Q: I am planning to buy a new laptop and I want to focus on and the graphics card because I want to play FIFA 12 on it. I also want to have a surety that my repairs will be free for at least three years. Please suggest a laptop model that suits my needs. My preferred range is for something around about ` 50,000. Also, please tell me how to connect an XBox 360 or PS3 remote to my laptop so that I can play FIFA 12.
Samuel Augustin, on email
G&G: You could get yourself the Dell XPS 15 laptop, which comes with second-gen Intel iCore processor clocking a minimum of 2.2 GHz, 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GT540 graphics card, 15.6 inch display and JBL speakers. Dell gives options and a configuration of your liking should come within your budget, though just about. If you can add to your funds, you can get the Alienware M11X or the XPS 15z. No company offers a warranty of three years. As for connecting your Xbox or PS3 remote to your laptop, there is an officially available XBox controller for Windows which lets you do that. There are also some third-party hacks that allows you to use the PS3 controller with Windows.
Q: I have narrowed down my choice of a laptop to either the HP dv6 (2nd gen Intel i7 2630QM, 4 GB RAM, 2 GB graphics, 640 GB HDD, 15.6-inch) or the Dell XPS (2nd gen i72670QM 2.20GHZ, 6 GB HDD, 1GB graphics, 750 GB HDD, 1GB Nvidia GT525M, 15.6 inch). Both fall within my budget, but someone told me that HP is shutting its laptop division and that it would be difficult to get service for HP.
Harbir Singh Jolly, on email
G&G: Both the notebooks you have whittled your choice down to are really capable ones. They share similar configuration and come with a good reputation. Since you harbour doubts about the HP dv6, which is an excellent machine otherwise, why don't you get the equally great Dell XPS laptop? The added advantage with the Dell notebook is the company's very good record in after-sales service, which seems to be weighing on your mind too.
Q: Can you please suggest a free anti-virus software for my Nokia 5800 Xpress Music phone? Please ensure that the service has no hidden costs attached.
Chetan Chandgothia , on email
G&G: We hunted around for some free anti-virus software but could not locate a good one for free. However, of the ones available on the Ovi Store, you can download Kaspersky Mobile Security. It comes free for a one-month trail, after which you will have to pay for the software.
Q: Could you recommend a phone that costs around Rs 30,000? It should offer efficient email service and have a good battery backup.
Akshaj Gupta , on email
G&G: Luckily for you, the best smartphone in the market can yours for your money. The Samsung Galaxy SII is powered by a 1.2GHz dual core processor, has a big 4.3-inch capacitive touch display and an 8 MP camera. With Android v2.3 on board, it doesn't lack anything. As for your battery concerns, most smartphones last a day with average and heavy usage, including email account, social networking sites, constant web browsing and calls.
Q: I'm using the Blackberry Curve 3G 9300. It came with software version 5.0 bundle 1399. Now the update version 6.0 bundle 2342 is available. I've read that some problems can occur while updating to the new version. Is this true?
Karthik Krishna, on email
G&G: Upgrading smartphone software isn't a difficult task. Simply connect your phone to the PC and follow the instructions. But before doing this, do backup all your data. In case something goes wrong, you will not lose your data. Also, there are chances that while updating, you lose connectivity or something goes wrong. In that case you can always wipe the BlackBerry device and update the software. If you are scared of doing this, just call BlackBerry customer care and check for the nearest store where they will upgrade your device.
Q: Every second day, I learn about a new tablet being launched. This reminds me of the time when players like Micromax and Karbonn ventured into the market and roiled the cellphone market with cheap hardware. As I am planning to buy a tablet, would you recommend the newly launched Beetel MagiQ or I should buy the iPad?
Raman Kumar, on email
G&G: The guys at Apple will be miffed if you talk of the Beetel MagiQ and the iPad in the same breath! The MagiQ is no match for the iPad. If at all, you should buy the Reliance 3G Tablet. The experience that the iPad provides is far beyond what these two affordable tablet can offer. The iPad is the best out there.
