Lenovo X100e: The little red Thinkpad

THE latest ThinkPad X100e is more of an entry-level ultraportable notebook than a netbook.
Instead of the usual Atom-based processor, it runs on an AMD Athlon Neo X2 Single-Core MV-40 processor.
Supporting the processor is an integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 IGP 128MB, which provides a boost when playing videos or running graphics-intensive apps on the machine. That's not all, it also has a bigger 11.6in widescreen monitor and the keyboard... well, it's probably one of the best that we have used on a notebook (more on this later).
Of course, being a ThinkPad it wouldn't be complete without having a trackpoint pointing device around. For the uninitiated, it is the tiny red dot that you see in the middle of the keyboard. However fret not if you are not used to the trackpoint as the notebook also has the usual trackpad.
Stay clean
The X100e is available in either the standard non-glossy black or red - which is what we received for review. However, no matter which colour you choose, the interior will always be black.
At first glance, the red review unit looked dull due to the non-glossy coating. Heads will not turn but on a positive note this ThinkPad will stay cleaner, especially from fingerprint smudges, a lot longer than its glossy brethren.
As a matter of fact, we only had to wipe the lid when it was time to return the review unit.
However, for this particular model you will likely notice that not all of the exterior is covered in red. From the rear, you will see the black six-cell battery pack sticking out like a sore thumb.
Seriously, it makes the whole notebook design look awkward. Perhaps, Lenovo will be able to come up with a better design in the future to make the battery pack less conspicious for the coloured models.
TAKE NOTE: Half of the inserted SD card also sticks out from the built-in slot, so don't forget to take it out when moving the notebook around.
Unfortunately that is not the only thing that protrudes from the notebook. Half of an inserted SD card also sticks out from the built-in slot, so don't forget to take it out when moving the notebook around.
As mentioned earlier, the X100e offers a slightly bigger screen than usually found on a netbook.
Its 11.6in WXGA screen is able to display an image at up to 1,366 x 768-pixel resolution, which allows users to view widescreen movies with ease.
To complement the video is a built-in sound system that produces decent audio even at full blast.
It is also worth noting that the notebook supports the company's ThinkVantage suite of professional security features such as Access Connections, Power Manager and Active Protection to give business users peace of mind while using the X100e.
Fast operation
The AMD processor with help from the integrated ATI graphics card and 2GB of RAM ensure fast and smooth notebook operation. It is able to play 1080p HD videos well and handles photo-editing tasks without a fuss.
NICE: The X100e has an excellent keyboard and two navigation methods, trackpad and trackpoint.
It is a shame then that the model does not offer any HDMI connectivity. Users will just have to make do with the built-in VGA port when connecting to a HDTV for a larger viewing.
One feature we liked a lot is the keyboard. Unlike a typical full-sized island-type keyboard, the one on the X100e takes it slightly further where each matte key is curved as if it has been moulded to neatly fit your fingertip.
Plus the keys are raised in order to provide maximum tactility and the keyboard is also spill-resistant.
Some rarely-used keys such as Pause/Break, Scroll Lock and SysRq have been removed, leaving more room for the rest of the keys. Other changes include much smaller Function buttons and two full-sized Shift keys.
However the keyboard is not without its fair share of problems especially in the form of lots of "mis-pressing" due to the different key layout.
On the X100e, the Delete key now sits three keys away from its regular position at the end on the top right corner. The position of the Fn and Ctrl keys are also reversed, with the former now located at the far end on the right bottom corner.
All these switches led to us pressing the wrong keys or key combinations when trying to delete some files fast or when executing certain commands.
2-in-1
As mentioned earlier, the X100e offers both the trackpad and trackpoint, with two mouse buttons for each. Some people find the extra navigation method an unnecessary addition to the notebook but we beg to differ. There are times when you would like to use one over the other.
For instance, based on our experience, the trackpoint allows us to finely position the pointer especially when editing photos while for faster access to the notebook's functions we prefer the touchpad.
Plus the touchpad also has multi-touch capabilities for quick zooming. In any case, the notebook allows you to disable either function if you prefer to use only one method.
SPOILER: The black six-cell battery pack at the back of the notebook sticks out like a sore thumb.
One area users need to be aware of is the heat - the notebook gets pretty hot especially on the left side and bottom. Our advice is to make sure you put it on the table and not on your lap when using it.
What really surprised us was the battery life. Unfortunately, not in a good way.
Despite being equipped with a six-cell battery, the notebook only managed to last slightly more than three and half hours, compared to five hours as claimed by Lenovo.
As a comparison, most Intel Atom-based netbooks with a six-cell battery pack that we have used before can last way longer than this.
However this could be down to the power management, larger screen or simply that the Neo processor needs more juice than its Atom-based competitors.
Nevertheless, the result here is still a disappointment.
The legacy... continues
The first things that come to mind when one sees the name "Thinkpad" are reliability and solid construction.
We are glad to note that the legacy continues with the X100e series. It also ships with enough firepower to let you go about your daily computing life with ease and it feels as fast as other full-fledged notebooks that we have tested before.
Of course, the awesome keyboard helps to give the X100e an edge over the competition in comfortable typing.
While it's impressive in many ways, we simply cannot ignore the heat and rather poor battery life that seem to plague this notebook. And the mismatched colour battery pack definitely ruins an otherwise clean exterior design.
In any case, if you think these drawbacks are something you can live with, then the X100e could just be the good companion that you are looking for when travelling.
Pros: Good performance; reliable; solid construction; excellent keyboard; dual navigation method.
Cons: Unappealing colour; positions of Ctrl, Fn and Delete keys have been switched; poor battery life; runs hot.

