Notebook buying guide from http://www.which-laptop.com.au/
Notebook buying guides
Laptops come in a variety of sizes, ranging from ultra-portable devices that can easily fit in a purse to desktop replacements featuring 17 inch or larger screens. The first thing you should think about when buying a new notebook is what you’ll be using it for the most. If you’re a person who’s on the move and values mobility, then a smaller notebook with a high battery life should be on the top of your list. On the other hand, if you want mobility, but also the power to run more demanding software, then you should probably look at 15 inch notebook with relatively balanced features. If you want a notebook that can run all of the latest PC software games without having to buy a desktop tower, then the 17 inch and larger laptops with the latest in dedicated video cards may interest you.
Laptops under the 13 inch mark are geared towards portability, using only the most efficient hardware available for the sake of long battery life. Battery life is usually strong, ranging from 4 to 7 hours on a single charge depending on the laptop. The vast majority of these laptops at this size will use Intel’s GMA series onboard graphics, known for providing the best basic graphics performance, but inadequate for most gaming and 3D software. Another problem is that size constraints keep most, if not all dedicated video cards out of these notebooks.
15 inch notebooks bridge a gap between the performance of a 17 inch or larger laptop and the battery life of smaller laptops. Loaded with the latest in processor technology, these machines do not suffer the constraints faced by smaller laptops. This means that dedicated graphics cards such as the nVidia 9600M can be fitted. These cards do not have to rely on system memory and often perform much better than their onboard counterparts. Battery life varies from 2 to 4 hours depending on settings. These laptops are still relatively portable, although they are noticeably heavier than their smaller counterparts.
The biggest laptops are the 17 inch models, sometimes known as desktop replacements. This is because these machines can potentially replace a well-equipped PC tower by virtue of their equipped features. Some of these machines come with the best in dual and even quad-core processor technology, as well as dual video graphics cards and larger hard drives. The main drawback to these machines is the lack of portability due to their sheer size and weight.
Friday, February 11, 2011
HP TouchSmart
HP TouchSmart TM2 Review from Laptip Logic
HP has done well with the TouchSmart TM2 tablet. It's a good compromise between usability and exceptional battery life, even if its performance could have been better.
Pros
Great battery life
Cool and quiet
Switchable graphics (optional)
Multi-touch screen
Cons
Performance could be better
Engraved patterns aren't for everyone
HP has done well with the TouchSmart TM2 tablet. It's a good compromise between usability and exceptional battery life, even if its performance could have been better.
Pros
Great battery life
Cool and quiet
Switchable graphics (optional)
Multi-touch screen
Cons
Performance could be better
Engraved patterns aren't for everyone
Lenovo IdeaPad Y650 Multimedia Laptop
Lenovo's IdeaPad Y650 is a thin, light, and stylish multimedia laptop that offers a lot for the money. It's LCD is one of the better examples out there today and overall offers a very finished computing experience. Unfortunately battery life is left wanting and there's not even an option for Blu-ray, but not much else at this price point does better.
Pros
Beautiful design
Thin and lightweight
Large 16” display
Enormous touchpad
Cons
Weak on battery life
Skimpy on ports
Unnecessarily small keyboard
A little pricey
Pros
Beautiful design
Thin and lightweight
Large 16” display
Enormous touchpad
Cons
Weak on battery life
Skimpy on ports
Unnecessarily small keyboard
A little pricey
Nikon Coolpix
Coolpix review from http://www.digitalcamerareview.com
Nikon unveils the Coolpix P500 today, topping its own 26x P100 with a 36x optical zoom lens. The compact Coolpix S9100 with an 18x zoom and the Coolpix L120 with a 21x lens are also announced.
Nikon Coolpix P500
The new 36x ultrazoom offers a wide angle of view equivalent to 22.5mm. The lens stretches out to cover an angle of up to 810mm at telephoto. Supporting it is a hybrid Vibration Reduction VR image stabilization system. The lens sports a unique design with a new zoom control on the side of the lens barrel in an effort to help keep the camera stable in the hands of the user.
Behind the impressive zoom lens is a 12.1 megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor and an EXPEED C2 image processor. The P500 will record 1080p HD video, and the 3.0-inch 921k-dot monitor tilts upward by 90 degrees and downward by 82 degrees for help framing shots at awkward angles.
The P500 is capable of shooting five full-res images in about a second, and a Backlighting scene mode with an HDR function. This feature, along with a Night Landscape mode, will combine images taken in quick succession into a single image in-camera.
A potentially troublesome figure for the P500 - Nikon lists the EN-EL5 rechargeable lithium-ion battery life at just 220 shots.
Nikon Coolpix S9100
The "S for Style" Coolpix S9100 boasts an f/3.5-5.9 18x optical zoom lens in a thin and compact camera body. It offers a wide 25mm angle, a 12.1 megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and ISO sensitivity up to 3200. The HDR and Night Landscape modes offered in the P500 are also available in the S9100.
It will feature a sharp 3.0-inch 921k-dot LCD and will also record 1080p HD video. Like the other Coolpix cameras launched today, the S9100 will accept SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards.
Nikon Coolpix L120
The L120, Nikon's more affordable option, offers a 21x zoom lens, 14.1 megapixel sensor, Hybrid VR image stabilization and ISO sensitivity up to ISO 6400.
The L120 will record 720p HD video and offers a 921k-dot 3.0-inch LCD. This ultrazoom accepts AA batteries.
Pricing and availability
The Nikon Coolpix P500 and S9100 will be available in March, priced at $399.95 and $329.95 respectively. The Nikon Coolpix L120 will be available in February for $279.95.
Nikon unveils the Coolpix P500 today, topping its own 26x P100 with a 36x optical zoom lens. The compact Coolpix S9100 with an 18x zoom and the Coolpix L120 with a 21x lens are also announced.
