Borlands 2 Official Trailer
Wach online
Sony Tablet Price and Review
Sony Tablet S comes with unique wrap design along with dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, and Android 3.2.
Sony has recently entered into the lucrative tablet segment with two new models - Tablet S and Tablet P. These Sony tablets were previously codenamed as Tablet S1 and Tablet S2 respectively. Sony is amongst the forerunners who incorporated a dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 mobile processor in the tablet products.
Amongst the existing breed of new tablets that run Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system, Sony Tablet S does seem like a late entrant at a face-value. But in mean time, Sony has added several amazing features to really make the consumers think whether the tablet is really worth the wait or not.
The Sony Tablet S arrives in India with couple of novel features such as the PlayStation Certification, Universal Remote and Sony Reader app. Most important is the unique wrap design that makes the Tablet S stand out amongst all other slim or sturdy tablets with slate design. For India, Sony has introduced both WiFi and WiFi+3G models.
Design and Build:
Though late, Sony always enters a new segment with a unique product design. Sony has taken a unique wrap design approach with Tablet S and it appears like an open magazine with one side-folded. The display has been constructed using Sony TruBlack technology which offers reduced reflection, slightly better contrast ratios and greater HD video quality result.
Sony Tablet S has been constructed with twin colours. The metallic black part which forms the wrapped design starts from top of the display and extends to the bottom on the back side. Everything else under that part is brushed with silver color.
Sony Tablet S weighs 625 grams which is bit heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Tab 750 (Galaxy Tab 10.1) that weighs just 560 grams. The tablet indeed feels bit heavy while holding it in landscape mode while in the portrait mode, the thicker part of the tablet needs to be held and the fingers get some grip of raised spots at the back.
Built using the polycarbonate material, the three sides of the tablet are thin and quite edgy instead of rounded. Only the top side of the tablet with wrapped style design was blunt and totally harmless. The feel of Tablet S is similar to every other Sony product that involves polycarbonate usage and is prone to fingerprints.
Display and Hardware:
The tablet has a 9.4-inch touchscreen LCD display which has been built using Sony TruBlack technology that promises better reproduction of high quality images and videos. The Sony'sTruBlack technology incorporates usage of a special anti-reflective film and thereby makes tablet display less reflective.
Sony Tablet S display bears (WXGA) 1280x800 pixel resolution with 16:10 aspect ratio that is same as found in the most 10.1-inch display bearing tablets. The brightness setting of this display was quite a surprise for the lowest setting would make the content non-visible but the highest setting doesn't seem too bright.
Innards of the Tablet S comprises of a dual-core 1 GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 mobile processor and low power GeForce series graphics chip. At times the tablet did appear bit slower while opening some apps (especially games) and even during closing them. This tablet has 1 GB memory which, along with the Honeycomb operating system, ensures a smoother user experience. As per the specification, the tablet comes with 16 GB on-board storage but out of that only 9 GB is user accessible storage and rest is meant for system storage as well as for the operating system.
There's a 5-megapixel camera in the rear center of the tablet which comes without any LED Flash. This camera is powered by Exmor R for Mobile image sensor for HD quality images and also record video in 1280x720 pixel resolution. The front facing camera is mere 0.3 megapixels and would serve good enough for video chats.
The volume control buttons lie on the right side just under the power buttons. There's also a Reset hole just under the volume control buttons to reset the tablet to the factory settings. On the left side of the tablet lies the 3.5mm audio port to hook in earphones. Under is the flap cover that guards the micro USB Port and the SD card slot.
Sony has not offered any micro HDMI port on the tablet but instead provided DLNA support to let the user share content with DLNA certified Sony products - laptop, speakers and Bravia HD TVs. Along with providing a micro USB port, Sony has also offer the USB Host support, so only if you manage to get a third party convertor then you can make the tablet access and read files from a Flash drive or even attach a mouse to it.
Finger-print prone Sony Tablet S is ergonomically comforting almost but limits with its bit sharper edges. Slight elevation achieved due to the wrap design makes it wee bit comfortable while using the onscreen keyboard.
Sony has the prowess to offer products with great industrial design and potential. The Tablet S just proves it from the hardware point of view.
Software Performance and Apps:
Sony Tablet S comes preloaded with Android 3.2 Honeycomb update and new updates are received over the air once connected to a WiFi network. Sony has not tried to revamp the home screen user interface of the Android 3.2 Honeycomb but just made it smoother. Swipe transitions between the home screens are swifter and snappier.
Basic home screen of the tablet has couple of custom icons that link to native applications. For instance, the top of the screen has shortcuts for the browser, email, WiFi connection and Reader app along with a Launcher button in the corner. The moment you tap on the app Launcher button, you will enter in to a totally different App Drawer.
