In The Zone
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone
Trunks2009-11-21T06:09:24ZManli GeForce GT 220 And GT 210 Graphics Cards: A Different Kind Of Implementation
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/11/19/Manli-GeForce-GT-220-And-GT-210-Graphics-Cards-A-Different-Kind-Of-Implementation
<div align="left"><em>NVIDIA’s entry level entrants, the GeForce GT 220 and GT 210 graphics cards, have been around the block for quite some time. Given that, we are anticipating that most of you are already familiar with what to expect with these cards in terms of specifications and performance. We reiterate that these graphics cards embody NVIDIA’s first attempt to use the 40nm fabrication process.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/0c451d3c52.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">At the graphics card manufacturers’ end, the real challenge for them with the GeForce GT 220 and GT 210 GPUs is the matter of implementation. Being branded as entry level, a designation which is quite synonymous with the annoying low end status, the GT 220 and GT 210 might be a yawn for many buyers who are wary about performance. Nevertheless, since they are among the cheapest and newest graphics solutions in the wild these days, they remain decent attractions for budget-conscious consumers.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/8c1fb274d6.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Lately, our friends from Manli sent us their own rendition of the GT 220 and GT 210 graphics cards. Manli has been known for their products that come with superior GPU coolers, some of which are even coming from Arctic Cooling’s assembly line. Upon seeing their GT 220 and GT 210 graphics cards, the first thing we noticed was the GPU coolers. Comparing the coolers with those found on <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/10/27/Palit-GeForce-GT-210-And-GT-220-Sonic-Edition-Graphics-Cards-40nm-On-Budget" target="_blank" title="Palit GeForce GT 210 And GT 220 Sonic Edition Graphics Cards">the GT 220 and GT 210 cards that we previously handled</a>, Manli’s are definitely more substantial.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/96931350a4.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Checking the interfaces present on the Manli cards, there is an HDMI, VGA and DVI output. Once again, there is no place for the legacy analog TV-out port.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/9021b8c271.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Noteworthy, both cards are equipped with solid electrolyte capacitors on their PCB. Recalling the GT 210 graphics card which we previewed a month ago, it only came with regular capacitors. We can see here that Manli made their GT 220 and GT 210 cards durable contenders on the entry level front. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/7122471ebe.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /> </div><div align="center">The use of sizeable heatsink and solid capacitors give us an impression that these cards can withstand stressful conditions better than other cards in the same category.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/6392c4a79d.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Taking away the coolers, we got a better view of the cards’ dark cyan PCB. The Manli GeForce GT 220 makes use of Samsung DDR3 memory chips...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/848028494d.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /> </div><div align="center">... whereas the Manli GeForce GT 210 takes advantage of DDR2 memory chips from VDATA. The cards have 1GB and 512MB memory size respectively.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" /><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId" /><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator" /><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator" /><link href="/C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /><link href="/C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData" /><link href="/C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping" /><style> </style> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 508pt; margin-left: 4.65pt; border-collapse: collapse" width="677"> <tbody><tr style="height: 15pt"> <td colspan="5" nowrap="nowrap" style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 508pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="677"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal"><strong><span style="color: black">Specifications Table</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt"> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 70pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="93"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal"><strong><span style="color: black">Graphics Card</span></strong></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.05pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="151"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal"><strong><span style="color: black">NVIDIA GeForce GT 220</span></strong></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 105.95pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="141"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal"><strong><span style="color: black">Manli GeForce GT 220</span></strong></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.05pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="151"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal"><strong><span style="color: black">NVIDIA GeForce GT 210</span></strong></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 105.95pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="141"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal"><strong><span style="color: black">Manli GeForce GT 210</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt"> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 70pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="93"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal"><strong><span style="color: black">GPU Clock</span></strong></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.05pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="151"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal"><span style="color: black">615MHz</span></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 105.95pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="141"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal"><span style="color: black">625MHz</span></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.05pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="151"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal"><span style="color: black">589MHz</span></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 105.95pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="141"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal"><span style="color: black">589MHz</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt"> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 70pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="93"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal"><strong><span style="color: black">Memory Clock</span></strong></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.05pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="151"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal"><span style="color: black">1580MHz</span></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 105.95pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="141"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal"><span style="color: black">1580MHz</span></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.05pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="151"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal"><span style="color: black">1000MHz</span></p> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 105.95pt; height: 15pt" valign="bottom" width="141"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal"><span style="color: black">1334MHz</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><div align="center">Based on the charts above, Manli has applied minimal tweaking on the cards, resulting in a higher GPU clock for the GT 220 and higher memory clock for the GT 210. In any case, with bigger coolers giving more headroom for overclocking, users are assured that they can still wheedle out extra performance from these graphics cards eventually.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/8dd091c664.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">While the Manli GeForce GT 220 and GT 210 graphics cards remain faithful with the recommended blueprint of NVIDIA, its manufacturer has managed to make them more eye-catching among the pack. Equipped with more capable cooling assembly and all solid capacitors, they deserve consideration of those who are looking for budget graphics card options.</div><div align="center"> </div>GeneralHWM PhilippinesProducts Around The CornerQuick TakeUnwrappedPreviewSpotlight2009-11-19T14:20:08ZlittlelionWeSC Maraca Circumaural Headphones: A New Thing To Our Ears And Yours Too!
