Vertu Limited Edition Collection Unveiled.....AHA

India celebrated 60 years of independence on 15 August. A week later, Ferrari also celebrated its 60th year. To commemorate this event, Vertu launched its Ascent Ferrari 1947 Limited Edition at an event in Mumbai. Vertu worked closely with Ferrari's design team to develop this exclusive limited edition phone. Only 1947 handsets in this series will be manufactured.


The collection was launched by director Karan Johar and Ranjit Wijedasa, the regional sales and operations director of Vertu South East Asia Pacific. This was followed by an auction of the 60th handset out of the 1947 pieces created. "The handset was brought in to India this year especially to celebrate the diamond anniversary of India and the Ferrari," said Johar.

The proceeds from the auction were to be donated to the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children in Parel, Mumbai.

The cost of the Vertu Ascent Ferrari 1947 Limited Edition is Rs. 3.89 lakhs and the highest bidder for the auction was socialite Sunny Diwan of the Dheeraj Group. Diwan is now the first person in India to own the Vertu Ascent Ferrari 1947 Limited Edition for which he paid a whopping Rs. 13.5 lakhs. The other bidders included Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff and Sanjay Ghadvi, director of the Dhoom series.

When asked about the lack of a camera in this phone Ranjit Wijedasa said, "The Vertu Ascent Ferrari 1947 Limited Edition handset is a luxury product and is meant for those people who are clicked. Thus, it does not have a camera."

The handset features 4 hours of talk time, with up to 270 hours standby, Bluetooth support, large memory capacity that can store up to 1,000 contacts, 900 calendar notes and 100 SMS. It also features a high-resolution sapphire crystal screen, stainless steel keys and jeweled bearings.

SAMSUNG'S FIRST COMPACT CAMCODER...NOT BAD....!

What will they think of next? Samsung has developed the first compact HD Camera - VP-HMX10A. I’m not sure who’s going to be able to remember that name, but ok.


The VP-HMX10A (thank goodness for ctrl C, ctrl V) has 10x optical zoom and 720p resolution. The images are compressed to MPEG 4 standard (H.264). This camera also has a 4GB flash card for storing data and also allows for external memory using other SD cards. It’s also equipped with a handle that rotates to make it easier to hold the camera.

Sony Launches TV Tuner, Recorder for PS3

Sony Corp. took another step to lure new customers for its high-end PlayStation3, saying it would sell a device to let users record live television that can be stored on the game console or transferred to the PlayStation Portable for later viewing.


The combined television tuner and personal video recorder, dubbed PlayTV, is aimed at helping Sony boost sales of its high-end gaming console as well as its portable gaming unit. Sales are due to start in Spain, Germany, France, Italy and Britain in early 2008.

Sony announced the new product Wednesday at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany.

Using a format known in Europe as Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial, the PlayTV integrates into the PlayStation 3 console and lets users record individual episodes or entire series to its hard drive.

Sony said the device's twin TV tuners are high-definition ready and able to view, record and play back in that format. Recorded video can be sent wirelessly from the console to a PSP.

For all its advances, Sony's PS3 has faced formidable competition from rivals like Nintendo Co.'s Wii and Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360.

Sony had sold 4.3 million PS3 consoles as of June, compared with 11.6 million Xbox 360s and about 8 million Wiis.

The PS3 retails for 599 euros ($808) in Europe and $499 in the U.S. The company did not say how much PlayTV would cost or when it would be available elsewhere in Europe, Asia or the Americas.

Jonathan Arber and Jonathan Coham, analysts at Ovum, a London-based research firm, said PlayTV was the ''next logical step'' for Sony in competing with the Xbox 360, but said Sony still has to overcome the console's price and bring out more games.

First software only unlocking of the iPhone!

Ladies and gentlemen; it's finally here. The first software only unlocking of the iPhone!

The iPhoneSIMfree.com team has formally announced this on their website and has gotten Engadget, to endorse this! This solution allows you to choose the provider you want in any country and use their SIM. Obviously, no more outrageous roaming charges for the restless ones out there. Time for me to wipe the sweat from my palms and get some grip on a spanking new iPhone!

But don't whip out those credit cards yet. iPhoneSIMfree team has not released details as to how they intend to sell this solution - no information whether it'll be a bring-the-phone-to-us service or an IMEI based pass-code through email.

We'll keep you updated.

Meanwhile, check out the Engadget endorsement here and visit iPhoneSIMfree

Boblbee Launches Solar Powered iPod Dock

he iPod may be one of the, if not the only product out there with a humongous load of other companies just aching to design something for it.


A company called Boblbee Solar (nice name) has also hitched itself to the iPod bandwagon and designed an all-weatherproof iPod case... with solar panels? The solar panels will change your iPod while on the go if necessary. How cool is that. This will enable you to have virtually non-stop music with the Boblbee Solar case. It’s also waterproof and has 2 audio out sockets.

The price or availability is not yet known.

