Review: Creative X-Fi Titanium HD
Who does Creative have in mind for its new X-Fi Titanium HD soundcard? After all, it's been a long time since add-in sound cards were a must-have piece of kit for gaming. Thanks to the improved quality of on board sound, they're an optional extra for pretty much everyone these days.
As the best-known manufacturer of gaming sound cards, Creative dominated PC audio for a few years in the middle of the decade. So it had the most to lose as gamers adopted a more laissez-faire attitude to aural effects.
Creative wasn't helped by the fact that companies like Auzentech and Asus opened a second front against it by wooing away those who wanted hi-fi quality sound from their PC.
Creative's in-game effects engine, EAX, was being eclipsed by the more generic Dolby Surround standard, and at same time the Auzentech Prelude and Asus Xonars were attracting folk who knew and cared about SNRs, dynamic ranges and understood that sometimes you get better quality from a coat hanger than a £90 gold-plated cable.
Fortunately, Creative is not the kind of company to roll over and give up.
Its passionate defence of hardware acceleration when Microsoft dropped DirectSound from Vista may have led to more user confusion than any other technical argument in the history of PCs, but it certainly helped to keep sound cards selling.
Now it's fighting back in the other direction too. The Titanium HD is a makeover of its X-Fi sound card aimed at the dreaded bunch who would call themselves audiophile.
Physically, the card comes clad in an unusual plastic housing that covers up all the components on board.
Whether or not this is designed for looks, or as some sort of RF shield for fidelity purposes is unclear, but it's a far cry from the sometimes gaudy LEDs of the Fatal1ty cards and more becoming of the kind of PC which might find itself hooked up to a pair of Bang & Olufsen's finest.
It connects via a single lane PCI-E port, and the EMU20K2 audio processor and 16MB of on board RAM is the same core specification that's been on Creative cards for a couple of years.
The card also supports DTS Connect and Dolby Digital Live. Old favourites like the upmixing of surround effects through Creative's own CMSS-3D remain, though.
Similarly all the previous features like the Crystalizer, which increases the dynamic range of compressed audio, remain untouched.
These now fall under the auspices of the THX-cobranded TruStudio PC, which has also appeared on Creative's USB headphones in the past and brings a load of tuning options for mid-range clarity or smart volume control.
The driver suite is identical to previous versions of the X-Fi control panel, with three modes for switching between entertainment, gaming and audio creation.
So far, then, so little to really differentiate itself from earlier X-Fi cards. The important differences are in the components used on the PCB. The key features here are higher quality capacitors and a 122dB SNR digital-analogue converter.
Along with replaceable op amps there should be enough here to pique the interests of those in the know.
How do you benchmark a sound card?
Well, we can show that there's little to be gained in terms of frame rates by offloading sound cycles from the CPU, and Rightmarks' Audio Analyzer (RMAA) can give us a technical overview of what's going on inside. Ultimately, though, audio is subjective, and different ears will like different things.
Far Cry 2 - Frames per second (higher is better)
RMAA total harmonic distortion
RMAA Dynamic range
You've got to be really interested in PC audio to even consider buying a sound card for over £160, and the X-Fi Titanium HD has a couple of other quirks to keep the riff-raff at bay too.
For example, round the back of the card, there's a 3.5mm headphone out and mic in, but the four RCA ports could be very controversial.
Two are for stereo line out, two are for stereo line in, which means if you want surround sound, you're going to have to use the optical connection to a separate amp and decoder, rather nullifying your investment in a high quality on-board one. There are no analogue connections for surround speakers.
That's a design quirk we can live with. After all, the audience for the Titanium HD is probably more interested in the low latency ASIO drivers for professional studio recording than listening for someone creeping up behind them in Call of Duty 4.
But what of the actual sound quality? Technically, according to the Rightmark Audio Analyzer benchmark, it comes close enough to the specs on the box to run rings around a standard Realtek on-board chip, although it loses out to Asus' Xonar Xense – a card very similar to the £150 Xonar Essence STX.
Subjectively, the tone is infinitely tuneable, but by default the card puts out a warm, rich sound in movies which – being critical – needs a little more emphasis on the higher frequencies for listening to music through headphones.
Gaming wise, even though on-board sound has come a long way, you will still notice the difference if you upgrade to an add-in card like this.
The trouble for the X-Fi Titanium HD is that for most people it's just not that much better than, say, the X-Fi Xtreme Gamer, which is a quarter of the price.
And if you really have to buy something that can edit out only the differences dogs can hear, then Asus' Xonar Xense is only £30 more expensive, but comes with a pair of Sennheiser headphones worth half the price, and a more impressive headphone amp to power them.
Auzentech's X-Fi Bravura, meanwhile, comes perilously close to the Titanium HD's specs, but costs just £70.
We're not arguing that you shouldn't pay for quality, but it's hard to imagine anyone who wouldn't be better off upgrading their headphones or speakers, or silencing their PC, than spending nearly £200 on a sound card.
We liked:
Even with the improvements in on-board sound, there's still a place for add-in cards, whether you're gaming, watching movies or listening to tunes. The X-Fi Titanium HD has some impressive specs that appeal to audio purists.
We disliked:
It's just too niche, and too expensive. You could easily argue, for example, that any improvement in sound quality over a cheaper card using the same chip is going to be drowned out by the noise of your PSU.
If you want this kind of audio quality, you're probably not using your PC as your main entertainment device.
Verdict:
Even with the improvements in on-board sound, there's still a place for add-in cards whether you're gaming, watching movies or listening to tunes.
The X-Fi Titanium HD has some impressive specs that appeal to audio purists. A fair shot at the high end, but other hi-fi cards are cheaper and better.
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Find out how much your old mobile is worth
Find out how much your old mobile phone is worth, with TechRadar!Our microsite can help our users sell their old mobile phone for the best possible price.
Just enter your mobile's name to compare the various prices offered, from a variety of phone recyclers, then sell your phone for the best price.
Prices are sourced from all the major phone recycling sites, and are constantly updated so readers can maximise the value of their old phone.
For example, the 8 GB iPhone 3G S is currently fetching around £185.
Click here to get started.
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Plantronics launch 7.1 surround sound headphones
British gamers and fans of portable movie viewing can now purchase Plantronics' 7.1 surround sound headphones.Plantronics latest £80 cans support Dolby 7.1 headphone tech, which is pretty much designed for those PC gamers that like to game on a laptop, either when travelling away from home or sat in the kitchen late at night to not disturb the spouse.
We've tested these comfortable cans out and can confirm that they work a treat, and are well worth that £80 price tag.
Late-night fragfest-friendly
However, if you are an audiophile that wants a high-end pair of headphones to get the best out of your music, you might well want to consider extending your budget a little.
These babies are not really designed for music listening, anyways, as the name suggests. The Plantronics GameCom 777's lightweight and open-ear design are really designed for those late-night Call of Duty sessions, when you need to hear everything that is going on around you to give you that extra competitive advantage.
The GameCom 777 features 7.1 Dolby headphone tech all squeezed into a plug-and-play USB sound card, which is compatible with both the PC and Mac, delivering a virtual eight-channel audio experience and positional microphone accuracy essential for competitive gaming.
"When it comes to headsets, the gaming community demands extreme audio precision and comfort for continuous wearing," says Stuart Bradshaw, EMEA Marketing Manager for Consumer products at Plantronics.
"We've reunited with Dolby to bring players virtual 7.1 surround sound for a more convincing gaming experience and leveraged our heritage in ergonomic headset design to alleviate discomfort that comes with extended headphone use."
The GameCom 777 headset is compatible with VoIP internet programs such as Skype and Google Voice.
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Orange prepping £200 tablet for UK release before Christmas?
Orange seems to be the latest company to jump on the iPad-shaped bandwagon, with a new report claiming that it is working on its own tablet computer.Les Echos, a French newspaper, is claiming that an Android tablet is being manufactured by a "large Asian manufacturer" which will end up being one of the cheapest on the market.
The tablet is said to be priced at around 250 Euros – a smidge over £200.
3G ready
The tablet would come with Orange branding and would be 3G enabled, which would mean that Orange would be able to offer subscriptions for the data package.
As the article states, this wouldn't actually be the first time that Orange has tried its hand at tablet computing.
Back in 2009, Orange released the Tabbeee, a tablet which housed a seven-inch touchscreen and was branded as a 'tablet organiser'.
It only actually made it to the French market, so fingers crossed that its latest attempt at making a tablet makes it across the pond.
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Review: In Depth: Sony VAIO VPC-Y21S1E/SI
Sony's rather immense range of VAIO laptops can be more than a little daunting for first-time buyers. Although most high street retailers only stock a handful at any one time, there are actually a huge number of VAIO models, split into various skews depending on the components used.From the tiny PDA-style VAIO P Series, to the powerhouse VAIO F Series, it can be tricky working out which VAIO laptop suits you best.
Sony's VAIO Y Series follows the mantra of 'everyday mobility', with the aim of packing decent multimedia performance into a slim and light chassis.
Sony already has a strong catalogue of ultraportable laptops, including the recently released VAIO VPCZ11Z9E/B which weighs just 1.4kg yet is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor. Performance is unbeatable at that weight, but the price – which tops the two grand mark – is well beyond most consumers.
This is where the VAIO VPCY VPCY21S1E/SI fits into the ultraportable picture. Sony has trimmed back on the cost of components, so while the VAIO Y-Series has considerably less power than the Z-Series, it also comes at a price that won't worry your wallet.