Nikon Coolpix P500
The new 36x ultrazoom offers a wide angle of view equivalent to 22.5mm. The lens stretches out to cover an angle of up to 810mm at telephoto. Supporting it is a hybrid Vibration Reduction VR image stabilization system. The lens sports a unique design with a new zoom control on the side of the lens barrel in an effort to help keep the camera stable in the hands of the user.
Behind the impressive zoom lens is a 12.1 megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor and an EXPEED C2 image processor. The P500 will record 1080p HD video, and the 3.0-inch 921k-dot monitor tilts upward by 90 degrees and downward by 82 degrees for help framing shots at awkward angles.
The P500 is capable of shooting five full-res images in about a second, and a Backlighting scene mode with an HDR function. This feature, along with a Night Landscape mode, will combine images taken in quick succession into a single image in-camera.
A potentially troublesome figure for the P500 - Nikon lists the EN-EL5 rechargeable lithium-ion battery life at just 220 shots.
Nikon Coolpix S9100
The "S for Style" Coolpix S9100 boasts an f/3.5-5.9 18x optical zoom lens in a thin and compact camera body. It offers a wide 25mm angle, a 12.1 megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and ISO sensitivity up to 3200. The HDR and Night Landscape modes offered in the P500 are also available in the S9100.
It will feature a sharp 3.0-inch 921k-dot LCD and will also record 1080p HD video. Like the other Coolpix cameras launched today, the S9100 will accept SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards.
Nikon Coolpix L120
The L120, Nikon's more affordable option, offers a 21x zoom lens, 14.1 megapixel sensor, Hybrid VR image stabilization and ISO sensitivity up to ISO 6400.
The L120 will record 720p HD video and offers a 921k-dot 3.0-inch LCD. This ultrazoom accepts AA batteries.
Pricing and availability
The Nikon Coolpix P500 and S9100 will be available in March, priced at $399.95 and $329.95 respectively. The Nikon Coolpix L120 will be available in February for $279.95.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX7 Review from CNET
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX7
By Alexandra Savvides on 11 February 2011
Even though it's got a few too many megapixels for its own good, the Cyber-shot WX7 is a nifty little compact camera with an excellent set of features and a good price.
Editor's rating:
8.0
REVIEWSPECSIMAGESWHERE TO BUY?USER REVIEWS
Good: Great video quality • Compact size • Good colour rendition and image quality for reduced resolution or screen viewing
Bad: Slow maximum aperture at telephoto end • Small buttons can be difficult to press • Over-processing on photos visible at full magnification • Too many megapixels
Specs: Digital compact • 16.2 megapixels • 2.8 inch • 5 x • See more specifications
RRP: AU$329.00 • Where to buy? Check price listings
Photo gallery: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX7
Jump to
Design and features
Performance
Image quality
Image samples
Final verdict
Sony's Cyber-shot models have usually always been elegantly styled, with slimline bodies incorporating reasonably attractive specs within. The WX7 is no different in this respect, and is perhaps a bit more rounded than other Sony compacts that have come before.
Design and features
It houses a 5x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens — a significant upgrade from the WX5, which only used Sony's G lens — at 25mm wide-angle, with a respectable maximum aperture of f/2.6. At the telephoto end the maximum aperture is only f/6.3. The WX7 also uses Sony's Exmor R CMOS sensor at 16.2 megapixels, which is supposed to deliver superior low-light performance. As is the case with the previous WX and TX cameras that have used this sensor, that claim is mostly true.
Elsewhere, the 2.8-inch LCD screen (460,000 dots) is flanked by a strip of small buttons arranged on a vertical axis, with a similarly styled control switch that changed the shooting mode from standard photos, iSweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama and video recording mode. Everything is shrunken down on a very miniature scale with the WX7, with its buttons being a little too small for comfortable operation. The power button is also recessed in the top panel in such a way that makes it quite awkward to turn it on as it requires a fair amount of pressure.
The teeny tiny buttons
(Credit: Sony)
The WX7 comes equipped with 33 scenes within its automatic modes that detect the subject or situation of the photograph you are trying to capture. For the most part it does an excellent job in detecting appropriate shooting conditions. The superior auto mode captures three images in quick succession (thanks to the sensor) and combines them together in-camera to achieve an optimum exposure and sharpness, particularly for scenes with tricky lighting or in low-light. For those who like to tweak a little more there is also program and intelligent automatic modes, 3D still image capture for display on 3D TVs and background defocus mode that emphasises the background blur, ideal for portraits. These are all accessed via the rotating dial next to the screen. There's also a one-touch record button that works in still image capture and movie mode — however, if you are taking still images and want to just press record to take video without changing into that mode via the switch, you need to press and hold the button for the duration of the recording. This restriction isn't in place when you are in the dedicated video mode.
Connectivity is provided via mini HDMI and the WX7 uses a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and SD or MemoryStick Pro Duo cards. There is also a proprietary connection at the bottom of the camera used to connect it via USB, with the cable being provided in the box.
Performance
General shooting metrics (in seconds)
Time to first shotShot-to-shot timeShutter lag
Sony WX7
1.9
1.6
0.4
Continuous shooting speed (longer bars indicate better performance)
Sony WX7
10
The WX7 takes 10 shots in continuous mode before stopping to process them. Sony rates the battery for the WX7 at 230 shots.
Image quality
There are two schools of thought when it comes to assessing the quality of images produced by the WX7 — those who want to look at images on the camera screen, TV or small prints, and those who want to make enlargements and look at images at their full resolution on screen for cropping.
For the first category of users, the WX7 produces fantastic shots, particularly those taken with the superior auto mode that takes several shots and merges them together for the sharpest result. Colours are punchy and mostly true-to-life with a little extra emphasis in the red channel.
