There are plenty of web browsers for us to choose from. The fact that are plenty is a web site designers nightmare because mostly none of them truly follow the defined standards properly, they all add things, they all do it slightly different. Viewing a web site in a browser that doesn’t render the web site correctly can be annoying or downright painful, it may mean the site is unusable.

Web site designers employee as many tricks as they do good design practices to deal with this and still they can be beaten, how many people are still using Internet Explorer 6 and for how much longer?

In my work I spend quite a lot of time using different browsers, so I have Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3.5, Google Chrome and Opera all installed on my Windows desktop.

However, I don’t just use Windows, I also use linux. My Ubuntu 9.10 desktop comes with Firefox as the  default. I also have a netbook, which now runs Ubuntu Netbook Remix 9.10, thats Firefox too. Then there’s my PDA/Cell phone, a Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, this has Windows Mobile 6.1 and comes with both Internet Explorer and Opera Mobile. Then there is my other cell phone, a little Nokia 6210 Navigator, that runs S60.

What I need is some continuity, a browser that, broadly speaking, is the same on all platforms. One that can be my browser of choice, the default, no matter which device I’m using and will, more or less, work the same, render the same (within the confines of the device, of course) and not be an annoyance to use.

You would think that my requirement shouldn’t be that big a deal, right? Well it is.

What if we dropped the pda/cell phones off the requirement? Well it doesn’t really help that much, our choice is pretty much Firefox. Google Chrome could be used but its not officially available on linux yet and besides I don’t want to drop my pda/cell phones from the requirement. I do accept that my requirement may be a minority request though.

So here is the requirement

• Must be able to download and install easily, no messing about with source, compiling, etc.
• Must support Windows Vista and Windows 7
• Must support Ubuntu 9.10 and Ubuntu Netbook Remix 9.10
• Must support Windows Mobile 6.1 on Sony Ericsson Xperia X1
• Must support S60 on Nokia 6210 Navigator
• Must render the sites I use in a usable manner
• Ideally share a common ‘cloud’ of bookmarks
• Nice if it handled email
• It MUST work, browsing should be an easy experience, not a chore.

Who are the candidates? I checked on wikipedia and this list seems to be

• Internet Explorer
• Safari
• Opera
• Chrome
• SeaMonkey
• Camino

Now this is just part of the whole list, trust me (or don’t and go look for yourself) there are a lot of browsers out there.

It doesn’t take long to whittle that lot down to one, in fact the only one that can support my requirement (and more besides). Opera seems to support almost everything out there in one of its forms, everything except the iPhone.

Welcome to Opera.

Opera has been around for quite a while, from their web site

“Opera started in 1994 as a research project inside Norway’s largest telecom company, Telenor. Within a year, it branched out into an independent development company named Opera Software ASA.

Today, Opera Software develops the Opera Web browser, a high-quality, multi-platform product for a wide range of platforms, operating systems and embedded Internet products – including Mac, PC and Linux computers, mobile phones and PDAs, game consoles, and other devices like the Nintendo Wii, DS, Sony Mylo, and more.

Opera’s vision is to deliver the best Internet experience on any device. Opera’s key business objective is to earn global leadership in the market for PC/desktops and embedded products. Opera’s main business strategy is to provide a browser that operates across devices, platforms and operating systems, and can deliver a faster, more stable and flexible Internet experience than its competitors.” – http://www.opera.com/company/

I’ve been using it now for the last 12 months or so and I am impressed, hell its even the browser on the Kid’s Nintendo Wii. In every day use I’ve had no real problems but I do come across the odd site that doesn’t want to render quite right, this is more to do with the site than the browser, however that means a switch to one of the others. Typically this is so rare that its not an issue, in fact its just as likely to occur with any of the browsers. Sometimes its more an issue of linux not supporting all of the rich web media as well as it could in most cases.

Opera also has Opera Link, this is a portal system that allows you to, among many other things, synchronize your bookmarks to a single account and share that account on each device. This means if I update a bookmark or a start page on my linux desktop when I come to log in on my Windows desktop the same change is there. This feature alone makes life so much easier, if it ever extends to the mobile version as well it will be fantastic.

Would I stop and use something else? Of course, if something else comes along and is better I will use it. This is about getting what I need from the browser, my requirement is what is important, not the tool used to deliver it.

* Premier crossover compact de “grand prestige” selon BMW, le X1 apparaît surtout comme un curieux mélange des genres, à base de polyvalence et de sportivité. Inspection aux rayons… X !

Voilà un nouveau-né qui risque de semer la pagaille dans la famille BMW. Si, après les X6, X5 et X3, l’on pouvait s’attendre logiquement à voir débarquer un petit dernier, le X1 ne va pas sans poser quelques problèmes collatéraux.

La loi du plus petit

Aussi proche d’une Série 1 que d’un break Série 3 Touring, à peine plus petit que le X3, ce nouveau SUV compact bouscule un peu l’ordre établi et brouille les pistes. Comme Mercedes, BMW s’est lancé dans une course folle à la diversité qui donne le tournis : alors que la gamme se résumait à 4 modèles il y a dix ans, elle compte aujourd’hui pas moins de 11 véhicules !

Une stratégie offensive dont on ne peut s’empêcher de penser qu’elle fera des victimes : comme la démographie galopante dans certains pays, la marque bavaroise mise sur une forte natalité, quitte à faire des sacrifices, du moment qu’un seul enfant —le plus résistant— survive par la grâce du marché.

On sait ainsi déjà que le X6 ne sera pas renouvelé. Le X1 fera-t-il partie des privilégiés ? Il pourrait en tous cas récupérer une partie de la clientèle de ses grands frères, victimes de leur insouciance écologique et fiscale, et devenir le chef de file de la “X-band”. Comme Joe Dalton.

