AmanPuri-Clicks

Samsung N150 Netbook Comes to Verizon Wireless

2010-07-10T23:26:00.000+08:00

The Samsung N150 sports a sleek look with up to seven hours of battery life and built-in Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband network connectivity. The new netbook is global ready with a pre-installed SIM card for access in more than 200 countries, 110 with 3G speeds. It also features a built-in chargeable USB port for charging other mobile devices when the N150 is turned off. This feature is very similar to other USB “Sleep and Charge” ports found on recent Toshiba laptops.

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Toshiba Vs Dell Vs HP Laptops

2009-12-21T22:43:00.000+08:00

Toshiba, Dell and HP are some of the best brands in the world when it comes to laptops. They offer a lot for your money and outstanding accomplishment in itself. Here is a brief comparison is in several categories among these three laptop giants.

Price: In this category are HP and Dell neck neck competitiveness. Although both brands offer great value for your money, Dell seems a little cheaper in the overall strategy price. Toshiba is a little more expensivethan these two brands is likely due to its extensive R & D. In those three brands, Dell laptops are the cheapest, where they also offer a high degree of adaptability.

Durability: As someone who is all three brands previously used is, Toshiba is the clear winner in this category. There is something in Toshiba laptops, which not only makes it last really long, but long fine. My oldest Toshiba Machine is approximately 6 years old and I do not remember the lastTime I'd ever want to return it to the service center. Among these three brands, HP would come in second place, while Dell is in a close third country (from my years of collecting customer feedback).

Features & Performance: HP is the winner in this category. Probably due to the fact that HP tries to create entertainment-centric laptops, their machines sometimes comes with an extremely amount of bells and whistles. Toshiba in second place, where it seeks to offeressential features in its latest laptop. What Dell laptops lack of additional functions, together with their amazing customer service. Dell is known for providing one of the best services around.

Total: All three notebook brands have strengths which are fair for many niches of the market. Consumers who would be on the lookout for a laptop, the last for a long time, with solid performance should look no farther than a Toshiba laptop. Those who are on a budget and appreciate goodService should be Dell laptop. Those who are a feature-filled and low-cost laptop should consider an HP machine love.

More reviews and product information visit one of the best currently on Toshiba laptops in the market for Toshiba Satellite A505-S5973. For reviews on other laptop models, visit http://laptops.treeso.com/reviews.html

The ASUS UL50AG - review

2009-11-16T23:02:00.000+08:00

The ASUS UL50AG is a latest addition to the line up of affordable and thin laptops. In this category, you have very expensive laptops like MacBook Air and the Dell Adamo. But the manufacturers like Asus and MSI are offering cheaper laptops that run on slower processors. These laptops don’t offer optical drive, which is the main reason behind their thin size, and they are more energy efficient as the slower processors use low amount of energy.

The ASUS UL50AG measures 15.2 inches wide, 10.2 inches thick and just 1 inch high. It is fairly lightweight in its category at just 5.6 pounds and 6.0 pounds with AC adapter. Priced at $729, the UL50AG comes with 1.3 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 ULV CPU and 4GB, DDR2 800 MHz memory. The laptop is equipped with Mobile Intel GM45 chipset and Intel GMA 4500MHD GPU. The laptop has very spacious hard drive, which provides storage of 500GB and spins at 5400 rpm. It comes with preinstalled Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system.

The overall design of UL50AG looks quite similar to its smaller sibling, the ASUS UL30A. Unlike its smaller sibling, the UL50AG comes with optical drive. Both laptops provide a performance which is not at par with a Core 2 Duo processor. However, the UL50AG provides longer battery life, has quite similar design to UL30A and is priced lower than UL30A. As the features, UL50AG comes with two booting options. For these two booting options, the laptop has two start up buttons. One button launches the Windows 7, the other one launches Express Gate Splashtop OS environment. The Express Gate OS allows you to do essential works like e-mail and web browsing without launching the Windows 7.

The UL50AG has a 15.6-inch screen, which has 16:9 aspect ratio and 1366X768-pixel resolution. Due to the small size of the laptop, the display looks quite large. The text and graphics looks bright and vibrant.

Kareena kapoor endorses Size Zero laptops

2009-11-07T20:55:00.000+08:00

Kareena Kapoor did what no other Bollywood actress had done before when she got a perfect Size Zero figure for her otherwise flop movie Tashan. Now the actress will be endorsing Size Zero laptops. Japanese electronics giant Sony had signed her up to endorse its ultra slim range of laptops. Sony had conducted a poll asking whom they should choose as the brand ambassador to launch their new size zero laptops and it was Kareena all the way.

Kareena was expected to shoot for Sony in Berlin and Paris but because of her hectic schedule a set of a European tube train was made in Mumbai where finally the ad campaign was shot. Kareena is the first Indian Indian to be the ambassador of this brand. Earlier Hollywood celebrity like Britney Spears used to be the Brand Ambassador for Sony. Recently she had endorsed a low calorie size zero pizza for an international pizza chain

Sony Ericsson W395

2009-10-30T23:15:00.001+08:00

Sony Ericsson W395 Specs:
2G Network: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900

Size : 96 x 47 x 14.9 mm
Weight: 96 g
Display Size: TFT, 256K colors
-176 x 220 pixels, 2.0 inches
- Scratch-resistant surface

Memory:
-Call records: 30 received, dialed and missed calls
-Internal: 10 MB
-Card slot: Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 4GB, 1GB card included

Camera:
-Primary: 2 MP, 1600×1200 pixels
-Video: Yes

Features:
-Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, IM
-Browser: WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (Openwave), RSS reader
-Radio: Stereo FM radio with RDS
-Games: Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable
-Colors: Dusky Grey, Blush Titanium, Fiesta Black, Happy Pink
-GPS: No
-Java: Yes, MIDP 2.0
- Walkman player
- TrackID music recognition
- Picture editor
- Organizer
- Voice memo
- T9

Samsung Blueearth Eco-friendly Mobile Phone

2009-10-20T20:22:00.000+08:00

Samsung” today announced the launch of Samsung Blue Earth, an environmentally friendly mobile phone with a full touch screen. First showcased at the Mobile World Congress 2009 in Barcelona, Blue Earth is made from Post Consumer Material (PCM), which is extracted from water bottles, helping to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. The device, including the charger, is free from harmful substances such as Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Phthalate. Samsung Blue Earth is launching in Sweden in October and will soon launch in France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Portugal and other European and Asian countries.

The latest in a series of eco-friendly products, Blue Earth comes with a unique user interface which is designed to draw attention to preserving our fragile environment. With “Eco mode,” screen brightness, backlight duration and Bluetooth can be set to an energy-efficient mode with just one click.

The “Eco Walk” function allows users to count their steps with a built in pedometer and calculate the reduction in CO2 emission realized by walking as opposed to using a motor vehicle. This unique function allows users to see the value of walking by calculating the number of trees that have been saved.