For the second category of users, images at 100 per cent magnification look "crunchy" and over-processed. What's frustrating is that the lens is able to resolve a lot of detail but the image processor is far too overzealous when looking at full resolution shots. The WX7 performs best when taking shots at low ISO levels which you can fortunately limit by selecting it in Program mode (the maximum ISO is 3200).
The upgrade to the Carl Zeiss lens from the WX5 has seen many improvements in sharpness, with the WX7 giving reasonably sharp images across the frame.
A 100 per cent crop (inset) from the WX7.
(Credit: CBSi)
Videos from the WX7 are the best we've seen from a Sony compact camera, with excellent sharpness across the frame and only a small note of interlacing. The sound is also decent too, though the stereo microphone does pick up some wind noise. You can use the optical zoom while filming; however, as you can see in the video below, use it sparingly as it does move incredibly quickly.
Image samples
Click each image for full-sized samples from the WX7. No post-processing has been done to alter these photos. Note that some images were taken at 16:9 aspect ratio, reducing the resolution to 12 megapixels, and others were taken at 4:3 which uses the full 16.2-megapixel resolution.
Exposure: 1/80, f/10, ISO 100
Exposure: 1/30, f/2.6, ISO 125, background defocus mode
Exposure: 1/250, f/2.6, ISO 250
Exposure: 1/320, f/4, ISO 100
(Credit: CBSi)
By Alexandra Savvides on 11 February 2011
Even though it's got a few too many megapixels for its own good, the Cyber-shot WX7 is a nifty little compact camera with an excellent set of features and a good price.
Editor's rating:
8.0
REVIEWSPECSIMAGESWHERE TO BUY?USER REVIEWS
Good: Great video quality • Compact size • Good colour rendition and image quality for reduced resolution or screen viewing
Bad: Slow maximum aperture at telephoto end • Small buttons can be difficult to press • Over-processing on photos visible at full magnification • Too many megapixels
Specs: Digital compact • 16.2 megapixels • 2.8 inch • 5 x • See more specifications
RRP: AU$329.00 • Where to buy? Check price listings
Photo gallery: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX7
Jump to
Design and features
Performance
Image quality
Image samples
Final verdict
Sony's Cyber-shot models have usually always been elegantly styled, with slimline bodies incorporating reasonably attractive specs within. The WX7 is no different in this respect, and is perhaps a bit more rounded than other Sony compacts that have come before.
Design and features
It houses a 5x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens — a significant upgrade from the WX5, which only used Sony's G lens — at 25mm wide-angle, with a respectable maximum aperture of f/2.6. At the telephoto end the maximum aperture is only f/6.3. The WX7 also uses Sony's Exmor R CMOS sensor at 16.2 megapixels, which is supposed to deliver superior low-light performance. As is the case with the previous WX and TX cameras that have used this sensor, that claim is mostly true.
Elsewhere, the 2.8-inch LCD screen (460,000 dots) is flanked by a strip of small buttons arranged on a vertical axis, with a similarly styled control switch that changed the shooting mode from standard photos, iSweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama and video recording mode. Everything is shrunken down on a very miniature scale with the WX7, with its buttons being a little too small for comfortable operation. The power button is also recessed in the top panel in such a way that makes it quite awkward to turn it on as it requires a fair amount of pressure.
The teeny tiny buttons
(Credit: Sony)
The WX7 comes equipped with 33 scenes within its automatic modes that detect the subject or situation of the photograph you are trying to capture. For the most part it does an excellent job in detecting appropriate shooting conditions. The superior auto mode captures three images in quick succession (thanks to the sensor) and combines them together in-camera to achieve an optimum exposure and sharpness, particularly for scenes with tricky lighting or in low-light. For those who like to tweak a little more there is also program and intelligent automatic modes, 3D still image capture for display on 3D TVs and background defocus mode that emphasises the background blur, ideal for portraits. These are all accessed via the rotating dial next to the screen. There's also a one-touch record button that works in still image capture and movie mode — however, if you are taking still images and want to just press record to take video without changing into that mode via the switch, you need to press and hold the button for the duration of the recording. This restriction isn't in place when you are in the dedicated video mode.
Connectivity is provided via mini HDMI and the WX7 uses a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and SD or MemoryStick Pro Duo cards. There is also a proprietary connection at the bottom of the camera used to connect it via USB, with the cable being provided in the box.
Performance
General shooting metrics (in seconds)
Time to first shotShot-to-shot timeShutter lag
Sony WX7
1.9
1.6
0.4
Continuous shooting speed (longer bars indicate better performance)
Sony WX7
10
The WX7 takes 10 shots in continuous mode before stopping to process them. Sony rates the battery for the WX7 at 230 shots.
Image quality
There are two schools of thought when it comes to assessing the quality of images produced by the WX7 — those who want to look at images on the camera screen, TV or small prints, and those who want to make enlargements and look at images at their full resolution on screen for cropping.
For the first category of users, the WX7 produces fantastic shots, particularly those taken with the superior auto mode that takes several shots and merges them together for the sharpest result. Colours are punchy and mostly true-to-life with a little extra emphasis in the red channel.
For the second category of users, images at 100 per cent magnification look "crunchy" and over-processed. What's frustrating is that the lens is able to resolve a lot of detail but the image processor is far too overzealous when looking at full resolution shots. The WX7 performs best when taking shots at low ISO levels which you can fortunately limit by selecting it in Program mode (the maximum ISO is 3200).
The upgrade to the Carl Zeiss lens from the WX5 has seen many improvements in sharpness, with the WX7 giving reasonably sharp images across the frame.
A 100 per cent crop (inset) from the WX7.
