Gadgets on the Go

Yos Kusuma

24 June 2011

Capturing action in High Definition

Remember when you were out there having fun with your friends, and trying to record those precious moments, but had to stop when it got splashy? Be it by the beach, by the pool, or even when it gets dusty and harsh for your average ‘spoiled’ digital camcorder, the Kodak Playsport is valiantly there by your side!

After rocking fun holiday scenes with the Playsport ZX-3, Kodak introduces the new and improved: Playsport ZX-5. So what’s the deal with an addition of 2 figures behind the ZX? What you get is a full 1080p High Definition recording experience, wrapped in an ergonomic rounded body which HET has proven to be waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof. How? We took it for a dip, mount it in a motorcycle while recording, and ‘accidentally’ dropped it from two meters to the floor.

Moving on, operating the ZX-5 is really easy, simple buttons at the back allow users to switch between still and video, preview, delete, and enter settings. The firm d-pad also eases navigation of the menu. And the LCD monitor is rather humble, both in size and color depth. The only logical reason HET could think of as to why Kodak did this is to save battery. After all, you wouldn’t want to charge your camcorder all the time, and lose that moment, would you?

On the technicality tidbits, the Playsport comes with a micro-USB port, micro-HDMI port, and an SD Card slot on each side, securely covered by smart lids that won’t allow any impurities to breach in. Out of the box, alongside the charger slash data cable and the micro-HDMI, is an internal memory of 128MB, with 20MB for video and photos, and the rest for software – that’s right, plug it to a PC or Mac, and install the embedded software easily. 20MB when recording a full 1080p HD, gives you roughly 6 seconds of fun. No kidding, but the external SD Card slot enables the ZX-5 to have up to 32GB of storage. HET used a 4GB SD-card, and we got 43 minutes and 24 seconds in full HD. For 32GB, you do the math.

The new Playsport is definitely for outdoor action, that’s why under low light indoors, it’s not performing at its best. But outdoors, under the sun, expect clear and crisp high definition details – so good you could freeze frame the video and catch a grain of sand on your friend’s face as you play by the sea! The sound quality pretty much balances the video. Even if you’re into still photos, the Playsport gives you a decent 5MP resolution. We plunged it in the water, roamed it through traffic, and take on the streets as we cycle on a car-free day. In fact, the only place HET hasen’t tested the ZX-5 in is the snow!

Once you’re done with all the fun, the Playsport offers a handful of options in enjoying the result. Gather with friends and connect the device to an HD-TV through the HDMI cable, and watch what you’ve been doing. Or, make those who didn’t get to go green with envy by sharing the photos and videos from the Playsport to Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and other social media. Thanks to Kodak’s Easyshare button on the ZX-5, you can upload its content directly by connecting it first to an internet enabled laptop, PC or Mac.

Some other practicalities HET found on the Playsport are: it actually recharges itself while it’s connected to a computer, you can use BlackBerry or Samsung or other micro-USB chargers in case of emergency, and if you don’t want the fuss of connecting cables, simply eject the SD-Card and load it into a card reader to move the contents to other devices. And last but not least, if you’re no where near a computer, you could still edit and trim videos directly in the Playsport and save what you need!

Small Wonder

If you like taking pictures, you’d have a smart phone with a built-in camera. But sometimes, those won’t just do it right. We mean limited picture resolution, clarity and all. Those who like it big would hang DSLRs on their necks and stroll in malls or amusement parks. So for those preferring a compact digital camera, here’s one for you. Being a full-size digital camera, it’s so small to put in your wallet or even get you a job at the CIA.

The guys at Kodak have really done it this time, by completing their line of Easyshare digital cameras with the smallest breed: Easyshare Mini. When we say full size, it means that the Mini has what digital cameras have from a motorized 3x optical zoom lens, a xenon flash, a 2.5 -inch bright LCD screen, and those function buttons. And the name Easyshare goes without saying; it also enables Mini users to share photos directly to computers, and various social media through online enabled computers.

Out of the box, the Mini comes with a lithium battery for an all day fun, software CD, charger and a 32MB internal memory. Of course, the memory is fully expandable with SDHC for up to 32GB. But we suggest 16GB for best operating condition – less lag and quicker processing. Taking 10MP photos, the Mini has all fancy features from photo effects to face recognition that remembers smiles! Yes, remembering here means you could tag up to 20 friends, and the Mini will display that name whenever the person is aimed with it. It also records video with VGA resolution, as well as the audio.

You’ll have more fun hanging out with the Mini around. One thing for sure, people will think you aiming a credit card to your friends, because that’s just small the Mini is! And if you’re into taking self-photos, the Mini has a tiny mirror in the front to make sure you’re in frame. After taking photos and videos with it, HET sorts them out and trimmed some of the less interesting video scenes directly with its simple editing feature.