Build quality
First impressions are certainly promising, thanks to a solid plastic chassis that sports an attractive metallic look. The VAIO VPCY's power button has unusually been placed on the right hinge, and glows seductively when the laptop is turned on.
At a weight of 1.7kg, and with a thickness of just 30mm, this is an excellent laptop for slipping into a bag and carrying around all day.
However, although the VAIO VPCY's body is mostly well constructed, it does suffer from one potentially fatal flaw. The lid is surprisingly flimsy and buckles in the centre under even light pressure, so a hefty knock could easily damage the display and mean lights out for your laptop.
As long as you're careful there shouldn't be a problem, but accidents do happen and we'd recommend a sturdy padded case for transporting the VAIO VPCY.
Thankfully the keyboard has no such problems, as a firm and well-sized isolation-style board is in place. This is a popular keyboard design of late, with keys that protrude through individual holes cut in the laptop's chassis.
This increases the space between each key, making touch typing easier while reducing the amount of dust, crumbs and other rubbish that can settle beneath them. The VAIO VPCY's keys are well sized although the Return key has been squashed to just a single row, and there's no room on the compact chassis for a dedicated numeric pad.
That compact chassis means the VAIO VPCY has a display measuring just 13.3-inches, a little larger than most modern netbooks but still quite small for a laptop. Thankfully it has a sharp WXGA resolution, so images are crisp and photographs appear highly detailed.
A glossy Super-TFT coating has been used, which adds greatly to the vibrancy of the display. Colours are rich and lifelike, as you'd expect from a Sony screen.
The VAIO VPCY's screen is also pleasingly bright, so you shouldn't suffer a migraine from squinting at it well into the early hours. Our only complaint is the reflective nature of the display, which greatly hampers use outdoors and in bright surroundings.
A widescreen aspect ratio is great for working on documents side-by-side, and is also perfect for watching movies, as you don't get the annoying thick black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.
Film fans may be well catered for by the beautiful display, but the VAIO VPCY's compact chassis is a limiting factor for anyone who wants to enjoy their media on the move.
Limited storage
Firstly, there's only 320GB of storage available in the VAIO VPCY. If you have a large collection of songs and movies this space will rapidly fill up, which leaves you with two options.
Either you stump up for a server and access your media remotely, which can be an expensive and complicated process, or you carry an external hard drive around with you.
Or, of course, you could simply take a small selection of your favourite tunes and films with you on your travels - but with most people's media collections growing by the day, this can be a frustrating option.
The VAIO VPCY's small stature also leaves no room for a DVD drive, which means either lugging an external one with you, or burning a digital copy of your DVDs for watching on the road – again, you're limited here by the 320GB hard drive.
Other features are fairly standard for a laptop this size. VGA and HDMI ports allow an external display to be hooked up to the VAIO VPCY, while there's also separate slots for SD and HD Duo memory cards.
Sony has also included a Mini Firewire port, and an ExpressCard slot for attaching peripherals.
Networking is strong, with 802.11n Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet available for wireless and wired connections respectively. However, there's no built-in Bluetooth for exchanging data with compatible mobile devices.
VAIO button
Sony always includes shortcut buttons on its VAIO laptops, and the usual VAIO and ASSIST buttons are in place on the VAIO VPCY.
The VAIO button launches a simple media gallery that gives you quick and easy access to your photos, movies and music. It's intuitive to use and responsive, although we can't see it replacing most people's favourite media players.
Pressing the ASSIST button launches the VAIO VPCY's system tune-up software, dubbed VAIO Care. VAIO Care detects and diagnoses any problems with your laptop, and can also create recovery discs or restore to a previous system snapshot.
Again, the software is easy to use even for beginners, and can save your VAIO VPCY from potentially critical problems. This is increasingly important these days, with many laptops shipping without recovery discs or even a physical copy of Microsoft Windows.
The Sony VAIO VPCY is built to be portable and affordable, and unfortunately this comes at a sacrifice to performance.
Sony has used a low-voltage Intel Pentium processor as the brains of the VAIO VPCY, which is both tiny and consumes very little power when compared with standard Intel processors. This extends the battery life, and also reduces the size of the laptop as a powerful cooling system is not needed.
Of course, low voltage means that performance isn't as strong as standard Intel Pentium processors. In our benchmarking tests we found that the VAIO VPCY was more than capable of running basic office applications and browsing the web, and even some light multitasking.
But running more intensive software such as development packages tends to grind things to a halt. Games are definitely out too, with only basic or older titles able to run at a decent frame rate.
4GB DDR3
Still, the VAIO VPCY is considerably more powerful than most modern netbooks, and the 4096MB of speedy DDR3 memory is definitely not a limiting factor.
Sony has bigged up the multimedia capabilities of the VAIO VPCY, and there's no denying that it's great for watching HD films on the move – providing you don't mind the compact screen.
However, watching movies is unfortunately the limit of this laptop's multimedia potential. The simple integrated Intel GMA HD graphics card scored low in our 3D benchmarking tests, and is capable only of basic photo editing and not much more.
Professional designers would be better served by an ultraportable featuring a dedicated graphics card, such as the Sony VAIO VPCZ11Z9E/B.
Excellent battery
Although performance is limited, the low-voltage Intel Pentium processor has had a great impact on the VAIO VPCY's battery life. We managed to get 428 minutes of life from just a single charge, which beats most other ultraportables we've seen lately and is fantastic for a laptop.
Only the Asus UL20A has it truly beaten, with a mammoth 557 minutes of productivity away from the mains.
If portability is a serious priority and your budget is limited, then the Sony VAIO VPCY is a worthy choice. However, the Asus UL20A is a shade cheaper as well as having better battery life, and almost identical in weight.
On the other hand, if you want a bit more power and can afford a more expensive machine than the VAIO VPCY, there are plenty of ultraportable laptops that deliver.
The aforementioned Sony VAIO VPCZ11Z9E/B packs in an Intel Core i7 processor, 6144MB of DDR3 memory and a dedicated Nvidia graphics card, yet is just 1.4kg and still manages a respectable 285 minutes of battery life.
Fujitsu's Lifebook P770 is another great option and about a grand cheaper than the Sony VAIO VPCZ11Z9E/B. A low-voltage Intel Core i7 processor is still powerful enough for games and intensive multi-tasking, while the 1.5kg weight and 427 minutes of battery life make it effortlessly portable.
The Sony VAIO VPCY21S1E/SI is Sony's attempt to make an affordable ultraportable, with all the benefits of a netbook - such as slim dimensions and a long-lasting battery - but with a higher specification also.
Unfortunately, while there's a lot to like about the VAIO VPCY, a flawed design and subdued performance greatly reduce its desirability.
We Liked
The plastic chassis is reasonably solid in most areas, and looks sleek thanks to an attractive metallic finish. A slim and compact build, with a weight of just 1.7kg and thickness of 30mm, is perfect for slipping into bags for the daily commute.
The VAIO VPCY easily beats most modern netbooks in terms of performance, with office applications running smoothly at all times. Battery life smashes most other laptops too, with 428 minutes of productivity from a single charge.
Movie fans will love the VAIO VPCY's sharp and bright 13.3-inch display, with a widescreen aspect ratio perfect for watching the latest Hollywood blockbusters.
The VAIO VPCY is also a highly usable little machine, with a solid isolation-style keyboard and Sony's usual helpful shortcut buttons giving easy access to your media and system backup tools.
We Disliked
Although the VAIO VPCY is light, thin and reasonably solid, the lid exhibits a worrying amount of flex in the centre. A hefty blow could easily damage the screen.
The 320GB of storage is limiting for anyone with a large media collection, and the lack of a DVD drive means you'll need to invest in an external drive or simply do without.
Finally, that low-voltage Intel Pentium processor and the basic integrated graphics card means that the VAIO VPCY's performance is highly restricted. Games and professional design packages don't stand a chance, and anyone requiring more power will have to up their budget.
Verdict
We were impressed by the portability of Sony's new Y Series laptop, and it's refreshing to see an ultraportable at such an affordable price. However, the flawed build quality and subdued performance are real turn-offs, and make this a difficult laptop to recommend.
If power isn't a priority, the VAIO VPCY is worth considering alongside the excellent Asus UL20A. However, if your budget can stretch to it, we highly recommend the Fujitsu Lifebook P770 or Sony VAIO VPCZ11Z9E/B, which pack a lot more power into a similarly light and compact chassis.
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Review: Exclusive: Bowers & Wilkins 802 Diamond
First sight of the new B&W 800-Series Diamond models immediately called to mind that much quoted comment from a nineteenth century French journalist: "Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose".It's easy to track this new and imposing £11,500 three-way 802 Diamond model right back to the Nautilus 802 in 1998. The two models look superficially almost identical and you'd be hard pressed to tell them apart from across the room.
Indeed the only visual differences apparent in these latest series-Diamond variations seem to be a little extra bright trim around the drivers, a shiny phase plug in the centre of the midrange driver, smaller dustcovers for the bass units and revised signal input terminals.
However, if the outline and basic cabinetwork looks very familiar, much of the internal engineering has now undergone two distinct stages of improvement. In 2005, we tested the 802D, a successor to the original Nautilus 802 and this speaker's immediate predecessor.