Samsung BX2450 LCD monitor

Just a few years ago, buying a nice 24in monitor would have cost you RM2,000 or so for a high-end model, and RM1,000 or more for a low-end or mid-range 24in model.
Today prices have basically halved - RM1,000 or so gets you a top-of-the-line monitor, while paying RM899 gets you an LED backlit 1,920 x 1,080-pixel monitor like the Samsung SyncMaster BX2450 with a fast 2ms response time.
Design and ports
THIN: The BX2450 is barely an inch thick.
The BX2450 is a very nice-looking monitor - the black frame is contrasted with a bright chrome stand which makes the whole thing look quite nice without being too flashy.
It's also incredibly thin - where my old CCFL (fluorescent backlit) 24in LCD monitor was nearly 2in thick, the BX2450 is barely an inch thick.
Even the back is nicer than it has to be, with an interestingly textured finish that looks elegant.
Having said that, the chrome-looking stand does feel a little cheap when you actually get your hands on it - it looks like metal but is in fact just plastic and tends to be slightly wobbly due to the light weight.
The back ports are as you'd expect - a standard VGA port together with two HDMI ports. No DVI to speak of, but since HDMI ports are compatible with DVI, you only need to get a cheap converter if you output from your PC to the monitor using DVI.
An unusual feature is the 3.5mm stereo output port - since HDMI can also by default carry an audio signal, the stereo output port acts as a passthrough and allows you to simply connect your speakers or headphones directly to the monitor.
Of course, if you don't want to use the monitor as a passthrough for audio, you can just change the default audio output to the PC's 3.5mm stereo port in your Windows settings.
Picture quality
The BX2450 is made for gaming - the 2ms response time means that you won't get any ghosting when playing games with fast-moving action.
I tried it with a couple of games at full resolution and I have to say the monitor performed really well, with no signs of ghosting.
Colour response and side-to-side viewing angles are very good although being based on TN (twisted nematic) technology, the screen tends to darken quite a bit as you shift your viewing angle up or down.
However, Samsung has a so-called MagicAngle feature to compensate for the darkening of the screen when viewing from extreme vertical angles.
For example, if you tend to lean back and view the monitor from a really low angle, you can set MagicAngle so that the screen looks best from this angle.
There are four settings to choose from, depending on your viewing angle and it really does help for situations where you monitor is not placed at eye level.
Apart from the usual contrast and brightness settings, there are a number of automatic modes, such as a PC/AV mode which switches the contrast setting for more comfortable PC use or higher for more punchy video viewing.
Talking about settings, the adjustment buttons on the BX2450 are actually soft touch buttons - you just lightly touch the edge of the monitor frame underneath the corresponding label to make the adustment.
While this certainly looks cool I found myself accidentally activating the menu or turning off the monitor when I was shifting the monitor.
The problem is that the settings are in the bottom right hand corner of the frame, which is the place you will most likely get a hold of when picking up the monitor or shifting it.
Conclusion
Overall, the Samsung SyncMaster BX2450 is a good general purpose monitor - it looks good and works well for gaming.
The colour shifts due to the TN panel technology means that it won't be particularly good for critical professional photo-editing, but then again, if you want that, Samsung has a higher-end model for this purpose.
Pros: Nice design; good colour; fast response time; very thin and light.
Cons: Stand feels a little plasticky; button placement could be better.

