The RSS Feed
Open source,
closed minds
A
s you’ve probably figured out, either for fear of insulting someone’s sentiments,
we’re celebrating open source this or getting beaten up.
month, and no, we’re not talking Free software is good, and open source
(just) about software. You’ve software even better, but some of the
known us encourage the use of pontifications of the evangelists are just plain silly.
open source in the past, but this Somewhere along the way, everyone’s forgotten
time we wanted to highlight all the other aspects that in 1985, the computing world was made
of the open source philosophy. It’s not just about up of mostly developers and other computing
software, or Linux distros, but more about a specialists, and it is just the opposite today. If
way of life. Open source has extended to cars, we’re ever going to get the open source and
gadgets, hardware, cooking, music, movies and collaborative philosophy to spread, and apply
much more. Although we’re covering all of the it to all the other facets of our lives that aren’t
above in this issue, to help you understand how displayed on a monitor, we should first be allowed
basically anything you can think of can be “open to think openly. Instead of bickering about
source” and community driven, including our whether a particular Creative Commons licence is
Robert Sovereign-Smith, Editor own Digit Open Source Project (details on page truly open or not, or trying to classify an author
38), there’s still some confusion about how open, based on the way he wants to share his works,
open source really is. why can’t we just applaud the desire to share?
What started in 1985 as a paper titled the Isn’t some sharing better than none at all?
GNU Manifesto, by Richard Stallman, has grown As open source moves away from software, the
exponentially, under the GNU license and the “rules” seem less realistic. It’s why the Creative
Free Software Foundation, into the biggest Commons licences make more sense. Besides, as
community initiative of all time. Now Stallman some people have put it, shouldn’t the proponents
is (in)famous for being absolutely against all of “free as in speech” allow those who choose to
software with closed source, including freeware. keep their source closed to co-exist with open
His view has always been that unless the source is source? The Indian pharmaceutical industry
shared, software just isn’t truly free. seems to be the only ones to have it right — the
In very public arguments, Stallman has laws were altered to distinguish between methods
been criticised by other “evangelists” for being and end results. Basically, if X cures a certain
too rigid with his thoughts. To be honest, I’m disease, you can patent the way in which X is
inclined to agree with these criticisms. There’s no delivered to the body, or the way in which you
I hate the term doubting the accomplishments of Stallman, and manufacture X, but you cannot patent X itself.
“evangelist” — it’s we probably wouldn’t have open source of any The government did this to make medicines more
basically a word used kind if it wasn’t for radical thinkers like him, but accessible to everyone, and save lives.
with the rate the world and its requirements are Personally, as a long time admirer of Stallman,
to describe someone changing, can we continue to stick to ideals like I think he’s created something that’s outgrown
who tries to convert an ancient religion’s diktats? This is why I hate everything else, including himself, and is now too
you to their “religion” the term “evangelist” — it’s basically a word used big to control, much like the internet. Like the net,
to describe someone who tries to convert you to free and open source needs to be freed of shackles
their “religion”. and allowed to ascend — with good, bad, and
Over the years, I’ve avidly read views from sometimes ugly results, if need be. Let’s remember
both sides, as both have argued over the that the basic principle behind open source, the
definition of common everyday words such as FSF and GNU are pretty much all the same — let’s
“free”, “freedom” and drawn distinctions between all work together and make life a lot easier for
“free as in beer” and “free as in speech”. However, ourselves and everyone around us.
all this makes absolutely no difference to you
and I, the everyday computer users. A lot of us
use IrfanView, but it isn’t free for commercial
use, or open source, so should you stop using
it? Of course not — use what ever you feel like,
and pay for things if you feel they will help you
get your work done. That’s because, unlike the
evangelists, we live in the real world, where we
never get free beer, and rarely speak our minds — editor@thinkdigit.com
1 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
August 2009 • Volume 9 • Issue 8
Managing Director Sales and Marketing To advertise
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Products reviewed this month
Flash drive and memory LCD test.............52
Tell us what you feel about Digit card test......................63 ASUS EAH4650 Acer P205H
Each month, Digit walks through the technology maze to AVG Internet Security 8.5 ASUS EAH4670 AOC 2036SA
bring you the most relevant, and the most researched Apacer AH522 8GB ASUS EN8400GS SILENT AOC 2230Fm
stories. If you have an opinion about anything published Apacer SD 2GB ASUS EN9400GT AOC 2236Vw
Corsair Flash Voyager 8GB Galaxy GeForce 9500GT AOC 2434Pw
in Digit, or about technology in general, please write to Kingston CF 2GB FE Galaxy GeForce 9500GT AOC 831S
editor@thinkdigit.com Kingston Data Traveler 150 Galaxy GeForce 8400GS AOC F19
32GB Galaxy GeForce 9400GT AOC F22
Product testing Kingston Data Traveler HyperX Galaxy GeForce 9800GT AOC V22
Want your product reviewed by Digit? 8 GB Gigabyte HD4650 ASUS VK222H
Contact our Test Center at Kingston Data Traveler Vault Gigabyte HD4770 ASUS VK266H
Privacy 8GB MSI GeForce 9500GT Dell E228WFP
testcenter@thinkdigit.com Kingston Elite Pro 113X 32GB MSI HD4650 Dell ST2010
Kingston SDHC 32GB MSI HD4670 HP LE2201w
Software on DVD Kingston SDHC 4GB MSI N9400GT Intex 2202TVP
To submit and suggest software for Kingston Ultimate 266X 4GB MSI NX8600GT Intex 2203W
inclusion in Digit DVDs, write to Kingston Ultimate 266X 8GB Palit GeForce 9400GT Super+ Intex IT-2002W
cdcontent@thinkdigit.com OCZ USB ATV 32GB 1GB LG M237WA
SanDisk 16GB Memory Stick Palit Geforce 9500GT Zone NEC 1990SX
Help! Pro Duo Edition NEC AccuSync 24WMCX
For subscription or copy-related issues, SanDisk 8GB Memory Stick Palit GeForce 9600GT NEC MultiSync 1990FXp
Pro Duo Palit GeForce 9800GT NEC MultiSync 2190UXp
send an e-mail to help@thinkdigit.com SanDisk Extreme 3 30MBps Palit GTS 250 NEC MultiSync 2490WUXi^2
Edition 8GB PowerColor HD 4650 NEC MultiSync 2690WUXi
Endorsements / reprints SanDisk Extreme 3 Compact PowerColor HD 4350 Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ
Interested in ordering article reprints, Flash 16GB PowerColor HD 4670 Samsung SyncMaster D190S
or using our logos? Contact SanDisk Extreme 3 Compact PowerColor HD 4850 Samsung SyncMaster P2250
reprint@thinkdigit.com Flash 32GB Sparkle GeForce 8400GS ViewSonic VA1928WM
SanDisk Extreme 4 Compact Sparkle GeForce 9400gt ViewSonic VX2233WM
Business enquiries Flash 16GB Sparkle GeForce 9500GT
For any business-related enquiries, contact SanDisk Micro SDHC 16GB TAG GeForce 8400GS Bazaar...........................80
SanDisk Micro SDHC 8GB XFX GeForce 8400GS Apacer AB611
business@thinkdigit.com SanDisk Ultra Backup 16GB XFX GeForce 9500GT ASUS Xonar Essence STX
SanDisk Ultra Cruzer Titanium XFX GeForce 9600GSO Epson Stylus Photo TX700W
News and new product launches 8GB XFX GeForce 9600GT HP Photosmart C8188
To announce new product launches, and press releases, Transcend JetFlash JF V30 XFX HD 4350 MSI GX400
email us at pressrelease@thinkdigit.com 16GB XFX Radeon HD 4650 Mybox HD NV300
Verbatim CF 4GB XFX Radeon HD 4830 Nokia N97
Disclaimer: For every Digit contest, there will be only one winner, unless Verbatim Micro SD 2GB Zotac GeForce 9600GT ECO Panache T3300
specified otherwise. In the event of a dispute, the Editor’s decision shall be final. Verbatim SD 1GB Zotac GeForce 8400GS Razer Carcharias
Zotac GeForce 9400GT Razer Mamba
Printed and Published by Kanak Ghosh, for Nine Dot Nine Interactive Pvt. Ltd. C/o KPT House, Plot Graphics card test.........70 Zotac GeForce 9400GT Zone Sony Ericsson C510
41/13, Sector 30, Vashi (Near Sanpada Railway Station), Navi Mumbai 400 703 AMD ATI Radeon HD4350 Edition Sony MDR NC7/WM
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2 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
CONTENTS
Enter
12 8 Inbox
12 Industry Connect
Nautanki.tv
13 Buzz
Catch up with exciting
developments from the world of
personal technology
Connections
24 16 Web watch
Opera Unite, Safari 4 and Indian
web startups
18 Mobile watch
Nokia’s durable handset, mobile
novels and iPhone apps
22 Wikipedia
16 The trials and tribulations that
went into making the world’s
favourite online reference web
site
22 24 Android
A closer look at Android and the
Open Handset Alliance
26 Set up and use EyeOS
A workshop on how to set up
private and public servers on
EyeOS, the cloud-based, free
(AGPLv3) operating system
30 DIGITAL LIFE
18 30 Drool Maal
32 Open source myths
Agent 001 busts some popular
open source myths
34 Living on OSS
Open source is not just about
software, it is a way of life
32 41 The OScar
Agent001 looks beneath the
hood for the source of an open
source car
41 SCI-TECH
44 Colour management
Learn why the colours in
printers need to be managed,
and how to manage them
48 Touchscreens
An innovative new approach to
touchscreen technology from
the Carnegie Mellon Institute
labs
4 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
52
Tried and tested 124 Community
52 LCD monitors
Choose from among 29 LCD
monitors tested this month 80
128 Last Word
63 Flash drives
USB drives and memory cards
tested and rated for you
70 Graphic cards
We benchmark the latest entry
level graphic cards
80 Bazaar
Toolbox
89 Tips and tricks 100
Gnumeric, DVDFlick, 7Zip,
Tiwtter and TweeDeck
97 Q&A
100 Thermal
116
management
Agent’s advice on cooling 63
Street smart
105 Killer rigs
Get to know the best
configuration that fits your
budget
106 Price watch
The latest prices for your
reference
44
Tech@Work
108 We’re open for
business
Business models for SoHos 110
110 Programming
languages
Programming languages to
learn for a career
Esc
114 Unwind
116 Game review:
Drakensang
122
118 Game Review:
Zeno Clash
122 Avitel Post Studioz
The inner workings of a major
animation and post production
house
118
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 5
DVD Contents
•CraigsList Reader Pro 3.32 •Super Finder XT 1.6.1.1
•Download Accelerator Plus •TeraCopy 2.01
•FileZilla 3.2.6 •TreeSize Free 2.3.2
•GetGo Download Manager •TweakNow PowerPack 2009
•Gladinet Cloud Desktop •TweakNow RegCleaner 4.4
•KooLoader 1.3 •UltraExplorer 2.0.1
•MobileWitch Pass Safe 1.9 •Universal Viewer Free 4.0.2
•Music MP3 Get 4.0.1.9 •WinStart Manager 1.4
•OnLine TV Live 7.1.2 •Wise Disk Cleaner 4.52
•Phazer 1.0
•RapidShare Downloader 4.10 Entertainment
•SeaMonkey 1.1.17 Games
•Transmute 1.56 Dawn of Discovery
•TrayTweet 1.2
•TubeSucker 5.2.002
•TwittX Twitter Client 1.0.0.38
•Weather Watcher Live 6.0.30
•Writemonkey 0.9.4.0
•ZapShares 2.4
•Zultrax P2P 4.35
System
CPU Speed Professional •Return to Mysterious Island II
•Trine
•MediaCoder 0.7.1.4450 Trailers
Tools •MediaInfo 0.7.17 •2012
Multimedia •MediaMonkey Standard •Amelia
Agares RackA3 1.0 •MetatOGGer 3.9.1.0 •Daybreakers
•Moovida Media Center 1.0.3 •GI Joe
•Pdf To Jpeg Converter 3000 7.4 •Inglourious Basterds
•Photobie 6.0 •It might get loud
•PhotoOnWeb 0.9.1 CPU Speed Professional is an •Ponyo
•Photoshop Camera Raw 5.4 application that measures the •Shutter Island
•Pi-Vu Basic 1.6.2.1 real speed of your Intel or AMD •The Last Airbender
Agares RackA3 is a collection of •Similarity 0.9 build 310 central processor unit (CPU). •Zombieland
6 VST effects. Featuring triple •Songbird 1.2.0 Click the Test My Speed button
distortion, triple delay, triple •Soundbase 2009.06.27 and watch as CPU Speed ramps Music
reverb, triple pitch shifting, triple •Videora iPod Converter 4.08 up your computer’s processor to •August Moon
chorus, and triple phaser effects, •VIP Rumor Player 2.6 full throttle. •For those who can’t wait
the Agares RackA3 includes 6 •VSO Image Resizer 2.2.0.4 •Advanced SystemCare Free •Halo Fauna
VST effect units that are designed •Windows Live Photo Gallery •Asoftech Photo Recovery 2.0 •How do we jump this high
to provide the basic effects toolkit •Auslogics Disk Defrag 2.0.0.15 •Pink Houses
that every musician needs. Internet •Baku 4.0.3466
TweetDeck 0.26.3 •Batch File Modifier 2.4.3466 Videos
•FastPictureViewer •Belarc Advisor 8.1b Linux Journals
•Ashampoo Burning Studio Free •BestSync 2009 4.2.04 •Advanced Firefox configuration
•BonkEnc Portable 1.0.12 •CCleaner 2.21.940 •Bash Startup Scripts
•BurnAware Free 2.3.6 •CrashPlan 6.11.20009 •Firefox addons - it’s all text
•Contenta-Converter Basic 4.5 •Endpoint Security Manager •Protect files with Chattr
•Cool Flv Player 1.0 •Eusing Free Registry Defrag 1.0 •Schedule commands
•DDJ Suite 2.9.169 •File Backup Watcher Free •Texting without cellphones
•Dynamic Range Compressor •Edition 2.8.25 •Using ARP
•FastStone Image Viewer 3.9 •Fresh Diagnose 8.10
•FLIP Flash Album Free 1.9 TweetDeck is your personal •Hawkscope 0.6.2 Things
•Foobar2000 0.9.6.8 browser for staying in touch •HWiNFO32 3.00 CCC-Trier Welcome Video
•Fotografix 1.0 beta 3 with what’s happening now, •JaBack 8.24 How to Make a Single Speed Bike
•FoxRecorder 1.3 connecting you with your •Limagito Lite 7.6.4.0 Lasercut Butterfly Knife
•i3D Photo 3.4 contacts across Twitter and •MapSphere 0.97.161 Martha Vader - A MakerBot sings
•IdPhotos 2008 3.6.3 Facebook. TweetDeck shows you •Memory Improve Master Free the imperial march and makes a
•iDump Build 29 everything you want to see at •Version 6.1.2.136 Darth Vader Head
•JetAudio Basic 7.5.3 once, so you can stay organized •Moo0 RightClicker 1.27 Resizing Objects in Blender
•Kantaris Media Player 0.5.4 and up to date. •MuvEnum Address Bar 5.0.5.0
•Kigo Video Converter 1.0 •pcBaseline 1.0.3 Astronomy 160
•Leap Free Audio Converter 5.0 •Boost Machine 1.5.6 •Registry Flashlight Fixer 1.4 Lecture 14 - Pulsars
•Life Photo Maker 1.4 •Bywifi 1.5.3 •Screenshot Captor 2.67.01 Lecture 15 - Supermassive Black
•Lossless JPEG Rotator 1.01 •CoffeeCup Free FTP 4.2.1526 •SE-Explorer 0.0.29.590 Holes
6 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
DVD Contents
Open Source Internet
Development •aria2
•ADempiere ERP Business Suite •AutoWikiBrowser
•Arianne RPG •Azureus
•Bouml •Dooble: Secure & Open Source
•BugTracker.NET •Web Browser
•devkitPro •FreeImageMapper
•eXist •FreeWRL VRML/X3D browser
•Exuberant Ctags •KeePass Password Safe
•Flex Formatter •K-Meleon
•IDThemes •MindTouch
•IXThemes •MySecureShell SFTP-Server
•jEdit •Privoxy
• Quex •Quechua
•Microlog •RSS Bandit
•Notepad++ 5.4.4 •Safe Exam Browser
•Openbravo ERP •Shareaza
•RODIN •Zenoss Core
•Scintilla
•ScummVM Enterprise
•TortoiseSVN •Adaptive Planning Express
•WinMerge •Alfresco
•Buddi
Multimedia •Collabtive
LiVES •ControlTier likewise the message it sends
•CuteFlow back may not arrive for hours or
•DavMail days. This allows many players
•FGMP - Hotel Management to engage in a realtime strategy
•hipergate CRM game that could last for months.
•Hyperic •AssaultCube
•Inforama •Bos Wars
•JStock - Free Stock Market •BZFlag - Multiplayer 3D Tank
•Software Game Ardentryst is an action/RPG
•LimeSurvey •Digital Paint: Paintball 2 sidescoller, focused not just
•MailArchiva •DooM Legacy on fighting, but on story, and
LiVES is a Video Editing System. •Nagios •Enigma character development.
It is designed to be simple to use, •OpenGoo: The Open Suite •Epiar •Allegiance
yet powerful. It is small in size, •Osmius •F.L.A.W. •BloodFrontier
yet has many advanced features. •OSS Open Search Server •Final Frontier Trader •Globulation
LiVES is part editor, part VJ tool. •PDFCreator •GL-117 •Widelands
It will run under Linux, BSD and •Pentaho - Business Intelligence •Glaxium
UNIX. Compilation from source •Piggydb •HapticBillard Digit
necessary. •PNotes •Hot Potato Tools
•Album Art Downloader •Task Coach •Krystal Drop •DVD Flick
•Asymptote •TUTOS •OGL_Planets •7-Zip
•aTunes •OpenLieroX •Android 1.5 SDK
•Audacity FOSS Gaming •OpenTTD •Gnumeric
•Coppermine Photo Gallery Games •Pingus •MeCat
•Data Crow •Spice Trade •Open Movie Editor
•DVDx •Warzone 2100 •Digit Archive V2
•eLibrary •Wormux •FLV Player 2.0.25
•ffdshow •Zombies
•FreeMind Videos
•Inkscape Engines •Avitel Showreel
•MP3Gain •Car Racing Project 2010 •GeForce 3D
•Mumble •Crystal Space 3D SDK •Nokia N97
•SmartCam DarkWorld •Cube 2: Sauerbraten (Engine •Razer Moray
•SMPlayer DarkWorld is a space based and game)
•SoX - Sound eXchange massively multiplayer realtime •GLOBE_3D
•Tux Paint strategy game. What makes this •No Gravity
From this month onwards, we
•VirtualDub game unique is that the game is •QuakeForge will be accepting user made
•Wings 3D always running at a very slow •The EDGE Project content for the DVDs. Send in
•XBMC Media Center speed even when you are not •The Quake Army Knife animations, artwork, videos or
•xVideoServiceThief connected. When you send a any kind of content to
•Zina is not Andromeda ship to another planet it may Source Code cdcontent@thinkdigit.com
not arrive for hours or days and Ardentryst
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 7
Nautanki.tv Buzz
Enter Inbox 12 An interview with Sunil Nair,
CEO & Founder of Nautanki.tv 13 What’s happening in the world of
technology
comparisons between was useful. Videos on DVD
various different types were as usual mind blowing.
of software to help us Please don’t provide full
choose if we are up to length movies. You can
buying software (do provide e-books dealing with
include comparisons programming, Linux and other
among the freeware various technological topics.
counterpart). It would be Please provide some topics
great if cover the different dealing with command-line
Linux flavors. handling of linux. Editor-in-
You seem to have Chief has covered problems
stopped giving archives faced by all of us while
of the Digit and fast dealing with service providers.
track, I am a student and Thanks for that article and this
it easy to carry soft copy excellent issue.
of them, and be able to Mayur Gaikwad
check it any time and
I also miss out to buy Thanks for all the praise. Full
some of the issues since length movies are a common
I buy Digit from store, so request, and although some
with the archives I don’t of them are old and outdated,
) Well I am a regular reader of Windows on it using Bootcamp. miss anything. The HD trailers many still enjoy watching
Digit from last year. I am a big The Dell Studio XPS 16 is also a are awesome but you could them. There are instructional
fan of Digit and live in Nepal. I very good laptop - it’s stylish, is give interesting tutorials or command line videos in almost
really love the information that built well and performs well. I hardware installing videos tips every issue, included in the
you provide in your magazines. know you’ve asked not to take instead of the unboxing videos. Linux-Journals podcasts section
You really have no competition. price into consideration but you You guys there are doing a of the DVD. We will keep your
You have been able to make a can’t ignore the fact that the great job. I wish best of luck suggestion of e-books in mind.
unique mark. I used to see your Dell is a lot cheaper than the a you will always remain the Aditya
magazines in the newsstand Macbook Pro. top tech magazine and our
but I wasnt really interested Rossi technology navigator. ) Kudos to you and to the
until curiosity got the best of Vishal team Digit for delivering such
me and I bought my first issue ) I liked the E3 videos, I was a fabulous June and July issue.
of Digit then I knew why its so eager to view some videos This month’s Fast Track As I also share my birthday
good. I became drowned in the about project Natal but I didn’t has a very thorough and with Digit (17th) it makes the
articles. Still I continue reading find it in the DVD. I hope comprehensive listing, guide month of June very exicitng for
the articles of previous months. you’ll give details regarding and infromation about a whole me . Tons of information and
You have been improving with this in future. Also I want that bunch of Linux flavors. The Fast entertainment keeps me glued
time. Your new website is also you must review full HD LCD Track and Magazine archives to the mag. I’ve never set eyes
very good. Well I hope you get monitor in test center. will be given in the PDF form on other mags as I know Digit
even better and entertain us. Bhupinder Sidhu in the December issue. The is the best. I’ve been reading
Some guy was complaining harware tutorials is a great idea! Digit since March 2006 and
about the text size but I think it We carried some E3 videos, There are some webinars in this have seen many changes in the
is OK. Do you suggest macbook our sister publication, *SKOAR! month’s DVD, and we will work mag. Beside the font size I really
15 inch or a Dell XPS Studio 16 had a more comprehensive E3 on your suggestion while making liked the new layout of the
laptop? Not taking price into coverage. Rest assured that we the videos for the DVD. mag. The articles surely have
consideration and may you will continue to provide quality Aditya increased in number and also
blossom even more. egarding gaming content in our DVDs information. Please continue
gaming section in the DVD. and between the pages of our ) Great surprise for us! After the good work
Anish Dhami magazine. You will be pleased to a great anniversary issue, I Taking suggestions from
know that this month’s issue has did not expect issue dealing your March’s Fast Track on
Every person has different the LCD test you wanted. with security. Ethical hacking, Photography I tried Time Lapse
requirements and the notebooks Aditya and Michael Enter the mobile virus , A Photography. The resulting
from Apple and Dell are better secure digital identity, were videos are very good (according
suited for some people. I could ) I have been reading Digit outstanding. You guys gave to me) and would have liked
go on forever explaining all the for a quiet a long time and I me good options for antivirus. to share with you and with the
scenarios and why you’d prefer can assure you that you are Bloatware replacements are other readers but because of
one notebook over the other but the best among all other. With light and fast. Printers just the large resolution and file size
I’m going to keep it short. There Digit I always up to date with made me crazy as you tested I’m unable to forward the files
isn’t a 15-inch Macbook, so I’m all the latest technology and were cheap and affordable. through E-mail.
assuming you mean the 15-inch have enough knowledge to be Agent 001 suggested good Utsav Nath
Macbook Pro. If you want to the geekiest among my friends configuration for new PC’s. Bhilai, C.G
use Mac OS X, there’s really no and often solve their problems. Games reviewed were good.
choice - Macbook Pro 15 is the The new look of the magazine Thanks for Open Solaris in We’d love to see the results,
way to go. It’s an excellent piece is superb. DVD. Fast track on security why not try zipping the files and
of hardware. You can also install I would like you to give of all day-to-day technologies uploading them to a service like
8 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Inbox Write to us
We would love to hear from you. Write to Digit open source project
us at editor@thinkdigit.com and let us For more information, go to Page 38, or visit
know your feedback www.thinkdigit.com/dosp
yousendit.com, so that we can LETTER OF THE MONTH
also have a look?
Robert ) I have been a subscriber to your esteemed That said, everyone has room to improve,
monthly publication for at least two years now, and I do not doubt that you know that very
) Last month the review and believe me when I say that since I have well. Hence, may I add some suggestions that
for different antivirus was done so, I have never felt the need to subscribe may be found worth your while.
superb but I don’t know why to any other magazine. The quality of your In your ‘Killer Rigs’ section, kindly break
you missed Avast antivirus opinion is always held by me in the highest categories into 1-2 more; there is a category
from the tests. Here are some regard and you have one of the best writing of readers who would like a graphic card, but
suggestions that are strongly styles I have seen anywhere, let alone among simply can’t dole out Rs. 18,100 for the same,
recommended. tech magazines. and also who want something between 18
a. Front page of the July It is really amazing how you balance grand and 30 grand.
magazine was not up to the introducing new concepts, technology and Kindly provide Nvidia and ATi graphic card
mark, please focus on front competitors and helping us to fully understand drivers (the latest) in your essentials, as well as
page of the magazine as and utilize our usual, everyday technology. MediaMonkey (free). These practically have to
mostly new buyers attracted Even more amazing is how you have now be used many times for graphic card owners
mainly by the front page started interacting with your readers more and music enthusiasts.
after all we (Digit family) are often through webinars, bootcamps and his actually is more a question for your QnA
no.1 in India so it’s a major workshops, and even helping us with customer section: - Kindly inform me of a free software
issue. Check the quality of service-related issues. You have always been alternative to iTunes to transfer videos to your
April isssue that was great as helpful with your advice on tech problems in iPod Touch.
well as attractive too. your ‘Your Questions, Our Answers’, and this is Kindly, at the end of each year, list the best
b. There is not much taking it to the next level. I like!!! and worst following of the year: -
issue with the content Your issue on security (July 2009) has been o Video Games
of magazine. You already a real eye-opener, both for me and undoubtedly o Free Software
provide lot of nice stuff each so many more. You have lived up to the o Big Release Software
month. But I may suggest Ubuntu ideal in your own way- ‘technology for Also, cut the Vista-look-alike DVD interface.
you to add something more. human beings’ and this ideal helped me to get Honestly, it is irritating.
I know you can’t add much everything that you intended to say, and rest Congrats on completing eight years, and hope
pages in magazines that assured I will think twice while working on the for many more years of quality decoding :)
might be costly to you but Internet from now on. Chinmay Pai
you can add tech articles on
the DVD itself from various
sources (like Wikipedia and only Magazine, that is so much is too shaky sometimes. Also was the internet invented,
ezine articles if they agree). connected with its subscribers. try to give a brief intro of the The evolution of Mac, Bill
As our tech hunger grows up You have listened to our product before unboxing it. Gates Biography etc.)
so much that I will finish up demands and have changed You could try to build a Please give us more
your whole magazine within continuously to fulfill our social networking site for on Web 2.0 applications.
two days from the date I requirements. I bet no other mag Digit readers, where we Because if I’m not wrong web
bought it after that I get does that. I am regular reader can be friends and have 2.0 is going to be the part
bored. However the DVDs since four years. Like other discussions more than and parcel of our lives soon.
take time to explore. Digitians, I am also considered forums. Who knows, you Please provide articles
c. Digit archive is your the Tech guru among my friends. could be the next ‘myspace’! that can teach Linux (Linux
responsibility make it yours. I really loved the design of the Commands, functions, tips
d. I will be very happy July issue and the new look of Suggestions on Content and trick etc.) to laymen, as
if you provide us the latest thinkdigit.com is fabulous. I also You should focus more on we are promoting the open
BackTrack distro. have some suggestions that I’ve open source software and tools source culture.
Shishir Priyadarshi listed for you since long: rather than hardware. It goes Rest assured, you guys are
The movies that you simple: “If someone already the best and unbeatable.
We kept the cover dark and provide in the DVD, are has a notebook, he wont buy Biswaranjan Rout
mysterious because of the either too old or worn out. another one, even after reading
topic. Let me know how you Subscribers rarely watch about better ones. Indians You will like this month’s
like this month’s cover. We will them. Its better to replace don’t replace electronic issue, which focuses on Open
take your other suggestions them with Tech videos of equipment too often. But in Source software, with a lot
into consideration and try and the same size. Like you gave case of software, one would of the DVD content dedicated
implement them all. videos about “Things” in definitely switch to a better to Open Source tools. In our
Robert June issue. Well movies have software if he finds it featured mission to help technology
nothing to do with Tech! on Digit.” consumers make educated
) Firstly I’d like to congratulate We are waiting for a Please provide content decisions, our tests of a wide
you on the success of being changed and more beautiful UI about history of computing range of hardware is helpful
India’s favourite Tech Magazine of the DVD as the new Website and technology as a new in many ways to make buying
for 8 long years. You must and design of the mag. section, as we know the decisions over time.
be aware that Digit readers Unboxing videos are a new future is lame without study A DVD UI change is a
become Tech Gurus in their innovation but the videos get of history. Please try to common request, and we will
locality very soon after being a hazy at times and sometimes include some for the sake of look into it.
consistent reader. You are the lighting is poor. The camera completeness. (For Ex: How Robert
10 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Industry Connect For the first time in history,
Microsoft logged a full-year
One of Twitter’s mysterious revenue
generating approaches has been
revenue drop, while Apple posted revealed, as special tools for
profits for the same period businesses
The drama unfolds
We spoke to Mr. Sunil Nair, CEO and founder of Nautanki.tv, about online streaming and
the response to it by the Indian audience
Kumar Jhuremalani
kumar.j@thinkdigit.com
How did Nautanki.tv
start?
In 2006 there was a growing
movement towards UGC. Our
thought process was to use
low cost content to create a
base for Indian content on
the internet. We moved to
Indian independent content
and eventually to branded
content. The company started
with a clutch of media and
advertising professionals
coming together to
experiment with content and
technology.
Tell us more about
the technology behind
your services? the
servers, configurations,
platforms, etc
We have three 64-cluster Mr. Sunil Nair, CEO & Founder of Nautanki.Tv
servers in place, two of which
companies prefer a
operate out of the USA and per cent of the videos are: We have tapped the long-tail
service provider such as
one from Mumbai. The Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, of the internet and believe in
Nautanki.tv?
complete content and ad- Chennai, Bangalore, Pune and taking content to where you
serving mechanism has been Kolkata (in that order). In There are enough case-studies are and not try and bring you
built by us from scratch. We fact, quite surprisingly, there in the market to prove that to a destination site called
have the capability of serving is 32 per cent consumption YouTube is facing difficulties Nautanki.tv
ads on content dynamically, from the rest of the cities and in monetizing content due Over the last few years, we
which only a few ad-networks the tier-2 belt. to their infrastructure. Even have read about the success
in the world can boast of. We though YouTube also serves of so many of the big players
have a real-time reporting videos, but when you get on the internet and today
What is the typical
system that is pretty robust into the details of each one seem to have forgotten them.
Indian's favourite video
and provides the highest levels intricately, you realize that This is the risk you run
content?
of transparency to the client YouTube has user generated when you have a destination
whose campaign is running This question’s been answered content, which is an site, which fades away like a
live. We share the same with so many times before. The advertiser’s nightmare. pattern on the internet. But
the client. The algorithm is content that has always Nautanki.tv on the other as long as you are present
built such that it runs in the worked in India is Fashion hand has premium-legal where the consumer is, you
best interest of both the viewer and Bollywood. FTV and content which is easy to do not get obsolete. We keep
and the advertiser. Bollywood Hungama get the target. The brands know innovating and changing with
highest views on our network. exactly what they want to the times!
In fact youth-centric content be associated with. In fact, Moreover, the types of
Which places in India
like that of MTV and Channel we are a network where we advertising opportunities
consume the most video
V are catching up very fast. have strategically given out that Nautanki.tv can provide,
content? What do they
our video players (widgets) ranges from vanilla pre-rolls
watch?
With services such to multiple destinations. to a 360-brand solution
From India, the top seven as YouTube for video So, we are not restricted to to events to social media-
cities that consume 68 hosting, why should Nautanki.tv for consumption. optimisation.
12 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Consumermate.com Buzz
OpenID
now has reviews of LCD/Plasma Google to enable OpenID logins to enterprise
TV and mobile phones users of their services
Google’s Chrome OS
J
ust when the crowds were concern is the poor internet Apparently, Amazon books disappearing from their
getting excited about connectivity options available discovered that the copy on devices at the will of the seller.
Google’s mobile operating in our country. With most sale with them was a bootleg Another twist to this incident
system, Android, there users on connections with version. When the original is that the books that were
came some even more exciting
came ridiculous download caps and copyright holder notified forcibly recalled are freely
news from Google. Google limited speeds, running an Amazon about this, Amazon available for download on
is developing an operating system that decided not to just discontinue websites from countries where
operating system depends heavily selling it but also to pull it the copyright has expired,
based on the on the internet out of customers’ Kindles. example Russia.
Chrome browser. might not be As compensation, Amazon
Users are not practical. refunded the customers. Still, Microsoft donates
just content Chrome as expected, the incident code to Linux
with the free OS will be generated a lot of gripe online. Microsoft did something that
services, and free because It is generally agreed that few could have predicted: it
many have hoped it will be open Amazon handled a genuine submitted 20,000 lines of code
that Google would source. Many say problem, very
create an operating that the code for the badly indeed.
systems; and it’s finally OS will be made public Customers
happening! already this year. It should be buy ebooks
While many have their available for public release in for the Kindle
fingers crossed that Chrome the later half of next year. device over a
OS will take on Microsoft’s wireless network,
Windows operating system, Amazon pulls a but who knew
it’s highly unlikely there’ll be disappearing act the device
such a confrontation. Google Imagine you pay for something had hidden
would need to use its power and one fine day the vendor functionality
to convince developers to who sold it to you, just takes built in that
port applications previously it away. Amazon recently did could invoke
developed for Windows over precisely that with one of a reversal
to its platform. That’s a tall the books sold to customers remotely?
order. If Google integrates its on the Kindle ebook reader. Another title by
online services with the local Ironically, the book that the same author, Animal Farm, to the Linux community under
operating system, it could Amazon chose to erase from was also zapped in this sweep. a GPLv2 license.
take a large chunk from the customer’s devices was 1984, And as it turns out this is not The code is meant for
netbook OS market and also the George Orwell classic the first instance of Amazon four drivers which allow
many Linux distributions. which depicts a totalitarian pulling this stunt. Customers Linux operating systems to
Not much is known about era where this sort of a thing voicing their complaints on run on the latest version of
it yet. It will be built on a would’ve been commonplace. forums have pointed out the Windows Server using
Linux kernel and will be earlier instances of virtualisation. It’s code-named
designed for low power Harry Potter books Viridian and commonly called
computing devices – disappearing. Several Hyper-V. With this code Linux
netbooks. The OS is said users likened it to servers should be able to run
to be developed together stealing property from on Windows Server 2008’s
with companies such as their bedside table, Hyper-V virtualisation system
HP, ASUS, Adobe, Texas while they were asleep. with a minimal performance
Instruments. Chrome Kindle owners have loss. So why is Microsoft
OS will be coded for the first to contend with apparently trying to help
ARM processor. the fact that ebooks, Linux? With better support
Google says that it however tangible, have and performance for Linux on
doesn’t want people certain limitations its Windows servers, it might
to be spending all when compared to be hoping to improve sales. On
their time waiting for physical books. These the other hand, Microsoft has
computers to boot up include not being been saying that Linux violates
and load software. It also able to lend books, to 235 of its patents, ranging
doesn’t want people to resell or donate them from the kernel right up to the
lose any data. It is clearly once read, and also user interface.
suggesting that the cloud the inability to display This move seems to have
is the way to go, and if them on a bookcase. put some pressure on VMWare
so, powerful hardware Now they even have which is a major player in the
isn’t required. Our only to live in fear of the virtualisation scene. It has
Facebook recently crossed one billion views for its video service The 802.11n Wi-Fi standard is nearing final ratification Yahoo! to buy Xoopit, to add new photo
13 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Buzz
Blizzard confirms Sony might develop a phone
no LAN support for component to their successful
Starcraft II Playstation Portable handheld
had support for Linux for a lawsuits and settlements.
while but this code could help Kazaa is also now back,
Microsoft’s own servers to take
a leap in performance and
but with a fee charged to
subscribers. They will be able
Digit’s list of young
surpass VMWare’s offerings.
The code handed over will
to download unlimited tracks
for a fixed monthly fee. Kazaa Indian innovators who
be integrated in the next Linux
kernel, release 2.6.32, slated
for December this year.
had a reputation for being a
major home for spyware. are changing the world
A new meaning to This Independence Day, celebrate the great Indian minds
The Pirate Bay to go movies on-the-go with us
T
paid Here’s an interesting step taken
The Pirate Bay, one of the by the Japan Unit of Walt his August 15, it will be 62 years since India’s
largest bittorrent trackers Disney Co., as it plans to sell independence from British rule and its birth as a
on the internet is set to its movies on a new medium sovereign nation. However, our Bharat has long been
– flash memory cards. a crucible of innovation, invention and technology in
The sizes of memory South Asia – from the ancient scholar Pingala, who
cards varies, but was the first to describe a binary numeric system, to the great
Disney has selected mathematician-astronomer Aryabhata. Modern India has also given
birth to luminaries whose work has
the microSD memory
shone brightly and contributed
card size as the choice Your nominations much to the advancement of
to go with for this Help Digit identify young Indian society: Sir Jagadish Chandra
venture. It initially innovators who are changing the Bose and his work on microwaves,
plans to bundle these world. Read this story and send in Srinivasa Ramanujan and his
memory cards with your nomination to contributions to analytical number
pre-recorded content yii@thinkdigit.com. theory, Satyendra Nath Bose
along with DVDs of Head to www.thinkdigit.com/YII and his famous work on photons
go commercial after it was the same movies. for more information that form Bose statistics, Homi
taken over by a company by MicroSD was selected Jehangir Bhabha, Subramaniam
the name of Global Gaming because it is the most common Chandrasekhar, Har Gobind Khorana, Amartya Sen – the list is as
Company. The plan is to type of mobile phone storage; endless as our people are timeless.
charge users a fee and collect so with this new package, you For our 62nd year of Independence, Digit would like to look
money in order to pay people can watch the movie at home ahead to a new India, an India shaped by young minds innovating
who own the content. Details or on your mobile phone when in the realm of technology. This is a brave new era of nano-
of the payment aren’t known on the move. machines and micro-blogs, an age when thought travels at the
yet but the plan is to charge The microSD cards are going speed of light and changes the world overnight. In this age, India
people less the more they to be provided by Panasonic, has a new tryst with destiny when we once again “step out from
share. All existing members while the price of the pack is the old to the new”, with the help of young Indian innovators. Digit
would like to identify, recognise and felicitate these young minds
will have to shell out a set to be approximately Rs.
who will shape our destiny through their work.
monthly fee. There are plans 2,500.
It is a vast undertaking and one that would benefit immensely
for trying to work with ISPs to This new medium seems from contributions from our community. So we would like to take
optimise traffic by 80 per cent. certainly more practical than this opportunity to extend an invitation to you, our readers, to help
The changes are expected to streaming movies on the go. us undertake this mission. You can contribute via nominations:
come into effect around the Walt Disney Studios plans do you know a young Indian innovator who has birthed a vital
end of July. to launch this new service in algorithm, designed a world-changing chip, or written a vital
Kazaa is a P2P service November, and the first movie component of a search engine? Let us know. There are rules
which came up after Napster titles are going to be the Pirates though:
shut down. Kazaa was also of the Caribbean series and the 1. Since this is a list of young Indian innovators, the person
forced to shut after several National Treasure series. nominated should be under the age of 40.
2. The young Indian innovator you nominate must, of course, be of
Indian origin.
3. The person you nominate should have made a meaningful and
substantial impact on our lives.
4. When we say “innovator”, we mean someone who has made
a contribution to technology, no matter what kind – from
processors to alternate fuels, and everything in between
Based on your contributions and our own research, we will
prepare Digit’s list of young Indian innovators who are changing
the world. This list will then be shared with everyone of you online
at www.thinkdigit.com/YII. For the next phase of this exercise we
will invite your votes to decide the most influential amongst the list
of Digit’s young Indian innovators.
To nominate one or more persons to the list, write to us at yii@
thinkdigit.com and visit us online at www.thinkdigit.com/YII for
more information.
sharing features to its services The deviant toilet on the ISS was fixed, after a spacewalk mission Microsoft pulls down Soapbox, YouTube’s rival, no one really notices
14 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Mobile Watch
A look at the business of iPhone Wikipedia: Behind the pages
Connections Web watch 18 apps and the nearly indestructible
phone from Nokia 22 How Wikipedia works? The technology behind one
of the largest web sites on the internet
Filled with activity in the
Browsers ahoy
browser industry, internet
users have increased options
to choose from. We look at the
latest happenings with Opera,
Safari and more
Opera Unite playing on users inherent fears but makes you wonder if it is mid-July, is supposed to make
B
about privacy and control. really useful. Opera describes it stable, and so, worthy of
rowsers have Besides, many online bloggers it as “A fun place for people to being pitted against fellow
witnessed significant have pointed out that given leave notes on your computer.” contenders in the browser
changes in recent the centralised routing of It is the virtual equivalent of world. Whether it lives up to
times. Whether it’s data, you eventually do end leaving notes on the refrigerator Apple’s ambitious claim, we
a boost in speed or some up relying on Opera proxy door. Except on your virtual shall see later; for now let’s
added functionality, browser servers, making this an indirect fridge, it’s not only you but look at the user experience
developers are pulling out all approach after all. a whole lot of your contacts that the browser provides and
the stops to come up with the We seriously doubt all the online that can leave you notes. the improvements it offers
most superior product. Opera hype that Unite will reinvent All they have to know is the over the previous release.
developers also came out with the web. Services such as unique URL that gets created, Even with a cursory glance,
their bid – Unite, a technology Windows Live Sync and which goes something like you’ll see the similarity with
that they claim will turn a Dropbox have been allowing http://compname.username. Chrome. In particular, the
computer running the Opera file-sharing and similar services operaunite.com/fridge/. page control and settings
browser into a web server. for a long time, albeit The Media Player buttons at the top right corner
Contrary to the traditional without browser service allows you of the screen. The drop down
client-server approach, Opera integration. In fact, to access your menus that they produce are
claims to place the user in many of the little complete home almost identical. So is the
control of his / her own data, services offered music library position of the forward / back
by allowing users to connect by Opera Unite from wherever navigation button as well as
directly to their friends for are already you are, the refresh button. The only
sharing files and also allowing being offered without having difference in the navigation
several other activities such as by different to upload it. bar is that the search field is
networking and more. But who players The web server independent of the Address
really wants so much control? independently. allows you to Bar, while in Chrome they’re
More importantly, does All Opera is doing host web sites off clubbed into one.
anyone care? People are very is consolidating your PC. To try out The visual effects are
comfortable having hundreds all of them under its Unite, head over to the spectacular, as with any Apple
of photos hosted on third browser’s umbrella – hardly Opera web site and download product. The home screen
party servers. Most average ground breaking. the latest alpha build. In the left which shows the most visited
users won’t even understand These services include file panel, you will find the Unite sites or favourites, looks
the difference between sharing sharing, photo sharing, note button which gives you access to stunning. It’s a change from
content from hosted services sharing, remote media player, these services. You will need to the older concept of having
and their own hard drive. If a chat room service and a register an account with Opera, the most recently visited
Opera wants to succeed with web server. The first two are if you don’t already have one. sites. But navigating from
Unite, it’ll have to move past too familiar. The Fridge is a Opera is also offering the API here seems sluggish when
flogging this concept and service that seems fun at first, to developers to create their own compared to Opera or Firefox
Unite services. So far, there are (when running on a Windows
no new services added to the 7 system). The start page is
Unite repertoire. The bottom fully customisable, in terms of
line is that Opera makes one sites you want displayed, size
of the most stable, fast and of the panes and arrangement
light browsers in the market. on screen. Going into the edit
They should probably focus on option will bring up a pinning
that core strength instead of tack icon that makes the site
tangential experiments. a permanent one, while the
X will get rid of it. Also, it
Safari 4 appears Apple’s affinity for
Yes, we know it released at coverflow continues. The
the beginning of June but feature has now been ported
it’s never too late to take into Safari to let users browse
a crack at something that through history using the
claims to be the “World’s coverflow style. So web pages
fastest browser”. Also, the in your browser history will be
recent update (4.0.2) to the smoothly gliding past at your
Opera Unite showing the Fridge service browser’s Java engine released will. Speaking of history, if you
Google recently unveiled plans to introduce an operating system for netbooks based on the Chrome browser Michael Jackson’s memorial boosts global web traffic
16 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Android OS Web watch
A close look at the Android OS and the eyeOS
24 Open Handset Alliance -- will it change
the way we look at phones? 26 The cloud-based, free (AGPLv3)
operating system
showed Safari – interesting concepts. For a
to be the fastest while now webpreneurs have
browser. The been venture shy, but things
scores were from have probably started looking
PCs based on up. This month, we came
the most popular across two new startups that
processors seem quite interesting and
around (i7 920, worth checking out.
Core 2 Duo TweetKnot is a Bangalore-
E8400, and based web startup that offers a
Phenom II X4 simple way of creating groups
940). Another or communities on Twitter.
interesting The groups are called Knots.
point to be Every member of Knot can
noted in terms send messages to all other
of rendering members. There are options
benchmarks is to make private knots and
that Chrome even select the members
scores 99 (with whose updates will appear in
Safari 4 home screen showing the Top Sites a linktest fail) a knot. To use the service you
on an Acid 3 test will have to give TweetKnot
don’t want to leave a digital browser around” so we figure while Safari gets a complete 100. access to your Twitter account.
trail behind, there’s the option it should be an interesting This makes it only the second TweetKnot seems somewhat
of using Private Browsing akin bout. For some quick results browser yet to hit the mark. similar to another service we
to Chrome’s Incognito mode. we put both browsers through As for the page loading test had come across called Twibe.
The improvements however a benchmark and a real world we decided to note the time Yet, unlike Twibe’s clunky
are not all visual dazzle. There page loading test. The browser taken to load a single tab of appearance, TweetKnot’s
are improvements under the benchmark tool from future thinkdigit.com. To time it we interface seems like a natural
hood and even in terms of mark is quite popular. It is a six used the XNote stopwatch extension of Twitter. You can
usability. An example of a step test process that takes the application which was started post updates to groups from
usability tweak is the ability browser through the grind of simultaneously with a mouse tweetknot.com or even from
to grab tabs into new click corresponding to your Twitter account using
windows; again this one own hitting the enter key for the syntax [D TweetKnot
our
comes from Chrome. Make y the address bar of the ]. Now, although
The Java script engine browser. The results it’s a fun utility, what comes to
Nitro, has gone through were quite inconclusive mind is whether the creators
a revamp with this Be a part of the first ever community created as both browsers did have any revenue model in
version contributing Digit Fast Track. You get to collaborate, a mighty fine job of mind, since that is a question
greatly to its speed and create and control everything from the cover rendering the page even Twitter itself is still
stability. to the contents. For more information, quickly. As for start up struggling with.
Now for the speed. go to page 38, or visit time however, Chrome The other startup, Zimblee.
Since Safari is so similar www.thinkdigit.com/digitosp was much faster on com, isn’t confused in that
to Chrome (uses the our system. area at all. Zimblee is a tool
same rendering engine) What about memory that allows you to create
we decided to pit it against loading, sorting and searching usage? Some memory usage online ad campaigns and
only that browser for the speed for data and even measures your charts online showed Safari schedule them to appear on
comparison. Besides, Chrome browser’s ability to render and 4 to be significantly low on different social networking
is also regarded as the strongest modify specific HTML elements resource consumption, coming web sites such as BigAdda.
contender to the title of “fastest used in typical web pages, in very close to Opera. When Apparently, it’s the world’s
Ashwini Baviskar
amongst other we checked our process first custom online ad
things. On manager with three tabs open creator platform that is
a P4 system pointing to thinkdigit for both meant for use by advertisers,
running Safari and Chrome, we found including individuals and
Windows Chrome to be lighter. Oh well, small businesses. The tool is
7 Safari 4 the complaint for bloatware intended to be a do-it-yourself
secured is always there, but as long as ad maker. The service itself
1,999 Points, the application is fast and does seems pretty easy to use.
while chrome what it’s supposed to, we’re The online demo gives a
got 1,748. not too bothered. complete walk through of how
Interestingly, advertisers can create their
the overall Indian web startups display ads, literally within a
scores back again? few clicks. And all this doesn’t
accumulated Since the dot com bust of cost the earth. They have
on the web yesteryears, several interesting packages that start from as low
Zimblee ad creator in action site also concepts remained just that as Rs. 12,000.
by 33 per cent because of people watching it online Billboard.com relaunched recently in a new flash based avatar, bringing its chart info out into the open
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 17
Symbian Horizon Radio Gaga
Mobile watch An application publishing platform
supported by the Symbian Foundation,
Web radio services and music industry
made peace recently. Former agrees to
that provides assistance to app pay 25 percent of revenue or pay a per-
developers to be available by October. stream rate of 0.08 whichever is greater.
with the rugged nature of the subscribers would
phone, the 3720 comes with be charged Re. 1
an LED torch light that also per minute. The
doubles up as a flash for its audio book will
2-MP camera. The phone is have a duration of
a Symbian series 40 device, 60 minutes with
that comes with a 2.2-inch a subscription fee
QVGA TFT display, FM and of Rs. 30. This
Bluetooth . What about looks? is apparently a
The lineage that the phone first for publisher
comes from dates back to the HarperCollins
5140. The phones from this – looking at
rugged bloodline have always expanding reach
been above average in the looks and finding
department. And the 3720 does innovative ways of
not disappoint. On the negative creating synergy
side, however, the phone through related
doesn’t have 3G. Reportedly media. It hopes
the phone will retail for around there will be many
more such releases
Reliance to send for the Indian
novels via SMS market. The book itself is a as big as an Amazon or eBay.