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/11/17/WeSC-Maraca-Circumaural-Headphones-A-New-Thing-To-Our-Ears-And-Yours-Too
<div align="left"><em>We are the Superlative Conspiracy. Not we but they are. If you were a bit confused, we are referring to the Sweden-based company which is popularly called as WeSC and casually known as We. They have been known as a clothing brand since 1999, purely associated with underground culture, street fashion and skateboarding. Later on, they added headphones to their product array, which show off relatively avant-garde designs. Needless to say, that is to match the unconventional taste of the young and young-at-heart which are WeSC’s key audience.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/4a2b2b39ab.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">For sampling, our friends from H2O Republic sent us the WeSC Maraca and upon seeing it, we immediately felt that we were too tired of seeing cans that come in black, white or silver color conventions. The Maraca was a refreshing sight indeed and we instantly fell in love with its black and red color pattern. But just in case it is not your cup of tea, feel free to drop by <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://wesc.com/stuff/2048" target="_blank" title="WeSC Website">WeSC’s homepage</a> to see Maraca’s other funky color schemes as well as headset models that are on offer.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/6fb2ed6f30.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Like most circumaural headphones, the constitution of the Maraca is made up of an adjustable headband and pair of earcups that are wrapped with plush faux leather material to provide a snug fit to the wearer. Of course, it also has a few of distinct design elements that make it a standout among the pack. First of which is the visible stitch detail that traces all along the headband, which furthers the Maraca’s rugged look. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/ca9290e004.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /> </div><div align="left">The rectangular earcups, possessing rubbery back covers, are securely clamped to metal pivots. Other headset manufacturers prefer making use of delicate plastic hinges. The earcups are also seemingly connected to the headband through two coils of wire. While some of us may think of it as a minimal design flaw, most of us thought that it is intended to give the headset a retrospective appeal as well. The earcups’ leatherette covers, though they could be removed for occasional cleaning, are not easy to fit back. We advise that potential users should do the cleaning without removing the covers from the earcups. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/1edca0f3f0.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Within the earcups, the Maraca is composed of 30mm driver units with a frequency response of 20Hz-20,001Hz. Snaking from one of the earcups is the 05m-long cable that ends up with a 3.5mm gold-plated stereo miniplug. Checking the box that came with the headset, we found an extra cable that is intended as an extension for the headset in case that the built-in cable is short for desktop use. With all of these components minus the box, the Maraca weighs 183g.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/1045bdbb65.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /> </div><div align="left">Moving on to check the Maraca’s audio performance, we paired it with an iPod and played a set of 25 songs in MP3 format. The headset was capable of providing isolation that was adequate to mute situational noises inside a raging bus in EDSA. Vocals and instrumentals sounded good at both mid and maximum levels without any apparent sound distortion. For your reference, here is our observation with some of the songs that we played expressed through a scale in which 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest.</div><div align="center"><br /><div align="left"><em>Acapella</em><br />Forever In Love – A1 – 5<br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Acoustic</em><br />Live High – Jason Mraz – 5<br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Pop</em><br />Irresistible – The Corrs – 5<br />Hot N’ Cold – Katy Perry – 5<br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Slow Rock</em><br />Boys Don’t Cry – The Cure – 5<br />I’ll Stop The World And Melt With You – The Cure – 5 <br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Disco</em><br />Into The Nightlife – Cyndi Lauper – 5<br />Cherry Twist – The Crystal Method – 5<br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Punk Rock</em><br />Possessed To Skate – Suicidal Tendencies – 5<br />The Separation Of Church And Skate – NoFX – 5</div></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/31222489b4.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">While it was convenient for most consumers to associate the Maraca with punk rock, the genre which could be the anthem of WeSC’s patrons, we saw this cool headset as versatile and we were very satisfied with our sound trip with it in general. That can be obviously seen based on the observations that we cited above. It is not every day that we come across a pair of cans that consolidates an eye-catching design, durable construction, above-average audio quality and relatively affordable cost into one piece, but here is the WeSC Maraca headset, priced at PhP 2,995, proving that they exist.</div><div align="center"> </div>GeneralHWM PhilippinesProducts Around The CornerQuick TakeUnwrappedPreviewSpotlight2009-11-17T14:48:34ZlittlelionSamsung Printer Launch In Singapore: Ushering In The New Age Of Web Printing
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/11/12/Samsung-Printer-Launch-In-Singapore-Ushering-In-The-New-Age-Of-Web-Printing
<div align="left"><em>Large-scale success stories do not happen overnight. Depending on the external and internal variables that are present, the achievement of a goal may take several years before it gets accomplished. Take for instance the case of Samsung’s laser printer business. After years of hard work, the Korean giant is now savoring the fruits of its labor. Just last year, the company added a mind-shattering USD 550 million to its coffers, and recorded 15% annual growth rate. In spite of these flattering figures, Samsung is still discontented. Samsung’s grand ambition is to claim the top spot in global laser printer market by the end of the decade.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/17029c334f.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /> </div><div align="left">With that said, every course of action that Samsung took this year is geared towards that clear objective. For 2009, the company chose Web printing as their key selling point in order to stand out among the competition. Samsung put stress on this proposition on two separate occasions: first at <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.hardwarezone.com.ph/news/view.php?id=14772&cid=7" target="_blank" title="Samsung Simplifies Web Printing With 7 New Printers">IFA 2009 in Berlin</a>; and more lately, at <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.hardwarezone.com.ph/news/view.php?id=15058&cid=7" target="_blank" title=" Samsung Unveils New Consumer & Enterprise Printers">the regional conference in Singapore</a>. Fortunately, Samsung gave us the opportunity to cover the highlights and sidelights of the latter event, so here they are.</div><div align="left"> </div><p><strong>See It, Print It</strong></p><p>Consumer research showed that with the growing popularity of Web-based applications and increasing use of the Internet, the Web has become the major source of printed documents. Comprehending this trend, Samsung introduced the one-touch Print Screen button. This new feature provides users with a quick and easy way to print what they see on their PC screen, including Internet browsers or windows of different applications. With this feature, users can print exactly what they need, reducing the amount of wasted printed pages traditionally associated with printing from websites. Users can now prevent empty frames, URLs and disclaimers from being included in the printout. Since the button is located on the control panel of the printers, it means that users do not have to be at their PCs to print the webpage that they want. </p><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/01c5aa7ccc.