Seven years had given the people working away in Bowers and Wilkins' Research Labs – idyllically located in Steyning, a few miles inland from the main Worthing factory – plenty of time to work on upgrades.
The most important of these was the introduction of a diamond dome tweeter on the more upmarket models, alongside a simplified crossover network with superior components, improved bass unit diaphragm material and so on.
911 of the speaker world
All those features and more (along with many new ones too) have been carried through to the latest generation of 800s, now dubbed the 800 Diamonds because all the models are now equipped with diamond diaphragm tweeters.
Once again, Bowers and Wilkins sees the Porsche 911 as its model – a car whose basic silhouette remains essentially unchanged from decade to decade, while the underskin engineering is continuously under development and improvement. This new 802 Diamond might look very like a Nautilus 802 or 802D, but most of the hidden bits have changed significantly.
The diaphragms might be much as before, but the motors driving them have seen big changes. The manufacturers have a very extensive collection of computer modelling techniques, including the highly regarded Klippel suite and these have provided the tools for reducing motor distortion and maximising sensitivities.
Large ferrite magnets (traditionally used for bass drivers) inevitably place a large, flat and, therefore, very reflective surface immediately behind the diaphragm.
Rather, the 802 Diamond's twin 200mm bass drivers mount twin neodymium/iron/boron alloy magnets actually inside the voice coil, improving the field symmetry and lowering distortion. And the new motor considerably reduces the reflecting surface immediately behind the cones. A new four-magnet motor is also used for the diamond dome tweeter.
Form follows function
Whether or not you consider the 802 Diamond's appearance attractive, the whole design is firmly based on 'form follows function' principles. Each of the 'ways' has its own specifically optimised enclosure, mechanically isolated from each other via lossy mountings and the whole thing sits on a cast-alloy plinth, that houses and isolates the crossover network and the twin terminal pairs.
The latter are now made from oxygen free copper (OFC) and give superior results to the more easily machined brass that is almost universal. The speaker actually comes fitted with ball-castors, but a reversible spike/foot kit with the option of nylon studs or massive, wicked spikes is also supplied.
The plinth is shaped to mimic the shape of the curved and reasonably slim enclosure, while the spikes are set well in from the sides. Lateral stability is, therefore, not great, especially with that massive Marlan 'head' well off the ground, but its total weight of 72kg is unlikely to be knocked over accidentally.
The bass enclosure is formed from a single piece of 26mm plywood, shaped in a continuous curve around the sides and back. It comes in a choice of three finishes: rosenut or cherry wood veneers, or high-gloss piano black.
Inside, Matrix 'honeycomb' bracing further increases rigidity. Besides the very compact motors described earlier, the twin 200mm drivers each have 150mm diameter 'sandwich' diaphragms, with thick cores of Rohacell structural foam laminated between woven carbon fibre.
A port fires downward between the base and the plinth to add further bass output. The midrange unit is virtually unchanged in this model. It's unique 'free edge' design known as an FST (fixed suspension transducer), in which the outside edge of the 140mm diameter woven Kevlar cone rests against a foamed polymer damping ring.
This is housed in a sizeable and very heavy teardrop shaped sub-enclosure, made from mineral-loaded Marlan (a mineralloaded polymer) and finished in high-gloss black. The internal shape is essentially a combination of a sphere and a cone, which is claimed to be very effective at dissipating the rearward radiation from the driver.
A substantial tapered metal tube on the very top, again smartly finished in high-gloss black, houses the 25mm tweeter and is designed to absorb the rearward radiation from the diamond diaphragm.
Diamond is very hard and when fashioned (artificially, using a technique called vapour deposition) into a tweeter dome its high stiffness pushes the first breakup mode up to 74kHz – way above the audio band. The main problem is that it's also very expensive (and incidentally rather fragile in the eggshell-thin form used to keep the mass low).
A small removable (magnetically held) mesh grille is supplied to cover the diamond dome; while this does compromise the sound a little, it's probably best left on as an accident here could be rather costly. Those who prefer to hide their drive units can use either or both of the fabric covered grilles supplied for the midrange and bass drivers, the latter held magnetically in place.
Reassuringly expensive
All this advanced speaker technology doesn't come cheap and the 802 Diamond is unquestionably an expensive speaker. It also costs significantly more than its predecessor, which presumably helps pay for the considerable engineering resources that underpin the Bowers and Wilkins operation.
But the more significant factors are simply the effects of inflation and the fall in the value of the pound – many of the components used in manufacture are priced in Euros or Dollars. Although the 802 Diamond might seem costly, but the whole 800-series Diamonds are actually very good value in the context of most of today's high end offerings.
It all depends on whether you can accept that a single well-resourced brand is as capable of creating genuine high-end models as it is of designing very competitive mainstream models.
No prisoners
Not unexpectedly, the in-room measurements showed that this speaker should be kept well clear of walls, just like its predecessor.
The 802 Diamond was mostly driven from a system comprising a Naim NAC552 preamp with NAP500 and MSB Mono 202 power amplifiers. Speaker cables were Vertex AQ Moncayo, while Mini Moncayo bi-wire links were also used. Sources included a Rega Valve Isis and Naim CDS3/555PS CD players, a Magnum Dynalab MD106T FM tuner, and a Linn/Rega/Soundsmith vinyl record player.
Given the five year gap, it's impossible to say for sure just how much of an improvement the 802 Diamond offers over its 802D predecessor especially as the 802D's bigger and rather superior 800D acted as a regular reference loudspeaker through much of the interregnum.
What is absolutely certain is that the 802 Diamond is a truly exceptional loudspeaker and indeed one that even improves on the earlier 800D in several significant respects. It might not match its older, bigger brother in terms of bass grip, authority and drive – arguably the 800D's biggest strength – but the overall out-of-thebox transparency, low level articulation and stereo image precision are all clearly superior to anything the previous generation could offer.
As the measurements showed, this latest 802 Diamond is a couple of decibels brighter than its predecessor, relatively speaking. This is clearly audible and also mostly welcome, as the top end always sounds almost uncannily clean. But it also means that partnering components need to be of comparably high quality, as this speaker takes no prisoners and all too clearly reveals any shortcomings further up the chain.
It was no surprise to find that vinyl, was often preferred to CD, for example. Although the in-room response traces do indicate some unevenness, this doesn't seem to result in significant levels of coloration.
Two factors are likely to be responsible. First, any enclosure-generated colorations are exceptionally low: this is very obviously audible in the speaker's vanishingly low 'hash' floor, which makes the gaps between the notes as clean and clear as the notes themselves. Secondly, the overall coherence and timing right across the whole audio band is quite outstanding.
The acid test for any speaker is to get it onto your home turf and play familiar material through and from familiar components. The 802 Diamond has a wonderful ability to distinguish between FM radio, CD and vinyl sources and then to go further by clearly revealing the quality of the recording. This is indeed a genuine monitor.
Anyone who speculates that Bowers and Wilkins might be hidebound by its very impressive engineering resources, only has to spend an hour or two with a pair of 802 Diamonds. Superb imaging, dramatic dynamic range and excellent total coherence, this speaker has unquestionably been designed by people who listen to and love music.
It's undoubtedly the best Bowers and Wilkins speaker that we've heard to date. That all this has been achieved through painstaking refinement rather than headline-grabbing radical innovation is also rather appealing.
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Review: Packard Bell EasyNote TX86-JO-045UK
Packard Bell has really impressed us lately with a number of solid entries in its consumer EasyNote laptop range. The latest addition is the premium EasyNote X-Series, which comes in two flavours - the 14-inch EasyNote NX, and the 15.6-inch EasyNote TX. The EasyNote TX86-JO-045UK is one of the 15.6-inch models and packs a surprising amount of power into a slick and slim metallic chassis, while adding a few unique design touches.
A premium metallic build has been used throughout the Packard Bell EasyNote TX86, from the brushed aluminium finish of the lid, to the firm keyboard. The chassis is reassuringly solid in all areas, yet also just 30mm thick and 2.5kg in weight.
Simplification has been Packard Bell's motto of late, and the number of shortcut buttons provided on this and other recent models demonstrates this.
A quick-and-easy backup button was introduced in last year's EasyNote models, and one addition to Packard Bell's EasyNote X-Series is the Social key, which launches the new Social Networks application.
Social networking
This program acts as a social hub by streaming content from your Facebook, YouTube and Flickr accounts, so you don't have to separately log onto each site. You're currently restricted to using those three websites, but we're hoping Packard Bell will expand the software to other social media sites in the near future.
Even better would be the option to add any social website of your choosing, although this may be going beyond Packard Bell's simplification mantra.
For further ease of use, a row of touch-sensitive media buttons can be found above the Packard Bell EasyNote TX86's keyboard. These allow you to quickly pause or skip through songs and movies, or eject the DVD drive.
There are also two shortcut buttons in the top left corner of the EasyNote TX86's chassis. One of these can be configured to launch the application of your choice, while the other toggles Wi-Fi on and off.
The fantastic build quality of the Packard Bell EasyNote TX86 translates into great usability, with a well-sized keyboard proving the highlight.
Packard Bell was acquired by Acer in 2007 and since then has used the same keyboard design as the Acer Aspire laptops, with perfectly flat keys sitting slightly raised from the chassis.
A lack of key definition may put some users off, but we had no trouble touch-typing at speed, and spreadsheet lovers can rejoice as there's even room for a dedicated numeric keypad.
