The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer obviously gets its name from the optional keyboard dock, but the tablet can be purchased without the keyboard dock for $599 in Australia. As a standalone device, the Eee Pad Transformer is largely unremarkable, though we do like the textured plastic on the rear which makes it easy to grip. We didn't have too many issues with build quality, though the plastic does exhibit a bit of flex when pressed, and the bezel surrounding the display seems a little large. At 271mm in length, the Eee Pad Transformer is the largest Honeycomb tablet we've reviewed. Weighing 680g, it's heavier than the featherweight Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v, but lighter than both the Motorola Xoom and the Acer Iconia A500, making it easier to carry around.
At 10.1in, the Eee Pad Transformer's screen is the same size as the aforementioned Honeycomb tablets, though ASUS has opted for an IPS (In Plane Switching) panel, the same technology used in Apple's iPad 2. The Transformer's screen displays vibrant colour and relatively crisp text, but the glossy surface doesn't always feel smooth to swipe your finger across, quickly becomes a grubby fingerprint magnet, and is tough to see in direct sunlight.
Disappointingly, the Eee Pad Transformer without its keyboard dock accessory doesn't have a full-sized USB port or even a micro USB connector. The only ports on the tablet itself are a standard headphone jack, a mini-HDMI port (for connecting a high-definition TV or projector), a microSD card slot, and a proprietary ASUS connector that doubles as a USB and charging port. Though the proprietary connection is a pain, it offers two benefits: it connects the tablet to the keyboard dock, and charges much faster (around one hour) than a regular micro USB charger.
ASUS Eee Pad Transformer: Keyboard dock
The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer really comes into its own when it's connected to the optional keyboard dock accessory (ASUS bundles the 32GB model with the keyboard dock for $799 in Australia). The Eee Pad Transformer's keyboard dock has two full-sized USB ports, an SD card slot and a trackpad, as well as its own built-in battery. ASUS says the battery offers an additional six and half hours of use. If both the tablet and the keyboard dock batteries are fully charged, the Eee Pad Transformer draws power from the keyboard dock first in order to preserve power for tablet-only use.
When connected, the Eee Pad Transformer folds over onto the keyboard dock and acts like a regular notebook, but connecting the two devices is best described as clunky. The tablet requires a forceful press to click into place, and there are no markers to help line up the tablet into its connector — it feels awkward to attach if it's not lined up correctly. We also don't like how the hinge raises the top half of the keyboard dock when the screen is connected.
The keyboard dock makes the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer easy to type on; its keys are well spaced and provide good tactility. We also love the addition of dedicated Honeycomb shortcuts including home, back, and settings keys, along with quick toggles for the trackpad, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, Browser, and media controls. There's also a button on the keyboard to lock the screen, which is handy if you want to keep the Eee Pad Transformer in its open position. The keyboard dock also has a touchpad, and you can use two fingers on it to scroll up and down on Web pages. It's easy to accidentally bump when typing though, so we suggest turning it off via the shortcut button when you aren't using it.
Unfortunately, the Eee Pad Transformer is very top-heavy, so it's almost impossible to position it on your lap without it toppling over. It's fine for use on a desk or table, but users planning to sit it on their lap should think twice. We also experienced some painful keystroke lag, most evidently when typing in the Web browser. This may be fixed in a future software update, but remains an issue out of the box.
2011年6月8日 星期三
Samsung Galaxy Tab TouchWiz Featured on Video For You
Samsung had last week announced that the first tablet unit will be sporting Honeycomb, with the TouchWiz upgrade landing as an update. We are more than sure that you guys are sitting in eagerness to find out what you can expect when the update finally arrives. So, we thought we would unwrap a bit for you.
Samsung Galaxy Tab TouchWiz Featured on Video For You
The most interesting features include the control bar, brightness slider and the mini apps tray. The control bar, this time has all the useful toggles right in the notification area. Also, you will find the brightness slider in the right place. That means you can easily avoid that one extra click.
The Mini Apps Tray can be pulled up by just a swipe anytime you want from the bottom of the screen. If Sammy doesn’t lock down the apps that can be added on to the tray, it could well prove to be a handy addition. As of now, it looks as if it can handle a bunch of mini-apps.
The other additions include live panels that let you resize your widgets. Talking about widgets, it’s the same as on the Galaxy S2.
