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This article was first published 13 years ago

Gadget reviews: MacBook Pro, JooJoo tablet, more

Last updated on: November 9, 2010 12:03 IST

Image: Apple MacBook Pro
Photographs: Exhibit Exhibit

A sneak peek at 12 hot gadgets -- Apple MacBook Pro, JooJoo Internet Tablet, BlackBerry 9800 Torch, HTC Wildfire, Samsung Dual View ST600, BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9105 and 9100, OlivePad VT100, Samsung Galaxy S, Fujifilm AV series digicam, AV150, Fly MC170, Siemen's Bittel UNO and Movil MC100 -- that could be yours this festive season.

Take a look.

1. Apple MacBook Pro

After a much waiting spree, Apple has finally updated the MacBook Pro range of notebooks with improved processors and graphics. With the launch of three models -- 13", 15" and 17" respectively, this new series of luxurious laptops have the charisma to turn heads.

There are 2 models for the 13" model (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo), 3 for the 15" model (2.4 GHz Core i5, 2.53 GHz Core i5 and 2.66 GHz Core i7) while one more of the 17" model
(2.53 GHz Intel Core i5).

The hard drive ranges from 250 GB 5400-rpm in the 13" base model to 320 GB and 500GB in the higher end models. However, there are options to configure it with a 500GB 7200-rpm hard drive or 128GB, 256GB or 512GB solid-state drives.

The 17" and 15" models have new NVIDIA 330M discrete graphics, whereas the 13" model has NVIDIA 320M graphics.

All models come with a 4GB of DDR3 RAM and can be configured up to 8GB.

The graphics have been updated from the on-board NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics to Intel HD on-board to NVIDIA GeForce 330M discrete graphics (15" an 17"). Great thing about the new model is that when you log in-and-out to switch between the two graphics mode, the switching happens on the fly.

A major change is the higher battery life, with Apple claiming an unbelievable 10 hours battery life for the 13" MacBook Pro and 8-9 hours for the 15" and 17" models. Do not expect anything new as far as looks are concerned! Well, aren't they 'handsome' enough, why to change it?

Few things that we didn't understand really are that the USB ports are so close to each other that the sharp edges can hurts, and the overheating problem could become really worse in the Core i5 model. However, the keyboard and trackpad on the new MacBook Pros are fantastic as ever.

Why Apple's new gift to the world of laptops?

1. Because it is faster, rich with graphics and features and fully loaded with features to allure the game lovers, movie fanatics as well as technoholics.

2. Don't ignore the battery backup thing, as it is surely gonna be the right thing at the right time and space!

3. The higher performance is felt when it comes to playing high definition movies, working on Photoshop and when managing multiple applications at the same time. A perfect thing to play full 1080HD videos smoother than ever!

Why not?

1. If only the price was a little lesser!

2. Looks could have been changed according to the trend of today! (Can be ignored, we know!)

Status: Available at all leading Imagine stores in India.

Price: Rs 72,990 for 2.4 GHz, 13-inch; Rs 89,900 for 2.66 GHz, 13-inch; Rs 1,09,900 for 2.4 GHz, 15-inch; Rs 1,19,000 for 2.53 GHz, 15-inch; Rs 1,29,900 for 2.66 GHz, 15-inch; Rs 1,36,900 for 2.53 GHz, 17-inch.

Exhibit rating: Good

 

 

2. JooJoo: The Internet tablet

Image: JooJoo tablet

JooJoo is this the name of the competitor of Apple's iPad? Or are we over reacting at the new tablet in the market from Fusion Garage? While the entire gadget world is going gaga over the JooJoo, we guess it's too early to compare it with its big brother from Apple's family!

The JooJoo, formerly termed CrunchPad, is similarly designed as the iPad and has the same slate-like built. However, the screen is larger than Apple's tablet and measures a stunning 12.1-inch.

It supports Flash Player and has a recessed power button on the left edge which is the only physical button on the fully touchscreen touchpad. The look is nice with a champagne-colored brushed aluminum backside and rounded corners.

With a size of 12.8 x 7.8 x 0.7inch, it is easy to hold and a perfect thing to have with you while on couch or sofa. However, with a weight of 2.4 pounds or a little more than 1 kg, JooJoo's portability factor remains in question.

It offers a full screen high definition video streaming and rich multimedia content. JooJoo is capable of booting up in under nine seconds -- making it an almost instant on product. It offers support for slide gestures, scrolling, e-books, digital newspapers and music playback.