DELL'S XPS 420

The latest news to emerge out of Dell’s camp is the pending release of their latest desktop – the XPS 420. This powerful new PC will be utilizing an Intel Core 2 Duo, Extreme, or Quad Core (8MB L2 cache) processor. This will be built on the upcoming X38 Express chipset and will support up to 8GB DDR2 800 RAM, 1 PCI Express x16, gigabit Ethernet, and SATA II architecture with RAID 0 or 1.

The XPS 420 will also feature support for new technologies such as Xcelerator transcoding processor for transcoding video streams to MPEG-4 and a 3 x 2-inch Windows SideShow display. The display will be capable of displaying time, date, month calendar, and basic system stats by default. In its media mode the screen while allow you to control your multimedia folder, while the PC monitoring mode will display detailed system stats.

MotoRAZRmaxx V6 Ferrari Challenge Mobile Phone Limited Edition.

Motorola, has announced the new MotoRAZRmaxx V6 Ferrari Challenge Mobile Phone Limited Edition.


The MotoRAZRmaxx V6 Ferrari Challenge Mobile Phone Limited Edition features HSDPA capability and offers a series of exclusive features like the Ferrari emblem on the exterior glass, the roar of the Ferrari F1 eight-cylindre engine that accompanies the switching of the handset on or off, images of the Ferrari F430 engine on the mini external display and the image of the Ferrari emblem on a grey Ferrari in the internal display.


The phone there are also thirty photographic images showing Ferrari F430 and Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli USA.

The MotoRAZRmaxx V6 Ferrari Challenge Mobile Phone Limited Edition comes with a soft, hand-made carry case in Ferrari-red leather.


"We are very proud today to announce our partnership with Ferrari", said Valerio Camardella, Director MDB Motorola S.p.A. Italy. "The telephone we are presenting is a mix of style, quality and speed, all attributes which have always characterized the Ferrari name and its products. Joining forces with a market leading brand such as Ferrari was a natural move, because both our companies share a passion for research and innovation, always accompanied by elegance and design."

"It is a great satisfaction for us to be able to add this new partnership with Motorola to our portfolio" said Giulio Zambeletti, Director of Brand Development & Partners for Ferrari. "Through the realisation of a mobile phone which offers personalized features in design and contents, Ferrari and Motorola continue to strengthen the relationship which began when Motorola was our sponsor on the occasion of the Ferrari Challenge Pirelli Trophy USA".


The MotoRAZRmaxx V6 Ferrari Challenge Mobile Phone Limited Edition will be available in the five continents starting January 29, 2007, from Ferrari Stores and all major Motorola dealers, at the recommended price of €490.00.

THE NEW NOKIA 5700 - NOW TATS SIMPLY GR8!!!

Having an MP3 player is one thing and I think it’s extremely sensible to have one in your mobile phone so you don’t have to worry about carrying too many gadgets with you. The 5700 hasn’t accomplished something new in that field however. It’s not the first nor will it be the last. But what phones like these have that can be construed, as distinguishing factors, are their designs and how user-friendly they are, from transferring your files and data to even the speed at which the phone operates. Let’s see how the 5700 holds up with regards to these and other factors.


Form Factor
The design concept of this funky phone I can’t say is unique. It’s a reinvented and sleeker, or should I say rounder, (for want of a better word) version of the Nokia 3250 and a little bit of the 5300 I’d have to say as well. On the top and bottom you’ll find the Power switch and 2.5mm earphone socket respectively. At first I was quite disappointed to see the 2.5mm socket but like the 3250 model, this one comes with a converter as well that’s attached to a control clip. The controller has everything to control the music player, voice dialing and taking and ending calls. So you can attach any other earphones to this if you don’t like Nokia’s ‘In-your-Ear’ earphones that come bundled.


What you may find a bit odd is that there’s one speaker on the left at the top and the other on the right side at the bottom. The reason is when you twist the bottom all the way round to the media mode keypad, both speakers will be on the same side. Ingenious. Half way around is the 2 megapixel camera of course. The bottom can also be twisted the other way although it won't go all the way round but the camera will point at you in case you wanted to be a narcissist and take a shot of yourself.


On one side of the phone are the volume/zoom keys, and on the other side underneath a flap just below the infrared sensor is what houses the charging port, the microSD slot and miniUSB port. The 5700, like most of Nokia’s new models also has a light sensor located at the very top near the headset. What it does is gauge how much light is present and adjust the settings in your phone so the keypad doesn’t light up. If you cover it or if it’s dark enough the keypad will light up. The ‘Clear’ and ‘Menu’ buttons on either side of the screen would seem oddly hard and unworkable till you realize that the button itself is located just above the symbol. On the whole the keypad itself is extremely easy to use for messaging or otherwise.

NIKON D300 -- CAMERA OR ITS SHOP????

Nikon yesterday launched the D300 camera that also supports the new DX-format. It’s equipped with a 12.3 effective-megapixel DX Format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter, 51-point AF system, Scene Recognition System for optimal autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance.