Blue Earth comes with a 5 star energy efficient charger which uses only 0.03W of power in standby mode. As part of the Voluntary Agreement of European Commission IPP (Integrated Product Policy) pilot program, Samsung has agreed to start showing ratings on energy consumption on the no-load mode of the mobile device charger. Furthermore, by charging with the solar panel located on the back of the phone, users can generate enough power to use the device anytime and anywhere.

Samsung Blue Earth Specifications:

Network: HSDPA 3.6 Mbps 900/2100, EDGE/GPRS 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 Display: 16M WQVGA TFT LCD (3.0″) Capacitive Touch Screen Camera: 3.2 Megapixel CMOS Face Detection / Smile Shot / Photo Editor Audio Format Support (MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA) /WMDRM, OMA DRM Find Music

(Music Recognition) / Music Equalizer Stereo FM Radio with RDS Bluetooth Stereo Headset (A2DP) Solar Charging Panel Bluetooth v 2.1 / USB 2.0 HS / Wi-Fi Internal Memory : 130MB External Memory : microSDHC (up to 16GB) Dimension: 108 x 53.6 x 14.2 mm Weight: 119 g Battery: 1080 mAh

Samsung Jet S8000 Specification Price Review

2009-10-15T05:26:00.001+08:00

Samsung Jet S8000 is one of the best mobile phone, it ranked on the first position in top 10 mobile phones in UK. At glance, Samsung Jet S8000 design is similar with i8000 omnia, it has a very nice and stylish design. Well, of course that's not all.. the most impressive is it equipped with 800Mhz processor, high technology in hardware specs plus tons of features. Like Nokia N900, the implementation of high technology in Samsung Jet S8000 make it able to process multitasking, thus it allows users to access or switch to applications / functions at super fast speeds. The speed of this mobile phone is in accordance with its advertising slogan : "impatience is a virtue"

Samsung Jet S8000 is also equipped with Touchwiz 2.0 user interface with 3D cube. This smartphone also adopted a Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. With such features, it shows Samsung's commitment to continue to strengthen its position in the smart phone market.

Various features offered by Samsung Jet S8000 are 3.1-inch screen sizes with resistive touchscreen, AMOLED color depth of 16 million colors, connectivity supports WiFi, HSDPA, Bluetooth and usb ports, 5 megapixel camera with (front and rear). To support data and application Samsung Jet S8000 equipped with 2 GB internal memory and can hold 16 GB MicroSD external memory. This mobile phone is also equipped with GPS as your traveling guides.

About the price, Samsung Jet S8000 price in UK is about £320.

nokia 7705 twist Nokia 7705 Twist Coming At Verizon for $99.99

2009-10-09T21:46:00.000+08:00

The Nokia 7705 is a square-shaped with a swivel design that will make people stare a little.

The 2.4 inch display is centered on the front part of the phone above the navigation controls. This makes the Nokia 7005 look a lot more like a small video player rather than a mobile phone. Rotate the swivel out and the full QWERTY keyboard will be at your disposal. It is not a brand new concept, but it seems to be well implemented.

The list of features only comes to complement the exciting design. The 3 megapixel camera comes with a video recording option, a flash and a self-portrait mirror for when you want to see how you look while the “post to blogs” feature will let others see how you, or anything around you looks like. You also get a musical player, well complemented by the 2.5mm headset jack and the full Bluetooth that also features a stereo profile.

The good numbers of messaging features: threaded text messaging, instant messaging, e-mail, along with the full QWERTY keyboard make the Nokia 7705 a great choice if you are texting all the time. The full HTML browser is also a good addition. The internal memory is of 256MB but that can be extended using the MicroSD card slot to make sure you have enough storage space.

Available online starting with September 13 and September in-store, the Nokia 7705 Twist is priced at about $100 with a $50 mail-in rebate and a two-year contract with Verizon.

Nokia E52

2009-10-05T22:23:00.001+08:00

Any organized mobile phones manufacturer knows that every phone series has more than two phone lines with at least one model and at most three phones. I am sure LG and Apple knows this marketing strategy, but Nokia, Samsung and HTC not only they know it, but they also applied it for some time now. Nokia is one of the few manufacturers with an impressive portfolio.

Once again, the E series was expanded with a basic business phone in the entry level line. Nokia E52 is a solid business oriented phone which will deliver good performances to customers. The E52 easily lines up in the rest of the E series from its candy bar form and good features.

The excellent processor and sufficient RAM memory are well covered with E series looks, providing the E52 with not only solid performances, but also an appealing look. The best feature of the E52 is the price tag. Remember, this excellent mobile phone is an entry level device. Therefore, you get good features, excellent hardware and a small price. Where is the catch, Nokia? The impressive feature list shuts down the insignificant disadvantages, which, by the way, are only four at number. The E52 sports a medium camera with average performances, bad video recording (like you need it in a business phone), no DivX and XviD support, and no TV out (this is the only main disadvantage, because you will not be able to present any projects from your business phone on flash meetings).

Nokia E52 has a height of 116 mm, wide of 49 mm, deep of 9.9 mm, E52 weights about 98 grams. Excellent values, the E52 is easy to slide in any pocket a light enough to not even feel it. In terms of dimensions and weight E52 provides a high quality user experience. The Nokia 52 provides the same looks like the E series (2009) business phones. From the first look you will notice, that E52 includes resistant and stylish materials, making (from the first look) the design attractive. The E52's body features metal finishes not only on the case but also the navigation keys. The front of the E52 provides a glossy silver metal frame surrounding the black glossy plastic that follows the lines of the display.

The back cover delivers an industrial feel. Nokia delivers the E52 in three available colors: graphite grey, metal grey aluminum, and golden aluminum (not as nice as the grey colors). On the front of the E52, you can find, above the display the centered earpiece, to the right of the earpiece you can find the second video camera for enabling video calls, and on the other side you can find a light sensor. Under the display, you first get the navigational keys (made out of a metallic material). These navigational keys are: the four way navigational pad (up, down, left, and fight with customizable features), the centered "ok / select" key, to the right of the D-pad you get a soft key, home screen key, organizer key, and call key, while to the right of the D-pad you can find a soft key, the back key, the message key, and the end call key.

The navigational keys you get the actual keyboard. You get good sized keys, excellent feedback and no flex. You can't ask for more. Typing at the E52 keyboard is very comfortable. On the top of the E52 you can find the centered power on and off button, and the 3.5 mm audio jack. On the right side the E52 sports the voice command key, the camera dedicated key and the volume controls. On the other side, Nokia included the uncovered micro USB port. By the way, because of the excellent steel finish you really don't have to worry about fingerprints or minor scratches. On the back, the E52 sports in upper center the 3.2 megapixel camera and a LED flash.

Also, right next to the camera lens and LED flash you get the loudspeaker. The memory card slot was included under the back cover. However, exactly like the SIM card slot, the memory card slot is not under the battery. Therefore, there is no need to turn off the phone when you want to replace the memory card. Nokia provided for E52 an exceptional built quality, and a great appealing design.