(Credit: CBSi)
Videos from the WX7 are the best we've seen from a Sony compact camera, with excellent sharpness across the frame and only a small note of interlacing. The sound is also decent too, though the stereo microphone does pick up some wind noise. You can use the optical zoom while filming; however, as you can see in the video below, use it sparingly as it does move incredibly quickly.
Image samples
Click each image for full-sized samples from the WX7. No post-processing has been done to alter these photos. Note that some images were taken at 16:9 aspect ratio, reducing the resolution to 12 megapixels, and others were taken at 4:3 which uses the full 16.2-megapixel resolution.
Exposure: 1/80, f/10, ISO 100
Exposure: 1/30, f/2.6, ISO 125, background defocus mode
Exposure: 1/250, f/2.6, ISO 250
Exposure: 1/320, f/4, ISO 100
(Credit: CBSi)
Panasonic awards
PC & Tech Authority Magazine – Best Tech Survey – Compact Cameras – Winner Panasonic“Take a bow, Panasonic. Not only did you nudge Canon from the winner’s podium for the second year running, but your results are phenomenal. Whether it’s image quality, reliability or value for money, voters can’t say enough about your cameras. More than 90% were satisfied or very satisfied in each of these areas” Dec 2010FT2 – APC Magazine – Editor’s Choice – FT2 – 9/10“The Lumix DMC-FT2 is a tough little beast” Nov 2010G2 – 2010-2011 Camera Magazine Imaging Awards –Compact System Camera of the year – G2"Panasonic has pretty well got every base covered with the Lumix G2 so it’s not just the only CSC model that’s really a truly viable alternative to a compact D-SLR, but it offers some appealing extras headed by the touch screen operations." Nov 2010TZ10 – 2010-2011 Camera Magazine Imaging Awards – Enthusiast Digital Compact Camera of the year –TZ10"The Lumix TZ10 is a winner because Panasonic has worked very hard to both maximise the capabilities and minimise the compromises with the result that it punches well above its weight (literally!)." Oct 2010Photo Review Editor's Choice: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1A compact, rangefinder-styled Micro Four Thirds System camera that accepts interchangeable lenses.
Read article
Sep 2010F3 - Buy-n-Shoot, Gold Medal Award: LUMIX F3 Digital Camera Review
Read article
Sep 2010FP1 - Buy-n-Shoot, Gold Medal Award: LUMIX FP1 Digital Camera Review
Read article
Sep 2010Buy-n-Shoot, Platinum Medal Award: LUMIX FZ35 Digital Camera Review“Panasonic’s Lumix FZ35 is an advanced compact digital camera with mini DSLR-inspired stylings...”
Read article
Sep 2010Buy-n-Shoot, Platinum Medal Award: LUMIX GF1 Digital Camera Review“To say that the Panasonic Lumix GF1 was a pleasure to use is something of an understatement.”
Read article
Sep 2010PhotoReview, Editor’s Choice Lumix DMC-FZ100 Review“The Lumix DMC-FZ100 takes its place at the top of Panasonic's FZ series of digicams, which are designed for photo enthusiasts and support raw file capture.”
Read article
Aug 2010TZ8 - Australian T3 Magazine – Five Star Award – TZ8 Aug 2010Choice Recommended Award – Lumix GH1 Aug 2010EISA Award, European Multimedia Camera 2009-2010: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1
Read article
Aug 2010European Multimedia Camera 2010-2011: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G2The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G2, the world's first interchangeable lens system camera with touch-control shooting, made it onto EISA's list of excellent products. As the EISA jury puts it: "One of the most exciting features of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is its vari-angle 3-inch (3:2) touch-screen monitor, from which one can both take control of shooting settings and activate the shutter by touching the subject on-screen. The camera's excellent electronic viewfinder makes it easy and comfortable to frame and focus pictures even in strong light. The contrast-detection autofocus system is impressively fast, and picture quality is good in both still and video (AVCHD Lite) modes." Aug 2010European Travel Compact Camera 2010-2011: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ10According to the EISA jury, "the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ10 represents a big step forward for the company's TZ series. Beyond all the auto and user-selectable specialised scene options - with new Pinhole and Film Grain modes - the TZ10 offers the more traditional P/S/A/M shooting modes for greater control and increased creativity. As a travel camera, the inclusion of GPS and geo-tagging is very welcome, while the 12x 25-300mm Leica DC Vario-Elmar zoom lens offers focal lengths for every occasion. The feature set is completed with AVCHD Lite video recording. And, better still, it all fits very easily into your pocket." Other key features of the ultra compact, award-winning camera from Panasonic include Intelligent Resolution Technology, 16x Intelligent Zoom and even a built-in GPS unit that stores location data on where a photograph was taken so that this information can be shared with friends and families. Jun 2010DP Review, Highly Recommended Award: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1The GH1 offers the same ease-of-use and solid image quality as its sister model G1. On top of that you get the best implementation of a HD video mode that we have yet seen on a large sensor camera.
Read article
Jun 2010Panasonic Lumix G Series, TIPA Award for Best Design Innovation in Europe: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1The Panasonic Lumix G series cameras are the first cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system, and the world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera system. May 2010T3's, Hot 100 Gadgets (online), number 15: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT1"This camera looks pretty, it looks slick, but don’t mess with Panasonic’s Lumix range – it’s tougher than quantum theory in Sanskrit"
Read article
Apr 2010TIPA: Best Advanced Compact System Camera 2010: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G2By using Micro Four Thirds System standard and developing a camera body that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit, Panasonic was able to create a new generation system camera that features full-time Live View, high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF, HD movie recording and now also Touch Screen Control with Touch-AF. With its lightweight body, the Lumix DMC-G2 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times. Mar 2010Choice Recommended Award – Lumix TZ8 Mar 2010TZ10 – CNET- EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD – TZ10“the TZ10 is an ideal camera for those looking for a versatile, compact shooting solution.”
