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This article was first published 14 years ago

8 hot gadgets worth checking out...

Last updated on: November 15, 2010 17:17 IST

Image: Dell Inspiron 15R
Photographs: Exhibit Exhibit

A sneak review of eight gadgets -- Dell Inspiron 15R, MSI FX600, Micromax X550 3D Qube, Samsung 3D LED TV 9000, G-Fone 468, Dell Inspiron M501R, KYE Genius -- Traveler 900 Mouse and Samsung Wave.

Here's what's hot and what's not in these gadgets...

1. Dell Inspiron 15R

Dell presents the all-new Inspiron 15R with 15.6" widescreen HD display laptop and Intel Core i3 and i5 Processors. As usual for Inspiron models, this model too is the middle-of-the-road workhorse for Dell.

With a much finesse style and design and a feature-packed makeover, Inspiron 15R is one of the most reasonably
priced laptops in the market today.

Thumbs up...

1. Eye-ogling design, superb Colours.
2. The display is to vow for! So is the screen resolution.
3. A must-have possession for the gaming freaks!
4. The motion webcam, keyboard with touchpad and buttons are amazingly wonderful.
5. A good value for money.

Thumbs down...

1. The battery backup is good, but dies out fast for heavy use like gaming or using heavy applications.

Price: Rs 31,900 (starting)
Exhibit says: Super; Rating: 5/5

Specifications

  • Processor: Intel Core i3/i5-450M Processor (2.4GHz, 4Threads, turbo boost up to 2.66Ghz, 3M cache)
  • Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Home Basic 64 bit (English)
  • Memory: 4GB (2 X 2 GB) 2 DIMM DDR3 1333Mhz
  • Hard Drive: 500GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
  • Display: 15.6 Widescreen HD WLED Glossy Display with TrueLife (1366x768)
  • Video card: Intel HD Graphics
  • Optical drive: DVD+/-RW Optical Drive(Win7 Home Basic)
  • Wireless network card: Dell Wireless 1501 802.11b/g/n Half Mini Card
  • Security software: McAfee(R) Security Center (Multi-Language): 30-Day Trial
  • The product comes with a 1-year Ltd Hardware Warranty and the InHome service is available after Remote Diagnosis

MSI FX600

Image: MSI FX600

MSI has vowed to take their laptops to a whole new level of computing characterised by high performance and wireless family multimedia entertainment. And FX600 boasts the high performance level to the true sense of
the word.

A chic exterior showing off the exquisite craftsmanship makes the perfect blend of art and technology.

Thumbs up...

1. Intel Core i5 processor offers better performance... consumes less power and Intel Turbo Boost and Intel hyper-threading technology with dynamic performance adjustment technology handles more data

2. Cool features like Cinema Pro, TDE technology and Intel Wireless Display

3. Jet black 3D totem seal coating prevents scratching and smudging while shimmering silver trim gives the FX600 and FR600 a stylishly elegant, yet unpretentious look.

Thumbs down...

1. With a price tag of almost a lakh, we wonder how many games lovers would actually have MSI GX660 at their homes!

Price: Rs 89,999

Exhibit says: Best; Rating: 4/5

Specifications

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 Processor
  • Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium
  • Memory: DDR3-1333 MHz up to 8GB
  • Display: 15.6" HD or Full HD LED backlight (16:9)
  • Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GT 325M -- 1GB
  • Video 0utput: 1x HDMI, 1x VGA, Intel Wireless Display Ready
  • Hard disk drive: 320/500/640GB
  • Optical disk drive interfaces: DVD Super Multi,2x USB 2.0, 1x Power eSATA(USB), 4-in-1 card reader
  • Communication connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR, 1x Gigabit LAN
  • Webcam: HD (30fps@720p)
  • Dimension: 383x249.3x32.5 37.6mm
  • Weight: 2.4kg

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

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3. Micromax X550 3D Qube

Image: Micromax X550 3D Qube

Micromax X550 Qube: the scintillating 3D experience! That's what the mobile handset manufacturing company claims.

Trendy and stylish look and latest technology go hand-in-hand to make this mobile for an amazing 3D experience.

The latest kid in the tinsel town with several alluring features to keep you salivating for the handset. Grab Micromax X550 3D Qube for the unprecedented experience!

Thumbs up...

1. The huge 3.2" full touch screen offers easy handling and enhanced readability.

2. Features like customisable widget arc, dual SIM and dual standby make it user-friendly and helpful, while those like touch sensitive wallpapers, music player and games make it entertaining.

3. In an era ruled by social networking sites, the preloaded applications like Facebook, Nimbuzz and Snaptu help it make more popular and demanding.

Thumbs down...