Multitasking facilities and apps stores along with direct links of social networking sites like Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Gmail, YouTube, Google docs, Spotify and Pandora are the backbone of the Internet facility available.

The tablet runs with a 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom processor and NVidia Ion graphic chipset. It has a single USB port, a standard headphone jack, and a microphone jack live on the right edge.

The operating system is completely browser-based and doesn't allow for side loading music, video, or pictures. There is a camera on the top of the screen meant for video conferencing, which often faces technical problems. The tablet has just one connectivity option, Wi-Fi!

Welcome JooJoo to the world of tablet PCs...

1. With a huge screen of 12.1", JooJoo can throw an open challenge to iPad, display-wise!

Is it a right choice at all? Perhaps not!

1. Imagine yourself landing at a place without Wi-Fi facility! Your JooJoo will be just a showoff and of no use! Howzatt?

2. There's no easy way of getting back to the menu or home screen.

3. Accelerometer is not up to the mark and you would often end up shaking your tablet to adjust the rotation!

4. Speaker not good enough except for personal listening.

Status: Available in gadget stores

Price: Rs 23,000 to Rs 24,000

Exhibit rating: Average

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3. Black Berry 9800 Torch

Image: Black Berry 9800 Torch

The new Blackberry 9800 Torch is the company's very first touchscreen/physical-keyboard phone sporting the brand-new BlackBerry 6 OS (The latest version of BlackBerry OS which has recently been launched and Torch is the first phone to have it for more integrated and dynamic experience with the freedom to explore).

Measuring 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches with a manageable weight of 5.68 ounces, RIM has managed to make it look sleek and suave, but then has missed on few key areas. We make a note of it!

BlackBerry Torch's 624-MHz processor from Marvel makes it appear pale in an era of 1 GHz processor phones. Steve Jobs has gifted us with Retina Display which basically means 960 x 640 iPhone 4 screen, but Blackberry Torch's 480-by-360-pixel resolution looks relatively low.

Even touchscreen standards are lagging to 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen display. Storage is another issue that Blackberry is facing, although RIM is harping on multimedia as a major feature in Blackberry Torch. It has only 4 GB internal memory and 4 GB SD card; sounds pre-historic when one can grab an iPhone 4 with 16 to 32 GB!

Blackberry Torch 9800 is also the first device from RIM to have the new BlackBerry App World store pre-installed. What really shines is the e-mail, and BlackBerry 6 OS adds some features making it the master of messaging.

Blackberry Torch does not have a front-facing camera, though. This means no option for video conferencing. Also, there's no HDMI output feature.

However, RIM has finally caught up with the rest of the smartphone world in terms of camera megapixel count. The Torch sports a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus, 2x zoom, and an LED flash. If you are a Blackberry fan you would take it, but we think its rival Android devices have much more appeal.

'Only' reason to opt for Torch...

1. If you are a Black berry Loyalist, although texting and messaging options are pretty up to the mark of RIM.

Reason not to go blindfolded for Torch...

1. Though it is equipped with social networking site links, the brand-new OS and the brand name BlackBerry, we guess choosing its rival phones would be a better option at this moment.

Status: Launched in August 2010, available in stores.

Price: Rs 24,000

Exhibit rating: Average

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4. HTC Wildfire

Image: HTC Wildfire

Feeling like shopping this festive season? And don't have a reason enough to lose some bucks? Well, how about this? A budget Android phone from the house of HTC Wildfire.

The new kid in the HTC family looks like a wider, squatter HTC Desire, and offers many of the same software features for a lower price.

Because the Wildfire runs the latest version of Android, 2.1 clair (Android 2.1 Eclair is an upgraded version of the Android operating system released on 26th October 2009 post 1.5 Cupcake and 1.6 Donut. It accounts for the faster speed, higher resolution and better clarity of camera lens), it's packed with smart-phone features, like support for Outlook e-mail etc.

HTC has also smartened the OS up even further with some handy tweaks of its own, such as adding an excellent on-screen keyboard. HTC has included heaps of its own widgets, which you can pop on to any of seven home screens. One of our favourites is the Friend Stream widget, which keeps you up-to-date with your Twitter and Facebook updates, without requiring you to open an app.

You can even check out their Facebook and Flickr photos right from the address book. Also, when the phone rings, your caller's Facebook status and birthday are shown, along with their photos. People's status scrolls slowly across the bottom of their photo.