Tablet S has the VAIO software like styling with white background and the square icons have silver lining borders. There's a streak of silver lining that flows diagonally from left to right - basically a shining effect for eye candy.
The Tablet S has been PlayStation Certified which means most PlayStation games developed using the PlayStation Suite for the Android Platform. The Android Market will offer specific PlayStation Certified games along with the apps for the Tablet S.
Crash Bandicoot and Pinball Heroes games come preloaded and open up in full screen. Casual gaming lovers would totally enjoy the interface that offers a regular direction pad on the left side and the action buttons on the right side of in the screen. Also the position of those optical button sets is customisable as per your comfort. With the built-in 3-axis accelerometer and gyroscopic sensor, the gaming is fun with the tablet.
Sony India us offering five exclusive apps designed and bundled with Tablet S that includes Video Chaska, Star Player, Big Flix, Bollywood Hungama and Meragaana. These apps offer India specific content such as videos, Music, wallpapers, and even movies on demand service. Even the Universal Remote was good to use with the IR Port if distance between the tablet and the TV was not blocked by anything.
Avid e-Book readers will simply love the Reader app specifically designed and customised for the Tablet S. It offers several free to read classics. Don't get confused with the Reader and Social Feed Reader. The latter offers an all in one place view of the updates from user's different social network accounts. The only pitfall visible was dearth of good Honeycomb specific applications to try out.
Multimedia and Camera:
Watching movies on the tablet is mostly the intention of several users. However, users might be bit bugged with the lack of support multiple video formats with the tablet. Though the Android 3.2 Honeycomb has been here for almost a year but there are no tablet optimised video players that will support several video formats out of the box. Best bet is to transfer .mp4 files and be happy with the video output. By default the tablet supports .mp4, h.264 and and h.263 video format.
Sony has strategically placed the speakers on the side of the tablet and used its proprietary audio technology - xLOUD Volume Enhancement Engine. The xLOUD engine basically boosts the music while playing through the tablet's speaker or while listening through a pair of earphones. Music listening and movie watching experience was fairly pleasant. In fact the TruBlack display does serve nice while watching videos in dark with vivid colors and good contrast.
The Tablet S features a 5-megapixel camera with Exmor R image sensor that does offer decent quality images. However, the photos when zoomed to actual quality bit of noise creeps in the details. Lack of LED Flash serves as drawback while clicking images in low luminance areas. The 720p HD video recording is great feature and also little comfortable thanks to the tablet's ergonomics.
Battery life:
Sony loves to have at least one unique (read: proprietary) feature in its every new product. With the Tablet S, it is the charger and the charging port. It takes about five hours to charge the tablet completely using the proprietary charger which is bit heavy. Thankfully one can always charge the tablet via the micro USB port but that takes way longer than a properly wall-mount power source.
With a normal usage - involving watching movies for 1 hour 45 minutes, listening to music for roughly 25 minutes and light browsing - the battery lasted for about 9 hours. To be noted here that the WiFi was turned on only when required which apparently boosted the battery life a bit. But at this point, I preferred keeping brightness low. But with high brightness and constant connectivity to WiFi, the tablet lasted barely six hours. So if you are going to use this tablet exhaustively, you may have to keep it connected to the power source.
Conclusion:
Undoubtedly Sony wins and takes away all the brownies with the fresh and different industrial design made Tablet S. With smart usage of textures at back and glossy screen, the Tablet practically evens it out. Sony Tablet S 16 GB (WiFi) is available in India at a retail price of Rs 29,990 and is ideal for the Sony product lovers who already have Sony product eco-system at home. Even for those who love PlayStation Games and love good quality multi-media in a tablet with a different design can opt for this tablet.
In terms of competition, the Sony Tablet S does appear bit steeply priced but it promises great quality services with India-specific apps, PlayStation certification and Universal Remote feature.
Sony will really have to offer the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update to the users of this tablet. The consumers would be lured to buy this tablet only after that update arrives and several other compatible PlayStation certified games as well as apps.
Test unit sourced from Perfect Relations.
| Tablet Review: Sony Tablet S Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Network | |
| Operating System | Android 3.2 Honeycomb |
| Dimensions | 241.2mm x 10.1mm - 20.6mm x 174.3 mm |
| Display | 9.4 inch |
| Input Method | Touchscreen |
| Processor | 1 GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 |
| Memory | 16 GB expandable |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Multimedia | Universal Remote |
| Camera | 5MP rear, 0.3 megapixel front |
| GPS | Yes, with A-GPS support |
| Additional features | IR Port, SD Card Slot |
| Battery | NA |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price | Rs. 29,990 |
Scion iQ Review Price and Performance Review
MSRP: $15,265 - $15,265
Invoice: $14,501 - $14,501
MPG: 36 City / 37 Hwy
The 2012 Scion iQ ranks 20 out of 40 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 9 published reviews and test drives of the Scion iQ, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2012 Scion iQ isn’t fast, but reviewers say it’s the perfect car for cruising city streets and slipping into tight spaces.
