Nikon D5000
The 2009 Nikon D5000 is an advanced entry-level DSLR camera that is not appropriate for technically challenged beginners to start with. Nikon has reduced their mid-grade D90 technologies into a larger-body plastic entry-level camera that requires some prior camera knowledge for ease in operations. This unit rides on the upper-end of the Nikon D40, D40X and D60 entry-level or DSLR travel camera options with a user-friendly price tag that is below $1,000. Users who are already familiar with the Nikon D40 series or D60 controls will feel comfortable with the D5000 similar menu and layout plan.
The D5000 Nikon replaces the D90 Live View model in the catalogs. Live View technology uses the camera 2.7" LCD screen to compose still images and video-style productions. The advanced entry-level D5000 includes a unique tilt/swivel frame feature that allows for exact screen positioning. Image quality is obtained through the 12.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor that increases the ISO variety into the ISO Lo1/100 to Hi1/6400 ranges for extended resolution qualities. The traditional viewfinder is similar to the D40/D60 models with less magnification and a shorter eye-point. This viewfinder seems to be more compatible for glasses wearers, and it has the popular bracketing feature available.
The Basic Features:
Dial Scene Modes and Silent Shooting: Like most entry-level units today, the Nikon D5000 comes complete with a full-range of preset scene options for people, pets, and nature. These helpful functions operate on a dial setting to allow users a quick-option for enhancing fall colors or other specializations. Users report that the Silent Shooting mode is misnamed. The Silent Shooting option will terminate the photo beep sound if this is enabled; it will not stop the noise that is produced by the shutter action. The second shutter click can be delayed through steady pressure applied to the button.
Tilt/Swivel LCD Display and RETOUCH menu options: The D5000 is the first Nikon DSLR to offer the tilt/swivel LCD display screen that rotates or snaps closed in a user-friendly format. While this camera unit shares some features with the D60, D3000, and the D90 cameras, there are noteworthy advantages to owning a camera with a rotating LCD screen that can be closed when not in use. Nikon has added some new menu items to their popular RETOUCH system that include a useful color outlining function.
Nikon Lenses: All pre-AI Nikkor lenses will fit onto the D5000 camera. This exciting feature is not always mentioned in reviews about this product. There are manual drawbacks to using the older lenses on the Nikon D5000 with each requiring hand-set metering and focusing. However, with the Live View tilt/swivel display, these chores are easy to accomplish. Newer lenses that include a built-in focusing motor such as the Nikkor/AF-S series, the Sigma/HSM series, and the Tamron/NII branded series all function with the automated D5000 technology.
Video Options: The video file size is limited to 2GB or about 5 minutes of motion. The Nikon D5000 records motion at a professional 24fps speed at sizes 1280 x 720, 640 x 424, and 320 x 216. This Nikon does not come with an AF or video automatic focusing function to lock while recording, but users feel that the variety of lenses that this camera supports overrides the AF defects. Overall, the Nikon D5000 is not going to give full-size video camera performances. At 24fps speed, users will also not be disappointed in the video quality that the D5000 Nikon does produce.
As an entry-level unit, the Nikon D5000 is admirable with its GPS support, exposure delays, interval-shooting options, and the many menu scene functions, and dial scene modes that are included. The fact that this camera is slightly larger than other styles in this price range is a plus that allows an ease-of-use that is not always achieved with the smaller DSLR models. The battery allows a full day of shooting with about 350 to 450 shots possible per charge.
Nikon D5000
The 2009 Nikon D5000 is an advanced entry-level DSLR camera that is not appropriate for technically challenged beginners to start with. Nikon has reduced their mid-grade D90 technologies into a larger-body plastic entry-level camera that requires some prior camera knowledge for ease in operations. This unit rides on the upper-end of the Nikon D40, D40X and D60 entry-level or DSLR travel camera options with a user-friendly price tag that is below $1,000. Users who are already familiar with the Nikon D40 series or D60 controls will feel comfortable with the D5000 similar menu and layout plan.
The D5000 Nikon replaces the D90 Live View model in the catalogs. Live View technology uses the camera 2.7" LCD screen to compose still images and video-style productions. The advanced entry-level D5000 includes a unique tilt/swivel frame feature that allows for exact screen positioning. Image quality is obtained through the 12.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor that increases the ISO variety into the ISO Lo1/100 to Hi1/6400 ranges for extended resolution qualities. The traditional viewfinder is similar to the D40/D60 models with less magnification and a shorter eye-point. This viewfinder seems to be more compatible for glasses wearers, and it has the popular bracketing feature available.