Read article
Mar 2010Photo Review Editor's Choice: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT1The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1 was awarded Photo Review Editor's Choice in March 2009.
Read article
Mar 2010Photo Review Editor's Choice: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT29 out of 10 from Photo Review Australia magazine
Read article
Mar 2010Photo Review Editor's Choice: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ10A lightweight, 12x zoom camera for travellers who want advanced shooting controls plus 720p HD video recording.
Read article
Oct 2009DP Review, Highly Recommended Award: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1"Superb resolution, excellent overall image quality up to ISO 1600"
Read article
Dec 2008Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), Gold Award: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3Panasonic's Lumix DMC-LX3 has received a gold award from the prestigious DIWA, placing the camera at the top end of consumer photography.
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Dec 2008DPReview (Online), Highly Recommended: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3"The Panasonic LX3 gets so many things right that we knew before we started it would be the camera to beat in this group." Sep 2008Photo Review Editor's Choice: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3Panasonic claims to have improved 'every component' to deliver a camera that will appeal to DSLR photographers who want a capable compact camera with all the necessary features and functions as a complement to their main camera.
Read article
Sep 2010F3 - Buy-n-Shoot, Gold Medal Award: LUMIX F3 Digital Camera Review
Read article
Sep 2010FP1 - Buy-n-Shoot, Gold Medal Award: LUMIX FP1 Digital Camera Review
Read article
Sep 2010Buy-n-Shoot, Platinum Medal Award: LUMIX FZ35 Digital Camera Review“Panasonic’s Lumix FZ35 is an advanced compact digital camera with mini DSLR-inspired stylings...”
Read article
Sep 2010Buy-n-Shoot, Platinum Medal Award: LUMIX GF1 Digital Camera Review“To say that the Panasonic Lumix GF1 was a pleasure to use is something of an understatement.”
Read article
Sep 2010PhotoReview, Editor’s Choice Lumix DMC-FZ100 Review“The Lumix DMC-FZ100 takes its place at the top of Panasonic's FZ series of digicams, which are designed for photo enthusiasts and support raw file capture.”
Read article
Aug 2010TZ8 - Australian T3 Magazine – Five Star Award – TZ8 Aug 2010Choice Recommended Award – Lumix GH1 Aug 2010EISA Award, European Multimedia Camera 2009-2010: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1
Read article
Aug 2010European Multimedia Camera 2010-2011: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G2The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G2, the world's first interchangeable lens system camera with touch-control shooting, made it onto EISA's list of excellent products. As the EISA jury puts it: "One of the most exciting features of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is its vari-angle 3-inch (3:2) touch-screen monitor, from which one can both take control of shooting settings and activate the shutter by touching the subject on-screen. The camera's excellent electronic viewfinder makes it easy and comfortable to frame and focus pictures even in strong light. The contrast-detection autofocus system is impressively fast, and picture quality is good in both still and video (AVCHD Lite) modes." Aug 2010European Travel Compact Camera 2010-2011: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ10According to the EISA jury, "the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ10 represents a big step forward for the company's TZ series. Beyond all the auto and user-selectable specialised scene options - with new Pinhole and Film Grain modes - the TZ10 offers the more traditional P/S/A/M shooting modes for greater control and increased creativity. As a travel camera, the inclusion of GPS and geo-tagging is very welcome, while the 12x 25-300mm Leica DC Vario-Elmar zoom lens offers focal lengths for every occasion. The feature set is completed with AVCHD Lite video recording. And, better still, it all fits very easily into your pocket." Other key features of the ultra compact, award-winning camera from Panasonic include Intelligent Resolution Technology, 16x Intelligent Zoom and even a built-in GPS unit that stores location data on where a photograph was taken so that this information can be shared with friends and families. Jun 2010DP Review, Highly Recommended Award: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1The GH1 offers the same ease-of-use and solid image quality as its sister model G1. On top of that you get the best implementation of a HD video mode that we have yet seen on a large sensor camera.
Read article
Jun 2010Panasonic Lumix G Series, TIPA Award for Best Design Innovation in Europe: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1The Panasonic Lumix G series cameras are the first cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system, and the world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera system. May 2010T3's, Hot 100 Gadgets (online), number 15: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT1"This camera looks pretty, it looks slick, but don’t mess with Panasonic’s Lumix range – it’s tougher than quantum theory in Sanskrit"
Read article
Apr 2010TIPA: Best Advanced Compact System Camera 2010: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G2By using Micro Four Thirds System standard and developing a camera body that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit, Panasonic was able to create a new generation system camera that features full-time Live View, high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF, HD movie recording and now also Touch Screen Control with Touch-AF. With its lightweight body, the Lumix DMC-G2 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times. Mar 2010Choice Recommended Award – Lumix TZ8 Mar 2010TZ10 – CNET- EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD – TZ10“the TZ10 is an ideal camera for those looking for a versatile, compact shooting solution.”
Read article
Mar 2010Photo Review Editor's Choice: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT1The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1 was awarded Photo Review Editor's Choice in March 2009.
Read article
Mar 2010Photo Review Editor's Choice: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT29 out of 10 from Photo Review Australia magazine
Read article
Mar 2010Photo Review Editor's Choice: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ10A lightweight, 12x zoom camera for travellers who want advanced shooting controls plus 720p HD video recording.
Read article
Oct 2009DP Review, Highly Recommended Award: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1"Superb resolution, excellent overall image quality up to ISO 1600"
Read article
Dec 2008Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), Gold Award: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3Panasonic's Lumix DMC-LX3 has received a gold award from the prestigious DIWA, placing the camera at the top end of consumer photography.