According to the automotive press, the Smart Fortwo has finally met its match with the 2012 Scion iQ. The iQ is a bit larger than the Fortwo (and has a back seat), and reviewers say the iQ is better in nearly every aspect. Scion packs a host of standard safety features, including a suite of 11airbags with knee airbags for the driver and front passenger and a rear window curtain airbag. It also has a ton of standard features and an engine that's more powerful than the Fortwo’s.
While the press agrees that the iQ surpasses the Fortwo by leaps and bounds, they say it struggles in a few areas. The two rear seats are cramped, and with back-seat passengers, there’s very little cargo space. The feature they dislike most is the standard Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that eliminates the iQ from any fun-to-drive contests.
But test drivers understand that these are some of the sacrifices shoppers in the market for a subcompact car will have to make. If you’re willing to exchange performance and utility for something that is a cinch to whip around town, reviewers think you’ll be pleased with the 2012 Scion iQ.
Other Cars to Consider
While reviewers prefer the Scion iQ over the Smart Fortwo, you might be drawn to the Fortwo’s base price, which is significantly less than the iQ’s. The Fortwo, however, isn’t as well-equipped as the iQ, and doesn’t come standard with as many airbags or basics like air conditioning, a radio or power windows. The Fortwo also only seats two and has less cargo space. But, if you need a runabout that’s less expensive than the iQ and you don’t drive on the highway much, the Fortwo may be just want you need.
The 2012 Scion iQ is ideal for maneuvering cities, but with tight rear seats and little cargo space, you might prefer a small sedan or hatchback like the Kia Rio. The Kia Rio is great for people with the occasional rear passenger who need plenty of space for trips to the airport and the grocery store. The Kia Rio is less expensive than the iQ, and can be equipped with similar features like Bluetooth and a USB port.
Details: 2012 Scion iQ
The 2012 Scion iQ is an all-new subcompact that’s available in one trim. See the full list of 2012 Scion iQ specs.
- "Here’s what the new Scion iQ has going for it: It’s tiny outside, but not so small inside. Four people can wedge in when necessary. It’s good-looking, the interior design is about the best of any cheap car, and the seats are comfortable. The suspension is simple, but it works well, and the precise steering and its size make the iQ super easy to park." -- Car and Driver
- "The 2012 Scion iQ really does suit an urban environment, where its size makes it a great fit for everything from parking spaces to errands through city traffic. It's a car that makes everything easy, even if it's not exactly fun." --Edmunds
- "But where the ForTwo falls woefully short, the iQ steps up in every conceivable metric. It drives better, it looks better and it's better suited to both bouncing around town and taking a day-trip on the freeway." -- Autoblog
Pros and Cons
- Impressive standard features list
- Easy to park
- Comfortable front seats
- Boring automatic transmission
- Tight rear seat
- Little cargo space with back seat passengers
iQ Performance - 7.0 (Good)
The 2012 Scion iQ doesn’t have a lot of power, but reviewers say it is very easy to park.
iQ Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
The automotive press calls the 2012 Scion iQ everything from attractive to stubby.
iQ Interior - 6.8 (Mediocre)
The 2012 Scion iQ has a ton of standard features, but rear seat space is lacking.
iQ Safety - NA
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the federal government haven’t tested the 2012 Scion iQ yet, but this small car is packed with impressive safety features.
iQ Reliability - NA
The 2012 Scion iQ has a basic warranty and a powertrain warranty that are typical of the class.
Everything About Jellyfish Aquarium
The Jelly fish is a fascinating invertebrate related to corals and plankton. Most species of jellyfish are brainless, spineless, stomach less, and eyeless. Yet, they survive floating in the ocean. Some species wait for their food to float to it, while others move around more to get their food.
Jelly fish sting their food with nematocysts, paralyzing it, and bringing it into the mouth with the tentacles. Many human swimmers are subjected to jellyfish sting each year as well. It is easy to think that it is a defensive behavior, but in reality, a stung swimmer just happened to be in the way and was handled as any other thing that might come along. The largest killer of the ocean is not a shark – it is a jellyfish common in Australia and Hawaii called the box jellyfish or sea wasp. Though the shark gets most of the media attention, it kills much fewer humans each year than this dangerous jellyfish.
Keeping a jelly fish in an aquarium is not as easy as many other marine creatures. The jelly fish has special needs, and should only be kept by advanced aquarists. For example, in the wild the Jelly fish never encounters everlasting glass walls and can therefore become “trapped” in the corners of ordinary rectangular aquariums. The safest course of action is to use cylinder shaped tanks without any corners for the jellyfish to get stuck in. Another aspect of jellyfish keeping is that the water has to flow in special ways, and the filter mustn’t be able to suck the jellyfish in. There are other special considerations in terms of water flow that needs to be made as well. In the wild, many species if jellyfish relays mainly on currents to transport them around, bring them food and remove their waste products.
