GADGET Review

Sony Tablet S
The most conspicuous feature of Sony’s Tablet S is its wedge shaped design – somewhat like a folded book. This tweak makes for better typing when the tablet is placed on a table due to the slight tilt. But the same feature also makes the device a bit thickish – 2cm thick. The Tablet S has a 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor and 1GB of RAM, and executes any kind of task quite well. The power and volume buttons on the side are not very easy to access and require getting used to. The 9.4-inch tablet features a 1280x800 screen resolution; it has a good-looking WXGA TFT LCD screen, which uses Sony’s proprietary TruBlack Display – what it uses for the Bravia series – a technology that reduces the glare and  increases the contrast. It comes pre-loaded with Reader e-book and Social Feed Reader, which aggregates posts from the user’s social networking accounts. The most interesting feature of the device is its inbuilt infrared transmitter, which works via a remote control app, and which enables the user to wield the tab as a universal remote. The price is steep, and we reckon, will deter a lot of people who otherwise would have preferred this stylish device over the iPad 2.

Price Tag: Rs 29,990 (16-GB, wi-fi)

- JAIDEEP DAVE

LG LSM-100 Scanner Mouse
LG’s latest mouse scanner is a mouse with a page scanner.  Yes, you read it right. So, the facts first. The LG LSM-100 scanner mouse looks like any in the market. Under the hood though, lies a 300 dpi scanner. Simply press the scan button on the left side of the mouse and move the mouse over the document to be scanned, which will save in various formats. The mouse uses a small mobile phone-style camera to capture images in real time. The most useful feature is being able to scan text and then edit it within a MS Word document file. The limitations though are that it’s not good with small paper scanning, so newspaper cuttings blur, and text book scanning for students becomes difficult. The installation process is slightly tedious with the software often hanging. The scanning motion has to be done carefully and slowly, otherwise the scan does not get recognised. The mouse is also not very good at scanning photographs. All in all, The LG Scanner Mouse is an intriguing device, and despite the odd shape, makes a comfortable everyday desktop mouse. However as a stand-alone scanner there is much to be desired and it is our hope that LG upgrades this version soon, with all the kinks worked out.

Price Tag: Rs 3500/-

- ANUEET MAJUMDAR

App Review

Drunk Sniper
Ever caught yourself splashing the toilet brim after you’ve had a few bottles of beer? Here’s your chance to practice and get it right. The more virtual drinks you have – the more difficult it is to get your act together, plus the toilet starts moving and blurring with every additional level. This 4.4MB sized App comes in at a cost of 0.99 dollars(R50), but promises to be a huge laugh after downloading. The best part is, if you splash too much, you get to start again, without having to deal with the actual mess. Your scores are recorded and challenging you friends to a contest becomes a fun filled game. There are four levels and it gets pretty difficult to hit the target after level two and further. This is one game where you can have a fun filled, clean drinking session. 

Platforms: iPhone, iTouch, iPad. Requires iOS 2.2 or later.

Price Tag: Rs 50

- AM

MixxMuse
Creating amazing music while soaking in the crowd’s adulation, that is a dream that many nurture in secret. But now with MixxMuse, you can create amazing mixes by yourself, and make others listen as well. This free application promises to impress. Using MixxMuse you can mix multiple loops to create an absolutely new song as well as effortlessly switch between tracks to create new ones from existing tracks that you listen to. So go ahead, make your own song, let the closet musician in you out and hope that it goes down well. 

Platform: iPad, iPad2

Price Tag: Free