The Hot & the not so Happening

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

NIKON COOLPIX L22
Rs 6,450

Features
12 MP, 3-inch LCD display, 3.6x zoom, 2x AA batteries
19 MB internal memory, video resolution of 640 x 480

As far as point-and-shoot cameras go, this is a good product. The images are crisp and you have the option to customise white balance, colour tones, even the burst mode. Unfortunately, the pack does not include an SD card, which means that you can store only two pictures at maximum resolution in the internal memory.

MICROMAX ANDRO
Rs 6,990

Features
Android 2.1 OS, 2.8-inch screen, 240 x 320 pixels
3.2 MP camera with autofocus, 3G, Wi-Fi and GPS

Micromax's Andro A60 may be a rebranded ZTE Penguin, but it gives you access to an Android OS phone for just about Rs 7,000. Adding to its allure is the launch of 3G services soon. However, it would have been better to update the 2.1 version to 2.2, especially as 2.3 is slated for release. Wait for judgement on the hardware before you purchase one.

INFINITEC INFINITE USB DRIVE
Rs 5,800 (approx)

Features
Wi-Fi radio, USB connectivity

Despite its deceptive look and name, this is not a USB. It's a Wi-Fi radio. It lets you pair a Wi-Fi-enabled PC with any device that has a USB port to share files. While the concept is innovative, the execution is poor, with frequent breaks in connection between devices and software glitches during installation. Don't buy it just yet, but keep a look out for upgrades.

X-BOX KINECT
Rs 10,000

Features
Motion sensor, tracks two active players
Colour- and depth-sensing lenses, video recording

Considering the games that are compatible with the Kinect, it would be safe to assume it's for casual gamers. The motion sensors are incredibly fun and the controls are satisfactory. But ensure that lighting and spacing requirements are met and ignore minor glitches in some games. Hardcore gamers should stay away till a game worthy of this technology comes along.

SONY E-SERIES
Rs 6,900

Features
2-inch LCD screen, 4 GB/8 GB memory capacity
50 hours of audio on a single charge

In keeping with its lineage of enviable products and high sound quality, Sony has come out with yet another performer-E-series. It lives up to its expectations on sound and offers a crisp display. Even so, the screen is a little too small to watch movies. The styling is different and you have two colours-red and black-to choose from. The pack comes with headphones and a USB cable. The player also supports AAC, LPCM and protected WMA formats, apart from MP3.

CISCO FLIP MINOHD
Rs 12,499

Features
Digital zoom, internal lithium-ion battery
4 GB/8 GB internal memory, 60 fps

The pioneer in pocket HD camcorders has finally updated its core products, the Flip MinoHD and the UltraHD, to face competition in its segment. The Mino now comes with an image stabiliser and 720p video mode. If you're ordering it from Cisco's Website, you have the option to go in for customised designs or an uploaded picture on the machine. Neither model has a still shot mode and additional frills, but, of course, the Flip has always been about one-touch simplicity.