The D300 also provides the composition and focusing ease of a large new pentaprism viewfinder that provides full frame coverage; an expansive 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor with wide viewing angle.

The CMOS sensor's integrated A/D converter features the ability to select between 12-bit and 14-bit conversion, making it possible to shoot using high-quality 14-bit NEF (RAW) format. The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid 6 fps, and as fast as 8 fps when using the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, in continuous bursts of up to 100 shots at full 12.3 megapixel resolution. The Nikon D300 is also the first digital SLR to support next-generation high-speed card UDMA, which enables high speed recording.

MOTOROLA V8 LAUNCHED....COOAL!!

Motorola latest addition to the Indian market is the upgrade to their popular RAZR range of mobiles the RAZR2 V8. This clamshell phone made its debut internationally in May and has finally made it here. It’s also 2 millimeters slimmer than its predecessor.


“With the modern style and powerful performance of RAZR2, Motorola is once again redefining the cell phone,” said Ray Roman, Motorola’s Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Mobile Devices. “This device takes the world’s best-selling feature phone to the next level. Combining groundbreaking new features and an even slimmer exterior than the original icon, the RAZR2 is capable of giving Indian consumers the ultimate mobile experience.”


A quick run down on the new RAZR2 V8 shows it’s equipped 2 inch external display (scratch resistant) and a 2.2 inch internal screen sporting pixel resolutions of 240 x 320 pixels each, up to 2GB of internal memory. It ahs a new ARM 11 processor, USB 2.0 connectivity, Bluetooth with A2DP compatibility, Microsoft Windows Media Player 11 compatibility, a full HTML browser and a 2.0 megapixel camera.


The RAZR V8 will be available at all Indian MOTOSTOREs and participating retailers. The RAZR V8 512 MB deluxe pack is available at a best buy price of Rs. 18,999 (MRP Rs. 20,428) and the premium pack with in-box Bluetooth S705 headset is available for Rs 19,999 (MRP: Rs 21,549).

THE NEW O2 ATOM LIFE 3.5....HMMM.....NICE!

O2 Atom Life 3.5

=>Plenty of handy programs
=>Quick internet connectivity Messaging is a problem
=>Camera is not good
=>Poor battery life

If you've seen one Windows mobile you've pretty much seen 'em all. There'll be no grand changes to the UI, if any. Essentially, the Windows Mobile OS is designed to be a business-person's delight with the multitude of services it provides. We would naturally presume it's a portable computer. Of course each company that develops a new Windows Mobile device, will have a few specific programs that resonate the company's presence in that phone. Lets see how the Atom Life, O2's latest, fares.


Form Factor
It looks like most of the other O2 XDAs conceived before. But it looks a little better with its matt black and silver finish. It has a VGA camera mounted in front for video calling and a 5 way nav-pad at the bottom of the 2.7-inch touch screen display that sports a 240x320 pixel resolution with 262K colors. On either side of the pad are 2 Open keys, the call Take and End keys and 2 dedicated keys for the Start menu and O2 Media Plus menu. They're placed dead center of the 2 stereo speakers.

The top of the phone is where the Hot-Swap miniSD card slot and the power key are located. On the right hand edge is where you'll find the stylus. At the bottom of the phone is the mini USB port for PC connectivity and charging and the 2.5mm earphone socket. The rear has the 2.0 megapixel camera, with flash.



On the right hand side of the phone there are 2 keys. Both dedicated to serving certain specific functions like the camera and voice recorder. And on the other side are the volume keys. Funny, I thought they'd also work as the zoom keys, I was wrong. And at the bottom of the left side is the Infrared sensor.



Tech
The O2 Atom Life runs on an Intel XScale PXA 270 Processor at 624 MHz. It's equipped with 64MB RAM and 1GB ROM. Memory can be upped using using miniSD cards. It's a GSM phone that supports GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA and Wi-Fi. So connectivity-wise you can't ask for more. The Atom Life operates on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 PocketPC edition and thus far I wasn't able to find any hang-ups.

SAMSUNG'S SHINING WITH THREE METAL SERIES PHONES :- SGH E840 , SGHD900i , SGH D840!!

Samsung launched three new Metal Series phones today - SGH E840, SGH D900i and SGH D840. The latest SGH E840 is also touted to be the world’s slimmest slide-up phone.

Speaking on this occasion Mr. H. C. Ryu, Managing Director, Samsung Telecommunications India said, "India is a very critical market for Samsung and the launch of the world’s slimmest slider Metal phone is a testimony to our commitment to meet the growing aspirations of consumers for sleek, aesthetically designed phones that accentuate their personality without compromising on premium multimedia capabilities."

According to the company, the design inspiration of the Metal series is drawn from the core attributes of metal itself i.e. power and prestige, and is designed for power players.



The SGH E840 is equipped with full mirror LCD, hidden touch keypad and 2.22-inch wide TFT LCD screen. For build, the phone uses premium materials such as tempered glass and metal. It also features a 2 mega pixel camera, FM Radio, MP3 player, mobile printing, document viewer and 70 MB internal memory with expandable microSD flash external memory (upto 2GB).