With that in mind, you will likely have to look for different aquarium tank suppliers to find what you need to successfully keep jellyfish in aquarium. There are a few online stores so far that carry aquariums and equipment for keeping jellyfish. You will unlikely be able to find them at the local fish store. You might also be able to find some instructions regarding building your own, though pay special attention to the water flow if you do that. They are similar to seahorse tanks.
Jellyfish are quite extraordinary when it comes to anatomy and clearly distinguishes themselves from most other aquatic creatures. The body of a jellyfish is symmetrical and based around a radial point. There is often very little actual organic content, since a jellyfish is over 95% water. They have an outer skin of a sort, and an inner layer. Between the two is the jelly like substance.
A true jellyfish goes thru a 5-stage life cycle. This begins when the full-grown female medusa’s gonads form and hold the eggs. The male releases sperm which then floats into the female’s mouth and fertilizes the eggs (sexual reproduction). They are then released into the water from the female’s mouth. Eventually, the young creatures will attach themselves and change into polyp. The polyp will divide itself creating new polyps (asexual reproduction). It will also eventually divide and the parts will be an ephyra (young adult medusa), that gradually grows into a full size adult. Most jellyfish live only three to six months, but can reproduce in large numbers during this short life. A few species are known to live as long as 2-3 years.
One of the most commonly found (worldwide) jellyfish is the Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita). The Moon Jellyfish that is also popular in large sea aquariums. It can be found from temperate to tropical ranges, and grows to about 12 inches/ 30 cm in diameter. In the wild they eat micro plankton and occasionally small fish larvae. They are usually found in peaceful bays and harbors.
In captivity, the Moon Jellyfish is usually fed live brine shrimp larvae, in large quantities. You will probably have to breed your own brine shrimp to keep your jellyfish satisfied. Keeping a jellyfish is neither for the inexperienced, nor for people with very little time and/or money to spend on their hobby. The sting of a Moon Jelly fish is mild compared to many other species and relatively harmless to people. However, you should take care as allergic reactions can occur.
Moon Jellyfish hail from colder waters than tropical aquarium fish. If you cannot keep the water temperature from 55 to 65 degrees F / 12-18 degrees C by having a low room temperature, you will likely need to get a refrigeration unit to cool the water. This jellyfish can be ideal for an underground basement tank where the temperature is low year round.
Another popular Jelly fish is the Upside Down Jelly fish, Cassiopea, which comes from the western Pacific Ocean around the Philippines and has been introduced to Hawaii (probably by ships around World War II). Cassiopea grows to about 8 inches / 20 cm in diameter. They are interesting because they often lay on the bottom of sandy flats in shallower water, but they are also capable of floating around. The Upside Down Jelly fish carries symbiotic algae for food and swimming upside down allows that algae to catch the rays of the sun necessary for photosynthesis. Cassiopea also feeds on micro plankton like most other Jelly fish.
Keeping Cassiopea jellyfish in captivity is comparatively common and this species is by far the most frequently kept jellyfish species among aquarists. It can occasionally even be found in ordinary pet stores. To keep Cassiopea jellyfish you will need an upwards water flow to allow the jellyfish to stay suspended close to the surface.
The filtration demands of the jelly fish will resemble those of a reef tank. The water quality must be very good for your jellyfish to live well. Multiple skimming (surface and protein) is strongly suggested. Very effective biological filtration is important and ammonia content should be kept at the lowest levels humanly possible. Ammonia is known to neutralize the poison of a jellyfish’s sting, and is believed to harm a lot more than just the venom in a jellyfish. You will also want decent mechanical filtration when keeping jellyfish in an aquarium.
The next big hurdle is feeding your jellyfish. They eat live plankton and a few other things in the wild. Again, you will have little luck on good supply from the local fish store. One thing often used (though not as good as their natural diet) is baby brine shrimp (1-2 days old) which can be hatched in large quantities. Plan on a second hobby in raising Brine shrimp.
And the final note, LIGHTING! Your Upside Down Jellyfish fish depends on strong rays for its symbiotic algae to photosynthesize. Metal Halide, and/or VHO lighting are highly recommended.
Now, if you are not discouraged from keeping jellyfish in your aquarium, good luck. Just remember that it will be more challenging (and rewarding) than most other marine life.
On a safety note… If stung, there are a number of means suggested to cool the sting, including ammonia and vinegar. If this does not help or you feel other effects that are above a “sting,” seek immediate medical attention. While the two species suggested above are condsidered “safe” for humans, it is possible to have an allergic reaction that is much worse than the normal symptoms. Always handle your jellyfish with great care to keep both of you happy and healthy!