We’ve all heard of audio books, story “of optimism over a life- Besides, most veteran app
ebooks and more recently changing weekend, culminating developers around the world
‘classic’ old school paper ones. on the day of a total solar are saying that the app store
But the latest innovation to eclipse” and is by the award is now very crowded. Getting
Handle without care hit the written word is SMS winning author Pinki Virani. noticed is therefore becoming
P
books! That’s right, Reliance even more difficult. There are
hones are some of the Communications plans to The business of sites such as 148Apps.biz that
world’s most used dole out SMS novels in India. iPhone apps even give app makers tutorials
and abused gadgets. Perhaps this move is in light July marked one year since on how to market their
Unfortunately, most of of the dearth of data-enabled Apple began allowing applications. Tips include
them are so delicate that you cell phones in the country, independent developers to getting your app reviewed
need to be careful with them. and the small fraction actually sell their apps through the on some of the dozens of
With the latest ‘rugged’ phone connected to iTunes App app review sites that have
from Nokia, you won’t have data services. The novel Deaf Store. During sprung up, such as AppScout.
to worry about any of those The novel Heaven will be sent to this year that com. Making apps might
things. The phone has IP54 Deaf Heaven subscribers through a passed by, we be serious business or just
certification, which indicates will be sent something that geeks do on
it’s completely dust and water to subscribers
total of 90 SMSs over a have witnessed
a frenzy from the side for fun or popularity.
resistant. Nokia has even through a total period of thirty days geeks all over Yet, there are signs that more
enhanced its shock protection. of 90 SMSs the world to serious and utility-oriented
There are several videos over a period of thirty days. create a variety of applications apps are on their way. For
online of the phone enduring The pricing is affordable; for the iPhone. But are any example, the Quickoffice
torture, including being subscribers will be charged of these geeks becoming Mobile Office Suite that has
completely submerged – not Rs. 30 for the full book, which millio naires selling inane crept in at the ninety-ninth
only in water, but even jelly and works out to an affordable Re. applications such as “Rate a position on the top 100 list.
beer. All the while the phone 1 per day. The only trouble Fart 2.0”, which, incidentally, It’s a $12.99 application for
was switched on and received is that while reading an is selling for 99 cents? All creating, editing and synching
calls! After getting drenched in actual book we tend to keep logic points towards a firm no. documents and spreadsheets.
beer, it could act moody, call it aside when we want, not Still that hasn’t stopped the There is also a $100-million
random people, and not make when there are no more pages App Store’s repertoire from dollar venture capital fund
phone calls in a straight line, continuing the story. So in reaching well over 50,000 called iFund, that intends to
but it certainly functions. It was this SMS delivery mechanism apps and more than 1.5 billion “fund market-changing ideas
even shot with a paintball gun. there should be a way for downloads. The base and top and products that extend the
And those that have been hit subscribers to ask for the next of this pyramid consists of revolutionary new iPhone
with a paintball pellet will tell set of messages, since most applications that cost less than and iPod touch platform”.
you that it hurts like hell even people wouldn’t want to wait a dollar. One might in fact However, the fund has so far
through protective overalls and until the next day to continue be inclined to think Apple is managed to fund only five
is known to chip wood with the story. running a digital dollar store. ventures. Considering the
the impact. The phone has Reliance also plans to The best seller lists titles competition from Pre and
steel parts in the body that are make the book available as an such as GloBall and Flight Android that is expected in
sealed all through. The back adult audio book. The audio Control – both games. These the near future, let’s hope the
cover opens only by unbolting book would be available on are hardly the building blocks enthusiasm of app makers
a metal screw lock. In keeping a multimodal number where of something that can become continues undampened.
LG to release the next generation version of Chocolate sometime this month Kindle’s biggest competition Plastic Logic’s eReader will have access to 7,00,000 books from
18 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
No iTunes for you Blinkx
Mobile watch That’s what Apple’s new update to
its iTunes software, is saying to Palm
Try this specialised search engine
that scours the web specifically
Pre. The update cuts off devices that for videos. It has catalogued more
pretend to be iPhones than 35 million hours of video
Cellphones can Mobile users basically lets you have one
predict floods concerned about “Google Voice” number
As outrageous as the above security which is connected to your
headline sounds, it seems to In our last issue we other numbers such as your
be true. At least according to reported that the rapid office, home and mobile
the research scientists at Tel growth of smart phones, number. You can choose
Aviv University who published with mobile applications which of the phones you
their findings in an issue of that connect to the want ringing when someone
Atmospheric Chemistry and web, has set the stage calls. One of the features it
Physics journal. “By monitoring for mobile viruses to boasts is caller groups, with
the specific and fluctuating disrupt things in this restricted access to certain
atmospheric moisture around sphere. Now we hear phones. For instance, friends
cell phone towers throughout of two new reports can have access to all three
America, we can cheaply, that are indicative of numbers while your pesky
effectively and reliably provide a an impending crisis in neighbour can be allowed
more accurate ‘critical moisture this arena. The first is to bug you only when you
distribution’ level for fine- a finding by US-based are at home. The best part
tuning model predictions of big Cloudmark Inc., which is that people only have to
floods,” says Prof. Pinhas Alpert, states that “nearly two remember a single number.
a geophysicist and head of Tel thirds of mobile device The number stays with
Aviv University’s Porter School owners are concerned you for life, so even if you
for Environmental Education. about the security of change your other numbers
That means that they can their devices.” This it doesn’t make a difference.
predict the intensity of the report is based on a Simply update the new
flood too. The premise is based survey of 1,812 U.S. numbers with the service.
on the fact that signal strength adults. The survey also Google Voice also gives you
diminishes due to moisture found that such concerns are phone and subscriber ID and other services such as voice
present in the atmosphere. restraining users from opting network information on affected mail and automated transcripts
Combining this with rainfall for new mobile services for devices, and connects to a of the same.
distribution data, scientists financial transactions and web site in order to send the With the newly released
were able to predict flash shopping. This is interesting information on. In addition, it Google Voice mobile app
floods that happen frequently from the point of view of the can also send spammed SMS for Blackberry and Android,
in the Judean Desert in revenue loss to the industry to the user’s contacts acquired placing outgoing calls from
Israel. With this new piece of at large as a result of on-the- from the web site it connected a Google Voice number has
information provided by cell go users not feeling secure to earlier”, states Trend Micro become easier, said a blog post
phone towers, the world’s enough to transact from their Labs. In short, it appears to be a from Google. The app is fully
weather bureaus that are mobile phones. botnet for mobile phones. It will integrated with contacts on
usually under a lot of flack The other report is of Trend be interesting to see what the the phone. For the thousands
for poor predictive ability, Micro announcing that it has future holds for the open source of people who don’t have an
will have an edge. Since cell spotted the first mobile botnet. mobile OS Android, in terms of Android or Blackberry device,
phone towers are available in Botnets have till now only been malicious attacks like these. Google has a mobile web
plenty all over most regions, seen in the PC world. According version which can be accessed
implementing this system to TrendMicro’s Research Lab, Google Voice now by typing www.google.com/
should also be quite simple. the Symbian-based malware, truly mobile voice into your mobile phone’s
Considering the amount of labelled SYMBOS_YXES.B, Google Voice, the invitation browser. The blog post also
mayhem caused by floods in could be downloaded from only service launched by says that “currently, Google
Mumbai, the city should be the malicious mobile sites by Google a while ago has now Voice is only available in the
first candidate for installing unsuspecting users. “A Symbian been ported to Android US”. Let’s hope it comes to our
such a system. Information Source file collects and Blackberry. The service shores soon.
Barnes & Noble “Sexy Space” is the first Symbian trojan, experts say a mobile botnet is in the offing Adobe to release a version of Flash for touchscreen platforms
20 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Wikipedia mobile
Feature On July 9, Wikipedia moved the
mobile version of the site out of
beta testing. The site is available
at m.wikipedia.org
behind the pages
Aditya Madanapalle Nupedia. The content was generated by readers, and
aditya.madanapalle@thinkdigit.com moderated by editors chosen for the job. To increase
the number of articles, Jimmy Wales started a wiki-
based encyclopedia, called it Wikipedia, and launched
A quick and dirty history of wikis it in January 2001, just when internet junkies around
W
the world where logging on to web 2.0. Wikipedia
ikis are web pages that allow visitors used MediaWiki, a PHP-based wiki. Six months and
and users to change the content a thousand articles later, a link to Wikipedia was put
of the web page. This is achieved up on Slashdot. Hoards of users jumped into the fray,
through the agency of server-side and increased the article count to a staggering 20,000
programs that are known as wikis. Every Wikipedia- articles by the end of the year. Wikipedia has been
like web site is based on a wiki engine, that allows growing at an exponential rate ever since.
users to edit the content. The first wiki engine All of this, however, is ancient history. The nature and
was written in Perl by Ward Cunningham, for his philosophy of wikis has evolved since 2002, a culture,
programming web site. This was way back in 1995, a complex system of rewards and a set of protocols
and the web site was used by programmers for have evolved since then. Wikipedia has spawned a
sharing ideas. This was called the number of sister sites, including WikiNews, WikiText
Some service awards WikiWikiWeb, and the name was and WikTionary. Wikis have grown beyond Wikipedia
The categorisation chosen from the Hawaiian word too, with hundreds of highly specific and fan-run wikis
Barnstar for “quick”. This simply intended always in continuous movement. A large number of
The categorisation for content to be generated people know Wikis from the outside, and have no clue
Barnstar, awarded by rapidly, but Ward Cunningham about the drama behind the pages they refer to.
editors to people who had no clue how rapidly. Wiki-
categorise articles, or based sites took quite some time The Wiki hierarchy
maintain and structure the to take off though. Between 1995 Despite all it’s apparent openness, the wikipedia
existing category pages and 2000, a few other wiki-based editors have a notoriously strict set of principles,
on Wikipedia web sites came out, many written an irritating sense of altruism, and a strange and
in other languages, but none semi-official hierarchy based on their contributions to
of these really reached out to a Wikipedia. Many editors casually change a few wrong
DYK Medal massive number of people. spellings, improper language, or factual errors as and
The DYK medal, awarded This was still the first decade when they come across them. There are however, a
to those editors with of the web’s existence, and we dedicated number of editors who have taken it upon
significant contribution to should factor in the lack of themselves to be responsible for the Wikipedia of their
the Did You Know section penetration of the web on a language. Disputes are not infrequent, and are often
of Wikipedia. These global scale. Wiki engines were settled using votes.
appear as pointers right written in PHP, Java, Perl, and a Editors are also democratically chosen and
below the featured story number of other programming promoted to higher levels – these give them more
of the day on the front languages, and were used by access to the web pages, power over other editors
page of Wikipedia] some web sites with a mediocre and users, and a host of tools to use at their disposal.
amount of success. Wikis at The editors are at the lowest rung here, and many
that time didn’t stand out as are happy to stay there. However, quite a few ascend
Senior Editor an innovative new approach to the level of Sysop or administrator. These are
The badge editors can to content generation, and as editors with extra powers over Wikipedia. They can
display on their user such, their potential was not change the locked or “protected” pages on Wikipedia,
pages after 24,000 edits realised. A notable exception was including deciding what goes on the home page of
on Wikipedia after four senseis.xmp.net, a large web site the web site. In the beginning of Wikipedia, all users
years. The editor is dedicated to the chequers-like had universal access, and everybody functioned as
considered to be either game of go, which has a large Sysops. In theory, this is still true, but in practice,
the senior editor or number of tactics, strategies and some people have more privileges because of the size
have the improbable playing configurations. and scope of the project.
title of “Grand and Enter Jimmy Wales, who Bureaucrats are far fewer in number than the Sysops
Glorious Tutnum of the worked on a free online or editors, and have more power. They can settle
Encyclopedia” encyclopaedia project called disputes, appoint other bureaucrats, and have more
22 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Video on Wikipedia Beware of Trolls
Wikipedia is all set to offer video as a
part of the content on the encyclopedia
Trolls on Wikipedia are likely to be most active
when a particular subject, place or personality is
Feature
pages, using partners such as Archive. in the news. So be careful of what you read then,
org and Metavid and always check the edit history
administrative responsibility over the Sysops Vandals and Sock Puppets taking actions, which may be in place for
and other editors. They can for example, ban There are vandals that sometimes get loose the security of Wikipedia, but at the same
IP ranges, protect pages, block vandals and on Wikipedia. These are sometimes drastic, time serves to slow down improvements of
the like. Sysops can also do some of these and deface a public personality, or the the encyclopaedia. The bureaucracy is often
things, but to a lesser degree. Bureaucrats page of a corporation. The PR personnel of resented, and most editors don’t even take
manage, appoint and handle bots, which small and large organisations often edit the the trouble to follow the procedures required
are scripts that automatically tweak, correct pages that they are interested in, in a way to safeguard even their pet project, often
or change content on Wikipedia. Above the that benefits them. For large, multinational requiring more effort than casual editors are
bureaucrats is the Arbitration Committee, companies, a bias is not possible, but for willing to make.
known as the Arbcom. The Arbcom handles smaller companies, slyly putting in a critical
and settles disputes, and takes policy line about competition, or making bold Ribbons, barnstars and service
decisions across the project. The Sysops, claims without references or proof, is not awards
bureaucrats and the members of the Arbcom difficult. Other kinds of vandals spread Wikipedia has a number of devices for
are all democratically elected from the levels misinformation, most of which is hidden in appreciating the efforts of individual editors.
below. Sometimes, bureaucrats can appoint a line somewhere and not easily detectable, Even if they are not promoted to Sysop
other bureaucrats when necessary. There even by experts on that subject. This can status or beyond, other editors can put
is a pyramid structure to the organisation, include propagation of myths, rumours and up barnstars to acknowledge the user’s
with around 15,000 Sysops, around 30 debatable information. contributions. Service awards are given to
bureaucrats and 15 people in the Arbcom. Another breed of editors is not above editors who dedicatedly reach a certain edit
Above the Arbcom are the stewards. These using multiple accounts to edit the same count, over a specific span of time. Ribbons
are very rare, are involved more actively in the page, or keep a watch on content. This may are used to display barnstars or service
sister projects of Wikipedia, simply because be to influence voting, or to make it appear awards in as little space as possible, so as not
the lower levels can operate Wikipedia as if the majority of editors have a particular to clutter a particular user page.
efficiently. The stewards are also voted, consensus about an article. Official policy There are eleven levels of editorial
and are called in when very important requires all editors with alternate accounts contribution service awards. From the lowest
decisions have to be taken or disputes to the highest, these are Burba, Novato, three
within the Arbcom have to be settled. Grognard levels, and five Tutnum levels.
These are high level policy decisions When a particular number of edits are
and the like. Above the stewards are the Thinkdigit.com reached in the stipulated time period, editors
Founders, Jimmy Wales is one of these, The editors of Wikipedia are can add the relevant badges, books or
but he is also a steward. a strange species, and are classified ribbons to their user pages. The books
All of this might not affect the into different real and mythical range from The First Book of Wikipedia
readers of Wikipedia, but drastically creatures depending on their behaviour for Novices, or Burbas, to the Book of All
affect the editors. There is an inherent within Wikipedia. Check out the more Knowledge for the highest level Tatnum.
bureaucracy in the functioning of interesting specimens from this zoo The editors on these levels can alternatively
Wikipedia, and new editors might not at thinkdigit.com/d/13740 place service badges on their user profiles,
be able to exploit the system as well the Tatnum levels have metal stars for each
as the old ones. Many editors tend to of the levels. These are iron, bronze, silver,
think of pages they have started as their pet gold, platinum and plutonium.
projects, and follow it closely across the edits.
There may be people with a different point Wikilove and Wikiquette
of view who boldly change the content, as Despite all shortcomings, Wikipedia is still
one of the policies encourages them to. This the most visited reference source on the
results in edit wars, and editors may revert to declare these accounts by linking to them internet. Browsing a few pages every now
pages to their original states, known as revert from their user page, but this is not often and then does not give a true idea of the
wars. There is a three time revert rule, after done. Such accounts are known as “sock size and scope of the project. It is one of
which the page is automatically locked, and puppets”, “socks” for short, and the activity the biggest success stories of web 2.0, and
requires higher authority to clear things up. known as “socking”. the project is truly a political statement that
Ideally, Wikipedia ensures that the articles If you care to follow Wikipedia editors people living in the last half of the twentieth
have vastly different points of view, and cover and users on IRC (#wikipedia on irc. century thought could never be made.
the subject completely. However, practically, freenode.net), it becomes easy to follow The project is non-commercial, with
this is not true. A huge chunk of the content some of the problems that Wikipedia editors a creative commons licence, and is
on the English language Wikipedia is biased and users face. Most of the chat is about considered by many as proof that human
towards America, and has content geared certain articles, cleaning up portals, requests beings can create something for free that
towards American users, and “reads” as if an by editors for Sysop action and the like. is better than commercial counterparts.
American is reading it. Also, the content that Now and then, however, a new editor faces The fact that Wikipedia put Encarta out
is created about remote locations, little-heard certain problems, and the shortcomings of business vindicates this feeling, and
of people and subjects, are almost always of Wikipedia become apparent. Reporting Wikipedia editors have been generally
biased in some way or another, and often sock accounts for example, even after they functioning with good cheer and a strong
not accurate or comprehensive. The best way are identified, is a long process, and the communal feeling. It is still growing at a
to find out how thorough an article is, is to sock can do considerable damage before rapid rate, and there is a lot of ground left
check the number of edits using the history they are officially banned. There is a certain to cover.
tab on any page. The rule of the thumb is amount of red tape,
that the greater the number of edits, the and a procedural Liked this article? Post comments at
greater the accuracy of the article. slowness for www.thinkdigit.com/d/86254
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 23
Feature Sweet Android Pop Cap
Android versions are named after One of the biggest games in the casual
Connections desserts, 1.5 is Cupcake. Donut, Eclair
and Flan releases are scheduled this year
gaming market, it’s all set to release a bunch
of games for Android devices
I
t all started in October 2003 as and Windows Mobile who are certainly in Alexander Muse is the founder of Big in
Android Inc., co-founded by Andy no mood to take the threat lying down. In Japan, winner of Google’s 2008 Android
Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears and this age of cost and features, mechanical Developer Challenge and developer of
Chris White. All four of them went on design, style and class are important criteria ShopSavvy. According to Muse, “the first
to join Google. Before we heard of them, for today’s borrow-and-spend customer. Android handset was released almost
Google bought Android and added it to “What’s inside doesn’t really matter. Except a year ago. Since its launch, millions of
their list of services – Google was entering for the geeks, but those are not mainstream handsets have been sold in the North
the wireless world. When Google considers customers,” explains Eric Bustarret, an American and European markets. Besides,
buying you, either you’re very good, or active mobile developer in France. With thousands of applications have been built
Google has heaps of cash to splurge. In the so much hype of surrounding Android, for the Android platform.”
case of Android, we’re still figuring which we got in touch with several personalities, In fact, this year, more than 12 carriers
holds true. Based on the Linux kernel and including entrepreneurs, developers and are launching 15 different handsets
released as an open source platform under critics associated with Android and the running Android. Muse fervently vouches
the Apache licence, Android is attracting mobile platform. for Android, “Imagine a free, open source
wide industry backing.
The Open Handset Alliance was born
on November 5, 2007. Google, HTC,
Symbian already has a market share of more than 70 per cent.
Motorola and Qualcomm, among others, Thinking it might be able to retain that market share is foolish.
forged a 34-member strong conglomerate. The iPhone and Android are already taking significant share. Can
Nevertheless, Android faces a battle against Symbian turn the momentum around? Sure, but it is unlikely
industry heavy weights such as Symbian
Android: Google again?
A closer look at Android and the Open Handset Alliance.
Will it change the way we look at phones?
Nash David
nash.david@thinkdigit.com
Chaitanya Surpur
24 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Feature
For more news doing the rounds on Nokia and Android, go to www.thinkdigit.com/d/27163/
For more on Google’s Chrome operating system, go to www.thinkdigit.com/d/71565/
operating system, every bit as powerful (in technology to complement its portfolio.
some ways more powerful) than the iPhone Ajay Sharma, Country Head, HTC India,
platform. Will it be big? Yea, really big.” agrees with this opinion. He claims service
Among the other prominent mobile personnel associated with HTC have been
platforms, the latest rage is Apple’s imparted the technical skills to ensure there
iPhone, which developers claim is sturdier will be no limitation in the servicing of
both in terms of hardware and software. Android handsets in India.
Additionally, the large pool of independent Sharma adds, “Android is a platform with
developers that create appealing extremely tight security features, the operating
applications for the iPhone make it a killer. system incorporates a sturdy architecture
From an Indian perspective, however, the that offers enhanced data protection.”
iPhone couldn’t recreate the American Sharma added they also have a very strong
magic. Factors such as cost deeply affected relationship with Microsoft, and Windows
the design marvel this side of the globe. Mobile will continue to grow stronger and our
Eric Bustarret, a mobile application focus will remain on both platforms and not
developer based in France, believes no one single out any one of them.
has the true answer to the most promising Finally, we spoke to the king himself.
mobile application in the future. According When posed with our queries, a Google
to Bustarret, while Windows Mobile seems spokesperson said, “Android is built on
to be out of the game for now with no major openness – it’s a free, open source mobile
update for more than a year, Windows Eric Bustarret, mobile application developer
platform that any developer can use, and
Mobile 7 might change this. any handset manufacturer can install.
Among the various mobile platforms Instruments. Last year, we all witnessed Android is the first mobile operating
today, Symbian enjoys the privilege of the what happened to the DVD format battle of system built specifically with the web in
highest market share. Android is popularly alliances with HD-DVD losing out to Blu- mind. Over 4 billion people now have
seen as the major competitor to Symbian ray, that was promoted by a prominent list mobile phones and it’s estimated 1.2
today. According to various developers, spearheaded by Sony Corporation. billion more will be sold in 2009. Mobile
while Symbian has market dominance on Owing to its support from the open phones are sophisticated computers with
its side, it suffers from heavy complexity, source community, Android is more stable access to the internet, but the vast majority
poor toolkits and a restricted of today’s innovative web applications
independent developer base. In order Discuss this article at are still built for PCs. Android aims
to better deal with such threats as the www.thinkdigit.com/d/66431 to change all that. We believe that
iPhone and Android developer base, by opening up mobile devices to all
Symbian would have to move towards a when it comes to security threats, according developers we can encourage innovation,
widget-based business and design model, to Xerxes Mullan of XTPL, an Indian benefiting users everywhere. A better web,
which seems highly unlikely at this point, company that develops applications for all whether people access it via PC or mobile,
considering its saturation. mobile platforms including Android. is not just good for users but also good for
Muse voices the same concerns, We were specifically interested in Google, because as the internet grows so
“Symbian is too fragmented and does not knowing what this meant for some other do our opportunities.
Handset costs haven’t hurt Android because Google has helped the open source solution gain traction. All
European carriers have offered Android phones for a dollar – just as they have for the iPhone. Which carrier
offers a subsidised Linux mobile solution? Linux mobile is dead
support developers. The success of the mobile platforms such as Windows Therefore, from a consumer point of
iPhone can be traced to a nascent developer Mobile. With players such as HTC actively view, all the hype put to rest, Android
community that builds cool applications participating in the Open Handset Alliance, is not here to transform the industry
for the phone. There is no such community HTC said it saw the open-source Android nor revolutionise it in any way. All
for Symbian.” The opinions don’t end platform as a good opportunity to showcase other platforms are here to stay. In fact,
here. The feeling is that Linux mobile is innovation in its products and an upcoming irrespective of the operating system, all
a joke without traction. At the end manufacturers are walking hand in
of everything, Android has received hand protesting the government’s
unwavering patronage with backing decision to increase VAT. Beauty is
from Google and the OHA. Comparing skin deep, probably doesn’t hold
the two, Linux is all hype with no entirely true when it comes to mobile
shepherd and Google on the other hand phones! Geeks and techies apart, no
is a trusted shepherd, gigantic, huge and one else is really interested in the
with some really deep pockets. OS of the phone. What we do know
Android has been touted as the long though, is that mechanical design,
term winner. Symbian, today’s market style and available applications will
leader, is backed (and now owned) by drive this industry in the days to come.
one significant handset manufacturer We believe this will drive software
– Nokia. Compare this with Android platforms and handset manufacturers
– Sony Ericsson, LG, Samsung, to promote the developer community
Acer, ASUS, Motorola, Toshiba and for their respective handset models to
Huawei, besides Intel, ARM and Texas Ajay Sharma, Country Head, HTC India grow in number.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 25
Workshop To extend your desktop experience
online, visit thinkdigit.com/ There is a large community of
d/23077/ for our weekly series “The developers for applications that run
Online Desktop Experience” on eyeOS at www.eyeos-apps.org/
Rohit Chandwaskar
provided for free as a service
complete with online storage,
but is also open source under
AGPL3, so you can install it on
your own server.
eyeOS is built on PHP and
uses a combination of web
standard technologies such as
HTML, JavaScript and CSS to
create the UI. This means that
it will run on any standards-
compliant browser. By itself,
it doesn’t require any extra
plugins in order to work. All
it needs is a PHP 5 capable
server, which is the common
denominator for just about any
hosting package – it doesn’t
even require a database.
My eyeOS
Installing eyeOS
quite easy to perform all your You can run eyeOS on your
tasks online. own computer using Apache
In our operating system, with the PHP plugin. The
Have your head in the clouds? It’s time to move we organise our data in our best way is to just install
own special manner. When we AMP (Apache, MySQL, PHP)
our operating systems there work online, we begin to lose solution such as WampServer
certain privileges. We first need or XAMP, (although eyeOS does
Kshitij Sobti do our room or house. We put to download our data from our not require a database server).
kshitij.sobti@thinkdigit.com up our own wallpaper, install storage service to the computer, You can begin by installing
applications of our choice, then upload it to the service an AMP stack on your
My OS customise the settings in order capable of handling files of that computer. While we’ll consider
A few decades ago, people to have them suit our needs nature, and after modifying WampServer as an example, the
would have to book time on the better. it we need to download the installation procedure is similar
computer in their organisation Yet we also live in a mobile modified file again, and upload for most AMP packages.
or university and await their world, where we need to be it back to our storage. After WampServer is
turn. Today, most people connected to our information Although many online installed, you can start it from
have their own dedicated our way anywhere we go. We services are now integrated, the program menu. Since
computers, so much so that we do everything to take our it is no match for the level of MySQL won’t be used, it can be
can choose to donate our free experience with us. We can integration and choice we are turned off to save resources.
computational time for use in use laptops / netbooks or accustomed to while working The eyeOS installation
projects such as Seti@Home or other portable computers to on our own desktops. Wouldn’t package is a ZIP file, which
Folding@Home. physically take our computing it be much better if our entire will need to be extracted to a
In today’s world, the directory under the server root.
computer has evolved from its
...the computer has evolved from its geeky In the case of WampServer, it
geeky roots as a computational roots as a computational device, to one which is the www directory in the
device, to one which is is responsible for a considerable part of our installation folder (by default
responsible for a considerable entertainment and social interaction... “C:\wamp\www\”). This folder
part of our entertainment and is where the files that will be
social interaction. It has become environment with us, or we OS was online? served by Apache need to be
much more personal. can merely take our operating Cloud OSs are the answer stored. If you wish to install
Thanks to your operating environment, by installing it to this need. By keeping your other applications on the same
system, the complexities of on a portable device such as a data and your application on server, you will be better off
millions of mathematical USB drive. Another option that the server side, they move installing eyeOS in its own
calculations to bring you each we can have now, is keep our your entire application sphere directory (here, we’ve chosen
and every pixel you see on your operating environment in the online. You can now have the the default eyeOS directory).
screen are neatly abstracted clouds, thanks to software such same benefits of personalisation You can now start the
away from you. All you see are as eyeOS. and integration that we see in installation procedure by
objects on screen that you can our desktop OS online. entering http://localhost/
relate to better than blobs of Cloud OS eyeOS/installer/ in your
binary information. Operating There is a plethora of online Introducing eyeOS browser. It’s a single step
systems too, have evolved to applications to perform the There are a number of online installation and it only asks
better suit to our personal tasks that you need. In fact, operating systems available for a root password and a
needs. As our sphere of alternatives for most offline today, and the number is hostname. You can also enable
interaction with the computer, tools are available online. If you steadily growing. eyeOS is users to create their own
we tend to treat it much like we can access a web browser, it’s one of the few that is not only accounts.
26 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Workshop eyeOS comes with its own GUI builder! Office online
An application called eyeDesigner Microsoft to offer web
allows you to design application GUI version of their office
straight from eyeOS. suite for free
other people of your group
on Google Docs, or adding /
editing pages on Wikipedia, the
sheer power of collaboraiton
that the internet brings can
do wonders to an operating
system environment that we
are used to. Already Google has
its Chrome operating system
that relies on the power of
internet applications to provide
The eyeOS desktop
functionailty to computers
the functionality that we are You don’t need to settle for instead of the traditional
accustomed to in any operating the applications that come desktop applications. The
system. with the installation though. power and scope is all there.
l A powerful, highly eyeOS has a large repository We constantly need to
configurable access control of online applications that remind ourselves though that
Adding a new user system, with heavily can be accessed via an we still live in a country where
customisable ACLs (access inbuilt software management we get excited with a 512 kbps
You’re now all set! In a control lists), and support application. The system is quite connection, while developed
couple of minutes you will be for user groups and a user similar to the kind of package countries get higher speeds on
greeted with a login screen. management system. managers available on most their cellphones. For us, having
If you enabled user account l Support for assigning user Linux systems (and is infact an online operating system can
creation, you can now create quotas for disk space. based on partage the package only be of limited use.
your own account by clicking l An inbuilt configurable
on the “New User” button. cache system. Discuss this article at
Again, the procedure is as l Support for office www.thinkdigit.com/d/58454
simple as entering a username document formats using
and a password (and perhaps a OpenOffice. management system for Gentoo This is not to say that such a
default language). l A file association Linux). It’s a one stop place system would be entirely useless
In case you didn’t enable management system. for listing, downloading and in India. For an organisation,
account creation by users, l Support for auto-launching installing applications, and having an eyeOS installation
you can login into the default application on startup. for managing already installed on an intranet server can mean
administrator account, with l Fully theme-able, and comes applications. everyone has access to the same
a username of “root” and the with a few themes with its As for the eyeOS package resources and interface, where
password you entered while default installation. manager, naturally we went everyone is working on the same
installing eyeOS. Shortly, you A default installation eyeOS straight for the “Games” section environment and there’re no
will be greeted with your own also comes with quite a few compatability concerns. We can
desktop, on the clouds. bundled applications to get you eyeOS your OS? look to such solutions in the
The desktop as you can see started. Most basic computer We all understand the power future – it always looks brighter,
is quite similar to the standard applications such as creating / of internet applications. Many but until our infrastructure
UI layout we are all used to. editing documents, surfing the of us use them everyday, and doesn’t reach parity with the
web (a browser in a browser!), heavily depend on them for our developed nations these are
eyeOS features viewing images, and even work. Whether you are creating solutions to problems we haven’t
eyeOS tries to provide most of playing games are covered. a presentation along with had yet.
OPTIMISED PHP SETTINGS FOR EYEOS
eyeOS is an unusual application (For a default installation This defines how much time Since eyeOS runs complex
for a server. Since it is an operating “C:\wamp\bin\php\php5.2.8”) (in seconds) a script can take applications, it might need more
system and people are expected The following setting can now for processing the data it is at its peak times. Set this based
to be using it all the time for their be changed to better suit your receiving. The default is 60. on how much is available and
work, unlike a normal web site it requirements (the defaults listed However, if you need to upload how heavily you will be using
is bound to get a different kind of are for a WampServer installation large files, which you will if you eyeOS.
traffic. and may differ for other AMP use it as your OS, this may not be post_max_size &
To optimise the performance stacks): enough. For a local installation, upload_max_filesize
of eyeOS, you can make max_execution_time this would mean that a script These define the maximum
some changes to your PHP This defines how much time can only accept as much data size for the files you upload
configuration by editing the (in seconds) that a script can as can be transferred in 60 sec. on your server. If you need to
setting in ‘php.ini’. for execution. The default is You should set it based on your upload audio and video, then set
For people using 30. However, a setting greater requirements, connection speed it to how much you might need
WampServer, you can find this than 60 is recommended, and server speed. and a bit more. past_max_size
file in the following directory as the server will be running memory_limit should at least be slightly larger
inside the WampServer applications. Finally, it depends This one is for setting that upload_max_filesize, as it
installation folder: on how powerful the server is. how much memory a script includes other data from the
\bin\php\php5.2.8\php.ini max_input_time can consume while running. upload request.
28 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Myths about open Living on open source
source From science to movies, and music to governance,
Digital life Drool maal 32 Agent clarifies the most common
misconceptions about open source 34 insights into how open source has taken over your
life. And there’s beer too!
Fusion-io ioXtreme
Solid state drives might take a while before they go mainstream, but
Fusion-io doesn’t really seem to care. The ioXtreme is a PCI-Express x4 card
unlike other SATA-based SSDs. The limitations by SATA aren’t applicable, so
Fusion-io comfortably claims that the drive is a lot faster than the others. The
performance numbers are as extreme as the name and so is the price tag. It’s
just Rs. 45,000 ($895) for 80 GB of space.
Klipsch Heritage
It’s 2009 and Klipsch has launched their Heritage speakers for the
second time. The first time was back in 1946. The top of the line
model in the series is the Klipschorn which is priced at £6,000 or Rs.
4,75,000. A 15-inch woofer is at the heart of the system. You’ll need
to spend a little more on people to help take the speakers up to your
apartment. This is after all, an 80-kg set that stands more than a metre
in height
30 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
OScar Drool maal
40 No, not the awards, we’re talking
about the open source car project
Olympus E-P1
The E-P1 has been designed to give SLR-like performance from a
compact camera. For those who love their lens kits a lot, you’ll be
happy to know that you can change lens on this point and shoot. The
performance isn’t limited to just photos. This camera can even shoot
720p resolutions. The E-P1 will be out soon and the photography
community is already very excited. Prices will be between Rs. 37,500 to
Rs. 45,000 ($750 to $900) depending on the model you go for
Edelweiss PC
The Edelweiss PC is actually a mod created by a designer called Pius Giger.
Cables are almost completely eliminated. Those visible are channeled
around to add to the style of the product. The drives are mounted with
the most basic of support beams and the cooling is done using water.
Coloured pipes with liquid run all around the PC and give it a very futuristic
and almost a coffee-machine look to it. With such an impressive design,
system specifications aren’t really on anyone’s mind. You should be content
knowing that the PC has two powerful graphics cards in SLI.
The Peregrine
The Peregrine is an input devices shaped like a glove. No, it’s not
meant to your hands warm but you can actually use it in games of
all sorts. There are 30 touch points all over the glove that can be
configured to allow 30 different gestures. When your hands get
sweaty, there are pockets to let air circulate. And for the times when
you soil the gloves, you can easily wash it with water after you’ve
disconnected the fancy connector pod.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 31
Applications Ahoy Botnet alert
Feature New applications for the iPhone and
Android OS are being created by the
Trend Micro has spotted the first mobile
phone based botnet named SYMBOS_
3,000 new employees at Appcelerator, YXES.B. This botnet currently is known to
creator of open source applications. affect Symbian-based mobile phones.
Myths about
Agent 001
Open Source how he really didn’t get the concept of it and he was just against it.
agent001@thinkdigit.com This friend of mine was a loyal one operating-system man and didn’t
I
want to move away from his comfort zone. He also had a few doubts
recently met an old school friend over a cup of coffee and we about open source in general – but these were just myths and random
spoke about life, movies and music. Then the topic moved rumours heard from others that I’m sure many people have come
on to technology, the best graphic card and I suggested what across. So I decided to go through them and be a myth buster of sorts.
motherboard he should buy. Giving such advice just never gets Maybe he won’t use open source, but at least he won’t be against it, is
me tired. Anyway, the conversation moved to open source and what I thought.
Sounds fair, but what about support for all this?
It’s not that I don’t use open source, I do use I’ve heard so many complaints from friends that
many free programs, so you could say I’m not they keep getting stuck while using Linux either
against it. at work or at home. Not everybody went to
engineering college and studied programming,
you know.
Ah, that’s where you are mistaken. You see, everything
free is not open source and everything open source is not
necessarily free. An open source project is first started off You don’t really need to have an engineering degree to use
with an idea from somebody. Of course nobody will just Linux for day to day computing. The desktop environment
jump on the bandwagon has evolved considerably and is now very usable. Some
immediately, as first that might even say distributions such as Linux Mint resemble
person will have to create the Microsoft Windows desktop environment. The fact here
the application or operating is that your basic tasks really don’t need any support as
system he is making. From they are quite simple, but when you do need support for
then on, an announcement anything, you just need to look to the internet. Each open
can be made where in people source project usually has a community built around it that
will form a community helps develop that particular application. So whenever you
around that project and help are stuck, you can always go back to them and they are
develop it. There is a licence normally quite friendly. The best thing about
called the GPL (GNU General Public Licence) under which open source is that there will be multiple
there is something known as copyleft, which communities for the same thing. So there is
lets the creator have rights over the software, support, although it is scattered.
but at the same time it can be used, modified
and distributed freely. Thinking from a corporate point of view, I
really don’t think companies would advise their
staff to go and look for a solution to a problem
themselves. What would the IT department be
So where does money come into play? doing in this case?
If you look at things from that perspective then there is
Open source has licences that can be beneficial to the a solution, but cost comes into the picture here. When
creators. Some companies have dual licences, which shifting to an open source infrastructure, the IT staff will
allows them to charge for their product or services. So have to undergo training for open source. But if you are
their trademark is in place and they can sell their product. If starting from scratch, then you just need to pick up those
there are individuals who are doing the same who already have knowledge in that field.
for their distributions or software, then it is Also some enterprise level solutions such as
basically the cost of the media that you will be Red Hat provide support, according to the
paying for. (Eg. CDs, DVDs, etc.) subscription you opt for.
32 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Mojo Going green
Palm has launched a Mojo Software Development
Kit (SDK) beta which will be available free to any and
Greenpeace is on the prowl over its
next target – Dell. The fuss over here
Feature
all interested app developers and is based on the is about Dell’s recycling service which
standard app development HTML, CSS, and Javascript. is not easily found on its web site.
But, how can I just trust any version of Linux
to download, I mean since the source code is Yes, fine, there are alternatives, but what about
open to all, how do I know someone has not Counter Strike or even Crysis?
modified it to put in a trojan or something?
Well there have been many arguments about the risks of
Fine, you got me stumped on that for
open source and how by distributing the source code itself,
now. But it won’t be too long before
you give the evil-minded people a chance to create havoc.
these games will be working on any
At the same time, a closed source project is
PC in the world, be it Mac,
prone to a similar case, but in this case the
Windows or Linux. This is
evil-minded person could be, for example, a
all thanks to the upcoming
disgruntled and frustrated employee.
virtual gaming concept
such as On Live, where
all the hardware is taken
So what about the viruses and worms running care of. Think of it as
around in cyber space? Won’t I get attacked if cloud gaming. I’m sure
I’m using Linux? you’ve already heard
of Quake Live, that’s a
good example of what
Actually you won’t. I’m talking about. So
Permissions work there, it’s not going
differently in Linux, you to be too long before
are not always logged everybody can game
in as the Administrator, on an equal level,
or in Linux – Root, no matter what
so there is a smaller hardware is present.
chance to install any
malicious software on your PC. On top of that, the viruses
being created are more Windows-oriented and even with Yea, yea, there’s still time for that. But you have
the current anti-virus applications available changed the view I had about open source in
for Linux, they all mostly scan for Windows- general though, maybe I’ll try it out.
based viruses which don’t even affect Linux
users.
Don’t rush into it though, you could always start off with
something small, like say Open Office which is the open
source equivalent to MS Office. You will see
I guess I am seeing the bigger picture about
changes, but I’m sure it’s nothing you can’t
open source here, but seriously, the one major
handle. Maybe from there you could move on
problem I see with open source is gaming. I
to Ubuntu or Linux Mint.
need some time to play games, and I’m sure
many others also want some games in their
life, and I’m not talking about something THE BAD SIDE OF OPEN SOURCE
like Minesweeper or Solitaire or even those
We aren’t talking about the the whole recipe of how to
web sites with flash-based games. How am I
drawbacks of open source create them. It all comes down
supposed to play Counter Strike, for instance, if here, but instead we are talking to programming, and once the
I am running a Linux distribution? about how the whole concept code is freely distributed, along
of open source can be used with instructions on how to use
for evil. The way open source it, there’s no stopping them.
works is that the source code There are even communities
That is a tough one, but can I offer you Quake 3 Arena
of an application or project based around this sort of
instead? You’re right about one thing, that not all games are is distributed freely in such a open source activities where
able to run on Linux systems. But at the same time, there way that others can modify people discuss building new
are a few good Linux titles out there. As mentioned earlier, and reuse it. But what happens internet threats together. These
when this is done by the villains, communities are still present on
Quake 3 is one of them. There are MMORPGs
in this case hackers or script- various IRC channels, but don’t
such as Second Life and Vendetta Online kiddies? Hackers have not only expect to join such groups in
that one could try out too, and don’t forget been spreading viruses and an instant, as they aren’t as
America’s Army, that works well on Linux too. other malicious threats, but in easy as joining a community on
fact have been also spreading Facebook.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 33
Geek life Wikipedia prefers Ogg Open App builder
An open source video codec that is The Appcelerator Titanium open source
supported natively by the latest platform allows developers to rapidly build
version of Firefox apps for the iPhone and Android
W
Open source is no hat started of as a revolution in software development, wherein the source code was
longer just about bundled with software so as to enable modification and collaboration, has now evolved
into a philosophy that pervades almost every aspect of our lives. From art to mass media,
software. It’s now and from governance to even beer; free and open source culture is now a way of life. Where
a way of life. Be the traditional way of doing things was to closely guard the building blocks of a product, the new way
it movies, music, is to open everything to the community, resulting in the obvious outcome – collaboration leading to a
hardware, gadgets, much better product. But do too many cooks spoil the broth? No they don’t. That axiom surely looses its
potency when it comes to this emerging culture. The philosophy being applied to the non-software world
education, news, has achieved tremendous success. It is quite clear that a few thousand heads are definitely better than one.
governance and even
on
beer; everything
ing
around us is swaying
to the symphony
Liv
of the open source
mantra
Siddharth Parwatay
siddharth.parwatay@thinkdigit.com
34 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Sweet FM
An open source client for last.fm allows
for much better functionality, such as
Geek life
station shuffle, superior album art, and
remote control support
The origins that run on the open THE BIRTH OF THE PHILOSOPHY
This new wave began sometime in the source mantra. Under
mid-80s when Richard Stallman quit his the provisions of the With the sour incident in Stallman’s life began the counter
job at MIT and set up the Free Software Creative Commons culture of the ‘free and open source’ philosophy. To better
Foundation. His belief was simple – create licence, creators can articulate the philosophy, Stallman laid down the “Four
Freedoms of Free Software”. These are: the freedom to run a
high quality software that is freely available put up their work on
program as you wish; the freedom to study the source code
to everybody. But what was wrong with a platter for anyone to
and change it to do what you wish; the freedom to make copies
corporations making software back then? comment on, improve,
and to distribute them to others; and the freedom to publish or,
Commercial companies constrict their modify and use, if they more generally, distribute modified versions.
software with patents and copyrights and so wish. Flickr.com at
keep the source code—the original program last count had some
code, a closely guarded secret. Even the 2 billion pictures (in November 2007) and mainstream publications such as the New
processes and approaches to doing things has been growing steadily since then at York Times picked up news trickling out
were locked away, and many developers the rate of about five million photos a day! of Iran via twitter. The news was modified,
found themselves stifled and shackled. The better works amongst them (that are pieced together to join the dots and
Software thus being created was not of the released into the public domain) are finding made into a meaningful picture of events,
best possible quality and definitely poorer their way into popular culture to be forever before being published – all this involves
than what could’ve been achieved though immortalised. The recent album cover of the fundamental tenets of open source
collaboration. There was no free flow of a quite well known indi band, Bon Iver, – collaboration, modification, and freedom.
ideas, and if programmers had no way to is an arresting picture of an object almost But for reasons that are somewhat
learn from previously written code, the art completely submerged under thick snow. justified, bloggers and citizen journalists
of programming was likely to stagnate. The image didn’t come from one of those are not highly regarded as far as news
Folklore attributes the turning point great artists of yesteryear who designed the value is concerned. The concerns are
in this revolution to one fateful day when cover art for albums like Dark Side of the mainly about accuracy of their sources.
Stallman wanted to modify the source code Moon. Instead it came from the flickr posts Yet, there are several benefits that greatly
of a printer to make it perform a specific of Lauren Hudgins, a nondescript English outweigh these flaws. For instance, open
function, but was denied the right to do teacher living in Japan. journalism will take up causes that news
so. In an interview he says, “The issue with corporations will be extremely reluctant
the printer was that I wanted to make it Open source journalism to tackle; vested interests and controversy
possible for the system to notify users when Instances of the culture can be found even always get in the way. But speaking of
a job was printed, or if the printer was in in mass media. Earlier, the power to publish quality there are web sites that get their
trouble. That would have allowed people to was in the hands of a few. With platforms content from the open world but adhere
go and collect their output only when it was
complete, rather than having to guess.” To Where the traditional way of doing things was to closely guard the
do so, Stallman needed the printer’s source
code, which was denied on the grounds that
building blocks to a product the new way is to open everything to
it was proprietary information — making the community, resulting in the obvious outcome — collaboration
him “very angry”. leading to a much better product
Eventually, the internet ushered in
the era of collaboration, sharing, the free such as blogs coming into existence, that to internationally accepted reporting
flow of information and the modular allow for push button publishing, citizen standards. The content that they receive is
approach to working on projects. Stallman, journalism is on the rise. Now, these may vetted, edited and modified. Editorialised
however, later became a proponent of the not necessarily be open source in the literal web sites like globalvoicesonline.org, backed
free software movement, that believes in sense; they are however tools that facilitate by Harvard Law, is one such example. This
complete freedom, while the culture that cultural openness and freedom. Tools phenomenon is also called crowdsourced
has evolved over time is about cultural such as these have helped deliver news journalism and nowpublic.com is regarded
openness rather than strictly open source. at some very critical times. The source of as the leader in this field. “NowPublic is a
such news is completely open, ie. it comes participatory news network which mobilizes
The culture of the masses from the global collective. For instance, an army of reporters to cover the events
Perhaps Wikipedia is the that define our world. In twelve
quintessential open philosophy PROSUMERISM short months, the company
project. This form of open An offshoot of the open source movement is the rise of the has become one of the fastest
philosophy later became known as prosumer. A prosumer can mean several things. One is a mixture growing news organizations with
crowdsourcing. The collaboration of a professional and consumer. In this capacity the prosumer thousands of reporters in over
success story is a massive endeavour is viewed as a segment by marketers and generally refers to a 140 countries”, says the award
driven by a legion of contributors discerning, or high-end consumer. The other meaning is derived winning web site. Now it will
who work for nothing more than from the mashup of a producer and a consumer. This definition is take some time before such blog-
a desire to disseminate accurate more in line with the open source philosophy. The prosumer thus based web sites become a mass
information. The web site has close is a consumer who takes part in the production of a product, culture since no single blog post
to 10 million registered users, instead of the traditional passive role that he was expected to will get as much coverage as, say,
many of whom not only use it as play earlier. With the rise of mechanisms for collecting consumer an article on the front page of
a resource, but also contribute opinions through the internet, consumers can now influence a national daily. But it’s culture
towards expanding it. the research and development (R&D) of a product. Companies driven by the masses.
People are increasingly using the pay special attention to the needs of customers and make Several companies have taken
internet and contributing in their products to fit those needs. This participative form of product to crowdsourcing their research
own little way to many such projects development is derived from the FOSS movement. & development. Even the
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 35
We want Firefox
Geek life That’s what employees from the US state
department told Hillary Clinton. The browser
is apparently approved by the entire
intelligence community.
suggestions forum at thinkdigit is a form roughly 30 per cent who did pay, said the collaborative effort of 19 artists. We’ve
of crowdsourcing. At the same time there they’d paid around $5, on average. One included the album in the June issue DVD.
are specialised crowdsourcing communities of the more lavish spenders, Nigel Regan, Check it out.
such as cambrianhouse.com and crowdspirit. donated £4.27, “I reckon this is a shade Megatunes.com tries to straddle the line
com. The former is a thinktank for more than they would take from a label on between free and commercial music. The
developing software products while the a per unit sale. More to the point I wanted web site is like a record label itself that
latter is involved in bringing to the market to reward the highly creative approach; next signs artists from all over. The model is very
innovative real world electronics; all time I’d pay less but ultimately would buy simple: You can listen to a song for free by
based on the collective intelligence more music”, he says on a blog. simply streaming it. If you want to keep the
of the crowd. The trend is catching on in song, you pay a suggested price. Still, the
For more suggested price is only indicative. You’re
Other than idea generation, India, too. Last month some of
on how the open
free to pay anything, higher or lower.
crowdsourcing has been used
source philosophy is the guys from team digit went
in rather interesting ways. gaining ground, read for a rock concert featuring
Meritocracy.com, a research the article on the Mother Jane. After a blitzkrieg Open movies
company, called for amateur OScar project. Flip performance, the frontman The world of motion pictures has always
portfolio managers to register to page 40 went on to tell the crowd to been dominated by big studios, because let’s
and run a virtual fund with visit the band’s web site and face it, to make blockbusters you need tons
a million dollars. Eventually, it download their music. “Pay us of moolah. Which small time amateur movie
mirrored the stock positions and whatever you feel like, to support the maker will have access to the resources that
trades of the top hundred users on the site band”, he said. This is so much in contrast the big guys have? That is perhaps one of
into a real world fund with real money. to just a few years ago when bands were the reasons why an open source infusion
The fund has beaten the S&P 500 Index crying their lungs out about piracy and the was much needed in this domain as well.
in 8 out of 11 quarters since inception. menace of downloaders. The paradigm shift Take for example, Elephants Dream, an
Wikipedia is an excellent example where is perhaps a result of the open mentality. animated short film created entirely using
crowdsourcing has resulted in creation – and Another area of open source music, open source software. Now, purists would
no small feat at that. The sea of knowledge more in line with OSS, is the remix culture. have you believe that Elephants Dream is
amassed by the crowdsourced power of Here people access music released under the one true open source movie, precisely
Wikipedia, exceeds any other man made a creative commons (CC) because it was almost
repository of information available to licence and modify it to completely developed using
the public. Even social bookmarking like create mashups made from open source software such
Digg or StumbleUpon is also a form of original productions of as Blender, a 3D graphics
crowdsourcing that leads to discovery. music. Freesound.org is a suite. Well, it is surely an
collection of almost 20,000 open movie, perhaps the
Open Music such sound clips which may first, but not for the reason
One of the trends we’ve seen in music is of be remixed and used freely cited. The more appropriate
bands giving away music for free, directly under the free CC licence. ground for it being open
from their web sites. The trend was started The clips are only sounds, source has more to do with
by bands like Radiohead and Nine Inch not songs. They may be its collaborative element,
Nails when they began releasing albums those of natural origin such modular approach towards
on the internet. The latest one to follow as birds or frogs croaking, workflow, and free release
suit is Coldplay with the release of its latest or electronic origin like Dark side of phobos over the internet.
album LeftRightLeftRightLeft, which we synthesised sound. A more The film reportedly brought
gave out on last month’s DVD. Now this musical project is ccMixter.org, where all together the talents of a team of artists from
phenomenon of artists giving away music is kinds of tracks are available to either listen countries as diverse as Syria, Germany,
certainly not open source in the strict sense, to or make new music from. Australia, Finland, and the Netherlands.
but rather a part of free culture, since the One of the most notable creations In addition to the performances of the
songs cannot be modified and distributed coming out of the remix culture cast and creative efforts of the lead artists,
further. Although free, the approach is, – and one that will be close to our geek Elephants Dream was a collaboration of
strangely enough, paying off! Radiohead’s hearts – is Dark Side of Phobos. It’s an hundreds of individuals across the world
In Rainbows album, which was released album consisting of 23 tracks that are who contributed a variety of work such as
digitally, went on to sell three million copies rearrangements of tracks featured on programming additional functionality for
(digital and physical format sales). Of the the original DooM game, remixed by the Blender, creating textures used in some
OverClockedRemix of the scenes, and providing international
DID YOU KNOW? community. The translations for the DVD release. The
Jamendo.com is a community of free, original music was a films main aim was to showcase the
legal and unlimited music, published mixture of rock music power of open source software, and in
under Creative Commons licences. and the “creepy” this case Blender, the film’s primary piece
Here you can download and listen brand of music made of software, got several features added
to over 15,000 albums, all for free. It is probably the world’s by creator Robert to it during the film’s development.
largest collection of DRM-free music. Artists can directly upload Prince, which we These included an integrated node-based
their music to the website under the creative commons licence. now know so well as compositor, hair and fur rendering,
Another web site to help you navigate the world of free music is “DooM style” music. rewritten animation system and render
gratisvibes.com. The website “aims to lead readers to the best of The remixed album pipeline, and many workflow tweaks and
free or Creative Commons licensed Electronic Music on the web, in its current form upgrades. Yet this is not the only open
spreading the word for greater musical freedom for both artists is free to distribute movie project, although it is the most
and listeners alike.” and is the result of famous.