Compact mais à part

Le X1 s’inscrit bien dans l’ère du temps, celui des SUV en voie de rétrécissement. Comme les gros molosses ne font plus recette mais que la demande pour les crossovers persiste, la réponse de BMW avec son X1 ne semble donc pas dépourvue de sens. Tout comme le choix de transmissions proposées : pour la première fois dans la famille X, un modèle sera proposé en intégrale et en simple propulsion (SDrive).

Le X1 rejoint ainsi le segment des petits crossovers en mode 4X2, comme le Volkswagen Tiguan, le Ford Kuga ou encore le Nissan Qashqai. Mais en qualifiant son X1 de “premier SUV compact de grand prestige“, BMW rappelle bien que son rejeton n’a pas les mêmes valeurs. Une supériorité qui se traduit notamment par des tarifs élitistes : à partir de 32.000 € pour une version intégrale !

HTC以Android推出的手機在市場上開始慢慢引起用家注意, 也在市場上得到很大的支持.Android的發展勢力真是意想不到~所以都吸引了一些半死的手機公司都希望借Android還魂. 效果也是意想不到. 未來可見, Apple, Android, Web os, Window mobile都會在市場上有更激烈的競爭.

Moto在2008年底已開始慢慢減產同時也受世界經濟問題都慢慢轉向低調.  當然Moto本身也有很多問題影響市場上自己的佔有地位. 今次Moto再次重整旗鼓宣佈年內推出兩部以Android為系統的手機 – Motorola Droid / Milestone , Motorola DEXT. 暫時以美國為首推出市場, 在最近的發報會上也有很好的效果外同時也得到很多用戶支持. 不得不說. Moto這次重大的改變得到很大的成效. 筆者祈望Moto可從這次成功慢慢再次提升手機本身功能及用戶的可用性. 重新再出發及開發更多更好產品.

Moto之外. SE的情況也跟MOTO很相似. 不過SE只會把Sony旗下產品合併, 好似是Cyber shot 和 walkman合在手機的單一市場策略.隨著手機功能增強及用戶對多功能手機的需求增加.SE都開始被市場推下來. 雖然SE也推出智能手機X1但可惜推出時間拖慢及市場並不受落. 今次SE再次把x1提升到x10及用上Android系統. 顯然是”盡地一煲“. 出來反應都很好而且用戶介面也是最互動及美觀.相信X10的出現會令SE重新令用戶再重新再注意.

雖然如此~不過筆者反而對裝置Android 2.0的手機更有興趣,因為Android 2.0有更好的改進及增強了功能,暫時所知HTC已在Android 2.0系統上已開始開發工作.很有可能推出Android 2.0手機時~Iphone也會宣佈推出更新版本.未來一年~也是手機系統發展及展展年.值得留意.

ps.
真的很不好意思,因為工作安排令blog更新慢了.暫時時間開始回復正常,我會保持更新.希望大家多多支持.

Leica X1 Preview!



Seems like today more and more people are wanting more from a pocket sized cameras. Leica is working hard to bring this to the masses. The Leica X1 has a good platform to start on:

* Compact lightweight body with analogue-style control dials
* Fixed 24mm F2.8 lens (angle of view equivalent to 35mm lens on full frame)
* Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual exposure modes
* Full range of manual controls
* 12.2 Mp APS-C CMOS sensor
* ISO 100-3200
* DNG raw format recording

The mere mention of the name ‘Leica’ causes certain photographers’ hearts to beat just a little bit faster; this sole survivor of the once-mighty German camera industry is one of the very few genuine ‘heritage’ brands left. The company’s long-running reputation for sheer engineering quality and optically-superb lenses is legendary – many a budding snapper has aspired to own a ‘real’ Leica, eventually. Unfortunately though, this quality is (inevitably) accompanied by heart-stopping prices, meaning such aspirations are often left unfulfilled for many years. – DPreview





Click the image above for full preview.

The console gamer’s selection of headsets is surprisingly slim. If money is no option, you can go ahead and break the bank on a pair of MLG-approved Astros or some Tritton headgear and be all set. The rest of us, however, are still left with a few quality brands that won’t deflate wallets… quite as much. Scullcandy, which currently manufactures 2 Xbox compatible sets, and long-time gaming audio standby Turtle Beach are two stand-outs in this market.

Turtle Beach offers a recently updated series of three Xbox “Earforce” headsets. The X1, X31 and X41, priced at $50, $100 and $200 respectively.

EDIT: Turtle Beach has recently added a $29 low cost headset, the XLC to their line up.

Although the X41 features Dolby 7.1 surround sound, the benefits of a headset are just as noticeable in simple stereo for most non-audiophiles, and it’s hard to justify the price tag, especially when the Xbox 360 only natively supports 5.1 surround.

This leaves the X1 and X31 as budget-minded choices. Both perform similarly, save for a few differences. The X31 features toggle-able bass boost and stereo expander effects, and it is wireless. Being wireless, as we’ll find out, is a double-edged sword. If you don’t mind the wires, save some money and frustration and go with the X1.

I find the added effects on the X31 only occasionally make me think “wow, that sounded good!”, and often throw off levels to the extent that you can’t hear certain sounds/speech. When playing FPSs like Call of Duty, I keep these effects turned off by default for the most accurate audio reproduction anyway. None the less, I’ve got a lot of stuff going on between the console and I, which meant going cordless was a much more tempting option.

So I decided to splurge and go with Turtle Beach’s middle-tier X31. You’ll still get some cords though. Three, in fact. Two cables come out from the RF broadcasting unit, a USB power cable and the RCA (red/white) jacks which get the audio. You’ll also have to attach a line from the headset to your controller if you want to chat.

Being wireless, the X31 also uses 2 AAA batteries. They last a good ~15 hours, which is decent for even a heavy gamer. When the batteries run out, a loud annoying screeching sound is heard, and the audio gets significantly softer, so you can continue playing without a huge impact for a short period of time… but the battery changing ordeal is still very annoying and frantic in the middle of a game session. You should have an extra set of AAAs on hand regardless. And of course, I’d recommend rechargeables in this situation.