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <em>Delivering her speech during the regional launch, Samsung Electronics’ Vice President for Strategic Marketing, Digital Printing Division, Ms. Hye-sung Ha remarked: “Samsung has succeeded in the competitive market by constantly assessing and reexamining end-users’ printing habits and needs. We seek to provide products and services that match and exceed consumers’ and businesses’ needs and this has enabled us to create best-in-class printing innovations in design and technology through the years. Our new line-up is another step in this direction and we are confident it will drive further success for the company.”</em></div><div align="center"> <br /><div align="left">Providing similar economical benefits, Samsung also introduced AnyWeb Print software. This application enables users to select, drag and drop specific content from a webpage into a new blank page on their PC screen, which they can then save or print. AnyWeb Print software allows users to print just the information they really need, rather than printing several whole webpages when they only want a small section of each. With AnyWeb Print software, users can save time, power, paper and toner.</div></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><strong>Press Ctrl P</strong><br /></div><p>Consumers can make the most out of the technologies mentioned with these laser printers that Samsung freshly unveiled in Singapore. Featuring a streamlined design and a glossy yet patterned top, these new devices are remarkably fingerprint- and scratch-proof. An enclosed paper tray ensures that paper is kept dust free and clean, helping to guarantee reliable, high quality prints. A cover on the output tray contributes to the streamlined look and helps to keep the noise level down, avoiding unnecessary distraction. </p><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/ab5f27d3f3.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /> </div><div align="center"> <em>Samsung ML-1915</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/d7e97c6ee6.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Samsung ML-2525</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><em><strong>Mono Laser Printers</strong></em><br /></div><p>Offering high-performance, flexible printing options for personal use in home and small offices, the Samsung ML-1915 and ML-2525 mono laser printers feature the ‘Toner Save’ function that saves 30% of the toner while ensuring excellent print quality. </p><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/e35aad1abc.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <em>Samsung SCX-4600</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/7a2dd3a6a2.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="500" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <em>Samsung SCX-4623F</em></div><div align="center"> </div><p><em><strong>Mono Laser Multifunction Printers</strong></em></p><p>The Samsung SCX-4600 and SCX-4623F are among the smallest laser multifunction printers in their class. These models feature the unique one-touch ‘Print Screen’ button. The 4623F incorporates a fax forward-to-PC feature that cuts down on unnecessary printing of fax copies. </p><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/454793b6df.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Samsung SF-650P</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">The Samsung SF-650P is a sleek and compact 4-in-1 A4 sheet-fed laser printer that brings convenience and speed to the workplace.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/e21511cdb6.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <em>Samsung SCX-5635FN</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Targeted at business users, the Samsung SCX-5635FN offers a combination of versatility, dependability and stylish design. It provides economic benefits to its users with the incorporation of the ‘Toner Save’ function. The SCX-5635FN also incorporates enterprise features such as fax forward-to-server and an intuitive user interface for hassle-free operation.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/05793df750.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="500" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Samsung CLP-620ND</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/e1c32254ce.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <em>Samsung CLP-670ND</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><em><strong>Color Laser Printers</strong></em><br /></div><p>The Samsung CLP-620ND and CLP-670ND are 20-ppm and 24-ppm color laser printers that come with network and duplex features targeting the small-to-medium business market.</p><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/e3406d7dc6.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="500" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Samsung CLP-770ND</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">The Samsung CLP-770ND is a 32-ppm color laser printer with a maximum paper capacity of up to 1,500 pages and versatile business features that offers businesses outstanding performance with high-speed printing, convenience and reliability.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/9606098b29.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="500" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <em>Samsung SCX-6545N</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/bb3f2edbcb.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="500" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <em>Samsung SCX-6555N</em></div><div align="left"> <strong></strong></div><div align="left"><em><strong>Mono Laser Copiers</strong></em><br /></div><p>The Samsung SCX-6545N and SCX-6555N provide fast and reliable A4 printing perfect for different workplaces. The SCX-6555N is the world’s fastest A4 printer and can print and copy at up to 55 ppm while the SCX-6545N achieving speeds of 45 ppm.</p><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><strong>Plus Factors</strong><br /></div><p>In addition to their Web printing technologies and fleet of printing devices, Samsung is offering the following solutions that can help businesses manage digitized documents and networked printing devices, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined workflow.<br /> <br /><em><strong>Document Management Solutions</strong></em></p><p>SmarThru Office is an entry-level document management system which helps users manage their scanned files. The PC application allows users to save their scanned files in a variety of formats – including Microsoft Office – and send them directly to a labeled folder on their desktops. Optical Character Recognition decodes a scanned file and turns it into an editable document, which means users can immediately retrieve a scanned file from the folder for editing.</p><p>SmarThru Workflow network solution for corporate data-distribution enables users to digitize and send scanned and faxed documents to multiple locations at the same time – including e-mail, fax, server message blocks and FTP sites.</p><p> <br /><em><strong>Device Management And Billing Solutions</strong></em></p><p>SyncThru Web Service is an embedded web service found on all Samsung network printers that enables IT managers to easily and remotely manage a network printer in a network without additional software installation.</p><p>SyncThru Admin 5 provides remote management of multiple network print devices by enabling IT managers to easily integrate Samsung products with current printers.</p><p> </p><p><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/92b0776eea.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /> </p><p>By constantly evaluating the printing habits and requirements of consumers, Samsung has arrived to an informed decision, and they ensured that it is reflected very well on the kind of printing products and solutions which they recently unveiled. Will this direction speed up Samsung’s ascension to the top spot? Only time can tell. In any case, our watchful eyes are very keen on the next episode. </p>GeneralHWM PhilippinesSoftware and Web ServicesEventsProducts Around The CornerQuick TakeNewsUnwrappedCommentaryPreviewSpotlight2009-11-12T10:42:51ZlittlelionASUS P5G41-M LE Motherboard: Intel G41 Chipset In The Limelight