The E52 runs in 2G network - GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and in 3G networks - HSDPA 900 / 2100 and HSDPA 850 / 2100. Nokia included in E52 an ARM 11 600 MHz processor. This processor provides enough power to run in optimal conditions the Symbian operating system provided for the E52 (S60 version 3.2). The operating system brings many functions and features good enough for personal or business use. The organizer, calendar, phone book, document viewing and editing, email support, and many others, all can be found onboard the E52. Also, you can install additional applications thanks to the Symbian platform. The user interface is fully customizable. You can't find a serious drawback in the operating system, or the speed provided by the excellent processor.

Nokia included onboard the E52 an internal memory of only 60MB. However, this value can be expanded by using a micro SD memory card (Trans Flash memory card) up to 16 GB compatible. The music player is a high feature, providing support for any important media format on the market. The sound quality is exceptional. The E52 also provides with different EQ presets and a powerful bass. However, the video player is not as great as the music player. You should download and install a 3^rd party video application for a better result.

The connectivity in ensured by the Class 32 GORS, Class 32 EDGE with speed values from 178.8 Kb per second to 296 Kb per second, HSCSD, Bluetooth version 2.0 with A2DP, micro USB 2.00 connectivity, Wi-Fi with 802.11 b / g profile and UPnP technology, and HSDPA with 10.2 Mb per second, and HSUPA with 2 Mb per second. Judging from the connectivity package Nokia plans a long life time for the E52.

The camera included in the E52 would have been much better with an auto focus. Even so, you will have to accept the fixed focus 3.2 megapixel digital camera with a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, with a built in LED flash. This camera can also record videos in VGA mode with only 15 frames per second. To compensate the rather mediocre camera, Nokia included many photo editing options. The most interesting feature for the business customers is the Office 2007 support. Be assured you can handle form your E52 documents in Word, Excel, Power Point, and PDF file formats.

Nokia ships the E52 with an excellent Lithium Polymer 1500 mAh standard battery (BP 4L). This battery will provide a standby time of 642 hours in 2G networks and 432 hours in 3G networks. Also the talk time should go up to 8 hours in 2G networks and up to 6 hours in 3G networks. If you are interested in listening continuously to music from your E52, then you should now the battery will last you about 18 hours. The retail package of the Nokia E52 contains beside the actual phone and battery: 1GB memory card, leather carrying case, one piece hands free, charger, CD software, and a micro USB cable.

Overall, the Nokia E52 is a flawless featured mobile phone. The only main disadvantage may be the 3.2 megapixel camera with no auto focus (however the exact same value sports the new iPhone 3GS). The build quality is exceptional, and the specs list is impressive. If you are looking for a candy bar business phone, then you should consider the E52 as the most logic choice you could make.

Nokia N900 Mobile Phone

2009-09-28T06:25:00.000+08:00

Duncan was in the mood of talking that day. He had just devoured Dan Brown’s ‘The Lost Symbol’ and was bursting with a new found energy. He was sitting at a downtown pub when Jessie walked in and settled casually next to him. “Phew! Almost got me killed! That old hag!” Duncan raised his brows questioningly as he gulped down beer. “Forget that! Didn’t I tell you? I’ve pre-ordered the Nokia N900! “When in the name of Christ did you do that?!” Shouted Duncan as several annoyed heads turned to stare. “Ha Ha! Today, dude. Did it today mornin’” “You expect me to believe that, eh? Tell me Jess. Tell me now. How was that possible?” “Alright alright. Made Mark do it for me. That looser lost a wager” “No way!” bellowed Duncan and stared at him incredulously. “How could you!?” “Aw, come on Duncan. Cut out that okay?”

“Now tell me pal, what’s this phone all about?” Asked Jess as he lighted a cigarette. “I don’t know where to begin!” started Duncan and rubbed his palms together. “This is no ordinary phone, bro. It’s so full of features upto bursting. It has a 3.5″ touch display with a 800 x 480 pixel resolution. It runs on Maemo, Nokia’s own operating system that is based on Linux. It’s almost a computer, I tell you. It has upto 32 GB of internal storage. You can use a microSD card to expand it to 16 GB. There is a 256 MB RAM and 768 MB virtual memory.” “What?” Jess questioned with his eyes popping out.

“Oh yeah baby! It’s true. How much do you think it weighs?” “Um….say a 200?” “Almost, it’s supposed to weigh about 181g”. “Really? Sounds quite heavy to me.” “The camera. Tell me about the camera.” “Patience is a virtue, Jessie boy!” “The N900 has a 5 megapixel camera. It’s a brilliant camera. It’s similar to the camera of the N97. It has a Carl Zeiss lens system and autofocus with dual LED flash. And music. What’s a Nokia without music, huh? The N900 has a top notch music player that supports mp3, .wma, .aac, .m4a, and .wav formats. It has stereo FM radio and also houses an FM transmitter. You can play around with the Web using this beauty, it has a first-class Maemo browser that is powered with Mozilla technology. This browser supports Adobe Flash Player 9.4 and AJAX too!”

“Whatever that means.” Mumbled Jess. “What was that? You want to know what Adobe Flash Player 9.4 and AJAX is all about?” Questioned Duncan with a hint of sarcasm for, he knew Jess was a little obtuse when it came to anything related to technology. But hey, Jess was one tough guy capable of squarely beating up a whole bunch of meanies in the wink of an eye. “Now now Duncan boy, do I smell sarcasm?” said Jess with a mock slap on Duncan’s puny shoulders. “Hey come on big guy! You’re the brainiest dude in the block!. Now listen, I’ll tell you more about this mobile phone.

“It has a QWERTY keypad and also a virtual on-screen keyboard. You can send rich emails, access Ovi Maps, make voice calls and what not! The N900 is going to be huge hit, Jess. I’m so sure of that.” “It better be! Or good old Mikey is screwed!” The two men guffawed and ordered a second round of drinks.

SAMSUNG and TATA DOCOMO Launch Samsung Galaxy (I7500)

2009-09-24T02:20:00.000+08:00

Samsung Galaxy is the World’s Slimmest Android Phone with just 11.9-mm thickness

New Delhi, September 23, 2009: Tata DOCOMO, the GSM brand of Tata Teleservices Limited, and Samsung Mobile today announced the launch of the first Android-powered Samsung mobile phone with in-built Google Mobile Services—Samsung Galaxy (I7500)—in India. Samsung Galaxy is a cutting-edge Smartphone, featuring a 3.2” AMOLED full touch-screen and 7.2 Mbps HSDPA and WiFi connectivity, providing users access to Google™ Mobile services and full Web browsing at excellent speeds.

“TATA DOCOMO is a young brand that recently rolled out GSM services across eight circles (so far),” Mr. Deepak Gulati, President, TATA DOCOMO, said “When we launched our services, we had promised our subscribers that we would bring to them the best products and services—products that will stand for innovation and a pioneering spirit, and which would offer them convenience and simplicity. Living up to that promise, we are launching the Samsung Galaxy with one-touch Google Mobile Services (GMS). This launch marks the beginning of TATA DOCOMO’s relationship with Samsung. We will continue working together to launch more innovative mobile offerings for Indian consumers on the Tata DOCOMO platform,” he added.