36 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Google Reader Notifier Open source Symbian Geek life
A free and open source system tray, The Symbian foundation recently released an open source
Notifier tells you of unread items in the software package, the first in its plan to eventually make the
RSS feed of the reader. entire operating system open source.
While Elephants Dream was a short the same gripe drove THE BUNNY STORY decisions regarding
film, Valkaama is a full feature film being people to come up with their beer with a strange
Following the
developed in Finland. Content for the movie the concept of open name – Blowfly.
release of Elephants
has already been shot and subsequently cola. A cola for which Dream, the Blender
published on the project’s home page. the recipe is openly foundation released Mod away
Everyone is encouraged to contribute available for anyone a second animated Perhaps the most
to the post-production process in order to modify or improve. film called Big Buck interesting field touched
to complete the movie. The movie is But the project started Bunny and an open by open source is
near completion and the community is off, not as a backlash, game titled Yo hardware, since its so
currently working on the music score. The against big cola but as Frankie. In the movie, diametrically opposite
community’s work flow is managed quite a promotional tool for bunny is harassed by to the culture’s software
well by constantly updating a list of work to FOSS. The idea was three rodents (Frank, origins. For long,
be done for the film. Currently, apart from such a hit that the cola Rinky and Gamera) who are bullies. After hardware manufacturers
the music score, there is some amount of by itself sold more a particularly dreadful event, Bunny sets have had those little
compositing left according to the list. Any than 1,50,000 cans. out for revenge. The game too is based stickers across the
takers? Community members discuss the The company backing on the universe created in the movie and seams of their products,
work and ways to approach it in the forums. the project became follows the character of Frank. The Blender exalting the warning
The Digital Tipping Point is another such more famous as a cola institute, that was instrumental in these “do not open, warranty
collaborative project. It’s a documentary company than as a two projects, was created as a division of void if seal broken”. It’s
the foundation to specifically create open
about open source. What better subject company formed for quite clear that they
content films and games.
matter to be showcased via an open movie, the promotion of open don’t want you to fiddle
right? The raw footage for the film consists source concepts. with their product
of hours and hours of interviews. This Soon, open source tentacles extended or modify it in any way; even if you’re
presents a really good opportunity for further into the beverage kingdom and resourceful enough to modify it to make it
wannabe editors to snip it entangled themselves on better. Thus enters open source hardware
into meaningful content. to Free Beer. Before you get – designed to be physically modified or
When the final product is excited the ‘free’ here is like reprogrammed to make it easy to install
released, it’s bound to be a the one in Free Speech; not custom firmware and
tight film, thanks to so many beer that you don’t have to software to create entirely
heads involved in the post pay for. As they say, there’s new products. The way this
production process. no such thing as a free beer, works is by the sharing
Open source cinema but here at least the recipe is of schematics, hardware
also involves the remixing free! The concept came about design, PCB layout data and
culture that is pretty when a group of students the free release of any other
common in music, and is from the IT University of information that will help
catching up in the images/ Copenhagen decided to take further development, such
pictures space. The idea licencing frameworks from as the bill of materials. The
is to create original clips the digital world and apply idea behind this is the same
of video and offer it to them to an analogue, real- as with software; opening
the community to remix world product. The recipe up development will see
and republish. Some of for Version 1 contained a innovation in never before
these mashups make for South American stimulant seen ways.
some interesting viewing. that gives a caffeine hit to The spectrum that open source
However, for this trend Elephants dream post counter the drowsy effects hardware covers is huge. It includes small
to catch on there are a few of alcohol, or so the creators programmable gadgets, do-it-yourself kits,
hurdles. Video editing is not everybody’s hope. The recipe is published under the and a host of other modular devices. The
cup of tea and besides, meaningfully using Creative Commons licence, field spans from machine
DO
canned clips requires quite a creative bent which means that any tools to robotics to wind
of mind. The hotspots for open cinema brewing enthusiast can
t his turbines. There is even
are opensourcecinema.org, freecinema.org, brew his or her own batch open source chip-processor
and straycinema.com. Be sure to watch “A so long as the new recipe Release your own cinematic architecture for graphics
remix Manifesto 2.0” on opensourcecinema. is published along with masterpieces into the open cards and core logic design
org – an open source documentary about the beer. Similar projects world. If you want to release for CPU cores. Many of
copyright and remix culture. Created over came about later; one was the creative bug in you, a good these projects have gone
place to begin is makeinternettv.
a period of six years, the film features the a Doppelbock (dark type on to great success, many
org. There are other such sites
collaborative remix work of hundreds of beer) backed by flying dog that offer tutorials on publishing have not seen the light of
people. brewery (called the Open video content online under a day, but all have given the
Source Beer Project), while creative commons licence. As community surrounding
Eat, sleep, DRINK open source another one was backed by for publishing vehicles, you of them a great deal of
Right next to the open source kitchen Brewtopia. The Brewtopia course have YouTube, which learning.
sink (if ever there will be one), is the idea project from Australia took has a lot of CC licensed material. Take the case of the
for open source beverages. Now you’ve the open source concept And then there are more specific Open Graphics Project
made drinks at home, right? As children, even further by letting CC oriented video publishing (OGP), which aims to
websites such as revver.com, blip.
come summer, we all remember making customers own part of the design architectures and
tv and ourmedia.org.
a cool batch of Rasna. But can you make company. They are even Check them out! standards for graphics
Coke or Pepsi? Nope, you can’t. Perhaps consulted on important cards which will be used
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 37
What’s the FOSS about?
The inaugural issue of the International Free and Open
Geek life Source Software (FOSS) Law Review launched recently. It
will be a forum for discussions on issues regarding best
practices in open source and FOSS implementation.
in OS Operating Systems and eventually a niche audience comprised of technology to read them.-” And though this project
morph into full-featured and competitive enthusiasts. All information relating to the facilitates free access, scientists still retain
end-user graphics cards. The first board project such as schematics and CAD files copyrights, and citing references pointing
prototype dubbed OGD1, is an FPGA chip. have been released into the public arena to sources is important when using any
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) under open licences to be further modified of it. Then there is lalisio.com, that calls
can have their circuit pattern altered by and redistributed. itself a social knowledge network. It
programming, much like a Flash memory The CEO of OpenMoko, Mr. Sean Moss- allows registered users to exchange “Grey
chip. Thus the circuit itself is firmware. Pultz has coined an interesting phrase Literature”, which includes access to each
The trouble is that such a board will be for this phenomenon. He calls it “social others papers, idea outlines and slides.
very expensive. But once the chips are electronics” – an approach that bridges
out, developers will be able to try out their the gap between the developer community Open source kitchen sink
existing 3D acceleration designs. Once a and consumers. The project has been quite Open source has reached so many
stable enough design is created and tested, successful, with multiple widget kits and different facets of life that experiments
the cards can be mass manufactured. UI interfaces already developed to run on with the concept are taking place in
The BUGlabs project is another the OpenMoko hardware. almost every field. There’s open source
interesting open source hardware education, wherein a category of
platform. It can best be described as Lego Open science community developed study material
for the serious geek. These are basically Traditionally, scientists have been known has evolved called OSC (open source
modular computing devices that can be to be very secretive about
programmed and attached to each other their research until it is Discuss this article at
to make devices that perform specialised finalised and published. But www.thinkdigit.com/d/62007
specific tasks. The main building block, things are slowly changing
or the central piece, comes with an ARM and many initiatives have sprung up that curriculum). OSC signifies any online
processor (530 MHz), memory (128 mirror the open source way of doing instructional resource that can be used
MB), a rechargeable battery and several things. There are many databases set up for free, is free to distribute and can be
ports where other bug devices can be that provide open access to the scientific modified. The seminal work in this field
attached. The device can then be modded community and students alike, to be able dates back to 2003 with MIT starting the
to perform tasks by attaching modules; to access information for research. Why OpenCourseWare project. This provided
say a motion sensor module for some did the conservative scientific community students with open access to class
security purpose. The modules available that would earlier thrive on “eureka” syllabuses, and lecture notes amongst
from the company include GPS, camera, breakthroughs decide to go open? Perhaps other resources. Another project, known
the telescoping as the Global Education and Learning
DID YOU KNOW? nature of scientific Community, is busy bringing out online
There is another project called Open Beer Project, that basically advancement in books and other curriculum material for
facilitates meetings between geeks from all over the world over today’s era made students from kindergarten up to class
a mug of beer. The concept, says the website (openbeer.dk), is research stagnant 12. A similar project that has managed to
this: “If you know you are going somewhere, you check if anyone and there was no create over 10,000 pages of curriculum
you know from IRC lives there. If anyone whom you would care other option than is being used successfully by a school
to meet lives there, arrange a meeting. When you get there, you to pool resources. district in Alaska. The same benefits of
meet and drink beer in a joint appointed by the local geek. When it comes open source collaboration, are realised
to publication of here – content that is produced is of the
and screens for added functionality. The scientific research, a notable project is the highest quality, up to date (obsolescence is
open source hardware project is enabling Budapest Open Access Initiative (www. a major affliction for text books), and led
a new generation of engineers to tap their soros.org/openaccess). So what kind of by a community of dedicated educators.
creativity and build any type of device they material is available here? As the site Through the free and open source
want, without having to solder, learn solid explains “BOAI makes an explicit and philosophy, there has emerged what
state electronics, or “go to China” as it says fundamental distinction between writings economists are beginning to call a “new
on its web site. Snap on gadget building – that scientists and scholars do and do not segment of global public goods”. According
that’s the concept. Arduino is similar open- wish to give away for free. BOAI applies to them, even simple comments we make
source physical computing platform with only to the former. The objective is that on YouTube, forums and message boards,
a development environment for writing readers should not have to pay access tolls are part of the fabric of the global collective.
software for the board. For more Those comments together make
details visit www.arduino.cc. DIGIT’S OPEN SOURCE PROJECT a product; they enhance the
OpenMoko Smartphone is a In a first of its kind project Digit plans to crowd source its January original product and form an
notable project aimed at building Fast Track (FT) to our very vibrant and active community. The integral part of the sum total of
an open source smartphone FT to Trouble Shooting Your PC, will be developed piece by human knowledge. In a world
that could rival the likes of the piece, under the control of digit readers and forum community. where there is growing distrust of
iPhone. The project has run The community has been very active lately, especially in giving corporate entities and restrictive
into trouble recently thanks to us a lot of constructive criticism for the Fast Track. So, what we IP rights, the ownership of
the plummeting economy. The figure is it’s time to come together, and build a better product knowledge and how we use
company backing the project had – collaboratively. You get to create, collaborate, and control it will define the next era of
to hand over the entire project, everything from cover to the contents. Each and every one development. Who knows, open
including the brand name, to the who contributes meaningfully to the project (for instance with source may some day lead us to
developer community, but it will answering even a small trouble shooting query) will get a mention a Utopian society of abundance,
still provide limited support. The in the Fast Track. Project details will be released soon on www. freedom and liberty only
OpenMoko phone is meant for thinkdigit.com/digitosp envisaged by philosophers.
38 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Feature
Open ride
the “Test” part of the title.
This is the part where I am overcome
by that creepy feeling that I’m staring at a
corpse that I shouldn’t really be staring at.
Surely the project didn’t just roll over and
Agent 001 wants more than open source cars — die? Ah, well. Time to look away.
he wants to get under the hood and see their “source” C,mm,n
Agent 001 (www.cmmn.org)
agent001@thinkdigit.com became fashionable to call yourself open The annoyingly named c,mm,n (pronounced
W
source. It went the “everyone’s invited” way “common”; but seriously, what if we called
e’ve been rather liberal with in 2006, and we gave it a nod in our seventh ourselves D,g,t and asked you to “pronounce
our praise for open source anniversary issue in 2008. it right”?), unlike OScar, has a physical
– not to mention the warm The featured design – and what I can only embodiment. In March 2007, c,mm,n became
fluffiness of “community” assume is the most popular – is a three- the world’s first open source car at AutoRAI,
— in these pages, you might have noticed. wheeled affair, which apart from looking the Amsterdam car show.
But this month, I wanted to more than oddly cool, is also a rather shrewd approach. The c,mm,n car runs on hydrogen fuel
just review the result – I wanted to see this In several countries, three-wheelers get cells, has an iPhone-like dashboard that
“source” they keep telling me about, and classified as motorcycles, and hence aren’t “flows through the car like a river”, and has
even contribute to a project, if I could (I subject to stringent safety laws – which means the audacity to look like this:
probably can’t, but you never know). that the cost of producing one of these gets But no, we must not focus on that
And it wasn’t open source software dramatically lowered; that it may end up being annoying name or that silly design. It’s
that I was interested in — in this new the first community-built death trap shall not already one-upped the OScar in that it
world where everyone is touting an open be commented upon. But enough of that. actually exists, and we must credit the
source something-or-the-other, I thought Time to get my hands dirty with some open project for that. Unlike the minimalist
I’d go poke around for one of the other source car designs. OScar, the c,mm,n is neck-deep in
somethings. A couple of open source car Turns out that all the information I need technology. There’s the aforementioned
projects have been in the news recently is in the forum – everything from the body “river” dashboard, which will give you
– so I knew that they’d be my target. While to the engine to the safety system. Pity, then, all the usual car features – speedometer,
I’m all for the idea of a car everyone can that the forum is “offline for maintenance” odometer and GPS route planner – and
contribute to, I’ve always thought that the for the third week running, as of this adds to it a news and email reader for
term “open source car” is rather fishy (and writing. This does not bode well at all. when it’s in “convoy mode”. That, too, is an
not just because I can’t download one of I decided to register on the site anyway, interesting part of the project – you can join
these), so investigations are in order. and found that there’s a “Wiki Test” link a group of c,mm,ns and drive around as a
for registered users. “Aha!” I thought, in convoy, where the cars communicate with
OScar the manner of Captain Obvious, “a wiki!” each other and put appropriate distances
(www.theoscarproject.org) The “Car Content So Far” section is between themselves, while you kick back
It seems that the OScar (for Open Source meticulously categorised, and contains such with your New York Times newsfeed. The
Car) project was the first on the scene – it insightful comments as “Level 1 Headline”, source for this is bound to be intriguing.
started in 1999, which not long after it “lalala” and “:)”, thus adequately explaining The c,mm,n project lets you join
40 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
TronBikes.com
A blog about building an open source
motorcycle. All the specs are up
Feature
online, so you can make one of your
own if you want
the c,mm,nity through its “online web Linux – if NVIDIA
platform”, where you can choose the parts is developing
of the project you want to contribute to, and Linux drivers for its
this process is frustrating at best. You first hardware, it’s better
choose a project – interior, exterior, and than letting their
so on – which consists of workspaces that customers wait for
users have created. Interior, for example, a reverse-engineered
might have workspaces such as dashboard open source version.
design. If you want to see the solutions As of this writing,
people have come up with, you need to ask 40FF hasn’t set up an
for access to a workspace, and then start open discussion forum
contributing. It doesn’t look like I’m getting for designs, so I couldn’t
any workspace access soon, though – the access the designs. I’ll let
workspaces are rated from red to green, you know when I find out.
where green is most active; I haven’t yet
seen a green workspace. The open source
I can understand the need to prevent green vehicle
unqualified people from contributing (OSGV; www.osgv.org)
nothing but hot air, but I’d have assumed The Society for
that the source was more … well … open. Sustainable Mobility’s
Open Source Green
Riversimple Vehicle is a concept
(www.riversimple.com) SUV built around
The Riversimple Urban Car, too, is an open their Kernel Barebone
source car project that’s made it to the Electric Vehicle. It’s
physical world. The designs came from the essentially a design for
40 Fires Foundation (40FF), and in late a driving system that’ll
June, Riversimple spewed out a working accept any power source
prototype of the Urban Car. – battery, hydrogen fuel
Like the c,mm,n, the Urban Car runs cell generator, CNG power
on hydrogen fuel cells, which will take generator, and so on. If
it to a speed of 80 km/h and cover 320 it can generate electricity,
km without refuelling. The body is a it can be stuck into the
light carbon composite, which makes it Kernel.
fuel-efficient and easier to produce. But I like this project – rather
Riversimple isn’t all about making cars than taking the touchy-feely
– their aim is to turn cars into a “service”. “we want to change the world”
The company wants to lease cars to users, approach, it takes the “the world
so when you’re done with your current car, isn’t going to change, so let’s fit our
you can give it back to the company and ideas into it” angle instead. They
they’ll lease it to someone else. noticed that people (Americans,
40FF’s definition of open source is rather rather) love their SUVs, so instead of
liberal – in fact, the car’s designs are only open getting them to settle for a teeny two-
source in that everyone can see them. They’re seater, they’d give them an SUV: “If
under a Creative Commons non-commercial our SUV could run at four times the
licence, so if you want to build a car based energy efficiency of the most passenger
on these designs, you have to cough up a cars today, then – why not SUV?”
nominal licence fee. The car itself isn’t entirely But here’s why I really like this
built with open source parts either – the project: they actually have the gall to
hydrogen fuel cell that powers it is proprietary, say this in their FAQ section: “although
as are most of the electronics. electric vehicles are roughly 40 per cent
While Stallman followers are probably more energy efficient than conventional
tut-tutting and waggling their fingers, gasoline vehicles, electric vehicles cause
more sulphur oxides Journey’s End
Discuss this article at emissions (measured Two prototypes whose “source” I can’t see,
www.thinkdigit.com/d/52017 well-to-wheel) than its and two mothballed projects – this didn’t
conventional counterpart.” end well at all. There’s only one unfortunate
I must point out that this approach is At a time when you’re regarded as demon conclusion I can draw from this exercise
only practical. Unlike software, you spawn for not worshipping the electric car, – the “open source” in open source car is
can’t build hydrogen fuel cells in your it’s heartening to know that someone hasn’t more about giving the internet something to
home with no financial investment, so to been blinded by the advantages. gush about than it is about making designs
expect a working fuel cell to come out of And then I saw the dates. Apart from available without restriction. They’re all
a community of benevolent volunteers a news blurb about the founder releasing noble intentions – simply because they’re
is unrealistic at best. The approach also a book in December 2008, the site’s been not about “corporate greed” (yet) – but
eliminates the need to wait for that fuel silent since October 2007. Another ill-fated calling them open source cars probably
cell. It’s like using proprietary drivers on project? Who knows? doesn’t reflect the best judgement.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 41
Kodak
Touchscreens Largely hit by the recession, is
Sci-tech Feature 48 Catch up with the latest in tactile
touchscreen technology
expanding into the InkJet printer
market to turn up revenue
W
e reviewed the Spyder3 numbers – RGB values – that are associated on the devices’ profiles, the image that is
Elite back in the May with them. The profile describes the displayed or printed comes much closer
2009 issue of Digit. That device’s colour gamut, and the associated to representing the same colours as in
device is for calibrating numerical values. the original scanned subject – instead of
and colour managing Using the profile, software can then having reds that are too strong due to the
monitors. The two devices for both monitor make adjustments accordingly. To give an idiosyncrasies of the scanner, and blues too
and printer are packaged together in the over-simplified example, if its profile makes weak thanks to the display.
Spyder3 Studio, and come with a sturdy it clear that a particular scanner gives RGB Of course, it is more complicated than
metal carrying case – they are both sensitive values in which the red is over-emphasised, this. The relationship of the numerical
measuring devices, after all. This package the software reading the file, something values to the range of colours is not simply
has a recommended price of Rs. 52,000. such as Photoshop, perhaps, can adjust the one such as “over-doing the reds”. The
It will be assumed in what follows that your values it receives – it corrects the values that relationship is described either in terms
display has already been calibrated properly. it stores for the peculiarities of the scanner. of steps or algebraically. But the biggest
You can also calibrate your camera, but this When that software then displays the problem lies when the gamut of one device
is not normally done as lighting conditions image on screen, assuming that the display is considerably different from another. we’ll
and colour balance vary so much. Many device has also been calibrated, it will use come back to this point.
digital cameras default to a colour space the screen profile to adjust the values that The approach taken a few years ago
defined as sRGB, and more advanced it sends to the display. Keeping to a simple with Windows and general computing
cameras allow also for the use of Adobe example, if the display profile indicates devices was really to reduce everything
RGB. The information about which is used that the display tends to create blues that to a lowest common denominator. This
is embedded within the image file that is are too weak, the software will send to the meant assuming a rather narrow colour
created. display blue values that are increased by an space that just about every device could
So, what does all this mean? If you take a appropriate amount. A similar process will be expected to cope with, and the use of
photo of a patch of colour that is known to apply when sending the image to a printer. generic profiles for devices that expressed
be primary red, this should be represented By making these adjustments based colours in terms of that colour space. This
COLOUR
MA N A G I N G
PR I NTERS
Vijay Padaya
In the process of colour
in your computer image as the RGB (red management, the single most colour space is sRGB, properly known as
green blue) value of 255,0,0. When that sRGB IEC61966-2.1, and was based on
colour value is then sent to a screen for
tricky aspect is dealing with the the typical characteristics of a cathode ray
display or to a printer, the colour that printer. This article describes monitor of a few years ago. This was devised
results should also be primary red. the issues involved, and by Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard and is
There are two main ways in which the the expected colour space for use on the
digital values and the actual colours imaged
illustrates the use of printer internet – if you plan to publish any images
or reproduced do not match up: the range colour management using the on the web, always convert them to sRGB
of colours – known as the gamut – that can Spyder3Print from Datacolor. before doing so; this should ensure the
be represented by any device varies, and the best results on the widest range of viewing
accuracy of matching colours to RGB values equipment. Typical digital cameras use
is off. The way in which this is managed is Edward Henning sRGB by default – but it is worth checking.
by the use of profiles. Basically, a profile is edward.henning@thinkdigit.com It is generally considered that the
simply a file (with extension .ICC or .ICM) sRGB colour space includes about a third
that contains a numerical description of the of all possible real-world visible colours
range of colours that a device can handle. It – although the definition of the maximum
gives the range of colours, together with the possible number of colours varies. A third
44 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Additional reading Eco-friendly printing
For detailed information on sRGB, see the Microsoft
and HP document “A Standard Default Color Space
According to a study by Lexmark,
although consumers dispose
Feature
for the Internet – sRGB”, available at www.w3.org/ cartridges responsibly, they take
Graphics/Color/sRGB.html paper wastage casually
may not seem very much, but it is certainly perceptual, and saturation. (We shall
good enough for most purposes – except not cover saturation, which is most
professional graphics use, and that is where useful when going from a small
Adobe RGB came in. This is a larger colour colour space to a larger one.) Of the
space than sRGB, and was created by Adobe first of these, there are two variants,
– the developers of graphics software such known as absolute and relative. The
as Photoshop – to match the colour space easiest to describe first is perceptual
that could be reproduced my most colour intent.
printers – a little less than double the With perceptual intent, the colour
number of colours of sRGB. Adobe sRGB is range from the larger source gamut
available for use in many higher-end digital is scaled down to match the smaller
cameras, and should be used if you plan on target colour space. The “distance”
printing your images. between the colours is reduced,
Using these two colour spaces, sRGB but their relative positions remain
for use on general displays on the internet essentially the same. This method
and Adobe RGB for colour printing, one gives the best results from the
can gain reasonably satisfactory results point of view of human perception
without the use of any calibration or – hence the name. The two types
specific profiles. But even these two can of colorimetric intent handle the
show up considerable differences, and one colours that are shared in both
should check which is in use at any time. gamuts by mapping them directly
Consistency is vital. For example, load an – actually, there is a difference in A 2D representation of the CIE XYZ standard colour space. It is
image into Photoshop and then switch the two variants here regarding this, intended to represent the entire gamut that human vision can
between colour spaces – the difference will with relative colorimetric not doing perceive. The triangle overlaid on it is the approximate extent
be immediately obvious, and one image will a direct mapping, but this need not of the sRGB gamut.
be more true-to-life than the other. concern us for now.
However, hardware is improving with The important feature lies with
time, with camera sensors becoming those colours in the source gamut that colours in an image lie within the gamut
more sensitive, monitors gaining much lie outside of the target gamut – they are of the target printer device, then using
greater contrast range, and the gamut of all simply mapped to the nearest colour absolute colorimetric intent will be the most
printers increasing. These improvements, point within the target gamut; what one accurate – there is no point in scaling them
which show no signs of slowing down, down if they already fit, as you would
give good reason for looking into do with perceptual intent. However,
more sophisticated forms of colour the greater the difference between the
management than simply relying on source and target gamuts, then the more
sRGB and Adobe RGB. important become those colours that
As mentioned before, one major lie outside of the target gamut. Think
problem lies when you move from a of an outdoor shot with much detail in
device with one gamut, to a device with a green foliage, many different shades of
smaller gamut. This is typically the case dark green – colours that might well
when printing. In a PC, an image file is be outside of the printer gamut. Using
held in RGB format. On your display, colorimetric intent with this image would
the varying values of red, green and blue likely have most of those colours end
combine to give the full range of colours. up the same, losing all the detail. In
But printers work subtractively – you that instance, perceptual intent would
print onto a white surface, and subtract preserve more detail and yield a more
colour from it. The colour information satisfying result.
is converted into a CMYK colour space So, having described the main issues
– cyan, magenta and yellow – together involved with colour management, and
A simplified 2D representation of mapping from one colour space to
with black. This subtractive process particularly with printers, we will now
another which is smaller. On the left, with colorimetric intent,
results in the printer gamut being look at a practical example using the
colours that are outside of the target gamut are mapped to the same
smaller than other typical devices. Spyder3Print.
colour at the edge of that gamut. On the right, with perceptual intent,
This is why Adobe took this colour
the colour space is scaled down to fit the target gamut
space for the definition of Adobe RGB Using the Spyder3Print
– its lowest common denominator. If The main component of the Spyder3Print
you set your camera to use the Adobe colour might think of as the edge of that gamut. is the colorimeter that is used for taking
space, a good quality PC and monitor can In this way several colours in the source measurements of colour patches that have
easily handle this, and little conversion is colour space are all mapped to the same been printed. There is also a guide that you
needed when printing – except from RGB colour in the target. It is important to lay down on the paper under inspection, a
to CMYK. This is a good choice for amateur consider the colours that are actually in stand into which the device sits and also a
photographers to print out their photos. use in a particular image – many cameras CD containing software. The colorimeter is
But the next step up entails some and imaging software give different ways shaped rather like a large mouse, and the
complications, and choices that need to be of displaying this information, and it is pointed end contains the sensor – just a few
made. Perhaps the most important entails worth taking the time to understand this mms across – that is used for taking colour
the concept of mapping “intent”. There are information. measurements. Unfortunately, there is zero
three main methods, called colorimetric, If, for example, the great majority of the documentation, and the user is expected to
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 45
CIE XYZ colour space
One of the first mathematical Why Red-Green-Blue?
descriptions of a colour space, based Our eyes have three different sensors
on a three-colour additive model, this for colour, They have peak sensitivities
was devised in 1931 by the International in the red, green and blue ranges of the
Sci-tech Feature Commission on Illumination (CIE) visible spectrum
use the help system to learn how to use the
device. This does not contain enough much
information – not by a long way.
The software itself does not give the user
much information either – we also found
with the Spyder for calibrating monitors
that the data derived by the system is not
really accessible to the user. You can see
what the developers are trying to do – make
the system easy to use and not confuse
things with too much information; but this
is a device for enthusiastic amateurs and
professionals – just the kind of people who
are likely to want at least the ability to dig
deeper under the hood.
The process of calibrating a printer
contains many details, but it is simple to
describe overall. You print out a test page
that contains a large number of defined
colour patches, and then each of these is
read by the Spyder colorimeter. When all
have been read, the software compares
the expected colours with those that have
The Spyder colorimeter set up for calibration. The laptop screen shows the same set of colour patches as on
been detected, and then proceeds to create
the test print that is being measured
a profile for use when printing. On the
Windows XP system we used, the profile
was placed in the windows\system32\ In a recent document, HP has described profile as when you later use the printer. If
spool\drivers\color\ directory. (For that a new, third, option is being added you intend to use different paper and ink
some bizarre reason, different version of to its printer drivers: “Managed by combinations, and want accurate colour
Windows use other directories.) From there application”. This turns off printer driver- with these, each combination will need to
it is readily found by programs such as based colour management, and the printer be profiled separately.
Photoshop. And now for the details. will not make any colour conversions to the The next step is to run the Spyder
One important issue with calibrating image data. This of course assumes that you software and calibrate the colorimeter.
a printer is that if you can, turn off any will be using software that will be able to The small stand in which the Spyder can
colour management that the printer driver handle the colour management, using the sit when not being used contains a small
itself might otherwise be trying to do. It is profile that you create with the Spyder or white patch under the Spyder sensor.
not always easy to check this, and it is not other colorimeter. If you are going to buy When you start the software, you check
always possible to turn it off. For trying a colour printer, make sure that the colour that it can see the colorimeter, seated in its
out the Spyder, we used an HP Photosmart management can be turned off. stand, and then select a menu option for
C8188 All-in-One. Its printer driver gives Needless to say, not just the driver colour calibration. Of course, it makes more sense
two options under colour management – management, but also any other printer to calibrate using the paper that will be used
Adobe RGB or ColorSmart/sRGB. We used driver settings need to be the same when in printing. I have been told this will be
Adobe RGB as this has the largest gamut. you perform the calibration and create the particularly beneficial when there are high
levels of optical brighteners in the paper,
but it seems better to do this all the time.
After noting details regarding the printer
and media to be used, you are lead through
the process of checking the printer’s quality
and media settings; you then come to print
out the print sample that will be used for
calibration. There are five from which you can
choose:
Fast target – 150 patches
High quality target – 225 patches
Expert target – 729 patches (on three sheets,
small paper)
Expert target – 729 patches (on three sheets,
large paper)
Extended Greys – for black and white printing
For our testing, we used the fast target
with 150 colour patches. Time did not allow
us to compare the results from using the 150
patch calibration against the 225 or 729 patch
methods. There are other factors coming later
The screen display of the test colour patches. The red triangle – fourth column, third row – is essentially a that perhaps might make a great difference.
cursor indicating the current patch When you perform the actual calibration,
46 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Cyan-Magenta-Yellow
This is the subtractive colour system used Is vision 23-bit?
by printers: cyan is white minus all the red It is considered that human vision
frequencies, magenta is white minus all the can distinguish up to ten million Feature
green yellow is white minus all the blue colours – a little more than 223
In our tests, we used a standard PDI test
file, which certainly seemed to give better
results when printed using the created profile
than not. However, we also printed some
images of artwork, and the results seemed
best – most true to the original – when simply
using the printer’s built-in Adobe RGB profile.
Clearly, this is far from an exact science.
This type of variability is obviously the
reason for the existence of the “Build Profile
Setup” screen that immediately precedes
the creation of a profile. It obviously makes
sense the first time you profile your printer
to make no other manual adjustments – let
the software do its job first, as objectively as
possible, and then only later make further
manual adjustments.
I asked the distributors of the Spyder
why these extra controls are there, and they
came back with a mixture of answers, some
of which involved personal preferences. The
The “Build Profile Setup” adjustment screen – a clear indication that printer colour management works other main points concerned the physical
imperfectly and still requires subjective adjustment. characteristics of the printer and media
themselves; these were, in brief:
The presence of optical brighteners in
you place the printed test sheet on a table, if needed. We tried this a few times, and the paper can at times fool the machine
and on top of this the guide – this helps you found that measurements were always and lead to yellowish greys. Matt fine art
position the Spyder sensor over each patch. varying slightly. papers require compensation for shadow
You start in the top left corner, and progress The next screen (called “Build Profile detail. Some printers (especially some lasers)
along each row. A cursor in the shape are weak in printing highlight details.
of a red triangle on screen shows Discuss this article at Profiling tends to work best in printers
which patch is being measured, www.thinkdigit.com/d/998971 which have extra grey inks, in other
and once the measurement has printers you might get some colour cast
been take – either by pressing the button Setup”) gives a set of further options for which can be removed manually.
on the Spyder or by hitting Enter – the adjustment before the actual profile is
software makes a sound to indicate the built. We’ll come back to this. You enter a Conclusions
measurement, and then another as it name for the file, select any adjustments Profiling a display with the Spyder Elite is a
automatically moves the cursor along to the as necessary, and then press “Next”. The simple process. After some initial setup and
next patch. profile is built and saved to disk. You then checks, you place the Spyder against the
The user has to take care to move the come to a screen named “SpyderProof”. screen, and the software runs through various
sensor itself, and make sure it is correctly This allows you to print and compare the colour patches, taking measurements as it
positioned over each patch. It is easy to results. You can here choose the rendering goes. The profile is then created and used
keep to the correct patch in the sequence, intent, print the sample, and by the system. It is a good
but care must be taken to ensure the compare with the image on Getting Spyder idea to repeat the calibration
positioning is correct and that the sensor screen, assuming you have Contact: Eesh Dewan every few weeks, but that is
is flat on the paper – otherwise bad a calibrated screen. It would Phone: +91-11-4153 9116 basically it, certainly with
measurements will result. It took just over be a much better idea for Email: info@bhushanphoto.com a modern, good quality
ten minutes to measure all 225 patches in actual sample printouts to Web site: www.bhushanphoto.com display.
the Fast target – it is well worth doing this be provided by Datacolor Our experience certainly
slowly and very carefully, although you here – these would enable a much more suggests that profiling your printer with a
can go back and retake measurements, accurate comparison. system such as the Datacolor Spyder is worth
doing, but much more is needed in terms of
WHY BOTHER WITH COLOUR MANAGEMENT? user judgement and time. Straightforward
In an ideal world, if you take a photograph of any scene (or a scan of any image), the objective profiling simply does not work
colours you see when directly looking at the scene would be indistinguishable from those properly. You need to become familiar with
that you see when that image is displayed on your monitor or printed on your printer. your printer, understand the types of printing
This is clearly critical for high-end applications such as book and magazine publication, that you need to do, and how the printer
but can also be important for semi-professional photography or enthusiastic amateurs. responds to different profile adjustments and
But it is a far from perfect world, and there is no such thing as a perfect camera, media. It is best to treat a tool like the Spyder
screen, printer, etc. as an aid in understanding how to adjust
Not only do the colours not match exactly, but also the range of colours – the gamut your printer profile. If you think that you can
– that any device can detect or reproduce will vary from one device to another; and all run just one calibration and get excellent
devices have gamuts that are considerably less than that perceived by human vision. results, think again, unless, of course, you
The process of making adjustments as colours are mapped from one device to another have stumbled upon that elusive near-perfect,
so as to bring the colours displayed or printed as close as possible to those perceived in printer-paper-ink combination.
the original scene is called colour management.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 47
From the Labs mylifeisaverage.com
Life is not as legendary as you’d think! Have fun
with this site. It’s a place to share your everyday
mediocrity and have a few laughs.
Really touchy
The importance of being tactile
Touchscreens
Nimish Chandiramani Human Computer Interaction being able to render content, – primarily acrylics or plastic
readersletters@thinkdigit.com Institute at Carnegie Mellon being able to do the tactile, – and we were able to do
University (CMU) came and being able to accept input sophisticated cut-outs using
W
up with a design to bring from the user. Most people our laser cutter. It’s somewhat
e’ve loved our the usefulness of physical are able to do two of the three. specialised, but the material
touchscreens for buttons to the flexibility of Microsoft Surface, for example, costs per display were no more
as long as we touchscreens. does input really well, but than typical touchscreens.
can remember. The concept is doesn’t do tactile. If you look at
After all, what can be more straightforward: use a latex interfaces in cars, the physical How is your solution
gratifying than poking at a membrane to make the ones can do the tactile and the better than existing tactile
screen and making something touchscreen “puff up” in the input, but they don’t have the technologies?
happen? And there’s also multi- shape of buttons. You get the ability to display graphics. CH: Well, unfortunately there
touch, of course. Whether it’s ability to display anything To do all three is a really aren’t many existing tactile
Jeff Han’s incredible demo or on the touchscreen, but you tough problem. And so we technologies. Among the
the iPhone’s pinch gestures, still have big squishy buttons looked at what technologies ones that do exist, the most
there are many oohs to be you can push. The idea itself were out there, and we came sophisticated tactile screens
emitted. doesn’t beget as much awe as to this solution, which is a have a series of servo motors
But in all our geek- it does the question, “How did bit unusual in that it requires operating behind the screen,
gasms, we’ve ignored what it take so long for someone to micro-bladders of air, but we but any time you put actuators
touchscreens have really figure this out?” were able to take advantage of behind a screen, you run into
become – distractions. If you’ve But enough of that. We ( ) two really good technologies: a few problems. One is that if
got a touchscreen phone, for spoke to Harrison recently, and rear-projection, and multi- you’re using rear projection,
example, you’ve probably so we’ll let him do the talking. touch with infrared. This is you’re going to occlude the
forgotten about the days when very similar to the setup you screen with lots of motors [Ed.
you could type out a message How did this project come see on a multi-touch table like notes: which means no multi-
without looking at the phone about? Microsoft Surface, but we’ve touch]. And if you’re using an
(and so what if “cool” became CH: The big dream in HCI added the extra tactile layer on LCD screen, it’s very difficult
“book”?). It’s not such a big [Ed.notes: Human-computer top of it. So we get all the same to have contiguous areas of
deal with cellphones, but with Interaction] is to have a tactile great multi-touch capabilities, space without breaking up
touchscreens coming to cars, display. People have been and it’s rear-projected so we the screen – having holes in
the implications of having to looking at the problem for don’t get the occlusion from the LCD where you can have
look at a screen to interact a very long time, and have hands that you would get from motors. Also, from a scale point
with it become much more come up with some really a front-projected screen. of view, if you have a 10x10
dangerous. complicated solutions for this. It’s also inexpensive; grid of little servo motors
And so, Chris Harrison There are three distinct parts we were able to do this that cost $5 (Rs 250) apiece,
(CH) and Scott Hudson in the to building a tactile display: with materials in our labs you’re paying for 100 servos.
The researchers’ ATM interface prototype demonstrates what they can do with the display
48 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Aviary Phoenix
Skymarket
An online image editor that offers
everything from basic image
From the Labs
The codename for a Windows retouching to complex effects.
mobile application store Definitely worth a look
And 10x10 is pretty coarse let you have dynamic buttons not practical. If you wanted to tactile feedback, you’d have
– if you imagine dividing your – you have to “pre-layout” augment just the start button to look at the screen every
screen into a 10x10 grid, that’s the tactile buttons. So you in Windows, if it’s in a fixed single time – you can’t do it
roughly a square inch. You’re can do maybe four or five location, you could do that. But by feel, like you would with a
not going to have buttons [Ed. interfaces, depending on there’s less of a win there. physical dashboard. And that’s
notes:on your screen] that size. how complicated you want A typical car [Ed.notes: a big problem – I wouldn’t
So you’re already at 100 servo to make the display. For our in the US] might have GPS, be surprised if accident rates
motors for a not-very-high ATM display, we’d get about radio, air conditioning, an increased because of this
resolution. That’s pretty much 25 different combinations. entertainment system – there’s technology.
the state of the art in tactile But interfaces that want to only four or five different states
displays right now. There’s support four or five different that you could ever want to Coming back to the ATM
nothing that’ll give you per- screens – like an ATM screen, see. You could build a display example – what are the
pixel resolution on a, say, 1024 which has a number keypad that supports a unique tactile restrictions of today’s ATM
x 768 resolution, where each interfaces? We’ve always
pixel can be actuated. Discuss this article at thought they were pretty
There are things in the www.thinkdigit.com/d/93521 effective.
pipeline: there’s a great project CH: They are pretty effective,
from Nokia [Ed.notes: Haptikos, and some buttons in fixed layout for each one of those. although… we’re young – people
which first surfaced in 2007], places – that’s where it’s going Those are definitely the most with limited eyesight have a
where you have micro-fluid to be a big win, because you compelling applications. much tougher time. Even when
chambers push up on a per- can augment the display in a Where they make a huge I stand directly in front of ATM
pixel level, but I haven’t seen very simple way. It’s not going difference is driving. As you interfaces with touchscreens,
the technology public yet, and to work fantastically well on can imagine, your eyesight is sometimes it still doesn’t
I believe it’s fairly expensive at your desktop machine or your consumed by trying to keep recognise my input for my PIN.
present. laptop, because there are so on the road. There’s been a For us, [Ed.notes: a tactile display]
many interfaces that it needs tendency in car manufacturers is not such a big deal, except
Where do you see your to support. If you wanted to to move to touchscreens, that we might be able to type
touchscreen technology being have every button and widget because they want to faster with less error. But for
used? on your desktop to be tactile, support so many features. people who are slower, or who
CH: Unfortunately, the big you’d have to have buttons The big problem is that with have less motor control, this
limitation is that it doesn’t everywhere, and that’s just touchscreen buttons with no could be a big win.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 49
Capacitive Screens
From the Labs Most popular touchscreen mobiles Nimish Mehta
such as the iPhone and Palm’s Pioneered multitouch technology
Pre use this technology in their at the University of Toronto way
handsets back in 1982
And no matter who the ATM – five buttons on miniaturising the displays
n
you are, if you’re in our ow the screen plus number for use on things like
a car, having tactile
Make y keypad – you could cellphones. But as of right now,
feedback on your almost use individual we’re looking for potential
dashboard – for chambers for every commercial partners to pick
changing volume or Be a part of the first ever community created button and it wouldn’t be up the technology; there’s
navigating the GPS digit Fast Track. You get to collaborate, terribly expensive. been some interest in the
– it’s going to help create and control everything from the cover But if you think about automotive industry.
you keep your eyes on to the contents. For more information, pixels on a computer
the road. go to page 38, or visit monitor, they’re in What problems do you
www.thinkdigit.com/digitosp the millions. Think of need to address before this
How strong is the millions of actuators; for technology can make it into
prototype, and how the time being, that’s not the wild?
intensely did you test it? where touchscreens are the possible. CH: I think there are quite a
CH: [Ed.notes: on robustness] worst end and physical buttons few hurdles that still need
We ran a user study – we are the best, we are really close Have you tried this at the to be overcome – the first is
put several displays in front to the buttons, which is a really cellphone scale? the robustness of the flexible
of users – and I used several positive result. We get all the CH: No, but we have ideas on membrane that’s going to be
of the prototypes for testing tactile benefits of the physical how to do it. Obviously, you on the top of the display; that’s
input, testing pressure buttons, and yet we can display can’t cut holes in LCD screens going to have some wear and
sensitivity, and so on. Overall, four or five interfaces on a on cellphones, so you won’t tear. However, we found that
they got some decent wear and single surface, which is a nice be able to do anything with the latex we were using was
tear – some hundreds of hours benefit of touchscreens. negative pressure, unless you pretty robust.
of use. Some of the displays make it a lot thicker. But we Since we’re using a rear-
probably got a few hours of Is there any possibility of have some good ideas on doing projected camera setup, there’s
use, and there’s no noticeable going beyond the limited it with some fluidic chambers, a decent amount of throw
difference. And these are number of interfaces? and the problem with our distance there – so you can’t
pretty ad-hoc prototypes we CH: One of the techniques big setup is that it requires have it as thin as an LCD
made in the lab, with glue and that we demonstrated is air pumps, and air pumps are touchscreen – you’re going to
acrylic. So I think a specially that instead of having just a quite sizable – about the size need a foot or two of space to
engineered model will be single layer of latex on top of a computer mouse – but the project the interface. I think
pretty robust and airtight. of the display, you actually new system we’re developing that’s probably going to go
[Ed.notes: on effectiveness] stack multiple levels of latex, uses micro-pumps that are away, because pico-projectors
We put people at a computer each with its own particular hydraulic based, and they’re are getting so small that if you
screen, doing something mask – so basically, you’re about the size of an American combine them with the right
similar to driving tasks sandwiching latex together, penny, and can be made even optics, you could make that
– something that really and you can actuate each layer smaller. So you can fit a few about a couple of inches [Ed.
consumes their vision, and of latex in its own particular of these into a mobile device notes: of projecting distance],
we could measure their way, either one at a time, or and potentially push up a maybe less.
performance in this game by a combination at a time. In QWERTY keypad or number It also needs to be robust
how accurate they were. So the end, you can have a large keypad right on the surface of enough survive in a car
every time they took their number of different displays. the display, which will be really environment, which is noisy
eyes off the display to do Above five different patterns, great. and air-prone. And since
something else – like press a this would probably get this is air-driven, it may be
button – we could measure difficult, but depending on Is it possible with today’s worthwhile to use some type of
their performance deficit in how many different buttons technology to go down to fluid. But the problem with any
that task. Next to the computer you wanted, you could that size? kind of fluid is that leaks are
monitor, we had another potentially have a layer per CH: We haven’t built anything possible.
display which showed them button. The other way to do yet, but I’m pretty convinced The technology’s pretty
which button they needed this is to divide the surface it is. Again, you wouldn’t be good, but it would take…
to press next – “press the into lots of different chambers. able to do per-pixel, but if you maintenance…to keep your
upper right button”, “press So in the ATM example, there wanted to push up 10 buttons tactile display going. But
the big button in the centre”, are three different chambers or a number keypad, you can honestly, the robustness of the
and so on – and the results, – one for the number pad, do that on a cellphone. prototype we have in the lab is
unsurprisingly, were that one for the buttons on the pretty good.
with a touchscreen, users bottom, and one for the What further development As for cost, they’re really
had to look at it almost every buttons on the side, and so are you doing on the project very inexpensive, so that’s not
single time, and that degrades you can individually actuate right now? a hurdle at all.
their performance. That’s a each one of those independent CH: We haven’t done a It may be too early to hope
running-over-pedestrians-type chambers. So if you wanted to tremendous amount since for tactile touchscreens in
deficit. With our buttons and have 100 buttons, the worst it was published at the cellphones, but if they can be
real buttons, they only had to case scenario is that you have Computer-Human Interface cheaply manufactured, it might
look at the display 20 per cent 100 chambers – probably conference about three just mean that this one won’t
of the time to find the right something you’re not going to months ago, because I’m away end up on the could-have-
button – with touchscreens, it’s want to do, but it is an option. from CMU and working for been-great-but… pile, and may
90 per cent. So, in a spectrum For simple interfaces like Microsoft. We are looking at well be worth watching for.
50 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Flash drive
tested Graphics card test
LCD Monitor Test 63 High capacity flash drives, up
to 32 GB tested 70 Cards costing below Rs. 7,000
tested
Michael Browne what’s next? Slim washing continued to fall and today one
LCD monitors michael.browne@thinkdigit.com machines and refrigerators? can buy a 22-inch monitor for
are the de facto Indeed, a few years down the under Rs. 10,000. One of the
F
standard these days line, designers may come up reasons for these falling prices
orget swine flu, we with something on those lines. is the economics related to
and are becoming have been well and People have also bucked the large-scale production that all
ever cheaper. They truly bitten, or smitten prevailing recessionary trend manufacturers have cashed in
offer serious value by the slim bug in by splurging on the super on. Allied technologies have also
nearly every aspect of our lives. slim LED displays that have become cheaper as a result of
for money, and We’ve taken the plunge and just emerged in stores around the burgeoning demand. Larger
performance that sweated our way to a cellulite the country. After all, it’s only panels are becoming more
get close to the best free existence. We’ve thrown by spending more that the prevalent as more and more
CRTs around, while out our old idiot boxes and economic laws of supply and people want a better viewing
invested hard earned cash on demand can do their job. experience. Size matters, as
occupying a fraction sexy new flat panel displays. LCD monitors aren’t as hot any gamer or HTPC user will
of your desk space. We’ve even fallen for Apple’s as LCD and plasma televisions tell you. Even if all you want
We’ve dug up some new slim notebooks and since they’ve been in markets to do is surf, there is just no
have put away our clunky for much longer and most substitute for a larger display
of the best ones your old laptops in anticipation of people already own one. area. Gone are the days when a
money can buy in this acquiring one of these beauties. However, prices that crashed 19-inch display was the de facto
shootout. Sleek cellphones… slim PMPs, sometime early last year have standard — these days settle for
Step into the light
Photograph: Manas Parekh
Imaging: Chaitanya Surpur
52 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Bazaar
Seagate Technologies has announced
shipping of the Cheetah® 15K.7
LCD Monitor Test
80 From the latest Nokia N97 to gaming enterprise-class hard drives into the
worldwide distribution channel
nothing less than a 22-inch It’s black in colour and the swivel and tilt mechanisms
monitor. build looks decidedly industry work very well – great quality
This year we grade, with very rugged of movable parts. The NEC
considerably ramped up construction of the stand that AccuSync 24WMCX has a
our test process. Firstly, we incorporates a tilt, decidedly value look to
used a display calibrator, swivel and a portrait it, and it’s evident this
the DataColor Spyder mode — top-notch build one is built for relatively
3 Elite and each of the quality. For its size, the conservative users – we
monitors was carefully bezel is incredibly thin A u G u s t 2009 say relatively because this
calibrated before testing and the menu system cheaper display still costs
them. We decided not to and buttons very well
test 14, 15, and 17-inch laid out with a helpful
LCDs this year since 19- on-screen indication of
inch displays have become the menu buttons in
so affordable. A trend case you’re groping in
AOC 2434 PW
we hope to see continue was the dark. This display
the presence of larger panels, on-screen, the pixel pitch on has a host of options
namely the 24- and 26-inch a 26-inch display is larger and for changing colour
categories. Last year we only for some the 24-inch may look gamut, saturation, hue
received one 24-inch display; marginally crisper due to the and whiteness level;
this year we came across three pixels being grouped closer also on board is an
of them. TN panels abound together, although our eyes option for enabling and
because of their cheaper price could not discern significant disabling HDCP.
point but there are still a few difference. NEC’s MultiSync
high-end S-IPS and PVA panels 2490WUXi2 looks
floating around and although Features identical to the 26-
we weren’t able to get our hands NEC’s MultiSync 2690WUXi inch version and also
on all of them, we did have sports a smooth satin-like finish sports the same AS-IPS
some participation from this and is a relief from the other panel. Build quality
category. piano-glossy finished panels. is exemplary and the NEC Multisync LCD 2690 WUXi
26 and 24-inch LCDs – how we tested
Glory be We divided the monitors intensity rendition for each in intensity and adequate
These two categories represent received into categories on the display. In the colour spectrum separation between each band
the top of the pyramid of LCD basis of their screen size. On test we look for the wideness – this tells us that the monitor
monitors available today. This the features front, we logged of the colour gamut where the is able to display variable
size category is also where one all the physical specifications primary colours are separated by intensities of a particular shade
would find the high-end PVA of the LCDs including details the secondary colours and the well. Generally, IPS and PVA
and IPS LCD panels, and in on the panel, the weight and entire spectrum is presented on- panels that are natively 8-bit are
general, the best specifications. dimensions and connectivity. screen. Colours should smoothly better performing than 6-bit
It’s also the costliest of the We also rated the build quality, merge into others without TN panels that use dithering to
categories in test, and in general menu system and bezel vertical lines called “banding”. make up for additional colour
a 24-inch display will cost you thickness of each panel. When testing for purity of the intensities that they cannot
at least Rs. 15,000, while a Our test system consisted of otherwise produce.
high-end monitor could cost an Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 CPU Our movie test consisted of
upward of Rs. 75,000. One of (2.66 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 800 MHz a set of four HD 1080p clips
RAM and a ZOTAC GeForce GTX encoded in WMV format. A
the most pleasing things about
295 graphics card. We used the mix of natural scenery, fast
these two size categories is
Spyder 3 Elite to calibrate each action scenes and underwater
the resolution – a whopping photography, these video clips
display and also give us the real
1920 x 1200 pixels; this is contrast ratio and luminance allow an objective look at the
even higher than the 1080p figures. For luminance we kept colour rendition, contrast and
HD resolution that equates to the brightness at 100 per cent brightness level of a display.