To top it off, the Mini also has that today’s gadget practicality where you can charge it as it connects to a computer, or using all sorts of micro-USB port chargers. And if you wonder why we haven’t discussed picture quality, well, Kodak has been making cameras since the late 1800s. And yes, in today’s digital era, the Mini has decently put itself in competition with good shots for both outdoors and indoors. Not that remarkable, but still special due to the fact that it delivers HD quality photos to be enjoyed with that wide HD television on your living room.

Best Digital Dictionary By Far

Whether you are going to an English class or going overseas on your holiday, we still need that one lifesaver – the dictionary. Remember those times when you know that word, but just couldn’t get it out of your tongue? Well, carrying that brick-sized dictionary is a real handful. That’s why HET reviews this compact dictionary by Besta for our savvy readers out there!

When it’s first looked and felt, the 5-inch LCD screened CD-737 series feels like a smaller scale net-book, complete with its fold build and QWERTY keys. Hardware-wise, the Besta is sturdy with aluminum casing, 32GB SDHC cram-able, and reads USB flash drives! Transfer, read and edit files on the go. This really is the closest gadget to an OS-powered notebook. It has a full touch-screen and comes with a stylus pen for easy access to its customizable friendly User Interface.

Bringing Besta is actually bringing an entire digital language library. The device is preloaded with dictionaries that translate English, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese to one another! We browse the device further and found a Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. You know, like one of those rows of encyclopedias in your family’s study room. But we bet you can’t slide them in your pocket, can you? Even with the Britannica’s 6 million+ words and 30.000 entries, Besta went further by cramming an additional Cambridge Encyclopedia with 4 Million words, and 30.000 entries!

Forget those monochromatic digital dictionaries that only have words and boxy animations. This gives you more than 6000 pictures to illustrate the words you’d like to know. Those who have been using it regularly admit that it makes learning the language more fun. Last but not least, it also incorporates slangs. Slangs from the languages embedded in Besta are just a touch or a type away. We mean, c’mon, 1.900 slangs in 13 languages will surely keep you ahead on the cooler side of the chat.

The words you seek in Besta will be pronounced by a preloaded human voice. Unlike one of those scary machine voice that pulls out tidbits of phonetic pronouncing here and there. We think it suits students and travelers alike. Especially those in need of a practical solution when it comes to finding that right word and the way to say it.

Wonderful World of Pads

In this fourth segment of Gadgets on the Go, we’re merging all tablet pads known to mankind – well at least those already available in the market. Why? Because of all the varieties of brands, designs and sizes, they all come with two favorite OS: Android, and Apple iOS.

Android Pads: Samsung, Dell, Acer, and ViewSonic

Developed by Google, the Android Operating System has been stealing the hearts of gadget lovers out there who are into practicality, fun, and most of all, millions of free applications! Android’s user interface makes optimum use of touch-screen devices; therefore manufacturers embed this OS on their touch-screen smart-phones and recently on tablet computers.

South Korean mobile phone giant, Samsung, is one of the pioneers in Android device. Their ’Galaxy’ line-up has been running on Android starting from the 1.6 Donut, 2.1 Éclair, and 2.2 Froyo. Even the latest version, 2.3 Gingerbread, is being implemented in their newest Galaxy line-up, the S-II. In the world of tablet war, Samsung stood undeterred with their 7-inch screen Galaxy Tab (P-1000). Powered by a 4000 mAh battery, it gives you more than 20 hours of fun!

The Galaxy Tab runs the 2.2 Froyo, giving the tablet all Android functionalities from multi-touch screen, a 3.15MP camera, secondary video-call camera, and millions of apps in the Android Market. You can even make phone calls with it, thanks to its 3G/HSDPA GSM connectivity. Just insert a GSM SIM card, and it becomes a stand-alone mobile tablet that connects you to the net 24/7! Its 1GHZ processor allows intermediate multi-tasking like listening to music, downloading and playing games, at the same time.

If you’re into the same functionality, but a 5-inch screen will do, then the Dell Streak may suit you. Just like the Galaxy Tab, the Streak also runs Froyo with similar tough “gorilla-glass” screen, and plays all sorts of media files from mp3, mp4, aac+ to mov. If it’s not there, just login to the Android Market and download media converter apps. It’s that simple! Also, a 1GHZ processor would give the exact same multitasking capability.

The Streak is 2 inches smaller, but packs more firepower on the imaging sector. Its 5MP dual-LED-flash camera with autofocus gives you photos where you want ‘em, crisp clear. But the more humble 1530 mAh battery would only give you a third of fun time, around 9 hours. Then again, giving the pad enough rest like you would kinda lessens the probability of wear and tear. And, its smaller size will fit in most pockets and purses around, so in terms of mobility, it’s handier.