Announcing the launch, Mr. B D Park, Director – Telecom, Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. stated: “We are very happy to be launching the Company’s first Android-powered mobile phone with Google Mobile Services in partnership with TATA DOCOMO. This powerful device will allow consumers to fully experience all mobile based Google applications on this phone. With its innovative features, Samsung Galaxy will offer a strong value proposition to discerning TATA DOCOMO customers.”

Samsung Galaxy (I7500) offers users access to the full suite of Google Mobile Services, including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Calendar™, Google Talk™ and Android MarketTM. The integrated GPS receiver enables comprehensive use of Google Maps features, such as My Location, Google Latitude, local search and detailed route description. Thousands of other applications are available in the Android Market. “Applications from the Android Market can be downloaded and installed on to this mobile over the air, without the use of a PC, thereby opening up an entire new world to the user.” states Mr. Asim Warsi, GM- Marketing, Samsung India Electronics Ltd.

Under an exclusive tie-up, Samsung and Tata DOCOMO are launching this complete touch-screen, lifestyle phone in all the Circles where Tata DOCOMO has kicked off its GSM services, with an attractive consumer offer of 500 MB free download per month, for a period of six months. “At TATA DOCOMO, our promise has been to provide a refreshingly different experience to our fast-growing customer base,” Mr. Sunil Tandon, Regional Head, TATA DOCOMO, said. “The launch of the Samsung Android is part of that endeavor—to provide subscribers with a world-class product that lets them experience the vast range of applications of the Android Market.”

Based on Samsung’s proven product leadership, Samsung I7500 comes with latest multimedia features. The large and vivid 3.2” AMOLED display ensures brilliant representation of multimedia content and an enjoyable full-touch mobile experience.

Along with supporting a 5-megapixel camera and various multimedia codec formats, the I7500 also provides a long battery life (1500mAh) and generous memory capacity (Internal Memory of 8 GB and Expandable External Memory up to 32 GB) to enjoy all the applications and multimedia content. The phone also boasts a slim and compact design—it is a mere 11.9mm thick.

Tata Docomo has launched its services across eight telecom Circles in the country already, and the same has been received with great enthusiasm. Samsung Galaxy will target the tech-savvy and up market consumers who are always on the move and need to have constant access to information, entertainment and interactive mobile experience.

Samsung Galaxy comes at a special introductory price of Rs 28,990 in the Indian market.

About TATA DOCOMO

Tata Teleservices Limited is one of India’s leading private telecom service providers, having a pan-India presence. The company offers integrated telecom solutions to its customers under the Tata Indicom and Tata DOCOMO brands, and uses both the CDMA and GSM technology platform(s) for its wireless networks. Tata Teleservices Limited, along with Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited, operates in more than 325,000 towns and villages across all of the country’s 22 telecom Circles. In November 2008, Tata Teleservices entered into an agreement with Japanese telecom major NTT DOCOMO, and this transaction marks a key step in the strategic evolution of Tata Teleservices. Tata DOCOMO has so far launched GSM services in eight telecom Circles, and the remaining part of the country is also expected to be covered shortly. Tata Teleservices’ bouquet of telephony services includes mobile services, wireless desktop phones, public booth telephony and Wireline services. For more information, visit www.tatadocomo.com

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 150,000 people in 134 offices in 62 countries, the company consists of two business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solutions. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About Android:

AndroidTM is an Open Mobile OS developed by the Open Handset Alliance, it brings Internet-style innovation and openness to mobile phones. Open Handset Alliance is a group of 47 technology and mobile companies who have come together to accelerate innovation in mobile and offer consumers a richer, less expensive, and better mobile experience. Together we have developed Android™, the first complete, open, and free mobile platform.

The Open Handset Alliance (OHA) is a business alliance of 50 firms including Google, HTC, Intel, Motorola, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Samsungdelhi, LG, T-Mobile, Nvidia and Wind River Systems to develop open standards for mobile devices.

Android supports connectivity technologies including GSM/EDGE, CDMA, EV-DO, UMTS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

Samsung adds four models to Omnia range

2009-09-18T16:48:00.001+08:00

The new Samsung Omnia handsets will launch in October

New smartphones to run on Windows Mobile 6.5

Samsung has announced several new additions to Omnia series, which will run Microsoft's upcoming Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system.

The company is adding four models to the Omnia stable. The Omnia II is a direct successor to the original Omnia, and the Omnia Lite promises a simple interface to a range of business and multimedia functions. Two Pro editions, meanwhile, feature Qwerty keyboards and are aimed at higher-end business users.

"The Samsung Omnia series is one of the most important additions to our portfolio, and demonstrates our commitment to the smartphone market," said Mark Mitchinson, vice president of Samsung Mobile for the UK and Ireland.

"The high performance devices, coupled with the new Windows 6.5, make the new Omnia series a compelling choice for anyone that wants a device that brings their work and personal life together."

Mitchinson claimed that the use of Windows Mobile 6.5 will make the new smartphones even more compelling to consumers, particularly those using them for both work and personal purposes.

The Omnia Pro B7610 features separate 'Work' and 'Home' modes, and boasts a slide out keyboard, a 3.5in Amoled touch screen, a 5-megapixel camera and GPS.

The thinner, more BlackBerry-like Omnia Pro B7330 uses a full Qwerty keyboard below a 2.6in TFT display, and includes a 3-megapixel camera and A-GPS.

All four devices are expected to launch in October, alongside the release of Windows Mobile 6.5.

Samsung Tocco Lite Mobile Phone

2009-09-16T22:03:00.000+08:00

The Samsung Tocco Lite is a touchscreen phone with a focus on fun. The 3.0 inch display offers a great user experience with added features such as handwriting recognition and an accelerometer to rotate the screen. The S5230 Tocco Lite has a great 3.15 Megapixel camera with face detection and video capture, save your snaps on the phone or using a memory card thanks to expandable memory and listen to all your music thanks to the built in MP3 player.

Sony Ericsson C903 5MP Cyber-shot mobile phone

2009-09-14T18:32:00.000+08:00

Sony Ericsson has launched the feature rich 5MP C903 Cyber-shot mobile phone in the Indian market. With a standby Facebook application, the C903 Cyber-shot instantly updates your status, pictures and receives your friends’ status.

Sony Ericsson C903 5MP Cyber-shot mobile phone

Features

* 2.4-inch auto rotating display
* 5.0 megapixel camera
* Up to 16x digital zoom
* Face Detection - finding up to three people in the frame at a time
* Smile Shutter – automatically detects smiles
* BestPic – Snap up to nine images in quick succession, so you can pick the best and get rid of the rest
* Dedicated camera keys
* Photo fix
* Auto focus
* Photo flash
* Video recording
* Image and Video stabilizer
* Snapfish
* Digital Media Player
* Access NetFront mobile Web browser
* Video call
* Email/MMS/SMS
* Sound recorder
* Exchange ActiveSync
* Instant messaging
* 3D games
* Motion gaming
* Java
* FM radio with RDS
* Video streaming
* Video viewing
* TV-out
* Bluetooth technology
* USB mass storage
* USB support
* Google Maps
* aGPS
* Wayfinder Navigator (3-month trial version)

Sony’s Ericsson C903 Cyber-shot is available in three color options: Laquer Black, Techno White, Glamour Red and is priced at Rs. 18,850.