The SGH D900i is a 12.9mm slim slider that comes with artistically designed metal lining body offering loads of high-end multimedia features like 3 mega pixel camera with dynamic user interfaces, vivid 262K color screen, Bluetooth stereo headset, FM Radio, New camera UI, enhanced battery life and speedy shutter.



The SGH D840 comes packed with a 2 Megapixel Camera, MP3 player with integrated dual speaker, multi-format music player for listening to music on your Bluetooth stereo headsets wirelessly along with 80 MB of internal memory and external microSD memory.

Ryu said, "The Metal Series range completely embodies everything that Indian consumers are seeking in a mobile in terms of unique metallic design and flawless performance, making it an instant attraction to business users, fashion conscious consumers and multimedia enthusiasts."

All the Metal Series phones are secured with mobile tracker, emergency SMS alert and privacy lock.

Hitachi 7K1000 1TB Hard Drive!!!! Come On Don't Tell Me Its Too Much.....!!

=>World's first 1TB hard drive
=>Very good transfer speeds
=>32MB Cache Rupee/GB ratio turns out to be expensive
=>Runs a little hot

We have with us the world’s first Terabyte or 1000 GB internal hard drive - the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000. There are a couple of firsts with the 7K1000 and one of them is the 32MB buffer or cache memory used with the 7K1000. A hard drive cache stores the most recent reads requests made to the disc and also pre-fetches the information that is most probably going to be requested like the sector or the sectors succeeding the information just requested. This improves performance as the number of accesses to the hard drive are reduced.




And finally this is the first drive from Hitachi in the 3.5-inch category (3.5-inch is the form factor of desktop hard drives whereas 2.5-inch for laptop hard drives) that features PMR (Perpendicular Magnetic Recording). PMR is used to increase the areal density of the storage media to meet such a large capacity. Perpendicular recording is capable of giving up to 10 times the storage density of the conventional longitudinal recording. Seagate first used PMR in their 750GB hard drive.




Hitachi has used five platters for the 7K1000, each nearly 200 GB. The downside of using five platters is that it affects the response time of the hard drive as well as increases the temperature. The response time of a hard drive is the time between when the data is requested by the CPU to the time the first byte from the hard drive actually reaches it.

We all know how important good marketing is and hard drive manufacturers are no different. Your operating system employs the binary system of zeros and ones and for it 1KB = 1024 bytes, whereas the manufacturers like using the decimal system for advertising the hard drive capacities and according to them — 1KB = 1000 bytes. Consequently, 1MB according to the binary system would be — 1MB = 1024 x 1024 = 10,48,576 bytes whereas according to the decimal system 1MB = 1000 x 1000 = 10,00,000 bytes. This difference rises exponentially as we run into gigabytes. Secondly, formatting the hard drive takes some space off it. Bottom line, the formatted capacity of the drive is 931 GB. That’s almost 70 gigs taken off it and is little less than the formatted capacity of an 80GB hard drive.

Specification Table

Model Deskstar 7K1000
Capacity 1,000 GB
Spindle Speed 7,200 RPM
Platters 5
Cache 32MB
NCQ Yes
Interface SATA/300
Warranty 3 years
Price Rs. 19,300

THE NOKIA E 90!!! SHOCKED!!! YAH, ITS LEAKED!!!!!!

This is a mockup of the new Nokia E90 Communicator created by a Mobile Review forum member called deuxani.


The Nokia E90 is supposed to have quad-band GSM and HSDPA support, WiFi, a wide internal display of 800x352, a hefty QVGA external display, both of which support 16 million colors and a 3.2 megapixel camera.

The menu button on the external keypad indicated that the outer phone runs on Series 60, as opposed to Series 40 on the older Communicators.

THE NEW MOTOROLA L9 :- CAN SOMTHING BE MORE BETTER ?

Motorola's MOTOSLVR L9 is a premium handset that is built for multimedia in a sleek and slim design. It has a 1.9-inch screen that sports 265K colors and 176x220 pixel resolution. Other features include a 2 megapixel camera (video) and multimedia player that's compatible with MP3, AAC+ and MPEG4
formats.


The L9 is also equipped with an integrated FM radio and comes with a built-in handsfree speaker and a voice recorder. For connectivity it is USB compatible and supports Bluetooth with A2DP. The L9 also supports EDGE for quick Internet connectivity as well. Its inbuilt memory is around 20 MB but it supports up to 2GB using microSD (transflash) cards for external memory.


The L9 is also employs Motorola's CrystalTalk technology that essentially makes it a little easier to have a conversation in noisy environments. The L9 is available in the country and priced at around Rs. 9,200.

Samsung Throws 3 More Phones For SEA In The Market

Samsung Electronics has unveiled three new mobile phones - SGH-E950, SGH-E840 and SGH-J600 - targeted at Southeast Asian consumers.