1920 x 1080 pixels. The bigger for all displays. For calibration We used F.E.A.R and Crysis for
viewing area is another plus. and testing the contrast ratio, our game tests. Both these
Obviously, such a resolution is both the contrast and brightness games are studies in opposites
just what the doctor prescribed level were set at 50 per cent. primary colours and individual — Crysis with its realistic
for gamers who want all the Post calibration we ran Display shades we use the 16-shade scenery, bright outdoors and
details at higher resolutions but Mate to judge the contrast ramp test and the 256-ramp test. lighting depicting an island
one also needs a super graphics ratio for ourselves via the grey 16 and 256 bands (respectively) paradise while F.E.A.R with its
card to pull off gaming at this scale intensity test; this consists are presented for each of the cramped, dimly lit corridors
resolution in high detail. Image of checking visibility of grey primary and secondary colours and slow motion action scenes.
editing professionals also look squares of varying intensity on a one colour at a time and these Using these two games, detail,
at higher-end panels in these black background. bands vary equally in intensity contrast, brightness, colour
size categories. Do note since Display Mate’s colour test moving from highest intensities rendition and viewing angles
both 24- and 26-inch displays suite allowed us to check to lowest intensities. We check are a snap to assess.
for colour gamut and shade for uniformity of change
pack the same number of pixels
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 53
Deck of cards usB Hub
LCD Monitor Test Apacer has launched its new Apacer has launched
AE700 701 Embedded Card the funky looking
Reader. PH152 USB 2.0 hub
a whopping Rs. 36,000. It has AOC’s 2434Pw surprised us rich experience with Crysis of these displays supported
a brilliant menu system but the with its performance – it did and the highlighted detailing 1080p with a resolution of
lower bezel is annoyingly wide, far better than we expected and on the bodysuit and weapons 1920 x 1080 pixels; these are
unlike the other NEC displays. belied its price. Owing to its was something we’ve not seen obviously aimed at movie buffs
The ASUS VK266H also looks TN panel, the colour rendition before. The vividness of colour, wanting HD content without
neat, with a smooth black finish in Display Mate was really contrast and the level of detail the ugly black bars on the top
and a slim bezel, despite the poor and the 256-shade ramp provided are pretty amazing and bottom of the picture.
two-megapixel web camera built test revealed a highly deficient and it’s hard not to smile after Widescreen displays can either
into the top bezel. This monitor colour gamut. None of this was gaming or watching movies on support an aspect ratio of 16:10
has good build quality. The too evident in the movie test these monitors. The MultiSync or 16:9; the former is a better
menu layout is very good but the and other than a few glitches 2690WUXi also has the widest all-purpose resolution while the
control buttons are horrible. everything looked fine. It also viewing angles and betters its latter is better for purely HD
AOC’s 2434Pw rounds off has pretty decent viewing angles excellent sibling in this regard. content. Most 22-inch displays
the large monitors. It’s also the for a low-end display. NEC’s are based on cheaper TN panels
cheapest, at Rs. 14,500, but isn’t AccuSync 24WMCX didn’t have Conclusion and this is why they are so
any shabbier looking for it. AOC as wide a colour gamut as the With sterling colour affordable. We were shocked
uses a rather unique colour other two NEC displays and performance that was accurate to see a couple of displays
scheme – silver and piano although it did well and very close to an ideal priced at well below Rs. 9,000;
white and quite honestly it’s a in the Display Mate colour gamut, the NEC something we didn’t think
refreshing change from the usual tests we weren’t MultiSync 2690WUXi was possible. The market is flooded
black LCDs we come across. In impressed with it the undisputed winner of with 22-inch monitors, and
fact, this display is well built and because of the price our Best Performer award. there is no dearth of choice,
has a very neat tilt mechanism. tag. It’s good for AuGust 2009 It’s equally suitable for so if you are still holding on
The only sore point is that image professionals to a smaller monitor, whether
the barrel of the stand pokes and multimedia/ CRT or LCD, now is the time
above the top bezel, and if the gaming junkies. It’s to spend.
display is viewed at eye level also remarkably well
the tip of the barrel is visible built. Its sibling, Features
— not exactly an eyesore but the MultiSync Dell’s E228WFP is an older
an aesthetic flaw to be sure. 2490WUXi2, comes monitor that was well ahead
It’s resolution is exactly 1920 very close to it but of its time. This display is
x 1080, meaning it’s designed loses out because extremely well built with a
to be used mainly for watching of its slightly worse matte finished black body
movies. viewing angles. The and sports a very good fit and
only pinch is the finish. The stand is excellent
Performance price, i.e. Rs. 90,000. and looks super sleek and
The ASUS VK266H did well A shade below is the all mechanical parts seem
in the reverse text tests with 2490WUXi2 priced extremely rugged. The ultra
only white on yellow and cyan at Rs. 83,000. If you slim bezel adds to its appeal,
AOC 2236Vw
on green being hard to read. demand the best, while the menu system is also
The 16-shade ramp test didn’t shell out big – you’ll intuitive and the buttons very
do well with the colour red, movies and games, although cry but once. These NEC panels usable. HP’s LE2201w also
where three blocks, the 9th, the contrast ratio isn’t as good are also a must for any sort of sports an industrial grade
10th, 11th block on the top row as we’d like for bringing out the work that demands high colour finish and although it’s not as
looked similar. The contrast finer detail in F.E.A.R; but Crysis accuracy. If you need studio sleek as the E228WFP, most
ratio tests were also mediocre, looked pretty good. grade colour accuracy in your will appreciate the great build
and there was a noticeable On to the other two NEC work and desire a flat panel you quality, although we doubt
orange tinge to things when displays, both of which are have no option but to shell out it’s aesthetics as it has a rather
viewed from wide horizontal based on high-end LCD panels. for an IPS or PVA panel or one squat, unappealing look.
angles. Vertical viewing angles For some reason the MultiSync of their derivatives. If you’re ASUS’ VK222Hs bezel is
are impossible due to the TN 2690WUXi seemed not to have looking for a large panel on the narrow enough for it to pass as
panel under the hood although as fast a pixel response as the cheap, and colour accuracy isn’t sleek and the contoured design
we noticed this panel was MultiSync 2490WUXi2, but that important to you, check is neat. The menu system is well
worse than some of the other this is not very noticeable. We out the AOC 2434Pw — at laid out, unfortunately it has
TN panels around and a slight found the contrast to be slightly Rs. 14,500 you will not find a horrible buttons like its larger
change in the vertical viewing inadequate for some scenes in comparable display at a better sibling. ViewSonic’s VX2233
angle changes the picture the video clips where we felt price. sports a piano black finish that
characteristics significantly. The some detail was missing from is the norm these days and
rendition of green was good, the darker areas of the screen. 22-inch monitors – this display has a narrow bezel
while we noticed banding when But to be honest, it’s only Settle for no less surrounding a high-resolution
displaying reds and blues. MVA and PVA panels that can We received 13 monitors in (1920 x 1080 pixels) screen.
With its good brightness and improve on the performance this category, obviously the The DVI port is extremely close
contrast this monitor is good of these displays, as most IPS most populous one in this test. to the barrel of the stand and
for games, but movies will be a panels do not have as good Although the native resolution inserting a DVI cable isn’t easy
problem, if only due to the poor contrast ratios. Both these for a 22-inch monitor is usually as the width of the connector
viewing angles. monitors provided an amazingly 1680 x 1050 pixels, some means it foils with the stand.
54 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
switch in time
LCD Monitor test
Belkin launches its range
of KVM switches in India
On top of this the port is it’s rather unfair to compare on-screen display is clear
rather recessed – another it to other displays in this and well laid out and the
ergonomic slip up. comparison, we are going to controls are via a simple
Intex had two monitors in do precisely that. four-way joypad with a
this category: the IT-2003W AOC had the strongest huge backlit centre button.
was pretty ordinary looking presence in this category The buttons work well and
with decent build quality but with four models, some of although it looks fancy,
somewhat of a quirky stand which were rather special. navigation is really simple.
that doesn’t keep the display The V22 was radically The display bezel is quite
100 per cent stable. Their different from anything we’ve narrow, except for the top
2202TVP sports a large, seen. Firstly it has a dark portion that widens out. A
heavy, metal stand and this blue colour and a wide bezel. chrome trim on the lower
model comes bundled with The appearance is attractive part of the bezel adds a little
a wireless remote control but in a garish sort of way. flavour to what is a plain-
unit. At first we thought Secondly, it was by far the looking display by AOCs
it might have television lightest monitor standards, judging
capabilities but there was we’ve ever had from others we’ve
no connect for a TV cable, the distinction of seen so far. And the
although composite and hefting, far lighter best part – this monitor
HDMI connects have AuGust 2009 has additional
been provided. The USB ports and a
bezel was quite wide memory card reader
on the sides owing integrated into the
to the inbuilt speaker back, and along with
grilles; this makes a wireless remote
this monitor look unit one can enjoy
larger than one would movies, music and
expect. photos without a
Samsung sent in PC, a unique feature
two displays. The and one that is sure
SyncMaster P2250 to find many eager
is an attractive takers.
looking monitor The last of the
with touch controls AOC foursome
that are backlit and was the 2236Vw, a
beautifully made, well built monitor
with good attention with a really shaky
to detail — each icon stand, the first gripe
is well backlit and AOC 2230 Fm we had with this
very readable both brand. The front
under fluorescent bezel is piano black
lighting and in darkness. The than even a 17-inch display. and the rim of the bezel
on-screen menu is also not We discovered this was due is wide. Due to this, some
in the centre of the monitor to the fact that unlike most reflections of the on-screen
but to the right – a fact that LCDs that are CCFL backlit, image can be seen on the
we highly appreciated since this one had a white LED rim of the bezel and while
when testing we need access (WLED) backlight, meaning not too distracting, it is
to the menu systems and our the display was slimmer noticeable. The last display
Spyder calibration unit sits and hopefully a better we looked at was the NEC
on the middle of the screen performer. The AOC F22 2190UXp and this display
causing visibility problems embodies a novel concept is based on a high-end
— if only more manufacturers with a bottom bezel that S-PVA panel. It sports the
gave this option! The can also be used as a handle same industry grade build
2233RZ was the other to carry the display, albeit as the other NEC designs
Samsung monitor; this one upside down. The stand and has an identical stand
looked really neat with its is similar to a photo frame mechanism. The bezel
smart glossy black body and stand and is detachable. is the same size as the
matte screen. The speciality The front is piano black 24- and 26-inch panels but
here is this displays’ refresh while the rear is glossy looks wider owing to the
rate, at 120 hertz it is double white and this contrast smaller size of the display.
that of normal displays. really sets the display off. This panel had a 4:3 aspect
This monitor is intended The shape of the stand ratio with a resolution of
to be used with 3D glasses is weird, something even 1600 x 1200 pixels.
and other such gear to Priapos would be proud
enable a realistic 3D gaming of. The AOC 2230Fm has Performance
experience, and although a neat menu system, the Dell’s E228WFP that
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 55
LCD Monitor Test
AuGust 2009 AuGust 2009
LCD Monitor Test
19-inch 20-inch
Brand AOC AOC NEC NEC samsung Viewsonic Acer
Model F19 831s Multisync 1990sX syncMaster VA1928wm P205H
1990FXp D190s
Plus (+) Neat menu Really cheap Superb build & Superb build & Novel looks 16:10 aspect Sleek
system performance performance ratio performer
Minus (-) Deficient Poor colour Expensive Expensive Quirky stand Mediocre co- None in
contrast and contrast lour rendition particular
Price (Rs) 6,500 6,200 54,000 54,000 7,500 8,200 7,500
Features (Out of 35) 12.67 10.11 19.55 20.56 9.85 13.6 13.21
Performance (Out of 65) 41.41 37.62 47.42 46.87 42.32 40.14 43.01
Grand Totals (Out of 100) 54.08 47.73 66.97 67.43 52.17 53.75 56.22
Features
Display Size (inches) 19 19 19 19 19 19 20
Pixel Pitch (mm) 0.3 0.3 0.294 0.294 0.285 0.276
Luminance (Cd/m2) 300 250 250 270 300 300
Contrast Ratio (Manufacturer claimed) 1000 : 1 10000 : 1 1500 : 1 600 : 1 1000 : 1 1000 : 1 20000 : 1
Panel Technology TN TN PVA S-IPS TN TN TN
Native Resolution (H. Pixels x V. Pixels) 1366 x 768 1366 x 768 1280 x 1024 1280 x 1024 1360 x 768 1440 x 900 1600 x 900
Screen Aspect Ratio (Normal/Wide) 16 : 9 16 : 9 5:4 5:4 16 : 9 16 : 10 16 : 9
Response Time (Gray To Gray) 5 5 20 9 2 5 5
Weight (KG) 3.7 3.89 9 9 4.4 4.2
USB Hub (4/6) / No. Of USB Ports 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA
Card Reader (4/6) / Cards supported 6 / NA - / NA - / NA 6 / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA
Swivel Base (Axis) Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical - Vertical Vertical
Height Adjustment / Portrait (4/6) 6 /6 6 /6 4 /4 4 /4 6 /6 6 /6 6 /6
Power Consumption (Watts) 25 37 35 39 30 36 28
HDCP Support (4/6) 4 6 4 6 4 4
Input Interfaces D-Sub, DVI D-Sub D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, DVI x 2, D-Sub D-Sub, DVI D-Sub, DVI
S-Video S-Video
Extra Features (If Any) - - - - -
Miscellaneous (so 10) -
Bezel Thickness 6 6 9.5 9 6.75 7.5 6.5
Quality Of Moving Parts 8 6.5 8.75 9 7.5 7 7.25
OSD Usability & Menu buttons 7.75 8 7 8.25 7 8.25 6.5
Performance
Spyder3 Elite Actual Contrast Ratio 560 : 1 643 : 1 840 : 1 843 : 1 631 : 1 605 : 1 584 : 1
Spyder3 Elite Measured Luminance 232.8 cd/m2 245.2 cd/m2 220 cd/m2 201.5 cd/m2 177.6 cd/m2 262.9 cd/m2 291.8 cd/m2
Displaymate Video Edition (so 10)
Moiré Tests 8.25 8 8.25 8 8.25 8 8.25
RGB Colour Purity Tests 7.25 6.25 7.75 7.75 6.25 7 7.25
16 / 256 Colour intensity Ramp Test 6.5 / 6.5 6.25 / 5.75 8.25 / 7.5 8.5 / 7.5 7.25 / 6 7 / 6.5 7/6
Multimedia and Game tests (so 10)
1080p Clip Colour Rendition / Contrast 7.25 / 7.25 6.25 / 6.5 8 / 7.5 8 / 7.5 7.5 / 6.75 7.5 / 7 7.5 / 7.25
1080p Clip Overall Viewing Experience 7.25 6.75 7 7 7 7.25 7.25
F.E.A.R
Bullet Time, Weapon Effects 7 6.5 7.5 7.5 7 7 6.75
Shadows / Particle Effects 6.5 / 7 5.5 / 6.5 7.5 / 7.25 7.25 / 7.25 7.5 / 7.25 7.25 / 7.25 7.25 / 6.75
HDR and Contrast 6.5 6.25 7.25 7 7 7.25 7.5
Crysis
Colours & Environment realism 7.5 6 8 7 7 7 7
Contrast & HDR 7.5 6.25 7.75 7.25 7.5 7.5 6.75
Viewing Angles (so 10)
Text / Movies / Games 6 / 5.75 / 5.5 5.5 / 5 / 5 8 / 7.5 / 7.5 8 / 8 / 7.75 5.5 / 6 / 6 5.5 / 4.5 / 4.5 6 / 5.25 / 6
Built in Speakers Sound Quality (So 10) - - - - 4 - 6
56 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
AuGust 2009 AuGust 2009
22-inch
AOC Dell Intex NEC AOC AOC AOC AOC
2036sA st2010 It-2002W Multisync V22 2230Fm F22 2236Vw
2190uXp
Really afford- Solid build Well priced Super perfor- WLED panel Superb features, Good performer, Good performer,
able mance and build good performer well priced well priced
Mediocre per- Pricey Mediocre colours Very expensive Slightly expensive Pricey Wide bezel None in par-
former ticular
7,000 8,900 7,500 75,000 13,500 14,000 88,00 8,700
10.45 13.03 10.26 20.3 14.82 19.3 13.04 15.39
39.37 40.77 41.75 48.57 41.45 44.46 40.88 40.44
49.82 53.8 52.01 68.87 56.26 63.76 53.93 55.83
20 20 20 21.3 22 22 22 22
0.277 0.277 0.277 0.27 0.276 0.282 0.248 0.248
250 250 300 300 280 300 300 300
60000 : 1 1000 : 1 1000 : 1 1000 : 1 100000 : 1 1200 : 1 1000 : 1 1000 : 1
TN TN TN S-PVA TN TN TN TN
1600 x 900 1600 x 900 1600 x 900 1600 x 1200 1680 x 1050 1680 x 1050 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
16 : 9 16 : 9 16 : 9 4:3 16 : 10 16 : 10 16 : 9 16 : 10
5 5 5 8 2 2 5 5
4.2 4.5 4.5 6.5 3.8 5.2 4.6 4.35
6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 4 /2 6 / NA 4 /1
- / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA 4/ MMC, SD, xD, 6 / NA - / NA
MS/MS Pro
Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical
6 /6 6 /6 6 /6 4 /4 6 /6 6 /6 6 /6 6 /6
25 20 25 90 28 60 36 36
6 4 6 4 4 4 4
D-Sub D-Sub, HDMI D-Sub D-Sub, DVI x 2, D-Sub, HDMI D-Sub, HDMI, D-Sub, DVI D-Sub, DVI
S-Video
- - - - Webcam (1.3 MP) Remote - -
-
6 7.5 7 8.5 5.75 6.25 6 6.5
7 7 7.25 8.75 7.75 6.75 8 7.25
8 7.5 7 8.25 7.75 7.75 7.75 8
573 : 1 614 : 1 631 : 1 616 : 1 610 : 1 646 : 1 404 : 1 534 : 1
209.4 cd/m2 211.2 cd/m2 315.2 cd/m2 350.9 cd/m2 225.8 cd/m2 277.6 cd/m2 196.2 cd/m2 254.6 cd/m2
8.25 8.25 8 8 8.25 8 8.25 8
6.75 7.25 6.5 7.75 7.25 7.25 7.25 7
4.75 / 4.5 7 / 6.25 5.5 / 5 8 / 7.75 7/6 6.5 / 6.25 6.75 / 6.25 7/6
6 / 7.25 7.5 / 7.25 6.75 / 7 8 / 7.5 7 / 6.75 7/7 7.25 / 7.25 7.5 / 7
6.75 7.5 7 7.5 7 7.25 7.5 7.5
6.5 7 6.5 7.5 7 7 7.25 7
7 / 6.5 7/7 7 / 6.75 7.75 / 7.25 7.25 / 7 6.75 / 7.25 7.25 / 7.25 7 / 7.25
7 7 7 7.75 7 7 7.25 7
6.5 7.25 7.25 8.5 7.25 7.5 7.5 7.25
6.5 7.25 7.5 8.5 7.25 7.75 7.5 7.25
5.5 / 5.5 / 5.5 6/5/5 6/6/6 7.75 / 7.5 / 7.5 6.5 / 5.75 / 5.5 7 / 6.25 / 6.25 6 / 5.5 / 5.5 5.5 / 5 / 5
4 - - - - 4 - -
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 57
LCD Monitor Test
LCD Monitor Test
Brand Asus Dell HP Intex Intex samsung
Model VK222H E228WFP LE2201w 2203W 2202tVP syncMaster 2233RZ
Plus (+) Good looking Superb build Built well Affordable Feature rich Neat looks
quality
Minus (-) Poor viewing Mediocre Ordinary perfor- Very basic per- Poor performer Mediocre viewing
angles colours mance former angles
Price (Rs) 13,400 14,940 12,200 9,500 14,900 9,500
Features (Out of 35) 15.37 13.32 10.27 10.89 14.95 12.76
Performance (Out of 65) 38.3 39.81 39.07 37.96 33.59 42.63
Grand Totals (Out of 100) 53.66 53.13 49.34 48.85 48.54 55.39
Features
Display Size (inches) 22 22 22 22 22 22
Pixel Pitch (mm) 0.282 0.282 0.282 0.282 0.282 0.282
Luminance (Cd/m2) 300 300 250 300 300 300
Contrast Ratio (Manufacturer claimed) 1000 : 1 800 : 1 1000 : 1 1000 : 1 1000 : 1 1000 : 1
Panel Technology TN TN TN TN TN TN
Native Resolution (H. Pixels x V. Pixels) 1680 x 1050 1680 x 1050 1680 x 1050 1680 x 1050 1680 x 1050 1680 x 1050
Screen Aspect Ratio (Normal/Wide) 16 : 10 16 : 10 16 : 10 16 : 10 16 : 10 16 : 10
Response Time (Gray To Gray) 2 5 5 5 5 3
Weight (KG) 5.1 5.2 5.2 4.5 7 5.2
USB Hub (4/6) / No. Of USB Ports 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA
Card Reader (4/6) / Cards supported - / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA
Swivel Base (Axis) Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical
Height Adjustment / Portrait (4/6) 6 /6 6 /6 6 /6 6 /6 6/6 6 /6
Power Consumption (Watts) 55 45 35 35 40 45
HDCP Support (4/6) 4 4 6 6 4 4
Input Interfaces D-Sub, DVI, HDMI D-Sub, DVI D-Sub D-Sub D-Sub, HDMI, DVI
Composite
Extra Features (If Any) webcam (1.3 MP) - - - Remote control -
Miscellaneous (so 10) -
Bezel Thickness 7.75 8.5 7.25 7 5.75 7
Quality Of Moving Parts 7 8.5 7.25 6.5 6.75 7.25
OSD Usability & Menu buttons 5 7.75 7 8 7.5 8
Performance
Spyder3 Elite Actual Contrast Ratio 452 : 1 533 : 1 342 : 1 504 : 1 288 : 1 685 : 1
Spyder3 Elite Measured Luminance 222 cd/m2 278.2 cd/m2 165.8 cd/m2 193.4 cd/m2 293.2 cd/m2 300.5 cd/m2
Displaymate Video Edition (so 10)
Moiré Tests 8.5 8.5 8 6 8 8.25
RGB Colour Purity Tests 7.25 6.5 6.75 6.5 6 7.5
16 / 256 Colour intensity Ramp Test 7 / 6.25 6.5 / 6 6.75 / 6 6 / 6.25 4/4 7 / 6.5
Multimedia and Game tests (so 10)
1080p Clip Colour Rendition / Contrast 6.5 / 5.5 7.25 / 6 7 / 6.25 6.25 / 5.75 5 / 5.5 7.25 / 7.25
1080p Clip Overall Viewing Experience 6.25 7 7 6.75 5 7.5
F.E.A.R
Bullet Time, Weapon Effects 6.5 6.5 6.5 7 5.5 7.25
Shadows / Particle Effects 5.5 / 7 6 / 6.5 6.5 / 6.5 6 / 6.5 3.5 / 5.75 7 / 7.25
HDR and Contrast 6.75 6.25 6.75 6.5 5.25 7
Crysis
Colours & Environment realism 6.75 6 6.5 7 6 7.5
Contrast & HDR 6.75 6.5 6.5 6.75 6.5 7.5
Viewing Angles (so 10)
Text / Movies / Games 6.25 / 4.25 / 4.5 6/6/6 6.25 / 6.25 / 6 5.5 / 4.5 / 5 5.25 / 5 / 4.75 6 / 5.5 / 5.5
Built in Speakers Sound Quality (So 10) 4 - - 4 - -
58 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
AuGust 2009
23-inch 24-inch 26-inch
samsung Viewsonic LG AOC NEC NEC Asus NEC
Z syncMaster VX2233wm M237WA 2434Pw Accusync Multisync VK266H Multisync
P2250 24WMCX 2490WuXi2 2690WuXi
120 Hz display Neat looks Novel features, neat Novel looks Good per- Superb per- Large display, Superlative
looks former former good looks performance
Mediocre colour Poor performance Mediocre performer None in particular Very expen- Very expensive Mediocre viewing Expensive
sinve angles
11,500 11,000 17,990 14,500 36,000 83,000 25,250 90,000
13.77 12.69 17.55 13.72 16.35 20.42 18.85 19.46
39.97 34.16 39 42.36 43.14 48.99 37.69 51.24
53.74 46.86 56.55 56.08 59.49 69.4 56.54 70.7
22 22 23 24 24 24 26 26
0.25 0.3 0.266 0.271 mm 0.27 0.27 0.287 0.287
300 300 300 300 400 320 300 400
1000 : 1 1000 : 1 1000 : 1 60000 : 1 1000 : 1 1000 : 1 20000 : 1 800 : 1
TN TN TN TN TN AS-IPS TN AS-IPS
1680 x 1050 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1200 1920 x 1200 1920 x 1200 1920 x 1200
16 : 10 16 : 9 16 : 9 16 : 9 16 : 10 16 : 10 16 : 10 16 : 10
2 5 5 2 5 7 2 7
4.4 4.2 7 6.2 6.5 11.6 7.9 12.6
6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA 6 / NA
- / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA - / NA
Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical, hori- Vertical
zontal
6 /6 6 /N 6 /6 6 /6 6 /6 4 /4 6/6 4 /4
40 38 50 60 90 70 60 111
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
D-Sub, DVI D-Sub, DVI D-Sub, DVI, Compos- D-Sub, HDMI D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, DVI x 2, D-Sub, DVI, Com- D-Sub, DVI x 2
ite, Component, HDMI HDMI, Compo- S-Video ponent, HDMI
x2, TV antenna nent
- wireless Remote - - - webcam (2 MP) -
control
6.5 6.75 6.25 6.5 7 8.75 7.5 9
7.5 6.25 6.75 7.5 7.5 8.75 7.25 9
7.25 5.5 7.5 7.5 9 8.25 5 8.5
595 : 1 279 : 1 523 : 1 630 : 1 486 : 1 594 : 1 522 : 1 546 : 1
291.2 cd/m2 234.7 cd/m2 259.3 cd/m2 275.1 cd/m2 346 cd/m2 328.8 cd/m2 211.4 cd/m2 354.9 cd/m2
8 8.5 8.5 8.25 8 8.25 8.5 8.25
6.75 6.75 7 7 7 7.75 7 8.25
6.25 / 6.25 5.75 / 4.75 6/6 5.5 / 3 7/7 7.75 / 7.5 6 / 5.5 8.5 / 7.5
6.25 / 6 6 / 5.25 6.75 / 4.75 7.25 / 7 7 / 7.25 8 / 7.5 7 / 5.5 8.5 / 7.5
6.5 6 6.75 7.25 8 8 7.25 8.5
6.75 6 6.75 7.25 7.25 7.5 7 7.5
7.25 / 7.25 5 / 6.25 ` / 6.75 6.25 / 7 7/7 7.75 / 7.5 6/7 8 / 7.5
7 6.25 6.75 7 7 7.75 7 7.75
7.25 6 6 7.25 7.75 8.75 6.5 8.75
7.5 5.75 6 7.5 8 8.75 6.5 8.75
5.5 / 5 / 5.25 6.25 / 4.25 / 4 6.5 / 4.5 / 4.75 6.75 / 6.5 / 6.5 6.25 / 4.25 / 5 7.75 / 7.75 / 7.75 6.5 / 3.5 / 3.5 8.75 / 8.75
/ 8.5
- - 6.5 - 5.5 - 4 -
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 59
Dream in colour
HP’s new GreenColor monitor is the Lynnfeild chipset
LCD Monitor Test latest thing for colour professionals Intel’s P55 chipsets are due on the
with a 10-bit, LED-backlit display 1st of September with support for
capable of displaying 1 billion the yet unseen LGA 1156 CPUs
colours
LG M237wA – spLit personALity? F.E.A.R test with poor quality outperforms the AOC 2230Fm
The LG M237WA was unique from the start. First of all it was the only shadows, but it wasn’t as bad in F.E.A.R. across all tests except
23-inch display in test. Secondly, it’s a TV and a monitor rolled into one. as the Intex 2202TVP that had contrast, which is important
It’s a good looking display, with a thick plastic body that does make it look rusty brown patches in the for enjoying this game. Crysis
unnecessarily bulky. The exteriors are well finished with piano black. The deepest part of the shadows in is enjoyable and the viewing
power LED is attractive – blue inside a translucent glass that gives a slightly F.E.A.R – evidently the contrast angles, while not as good as
diffused effect. This display has a nice full featured remote control and ratio is not good enough for non-TN panels, are fair.
although a couple of others also had remote units, none had support for a gaming. Interestingly, this game The AOC 2236Vw was the
TV cable. That’s right – plug in your cable TV wire and you’re good to go. did not display any other glaring last of the quartet tested and
It also has two HDMI ports, composite, component, D-Sub and flaws in Crysis or other parts is a decent monitor with good
DVI connects, making it quite an all rounder. The resolution of 1920 of F.E.A.R., but the colours and contrast and colours. Although
x 1080 pixels is also right for an entertainment monitor – this is a contrast were not as vivid as its performance in Display Mate
cheaper alternative to LCD TVs if you have a gaming console such we’d like. It’s a poor choice for left something to be desired,
as the X-Box 360 or the PS3. In terms of performance, the results are
movies as well, so give this one a especially with the 256-shade
mixed. The rendition of red was poor with quite a bit of banding.
wide berth. ramp test, on the whole it made
Green rendition is decent, although there was a lot of banding in
NEC’s 2190UXp does very up for this with the gaming and
the blues in the colour spectrum test. The viewing angles were
also an issue, as was well in Display Mate in the movie tests.
the contrast in video colour gamut test but there HP’s LE2201w has good
clips. It has marginally was banding noticeable in the viewing angles for a TN panel
better horizontal blue segment, especially the based display, but little else, its
viewing angles than transition from blue to cyan. It performance in the gaming tests
the ASUS 26-inch, has an excellent contrast ratio, was mediocre at best.
but that’s not saying the benefits of which were most
much. It does a fair job noticeable in movies and Crysis, Conclusion
with games, but really, both of which look vivid with AOCs 2230Fm was the pick of
overall performance is startlingly realistic colours. the lot when it comes to sheer
not its forte – features Only the 2690WUXi and value for money. It’s got a few
and connectivity are. 2490WUXi2 did better. additional features, but other
Priced at Rs. 17,990, the AOC’s 2230Fm was the best than that is a superb display
M237WA is a TN panel performer of the company’s at a good price. Sure you can
based LCD monitor cum 22-inch offerings. We loved the get better S-PVA panels but
TV that should find a way Crysis looked, especially then you’d need to spend at
pretty wide audience
for a TN panel – detailed least five times more. For Rs.
other than the most LG M237WA environments and good colour 14,000 it’s our Best Buy in the
discerning fraternity,
and brightness levels. The sun 22-inch category. If you desire
that is.
flare and HDR effects were also pure quality and you must
excellent, with good detailing have a 22-inch display (no
impressed us two years ago pretty close to blending with the on weapons that is not always bigger), then NEC’s 2190UXp
no longer stands out when others – not good. It did fairly visible on the lower quality TN will satisfy – an S-PVA panel
compared to the latest crop of well in the games, particularly panels. We also used the display and some excellent scores
displays. In our tests it didn’t Crysis, but the performance for playing videos and photos throughout the slew of tests
handle Crysis well and the with videos was pretty mediocre. sans a computer – but quality is thrown at it, but it’s not cheap
colours look washed out with ViewSonic’s VX2233WM poor, and although the display and will make you poorer by a
poorer HDR performance. In didn’t impress us with poor itself is good the in-built engine good Rs. 75,000. If you desire
the Display Mate intensity tests performance in the shade for multimedia playback isn’t something really cheap, look
the contrast was not good. It’s ramp tests and very mediocre and it’s also picky at AOC’s 2236Vw, a good
good enough for movies but performance in the video tests about the formats all-round performer at an
the reds and blues are a bit and Crysis. In F.E.A.R., the used. astoundingly low price of
dull. On a positive note, the shadows were not realistic at all, The AOC V22 Rs. 8,700.
brightness level in movies is and we could spot anomalies. was a surprising AuGust 2009
good, excellent for detailing, There was also a lot of noise in let down in
and the pixel response is good the darker regions of the screen. Display Mate; we
enough for a satisfactory movie The ASUS VK222H did expected more
experience. decently in the colour spectrum from this WLED
Samsung’s SyncMaster test with good rendition of panel in terms of
P2250 did well in the grey scale green, but with banding in the colour, but this
intensity check; in the colour transitions from yellow to red was not to be.
spectrum test the rendition of all and dark blue to light blue. It’s fairly good
the primary colours was good In the grey squares intensity for movies, with
although the ability with blue check it didn’t do as well as good detailing
and green didn’t seem as broad the bigger ASUS VK266H, a and contrast
– this was surprising, since most poorer measured contrast ratio and does well
monitors do well with green being the culprit. It’s viewing in games. The
– the most discernable colour. angles are quite poor – a pity AOC F22 also
In the 16-shade intensity test for movie junkies. The Intex did well in our ACER P205H
the two highest intensities are 2203W performed poorly in the game tests and
60 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
3 new phones Mac Office LCD Monitor Test
LG launches the GB270, KP265 and Microsoft has rolled out another
GB210 cellphones for Rs. 4,599, major update to Office 2008 for Mac
4,999 and 4,399 respectively that it’s calling Service Pack 2
20-inch monitors – tilt mechanism is stiff. Intex’ impossible to read. A couple Conclusion
between rock bottom and a IT-2002W is a well-built LCD of other colour combinations Acer’s P205H emerges as our
larger screen with a steadier stand than the are also barely discernable. The Best Buy – it’s a good all-round
20-inch displays are the big 22-inch Intex 2202TVP; build P205H did well in the gaming performer at a sweet price.
boys of yesteryear. Before the quality is good, though the tests, especially Crysis where Rs. 7,500 is a good price
coming of the 22-inch monitor surface finish is a simplistic good weapon and suit details point and until a year ago you
there was a time when the smooth black. Weirdly, all these were visible. Its viewing angles would only get you a 19-inch
20-inch wide screen monitor 20-inch displays supported the are also pretty good for a TN CRT monitor. In fact, with the
ruled supreme. As kings of the ultra widescreen 16:9 viewing panel and it did well in the exception of the Dell ST2010
LCD monitor domain these format and their resolution was movie tests. (Rs. 8,900) all the other
displays had a resolution of identical at 1600 x 900 pixels As for the 2036Sa from AOC, monitors were pretty affordable.
1680 x 1050 pixels, which was apiece. it wasn’t too hot. Firstly, the The Dell might be worth a
way higher than widescreen reds seem compressed in some look if you want something for
19-inch monitors that could Performance videos with visible noise. In the gaming, but to be honest, if you
manage only 1440 x 900 pixels. Intex’ IT-2002W has good 16-shade intensity ramp the could spend a bit more and
22-inch monitors have the brightness levels pinks, greys and greens pick up a 22-inch display, you’d
same resolution as the 20-inch and a decent have a problem at the also have a lot more variety.
displays but offer a bigger enough contrast to highest intensities where the
screen. These have found a make movies a fun two highest intensity colours 19-inch monitors –
wide fan base with gamers and experience, but we’d AuGust 2 0 0 9 seem to merge – this Fresh minnows
movie aficionados. Most 22- like a wider colour These monitors represent, for
inch monitors sport very cheap gamut; this is also us, the minimum size bracket
TN panels and these monitors one of the reasons you should look at. Some
have been the catalysts of the why Display Mate people protest saying they
price crash, but a few of the wasn’t kind to this only want to surf and will
smaller, less popular 20-inch panel, with some never need a bigger screen
displays are still available. mediocre scores. – a common statement and
Dell’s ST2010 was the also one that is most often
Features best 20-inch display proven wrong. There’s
Dell’s ST2010 is a neat looking when it came to nothing like “enough” when
monitor that has a narrow gaming – good colour, it comes to screen size. Since
piano-black finished bezel; the a decent contrast the only way to interface
rear is piano white and gently ratio that allowed with your PC is by what you
rounded, giving it a very Apple- good detailing see on-screen, ultimately no
like look. Build quality is good, under Crysis. The paltry 15-inch display will
but the stand is very mediocre. only test where it satisfy for very long. Even if
Acer’s P205H has a glossy LCD lagged behind was you’re not a gamer or a movie
panel and is neat looking with a the 256-shade ramp AOC F19 junkie eventually every PC
piano black finish and a decent where we found the user craves for more viewable
looking bezel. It’s also pretty higher intensities and extreme problem is visible with all the real estate and today’s websites
slim though not anywhere lower intensities tended to other colours as well though it’s are also rich enough with
as slim as a WLED display. blend noticeably. Both Acer’s not as severe. Colour breadth multimedia content to advocate
AOC’s 2036Sa is another neat P205H and AOC’s 2036Sa for red and blue was not as a larger display.
looker with a reasonably slim had issues in the reverse text wide as we’d like. As a result,
bezel. The stand is oval shaped tests, where white on a yellow we didn’t like the experience Features
with a simplistic look but well background and cyan on a when playing Crysis on this Of the six 19-inch monitors
finished in glossy black; its green background were nearly display. we tested three had weird
resolutions of 1366 x 768 pixels
– this resolution is more used on
Contact Sheet LCD Monitor Comparison Test 26- and 32-inch LCD TVs. This
Brands Phone No Email Website also allows these monitors to
AOC 91-124-280 6116 / 17 info@in.aocmonitor.com www.aoc.com natively support 720p (1280 x
Acer 011-26734300 varshas@perfectrelations.com www.acer.co.in 720 pixels) content. These were
two models from AOC and the
ASUS 022 – 67668800 media_india@asus.com www.in.asus.com
Samsung SyncMaster D190. The
Dell 1-800-425-4026, dell_enquiries@dell.com www.dell.co.in ViewSonic VA1928wm was the
080-25068026 only monitor to support a 16:10
HP 9811626585 mansi.pal@bm.com welcome.hp.com/country/in/en/ aspect ratio and a resolution
welcome.htm of 1440 x 900 pixels. The
Intex 1800116789 (toll free); info@intextechnologies.com www.intextechnologies.com other two NEC displays had
011-41610224, 26 resolutions of 1280 x 1024
LG 0120-2560900/40 Sanjoy@lgindia.com www.lgindia.com pixels and were clearly aimed at
NEC 011-30822112 info@shibacomp.com www.shibacomp.com business, medical and industry
segments with their high-end
Samsung 011-4151 1234 m.malhotra@samsung.com www.samsung.com/in
panels, superb build quality
ViewSonic 022 2668 1921 Umang@rooponline.com www.in.viewsonic.com and fully functional (rotate,
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 61
LCD Monitor Test Constellation launch samsung Lavender
Seagate launches it’s Constellation Samsung launches its stylish new
ES series of drives with capacities Lavender Series of LCD Monitors
starting from 500 GB to 2 TB available in 21.3 and 23-inch sizes
pivot, portrait mode), stands. on the larger NEC displays and Performance the movie test. The same goes
All the high-end panel-based the 1990SX. The reason for not The NEC 1990SX has very for the NEC 1990FXp – a
NEC displays have two DVI having the up/down buttons on wide viewing angles owing to good panel with an amazing
ports – one DVI-D (digital) the vertical portion of the bezel the S-IPS panel used. Slight contrast ratio that brought the
and one DVI-I (analogue is apparent when one considers backlight bleeding was noticed shadows in F.E.A.R to life and
and digital). These, and the the slimness of the bezel – the at all four corners although made playing the game a fun
MultiSync 1990FXp were the thinnest in the entire test. unevenly; for example, it experience.
only exceptions with a single The Samsung D190 has a was really noticeable at the The AOC F19 did very
DVI-D port. The 1990FXp has nifty photo-frame type stand bottom right corner while at well with Crysis, with some
the same menu system as the though it’s not very stable. the top left corner wass barely good environment detail and
24- and 26-inch NECs but the ViewSonic’s VA1928wm is the noticeable. This monitor has the colours looked really
up/down selection buttons simpleton amongst the 19-inch great brightness levels. It crisp. F.E.A.R. wasn’t as good
are on the bottom bezel along displays – it has a decent plain didn’t do as well in the gaming because of its problems
with the right/left buttons.This black finish but there’s nothing tests, and Crysis’ colours with reproducing accurate
creates confusion when using really attractive about it. The didn’t look as crisp and lovely shadows – it doesn’t do as
the menus, for while all the AOC 831s looks neat with a nice as on the other S-IPS panels. well with lower intensity
controls have legends onscreen piano black design and a lower It’s very good for viewing shades. The Samsung D190
that indicate their usage, the bezel that droops towards the movies, but we didn’t like the has a good contrast ratio, but
button layout is not intuitive, middle. aspect ratio; this is the reason the resolution of 1360 x 768
unlike the excellent menu layout we deducted extra points in is not perfect for every type
of application. The simple
ViewSonic VA1928wm did
Buying Guide quite well. Post calibration, this
was one of the few displays
You Need You Need You Need that actually seemed to have
A large screen for gaming, A 22-inch panel for gaming and cooler looking colours, most
A high-end panel, you’re a
of the other monitors seemed
gamer with a unlimited budget maximum budget of Rs 20000 movies
to look a little warmer after
and a GeForce GTX 295 calibration. It’s got a decent
We Recommend We Recommend We Recommend colour gamut for a TN panel,
with a good rendition of green.
For movies, we were surprised
AOC 2230Fm that it was quite good and
displayed good colour and
Rs. 14,000
very decent contrast. There
was a problem with backlight
bleeding though at the top and
the right side. F.E.A.R. looked
good and with good contrast.
AOC F22 Crysis had good colours.
Rs. 8,800
NEC MultiSync 2690WUXi AOC 2434Pw Conclusion
Rs. 90,000 Rs. 14,500 The ViewSonic VA1928wm
impressed us till we saw
the price – at Rs. 8,200 it’s
You Need You Need You Need pretty close to many 22-inch
monitors. AOC’s F19 steals its
A really affordable LCD for A monitor that I can use as a A large monitor for a photo thunder though; a price of just
multimedia TV and one that has multiple studio - colour accuracy is of Rs. 6,500 and performance
connects utmost importance that was marginally better
than the VA1928wm. The
We Recommend We Recommend We Recommend F19 wins our Best Buy and
we heartily recommend this
monitor for anyone looking
NEC at something for movies.
MultiSync If you want something to
2690WUXi game on, then the ViewSonic
Rs. 90,000 VA1928WM makes more
sense with its 16:10 aspect
ratio. For someone looking for
professional monitors where
NEC MultiSync colour accuracy is of utmost
2490WUXi2 importance, NEC’s duo of the
AOC F19 LG M237WA Rs. 83,000 1990SX and the 1990FXp fit
Rs. 6,500 Rs. 17,990 the bill, but are pricey.
62 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Windows 7 on USB drives?
While there is no official word yet, there are USB 3.0 starts shipping Flash Drive Test
rumours flying around that Microsoft will LucidPort has started shipping ports for the new
offer Windows 7 on USB drives, as many standard, USB 3.0, called USB300. The port offers ten
netbooks do not have optical drives times the speed of USB 2.0
ry ness
o d
em Ma
M
Flash memory is a market of plenty, and that’s where the problems begin...
Agent001 cameras climbing constantly, caper to be done with quickly, Flash drives
agent001@thinkdigit.com even those with entry-level and don’t want to be sitting Setting the cutoff at 8 GB and
shooters need to have large around waiting an hour for all above, I ended up with 10
I
capacity flash memory. this to copy, do you? high-capacity flash drives in my
’m usually out looking at Of course, size isn’t nothing hands. Although there was a
prices for a wide range of Size isn’t everything either, because at the end of variety in prices of these drives
technology products, and My apologies for the cliché, the day, we all want to carry (Rs. 1,100 to Rs. 15,591), I
often come across some but with all types of data our precious data, and are decided to stick to my original
great deals that I inform you of storage mediums, this is quite willing to compromise on plan and categorise them
in my regular column. Recently, a valid statement. As you know, speeds. So why not just buy according to size, and not price.
I started getting a lot of mails even entry-level phones are a USB hard drive? Because This is because when it comes
asking me about buying advice capable of audio and video not all of us want that much to portable flash memory, your
for flash memory. Now this is a playback, and the amount of storage, or are willing to carry storage requirements dictate
very, very important segment. data we want to carry with us is around bulky (by comparison) what you go out and look for.
Think about it – although we’ve measured in GBs now, instead hard drives. Flash drives are You’re more likely to decide
tested everything from a Rs. of MBs. How well your phone truly portable, and memory that you want or need an 8 GB
2,000 phone to a TV that costs performs is dependent on the cards just fit into devices that drive, and then look at all the
Rs. 20 lakh – with quite a few speed of the flash memory you’re already carrying. options you have. Of course
tasty graphic cards, PMPs and it’s reading from and writing We’ve never tested memory some will still set a budget, and
speaker sets thrown in, it’s to. Even when it comes to the cards before at Digit, so this then get the most storage they
categories like this that most of “thumb drive” segment, most of was a really interesting few days can, even buying unbranded
you will buy on a more regular us expect to pull out our drives, for us. We also decided only to Chinese drives because
basis. The real CD killer, flash plug it into a friend’s box, and test high capacity flash drives, they’re cheap. This article is
memory is the reason we can copy his entire music collection because the falling prices have not for those people however,
all carry about GBs of data in – quite illegal, but that didn’t made eight GB (and larger) because any self-respecting
our pockets, or in our phones. stop you before, did it? Like drives very affordable, and Digit reader knows the value
With megapixel ratings on most crimes, you want this little rather enticing as well. of performance, quality and
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 63
Flash Drive Test Wackiest USB
drives in the
markets
warranty, and is willing to on how far the sensor is from SanDisk Ultra Cruzer – all except this one, though.
spend a little more to get some the centre of the platter. HD Titanium However it did get beaten in the
peace of mind. Tach also works best on non- The 8 GB segment seems to three other tests, by Kingston’s
I divided the flash drives formatted drives on Windows have the most variety, in terms HyperX.
into three categories: 8, 16 and XP, but we decided that our test of looks, with quite a few eye- The only grouse I have with
32 GB. Unfortunately, one of rig should run Vista because of catchers here. By far the one the build quality is the plastic
the drives, the 16 GB Corsair the high rate of adoption (forced, that stands out the most is the slider mechanism, which
Flash Voyager GT, was obviously or otherwise) that Vista now SanDisk Cruzer Titanium. This although it feels as sturdy as
faulty. One would assume it has; and we couldn’t delete all slick looking, shiny silver drive any of the other sliders, just
would outperform its cousin, the formatting information on the actually has a titanium casing does not sit well with the rest
Corsair Flash Voyager, by a mile. flash memory. For those of you that SanDisk claims is “crush- of the body construction. A
When testing, however, this drive interested in soft scores, we’ve resistant”. Obviously I haven’t nice metal slider would just
gave us the lowest scores of all retained them for the Flash tested this particular quality make this the perfectly built
the drives in the test, and we just drives, but not included them in (and continue to fight my drive. That said, the plastic
had to leave it out. We’ll try and the decision making process. desire to run it over with a car), slider’s quality is top-notch. My
make sure to get another GT and but it does feel really sturdy. personal preference is towards
include it in our Bazaar section in 8 GB In terms of performance, non-slider flash drives, but the
the near future. Plump portables this drive had the best Ultra Cruzer has forced me to
Anyway, back to the test. This is probably the most assorted read speed, clocking rethink that.
Although, like a good little popular category right now, in at an average of 24.4 Mbps In terms of software support,
reviewer, I did use HD Tach to because of the drastic fall in – transferring 4 GB of assorted this drive pretty much has
test all storage components we prices, and the numbers show. data in just 168 seconds. Now everything you need – the U3
received, the scores are often We had a drive each from this is impressive, because platform assures you of this. If
very deceptive for flash memory. Apacer, Corsair and SanDisk, all drives seem to slow down you’re the clumsy type, this is
HD Tach is specially coded and two from Kingston. considerably a must buy, because it feels
to bypass operating system Before I get into the reviews, I in our assorted like nothing but a frustrated
overheads, and checks for read should point you to the tables, file transfers fling at a concrete wall could
and write speeds from different because that’s where you scratch this beauty. It’s price of
areas of the drives. This is will find all the numbers. AUGUST 2009
Rs. 1,449 is surprising, because
generally needed for drives that The reviews below will give it looks more expensive. When
have spinning parts, where read you the information that the you consider the performance
and write speeds vary, based numbers cannot. you get for such a low price, it’s
SanDisk Ultra Cruzer
the obvious pick for our Best
Titanium
Buy award.