The Basic Features:
Dial Scene Modes and Silent Shooting: Like most entry-level units today, the Nikon D5000 comes complete with a full-range of preset scene options for people, pets, and nature. These helpful functions operate on a dial setting to allow users a quick-option for enhancing fall colors or other specializations. Users report that the Silent Shooting mode is misnamed. The Silent Shooting option will terminate the photo beep sound if this is enabled; it will not stop the noise that is produced by the shutter action. The second shutter click can be delayed through steady pressure applied to the button.
Tilt/Swivel LCD Display and RETOUCH menu options: The D5000 is the first Nikon DSLR to offer the tilt/swivel LCD display screen that rotates or snaps closed in a user-friendly format. While this camera unit shares some features with the D60, D3000, and the D90 cameras, there are noteworthy advantages to owning a camera with a rotating LCD screen that can be closed when not in use. Nikon has added some new menu items to their popular RETOUCH system that include a useful color outlining function.
Nikon Lenses: All pre-AI Nikkor lenses will fit onto the D5000 camera. This exciting feature is not always mentioned in reviews about this product. There are manual drawbacks to using the older lenses on the Nikon D5000 with each requiring hand-set metering and focusing. However, with the Live View tilt/swivel display, these chores are easy to accomplish. Newer lenses that include a built-in focusing motor such as the Nikkor/AF-S series, the Sigma/HSM series, and the Tamron/NII branded series all function with the automated D5000 technology.
Video Options: The video file size is limited to 2GB or about 5 minutes of motion. The Nikon D5000 records motion at a professional 24fps speed at sizes 1280 x 720, 640 x 424, and 320 x 216. This Nikon does not come with an AF or video automatic focusing function to lock while recording, but users feel that the variety of lenses that this camera supports overrides the AF defects. Overall, the Nikon D5000 is not going to give full-size video camera performances. At 24fps speed, users will also not be disappointed in the video quality that the D5000 Nikon does produce.
As an entry-level unit, the Nikon D5000 is admirable with its GPS support, exposure delays, interval-shooting options, and the many menu scene functions, and dial scene modes that are included. The fact that this camera is slightly larger than other styles in this price range is a plus that allows an ease-of-use that is not always achieved with the smaller DSLR models. The battery allows a full day of shooting with about 350 to 450 shots possible per charge.
Apple iPad
The Apple iPad is designed primarily as a device for reading e-books, although in typical Mac fashion, the iPad offers users a plethora of other programming features, allowing users to check email, watch movies, browse the internet, compose texts, and use some applications. The iPad forges new territory in the Apple canon of products; larger than an iPhone, but smaller than a traditional laptop, with no physical keyboard, the iPad is not directly analogous to any existing hardware. Other device competitors in the e-book reader field can’t compare themselves with much success to the iPad, which considerably overpowers these other e-book readers with its multitude of features and high quality craftsmanship.
Hardware
The iPad has a 9.7 inch LED backlit screen that uses Mac’s multi-touch technology, as seen on the iPhone, to select applications and navigate on the screen. The screen uses technology known as in-plane switching, which provides users with a 178 degree view, allowing them to hold it at virtually any angle and still have a clear view. This feature is particularly important for those who wish to use the iPad for reading.
Encased in aluminum, with a total thickness of 0.5,” the iPad weighs approximately 1.5 pounds, with a curved back to make it easier to hold. Speakers are included with the iPad, although users may opt to use the headphone jack when watching movies or listening to music.
The A4 Chip
The iPad is also notable for the first-time inclusion of the A4 chip, an Apple engineered chip that supposedly will provide 1Ghz of operating speed, and reduce consumption of energy to boost battery life. The chip is remarkable because it combines many different areas of processing, not just the main processor, a feat that many other prominent computer hardware engineers are attempting to achieve. Some have deemed it a “system on a chip.”
Battery Life
Most significantly, the iPad boasts an incredible battery life—10 hours at a stretch—depending on the specific use of the device. Other Macintosh products, such as the MacBook Pro, tend to remain in operation for their advertised battery length when performing relatively low-intensity tasks, such as browsing the internet or looking through email. Higher energy activities, such as watching a DVD, tend to halve the battery life.
3G Connectivity
The iPad will be available in a 3G version, which most users agree is the best, and sometimes only, way to connect to the internet, due to its widespread availability and strength. The iPad does come with standard wireless network accessibility and Bluetooth, which gives users the ability to use wireless devices in concert with the device.
