Didn’t I tell you that I’m really not an Apple hater? Well, here’s my point proven. This time I’ve got my personal review on the Apple’s new MacBook Pro. Released on April 13, the current MacBook Pro offers a wide range of notebooks in 13, 15, or 17-inch screen sizes. While 13-inch MacBook Pro is supported by the same Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 15 and 17-inch ones are updated with the latest Core i5 and i7 CPUs. Adding these top of the line processors automatically boosts the device in many ways. Besides, MacBook Pro holds a distinct graphic processor called Nvidia GeForce GT 330 M. Apple has also reported to increase Macbook’s battery life up to 10 hours on one charge. And above all, its Unibody design definitely keeps all of us hooked up.

All of the MacBook Pros boast 4GB memory, but available at different prices depending upon the particular processor. The 15-inch MacBooks are available in 2.4GHz, 2.53GHz (Core i5), & 2.66GHz (Core i7) processors. So, their prices are $1799, $1999, & $2199 respectively. However, 17-inch one is only available in 2.53GHz (Core i5) processor for $2299. The LED backlit widescreen display presents a native resolution of 1440 by 900p in 15-inch, and 1920 by 1200p in 17-inch screen. As the former is smaller in size, therefore, a pound lighter in weight than the latter one. The device is made eco-friendly by using recyclable aluminum and glass, and minimizing usage of elements like Arsenic, Mercury, PVC, and BFR. The 15 and 17-inch duo has got automatic graphics switching capability, which changes graphics for the user automatically from regular to Nvidia GPU and vice versa. The storage provided is 320GB or 500GB, 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive, with an option of 500GB, 7200-rpm hard drive or 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB solid-state drive.

Obviously, as a buyer, I wouldn’t say that MacBooks are affordable, but I wonder who actually expects Mac to be cheap? That’s undeniably the name of the game! However, as a reviewer I would recommend buying the 15-inch MacBook with 2.4 GHz processor. That’s comparatively a rational choice!

It’s a general trend that technology, in its prototype, doesn’t look much presentable. But, with the passage of time, it becomes more compact and sleek. Same is the case with Sony’s new duo of Alpha NEX Cameras, a splendid effort where power meets portability, as they state it themselves. Earlier this summer, Sony unveiled its set of two digital cameras – Alpha NEX-3 and Alpha NEX-5, with its one-of-a-kind interchangeable lens capability. The most striking thing about Alpha NEX is its DSLR-like features, while it looks just like some other digital camera. Sony claims it to be the world’s smallest & lightest camera of its kind (let’s see how long it holds the record!). It can be called as an altered DSLR camera, which is 48% smaller and 49% lighter. Now, it’s time to get into some geeky stuff i.e. features, specs and review.

Both NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras are almost identical, with a little difference in features, specs and obviously price. Both of them provide 14.2 megapixel resolution, shooting of up to 7 fps, ISO sensitivity: 12,800 (great for low-light shooting), 3-inch LCD screen, Sweep & 3D Panorama capability, HD sensor of APS-C size, BIONZ image processor, HDMI output, and auto HDR. The cameras come either with 16mm or 18-55mm lens, which depends on your choice of purchase (You can get a bundle of both as well!).

As far as the differences are concerned, the main dissimilarity is between the actual size of the cameras. NEX-3 is a little wider, thicker, taller, hence heavier than NEX-5. Other than that, NEX-5 is composed of magnesium alloy from the front, whereas the other one is composed of plastic. The NEX-3 records videos in HD at 720/30p, while NEX-5 shoots 1080i AVCHD videos. The audio format supported by NEX-3 is MPEG-4 AAC-LC, however NEX-5 gives Dolby Digital (AC-3) along with MPEG-4. No matter which lens you like, the difference in price remains $100. NEX-3 is available for $549 with 16mm lens, & $599 with 18-55mm lens. Likewise, you can get NEX-5 for $649 or $699, depending upon the lens of your choice.

Although these cameras lack a built-in flash (maybe to keep it small), but the box includes an attachable Flash, which Sony call detachable. In any case, these cameras certainly take us to a newer level of photography, where you really don’t have to be a professional. But the outstanding results will definitely make you feel like a one. Next time I get my pay, I’m surely going to buy it!

