Best gadgets your money can buy

APPLE iPAD (Price: Rs 27,900-44,900)

Specs: 9.7-inch touchscreen; Wi-Fi, 3G; iOS 4.2; 1 GHZ processor; Mono speakers; 730 gm

Apple took time releasing the iPad here. However, it has been worth the wait. A competitive price, amazing performance and a huge app support make the iPad the king of all the gadgets-at least in the computing world.

Verdict: You can buy the next version (iPad2) or buy this one. It's your call.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

LENOVO G560 (Price: Rs 31,990)

Specs: 15.6-inch LED display;Intel Pentium P6100; 2 GB DDR3 RAM; DVD writer; 500 GB hard drive; Intel Graphics 4500 MHD; Wi-Fi, Webcam; 3 USB ports; HDMI port; Windows 7 Basic

The looks may not be to die for yet are modern enough. The LED screen supports 1366 x 768 pixels resolution and is good to work on.

Verdict: Worth a look if you want a not-so-costly business aid.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

BOSE AE2 HEADPHONES (Price: Rs 8,100)

Specs: Passive noise cancellation; Foldable design; 3.5 mm audio jack; 138.9 gm

Crafted to perfection, this audio gear hugs the head and ears nicely. It is light, comfortable to wear and does not strain the neck.

Verdict: Bose headphones-at this price? Grab them.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

DISNEY TRON MOUSE AND MAT COMBO (Price: Rs 7,899)

Specs: 5600 dpi laser sensor; 7 hype response buttons; Lighting alerts; 1 ms response time; 7 ft USB cable; 290mm x 207mm mat

The mouse is ambidextrous but does not feels very ergonomic. It fits the fingers well but the lower palm feels like it is hanging a bit. The mouse glides well on the pad and its accuracy-thanks to the 5600 dpi laser sensor-was something to marvel at.

Verdict: Why let a good thing pass by?

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

PHILIPS NOTEBOOK CUSHION SPEAKERS (Price: Rs 3,999)

It only takes up a USB slot to give your machine the much-needed audio boost. Secured with proper airflow to prevent overheating, the comfortable padding underneath the rigid surface is a boon for those who use their notebook on the couch or in bed at home.

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BMW X1 20D EXCLUSIVE (Price: Rs 29.9 lakh)

Specs: 1995 cc diesel engine; 6 -speed automatic transmission; 179 PS power; 350 Nm torque; 0-100 kmph in 8.3 seconds; 61-litre fuel tank

The look and body work of the X1 are striking. The big front jaws and proprietary back lights favour this car's make. The exclusive diesel 20D version that we got to drive had some extra features.

Verdict: Exclusivity comes for a price-the X1 is proof.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

NEC NP216 (Price: Rs 58,000)

Specs: 0.55-inch DLP; 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratio; 1024 x 768 pixel resolution; Manual zoom/focus; 180 W power consumption; Active 3D; 2.5 kg

The latest in the expanding 3D products portfolio is the NP216, a 3D-ready projector from NEC. This DLP projector can play 3D only via the VGA port. With other inputs, the depth projection doesn't work. To enjoy its full power using active 3D glasses, you would need to make a little more investment.

Verdict: Can show marvellous 3D imagery but you would have to invest in the accessories.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

SONY E454/N WALKMAN (Price: Rs 6,990)

Specs: 8 GB memory; 2-inch TFT display; 50 hours music playback; 3 hours recharge time; USB 2.0 rechargeable; 58 gms

Dressed in gold and sporting the familiar Walkman design, the new E454 PMP looks ravishing. But we would still recommend upgrading to a better set of headphone if you really want to take your musical experience to a different level.

Verdict: A PMP worth its price.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

LENOVO C200 ALL-IN-ONE PC (Price: Rs 21,890)

Specs: 18.5-inch display; Intel Atom D510 CPU; 1GB RAM; 160 GB HDD; 5-in-1 card reader; Wi-Fi; 8.9 kg

Expect it to be handling lighter applications and basic web browsing, nothing more. What we didn't like was the use of cheap plastic, probably in an effort to cut costs.

Verdict: An average machine.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

CANON POWERSHOT G12 (Price: Rs 31,995)

Specs: 10 MP sensor; 5x optical zoom; 3200 ISO; 2 fps continuous; 2.8 inch swivel screen; 720p video recording

An upgrade to the G11, the new G12 still has the same 10 MP sensor and 5x optical zoom which its predecessor sported. It also weighs the same. You might then wonder what has been upgraded. Only a couple of things.

