: 415 g;
OS: Android v2.3; Processor: ARM v7, 1GHz; RAM: 512 MB;
Storage: 8 GB; Display: 800 x 480, 7-inch capacitive;
Others: USB host, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
                  The LG Optimus 2X was the first to make the cut and it even set a Guinness World Record for being the world’s first dual core mobile handset. The handset’s simplistic yet slick design form is quite a contrast to the sophisticated hardware it is loaded up with. Packed with 8 GB of storage and a 4-inch IPS LCD display panel, LG tried to make sure that you were well equipped. It also features HDMI out and DLNA support for media streaming. Needless to say, LG has managed a pretty decent looking handset with a powerful engine. An LG customized user interface is laid on top of the otherwise basic stock Android UI. LG has included quite a few gesture based controls, like tapping the sides to switch tracks or images. For your media enjoyment, you’ve got DivX and XviD codec support, with full HD playback support. Dolby Mobile audio enhancement and SRS Virtual Surround sound are also part of the package. The 8 megapixel camera can capture video in 1080p resolution @ 30fps. Like the S II, it is provisioned with plenty of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, 3G and DLNA. A few extras like F-Secure to monitor mobile threats, a memo pad that allows you to add images to notes, Polaris Office that can access Box.net to open and view documents in Word, Excel or other extensions are also preloaded out of the box. Apps like a calendar that syncs with Google, an alarm clock etc. are also present
Verdict : For all that the 2X offers,it’s real value for money.
For: IPS display, 8 GB built-in storage, very good value for money.
 AGAINST: A tad heavy.

Specifications
Dimensions (WxHxD): 123.9 x 63.2 x 10.9 mm;
Weight: 139 g; CPU: Dual-core 1 GHz; Built-in
storage: 8 GB; Display: 4-in IPS LCD, 480x800;
Camera: 8 MP.
                The Xperia Arc is certainly a large handset but still quite comfortable to hold and lightweight. It runs a 1 GHz Scorpion processor with the Adreno 205 GPU for accelerating games and video playback. The LED backlit display sports a 480 x 854 pixel resolution that’s high enough to make colours seriously stand out. It doesn’t have a hot swap slot for the microSD which could be an issue for some, however 320 MB of internal storage is available for apps. Sony Ericsson has included the TimeScape UI option and widget for simultaneously updating both your Twitter and FB accounts. TimeScape also allows you to view all your messages, people’s updates on FB/Twitter and new calls/messages from this one vertical scrolling interface.
                 The native audio player with its few EQ presets managed to dish out audio quite well. Tones, although slightly jarring on full volume, were still decently well balanced. The Arc doesn’t support DivX or XviD video codecs out of the box. So you’ll have to download and use a third party media player from the Android Market. The Arc is well equipped for connectivity from 3G, standard EDGE/ GPRS, Wi-Fi with DLNA compatibility and tethering to creating a 3G Wi-Fi hotspot. The 8 megapixel camera is ccompanied by an LED flash that’s quite handy in low lit areas. However, the quality of images shot was quite average especially in low light. The Arc’s 1500 mAh battery serves it well. It lasts for a little over two days with moderate usage. For its price, it should have offered more features such as a dual-core CPU, larger screen and more storage space.

Verdict: The slimmest and most feature-rich handset in its class.
For: Smooth user interface, good audio quality.
Against: No DivX and MKV support.

Specifications
Dimensions (WxHxD): 125 x 63 x 8.7 mm ; Weight: 117 g; CPU:1
GHz; Built-in storage: 320 MB; Display: 4.2-in S-LCD, 480x854;
Camera: 8 MP.
             Power backup solutions are available from various manufacturers and Odyssey is one of them in the market of UPS manufacturers. The Neo 700 RB is a Line Interactive UPS with a power rating of 600 VA. The UPS has a pretty well-built body with a black, matte-finished surface. It is built using a 12 Volt 7.5 Ah SMF battery. The product features just a power switch and three LED indicators while the rear has only three 5A power sockets, with no reset button or fuse. We tested the UPS using 220 Watts of load. Sadly, the PC ran for a maximum of five minutes including the one minute reserve before going dead. To sum up, the Neo 700 RB is only good for an emergency power backup solution; just enough to save important data.
Verdict: A very basic and low cost emergency power backup solution.
For: Straight-forward installation and use.
Against: Just five minute backup, no fuse or reset button.