The piggy-back RCA jacks allow you to plug into any line of audio, which means that although the microphone won’t function, you can use the headset to listen to any aspect of your theater system that it’s tapping into.

Having a headset of any kind will almost assuredly up your game, and give you that bleeding edge. It can also provide a better audio experience for those without a nice surround/hi-fi system. At the very least, it’s a great way to play late at night, or in the middle of it all without bothering, or being bothered, by anyone else. These benefits go without saying, and are definitely present in the X31 and it’s counterparts.

Besides the battery changing issue and the interference, we’ve got a nice solid product in most situations, although I’ve still got some… annoyances.

The new series of Earforce headsets has addressed some problems with the first series, mainly the fact that since chat audio is now coming out of the same speakers as game audio, it’s hard to differentiate. “Chat Boost” is a feature that monitors the game audio, and adds gain to the chat audio whenever it gets loud.

However, during explosions or loud events it’s still often difficult to tell what your buddies are yelling, or screaming at you. Turning down the actual game audio allows you to hear chat just fine, but at the sacrifice of those all important footsteps.

More complaints come from the line that connects the controller to the headset. For one, the lower connection is a right-angle plug, which seems to get in the way no matter what angle you turn it. The in-line chat volume/mute switch is also overly sensitive, and located in a spot that’s simply too inconvenient to get to during gaming. Xbox got it right with the selector being attached right at the base of the controller, why can’t we see a more similar design?

And finally comes the fact that like most wireless tech, the X31 operates on the same old 2.4GHz band. The same as your controller, your Wi-Fi, and your home phone. Get all these devices working at once, and it’s going to get awfully crowded, meaning something’s going to drop faster than an off-guard sniper using tactical layout. I’ve experienced controller disconnects upon receiving a phone call… although this kind of problem depends on where you’re living.

The audio quality of the transmitter is clear and crisp, even with all this airborne congestion – up to a certain extent. When we upgraded from a wireless G router to a wireless N, the interference got unbearable. (N uses up much more of the spectrum). Even with the router in an opposite room, a good amount of strategic positioning was required to get them to stop interfering with each other.

Beyond those flaws, the X31 really shines as a economically-viable pro gaming accessory. It feels comfortable once you get used to full-ear headphones (at least for the first 5 hours), looks good (when your girlfriend isn’t around, at least) and provides crisp, performance-enhancing audio. Not like you’ve never heard that phrase on the internet before.

If the next iteration of these headsets fixes the chat-line issues, and maybe ditches the audio-effects in favor of a lower price tag, Turtle Beach will have a main-stream/hardcore gaming  gem. Until then, the X31 is a fine choice only for those who need wireless connectivity, for most, the inconveniences that tag along with it really seem to bring this headset down.

!The X31 features a solid, comfortable, but slightly heavy build.

!Digital RF delivers great quality, but can interfere with stuff like Wi-Fi.

!Have fun trying to adjust this damn thing in the heat of battle…

David Pogue has a review today of Motorola’s Droid which includes some discussion à propos how to categorize and name devices of this type.

Motorola Droid

He promotes the noun ‘app phone‘ for them, attributing it to @mentalworkout.

[Cool app, BTW, for those who have fear of flying. I took the Virgin Atlantic flight to London earlier this week; if you're lucky enough to fly in Upper Class, it's such an extraordinarily soothing experience that you probably don't need the app.]

I really like ‘app phone‘ , and suggest that we all adopt it for this class of devices:

• Apple’s iPhone
• all current Android ‘phones
• most modern BlackBerrys – post Curve
• Palm’s Pre
• Nokia’s N97 and N97 Mini running the latest version of Symbian

This post re-surfaced for me, however, one of the key topics that we have found ourselves debating frequently over the last many months; what is a ’smart phone’, and what should we call it?

This is a common challenge in high-tech; how do you think about new phenomena? How do you build robust mental models? We believe that having the specialist expertise to do this, and the relevant experience of having done this, is one of the key things that differentiates Endeavour Partners.

First, what are the key criteria:

• downloadable applications – in which case do BREW and Java devices qualify?
• user interface, such as (responsive) touch screen or QWERTY+touch pad/trackball interface to allow easy navigation for the web and similar applications
• running multiple applications – which disqualifies the iPhone?
• great at browsing – typically with a full WebKit browser
• third party applications have to be available, affordable and accessible
• what about size – is there some constraint here, because otherwise a laptop could qualify?

And what about the additional capabilities that are now part of the competitive benchmark:

• fast graphics – for video, browsing and gaming
• accelerometers
• GPS – for location services
• WiFi

There are several specific devices or types of devices that illustrate this challenge, and the grey areas involved:

• older BlackBerrys with thumbwheels but without trackballs – great at e-mail web but suck at browsing
• the Nokia E71, a great (particularly when it launched) device handicapped by its click-pad for navigation (which on one occasion proved enormously frustrating as the cursor moved in clicks that circumnavigated a small target without ever being able to actually click on it, on a site that should have been designed with mobile devices in mind – Handango)

Nokia E71

• many of Nokia’s myriad Symbian S60 devices that have 12-key keypads, lacking either a touch screen or a viable navigation method for browsing
• and what of the forthcoming Nokia N900 – is this a smartphone, or not?
• and given how unresponsive the touch screen on the N97 and N97 mini can be, and some of the usability challenges that remain with Symbian, do the N97 and N97 Mini qualify?
• almost all Windows Mobile devices, that lack a touch pad, requiring a stylus or arrow keys for what is enormously painful navigation (Sony Ericsson’s Experia X1 is one of the few devices that overcomes this challenge)

On purely pragmatic grounds, and notwithstanding flame wars from some purists and Verizon’s new advertising campaign, clearly any definition that excludes the iPhone on the technically focused grounds that it does not run multiple applications at once, except for some built-in apps such as Mail and Phone, does not make much sense. Although this may be an important consideration, it clearly does not deter users, and the ease of switching amongst applications mitigates this significantly.