HTC Wildfire measures 106.8 x 60.4 x 12 mm and weighs 118gm, pretty compact and sleek, and of course a hunk in the mobile phone world. It has a 3.2" TFT touchscreen display, a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus LED flash, FM radio, a media player with a slot for expandable memory up to 32GB along with special features including Proximity sensor, G-sensor, Digital compass, light sensor and an optical joystick, next generation caller ID, support for phone, e-mail, text messaging, Wi-Fi, HTML web browser and more.

Why HTC Wildfire?

1. This is absolutely unprecedented a step from the family of HTC. Keeping the price in mind, the features like 5 MP camera with LED flash, sensors etc. and geo-tagging, huge screen and a smart OS which only higher-end phones would have till now, HTC Wildfire is a good catch for the prospective buyers.

2. Can't afford HTC Desire? Go for Wildfire as owning HTC at such an affordable price is a great chance.

Is there a reason to avoid it?

1. Wildfire has a QVGA display. Why not spend some Rs 500 to Rs 700 bucks extra for a HVGA display which a rival company handset offers?

2. The 528-MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is quite less and so is the RAM of 384MB.

Status: Released in August 2010, available in stores

Price: Rs 16,590 (may vary in cities)

Exhibit rating: Good

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5. Samsung Dual View ST600

Image: Samsung Dual View ST600

Innovation is today the name of the game and the game is to survive in this ever-competing tech world. Samsung is a global leader in the digital imaging industry and a driver of innovation.

Samsung ST600 builds on the success of the TL225, offering consumers a stylish design, a full-range of smart and easy-to-use features, and Samsung's revolutionary dual LCD technology. The new flagship digital camera of the Samsung Dual View family, the Samsung ST600 received an upgrade to its front LCD screen, activated by a simple tap, which now measure 1.8" compared to the 1.5" front LCD screen found on the Dual View predecessor.

The ST600 camera also sports a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD on the rear of the camera, smart face recognition, 720p high definition video capture and a 5x optical zoom lens along with high-quality Schneider KREUZNACH (Schneider KREUZNACH lenses, supported by Optical and Digital Image Stabilization helps to shoot blur-free images. The company provides absolutely top quality lenses for all tasks in professional photography and image processing) lenses and a powerful 27mm wide-angle focal length.

The Samsung ST600 comes in black or purple and is slightly thicker than the previous dual screen models.

The ST600 features Samsung Smart Auto (still and movie) scene recognition technology. With Smart Auto (still and movie) selected, the camera makes the guesswork to take a great photo or video. Smart Auto (still and movie) analyses key elements of the composition of the image such as colour, brightness, motion, subject and then selects the appropriate scene mode which produces the best result.

The Samsung ST600 also incorporates Samsung's Smart Gesture User Interface (UI) which allows for the quick access and use of key features with either a simple tilt or a hand gesture. Users can quickly scroll through photos by slightly tilting the device in either direction, swiping their finger across the screen, or by selecting the appropriate photos for a slide show. Managing images is also easy with the Samsung ST600.

Enough reasons to get thumbs up!

1. A really good value for money for a full package of innovative features. A wide touchscreen LCD screen, high-quality Schneider KREUZNACH lenses and a powerful 27mm wide-angle focal length, reasons enough to support the purchase.

2. The festive season is on the threshold, how about spending some bucks to capture the precious moments?

Status: Released in September

Price: Rs 15,415

Exhibit rating: Super

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6. Blackberry Pearl 3G 9105 and 9100

Image: Blackberry Pearl 3G 9105 and 9100

Blackberry has launched two more versions of Pearl models after the Flip 8220. Pearl 9105 and 9100 has hit the Indian market some time back in June 2010. And needless to say, both the phones have already swarmed the industry.

Blackberry Pearl 9100 has a 20-key QWERTY keyboard while 9105 has a 14-key classic keypad.

Both the phones have SureType (SureType is a text input method used on Blackberry Pearl handsets which gives a list with thousands of English words and when a user types the first few letters, all possible words show up on the screen) for easier texting. Both the handsets weigh 93.6g and measures 108 x 50 x 13.3 mm.

The Blackberry Pearl 3G has 360 x 400 pixel display screen and has touch sensitive optical trackpad. It has 3.2MP camera with autofocus, LED flash, 2.5x digital zoom and video recording option. It supports 3G, GPRS, EDGE, WLAN, Bluetooth and has a v2.0 microUSB slot.