Specifications
www.compuageindia.com
Dimensions (WxHxD): 101 x 143 x 301 mm; Power rating: 600
VA; Battery type: 12 V SMF.
                The Antec VP450P is a non-modular design power supply and comes built with a single six-pin connector, four SATA power connectors, four Molex connectors and a floppy disk connector. There’s a 120mm fan being used on the power supply, that’s protected by a large grill. The quality of the metal used is of good quality. The primary 24-pin power cable has sheathed cables and it isn’t too flexible. The rest of the cables aren’t sheathed so don’t feel like they’re of very good quality. Some cables are bundled in just a couple of places, which leaves a lot of cabling lying in the open. We ran the VP450P without any stability issues. The fan was silent, with no vibrations and voltage fluctuations were minimal.

Verdict: A solid product made for entry-level PCs that should be able to take the load of reasonably high-end
hardware.
For: Solid build quality, plenty of connectors, large fan.
Against: A tiny bit expensive, averagecable quality.

Specifications
www.antec.com
Power output: 450W; Fan size: 120mm; Dimensions: 86x150x
140 mm ; Weight: 1.5 kg; Connectors: SATA (4), Molex (4),
Floppy (1), PCI-E (1), 20+4 pin
             The XAGE MT 711 has a decent build quality, with a sturdy plastic body and a big 3.2-inch TFT LCD touch-screen that is quite bright and clear. Unfortunately, the screen is a resistive touchscreen that is laborious and difficult in comparison to capacitive touchscreens. The MTK OS seems to be an amalgam of Android and iOS and is quite smooth. Hardware-wise, the speakers are loud and crisp, but other hardware is below par. The 3.2 megapixel camera is average but the flash light is dull and low light shots are pixellated. The headset is of poor quality and there is no 3G or Wi-Fi support. Added features include FM Radio, Aanlog TV and a 3D engine, but all in all, the MT 711 falls short of the mark.
Verdict: A phone with a few unique features, but fails in comparison to other phones in the same price range.
For: Great build quality, clear and loud speaker.
Against: Heavy, resistive touch-screen, poor camera

Specifications
www.xagemobile.com
Dimensions (WxHxD): 59 x 13 x 110 mm; Weight: 131 g;
Display: 3.2-inch TFT LCD screen; Camera: 3.2 Megapixel;
Storage: upto 16GB Micro SD; Connectivity: Bluetooth, mini
USB, GPRS, EDGE; Functions: FM Radio, MP3 player, Analog TV,
Video playback.
              Antec, one of the largest manufacturers of high quality gaming PC cases has just released the One Hundred, which is definitely not going to rip a hole through your wallet. It sports a jet black shell with a powder-finished body, which looks pretty decent. It has enough room to accommodate up to three optical drives, six 3.5-inch hard drives and one 2.5-inch hard drive (bottommounted bay). The top of the case also features an inland plastic tray for placing portable storage drives or pen drives or simply other smaller stuff. The top also features the power button, LEDs for HDD and power, four USB ports and front-audio connectors, all placed at a 45-degree angle for easy access when placed either under the desk or on the desktop.
Verdict: A good quality budget gaming case with a simple and elegant look, but sadly, it lacks those fancy lights.
For: Good price, cable routing, plenty of air vents.
Against: Expansion slot blocking plates not provided.

Specifications
www.antec.com
Dimensions (WxHxD): 19.7 x 48 x 47 cm; Weight: 6.9 Kg;
Drive bays: 6 x 3.5-inch, 3 x 5.25-inch, 1 x 2.5-inch;
Cooling fans: 1 x 140 mm (Top), 1 x 120 mm (Rear).
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