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Dec 2008DPReview (Online), Highly Recommended: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3"The Panasonic LX3 gets so many things right that we knew before we started it would be the camera to beat in this group." Sep 2008Photo Review Editor's Choice: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3Panasonic claims to have improved 'every component' to deliver a camera that will appeal to DSLR photographers who want a capable compact camera with all the necessary features and functions as a complement to their main camera.
Camcorders review and compare
From Choice.com
Test results for 15 digital camcorders priced between $499 and $2099
CHOICE bought 12 of the latest high definition (HD) and 3 standard definition (SD) camcorders and our testers scrutinised every function and feature. Through our rigorous testing we reveal which camcorder:
Has the best picture and sound quality.
Is the easiest to use.
Has the longest battery life.
See our reliability survey to see how the various camcorder brands rated.
Choose the right camcorder
No need to rely on a salesperson. Use this report to decide:
Whether a high definition or standard definition camcorder is best for you.
What connections you'll need.
What features you need and what you can do without.
Looking for something a little smaller? Check out CHOICE’s pocket camcorders .
Brands tested
High definition
Canon Legria HF M31
Canon Legria HF R18
Canon Legria HF S21
JVC GZ-HD500
JVC GZ-HM1
JVC GZ-HM550
Panasonic HDC-HS60
Panasonic HDC-HS700
Sanyo VPC-SH1
Sony HDR-CX550V
Sony HDR-XR150
Sony HDR-XR350V
Standard definition
Canon Legria FS37
JVC GZ-MG750
Panasonic SDR-H85
Test results for 15 digital camcorders priced between $499 and $2099
CHOICE bought 12 of the latest high definition (HD) and 3 standard definition (SD) camcorders and our testers scrutinised every function and feature. Through our rigorous testing we reveal which camcorder:
Has the best picture and sound quality.
Is the easiest to use.
Has the longest battery life.
See our reliability survey to see how the various camcorder brands rated.
Choose the right camcorder
No need to rely on a salesperson. Use this report to decide:
Whether a high definition or standard definition camcorder is best for you.
What connections you'll need.
What features you need and what you can do without.
Looking for something a little smaller? Check out CHOICE’s pocket camcorders .
Brands tested
High definition
Canon Legria HF M31
Canon Legria HF R18
Canon Legria HF S21
JVC GZ-HD500
JVC GZ-HM1
JVC GZ-HM550
Panasonic HDC-HS60
Panasonic HDC-HS700
Sanyo VPC-SH1
Sony HDR-CX550V
Sony HDR-XR150
Sony HDR-XR350V
Standard definition
Canon Legria FS37
JVC GZ-MG750
Panasonic SDR-H85
Lumix digital cameras
With features that make stunning photography effortless, the Lumix digital camera range is the choice for people wanting to capture a moment in perfect clarity. To help you capture incredible photographs, a Lumix digital camera is endowed with features such as our iA Mode (intellligent Auto), helping you adapt your photography to whatever surroundings you’re in. Other features include Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector, ensuring a Lumix digital camera leaves no one out of the frame. Learn more about these and other Lumix digital camera technologies here.
http://panasonic.com.au/Products/Lumix/Overview?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=digital%20cameras%20reviews&utm_campaign=Panasonic%20Lumix%20-%20Mid%20Funnel&gclid=CL6I3NnCgacCFYE3pAodKSOveg
http://panasonic.com.au/Products/Lumix/Overview?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=digital%20cameras%20reviews&utm_campaign=Panasonic%20Lumix%20-%20Mid%20Funnel&gclid=CL6I3NnCgacCFYE3pAodKSOveg
Nintendo
Here’s a simple guide to A-class journalism at IGN:
Say that the Virtual Console will be available on day one.
Say that Pokemon Black and white will have 3DS-exclusive functionality.
Retract both of these statements, hours after publishing them in a Nintendo 3DS launch guide.
Profit!
So yeah, that sucks. The Virtual Console will not be available on day one:
“It’s important to note that some of these features will not be available out of the box, and will need to be downloaded from a Wi-Fi connection. Nintendo has revealed that a worldwide update, scheduled for late May, will enable some of this functionality, most notably the eShop (including the Virtual Console) and DSi-to-3DS data transfer.”
…and IGN have removed the part about Pokemon Black and White having any enhanced functionality. I know I make mistakes too, but come on, at least I don’t consider myself a journalist.
from http://nintendo3dsblog.com/
Say that the Virtual Console will be available on day one.
Say that Pokemon Black and white will have 3DS-exclusive functionality.
Retract both of these statements, hours after publishing them in a Nintendo 3DS launch guide.
Profit!
So yeah, that sucks. The Virtual Console will not be available on day one:
“It’s important to note that some of these features will not be available out of the box, and will need to be downloaded from a Wi-Fi connection. Nintendo has revealed that a worldwide update, scheduled for late May, will enable some of this functionality, most notably the eShop (including the Virtual Console) and DSi-to-3DS data transfer.”
…and IGN have removed the part about Pokemon Black and White having any enhanced functionality. I know I make mistakes too, but come on, at least I don’t consider myself a journalist.
from http://nintendo3dsblog.com/
MacBook Air
Article from
http://gigaom.com/apple/macbook-air-update-rumored-but-apple-could-skip-sandy-bridge/
MacBook Air Update Rumored, But Apple Could Skip Sandy Bridge
Less than six months ago, Apple launched a redesigned MacBook Air, introducing an 11-inch model, better battery life, and universal solid-state storage, as well as lower price points. It was almost a completely new machine, but only “almost” because the new MacBook Air still uses the “old” Core 2 Duo processor: the same class of CPU the original MacBook Air had when it was launched in 2008. That may finally be about to change.