We have for you a video walkthrough, so that you get a hint at the kind of experience we are talking about. Please do note that the video shows an 8.9 version. Not much change is possible in the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Tell us your comments after watching the video below. Do the TouchWiz additions attract you?
Samsung Galaxy Tab TouchWiz Featured on Video For You
The most interesting features include the control bar, brightness slider and the mini apps tray. The control bar, this time has all the useful toggles right in the notification area. Also, you will find the brightness slider in the right place. That means you can easily avoid that one extra click.
The Mini Apps Tray can be pulled up by just a swipe anytime you want from the bottom of the screen. If Sammy doesn’t lock down the apps that can be added on to the tray, it could well prove to be a handy addition. As of now, it looks as if it can handle a bunch of mini-apps.
The other additions include live panels that let you resize your widgets. Talking about widgets, it’s the same as on the Galaxy S2.
We have for you a video walkthrough, so that you get a hint at the kind of experience we are talking about. Please do note that the video shows an 8.9 version. Not much change is possible in the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Tell us your comments after watching the video below. Do the TouchWiz additions attract you?
2011年6月6日 星期一
Caterham/Lola SP/300.R Is Pretty and Fast, and You Can Test Drive It—Kind Of
Two windshield-averse entities, Caterham and Lola Cars, are rolling out their SP/300.R track car with a very appropriate test-drive scheme: a handful of open track days. Caterham is inviting potential customers to come strap themselves in for a brief track flog, and first in line are those who have already placed their orders. Perhaps the best part (if you happen to find yourself in the U.K. in late August or early September) is that even those who have expressed interest in the car by way of a brief registration on Caterham’s website can land a test drive. Before you think Caterham has completely lost its mind by allowing Joe Schmoe to hop in to the SP/300.R and peel away in a cloud of vaporized rubber, its online registration form inquires about prior Caterham ownership and if you currently hold a racing license—so it’s safe to assume that such a license is required.
And required a racing license should be, for the SP/300.R takes all of the lightweight principles of Caterham design and mixes it with the LMP racer ethos of Lola. The SP/300.R is powered by a 301-hp Rotrex-supercharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Ford Duratec engine bolted to a six-speed sequential gearbox. The racy engine features a “push-to-pass” power boost feature, giving drivers a brief command of 330 hp. All this power is strapped to very little weight—just 1200 lbs—with an aero package producing up to 992 lbs of downforce at 155 mph. Caterham claims the SP/300.R can catapult from 0-to-60 mph in 2.8 sec and continue on to a top speed of 180 mph; both figures sound realistic. The racer rides on an adjustable, pushrod-actuated coil-spring suspension with adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, and AP Racing brakes haul the SP/300.R down from track speeds.
The Caterham’s aluminum-honeycomb monocoque and tight cabin are wrapped in lightweight polyurethane body panels. The bodywork is LMP cool, and the adjustable carbon fiber rear wing and low, aerodynamic styling give the racer a Le Mans-ready look. To help ensure other track rats can see you, the car sports front and rear LED running lights and brake lights, and a low-mounted, high-intensity rain light. The LEDs are arranged in strips, with the fronts giving the car an angry furrowed brow while the rears wrap delicately around vents in the car’s twin tail pods. The SP/300.R’s other racing essentials include on-board air jacks, twin roll bars, six-point harnesses, Momo steering wheel with an integrated driver info display, and an FIA-approved fuel cell. Caterham is taking orders for the SP/300.R, and customers can specify right- or left-hand drive for their lightweight track missile. Expect to pay around $95,000 before applicable taxes.
And required a racing license should be, for the SP/300.R takes all of the lightweight principles of Caterham design and mixes it with the LMP racer ethos of Lola. The SP/300.R is powered by a 301-hp Rotrex-supercharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Ford Duratec engine bolted to a six-speed sequential gearbox. The racy engine features a “push-to-pass” power boost feature, giving drivers a brief command of 330 hp. All this power is strapped to very little weight—just 1200 lbs—with an aero package producing up to 992 lbs of downforce at 155 mph. Caterham claims the SP/300.R can catapult from 0-to-60 mph in 2.8 sec and continue on to a top speed of 180 mph; both figures sound realistic. The racer rides on an adjustable, pushrod-actuated coil-spring suspension with adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, and AP Racing brakes haul the SP/300.R down from track speeds.