1. Couldn't it be better with a camera higher than 2.0 MP?

Price: Rs 5,999

Exhibit says: Good; Rating: 3/5

Specifications

  • 3D Qube user interface for viewing all features of the phone at a glance Touch sensitive wallpapers for a neverseen before experience of playing with vibrant Colours and animations on your mobile screen
  • Customisable widget arc for easy access to the list of applications like messages, camera, phonebook and many more. It also allows access to the most used applications as per the unique need of users
  • 3.2" full touch screen display Dual SIM and dual standby
  • Multimedia applications like Opera Mini, Nimbuzz, Snaptu and Facebook
  • Multi format music player with WAV, MP3 and AMR for playing and sharing your favourite tunes
  • 2MP camera and Stereo FM Radio
  • Various Games options to keep you glued with the handset anywhere you go

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

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4. Samsung 3D LED TV Series 9000

Image: Samsung 3D LED TV Series 9000

Samsung launches the world's slimmest Full HD 3D LED TV - Series 9000 with a wafer-thin design and a touch screen remote control.

Now that's what we call a revolutionary gift to the world of entertainment. Thanks to Samsung for taking the first step towards making the entertainment device go Full HD 3D.

Samsung 3D LED TV 9000 series is a wonder machine. With jaw-opening performance and cutting edge technology, it is the most appraised and most admired designed TV at present.

Enrich your lifestyle with the luxury item which everyone would love to love!

Thumbs up...

1. Trust us, the remote is sexier than the actual display. Watch your favourite show away from LED 9000 with the 3" LCD screen of the remote!

2. 3D thing is in... and Samsung proves it to the core.

3. Features like AllShare (Transfer your videos, music and photos from your PC or mobile device), Internet@TV, 4 HDMI and an amazing quality of mind-blowing resolution and contrast... all complement each other to make a complete package.

Thumbs down...

1. Have you seen the price tag? We have a doubt how many television lovers can actually afford a TV worth more than 4lakhs!

Price: Rs 4,40,000

Exhibit says: Best; Rating: 4/5

Specifications

  • Samsung 9000 series is ultra sleek with 7.98 mm thin form with a built-in tuner. Comes with a premium touch remote control with three-inch, Colour display "Touch Control", with excellent performance and quality.
  • Remote has an earphone jack and Twin View, has a "one click play" feature which means if you play the DVD connected to the TV, the TV turns on automatically.
  • Interestingly, the remote has an AllShare and a QWERTY keyboard as well.
  • Its eye-catching, stainless-steel bezel and back cover maximises the slim line of the TV, with the added advantage of the built in tuner, speakers being embedded in the stand, translucent neck, and an auto-sliding touchpad.
  • Equipped with four HDMI ports, and USB ports to play various various multi-media files directly from the flash drive or USB HDD.
  • Built-in 3D processors' auto-conversion technology, which has the ability to automatically convert 2D content into 3D.
  • Built-in Ethernet connection and wireless-ready capabilities.
  • Saves energy and has been awarded with Energy Star 4.0 award.
  • Screen size: 55inch; Dimensions: 1295.6mm (W) x 873.3mm (H) x 33.9mm (D); Weight: 25.5kg.
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080; Colour: Brushed Titaniu

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

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Are you a gadget/gaming wizard/afficianado? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard/afficianado' and we will get in touch with you.

5. G-Fone 468

Image: G-Fone 468

Here comes the latest one in the dual SIM market... G-Fone 468. Musical entertainment traits, 1200mAh battery, huge memory, Bluetooth, GPRS, mobile tracker and many more features to make it a fully loaded mobile handset.

The phone may not be comparable enough with its contemporary handsets, but it is of course a good try by G-Fone at a very nominal price.

An eye-catcher with its style and looks, especially among the young crowd!

Looks and style much like higher end handsets, and with some popular features, G-Fone is all set to be popular among the college goers or the ones who want feature loaded phone without feeling the pinch in the pocket.

Thumbs up...

1. Useful features like mobile tracker, Indian calendar, MP3 music player etc.

2. Dual SIM support is among the hottest trends, and G-Fone hasn't missed the chance to use it here.

Thumbs down...

1. Could have done better with the camera, could have included social networking links.

Price: Rs 2,999

Exhibit says: Average; Rating: 2/5

Specifications

  • Dual SIM
  • Video player with 3GP, MP4 format support, video recorder
  • Mobile tracker
  • Bluetooth, GPRS
  • 1200mAh battery
  • Other features like schedule FM recording, data security, conversation Recorder, black list
  • 2" TFT Screen that guarantees a good picture quality with 176 * 220 pixels resolution
  • Digital camera (up to 640x480 pixels)
  • Indian calendar
  • MP3 music player

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard/afficianado? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard/afficianado' and we will get in touch with you.

6. Dell Inspiron M501R

Image: Dell Inspiron M501R

Another mind-boggling laptop series (2 models: M501R T540902IN8 and M501R T540901IN8) from Dell's house. Call it a tough competitor of Inspiron 15R as M501R too has a 15.6" widescreen HD display.

Powered by AMD Phenom II triple-core N850 2.2-GHz processor and 3GB DDR3 RAM, and with a sleek and space-saving design, Inspiron M501R is a worth buy.

Treat your eyes with four glossy Colours: Mars Black (standard), Peacock Blue, Tomato Red and Lotus Pink. And fall in love with brushed metal appearance of the smudge-resistant palm rest and the user-friendly 10-key numeric keypad.