BlackBerry Bold 9700

It is hard to resist the whole smartphone wave when everybody you know either has or is planning to buy either a BlackBerry or an iPhone.
Granted there are other smartphone platforms like Android in the market now, but at this point in time these two particular platforms still tend to dominate any discussion where smartphones are concerned.
While the BlackBerry Bold 9700 has been in the market for a few months now, this review is for those who are still sitting on the fence on which device would suit your needs better.
After using the phone for a few weeks, here are my top 10 findings of the Bold 9700 that will hopefully help you make your decision.
The outer package
Yes, aesthetics is important, especially at an age where manufacturers are touting the three "S" - slim, shiny and sleek. On a whole, the Bold 9700 is much sleeker than its predecessors. It sports a ­classier look with the faux-leather plastic on the back cover, soft touch paint and a chrome band that rims the outer edge of the phone, giving it an elegant finish without being too over the top.
The shiny casing at the top part of the phone is of course susceptible to scratches, but with a name like Bold, it merely defines character.
Rear view of the Bold 9700
In terms of footprint, the Bold 9700 though rigid in design is a neater package in terms of size and presentation in comparison to the first Bold installment.
It is certainly smaller and just a wee bit curvier.
But generally when it comes to the BlackBerry, it's not really the curves and design that takes precedence, but rather form and functionality.
Screen size and resolution
The second thing that you would notice with the Bold 9700 is of course the screen. There's nothing worse than a drabby and dull-looking screen.
Luckily that's not something that the Bold 9700 has to deal with. The screen is certainly noteworthy with the ability to display bright, colourful and crisp images, which is very helpful when viewing pictures or videos.
The 480 x 360-pixel resolution also ensures that images and text are sharp. However, it's a bit of a shame that such a vibrant screen is constricted within a 2.44in area, but it is nevertheless one of the most outstanding features of the phone and an improvement in the stable of BlackBerry devices to date.
Moving around – optical pad
Way back when the first BlackBerry was released, navigation was limited to the jog dial on the side of the phone and then most recently there was this flirtation with a trackball.
Thankfully the Bold 9700 sports an optical trackpad, which provides much smoother navigation and makes scrolling through pages much easier in comparison to the trackball for me. If you want a comparison in terms of usability, think about the touchpad and the trackpoint which some laptops have. You get the idea?
Qwerty keypad
Qwerty keypads aren't as daunting as they seem. Especially with the raised and slightly angled keys on the Bold 9700, it makes for a much-easier texting experience.
Although it is a bit smaller than its predecessors and can get rather tiring when writing either long e-mails or messages, it is definitely much easier to pick up and use as compared to a touchscreen keypad for sure.
The keyboard lacks certain shortcuts as with previous models, but once you think of the keypad as a miniature Qwerty keyboard, it makes it a whole lot easier to use.
Multitude of uses
Thus far BlackBerry devices have been positioned as the executive companion - for mobile e-mail communication at anytime and anywhere. But ever since data plans and devices made it affordable for the masses to be always connected - the lines have suddenly blurred.
What's important here is how services like e-mail is accessed. The Blackberry Internet Service uses a proprietary push technology, whereby the service automatically retrieves e-mail as well as attachments from the mail servers and pushes it directly to the device.
The e-mail client is very simple to set up and perhaps the no-frills user interface makes reading and writing e-mail messages that much easier.