HOW WE TESTED
Test Rig varied results. We’ve preserved tests that we ran – assorted and Corsair Flash Voyager
For both tests, we used a PC this information for the curious sequential – and we noted down I’ll be honest, I was actually
running Windows Vista Ultimate, amongst you, but have not scores for read and write for each looking forward to reviewing
with only the essential services really given any importance to test. We were careful to restart this drive’s bigger brother – the
running, with the following anything but real world tests the test rig each time we finished Voyager GT. That drive was fried,
configuration: and build quality. one test, because we didn’t want sadly, so I popped open this
Intel Core2Duo E6700 Since these are all large the small test files to be cached one’s packaging. This drive is
2 GB AData DDR2 RAM capacity flash drives, we in memory. distinctive, and looks good. The
Seagate 7200.11 500GB formatted all of them to the You will experience this black and green look suits it. As
Gigabyte GA-965P-DQ6 NTFS file system, and used 4 when transferring files to your soon as I picked it up, I could
GB of assorted and sequential memory card, and then copying
tell that this drive is built solidly,
Flash drives data to test them. This was them back to the PC – you will
with a soft rubber sheath. The
All flash drives were connected done because, when you have get transfer speeds of over
rubber quality seems pretty
to the test PC on the same USB between 8 and 32 GB of storage 190 Mbps, because it’s writing
port. Because you can’t delete space, you’re going to use this directly from memory to the PC good, and, apologies to the
a flash drive’s partition data like for large movies or videos, hard drive. So don’t get fooled Corsair guys, but I just had to
you can on a hard drive, you and will often find yourself into believing that your memory drop test this one. To answer
can’t run HD Tach’s write test, transferring GBs of data to and card is capable of such speeds if the questions that some of you
but this is really no big loss, from the drive. this happens to you. might have: yes, it does bounce;
because HD Tach proved to be We ran each test multiple a little oddly, like a crazy ball;
a better indicator of internal Memory Cards times, and only if the results and is a real joy to play hacky-
hard drive speeds, and not so This one’s even simpler to call. differed by less than five per cent, sack with. That should tell you
much for USB drives. Also, once All that matters here is real-world they were logged. This is done all you need to know about
the tests were run, it became performance, and price. There to ensure that operating system its build quality. Funny how
apparent that HD Tach rarely are no features, build quality or overheads are nullified. the Voyager kept functioning
mirrors real world results. If you anything else to speak of. We Interpreting the scores is not normally after all my abuse, and
look at the comparison table, used a Kingston Media Reader that simple however, because the Voyager GT didn’t work
you will notice that the HD Tach to conduct the tests on all of the of the usage scenarios of these out of the box!
scores are pretty much identical cards. Since the memory cards cards. A detailed explanation is
across the board, with all drives ranged from 1 GB to 32 GB, we provided in a box next to each Corsair Flash Voyager
offering similar results. However, used test files that were 512 category.
the real world tests give very MB in size. There were 2 basic
64 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009
Flash Drives
Brand Corsair Kingston Kingston Apacer SanDisk SanDisk Transcend Kingston OCZ
Model Flash Data Data Traveler AH522 8GB Ultra Cruzer Ultra Backup JetFlash JF Data Traveler USB ATV 32GB
Voyager Traveler Vault Privacy Titanium 16GB V30 16GB 150 32GB
8GB HyperX 8 GB 8GB 8GB
Formatted Capacity 7.53 7.46 7.46 7.46 7.48 14.93 14.96 30.05 29.7
Software features NA NA Security, NA U3 U3 + Backup JetFlash Elite NA NA
Encryption button (Email,
(DataTraveler Favourites,
Features
Vault Privacy) AutoLogin,
SecretZio, Data
Backup,
PC Lock)
Visual indicators like LED etc. LED (blue) LED (blue) LED (blue) LED (blue) LED blue LED (Orange) LED (blue) LED (blue) LED (Orange)
Other accessories provided USB Lanyard Lanyard NA Tiny key ring NA NA Lanyard OCZ Key chain
Extension,
Build Quality
Strap
Sturdiness (So10) 8.75 8 7 6 8.25 5.25 4.25 6.75 9.25
HD-Tach 3.04 (Synthetic
test)
Random Access Time (ms) 0.4 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.7 4 1.9 1.9
Average read speed (MBps) 32.8 34.5 30.5 31 31.9 25 19.2 32.8 30.7
Read Burst Speed 35 35.1 32.8 31.9 32.9 26.3 23.8 35 31.8
CPU Utilization (per cent) 12 14 10 10 10 8 6 17 5
File Transfer Tests - 4 GB
(NTFS)
Sequential Write (s) 836 183.7 325.7 383 260 331 424.4 231.2 597
Sequential Write Speed 4.90 22.30 12.58 10.69 15.75 12.37 9.65 17.72 6.86
(MBps)
Sequential Read (s) 134 126 135 140 134.8 167 290.5 131 144.1
Performance
Sequential Read Speed 30.57 32.51 30.34 29.26 30.39 24.53 14.10 31.27 28.42
(MBps)
Assorted Write (s) 1044 296.5 541 590.7 502.4 1127.3 581.4 442 1377
Assorted Write Speed (MBps) 3.92 13.81 7.57 6.93 8.15 3.63 7.05 9.27 2.97
Assorted Read (s) 363.5 196.8 201 165.7 168 245 322.6 176 800.7
Assorted Read Speed (MBps) 11.27 20.81 20.38 24.72 24.38 16.72 12.70 23.27 5.12
Price (Rs.) 1,100 3,633 15,591 1,299 1,449 2,499 2,500 5,499 3,900
This drive gives you the For all flash Flash Drives
Kingston Data Traveler
most formatted capacity, and drives, I ran all
HyperX
even though it’s a mere 50 to tests thrice, to
70 MB more space compared Kingston’s HyperX omit any OS
to the others, that’s still nomenclature is usually overheads that
commendable. Unfortunately, associated with system might affect
that’s where all the praise for memory, and we’ve used our the scores. For
this drive stops. Yes, it is the fair share while testing other the HyperX, I
cheapest drive in the test at products. Anyone who’s ran the tests
a mere Rs. 1,100, but do you followed Kingston products five times, just
really want to be sitting around knows that anything HyperX to be sure, and didn’t mind seems top notch. The blue
for over 17 minutes waiting for is usually its fastest product in at all, because it just breezed HyperX look is cool for uber
4 GB of assorted data to copy? that segment. As soon as I saw through everything I threw at geeks who want to show off to
I should tell you that I did a the box, I knew this had to be it – most noticeably taking a their buddies. With the fastest
lot more drop testing with this one of the drives I tested last. mere 296.5 seconds (under scores in all but the assorted
drive after being bored to death The reason for that is because if 5 minutes) to complete the read test, you can be sure of
waiting for the tests to finish. I tested the fastest drives first, assorted write test. In fact, I showing off its performance
Those of you who really don’t I’d fall asleep waiting for the even found myself looking at even more than the branding.
care about transfer speeds, more run-of-the-mill ones the test files again to check So is there anything bad
and are more interested to complete tests. So, was whether they were actually 4 at all about this drive? As
in a drive that you can be this drive the fastest in GB in size. usual, price plays spoilsport.
careless with, this might the test? The drive is made up of At Rs. 3,633, this is the most
make a decent buy. It’s not A U G U S T 2009 a metal/rubber mix, which expensive normal use drive
an expensive investment, Kingston Data Traveler HyperX feels pretty sturdy. The drive (read the next review to
thankfully, and market prices connector is the sliding type, understand this) in the 8 GB
should be even cheaper! and the slider mechanism category. You do get what you
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 65
Calvin Klein USB Shades
Flash Drive Test The old routine of putting on your shades if they are off
and pulling them off if they are on just got another step
thrown in. Take off an arm, and slip it into the computer,
transfer some data, and then continue with the routine.
pay for though, and this drive confidential data, this is one of USB head back into the body.
is our Best Performance winner, the very few options you have. The lack of moving parts makes
MicroSD
across categories, by miles. If Hopefully, market prices are flash drives what they are.
you’re impatient like I am, don’t lower, and falling prices of flash Coming back to the drive, it’s
even think of buying another memory might make this drive U3 capable, and also features
drive. more affordable in the future. optional 128-bit hardware
encryption. Hardware encryption
Kingston Data Traveler Vault Privacy Apacer AH522 ensures that there’s minimal loss
Apacer is targeting the executive of speed in the name of security.
class with this drive. The The software bundle includes
golden sheen is derived from a a backup software that can do
“zinc alloy and electro-polished one touch backups, live backups
components”, or so says their and even backup versions of the
Kingston Data site – I’m no metallurgist. selected files.
Traveler Vault Privacy The metallic body gives this In terms of performance, the
To explain the comment in the drive a sturdy feel, and the drive does pretty decently with
previous review, this drive is capless design means that the sequential data, but coughs and
most certainly not for “normal USB head is hidden beneath splutters with assorted data.
use”. Corporate employees, the gold exterior. However, 16 GB Considering that most people
those handling sensitive data the slider mechanism doesn’t Fat flash who would want to use a backup
and conspiracy theorists rejoice. feel as sturdy as, say, the Falling prices have made this a drive would write assorted data
This is a drive that’s made for SanDisk Cruser Titanium, or very affordable category, while to it, the fact that it was the
one purpose only, to keep your the Kingston HyperX. In all rising data usage has made second slowest in the assorted
data secure. Probably aimed at fairness, though, at a price of write test is a dampener.
government and department Rs. 1,299, I really shouldn’t Weirdly enough, in a
of defence personnel, this drive expect any better. category where we never
features 256-bit AES hardware In terms of performance, thought it possible, it’s the
encryption; to put that in this drive seems to have a good software that makes us
perspective, most banks feel split personality. It’s better SanDisk Ultra Backup 16 GB want to recommend this drive.
128-bit is good enough for than the Voyager on almost all Priced at Rs. 2,499, this drive
financial data transactions. counts, and I don’t think it’s this category pretty popular. is a cheap buy, especially when
With features such as fair to expect to compete with Perhaps as little as 6 months or you consider that it can do one-
automatic drive formatting after the other three. This drive is the a year down the line, I expect touch backup.
10 intrusion attempts, enforced better of the two budget drives, these to be the hot favourites.
complex password protection, and is actually the fastest Transcend JetFlash 16 GB
an aluminium casing and the drive across all categories in SanDisk Ultra Backup 16 GB This has got to be the plainest
ability to stay safe up to four the assorted read test. I tested SanDisk targets the Ultra looking drive in the test. Like
feet underwater, you know and re-tested to ensure this Backup at those of us who a blast from the past, this flash
Kingston means business with wasn’t a freak occurrence, and have important data to backup. drive’s design is simple, but
this product. those of you who read a lot Available in 16, 32 and 64 GB also comes with the drawbacks
versions, this drive features that other manufacturers have
Compact Flash a dedicated backup button been trying to rectify. For
that’s meant to make life easier. starters, the plastic body is just
This is another capless (slider) too flimsy to be considered
design, and has a plastic body sturdy enough to handle a fall.
that seems rugged enough to In fact, the plastic feels like it
withstand the occasional fall. It’s might crack under the slightest
not rugged enough to handle pressure from your thumb. The
much more than that though. cap mechanism is also ancient,
The advantage of the plastic and those who buy this drive
is that this drive is extremely are surely going to
light, and my dislike of moving lose / misplace their caps at
parts on flash drives seems some point in time.
justified here, because the This vanilla drive is actually
So how does it perform? of small files from your flash slider mechanism feels like Re. 1 more expensive than the
Surprisingly, in spite of all drive might want to consider cheap plastic. SanDisk Ultra Backup, and I
the encryption and security this as an option. For those on Off topic for a bit, the reason cannot, for the life of me, figure
features, this drive is no slacker. a budget, this drive will give I hate slider designs is because out why. It’s slower than the
It’s actually faster than the you better performance results invariably, I have seen them go SanDisk UB16 in every test,
Apacer and Corsair Voyager, than the Voyager, and for just kaput. There’s nothing more save the assorted write speed
which is commendable. a few hundred more – maybe irritating than struggling to test. That’s more to do with
At a price of Rs. 15,591, this even less if you consider market reach behind a cabinet to find the faults of the SanDisk
drive can hardly be considered prices. USB ports, whilst holding down Transcend JetFlash
affordable. It’s not meant for the broken slider mechanism of JF V30 16 GB
Apacer AH522
the everyday user at all, but if your flash drive so that you can
you’re used to carrying a lot of connect it without pushing the
66 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
SuperTalent Picox IronKey Protection
Buffalo, one of the leading memory solution
companies, has released 5 mm long USB
IronKey offers military grade protection on its USB
drives to consumers. It has released a new series
Flash Drive Test
drives, which still manage to pack in 16GB of of USB drives, in the $200 range, which use a
memory — housed in the plug itself technology known as cryptochip to secure the data
UB16 than with the Transcend. In terms of performance, any of the tests, but it’s a very to 32 GB, and my tests showed
Continuing the trend, this however, this is more a consistent performer. Across that although read speeds are
drive is also rescued by its Hummer than a Ferrari. The the capacities, it’s beaten only quite comparable, write speeds
software. The JetFlash Elite assorted tests especially kill by the Kingston HyperX in can throw a spanner into the
software can take care of this drive – like a Hummer the sequential tests and the works. Interestingly, since the
backups, email, favourites, 128- it probably needs a lot of assorted write, and comes in most common uses for these
bit encryption, and PC locks. refuelling pit stops between file third in the assorted read tests, cards are in copmact digital
The Transcend is available for an transfers. This drive was the behind the Apacer AH522 cameras and dSLRs, write
MRP of Rs. 2,500, though market slowest across all categories and the SanDisk Cruzer, speeds become more important
prices should be a lot cheaper for the assorted read and write respectively. as the megapixel count goes up.
– half that at least. Based on the tests. The sequential tests didn’t Although not as cheap, in With 10 mega pixels almost the
MRPs, it would be ridiculous reveal much better results, with terms of price per GB as the norm these days, at least the
to choose this drive over the the drive yielding the second OCZ, it’s still pretty good value sequential write speed for the
SanDisk Ultra Backup; however, slowest write time and third for money, especially when card becomes very important.
you’re going to have to consider slowest read time. you consider its performance. I ensured that I scored the
the market prices. What this drive does offer, It marginally lost out to the cards accordingly, giving more
however, is the lowest cost per SanDisk Cruzer as the value importance to sequential
32 GB GB of storage. At Rs. 3,900, for money pick, because of speeds than assorted speeds.
Obese options you’re going to be hard pressed the lack of a software bundle The fastest card overall was
This segment is targeted at all to find a drive of this capacity and capabilities. It’s a good the SanDisk Extreme IV CF 16
those of you who just have to for any cheaper. So if you standalone drive though, and GB. The two Kingston brothers,
have tonnes of space, or carry want something that will last wins the Editor’s Pick award, the Ultimate 266X 4 GB and 8
a lot of data around with you. a lifetime, really cheap, and because this editor feels that a GB were a very close second and
With 64 GB drives coming out, don’t mind spending half that 32 GB pen drive is a must have. third. The SanDisk Extreme IV
expect prices here to fall steadily. lifetime waiting for transfers gets the Best Performance award
to finish, this drive is worth a Memory cards in the CF category.
OCZ ATV 32GB look at. Almost every device, these days, If you look at the
This segment interests me the use memory cards to enhance comparison graph, you’ll notice
most, because I use a lot of Kingston Data Traveler 150 their data storage capacity. that the Extreme IV is only
portable applications, and just 32 GB From mobile phones to digital marginally better than the two
have to carry my email and This is a weird looking drive, cameras, and some PMPs to Kingstons. The Ultimate 266X
work around with me. The with a very odd colour. It’s hand-held console devices, 8 GB, however, has the bigger
OCZ ATV everything needs memory cards difference in performance and
demands OCZ ATV 32GB these days. price between the two, and
attention, with For this test, we received you’d expect it to get our Best
a black and memory cards in four categories: Buy award. That’s not to be
blue rubber Compact Flash, Micro SD, SD though, because the Kingston
body. The and Memory Stick Pro Duo.
rubber is hard These four categories pretty
and feels durable, and acts like got a tiny honeycomb pattern much cover every type of SD Cards
a shock resistor. The rubber that’s somewhere between red memory that you might need for
is also specially designed to and orange. Depending on the a modern gadget.
make this drive waterproof lighting conditions, this drive
– something I tested by holding looks either orange or peach Compact Flash
it under a running tap. The – not my favourite fruit colours. Mostly used in digital cameras,
rubber is like a duck’s back, The body is hard plastic, and Compact Flash (CF) seems to
with no water clinging to it, seems to be durable, though offer the best performance of
and a quick wipe on my jeans I bet I could crush the plastic the memory cards. We received
almost completely dries it. by pressing really hard. The 8 memory cards for this test:
Although I did want to chuck drive has a cap holder design four from Kingston, three from
it into a bucketful of water on the back, and a key ring, SanDisk and one from Verbatim.
for about an hour, I resisted, which seems only limited in its I’m only tested one
mainly because I still had to usefulness. Overall, it’s one of parameter, and that’s real-world
test it. the better built plastic drives, performance. The CF cards
I’m assuming that ATV but I’m still personally biased Digit received ranged from 2 GB
stands for all-terrain vehicle, towards rubber or metal.
and this drive certainly is one. All this negativity stopped
Like the 8 GB Corsair Voyager, when I connected the drive up COMPACT FLASH CARDS
I played hacky-sack with this and started the tests. It’s not Compact flash cards are pretty much always going to be used in
one too (after testing it), and the fastest in digital cameras. This means that assorted reads and writes are of
although it doesn’t bounce less importance, because you’re mostly interested in sequential
Kingston Data Traveler
as much, or as weirdly, writes, as your camera tries to write the image it’s just clicked to the
150 32 GB
as the Voyager, the ATV card. Even when reading (previewing images), the camera is going
still stands tough. It’s by to try and read a large image to display on the screen – sequential
far the best built drive of AUGUST 2009 again. We gave more importance to sequential reads and writes for
this test. this category.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 67
SolidAlliance Mnemosyne
Flash Drive Test The SolidAlliance Mnemosyne is a $10,000 USB
drive that is yet to be released. Despite the price,
there is no plug and play feature; you have to solve
an aluminium puzzle cube before access is allowed.
Memory Type Compact Flash
Brand Kingston Kingston Verbatim Kingston SanDisk SanDisk SanDisk Kingston
Extreme IV Extreme III Extreme III
Ultimate Ultimate 266X Elite Pro 133X
Model CF 2GB FE CF 4GB Compact Flash Compact Flash Compact
266X 4GB 8GB 32GB
16GB 16GB Flash 32GB
Formatted Capacity
1,925 3,789 3,830 7,752 15,617 15,564 31,256 30,720
(MB)
File Transfer
Test (512 MB)
Sequential Write
85.5 24.6 64.1 24.9 22.9 30.9 27.6 35.9
Time (s)
Sequential Write
5.99 20.81 7.99 20.56 22.36 16.57 18.55 14.26
Speed (MBps)
Sequential Read
40.7 21 21.6 20.8 20.2 23.6 23.3 21.1
Performance
Time (s)
Sequential Read 12.58 24.38 23.7 24.62 25.35 21.69 21.97 24.27
Speed (MBps)
Assorted Write
177.6 33.7 116.1 36.5 38.8 47.9 52.3 87.1
Time (s)
Assorted Write
2.88 15.19 4.41 14.03 13.2 10.69 9.79 5.88
Speed (MBps)
Assorted Read
43.3 30.4 33.6 28.4 33.3 35.8 42.8 36.8
Time (s)
Assorted Read
11.82 16.84 15.24 18.03 15.38 14.3 11.96 13.91
Speed (MBps)
Price (Rs.) 810 3,921 800 3,435 16,999 8,999 14,499 5,999
Memory Type Micro SD
Elite Pro 133X 32 GB has a price than 32 GB, the Kingston
per GB that’s just unmatched. Ultimate 266X 8 GB is the card Brand Verbatim SanDisk SanDisk
A quick glance at the graph you should buy – 40 per cent Micro SDHC Micro SDHC
and you can see that although the price for 98 per cent the Model Micro SD 2GB
8GB 16GB
it only offers 75 per cent of the performance.
performance score (compared
to the best performer), it is only MicroSD
about 18 per cent of the price. Used mostly in mobile phones,
The Elite Pro 133X 32 GB is our these tiny cards are the hottest
Best Buy in the CF category. selling right now. We received Formatted Capacity (MB) 1,935 7,782 15,155
I will say, however, if you’re three cards in this category
looking for something smaller – one from Verbatim and two File Transfer Test
(512 MB)
Sequential Write
MICROSD Time (s)
66 41.3 42
This category is mainly However, we cannot ignore the Sequential Write
7.76 12.4 12.19
consumed by mobile phone fact that most mobile phones Speed (MBps)
users. Apart from having these days are being used, Sequential Read
to read a large number of in part, as digital cameras, 38.6 29 29.2
Performance
Time (s)
assorted files – most of our and thus sequential write
speeds are also important. To Sequential Read
phones these days store 13.26 17.66 17.53
phonebook entries, SMSes, complicate matters further, we Speed (MBps)
camera images, applications, also use our mobiles as PMPs, Assorted Write Time
244.7 55.9 62.7
web pages, and more. and view videos on them. It’s (s)
However, writing to the flash obvious that memory cards for Assorted Write Speed
2.09 9.16 8.17
drive is a rarer occurrence than mobiles these days are used (MBps)
reading from it. Your special a great deal. We consider this Assorted Read Time
ringtone, or display picture order of importance: assorted 60.8 40.1 42
(s)
for your significant other, reads, sequential reads and Assorted Read Speed
reading SMSes, etc., is how sequential writes, assorted 8.42 12.77 12.19
(MBps)
most people use their mobiles. writes.
Price (Rs.) 500 4,999 6,500
68 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Linux to first support USB 3.0
The Linux 2.6.31 kernel, scheduled to release this
August, will be the first operating system kernel to
Discuss this article at Flash Drive Test
www.thinkdigit.com/d/39929
support USB 3.0. The first computers with the port are
only going to be out by the end of the year though
Contact Sheet Memory Comparison Test
Brand Company Name Email Address Phone Number Web site
Verbatim Verbatim Marketing India Pvt. Ltd. ramesh.tuli@verbatim.co.in 91-11-46525661 / 62 www.verbatim.com
OCZ and Corsair Tirupati Enterprises mail@tirupati.net 91-33-22251192 / 93 www.tirupati.net
Transcend Mediaman Infotech Pvt Ltd sales@mediamangroup.com 91-22-43441122 www.mediamangroup.com
SanDisk SanDisk Corporation manisha.sood@sandisk.com 91-124-4354243 www.sandisk.in
Kingston Kingston Technology Company Inc. vishal.parekh@kingston.com 1800-425-4515 www.kingston.com/india
from SanDisk. This turned out Extreme III SD card just blew really cheap, and thus wins MS PRO DUO
to be a completely one-sided away the competition. However, our Best Buy award. However, Memory Stick cards are
affair. The SanDisk 8 GB card that sort of performance comes if you feel that a 2 GB card just used only in Sony devices.
out-performed everything, but at a premium, and although will not meet your needs, the However, since Sony makes
the SanDisk 16 GB card offers the Extreme III is our Best Kingston 4GB card is also a digital cameras, phones, and
insane value for money. The Performance award winner, most good buy. The Verbatim 1 GB various gadgets like the PSP
16 GB offers 96 per cent of the of you would not want to spend card performs a lot better than and PS2, this category is also
performance at 65 per cent of that kind of cash for an SD card. the Kingston, but loses out scored like the SD category.
the cost per GB. There’s just The second best performer terribly on its price per GB.
no beating that kind of value was the Apacer SD 2 GB card. Pro card should only consider
for money, and the trend of This card also happens to be Memory Stick Pro Duo the 16 GB variant, because,
larger cards upstaging the rest SD Made specifically for Sony let’s face it, it’s future proof
because of a better cost per GB devices, these are rarer cards. and faster.
continues. The SanDisk 16 GB These are the true multi- We received two cards from
wins our Best Buy award in the purpose cards. Used in SanDisk in this category: Conclusion
MicroSD category. everything from phones, an older 8 GB and a new 16 Remember, when you’re buying
digital cameras, PMPs, GB version. The difference memory for a device, try and
Secure Digital camcorders, and various between old and new is gauge how that card is most
The SD category had more gadgets and gizmos, scoring obvious. Although the 8 GB likely to be used, and then
players, with one card each from this one was a little easier, is slightly cheaper per GB, make your own calculations
Verbatim, Apacer, Kingston and with equal importance given it performs pathetically in based on the scores we provide
to assorted and sequential
SanDisk. As you can see from comparison to the 16 GB. you, so that you get the best
reads and writes.
the score sheet, the SanDisk Anyone who has to buy an MS value for your money.
Memory Type SD
Memory Type Memory Stick Pro Duo
Brand Verbatim Apacer Kingston SanDisk
Brand SanDisk SanDisk
Extreme III
Model SD 1GB SD 2GB SDHC 4GB 8GB Memory 16GB Memory
8GB Model
Stick Pro Duo Stick Pro Duo
Formatted Capacity
971 3,830 7,762 Formatted Capacity (MB) 7,618 15,248
(MB)
File Transfer File Transfer Test
Test (512 MB) (512 MB)
Sequential Write Sequential Write
70.7 102.8 119 36.7 186.7 91.5
Time (s) Time (s)
Sequential Write Sequential Write
7.24 4.98 4.3 13.95 2.74 5.6
Speed (MBps) Speed (MBps)
Sequential Read Sequential Read
37.4 38.1 56.3 29.8 83.3 36.1
Performance
Performance
Time (s) Time (s)
Sequential Read 13.69 13.44 9.09 17.18 Sequential Read 6.15 14.18
Speed (MBps) Speed (MBps)
Assorted Write Assorted Write Time
248.1 175.1 246 60 245 118.7
Time (s) (s)
Assorted Write Assorted Write Speed
2.06 2.92 2.08 8.53 2.09 4.31
Speed (MBps) (MBps)
Assorted Read Assorted Read Time
55.1 41.6 139 46.3 116.5 41.4
Time (s) (s)
Assorted Read Assorted Read Speed
9.29 12.31 3.68 11.06 4.39 12.37
Speed (MBps) (MBps)
Price (Rs.) 400 499 779 4,499 Price (Rs.) 2,499 5,599
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 69
Subsurface scattering Motion blur
Graphic Card Test The way a game engine simulates light
passing through semi-transparent objects,
Games simulate the effect of a slow
shutter capturing a moving object,
such as crystals or ice, is known as thus creating a visual effect of the
subsurface scattering object being blurred
Good graphics...
...better prices
Kumar Jhuremalani We’ve divided the cards important or representative of
kumar.j@thinkdigit.com into two categories based on these to test.
price. The first being cards up
For those who do HTPC/Low end cards
I
to Rs. 5,000 and the other, Rs.
not need the highest t’s been over six months 5,000 and above. Based on (Up to Rs. 5,000)
since we last tested graphic these categories we saw some With large screen LCD TV
performing graphics cards and this time around really interesting results in the prices dropping, we’re sure
system, but who we have a treat for you. performance scores and also many of you have, at some
use perhaps, semi- This graphic card comparison cooling performance from each point or the other, planned
test is specific to those who are group. to build an HTPC which
professionalg raphics, on a budget of up to Rs. 7,000. We were quite disappointed you could use for playing
casual gaming or need However, these cards are not by one fact though, not a single HD and Blu Ray content
an HTPC setup, we only for low-end applications – one of the graphic cards we with ease, and at the same
some of these entry level cards tested this time came bundled time play games. Normally,
test lower cost range have been specifically created with a game. Surprisingly, a few people purchase mini-ITX
of graphics cards and for HTPCs with a low profile of them came bundled with 3D form factor motherboards
explain how to find PCB and passive cooling. Mark Vantage instead, giving or micro-ATX form factor
one that fits your Also gamers need not worry a call to benchmarkers in the motherboards. There are
as last year’s high-end cards, low-end segment. specific cabinets that take the
needs from certain vendors, have There are a total of 31 cards mini-ITX motherboards and
dropped in price and NVIDIA in the first category, while the these don’t have enough space
and AMD chipsets such as the second category has a total of for full height graphic cards.
9800GT and GTS250, andHD 15 cards. For this reason, cards such
4850, now fall into the price We received a good number as the NVIDIA 8400GS and
bracket of up to Rs. 7,000. of cards from most vendors, AMD’s HD4350 have been
and we have selected the most created with half-height or low
70 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Light beams and shafts High dynamic range lighting
Light beams or sun shafts are the rays of sun light
that are seen around an object such as a tree. Games
Also known as HDR lighting, is a technique implemented in games, derived
from photography, which allows a wider range between the lightest and
Graphic Card Test
such as Crysis and S.T.A.L.K.E.R Clear Sky use this darkest areas of a particular scene. In other words, scenes with excess
technique to great effect in their game scenes brightness and contrast are rendered to look more realistic
profile PCBs. For such cards, 9500GT), G84 (8600GT) and are the standard
a half height metal bracket is G92 (9600GSO), while AMD’s connects located on
essential, so that it can fit into contribution in this category most graphic cards,
HTPC cabinets. Some of these includes the RV710 (HD 4350) but important in
cards have scored higher in the and RV730 (HD 4650). this category is the
features section. From the table, you will see inclusion of an HDMI
You will also see full height a big performance difference port – which is needed
PCBs in this category, ranging between the lower-end 8400GS, for connectivity to
from the 9500GTs to even some 4350 and the 9600GT and large screen displays
HD4650s from ATi, which do HD4670, which clearly shows that don’t come with
MSI NX8600GT 1GB
show a range of performance what you will get by increasing DVI ports for digital
results. The main reason we your budget by Rs. 1,000 or connectivity. The cards in this design and were both passively
have kept a wide first category Rs. 1,500. category that did come with cooled with the heatsink
is because we are targeting an integrated HDMI port are stretching over the height of
those users who want HTPCs Features the Palit GeForce 9400GT the PCB. The ASUS EN8400GS
and at the same time need a The factors that are important 1GB, the ASUS EN9400GT, the is also passively cooled, but
graphics card on a budget. for graphic cards for HTPC are MSI GeForce 9500GT 512MB, unlike it’s 8400GS low profile
The chipsets that we tested size, connectivity, noise and ASUS EAH4550 and the ASUS competitors, this one was full
in this category include temperature. While noise and EAH4650. height. Not only that, but the
NVIDIA’s G98 (8400GS), G96 temperature is something that The ZOTAC 9400GT Zone heatsink extended lengthwise
(9400GT and is important for both categories, and the 9500GT Zone were more than the PCB. The XFX
it is more important here for almost identical in terms of Radeon HD 4350 is a low
the simple reason that these profile card and is passively
cards will have to survive cooled with slim heatsinks on
the gruelling temperature XFX Radeon HD 4350 512MB both sides of the PCB.
levels within a smaller HTPC We received two 8600GTs
cabinet. You also don’t want from MSI, one of which
the machine playing your wasn’t working. The one that
videos to drown out the did work, the NX8600GT, is
soundtrack. also passively cooled with a
MSI N9400GT 512MB DVI, D-Sub and S-Video very interesting design. The
HOW WE TESTED
The test rig used was: Hardware Physx and Motion 1024 x 768, with High setting, as Crysis.
Motherboard: ASUS P5Q3 Blur enabled. but shader quality was set at S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky:
Deluxe; based on Intels P45 Prey: Prey is one of the few Medium. At 1280 x 1024, the The prequel to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
chipset this is one of the best OpenGL based games based high settings were maintained, Shadow of Chernobyl and
performing P45 motherboards on the Doom 3 engine still but we increased the shader uses the X-Ray 1.5 game
available. doing rounds. This engine quality to Ultra. engine with features such as
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad scales very well and makes a Crysis: Crysis is a famous First volumetric lighting, smoke and
QX9650 (3.0 GHz) good benchmark particularly Person Shooter developed fire, soft water, dynamic wet
RAM: 2 x 2 GB DDR3 Corsair for lower-end cards. The on the CryEngine 2 by Crytek surfaces, depth of field, blur
XMS3 (1333 MHz @ 8-8-8-20) resolutions we tested at were: and stresses the GPU to the and enhanced weather effects.
Hard drive: 500 GB Seagate 1024 x 768 and 1280 x 1024 max. Lower end cards had a The resolutions selected for
Barracuda 7200.11 with high settings. real rough time through this this game were 1024 x 768
Operating System: Windows Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X: This benchmark. The CryEngine2 with Enhanced Full Dynamic
Vista SP1 32-bit game is a great air-combat, supports Real Time Lighting Lighting, DX10 with High
dog fight based game of which and Dynamic Soft Shadows, settings. We also tested this
Benchmarks the game engine has been Volumetric, Layer and View game at 1280 x 1024 resolution
3D Mark 06: A theoretical test developed in house by Ubisoft. Distance Fogging, Subsurface with the same lighting, but at
for DX9 performance. We tested H.A.W.X in DX10 scattering, HDR Lighting, Light low settings.
3D Mark Vantage: mode and this is one of those shafts, Depth of Field and a Temperature: We measured
FurtureMarks DX 10 games that are great for multi- whole lot more. Crysis was the temperature of each graphic
benchmark core CPUs. H.A.W.X. was tested tested at 1024 x 768 with low card under idle and 100 per cent
Unreal Tournament III: Unreal with 2x AA and High settings at settings and no AA and also load by using Speedfan and
Tournament III has been 1024 x 768 and 1280 x 768 at 1280 x 1024 with the same Riva Tuner. We had to use two
built on the Third Generation Company of Heroes: Tales settings. different programs to record the
Unreal Engine and has been of Valor: The latest in the Crysis Warhead: The second temperature because Speedfan
designed for DX9 and DX10 Company of Heroes series installment in the Crysis series could not record the AMD GPU
based systems. This game and is based on Relic’s has also been developed by temperatures while Riva Tuner
supports HDR (High Dynamic Essence Engine which features the same CryEngine 2, but couldn’t record NVIDIA GPUs. To
Range), dynamic shadows and HDR, dynamic shadows and as the FPS results show, do get the cards to their maximum
per-pixel lighting which makes advanced shader effects, and stress the graphic cards even load, we ran the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
it a good test for graphic cards. makes for a very good test further. Crysis Warhead was Clear Sky benchmark in a five
We tested this game at 1280 of graphic cards through all also benchmarked with the time loop and recorded the
x 1024 and 1600 x 1200 with categories. We ran the game at same resolution and settings maximum temperature.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 71
Graphic Card Test
AUGUST 2009
Graphic Card Test
Upto Rs. 5,000
Brand GALAXY ZOTAC ASUS XFX AMD XFX MSI ZOTAC
Model GeForce GeForce EN8400GS GeForce ATi Radeon HD 4350 N9400GT GeForce 9400GT
8400GS 8400GS SILENT 8400GS HD 4350 Zone Edition
Price 1,600 1,700 1,875 1,900 2,125 2,200 2,300 2,500
Grand Total (Out of 100) 28.54 27.91 27.98 26.29 31.39 35.06 40.34 40.73
Features 36.8 40.2 31.2 31.2 27.2 36.8 30.2 46.2
Performance 26.47 24.83 27.18 25.06 32.43 34.63 42.87 39.36
Features
Chipset G98 G98 G98 G98 RV710 RV710 G96 G96
No. of Stream Processors 16 16 16 16 80 80 16 32
Core Clock (MHz) 450 450 567 450 600 600 550 550
Type of memory DDR2 GDDR2 GDDR2 GDDR2 DDR2 DDR2 DDR2 GDDR3
Memory Clock (MHz) 800 667 800 667 1000 1000 800 800
Memory size (MB) 512 512 512 512 256 512 512 512
Memory Interface 64-bit 64-bit 64-bit 64-bit 64-bit 64-bit 128-bit 128-bit
SLI or CrossFire support (4/6) 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Connects on card D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, DVI, DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, D-Sub, DVI, s-Vid
s-Vid s-Vid s-Vid s-Vid S-Vid S-Vid HDMI
In the Box (except drivers and manuals)
Bundled Connects and Cables S-Vid to S-Vid S-Vid to Com- S-Vid to S-Vid S-Vid to Component,
ponent DVI to HDMI
connector, SPDIF
Software and Accessories 1 x half height 2 x half height 1 x half
backplate bracket height back-
plate
Warranty 3 5 3 3 3 3 3 5
Performance
Temperature (Idle/Load) 42 / 56 41 / 53 40 / 48 40 / 50 44 / 68 39 / 61 37 / 44 41 / 51
Synthetic Benchmarks
3D Mark 06 (Overall) 1692 1424 1697 1481 2842 2908 3344 3284
3D Mark Vantage (Overall/GPU) 468 / 354 NA NA NA NA NA 1020 / 778 998 / 761
Game Benchmarks
Unreal Tournament III (1280 x 1024 / 1600 13 / 9 11 / 8 13 / 9 11 / 8 21 / 14 22 / 15 28 / 20 27 / 19
x 1200)
Crysis (1024 x 768, low / 1280 x 1024, med) 26 / 7 23 / 6 26 / 7 22 / 6 49 / 15 49 / 15 49 / 36 49 / 14
Crysis Warhead (1024 x 768, low / 1280 x 18 / 4 15 / 4 18 / 4 15 / 3 40 / 8 40 / 8 40 / 9 39 / 9
1024, med)
Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X (2x AA, High – 1024 x 18 / 12 14 / 9 18 / 12 16 / 11 25 / 17 26 / 18 36 / 24 34 / 24
768/1280 x 1024)
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky (1024 x 768, 4.9 / 5.7 4.3 / 4.8 4.9 / 5.6 4.3 / 4.8 8.3 / 8.7 8.3 / 9.3 9 / 10.4 8.9 / 10.2
High/1280 x 1024, Low)
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valour (1024 19.6 / 7.5 18.5 / 6.9 19.4 / 7.3 16.2 / 6 35.7 / 19.1 35.8 / 19.6 38 / 13.9 37.8 / 13.5
x 768-High, Shaders:Med/
1280 x 1024-High, Shaders:Ultra)
Prey (High – 1024 x 768/1280 x 1024) 26.2 / 16.9 23.8 / 15.5 26.1 / 16.9 21.4 / 13.8 40.6 / 27.2 41.2 / 27.5 50.6 / 33.3 49.3 / 32.4
heatsink extends to the back, usually came with X-shaped
where many metal sheets are packaging, but this time
present; connected through two we received only one card
copper heatpipes. This entire from XFX with that type of
setup is mounted at an angle packaging – the GeForce
making it rather odd, and at the 9500GT. The best thing about
same time it occupies two slots. this card is that it is a low
The ASUS EN9400GT is a profile card with brackets
low profile card and looks very provided to fit into a half
similar to the ASUS EAH9550 height HTPC cabinet.
in terms of cooling solution, Along with the 9500GT
though the latter has a better from XFX, the HD 4350,
overall temperature. HD 4650 and the 9600GSO
Graphics cards from XFX come with a Door Tag that
72 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Graphic Card Test
GALAXY Palit ZOTAC ASUS Sparkle GALAXY AMD PowerColor Palit GALAXY
GeForce 9400GT GeForce 9400GT GeForce EN9400GT GeForce GeForce ATi Radeon HD 4350 Geforce GeForce
Super+1GB 9400GT 8400GS 9500GT HD 4550 9500GT 9500GT
Super
2,500 2,650 2,700 2,720 2,790 2,900 2,990 3,100 3,250 3,500
37.77 37.24 38.66 39.28 27.25 47.39 39.19 31.61 48.43 57.99
32.2 31.2 37.2 44.6 30.2 34.4 27.2 27.2 34.2 45.4
39.16 38.76 39.03 37.96 26.52 50.64 42.18 32.71 51.99 61.13
G96 G96 G96 G96 G98 G96 RV710 RV710 G96 G96
16 16 16 16 16 32 80 80 32 32
550 550 550 550 567 550 600 600 550 550
DDR2 DDR2 GDDR2 DDR2 DDR2 DDR2 DDR3 DDR2 DDR2 DDR3
800 700 800 800 800 800 800 1000 800 800
1024 1024 1024 MB 512 512 MB 512 512 1024 512 512
128-bit 128-bit 128 128-bit 64-bit 128-bit 64-bit 64-bit 128-bit 128-bit
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 4
D-Sub, DVI, s-Vid DVI, D-Sub, HDMI D-Sub, DVI, DVI, D-Sub, D-Sub, DVI, Two Dual link DVI, HDMI, DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, Two Dual link
s-Vid HDMI s-Vid DVI, S-Vid Display Port S-Vid S-Vid DVI, S-Vid
S-Vid to S-Vid SPDIF cable S-Vid to Com- DVI to D-Sub, S-Vid to Com- S-Vid to S-Vid, S-Vid to Com- S-Vid to S-Vid,
ponent SPDIF posite DVI to D-Sub posite DVI to D-Sub
connector connector, S-Vid
to Component
connector
BadaBoom Trial 1 x half height
backplate
3 3 5 3 3 3 3 2 3 3
42 / 55 43 / 53 46 / 60 47 / 57 38 / 47 42 / 56 37 / 53 38 / 45 35 / 51 37 / 47
3379 3213 3329 3303 1417 4500 3822 2109 4508 6051
1050 / 801 982 / 748 1028 / 784 987 / 753 NA 1564 / 1199 1186 / 911 NA 1551 / 1188 2185 / 1686
28 / 20 27 / 19 27 / 19 28 / 20 11 / 8 40 / 28 27 / 19 16 / 11 40 / 28 52 / 37
49 / 14 48 / 14 48 / 14 49 / 14 23 / 6 61 / 22 61 / 18 37 / 14 59 / 22 67 / 26
39 / 10 39 / 9 39 / 9 39 / 9 16 / 4 51 / 15 50 / 10 30 / 6 50 / 15 57 / 18
36 / 24 34 / 23 36 / 24 35 / 25 15 / 10 47 / 31 31 / 22 20 / 14 45 / 30 61 / 43
9.2 / 10.4 8.9 / 10.2 9 / 10.3 8.9 / 10.1 4.4 / 4.9 15.1 / 16.6 10.8 / 12.7 6.3 / 6.5 15 / 16.8 18.2 / 20.8
38.3 / 14 40 / 13.8 37.3 / 31 38.1 / 14.3 18.4 / 6.7 61.6 / 22.1 41.1 / 21.2 31.6 / 16.6 57.3 / 22 66.5 / 24.7
50.1 / 33.5 49.7 / 32.7 49.5 / 32.6 51 / 33.3 23.8 / 15.5 73.1 / 50 55.9 / 37.4 29.2 / 19 74.1 / 49.6 91.8 / 62.7
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 73
Depth of field
Graphic Card Test When a particular object within a scene needs to be in focus, that area is
kept sharp while the surroundings retain a slight blur so that the eye will fall
on that object first. This feature in games is called Depth of Field
Galaxy, Palit and ASUS. Clancy’s H.A.W.X benchmark
The temperature of this at 1280 x 1024 resolution,
passively cooled card and the next problem that we
at idle was recorded at faced was the excessive noise
39 degrees Celsius, but from the fan. This could have
under load it went up to been a problem with only this
61 degrees, which might particular card and not the
cause a problem if you whole line.
intend to stress out the The next best performers
card almost all the time. were the ZOTAC GeForce
The best performer 9500GT Zone Edition and
award under this very close to that was the MSI
category goes to the XFX HD4650.
GeForce 9600GSO. The The XFX GeForce 9500GT,
9600GSOs come with with 512MB DDR2 memory,
the G92 GPU (the same being a low profile card,
used on 9800GTs) and performed on a par with
has 96 stream processors other 9500GTs with similar
– 16 stream processors configurations. The only doubt
less than a 9800GT. we have with this particular
The GeForce 9600 GSO card is the cooling solution
512 is slightly different as the temperature under idle
than this particular was 43 degrees, but under load
9600 GSO, as it differs went up to 69 degrees Celsius,
in the number of stream but the outer body of the
processors (48), and cooling provided was cool to
uses 512 MB DDR3 the touch.
memory instead of The ASUS EAH4550 was
the DDR2 that comes another low profile card which
with the standard 9600 performed on a par with the
GSO. Also, unlike the AMD 4550, but at the same
9800GT, this graphic time it did better than the
card comes with DDR2 9400GTs, but could not match
memory instead of up with the 9500GTs.
DDR3. With XFX’s slim
cooling solution, the Mid-range graphic
card kept cool at 54 cards priced at Rs.
reads either ‘I’m gaming do not a 10 per cent discount coupon degrees Celsius under load 5,000 and above
disturb’ or ‘Do not disturb I’m with the GeForce 9500GT and 38 degrees Celsius at idle. Now for those of you who
gaming’ with images of the XFX 1GB that can either be used to There were a few problems thought they had to spend a
Alpha Dog or of some weapons. purchase any five games from we encountered with this bit more on a graphics card.,
The XFX GeForce 9600GSO the NVIDIA store, or five Physx particular piece though – it the NVIDIAs s, 9800GTs
also comes with a 3D Mark applications. caused the test PC to crash GTS250, and ATi’s HD 4850
Vantage Advanced Key, you’ll a couple of times when we can now be purchased within
still need to download the Performance were trying to run the Tom this price bracket albeit
benchmark. Amongst the NVIDIA 8400GS,
ZOTAC has provided the Galaxy GeForce 8400GS HTPC LIMITATIONS
achieved the maximum
The main limitation when PCI and PCIe x1 slots.
performance score. This setting up an HTPC is the We received two such cards
was also the only lack of expansion slots on from TAG (Technology and
8400GS that the motherboard, since Gadgets) based on the 8400GS,
was able to the motherboard is most and though the benchmark
successfully likely going to be of the results are mentioned in the
complete mini-ITX form factor. Some table, we haven’t included
the 3D motherboards come with PCIe them in our comparison for the
Mark Vantage x16 slots – in that case you need simple reason that they are on
benchmark. not worry about what type of a different interface, which will
Coincidentally, the card to purchase. But there be affecting the scores. The
Galaxy GeForce 8400GS are some motherboards which TAG 8400GS PCI card is priced
is also the cheapest graphic come with either a PCI slot or a at Rs. 3,500, whereas the TAG
card in this test. On the PCIe x1 slot as the only option 8400GS PCIe card is priced at
AMD side of things, the XFX for expansion. No need to get Rs. 5,000 –this is a premium for
Radeon HD4350 is equal to too worried, as even in such something that you could get
or in some cases better than cases there are graphic cards for less than half the price, but
the NVIDIA 9400GTs that that can come to your aid as since these are not the regular
you have a few cards based on cards, the cost goes up.
we tested from MSI, ZOTAC,
74 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Dynamic shadows
In older games such as Quake 3, shadows used to be preset for each
character and map, but with dynamic shadows, the shadow created by
Graphic Card Test
any object or character in a game gives a more natural look and changes
according to changes in the environment
external power connect.
Since this category is
meant to attract gamers,
another feature that’s AUGUST 2009
important is support for
SLI for NVIDIA cards and
CrossFire for AMD cards.
The only card that did not
support CrossFire in this
category was the Power
Color HD4670 1GB.