Thumbs up...

1. Powerful laptop for multitasking including intensive tasks and high end games.

2. Screen size and resolution is quite pleasing to use. Keyboard, touchpad and buttons are user-friendly. Battery backup is good, if not exceptionally pleasing!

3. Reasonable price for AMD core processor.

5. Wonderfully designed and excellent finish.

Thumbs down...

1. Biggest flaw is with the processor! AMD processors in both the Inspiron M501R models don't support Intel's Hyper Threading technology.

Price: Rs 36,900

EXHIBIT says: Best; Rating: 4/5

Specifications

  • Processor: AMD Phenom II triple-core N850 2.2-GHz
  • Memory: 4GB3 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM4
  • Chipset: AMD M880G Chipset
  • Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
  • Display: 15.6" Widescreen HD glossy WLED display with TrueLife Panel; 15.6 inch Widescreen HD WLED Glossy Display with TrueLife (1366x768)
  • Graphics: Standard ATI Mobility RadeonTM HD 4250
  • Hard drive: Up to 500GB3 configured with a 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
  • Optical drive: Internal 12.7" Tray-Load DVD+/-RW
  • Size and weight: 14.80 x 1.25 x 10.31 inch; 2.61 kg
  • Other: Camera: 1.3MP Integrated Webcam and Microphone; Standard Dell Wireless 1501 802.11 g/n; Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth Internal (2.1+EDR), Mini-Card; USB 2.0, HDMI and VGA Ports available

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

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Are you a gadget/gaming wizard/afficianado? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard/afficianado' and we will get in touch with you.

7. KYE Genius -- Traveler 900 Mouse

Image: KYE Genius -- Traveler 900 Mouse

Taiwan based company Genius launches in India the latest generation from the classic traveler series -- Traveler 900.

A quality and stylish notebook mouse with user-friendly features and easy portability. Traveler 900 dumps the mechanical scroll wheel by its patented OPTO wheel, a Touch Scroll Panel technology.

Did we say that its piano black colour goes perfectly with any contemporary notebook environment?

Great movement control, excellent looks, supportive battery backup and a compact size... what else you can
demand from a wireless mouse?

Thumbs up...

1. Turbo Scroll function for instant browsing over long page documents or internet pages

2. Micro receiver can be stored inside the mouse

3. The power saving solution designed exclusively for an extended battery life for up to 8 months.

4. Compact size is comfortable

Thumbs down...

1. Difficulty using on some surfaces

2. No programmable buttons

Price: Rs 1,500

Exhibit says: Best; Rating: 4/5

Specifications

  • Innovative notebook mouse with turbo scroll
  • 2.4GHz wireless technology, anti interference function 1600 dpi optical engine for enhanced tracking performance
  • Mini receiver can be stored inside of mouse, easy to carry
  • Power saving with switch to extend battery life for up to 8 months
  • OS: Windows Vista/XP/2000
  • Macintosh with OSX10 2.8 or later
  • CD/DVD drives for software installation
  • Available USB Port

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard/afficianado? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard/afficianado' and we will get in touch with you.

8. Samsung Wave

Image: Samsung Wave

Here comes the superstar... the most talked about mobile handset of today... Samsung Wave.

It's the first smartphone with Samsung's own proprietary operating system: Bada, a platform which allows mobile users to simply and easily download an abundance of applications from Samsung Apps, an integrated application store accessible from the device and online.

Amazing thing to possess! Without a single hitch, this stylish and sexy handset is justifiably creating the waves of craze among the gen-next.

Thumbs up...

1. Bada platform for simple and easy downloading of a huge range of Samsung Apps.

2. The 3.3" AMOLED display offers crystal clear display while a high resolution WVGA (800x480 pixels) ensures superb image quality for viewing both videos and photos.

3. Super fast CPU ensures swift gaming, multi-tasking, HD video experiencing and other applications.

4. Not ignoring the stylish look with seamless, aluminium streamlined body, a beautiful and strong tempered glass display that perfectly complements and enhances the vividness of the Super AMOLED display.

5. Last but certainly not the least, hats off to the LED display which makes your eyes pop out with amazement... thanks to the vibrant colours and minute detailing.

Price: Rs 17,900

Exhibit says: Super; Rating: 5/5

Specifications

  • Samsung Wave features the world's first Super AMOLED display, 3.3" high resolution WVGA (800x480 pixels) screen that is much brighter, clearer, and less reflective ensuring superb image quality for viewing both videos and photos
  • High-speed CPU; TouchWiz 3.0 user interface
  • An Integrated Social Hub to integrate all major portal's e-mail, and SNS services directly into the handset
    Features such as multiwidgets, customisable Home screens, Pinch Zoom and quick notification panel
  • Superb 1GHz powerful processor for best graphic, incredibly responsive speed and memory-intensive crystal clear HD video performance
  • Dolphin browser supports flash video play, multiple windows support and background downloading
  • 15 hours talktime, a 2GB internal memory, expandable upto 32GB and a 5 megapixel camera with Flash LED

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard/afficianado? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard/afficianado' and we will get in touch with you.