It is said that the Bold 9700 features enhanced security and tighter integration, which would definitely make the IT department (if you're using it as a business device) happy. Instead of checking individual mailboxes, messages are unified in one inbox and these are sorted according to date.
The Bold 9700 comes preloaded with applications like Documents To Go. You can activate the trial version to edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents on the fly. But of course if you need additional productivity applications, or any other applications for that matter, the BlackBerry Apps World is now open to Malaysian users.
You can download free applications like Facebook, Flickr and a lot more. While you're at it, you may also want to download some maps as well as the Bold 9700 comes with a full function GPS.
I can see why many may perceive the BlackBerry as an enterprise tool largely because of its no-frills, straight-to-the-point approach.
But that's all changing with attempts at making the BlackBerry a more comprehensive lifestyle device. Case in point is the media player on the Bold 9700 and of course the host of social networking applications that you can download and use without much fuss.
Of course there's the BlackBerry Messenger, which really is a simple utilitarian application that only allows you to connect to your other BlackBerry friends to chat (with unlimited characters), share files and the lot.
The best part is that it uses the data line so everything is already paid for if you want to think about it that way. In terms of applications, more specifically games, this is where the Bold 9700 pales in comparison to the iPhone.
Thanks to the iPhone's accelerometer, there are many more games that are more interactive. This coupled by the touchscreen capabilities and screen size makes the iPhone a more versatile entertainment-inclined device.
That said, there are sufficient games that you can download for the Bold 9700 via Apps World but I hope puzzle games strike your fancy because that seems to be the dominant genre.
Browsing
Here's a slight sore point for the BlackBerry, or as many claim. The default browser is not particularly outstanding, and to some downright annoying.
When you access a particular page, you basically see the page in its entirety with the text the size of a pixel.
While you can't pinch and zoom as like with the iPhone, you can move the cursor to a particular spot and zoom in. But I reckon this does not really inhibit your browsing experience and all it takes is just a little getting used to.
Camera and flash
The onboard 3.2-megapixel camera produces decent quality pictures for you to quickly upload to Facebook or to send in an e-mail. There's also an integrated flash, which is nice to have for taking pictures under low light conditions.
In short, it serves its purpose but just don't expect masterpieces from it.
Multi tasking
I have to say that multi-tasking is something that the BlackBerry is pretty good at. You are able to quickly switch between applications, and yet have it still running in the background for when you go on to read a text message or answer a call.
This is a useful feature as you need not, for example, re-login to certain applications like Skype or other instant messenger services while you move on to surfing the Web.
Connectivity and call quality
Having used both the Bold 9700 and an iPhone 3Gs, I have to say that the former has better call quality and battery life is also a little bit better.
While 3G signals are very much dependent on operator choice, in terms of usability and connectivity to cellular and wireless networks the 9700 is a total breeze with just a few clicks of a button needed.
Memory
The Bold 9700 comes with 256MB of built-in memory and that's not a lot if you compare it with the iPhone and its various models.
But the Bold has a MicroSD card slot which instantly enables you to bulk up storage space to a maximum of 32GB.
In this case, the iPhone and Bold 9700 are on par. The only drawback is that the microSD card is a little tricky to remove.