CNET is reporting the MacBook Air will be transitioning to Sandy Bridge, Intel’s latest microprocessor architecture, as early as June. While Sandy Bridge and Core “i” series CPUs offer improved performance, especially with Intel HD integrated graphics, a hardware flaw related to SATA ports temporarily slowed shipments this month. While the issue has been resolved, it likely pushed back MacBook Pro updates until mid-March. Depending on whether or not that update happens will set the stage for Sandy Bridge for the MacBook Air in June.
There’s still a degree of uncertainty, because there remains some debate as to whether Sandy Bridge supports OpenCL, the programming framework favored by Apple that allows use of the graphics processors. If the 13-inch MacBook Pro moves to Sandy Bridge, Core i3, and Intel HD graphics, Sandy Bridge for the MacBook Air is a certainty. If the 13-inch MacBook Pro gets a discrete GPU in addition to Intel HD, like the other MacBook Pros, that probably means trouble for the MacBook Air. If Sandy Bridge doesn’t fully support OpenCL, Apple will have to wait for Ivy Bridge. Ivy Bridge is the die shrink of Sandy Bridge that supports OpenCL, which is on track to be released in the second half of the year.
Apple could well just wait for Ivy Bridge. According to DigiTimes, Apple is doubling orders of some “hot-selling” models of Mac laptops. That would be the MacBook Air, which has been credited by analysts as largely responsible for the record 2.9 million Mac laptops sold during the holiday quarter. Clearly, the use of an older microprocessor architecture isn’t hurting sales, and arguably only the die-hard tech crowd would even care if Apple held of on updating the MacBook Air until late this year.
As a member of that crowd, the thought of not getting a Core i3 MacBook Air this summer with OS X 10.7 is hurtful indeed. Would you be upset if Apple skips a mid-year spec bump?
http://gigaom.com/apple/macbook-air-update-rumored-but-apple-could-skip-sandy-bridge/
MacBook Air Update Rumored, But Apple Could Skip Sandy Bridge
Less than six months ago, Apple launched a redesigned MacBook Air, introducing an 11-inch model, better battery life, and universal solid-state storage, as well as lower price points. It was almost a completely new machine, but only “almost” because the new MacBook Air still uses the “old” Core 2 Duo processor: the same class of CPU the original MacBook Air had when it was launched in 2008. That may finally be about to change.
CNET is reporting the MacBook Air will be transitioning to Sandy Bridge, Intel’s latest microprocessor architecture, as early as June. While Sandy Bridge and Core “i” series CPUs offer improved performance, especially with Intel HD integrated graphics, a hardware flaw related to SATA ports temporarily slowed shipments this month. While the issue has been resolved, it likely pushed back MacBook Pro updates until mid-March. Depending on whether or not that update happens will set the stage for Sandy Bridge for the MacBook Air in June.
There’s still a degree of uncertainty, because there remains some debate as to whether Sandy Bridge supports OpenCL, the programming framework favored by Apple that allows use of the graphics processors. If the 13-inch MacBook Pro moves to Sandy Bridge, Core i3, and Intel HD graphics, Sandy Bridge for the MacBook Air is a certainty. If the 13-inch MacBook Pro gets a discrete GPU in addition to Intel HD, like the other MacBook Pros, that probably means trouble for the MacBook Air. If Sandy Bridge doesn’t fully support OpenCL, Apple will have to wait for Ivy Bridge. Ivy Bridge is the die shrink of Sandy Bridge that supports OpenCL, which is on track to be released in the second half of the year.
Apple could well just wait for Ivy Bridge. According to DigiTimes, Apple is doubling orders of some “hot-selling” models of Mac laptops. That would be the MacBook Air, which has been credited by analysts as largely responsible for the record 2.9 million Mac laptops sold during the holiday quarter. Clearly, the use of an older microprocessor architecture isn’t hurting sales, and arguably only the die-hard tech crowd would even care if Apple held of on updating the MacBook Air until late this year.
As a member of that crowd, the thought of not getting a Core i3 MacBook Air this summer with OS X 10.7 is hurtful indeed. Would you be upset if Apple skips a mid-year spec bump?
Samsung Galaxy S
Samsung’s current flagship the "Galaxy S" has been launched in many markets under many different names. As Australia’s number 1 online GSM mobile phone store, MobiCity offer all variations of the device. Below is a break down of all the different variations and our network recommendations to ensure that you make the right choice.
i9000 – This is the normal OEM version and has a smooth, iPhone 3GS-like shape, two soft-touch buttons and one physical home button. It is recommended for all customers on all networks (has 3G 900/2100), except for Telstra NextG. Comes in both i9000 8GB and i9000 16GB versions and has a front-facing camera.
i9000M (also known as i9000 NextG) – As above, but with 3G 850, this device is recommended mainly for Telstra NextG customers, although has the primary network band (3G 2100) for other networks, so will work on them in metro areas. Is missing the regional 3G 900 band used by Vodafone and Optus. Has ‘Vibrant’ written on the box but is the normal i9000 configuration (also unbranded), except for the network chip diferences. Comes only in a 16GB version with a a front-facing camera.
From http://mobilephoneblog.com.au/
Captivate i897 – Very similar to the i9000M, but has a different (squarish shape) and 4 soft-touch buttons only. This device is recommended mainly for Telstra NextG customers (3G 850), although has the primary network band (3G 2100) for other networks, so will work on them in metro areas. Is missing the regional 3G 900 band used by Vodafone and Optus. Only available in 16GB and no front facing camera. Has AT&T network branding upon the device.
Fascinate T959D- Very similar to the i9000M, but with the 4 soft-touch buttons. This device is recommended mainly for Telstra NextG (3G 850) customers, although has the primary network band (3G 2100) for other networks, so will work on them in metro areas. Is missing the regional 3G 900 band used by Vodafone and Optus. Only available in 16GB and no front facing camera. Has network branding upon the device.