The Caterham’s aluminum-honeycomb monocoque and tight cabin are wrapped in lightweight polyurethane body panels. The bodywork is LMP cool, and the adjustable carbon fiber rear wing and low, aerodynamic styling give the racer a Le Mans-ready look. To help ensure other track rats can see you, the car sports front and rear LED running lights and brake lights, and a low-mounted, high-intensity rain light. The LEDs are arranged in strips, with the fronts giving the car an angry furrowed brow while the rears wrap delicately around vents in the car’s twin tail pods. The SP/300.R’s other racing essentials include on-board air jacks, twin roll bars, six-point harnesses, Momo steering wheel with an integrated driver info display, and an FIA-approved fuel cell. Caterham is taking orders for the SP/300.R, and customers can specify right- or left-hand drive for their lightweight track missile. Expect to pay around $95,000 before applicable taxes.
CNET Asia Review
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a good choice for budget seekers looking to hop onto the Android Honeycomb bandwagon.
Not one to miss a trend, Acer has a long history of pushing products into new categories almost as soon as they are created. The Acer Aspire One was one of the first Netbooks to hit the stores two years ago. This time, the Acer Iconia Tab A500 joined the first wave of Android tablets sporting the latest Google Honeycomb operating system. In line with the company's value positioning, the S$699 (US$544.14) Iconia Tab may be the cheapest Honeycomb device from an international brand in stores at this time.
At this price point, we were pleasantly surprised that Acer went with a brushed aluminum chassis instead of a plastic body. The Apple iPad 2 and Motorola Xoom also use metal in their construction but costs significantly more at S$798 (US$621.21) and S$988 (US$769.11) for the 32GB models, respectively. The Asus Eee Pad Transformer costs the same as the Iconia Tab A500, but comes with a plastic chassis and 16GB internal storage.
Not one to miss a trend, Acer has a long history of pushing products into new categories almost as soon as they are created. The Acer Aspire One was one of the first Netbooks to hit the stores two years ago. This time, the Acer Iconia Tab A500 joined the first wave of Android tablets sporting the latest Google Honeycomb operating system. In line with the company's value positioning, the S$699 (US$544.14) Iconia Tab may be the cheapest Honeycomb device from an international brand in stores at this time.
At this price point, we were pleasantly surprised that Acer went with a brushed aluminum chassis instead of a plastic body. The Apple iPad 2 and Motorola Xoom also use metal in their construction but costs significantly more at S$798 (US$621.21) and S$988 (US$769.11) for the 32GB models, respectively. The Asus Eee Pad Transformer costs the same as the Iconia Tab A500, but comes with a plastic chassis and 16GB internal storage.
2011年6月1日 星期三
Toshiba outs WT310 Windows 7 tablet (Computex 2011)
We're still waiting for more details on Toshiba's Android-tablet-with-no-name, but in the meantime our friends at Tosh have dished up a business-friendly Windows 7 tablet instead, the WT310.
It appears to share the same design touch as the forthcoming Honeycomb version too, though the screen is a spacious 11.6in across versus the Android slate's supposed 10.1in panel.
On the inside, the WT310 runs one of Intel's Oak Trail Atom processors – the Z670 to be specific – and that's accompanied by 2GB of RAM and a 64GB solid state hard drive.
Camera-wise you're talking a 2-megapixel front-facing effort but only a 3-megapixel companion round the back – the lowest megapixel count we've seen on any mobile device for a good while, though Toshiba will no doubt argue that the WT310's focus on the business crowd means that's a minor concern.
Connectivity is far more impressive, giving you USB 2.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 for chatting to other devices.
We're a little stymied to be honest as to why Toshiba is pushing ahead with a Windows 7 slate when the far more tablet-friendly Windows 8 is starting to loom large on the horizon. Then again, unlike the consumer market the enterprise community is far more likely to opt for a tried-and-tested platform than a newer, potentially less stable system.
Either way, it's largely a moot point for us here in the UK, as the WT310 doesn't seem to be destined to make it out of Japan. Roll on the Ant, or the Thrive, or whatever that Honeycomb slate is supposed to be called.
It appears to share the same design touch as the forthcoming Honeycomb version too, though the screen is a spacious 11.6in across versus the Android slate's supposed 10.1in panel.