A game bundled with
these cards would have
been a good offer, but
unfortunately it’s not the
case, as mentioned earlier PowerColor HD 4850 512MB
none of the cards we
received came bundled with GeForce 9600GT, Galaxy
from vendors like Palit and Features any games. GeForce 9800GT 512MB, Palit
PowerColor and ZOTAC. The Since these cards aren’t Cooling solutions play GeForce 9800GT 512MB,
9600GTs, 9800GTs and even a really meant to fit into HTPC another important role here ASUS EAH4670 1GB, Palit
GTS250, can now be purchased cabinets they tend to have as you will be stressing the GTS250 and Power Color
within this price bracket. The larger form factors. Power GPU when playing games, HD4850 are the graphic cards
9600GTs are based on the G94 connects are an important so keeping it cool is a high in this category that come with
GPU, whereas the 9800GTs and factor here. There were some priority. In this category, HDMI ports.
the GTS250s GPU codename is 9600GTs and 9800GTs that passively cooled cards are not The ZOTAC GeForce
the G92. require 6-pin PCIe power really that good an option. 9600GT Eco 512MB comes
From AMD, in this category, connects, while others such as XFX has used a cooling with a CD of 3D Mark Vantage,
we have HD4670s based on the the ZOTAC 9600GT ECO 1GB solution on the Radeon whereas the XFX GeForce
RV730 GPU, a single HD4850 and the ZOTAC 9800GT ECO HD4830, which looks similar 9600GT 512MB came with a
and an HD4840 with the 512 MB, XFX GeForce 9600GT to the NVIDIA GTX series of Key for the same software. The
RV770 GPU, and HD4770s 512 MB didn’t need an cards, and does quite well. XFX cards in this category also
with the RV740 GPU. Connects on the card come with the gamers door
ATi’s HD4770 is the are something that you tag; the same as mentioned in
Palit GeForce GTS 250
world’s first graphics card would need to watch out for, the previous category.
based on a 40nm GPU especially if you plan to use
(RV740). this rig as an HTPC and don’t Performance
really care about keeping it Out of all these cards, the MSI
in a tiny cabinet. For that HD4670 reached the highest
reason, an HDMI port would temperature, touching 71
be an added bonus. The degrees Celsius under load,
XFX GeForce 9600GT, Palit while the coolest here was
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 75
Graphic Card Test
Graphic Card Test
Brand ZOTAC XFX ZOTAC MSI MSI GIGABYTE XFX
Model GeForce 9500GT GeForce GeForce N9500GT HD 4650 HD 4650 Radeon HD 4650
Zone Edition 9500GT 9500GT
Price 3,500 3,500 3,600 3,800 3,800 3,900 3,900
Grand Total (Out of 100) 58.88 45.16 51.44 49.72 56.35 52.57 50.34
Features 56.4 31.2 50 30.2 21.2 36.6 31.2
Performance 59.51 48.65 51.8 54.6 65.14 56.56 55.13
Features
Chipset G96 G96 G96 G96 RV730 RV730 RV730
No. of Stream Processors 32 32 32 32 320 320 320
Core Clock (MHz) 550 550 650 650 750 750 600
Type of memory GDDR3 DDR2 DDR2 DDR2 DDR2 DDR2 DDR2
Memory Clock (MHz) 1600 800 1800 800 1000 1000 800
Memory size (MB) 512 512 1024 512 1024 1024 512
Memory Interface 128-bit 128-bit 128-bit 128-bit 128-bit 128-bit 128-bit
SLI or CrossFire support (4/6) 4 6 4 6 6 6 6
Connects on card Two Dual link DVI, D-Sub, S-Vid Two Dual link DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, S-Vid
DVI, S-Vid DVI, S-Vid HDMI HDMI
In the Box (except drivers and manuals)
Bundled Connects and Cables S-Vid to Com- S-Vid to S-Vid S-Vid to Com- DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub DVI, D-Sub, S-Vid to S-Vid
ponent, DVI to ponent, DVI to HDMI HDMI
D-Sub connector, HDMI connector
DVI to HDMI
connector, SPDIF
cable
Software and Accessories 10% discount
on 5 NVIDIA
games
Warranty 5 3 5 3 3 3 3
Performance
Temperature (Idle/Load) 41 / 55 43 / 69 39 / 52 35 / 48 30 / 40 35 / 49 36 / 50
Synthetic Benchmarks
3D Mark 06 (Overall) 6143 4496 4629 4740 5518 4731 4659
3D Mark Vantage (Overall/GPU) 2273 / 1755 1573 / 1205 1608 / 1233 1677 / 1286 2353 / 1852 2056 / 1608 1987 / 1535
Game Benchmarks
Unreal Tournament III (1280 x 1024 / 1600 53 / 38 40 / 28 41 / 28 42 / 29 47 / 32 40 / 27 39 / 26
x 1200)
Crysis (1024 x 768, low / 1280 x 1024, med) 67 / 27 59 / 22 60 / 22 62 / 23 91 / 33 81 / 29 81 / 28
Crysis Warhead (1024 x 768, low / 1280 x 57 / 18 51 / 15 51 / 15 52 / 16 78 / 14 67 / 13 63 / 12
1024, med)
Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X (2x AA, High – 1024 x 61 / 44 46 / 30 47 / 31 46 / 31 53 / 38 48 / 34 46 / 32
768/1280 x 1024)
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky (1024 x 768, 18.2 / 20.7 15.1 / 16.6 15.5 / 17.1 16.1 / 18 19.5 / 19.6 16.7 / 16.1 15.8 / 16
High/1280 x 1024, Low)
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valour (1024 67 / 25.8 61 / 22.7 57.5 / 22.3 64.2 / 23.6 61.7 / 37.4 60.5 / 35.3 60.2 / 32.7
x 768-High, Shaders:Med/
1280 x 1024-High, Shaders:Ultra)
Prey (High – 1024 x 768/1280 x 1024) 91.6 / 63 72.8 / 48 74.3 / 50.7 76.5 / 50.3 83.4 / 57.9 70 / 47.4 69.4 / 47.5
AUGUST 2009
ZOTAC 9600GT Eco 512MB
76 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Graphic Card Test
AUGUST 2009
Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000
MSI PowerColor ASUS XFX Sparkle ASUS MSI Sparkle XFX PowerColor
NX8600GT HD 4650 EAH4550 GeForce GeForce EAH4650 HD 4670 Geforce GeForce HD 4670
9600GSO 9400GT 9500GT 9600GT
4,000 4,100 4,125 4,200 4,380 4,460 5,000 5,080 5,200 5,200
46.17 51.8 40.47 73.7 37.75 46.64 49.21 37.66 53.02 50.93
48.6 30.4 37.2 51.1 30.2 30.2 36.4 27.2 45.7 27.4
45.56 57.16 41.28 79.35 39.64 50.75 51.47 39.5 54.31 55.08
G84 RV730 RV710 G92 G96 RV730 RV730 G96 G94 RV730
32 320 80 96 16 320 320 32 48 320
540 600 600 580 550 600 750 550 600 750
DDR2 DDR2 DDR3 DDR2 DDR2 DDR2 DDR3 DDR2 DDR3 DDR3
800 800 1450 1000 800 800 1746 800 1400 1746
1024 1024 512 768 1024 512 1024 512 512 1024
128-bit 128-bit 64-bit 192-bit 128-bit 128-bit 128-bit 128-bit 256-bit 128-bit
4 6 6 4 6 6 4 6 4 6
DVI, D-Sub, S-Vid Two Dual link DVI, D-Sub, Two Dual link DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, Two Dual link DVI, D-Sub, DVI, HDMI Two Dual link
DVI, S-Vid HDMI DVI, S-Vid S-Vid HDMI DVI S-Vid DVI, S-Vid
S-vid to S-Vid, DVI to D-Sub Two DVI to D- S-VID to Com- DVI to D-Sub S-Vid to Com- DVI to D-Sub DVI to D-Sub
S-Vid to Com- connector, S-Vid Sub connector, posite posite connector, connector,
ponent, DVI to to Composite S-Vid to S-Vid SPDIF cable S-Vid to Com-
D-Sub connector cable, S-Vid to posite
Component, 6-
pin PCIe power
connect
1 x half height A pen 3D Mark Van-
backplate tage Key
3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2
43 / 58 33 / 48 38 / 52 38 / 54 42 / 53 43 / 70 40 / 71 33 / 46 42 / 56 33 / 51
4333 4695 3603 8331 3414 4654 8202 4604 9137 8243
1545 / 1184 1993 / 1557 1069 / 819 3422 / 2650 1051 / 802 1976 / 1542 3687 / 2985 1605 / 1230 3741 / 2923 3565 / 2879
36 / 26 39 / 27 26 / 18 78 / 55 28 / 20 39 / 26 73 / 51 41 / 28 84 / 61 73 / 51
55 / 19 83 / 28 59 / 17 75 / 43 50 / 14 82 / 28 123 / 46 61 / 22 78 / 40 118 / 47
44 / 10 68 / 12 48 / 10 64 / 25 40 / 10 62 / 12 99 / 24 51 / 15 66 / 28 94 / 20
43 / 29 46 / 34 30 / 20 78 / 57 36 / 24 47 / 33 76 / 55 47 / 31 91 / 69 76 / 55
13.9 / 15.9 16.5 / 16.1 10.1 / 11.9 33 / 35.4 9.2 / 10.3 15.4 / 15.9 29.6 / 30.8 15.3 / 16.8 29 / 33.4 29.9 / 31
49.8 / 19.1 60.5 / 31.8 38.8 / 20.5 84.1 / 42.7 38.7 / 14.2 60.2 / 32.4 72.2 / 44.7 59.9 / 22 80.4 / 36.8 72.5 / 44.8
69.8 / 47.5 71.3 / 47.5 53 / 35.8 142.4 / 97.9 51.3 / 33.7 69.7 / 47.5 134 / 92.4 75.5 / 50.5 148.4 / 102.5 138 / 94.3
the Sparkle GeForce particular GTS 250 went up to performance to the XFX
9500GT at 46 degrees 65 degrees Celcius. Radeon HD4830. The
Celsius under load. Another interesting thing HD4670s, on the other
AUGUST 2009 The Best Performer here is that the Gigabyte hand, were no match for the
award in this category HD4770 and the AMD Radeon 9600GTs.
goes to the Power HD4770 were also able to
Color HD 4850 as it slightly outperform the Palit It’s decision time
had the best overall GeForce GTS250 in Crysis, The best performer from the
scores. It did the whereas in Crysis Warhead, first category of cards, already
best in Crysis and it the GTS250 was ahead, but mentioned above, is the XFX
overtook the second ultimately did not perform GeForce 9600GSO. The Best
best performer better than the Power Color Buy award from this category
– Palit’s GeForce HD4850. goes to the Galaxy GeForce
Galaxy Gforce8400GS 512MB GTS250, due to it’s The 9800GTs did perform 8400GS, mainly due to it’s
cooling solution. This well and were equal in low price. But, if you were
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 77
Graphic Card Test
AUGUST 2009
Graphic Card Test
Brand ZOTAC Palit ZOTAC GALAXY Palit GIGABYTE ASUS Palit
Model GeForce GeForce GeForce GeForce GeForce HD4770 EAH4670 GTS 250
9600GT ECO 9600GT 9800GT ECO 9800GT 9800GT
Price 5,300 5,500 6,000 6,000 6,350 6,500 6,640 6,990
Grand Total (Out of 100) 60.13 61.2 64.27 63.77 66.25 69.02 52.23 72.79
Features 49.4 47.2 49.4 42.2 49.2 34 42.2 50.2
Performance 62.02 63.67 66.89 67.58 69.26 75.19 54 76.78
Features
Chipset G94 G94 G92 G92 G92 RV740 RV730 G92
No. of Stream Processors 64 64 112 112 112 640 320 128
Core Clock (MHz) 600 600 550 550 600 750 750 745
Type of memory GDDR3 DDR3 GDDR3 DDR3 DDR3 GDDR5 DDR3 DDR3
Memory Clock (MHz) 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 3200 1600 2200
Memory size (MB) 512 512 512 512 512 512 1024 512
Memory Interface 256-bit 256-bit 256-bit 256-bit 256-bit 128-bit 128-bit 256-bit
SLI or CrossFire support (4/6) 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Connects on card Two Dual link DVI, D-Sub, Two Dual link DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, Two Dual link DVI, D-Sub, DVI, D-Sub, HDMI
DVI, S-Vid HDMI DVI, S-Vid HDMI HDMI DVI, S-Vid HDMI
In the Box
Bundled Connects and Cables DVI to D-Sub DVI to D-Sub 6-pin PCIe S-Vid to Com- DVI to HDMI Connect,
Connector Connector power con- ponent, DVI to 6-pin PCIe power
nector, SPDIF D-Sub, DVI to connector
cable HDMI, 6-pin
PCIe power
cable
Software and 3D Mark A pen, 3D Mark
Vantage Vantage
Warranty 5 3 5 3 3 3 3 3
Performance
Temperature (Idle/Load) 36 / 57 37 / 52 39 / 64 41 / 59 44 / 55 37 / 54 32 / 52 47 / 65
Synthetic Benchmarks
3D Mark 06 (Overall) 10910 11005 12296 12383 12928 12297 7835 14803
3D Mark Vantage (Overall/GPU) 4998 / 3933 5108 / 4024 6143 / 4853 6223 / 4924 6589 / 5209 7624 / 6743 3500 / 2822 7710 / 6097
Game Benchmarks
Unreal Tournament III (1280 x 1024 / 1600 105 / 77 105 / 78 121 / 92 121 / 92 127 / 99 127 / 98 69 / 48 148 / 119
x 1200)
Crysis (1024 x 768, low / 1280 x 1024, med) 83 / 46 81 / 47 84 / 50 81 / 51 81 / 51 124 / 70 119 / 44 90 / 56
Crysis Warhead (1024 x 768, low / 1280 x 71 / 35 70 / 36 71 / 32 71 / 32 69 / 34 94 / 38 94 / 22 76 / 40
1024, med)
Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X (2x AA, High – 1024 x 102 / 79 105 / 82 109 / 89 112 / 91 114 / 91 104 / 89 74 / 54 128 / 104
768/1280 x 1024)
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky (1024 x 768, 37.1 / 42.1 37.3 / 42.3 49.3 / 56.5 48.8 / 56.7 52.2 / 59.6 51.3 / 58.7 28.3 / 28.9 60.2 / 68.6
High/1280 x 1024, Low)
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valour (1024 83.9 / 42.4 83.5 / 42.4 84.6 / 52 84.6 / 52 84.5 / 54 74.4 / 58.1 72.3 / 43.7 84.6 / 58.7
x 768-High, Shaders:Med/
1280 x 1024-High, Shaders:Ultra)
Prey (High – 1024 x 768/1280 x 1024) 186.4 / 128.3 188.1 / 129.3 204.6 / 144.9 203.7 / 145.3 215.7 / 156.1 214.8 / 166.9 128.4 / 87.5 243.1 / 189.4
Contact Sheet Graphic Card Comparison Test
Brand Company Name Email Address Phone Number Web site
ASUS Rashi Peripherals Pvt. Ltd. reponse@rptechindia.com 022-67090828 www.rptechindia.com
AMD Aditya Infotech Ltd sales@adityagroup.com 011-46665666 www.adityagroup.com
Galaxy TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS ( TAG) vikas@technologyandgadgets.com 91 -22-2382331/2 www.technologyandgadgets.com
GIGABYTE Gigabyte Technology Co. Ltd. Amanda.lu@gigabyte.com.tw +886 2 89124000 ext.1571 www.giga-byte.com
MSI (for AMD cards) Acro Engineers saini@amigointernational.biz 09871949399 www.amigointernational.biz
MSI Top Notch Infotronix India Pvt Ltd enquiry@zebronics.info 044-4393-6000 to 6099 www.zebronics.net
(Zebronics)
Palit TIRUPATI ENTERPRISES mail@tirupATi.net 09339207519 www.tirupati.net
Power Color TIRUPATI ENTERPRISES mail@tirupati.net 09339207519 www.tirupati.net
Sparkle Abacus Peripherals Pvt. Ltd sajid@abacusperipherals.com 91 22 40914603 / 40914600 www.abacusperipherals.com
TAG TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS ( TAG) vikas@technologyandgadgets.com 91 -22-2382331/2 www.technologyandgadgets.com
XFX Rashi Peripherals Pvt. Ltd. reponse@rptechindia.com 022-67090828 www.rptechindia.com
ZOTAC Aditya Infotech Ltd sales@adityagroup.com 011-46665666 www.zotac.com
78 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Graphic Card Test
AUGUST 2009
Buying Guide
PowerColor AMD XFX TAG ZOTAC
HD 4850 HD4770 Radeon HD GeForece GeForce
4830 8400GS (x1) GTX295 You Need You Need
The cheapest card for your HTPC The most performance from a
and don’t really care about low profile card within a budget
game performance as you will of Rs. 3,000
be watching movies connected
6,990 6,990 7,000 5,000 Reference to a TV through a DVI cable.
72.84 67.82 67.99 - -
We Recommend We Recommend
37.2 34 50.4 - -
79.13 73.79 71.1 - -
RV770 RV740 RV770 G98 GT200
800 640 800 16 480
625 750 575 450 576
GDDR3 GDDR5 DDR3 DDR2 GDDR3
1986 3200 1800 667 1998
Galaxy GeForce 8400GS AMD ATI Radeon HD4550
512 512 512 512 1792
256-bit 128-bit 256-bit 64-bit 896-bit
Rs. 1,600 Rs. 2,990
4 4 4 6 4
DVI, D-Sub, Two Dual link Two Dual link DVI, D-Sub, Two Dual link
HDMI DVI, S-Vid DVI, S-Vid S-Vid DVI, HDMI
You Need You Need
S-Vid to Com- HDMI cable, A full profile card, but at the
ponent, DVI 2 x 6-pin PCIe
The best performing AMD card
to D-Sub con- power con-
same time don’t want to spend within Rs. 4,000
nector, 6-pin nector, SPDIF more than Rs. 2,500
PCIe power cable
connector We Recommend We Recommend
2 x half height
back plate MSI
2 3 3 3 5 N9400GT
512MB
31 / 47 39 / 56 38 / 53 40 / 50 46 / 64
Rs. 2,300
13987 12231 12574 1171 17114
7785 / 6901 7545 / 6665 6649 / 5742 NA 20352 / 17531
ZOTAC GeForce
9400GT Zone
135 / 107 127 / 98 123 / 95 10 / 7 170 / 163 MSI HD4650 1GB
Edition 512 MB
Rs. 3,800
125 / 69 130 / 67 122 / 63 18 / 5 122 / 69 Rs. 2,500
93 / 42 92 / 39 92 / 37 12 / 4 93 / 60
101 / 84 105 / 87 93 / 75 11 / 7 123 / 122
You Need You Need
51.1 / 58.8 48.2 / 58.2 45.3 / 53.8 3.9 / 4.3 75.5 / 71.3
The best NVIDIA graphics The best performance from any
74.3 / 57.5 74.2 / 57.9 74.3 / 56.7 16.6 / 6 84.6 / 59.6 solution that’s quiet and doesn’t (NVIDIA or AMD) that also gives
need a 6-pin power connect and me HDMI and it shouldn’t go over
shouldn’t cost more than Rs. 7,000. Also, size and power
224.6 / 178.3 213 / 156.7 207.7 / 159.5 21 / 13.9 308.8 / 303
Rs. 5,500 requirements are of no concern
Discuss this article at We Recommend We Recommend
www.thinkdigit.com/d/37255
Power Color
looking for something that The best buy award from
gives you about 40 per cent the second category of HD 4850
more performance at a cost of graphics cards, between Rs. Rs. 6,990
ZOTAC GeForce 9600GT
only Rs. 700 more, then the 5,000 and Rs. 7,000, goes to 512MB Zone Edition
MSI N9400GT is the perfect the ZOTAC GeForce 9600GT Rs. 5,300
card – it was also the next Eco. Priced at Rs. 5,300, it
best card in terms of price packs quite a punch without Palit GeForce
Palit GeForce
and performance. This clearly the need of a 6-pin power GTS250
9600GT 512MB
shows that if you just spend a connect, and the added Rs. 6,990
Rs. 5,500
bit more, you will in practice bundle makes for an ideal
be getting a significant boost in solution for a mid-ranged
performance. graphics card.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 79
Bazaar ASUS launches the X58
powered P6X58 that Belkin launches KVM
comes with USB 3.0 ports switches in India
The camera quality is good,
slightly better than the Nokia
N96 – good detail and colour
and the flash is effective up to
four feet. Music quality is good
via the bundled headphones,
but the loudspeaker is lacking.
In comparison to the N95 8
GB the loudspeaker sounds
slightly tinny and the richness
of vocals is lost; there is also
a lack of bass that makes
music less enjoyable. Audio
is a couple of volume
notches lower than
the N95. The slider
tray mechanism for
the SIM card is neat.
The QWERTY
keypad is a mixed
bundle. While key
spacing is good, the keys
themselves are tiny and don’t
give adequate feedback.
Although the small spacebar
placed to the extreme right
may be viewed as quirky by
Nokia N97
some, we got used to this
pretty soon – the key feedback
and tiny size takes longer. The
four-way navigation button
Floundering flagship? and centre button placed
to the left of the keypad is
T
a blessing. The onscreen
he N97 has been visibility even if the keypad is keyboard is well laid out
a while coming. It flat on a table; the slider looks and large spacing helps. The
has a dream set of delicate but after three weeks font is highly legible, though
specifications – a we couldn’t detect any flaws in boring looking. sWith the
large touchscreen, impressive the slick action. onscreen keyboard, multiple
five megapixel camera, There is only so much a fast key presses with predictive
32 GB of inbuilt storage resistive touch can achieve, text disabled is tough. We
Contact with expansion, and a full and accuracy while scrolling preferred the keypad to the
Nokia India Pvt. Ltd. QWERTY keypad. The phone or even when selecting Xperia X1, though.
Phone: +91-124-419 9000 itself is not too wide and will highlighted menus is not Call quality is impressive.
Email: communications.india fit most palms fine. It’s long, possible until you get used to At Rs. 36,166, the N97
@nokia.com owing to the large 3.5-inch the device. In short, the touch commands a flagship price
Web site: www.nokia.com touchscreen. It’s well built interface on the N97 is much and for that price we have
Price: Rs. 36,166 for the most part, the only let less responsive, accurate and to say you get quite a lot of
down being the plastic and usable as the Apple iPhone’s phone in terms of hardware.
Specifications tacky feeling battery cover. interface. However, Nokia has But it seems like the interface
Symbian S60 v9.4, 3.5-inch, 360 The front bezel has a finish time to iron out such bugs hasn’t matured enough to
x 640 resistive touch screen, akin to polished black granite with future N-series devices. keep pace with the brilliance
32 GB inbuilt storage, microSD and there are just three keys There are a lot of applications under its hood, and using the
expandable, 5-megapixel on the facia – two soft keys and games bundled with the phone leaves one with the
camera for accepting/rejecting calls N97, including the PC game opinion that things could be
and one button for the main Spore. A nifty SMS reader and should have been much
RATINGS menu, finished in the same reads out SMSs to you in a better. Firmware updates
Features ..................9 burnished chrome as the outer rather monotonous male tone. will resolve some quirks (we
bezel. Overall, the phone looks Another application, Qik, hope), but Nokia needs to
Performance ...........8 slick. The QWERTY slides allows streaming of videos as spend more time with the
Build Quality ...........7.5 out from the left side; upon your camera captures them Symbian touch-based platform
Value for money......7 activating the slide mechanism – live. Unfortunately Qik and move to a capacitive touch
Overall .....................8 the screen slides upwards with needs the internet (GPRS) and based interface.
a slight angle maintaining does not use Wi-Fi.
MD’s new southbridge SB800 supports SATA 6 Gbps MSI’s superoverclocked Cyclone Radeon 4890 card touches 1GHz CPU-Z is being developed further to
80 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Hotmail and other Live
Bazaar
Kingston launches a 256GB services to have 500
pen drive in Europe GB of space
ASUS Xonar
Elixir of audiophilia?
I
f there’s one part of the elements make for a superb
computing experience choice for any discerning
we’ve missed it’s audience. Nichicon “fine gold”
something really high-end caps are used for all critical
for audiophiles. And we’re not regions — a costly indulgence by
talking about the dime-a-dozen ASUS and we highly approve.
7.1-channel cards. Just looking Now for the fun part – this
at the STX you just get the soundcard is the first one we’ve
feeling of quality. And it’s hard seen with an in-built headphone
not to get impressed looking amplifier. This is good news for
at its spec-sheet. The 124 dB high-end headphone users, since
SNR aside, the functional parts headphone amps are very costly!
(opamps, DAC chip etc) are The bundled software can switch
covered with an EMI shield. between normal impedance, (up
The Essence STX is built on a to 64 ohms), high impedance
rather unusual four-layer PCB, (60—300 ohms) and extra-high
ensuring excellent filtration impedance (300 – 600 ohms), headamp you paid half a year’s
of noise while the analogue adding 0 db, 12 dB and 18 dB salary for and some purists
output signal paths are also (respectively) to the gain to will sneer with contempt at
EMI shielded, ensuring that match headphones of varying people who use their PC for
squeaky-clean signals are impedances. The Essence STX music. Moreover it isn’t cheap,
passed on. Additional power is has a pair of RCA outs for stereo, at Rs. 10,900, but then quite
required via a four-pin molex one 6.3 mm headphone jack, frankly neither is a ticket to a
connector. This one is built on one 6.3 mm analogue input jack musical – the word balanced Pink Floyd concert. We feel it
a PCIe x1 interface and ASUS and a digital-out supporting both came to mind as the incredibly is well worth the price with its
has recently come out with a coaxial and optical connectivity detailed Grado SR225 seemed premium quality innards and
PCI version. on a single jack. to get a bit of needed bottom audio performance. It serves
The DAC is a Burr-Brown We tested the Essence STX end grunt from the headphone a niche segment and does so
(now Texas Instruments) with some stereo speakers first amp unit. What is equally hard exceedingly well, therefore
PCM 1792A, considered an – our Genelec 6010A active to miss is the immediacy of the those on the lookout for
audiophile-grade component. loudspeakers with the 5040A detail, there is no unnecessary something similar won’t flinch
beneath the EMI shield the active subwoofer and some delay to notes, attacks, decay, one bit.
opamps are mounted on SACD .FLAC rips. The imaging instrument reverb – everything
sockets as opposed to being (soundstaging) is spot on. is spot on and tonally accurate.
soldiered to the PCB. This The bass, while ample, is not The Essence STX will also
allows swapping of opamps excessive and won’t intrude drive something as beefy as
to alter the sound signature on the mid-range. But it goes the Sennheiser HD 650 quite Contact
according to taste. Note that low down and does so cleanly well, but not to the same level Rashi Peripherals Pvt. Ltd.
the Essence STX is a stereo and with nary a hint of loss of of analytical detail as a high- Phone: +91-22-6709 0828
soundcard only, therefore it’s control. The mid-range is liquid powered headphone amp. Email: response@rptechindia.com
special to see not one but three and wide with lots of detail to We also tried the STX with Web site: www.rptechindia.com
stereo opamps on the card. be plucked from between notes. games and movies, although Price: Rs. 10,900
Two opamps are the JRC 2114, Male and female vocals alike not its forte, it handles games
considered good for audio sound rich and lush without quite well and with very Specifications
applications. These serve as the being overly warm. The highs accurate imaging – something PCIe x1 interface, 2-channel,
current to voltage converters are incredibly detailed and necessary for a proper gaming SNR = 124 dB, headphone
and are placed just after the transparent. We felt the highs experience. Movies are fun amplifier = Texas Instruments
DAC chip. They utilise the were slightly overemphasised, too, with action scenes getting TI6120A2, DAC = Texas
output of this chip and convert but not inordinately so. Quite their just rewards – the Essence Instruments PCM1792A
it, passing it on to the third the contrary, this is just the STX never loses control and
opamp, the LM4562 which tool for discerning listening detail and its surround imaging
sessions; particularly pieces is superb, despite the lack of
RATINGS
acts as the final buffer. Made
by National Semiconductor, with instruments have great additional channels. Features ..................8.5
this opamp is quite famous rendition. Next we plugged So ASUS finally delivered Performance ...........9
and widely used by DIY in some quality cans and something “stereophiles” Build Quality ...........9
audiophiles. Its claim to fame is we’re pleased to report the (including some of us) around Value for money......7.5
excellent THD (Total Harmonic STX handles itself admirably the world have waited for. So
Overall .....................8.5
Distortion), quick slew rate and – the sound is clean, without what’s the trade off? Well, it
high bandwidth — all of these any sort of noise and very won’t replace that Zana Deux
integrated a graphics section Microsoft starts terminating Windows 7 beta installations; Release candidate builds will continue to run into 2010 Firefox 3.7 plans
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 81
Bazaar Seagate releases
Zenimax Media takes 15,000RPM Cheetah
over id software 15K.7 line of drive
Razer Mamba
Ravaging rodent
little heavier than the Logitech feet. There is a slight drop in
MX518. performance wirelessly, though.
A slider disconnects the USB Gamers using it with the
cable while using the mouse settings turned up and sitting at
wirelessly. When disconnected, a distance might notice this. .
T
the cable connects to the base The wireless connectivity is
he Mamba is the antenna which doubles as a really useful, and nice to have in
fastest rodent to be charging dock for the mouse. a gaming mouse but the huge
made by Razer. We This is a very well thought out dpi sensitivity increase will only
were dumbfounded by design, and is very practical. by useful for a few. For most
the 4,000 dpi resolution sensor The performance of the gamers, mice with sensitivities
of the Lachesis and Razer’s now mouse is flawless on all between 1,600 and 3,200 dpi
pushed the barrier even further. surfaces – on Razer’s hard is much more than enough.
Contact The Mamba is a 5,600 dpi eXactMat surface as well as Despite all the great things, the
Netplace Technologies Pvt. Ltd. mouse and it offers something the soft pads from Steelseries. Mamba’s price of Rs. 12,000 is
Phone: +91-22-4221 3901 that very few mice offer – wired There were no tracking issues excessive in our opinion.
Email: enquiry@ and wireless connectivity. whatsoever. At 5,600 dpi, the
netplacetechnologies.com The Mamba has an attractive sensitivity is too high to be
Web site: www.razerzone.com design – it now has a battery used by most gamers unless the RATINGS
Price: Rs. 12,000 charging indicator for the sensitivity for Windows or in- Features ..................9
sensor sensitivity setting. Most game is turned down. Refresh
Performance ...........8
of the mouse is covered with rates can be tightened as well.
Specifications antibacterial coating, except The wireless performance
Build Quality ...........7
5,600 dpi 3.5G laser sensor, for strips on the sides that of the mouse is also impressive Value for money......4
1,000 Hz polling rate. grip to your palm. With the – it works flawlessly from Overall .....................7
Dimensions: 128 x 70 x 42.5 mm batteries, the mouse only feels a a distance of well over 10
T
he C510 has a candy The camera comes with
bar form factor and auto-focus, face detection as
comes in two colours well as smile shutter, which
– Future Black and is seen on most of the Sony
Radiant Silver. We received the Cybershot digital cameras. We
Future Black colour, but overall tried out the face detection and
it had a blue tone to it. M2 or the smile shutter. The C510
Memory Stick Micro cards are was even able to detect the
only supported on the C510. smile on a picture of the Mona
You would have to transfer Lisa. The quality of the photos
data if you are switching from was good, but only considering
a phone that used other cards the fact that this had a 3.2-MP
Sony Ericsson C510
such as SD or microSD. camera.
The loudspeaker is located The call quality of the phone
at the back of the phone, was good, we did not hear any
towards the bottom. The back distortion on either end of
cover has a nice rubber coating
which works well as a grip. The
Just smile the call, but when the speaker
phone was used, some random
sliding camera lens cover is not Contact distortion was heard.
very smooth and you will need Sony Ericsson, Phone: 1-800-11-18-00 (MTNL/BSNL); 3901 1111 (others) With the Mega Bass
to apply a little pressure at the Web site: www.sonyericsson.com, Price: Rs. 12,195 Equalizer settings, music is
top where there is a slight tilt better than you would hear on
and then sliding is possible. Specifications other phones.
When you slide the camera Display resolution: 320x240 pixels RATINGS The Sony Ericsson C510
cover open, the camera is Memory: Phone memory 100MB, Features ..................8 is feature rich and could be
activated regardless of the Memory Stick Micro (M2) support considered a mid-range entry,
keypad being locked. When in (up to 8 GB)
Performance ...........7.5 but a price of Rs. 12,195 is a
camera mode, certain keys are Networks: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Build Quality ...........8 little difficult to justify. If this
highlighted in blue, instead of 900/1800/1900, UMTS/HSPA 2100 Value for money......6.5 was priced around Rs. 9,000, it
the standard white, which are Dimensions: 107.0 x 47.0 x 12.5 mm Overall .....................7.5 would be a good deal.
camera specific functions keys. Weight: 92.0 g
are already underway; plans of making it 64-bit as well Intel to launch next generation solid state drives this month Toshiba to start manufacturing Blu-ray drives
82 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
MSI to add an feature
to boards that allow it
Bazaar
Ubisoft to develop automatically overclock on a
games for Facebook press of a button
MSI GX400
for longer battery, office use,
etc.
MSI has also thrown in
an HDMI and an e-SATA
Give me red port which is really
helpful for those who
T
arrow keys. Another problem want to connect their
he MSI GX400 is a is that the Fn key is the last laptops to their LCD TVs
notebook from MSI, key on the left, which is more through HDMI cables, or for
and this 14-inch useful for office users rather those who want to have eSATA
notebook falls under than gamers. The feedback of based external hard drives.
its gaming series and is the the keys isn’t the best ever, The NVIDIA 9600M Contact
smallest in that series. there is no spacing between graphics solution in terms of MSI
The body of the GX400 is the keys either, but overall performance is similar to a Phone: +91-11-4175 8808
made of plastic, with the lid this keyboard will suffice. desktop NVIDIA 9400GT and Email: marketing@msi-in.com
bright red in colour. This is The Turbo key is something even some 9500GTs, which Web site: http://in.msi.com
the only colour variation MSI you will see on MSI’s will give you good playability Price: Rs. 65,000
has adopted with the GX400; notebook gaming series and at lower resolutions.
the rest of this notebook is used to overclock the CPU The MSI GX400 at Rs. Specifications
is black. The keyboard is by about 15 per cent, just by 65,000, it’s pretty decent. Chipset: Intel PM45 ICH9M,
squished up towards the right, the click of a button. The Eco The Dell Studio XPS 13 Intel Core 2 Duo P7350, 14.1-inch
with smaller uncomfortable button has multiple presets with a somewhat similar display, 4 GB DDR2
configuration would cost you Dimensions: 332 x 243 x 33.5 mm
Benchmarks Performance the same, though the Dell Weight: 2.2 kg
PC Mark 05 3834 / 4120 / 3929 / 4659 comes with a faster processor
(Overall/CPU/Memory/Graphics/Hard Drive) / 4148 (2.4 GHz versus 2.0 GHz). If RATINGS
not, then a desktop would Features ..................7
3D Mark 06 (Overall/CPU) 4306 / 1017
be a better option with a
DivX 100 MB File Conversion (sec 120.4 better configuration and will
Performance ...........7.5
ultimately give you better Build Quality ...........7
Doom 3 FPS (640x480, med/1024x768, med) 91.9 / 87.4 Value for money......7
performance.
FarCry FPS (640x460, min/1024x768, max) 158.9 / 81.3 Overall .....................7
Mybox HD NV-300
Almost everything you need from an HTPC!
Contact internet material.
GoDB Tech Pvt Ltd. The device only plays back
Phone: +91-44-4399 7700 up to 720p media, which
Email: sales@myboxhd.com makes it a little handicapped.
Web site: www.myboxhd.com Where the Mybox HD loses
Price: Rs. 9,990 (NV300) out, it makes up in features.
Rs. 10,990 (NV300T) It can record videos using the
S-Video input and it can also
Specifications access content on the network.
Video input: S-video, HDMI 1.1 The Mybox HD can play
interface (upto 720p supported), Youtube videos, online radio,
200 MIPS C2 processor, 512 MB access Flickr photos and even
T
ROM, 128 MB RAM, 2 USB ports, 1 has Bittorrent support! It has a
eSATA port, 100Mbps Ethernet port he Mybox NV300 devices can be connected to very basic web browser which
Dimensions: 140 x 40 x 210 mm is one of the latest it and even an eSATA drive! is very slow and isn’t exactly
devices to land on What’s more there is a network feature-rich.
RATINGS Indian shores. connectivity option which lets This player is for those
Features ..................8.5 The Mybox is a lot larger you access network devices and who want a device that can do
than the WD HD player and computers. almost everything an HTPC
Performance ...........6
has no built-in hard drive as The remote doesn’t work can, but with a much simpler
Build Quality ...........7 the Iomega Screenplay. It’s very well and the interface is and cheaper setup. At Rs.
Value for money......8 attractive for sure, and comes a little slow. There are many 9,900, it’s an excellent price as
Overall .....................7.5 with a huge fancy remote submenus for various kinds of an HTPC setup can typically
control. Two USB storage content, including games and cost more.
soon Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to be sold with night-vision goggles; to be out later this year Samsung to launch Ion based netbooks Intel to retire the
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 83
Bazaar ASUS confirms the Eee
PC T101H - a touchscreen BOINC, the computing network
Atom based netbook with does three times more work than
built-in GPS the world’s fastest supercomputer
Sony
MDR NC7/WM
Unnecessary shushing
and the foam padding sits atop narrows by around 30 per
the outer ear we’re classifying cent. Turning NC on brings
them as supraaural. Mind you, a certain amount of warmth
because they’re plastic and to the vocals while the bass,
light they won’t fall off because although still weak, is a bit
Contact of the loose headband. more noticeable. The highs
T
Sony India One of the oddities we lose their shrill nature. Any
Phone: 1-800-11-11-88 he MDR NC7/WM noticed is that enabling and comparisons with other noise
Email: sonyindia.care@ap.sony.com has an unnecessarily disabling noise cancellation cancelling sets are pointless
Web site: www.sony.co.in long name and is an causes a lot of variation in the since the Sennheiser PXC 450
Price: Rs. 4,490 active noise cancelling sound signature and quite we tested is very expensive in
headphone – the noise frankly this should not be. comparison.
Specifications cancellation circuitry is battery In fact, when using NC, the But this one is not
Supraaural, foldable headband, powered by a single AAA cell. volume level also goes up. That for discerning listeners,
single AAA powered active noise The headband armature gives being said the enabling NC particularly since we couldn’t
cancellation. the impression of being a bit does drown out some small figure out why enabling
flimsy, but this is no doubt the external sounds although even a feature meant to isolate
Photographs: Manas Parekh, Jiten Gandhi
RATINGS result of its folding nature. without this feature turned on external noise should change
The earcups are slightly the headphones isolate pretty the way this headphone
Features ..................7.5 smaller than full-size well. With NC turned off we sounds. At Rs. 4,490 the MDR
Performance ...........6 circumaurals but a bit larger found the bass to be lacking NC7 is priced reasonably well
Build Quality ...........5.5 than some supraaural designs and it’s not just a lack of punch for a NC set, but you could buy
Value for money......7 like Grados headphones. but feels anaemic overall. The a pair of quality in-ear monitors
Overall .....................6.5 However, since they don’t highs also sound thin and for the same price that would
encompass the ear entirely shrill, and the soundstage provide better sound quality.
Razer Carcharias Contact
Netplace Technologies Pvt.
Ltd.
Where’s the comfort? Phone: +91-22-2422 13901
T
Email: enquiry@
he Razer Carcharias in handy. netplacetechnologies.com
head phone has a The pads are soft, but the Web site: www.razerzone.com
circumaural closed- pressure exerted by the device is Price: Rs. 5,999
can design, with an a tad too much, especially when
integrated microphone. They’re using it for long. On using the Specifications
pretty light, and the foam device for more than 20 hours, at Headphones:
cushion on the head strap rests least four hours at a time, it still Frequency Response:
nicely on the contours of your didn’t feel comfortable. Perhaps 20 - 20,000 Hz
head. The height adjusters are the headphone needs a bit more Impedance: 32 Ohms, 40 mm
smoother than most headphones breaking in neodymium drivers
we’ve seen. After testing the until they Microphone :
microphone we agree with ease up the Frequency Response:
its forte as a communications pressure 50 - 16,000 Hz, 3 meters cable
package – the microphone at the base
quality is quite good and it does of the ear.
manage to pick up, primarily As far as audio quality goes this is a gaming device. They will RATINGS
your voice, without much the whole audio spectrum perform decently enough for
background noise. The mic is seemed narrowed. They function listening to tunes, but its core
Features ..................7
also positioned in such a way without any distortion even at function is gaming. Bottom line is Performance ...........6.5
that there is no disturbance high volume. The sound is not that this is definitely not a device Build Quality ...........7
caused by breathing or puffs too bassy and we can go on for audio appreciation. What it is Value for money......4
of breath. There is a mic on/off about the mids and highs being however, is a thorough bred and Overall .....................6
switch on the cable, which comes repressed, but hey, lets not forget quite expensive gaming device.
QX9775 Skulltrail processors in the third quarter of the year Flash 10 to support all mobile platforms other than the Apple iPhone PocketSurfer 3, the latest model
84 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
A disc ISO of Google’s DiRt 2 for the PC
Bazaar
operating system Android is delayed, expected to
available for download be a DirectX 11 game
Epson Stylus Photo TX700W
Just click and print
T
he Epson Stylus
Photo TX700W
is an all-in-one
photo printer. The
TX700W has good looks Contact
with its all black finish and Epson India
stylish silver line running Phone: +91-80-3051 5000
horizontally through the Email: think@eid.epson.co.in
middle. The TX700W has Web site: www.epson.co.in
support for memory cards, Price: Rs. 13,999
PictBridge and pen drives.
Connectivity is also possible Specifications
through WiFi and an Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
Ethernet port. Scanner Resolution: 2400 x
The paper tray has a 4800 dpi
flap for 4R and envelope reproduced nicely. The Combi 600 dpi the quality was much Input capacity: 120 A4 sheets
sized paper which is a tad bit document , consisting of text better and it took 48 seconds. (Plain paper)
inconvenient when loading and images, showed the text The Epson Stylus TX700W Built-in card slot: CF Type II,
paper into the normal tray. to be clear but on the rougher is an overall good performer Memory Stick, SD/MMC,
You can also print on to a CD side, and at the same time the with decent print speeds as xD-Picture card
or DVD face and the tray for images in the document were well as quality. For a printer, it Dimensions: 446 x 385 x 150 mm
this is located just above the dull. The Epson Stylus Photo doesn’t beat our photo printer Weight: 9 kg
paper tray. TX700W took 88.2 seconds winner – the HP Photosmart
Our first test image to print our test image at the D4568, but it was pretty close RATINGS
showed an overall darker maximum quality, and 16.7 to it. Features ..................8.5
tone but good detail. There seconds in economy mode The price of Rs. 13,999 is
are different segments within with a huge difference in print decent for a colour all-in-one
Performance ...........8
our test image, one of them quality. printer and this Stylus Photo Build Quality ...........7.5
being a scene with a small Scanning at 300 dpi took TX700W does show good Value for money......7.5
pond where the ripples and 24.6 seconds with a not so results, doing justice to it’s Overall .....................8
reflections in the water were great quality result, but at price tag.
Apacer AB611 We tested the flash drive
and were disappointed with
Great presentation tool the speeds. Data write speeds Contact
were around 4.3 MB/s Epson India
T
and read speeds hovered Apacer Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
he Apacer AB611 is right click around 13 MB/s. There Phone: +91-80-4152 9061
a wireless pointing but they’re was a noticeable amount Email: shiva_neelangi@apacer.com
remote, meant to be too tiny in of stuttering visible on Web site: www.apacer.com
used as a presentation comparison. the mouse pointer while Price: Rs. 2,499
tool. With a tool like this, It doesn’t take using the remote with the
there isn’t a need for a separate too long to get transfers running in the Specifications
individual to operate the slides used to this. background. 2.4 GHz transmission, powered
for you. The The device is a good by 2 AAA batteries, 4 GB flash
The design is very basic and performance of utility for anyone who drive capacity, Dimensions: 123
the material used is plastic. the device isn’t gives presentations x 39 x 26 mm
It could have been sturdier extraordinary as far on a large screen.
device, though. The receiver for as smoothness of The bundled flash RATINGS
this wireless remote is a USB the pointer goes. We drive means that Features ..................7
dongle, which is also a flash were able to control it you can carry you
Performance ...........6.5
drive. well over 12 ft without presentations and
There is a set of six buttons any problems. The other content
Build Quality ...........6
in all. Four keys are used for device has a built-in that you need Value for money......7
the Page up and down function. laser that can be used to on it wherever Overall .....................6.5
There are keys for the left and point out things. you go.
of the portable GPRS internet device to be out soon HTC to shift to 3.5mm audio jacks in future phones OCZ launches the Sabre gaming keyboard with OLED
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 85
Bazaar Windows 7 pricing made
public - $319.99 for Windows 7 AMD’s 785G chipset uses
Ultimate, 299.9 for Professional the DirectX 10.1 supported
and 199.99 for Home Premium Radeon 4200 GPU
WD My Book Studio
Edition II 4TB
It’s HUGE!
kg, so it’s not ideal to connection interfaces – USB Contact
carry very often. Four and Firewire. With our Contact: Amarjeet Singh
connectivity options are file transfer tests, we found Phone: +91-93210 29204
available – Firewire 800, the average read and write Email: Amarjeet.singh@wdc.com
Firewire 400, USB and speeds to be similar with Web site: www.wdc.com
eSATA. both RAID configurations. Price: Rs. 39,000
The speciality of this The 1 GB Photoshop scratch
drive is that it supports test showed a big difference Specifications
RAID-0 & RAID-1. in file transfer. With RAID-0, Capacity: 4 TB
RAID-0 makes the entire the speed was twice as good Interface: Firewire 800
I
4 TB usable. We haven’t as RAID-1, as you would Firewire 400, USB 2.0 and eSATA
n April this year, we seen too many drives that expect.With Firewire, the Dimensions: 166 x 98 x 154mm
tested a large number require drivers, but this one performance was around 10% Weight: 2.63 kg
of hard drives. In the does for the RAID function. better than with USB.
category of external When you first connect The 4 TB WD My Book
desktop drives, the 2 TB WD it, you need to install the Studio Edition II only works RATINGS
My Book Studio Edition II driver and then set the RAID with Windows Vista due Features ..................8
was pretty good. We now have configuration. to capacity restrictions of
Performance ...........7
with us the WD My Book There was nothing previous Windows operating
Studio Edition II External 4TB spectacular with the test systems. Using RAID-0 is
Build Quality ...........6
Hard Drive. results. The read burst speed recommended, but if your Value for money......5
This is a huge drive mind was higher with the RAID- data is very important, RAID-1 Overall .....................6.5
you – it weighs around 2.63 1 configuration with both is the way to go.
HP Photosmart C8188
Print and scribe
T
print labels directly onto the WiFi, and also comes with
he HP Photosmart face of the CD or DVD. There is Bluetooth, so almost any phone Contact
C8188 has memory a 3.5 inch touch screen with an or laptop can shoot out prints Hewlett-Packard India Pvt.
card slots and a easy interface, that somewhat without the hassles of wired Ltd.
lightscribe CD/DVD resembles a Windows XP theme. connectivity. Phone: 30304499
drive. Not only does this printer Like the Epson Photo Stylus Some detail on our first test Email: bharat.kharbanda@
read from CDs, but it can also TX700W, this too has Ethernet, image was lacking and also the hp.com
overall colour tone of the print Web site: www.hp.com/in
was on the warmer side. The Price: Rs. 24,615
second test image was more
balanced, but again, a few details Specifications
with regard to the textures were Input capacity: Upto 100 sheets
missing here and there. The (A4)
Combi document, consisting Print quality: 4800 x 1200 dpi
of text and images, showed Scan quality: 9600 x 9600 dpi
smooth and readable text and Dimensions: 448 x 392 x 216 mm
well distinguished colours in the Weight: 11.4 kg
images.
The HP Photosmart C8188 RATINGS
costs Rs. 24,615, which may
seem pricey, but if you do need
Features ..................8.5
a feature rich photo printer with Performance ...........7.5
all connectivity options including Build Quality ...........8
an optical drive that can read Value for money......7
your digital media, then this is Overall .....................8
something you should buy.
keys LG has announced three new cell phones to be launched in India and these will fall in the low-end segment - GB210, GB270 and KP265 Windows 7 Release to
86 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Assassins rejoice Work on Honey
Sony is said to launch limited
edition white PSPs that will feature
Honeywell has introduced the new
Dolphin 6100 mobile computer,
Bazaar
the upcoming Assassin’s Creed which is an addition to their existing
Bloodlines game line of Dolphin mobile computers
RATINGS
ZOTAC Ion ITX A Series Features ..................8
Performance ...........6
Build Quality ...........7
and Panache T3300
Value for money......6
Overall .....................7
Tiny size and tiny power consumption
I
a 4-pin male molex
n the last few years, connector to connect
manufacturers have your hard disk drives,
focused on bringing and other optical
out low power, compact drives.
computing solutions. The Atom The case is equally
processor is ideal for this kind tiny and just about fits
of task, except the subsystem everything in. A fan
around it wasn’t geared on the side channels
for high-definition content out the hot air but
processing. fortunately, the Atom
The Ion platform from and Ion solution
NVIDIA is built for that doesn’t generate too
purpose. We received the much of it. There are Contact
ZOTAC Ion platform which a few issues with the ZOTAC Ion
comes with a built-in Atom case though. There’s Contact: ZOTAC International
N330 dual core processor. no space to install an (MCO) Ltd.
What makes it different is that optical drive or an Phone: +91-11-4666 5666
it’s powered by a GeForce 9 internal hard drive, so E-mail: sales@zotac.com
series graphics solution. The you are forced to use Web site: www.zotac.com
mini-ITX form board is just USB or eSATA devices. Price: Rs. 12,800
17 x 17 cm in size. An equally We tested the
compact case from Panache was board with 4 GB of DDR2 Specifications that you need to set your media
sent to us. memory and a 500 GB Seagate NVIDIA Ion chipset, Intel Atom player to use the graphics card
The board, although tiny, Barracuda 7200.11 hard drive. N330 dual core processor to process HD content. We did
isn’t handicapped in any way. The graphics performance was (integrated), integrated 802.11n this with Media Player Classic
To give you an idea, it comes considerably better than the WiFi, 3 SATA ports, 6 USB ports, with DXVA enabled. The CPU
with a built-in 802.11n WiFi Intel 945’s graphic solution 1 HDMI out, 2 DIMMs utilization dropped from 80-90
module, a gigabit Ethernet that are used on low power (upto 4GB RAM) per cent right down to 10-15
controller, 3 SATA ports, HDMI desktops and netbooks. per cent, which is something
out and digital audio outputs. Even PCMark05 churned out settings. The processor is we’ve never previously seen
The only thing missing on better overall scores. Memory clearly the bottleneck here. an Atom do. It’s a pretty
these boards are the PCI and scores stayed more or less the But the Ion was made for a impressive sight!
PCI-E expansion slots. same. We also ran a couple of completely different purpose This undoubtedly makes a
The ZOTAC board has no game benchmarks. Doom 3 – low power HD playback. good low power media centre
20-pin power connector and for example, showed average WMV HD content works rather solution. It also makes good
it connects directly to the DC frame rates between 25 and 28 well without any glitches. We sense as a download rig. You
power connector. There’s also fps with low and ultra quality then tried H264 content with might need to setup your
the default settings on both media players once to use the
Media Player Classic and VLC. Ion’s power properly though.
At 720p, we noticed some The only bad news is the price
slowdown and heavy stuttering – Rs. 12,800. Even though
with 1080p H264 videos. The it’s a feature rich board, that’s
performance wasn’t what we quite a lot of money, especially
expected. It was only after some when you remind yourself
fooling around, that we realized that the Atom N330 with the
Ion although good for HD
Contact playback doesn’t come close
Panache T3300 to other dual core processors
Contact: Panache Infotech in performance on other kinds
Phone: +91-93200 22012 of applications. The Rs. 3,000
Email: info@panache.co.in Panache case is a decent price
Web site: www.panache.co.in for a case of this size – these are
Price: Rs. 3,000 very difficult to find.
Manufacturing build is going to be out in August Stellar Information Systems released an updated version of its Mac data recovery software priced at Rs. 4,800.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 87
Tips & Tricks
Gnumeric similar to “1.243E+16”, it
Gnumeric is a spreadsheet simply means that the number
programme that was initially is 1.243x10^16. By default,
developed as an alternative Gnumeric spreads the width of
to Microsoft Excel and other the cell to support an accuracy
commercial spreadsheet of fifteen decimal spaces, which
applications. It was then is sufficient even for rocket
incorporated into the Gnome science. Manually dragging and
desktop, as part of the Gnome reducing the width of the cell,
office suite. Those used to reduces the number of decimal
advanced functions in Excel places displayed. Increasing
will not find the same number the width of the cell, does not
of features in Gnumeric, or however, increase the number
the same behaviour in many of decimal places displayed
cases. For example, selecting a beyond the maximum of 15.
column and running a find and
replace operation will replace Make numbers
all the instances of that word TIPS PDF Creator.........................................60 behave like data
or figure in the spreadsheet Gnumeric, like most
in Gnumeric rather than just Gnumeric..............................................57 Twitter.....................................................61 spreadsheet applications,
the column selected in Excel. 7zip ..........................................................59 Tweetdeck............................................63 makes numbers behave in a
There is no support for Pivot certain way, and text strings
tables either. Apart from these behave in a certain way. Text
few differences, Gnumeric is strings are aligned to the left of
functional, and we like the “rows”, and vertical fields up you are doing something the cell, and numeric strings are
way it handles charts. It is a and down in the same line are terribly wrong to begin with. aligned to the right of the cell,
well designed spreadsheet called “columns”. Each field, or Reducing the number of undo which is just one superficial
application, and is also intersection of a column and operations to about 20, or even difference in the way Gnumeric
available for Windows. It’s a a row is known as a “cell”. A 15, significantly improves the displays data. Sometimes, it
lot smoother than IBM’s Lotus “command” is an operation on smoothness of your work, and is necessary for users to make
Symphony, or OpenOffice.org’s a cell, or a collection of cells. does not take up unnecessary numeric strings behave like
Calc. Here are some tricks to memory. text strings. To do this, append
help you on your way, if you Increase the number (‘) before the number. For
are willing to experiment with of Undo operations Understanding example, entering (‘43) in a
an open source alternative to Gnumeric allows a default of scientific number field will align the number
Excel. 50 undo operations. If you are notations to the left, whereas (43) will
an advanced user, working on a One of the nifty features of align it to the right. Once the
Understanding machine with limited resources, Gnumeric is that the size of a numeral is entered with the
spreadsheet this can reduce the amount of cell expands to allow for up (‘) before it, and the cursor is
terminology resources available for other to 21 numerals. If the length moved to another field, the
A programme that works with applications, and for Gnumeric of a number string exceeds 21 (‘) won’t show up before the
rows and columns of data, is itself, particularly if you are numerals, then the number number in the spreadsheet.
known as a “spreadsheet”. A going to be working with a lot is displayed in scientific Note that mathematical
new document, by default, of charts. Fifty undo operations notation. This is a convenient operations on such numbers
has three worksheets, which is far more than is necessary format to handle and make will still work.
are effectively three “pages”. for run of the mill work, and sense of really long numbers!
The collection of all horizontal if you are going that far back If the calculation draws up a Changing the date
fields in the same line are called into history, chances are that figure that looks something format
By default, Gnumeric follows
the American convention of
displaying dates. This follows
the mm/dd/yy format, instead
of the dd/mm/yy format which
is more common here and
makes more mathematical
sense. The can be problematic
in the way Gnumeric handles
data. To fix this, select the
Date column by clicking on
the column header (or the row
header if you work that way).
The Row and Column headers
are the identifying blocks along
the sides of the sheet, with the
column headers being capital
letters, and the row headers
being numbers. Once a header
Changing the number of default undo operations. is clicked, the entire column
Digit | August 2009 | vol 9: 57 | www.thinkdigit.com
Tips & Tricks
with a comment, and click on range of data that you want to
Edit Comments to change the be represented in the chart.
comment for that cell. Right- Go to Insert > Charts,
click on the cell and click on and a chart wizard should
“Clear Comments” to delete a appear. The Chart wizard in
comment. Gnumeric is known as the
Chart Guru. There are sixteen
Using the Gnumeric kinds of charts available by
format, when default – others are available
Gnumeric is not using plug-ins. Select on of
available the chart types, and select the
In a pinch, if you have work variables in the wizard. Once
stored in the Gnumeric format, you are done configuring the
and want to use the contained Chart Guru, the chart does
data, but Gnumeric is not not immediately appear on the
installed on the system you sheet. You have to manually
are working on, there is an click and drag the chart across
easy way to extract the data. the sheet, which is a welcome
Gnumeric uses the .gnm deviation from the norm in
extension to store files. Just spreadsheet applications. This
change the extension to .gzip, allows you to position and set
which is a common zipping the size of the chart without
package in Linux. If you are having to manipulate it later
Changing the date format convention in Dnumeric
working on a Linux system, you on. The chart is linked to the
or row should be highlighted. the formatting of the cell, can do this using pre-installed selected contents, so every time
Right-click on any cell and while retaining its contents.
select format cells. Navigate to Go to Edit > Clear >
Number>Date, and select the Contents to do this. You can
dd/mm/yy convention. Now also use the Edit > Clear
whatever date you enter in the > Comments to clear all the
row or column will be treated comments in a selection, or the
in this format. Note that this entire sheet.
setting is applied to the selected
cells only, and is not a global Adding a comment to
change. a cell
To add a comment to a cell,
Autosaving right-click on a cell and select
documents Edit Comments. Then type in
Gnumeric has an autosave a comment and hit [Enter].
feature. However, this feature Comments are indicated by
is not enabled by default. a small red triangle in the
To change this setting, go to top-right corner of a cell. To
Tools > Auto Save. Check view a comment, hover the
the “Automatically save every” mouse pointer over this small
checkbox. Enter the interval red triangle, and a small text
in minutes. Leave the “Prompt box should appear with the Creating a chart in Gnumeric
before saving” box unchecked if comment. Right-click on a cell
you don’t want to be disturbed tools. If, however, you change the data in the cells
in the workflow for a save you are working on a you selected to make the chart,
prompt every few minutes. Windows machine, you these changes are reflected in
will need an unpacker the chart in real time.