The related question was what to call these things? We tried the term ‘smart device‘, to emphasize the that the capabilities went way beyond making a call. Unfortunately that promotes confusion as it embraces some very devices that do not have ‘phone capability at all.

So, let’s endorse the term ‘app phone‘ for these high end devices, and use the term ’smart phone’ for the broader group of which these are a subset.

Dpreview.com just published some sample pictures from the “entry-level” Leica X1 camera here.

When I first wrote about the X1 almost a month ago here I noted that although they had a “hands on” experience with the camera Dpreview did not publish any sample pictures. Now they have – including one of Tower Bridge, London.

As expected the pictures are very high quality, especially at the edges. I am not an expert but I feel they are measurably superior to others I have seen from expensive cameras. But do their have the Leica “look”?

Maybe it is not possible to judge a camera of this quality from even full-size images on a PC’s display. Maybe I should print them on a high quality printer and compare them with the output from other cameras to get a fair impression.

What do you think?

Окончание. Начало здесь

X1

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Нет мнения
Результаты тестов: Нет мнения

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : Не участвует

CAR

О модели: нет мнения

TOPGEAR

О модели: Маленький паркетный внедорожник, основанный на 3-ей серии. Но “зеленые” могут спать спокойно, эта машина не собирается уничтожать планету, благодаря программе Efficient Dynamics, которая позволила снизить содержание CO2 в выхлопе, а также свела расход топлива к минимуму.
Позиция в рейтинге : Не участвует
Наш выбор: 23d отличная модель, но она тебе обойдется минимум в 30К фунтов…
Не обманывайся насчет: префиксов X и S. Первый означает полный привод, а второй – только на задние колеса.
Конкуренты: Audi Q5, Land Rover Freelander, Volvo XC60 и э… BMW X3?

WHATCAR

За: Нет мнения

X3

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Неплохой конкурент для Land Rover Freelander
Результаты тестов: Средне

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Бензиновые версии так себе, так что бери 20d SE вместо них.
Позиция в рейтинге : Не участвует

CAR

О модели: Если Х5 – это костюм от Хьюго Босса, то ХЗ – майка с дешевой распродажи. Ездит так же хреново, как УАЗик, хотя тряска означает, что при таком жестком шасси, теоретически, машина должна классно управляться на шоссейке. Худшая машина из всех, что делает BMW.
Наш выбор: 30dSE
Секрет фирмы: Новая модель выйдет в 2010 году.
Вердикт: Тот случай, когда о книге можно судить по ее обложке.
Конкуренты: Audi Q5
Результаты тестов : Плохо
Одним словом: Урод

TOPGEAR

О модели: Уменьшенный вариант Х5 с обычным выбором прекрасных двигателей BMW, но подвеска настроена слишком жестко. Кстати, дурацкая ценовая политика привела к тому, что единственный реальный конкурент у этой машины – Х5.
Позиция в рейтинге : 52 из 152
Наш выбор: 3.0i Sport
Не обманывайся насчет: утверждений, что 4х4 плохо держат дорогу. Это же все-таки BMW, так что повороты “облизывать” ты сможешь. А вот про бездорожье забудь – Х3 может по ним ездить только в рекламных роликах.
Конкуренты: Audi Q5, Land Rover Freelander, Subaru Forester

WHATCAR

За: Классно управляющаяся машина, которая поможет тебе набрать очки среди мамочек, привезших своих чад в школу. Иногда, но не очень часто, может выезжать на бездорожье, но делает это не очень охотно. Дизельные двигатели превосходны и багажник довольно просторен.
Против : У конкурентов зачастую лучше интерьер салона и качество сборки. Подвеска просто слишком жесткая для кошмарных британских дорог. Выглядит устаревшим по сравнению с другими моделями BMW.
Вердикт: X3 выглядит и ощущается устаревшим. Стремление инженеров к наделению этой машины хорошей управляемостью привела к тому, что настройки подвески у оказались слишком жесткими, что приводит к неприятным ощущениям при езде. Качество интерьера не соответствует стандартам BMW.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Средне
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Хорошо
Наш выбор: xDrive 20d SE

X5

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Классический паркетник
Результаты тестов: Очень хорошо

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: 30d M Sport лучше других с точки зрения затрат и внешнего вида. Но для полного кайфа надо брать V8 48i
Позиция в рейтинге : Не участвует

CAR

О модели: Суперская динамика автомобиля недавно уступила пальму первенства таковой у его собрата под названием X6. Это, кстати, не означает, что мы перестали хотеть эту машину. Правда, Range Rover по бездорожью ездит лучше.
Наш выбор: 30d M Sport
Секрет фирмы: Эй, олигархи! Новые движки с двойным турбонаддувом скоро выйдут в свет. Занимай очередь!
Вердикт: Машина, которая является иконой в этом классе.
Конкуренты: Range Rover Sport
Результаты тестов : Отлично
Одним словом: Хорошо.

TOPGEAR

О модели: Новый вариант X5 стал семиместным, так что он теперь оправдывает свое позиционирование на класс выше Х3. Внутри он тоже стал больше. По количеству сидений он сравнялся с Land Rover Discovery, но в части езды по бездорожью он однозначно проигрывает конкуренту.
Позиция в рейтинге : 48 из 152
Наш выбор: В наше время – только дизель.
Не обманывайся насчет: внешнего вида. Будут у тебя затемненные стекла или нет, ты все равно будешь выглядеть, как возвращающийся со стрелки браток.
Конкуренты: Lexus RX, Mercedes ML, Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover Discovery, Infinity FX50

WHATCAR

За: Немногие большие внедорожники ездят так же хорошо, как это делает Х5. Он более быстр, чем это ожидается от такой большой машины, но при этом обладает достаточным запасом мощности и, в общем, экономичен. Добавочные два кресла опциональны.
Против : Настройки подвески несколько жестковаты на некачественном покрытии, особенно в варианте M Sport. X5 достаточно дорог, если его сравнить с Land Rover Discovery и не настолько практичен.
Вердикт: Отлично ездит по трассе и достаточно неплохо на бездорожье. Экономия топлива поразительна если ты выберешь модель, которую мы предпочитаем (3.0d SE). Конкуренты в лице Land Rover Discovery более практичны.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Хорошо
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Хорошо
Наш выбор: xDrive 30d SE