It has an inbuilt memory of 2GB which is expandable up to 32GB.

The battery backup is good with talk time of 5 hours for the 3G version. Available in a variety of colours ranging from black to pink to purple, white and red, the phone is a good value for money and a must-have for the Blackberry lovers. The only difference between the two versions of Pearl 3G is the keypad which is half-QWERTY in 9100 and normal 14-key in 9105.

Why Blackberry Pearl 3G?

1. Apart from the brand name, the technical specifications including SureType and network connectivity supports, Blackberry OS, document editors and a flash-camera are reasons enough to go for it.

2. The look does matter! And the ones who believe the same would surely for the vibrant color variations and the sleek and compact made of the phones.

3. If you are not too convenient with the QWERTY keypad, pick the other variant enough options to make your choice!

Why need to give a second thought before buying...

1. Looking at the other newly launched phones in market with longer battery backup, both the standby and the talk time could have been more!

Status: Released in June 2010 in India and available in stores

Price: Rs 19,000 (approximate)

Exhibit rating: Super

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7. OlivePad VT100

Image: OlivePad VT100

India's first 3G Tablet is here, courtesy Olive. Though it is nowhere comparable to Apple's iPad which is still to be launched in India, the Gurgaon-based Olive has already been making much buzz since its release in July 2010.

The tablet manufactured by Olive Telecom runs on Android 2.1 (Eclair) platform and offers enough reasons to lure the Indian market. It allows browsing, multimedia, instant messaging and easy access to social networking sites. GPS for maps and directions, gaming console, an e-book reader, television and voice and video calling options are also available in the touch notebook.

OlivePad has a 7inch capactitive touchscreen with 800 x 480 pixels resolutions. It comes with a 3MP camera with 4x frontal zoom.

There is another VGA camera at the back. The connectivity of OlivePad is pretty good which supports 3.5G HSUPA. There is a provision for a mini-USB port and has an internal memory of 512MB expandable up to 32GB.

The processor used in the tablet is 600 MHz Qualcomm MSM7227. It supports GSM, EDGE as well as WCDMA network.

Users are free to make phone calls and to access the real time apps. It has an easy access to social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Orkut.

The dimension of OlivePad is 179.4 x 110 x 11.5 and weighs 410g. The tablet uses Li-Polymer, 3240mAH battery.

Why OlivePad VT100 for tablet PC lovers?

1. Priced much lower cost than Apple iPad, OlivePad VT100 is not only cheaper but also readily available in the Indian market since August 2010.

2. It has several features available in iPad in addition to few unique features like dual camera and better connectivity via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G and GPS. 

3. Even without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, data sharing is possible through its mini USB port which is missing in Apple's sleek gizmo.

4. With a slot to put a GSM SIM card, the tablet can be converted to a smart phone anytime!

Reasons to dump it and wait for iPad to overwhelm Indian market

1. Size does matter! And the size of the screen of iPad is 2.7inches more (at 9.7inch) than that of OlivePad (7inch).

2.  OlivePad has an Internet memory of 512MB while iPad comes with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB variants.

Status: On sale from August 2010.

Price: Rs 25,000 (memory card inclusive)

Exhibit rating: Good

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8. Samsung Galaxy S

Image: Samsung Galaxy S

Samsung makes its way into the world of Android based smart phones posing challenge to HTC and alike. With a huge 4-inch AMOLED display (AMOLED display: Active Matrix Organic light Emitting Diode which is responsible for the super sensitive screen with lightening fast display response time, wide viewing angles, exceptional color reproduction, outstanding contrast levels, and high brightness.) screen and an ultra lightweight 118g, it is surely the new kid on the block which is expected to bring a new boom in the mobile phone market.

Galaxy S is pretty compact with a dimension of 64.2 x 122.4mm x 9.9 mm only. No machined aluminium or glass has been used and the lightweight is owed to its plastic body. The phone has a 5-megapixel camera with 2592 x 1944 pixels. The screen has a 480 x 800 pixel resolution which offers an exotic sight of the perfectly crafted screen.

The screen is super sensitive with TouchWiz 3.0 user interface, the UI used in Samsung Wave as well. The accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate, touch sensitive controls and the mammoth screen are a sheer delight to the touchscreen smart phone lovers.

The phone has its 3.5mm and a micro-USB connection on the top, a volume controller at the left and the lock key at the right. Galaxy S has a central home button along with two touch controls for menu and back respectively. Though the phone is available with versions 8GB and 16GB, there is a provision for microSD card for further memory expansion till 32GB.