One of the common features available in all three phones is the Touch Sensitive Keypad. Unlike ordinary keypads, Touch Sensitive Keys respond to just a light sweep of the fingers, and the back-lit keys automatically illuminate in blue when you slide up the phone.

The SGH-E950 is equipped with an enhanced touch-panel input method and the phone's icons change with the function displayed in the main screen to maximize ease of use. It also adopts newly-developed graphical user interface along with multimedia features, 3.2-megapixel camera and email and internet access.

The SGH-E840 slider phone has a thin frame of 10.6mm and a mirror display. Hidden beneath the slider is an encased touch keypad. It also features the latest NF v3.4 internet browser - an embedded Web micro browser specifically made for handset use. It displays Web pages on a vertical, scrollable screen, letting users zoom in and out from 25% - 100%.

The SGH-E840 is available in Ice Silver, Candy Pink, Topaz Gold and Noble Blue.

The SGH-J600 features a 1.3 Megapixel, 4x digital zoom camera, a multi-format music player - MP3, AAC, AAC+ and e-AAC+, and an external memory slot (MicroSD). The phone is available in Dark Gray, Purple Blue, Cool Silver and Coral Pink.

The E950 will be available in Southeast Asia from July, while E840 and J600 have been launched this month in select Southeast Asian markets.

"Integrating beauty and technology in a mobile phone is something Samsung has always prided itself on. I believe that our latest portfolio of fashion phones - the SGH-E950, E840 and J600 - presents our users a selection of mobile phones which truly epitomises the phrase 'beautiful technology'. I am confident that with their striking designs, ease of use and uncompromised performance and functions, Samsung’s latest fashion phones will appeal widely to our Southeast Asian customers," said Geesung Choi, President of Samsung’s Telecommunications Network Business.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) -- A great improvement over the first. Fantastic fun again

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

Director:Tim Story

Writers (WGA):Don Payne (screenplay) and
Mark Frost (screenplay) ...
Release Date:15 June 2007 (India) more
Genre:Action / Adventure / Fantasy / Sci-Fi

Plot Outline:The Fantastic Four learn that they aren't the only super-powered beings in the universe when they square off against the powerful Silver Surfer and the planet-eating Galactus.

Plot Keywords:Marvel Entertainment / Superheroine / Fantastic Four / Superhero / Based On Comic Book
Awards:1 nomination
User Comments:A great improvement over the first. Fantastic fun again.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Cast overview, first billed only)

Ioan Gruffudd ... Reed Richards

Jessica Alba ... Sue Storm

Chris Evans ... Johnny Storm

Michael Chiklis ... Ben Grimm

Julian McMahon ... Victor Von Doom

Kerry Washington ... Alicia Masters

Andre Braugher ... General Hager

Laurence Fishburne ... The Silver Surfer (voice)
Doug Jones ... The Silver Surfer

Beau Garrett ... Captain Raye
Brian Posehn ... Wedding Minister

Zach Grenier ... Mr. Sherman/Rafke

Dawn Chubai ... Anchorwoman
Chris Gailus ... Anchorman
Kevin McNulty ... Baxter Building Doorman


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Also Known As:4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (USA) (trailer title)
Fantastic Four 2 (USA) (working title)
Fantastic Four and the Silver Surfer (USA) (working title)
Fantastic Four: The Next Chapter (USA) (working title)

MPAA:Rated PG for sequences of action violence, some mild language and innuendo.
Runtime:92 min
Country:USA / Germany
Language:English
Color:Color
Aspect Ratio:2.35 : 1
Sound Mix:Dolby
Certification:Australia:PG / USA:PG / Finland:K-11 / UK:PG / Singapore:PG / Ireland:PG / Hong Kong:IIA
Filming Locations:Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada more
MOVIEmeter: 233% since last week why?
Company:Twentieth Century Fox

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Trivia:Stan Lee plays a rejected wedding guest in a cameo, in a tribute to his own fictional comic book incarnation. more
Goofs:Errors in geography: in the London scene, after a hole is created in the River Thames, it is shown that the entire river has been dried up as a result of this (presumably, he entire river fell into the hole). But only the down-river part should have dried up - there should still be water coming from the river source. more
Quotes:Susan Storm: Reed, I *know* you. I'm glad you had your fun.
Reed Richards: Thank you.
Susan Storm: Besides it was *nothing* compared to my bachelorette party. Talk about *wild*

Movie Connections:Referenced in 2007 MTV Movie Awards (2007) (TV)

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STAY CONNECTED THRU NEW SONY 790i

Cyber-shot™
Sony Ericsson’s megapixel digital camera gives you crisp high resolution every time and added features more common to standalone cameras.

Integrated cameraBuilt-in digital camera with screen viewfinder, dedicated menus and direct interaction with in-phone imaging and messaging features. Read more
The Bluetooth™ experience
Bluetooth™ wireless technology frees more than your hands – it lets your devices talk to each other without tangles, across ranges of up to 10 metres. Read more


Blog your life
The easy way to share your life in pictures. Take or choose a photo, add a little text and publish it for friends and family to enjoy. Read more about picture blogging
Web whereverTruly mobile Internet lets you enjoy browsing the Web and manage your email effectively with the convenience of your phone, wherever you are.