X6

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Первое в мире внедорожное купе
Результаты тестов: Хорошо

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Бери 35d – у нее двигатель с двойным турбонаддувом
Позиция в рейтинге : Не участвует

CAR

О модели: К нашему удивлению, гибрид кроссовера и купе сработал совсем неплохо. И даже по бездорожью эта машина ездит отлично. У нас остался только один-единственный вопрос: Нафига?
Наш выбор: xDrive 35d
Секрет фирмы: Каждый движок в гамме – с турбонаддувом.
Вердикт: Уникум во всех отношениях
Конкуренты: Э… как насчет Mercedes CLS на 35-дюймовых колесах?
Результаты тестов : Хорошо
Одним словом: Хорошо.

TOPGEAR

О модели: Это… в чем смысл этой тачки, вообще? Если ты думал, что Mercedes пытается залезть во всякие странные продуктовые ниши, то как ты объяснишь сей агрегат?
Позиция в рейтинге : Не участвует
Наш выбор: 35d
Не обманывайся насчет: всего. Никто из нас толком не уверен что это за машина.
Конкуренты: В теории мы должны были бы сказать BMW X5 и Mercedes ML, но эта фигня слишком уникальна для них.

WHATCAR

За: Если X6 и не является идеальным внедорожником с точки зрения управляемости, то он максимально приближен к такому идеалу, несмотря на свои размеры. Машина комфортабельна и очень экономична для такого большого и тяжелого внедорожника.
Против : У автомобиля всего четыре сидения, а покатая линия крыши приводит к тому, что места для высоких пассажиров маловато. Для ног места тоже мало, кстати. Дизели немного шумные. X5 дешевле и более практичен.
Вердикт: X6 великолепно управляется, мощное ускорение сочетается с повадками спортивной машины. Но четыре кресла и высокая цена – аргумент против покупки этого автомобиля. Мы выбираем базовый дизель.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Хорошо
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Хорошо
Наш выбор: xDrive 30d

X6 M

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Нет мнения
Результаты тестов: Нет мнения

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : Не участвует

CAR

О модели: Через десятилетия, историки автопрома будут указывать на 2009 год, как на ту отправную точку, когда подразделение М BMW полностью рехнулось.
Наш выбор: Jaguar XFR. Пожалуйста…
Секрет фирмы: Коробка – 6-ступенчатый автомат, а не пятиступенчатая SMC, как у M5.
Вердикт: BMW M3 E30 вертится в своей могиле.
Конкуренты: Range Rover Sport Supercharged
Результаты тестов : Средне
Одним словом: Хорошо.

TOPGEAR

О модели: Нет мнения

WHATCAR

За: Нет мнения

Z4

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Отличное купе-кабриолет
Результаты тестов: Нет мнения

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : Не участвует

CAR

О модели: Z4 подрос, получил складную металлическую крышу и наточил зубы, благодаря новому двигателю-шестерке. Porsche пока может не волноваться, но вот Mercedes уже может паниковать.
Наш выбор: sDrive 35i
Секрет фирмы: только sDrive 35i получил семиступенчатую коробку DCT (опционально, конечно – это же BMW).
Вердикт: Неплохо, но Porsche Cayman лучше.
Конкуренты: Porsche Boxster/Cayman
Результаты тестов : Хорошо
Одним словом: Хорошо.

TOPGEAR

О модели: Как-то так получилось, что Z4 никогда не была сильным аргументом в борьбе BMW с конкурентами. Несмотря на стильный вид и отличные движки, а также надоедливый маркетинг, эта модель не может состязаться с Porsche Boxster.
Позиция в рейтинге : Не участвует
Наш выбор: 3.5
Не обманывайся насчет: “зеленых”, которые утверждают, что е-мейлы – это хорошо для планеты. А сервак откуда энергию берет, а?
Конкуренты: Mercedes SLK, Nissan 370Z, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT

WHATCAR

За: Z4 выглядит потрясающе с крышей или без, а качество отделки салона просто источает высочайший уровень качества. Машина очень приятна при вождении, обладает хорошей линейкой двигателей, впечатляющей управляемостью и отличным комфортом.
Против : отсутствие четырехцилиндровых двигатель делает стоимость владения машиной не такой низкой, как хотелось бы. В багажнике практически нет места, когда крыша сложена.
Вердикт: Отличная машина. Она выглядит и ездит как настоящий спортивный автомобиль и ты будешь радоваться каждый раз, когда тебе удастся сесть за ее руль.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Хорошо
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Нет мнения
Наш выбор: 2.5 sDrive23i

По материалам AutoExpress, AutoCar, Car, TopGear и WhatCar. Фотографии утянуты с WhatCar

um belo dia de verão, o sol estava lindo e eu no PC então eu descidi sair para jogar basquete então começou a chover D:

isso não é feliz

Nuova tipologia di vettura, più attenta ai consumi e all’ambiente. Imperano il downsizing e l’ecologically correct. Così il Suv edonista e muscolare diventa Sav (che sta per sport activity, invece che utility, vehicle) e si restringe.
Ma resta un tuttofare, per la famiglia, il lavoro e il tempo libero, con dimensioni a misura di città. La Bmw X1 – che debutta proprio in questo week end con una grande operazione ‘porte aperte’ – sposa in pieno la filosofia “new age”: la sorellina educata dell’X5 e dell’X3 è compatta, con una scarsa vocazione off-road, ha linee sobrie e standard ecosostenibili grazie a tecnologie e motori moderni abbinati alla doppia trazione sDrive (posteriore) e xDrive (integrale).

