It’s been far too long since I updated this site due to other engagements but as luck would strike me twice today here I am. I finally have time to dedicate to this site again and what better when then to start with my first hands on experience with the new “savior” from Nokia, the Nokia N9. I have been lucky enough to be given a private hands on with the new phone and I’m not sure if it’s going to save Nokia but it’s probably the most beautiful phone from Nokia ever!

Design

When everything looks like a copy of a copy of the iPhone I’m glad that Nokia is doing it slightly different at least with the very nice bezel around. It’s a good start to like the device even without having turned it on. It does feel very solid and there are very few buttons here, volume control and camera buttons thats it! So maybe we are finally seeing the Scandinavian minimalistic design actually coming from a Scandinavian country instead of California.. The Nokia N9 features a 3.9″ AMOLED display so it’s larger the California phone and measures 116.45- x 61.2- x 7.6-12.1mm and weighs 135 grams.

Nokia N9 in Action

When we turn on the phone it feels like Nokia could actually be doing something right, for once. The display is absolutely gorgeous, if you have seen the Samsung Galaxy S II then you know what I’m talking about here. As said before it’s an AMOLED screen with a 854 x 480 resolution, not as high pixel density as the iPhone but still plenty good enough. So the big question here isn’t going to be if it has the specs to compete, it does (see below) but if it has the OS and the Apps, it mostly doesn’t. The OS MeeGo is polished and feels promising but it feels like the version 1.2 it is. It’s lacking many of the things most new mobile operating systems do in the beginning and thus the complaining can begin… Not sure how much love and for how long Nokia is going to give MeeGo but it needs a lot of commitment so that app developers can feel safe to develop for the platform. You will find Angry Birds in the app store and a few other titles but it’s mostly an empty house no one visits at this point. Lets jump a head to specifications and then I’ll wrap it up!

Nokia N9 Specifications

CPU: OMAP3630 1 Ghz
GPU: PowerVR SGX530
RAM: 1GB
Storage: 16GB or 64GB
Camera: 8mp, wide angle f/2.2 with auto focus and 720p video
Size: 116.45- x 61.2- x 7.6-12.1mm
Weight: 135 grams
Battery: 50 hours of music, 4.5 hours of 720p, 11 hour GSM talk time
Wifi: 802.11a/b/g/n

Wrap up

What started out as a love affair my very well end up in bitter divorce. It was a lot easier to make cell phones before smart phones become so freaking good as the best iOS and Android phones are today. It’s not just about fancy hardware packed in the latest design. If you don’t have the apps and are missing basic functions you are already way behind in the race. Nokia has a lot of catching up todo if they are going to regin the former glory as a smartphone maker and maybe even as a cell phone producer in general. It feels like I’m bashing the N9 but the truth is, it’s probably the best Nokia has ever produced but it’s still not good enough. Why would anyone buy this when you can buy a Samsung Galaxy S II or and iPhone that have a great OS with solid app stores? There aren’t enough people living in Finland to buy this phone just for supporting Nokia. I really wish Nokia the best of luck and they deserve a win here with the N9 but I wouldn’t bet my money on it!

Lenovo, the once buyer of IBMs Thinkpads, has just announced their new multitouch desktop PC (C315) with a nice price tag of $649 when it comes out in April. They are not exactly competing with Apple her in terms of specifications but the Lenovo C315 should have plenty to go around for most people. It has an AMD Athlon dual core processor (not sure which one), 4 gigs of ram, ATI Mobility graphics (not sure which one). Did I miss that it has a 20 inch mutlitouch display or that it’s brown? It looks like it could make a perfect kitchen/children’s/bedroom computer, I for one wouldn’t mind having this in the kitchen for music and entertainment while cooking.

Specifications
Processor: Intel Celeron M 353 / 630 MHz
RAM Installed: Size 512 MB
Display Type: 7 in TFT active matrix
OS Provided: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Design
The matted cover does not have fingerprints stuck over it which we really appreciate as it gives the netbook a neat look. It weighs only at 2lbs. It has been released in pearl white and black, individually.

Display
The 7-inch display on this netbook is really small for our eyes thus feel extremely compact. We had to do lots of scrolling through long pages and some of them were not even that long. Adding to that, the touchpad is so small that it feels uncomfortable to just keep scrolling through. Even though, the display is small it is still bright but we tried not to use it in direct sunlight or in full daylight outside. Over the display is where the built-in camera is found. It doesn’t disappoint.

Keyboard
Build this small, this netbook obviously has place for a small keyboard and an even smaller touchpad.