Splinter Cell: A conviction for revenge

CONVICTION is the fifth game in the long-running Splinter Cell stealth action game series and it picks up few years after the events of the last game with Sam Fisher looking for answers behind his daughter's sudden death.
Having gone rogue, Sam's now a loose canon on the run from his former employers at Third Echelon. A man with nothing to lose, Sam focuses solely on tracking down his daughter's killer as he picks up a fresh trail in Malta.
Unfortunately for Sam, things aren't so simple as he gets called back to action to resolve a major terrorist threat.
Hide or die
The main campaign takes Sam through a variety of locales but the game centres largely around the greater Washington D.C. area. There a few nicely designed outdoor missions that really show off how well integrated the levels are with the game's smart artificial intelligence (AI).
It's like playing a deadly game of hide and seek with the loser earning a bullet through the forehead.
I SEE YOU: Once detected, enemies will home in on your last known position, though you can use this to your advantage and flank them from behind.
The enemies in Conviction are definitely much smarter this time round. Though they still patrol areas in an orderly predictable fashion, the AI really shows its smarts when its alerted of your presence.
Enemies will home on your last known position, shown by a ghostly white silhouette, sweeping the area throughly. Being detected isn't necessarily a bad thing however, as you can flank enemies as they sweep an area and you can take them down slowly from the rear.
Interestingly, Conviction's AI enemies are smart enough not to walk into a dark room where you can ambush them, preferring to draw you out into the open.
A different beast
Conviction plays very differently from past Splinter Cell games. For one, the game is more action-oriented and has a faster pace, and replaces the trial and error ways of the old games with more aggressive combat.
The gameplay feels similar to last year's Batman: Arkham Asylum, where you're more of a hunter stalking your prey rather than an infiltrator. The main difference is of course, Sam has no qualms killing his foes and does so with deadly efficiency.
While there is a stronger emphasis on action and gunplay, you still need to use stealth and the element of surprise to dispatch foes.
Like in previous games, Sam is invisible to enemies under the cover of darkness, rendering the world black and white. However, enemies in the game present more of a challenge now as they carry flashlights and can see you skulking in the dark.
HUMAN SHIELD: Grab enemies from behind and use them as shields to protect yourself during a firefight.
In a way the game is like a puzzle where you've got to figure out how best to tackle a situation. But should things get rough, you can take comfort in knowing that old Sam has a few new tricks up his sleeves.
New to the game is the "Mark and Execute" feature, which lets Sam mark the enemies he sees and line them up for several quick shots when they are in view. As efficient as the move is, the system balances out by requiring Sam to kill an enemy using stealth before being able to perform another round of execution moves.
Sam's also got a pretty sizable arsenal of weapons ranging from silenced pistols to submachine guns and assault rifles at his disposal that he can upgrade using points earned by completing challenges in the game.
While it isn't as customisable as Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer mode, you can increase a weapon's damage, accuracy and number of marks it can target.
Like in the previous games, you're given some high-tech gadgetry to aid you in your fight. Series staples such as the snake cam for peeking under doors and sticky camera make a return. However the sticky remote cams have new added features such as "sounding off" to distract enemies and the ability to remotely detonate.
You'll also get to play with new toys like EMP grenades and EMP pulse generators to temporarily knock out power supplies while you sneak around enemies.
Gone however are Sam's trademark night vision goggles - instead he gets a pair of improved Sonar goggles that allow him to see in the dark and through walls to detect approaching enemies.
Two is better than one
To be honest, Conviction's campaign length doesn't feel as long as previous Splinter Cell games. On the normal difficulty setting most gamers can coast through the early parts of the game without much difficulty.
However the game's difficulty does ramp up towards the end of the game as tougher enemies in body armour hunt you down.
All in all, the game length varies between six to eight hours depending on the difficulty setting.
Once you're done playing the single-player mode, there's the multiplayer co-op mode to dive into. The co-op mode actually has a separate back story that takes place before the events in the main game.
Here you and a friend can take on the roles of Third Echelon agent Archer or Russian Voron agent Ketrel, who are working together to uncover a plot involving terrorists and missing weapons of mass destruction.
There are plenty of options to play with friends - both online over Xbox Live or offline using splitscreen or system link - so there's absolutely no excuse why you can't play with another person.
TWICE THE FUN: Partner up online or offline buddy in the game's co-op mode to fight bad guys across five different maps.
Like most games, throwing in another player into the mix multiplies the fun you have.
Though the story is shorter than the main game (clocking just over two hours), co-op mode delivers a more engaging and interesting experience where you have to work together to co-ordinate attacks and help each other out when the going gets tough.
There are three modes of play that you can tackle together with a friend: Hunter is a straight-up locate and kill mode that has you sneaking around a map killing a set number of guards on patrol. Goof up here and the guards will call in reinforcements, making the game more difficult.
Infiltration on the other hand requires players to be absolutely silent and stealthy, once you're spotted it's game over.
Finally, Last Stand serves as the game's obligatory "Horde mode" where you need to defend an EMP device from continuous waves of incoming enemies.
That said, the only competitive game type in Conviction is Face-Off where two players are thrown into one of the maps and tasked with taking down both AI controlled guards as well as each other.
Conclusion
Splinter Cell: Conviction marks an evolution for the long running stealth series, reinventing much of the game's core mechanics.
The game now flows much faster and is more exciting as the focus on combat take-downs is a stark contrast to the slow gameplay of the past. However, the delivery still isn't quite up to par with most modern games.
THIS IS GOING TO HURT: Sam will use any means necessary to get the information he needs, even if it involves breaking a few bones.
Disappointly, the game isn't too challenging for the seasoned gamer. A good half of the game will pass you by once you've learned the basic game mechanics.
By far, Conviction's co-op is where you will get the most enjoyment out of the game. Playing with a buddy and executing cool manoeuvres is much more rewarding than playing by yourself.
If you are a long time fan of the series, Conviction will be an enjoyable experience that surpasses previous games in the series. However, as a stealth game on its own, Conviction lacks the challenge of the older games.
Still it is worth a look if you are tired from playing generic first-person shooters and want a change in pace.
Pros: Faster, combat-focused action; cool Mark and Execute feature; awesome co-operative mode.
Cons: Not as challenging as past games; shorter single-player campaign.