Pricing
Much as the iPhone became more popular after its initial price was lowered, as long as it was purchased in connection with a long-term phone usage contract, the pricing of the iPad may also hinge on whether or not users prefer a 3G version over a contract-free, but undoubtedly more expensive, wireless version. The starting price of the iPad, while not prohibitively expensive, is significantly more than its closest competitors. However, the iPad offers far more in features than its straight electronic reader device competitors, which makes direct comparison somewhat difficult. The success of the iPad will undoubtedly depend on how many people choose to use the iPad as a kind of intermediary computing device, as opposed to a straight electronic reader. Because the electronic reader market is still in its infancy, there is no real precedent in terms of consumer preference. However, Apple’s consistent ability to deliver high quality, well-made, powerful devices for leisure and business has positioned the iPad to gain notable market share.
Apple iPhone 3G
Overview
Apple’s decision to make the iPhone compatible with the much faster 3G wireless network has resulted in an overall significant improvement for the features of the Apple iPhone 3G. The 3G provides overall faster performance, better organization of personal contact information with Mobile Me, easier if not flawless integration with Microsoft Exchange, along with a few new improvements to the landscape feature that make composing and receiving messages easier. In many respects, all of the promising features of the original iPhone are now displaying increased power and performance.
Web Capability
Browsing the internet on the 3G is now a joy, and not the slow, maddening crawl that users experienced when the iPhone was connected to EDGE. Users no longer have to tap their feet idly as images attempt to load, and pages gradually format themselves to the constraints of the screen. While the speed of access is still dependent on how strong the 3G network is in a particular geographical locale, in peak conditions the 3G iPhone now operates at a pleasing clip, displaying graphic-intensive web pages almost instantly.
Landscape Feature
The landscape feature, which has been present since the initial model of the iPhone, is now linked to several basic functions, including web browsing, in a much more seamless and helpful way. Again, depending on the connection speed, during web browsing, users may tilt their iPhones and find the content instantaneously re-arranged. Apple engineers have apparently spent enough time either using the iPhone or listening to customer feedback to effectively tailor the landscape feature to rapidly present the information that is needed, without too much additional input from the user. The touch type keyboard expands automatically when the landscape feature is utilized, not only in web browsing, but in the mail program, and for composing notes and messages.
Integration with Microsoft Exchange
While the 3G iPhone is purposefully designed for a rapid set-up with one Microsoft Exchange account, it does not support multiple Microsoft accounts. Although you can have multiple POP accounts feeding into the same iPhone, the software is only comfortable with displaying one Microsoft Exchange calendar and contact list at a time. This limitation encourages compartmentalization of Outlook accounts into either work or personal email, or alternatively, an unsatisfied iPhone user. Additionally, while emails in Outlook can be received almost instantaneously while the 3G connection is strong, there are occasionally problems with the syncing. Should the connection waver, Outlook may need to be restarted or prompted manually to receive messages. However, messages deleted via the iPhone will be correspondingly deleted from the PC version of Outlook, and vice versa, within a reasonable frame of time.
Apps/Mobile Me
The 3G iPhone excels in the area of adding and supporting applications by providing an instant link to the app store, along with a feature that allows you to automatically check for updates to any of your previously purchased apps. Additionally, the 3G provides effortless personal and professional organizational capabilities for the Mac suite of email and calendaring known as Mobile Me. Although the 3G has made great strides in becoming more user-friendly for PC users, it still performs best with familiar software.
Physical Features
The 3G iPhone weighs about a tenth of an ounce less than its predecessor, and has tapered edges and a flush headset jack.
Price/Summary
The 3G iPhone’s most alluring feature may be its reduced price, although the initial cost benefits may be balanced out depending on the type of 3G network plan a user subscribes to. However, the faster connectivity, coupled with the enhancements to what were already promising features, make the 3G iPhone overall a worthwhile purchase.
MacBook Pro
Overview
The Apple MacBook Pro is an elegant machine, boasting greater battery life than previous models, an ambient light detection feature, an SD card slot, and an exceptionally easy on the eye full-color LED display in each of the available size screens. Mac’s emphasis on matching high powered performance with attenuated design has resulted in a laptop that provides users with almost every feature they could desire, at a reasonable price.
