Gadget reviews: Lenovo ThinkPad, XOLO X1000, Sony Xperia ZL and more

Sam Abraham introduces new products to help you zero in on those that offer value for money.

SPICE MI-530
Rs 13,999
Rating: 3/5

FEATURES
>> 1.2GHz dual core Mediatek processor, 1 GB RAM
>> Android 4.0 (ICS), 32 GB internal, 8 MP camera

The Spice Stellar Pinnacle Mi-530 is sturdy and, so, on the heavier side. The back panel has a rubberised feel, making this 5.3-inch monster easier to hold. The qHD IPS screen (540x960 pixels) is decent for the price. Performance was decent, with no perceptible lag launching applications or browsing. Unfortunately, it comes with Android 4.0.4 out of the box, but is upgradable to 4.1. Low light photography was poor while video quality was average.

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LENOVO THINKPAD T431S
NA ($949-US)
Rating: 4/5

FEATURES
>> Windows 8, 1TB hard drive, optional 3G

Lenovo's latest ThinkPad, the T431s is thinner and lighter. There is also the new trackPad, a multi-touch glass surface that optimises Windows 8 gestures and click functionality. The design is rugged, a ThinkPad feature, with a carbon fibre top cover and magnesium exterior. The 14-inch machine also gets the 180-degree drop-down hinge, which allows you to open the laptop and lay it flat. Processor options start with the 3rd generation Intel core i5 along with up to 4GB RAM and 256GB SSD.

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XOLO X1000
Rs 19,999
Rating: 3/5

FEATURES
>> 2GHz Intel processor, 1 GB RAM, 8 GB internal
>> Android 4.0, 4.7-inch display, 8 MP rear camera

The X1000's build quality is decent but its unibody design does not give you access to the battery. The bottom panel slips out to reveal a compartment that houses the SIM and microSD card. The Intel processor is quite zippy but not the fastest in the price category based on benchmark tests, while its still running Android 4.0. The 1280x720 pixel display is pretty good but the camera is disappointing.

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SONY XPERIA ZL
Rs 35,990
Rating: 4/5

FEATURES
>> 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2 GB RAM
>> Android 4.1, 16 GB internal, 13 MP rear camera

The less famous version of the Xperia Z is a 5-inch phone designed to be used with one hand. Performance is brilliant and comparable with the Z but might fall behind the pack with some powerful phones on the horizon. The 1080p display is gorgeous while the user interface has been designed thoughtfully. The camera is the same as in the Z and performs pretty good. There's no waterproofing nor the Z's glass back.

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CYBER-SHOT DSC-TF1
NA ($200-US)
Rating: 3/5

FEATURES
>> 16.1 MP, ISO 180-3200, Focal length 25-100mm

The DSC-TF1 is a rugged compact with a sleek chassis and a thick rubber bumper running along the camera. Performance was just okay for the price range. While image quality was decent in bright light, low-light conditions resulted in noisy images. The tracking focus mode that allows you to set the focus locked on a subject with the scroll button is a handy feature. In video mode, the TF1 is, again, average with a bit of fuzziness in the background. The interface is very user-friendly.