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/11/10/ASUS-P5G41-M-LE-Motherboard-Intel-G41-Chipset-In-The-Limelight
<div align="left"><em>ASUS is swinging into high gear these days. Just a few weeks back, the renowned PC components and computer manufacturer staged the <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.hardwarezone.com.ph/news/view.php?id=14894&cid=5" target="_blank" title="ASUS My Eee PC Fair">ASUS My Eee PC Fair</a> at SM North EDSA, where the winners of the My Eee PC My Life Blogging contest were recognized and awarded with exciting prizes. Fresh from that affair, the dynamic team of ASUS Philippines is now making some noise once more for <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.hardwarezone.com.ph/news/view.php?id=15052&cid=4" target="_blank" title="ASUS Xtreme Domination: The Quest for the Fastest PC Builder">the upcoming finals of the ASUS Xtreme Domination: The Quest for the Fastest PC Builder</a>. We are hoping that you would not miss the said event which is scheduled to happen in SM Manila this Saturday.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/f4f51ea52e.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">In the meantime, while we are bracing ourselves for the outcome of the contest, we took a peek at one of the ASUS motherboards that hit our labs recently. In the spotlight today is the Windows 7-ready ASUS P5G41-M LE motherboard.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">If you could remember, we provided you with <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/06/25/MSI-G41TM-E43-microATX-Motherboard-An-In-betweener-For-Advanced-Beginners" target="_blank" title="MSI G41TM-E43 microATX Motherboard">a preview of an Intel G41-based motherboard last June</a>. As mentioned, the Intel G41 chipset is a close relative of the enthusiast grade G45 chipset. Both of them come with Intel GMA graphics: the X4500 and X4500HD, respectively. While both chipsets are designed to be integrated components for HTPC motherboards, the X4500 is not capable of full 1080p high definition video playback, unlike the more capable X4500HD. Considering that the P5G41-M LE is equipped with the G41, we can say that it is among the less expensive motherboard alternatives that we spotted from ASUS at the moment.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/020818bdb6.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> The P5G41-M LE is bundled with an orthodox set of accessories for a desktop motherboard, a far cry from what we saw on some of the ASUS’s P7P55D series platforms. The set is comprised of a SATA cable, drivers and utilities disc, quick installation guide, manual booklet, IDE cable, and back plate.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/a27353134b.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Simple and conventional, the entire layout of the P5G41-M LE includes a mix of regular and solid electrolytic capacitors. Apparently, most solid capacitors, together with a handful of ferrite chokes, are situated around the processor socket region.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/716e2fdcae.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Matching its average outline is a standard blend of connectors that includes the legacy PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, DVI, VGA, four USB 2.0 slots, Gigabit Ethernet, and 6-channel audio connectors. Do take note the absence of the HDMI output on this motherboard.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/f11e20bfb6.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> If you find the X4500’s graphics performance quite insufficient for your gaming and HD viewing requirements, the P5G41-M LE has a PCI-Express x16 2.0 slot to accommodate a capable graphics card. Other options for expansion include a PCI-Express x1 and two PCI slots. From this angle, we can see onboard connectors as well, intended for high definition audio, S/PDIF out, serial, parallel, and USB 2.0 headers. For storage, the board has four SATA 3Gbps and one IDE connector.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/01b47b186f.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> The motherboard is equipped with a pair of standard DIMM slots to support up to 8GB of RAM at 1066MHz when overclocked.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/8d9043d221.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">It has been a while since the last time we saw a board with a Northbridge and a Southbridge chip. Our longing was put to an end when we saw the P5G41-M LE in which the Northbridge is the G41 chipset, whereas the Southbridge is the ICH7 chip.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/4ca6f9e131.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Taking a closer look at the P5G41-M LE, we caught a glimpse of some of its important integrated chips. First of them was the Winbond W83627DHG, which monitors some of the board’s crucial parameters such as power supply voltages, fan speeds, and temperatures.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/84d9d8fd13.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Another important IC is the ALC887 from Realtek for 6-channel audio. Other G41-based motherboards from competitors come with either ALC888 or ALC889 IC which supports 8-channel HD audio.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/96a8b8cbaa.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Integrated near the PCI-Express slots is the ASMedia ASM1443, a six channel multiplexer integrated with HDMI/DVI level shifter to switch HDMI/DVI signals or PCI-Express signals, designed to support high definition video output.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/e5695b6e25.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Last but not the least, the P5G41-M LE highlights the EPU ASP091, the IC responsible for the implementation of ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) technology. The IC monitors and regulates the flow of electricity on the motherboard depending on the gravity of PC loadings.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/1e206f3dd5.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Exclusively judging the ASUS P5G41-M LE based on its spartan look, you could easily jump to the conclusion that it is an entry level motherboard. It is actually the case, because the Intel G41 chipset is designed for budget platforms and, with that said, this board is reasonably priced at PhP 3,500 by some local resellers. In spite of its unassuming appeal, there is still something to look forward to on the P5G41-M LE and that is how it will fare in our battery of benchmarks. We will be releasing the numbers in the future issues of HWM Philippines so stay tuned!</div><div align="center"> </div>GeneralHWM PhilippinesProducts Around The CornerQuick TakeUnwrappedPreviewSpotlight2009-11-10T13:27:03ZlittlelionRazer Naga MMO Laser Gaming Mouse: Adding Imba To Your Gaming Lingo
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/11/05/Razer-Naga-MMO-Laser-Gaming-Mouse-Adding-Imba-To-Your-Gaming-Lingo