System
Asus released this netbook with an Intel Atom CPU unlike the previous701 models releases of Asus which came featured with Celeron. We’ve kept our expectations extremely modest while reviewing the system. We were quite impressed at its performance level and furthermore, we were able to update the BIOS and the CPU to reaching the full 897 Mhz. Though after updating we found that some of the programs no longer work with the updated system but Asus provides some of these programs on its site for download. It has built in high speed 802.11 connectivity and we tasted it outdoors in malls and it worked perfectly fine thus proving even further that it is ideal for frequent travellers. This netbook comes with a 10GB file-encrypted Eee Storage. Using this space, we didn’t try saving any video or audio files and not even picture files. Those media files were saved in our pendrives. We had no problems saving documents and viewing them on the screen. The Eee PC 701SD features 8GB Solid State Drive which is shockproof and it consumes less power.  It also has 512MB of RAM. We don’t have to wait that long for the system to boot up. When using it as well such as opening up programs doesn’t take that long.

Conclusion
The Asus Eee PC 701SD is a nice and modest ultraportable netbook. It works fast and has an adjustable clock speed. The operating system can be updated. We would definitely advise the Asus Eee PC 701SD for students, younger students and for people who travel a lot. As a matter of fact, this netbook will work fine at schools where to kids; it looks almost like a toy. For the female part of consumers who appreciate light and ultraportable gadgets, this netbook will suit their taste the most. Overall, consider the Asus Eee PC 701SD a must-buy, if you can get it at less than $200.

Specifications
Price as reviewed: $429
Processor: 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280
Memory: 1GB, 533MHz DDR2
Hard drive: 160GB 5,400rpm
Chipset: Mobile Intel 945GM Express
Graphics: Mobile Intel GMA 950 (integrated)
Operating System: Windows XP

Design & Display
The design of the Eee PC 1008HA reminds us of the HP Mini 1000’s design. It is not an exact copy but feels like it with the exception that the Eee PC 1008HA is definitely lighter. We had no problem fitting the netbook into our backpack and carrying around. It is available in black, red, blue or white. The black one since it’s glossy is definitely slated to display fingerprints on it but It is scratch resistant though. This Asus netbook measures 10.3 x 7.1 x 1.0 (WDH) inches and weights in at 2.4 pounds. As soon as we opened the netbook’s cover, we find a 10.1-inch LED screen with a resolution of 1,024 x 600 welcoming us. There is an option to use it in a different resolution (800 x 600) but we find that using it in its default resolution is better. The ports and connections on this netbook are well covered by plastic doors which are good in a way that it looks neat. Above the display is where the 1.3-megapixel web cam is located. It works fine when used in a couple of instant messaging applications but don’t try any fast movement while video chatting with friends. We found the speakers at the bottom front of the netbook, tried it by playing a song and the result was as loud as a netbook can get.

Keyboard
The keyboard on this netbook is alike the one on Asus’s previous release, the Eee PC 1000HE. We find this interesting since Asus managed to fit it in this thin netbook. It is flat and wide and is one of the best keyboards we have used. Above the keyboard, we found quick-access buttons; one is for switching off the Wi-Fi while the other is for turning off the touch pad. The latter will work for people who are amateur netbook or laptop users and who still haven’t adapted to using a touch pad thus desperately needing the help of an external mouse. Speaking of the touch pad, it works well and if needed, it can be adjusted in its settings such as if you require to change the pointer speed and more.

Battery
The Eee PC 1008HA comes with a non-removable battery that was able to sustain the netbook for about 4 hours during heavy usage of the Eee PC 1008HA. Furthermore, there’s the Super Hybrid Engine featured in the system that is bound to extend the netbook’s battery life. Under normal use, the battery lasted for about 5 hours which is better considering the fact that it is a three-cell battery not a six-cell.

System
The Intel N280 Atom CPU on this netbook is slightly faster than Intel’s previous model, the N270 on other netbooks. Performing basic tasks on the netbook is just as fine as it is on the other netbooks. Bottom line is since this netbook has the same system as of the Eee PC 1000HE, the results in performance-wise are the same. We managed to view web pages without wasting too much time to scroll down. Videos played present a smooth look with bright colours.

Conclusion
How does one differentiate netbooks nowadays? We find ourselves, firsthand, checking the keyboard and noting the battery life. The Asus Eee PC 1008HA is light and attractive but the battery life doesn’t allow it to be carried around for longer than 4 hours. Aside from that, it features the aspiring Asus’s keyboard. The system works just the way most netbooks do. Inside, it is almost alike Asus’s Eee PC 1000HE with the same Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, Windows XP, and 160GB hard drive but the Eee PC 1008HA comes at a slightly higher price than the Eee PC 1000HE and has a lesser lasting battery life. We think for a lighter and thinner netbook, the price is somehow worth it but if size is not the main attractions for you then there are cheaper netbooks of all sizes available in the market.