Samsung T659 Scarlet comes home with T-Mobile

2009-09-11T23:47:00.000+08:00

Samsung has finally announced the anticipated T659 Scarlet phone. The quad-band GSM slider will be available with T-Mobile USA. Features include 3G connectivity, GPS, A2DP Bluetooth, memory expansion (microSD), a (meager) 2.0 megapixel camera and video messaging. The phone’s pretty decked up for all its worth, though the outer body reminds us of some Motorola from the early 2000’s. The Samsung T659 Scarlet will be available for about $70, with T-Mobile. This is after a two year contract.

Samsung S5500E Lydford, Another Environmentally-Friendly Phone Goes Live

2009-09-09T18:31:00.000+08:00

Just a couple of weeks after announcing a “green” handset, Samsung turns to the eco-friendly segment again and shows the world another device of this kind, Samsung S5500E Lydford. This slider is made out of recycled materials and uses a very “green” packaging.

There’s also on alarm on board, letting you know when the handset’s battery is fully charged, in order for the user to unplug the charger and save energy. Samsung S5500E Lydford packs a 2.2 inch QVGA display, a 3 megapixel camera and provides support for HSDPA connectivity.

As a random fact discovered by an Unwired View editor, both Samsung Corby and Lydford are the names of English settlements, so we wonder what the manufacturer will come up with next. Samsung Millwall maybe?

[via Unwired View]

Sony Ericsson Officially Announces the XPERIA X2

2009-09-04T23:30:00.000+08:00

Today Sony Ericsson announces the XPERIA™ X2 a new Windows® phone that offers a best in class email and multimedia experience. In the modern world where 24/7 communication is key, users can instantly synchronise their mail and calendar and open and edit Microsoft® Office Mobile documents quickly and efficiently to stay connected with colleagues wherever they are.

The XPERIA™ X2 also includes the unique SlideView feature, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities. Providing quick interaction with contacts, messages, media and more, SlideView gives an overview of missed incoming activity, notifying the user of any missed calls, e-mails and text messages so users don’t overlook an important contact.

With 14 specially designed preloaded XPERIA™ panels and 16 more to download, users can work with no boundaries with the XPERIA™ X2. From Skype, Mytopia and Google™, to games, CNN and Windows Live™, the panels ensure users are up-to-date with what matters most to them. With an improved touch interface and new 3D signature panel users also benefit from flexible desktop panels designed to categorise business, fun and communication features. Just set favourites to appear during certain times of the day and can get the latest news in the morning, YouTube™ at lunchtime and games for the journey home.

Powered by QWERTY messaging, Windows Mobile® users can even show their presentations on the big screen with the TV out cable – the XPERIA™ X2 makes a day at the office a walk in the park.

Entertainment is not compromised on XPERIA™ X2. Enjoy amazing multimedia with the 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality and take advantage of the 8.1 megapixel camera to capture and instantly share experiences with friends and family. Personalise the panels and users can access Facebook™ to upload their party or holiday images and they can chat with friends across the world via Skype. Whether it is music, photography, email, video or gaming the XPERIA™ X2 has it all.

With the need to stay connected 24/7 Sony Ericsson has designed XPERIA™ Services, a bespoke and unique after sales package designed to help XPERIA™ X2 users get the most out of their mobile phone. With a specialised technical team standing by to support busy users and talk through the outstanding features the XPERIA™ X2 has to offer users can get help from troubleshooting to how to access their favourite websites. And if their XPERIA™ X2 stops working while they are abroad, XPERIA™ Services can replace the mobile phone via a simple phone call.

XPERIA™ Services really has been devised with the consumer in mind and to help consumers discover more about their XPERIA™ X2.

XPERIA™ X2
Live life without boundaries

Windows Mobile® 6.5 – work on the move easier
Make the most of the day – flexible desktop panels categorised for life: communication and fun, multimedia, business and internet
Work without boundaries – instant synchronisation of mail, calendar powered by QWERTY keyboard messaging and Windows Mobile®
Slide view – quick access to frequently used phone activities and overview of missed incoming activity
Present documents on the big screen – TV out cable
Never get stranded – XPERIA™ exclusive travel insurance
Enjoy amazing multimedia – 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality
8.1 mega pixel camera with Photo light – easily upload images to web albums
Real 3D panel – 3D effects and zoom, music playback controls

Big business meeting? Arrive charged with the Car Charger AN300 – ultra fast, ultra-safe and ultra-reliable. A perfect accessory for the XPERIA™ X2, it charges 40 per cent faster than most car chargers – just plug into the cigarette lighter and go.

XPERIA™ X2 supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 850/900/2100. XPERIA™ X2 will be available in selected markets from early Q4 in the colours Elegant Black and Modern Silver.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X2 at a glance

T-Mobile USA

2009-08-31T23:39:00.000+08:00

T-Mobile USA may be the carrier destined to launch Samsung's first Android phone--the I7500, also known as the Galaxy--according to FCC documents highlighted by Brighthand. Neither Samsung nor T-Mobile has made any official indications about the device's U.S. destinations.

The device approved was labeled the I5700, but it has the same shape as the Galaxy, according to Brighthand. However, there have been recent rumblings that a Samsung Android phone may land at T-Mobile. In addition to HTC, the carrier has said it will add two Android handset partners by the end of the year. T-Mobile is widely believed to be one of the carriers that will launch one of Motorola's first Android phones.

Additionally, when Samsung spoke about its Android plans at the International CTIA Wireless 2009 show in Las Vegas in April, Dr. Hong Won-pyo, Samsung's executive vice president of global product strategy for mobile phones, said the company would offer two Android phones in the U.S. in the second half of the year. The two U.S. devices would be "totally different" from one another due to carrier preferences, Hong said at the time. Currently, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile are the only two U.S. carriers to join Google's Open Handset Alliance.

Samsung's previously announced I7500 features tri-band 7.2 Mbps HSDPA (in the 900 MHz, 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz bands), WiFi, a 3.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, a 5-megapixel camera and 8 GB of internal storage (with a microSD slot capable of holding up to an additional 32 GB). It also has Bluetooth 2.0, GPS and a 3.5 mm headset jack. The phone does not have a physical keyboard.

Brave new world for Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group

2009-08-28T05:46:00.001+08:00

The latest global new car sales statistics are sure to be celebrated in Seoul, South Korea but perhaps not in Dearborn, Michigan as Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group oust Ford Motor Company from fourth place in the list.

This news is further evidence of just how far the Korean manufacturer has come in a relatively short space of time, only 10 years ago the then newly unified company sat in 11th spot on the list. In the UK, Hyundai in particular has seen unprecedented success from the Government’s much publicised scrappage scheme allowance initiative; where the Hyundai i10 is the most popular car purchased through the scheme. Not to be outdone, Kia has also seen a rapid rise in success in the UK, where the small family car the Kia cee’d has proved a popular choice among large numbers of consumers – thanks in part to the industry leading seven year warranty.