<div align="left"><em>Unusual gaming peripherals are no longer new to us. A few months back, we wrote about <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/06/19/Logitech-G13-Advanced-Gameboard-And-G35-Surround-Sound-Headset-Must-Haves-For-Gamers" target="_blank" title="Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard">a peculiar gameboard</a> that was loaned to us for quite some time. This month, Razer, through their local distributor, American Technologies Inc., brought us the ergonomic Razer Naga MMO laser gaming mouse.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/3d462772d9.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Upon seeing the product, some of us were quite intrigued about the message that is labeled on the side of its packaging. It says “Get Imba”. The most avid gamer among us said that “imba” is a gamer lingo for imbalanced. Particularly for those who are into “World of Warcraft”, the word is normally used to describe someone who or something which is too strong. It could also mean too weak, although the latter meaning is seldom used. In the case of the Naga, we are certain that Razer is capitalizing on the positive aspect of the term.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/c641bf58f3.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> The Naga's key selling point is the twelve-button grid found on its left side. More often than not, other mice just have a forward/back switch on this area. Since the grid is quite sizeable, the Naga is made a little fatter on the left side, giving rise to an oblique grip. With that said, the mouse provides a comfortable, ergonomic feel. However, based on its construction, we realized that it is meant for right-handed and ambidextrous users only.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/5290b78b51.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> The grid, arranged in the same fashion as that of a calculator and numbered from one (1) to twelve (12), is mapped according to the “1” through “=” keys on the top row of your keyboard. On the bottom of the mouse, you'll find a switch that allows you to change the grid's mapping according to the numpad instead. Since these keys are commonly employed to activate abilities on real-time strategy games, this means that the Naga can be best used on titles such as Warhammer and World of Warcraft. So if you are into these games, this mouse could be your cup of tea. Unfortunately, the grid can't be re-mapped to any other keys, so for games where the Fn or letter keys are needed, the Naga would not work as expected.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/f09c85cd24.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Like the <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/06/19/Logitech-G13-Advanced-Gameboard-And-G35-Surround-Sound-Headset-Must-Haves-For-Gamers" target="_blank" title="Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard">gameboard</a> that we reviewed previously, the Naga required us some time so we can get used to it. While it was relatively easy to push the corner buttons (1, 2, 3, 4), the middle (5, 6, 7, 8) and last (9, 10, 11, 12) rows were quite hard to reach. In our case, the buttons 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 were the easiest and most comfortable to hit. Nevertheless, if you are dexterous enough, using up to nine of the buttons could be possible, but hardly the full twelve.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/00e8877fcd.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">At the end of the day, getting imba with the Razer Naga is still dependent on the level of acclimatization and dexterity that its users can achieve while using it. In any case, any type of gamer who’s just looking for extra hotkeys can have an edge over the competition with the Naga. For sure buyers, we do recommend the Razer Megasoma soft gaming mat as a peripheral.</div><div align="center"> </div>GeneralHWM PhilippinesProducts Around The CornerQuick TakeInput DevicesUnwrappedPreviewSpotlight2009-11-05T15:59:38ZlittlelionJVC PICSIO GC-FM1 HD Pocket Camcorder: High Definition Comes In A Small Package
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/11/03/JVC-PICSIO-GC-FM1-HD-Pocket-Camcorder-High-Definition-Comes-In-A-Small-Package
<div align="left"><em>It is not hard to fall in love with pocket camcorders these days. Although they are not as powerful and feature-packed as their larger counterparts, these mini wonders are indeed discreet, pocketable, and easy to use. Shooting photos and videos with pocket camcorders is practically just the same as you would with a mobile phone, allowing you to capture moments as they happen.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/ef9bc4a897.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">One of the pocket camcorders that we spotted lately came from JVC’s camp – the PICSIO GC-FM1. The PICSIO designation means that the GC-FM1 belongs to a new family of imaging devices which is separate from the popular Everio series. Consumers can choose among the three colors available, namely Black Ice, Blue Steel, and Purple Passion. In our case, our friends from JVC Philippines gave us the purple model. Because of its size and glitzy shell, this JVC could be easily mistaken for a teen’s handset or a portable media player (PMP) at a glimpse.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/f93ee7e1b6.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> The GC-FM1 is equipped with a 2-inch color LCD that provides users with an adequate view either when recording or playing back a video under fair lighting conditions. The buttons located on the front are for power, playback, delete, photo/video mode, and index. These surround the click wheel which consists of the following controls: the center for shooting; up and down for zooming; and left and right for navigating when selecting a video that you want to view. The center button also doubles as a play and pause switch when the camcorder is at playback mode. Meanwhile, by pushing twice the left of the click wheel, users can change the megapixel and resolution mode of the camcorder. The available choices when shooting still photos are VGA, 2MP, 5MP, and 8MP; while the options when recording videos are QVGA, VGA, 720p, and 1080p.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/9140fc4a17.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="300" align="middle" /></div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/996bc3cdc1.jpg" border="1" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center">Placed on the left side of the GC-FM1 is the normal/macro switch, whereas on the right side are all the ports including the 3.5mm A/V connector, mini HDMI output, and mini USB terminal. The latter is dual purpose as it can be used for transferring videos to a PC, as well as for charging the unit’s built-in battery. The SD/SDHC slot cover and tripod mounting socket are found at the bottom.</div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center">We begin our observation with some of the still photos that we got using the GC-FM1. In terms of color quality, this JVC rendered colors accurately. In particular, colors such as red, yellow, orange and green are remarkably brilliant and intense.</div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/efbca3caff.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/27a5fc61c1.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/091dcdb7c9.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/07777b94d5.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/9814bea8ee.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center">A few of the wide angle shots captured by the GC-FM1.</div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/2708776b0d.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/b832ac77cc.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/94e1c8fc9a.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/afc2f9d527.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/97f01cebab.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Macro shots are impressive as well. However, due to the limitations of its 4x digital zoom, the photos manifested a minimal degree of noise and water color effect at high magnifications. These issues were also reproduced when we zoomed in to quite distant subjects. Do take note though that this may not be exclusive to the photos captured by the GC-FM1, considering that other pocket camcorder brands are equipped only with digital zoom and digital image stabilizer (DIS) as well.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/0e277a8afb.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/704002f09e.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/a42b521ac8.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/79ceb1c45a.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Checking the registered properties of the photos that we got, the GC-FM1 has an aperture and ISO fixed at F/2.8 and ISO-100 respectively. These settings are just right when capturing photos outdoors under broad daylight but as expected, a bit lacking when shooting indoors or under low-light conditions.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/76306299c9.