On the inside, the WT310 runs one of Intel's Oak Trail Atom processors – the Z670 to be specific – and that's accompanied by 2GB of RAM and a 64GB solid state hard drive.
Camera-wise you're talking a 2-megapixel front-facing effort but only a 3-megapixel companion round the back – the lowest megapixel count we've seen on any mobile device for a good while, though Toshiba will no doubt argue that the WT310's focus on the business crowd means that's a minor concern.
Connectivity is far more impressive, giving you USB 2.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 for chatting to other devices.
We're a little stymied to be honest as to why Toshiba is pushing ahead with a Windows 7 slate when the far more tablet-friendly Windows 8 is starting to loom large on the horizon. Then again, unlike the consumer market the enterprise community is far more likely to opt for a tried-and-tested platform than a newer, potentially less stable system.
Either way, it's largely a moot point for us here in the UK, as the WT310 doesn't seem to be destined to make it out of Japan. Roll on the Ant, or the Thrive, or whatever that Honeycomb slate is supposed to be called.
LG Revolution review
“4G” can mean a lot of things these days. For some carriers, it started out as marketing speak that did little beyond confusing customers. For others, 4G represents a next-generation network that might help ease the strain of a new breed of data-hungry smartphone users that have brought a nationwide 3G network to its knees. But while certain carriers were busy lobbying the International Telecommunications Union or launching crafty marketing campaigns, Verizon Wireless launched the fastest cellular network U.S. consumers have ever seen. On May 26th, Verizon released the LG Revolution and gave its subscribers their third 4G smartphone option. Does LG’s first 4G LTE phone address the shortcomings of Verizon Wireless’ earlier offerings? Read on for the full review.
2011年5月29日 星期日
Cardboard stars as chairs, shades
With furnishings that run the gamut from edgy to elegant, ethnic to otherworldly, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair is a favorite of serious design lovers.
Highlights at this year’s fair, which was held last week in New York:
• Luminous lighting. Several booths showed sculptural lighting that resembled clouds, puffs of smoke, or some evocation of a heavenly bird’s nest. Vancouver-based Molo created LED-lit, honeycombed, polyethylene pendants in various sizes that could be clustered and even dimmed to create a stormy atmosphere. Interesting fibers were spun into cotton-candy-like fixtures at Hive.
At DCS Corp, washi paper formed a table lamp complete with a “downpour” made of thin brass rods. At Aqua Creations, there were single and multiple pleated silk disks that created lit mobiles resembling an extraterrestrial midnight garden, or a flotilla of sea urchins. All were an inspirational take on an ethereal shape that worked perfectly for lighting.
• Cardboard’s cachet. The lowly cardboard box has become the darling of eco-mindful designers looking for an intriguing new material. At Graypants, corrugated paper formed bulbous, textural pendent lampshades. At Molo, stiff unbleached Kraft paper was fanned into sturdy stools and loungers. The honeycomb layers of cardboard really amp up the textural element of these pieces. Most were left in their caramel color, which gave the furnishings a nice “patina.”
Graypants put Edison bulbs in their fixtures, which made them glow warmly; several other designers used the bulbs as well. Edisons are reproductions of early light bulbs; their carbon or tungsten filaments emit a pleasing, low-watt glow.
• Wood laminates. Plywood was everywhere at this year’s show. Designers like its versatility, so there were lots of interesting plywood chairs, tables and bookshelves.
Brooklyn designer April Hannah’s collection of treehouse-inspired kids’ furniture included an eco-friendly, maple- or walnut-veneer play table and chairs. Philadelphia University’s Industrial Design students used bamboo plywood to craft an array of furnishings with architectural flair.
Laurie Beckerman’s Ionic Bench for Voos Furniture was a curvy swoop of Baltic birch plywood. Wisconsin-based Drift Studio printed subway maps and other graphic motifs on plywood panels that were bolted together into versatile cubes; modular storage was another trend seen throughout the show.
• Industrial chic. The chic edginess of industrial style continues to find favor with designers. In some hands, such as Chicago studio akmd, it had a mid-century vibe. They carved faux casters out of oak, oversized them, and put them on the legs of a dining table and beautifully dovetailed compartmental storage pieces.