Vibrant T959 – i9000 shape but with the 4 soft-touch buttons. Not for NextG, but has the primary network band (3G 2100) for other networks. Is missing the regional 3G 900 band used by Vodafone and Optus..Comes only in a 16GB version with a a front-facing camera and is T-mobile network branded.
i9000 – This is the normal OEM version and has a smooth, iPhone 3GS-like shape, two soft-touch buttons and one physical home button. It is recommended for all customers on all networks (has 3G 900/2100), except for Telstra NextG. Comes in both i9000 8GB and i9000 16GB versions and has a front-facing camera.
i9000M (also known as i9000 NextG) – As above, but with 3G 850, this device is recommended mainly for Telstra NextG customers, although has the primary network band (3G 2100) for other networks, so will work on them in metro areas. Is missing the regional 3G 900 band used by Vodafone and Optus. Has ‘Vibrant’ written on the box but is the normal i9000 configuration (also unbranded), except for the network chip diferences. Comes only in a 16GB version with a a front-facing camera.
From http://mobilephoneblog.com.au/
Captivate i897 – Very similar to the i9000M, but has a different (squarish shape) and 4 soft-touch buttons only. This device is recommended mainly for Telstra NextG customers (3G 850), although has the primary network band (3G 2100) for other networks, so will work on them in metro areas. Is missing the regional 3G 900 band used by Vodafone and Optus. Only available in 16GB and no front facing camera. Has AT&T network branding upon the device.
Fascinate T959D- Very similar to the i9000M, but with the 4 soft-touch buttons. This device is recommended mainly for Telstra NextG (3G 850) customers, although has the primary network band (3G 2100) for other networks, so will work on them in metro areas. Is missing the regional 3G 900 band used by Vodafone and Optus. Only available in 16GB and no front facing camera. Has network branding upon the device.
Vibrant T959 – i9000 shape but with the 4 soft-touch buttons. Not for NextG, but has the primary network band (3G 2100) for other networks. Is missing the regional 3G 900 band used by Vodafone and Optus..Comes only in a 16GB version with a a front-facing camera and is T-mobile network branded.
Virgin Mobile Brings Pre-pay to Air Cards
Virgin Mobile Brings Pre-pay to Air Cards
Virgin Mobile USA (NYSE: VM) today announced the launch of Broadband2Go, a 3G nationwide wireless Internet service without an annual contract, monthly subscription or activation fee.
Operating on the Sprint Nationwide Network and developed in conjunction with Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), the MC760 Broadband2Go device carries the distinction of being the world's smallest EV-DO Rev. A modem.
"Forget the long-term contracts, monthly bills or desperately seeking a local coffee shop for Wi-Fi. Prepaid mobile broadband is ideal for students, families on the go, freelancers, anyone who needs wireless Internet access...and wants to pay only when they use it," said Bob Stohrer, CMO, Virgin Mobile USA. "We've already demonstrated the benefit of no annual contracts and the ability to tailor spending to individual needs. Broadband2Go is another way to give consumers value, flexibility and convenience."
Like Virgin Mobile USA's mobile phone service, activation is simple and megabytes can be added as often as needed with credit/debit cards or Virgin Mobile Top-Up cards. Top-Up cards can be used to purchase data usage from 100MB to 1 gigabyte on the pay-as-you-go model. A new Broadband2Go-branded Top-Up card for $20, which customers may use to purchase 250MB good for 30 days, translating roughly into 12 hours of web browsing. Other data plans are available at $10, $40 and $60, and any VMU Top-Up card can be used.
Virgin Mobile USA's Broadband2Go requires no activation fee and there are no roaming charges. Customers have a real-time usage meter to monitor and check "Remaining Megabytes of Use" at any time. From the Broadband2Go My Account page, customers are provided with approximate estimates for how many hours of web-browsing, video-viewing and number of emails each plan will generally handle.
The package will be available exclusively at Best Buy Mobile starting in late June for $149.99, and is the first prepaid broadband product Best Buy Mobile is offering.
Virgin Mobile USA (NYSE: VM) today announced the launch of Broadband2Go, a 3G nationwide wireless Internet service without an annual contract, monthly subscription or activation fee.
Operating on the Sprint Nationwide Network and developed in conjunction with Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), the MC760 Broadband2Go device carries the distinction of being the world's smallest EV-DO Rev. A modem.
"Forget the long-term contracts, monthly bills or desperately seeking a local coffee shop for Wi-Fi. Prepaid mobile broadband is ideal for students, families on the go, freelancers, anyone who needs wireless Internet access...and wants to pay only when they use it," said Bob Stohrer, CMO, Virgin Mobile USA. "We've already demonstrated the benefit of no annual contracts and the ability to tailor spending to individual needs. Broadband2Go is another way to give consumers value, flexibility and convenience."
Like Virgin Mobile USA's mobile phone service, activation is simple and megabytes can be added as often as needed with credit/debit cards or Virgin Mobile Top-Up cards. Top-Up cards can be used to purchase data usage from 100MB to 1 gigabyte on the pay-as-you-go model. A new Broadband2Go-branded Top-Up card for $20, which customers may use to purchase 250MB good for 30 days, translating roughly into 12 hours of web browsing. Other data plans are available at $10, $40 and $60, and any VMU Top-Up card can be used.
Virgin Mobile USA's Broadband2Go requires no activation fee and there are no roaming charges. Customers have a real-time usage meter to monitor and check "Remaining Megabytes of Use" at any time. From the Broadband2Go My Account page, customers are provided with approximate estimates for how many hours of web-browsing, video-viewing and number of emails each plan will generally handle.
The package will be available exclusively at Best Buy Mobile starting in late June for $149.99, and is the first prepaid broadband product Best Buy Mobile is offering.
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