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/97b34a00dc.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/ed281187f6.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Using the 1080p mode, the GC-FM1 recorded videos with a resolution of 1440 x 1080p at 30fps in .MOV format. Similar to our observation with the still photos, we praised the color quality of the videos that we took.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZGAVsO-3zwQ"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZGAVsO-3zwQ" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/BaBZXVRqAuY"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BaBZXVRqAuY" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/r68RexmvERc"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/r68RexmvERc" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/MU3x9sB730U"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MU3x9sB730U" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Likewise, we noticed some noise and water color effect as well. Nevertheless, these remarks were perceptible only when we either maximized the zoom level or took shots under low-light conditions. By and large, videos were satisfactory at midrange magnification.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/wz8H8nzYGGs"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wz8H8nzYGGs" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/GtCQFiCnFTU"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GtCQFiCnFTU" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/tzo47BBLmoE"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tzo47BBLmoE" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/r5JbrZIFzC4"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/r5JbrZIFzC4" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/h9An6nFP4xg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h9An6nFP4xg" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/SVppM9yWrmo"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SVppM9yWrmo" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/f2N-8XHtCbc"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f2N-8XHtCbc" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z7W0BJ1NR5o"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z7W0BJ1NR5o" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Some of the night shots recorded using the GC-FM1.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ak4GV4SeDvw"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ak4GV4SeDvw" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ef-ByyAGwXY"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ef-ByyAGwXY" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/IfgF_2ZbjZk"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IfgF_2ZbjZk" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/RmoaxYr9pro"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RmoaxYr9pro" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/csd9nYZAiE4"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/csd9nYZAiE4" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/11/852ec5e6f5.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" height="400" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">We’re just a few weeks away from Christmas and perhaps, you are already in the process of checking your gift list. Thinking of something to give for your YouTube fanatic recipient? The JVC PICSIO GC-FM1 is undoubtedly a charming piece of love to share and treasure. Its funky exterior and straightforward controls are just the icing on the cake. What would you appreciate more are the vivid and well-saturated HD outputs that you can get once you started shooting with this device. Capped with a reasonable price of PhP 11,990, it is one of the best HD pocket camcorders that you could pick in the 1080p category.</div><div align="center"> </div>GeneralHWM PhilippinesProducts Around The CornerQuick TakeUnwrappedPreviewSpotlight2009-11-03T13:51:00ZlittlelionAntec TruePower New TP-750 750W Power Supply Unit: Renewing The Legacy
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/10/29/Antec-TruePower-New-TP-750-750W-Power-Supply-Unit-Renewing-The-Legacy
<div align="left"><em>Think of an article of trade that you could instantly correlate with Antec. Without a shred of doubt, what most of you would think of is a power supply unit (PSU), if not fancy casings such as the Antec Skeleton. The California-based company has been known for PSUs for years, and if you are mindful about a certain brand from their stable, that could be the TruePower product line.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/43273ad41a.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Providing evidence of its popularity, the Antec TruePower branched off into two series, namely the Quattro and the Trio. This year, sometime in February, Antec threw in another range of PSUs into the TruePower lineup dubbed as the TruePower New, primarily comprised of models available in 550W, 650W, and 750W power ratings. But what’s actually new with the TruePower New? Join us as we find out.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/a9a68d6618.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">For our curiosity, our friends from Antec sent us the TruewPower New TP-750. Browsing the company’s website, we found out that they also offer the TP-750 Blue model that comes with blue, internal LEDs for an enthusiast’s appeal. Either the basic or the Blue variant is equipped with a 120mm PWM fan, smaller than that of <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/08/25/Huntkey-X7-900W-Power-Supply-Unit-Modular-Design-Inside-And-Out" target="_blank" title="Huntkey X7 900W PSU">the PSU which we examined a couple of months back</a>.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/3dfe7b9e43.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The profile photo of the fan. <br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/df298b36ce.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The TP-750 is a modular PSU, but do take note that many of its essential connectors are still permanently attached to the unit. These cables are the 24-pin main power connector, 4-pin ATX12V power connector, 8-pin EPS12V power connector, SATA power cable with three SATA power connectors, peripheral power cable with three standard peripheral power connectors, floppy disk drive power connector, and two auxiliary power cables for graphics cards with one six/eight-pin connector each.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/a1834d74d6.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">If the connectors that we mentioned do not suffice, Antec supplied the TP-750 with detachable cables for powering up additional peripherals. Items listed are a pair of auxiliary power cables for graphics cards with one six-pin connector each (red connector); two SATA power cables with three SATA power connectors each (black connectors); and two peripheral power cables with three standard peripheral power plugs each (black connectors). All of these come along with a standard power cable, the one that you plug straight into the electrical socket.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/89eea6f4f3.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> The label on the side of the PSU.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/73a5bd26af.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">In this photo, we can have a glimpse of the PSU’s innards through the air vent. Let’s proceed on looking closer at some of its important components.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/1ca11df8d9.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Instead of making use of thick heatsinks, the TP-750 PSU is equipped with heatsinks with extended protrusions. These protrusions are designed to increase the heatsinks’ surface area that come into contact with air for better heat dissipation.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/be25a7fcc6.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Noticeably, we spotted no huge electrolytic capacitors on the primary stage of the PSU. Conspicuous here are the three ferrite coils for transient filtering.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/e395b5257a.