RSS feeds
Use your phone to view up-to-the-minute news and other content from selected websites and blogs. Just subscribe to the feed and let it come to you.
Push email
Instant email on your mobile phone, just like on your home computer. Messages are sent directly to your phone as soon as they arrive.


Video streaming
Enjoy real-time video feeds from the Internet - no need to wait for the download or use up storage space on your phone, just stream it.
Flight mode
Function that inactivates radio transmitters and receivers so that some functions can be used in places such as planes and hospitals.

F1 - UNDERSTANDING OF THE SPORT

A modern Formula One car has almost as much in common with a jet fighter as it does with an ordinary road car. Aerodynamics have become key to success in the sport and teams spend tens of millions of dollars on research and development in the field each year.
Engine / gearbox

The engine and transmission of a modern Formula One car are some of the most highly stressed pieces of machinery on the planet, and the competition to have the most power on the grid is still intense.

Revving to 19,000 RPM, a modern Formula One engine will consume a phenomenal 650 litres of air every second, with race fuel consumption typically around the 75 l/100 km (4 mpg) mark. Revving at such massive speeds equates to an accelerative force on the pistons of nearly 9000 times gravity. Unsurprisingly, engine-related failures remain one of the most common causes of retirements in races.

Flags

Traveling at such high speeds, it may be hard for a driver to spot a marshal’s flag and this system helps them identify messages from race control more effectively.

Chequered flag
Indicates to drivers that the session has ended. During practice and qualifying sessions it is waved at the allotted time, during the race it is shown first to the winner and then to every car that crosses the line behind him.

Yellow flag
Indicates danger, such as a stranded car, ahead. A single waved yellow flag warns drivers to slow down, while two waved yellow flags at the same post means that drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. Overtaking is prohibited.

Green flag
All clear. The driver has passed the potential danger point and prohibitions imposed by yellow flags have been lifted.

Red flag
The session has been stopped, usually due to an accident or poor track conditions.

Blue flag
Warns a driver that he is about to be lapped and to let the faster car overtake. Pass three blue flags without complying and the driver risks being penalised. Blue lights are also displayed at the end of the pit lane when the pit exit is open and a car on track is approaching.

Yellow and red striped flag
Warns drivers of a slippery track surface, usually due to oil or water.

Black with orange circle flag
Accompanied by a car number, it warns a driver that he has a mechanical problem and must return to his pit.

Half black, half white flag
Accompanied by a car number, it warns of unsporting behaviour. May be followed by a black flag if the driver does not heed the warning.

Black flag
Accompanied by a car number, it directs a driver to return to his pit and is most often used to signal to the driver that he has been excluded from the race.

White flag
Warns of a slow moving vehicle on track.


Tyres

A modern Formula One car is a technical masterpiece. But considering the development effort invested in aerodynamics, composite construction and engines it is easy to forget that tyres are still a race car’s biggest single performance variable.

A Formula One tyre is designed to last for, at most, 200 kilometres and - like everything else on a the car - is constructed to be as light and strong as possible.

The racing tyre is constructed from very soft rubber compounds which offer the best possible grip against the texture of the racetrack, but wear very quickly in the process. If you look at a typical track you will see that, just off the racing line, a large amount of rubber debris gathers (known to the drivers as 'marbles'). All racing tyres work best at relatively high temperatures, Formula One dry 'grooved' tyres are typically designed to function at between 90 degrees Celsius and 110 degrees Celsius. To ensure that the tyre pressure stays as constant as possible during these changes in temperature a special mixture of low density gases is used to inflate them rather than air.

The 'softness' or 'hardness' of rubber compounds is varied for each race according to the known characteristics of the track. Two different compounds are available to each team at every Grand Prix weekend, and every driver must make use of both specifications during the race. The actual softness of the tyre rubber is varied by changes in the proportions of ingredients added to the rubber, of which the three main ones are carbon, sulphur and oil. Generally speaking, the more oil in a tyre, the softer it will be.

US F1 - HAMILTON AGAIN......

"I hoped maybe I would get a podium at some point but I've been on the podium for the last seven races," said Lewis Hamilton as he tried to come to terms with his second win in a week.

"It's just insane. I find it very, very hard to come to terms with everything. So I'm not reading stuff that's going on in the papers, I'm just focusing on trying to enjoy it without any of the other stuff confusing me.

"But I don't think anyone expected me to do as well as I'm doing..."

Even Hamilton's most fervent supporters cannot have anticipated a situation where McLaren's rookie was the most logical title favourite as mid-season approached.