Ever since I started writing these technology blogs, I find myself more and more interested in this genre. Nowadays, the latest mobile technology keeps you so enchanted, that you hardly find the escape. This summer, specifically, has brought many exciting deals and devices for consumers throughout the USA. No matter it’s T-mobile, Sprint, AT&T, or Verizon wireless; they all have got some great phones for you right now (Take my word for it!). For making things easier, I decided to dedicate this blog to some of the most alluring phones of this summer. Get a load of my picks!
Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G, beyond any doubt, takes the lead with its one-of-a-kind 4G multimedia experience. This HTC HD2 twin, distinguishes itself by featuring Android 2.1 operating system, 8 megapixel camera (plus 1.3 mp front camera), WiMax mobile Wi-Fi router, HDMI output, & Mobile Hotspot capability. The device was released on June 4th, and continues to magnetize people with its features, specs, and charismatic 4G speeds to date. It’s available for $199.99 with a 2-year contract.
Next in line is Apple iPhone 4, released by AT&T on June 24th 2010. The company has reported the sale of 3 million iPhone 4, within three weeks of its launch. The phone has got iOS 4, 5 megapixel camera (front VGA camera), 3.5 inch display, video recording capability, 16 GB internal memory, 2.1 Bluetooth, and up to 7-hours talk time (14 hours on 2G). Once again, with the launch of iPhone 4, all the apple lovers oohed and aahed in joy (but some in pain too!). The major glitch in the phone is actually it’s overestimated external antenna itself. The phone undergoes serious signal problem, if the hand accidently covers a certain spot. However, a free rubber bumper is now offered to all the iPhone 4 buyers as a compensation of this problem.
The third pick is T-Mobile’s myTouch 3G Slide, a phone that I always wanted to buy. A good thing about this phone is its full QWERTY keyboard, which was missing from the previous version. This Android-based phone also includes 3.4 inch display, 5 megapixel camera, Swype keyboard, 4 hours talk time, & a voice command facility called Genius Button. Available in white, black, or red from T-mobile stores.
Samsung Vibrant is the latest phone that has been brought into my family. Released this week by T-mobile, the device provides 2.1 Android OS, 1GHz processor, 4 inch super AMOLED display, 5 megapixel camera, & talk time of up to 6.5 hours. The phone is also available with different names from other carriers like AT&T and Verizon. So, even if you’re not specifically a T-mobile user, you can still get the phone if you’re game.
And finally, Verizon Motorola Droid X wraps it up for this summer. This latest droid is, I think, the best handset Verizon has ever offered. Released on July 15th, the phone received a great response from consumers throughout the US. Droid X presents you 4.3 inch display, 1GHz processor, 8 megapixel camera, pre-installed 16 GB microSD card, HDMI connectivity, HD video capture capability, 2.1 Bluetooth, and is powered by Android 2.1 OS. It also gives a talk time of up to 480 minutes. The phone is available at Verizon wireless for $199.99 with 2-year contract.
With the increasing number and captivating features of Android phones, I think I’ll also end up buying one for myself. It’s true that no matter how many gadgets you buy, you keep longing for more and more. Maybe that’s why John Tudor once quoted: “Technology makes it possible for people to gain control over everything, except over technology”.

Not so long ago, Apple launched the most beloved iPad and all the people went absolutely gaga over it. Reflexively, I also read about its features, specs, and reviews but none of it got me like oh-my-gosh! I’m really not one of those Apple haters, but I think one must always look for a sensible thing to spend their money on. Personally, I wouldn’t fritter away 800 bucks over something, which is fairly similar to my own phone (which doesn’t worth $800 of course!). Rather, I can definitely wait for Microsoft to bring forth its first tablet — the HP Slate.

Why? Chiefly because of its name. Period. Slate is seriously a way better and justified name for a latest mobile technology. It’s simple yet distinct, and doesn’t sound feminine as well (if you know what I mean). Other than that, Slate is supposed to have Windows 7 and will also run Flash, which is the iPad’s major fatal flaw. It also possesses SD card reader and USB port, unlike the iPad with just a dock connector port. Although a connector is available for “additional” $29, which connects the iPad to a VGA Adapter. Moreover, Slate will include 1.6 GHz Intel processor, two built-in cameras & video recording facility; a great deal as compared to iPad’s 1GHz Apple processor, NO camera, and obviously NO video recording. However, iPad beats Slate for having a slightly larger screen and lighter weight. I wonder who would care about an-inch difference in screen if they’re given a lot of space with no limitations at a cheaper price.

So my verdict is that the HP slate is undeniably worth the wait. If Apple has sold 3 million iPads in 80 days, then it has disappointed a lot of those buyers as well. Therefore, it’s never too late for Microsoft to launch their Slate even if it’s out in 2011. There have been a lot of news in the air lately about HP killing its Slate project because of the companies’ attainment and increasing concentration towards Palm. The company, on the other hand, have declined to verify all these rumors. So as for now, HP’s most anticipated project of the year still remains a mystery. All we can do is to sit back and watch what’s coming our way!

So I went to watch Toy story 3 in IMAX a couple of weeks ago. It was my first 3D experience, therefore, the technology kept me more captivated than the movie itself. The movie was projected by RealD, the leading 3D technology provider of the days, which primarily uses polarized techniques to develop a three dimensional effect.

By far, RealD is considered to be the most useful, economical, & prevailing system in the 3D arena. Instead of using two projectors simultaneously, this technology just needs a single projector and a pair of stylish tinted glasses. But this isn’t just that simple, of course. The system applies a method called “Circular Polarization” to create depth into the picture. A circularly polarized light is transmitted to the screen with the help of projector that produces a haphazard image, if seen with the naked eye. The tinted glasses play the role of a filter that allows a limited amount of polarized light into our eyes. What makes the role of these glasses crucial is the disparity between the filters used on each side. Because of that, each eye receives a different type of polarized light, and thus, sees a similar image from a vaguely different perspective. This whole process eventually makes a single image 3D for our brain to perceive.

RealD Cinema system was launched in 2005, and promptly gained popularity among the masses. By 2010, it has signed contracts with a number of major electronic brands in order to advance its innovative 3D technology to a next level. While the new RealD designed Samsung TVs are already out in the market, other brands like Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, JVC, & DirecTV are also planning to take their future products to another dimension. Although the consumer acceptance of this new 3D-at-home phenomenon is yet limited, but the coming decade will definitely alter our perceptions by immersing our home entertainment into the depths of a new reality i.e. RealD. The addictive charm of three-dimensional images will certainly enthrall people to enjoy it in their living rooms. This foreseen venture, however, will affect the cinema business to a large extent. But that’s how the technology has always grown, and always will. Who knows what’s yet to come!