The EasyNote TX86's touchpad is a generous size and nicely responsive, although Packard Bell has integrated the left and right mouse buttons into the pad itself.
Usually this causes problems, as resting your thumb on the buttons causes the cursor to jump erratically, and even pressing the buttons can jerk the cursor, causing you to select the wrong menu option.
This was a big problem on the HP TouchSmart tm2, as well as netbooks such as the Dell Inspiron Mini 10, and greatly hampered usability in those models. Thankfully these issues have been ironed out and we had no such issues with the EasyNote TX86's touchpad.
The buttons themselves aren't sensitive to touch, so you can run your fingers across their surface and the cursor won't budge. The cursor also thankfully remains static when the buttons are pushed, and not once did we launch into a tirade of abuse because of incorrect menu selections.
Packard Bell has even added a playful flourish to the EasyNote TX86's touchpad, with the entire pad emitting a mysterious glow whenever the integrated buttons are pressed.
It's a feature that admittedly has limited use but is undeniably appealing, especially when hunched over the laptop for a late night web browsing session.
Anyone who remains unimpressed by the eerie pulsing can simply turn it off through the Windows program menu.
Packard Bell has fitted a 15.6-inch widescreen display into the EasyNote TX86. Photographs and movies appear vibrant and lifelike thanks to the glossy Super-TFT coating, although reflectivity is greatly increased as a result, which hampers use outdoors.
The true widescreen aspect ratio is common for modern laptops, and is perfect for working on documents side-by-side. Movies don't suffer from huge black bars above and beneath the picture, while images are suitably sharp and bright.
The display's hinges are just as solid as the rest of the laptop, and the screen tilts all the way back for a comfortable viewing angle when the EasyNote TX86 is sat on your lap.
Storage is comprehensive, with a 500GB hard drive providing plenty of space for your applications and files, even if you have a sizeable music or movie collection.
There are also plenty of ports lining the EasyNote TX86's sides, with four USB connections for attaching peripherals and a 5-in-1 memory card reader so you can immediately access your holiday snaps.
VGA and HDMI ports are available for connecting an external display when at home, and there's enough room left over for a DVD drive.
Networking is yet another strength for the EasyNote TX, with the fastest standards for both wireless and wired communications built in. 802.11n Wi-Fi allows you to connect to your wireless network at home or available Wi-Fi hotspots when on the move, while Gigabit Ethernet allows you to physically plug the EasyNote TX into a router.
The EasyNote TX86 may be a good looking machine on the outside, but Packard Bell hasn't neglected the laptop's insides. A powerful dual-core Intel Core i5 430M processor is on board, running with a clock speed of 2.26GHz.
Intel's mid-range Core i5 processor sits between the entry-level Core i3 and über-powerful Core i7 in terms of performance, and provides ample power for multi-tasking with intensive applications, thanks to its capacity for hyper-threading.
Aided by 4096MB of speedy DDR3 memory, the EasyNote TX86 can comfortably handle any office tasks thrown at it. We didn't witness any slowdown, even with several packages open at one time, which would have seriously impacted older Core 2 Duo laptops.
A dedicated nVidia GeForce 310M graphics card with 512MB of video memory is also in place, and the EasyNote TX86's multimedia performance is reasonably solid as a result. This isn't a gaming machine by any means, and the latest titles will struggle even with detail levels turned right down. But older games run without a hitch.
Design packages also run well, and anyone hoping to do some photo editing or light video editing will be satisfied by the performance the EasyNote TX86 delivers. Packard Bell has generously included a copy of PhotoShop Elements 8, for tinkering with your treasured family photos.
This strong performance is all the more impressive given the EasyNote TX86's thin and reasonably light chassis, which is suitable for carrying even on regular commutes. Portability is further enhanced by the excellent 302-minute battery life, which exceeds most laptops at this level.
However, if the thought of lugging a 2.5kg machine around is too much, and your budget can stretch a little further, there are excellent ultraportables with similar levels of performance to be had.
For instance, the Fujitsu Lifebook P770 packs plenty of power into a 1.5kg chassis and still manages 427-minutes of battery life – although the £1441 price tag is a considerable step up from the EasyNote TX's asking price.
The Packard Bell EasyNote TX86 is a 15.6-inch entry in the new EasyNote X-Series range, a premium set of laptops available at a highly affordable price. With an emphasis on simplification, Packard Bell is helping consumers to get the most out of its latest series of portables through slick design and easy-to-access shortcut buttons.
The EasyNote TX86 features a solid metal chassis that is surprisingly thin and light, weighing just 2.5kg and measuring 30mm at its thickest point. Performance is also assured, thanks to the inclusion of one of Intel's latest dual-core processors and a dedicated nVidia graphics card.
We liked
That solid chassis is one of the toughest we've seen outside of rugged laptops such as the Panasonic Toughbooks, and can take a bit of punishment when you're on the move. At 2.5kg it won't weigh you down much either, while the five-hour battery life further boosts portability.
Performance doesn't suffer as a result, with the EasyNote TX86's Intel Core i5 processor providing more than enough power for multitasking with various office applications. The nVidia GeForce GPU is good enough for basic multimedia tasks.
We're also impressed by the features Packard Bell has packed into the EasyNote TX86's slimline chassis, with plenty of storage space and a good range of ports on offer. Networking is speedy, both wired and wireless.
Last but not least is the glorious glowing touchpad. Pointless it may be, but we're just relieved the built-in mouse buttons don't cause the cursor to go crazy when pressed. The EasyNote TX86 also has a firm and responsive keyboard, which is a joy to tap away on for extended periods.
We disliked
To be honest, any complaints we have with the Packard Bell EasyNote TX86 are nitpicky at best. The reflective screen is a hindrance to outdoor use, and liable to give you a migraine if you attempt to do so, but this is true of most Super-TFT displays.
The Social Networks application is also highly limited in its current state, with no support for the likes of Twitter, and we feel that few people will make regular use of it. There's still potential for expansion, however.
If portability is a priority, there are lighter laptops available with much longer battery life, although you'll pay a premium for one with as much power as the EasyNote TX86.
Verdict
Packard Bell has smashed the ball clean out of the proverbial park with the EasyNote TX86, an excellent all-round machine that pulls off power and style with panache.
A solid yet portable chassis is merely surface material, as the Intel Core i5 CPU and nVidia graphics card provide excellent performance at this price.
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Review: Packard Bell EasyNote TX86-JO-045UK
Packard Bell has really impressed us lately with a number of solid entries in its consumer EasyNote laptop range. The latest addition is the premium EasyNote X-Series, which comes in two flavours - the 14-inch EasyNote NX, and the 15.6-inch EasyNote TX. The EasyNote TX86-JO-045UK is one of the 15.6-inch models and packs a surprising amount of power into a slick and slim metallic chassis, while adding a few unique design touches.
A premium metallic build has been used throughout the Packard Bell EasyNote TX86, from the brushed aluminium finish of the lid, to the firm keyboard. The chassis is reassuringly solid in all areas, yet also just 30mm thick and 2.5kg in weight.
Simplification has been Packard Bell's motto of late, and the number of shortcut buttons provided on this and other recent models demonstrates this.
A quick-and-easy backup button was introduced in last year's EasyNote models, and one addition to Packard Bell's EasyNote X-Series is the Social key, which launches the new Social Networks application.
Social networking
This program acts as a social hub by streaming content from your Facebook, YouTube and Flickr accounts, so you don't have to separately log onto each site. You're currently restricted to using those three websites, but we're hoping Packard Bell will expand the software to other social media sites in the near future.
Even better would be the option to add any social website of your choosing, although this may be going beyond Packard Bell's simplification mantra.
For further ease of use, a row of touch-sensitive media buttons can be found above the Packard Bell EasyNote TX86's keyboard. These allow you to quickly pause or skip through songs and movies, or eject the DVD drive.
There are also two shortcut buttons in the top left corner of the EasyNote TX86's chassis. One of these can be configured to launch the application of your choice, while the other toggles Wi-Fi on and off.
The fantastic build quality of the Packard Bell EasyNote TX86 translates into great usability, with a well-sized keyboard proving the highlight.
Packard Bell was acquired by Acer in 2007 and since then has used the same keyboard design as the Acer Aspire laptops, with perfectly flat keys sitting slightly raised from the chassis.
A lack of key definition may put some users off, but we had no trouble touch-typing at speed, and spreadsheet lovers can rejoice as there's even room for a dedicated numeric keypad.
The EasyNote TX86's touchpad is a generous size and nicely responsive, although Packard Bell has integrated the left and right mouse buttons into the pad itself.
Usually this causes problems, as resting your thumb on the buttons causes the cursor to jump erratically, and even pressing the buttons can jerk the cursor, causing you to select the wrong menu option.
This was a big problem on the HP TouchSmart tm2, as well as netbooks such as the Dell Inspiron Mini 10, and greatly hampered usability in those models. Thankfully these issues have been ironed out and we had no such issues with the EasyNote TX86's touchpad.
The buttons themselves aren't sensitive to touch, so you can run your fingers across their surface and the cursor won't budge. The cursor also thankfully remains static when the buttons are pushed, and not once did we launch into a tirade of abuse because of incorrect menu selections.
Packard Bell has even added a playful flourish to the EasyNote TX86's touchpad, with the entire pad emitting a mysterious glow whenever the integrated buttons are pressed.