Enhancing The Windows Media Center Experience – Benchmark Reviews

http://verdisreviews.com/reviews/evercool-buffalo-hpfi-10025-cpu-cooler-review/

Seagate Interview: SSD and Enterprise Storage @ Benchmark Reviews

Intel Core i7-870 Processor Review @ Benchmark Reviews

Fallout 3: Mothership Zeta (Games for Windows) – Barry’s Reviews

Powermats wireless charger may be one of the coolest gadget utilities to arrive thus far this year. How it works is this, you add a little sleeve to your devices that you want to use with Powermat charging board and then you can just put them all on the Mat whenever you need recharging, simply beautiful.

So the drawbacks then, the price might be a little more then you are used to paying for a charger, $99 for the charger and $49 for each receiver/sleeve you want to use.  Still it shows real world potential for less wires in your house and if Apple and the other big guys could unite on a standard there would be no need for the additional sleeves.

By the way, sorry for the lack of news activity from my side I have been busy with a new job and had to let all reviews go to my friend and colleague on this project. Now that things have settled a bit for me at my new job I will have more time to devote to this site.

Specifications
Processor: Intel Atom N270
Graphics: Intel 900 IGP
Operating System: HP Mobile Internet UI (Ubuntu Linux)
RAM: 1GB DDR2 667 RAM
HDD: 8GB SSD (1.8” Form Factor)
Display: 8.9” LED LCD (1024 x 600)
Connection: 802.11g, 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth
Price: MSRP: $379 USD, $449 CDN

Design
The HP Mini 1110NR looks great based on its black body design that gives it a really neat look. It is thin which makes it easy to just fit in our backpack and at the same time, is definitely light to carry around. Don’t be mistaken though, as light as it is it is solid and promises durability. Opening the netbook we find the 8.9” LCD screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. The display quality is bright enough if only it was bigger and larger to complete the LCD panel. This netbook measures 10.3 in (L) x 6.56 in (W) x 0.99 in (H) and weighs 2.25lbs.

Keyboard
The keyboard is nicely presented on the netbook. It comes with function keys. The plastic keys of the keyboard let out a small ‘tack’ sound when pressed upon. The touchpad on this netbook has its buttons placed on the right and left of it rather than being underneath like on most netbooks.

System
HP does not supply a recovery media with this netbook but word from them is that the recovery disk will be available on their website soon. In case needed, there’s the recovery partition on the SSD that when used makes the netbook as fresh as when you first got it. We didn’t have to wait that long for the netbook to get started and it’s the same when waiting for shutdown. The system is easy to use and understand. Its Home screen (button present on the keyboard) provides access to a couple of programs such as to email, web, music, photos and program launcher. When we wanted to switch in between programs, it was all done by simply clicking on the task switcher button. There are programs installed from Linux which are Open Office, Firefox, Thunderbird, Skype, Pidgin and no OS system is completed without adding their share of games. This system works better when it comes to using it for basic tasks. Dare we say, we find that it’s even better than Windows. The HP Mini 1110NR needs to have a bigger storage capacity than the one provided. That said, we found that the only way to save our media files is in a pen drive rather than saving it in the netbook where it will slow down the system. Listening to music online works fine and so does the viewing of videos, be it on youtube or daily motion, as long as you have a good connection it shouldn’t be a problem. HP, on its side, provides an online storage and a backup service known as the HP Upline and if you are currently residing in the US, you get a free 6-month trial but if not then the price to use it is $59 per year for unlimited space.

Conclusion
The HP Mini 1110NR has an attractive design which is stylish and at the same time, light and durable.  It has an easy system to use that is not complicated, something newbies to netbooks would appreciate. The storage could have been bigger in the Mini 1110NR but as for now, we satisfy ourselves by carrying around thumb drives/pen drives.
We feel that the Mini 1110NR’s design should have accommodated a bigger LCD screen so we wonder why HP decided to go with this 8.9-inch screen. Keyboard and touchpad is nice. The price is a turn-off for those who don’t really care about the HP Mi system. We don’t think the price for this netbook justifies its functionality and features specially when there are netbooks around that are way cheaper than this HP netbook. We are hoping HP will consider a promotion for this netbook. The battery is disappointing as well by not lasting longer than it should.

Specifications
Price as reviewed: $469
Processor: 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270
Memory: 1GB, 533MHz DDR2
Hard drive: 160GB 5,400rpm
Chipset: Mobile Intel 945GM Express
Graphics: Mobile Intel GMA 950 (integrated)
Operating System: Windows XP

Design
When we first saw the Samsung NC120, we thought it resembled Samsung’s NC20 and N110. It has the same design and looks about the same with the exception that the N120 is wider than the N110. The 10.1-inch display comes with the native resolution of 1,024×600 pixels. It works alright for basic tasks but it’s not easy when we had to view long documents. When used in sunlight, we can see our reflection on the screen but adjusting the display cover does help. Over the display is where the 1.3 megapixel is found with the microphone. We tried it with a couple of instant messaging applications and the picture quality was reasonable enough but our voices recorded through the microphone are not loud enough. It measures 10.7 (in) x 7.4 (in) x 1.2 (in) and weighs 2.8 pounds. The N120 is available in black or white. The set of speakers is located on the front, right and left of the netbook. A 1.5W subwoofer is found on the bottom. There are the usual ports and connections on this netbook and Samsung simplifies this process by having labeling stickers on top of each port and connection so that you can know which is for what.