Verdict: Price might play spoilsport for the camera's saleability.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

GENIUS EASYPEN i405 (Price: Rs 3,299)

Specs: 4" x 5.5" tablet; 4:3 AR wide; 1024 pen pressure points; Left and right click

The pen has a nice grip and is comfortable to hold, though there were times when you had to really press the pen hard to get a better stroke. Occasionally it missed a light stroke too.

Verdict: Pick it up if you are beginning a graphical journey with designing.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

CANON IXUS 1000HS (Price: Rs 25,995)

Specs: 10 MP; 10x optical zoom; Full HD video recording

The start up time is a bit slow. The camera takes a few seconds to come to life after you press the button but once turned on it snaps images in a jiffy.

Verdict: At this price you can get the Canon EOS 1000D.

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HTC MOZART 7 (Price: Rs 26,000)

Specs: 3.7-inch touch display; 8 MP camera; 1GHz processor; 576 MB RAM, 8GB internal, no expandable; GPRS, Wi-Fi, 3G; 130 gm; 1300 mAh Li-ion battery

Its second offering on Windows Phone 7 operating system after the HD 7, Mozart has looks to die for. Milled out of a single block aluminium and with a trendy back, it is a device to flaunt.

Verdict: It's a fine smartphone but wait for the OS upgrade.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

SAMSUNG WAVE II (Price: Rs 20,319)

Specs: 3.7-inch display; 5 MP camera; 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth; 2GB internal memory, expandable up to 32 GB; 135 gm

The 3.7-inch scratch resistant display is set in a slim, solid metal body. There are three physical keys for answering and rejecting calls, while long-pressing the menu key directs you to the running applications.

Verdict: Opt if on lookout for multimedia features and basic connectivity.

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HUAWEI IDEOS (Price: Rs 8,499)

Specs: 2.8-inch display; 3.2 MP camera; 200 MB internal memory, expandable up to 16GB; GPRS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth; 102.1 gm; 1200 mAh Li-ion battery

The Ideos can be successfully pitched as the most affordable smartphone operating on Android v2.2. Perching on a compact plastic body is the 2.8-inch capacitive display that responds well to inputs.

Verdict: A neat device, neat price too.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

MOTOROLA MILESTONE XT800 (Price: Rs 31,999)

Specs: 3.7-inch display; 5 MP camera; 1GB onboard memory, 32 GB expandable; Dual Mode CDMA/GSM; 1390 mAh battery

Positioned as a world phone with Dual Mode, the phone has two SIM card slots for a CDMA and a GSM connection.

Verdict: Priced on the higher side, it faces tough competition from the company's own Defy.

MOTOROLA DEFY (Price: Rs 18,500)

Specs: 3.7- inch display; 5 MP camera; 2 GB internal, expandable up to 32 GB, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth; 118 gm; 1540 mAh battery

A rugged smartphone? Motorola's Defy is a contender for the title. It can withstand water, dust and falls. What is more, these muscles don't take away from its looks.

Verdict: One of its kind at this price but wish it on Android v2.2

G'FIVE PROJECTOR PHONE Price: Rs 7,499

Specs: 2.4-inch display; 2 MP camera; 90 MB internal memory; GPRS, Bluetooth; 950 mAh Li-ion battery

It has a sturdy feel to it, while the 2.4-inch display has keys placed innovatively, if awkwardly, perhaps to ensure access to the projector is at the finger tip. The call accessing keys, selection keys and ok keys are placed at the bottom, below the alphanumeric keypad.

Verdict: Ideal for short-throw projection or for individual entertainment.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos

SAMSUNG GURU DUAL 35 (Price: Rs 3,150)

Specs: 2-inch display; VGA camera; wireless FM radio, music player; Expandable up to 2GB; GPRS, Bluetooth; 1000 mAh battery

Priced competitively at Rs 3,150, the Guru Dial comes with a wireless FM radio with excellent sound output. The inclusion of a VGA camera and music player further justifies the price tag.

Verdict: Smartly handles two connections.

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MICROMAX ANDRO A60 (Price: Rs 7,000)

Specs: 2.8-inch resistive display; 3.2 MP camera; 150 MB internal memory, expandable up to 32 GB; GPRS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS; 1280 mAh battery

If one goes by the looks, its curvaceous body does stand out in the crowd. The Andro has its flaws. To begin with, it has a small, not-so-finger-friendly resistive touchscreen display. Without a stylus, it is difficult to operate and type long messages and emails.

Verdict: Samsung Galaxy 5, Spice Mi300 and Huawei Ideos score over this one.

Courtesy: Gadgets & Gizmos