E’ pur sempre un’auto lunga 4,45 metri, che pesa una tonnellata e mezza, con motori Euro5, tutti supportati dalla tecnologia Efficient Dynamics; un 6 cilindri 3.0 benzina da 258 cv e 315 Nm di coppia (sportivo, ma poco adatto al mercato italiano), un altro benzina 2.0 da 150 cv (in arrivo a marzo) e tre turbodiesel: 18d e 20d (entrambi 4 cilindri 2.0, con potenze da 143 e 177 cv e coppia massima di 320 e 350 Nm), i più virtuosi, con consumi dichiarati di poco superiori ai 5l/100 km ed emissioni di CO2 sotto i 140 g/km, cui si aggiunge il 23d, sempre 2.0, con potenza elevata a 204 cv e 400 Nm di coppia.

Punctum plugs in spé

Bei Amazon sind jetzt die kleinen Klipsch X1’s im Angebot und kosten inkl. Versandkosten nur noch £25.70 (~28€). Eine  interessante Alternative für alle, die klaren Klang und keinen übersteuerten Bass suchen.

Bei den X1 handelt es sich um einen für Amazon umgelabelte Klipsch S2, der bei Amazon.com 4,5 Sterne einstrich. Die meisten Käufer loben die sehr gute Geräuschisolierung, den guten, sauberen Klang und die hohen Tragekomfort. Auf der negativen Seite stehen der recht schwache Bass (wird als “Enhanced Bass” verkauft) und die Verarbeitungsqualität, die teils etwas hinter den Ansprüchen zurückbleibt.

Für den ein oder anderen In-Ear Narr aber sicherlich mal eine gute Möglichkeit, um sich mit Klipsch vertraut zu machen. In-Ear bevorzuge ich beim Laufen, außerdem geht nichts über Qualität beim Material.  Bei schnelleren Touren nehme ich zugunsten der Stabilität noch lieber einen kombinierten Nackenbügelkopfhörer (die Modelle mit reinem Ohrbügel hab ich erfolglos getestet – hält alles nicht – inkompatible Ohren). In einer In-Ear-Variante ist das nicht immer leicht zu finden, doch die Mühe (und Investition) lohnt sich.

]]> http://entorpecido.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/vacas-do-ceu/ Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:43:13 +0000 gibiruei http://entorpecido.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/vacas-do-ceu/

um outro dia uma vaca estava caindo do céu para atingir alguem  então outra vaca caiu em cima dela =]

isso é triste

um dia um homem decidiu dar para um japonês, mas o japonês não conseguiu comer então um negão de 2 metros de altura matou os dois =]

isso é triste

um dia um fazendeiro acordo e uma vaca caiu na cabeça dele

No outro dia um homem que não tinha nada de atributos para ser um heroi descidio atraversar uma velhinha de um lado para outro da rua, ele levou uma topada e morreu. =]

isso é triste

Um certo dia a terra estava breve a ser invadida por alienígenas então um ser maior acabou com toda vida existente no universo =]

isso é triste

SMALL SENSOR QUALITY : 2009

Following my ‘AR’-style post of a few days ago, this is in repsonse to a few requests for the ’saturated’ version of this F200EXR image, without the posterisation effect from the DxO FilmPack Polachrome simulation.

One great advantage of small-sensor cameras – whether F200EXR, LX3,CX1 or a swathe of others – is that they always exhibit great depth-of-field, even at their largest aperture :

F200EXR  : f3.3 at 28mm equivalent

LX3 : f2 at 24mm equivalent

CX1 : f3.3 at 28mm equivalent

This makes small-sensor cameras absolutely ideal for shooting subjects like architecture & landscapes, or for maintaining decent depth-of-field in night & low-light shots, where the camera’s maximum aperture is needed to let the light in.

Add to this the huge benefit these days of in-built image stabilisation – whether sensor-shift or optical IS – and the result is a very useful photographic tool that supplements an SLR very well. On some occasions, it’s definitely my preference – usually no need for a tripod – and in 2009, the results can be very impressive.

Certainly a far cry from my first Fuji 0.95 Mp (!) digital clunker that was pretty well only able to produce thumbnails through to 6×4 at a push !

The market is maturing well, and 2009 has seen some excellent & innovative compacts, SLRs that are more highly-specced with better high-ISO capabilities than ever before, and more recently, the new ‘Hybrids’ …Micro Four-Thirds cameras such as Panasonic G1/GH1/GF-1, and of course the Olympus E-P1.

So far, I own several compacts and SLRs ….But why no hybrid (yet)?  

See my next post for why I’m holding off (for now!)

Many small- (and large!-)sensor camera images at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com  and much more information for the camera-inquisitive at http://1001noisycameras.com

SMALL-SENSOR QUALITY 2009

Following my ‘AR’-style post of a few days ago, this is in repsonse to a few requests for the ’saturated’ version of this F200EXR image, without the posterisation effect from the DxO FilmPack Polachrome simulation.

One great advantage of small-sensor cameras – whether F200EXR, LX3,CX1 or a swathe of others – is that they always exhibit great depth-of-field, even at their largest aperture :

F200EXR  : f3.3 at 28mm equivalent

LX3 : f2 at 24mm equivalent

CX1 : f3.3 at 28mm equivalent

This makes small-sensor cameras absolutely ideal for shooting subjects like architecture & landscapes, or for maintaining decent depth-of-field in night & low-light shots, where the camera’s maximum aperture is needed to let the light in.

Add to this the huge benefit these days of in-built image stabilisation – whether sensor-shift or optical IS – and the result is a very useful photographic tool that supplements an SLR very well. On some occasions, it’s definitely my preference – usually no need for a tripod – and in 2009, the results can be very impressive.

Certainly a far cry from my first Fuji 0.95 Mp (!) digital clunker that was pretty well only able to produce thumbnails through to 6×4 at a push !

The market is maturing well, and 2009 has seen some excellent & innovative compacts, SLRs that are more highly-specced with better high-ISO capabilities than ever before, and more recently, the new ‘Hybrids’ …Micro Four-Thirds cameras such as Panasonic G1/GH1/GF-1, and of course the Olympus E-P1.