But with his championship lead now up to ten points, his confidence growing all the time, momentum on his side, and McLaren firmly on top at present, Hamilton is looking increasingly hard to stop. And while he is determined to retain his professional composure and level-headed approach, Hamilton is well aware of his position and what he can potentially achieve if he continues his current, astounding, form. Had he declared before the season that he was aiming to be champion in his rookie year, he would surely have been derided. Now it seems more foolish to deny that Hamilton is in pole position for the 2007 title.

"I have to be smart and realise that I'm running at the front and there is a possibility of winning the championship," he conceded.

"But I still think it's far, far too early to even think about it or get any hopes up. Anything can happen during the season, I just have to try and remain consistent and try to keep on winning."

The relationship between the McLaren duo comes under greater scrutiny with every passing week - and the US Grand Prix provided another twist in the saga.

Whether Fernando Alonso's swerve towards the pit wall on lap 39 was meant as a message to Hamilton, to the team, or - as Alonso suggested - merely an attempt to cool the car by getting out of the slipstream, it is sure to be seen as a symbolic gesture of frustration from the double world champion.

That frustration is understandable, for Alonso arguably had a clear edge on Hamilton this weekend yet still ended up losing to him. The Spaniard was fastest in every practice session, in Q1 and Q2, and for large sections of the race itself. Yet somehow, he still came out second best as Hamilton controlled proceedings from pole.

Just as Hamilton still refuses to consider himself the title favourite, so Alonso will not contemplate defeat.

"I have big confidence," he insisted. "We have only done seven races, ten to go.

"So I'm very happy with my 48 points and the championship will be decided at the end. Again, I have confidence that I can do it."

Such statements are reminiscent of his stoic faith in his title chances as Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher closed in during 2005 and 2006 respectively. And in the past, he has been proved absolutely right.

But in the past, Alonso has been defending a championship lead in a car and an environment that he was very familiar and comfortable with. Now he has to come from behind to overcome a rival from the same garage, who has not had to settle into the team or adapt from Michelins to Bridgestones like he has, and who somehow manages to beat him into second place even on a weekend when he has a clear advantage in raw speed.

In that context, the ten point gap already looks ominously hard to overcome.

THE STRIKING BAJAJ PULSAR 220..WHOOSHHH

It doesn’t happen every other month but at times, you just know when a bike is destined to strike a high note. Hero Honda did it with its CBZ a few years ago and we think Bajaj’s Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi has the trappings of becoming a similar landmark bike in India. We first sighted the 220 at the Auto Expo last year, rode it for a few laps for our August 2006 issue and since then couldn’t wait to get our hands on one for a road test. But does this much-awaited bike successfully translate strategy to become a sought-after motorcycle?

The backlit switchgear feels perfect to the touch and is totally contact-free, also featuring self-cancelling turn indicators. A contact-free digital speedometer drive displays precise speeds in a digital read-out. An engine-redline flasher strobes out its communication when the bike is over-revved; the same light doubles up as a low-fuel warning icon.

While a massive stainless steel and alloy silencer go a long way in adding zing to the 220’s presence, lightweight alloy is used liberally for its rims, steering head, footrest-mounts and fuel-filler lid. The new Pulsar offers a little under-seat storage cubby that can be unlocked via a cable release located under its lockable side panel.

DTS-Fi, an acronym for Digital Twin Spark-Fuel injected, implies the marriage of twin spark plugs and fuel-injection within its four-stroke cycle engine. Running two valves, the Pulsar DTS-Fi engine is air-cooled and circulates oil to an oil-cooler to further control temperature. Bajaj's largest powerplant employs roller bearings for the rocker arm pivots and camshaft interfaces, as well as an ExhausTEC chamber to beef up low-down power. This bike is amongst India’s most powerful with a healthy 20bhp developed at 8500rpm. Maximum torque of 1.95kgm twists out at 6500rpm.

The Pulsar DTS-Fi uses a sweet-shifting five-speed, one-down-and-four-up gearbox complemented by a well-weighted clutch.

The Pulsar DTS-Fi can thunder past 60kph in 4.42 seconds and whiz past 110kph in only 18.79sec. Top whack is an impressive true 131kph. It’s a bike that comes into its element the moment rpm climbs over 6K and is at ease cruising between 100-115kph. Speedometer error is negligible.

The DTS-Fi’ got an unabashedly sporty riding position with low clip-on handlebars and decidedly rear-set footrests. And, it’s built to seat a rider high that will please shorter riders. The DTS-Fi uses substantial forks, a twin-member tubular frame and an elliptical swingarm mounted on needle roller bearings. Gas-charged twin shocks are used at the rear. Chunky MRF tubeless tyres —90/90 x 17 inches in front and 120/80 x 17 inches at the rear — are as good as they get.

Ride quality is pleasantly plush without any sign of wallowing, while cornering manners remain neutral and safely predictable at all times. Which brings us to the super brakes — a potent front 260mm disc complemented by a 230mm rear disc.

Fuel economy and performance never go hand in hand. So one cannot expect to own a bike as quick as the Pulsar 220cc DTS-Fi and yet expect wallet-friendly behaviour. Nevertheless, the latest Pulsar delivers 37.7kpl in crowded city-riding conditions. At speeds around 80kph on the highway, the bike returned 36.2kpl.