Using the clear that supports the .gzip
command format (peazip is a Deleting worksheets
The clear command is a great popular one). The data Sometimes it is necessary to
way to get rid of certain kinds is extracted as an .xml delete worksheets. Most of
of information from a cell, file, which is compatible the time, people use only one
without changing others. For with many programs, worksheet. However, some
example, if a cell is formatted and can even be opened operations create and enter
according to a particular date, in a text editor. data into a new worksheet.
then it is possible to retain the When such operations are
date formatting, while deleting Inserting charts automated, the data is not
the contents of the cell. To in a worksheet entered into an existing blank
do this, select the cells, the Creating a chart in worksheet, but instead in
row, or the column and go to gnumeric is a simple a new worksheet. This can
Edit > Clear > Formats. process. After entering clutter the work area with too
Alternatively, you can clear Adding a comment to a cell the data, select the many worksheets. To remove
Digit | August 2009 | vol 9: 58 | www.thinkdigit.com
Tips & Tricks
a worksheet, right-click on the operation. Check the Include
worksheet, and select Remove. Chart checkbox in this tab if
Although the help manual says you also want the operation to
that this operation cannot be be charted. The Output tab lets
undone, it can, so don’t worry you choose the output location.
about loss of data when you are The safest location is a new
doing this. It is also a good idea worksheet, which is the one
to allocate custom names to selected by default. Click on
worksheets, to manage a large OK. A new worksheet should
number of worksheets, or to be created, with a neat table,
avoid confusion. Double-click headers and a chart if you have
on a worksheet, and enter text chosen to include one.
to rename it.
Freeze panes
Statistical analysis When working with a large
Some advanced functionality amount of data, it is convenient
is included by default in to have the header rows always
Gnumeric, through the displayed, irrespective of how
menu, which would involve far into the worksheet you have
entering complex formulae scrolled. This avoids the need
in other worksheets. This to scroll back to the top of a
7zip’s benchmark feature in action
feature of Gnumeric makes worksheet to find out which
it popular in the scientific header a particular data entry separate folders. Adding folders folder can be difficult. If you
community, and is particularly comes under. To do this, select is done by first accessing the need to compress files of a
useful to mathematicians, the header row by clicking on folder in 7zip, then clicking particular format, then you
scientists and statisticians. The the appropriate section head on the Favorites > Add have to select them separately.
Tools>Statistical Analysis has number, or simply select the folder to Favorites as, 7zip has a unique feature that
a range of options to choose cells that you want to freeze. and then selecting a slot. automatically lets you select
from. We will show an example Then go to View > Freeze Accessing the folders is done all file formats of a kind. Click
of the Forecast function. Go Panes. You can do this for rows similarly using the same menu. on a file of a particular format,
to Tools>Statistical as well as columns, and at the Keyboard shortcuts such as then click on Select by Type.
Analysis>Forecast>Expo same time. Select the row or Alt + (Number) can also be Similarly, you can select all the
nential Smoothing. There the column, and go to View > used to open the folder. files and then deselect certain
are five smoothing approaches Unfreeze Panes to remove formats by clicking on Edit >
available, and configured by the freezing. Doing this without Using the flat view Deselect by Type.
default. Select one of these, and selecting any row or column The flat view is a way of
remember to toggle between will unfreeze all the Panes in viewing files in 7zip where all 7zip as a file manager
the column and row radio the worksheet. the contents of the subfolders 7zip can be used with a 2-pane
button, depending on how are displayed within the root configuration which offers
your worksheet is laid out. 7zip folder. This way, you don’t have better flexibility. Files can be
You can tweak the input in the 7zip is an open source to go looking through all the dragged and dropped between
Input tab. The Options tab compression tool developed subfolders looking for a specific two separate folders. 7zip has
has error correction and factor for the Windows operating file. The flat view can be toggled many more features that make
options with reference to the system. The utility supports by clicking on View > Flat it a very good file manager
decompression View. alternative to Windows
of almost every Explorer. Files can be copied
compression format Benchmarking your and moved using the function
available and it can PC key shortcuts [F5] and [F6].
also compress to Compressing files is a highly There’s even a feature to add
7z, Zip, and some CPU intensive task that also comments for files which can
others. It’s a good requires a lot of memory. Really be handy if you have too many
free alternative high compression levels can similarly named files.
to commercial stress components, so it makes
packages such a good benchmark. You can use Compress using a
as WinZip and it to compare the performance single core
WinRAR. of different computers and it When 7zip compresses files, it
is used by some test labs. The uses all the available cores. This
Quickly benchmark utility can be run may affect the performance of
accessing using the Tools menu. The other applications running at
folders dictionary size option will affect the same time. To reduce the
For folders that the memory consumption of load, you can allot the number
you need to access 7zip. of processors that 7zip is
quickly, 7zip has a allowed to use. The window
favourites option Selecting files by that is used to create an archive
where you can format has an option Number of CPU
Automatically analysing data bookmark up to ten Selecting files in an organized threads. For example, if you
Digit | August 2009 | vol 9: 59 | www.thinkdigit.com
Tips & Tricks
password can also be encrypted access to convert any file to
using the AES-256 standard. PDF by simply right-clicking on
This can also be done for SFX it. It can be downloaded from
archives. During extraction, www.pdfforge.org/products/
the programme will prompt pdfcreator/download
the user to enter the correct
password. Creating PDFs
There are multiple ways of
Moving back the creating PDFs using PDF
folder structure Creator. The first one is
7zip’s toolbar is really basic through the regular file menu
and has no folder navigation or print process of the default
buttons on it. The way to move programme that handles a
The two panel view makes working with multiple folders easy back is to press the backspace particular document type.
key. To move to the root of all Simply click on the print option
have a four core processor, you using a compression tool and the drives, press \. If you prefer and select PDF Creator as the
can force 7zip to use three of send it to someone, the PC on to move back up the folder printer. Shoot the print order
those threads. The last one can the other end also requires structure using a shortcut link, and the application will open
be used to run your browser or a utility like 7zip. Asking the it can be enabled by clicking on a dialogue box where you
your instant messenger without person to download, install and Tools > Options and then can choose the file name and
any loss in performance. learn how to use the tool might on the Settings tab. Enable the other details of the resulting
not always be practical. The Show “..” items checkbox to get file. Click Save to create the
Quickly splitting files SFX archive feature allows 7zip a link for the previous folder. PDF. The alternate way is
Many a times, we have to to create an executable archive by right clicking on a file in
deal files that are larger than where the user simply needs to PDF Creator Windows Explorer and clicking
a flash drive, or of a CD or double click on the archive to PDF Creator is a sourceforge on “Create PDF and Bitmap
open source project. It’s a files with PDF creator”. The
powerful PDF creation tool third route is from within
that installs itself as a virtual the application itself. Click
printer in all Windows-based on Document > Add and
programmes that have the select file. Alternatively, press
ability to print documents such [Ctrl] + [Insert]. The
as Word, Excel and Powerpoint. application even has support
So, with it you can save almost for drag and drop.
any file or document into the
pdf format. The application Sending generated
also integrates itself into the files via email
Windows Explorer context The programme has the ability
menu, allowing you quick to attach created files directly
The load on the system can be drastically reduced by limiting the number of CPU
threads
DVD. Splitting files is one of uncompress it. To create an SFX
7zip’s features. To split a file, archive, click the Create SFX
right-click on a large file in 7zip archive checkbox in the Add to
and click on Split Files. Choose Archive window.
one of the presets available or
type in the size of the pieces Making password
in bytes. To add the files back protected archives
together, select the first file 7zip can password protect
of the sequence and click on files so your data doesn’t fall
File > Combine files. into the wrong hands. The
way this is done is by adding a
Creating executable password to the archive. During
archive the archive creation, enter a
If you have to compress a file password and reconfirm it. The Creating a PDF
Digit | August 2009 | vol 9: 60 | www.thinkdigit.com
Tips & Tricks
to emails. Follow the creation right-clicking on the printer and
process as you normally going to printer properties. In
would. When the save window the sharing tab, check the box
appears, asking you to enter for share printer. Now configure
certain details about the file, a path in the autosave options
click on the eMail button. You and you can start dumping
will be prompted to save the created PDFs remotely to a
file, and you will have to specify specified location.
a location. This is necessary
for the programme to be able Encrypt PDFs
to attach the file. Once this With PDF creator you can also
is done, your default email Encrypt PDFs and protect
programme will be launched, them from being opened with
and the file will be already up to 128-bit encryption. To
attached. do this, click on Printer >
Options and go to the formats
Creating other drop down button and click
formats on PDF format. In the security
The application has support tab, check the Use security box.
to create other formats such Choose the encryption method
as PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP, PCX, and encryption level - you have
PS and EPS. To have a look a choice of 40-bit (low) and
at settings for each of these 128-bit (high). After this, you
formats, go to Printer can set various permissions
> Options and click the such as disallowing only
collapsible link for formats. printing, modification, copying,
Here resolutions, compatibility, or all of them. Check the
etc. can be set for each of ‘Password to open document
the format types. To actually box’. Click save when done.
convert to the desired format
when the save window appears, Autosave options Twitter
choose format from the drop- Twitter is the latest micro
down list for “Save Type As” name, computer name and file Save Mode to automatically blogging/social networking
count, from the drop-down list. save documents to a specified tool to take the web 2.0 world
Queuing files Specify the destination folder directory with pathnames and by storm. People seem to be
PDF Creator has the ability and click Save. / or filename tokens. Make sure quite divided about what they
to queue files. Simply add the users have rights to save feel about it. Some hate the
files to convert to PDF in the Merge files in that folder or path. Make concept, while others can’t
regular fashion by clicking on To merge multiple files into sure to create a share for the stop using it. Nevertheless, the
the + button or [Ctrl] + one, open a file from PDF printer with user access rights service allows you to send small
[Insert]. Then in the save Creator by clicking on the belonging to yourself. This is messages called tweets into the
dialogue box click the Wait + + button or [Ctrl] + done from the control panel by twittersphere (an imaginary
Collect button. The file will be [Insert]. Remember, the
added to the queue. You can default file format will be PS,
then give a print order. change it to All Files. Then, in
the save dialogue box click Wait
Autosave + Collect button. Then add
Auto-Save Mode allows the the other files that you want
user to automatically create to merge. Once you’ve queued
PDFs with predefined settings them, click the combine all
and save them to a predefined button in the tool bar. Name
location. When Auto-Save Mode the new file and click save.
is enabled PDFCreator does
not ask for a filename and a Create PDFs via
location. To configure autosave, network
click Printer > Autosave. To access this feature you
In the options, click on the will have to choose the server
Autosave button and check the installation instead of the
box for Use Autosave. Specify standard installation, during
the file type you want to save the installation process.
as. PDF Creator allows you to Choose additional drivers for
save not only PDF, but various all operating systems such
other formats. Then specify as Windows 98/NT that will
how you would like to name access this virtual printer on
the file. You can add tokens the network. With a server
to the name such as author installation, you can use Auto- Encryption settings
Digit | August 2009 | vol 9: 61 | www.thinkdigit.com
Tips & Tricks
world in cyberspace that is
inhibited by people who tweet).
But there is a lot more to twitter
than just sending out such
140 character long messages.
Through twitter’s powerful API,
people have been able to do
some quite amazing things with
the little birdie. Here we’ll take
you through some of the basics
as well as tricky tips that you can
use to get the most out of twitter.
Understanding
symbols
Anyone new to Twitter will see
Using twubble to increase followers
a lot of “@” and “#” being used.
The former is a way to address
your post as a reply to another automatically tweet the latest text longer than 140 characters your flickr account from here,
user. So if you want to reply to a tech news from your account at (http://shorttext.com/twitzer. and give some text to go along.
user by the name of “xxx”, you predefined intervals. One of the aspx). Once you install the The text will automatically
will type “@xxx” followed by best uses of this is to put your extension, simply ignore the become a twitter update
your message to the user. The last.fm tracks feed into your negative counter, right click with a link to your photo.
latter is a hashtag. Hashtags are twitter account. So any new anywhere on the page and While you are linking the two
a way of grouping or segregating track you play is automatically click “Twitzer Text”. Your text accounts, be sure to complete
topics on twitter. Its a concept twitted. Yotwits does not need is shortened and an extension the authorisation process
borrowed from IRC. You will registration while twitterfeed link is created. If the one carefully. Yahoo! will require
have to follow “hashtags” for does. viewing the post also has the you to authorise Flicktotwitt to
your hashtags to get indexed. extension, the user simply has access your flickr account. The
Head over to hashtags.org to see Twitter trends to right-click and say “De- other option for Firefox users
how they manage these tags. Do you know what Twitzer text” to view in the is to use the flickr2twitter add-
#Twanuvaad is? Neither did same place. Be careful with this on. This one too is similar in
Expanding your we, but suddenly everyone on one though; people don’t like terms of functions.
twitter bubble twitter was talking about it for to read long boring lectures via
The trick to expanding your some time. You can head over twitter. Use clients
twitter followers is by following to whatthetrend.com to find Twitter applications such as
more people. Follow to be out about the latest topics that Tweet your photos Tweetdeck and seesmic are
followed is the mantra. But you are trending on twitter. The To tweet pictures from your much better than using the
can’t just go about following web site also gives you a short flickr account you can use twitter web page. Applications
people randomly. One of the summary of why the particular http://flicktotwit.com. It’s such as these allow for much
best tools to help you get topic is trending. Twanuvaad, a nice service that allows greater functionality. For
started is Twubble. It simply by the way, is the literal integration between your instance, Tweetdeck (which
finds other people who you’re translation of Hindi movie twitter and flickr accounts. seems to be the favourite
connected to and picks out dialogues to English posted on You can upload pictures to lately) gives you a subject and
people who you may like to twitter.
follow (http://crazybob.org/
twubble/). Monitor specific
topics
Put feeds into twitter By using search.twitter.com
RSS feeds can be automatically you can search for and monitor
posted through your twitter specific topics that people are
account. Twitter’s API allows talking about. Once you give a
for this though third-party search term, you can even set
sites such as yotwits.com and up a feed for it. This feed will
twitterfeed.com. All you have let you know every moment
to do is get the RSS feed URL when someone talks about
and enter it into these services your keyword. This is also very
along with your twitter account useful for companies.
details. There are also certain
predefined news feeds available Go beyond 140
that the web site will suggest. characters
These will be divided according Some people find that 140
to category, such as, say Tech characters is too little space
news. If you put this feed into to get by. Twitzer is a Firefox
your twitter stream, it will extension which lets you post See what people are currently talking about Digit on search.twitter.com
Digit | August 2009 | vol 9: 62 | www.thinkdigit.com
Tips & Tricks
know what’s going on in used for Facebook status
the world. You can keep a messages. All you need to
constant watch on Tweeter do is add the account to
for all kinds of topic. Click on Tweetdeck by clicking on the
the Twitter Search icon in the distinctive Facebook icon on
toolbar. Type the keywords the toolbar. Enter your user ID
including operators such as and password and a new panel
AND and OR. For example, should appear with updates
you can look for people from your friends.
posting things about rains in You can also post status
Mumbai. In this case, we use messages to Facebook or
Mumbai AND Rain. to multiple accounts using
Tweetdeck. Click on Tweet,
Creating user groups then select the accounts to
When you have too many which you want to post the
friends on your Twitter list, messages. You can also attach
you need to sort and put images at the same time.
them into groups. Click on
the group icon on the toolbar. Viewing Tweetdeck’s
Enter a name for your group recommendations
– office, school, internet Tweetdeck also recommends
friends, etc. Now, check the a number of users and groups
boxes next to all the friends for you to follow. To view this
you want in that group. Click list, click on the Tweetdeck
Flicktotwitt upload interface Save group. You can also filter recommends tool. A list of
friends by typing their name popular keywords will appear
keyword filter, thus separating there. Tweetdeck has loads of in the text field. A new pane with popularity denoted
information of interest. The features any Twitter fan will will be created in Tweetdeck. by the size of the font. This
AdobeAIR application has love. Tweetdeck isn’t only a Tweetdeck adds new panes information is gathered by
support for integrating your Windows application. It runs when you create new groups the online service, TwitScoop
Facebook account as well. on a software environment or use any of the features. (www.twitscoop.com)
It has in-built features like called Adobe Air. It’s available
TwitPic (a way of sharing for Windows, Linux and Adding Facebook to Short URL and photo
pictures on twitter), url Mac OS X. Download it Tweetdeck uploading services
shortening and translation from http://www.adobe. Tweetdeck doesn’t only work Twitter uses separate services
tools. You can of course also com/products/air/. Once with Twitter; it can also be that let you upload photos to
send out updates from here you’ve done this, download
as well. Tweetdeck from www.
tweetdeck.com. The installer
Tweetdeck should start automatically.
More and more people are
getting hooked on to Twitter. Searching for topics
The number of followers or keywords
keeps increasing and there’s There’s a lot of activity on
just too much information Twitter and people want to
Tweetdeck interface Adding multiple Twitter IDs and Facebook account to Tweetdeck
Digit | August 2009 | vol 9: 63 | www.thinkdigit.com
Tips & Tricks
Tweetdeck refreshes content sends out a Tweet with the
every few minutes. If you setting. Other users who use
want updates in real time, Tweetdeck might find these
you can turn the refresh rate settings worth trying.
down to somewhere around
25 seconds. This option Showing preview of
is available in the Twitter short URLs
API section of the Settings Almost every URL that is
window. Move the slider posted on Twitter uses a
controls for all the events to short version using some
100 per cent. online service or the other.
There are also spammers on
Customising the Twitter who advertise links.
Tweetdeck interface It’s only after you click and
Tweetdeck allows its colour open the link in a browser
scheme to be altered easily. that you know what content
Click on Settings, then on the the page holds. Tweetdeck
Selecting which online services to use for uploading images
the internet. People also post users who use feed readers,
links, but the link address can opening up links and images
be a little too long for Twitter. in browsers is preferable.
There is a number of services There’s an option to force Changing refresh intervals for Tweetdeck
which can shorten URLs. You Tweetdeck to open images in
can choose which service you your default browser. Click on Colours/Font option. Click on has a feature which generates
want to use by default. Click Settings, then on the checkbox the colour you want to change, a preview of the page for you.
on Settings > Services, for Open photo links in web then select the new colour Enable it by checking the
then select the services you pages. from the palette displayed. You Show preview information
want to use at the bottom of can also set a different font. for short URLs option. The
the screen. Click Save. Optimising viewing The toolbar icons have next time you open a link, a
area some illumination set by short 2-3 line brief of the link
Finding popular While Tweetdeck might have default and there’s a slider will be displayed and also the
tweets a very attractive looking which lets you change the complete link. The number
Almost all of the features in interface, it does use up a brightness. There’s even a of clicks that the link has
Tweetdeck big part of Tweet Colors button which received is also shown.
open up as twitter.com/digitindia the desktop
separate panels. workspace.
Follow @ DigitIndia on Twitter
Each of panels Tweetdeck
to receive up-to-date news
contain tweets. does not let the
on technology and on what
To see which goes on at Digit everyday.
user change
tweets are more View photos and updates of the width of
popular, click products being tested in the each column.
on the “Show test lab and wise cracks from There is a
what is popular Agent001! way to do this
in this column” though. Click
button at the on Settings and
bottom of that panel. check the Narrow columns
checkbox under the General
Opening photo links tab.
in a separate window
When image links are opened Setting up refreshing
in Tweetdeck, they appear as a rates
popup. There is no way to save There are a lot of tweets being
these images. It also covers made every single minute,
up Tweetdeck and is resource but Tweetdeck doesn’t
intensive. As with other refresh that often. By default, Customising colours and fonts for Tweetdeck
Digit | August 2009 | vol 9: 64 | www.thinkdigit.com
Q&A
First GT210 and GT220 graphic
Eurocom launches a Nehalem
cards appear on the internet
based laptop - D900F Panther
Your questions, our answers
All your computer niggles and nags are dealt with here!
burning program to write the
Can’t open files AVI as a video DVD.
I have an Intel Core 2 Duo Disk images of operating
powered PC with 1 GB of systems such as Linux
memory and 160-GB hard drive distributions are bootable
running on Windows XP. The images. You can simply burn
hard drive has four partitions them to the disk. Don’t burn
– three of them are 40 GB each them as a file on the disk, but
and the last one is 29 GB. There as a disk image. For example,
is a folder containing about 30 in Nero Burning ROM, click on
GB of data in the E drive. All files Recorder > Burn Image.
in this folder are shown properly Choose the image file, set a
and even Windows XP recognises speed for writing and burn the
them. The folder has AVI, MKV disk. To be able to boot from
and MP3 files. When I double- the CD or DVD, you’ll have to
click on any of these files, they set your optical drive as the
don’t open. I tried using VLC, but Deleting the partition from a drive primary boot drive from the
it wouldn’t open them either. BIOS.
Sometimes, I get a message format to the VOB format so I
saying Access is denied. I don’t If there isn’t any important can play them on my DVD player. Logon problem
want to lose the data so I don’t data on the drive, the simplest I have images of a few oper- I have an Intel Pentium 4 system
want to format the partition. fix is to delete all the partitions ating systems. I don’t know how running Windows XP SP2 with
Animish Vaidya on it. To do this, click on to create a bootable disk. Kindly a 3-GHz processor and 1 GB of
Start > Control Panel help me with the complete memory. I have a problem with
The problem you are facing > Administrative Tools process of how to create a the logon screen. When I turn on
could be due to permissions > Computer Management. bootable CD/DVD so that I can my PC, I can’t find the Welcome
for that drive or partition. If Click on Disk Management. install them on my system. screen. With fast user switch-
you were previously running a Right-click on the partition on P. Parikshit ing turned on, it automatically
different operating system, the the flash drive and click Delete opens to Windows.
rights and permissions for a Volume. Use similar steps to It’s difficult to find a single Bishwas Gurung
partition might still be present. recreate a partition in the free program that can convert every
You need to authenticate space. format to VOB. You might Setting a password to
using the same user name and have to use a combination of your current account might
password to access the folder. How to burn? programs. Check out Media help. If your Windows XP
Create a new user through I have a lot of movies on my Coder (http://mediacoder. runs on a single user without
the Control Panel with the hard disk and I want to burn sourceforge.net). Convert the a set password, it might
previously used credentials and them on DVDs. Suggest me an videos you want to AVIs using automatically boot into the
try accessing the drive. You can easy-to-use burning program the Xvid codec. Use Nero after desktop. Go to the Control
also change the permissions by that can convert every video that or any other popular DVD Panel and set a password to
right-clicking on a particular the account. If you are using
drive or folder and clicking on some customised version of
the Security tab. Windows, then the autologin
might be a feature of that
Flash drive woes program.
I have a 2 GB Transcend pen
drive. I locked it using a data
Get Help Now!
locking program and gave it to E-mail us your computing
one of my friends. He formatted problems along with your contact
it and now, it only shows 1 GB as details and complete system
configuration to sos@thinkdigit.
usable. The pen drive shows up
com, and we might answer them
as empty but it contains 1 GB of
here! Since we get many more
data. I also tried formatting but
mails per day than we can handle,
it hasn’t helped. Give me a solu- it may take some time for your
tion for the problem. query to be answered. Rest
Sourav Paramanik assured, we are listening!
Burning a disk image using Nero
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 97
Q&A Terre Star launches the
FreeDOS turned 15 this first satellite Windows
June Mobile phone
MS Word errors Splitting DVD files
I transferred a few Office 2007 Can we split the contents of a
Word files from my laptop to DVD into two or more CDs so
a CD and then deleted them that Windows automatically asks
from my laptop. However, while for the second CD after installing
trying to open these files from the first one?
the CD, with Office compatibility Vivek Agarwal
pack installed, the result was Splitting data on multiple
pages filled with tiny square DVDs or CDs is simple if you
symbols. Similarly, on some use WinRAR. While creating
instances, a message showed an archive, use the Split to
up “Select the encoding that volumes feature to split the
makes your document read- archive into separate files.
able: 1. Windows (Default); 2. Executable archives can also be
MS-DOS; 3. Other encoding”. made using WinRAR. Here, the
The preview page offered the application will ask you to enter
options filled with tiny square the location of the next file. You
character symbols with the can switch the CD then and
The book type setting can be changed in Nero Burning ROM
text “Page Break” and “Column continue the extraction.
Break”. None of the options
worked. Why is Windows behav- Notebook vs laptop The most prominent feature If you look for the
ing like this and what is the Can you explain the difference with DVD+R is that it allows Recycle Bin in the registry,
solution? between a laptop and a note- changing of a feature called you will find an entry for it.
Pulin C Barthakur book? I also want to know the bit-setting which offers better One of the simpler ways to
difference between DVD-R and compatibility with other drives. rename the icon is to use a
If it’s behaving in the same DVD+R. When I purchase blank free program called Desktop
manner on every computer, DVDs, the shopkeeper gives me Flash drive problem Renamer (http://iconico.com/
then it most likely is a DVD-R and sometimes DVD +R. I am a reader of your magazine desktopRenamer/).
problem with the file. The data Rajesh Kumar and have been reading it since
might not have been burnt last year. I like it very much. I have Empty desktop
properly and the file might be There is no difference a Kingston pen drive and it was I have installed Windows XP SP2
corrupted. Try copying the file between a notebook and a working properly until a few days on my computer. Whenever I
to your drive and open it with laptop. Notebook is just one back, when a folder named NEW start my computer, it shows my
a different word processor or of the newer terms used to FOLDER has been created in it. desktop without any icons and
even on online office suites describe laptops. I am unable to remove it. I have then, the computer shuts down
such as Google Docs. If you For all practical purposes, even formatted my pen drive automatically. I tried to format
still have problems, then the DVD-R and DVD+R aren’t any but it just won’t go. My antivirus my C drive, but the virus comes
file is definitely corrupted. different from each other. They doesn’t remove it either. What back again.
are both writeable DVD disks. should I do about it ? Nilesh Chauhan
Shubham
The problems you are
The New Folder in your facing are due to a virus. If
flash drive is created by a virus. your PC is connected to an ISP
Install a different antivirus
and scan the drive to
remove the virus. The DVD
bundled with the July issue
of Digit had trial versions of
many antivirus solutions.
Install one of the suites
and update them to scan
the flash drive. If your PC
is also infected, then the
flash drive might be getting
infected every time you
connect it to the PC.
New Recycle Bin
I want to rename the Recycle
Bin to a name of my choice.
I tried renaming it using the
registry editor but I couldn’t.
I am using Windows XP. Desktop Renamer allows renaming of icons on
Using WinRAR to compress to fit multiple disks Bishal Chhetri Windows
98 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Overclockers push the
Q&A
Phenom II 955 beyond GMail finally went out of beta
7 GHz after five years
n
network, those viruses might be I have purchased ASUS Striker 2 become faulty. our ow
infecting your PC. Disconnect NSE motherboard. Does it support The reason for
Make y
any cables during and after Core i7 processors? If not, which the fault is still
Windows installation, upgrade processor should I buy? unknown and
your Windows to SP3 and Aslam Qureshi my assembler Be a part of the first ever community created
install an antivirus. Avoid using has no idea Digit Fast Track. You get to collaborate,
any flash drives or executing The ASUS Striker 2 NSE either. The create and control everything from the cover
any files on any other partitions board is based on the NVIDIA earthing at my to the contents. For more information,
as they might be infected. 790 SLI chipset. It doesn’t place is fine. go to page 38, or visit
support Core i7 processors. However, since www.thinkdigit.com/digitosp
System instability You need an LGA1366 the time my
My PC has a 2.8 GHz dual-core socket motherboard for an i7 new PSU was
processor, 2 GB DDR2 RAM, processor. If you need a fast installed (last two days), the PC You mentioned that
NVIDIA 9400 graphics card. It processor for gaming, an Intel has a strange booting problem. your power supply and
hangs on regular intervals of Core 2 Duo E8500 or E8600 The power LED (blue) stays on, drive got spoilt. Some of the
a few seconds. I use a home will do. For more intensive but the hard disk LED remains components might have also
licensed Avast antivi- off. I get a total been damaged due to the
rus. It says that there blank screen. same problem. Try powering
is a virus. I regular There are no error up the PC while connected
update it . Also, beeps. I have tried to the power point bypassing
when I start my PC, it fitting the RAM the UPS. See if it boots. Also,
automatically opens in alternate slots, check for loose connections.
the My Documents but the problem Check the power connectors
folder. A Window still persists. going to the motherboard and
script menu is also Sometimes, when the graphic card.
displayed. Hope you I restart the
can help me fix these machine it boots Memory loss
problems. fine and at other I have a PC running a Gigabyte
Vikram times, the usual motherboard and a Pentium
problem. I have III processor (735 MHz). I have
The scripting Windows XP and installed a 256MB SD RAM
errors that you see Vista Ultimate module, but the computer only
when your PC boots setup in a dual shows 128 MB. The other 128MB
up is because of a boot configuration. is not put to use. I’m really
worm or virus. If Intel’s Core i7 line of processors uses the new LGA1366 socket My system specifi- puzzled. What might be the
your PC locks up cations: cause for this problem and what
every now and then, that too media content editing and C2D E7300, ASUS P5Q-E Mobo, is the solution?
could be because of the worm. creation, a Q9550 would be Palit Radeon HD4870 1GB DDR5 Karthik Janarthanan
One of the ways to fix it is better suited. GPU, 4 GB Corsair 800MHz
to try a different antivirus or memory, CM690 cabinet, Dell The graphics solution on
security suite. PC beeps and blanks 19-inch LCD, Emerson Liebert the motherboard might be
I have an HP computer that 600 VA UPS. Suggest a viable using system memory. Boot
Explorer crashes is powered by a 230-W PSU. I solution. I’m getting really frus- into the BIOS and check for the
Whenever I open My Computer bought a Leadtek PX9600GT trated. allocated memory.
and close it, an error message graphics card. I used an LCD Amitava
shows up “Windows Explorer monitor that was later damaged.
encountered a problem and needs I started using my old 14-inch
to close. We are sorry for the CRT. When it boots, a long beep
inconvenience” Why is this so? can be heard from my cabinet,
Achuth Krishnan the screen goes black and the
orange indicator turns on.
Explorer might crashing Saif
due to a number of reasons. A To begin with, a 230W
virus, faulty memory or even a PSU is not really sufficient for
corrupted file could be causing running a GeForce 9600GT
it. First, run a thorough virus graphics card. The beep you
scan of the entire system, are hearing is an alarm. Get a
then run Memtest86+ (www. power supply with a higher
memtest.org) to check for any rating such as 450W or higher.
problems with the memory. If
nothing works, try running a Booting problem!
repair operation for Windows I recently had to change both
using the bootable disk. my PSU (Corsair TX 650) and my
HDD (Seagate 500GB 7200.11
Upgrading to i7? ST3500820AS) which had Memory allocated for the onboard graphics can be set in the BIOS
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 99
Best Buys Price watch
Agent 001 105 Killer rigs to suit your
needs and budget 106 Latest prices of PMPs, CPU coolers
and external HDDs
Even motherboards heat up,
Agent goes on a
particularly the Northbridge and
cooling spree and
Southbridge chips that need
hunts down However,
additional cooling.elusive
most motherboard manufacturers
aftermarket CPU and
provide either heatpipe solutions
GPU cooling solutions
for their higher end line or
heatsinks with ample fins or a
small fan to cool these chips.
Nearly all high-performance, low
latency RAM also comes with
aluminium heatspreaders to
dissipate heat produced in the
memory chips. However the heat
produced in CPUs and graphics
cards is much more than the
heat produced in memory and
motherboards. Especially if you
opt for a high-end configuration,
stock cooling may not cut it.
Since the processor and
graphics solutions are by far the
biggest culprits when it comes
to producing heat, I’m going
to cover solutions available for
cooling them down. You might
ask yourself – why should I spend
2000 bucks on an aftermarket
cooler when I already have a
cooler with my CPU / attached to
my graphics card? Quite simply,
these coolers are designed to be
just about adequate. Moreover,
the geographical regions where
companies like Intel, AMD and
NVIDIA test the efficiency of such
coolers are generally much cooler
The real chill factor
Agent001
agent001@thinkdigit.com
fair job of keeping entry-level and
mid-range components cool, even
the radiator block and fan over
time. Fan bearings gradually wear
than India and such solutions are
rarely adjusted for the tropics. In
these components benefit from down because of dust and their cases where your CPU or GPU
I
after-market cooling solutions rpm slowly decreases – and this is producing more heat than the
f you’re one of those people with lower temperatures, longer happens irrespective of how good thermal solution can dissipate,
who’ve been following working life spans and less noise. the fan. I’ve actually experimented an aftermarket solution will
technology for the last six Remember, heat is the universal with measuring the rpm of a new control temperatures. Previously,
years or so the term room enemy of all integrated circuitry fan and again measuring it after aftermarket coolers were a rarity
heater would mean more than and an increase in temperature six months sans maintenance in India but this has changed for
just the electrical device we use of 10 degrees Celsius can bring and was surprised to see its speed CPU coolers at least.
to lessen the severity of winter about a 25 per cent decrease in reduced by 15 per cent, and I’m The concept of using
indoors. Critics used to refer the total life of the product, and talking about a good fan I bought heatpipes to whisk away heat
to Intel’s Pentium 4 processors this applies to CPUs, graphics for 500 bucks – the average 100 is also common, and many
by this nickname owing to the cards, RAM, HDDs and just about rupee fan will likely conk off in aftermarket solutions utilise
extraordinary temperatures they any IC. under a year. Obviously, the more heatpipes embedded amid the
would reach. Another infamous In India, an additional enemy powerful the system you build fins. Remember from your physics
component was NVIDIAs is dust. Dust reduces working the more cooling and ventilation that the larger the surface area
GeForce 5800 Ultra, fondly called efficiency of heatsinks, fans and it requires. Cooling is also of metal in contact with air the
the dust buster because of the just about any cooling solution. dependent on cabinet ventilation; better the cooling; therefore
Shrikrishna Patkar
whirring sound its fan produced Even a liquid cooling solution after all fans need to suck air from the larger the heatsink and the
when spinning at full tilt. experiences a decrease in working the environment and blow it on to more fins the better cooling it
While stock cooling does a efficiency due to dust build up on hot components. will provide, although a lot also
100 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
The latest Radeon HD 4890 and
GeForce GTX 285 GPUs are cooler
Copper makes for the ideal
component when designing heatsinks.
Agent 001
than their predecessors and don’t Unfortunately it’s prone to corrosion
require additional cooling especially in contact with moisture
depends on the assembly of the models with slightly better N520 is also heavy at 688 grams, slapping heatspreaders (available
unit. Most CPU heatsinks are specifications than the stock certainly heavier than most with many local vendors) on
built to accommodate either 120 coolers, while others are full 92mm fan-based coolers. just about any memory. Value
mm or 92 mm fans. Obviously, blown coolers with large fans, Thermalrights Ultima 90i memory doesn’t require any
the smaller the fan the smaller the heatpipes and such. Thermalright is the one I use on my Q9650, heatsink to dissipate heat and
heatsink will be. These heatsinks is another brand that caters to and this cooler is priced at Rs. any heatspreader will likely trap
are also called tower heatsinks the high-end user with some 2,400. It’s superbly built with what little heat is generated and
owing to their height, which is high performance CPU coolers. six heatpipes and everything is cause more problems. OCZ
much more than normal stock The default LGA Intel 775 CPU nickel plated to avoid corrosion. has a memory cooler called the
heatsink solutions. cooler will set you back by around Unfortunately, this excellent Memory Cooler XTC available
When shopping for a CPU Rs. 500, while the AMD Socket heatsink doesn’t come with a fan for Rs. 1,200; it’s got two blue-
cooler one also needs to take AM2+ cooler retails for around Rs. – a minor irritation compared to LED fans and will cool all four
into consideration the depth of 400 – there is another one for Rs. its superb cooling. A good 92mm DIMM slots. It sits atop the RAM
the cabinet. Since these coolers 600, this one has two embedded fan from the likes of NMB will modules blowing air on to them.
are high, some of them might heatpipes. CoolerMaster’s Hyper cost you Rs. 600. For Rs. 3,000 Other than this cooler there
interfere with the side panel fitting TX 2 Super is the first step-up you will have a cooler that cools a are no other active (fan based)
– please make a note of this when from the regular heatsinks and Q9650 running at 4.2 GHz to 53 memory coolers available, save
shopping for one. Also most of comes with a 92 mm fan and degrees, and at stock speeds, (3.0 the Corsair Dominator cooler that
these coolers use copper for the three copper heatpipes. It’s GHz), my CPU never crosses 48 ships with Corsair’s Dominator
base, (the part that contacts the ordinary looking, but built well degrees. memory range.
heat spreader on the CPU). This and ships with brackets and The Ultra 120 Extreme is a GPU coolers are slightly more
is because copper is a superior adapters for both Intel LGA 775 heatsink based around a 120mm exotic since PCBs and GPUs
conductor of heat compared to and AMD sockets. Priced at Rs. fan and is the pinnacle of the themselves within a particular
aluminium or steel. In case you 1,600, this cooler is effective, Thermalright range at Rs. 3,400 generation have no specified
are living in a coastal region, certainly better than the stock and represents one of the best size or interface. Therefore a
ensure that the cooler you choose coolers, but it won’t be very attempts at a top performing GPU cooler built for, say, an
has some sort of plating (usually effective at cooling overclocked air-based CPU cooler, I’ve tested 8800 GT won’t work on an
nickel) on the heatpipes and quad cores. CoolerMasters Hyper it, and can safely say that it’s the 8800 GTX, simply because the
fins since copper corrodes with 212 Super is the next option. choice if you want the best overall layout of the cards differ greatly.
moisture. Most after-market CPU Another point worth noting is
coolers come with a fan, although Heat, dust and humidity are together that not all GPUs need cooling,
a few heatsinks are bundled your PC’s worst enemies for example the GeForce 8800
without fans. Enthusiasts prefer GTX GPU used to generate a lot
these since the choice of fan is Priced at Rs. 2,500 this cooler performer. Unfortunately, a good of heat, but the much faster GTX
flexible while for most users comes with one 120 mm fan 120mm fan will often cost up to 285 is relatively cool thanks to
the fan is another expense. but can use another in a push- Rs. 850, meaning you’ll spend improvements in manufacturing
Remember that the larger the pull configuration. It has four a little over Rs. 4,000 for this technology and chip fabrication.
fan the better because larger fans heatpipes and this coupled with solution, placing it embarrassingly Sadly the only decent brand
have a higher cfm rating i.e. they the larger surface area of the fins close to a few of the liquid cooling available in Lamington Road
move more air at the same rpm, brings about greater efficiency in solutions around. CoolerMasters was Thermalright; its HR-03 and
therefore cool more efficiently and dissipating heat, especially when Aquagate S1 is the only liquid HR-03 Plus are available for Rs.
with less noise. using two fans. cooler I could find readily in stock 2,300 and 2,650, respectively.
When looking at a heatpipe- There are two other newer with Lamington Road dealers; Unfortunately both these
based cooler, remember to check entrants from CoolerMaster, CM is the only brand with liquid solutions are pretty outdated
and see how the heatpipes are the Hyper N520 and the Hyper coolers available all over India. and intended for GPUs that are
attached to the base and the fins. N620. The former is priced at Rs. The Aquagate S1 has a 120 mm largely obsolete today. I couldn’t
If things are glued together it’s 2,850 and features two 92mm fan and adapters for AMD and find any liquid cooling kits for
not a good product, since any fans in a push-pull setup. The Intel CPUs. The block is pure GPUs. There are a few solutions
sort of glue or resin is not a good latter uses a beefier heatsink and copper and the S1 makes sense available in the form of simple
conductor of heat and will impede has two 120mm fans. Obviously for crazy overclockers. There are heatsinks and small fans that local
cooling. Ideally, the heatpipes the bigger the better, but for also a few vendors who import assemblers will only be too glad
should be soldered. Liquid some people fitting such a large liquid cooling kits to order. In to mod for your specific graphics
coolers are also available although cooler may be a problem, and in fact, one could order a discrete card, but I think it’s fair to say
these are generally a bit more such cases I highly recommend pump, tubes, fan, radiator and such solutions are okay if you are
complicated to install, costlier the Hyper N520 – I’ve tested coolant from the likes of Swiftech, flogging a five year old graphics
and require more space inside the this and found it to be very which is one of the better card with a dead cooler. I think
cabinet. I feel liquid coolers are efficient, cooling even a QX9650 known builders of liquid cooling it’s also fair to say that today’s
unnecessary for most users except overclocked to 4 GHz to just 50 equipment. However, such generation of graphics cards
the hardcore overclocker who degrees on load. The Hyper N620 kits will cost at least Rs. 8,000, are cool enough not to require
wants to benchmark components should be more efficient and is meaning they’re for hardcore additional cooling. Possibly the
at much-higher-than-default clock priced at Rs. 3,260, but weighs enthusiasts with cash to burn. next generation of DX 11 cards
speeds. a hefty 847 grams, enough to If you purchase enthusiast- will raise temperatures to an
CoolerMaster is one of the damage your motherboard if you grade memory, chances are extent where manufacturers
brands offering a wide range of lug your cabinet around with the memory sticks will come may start designing chip-specific
CPU coolers. Some are basic the cooler attached. The Hyper with heatsinks. I don’t advocate solutions.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 101
Agent 001 Proper airflow is important, just
randomly placing more fans
Lapping is a technique used primarily
for making any surface completely flat
inside a cabinet can actually and allows for a better seal between
raise temperatures that surface and the heatsink
My brother wants to buy a suggest me a good one. My PC Corsair’s VX450 for Rs. 4,500.
multimedia cell phone, with configuration is 2 GB RAM,
decent music playback and good 2.8GHz C2D CPU, ASUS P5KPL I recently upgraded my
camera for taking video and still motherboard. My budget is motherboard to an NVIDIA
images. His budget is Rs. 5,000- around Rs. 4-5k. GeForce 7025/nforce 630a with
6,000. 2GB Hynix RAM. Most of the
Vicky Duggong NVIDIAs GeForce 9600GT games like FEAR, NFS: MW are
is a superb card priced at Rs. running fine but some games
Check out the Sony 6,000 and would really fit the like Resident Evil 4 and Doom 3
Ericsson K660; it’s a good all- bill. Check out the prices of are running poorly, even at low
rounder and well built. It brands like ZOTAC and Palit; graphic settings. Earlier I had a
should be priced at around Rs. their prices will impress and Gainward GeForce FX 5900 XT View Sonic Va1918 (or any better
6,000 on street. may be lower than I have 128 MB, and these games were if u can suggest under 6.5k), RAM
mentioned. Otherwise, you can running fine. Is it because of the - Corsair 2x2 GB DDR2 / Corsair
look at ATi’s Radeon HD4650 integrated graphic card? Please 2x2 GB DDR3
which should be priced at help and kindly suggest a good HDD - Seagate Barracuda 1TB
around the Rs. 4,500 mark. DVD writer under Rs. 1,200. Keyboard + Mouse - Logitech
Bimit Verma Multimedia Combo
I have been reading Digit for Cabinet - Cooler Master CM 690
quite a time. I have decided to Yes, this is a result of SMPS - Zebronics PRO 600w
buy a pc after extensive research. migrating to an integrated GPU - Palit GTX 260 (216sp)
Here are the specs: ASUS P5Q- graphics platform. The onboard sonic ed.
PRO motherboard, Intel Quad GPU is nowhere near as Motherboard - MSI x58 M / Asus
Core Q8200, 2GB Kingston value powerful as the GeForce FX P5N D
Ram, ZOTAC GeForce 250 GTS 5900XT card. I suggest investing UPS - any of your choice under
GPU, Acer AL 1916 LCD monitor, in a new graphics card. Even a 2,000
I have Compaq sr5060il PC Seagate 160 GB SATA 2 HDD, GeForce 9400GT will give you a Sushant Salil
with 1.25 GB of RAM. Can I Samsung SH-S203 DVD writer. nice boost in performance over
upgrade my system to 2x2 GB Please suggest a suitable PSU for anything you have experienced. Hi, firstly, I suggest buying a
RAM? What will it cost me? it. My budget is Rs. 35,000 (can This will cost Rs. 3,500 approx. Core 2 quad over the Core i7 as
Gaurav Kesharwani extend up to a maximum of Rs. If you want something more that platform is costlier. The
40,000). Can I opt for an MSI P45 powerful, look for cards based Q9550 is a good choice at Rs.
The PC you mention has motherboard within this budget? on the GeForce 9600GT GPU. 15,500. Invest in 2x2 GB of
support for 4 GB of RAM, Sougata Nair DDR2 RAM from Corsair, OCZ
therefore upgrading it will be I have a budget of Rs. 9,000 or Kingston. For a monitor I
possible. If you are within the Firstly, you haven’t to Rs. 10,000. I prefer to buy a suggest at least a 22-inch, there’s
warranty period, ask a genuine mentioned what you want to use Symbian phone, preferably a no point in buying a high-end
HP dealer to do the upgrade, or this PC for. If you want a regular Nokia handset but please advice card and gaming on a lower
you will lose your warranty; multimedia PC you could do me for all known companies in resolution, low quality display.
otherwise, else you can do it with a cheaper dual core CPU India. And, should I wait for a Any 22-inch display should be
yourself. 2 x 2 GB sticks can be and a GeForce 9600 GT week or two and will the rates priced at Rs. 12,000 or so, look
used but check the frequency of graphics card. If you specifically fall? Symbian, memory and for our LCD monitor test for a
the RAM used in your PC by want a gaming rig, please go for music are my main priorities good choice. I recommend
using software like CPU-Z, a Core 2 Duo E8400 and buy a respectively. I can spend up to spending a bit more on a
available for download from faster GPU such as the GeForce Rs. 10,500/-. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 260 216 –
http://www.cpuid.com/ GTX 260 or Radeon HD4870 1 Please help these cards have better build
GB, both of which will be priced Aman Arya quality. For a motherboard, look
I needed help in buying a around the Rs. 15,500 mark. at ASUS’ P5Q-Pro priced at Rs.
graphics card. I am something of Also, if you are into multitasking For Rs. 10,500 you may be 10,500. The Zebronics PRO
a gaming freak and wanted one opt for a cheaper GPU and buy able to buy a Nokia N73, 600W is a decent choice, but
with at least 512 MB of video a better CPU such as a Core 2 although the official price is you could get the Corsair TX650
RAM that could play Halo 3 and Quad Q9550. If an MSI P45 higher, the street prices are which is much better, for a high-
Far Cry 2. Could you please board is cheaper, save a bit and lower. If you can get this phone, end config. For a UPS I
go for it. Otherwise the P5Q-Pro it’s a sweet device with great personally recommend
is a super board. For a power music quality and expandable Numerics 800VA offering priced
supply, if you are going for the memory. It’s Symbian based at Rs. 3,500. Hardly any Rs.
faster CPU and GPU I’d and has a very good camera. 2000 UPS’ will provide you the
recommend CoolerMasters Real backup you need with a PC so
Power 500W, a modular PSU I’m considering a PC on a powerful. Also opt for the WD 1
priced at Rs. 6,250. Corsair’s budget of Rs. 75,000 for high-res TB Black Edition over the
TX650 is also available for Rs. gaming. I’ve considered the Seagate 1 TB hard drive – the
6,500. If you are going with a following components: CPU - Intel WD model is a bit faster and
dual core CPU and a 9600 GT Core i7 920 / Core 2 quad 9550, notably more reliable. Expect to
you won’t need as much juice – please give me prices for both. pay Rs. 600 extra for this hard
in such case I recommend Monitor - Mercury 1990 TWA / drive.
102 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
KILLER RIGS
everything you will ever need to build your
nBasic rig = Rs. 21,350
nMultimedia cum gaming rig = Rs. 81,100
nUltra high-end PC / Gaming rig = Rs. 1,51,700
own PC. whatever your budget.