So far, I own several compacts and SLRs ….But why no hybrid (yet)?  

See my next post for why I’m holding off (for now!)

For those using, or interested in using a DSLR system, take a look at http://nikonpro.wordpress.com

Many small- (and large!-)sensor camera images at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com  and much more information for the camera-inquisitive at http://1001noisycameras.com

A legvalószínűbbnek az tűnik, hogy valóban egy Leica X1-hez hasonló APS-C méretű CMOS szenzorral szerelt kompakt készüléket mutat be a Nikon Október 15-én várhatóan a Nikon D3s-sel együtt.

Az a szóbeszéd járja, hogy a Nikon gyártja az X1 modellt a Leicának, legalább is néhány részét – innen az ötlet. Továbbá megkapja a D300 szenzorát a jövendőbeli apróság, azonban nem tudni még, hogy fog-e rendelkezni videofelvétellel (a Leica X1-ben nincs). A forrás ezeken túl azt is említette, hogy elképzelhető, miszerint kihajtható LCD kijelzővel fog rendelkezni a készülék és talán hasonló külseje lesz, mint anno a Nikon Coolpix 995-nek.

A dpreview tovább simogatta a vadi új Leica X1 prototípusát és 9 oldalas olvasnivalót dobtak össze, melyet itt tudtok meglesni.

]]> http://bkkphotographer.wordpress.com/2009/10/08/entry-level-leica-the-x1/ Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:35:25 +0000 bkkphotographer http://bkkphotographer.wordpress.com/2009/10/08/entry-level-leica-the-x1/

Leica X1

Leica X1 Hands on Preview: Digital Photography Review.

We are getting some early information about the new Leica X1. Dpreview.com have a “hands on preview” (“hands on” being a very British phrase: you never see it in American publications).

Leica must have made Dpreview promise not to publish test pictures as the camera is not production ready yet.

Like many photographers I have always wanted a Leica but they have remained out of reach of my budget. The X1 is predicted to sell for US$2,000 including the lens (naturally, since it is not changeable.)

I thought whether I would get this camera. My initial thought is “no” – I should wait until I can afford the M9 with its interchangeable lenses. Part of the attraction of the Leica is the selection of high quality lenses.

Doubtless the 35mm (equivalent) Elmarit lens is the highest quality but you are still losing a lot of flexibility.

The other issue is the lack of a viewfinder. The photographer must compose her pictures on the display screen. Part of the Leica mystique is the rangefinder design.

I wonder what Chris Weeks would say about it?

Perhaps I’ll change my opinion when the camera is released and Dpreview publish sample images (including London’s Tower Bridge naturally).

There isn’t much on Leica at Picapp. Here’s one picture:

VENICE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 4, 2002: Director and photographer Raymond Depardon poses with a Leica camera at a photo call during the 59th Venice Film Festival September 4, 2002 in Venice, Italy. Depardon is in Venice to present his film ‘Un Homme Sans L’occident.’ (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Content © 2009 Getty Images All rights reserved.

Picapp has some period pictures taken with a Leica like this

You can look at more by clicking on the photo.

A nikonrumors nem tudja 100%-osan, hogy a D700s/D700x készülék lenne a második készülék a D3s mellett, melyet bemutatna a Nikon Október 15-én (+-1 nap), de biztosan várható egy új készülék vagy egy új készülék széria.

Két héten belül azonban ez eldől, addig még biztos lesznek pontosabb hírek. A találgatások elég széles skálán mozognak, de elképzelhető egy Nikon Coolpix P6000 utód bejelentése, vagy egy Leica X1 klón, vagy akár tükörmentes dslr.

Objektív fronton ami várható az a Nikon AF-S 16-35mm F/4G ED VR és a Nikon AF-S 100-500 f/4-5.6 IF-ED VR, de utóbbi bejelentése inkább a jövő évre tolódhat, azonban új hírek reppentek fel egy még ismeretlen, nagylátószögű objektív bejelentéséről is.

Much has been written about the ideal compact camera. While everyone will have their own idea of what is “just right”, the essence of the ideal compact camera is that it is flexible enough to capture a image of good quality under a variety of conditions and portable enough that you can have it with you wherever you go. The paradox is due to physical constraints: smaller cameras just can’t gather as much light as bigger ones, so that in less-than-ideal conditions image quality is necessarily somehow compromised.

My first digital camera was a Canon PowerShot G2, which was bulky but produced excellent images. I later upgraded to a Nikon D70 digital SLR, and then to my current D300. These were both big steps up in terms of complexity and image quality – but also in bulk. As a result, I often find myself wishing for something smaller and leaving the D300 at home.

After a few years of an escalating megapixel arms race, the camera market has thankfully begun to exhibit a bit more diversity, and there are now quite a few contenders for the title of (my) Ideal Compact Camera. None are perfect, but they are all the more interesting for the compromises they make.

Panasonic DMC-LX3 (specification)
One of the first cameras to buck the megapixel trend, the LX3 features a relatively modest 10 megapixels on a 1/1.6″ multi-aspect-ratio sensor. In its favour are a zoom lens that starts at 24mm equivalent with large maximum aperture (f/2 wide angle, f/2.8 telephoto), a nice high-resolution screen (461k dots) and reasonably good noise characteristics at higher ISO values. The 720p, AVCHD movie mode is a nice bonus.

Compromises
The telephoto end of the lens is only 60mm equivalent, which is a bit short in this day and age – but hardly unusable. The overall size and shape of the camera is a little awkward – with its large, projecting lens barrel it’s just on the wrong side of being easily pocketable. One thing that I think might grate in use is that the LX3 doesn’t have shooting priority; i.e. when viewing pictures you can’t just tap the shutter release to go back into taking pictures again. Instead, there is a sliding mode switch. Likewise, I don’t like the lens cap: in my experience they come off too easily, so need to be tethered to the camera, so get in the way when shooting. There is currently no support for the LX3’s RAW image files in Aperture, and unlike camera JPEGs the RAW files are not corrected for lens distortion.