LED Screen
Perhaps the most visible feature of the MacBook Pro, the elegant LED backlit display offers users an unrivaled clarity and resolution in the 13”, 15”, and 17” versions. The NVIDIA GeForce 9400 graphics technology is responsible for the rapid formulation and crystal-crisp renderings of graphics, both stationary and moving. Video gamers, who enjoyed the boon from the utilization of NVIDIA in the MacBook’s previous incarnation will be delighted to find this same technology used in the 13” model.
Battery Life
Apple has courted some controversy by introducing a non-removable battery to the MacBook Pro. However, fully integrating the battery into the laptop results in overall better performance, with four to seven hours of straight operability, depending on the applications being run, before the laptop needs a recharge. The battery is referred to as a ‘7 hour’ battery; in actual use, the MacBook averages 4 hours for continuous DVD playback, and roughly seven hours for pure web browsing, or other light applications, such as Microsoft Word. The high end 17” version boasts an 8 hour battery. Apple estimates that the MacBook will continue to operate at this level for approximately 1,500 full recharge cycles, which marks a significant improvement in laptop technology.
Ambient Light Feature
The MacBook’s ability to sense ambient light in the environment has resulted in the introduction of the feature of the glowing keyboard, which automatically illuminates itself when the laptop is placed in a darkened area. Perfect for taking notes during a lecture, working outdoors at a location, or typing away while airborne, the discrete glow of the keyboard is bright enough for the user, but not so bright as to attract undue attention to itself or distract people nearby.
SD Card
The addition of a Secure Digital, or SD card slot to the MacBook brings an entirely new level of accessibility and flexibility to the laptop. Prior editions of the MacBook Pro did not have an SD card slot, resulting in general frustration for those users who wished to be able to easily swap large amounts of information without having to resort to clunkier methods of transfer.
Processors/Memory
Each of the MacBooks uses an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Each size of the MacBook has two different operating speeds, with the higher end 17” model having the fastest processing speed of 2.8Ghz with an Intel chip with 4 GB of memory, and the lower end 13” having the slowest of 2.26Ghz with an Intel chip with 2 GB of memory. Hard drive memory ranges from 160GB on the low end 13” to 500 GB on both of the 17” models. In combination with the SD card slot, there is very little that can’t be accomplished, either graphically or otherwise.
Hardware/Pricing
The aluminum body of the MacBook Pro makes it exceptionally light, strong, and durable. Slightly under an inch in width, the laptop weighs approximately 5 pounds, depending on the size of the model. At the low end, the price is very reasonable for the amount of power, speed, memory, and mobile operability. The high end models are not unreasonably priced considering their speed and features, but are not necessarily cheap, and are best for those who require maximum computing power.
Playstation 3
The PlayStation 3 is a great improvement over PlayStation 2. The graphics are better and everyone likes the fact that you can play DVD, Blu-ray, Music CDs, put up a picture album or download pretty much anything onto it. It's like a virtual computer for the TV, complete with Internet browse capability, built in Wi-Fi, free online games, trophies, photo slide show and VidZone online music download service. The best overall features of PlayStation 3 are its multimedia capability and graphics.
In a long standing line of competition among video consoles, the PlayStation 3 goes up against Nintendo’s Wii and Microsoft’s Xbox 360. A couple new features that set it apart from the others are use of the high-definition optical Blu-ray Disc for storage, and the PlayStation Network for online gaming. The current model in production is the PS2 Slim model (PS3 CECH-2000) with glossy black finish.
This gaming console is an exceptional value for price. It is quiet and has reduced power consumption. The newest model PS3 Slim contains an upgradeable hard drive rated at 120GB or 250GB. It is smaller and more lightweight than its predecessors. Power consumption is reduced by about one third. The 2.5” SATA hard drive storage capacity is user-upgradeable. The 45mm Cell allows for cooler, quieter running.
Technical Data for the PS3
- Operating System – XrossMedia Bar system software version 3.15
- CPU – 3.2 GHz Cell Broadband Engine. With 1 PPE & 7 SPEs
- Storage Capacity – 2.5” SATA hard drive (upgradeable)
- Graphics Processing – 550 MHz NVIDIA/SCEI RSX ‘Reality Synthesizer’ (output resolutions 480i/576i SD to 1080p HD)
- Memory – 256 MB XDR DRAM; 256 MB GDDR3 Video (for the RSX)
- Optical – Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD, PlayStation 1,2,3 game disc, Super Audio CD, Digital distribution
- Controller Input – Sixaxis, USB controllers, Logitech Cordless Precision controller, DualShock 3, GT Force, PlayStation Motion Controller, Rhythm game, GunCon 3, Keyboard & Mouse
PlayStation configurations include the following:
- One Gigabit Ethernet port
- Four USB ports
- One HDMI output
- Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
- Optical audio output
- S-video, composite video and component video, each with dedicated AV cables
Extras found on the 60 GB hard drive:
- Flash memory slots
- Built-in 802.11 b/g wireless connectivity
PS3 Slim has upgraded audio that supports Dolby Digital 5.1, DSP, LPCM and DTS. Another convenience that is built-in is Wi-Fi networking. Up to 7 controllers can be connected through Bluetooth 2.0 technology.