Samsung Galaxy S uses Swipe text structure which allows the users type the text by simply sliding the finger on the QWERTY keyboard by stringing the letters together for quick suggestions from XT9 dictionary.

Why should you buy Samsung Galaxy S?

1. Though look-wise it is not as tempting as the Apple iPhone, the size of the screen and the life-like display is the most striking to compete with Apple, HTC and Blackberry.

2. Texting is real fast and easy; finding contacts in a Rolodex-style carousel and additional features like applications and social networking site shortcuts are helpful.

Reasons to choose something else!

1. The 5MP and 2592 x 1944 pixels camera may come along with autofocus, geo-tagging, touch focus, face and smile detection options, but it lacks a much-needed flash.

2. The Li-Polymer 1500 mAh battery has a low life and the phone gets warm if used for long.

Status: Released in June 2010, available in market

Price: Rs 31,500

Exhibit rating: Super

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9. Fujifilm AV series digital camera AV150

Image: Fujifilm AV series digital camera AV150

If you are expecting value for money, then probably this is one is the right pick. Fujifilm launched a new series of AV digital cameras with full HD compatibility in the affordable price range. AV150 has 14 megapixels with powerful Fujinon 3x optical zoom lenses.

The entry-level Fujifilm FinePix AV150 is based around a 14 effective megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD image sensor coupled to a Fujinon-branded 3x optical zoom lens.

Maximum image resolution is 4288 x 3216 pixels in the camera's native 4:3 aspect ratio along with 3:2 and 16:9 aspect ratio modes. The AV150's lens offers actual focal lengths ranging from 5.7 to 17.1mm, equivalent to 32 to 96mm on a 35mm camera -- a somewhat tight wide angle to a moderate telephoto.

The Fuji AV150 has a two-step aperture, offering either F2.9 or F8.8 at wide angle, and either F5.2 or F16 (with an ND filter) at telephoto. Minimum focusing distance is ordinarily two feet, but drops to just 3.9 inches in macro mode at wide angle, or 1.2 feet at telephoto. There's no true optical viewfinder on this model, with all interaction taking place on a 2.7-inch LCD display with 230,000-dot resolution, and this display provides 96 per cent frame coverage.

The camera, which comes with 3200 ISO sensitivity for anti-blur protection, is also equipped with the six-scene SR AUTO (Scene Recognition Auto is a feature that recognises a subject or scene prior to capture, then, using information from sensor applies that information to achieve the improvement of image recognition capability) and Face Detection (can detect up to 10 faces in a frame). Scenes and faces can be captured and optimised even more with the detection functions.

The Red-eye removal function automatically detects and corrects flash reflection for a perfect end result.

Fujifilm AV 150 has the most advanced HD feature and also comes with their cutting-edge Fujinon lenses and a series of additions that too in an affordable price range.

Reasons to own a Fujifilm FinePix AV150

1. A fully loaded camera with all the detailed features to amuse the beginners and the entry-level photographers.

2. The focus, lens and additional features are up to the mark keeping in line with the price tag.

Reasons not to buy one?

1. Well, can't figure out!

Status: Recently launched, available in stores

Price: Rs 7,499

Exhibit rating: Super

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10. Fly MC170

Image: Fly MC170

Fly Mobile has recently launched its sleek and stylish Pandora's Box which they named as MC170. The main attraction of the phone is its 3 megapixel camera which would give you reason not to carry your digicam in the next holiday trip! Oh yes, social networking and instant messaging features also complement the entire package.

With a 2.4" TFT screen with 262K display and 240 x 320 pixel screen resolution, the screen has a swift switch effect. The music system is powerful with an inbuilt equaliser enabled audio player, video recording facility and FM with schedule recording.

The phone has an internal memory of 87 MB which can be expanded up to 8GB. Apart from the regular features like A2DP Bluetooth, WAP 2.0 and GPRS support, Java enabled applications, games, dual-SIM support, USB connectivity and other features, the phone has some unique functions like Fly Raashi -- a new astrology application (Fly Raashi is an installed application in the Fly MC170 for astrology related features. This is the first handset of Fly Mobile to have this application), Accelerometer and motion sensor for better gaming experience and special self-help feature of long press the '0' key in the ideal mode to send an SOS message. It has an e-book reader too for .txt files.

The handset measures 115 x 51 x 11 mm and weighs 105g. The battery back up is average with talktime of 3 to 4 hours and standby up to 230 hours.