Canon PowerShot S90 (specification)
The S90 is clearly Canon’s response to the success of the LX3. It too features a lens with an f/2 maximum aperture, but with a more conventional zoom range of 28-105mm (f/4.9 at the telephoto end). It’s slightly bigger than most compacts but a lot cleaner and more pocketable than the LX3, and the Henry Ford paint job means it’s quite unobtrusive. The headline feature – a control ring around the lens – should mean the camera has a tweakable and intuitive control system.

Compromises
As the camera hasn’t been released yet the quality of the sensor and the lens are still unknown: early samples are unimpressive but inconclusive. With a £449 RRP, the S90’s pricing could charitably be described as “niche”. Granted, it’s new, but a ~20% street price premium over the arguably better-specified Panasonic won’t win it many friends.

Ricoh GR Digital III (specification)
The GRD III is a purist’s camera. The specifications read more like those of a lightweight SLR kit: a 28mm, a sharp f/1.9 prime lens (the fastest on any compact digital camera), magnesium alloy body, two control dials and a 920k dot, 3″ screen. I like that it uses the well-supported DNG format for RAW images.

Compromises
28mm. You’d better learn to like it, because there is no zoom, and as such it’s not the most versatile camera. Historically, the sensors used in Ricoh’s cameras haven’t exactly set the world on fire – not sure whether this is still the case with the GRD III. The biggest fly in the ointment, however, is the price: for the £500+ it costs you could buy a lightweight SLR kit instead.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (specification)
I won’t lie: the GF1 was love at first sight for me. A DSLR sensor in a smaller body? Built-in flash and optional EVF? What’s not to like?

Compromises
But, but, but. It’s bigger than most compacts. A lens that would offer the same flexibility as the one on, say, the Canon S90 would make it a far less portable proposition. The µ4/3 lens selection is as yet quite limited, and chickens and eggs are applicable here: lens development requires investment, which requires µ4/3 camera sales, which are driven by lenses.

And of course, it costs – over £700 with the 20mm f/1.7 prime lens, which is rather more than I’d like to spend on a second camera.

Outside bets

These next four cameras all have a certain je ne sais quoi, but none of them give me quite what I need, I think.

FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR (specification)
FujiFilm’s F-series cameras have always been a bit different. I owned an F31fd and liked a lot of things about it, not least it’s amazing (to this day) low-light capability. This, the latest model, promises high sensitivity and high dynamic range, courtesy of its trick “EXR” sensor, while still somehow finding room for a 27-270mm (equivalent) zoom lens in an impressively slim body.

Compromises
In comparison to the other cameras here the F70’s (admittedly compact) lens is very middle-of-the-road at f/3.3-5.6. What I have read about it suggests that the cleverness of the sensor comes at the cost of occasionally having to work hard to get what you want out of the camera, as some options are only available in some modes. Minor black marks against it are a lack of RAW support and an entirely unremarkable screen.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 (specification)
For a casual user, the TZ7 (DMC-ZS3 in the US) makes a strong case for itself as the only camera you’ll ever need: massive and versatile zoom range, HD movies, high-res screen and eminently pocketable. Better still, Panasonic’s newest-generation processor seems to have substantially improved image quality from the previous generation.

Compromises
And yet the versatility comes at a price, in this case a teeny 1/2.33″ sensor. In challenging conditions the TZ7 just won’t be able to match the quality of output that these other cameras afford. It’s also a bit short on manual controls, but I could probably live with that.

Nikon D3000 (specification)
I was really looking forward to this – Nikon’s replacement for the D40/D60 – as I hoped that with a small prime lens it would make a substantially more portable package than my D300. Pre-release rumours suggested it would retain the relatively compact dimensions of its predecessors while inheriting the 12-megapixel CMOS sensor previously seen in the Nikon D300, D90 and D5000. What we got was the nearly-four-year-old 10-megapixel CCD sensor first seen in the D200, and thereafter in Ds 80, 40x and 60. Sure, there was a bigger (but not sharper) screen and the D200’s Multi-CAM1000 autofocus system, but the other 90% is mostly identical to the D40x, which was released over two and a half years ago. I guess I can always hope for a D3000x with a 12-megapixel sensor and a high-res screen, but for now I’m rather disappointed.

Why not the D5000?
It doesn’t have the right combination of features for me, which means I see it as overpriced. I don’t need video recording, and while the flip-out screen (only 230k dots and 2.7″) is probably a boon for this, Nikon’s live view implementation isn’t yet slick enough for taking photos. While it’s less expensive, the D5000 isn’t significantly physically smaller (and hence more portable) than its big brother the D90, so personally I’d rather pay the extra for the better viewfinder and screen plus an extra control dial.

Leica X1 (specification)
It’s not as if a compact camera with an APS-C size sensor hasn’t been done before, but Leica’s take on it is quite compelling because it appears to use the same sensor (12-megapixel Sony-manufactured CMOS) as is found in the Nikon D300. Which is a lot of sensor for such a small camera.

Compromises
It costs more than my D300 – ouch! Like the GRD III above, you get a wide-angle fixed lens (35mm equivalent in this case) so I hope you know how to work with it.

(Let’s not talk about the M9, OK?)

So what am I going to buy?

Damn fine question. Glad you asked.

A comparison of all the cameras discussed above, for reference.

The Panasonic LX3 looks like the smartest buy to me. Small enough but good enough, with a forthcoming firmware upgrade that will make it even more capable. The only problem is that they’re quite hard to find, and appear to be increasing in price accordingly. (Curse you Adam Smith!)

But before I whip out my credit card (steady there, ladies), I’d really like to see a GF1 in the metal¹. Maybe the heart will rule the head…

1 It probably won’t be at Jessops, who following their recent financial woes have no Panasonic stock. Oh well.