Striking styling, more features than we could imagine, a crisp and potent 220cc fuel-injected 20bhp motor, as well as solid handling make the new Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi a bike that only happens once in a while in India. The Pulsar DTS-Fi offers it all, and then some more, with only one question tucked away for now. Reliability is this question to which only time holds the key. Bajaj’s latest creation is priced well too and earns India’s most desirable motorcycle tag.

THE STYLISH NEW NOKIA N 73

General Network UMTS / GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Size Dimensions 110 x 49 x 19 mm
Weight 116 g
Display Type TFT, 256K colors
Size 240 x 320 pixels, 36 x 48 mm
- Downloadable themes
- Light sensor
Ringtones Type Polyphonic (64 channels), MP3
Customization Download
Vibration Yes
- 3D sound stereo speakers
Memory Phonebook Yes
Call records Yes
Card slot miniSD, hot swap, buy memory
- 42 MB shared memory
Data GPRS Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
HSCSD Yes
EDGE Class 11, 236.8 kbps
3G Yes, 384 kbps
WLAN No
Bluetooth Yes, v2.0
Infrared port Yes
USB Yes, v2.0, Pop-Port
Features OS Symbian OS 9.1, S60 3rd edition
Messaging SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Games Yes + Java downloadable, order now
Colors Silver Grey/Deep Plum, Frost White/Metallic Red, Black (Music Edition)
Camera 3.15 MP, 2048x1536 pixels, Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus, video(CIF), flash; secondary VGA video call camera
- Java MIDP 2.0
- Push to talk
- Video calling and download
- MP3/AAC/MPEG4 player
- T9
- Stereo FM radio
- Voice command/dial
- PIM including calendar, to-do list and printing
- Document viewer
- Photo/video editor
- Integrated handsfree
Battery Standard battery, Li-Ion 1100 mAh (BP-6M )
Stand-by Up to 350 h
Talk time Up to 6 h

PDA's - PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSITANT

A typical PDA: the Hewlett Packard iPAQ Pocket PC.


The main purpose of a personal digital assistant (PDA) is to act as an electronic organizer or day planner that is portable, easy to use and capable of sharing information with your PC. It's supposed to be an extension of the PC, not a replacement.
Shopping for
a PDA?
Read PDA reviews and compare prices on top models at Consumer Guide Products before you buy.

PDAs, also called handhelds or palmtops, have definitely evolved over the years. Not only can they manage your personal information, such as contacts, appointments, and to-do lists, today's devices can also connect to the Internet, act as global positioning system (GPS) devices, and run multimedia software. What's more, manufacturers have combined PDAs with cell phones, multimedia players and other electronic gadgetry.

As its capabilities continue to grow, the standard PDA device is changing. In this article, we take a look at the PDA -- where it's been, how it is converging with other devices, and where it's headed. We'll also examine how PDAs work and give you some pointers on how to select one.

Hydrogen-Boosted Gasoline Engine Works

Hydrogen-Boosted Gasoline Engine Overview
Faced with the ever-increasing cost of gasoline, automakers worldwide are working overtime to cost-effectively improve vehicle fuel economy while still meeting today's strict emissions requirements. One promising way to boost fuel economy is to add hydrogen to the fuel/air mixture in a conventional gasoline engine. It's called a hydrogen-boosted gas engine. However, since hydrogen isn't readily available at your local filling station, selling a hydrogen-boosted gas engine hasn't been on any automakers' short list. Until now, that is.


BMW's recent concept car, the
hydrogen-powered 7-Series, is still
a long way from arriving at dealerships.


In this article, we'll explain a new technology that utilizes a fast-response on-board reformer to generate a small amount of hydrogen from gasoline. This hydrogen is added to the engine's normal air/fuel mixture. Engines designed to run on a mix of hydrogen/gasoline can see a fuel-economy gain of 20 to 30 percent with no requirement for control of harmful NOx emissions, oxides of nitrogen. On the next two pages, we'll tell you how this new fuel-saving engine works and why it looks like it has the potential to become a viable, fuel-saving technology. We'll address the following issues regarding this new technology:

What Is a Hydrogen-Boosted Gasoline Engine?
A small amount of hydrogen made on-board by the reformer is added to the normal intake air and gasoline mixture in the vehicle's engine. This greatly improves overall combustion quality by allowing nearly twice as much air for a given amount of fuel introduced into the combustion chamber. This is more energy efficient because it saves energy by reducing the amount of engine pumping needed. Learn what the experts are saying about this new technology.

The Future of Hydrogen-Boosted Gas Engines
The race is on for the fuel-economy leadership position. Where will the hydrogen-boosted gas engine fit in with other fuel-saving technologies like hybrid cars, E85 ethanol-powered vehicles, and new clean diesel-powered cars. How much gas does it save compared to other alternative fuel-powered vehicles? Will consumers begin seeing this type of engine in cars in the near future?