Based on figures from Automotive News Data Centre, results for all of last year saw Hyundai-Kia trail Ford by around 1,000,000 units, but by producing the right product for the right times, the group has managed to take fourth place ahead of Hyundai-Kia’s plans.

Global Sales for the first half of 2009 saw Toyota remain the most popular marque, with General Motors just behind the Japanese, and Volkswagen Group take the third spot.

Global Sales – first half of 2009

Toyota – 3,564,105
General Motors – 3,552,722
Volkswagen – 3,100,300
Hyundai-Kia – 2,153,000
Ford – 2,145,000
Peugeot-Citroen – 1,586,900
Honda – 1,586,000
Nissan – 1,545,976
Suzuki – 1,152,000
Renault – 1,106,989

Kia Venga MPV

2009-08-25T21:41:00.001+08:00

It is great to hear when manufacturers actually put a concept into production. So many manufacturers release a concept, which is never seen again. Obviously this represents a massive loss in revenue, so it is never good to hear about. Kia will be putting a concept they revealed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year into full scale production. According to Kia themselves it will be going on sale here in the UK at the start of 2010.

Many will remember the concept as being labeled NO.3. This concept was extremely similar to the production vehicle, which has been called the Venga. The Venga is just four metres long so definitely falls into the compact MPV class. Even though it isn’t very long, there is plenty of room in the interior as it is 1.6 metres high.

The great thing about the Venga is that Kia have fitted a specifically designed Stop and Go system, which of course cuts out the engine when its not need, saving on fuel costs. This device will be fitted to all the engines that are available, which are 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and turbo diesel engines, which have more than adequate power!

2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

2009-08-22T03:39:00.000+08:00

2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

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2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

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2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

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2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

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2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

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2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

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2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

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2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

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2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

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The 2007 to 2009 MazdaSpeed3 stands as one of TheCarConnection.com’s favorite hot hatches, providing pulse-quickening thrills for the backroads—or weekend track forays—without sacrificing too much practicality for everyday commuting.

And at well below $25k, all said, the Speed3 provides more performance than the Honda Civic Si, the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, or even the Volkswagen GTI (soon to be replaced by an all-new model), while costing significantly less than the Subaru WRX or Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

But the outgoing 2009 MazdaSpeed3 isn’t without its flaws. Although it’s more refined than the Dodge Caliber SRT4, which has a crude tuner feel, its powertrain is still a little too buzzy and harsh at times while the interior is a bit noisy. And while the cabin is fashionable and stylistically unified, at first glance, it can disappoint in the details.

We had the chance to scrutinize the new MazdaSpeed3 up close today, and drive it on some challenging canyon roads in California’s Monterey Peninsula; we’re scheduled for track time tomorrow and will report on how the Speed3 delivers for enthusiasts, but in the meantime we’re looking at its overall appeal.

While the proportions of the new MazdaSpeed3 are just as good as ever, the new front-end styling of the 2010 Mazda3—already polarizing—works a bit better with the new MazdaSpeed3’s hunkered-down stance and more aggressive bodywork and wheels than it does with lesser 3s—especially the base sedan; we still see the snout as locked in a grimace, albeit a menacing one. You might see a grin.

Outside of the snout, we see the proportions of the new MazdaSpeed3 as being even better than before. There’s a body-color rear spoiler along with a bright-tip sport-tuned exhaust and 18-inch lattice-design alloy wheels (a lot like those on the RX8 R3 sports car) and sticky Y-rated Dunlop SP Sport tires.

Inside, the Mazda3 gets a fresh design theme, with materials that are primarily black but accented with a red graphic design—a field of red dots, as we saw it—plus red stitching throughout, front seats with more lateral support, and an LED turbo boost gauge that sits between the speedometer and tach.

Specs remain unchanged for the 2.3-liter, direct-injection (DISI) turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 263 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive; though drivability has improved thanks to a new functional hood scoop and intercooler duct, along with revised gear ratios. The last-generation Mazdaspeed3 could accelerate to 60 mph in around six seconds, according to instrumented testing from several sources.

The MazdaSpeed3’s standard safety-feature list has been given a boost for ’10, with active front head restraints now added. As before, anti-lock brakes and Dynamic Stability Control are all standard, along with side-curtain airbags and seat-mounted side bags.

Our test car was equipped with the MazdaSpeed Tech Package, which includes a 242-watt, ten speaker Bose Centerpoint sound system (with Sirius Satellite Radio), full-color compact nav system (located nicely in the line of sight), pushbutton start, a perimeter alarm, and advanced keyless entry, costs just $1,895.

The MazdaSpeed3’s powertrain is brash but reasonably well behaved. The engine has completely different tuning compared to the CX-7, where it’s also used, with a focus on high-end power in the Speed3. It accelerates the 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 with authority, provided you mind the boost characteristics; don’t expect much torque below 2000 rpm, and from 3500 rpm all the way to redline the engine works itself to a rip-roaring yet smooth frenzy. There can be a bit of a delay coming out of corners, waiting for boost, if you land in too high of a gear, but most drivers will adapt quickly as the clutch is light and shift linkage is about as good as it gets. Overall, the MazdaSpeed3 accelerates just as rapidly, though because of noise and vibration improvements, doesn’t sound or feel quite as dramatic in doing so. And as we’ve noted with the new 2010 Mazda3, there’s far less road noise and impact harshness in general. You’ll still feel the bumps, but the new model won’t induce as much fatigue whether on the daily commute or longer trips.

Dynamically, the Speed3 is out to prove that all-wheel drive isn’t a necessity for this much power in a front-wheel-drive car. A torque-sensing conical limited-slip differential means that you won’t spin the inside wheel coming out of corners. Torque-management electronics keep too much of a shock from being sent to the front wheels, but there’s still a bit of a tradeoff in sending that much twist through the front wheels of a small hatchback: When surfaces get rough, rippled or uneven, you’ll still have to hold on tight to the steering wheel, though.

Otherwise, the MazdaSpeed3 is well-tuned dynamically for real-world roads, with a completely retuned sport suspension and larger front and rear stabilizer bars compared to the other 2010 Mazda3 models. The suspension is firm but has some give for larger heaves, and when pushed to the limit it rebounds in a nice, controlled way so as not to lose composure.

What matters most in summing up the new MazdaSpeed3 is that when you’re not tapping into all that power and torque, just crawling in traffic or cruising on the highway, it’s nearly as comfortable as the standard Mazda3, while leaving the potential open for more excitement when the road opens up. Or track time.

We’re curious to get the MazdaSpeed3 out for some track time at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, to see how its slightly more civil manners on real-world roads will translate on near-perfect tarmac. Stay tuned for TheCarConnection.com’s enthusiast word on this hot hatch, along with our full Bottom Line assessment.

Road Test: 2010 Mitsubishi i Miev

2009-08-18T12:42:00.001+08:00

Electric vehicles have not made inroads into the mainstream market for a number of reasons. Going into the test of the Mitsubishi i MiEV, I half expected to run headlong into all of them and, if my worst fears were realized, find something akin to an overblown electric golf cart. But nothing could be further from the truth. This little car is the real deal. Yes, it has its limitations, but they stop well short of being described as hang-ups.