HARD DISK CABINET
MONITOR nSeagate 250 GB 7200.11 / Rs. 1,900 nZebronics Antibiotic / Rs. 2,100
nViewSonic VA1928wm / Rs. 8,200 nSeagate 1 TB 7200.11 / Rs. 5,500 nCoolerMaster 690 / Rs. 4,400
nAOC 2230fm / Rs. 14,000 n
Western Digital Velociraptor 150 GB nCoolerMaster Sniper / Rs. 11,500
nDell S2409W / Rs. 15,000 / Rs. 9,900 or Western Digital 1 TB
Black Edition / Rs. 7,400
POWER
nVIP 350 Watts / Rs. 850
nCorsair TX 650 / Rs. 6,500
nCoolerMaster RealPower Pro
850W / Rs. 11,200
GRAPHICS CARD
nNone
n Radeon HD 4870
Palit
1 GB SONIC / Rs. 18,100
MOTHERBOARD n GeForce GTX 295 / Rs. 29,000
ZOTAC
n NVIDIA 7025
ASUS
video
card
M2N68-AM / Rs. 2,250
nAbit IP35-E Rs. 5,300
n P5Q Deluxe
ASUS
/ Rs. 14,000
MOUSE
SPEAKER nLogitech 3 button scroll / Rs. 300
nNone nLogitech MX518 / Rs. 1,300
n Lansing MX 5021
Altec nRazer DeathAdder / Rs. 2,500
/ Rs. 6,500
n
Logitech Z5500 KEYBOARD
/ Rs. 14,000 nLogitech Multimedia / Rs. 400
nLogitech G15 / Rs. 4,500
nLogitech G15 / Rs. 4,500
SOUND CARD
nNone / NA
nASUS Xonar DX / Rs. 3,700
nASUS Xonar DX / Rs. 3,700
MOUSE
NLOGITECH 3 BUTTON SCROLL / RS. 300
NLOGITECH MX518 / RS. 1,300
NRAZER DEATHADDER / RS. 2,500
sound
card
ram
CPU
nAMD Athlon XP 6000+ / RS. 2,850
nIntel Core 2 Duo E8400 / RS. 8,200
nIntel Core 2 Quad Q9650 / RS. 23,000
RAM
n2 x 2 GB DDR2 800 MHz (Kingston Value) / Rs. 1,350
n2 x 2 GB x 2 DDR2 800 MHz (Corsair XMS2) / Rs. 3,600
n2 x 2 GB DDR2 OCZ Platinum 1066 MHz / Rs. 6,500
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 105
Price watch
Monitors
Model Market Price Tested in Size Resolution Contrast Ratio Response time
Acer AL2216 Rs. 9,800 22-inch 1680 x 1050 700 : 1 5 ms
ASUS VM193D Rs. 6,850 19-inch 1440 x 900 800 : 1 5 ms
BenQ T2200HD Rs. 9,975 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 1000 : 1 5 ms
Dell 1909W Rs. 7,205 19-inch 1440 x 900 1000 : 1 5 ms
Dell S1709W Rs. 7,200 17-inch 1440 x 900 600 : 1 8 ms
Dell S2409W Rs. 18,200 24-inch 1920 x 1080 1000 : 1 5 ms
LG 177WSB Rs. 6,400 May 2008 17-inch 1440 x 900 700 : 1 8 ms
LG W1942S Rs. 6,900 19-inch 1440 x 900 700 : 1 5 ms
Samsung 2033SW Rs. 7,500 20-inch 1600 x 900 1000 : 1 5 ms
Samsung 733NX Rs. 6,650 17-inch 1440 x 900 1000 : 1 8 ms
Samsung 943NWX Rs. 7,500 19-inch 1280 x 1024 1000 : 1 5 ms
ViewSonic VA1918WM Rs. 6,600 19-inch 1440 x 900 1000 : 1 5 ms
ViewSonic VX2255WMB Rs. 12,500 May 2008 22-inch 1680 x 1050 1000 : 1 5 ms
ViewSonic VX2240 Rs. 9,900 22-inch 1680 x 1050 1000 : 1 2 ms
CPU Coolers
Model Market Price No. and Size of Fans Dimensions Weight (grams)
Cooler Master Hyper TX2 Rs. 1,800 1 x 120 mm 108.3 x 123.7 x 136.5 mm 482
Cooler Master Hyper N520 Rs. 2,700 2 x 92 mm 122.35 x 102.5 x 141 mm 688
Thermalright Ultima 90 – 775 Rs. 1,480 0 115 x 55 x 139 mm 460
Thermalright Ultima 120 Extreme Rs. 2,870 0 132 x 63.44 x 160.5 mm 790
Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer Rs. 2,150 1 x 92 mm 95 x 80 x 155 mm 272
Glacialtech Igloo 5750 Rs. 1,795 2 x 92 mm 96 x 120 x 121 mm 507
OCZ Vendetta 2 Rs. 2,550 1 x 120 mm 120 x 50 x 159 mm 746
Portable Music Players
Model Market Price Audio/Video Support Dimensions (W x H x D) in mm Weight (grams)
Apple Ipod Shuffle Rs. 4,500 AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF 45.2 x 17.5 x 7.8 10.7
Creative Zen Micro Rs. 14,350 MP3, WMA 83.82 x 50.8 x 17.78 110
Creative Zen Stone Rs. 2,235 MP3, WMA 53.6 x 35.4 x 12.8 450
Sony Walkman NWZ-E435F/B Rs. 5,165 AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, MP3, WMA, AAC, L-PCM, JPEG 44.0 x 83.9 x 8.5 50
Transcend T.Sonic 630 Rs. 2,275 MP3, WMA 73 x 33 x 12.5 30
Transcend T.Sonic 850 Rs. 2,475 MP3, WMA, WAV, MTV 81.5 x 41.4 x 12.7 50
Graphic Cards
Model Market Price Tested in Core Speed Type of memory Memory
EVGA 9600GT Knock-out Rs. 7,000 November 2008 700 MHz GDDR3 512 MB
PowerColor HD 4850 Rs. 6,590 August 2009 625 MHz GDDR3 512 MB
PowerColor HD 4670 Rs. 4,650 August 2009 750 MHz DDR3 1024 MB
Palit GeForce 9400 GT Super Rs. 2,525 August 2009 550 MHz GDDR2 1024 MB
Palit Radeon HD 4870 SONIC Rs. 13,500 October 2008 750 MHz GDDR5 512 MB
Palit GeForce GTX 250 Rs. 10,990 650 MHz GDDR3 896 MB
XFX GeForce 8600 GT Rs. 3,150 540 MHz GDDR2 256 MB
ZOTAC GeForce GTS 250 Rs. 9,250 738 MHz GDDR3 1024 MB
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 285 Rs. 24,900 February 2009 648 MHz GDDR3 1024 MB
106 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Price watch
Hard Drives
Model Market Price Tested in Speed Cache Interface
Seagate 1.5TB Rs. 7,050 March 2009 7200 RPM 32 SATA 2
Seagate 1TB Rs. 4,475 April 2009 7200 RPM 32 SATA 2
Seagate 7200.12 500 GB Rs. 2,750 April 2009 7200 RPM 32 SATA 2
Seagate 750GB Rs. 4,225 April 2009 7200 RPM 32 SATA 2
Western Digital Caviar Blue 640GB Rs. 3,350 7200 RPM 16 SATA 2
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB Rs. 6,655 April 2009 7200 RPM 32 SATA 2
Western Digital Veloci Raptor 150GB Rs. 8,470 April 2009 1000 RPM 32 SATA 2
Digital Cameras
Model Market Price Tested in Sensor OPtical Zoom LCD Screen Size
Canon Powershot A480 Rs. 8,199 7.1 MP 3.4x 2.5-inches
Canon SX10Is Rs. 23,995 June 2009 10 MP 20x 2.5-inches
FujiFilm FinePix A100 Rs. 5,995 10 MP 3x 2.7-inches
Kodak C140 Rs. 5,499 8 MP 3x 2.4-inches
Nikon Coolpix L19 Rs. 6,995 8 MP 3.6x 4.7-inches
Nikon S220 Rs. 8,995 10 MP 3x 2.5-inches
Olympus FE25 Rs. 5,995 10 MP 3x 2.4-inches
Panasonic LZ10 Rs. 8,499 10 MP 5x 2.5-inches
Sony S930 Rs. 7,800 10 MP 3x 2.4-inches
Sony H20 Rs. 17,800 10 MP 10x 3.0-inches
Flash Drives
Model Market Price Capacity
Corsair Flash Voyager Rs. 575 4 GB
iBall USB Drive Rs. 1,250 8 GB
OCZ Pen Drive Rs. 575 4 GB
Kingston Data Traveler Pen Drive Rs. 450 4 GB
Kinsgton Mini Slim Pen Drive Rs. 675 4 GB
Kingston Data Traveler 100 Rs. 925 8 GB
SanDisk Cruzer Micro Skin Rs. 485 2 GB
SanDisk Cruzer Micro Skin Rs. 789 8 GB
Sony USB Pen Drive Rs. 1,299 8 GB
Toshiba USB Pen Drive Rs. 589 4 GB
Transcend JetFlash Rs. 350 2 GB
Transcend JetFlash Rs. 475 4 GB
External HDDs
Model Market Price Capacity Interface Warranty (Years)
Seagate Freeagent GO Rs. 5,700 500 GB USB 5
Seagate FreeAgent GO Rs. 3,375 250 GB USB 5
Seagate Freeagent GO Mac Edition Rs. 9,850 320 GB USB, FireWire 5
Transcend StoreJet Rs. 2,750 160 GB USB 2
Western Digital MyPassport Essential Rs. 4,100 640 GB USB 3
Western Digital MyPassport Studio Edition Rs. 7,800 1 TB USB, FireWire, eSATA 3
Western Digital MyPassport Rs. 2,825 160 GB USB 3
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 107
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siddharth.parwatay@thinkdigit.com Hariharan, Corporate Affairs Director at
Red Hat puts it, “In the next few years, we
Introduction
WE’RE
may see the pace of innovation in open
Open source has come to be synonymous source outstrip anything that proprietary
OPEN
with the word free. Yet there are several vendors and their closed group of paid
businesses that are adopting the open source programmers can produce.”
model as a strategy to stay afloat in today’s The make-or-break then lies with
times. If open source is free, then where is retaining these developers who contribute
the money, especially if you decide to release to the product and the community at large,
FOR
your software into the open source world? ostensibly without any tangible return.
The first thing we need to understand is that Developers will not contribute if they don’t
free relates to the word freedom. The famous remain interested. So a lot of what you do as
BUSINESS
quote goes, “To understand the concept, a company to support these developers will
you should think of free as in free speech, determine if they take an active interest or
not as in free beer”. Therefore, thinking of not. Treating developers and the community
open source as free and hence “no revenue” fairly to a great extent is also a function
is a misnomer. If you are an independent of what kind of licences you release your
developer, or are considering some sort of product under.
open source strategy or are just curious how
an OS strategy might work; these are some of Open source is all about Licencing for the open business
things you should consider. freedom, so where’s the Licencing is perhaps the most important
money? Here’s a look at various component of the open source model. There
Why open source? are several licences plus their variants in
It is important to understand that open strategies for businesses, this domain, but all of them share some
source is not a supernatural cure-all and entrepreneurs and developers common principles, such as free distribution
neither should it be shunned from the point in the open source world (no royalty), scope for derived works
of view of business and revenue. The basic (modification), etc. The complete list of
premise we will go from is that a company or principles is available at www.opensource.
developer engaged in the software business is org. In effect, licences go beyond just access
in it to provide value to the customer or end to the code. Here are some of the main
user. In such a case, open source will help a licences that are applicable.
product maker potentially to provide better
value to customers, by leveraging the ability No licence (Public Domain)
for your customers or third parties to improve In open source software, the originator of the
the product through bug fixes and product code, although while not charging anything
enhancements. The key is also to provide for distribution, still has the copyright to
better value to customers than competitors, the original code. In this type of licence, the
and then ultimately turn that value into a copyright is waived. This is a no-holds-barred
revenue stream. Fortunately or unfortunately form of usage; users are free to do whatever
– which ever way you look at it – open source they want with software that is released in
ensures the survival of the fittest. this manner. This includes using it as a base
The open source model differs from the for proprietary software.
traditional model in the sense that you as a
software developer, will most likely provide BSD Style licence
only part of the support to end users. The BSD stands for Berkeley Software
large base of your support will be provided Distribution, and this type of licence is most
by a community of developers engaged in famously used for the operating system
furthering your product. These developers Open BSD, and the Apache web server. This
are attracted to your product as opposed licence was originally designed to release
to your competitors’. In such a way your software which resulted as a by product
resources are greatly augmented. What of academic research. It gives importance
motivates these independent developers? to attribution and proper mentioning of
That is a huge subject altogether, but credit. Commercial proprietary products are
some of the motives are - the satisfaction possible under this licence.
of working on a product that addresses
a critical functional area in their lives GNU GPL
or other people’s lives; the fact that This licence was created by the legendary
developers look forward to the possibility Richard Stallman, father of the Free
of providing allied services and creating Software Foundation. So naturally, it lies
related products, thereby gaining a revenue on the complete opposite side of BSD style
stream; they might also view working on licences, that leave scope for commercial
your product as a learning opportunity; exploitation of code. Thus the General
and finally there is the ego kick of building Public licence and its variants deter
a reputation amongst peers. All this free developers from modifying code and not re-
resource augmentation brings down your distributing it back into the community.
cost of operation. It also facilitates in
108 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Microsoft gives in? Stop piracy Smart SoHo
The software giant allows open Rampant piracy is the biggest
source developers to use the .NET hurdle to widespread adoption of
framework open source software
Mozilla Public licence Accessorising a developer, then such companies going the
This licence is quite suited to commercial Simply put, this means selling associated open source way will be looking for you.
purposes as the provisions allow for paraphernalia to generate revenue. Associated “When you’ve worked in open source for a
augmenting the original code with proprietary products like books, training manuals and certain amount of time you have a brand value
code and then releasing a larger work that can specifically compatible hardware are the more to yourself. Eventually you gain a contributor
be commercially licenced. Such proprietary substantial options, but this also includes status in the community and people
code need not be made publicly products like T-shirts, coffee mugs and understand that value. What you did in your
Read
available. The proprietary code must Chapter 1.2 of this
action figures with product branding. free time actually gives you a day job.”
be distinctly separate from the original month’s Fast Track to Those who take the entrepreneurial route
MPL code. It must interact with the open source software Dual Licencing can monetise their contribution in multiple
original code through predefined for operating In this type of model software ways, such as providing professional services
APIs. While at the same time all licences vendors offer the same product on open source products and solutions and
modifications to the original code under different licences. One is an charge for customising and extending current
covered under MPL must be made publicly open source licence and the other is open source products to suit the needs of large
available. a proprietary licence which the vendor enterprises. All this involves working with
usually offers to enterprise clients. The open source communities and contributing
Business models product released under the open source to open source projects. If you have a good
Once you start developing with open source licence is free to distribute or modify. understanding of how communities work, you
it allows for deep market penetration. It is Some of the most notable examples are can harness the power of community. With the
generally believed that customers start paying of Firefox, MySQL and OpenOffice. It multitude of communication and distribution
at the point of value. A famous example is of is believed that the open source version channels available today, getting your product
Facebook. Facebook started with MySQL as serves to popularise the commercial one. out in the market becomes simpler. If your
it did not have investment to buy a paid data Developments of the open source version product is good, your customers will find a
base subscription. The venture used open are offered as add-ons. point at which they find value in your product.
source tools such as MySQL to give motion Alternatively, entrepreneurs can make
to an idea but when patching servers and The return on investment a very viable business only by investing
security bug fixes became unmanageable, The open source developer community is their idea and time with open source. The
Facebook bought a MySQL subscription comprised of a large number of students. open source world offers almost all the
and paid them to solve the problems. At that In many different ways people, specifically development tools, such as operating systems,
point Facebook had a lot of users and angel students and entrepreneurs, can take programming languages, databases, IDE’s and
funding, so Facebook paid for the service at a advantage of open source. A student’s even source code management systems, free
point where they saw value in it. This in effect involvement in open source and the learning of cost, and so anyone with a product idea
is a business model. derived in the process enhances his or her can use open source to develop it without
When you develop open source resume and improves making any significant capital
applications you allow people to use them, employability. Contributions investments. “For instance if
they become part of your business logic, to open source are subjected you start a business creating
when they start making money, then you to extensive peer review and and managing websites, you
start making money. “The logic is - when you testing, both by developer can use technologies like Java
empower customers to be able to make money, and user communities, and EE, MySQL, and Netbeans to
you start a revenue stream for yourself. For so for a student contributor, develop a product and deploy
instance many software related enterprises run their contribution is it on OpenSolaris, which is a
Firefox across many of their terminals. It’s a testimony to their technical free platform” says Abhishek.
critical part of their business process, so they excellence. So, such students In this scenario, when the
invest a lot of their own developers’ time, as attract higher compensation business turns profitable or
well as money into the Mozilla Foundation.” in the industry. “This is demands increase beyond
said Abhishek Kumar who is an open particularly relevant in our what can be handled, there is
source evangelist and works for with Solaris country where thousands always the option of going to
Outbound Product Marketing to promote of students graduate every professional support for each of
developers in the country to work on the year with a technical degree the concerned technologies.
OpenSolaris platform. and contributions to open In conclusion, open source
Business models for open source are many. source projects can be a creates an ecosystem for
In fact open source businesses are free to come big differentiator.” says businesses and entrepreneurs to
up with their own business model or make Abhishek, whom Digit Abhishek Kumar, (SunSolaris grow, where they need to invest
hybrid combinations as follows. spoke to in a freewheeling Outbound Product Marketing) only at the point where they
conversation on open see value. This way the entry
Support sellers source. barrier for anyone who wants to break into the
In this type of model the company backing Consider this scenario – say a life sciences business is at an all time low. And this holds
the product distributes the software for business is running a sales force automation good for everyone who uses technology in
free but makes money off things like media system developed totally in-house, exclusively any form in their business, which is practically
distribution, branding, support and training, on PHP and MySQL, as opposed to a everyone in today’s world. Thus, harnessing
and even customisation. This is perhaps commercial product. As a result of costs being open source technologies, the process of open
the most common type of business model. brought down, they are in a position to hire source development, and engagement with
Companies strive to make their installation a developer who handles the maintenance. If open source communities would prove to be a
process simpler by giving customer friendly he/she finds a problem he/she emails the PHP great advantage for developers and bring both
media, etc. Red Hat is one of the companies or MySQL community and gets the application direct and indirect revenues to both small as
that follows this model. running again with their support. If you are well as large entrepreneurs.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 109
Knowing about programming design
Tech Careers patterns such as MVC and IoC is also
important for any developer, as any
If you are very interested in developing user
interfaces and designing the way people
major software project involving multiple interact with software, then Interaction
developers will probably use one Design or IxD is an entire field just for you!
Imaging: Chaitanya Surpur
Photography: Jiten Gandhi
Developing... your career
Proud of being an uber geek? Make it a career...
Kshitij Sobti platforms, x86, x86_64. For the most It espouses the principle of “Write Once,
kshitij.sobti@thinkdigit.com part this means programming for Linux, Run Anywhere,” meaning that as long as
Windows, or Mac OSX. a runtime environment is available for
Developing... an option While most programming languages are an operating system, the Java application
The open source community has changed capable of targeting any of these platforms, you write will run on it (and the Java
the very way we look at software. The there are some languages which are Runtime Environment is available for nearly
very non-commercial nature of it makes more platform biased. The core of Linux every platform). Java is very popular for
you wonder whether there is any future in programming and its kernel itself is written enterprise applications and as such is a
software development. in C and Apple platforms favour Objective-C. very good programming language to learn
When you see so many people developing for furthering you career. Java is also used
software for free, you are sure to get the When you see so many people in web programming and programming
impression that it isn’t a very lucrative career. developing software for applications for mobiles, thus making your
However software development is far free, you are sure to get the experience even more portable. Java should
from a profit-less venture. There are still a not be confused with JavaScript, which is the
large number of companies which develop
impression that it isn’t a very scripting language of the web, they have very
applications, and provide software services. lucrative career little in common besides their names.
There is no lack of programming related jobs The number of desktop programming
out there, it is just that the bar has gone up. languages is so diverse that it is impossible C and C++
Even if you don’t intend to take to learn them all. Yet there are a few that The syntactical similarities between C
up programming as a career, learning we might constantly run into in our and C++ mean that by learning one, you
programming languages can be a lot of fun. programming endeavours, and a minimal essentially learn the other. C code will
It is like learning how to speak in another knowledge of them is highly recommended. require very little adaptation to compile with
language, it gives you access to another All said and done, these are the a C++ compiler, however the languages differ
programming culture and community. programming languages that every developer in paradigms. A large amount of code is still
should know: written in the C programming language,
Developing... desktop and as such you are bound to run into it
applications Java sooner or later once you start programming
Here, by desktop applications we mean Java is the most popular programming – learning C is thus a worthy investment for
to encompass all conventional computer language, thanks to its wide scope of use. any programmer.
110 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Visit thinkdigit.com/d/81714 for Most programming languages today
an article on where you can get
certifications for some of the
are object-oriented. Learning the
concept of OOP is very important when
Tech Careers
programming languages listed here, and you make real world applications that
some institutes which offer courses need to be scalable
Windows is undoubtedly the most
ACHIEVING UBIQUITY
popular operating system you will find on The reason most people cite for avoiding Nokia’s Qt toolkit (formerly owned by
personal computers, and as such, Microsoft operating systems such as Linux is the lack Trolltech) is another solution that works
Visual Studio remains a popular choice as a of their favourite applications outside of the other way around. The Qt toolkit allows
programming environment. The Microsoft Windows. developers to write software once which
.NET SDK is used to build applications in the There is a vicious loop we see, where can then be compiled for Windows, Linux or
recent Visual Studio products: software companies avoid creating software MacOS, and even manages to ensure that
for Linux due to the increased cost in each user gets their native UI experience.
.NET supporting an additional platform, while If you intend to develop applications
.NET isn’t a programming language, people avoid the platform due to the lack of that need to run on all platforms, you can
software on it! benefit greatly from learning about such
instead there are multiple programming
There are many projects now that aim solutions. Even if you do not intend to use
languages which can be used to build
to break this cycle, by improving cross Qt for developing your application, it is wise
.NET applications. Much like Java, .NET platform compatibility of applications. to at least ensure that your application runs
applications are compiled to bytecode Linux users will be familiar with WINE properly on Linux using Wine.
which Microsoft calls the Common (WINE is not an emulator) which allows Such solutions can greatly ease a
Intermediate Language (CIL) which is you to run Windows applications on Linux. developers task. In fact, the Linux version
then run by the .NET Common Language Thanks to WINE, some of the people of Google’s popular image management
Runtime (CLR). Many of Microsoft’s who have been held back due to their software Picasa, has been created using
technologies can use .NET as their dependence on Windows-only software can WINE, thereby nearly eliminating the effort
programming system, so learning a .NET now switch to Linux. of porting the application.
language means that you can write for any
platform which is .NET capable . Microsoft popular languages, you gain an edge over
Silverlight and ASP.NET are examples for the mainstream developers. For example, by HTML
web technologies which utilise .NET. While learning some of the older languages such The web is HTML. Whatever goes on in
this is a Windows technology, the open as FORTRAN and COBOL you can be of the back-end is irrelevant to the user, as all
source community is hard at work on the immense use to organisations which need to they will see is what the final HTML code
Mono framework, which will enable .NET deal with applications written in such code renders. You have to start web development
applications to be written for Linux-like in the past. by learning HTML, and no, knowing how
operating systems. to use a WYSIWYG editor like Dreamweaver
Computers have become much more Developing... web applications won’t do.
powerful now than we could have imagined When it comes to web development, there
a few years ago, and this has also led to a are no choices more obvious than HTML and CSS
change in how people develop applications. JavaScript. Surely you can start off there, but CSS, HTML’s sister language is about as
We are not talking about applications gone are the days of web pages with static important for a web developer today. While
becoming larger, or having more visual content. To unleash the full power of the HTML gives you the raw data and layout of
effects, but about the way application internet you need to make websites dynamic the web-page, it is CSS which gives it style,
are run or compiled. The abundance of and grace.
computing power has led to the rise of
The number of desktop
interpreted languages such as Ruby, Python, programming languages is so JavaScript
Perl, and the overhead they consume is no diverse that it is impossible to The magic potion which makes a website
longer that significant. Python and Perl are learn them all come alive. To engage the user in a true
both very popular for writing scripts for the interaction with the website, you need to use
*NIX environment. in body, mind and spirit. JavaScript, without it you; web page is exactly
It is impossible to list all the languages To call yourself a web developer you need dead.
you can use to write desktop applications to not only know HTML and JavaScript but A static website is a stagnant website.
or even those which you might need to also at least one server-side programming Unless all you need to do is showcase
develop in. On one hand, you can learn language, extra cookies for those who know pictures of your cats, you need to know
popular languages to make you suitable more. at least one server-side language to make
for a large number of jobs, and on the For web development, you need to know your website worthwhile. Some of the most
Digit strip ad 50 (H) some of mm Hockey.indd languages of the web:
other hand, by learning x 180 (W)the less the important tools are:
GOOD TEAMS PLAY.
GREAT TEAMS PLAY TOGETHER,
AND WIN.
© 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. microsoft.com/india/visualstudio
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 111
Recession ending
Tech Careers With the global recession categorised as PHP
‘ending’ by the Federal reserve and the For a better understanding of PHP,
World Bank, recruitments are expected to read January 2009 issue of Fast
increase in the months to come Track
WEB TECHNOLOGIES YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF for mobiles, almost every OS will require you
to learn a new language!
It is unlikely that you haven’t heard of Flash applications is not free, there are many
and Silverlight by now. They are plug-ins free tools which can use the SDK to create
for web browsers which allow rich media content. Using Adobe AIR SDK, you can
Java
content in webpages. If properly used also take your Flash applications to the Even some of the lower end mobile phone
they can add a greater level of interactivity desktop, and enable users to install them out there today support Java applications,
to your website and give people a richer on their computers like regular software ensuring that any Java application you write
experience of the web. If done wrong, they applications. will reach the maximum audience.
can as easily spell disaster (who hasn’t Silverlight is Microsoft’s answer to Applications for Android are also
found Flash intro-pages annoying!) Flash, however till v3 it had remained written in Java; however the dialect is a
Flash might perhaps be most popular a weak answer indeed. As of version 3, little different. Java’s presence in almost any
as method of embedding video content Silverlight is capable of creating content computing field means that it is indeed an
in webpages, while Silverlight’s mightiest equivalent to Flash. Microsoft provides essential skill set if you intend to become a
claim to fame is that it is a Microsoft the Silverlight SDK for free, and combined developer.
technology. with free Eclipse tools you can get started
Flash is a powerful tool for creating rich with Silverlight too, at zero cost. For a Objective-C
multimedia content. Adobe’s Flex SDK professional environment you can use Being the language of the iPhone SDK, it
however also turns it into an immensely Microsoft Expression Blend which is part is important to learn if you need to build
powerful tool for creating RIAs (Rich of the Expression Studio suite. Silverlight applications for the iPhone. While you can
Internet Applications). Even better the Flex v2 onwards uses .NET languages for build applications for the iPhone in C++ it
SDK is free and open source! Although programming, which is another useful skill
is a rather more complicated process than
Adobe’s Flex Builder IDE for creating Flex set applicable to multiple domains.
using Objective-C.
Your skillset in Objective-C will not
for testing your applications. go to waste, since it can also be used for
PHP developing applications for Mac OSX and
Possibly the most popular server-side Perl even PCs. However Apple has very vague
scripting language for the web, and free and The Perl language has some of the most policies regarding which applications will be
open source. If you have decided to get into powerful features for manipulating text accepted in the Apple store, so it is important
web development, it is a good idea to know strings, making it a powerful language for you keep their terms in consideration.
this even if you choose another language to the internet, which is essentially described
develop in. in HTML text. Most paid hosting providers C++ for S60
nowadays support Perl as a server side The language of choice for Symbian, Nokia’s
SQL language. The popular Movable Type preferred platform. The dialect of C++ used
SQL (Structured Query Language) is not Blogging platform / CMS is in fact written by Symbian differs from the standard, and is
a programming language, but rather a in Perl. supposed to be tougher. While Symbian usage
language for describing how to access data in mobile phones is decreasing, it is still the
from a database. Since any dynamic website Python operating system on many mobile phones out
you make will in most likelihood require a Python is becoming increasingly popular as a there and will continue to be the OS for Nokia
database back-end, it is necessary that you devices for the foreseeable future. Nokia will
learn how to query the data and manipulate Programming is something also make Symbian open source soon, which
it using SQL. might affect its popularity for the better.
that gazillions of open source
ASP.NET developers find rewarding Developing... my career?
A successor to Microsoft’s older Active enough to do for free! It is very possible to make a career out of
Server Pages, ASP.NET is another popular programming, but if you intend to, it is
server-side scripting language. It allows you server-side language for websites. It is in fact important that you get into it as soon as
to use any .NET language to code your web the language of choice if you wish to build possible. Leave nothing unexplored, and go
applications. If you’re already planning to applications which will run on the “Google where your curiosity takes you. Experiment.
develop on .NET, this will be just an HTML App Engine” cloud computing service. It is the best way to explore any programming
throw away. language, and is more important than reading
Developing... mobile any book or taking up any course.
JSP applications Any certification that you intend to get
JavaServer Pages use Java as the server- By developing applications for mobiles, you for proving your programming skill is not
side scripting language to make websites have the capability to reach into millions of as important as the unique perspective you
dynamic. If you already know or plan to pockets. Mobiles reach a different audience bring to programming. There is no dearth of
learn Java, then you should add on this one than personal computers as they may be used code monkeys swinging on the branches of
for good measure. even by people who are not computer savvy, multiple certifications.
or in fact those who don’t use computers at If you are indeed passionate about
Coldfusion all. While this is not much of a consideration programming, you will find that there are
While Coldfusion is not nearly as popular while choosing what programming language plenty of opportunities. Think about it,
as some of the other options listed here, it to develop on, it does mean you need to take a programming is something that gazillions
is still is very much in use in intranets of different approach. of open source developers find rewarding
some enterprises. It has a rather expensive Unlike PCs, where you can write software enough to do for free!
server, however it has enough free learning using the same programming language for Here’s to a brilliant career in development
resources to get you started, and a free any OS, mobiles tend to be a little more ahead of you, and hoping we’ll get free
developer version of Coldfusion is available picky. If you want to write native applications licences to any software you write!
112 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Esc Unwind 116 Game review
Drakensang 118 Game review
Zeno Clash
Geek culture : Zombies of zombies. As killing dead things is not an option, the best you can
do is decapacitate them. Watch the movies listed below for education,
Zombies are re-animated dead bodies, either controlled en masse, or play the games for practice and buy the gear to prepare yourself. Not
with a rabid mind of their own. One of the most drastic models for an convinced of the possibility of a Zombie apocalypse? Hunt around
apocalyptic ending to human civilisation, is being overrun by a hoard the net for a certain “Clairvius Narcisse”.
28 Days Later (2002) Dawn of the Dead Planet Terror (2007)
(2004)
Movies
This Zombie movie uses A modern remake of a Part of the “Grindhouse”
the “virus outbreak” 1987 classic, Dawn of double feature, this
approach for creating the Dead has a small Zombie movie is a salute
an apocalyptic onset of bunch of people locked to a all the cheesy
Zombies. Directed by in a mall, while hoards zombie movies from the
Danny Boyle, the has a of zombies gather pulp sci-fi era. Directed
sequel and another one being planned. outside. by Robert Rodriguez.
Doom Left 4 Dead Resident Evil series
Games
The game that defined the Left 4 Dead features A series of zombie
FPS genre, and gave early a whole host of killing games from
gamers the most thrilling superpowered zombies, Japan that really
expirience of dealing including exploding brought out the gore
with minions of demonic stinkballs, and zombies involved when fighting
undead apparations, on an with insanely long the undead. The series
alien surface. There have tongues. This is one of games spawned a
been many revivals since of the most engaging successful bunch of movies and comic
the original release in 1993. multiplayer zombie games around. adaptations as well.
Zombie survival guide Zack Ax Zombie survival kit
Gear
A well researched and The Zack Ax is a hand- Pack your tools,
detailed history and held, close combat weapon a first aid box,
survival guide written for when the Zombies get some canned
by Zombie expert Max uncomfortably close. This is food, your
Brooks, this is the refer- just one of the many anti- blades, the book
ence work for those zombie blades available at into this neat
who wish to survive the http://zombietools.net, we little Zombie survival kit from
eventuality of a Zombie also recommend the Urban www.cafepress.com and you can expect
Apocalypse. Bone Machete II. to live just a little longer.
Digit Diary and Rossi were immune to it, probably too
many beeps in the test centre for them to pay
Kumar got in one of those Annoy - A - Trons attention to. Siddharth however, was affected,
sold at ThinkGeek.com. These are very simple and could not find the source of the sound,
gadgets, where a beeper is added to a circuit which irritated him. Raaabo was however,
board, along with a battery and a magnet. affected by it the most. He knew what it was
Every 2 to 8 minutes, at random intervals, a the second he heard it, and threatened to find
high frequency buzzing sound or a beep is the Annoy - A - Tron and throw it out of the
emitted. Just hunt around for the testimonials nearest window. These are not easy to come by,
of this thing on the web, and you should so Kumar promptly switched it off.
get an idea of how irritating this is. Michael
How we unwind
Movies Music Game
Riding Solo to the Top of the We used the video Juggalo Tap tap revenge 2 is an addic-
World, and One Crazy Ride, two Homies by Insane Clown Posse tive game for the iPhone. Tap
Indian biking movies by dirt- to test how long laptops lasted. and get pointsbased on visuali-
trackproductions.com. sation over music.
114 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Avitel Post Studioz
122 Behind the scenes at a major animation
and post production house
NSD Powerball
The NSD Powerball is a toy and a machine that combines fun with a
serious arm workout. It claims to be the most powerful gyroscope in
the world, so we called in a couple of them for testing, and the team
was absolutely addicted to them. What got us interested was that it was
a good relief to those suffering from, or on the verge of carpal tunnel
syndrome. The Powerball is a plastic sphere, with a rotor inside, that spins
faster depending on how fast you can rotate it. When the forces builds
up, it becomes really hard to hold on to the powerball, and this gives the
muscles in your arms a great workout.
We spent the first few hours getting the wrist movement right, which
involved rotating the wrist in a circular motion over and over. Eventually,
we ended up doing what the web site (www.powerballs.co.in) promised
we would, and began competing for the high scores on the digital
counter. High scores from around the world are recorded, the current
ones being somewhere in the range of 16700 RPMs.
tech art: interactive art
Image Credit: www.nawlz.com
Online interactive comic books are not a new idea, and have been
around for some time. However, no one has taken this concept as
far as Stu Campbell and his collaborators. The comic is hosted at
www.nawlz.com, and is regularly updated in an episodic format.
Each episode has a mixture of visauls, animation, sound and some
interactivity thrown in. The premise is a surreal cyberpunk adventure
in a large, futuristic city, following a typical high-tech protagonist,
Harley Chambers. There is some interactivity thrown in, about how the
story is told, but it is essentially the same story no matter what you
do. We suggest that you start soon, as there is a lot to catch up on.
Also, follow the associated blog on http://nawlz.com/blog.
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 115
Drakensang:
Game review
RATINGS
Platforms ................ PC (Microsoft Windows)
Publisher .........................DTP Entertainment
Developer .....................................Radon Labs
Price.......................................$ 29.99 (Steam)
Score.........................................................7/10
Faiyaz Shaikh – which is rather disappointing. give you access to those) and compared to the scale of
readersletters@thinkdigit.com Since this is a pen and paper style subsequently invest experience the maps.
D
game, at its core are dice-rolls and points in those skills. Although So, Drakensang has a robust
rakensang is a pen- it requires a lot of information these form an important part party system, looks good, and
and-paper style game, crunching to truly understand of game play, the process is has decent combat with some
based on a German the system. It took me an almost uninspiring and often tedious. well crafted environments. Sadly
role-playing game that entire play through to get a grasp Many of the quests in though, the game fails in an
enjoys immense popularity in of the basic rules and then I Drakensang are set in and important cornerstone of any
its home country. The world of played (and finished) the game around the city of Ferdok. There good RPG – it does not tell a
Drakensang will immediately feel a second time through with far is a good deal of variety in the compelling story. The story starts
familiar to those who have played greater understanding. environments, featuring the off with a letter and a plea for
D&D games, read Tolkien’s work The combat is in real-time staple fare of any respectable RPG help from a friend, who lives in
or seen film adaptations of his with a classic four-member – sewers, old-ruins, underground the city of Ferdock. After some
work with the Lord of the Rings party. However, as one would dungeons, cemeteries, swamps travelling and sub-quests later,
trilogy. On a broad level, the races expect, there is an option to and so on. These levels are well the main plot of the game has you
in this game are humans, elves pause the game and queue crafted, with good attention to pursuing the Dragon Quest. This
and dwarves – the staple of any up commands to your party detail and impressive sense of uninspiring story is delivered by
fantasy game. Taking inspiration members – a tactic that is scale and grandeur. a less than intuitive conversation
from the real-world, ancient and highly recommended. To use The game has fairly short load- screen that will have you reading
modern day cultures, humans crafting skills like alchemy, times. With the graphical effects reams of text with a few bits of
have sub-races. Similarly, elves bowyer and weapons forging, cranked up to the maximum, very dull voice acting. If you can
and dwarves have sub-races too. the game requires you to have there was never any instance of get past the weak plotline and still
During character creation at the raw materials. These can either jittering or frame loss, even in the enjoy the combat, the game has
start of the game, the choice be purchased from merchants heat of battle with spells flying lots of it to offer.
available for your characters’ in the game or can be acquired in from all directions. In spite of Despite its flaws, Drakensang
playing class depends on the by foraging plant life and having an expansive and detailed seems promising and with a lot
race (or sub-race) and sometimes gutting felled enemy creatures. environment, traversing in the of potential. Let’s hope they get
gender too. The later method requires you game world quickly becomes the story telling right with the
The game does not offer a to learn certain skills from tedious and tiring, simply reportedly next installment in the
great deal of choice in character trainers in the game (if your because the running speed of the series, titled The River of Time,
customisation during creation character class does not already playing characters is just too slow due to release in early 2010.
116 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Game review
Artistically refreshing
Faiyaz Shaikh the Source engine have done
readersletters@thinkdigit.com an admirable job at creating
O
the world of Zenozoik with
ne of the most interesting and contemporary production
artistically refreshing games of the value. The game takes you
year 2009 is a little known title called from the city Halstedom,
Zeno Clash. Developed by a group through desert, forest
of Chilean developers who call themselves and ultimately to the
the ACE Team, the game uses Valve’s Source proverbial end of the
Engine to bring to life the often disturbing world. In Zeno Clash,
world of Zenozoik. The protagonist of the you’ll perhaps find some
game is Ghat who is one of the many children of the most shockingly
of a hermaphrodite creature, aptly called creative landscapes and
Mother-Father. Curiously, the game starts creatures that you have
off with Ghat regaining consciousness after a seen in a long time in a
heated battle in which he kills Mother-Father. game. The games’ anarchist
Subsequently having being chased out of the world is inhabited by some
city of Halstedom by the other off-spring very interesting characters such
of Mother- Father (your brothers as the insane Corwid of the Free
and sisters that is), you are and the game’s antagonist, Mother-
accompanied on your exodus Father. There is a pretty deep storyline
by a female companion called for an action game which is effectively
Deadra. narrated through alternate reality and
The game plays out flashbacks. The game is pretty short
in the first person though, and we would be heading
into spoiler territory if we wrote
Zen Clash
much more about the game
perspective; however, details.
the emphasis is on Initially, I found the game
melee combat, rather pretty challenging and at one
than ranged. It heavily point even considered taking the
draws influence from game difficulty down a notch. In
fighting games and old- spite of this, I would peg the games’
school side scrolling beat- length between five to six hours;
em ups. As you’d expect which is if you only consider the
from most melee fighting single–player campaign. Finishing the
systems, there are combos game unlocks the Challenge Mode towers
and block-parry-counter systems. – something that should keep you busy for
If you’ve not played games like another few hours. This mode also has an online
Breakdown and Dark Messiah, it may leader-board, in case you want to show your friend
take you some time to get used who is the better man. At $14.99 (roughly Rs. 750)
to melee fighting in the first- I would recommend this game to all who have
person perspective. Although access to games on Steam – if only for the game’s
most of the game is fought compelling art style and character design.
unarmed, the game features
a few melee weapons that
are available only during
certain encounters and RATINGS
for a short period. It’s not
all hand-to-hand combat
Genre ..................................Action/Adventure
though, and the game Platforms ................ PC (Microsoft Windows)
features some twisted Publisher ...........................Valve Corporation
versions of standard Developer ........................................ACE Team
shooter arsenal like the Price.......................... $ 14.99 (Steam) Rs. 725
crossbow and hand grenades. Score......................................................8.5/10
The developers using
118 Digit | Month 2009 ||www.thinkdigit.com
August 2009 www.thinkdigit.com
Feature Toy Story
Toy Story was the first completely
computer generated animation,
and came from Pixar in 1995
Avitel Post Studioz
We have a look around in one of the country’s leading animation and post
production houses, bringing you the dirt on how they work, and juicy details on the
equipment they use.
Aditya Madanapalle The Animation Technology team
aditya.madanapalle@thinkdigit.com
A
vitel is a post production, visual
effects and animation company that
has an illustrious history of thirty-
five years. The office and animation
wing is located at Mahim, Mumbai, and
the studio wing, which houses the post
production facility, is located at Juhu,
Mumbai. Avitel offers a wide range of services
to its clients, and works on the aspects of
cinema that are not in public view.
Dr. Pradeep Jain founded Avitel in 1972,
and at that time it was the first private post
production studio. Till then, post-production
work was done by Doordarshan itself. Yeh
Jo Hai Zindagi and Mukkad were among
the first of many television serials that
were post-produced by Avitel. Television
advertisements came along with the onset
of television, and there were a lot of special
effects work involved for these commercials, Concept designing The Pre-Production unit
a market which Avitel dominated. Avitel
steadily grew in the field of post-production, the characters. A character is made to look intimately involved in the technologies that
with a history of many firsts. These included and move in a certain way in this process. the studio uses. The CAD division recruits
conversion to Telecine, reverse Telecine, and The production of the animation starts only freshers from animation schools, and then
introduced digital post-production to India after this. trains them for the organisation itself. As
in 1992. Avitel was also the first to start Indian animation studios had a lot of advice to budding animators, Dr. Pradeep
mastering VCDs and DVDs in India, with production work previously, but were Jain encourages going through an animation
record numbers of films mastered (1,200 not involved in pre-production. Avitel has school, and then specialising in one aspect of
for VCDs and 6,000 for DVDs). Recently, successfully conceptualised and sold four animation.
the Content Architecture and Design (CAD) films to a UK-based company, Purple Passion Animation grabs a fair share of the
wing of the company has been established Productions. The films will be sold as a limelight, and quite a few people are aware
for making animated full-length feature films. one time sale. The studio is geared entirely of modelling and basic animation, which can
The CAD department takes care of the towards the international market, as the be done on household computers as well.
entire animation process, which includes quality of their content is not justified by the Post-production, on the other hand, requires
both pre-production and production. current revenue stream of Indian animations. expensive equipment, and the intricacies of
The pre-production aspect of animation This is because of a lack of an audience; an the operation are beyond common public
requires a lot of brain storming and overseas animated feature makes much more knowledge. The post production wing of
ideation. The concept designer comes up than an Indian animation film. Avitel is at Juhu, and occupies two floors of
with a story idea, or a skeleton for a film. Avitel currently has a team of 80 a well decorated office. There are cartoons
The script writer develops and writes the animators, who work at the Mahim office. all over the walls of the studio, and the best
story, which is then converted to a script. They are looking to expand to a facility that equipment in the world is used.
The director is consulted at this point, and allows for 500 animators, and they plan to There are two departments in the post-
the script is given a cinematic treatment hire 300 animators over the course of the production studio, the digital intermediate
– which involves the technical details and next three years, which is the development department, and the commercial or
storyboarding. The script doctor consults schedule for the movies that they have broadcast department. The digital
with the technical team, and a final script, sold to their overseas clients. The studio intermediate department converts data from
which is the foundation for the animation, is works mostly on Dell machines, which are one format to another, while the broadcast
prepared. Based on the script, the characters upgraded according to the requirements of department handles all the colour-correction,
are designed and developed. This stage also the engineers in the organisation. Everyone editing, transitions and the like. Most of the
includes the modelling and the rigging of in the organisation are technocrats, and work comes into the studio in film reels,
122 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
Movies using Lustre
Sin City, Apocalypto, Aeon Flux,
Parineeta and Rang De Basanti
Feature
were some of the movies graded Discuss this article at
and corrected on the Lustre www.thinkdigit.com/d/53428
which are called cans. Each reel is about DR. PRADEEP JAIN ON “THE FINAL GOAL”
twenty minutes long, and is first run through
the Spirit 4K. The Spirit 4K converts the raw “When television came in, it was supposed to be a
video to one of the highest formats in the source of education, but it became an idiot box. When
industry, which is the 4K format. The Spirit animation came in, it was also supposed to be for
is made by a German company called Digital education. One of the films we are making, “The Final
Goal” is about football. It is more than just an entertainer.
Film Technology (DFT). If a commercial
One of the interesting things we are doing is that we
is brought in, it is processed immediately
actually, very subtly, teach the techniques of playing
on the DaVinci 2K controller, which is football through animation. When you watch football on
housed in the same room as the Spirit 4K. television, it is very difficult to see what the players are
The DaVinci 2K is a colour correction tool, doing. Through animation, we can show these moves,
and the work for broadcast is done on this from whatever angle we want. “
machine.
If the client has come in with a feature
length film, the reels are run through the Smoke machines are used for packaging or 100 terabytes, but all the data is configured
Spirit 4K, saved on the servers (more on that stylizing the video, including adding text on a RAID5 system, which automatically
later), and colour corrected on one of the two and backgrounds. Both the Lustre and the creates a backup of all the data. Essentially,
Lustres. The studio has a Lustre 2006 and a Smoke machines are from Autodesk, which is the storage capacity of the server is 50
Lustre 2010. This is the standard equipment based in the United States. The new Smoke terabytes, which is sufficient for the studio to
used worldwide, and even Hollywood machines can directly work on the raw Red work on seven 2K films at the same time. 4K
studios have the same machines. Even highly format. Red cameras are one of the leading is one of the highest formats in the industry,
specialised hardware such as the Lustre cameras in the industry for digital video, and but is not used regularly as it is not required,
machines have beta versions, which were the raw format consumes a lot of space, so and is more time consuming. The servers
tested out by Peter Jackson while he was this is no mean feat. are designed in a way that there is no need
working on the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The There is one Avid machine, which is to move or copy and paste data, significantly
colour correction artist sits on an elevated mostly used for commercials and music reducing the time necessary to work for any
stage, with his hands on the Luster, and a videos. The shots are sequenced on the Avid client. Moving a 300 GB file takes up 4 to
Barco projector near his feet projects the machine, and then saved to be processed 5 hours, which is a considerable amount of
video on a screen opposite the artist. All the by the Lustre or the Smoke machine. time. The servers can handle four streams
colour-correction work is done in real time, Sometimes, the output from the Avid is used of real time 2K, which means that both
and in full resolution. This allows a client to directly. Typically, an hour or so of raw video the Lustres can work on the same project,
sit beside the artist, and not have to worry footage (called “rushes”) is cut down to while the Spirit scans data and dumps it on
about render time, which was a common about five minutes of edited sequence. the servers. The throughput of the server is
delay to projects till recently. The Ari, another German made machine, 8 GBps, and 16 GB of RAM is used on all
The video itself is colour-corrected shot is used for the final output. The client may the systems, which is the maximum that is
by shot, twenty minutes at a time. Either the want the output in a number of formats, or currently possible.
whole frame is worked on, or a part of the in a particular format, which this machine Avitel Post Studioz has worked on many
frame. Applying colour-correction to a part of produces. From the film, or open format, the advertisements, films and music videos that
a frame is known as masking, and is useful video is downsized to HD format, 35mm, you have seen on television. A version of its
when there are multiple sources of light, 70mm or broadcast tapes known as digi- show reel is on this month’s DVD, which
such as a number of windows in an indoor betas. It can also print every frame in a video shows some of the work that they do. This
scene. The Lustre allows for as many masks frame by frame, which would give stacks of involves special effects, green screening and
as necessary. paper for every reel. animation. The official web site is at www.
There are three Smoke machines, The Ari Machine, and the three smoke avitelpoststudioz.com.
which are typically used for special effects, machines, as well as the servers are housed
transitions and basic animations. The in the same room, which is connected by
software used is known as Discreet Smoke, fibre cables to all the other machines in the
and the latest version runs on Linux. The studio. The storage capacity of the server is
The DaVinci 2K controller and console
The Spirit, used for scanning films
The Lustre 2010, used for grading
and colour correction
Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com 123
Xxx
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Find out about the latest
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Liquid Nitrogen Expriment
Here at Digit, we get excited everytime we hear the words liquid nitrogen. Darklord, from our forum,
managed to get his hands on some and we’re glad he used it for the right things – overclocking!
Hi,
Finally found a local source for LN2 so decided to put my new Phenom 955 to the test this weekend.
darklord
Test setup:
AMD Phenom II X4 955BE O913APBW
Asus M4A79T Deluxe Bios Ver.1303
Crucial Value DDR3 1333 2 x 1GB @ 1600 7-7-7-24
Corsair HX1000W PSU
Seagate 7200.12 500GB
Join Date: Oct 2003 Gigabyte 7200GS 256MB
Location: Pune,India
Posts: 1,396 This is how far darklord took the 3.2 GHz AMD Phenom II 955 X4 BE to – 6GHz.
These are the ingredients they used
For more pictures and details, visit the thread on the
ThinkDigit forum - http://thinkdigit.com/d/78447/
Come meet us on Digit’s chat server
Step 3. Connect to this server and enter the channel name to
If you have questions to ask or you just want to hang around with connect as #digit
us or other Digit readers, you can do so on our internet chat server.
Joining the channel is really simple. If you already have an IRC client installed, click on Start > Run.
Type irc://irc.thinkdigit.com/digit to connect. If you Opera or
Step 1. Download and install an IRC client – HydraIRC (www. Chatzilla, type the URL as irc://irc.thinkdigit.com/digit
hydrairc.com), Xchat (www.silverex.org/download/) or Chatzilla – a
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thinkdigit.com/d/73915/
Step 2. Add a server to the list with the address irc.thinkdigit.com
124 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
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Sun
Re: The Photography Thread
Ever since I made one of my occasional and the darkening sky as the moment surprised when I later found that more
pimpom visits to NASA’s eclipse site last year, of maximum eclipse came and went. than half of the shots had acceptable
Alpha Geek I’ve been eagerly looking forward to Some time later, the weather relented exposure, at least acceptable to me,
Join Date: Jul this day. The eclipse was to be only a bit and we began to catch glimpses given the circumstances.
2004 slightly over 90% of total in my area of the receding eclipse. We started Here’s the very first shot, taken about
Posts: 994 and I knew a photo of it would be shooting and I took some 60 shots. 10 minutes after the moment of
nowhere nearly as spectacular as The clouds were moving so fast that maximum eclipse:
in the totality zone. But it’s the first the brightness level changed literally
major solar eclipse I’d have a chance to from second to second.
photograph. I saw no point in trying
I decided to stay up all night rather to check my exposures
than catch a couple of hours’ sleep in between shots as
and force myself to get up all woozy the next one would
headed. With some friends whom need a different level
I’ve been informally guiding in anyway. I went entirely
photography, I went to the house by guesstimate and kept
of another friend who’s in a good turning the shutter and
location facing the eastern sky. aperture dials, using
Dawn came but alas, the morning exposure values from
sky was heavily overcast, with thick f/11 at 1/2000 sec with
fog rolling in too. There wasn’t even a a filter to f/4 at 1/20 sec
faintly luminous spot to indicate where without a filter.
the sun was. We watched TV, the clock I was pleasantly
126 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com
The last word
At last,
a data-centric OS?
T
he recent announcement by working with text: writing, reading or editing. I
Google of the forthcoming have three text editors that I use for this purpose,
Chrome OS immediately and having three icons on my desktop does not
reminded me of a prediction I take up too much space. However, as I write, my
had heard in the mid-90s, and main directory tree for documents contains over
suggested that Google might 5,000 text files - many very old ones are zipped up
actually be heading in the right and not included in this count. Imagine that lot
direction. dropped on the desktop as icons.
In February 1995, I was invited to visit IBM’s However, the main attraction of developing a
T. J. Watson Research Centre, just outside of data-centric approach to the user interface lies in
New York. I had shared some obscure research the fact that users think in a data-centric manner.
data which happened to be of importance to I don’t turn on my PC in the morning and think
IBM, and so this was a courtesy visit – and not a “Now I want to work with my word-processor.”
PR or marketing man in sight. One exercise the Rather: “I need to get back to that document I was
researchers do each year is to make predictions for working on last night.”
Edward Henning, Editor-in-Chief the computer of ten years time. They also check So, how to develop a data-centric user
each year to see what predictions they had made interface? The idea has been around for a long
ten years before, and how accurate they were. time. Bill Gates told me around 1989 of his vision
(They proved very accurate at the time I was there, that he called “information at your fingertips”.
apart from the 40 MB floppy drive!) He described this as an approach to all data for
I wrote at the time: “Almost sheepishly, they which the only analogy he could give at the time
told me of one of their current predictions, which was hypertext (known at that time in program
they seemed to feel confident about, but a little help systems). He had been very impressed
hesitant to express, apparently because it seemed with the work that had gone on at Xerox PARC,
so radical: that the user interface of the future admitting in private that this was the inspiration
would be Mosaic – or whatever was the successful for Windows, and that group was one of those
browser at the time.” NCSA Mosaic was the first working on hypertext. Perhaps some of you also
successful web browser, before it was eclipsed by remember the discussions in the 90s about the
“... they considered Netscape. Program Manager for Windows and OS/2 - how to
Those researchers considered that the future do this for data?
that the future importance of the web and the logic of having Gates was nearly right with the hypertext
importance of the the same kind of interface to access local data suggestion, but Microsoft seems never to have
web and the logic of and web-based data would force a demand for a been able to embrace this fully. Clearly, a data-
having the same kind browser style in the operating system interface. centric approach favours a GUI and browser-style
of interface to access For most of the time that we have had PCs, interface. If anything has shown us how we can
the interface has been program-centric. With manage data on a large scale and find our way
local data and web- command lines, such as DOS, you might enter: around it, it is the experience with web browsing.
based data would edit column.txt This is what the IBM researchers figured out
force a demand for The text file to be edited is a parameter for the nearly 15 years ago.
a browser style in command. You might also simply start the editor And this seems to be how the Google
the operating system and then proceed to open various documents. developers are thinking. Don’t be fooled that this
Everything is done from the program. With is only for netbooks - if they get it right, it will be
interface” a graphical interface like Windows, you also made available for desktops. The irony is that just
normally start a program first and from there as Google is describing a browser-style interface
open data files. for an operating system, Microsoft moves the
In a data-centric approach, typically, you other way and tells us that Internet Explorer is not
might click on the icon of a text file and the OS an integral part of Windows and can be removed.
will know which program should open the file That must be music to Google’s ears...
- there are problems with this approach - click on
a video clip, and do you want to view it, edit it or
resample it?
There are other ways also in which the
program-centric approach has advantages. Take
my own work; I spend most of my time on my PCs edward.henning@9dot9.in
128 Digit | August 2009 | www.thinkdigit.com