Panasonic's 3D Full HD TV system

With the head of LG Display recently quoted as saying that flat-panel LCD prices have bottomed, the world's electronics manufacturers are looking for the next big thing to keep the coffers ticking over. With a number of companies rolling out various 3D TV technologies over the years, it’s obvious that many think that this will be the next big thing. Panasonic is one such company that has spent a lot of time and money investing in 3DTV and debuted the fruits of its labor - the world’s first 3D Full HD (3DFHD) Plasma Home Theater System - at CEATEC JAPAN 2008 in October 2008 followed by the US debut at CES 2009.

Panasonic’s 3D FHD system comprises a 103-inch Plasma HDTV and a Blu-ray Disc player that plays back Blu-ray Discs onto which 3D video (consisting of left- and right-sided 1080p Full HD images) are recorded. Full HD processing occurs on both the left- and right-sided 3D image in every single process – from recording, playback and display. A special pair of active shutter glasses that work in synchronization with the Plasma HDTV enable the viewer to experience 3D images formed with twice the volume of information as regular full HD images, and enjoy them together with high quality surround sound.

While LCD has taken the upper hand in big screen display sales Panasonic is one manufacturer which has stuck with Plasma and now hopes that persistence will pay off because Plasma is currently “the only TV capable of delivering a 3D Full HD experience due in great part to its ability to refresh at a speed which enables multiple image display without loss of resolution”, according to Panasonic’s Executive Vice President, Bob Perry.

Additionally the use of Blu-ray allowed Panasonic to overcome the previous problem of delivering true High Definition picture quality in 3D due to the lack of bandwidth in transport and the limited capacity of the storage. Previous systems also suffered from reduced vertical resolution caused by a 3D display method that divides the scanning lines between the left and right eyes, and picture quality degradation caused by pixel skipping that results from the squeezing of two (left and right) screens' worth of full HD images into one screen of data capacity for image storage and transmission.

There’s no word on a commercial release date for the system yet, but when it is made available, expect it to have a hefty price tag attached.

Future Technology2 - The Time Machine

I have a few famous inventors I would love to meet in person and the idea of messing with the time-space continuum is exciting as well.
Check out - Attention Chronic Argonauts and fellow Time Travelers

Future Technology - Transporter

What kind of technology is required to scramble a person's atoms and send them for regrouping in foreign lands all in the blink of an eye? Imagine, I could work in Tokyo and sleep in Paris. Beam me up.
Check out - Quantum Teleportation or Scientists Report 'Teleported' Data