Based on Mitsubishi’s i car, a diminutive sled that’s just 3,395 millimetres long and is powered by a 660-cubic-centimetre turbocharged gas engine, the i MiEV (for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) is the pure electric derivative. In this application, the electric motor is housed under the trunk floor, along with the power electronics, where it drives the rear wheels. The main lithium ion battery is housed in the floor area, which keeps one of the heavier parts of the car as low as possible (even with the battery aboard, the i MiEV still weighs only 1,080 kilograms).

As a package, there is absolutely no compromise. The i MiEV is large enough to carry four adults in comfort — someone 6-foot-2 sat behind me during the drive — and some luggage space (9.5 cubic feet). Folding the rear seats flat bumps the capacity to 28.2 cu. ft. The rest of the i MiEV is, well, just as normal. The heated front seats are comfortable and all the usual power amenities are in place.

The dashboard is a little different, as the fuel gauge has been replaced by a battery level indicator and the usual sweep-style speedometer makes way for a dial that shows whether the electric motor is driving the car (and how much power the driver is expending) or charging the main battery. That’s about it for the meaningful differences … until one sets off for a drive.

Crank the i MiEV to life and nothing seems to happen. Only a small green “Ready” sign tells the driver the car is ready to roll. Shift into drive and the sound of silence ushers the car off the line with remarkable alacrity. True, the 63 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque the electric motor generates do not seem like much as they appear on paper. However, as the electric motor develops peak torque from rev one, the i MiEV picks up its little side sills and runs. It scoots to 80 kilometres an hour in about nine seconds. It’s far from fast, but it’s more than enough to handle the cut and thrust of a morning commute.

More surprising is the fact the i MiEV also turns the 80-to-120-km/h trick in 10 seconds — yes, an electric car that has the wherewithal to run at 120 km/h without missing a beat (it actually has a top speed of 130 km/h!). The strange looks flashed my way as I beetled by other motorists said it all.

The i MiEV also holds its own very nicely when driven in a normal manner. The ride is comfortable — the generous 1,600-mm wheelbase minimized the choppiness that mars the Smart’s ride — and there’s little in the way of body roll. Likewise, the electric steering is light and precise at slow speeds and it firms up nicely as speeds rise. Push too hard, however, and the i MiEV does slip into understeer in spite of its sensibly sized P175/55R15 tires. Lifting the hood reveals the reason — aside from the washer fluid, brake fluid and coolant reservoirs (the latter provides heat in winter), there’s little in the way of mass at the front end.

Being an electric-only vehicle, the i MiEV needs to be plugged in to recharge the main 330-volt battery and it uses regenerative braking to capture otherwise waste energy whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator or applies the brakes. When plugged into a 110-volt outlet, it takes 14 hours to fully recharge the battery. Fortunately, when plugged into a 220-volt source (most electric stoves run on 220 volts, so it is readily available), the charge time drops to just seven hours, making it an easy overnight affair. The third option is a special, three-phase, 220-volt quick charger, which puts an 80% charge into the battery in just 30 minutes.

Electric cars still have issues — the limited operating range pretty much rules them out as a primary mode of transportation for most consumers. However, as a second car, the i MiEV works, and it does so exceptionally well. The ride and handling are up to snuff, the versatility works and there is plenty of power. In short, it represents the clean solution the automotive world must work toward if future generations are going to survive sans gas mask. Even when one factors in the CO2 footprint from the power stations that generate the electricity needed for the recharging process, the i MiEV still produces 70% fewer greenhouse gases than its gasoline-powered i counterpart.

As for the 120 kilometres worth of driving power stored in the battery, well, it is enough to take the most commuters to work and back without having to recharge the battery mid-trip. It all comes together so well I could live with the i MiEV in a heartbeat.

MITSUBISHI LAUNCHES NEW LANCER

2009-08-16T10:46:00.000+08:00

New Lancer

A new entry level Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 4-door SE has been added to the range priced at £12,499. This new saloon offers outstanding value and an impressive list of standard specification. Metallic paint, 16-inch alloy wheels, side, curtain and driver's knee airbags, Bluetooth, air-conditioning, front fogs, steering wheel audio and Bluetooth controls, iPod input and CAT 1 alarm to name just a few.

The Lancer range has a Euro NCAP 5 Star Award and this model has a CO2g/km output of 153g/km, offers upto 44mpg and has a 0-62mph time of 11.6 seconds. Add a 12,500 service interval, 3 years unlimited mileage warranty and pan-European roadside assistance it certainly looks like value for money. Car leasing prices should be available shortly.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart hits the sweet spot

2009-08-12T14:37:00.001+08:00

Mitsubishi has created a wonderful sports car in the Ralliart Lancer

Back in the first golden age of sports cars during the 1950s and 60s, automakers had a habit of producing their sports cars in a basic version, a super-duper hot rod version, and then a kind of in-between version. The in-between car was often idiosyncratic and nearly always reflected the factory design team’s conception of how the car really should feel. In other words, those cars hit the sweet spot between performance and comfort at an attractive price.

Thus, cars like the Porsche 356SC and 911SC were perhaps not as fast as the Carrera models, but had a certain balance of comfort, performance, and longevity that made them the favorites of those who really knew and understood the breed. Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and other serious sports car players also made these special low-production models. If you check your trivia, you’ll find that people like Sergio Pininfarina, Enzo Ferrari, and Ferry Porsche tended to drive these special cars rather than the all-out performance models.

So, fast forward to the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart edition. Ralliart is Mitsubishi’s in-house style and performance shop. The shop is a semi-independent company, 100% owned by Mitsubishi and dedicated to motorsports and specialty editions of Mitsubishi automobiles. The shop serves the save function as STI for Subaru and MAZDASPEED for Mazda.

The Mitsubishi Lancer comes in a variety of flavors, from the most basic $13,990 Lancer DE to the $38,290 top of the line Evolution X MR. The Evo is a 300 horspower, 300 pound-feet of torque, AWD, maximum performance car - comparable to the Audi S4. The basic Lancer is a front wheel drive family car with a peppy 152 horsepower 2.0-liter engine and your choice of CVT or 5-speed transmission. You can also get the Lancer in an uprated ES and sporty GTS package, but there has been a big gap in both price and performance between the top $18,990 Lancer GTS and the Evo.

So, the stage was set for the Lancer Ralliart. The Ralliart bridges the gap between the fun Lancer GTS and the awe-inspiring Evo by taking the best points of each and placing them in a balanced, affordable package.

The Ralliart offers you 235 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque from the same basic engine that powers the entire Lancer and Evo line. “This is not a detuned Evo engine. It’s a stepped-up Lancer engine,” says Mitsubishi Product Planning Manager Brian Arnett. Mitsubishi set this engine up with their own popular TD04 single-scroll turbocharger, also used by Subaru in the WRX. The Evolution, by contrast, uses the twin-scroll Mitsubishi TD05 turbo. The Ralliart also receives a smaller intercooler than the Evo, and different engine programming.