It's a feature that admittedly has limited use but is undeniably appealing, especially when hunched over the laptop for a late night web browsing session.
Anyone who remains unimpressed by the eerie pulsing can simply turn it off through the Windows program menu.
Packard Bell has fitted a 15.6-inch widescreen display into the EasyNote TX86. Photographs and movies appear vibrant and lifelike thanks to the glossy Super-TFT coating, although reflectivity is greatly increased as a result, which hampers use outdoors.
The true widescreen aspect ratio is common for modern laptops, and is perfect for working on documents side-by-side. Movies don't suffer from huge black bars above and beneath the picture, while images are suitably sharp and bright.
The display's hinges are just as solid as the rest of the laptop, and the screen tilts all the way back for a comfortable viewing angle when the EasyNote TX86 is sat on your lap.
Storage is comprehensive, with a 500GB hard drive providing plenty of space for your applications and files, even if you have a sizeable music or movie collection.
There are also plenty of ports lining the EasyNote TX86's sides, with four USB connections for attaching peripherals and a 5-in-1 memory card reader so you can immediately access your holiday snaps.
VGA and HDMI ports are available for connecting an external display when at home, and there's enough room left over for a DVD drive.
Networking is yet another strength for the EasyNote TX, with the fastest standards for both wireless and wired communications built in. 802.11n Wi-Fi allows you to connect to your wireless network at home or available Wi-Fi hotspots when on the move, while Gigabit Ethernet allows you to physically plug the EasyNote TX into a router.
The EasyNote TX86 may be a good looking machine on the outside, but Packard Bell hasn't neglected the laptop's insides. A powerful dual-core Intel Core i5 430M processor is on board, running with a clock speed of 2.26GHz.
Intel's mid-range Core i5 processor sits between the entry-level Core i3 and über-powerful Core i7 in terms of performance, and provides ample power for multi-tasking with intensive applications, thanks to its capacity for hyper-threading.
Aided by 4096MB of speedy DDR3 memory, the EasyNote TX86 can comfortably handle any office tasks thrown at it. We didn't witness any slowdown, even with several packages open at one time, which would have seriously impacted older Core 2 Duo laptops.
A dedicated nVidia GeForce 310M graphics card with 512MB of video memory is also in place, and the EasyNote TX86's multimedia performance is reasonably solid as a result. This isn't a gaming machine by any means, and the latest titles will struggle even with detail levels turned right down. But older games run without a hitch.
Design packages also run well, and anyone hoping to do some photo editing or light video editing will be satisfied by the performance the EasyNote TX86 delivers. Packard Bell has generously included a copy of PhotoShop Elements 8, for tinkering with your treasured family photos.
This strong performance is all the more impressive given the EasyNote TX86's thin and reasonably light chassis, which is suitable for carrying even on regular commutes. Portability is further enhanced by the excellent 302-minute battery life, which exceeds most laptops at this level.
However, if the thought of lugging a 2.5kg machine around is too much, and your budget can stretch a little further, there are excellent ultraportables with similar levels of performance to be had.
For instance, the Fujitsu Lifebook P770 packs plenty of power into a 1.5kg chassis and still manages 427-minutes of battery life – although the £1441 price tag is a considerable step up from the EasyNote TX's asking price.
The Packard Bell EasyNote TX86 is a 15.6-inch entry in the new EasyNote X-Series range, a premium set of laptops available at a highly affordable price. With an emphasis on simplification, Packard Bell is helping consumers to get the most out of its latest series of portables through slick design and easy-to-access shortcut buttons.
The EasyNote TX86 features a solid metal chassis that is surprisingly thin and light, weighing just 2.5kg and measuring 30mm at its thickest point. Performance is also assured, thanks to the inclusion of one of Intel's latest dual-core processors and a dedicated nVidia graphics card.
We liked
That solid chassis is one of the toughest we've seen outside of rugged laptops such as the Panasonic Toughbooks, and can take a bit of punishment when you're on the move. At 2.5kg it won't weigh you down much either, while the five-hour battery life further boosts portability.
Performance doesn't suffer as a result, with the EasyNote TX86's Intel Core i5 processor providing more than enough power for multitasking with various office applications. The nVidia GeForce GPU is good enough for basic multimedia tasks.
We're also impressed by the features Packard Bell has packed into the EasyNote TX86's slimline chassis, with plenty of storage space and a good range of ports on offer. Networking is speedy, both wired and wireless.
Last but not least is the glorious glowing touchpad. Pointless it may be, but we're just relieved the built-in mouse buttons don't cause the cursor to go crazy when pressed. The EasyNote TX86 also has a firm and responsive keyboard, which is a joy to tap away on for extended periods.
We disliked
To be honest, any complaints we have with the Packard Bell EasyNote TX86 are nitpicky at best. The reflective screen is a hindrance to outdoor use, and liable to give you a migraine if you attempt to do so, but this is true of most Super-TFT displays.
The Social Networks application is also highly limited in its current state, with no support for the likes of Twitter, and we feel that few people will make regular use of it. There's still potential for expansion, however.
If portability is a priority, there are lighter laptops available with much longer battery life, although you'll pay a premium for one with as much power as the EasyNote TX86.
Verdict
Packard Bell has smashed the ball clean out of the proverbial park with the EasyNote TX86, an excellent all-round machine that pulls off power and style with panache.
A solid yet portable chassis is merely surface material, as the Intel Core i5 CPU and nVidia graphics card provide excellent performance at this price.
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Gary Marshall: The hidden cost of Google's free calls
If you're anything like me, you saw Google's new Gmail voice calling service and thought this: voice calls? How quaint! The Gmail users who use the new service will be making voice calls, but they won't really be voice calls: like Skype, Google Voice uses Voice over IP to send voice data in much the same way servers send Web pages, MP3s or emails.
It's not a voice service; it's a data service whose data just happens to be voice. And that means Google's service is yet another nail in the coffin of the humble telephone call, something that's not so much dying as building up a mountain of milk bottles at its front door.
Phones have never been so numerous, and yet we're barely using them as phones. They're iPods, or video players, or Twitter clients, or games consoles. According to the New York Times, people are using phones for pretty much anything except making calls. While 90% of households have mobile phones, the number of minutes being used isn't increasing accordingly.
More data on phones
What is increasing, though, is data use. Text messaging increased by 50 per cent last year, and in 2009 the amount of data used by mobile phones surpassed the amount of data used for voice calls.
I'm surprised it took so long. I barely use my phone for voice at all - although that's partly because it's an iPhone, so making calls isn't exactly its strong point - and when I look at my remaining voice minutes the number has more digits than a lottery winner's cheque.
I'd much rather have a data-only tariff, with voice calls transmitted via Voice over IP, treated like any other data use and deducted from my monthly bandwidth limit.
That's where it's going, but I doubt it'll be cheap. The phone companies agree that data is the future, but they're not too happy about it - which is why in recent months they've all started to remove the word "unlimited" from their data plans.
It's also why they're all rather unhappy with the idea of Net Neutrality - which, interestingly, is something Google doesn't think should apply to wireless networks either. With voice revenues in free-fall and data use exploding, don't be too surprised if the networks launch an all-out assault on net neutraility. Talk is cheap, but the cheaper it gets the more likely we'll pay for it in other ways.
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Vodafone nabs 'exclusive' on Nokia N8
Vodafone has confirmed it will be getting the Nokia N8 on an exclusive deal - for a specific colour variant.Vodafone customers will be the only ones able to get the phone in lime green - although we've not heard word of anyone bagging it in other colour exclusives, although we assume the orange version is a shoo-in for one network.
It's not as exciting as finding out the Nokia N8 is going to come with a secret keyboard or anything, but given we're still waiting for a definitive UK release date, this will have to do.
When September ends?
The Nokia N8 is still strongly tipped to be released in Q3, which means it will have to be September if Nokia is going to make that date.
But given we first heard about this phone at the start of the year, it's still a long time to be waiting, despite the 12MP camera and Dolby Digital power under the hood.
If you're clamouring for more, check out our hands on: Nokia N8 review to find out all about this new phone, and whether Symbian^3 is really up to the task of rivalling the iPhone.
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Twitter and texting while TV watching on the rise
The number of people using the internet while watching television is on the rise, with a new study showing that 40 per cent of 18-24 year olds browse social networking sites while watching TV.It used to be that the only multi-tasking you would do while the telly was on was dunking biscuits in your tea, but a study by YouGov which took in information from over 2,000 people found that the youth of today have no qualms about using Twitter and the like while actively watching a show.
YouGov is calling this 'media stacking' and it has revealed that 86 per cent of those asked (with the 18-24 age group) have chatted about a show through digital channels while watching the programme on TV.
It seems that 56 per cent will text while watching TV and 55 per cent will use Facebook and other social networking sites to comment on a show.
Leaning back, going forward
It's definitely something which is gaining prominence. Social-networking sites are awash with comments when shows like Big Brother are on and TV manufacturers are getting savvy the consumers want things like Twitter through their TV.
The YouGov poll also shows that consumers want their shows to be more interactive, with a third of all viewers wanting to be able to vote for things like X-Factor online and see the results on screen.
Ivan Ristic, Director at Diffusion, who worked with YouGov on the study, said about the results: "The old adage that TV is a lean back experience compared to lean forward web surfing no longer hold true, our research shows that increasingly people are doing both simultaneously.