Voice and video calls are also available in the Streak, using its GSM 3G HSDPA connection. Both Tab and Streak users questioned by HET admit having steady data and voice connection, but when it comes to video call, several tries should be made. If there’s nothing wrong with the hardware, and both use the same software, better check your service provider!

You want a bigger Android Pad? Fine! Check out Acer’s Iconia Tab A-500. The A-500 took both Galaxy Tab and Dell Streak by surprise here in Indonesia. Being the latest launched, on February 2011, this Acer pad carries a solid 10.1 inch screen, and is powered by the latest Android version, 3.0 Honeycomb! Software-wise, it’s perfecting both Froyo, and Gingerbread. Also, Google has dedicated the Honeycomb specifically for Tabs, resulting in an elevated user experience to harness its entire potential.

And, what’s a tough software without a tough hardware to support it. Acer deploys the first dual-core processor for tablet in today’s market, the NVIDIA Tegra 2. It enables the A-500 to operate a lot faster when processing, running, loading, or switching between applications! Forget multitasking, this tab runs those tasks effortlessly. A 5MP camera sits at its back, while a 2MP is in its front as a secondary, yes, as a video call, yes, but does it make its own video call? No.

Here’s probably the catch. Different from the HSDPA enabled Galaxy Tab and Streak, the A-500 doesn’t have its own mobile connectivity. Meaning, it only goes online via wifi, when you’re in a WiFi zone. A buzz kill? Not necessarily. The absence of mobile connectivity actually gives the power-efficient hardware-software combo more juice from its 3260 mAh battery. We’re talking days of fun time here, not hours guys, days. Also, WiFi zones are all over the place now, you can even bring your own WiFi-3G modem or run WiFi tethering from your Froyo or Gingerbread smart-phone. It’s also priced in between the Tab and Streak; cheaper than the Tab, a bit more expensive than the Streak. But if mobile connectivity matters that much to you: get the Acer Iconia Tab A-501. It’s just like the A-500, with a GSM card slot.

Another player in Android Pad enters the market in Indonesia recently, Taiwan’s Viewsonic. Carrying a 10.1 inch display, the Viewpad 10 runs the 2.2 Froyo. It does pretty much the same as other Froyo Pads, but offers a more competitive price! But what we can anticipate from Viewsonic, is their dual-boot version of the Viewpad 10. That dual boot version enables users to select the Operating System as they turn on the device: Froyo or Windows 7. With millions of people being familiarized with Froyo and Windows 7 and the multitude of applications and utilities available in the two, the Viewpad dual boot packs a huge punch for its competitors!

Apple’s iPad, and its Sequel

When Steve Jobs takes the job, he takes it seriously! After bombarding the gadget market with Apple’s innovative products from iPhones to iPods, he seems to recall a 1993 Apple production, the Newton Message Pad 100, and brought it to the 21st century. Foreseeing a huge demand in the tablet computer market, in January last year, he introduced the phenomenal iPad.

Even with its revolutionary design, display and processor qualities, the iPad still has a lot of hurdle to be successful. Many critics dub the iPad as a “glorified iPod touch that doesn’t multitask.” That, was the main concern of high-end gadget users back then, when the iPad can’t run several apps at once, and the life support (connection to the net) was available just through WiFi. Although, a couple of months later, Apple added a 3G SIM card slot to gather the world whenever, wherever, in its pristine 9.7 inch screen.

iPad’s sales figures defeat all the doubts. Over 19 million iPads were sold worldwide as of March 2011! Both Mac lovers and the general Pad aficionados love the speed of its 1GHZ A4 processor, its brilliant hi-res screen and the millions of applications available for it. Users harness the iPad for education, entertainment, to business purposes thanks to its reliable built-in lithium ion polymer battery which gives the iPad days of usage and weeks on standby! Although the software and application are exclusive, unlike the open source Android, the iPad seems to have succeeded in catering everyone’s needs. In the past year, you can almost see everyone using it in cafes, malls, schools, even in offices.

Still, most iPad users would love to see it able to shoot photos and record videos. Steve Jobs did it again when he introduced the iPad 2 earlier this year. The iPad 2 carry 2 cameras (back and front), but is also thinner, powered by the faster A5 1GHZ dual-core processor, larger RAM, and carries more lifetime in its battery! Just like the original iPad, the iPad 2 also comes with 16, 32, and 64 Gigabytes of storage; storing from e-books, apps, photos to HD videos. Also, the iPad 2 comes with WiFi only and WiFi+3G versions.

We’ve also seen lines of people stretching in front of stores worldwide in anticipation for the iPad 2. Since its release on March 15, more than 15 million iPad 2 has been sold worldwide to date. We’ve also heard about people actually making money from selling their queuing number, just to get their hands on the new iPad! Another thumb up for iPad is their anti-piracy policy, where users appreciate musicians through paying their work via iTunes, its sync-ing software. You can download, but you can’t share.