Keyboard & Sound
Noticeable on this netbook is its huge keyboard. It has a new look with wider keys that are not flat. We enjoyed typing on this keyboard and the same can be noted for its touchpad with is really nice and easy to use. Scrolling up and down pages (which is a must with long pages) was not hard to do. We were equally impressed with the 2.1 speakers present on both sides on the netbook. The sound is loud enough and is even better when we plugged in our headphone or speakers. Undoubtedly, this netbook has the best sound around.

System
Since we have already reviewed the N110, we found that the performance of this netbook is quite similar to the ones of the N100. The N120 features the same Intel 1.6GHz Atom CPU and 1GB of RAM as found on the Samsung N110 and many other netbooks. It performs fine when we use word processing and surfing the web. We tried running some programs simultaneously and that result in slowing down the netbook so for result avoid using the netbook for multi-tasking. The N120 comes with a 1GB of RAM that can be upgraded to 2GB through its RAM access panel that is located on the back on the netbook.

Battery
The battery life of the N120 is excellent. The six-cell battery can last for about 5 hours and 20 minutes. It isn’t the same as the Asus Eee PC 1000HE’s 8700mAh battery but it’s better than what most netbooks provide.

Conclusion
The Samsung N120 is not a perfect all-rounder but it does feature one of the best keyboards around in the netbooks’ market and a very nice set of speakers. Battery life is excellent ranging at about 5 hours or so, this is perfect for those who are looking for a travel companion. It performs the basic tasks that any other 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 netbook will. The N120 does share similarities with Samsung’s N110. It is a good catch but the price might be a turn-off for those who are looking for an affordable gadget.

Specifications
Price as reviewed/Starting price: $593 / $349
Processor: 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530
Memory: 1GB, 533MHz DDR2
Hard drive: 160GB 5,400rpm
Chipset: Intel GMA 500
Graphics: Intel GMA 500 (integrated)
Operating system: Windows XP Home SP3

Design
This netbook has the same look as other models from Dell notably the Mini 9 and the Mini 12 specially with its glossy coating, which is obviously going to have fingerprints all over it. The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is available in black, white, green, pink, blue or red. It measures 10.3 X 7.2 X 1.3 inches and weighs 2.6 pounds. Opening up the netbook, we discover the 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 1024 X 576 pixels. Above the screen is where the 1.3 MP WebCam is located. It comes with a built-in microphone and when we tested it, our voices didn’t sound that loud from the netbook. Ports on this netbook are a Kensington lock slot, 3 USB ports, a 3-in-1 Memory Card Reader, Ethernet jack, an HDMI Port, a microphone and headphone jack.

Keyboard
The keyboard on this one is slightly bigger than the one found on the Mini 12. It is certainly better with full sized keys, the typing process was fully enjoyable. The touchpad is small in comparison with the keyboard and it has its buttons on itself rather than having them separately on top. Compared to having a comfortable keyboard, using the touchpad is not comfortable at all but still the touchpad is better than most netbooks around.

Battery
The 3-cell battery keeps the netbook alive for about 2 and half hours of multi-tasking operations and when we used it on the power saving mode, it sustained for around 3 hours. We wished it was longer but then we will need a bigger battery for that.

System
The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 features the Z530 version of Intel’s Atom CPU which is different from what other netbooks have. With a 1.6GHz clock speed, we found that this netbook runs slightly slower than netbooks with the usual Intel’s CPU Processor. The kind of processor found on this netbook was first designed to be used on handheld computers. You won’t feel much difference unless you are expecting to process like a laptop. We used Microsoft Word while listening to music and the netbook worked just fine. The same goes for downloading contents from the internet and listening to music. Most netbooks don’t have very good graphics and this one is no exception. Playing a DVD video is fine but it jams a bit while playing HD videos.

Conclusion
What impressed us with this netbook is the fact that it has a stylish and neat design, the keyboard is spacious and it is light to carry around. What we didn’t like is its cramped touchpad with the not-rightly placed buttons that could have been different. We weren’t impressed by the 3-cell battery but if it has to be slim and ultraportable then only a 3-cell battery could fit in the Dell Inspiron Mini 10’s list of features. With strong competition in the netbooks market, this netbook might appeal to those who are looking for something light and simple to carry around on trips, meetings or classes.