Another advantage found on PS3 Slim is its support for CEC. This allows the user to control the console via HDMI and using a remote control for a controller. The new Dual Shock 3 controller switches between wired and wireless and can be recharged by plugging a USB cable into the controller.
Sony Computer Entertainment offers its PlayStation Network as the unified online multiplayer gaming service and digital media delivery service for PS3. These services are free, available 24/7 and come with support for players. Through this network, players can access PlayStation Home, the PlayStation Store and other Sony services. Online gaming is available with real currency.
PlayStation 3 is the most advanced gaming console system from Sony. It is versatile and offers many options for exciting Internet multiple player gaming, top notch video/graphics and sound and expanded use as a computer console. The pricing is advantageously low, making purchase of the PS3 Slim a great value.
Sony Vaio Z Laptop
Basic Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor with a max clock speed of 2.80 GHz
- Memory: Up to 8 GB of RAM
- Storage: 500 GB
- Screen Size: 13.1" widescreen
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Battery Life: 7.5 hours
- Screen Resolution: 1600 x 900
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS and a Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset
Product Overview:
The Sony Vaio Z Series is back with a new incarnation. The latest model is a high-performance affair with a lot of customizable features. Starting at $1799, this laptop is designed to compete with high-end models from top brands.
Consumers are empowered to customize their Sony Vaio Z laptop with a variety of upgrades. The clock speed and memory can be adjusted to meet the performance and price concerns of the individual. While the 64-bit version of Windows 7 is included, a Windows XP downgrade is available. The laptop is offered in four rich colors. Its sleek visual presentation can be enhanced with standard black, carbon fiber black, bordeaux red, and dot matrix finishes. With a 13.1 inch screen and a weight of 3.3 pounds, this notebook is convenient for traveling executives with busy schedules.
Performance:
A high-performance laptop should offer ample processing power, memory, and storage space to compete with the latest models. The Sony Vaio Z laptop delivers in all of these categories. With an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, clock speeds of up to 2.80 GHz are available. Top models include a 6MB L2 Cache and a 1066MHz front-side bus. A fast dual-core processor allows the user to switch between several active programs. This model can be equipped with up to 8 GB of DDR3 SDRAM. Since most modern applications are designed to operate on computers with less than 3 GB of RAM, this beefy supply of memory will meet the needs of future programs. A large 500 GB hard drive provides enough storage for most users.
Graphics and Multimedia:
This laptop offers stunning visual performance. Hybrid graphics are featured; the user can switch between a dedicated GeForce 9300M GS GPU and an integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. This is a truly unique feature. Gamers will appreciate the dedicated graphics card. However, these powerful chips have a furious appetite for energy. The weaker integrated card can be selected to reduce strain on the battery. When using software without 3D visual aesthetics, this allows for improved battery life. Since a dedicated GPU is required for most modern video games, Sony included an alternative chip for 3D applications. With up to 2010MB of available graphics memory, the dedicated GeForce GPU will provide decent frame rates in most games. HDMI and VGA outputs are available for users that want to connect their laptop to an external monitor. While a CD and DVD burner is a standard feature, a Blu-Ray drive is available as well.
Additional Highlighted Features:
- Intel High Definition Audio
- Memory Stick PRO media slot
- SD memory card slot
- Bluetooth technology
- Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN network adapter
- Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband functionality
- Built-in GPS technology
In Conclusion:
This laptop offers features that are competitive in the high-performance market. With a fast processor and a massive supply of RAM, this computer will meet the system requirements of new programs for years to come. With a dedicated GPU, gamers can play the latest titles with acceptable frame rates. Suitable networking features are included for maximum mobility. With high-quality parts and an aluminum keyboard, this laptop should disperse heat effectively. This allows for a longer lifespan. For the business executive who needs a top-of-the-line notebook that will last for years, the latest iteration of the Sony Vaio Z laptop truly delivers.