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">While usually found on the primary stage of a PSU, the huge electrolytic capacitor in this case is positioned adjacent to the primary and secondary transformers.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/404595dd3a.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Taking into consideration that the TP-750 has more connectors built in, the secondary stage of this PSU appears more jam-packed. We can see a lot of smaller, electrolytic capacitors from this angle as well.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/ccca8b2006.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">In the perspective of patrons of modular PSUs, the Antec TruePower New TP-750 could be relatively new based on some aspects. On the outside, given that most of its essential connectors are permanently attached to the unit, the PSU can be best described as half modular. In any case, whether such a design is advantageous or not, that matter is dependent on the space requirements of users. On the inside, we saw that the TP-750 possesses a layout that fairly differs from that of a conventional PSU. Certainly, that is beneficial in the long term. The extensive, protruding heatsink design and additional ferrite coils are good indications that this PSU is capable of withstanding stressful conditions and of delivering continuous power distribution as well.</div><div align="center"> </div>GeneralHWM PhilippinesProducts Around The CornerQuick TakeUnwrappedPreviewSpotlight2009-10-29T18:08:01ZlittlelionPalit GeForce GT 210 And GT 220 Sonic Edition Graphics Cards: 40nm On Budget
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/10/27/Palit-GeForce-GT-210-And-GT-220-Sonic-Edition-Graphics-Cards-40nm-On-Budget
<div align="left"><em>Our friends from PC Trends, Inc., flooded us with a lot of graphics cards from Palit lately. The cards that we had were based on NVIDIA’s entry level GPUs for the GeForce 200 series, namely the GT 220 and the GT 210. The most interesting fact about these GPUs is that they are NVIDIA’s first chips which were manufactured using the 40nm process. Most members of the GeForce 200 series were produced using the 55nm technology.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/b241e14afa.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" height="402" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/eee1764540.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">As a rule of thumb in the field of nanotechnology, a lower number would mean smaller die size, lesser power consumption, and cooler temperature for GPUs. But do these benefits really occur in actuality at all times? We leave that question hanging, but we do assure you that it is going to be answered in the coming issues of HWM Philippines. For the meantime, let’s take a peek at the Palit graphics cards piece by piece.</div><div align="center"> <br /></div><p><strong>Palit GeForce GT 210</strong></p><p>Let’s start off with the lower end variant of the class, the Palit GeForce GT 210 graphics card. As you can see, this card has a very spartan layout so one might think that it is among those cards that can be normally seen inside a pre-built desktop computer. </p><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/a742fb12de.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> For this graphics card, cooling is standard fare as well. The cooler is reminiscent of that found on GeForce 4 graphics cards. We went on to see what lies under the cooler.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/f7dfdd5f5e.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Here is the photo of the GPU being compared with a 1-peso coin. The name “NVIDIA” aside, another prominent marking on the chip is the code GT218-300-A2. The prefix GT218 actually stands for the codename of the GPU. According to our sources, the GT 210 has a die size of 55mm2 and is composed of 260 million transistors.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/7f504c9c30.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> A closer look at the Elixir DDR2 memory chips used on the Palit GT 210. The card has a total of 512MB video memory size.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/4625763ec5.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> The graphics card in its full frontal glory. Take note that it only uses regular electrolytic capacitors. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/fd10733994.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The back of the card.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/6ede280ecf.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">On the connectivity front, the card comes with an HDMI, VGA and DVI output. You should notice the lack of the legacy analog TV-out port, a trend that is fast becoming a paradigm among graphics cards today. Of course, since the GT 210 is an entry level option, this Palit has no power connector as well.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/2c8ca9bc4d.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> This screenshot of GPU-Z shows us the breakdown of the GT 210’s specifications and temperature reading. By and large, this rendition of Palit complies with the conventions set by NVIDIA for the GT 210.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>Palit GT 220 Sonic Edition</strong><br /></div><p>Our next stop is the higher end Palit GT 220 Sonic Edition. Branded with the “Sonic” label, we can see that Palit has managed to make this card more powerful by overclocking its core, memory and shader clocks. NVIDIA’s reference card is nailed only at 615MHz at the core, 1580Mhz at the graphics memory, and 1335MHz at the shaders. </p><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/92b4ca9ed9.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> With that said, it is a necessity for this GT 220 card to be equipped with a more sizeable cooling solution.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/30b5c069b9.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Codenamed GT216, the GT 220 comes with a larger die size and more transistors than the GT 210 chip. For the record, the GT 220’s die measures 100mm2 and is made up of 486 million transistors.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/d5c1175c8b.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> A total of four Qimonda DDR3 video memory chips make up the 512MB memory size of this Palit graphics card.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/09a835b947.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> The relatively dumpy outline of the card is soldered with solid capacitors, which gives us the impression of longer lifespan and better performance under stressful conditions.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/27a9affe9e.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The rear of the card.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/181d93d213.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Like the GT 210 graphics card, this GT 220 has the same set of interfaces and has no power connector as well.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/e41f2fcf39.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> This screenshot of GPU-Z shows us the considerable clock boosts that Palit has applied on this GT 220 version, especially on the memory clock. We can also see here the lower temperature reading that the GT 220 has compared with that of the GT 210, though the difference is marginal. We allude such a result to the larger GPU cooler that the Palit GT 220 Sonic Edition possesses.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">In general, the Palit GeForce GT 210 and GT 220 Sonic Edition graphics cards exactly match the modern definition of an entry level offering. At the time of writing, the cards were going through a series of benchmarks and though the final scores were not settled yet, we can say that the cards, the GT 220 Sonic Edition in particular, are ideal constituents for an HTPC setup and decent for light gaming.</div><div align="left"> <br /></div>GeneralHWM PhilippinesProducts Around The CornerQuick TakeNewsUnwrappedPreviewSpotlight2009-10-27T13:51:45ZlittlelionApple MacBook Pro Notebook: Come Bite This Apple!