"The challenge for the TV industry is how best to take advantage of this trend to drive word-of-mouth buzz around programming, build a more loyal user base and identify new advertising and revenue opportunities."
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In Depth: How to buy an old Mac for less than £100
Thanks to Apple's build quality, old Macs rarely die – they just end up on eBay. You can get a usable machine from under £100. To cope with modern life it'll need a G4 or higher processor and Mac OS X. Check the system requirements for any apps you want to run. Macs with PowerPC processors can't run Intel-based software, such as Windows under Boot Camp.
You can look up Mac specs at Apple's site; if a part number such as M8950LL/A is given, type it into the search box.
Wikipedia and LowEndMac.com are good for unofficial info such as known problems. Confirm with the seller that the OS X discs are included, as you'll need them in emergencies.
It's good if the OS has been upgraded to the highest compatible version – Mac OS X editions cost £25 to £75 on eBay – but do ensure the discs are supplied, and the same goes for any installed apps.
All non-prehistoric Macs have USB ports, but if they are USB 1.1 your iPhone, iPad or recent iPod may fail to connect: officially they require USB 2.
Check if Wi-Fi is installed: AirPort means 802.11b, and AirPort Extreme will be 802.11g; if not, search eBay for the appropriate AirPort card, or try a USB adaptor. Alternatively, all Macs have Ethernet ports to cable directly to your router or to an AirPort Express (£81), which then connects wirelessly.
Here's our pick of the sensible buys. Prices are for eBay; dealers will charge more but should offer some warranty and support.
iBook G4
Before the name was recycled, iBook was Apple's cheap laptop. The 1999 G3 clamshell model was wacky, but the white version (May 2001 to 2006) resembles today's MacBook. Of the 12-inch and 14-inch variants, the former is handier and has the same 1024x768 screen resolution.
Don't pay more than: £225, working down according to spec.
Will run: Mac OS X up to 10.4.11 Tiger.
Advantages: Affordable modern-feeling notebook – as long as you don't need demanding apps.
Disadvantages: Avoid G3; go for 256MB RAM or more; batteries can be replaced (Apple £89, eBay £20-ish).
eMac
Aimed vaguely at the education market, the eMac (2002-2006) was built around a CRT, like the original iMac, but with a 1280x960 17-inch display and a nicer white polycarbonate case. Even the internal speakers are good.
Don't pay more than: £75.
Will run: Mac OS X up to 10.5 Leopard (although 700/800MHz models officially go up to 10.4).
Advantages: With a G4 processor and proper graphics chips, performance is quite decent; April 2004 and later units have USB 2.
Disadvantages: CRT screens are good quality but dim over time and can't be replaced; many eMacs have no optical drive or only a CD drive.
Power Mac G4
Apple's plastic towers, with their flamboyant corner handles, are fantastic value now. It's as much about finding the best spec as the best price. Ignore the first-generation Graphite G4 and the Bondi Blue G3: you want the Quicksilver (2001- 2002) or Mirror Door (August 2002-2003).
Don't pay more than: £100 (Mirror Door), £50 (Quicksilver).
Will run: Mac OS X up to 10.5 Leopard; Mac OS 9.2.2 (not FireWire 800 models).
Advantages: Good performers for their age; easy internal access to components, plus space; fast Gigabit Ethernet.
Disadvantages: No USB 2 ports to connect recent mobile devices (but a USB 2 PCI card will fix that).
G4 Cube
We admit we've included this largely for sentimental reasons: units don't come up for sale very often and aren't necessarily a great buy, with limited performance and upgrade potential, and glitchy tendencies. But – well, just look at it!
Don't pay more than: £100, unless you're as sentimental as us.
Will run: Mac OS X up to 10.5 (Leopard), though officially only 10.4.
Advantages: Unless modified, the Cube has no fan and is almost totally silent; great conversation piece; uses desktop components, so some upgrades are possible.
Disadvantages: Cult status means sellers may overprice; compare Mac mini. Plastic can crackle – ask seller; most units CD only, none burn DVDs.
Power Mac G5
The predecessor of today's Mac Pro, this sleek aluminium tower (2003-2006) was the last Mac before the switch to Intel, coveted by aficionados of old-school software. Available with one processor (SP), two processors (DP), one dual-core processor (DC) or two dual-core processors (DP DC, aka Quad).
Don't pay more than: £150-£400 according to spec.
Will run: Mac OS X up to 10.5 (Leopard).
Advantages: Best performance from a pre-Intel Mac; at reasonable prices if you shop with care; can take 16GB RAM; USB2.
Disadvantages: Some single-core models had noise issues – check with the seller.
iMac G4
Known as the Anglepoise iMac (after the patented desk lamp), this unique model is said to have been inspired by Luxo Jr in the short film that launched Steve Jobs' film company, Pixar. LCD isn't as bright or sharp as today's displays, but it's still on a cool Mac.
Don't pay more than: £100 (15-inch), £150 (17-inch).
Will run: Mac OS X up to 10.5 (Leopard), though officially only 10.4.
Advantages: Striking and sturdy design with highly adjustable screen position; good Harman Kardon external speakers – check they're included.
Disadvantages: No way to add USB 2, though some users report iPhone will connect, with occasional glitches; RAM and hard disk can be small.
PowerBook G4
The G5 chip never took a portable form, so the G4 was the last Apple laptop before the switch to Intel. It resembles current MacBooks but has a more traditional keyboard. Numerous models were produced in 12, 15 and 17-inch formats, so studying the specs is essential to get the right deal.
Don't pay more than: £125-250 according to spec.
Will run: Mac OS X up to 10.5 (Leopard).
Advantages: Good-looking; 4-5 hour battery life (though original battery will tire if not already replaced); most units have USB 2 – check.
Disadvantages: Avoid titanium cased version; beware quality issues with certain batches.
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New Playboy online game breaks cover
Playboy, famed for its intellectual interviews and bunnies with breasts, has shown off its latest online game and it strangely looks like a GTA knock-off.Called Poisonville, the trailer shows a woman stealing a car off a man, sweeping shots of an American city and a barrage of dangerous looking characters. Oh, and guns. Lots of guns.
It is not quite what you would expect from the Playboy canon, but it is the first of many games from Playboy.
As we told you back in May 2009, there will also be a title called Playboy Manager released which is an MMOG set in the world of Playboy.
Currently this is still asking for people to register to the beta.
Going mainstream
Poisonville is a game that's being released with German publisher Bigpoint and is being targeted at the Playboy demographic of 10-35 year-old men.
Not sure 84-year-old Hugh Hefner will be pleased about this, but there you go.
Speaking to PaidContent about the MMOG, Paul Lee of Playboy said: "One of our core competencies involves using our brand to present quality content.
"Gaming is a growing, mainstream area. And part of our plan is to extend Playboy's brand into the mainstream."
Playboy recently launched an app for the iPad which came without nudity. Which is a bit like opening up a lapdancing club without ladies but still offering up over-priced drinks and the very real chance a bouncer will break your nose if you look at him the wrong way.
But, hey, at least it has interesting interviews.
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HTC Merge - the new Android superphone?
HTC might be working on bringing the Desire HD and Desire Z into the world next month, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have more tasty treats coming up too.The HTC Merge has been spotted in Global Certification Forum filings and on the US network Verizon's database, and is rumoured to be a much more powerful handset.
The key word here is rumour, as specs of a 10MP camera and faster-than-1GHz processor seem thoroughly unsubstantiated.
Tablet or not tablet?
Similarly, rumours that it's a tablet look to be based on the name alone - a merging of a notebook and mobile phone.
But a couple of things are proven - it will be running Android, it has the model number ADR6325 and it's probably coming to Verizon.
At least it should be available in the UK, as it can support the correct GSM frequencies.
Sadly, the last part is the biggest clue - the phone could be just a re-design of the Desire HD or Desire Z... but let's just dream for a while before we're woken rudely by reality.
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Facebook mobile developer: Android is 'sloppy'
The developer for the Facebook application on the iPhone has criticised Android and given reasons why the official app is poorer for Google phones.Although recently getting a decent upgrade, the Facebook for Android application has always been the poorer cousin to the iPhone version, and Joe Hewitt, who helped created the Apple option, says it's down to the tools offered.
"The more I work with Android the more it reminds me of Windows… as in, it's really flexible, agnostic, and developer-friendly, but also really sloppily designed," he said on Twitter.
Like running through a meadow in linen trousers
However, despite the problems, he did give praise to the open-thinking way that Google offered up the Android platform, calling Apple overbearing and hinting that that presence may cause more developers to switch platforms:
"Android tools are horrendous, OS is hideous, but the absence of big brother telling me what to do gives it a slight edge."
While the criticism of Android is probably just, it's important to remember the platform is less that two years old, and is developing at an incredible rate, something which Hewitt agrees with:
"Android fragmentation will hopefully stabilize within two years, and if not, at least people upgrade phones much more often than computers."
Let's just hope Google gets its act together to help create an app development platform to really start getting some quality options into the App Market.
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Lovefilm snaps up MGM movie streaming deal
Troubled film distributor MGM has signed on the dotted line with Lovefilm, adding its film archive on to the rental company's streaming service.UK-based Lovefilm has started to ramp up its online streaming service, striking deals with the likes of Samsung and Sony to offer the on-demand movies through their TVs.
The deal with MGM shows that Lovefilm is bolstering its VoD content, with 4,100 movies to be made available to watch instantly.