The Ralliart Lancer gives you the same AWD “clutchless manual” transmission carried over from the ultimate Evo MR. No 5-speed manual transmission is planned for the Ralliart. Remember, this car is not designed for everyone; it’s what the enthusiasts at Ralliart think it should be.

What this says to me is that Mitsubishi has left a lot of power conveniently in reach of the aftermarket tuner, if you want it. But after driving the Ralliart, I have to say it would be a shame to unbalance the car by upgrading the power without also upgrading the suspension, brakes, and so on. And at that point, why not just buy an Evo and get all that stuff right up front with a warranty?

The Ralliart uses the Lancer GTS bodywork, so you don’t get the wide-stance “boy racer” fender flares of the Evo, but you do get the lightweight vented aluminum hood from the Evo, and a distinctive front and rear bodywork treatment to distinguish the Ralliart from the normal run of the factory. You also get uprated brakes from the larger Outlander SUV, but not as much brake as the Evo.

Because the Ralliart is a complete package, there are only two options available. The factory option includes Recaro seats, a nice stereo, and HID headlights. You can also have the navigation system installed at the dealer. Base price on the Ralliart is $27,000, but by the time you get the options put on, the Ralliart is about a $30,000 car. Yes, you’re going to want the options. Don’t argue.

Driving the Ralliart is a joy. It’s a bit softer than the Evo, but still has plenty of get up and go. With the Evo, you’re always aware that you’re in the hot rod. You’ve got “tons of brakes,” as our track driving instructor said, and you’ve got even more power under your foot. But the Ralliart was perfect for a brisk drive down a winding country road. We passed a garbage truck like it was, well, a garbage truck. The Ralliart moves sinuously through curves - not as flat as the Evo, but definitely a true sports car.

In the Evo, you get three engine performance modes - Normal, Sport, and Super Sport. That’s reduced to Normal and Sport in the Ralliart, but unless you’re planning an all-out track assault you won’t miss Super Sport – and if that’s what you want, you should buy an Evo. More importantly, the Ralliart gives you the same three modes as the Evo for your AWD system. You have your choice of tarmac, gravel, and snow modes.

The Lancer Ralliart is aimed squarely at the Subaru WRX, Volkswagen R32, and MAZDASPEED3. Of the three, it’s the Subaru WRX that has always been Mitsubishi’s main competition. Subaru’s latest interpretation of the Impreza line has met with lukewarm support from the press and enthusiast community, so Mitsubishi is poised to capitalize on that weakness with the Ralliart.

The bottom line on the Lancer Ralliart is that Mitsubishi has hit that same sweet spot formerly occupied by the Porsche 356SC and the Ferrari GT Berlinetta Lusso. Those are the cars Ferry Porsche and Enzo Ferrari chose to be their own daily drivers. Why not choose a Lancer Ralliart for yours?

Samsung Star S5233 Mobile phone

2009-08-11T00:12:00.001+08:00

Technology

With all the units that I’ve tested, I try as best as I can not to consult the manual (apart from the Getting Started chapter) and figure things out about the unit on my own. The Samsung Star is a touchscreen phone, and it was so responsive that it took me three days to realize that I wasn’t supposed to be using my fingers on the screen—there was a retractable stylus cleverly tucked into the upper right hand corner of the phone.

The Samsung Star’s design is typical of phones of its kind. After all, how many looks can a touchscreen phone have? But with its black, smooth, lacquered finish and rounded edges, it feels moderately light for its size. It has three keys on the bottom of the display—two for call controls and a Return button. The end call button also doubles as a power button. Each key is black, embossed with silver outlines. The phone looks stylish, which is one of the trademarks of Samsung, but I would have expected more with the aforementioned three keys. Perhaps omitting the silver altogether would have been a better look. Regardless, Samsung kept it simple by keeping external controls to a minimum.

On the right side of the phone were volume controls, and on the opposite a headphone/charger jack and a microSD slot. The quick-launch camera key can also be found on the side, and finally on the back is the camera with a reflector so you can aim right if you’re taking photos of you and a friend.

The S5233’s display is one of the highlights of the phone. It measures 3.0 inches, which is right up there with other candybar, touchscreen phones. Colors are sharp and vibrant with its 320x480-pixel resolution. Images, text and even the preinstalled wallpaper looked amazing. The screen’s brightness and backlight time can both be adjusted under the Settings menu.

While viewing the main menu in portrait and the phone is tilted to either side, screen orientation will automatically change to landscape mode with minimal to almost no lag time. However, when composing messages in portrait and the phone is tilted, landscape mode shifts facing the left side, even when tilted to the right.

As previously mentioned, the touchscreen is pretty responsive, thanks to Samsung’s TouchWiz User Interface. The phone will vibrate to let you know that the screen has registered touch.

Scrolling through lists is done by dragging the finger (or the stylus) along the margin of the screen or giving it a quick flick to get through longer lists. The phone’s touch sensor can be calibrated to how accurate the user can tap the onscreen keys.

The only thing about this phone that did not impress me was its battery life. It lasted about 12 hours on a 4-hour charge, although I reckon it was because I was testing a demo unit. I attempted to lessen power consumption by adjusting the intensity of the phone’s vibration and completely eliminating keypad tones, but it didn’t save me much.

Every shortcut that you need to use in the phone can be placed on the main screen, in the form of widgets. When the left part of the screen is pressed while on standby mode, a list of preselected widgets appears and gives the user choices of features to place on the main screen.

The wallpaper can be scrolled sideways in three parts, so the user can place as many widgets as desired and simply navigate by scrolling the wallpaper either to the left or right. The widgets on the list can be selected by going to the Display menu and checking or unchecking the available widgets. My only comment is that there is an auto-arrange for how the widgets appear on the menu. It’s somewhat difficult, although not completely cumbersome, for meticulous people like me who are constantly looking for ways to personalize their phones.

The main menu is easy enough to understand, what with the widgets for Call Log, Phonebook, Music, Browser, Messages, My Files, Organizer, Camera, Communities, Applications, Alarms and Settings in big, vibrant colors and all a tap away. There is clearly no learning curve for this phone.

The 3.2-megapixel camera is impressive for a phone this thin, it has a smile recognition feature which allows the camera to detect and focus on even your most camera-shy friends. You can also take photos of your contacts and save them under their name on the contact list. One of the things that make the S5233 a force to be reckoned with is the Photo Contact option, one of the ways to dial someone’s number by touching an appointed image.

During testing, calls were not dropped and there was no audible static on the line. I just wish the calls didn’t take so much juice.

Easy access of the various Google applications like Search and Gmail gives the user no excuse not to be connected. This particular phone also enables photo blogging. Gesture control is a new feature added that allows the user to unlock the touchscreen or run an application. Letters from A to Z can be assigned to an application or a command, and by simply drawing the letter on the standby screen, the program is launched.

With regard to messaging, the phone’s default means of inputting messages is through keypad orientation, however when tilted, it shifts into QWERTY keyboard. There’s also an option to calibrate handwriting using the stylus, but I preferred to use my two thumbs.