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/10/20/Apple-MacBook-Pro-Notebook-Come-Bite-This-Apple
<div align="left"><em>In a world dominated by Windows-based notebooks, the smaller base of MacBook users is invincible. They may be fanatics, but we cannot blame them. There is certainly something in Apple’s MacBook that even those who have been wedded with Windows for years would file for divorce and say “I do” with a MacBook. Like the fruit that had caused the first couple to sin, this Apple is also tempting, only that this time, no mischievous imp is involved. </em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/91d6c03367.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> The new MacBook Pro is actually part of the updated line of MacBooks, with a unibody aluminum build that was unveiled at Apple's WWDC 2009 last June. As most of us already know, the unibody aluminum construction is consistent through other members of the MacBook family. With that said, discoloration as well as palm rest chipping, which were reported among polycarbonate models, are already things of the past.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/8cd5418623.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> While we leave the title of being ultrathin to the Air, the MacBook Pro is also thin – just as thin as the height of three copies of HWM Philippines stacked together.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/7d0e5bbbec.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Apple’s impeccable attention to details reflects on every aspect of the seamless MacBook Pro. Shown here is the slot-in SuperDrive</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/0b20f4bf6b.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Looking for ports? Take a look towards the left side of the MacBook Pro where you will find the MagSafe power port, Gigabit Ethernet port, FireWire 800, Mini DisplayPort, two USB 2.0 ports, an SD card reader as well as audio in and headphone jacks. The older and similar 13.3-inch MacBook misses the FireWire 800 port and SD card reader.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/f845d4bac2.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Lifting the lid, the MacBook Pro brings to light its 13-inch flushed widescreen LCD with 1280 x 800 display resolution. One minor concern is the glossiness of the surface. Nonetheless, this is not an annoyance under normal lighting conditions.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/c4a81f47b1.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> As what most Mac users know, Apple laptops are popular for their well-spaced, chiclet-type keyboard. That tasteful legacy is passed on to this MacBook Pro with backlit illumination for the keys to boot. Meanwhile, the power button has shrunk in some way and moved to the top right corner.<br /><br />Apple has also added four-finger gestures to the impressive list of multi-touch gestures on the MacBook’s trackpad. These new four-fingered swipes trigger a range of new tricks. Side to side gives you the application changer, swiping upwards or downwards quickly hides or reveals all the current applications that you are running.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/e8843bb358.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Staying coherent at every angle, even the underside remains clean and pleasing to the eye. It seems that there is no way you can see the battery of this MacBook unless you will unscrew the cover. Be cautioned, especially new owners, that the battery is not user-removable and, although it can be removed, doing so will invalidate any remaining warranty.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/f28a05c5f3.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Coming with the MacBook Pro are the supplied AC wall plug and power cord, 60W MagSafe power adapter, installation/restoration DVDs, printed and electronic documentation as well as a display cleaning cloth.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/10/3633b2cadd.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">As what is expected from an Apple product, the MacBook Pro is much pricier than a Windows-based notebook with the same innards. The local SRP of the basic configuration according to Apple's online store is PhP 68,990. But forget about the price as the product itself is forgivable and lovable because of its premium quality and seamless design that you will not find on other laptops. Simply put, it's a Mac. For a quick look of the MacBook Pro’s specifications and configurations on offer, click this <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs-13inch.html" target="_blank" title="Apple MacBook Pro">link</a>.</div><div align="center"> </div>GeneralHWM PhilippinesAppleQuick TakeUnwrappedPreviewSpotlight2009-10-20T10:59:34ZlittlelionThe HTC Touch Viva User Trials Promo: Sign Up, Enjoy The Experience, And Get Lucky!
http://www.hardwarezone.com/ourvoice/blog/in_the_zone/spotlight/2009/10/16/The-HTC-Touch-Viva-User-Trials-Promo-Sign-Up-Enjoy-The-Experience-And-Get-Lucky
<div align="center"><div align="left"><em>HardwareZone and HWM Philippines have teamed up with HTC to bring to you an exciting way to win an HTC Touch Viva with the all-new Touch Flo 3D interface! Thrilled? Here’s how.</em><br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="center" style="text-align: center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/09/d788325827.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" /></div><br /> <br /><div align="left">Just shoot us an email to editor.ph@hwzcorp.com with the following details:<br /><br />Name: ______________________________<br />Address: ______________________________<br />Email Address:______________________________<br />Mobile Phone Number: ______________________________<br />Continue the statement: “I want to be one of the testers of the HTC Touch Viva because ______________________________.”</div><div align="left"> <br /></div></div><p align="center"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/09/93ac7f05f2.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" /> </p><div align="center">Among all the entries, ten (10) lucky testers will be chosen to take home a brand new HTC Touch Viva for a period of one month in order to experience and enjoy its full touch functionality. Potential candidates should note that the chosen testers will be required to actively log on and participate in a discussion forum and / or focus group discussion in order to discuss their experiences and gather their feedback based on their experiences with the HTC Touch Viva and Touch Flo 3D user interface.<br /></div><p align="center"> <img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/09/f4b59b790e.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /> </p><p align="center">The top three users with the most constructive feedback and useful insights will get to keep their trial unit, while the remaining testers will get to avail of a 50% discount of the HTC Touch Viva trial unit, or a 20% discount off other HTC devices. Of course, all HTC Touch Viva units that were not awarded as prizes or purchased at a discount are to be returned to HTC after a period of one month. <br /> </p><p align="center"><a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.htc.com/sea/product/touchviva/overview.html" target="_blank" title="HTC Touch Viva"><img src="http://images.hardwarezone.com/upload/files/2009/09/d8c79c4eaf.jpg" border="1" hspace="175" width="600" align="middle" /></a></p><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Wait no more! Take part and start experiencing seamless mobility with the HTC Touch Viva and Touch Flo 3D technology today by joining the promo! To learn more about the features and specifications of the HTC Touch Viva, simply click the HTC Touch Viva button above or visit <a class="ltVideoGoogleVideo" href="http://www.htc.com/sea/product/touchviva/overview.html" target="_blank" title="HTC Touch Viva">http://www.htc.com/sea/product/touchviva/overview.html</a>.</div><div align="center"> </div>GeneralHWM PhilippinesCellular PhonesEventsPromosNewsSpotlight2009-10-16T09:30:54Zlittlelion