At Barcelona-based Arxe, the materials were work-worn and weather-beaten, yet fabricated into tables and countertops that gave them a sophisticated second life. Arxe also showed refurbished military, workshop and studio light fixtures, and wonderfully patinated vintage metal stools and chairs. Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek did clever wallpaper printed with planks of scrap wood.
• Geometry class. Wood, laminate, and metal triangles and polyhedrons were used to create interesting seating and case goods, including a winning chair prototype designed by Rochester Institute of Technology student Dan Fritz as part of the School of Design’s Metaproject with Wilsonart. Tom Dixon wowed the crowd with his futuristic, hive-like Etch light fixtures formed out of brass screens.
As always, the juxtapositions at the fair made it so worthwhile: Kid-centric wall coverings printed with space-age toys or Japanese dolls were on one side of the aisle, while moody papers depicting fog-filled woods or time-ravaged gardens were on the other. Luminous mother-of-pearl bath fixtures shared acreage with pieces made out of tires or toilet plungers. Innovation is in the eye of the creative.
Highlights at this year’s fair, which was held last week in New York:
• Luminous lighting. Several booths showed sculptural lighting that resembled clouds, puffs of smoke, or some evocation of a heavenly bird’s nest. Vancouver-based Molo created LED-lit, honeycombed, polyethylene pendants in various sizes that could be clustered and even dimmed to create a stormy atmosphere. Interesting fibers were spun into cotton-candy-like fixtures at Hive.
At DCS Corp, washi paper formed a table lamp complete with a “downpour” made of thin brass rods. At Aqua Creations, there were single and multiple pleated silk disks that created lit mobiles resembling an extraterrestrial midnight garden, or a flotilla of sea urchins. All were an inspirational take on an ethereal shape that worked perfectly for lighting.
• Cardboard’s cachet. The lowly cardboard box has become the darling of eco-mindful designers looking for an intriguing new material. At Graypants, corrugated paper formed bulbous, textural pendent lampshades. At Molo, stiff unbleached Kraft paper was fanned into sturdy stools and loungers. The honeycomb layers of cardboard really amp up the textural element of these pieces. Most were left in their caramel color, which gave the furnishings a nice “patina.”
Graypants put Edison bulbs in their fixtures, which made them glow warmly; several other designers used the bulbs as well. Edisons are reproductions of early light bulbs; their carbon or tungsten filaments emit a pleasing, low-watt glow.
• Wood laminates. Plywood was everywhere at this year’s show. Designers like its versatility, so there were lots of interesting plywood chairs, tables and bookshelves.
Brooklyn designer April Hannah’s collection of treehouse-inspired kids’ furniture included an eco-friendly, maple- or walnut-veneer play table and chairs. Philadelphia University’s Industrial Design students used bamboo plywood to craft an array of furnishings with architectural flair.
Laurie Beckerman’s Ionic Bench for Voos Furniture was a curvy swoop of Baltic birch plywood. Wisconsin-based Drift Studio printed subway maps and other graphic motifs on plywood panels that were bolted together into versatile cubes; modular storage was another trend seen throughout the show.
• Industrial chic. The chic edginess of industrial style continues to find favor with designers. In some hands, such as Chicago studio akmd, it had a mid-century vibe. They carved faux casters out of oak, oversized them, and put them on the legs of a dining table and beautifully dovetailed compartmental storage pieces.
At Barcelona-based Arxe, the materials were work-worn and weather-beaten, yet fabricated into tables and countertops that gave them a sophisticated second life. Arxe also showed refurbished military, workshop and studio light fixtures, and wonderfully patinated vintage metal stools and chairs. Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek did clever wallpaper printed with planks of scrap wood.
• Geometry class. Wood, laminate, and metal triangles and polyhedrons were used to create interesting seating and case goods, including a winning chair prototype designed by Rochester Institute of Technology student Dan Fritz as part of the School of Design’s Metaproject with Wilsonart. Tom Dixon wowed the crowd with his futuristic, hive-like Etch light fixtures formed out of brass screens.
As always, the juxtapositions at the fair made it so worthwhile: Kid-centric wall coverings printed with space-age toys or Japanese dolls were on one side of the aisle, while moody papers depicting fog-filled woods or time-ravaged gardens were on the other. Luminous mother-of-pearl bath fixtures shared acreage with pieces made out of tires or toilet plungers. Innovation is in the eye of the creative.
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