It will come as relief to MGM, which is currently struggling financially. So much so, major productions like James Bond and The Hobbit have been put on hold.
The distributor also signed a deal with ITV HD this month, which sees the broadcaster have rights to show all of the James Bond franchise in HD.
Digital revolution
This is one of the biggest partnership's in Lovefilm's six-year life as a DVD rental service. Two years ago it partnered with Amazon in a deal that saw Lovefilm take over Amazon's DVD rental service in the UK.
Speaking about the link-up, Simon Calver, CEO of Lovefilm said: "We're delighted to bring MGM's legendary content to Lovefilm.
"With over 85 years making top quality movies, the MGM stable will be a notable addition to our expanding 'Watch Online' service.
"With the digital revolution underway, our opportunity for growth is huge and the addition of MGM titles is a substantial development in enhancing our digital catalogue."
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In Depth: IPv6: The future of net addresses explained
Why is there so much fuss about IPv6 at the moment? Why do we need it, and what's it for? The answers are becoming increasingly important as the pool of IPv4 addresses finally begins to run out.
By this time next year the drought will begin to bite – or so it's reckoned – but will IPv6 solve any of the problems and exploits currently made possible by IPv4?
The promise
Long before the internet as we know it today came into being, the protocols upon which it still relies were first developed. One of these was the Internet Protocol (IP), created to ensure that all data packets reached the correct destination in the right order.
Version 4 of the IP protocol has a pool of 4,294,967,296 addresses. Because of the way that these addresses have to be split between numbering subnets and hosts, that pool is now nearing exhaustion. Estimates vary, but it's generally thought that an IPv4 address drought will begin by summer 2011.
By contrast, the number of globally unique addresses that IPv6 can provide is staggering. The figure is 2128, or 3.4 followed by 38 zeros. This is thought to be enough to give every single human being alive his or her own permanently allocated pool of unique IP addresses.
IPv6 will, it's claimed, fundamentally change our relationship with the internet. More and more devices will be able to take advantage of the net.
There are also mandatory security measures in IPv6 that should keep data in transit hidden from prying eyes, while each packet's header information is simplified for more efficient processing by routers on the internet – thereby providing the internet in general with a much needed performance boost.
The designers of IPv6 have also tried to get away from the frustrations of IPv4's infamous netmasks and network classes. In IPv6, the first 64 bits of the address always contain an ISP designated header and subnet number. The other 64 bits are for the host number, and allow each subnet to hold more devices than the entire existing IPv4 address pool.
What's more, all current Microsoft operating systems and domestic Linux distributions already support IPv6 – it's built directly into the operating system and loads at boot up.
The theory
The most obvious difference between IPv4 and IPv6 is seen when you compare address formats. IPv4 uses four 8-bit sections called 'octets' and a similar netmask to carry details on the size of the subnet, the subnet's number and the host number.
IPV6: A first look at IPv6 addresses reveals that they're far longer than the old ones, though groups of zeros can be ignored
In contrast, an IPv6 address has 16 16-bit words, each separated by a colon. A hexadecimal number of up to four digits usually represents each of these words, though you can omit any leading zeros. If one or more words contains all zeros, they can be skipped in the address. To represent them, you can simply place two colons together.
However, you can only use this shortening trick once in any one IPv6 address. Instead of a netmask, IPv6 addresses always designate the first 64 bits as the network number and the other 64 bits to the host number, meaning that each subnet can, in theory, be far bigger than the IPv4 internet.
IPV6: The structure of an IPv6 address. The first 64 bits combined make the subnet number, and the second are the host number
In the subnet part of the IPv6 address, the first 48 bits are a globally unique prefix assigned by your ISP. The other 16 bits are the actual subnet number, which can be assigned by the local network administrator in the same way that you can define the first three octets of a 'Class C' IPv4 address. Combined, these initial 64 bits of the IPv6 address are used for routing purposes.
As in an IPv4 address, if they don't reflect the local network, the local router knows to send them on to your ISP, which knows how to get nearer to the destination subnet. When a machine running an IPv6 network stack boots up, unless the OS has been told to use a local IPv6 DHCP server to obtain a host number (or if it's manually configured), it can initially generate a host number based on its own MAC address.
IPV6: An overview of testing connectivity using IPv6 with a local loopback, a remote test and connecting to another host
The MAC address is supposed to be globally unique, but just in case, the machine can also check with its neighbours on the local subnet to find out if they have any objection. For the security implications of this system, which could be used as a global unique identifier.
Tunnelling in Network adaptors using IPv6 have more than one IP address. For convenience, they have what's called a 'link-local' address. This is an address that is only valid on the local subnet and always has the prefix 'fe80::' followed by the trailing four words that make up the host number.
If you open a command line in Windows and enter the command ipconfig, you'll see the link-local address. Somewhat confusingly, the local link, from which the name 'link-local' is derived, is simply another name for the local subnet.
So far, so good, but how do IPv6 packets negotiate their way to a remote server? After all, the internet currently runs on IPv4, as does your internet router.
IPV6: Operating systems will tunnel IPv6 over IPv4 for your ISP to decode. It will then send the packets on
The solution is to use a technique called 'tunnelling'. Tunnelling in Windows is done by a technology called Teredo. When IPv6 comes on-stream, the other end of this tunnel at your ISP and will unpack these packets and send them on their way. Teredo is already in Windows 7 and Vista and should be enabled by default.
You can check this on the command line with the ipconfig command. There should be an extra adaptor called the Tunnel Adaptor Local Area Connection. This will have a long IPv6 address assigned to it. There should also be a per cent sign and a number indicating the internal adaptor number after the address.
Testing IPv6
You can test that Windows has IPv6 running by performing a series of loopback tests.
Under IPv4, you'd start by using the command ping 127.0.0.1 on the command line. This causes the network card to intercept the outgoing packets and send them back.
IPV6: Network adaptors under Windows Vista and 7 now have an IPv6 address as well as one for IPv4
Under IPv6, the ping command to perform a local loopback becomes ping ::1. You can use the double colon trick, because in IPv6 all but the final word in the local loopback address is set to zero. The output of the ping command should be the same as usual – four replies from four sent packets.
The next step is to make the network card pass the packets generated by the ping command to the local subnet. Once 'on the wire', these are read back, because the IP address matches that being used by the network adaptor.
To perform this 'remote loopback' in IPv6, you use the link-local address, which you can find using the ipconfig command. It's attached to the local area network connection and will begin with 'fe80::'. There's no need to include the trailing '%11'. An example command would be ping fe80::e581:fd9a:795f:d560.
The next step is to test that you can ping other hosts on your local network using IPv6. Using ipconfig on the destination machine, find the link-local address of the local area network adaptor. Ping this and you should receive the usual stream of four replies from the machine.
At this point, you would normally ping a remote site on the internet to prove the route out of your local network. However, this relies on your ISP having an IPv4 to IPv6 gateway in place that can unpack IPv6 packets tunnelled over IPv4 using Teredo, and most UK ISP's currently don't.
You can test this by issuing the following ping command: ping –6 ipv6.google.com. The '-6' argument tells ping to use DNS to convert the domain name ipv6.google.com to an IPv6 address. If your ISP isn't set up to accept IPv6 traffic tunnelled over Teredo, this will fail. However, as we're still about 18 months from needing to use IPv6 as a matter of course, this is a command you can use every now and then to see if your ISP has caught up with the future.
IPv6 and security
Security was a cornerstone of IPv6's design. One of the first jobs a hacker has is to identify running hosts on a subnet, but the sheer size of each subnet complicates this task. This is because, rather than simply pinging each possible host at once and causing a traffic storm that will alert any intrusion detection mechanisms to their presence, hackers will ping an initial address, wait a while, ping another random address, wait a while, and so on.
However, it's impossible to check every possible IPv6 address within a reasonable time. Scanning addresses for hosts at a rate of one million per second results in a scan time of about 500,000 years.
While viruses and worms that propagate through email and other infected executables will remain the same under IPv6, this problem of scanning the local subnet for new hosts to infect will hamper the ability of internet based worms to propagate.
IPv4 can already protect its packets using IPSec, which is a way to encrypt and authenticate each one. IPSec is very rarely used in IPv4, however. IPv6 implements it as standard, meaning that traffic (including passwords, card details and the rest) should be safe from sneaky eavesdroppers.
IPv4 uses a special address called a broadcast address. This is a host number from which all other hosts on a subnet accept traffic. Each received packet results in an acknowledgement being sent back. By spoofing the source address, a hacker can run a 'broadcast amplification' denial-of-service attack where the acknowledgements bombard his target.
However, IPv6 doesn't use broadcast addresses, meaning that this simple form of attack should become a thing of the past.
Despite these measures, there's a worry among network security professionals that a lack of understanding of IPv6 and the assumption that the new protocol is secure will lead to new kinds of attacks.
So, despite all the improvements, the fight to keep the internet secure won't go away once IPv6 is in use. It will make the task easier, though, and that's something to be welcomed.
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Top ten YouTube rich list revealed
New research has revealed the top ten earners on YouTube.The research by advertising and analytics firm TubeMogul, claims that the chart you can see at the bottom of this news story reveals YouTube's top 10 earners.
TubeMogul claims that at least 10 performers, writers and producers earned in excess of $100,000 (£65,000) over the last year in advertising revenue garnered from the millions of visits to their popular videos on the site.