Fly MC170 should be your next buy, because

1. At such an affordable price, you would get a high power camera with optical zoom, dual-SIM facility, GPRS and other connectivity support, social networking functions and some new features. Do we say more?

2. The look is smart and contemporary, the finish is wonderful and so is the resolution and motion sensitivity.

Hold on is it the right choice?

1. Have a look at the rival company handsets and you may have even QWERTY handsets for Rs 4K!

Status: Available at all fly authorised distributors and retailers.

Price: Rs 4,094

Exhibit rating: Average

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11. Siemens presents Bittel's UNO

Image: Siemens presents Bittel's UNO

Siemens Enterprise Communications presents Bittel's new product UNO, a premium phone targeted mainly for the hospitality industry. An elegant and smart phone with all modern features is certain to meet the need of hotel guestrooms.

UNO has two variations -- the classical version and the multifunctional version equipped with additional features like FM radio, iPod port, USB charge port, alarm etc. to name a few.

The UNO serves as a guest room phone with the necessary features a guest may need. It has 10 speed-dial memory keys and a unique hearing aid compatible handset and you can set the speaker and handset volume in 3-level control. It has options for two lines simultaneously and also a conference mode. It has a DTMF/FSK Caller ID, data port, data switch, alarm, radio, audio, power charge and easy port to connect iPod, MP3 audio device, premium stereo acoustics and also power charge ports.

Few other features which makes Bittel so unique and a must-have in your hotel/motel...

1. Push-draw style customisable faceplate, easy printing the hotel logo and user guide

2. Message waiting light compatible with main PBX, MWL indicator and withdraw feature

3. Adjustable ringer volume

4. Default 600 ms hook switch flash, adjustable and store

5. Automatic disconnection of the phone if it is not placed on hook correctly

6. Redials the last number dialed and dialed number disappear within 5 minutes

7. Adjustable clock time with optional special timing cloner

It is designed for hoteliers who are looking for ways to reduce costs, while continuing to enhance guest experiences through the use of innovative technologies. Made of first-class electric materials, it is elegantly designed keeping industrial features in mind. Silver, charcoal and off-white, you have variety of colors to pick from!

Own a hotel? Own a Bittel UNO now...

1. Economic, loaded with useful features, power saving, clutter reducing that's what Bittel is about. Do we say more?

2. Easy to install and easier to operate.

3. A perfect all-in-one gadget to introduce in hotels.

Status: Available

Price: Rs 6,800 (MRP) and Rs 6,500 (MOP)

Exhibit rating: Super

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12. Movil Mobile MC100

Image: Movil Mobile MC100

Movil Mobile has come up with yet another power-packed handset named MC100. Guess what's the main attraction of this hunky yet sleek phone? It's built-in Yamaha amplifiers and 3D surround sound. And that too at a killing price of just Rs 4,499.

MC 100 is a candybar handset with sleek and stylish look. It has been designed keeping the music lovers in mind. It sports pro v2.0 amplifiers from Yamaha that greatly enhance the sound output. This when coupled with the built-in 3D speakers offer optimal bass and treble levels that can be customised according to personal preferences. If you're bored of listening to the same music stored on your phone, the MC100 offers wireless FM with signal boosting features.

Another attention grabbing feature of the phone is its 3.0 inch TFT LCD screen with a display size of 240 x 400 pixels. It measures 102 x 52 x 13.8 mm in size.

Customisable widgets based menu and social networking links are few other attractions for the mobile phone. Loaded with games, ring tones and MMS facility, this phone is a complete package. Bluetooth enabled, this handset runs on Java Technology.

The phone has a 3.2 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom. The camera is equipped to take continuous shot of a moving object and lets you select the best one of the lot. Video player and recording features are available.

It has a dual-SIM support facility and an expandable memory up to 8GB. The battery backup is good with a standby time of up to 280 hours and a talk-time up to 4.5 hours.

Looks teamed with performance, that's what Movil claims through its new handset MC100!

Reasons to buy a Movil MC100...

1. Those who have a fetish for looks, MC100 can be the best choice at a low price.

2. Yamaha built-in amplifiers and 3D surround sound compel the music lovers to have this phone as a must-have.

Ignore it, because...

1. When the world is frantic about touchscreens and QWERTY phones, why to spend more than Rs 4K on a normal keypad candybar?

Status: Available in stores

Price: Rs 4,499

Exhibit rating: Average

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