What to buy...
Good deal
The latest USB flash drive from the Kingston stable has superior security features aimed at protecting sensitive data. For one, its new technology notifies users if the drive has been tampered with. As data theft is one of the biggest threats that enterprises face, this is a significant innovation. The flash drive is available in 2, 4, 8 and 16 GB capacities. In addition, you can pick one of these to include a pre-loaded Malware scanning application.
Good deal
The Intel ATOM N450 processor and the latest technology in this Netbook translate to low power consumption of 5.5 watts per hour and longer battery life. Compared with the existing Micro Star International (MSI) models, expect the overall performance to go up by 10 per cent. Further, its Eco Engine technology allows users to choose from five power supply modes—gaming, movie, presentation, document and turbo battery. This helps customise the power supply based on one's requirements and leads to extended battery life.
Good deal
The 54-gram Walkman is designed to send your style quotient soaring even as it appeals to your technophilic sensibilities. Be it the strong playback back-up of up to 30 hours, the 4 GB internal storage space or the excellent sound quality, music lovers are sure to get their money's worth. The USP, however, is the external speakers that are equipped with Sony's exclusive Digital Linear Phase Speaker System. This allows natural sound reproduction and renders powerful bass sound amplification in a compact body. The E443K doubles as a personalised alarm clock and can also be used for voice and FM recording.
Good deal
This is the first video camera in the market that promises 1080p video and 5 MP still-image capture. This is as close as you can get to high definition with a pocket camcorder. In addition, you can record 10 hours of video with the expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32 GB of data. Thanks to the built-in electronic image stabilisation, face tracking technology and external microphone support, this can be a great gadget for amateurs.
...And what not to
Product: Sonodyne Exbar
Price: Rs 22,000
Bad deal
The combined output of this sound bar and woofer is 110 W RMS, which is only good for small-sized rooms. So if you own a large, flat panel TV, which requires a more spacious room for viewing comfort, it won't make the cut. The absence of a CD slot, radio or even an extra attachment to listen to music further limits its usability.
Product: IDFC Fund of Funds Monthly Income Plan (MIP)
Min application amount: Rs 5,000
Bad deal
If you are seeking long-term wealth creation or looking for a regular income, this fund may not fit the bill. Don't let the volatility in the stock markets spur you into buying this MIP. As this fund of funds invests 80 per cent of its corpus in long-term debt funds, it could lose if interest rates are raised to control inflation.
Bad deal
Despite appealing features like a colour LCD for assistance and an output tray that opens automatically when you hit print, this Wi-Fi multi-functional device fails when it comes to print quality. The colours are not bright and the printing speed leaves a lot to be desired. Instead, go for the HP C4788, which delivers better print quality, is more compact, faster, and is Rs 4,000 cheaper.
Bad deal
A lightweight Qwerty handset, complete with dual SIM facility, camera and music player, at an affordable price sounds like a steal, right? Especially one that resembles the more expensive Nokia E71. Too bad that the camera and audio quality are not too good and the 2.2-inch display screen has a 220x176 pixel resolution. Also, the pre-loaded mobile social messenger, Nimbuzz, is known to throw tantrums; many users have complained of an inability to install the application. All this means that you may not get your money's worth.