Serious bedroom business
Uploading vlogs to YouTube is clearly becoming serious business for numerous bedroom-based entertainers.
It's estimated that around 60,000 new films are added to YouTube each week, which equates to around 12 hours of footage every minute. The real trick is how to sift out anything of quality from the morass of inanity.
Google-owned YouTube splits ad revenue from the site with content creators in a straight 50-50 deal. Nine of those listed in TubeMogul's top 10 are comics.
Comedian dismisses chart
One of those listed, Greg Benson of Mediocre Films, questioned the chart, noting: "I get asked this a lot. It's a fair question but it's kind of rude to ask someone how much money they make.
"It's so wrong... I would be thrilled if I actually had any business being on that list or if I actually made that much money or had that many viewers that they say I have. That would be awesome. It would also be awesome if I could shit diamonds. But I can't do that either."
TubeMogul's top ten YouTube earners
1. Shane Dawson
Estimated earnings in past 12 months: $315,000 (£200,000). Views in that time: 431,787,450
2. The Annoying Orange
$288,000. Views: 349,753,047
3. Philip DeFranco
$181,000. Views: 248,735,032
4. Ryan Higa
$151,000. Views: 206,979,909
5. Fred
$146,000. Views: 200,656,150
6. Shay Carl
$140,000. Views: 192,309,247
7. Mediocre Films
$116,000. Views: 159,030,703
8. Smosh
$113,000. Views: 154,936,876
9. The Young Turks
$112,000. Views: 153,807,362
10. Natalie Tran
$101,000. Views: 138,871,829
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Asus 'Extreme Thin' sexes up the external DVD drive
Asus has announced an 'Extreme Slim' external DVD-RW drive, which the electronics giant insists combines "attractive aesthetics with the advanced optical media features demanded by portable PC users in a single slim, USB-powered package."The latest Extreme Slim external DVD drives represent Asus' attempt to sex up the external drive, as laptops without optical drives proliferate.
"Marking a departure from the bulky and bland appearance of typical external optical drives, the Extreme Slim External DVD-RW continues the emphasis placed by ASUS on innovative design," says Asus.
Refreshing?
"The extremely thin and compact squared form factor offers a refreshing take on this class of accessory, revitalizing the work and play spaces of PC users with a fun, easy to carry device."
That new design includes an impressive 14mm profile, brushed aluminium throughout, a USB 2.0 interface and an interface that works with any Windows PC through plug and play.
It is powered via an included USB cable from the computer - so it's not going to be too kind to battery life but it does weigh in at just 320 grams.
We're still waiting on a UK release date and price, but we'll keep you posted.
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New Digg takes cues from Facebook and Twitter
The new version of Digg launches for all users this week, with the link-sharing social network taking some cues from Facebook and Twitter.Founder and CEO Kevin Rose explained how the new changes will impact users over on the Digg blog
Follows Facebook and Twitter
The new-look Digg has been in invitation-only alpha testing for over a year now, and focuses on a Facebook and Twitter style system of following other users.
"Hey everyone, I'm excited to announce that today we opened up the newest version of our Digg platform. We've been working hard on this next evolution of Digg (what we've been calling "v4") and everyone here is really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the changes we've made," writes Rose.
"This redesign is a major revision of our platform – front end to back end – this is just phase one of what will be an on-going, iterative process, involving lots of input from all of you. We'll be pushing out features on a regular basis and tweaking often.
"Our goal has always been for Digg to be a place where people can discover and share content and conversations from anywhere on the web. With Digg v4, we are introducing a few things that will make discovering and discussing news a lot better."
"My News"
Digg users also get a new view called "My News" clearly displaying links from those you follow, offering a more streamlined version of what it popular and of direct interest to you at any given time.
However, "Top News" view is still set to be the default view, with "My News" as an option for those that prefer it.
The latest redesign is the first since Digg founder Kevin Rose took over from Jay Adelson as CEO.
Digg's traffic has slumped over the past twelve months, particularly when compared to the exponential growth of Twitter and Facebook
You can see a detailed walkthrough video of the new Digg with Kevin Rose on Vimeo.
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CoolerMaster unveils slim and light laptop charger
CoolerMaster has announced a neat new laptop power adaptor the USNA95r, offering a slim and light alternative to the bulky standard adaptor and the added bonus of an extra USB charging port.Having a slimmer and lighter power adaptor is a bit of a no-brainer, with the USNA95 offering nine different charger tips for the various major laptop manufacturers.
But the addition of an extra US charger - which can operate concurrently with the laptop charger, looks to be a nice addition.
Tired, stressed..?
"Tired of carrying that bulky notebook power adapter?" asks CoolerMaster's release. "What if you also have to bring along multiple chargers for other devices?
"Cooler Master is here to help with the new USNA95 notebook power adapter that is not only slim and light, but it also charges all USB devices (even at the same time as you're charging your notebook)."
We're still waiting on a UK release date and price - but we're hoping to hear soon.
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LaCie unveils new 1TB metal Rikiki drive
LaCie has unveiled its smallest 1TB hard drive in metal - with the LaCie Rikiki Go measuring 155mm. The drive features an embedded USB 2.0 cable, a simplified software suite and an additional 10GB of Wuala Secure Online Storage.
"We are thrilled to introduce 1TB capacity in this ultra-small, durable form factor," said Quitterie Lescarret, Consumer Product Manager, LaCie.
Quickly and dependably
"Today's on-the-go consumers need to access vital media quickly and dependably," they added.
With its industry-leading capacity, Rikiki Go provides users with the ultimate data storage and mobility, at a competitive price."
The LaCie Rikiki Go is available in 500GB and 1TB and has a UK price of £89.90
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Confirmed: Google to allow phone calls from Gmail
Google has confirmed that it plans to allow American and Canadian users to make free phone calls directly from their Gmail accounts this year, going directly into competition with Skype and other more traditional phone operators.The Calls from Gmail service rolls out this week in the US and Canada, with no word as yet from Google on plans to bring such a service to the UK and Europe.
Google will allow users free calls to U.S. and Canadian phones from Gmail, at least until the end of 2010, with very low rates for those users making international calls.
Cheap international calling
Calls to the UK, mainland Europe, Japan or China could be as low as 2 cents per minute, claims Google.
TechRadar has contacted Skype's UK office for response to the announcement, as the launch of a major VoIP service from Google is in direct competition to the current market leader.
"This is a risk to Skype. It's a competitor with a pretty good brand name," Hudson Square analyst Todd Rethemeier told Reuters.
Rethemeier added:"Calling is so cheap already that I don't think it will attract a huge amount of domestic calling. It could take some of the international market."
Google said its new Gmail phone service will work very much like a normal phone and that users will merely click the "call phone" option in their chat buddy list in Gmail and either type in a number or the contact's name.
Google has not announced any plans to roll out its phone calls service to mobile.
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Canon EOS 60D DSLR officially unveiled, priced and dated
Canon has announced the EOS 60D DSLR, pitching the latest addition to it popular range as an ideal purchase for the photographer who wants to take their skill up to the next level. The mid-range DSLR offers an 18MP APS-C sensor, Digic 4 technology and high speed shooting of 53fps in burts of 58 full resolution jpegs.
A standard ISO range of 100-6400 is extendable to 12800 for low light conditions and the camera has a 9-point, all cross-type autofocus system.
Metering system
"The EOS 60D features Canon's iFCL metering system, first introduced with the acclaimed EOS 7D, with a 63-zone Dual-Layer sensor," adds Canon.
"Information on subject location is gathered from the Auto Focus system, and is combined with colour and luminance readings for consistent accurate exposures whatever the situation.
"The Integrated Speedlite transmitter also provides in-camera control of multiple EX flash units for more creative lighting."
Add in a 7.7cm vari-angle LCD monitor, a Basic + function for those still learning the ropes, and the capacity to film full HD video in 30, 25 or 24 fps - and you have a seriously fine looking piece of mid-range kit.
"The EOS 60D features a completely redesigned body, combining an ergonomically enhanced, curved shape with a new button layout to make it quick and comfortable for photographers to change settings," adds Canon.
"Frequently used camera controls are grouped together for easy access, while the Quick Control Dial, Multi-controller and SET button have all been merged into one Multi Control Dial, enabling photographers to operate menus and enter settings quickly using their thumb.
"The mode dial also features a lock button, preventing unintentional changes to settings mid-shoot."
The camera also supports the new SDXC memory cards.
The Canon EOS 60D has a UK release date of October with a price for the body only of £1,099.99, with price with lens starting at £1,199.99 (for 18-55mm, f/3.5-5.6 IS) right up- to £1,999,99 with a 17-55, f/2.8 IS USM lens.
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Apple confirms 1 September event
Apple has confirmed it will be holding an event on 1 September and has sent out an invite to the press.
The company was earlier today rumoured to be holding an event on 7 September to launch a new Apple TV, but the 1 September event is clearly music related...
There is no teasing tagline alongside the image this time but we'll surely see the new 4th generation iPod touch- probably with a camera and FaceTime.
The event will happen at 18.00 BST on Wednesday.
Next week will certainly be a busy one on TechRadar - the Apple announcement is the same day as the initial press conferences at IFA and we'll be hearing what Panasonic and Sony will be announcing that same afternoon.
Thursday will bring the remainder of the announcements from the Berlin tech show.
Read: What to expect from IFA 2010
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