Top high-end smartphones

The smartphone has become an integral part of modern life, offering a multitude of apps, web browsing, instant messaging, email, and, oh yes, calling. But when you are looking for the best of the best, what are your choices? Here are a few of the favourites round the office.

Samsung Galaxy S II

Crowned as Best Smartphone of the year at the Mobile World Congress, it goes without saying that there is much to like about the excellent Android 2.3-running Samsung Galaxy S II. The dual-core Cortex A9 1.2 GHz processor with a full 1 GB of RAM makes light work of graphic intensive applications, while its features are further enhanced by 16 GB of storage, a sharp 8 MP camera and full HD video recording.

Combine this with a beautiful 4.3" Gorilla Glass display (480 x 800 pixels, 217 ppi) and a hipster jean-friendly 8.5 mm body, and you have yourself imobilepost’s Top Smartphone of 2011.

Motorola RAZR XT910

Sleek is the keyword when it comes to the RAZR, thanks to a body that measures a wafer-thin 7.1 mm (compared to the S II’s 8.5 mm). But the Android 2.3-running RAZR certainly does not sacrifice substance for style, since it has a few valuable tricks up its sleeve. Most notable of these is Motocast, which allows you to access files, movies, pictures and music stored on your home PC from almost anywhere. Also worth a mention is the excellent 4.3" screen (540 x 960 pixels, 256 pixel per inch), a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9, 1080i video recording, all combining to make the RAZR a noteworthy successor to the original series.

Apple iPhone 4S

While everyone was expecting the iPhone 5, Apple decided that, for now, a speedier iPhone 4 is enough. The 4S looks exactly the same as its older brother, but is noticeably faster. This is due to the same A5 chipset that does duty on the iPad 2 (incorporating a dual-core 1 GHz Cortex A9 processor), while a new dual-antenna design speeds up internet browsing. Also onboard is Siri, a voice-based digital assistant that can help with a number of tasks (we got bored with it quite quickly), while Apple improved the already great digital camera, plus upped the video recording to 1080p. With a gorgeous 3.5" screen (640 x 960, 330 ppi), you can’t go wrong with the iPhone 4S.

RIM BlackBerry Bold 9900

RIM’s BlackBerry Bold series has carved itself a very strong niche in the smartphone world, with the Bold 9900 being the best (and smartest) in the current line-up.

It’s the first touch-and-type Bold device, meaning you have the trustworthy physical keyboard, but now with the benefit of a touch-screen to play around with too. The 2.8" screen (640 x 480, 287 ppi) is a pleasure to work on, while BlackBerry 7 OS is 40% quicker than OS 6 due to Liquid Graphics. The phone further offers some new features, such as NFC and voice-activated search. At 10.5 mm it’s also the thinnest BlackBerry out there, allowing us to easily punt this as the best device from RIM yet.

Samsung Galaxy Note

Is it a smartphone or a tablet? We are going to throw Samsung’s brilliant Galaxy Note in with the rest of the smartphones, simply because we had a lot less hassle carrying this around than what we initially expected. With a brilliant 5.3" screen (800 x 1280 pixels, 285 ppi), one would expect this hybrid device to be big and bulky, but the fact that it is only 9.65 mm thick makes it (almost) pain-free to carry around. It’s blisteringly fast (thanks to a dual-core 1.4 GHz ARM Cortex A9) and comes with the S-Pen stylus to help with writing and sketching. And with a scheduled Premium Suite (incorporating Android Ice Cream Sandwich) upgrade in the works, the Note should soon become even better.

Take Control Of Your PDFs with Foxit PhantomPDF Business

If you work extensively with PDFs, then Foxit PhantomPDF Business is here to help. In addition to editing and creating PDFs, this software lets you secure your PDFs to comply with corporate governance and federal regulations. Users can also block certified documents from having changes made to them. Other features include support for highlighting and annotations, PDF creation from more than 200 of the most common file types, and the ability to convert multiple files to PDF in a single operation.

• This software lets you create PDF documents from Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel in a single click.
• The powerful built-in PDF Editor lets you modify existing PDF document content—text, images, and objects. Enables you to delete pages, add pages, add images, and rearrange pages in existing PDFs.
• Security features include support for password protection, certificate encryption, and digital signature tools.

Sapphire Edge-HD3 - Small Form, Big Power

If you’re looking for a miniature PC for your workspace, Sapphire’s Edge-HD3 is a perfect fit. Sapphire indicates that it’s around the size of a paperback book, and the system features a stylish appearance with a pedestal mount. The Edge-HD3 provides you with a 1.6GHz AMD APU with built-in graphics that supports full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution. Sapphire also packs 4GB of memory and a 320GB hard drive into the small desktop PC. For Internet connectivity, you’ll find both 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and a wired connection. There are also two USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports to let you transfer data on and off the Edge-HD3. Both HDMI and VGA video inputs are available for convenient connection to monitors and HDTVs.

• This small form factor system is ideal for those with limited desk space who still require use of a desktop PC.
• A 320GB hard drive provides storage space for personal documents, emails, and digital multimedia.
• An HDMI cable and HDMI-to-DVI adapter are included.

Best iPhone Apps and Accessories for the Cyclist and Bike Commuter

A great place to get started on two wheels is SizeMyBike ($3.99), an app that takes six different body measurements to provide you with a tailor-made specification, while BikeRepair ($3.99) and Bike Doctor ($4.99) are loaded with helpful guidance for the beginners and more experienced alike, in case you hit a mechanical problem in the middle of nowhere.

London BikeShop ($1.99) is a handy guide to the nearest bike mechanic if you are cycling in the capital. As far as logging times is concerned, many apps we met in the running section have cycle-based siblings. iMapMyRide (free), Cyclemeter GPS ($2.99) and Cycle Watch Lite (Free) are just a few of the options available.

If you are planning to use the bike for practical reasons, commutes and general getting about, then Bike Hub Cycle Journey planner (free) will work out the quickest or quietest routes, depending whether getting there sooner or conducting fewer battles with motorised traffic is more important to you. The journey planner section can suggest itineraries for up to 100 miles.

The Complete National Cycle network (free) offers something for every cyclist, whether you're looking for the idyllic country trail or the speediest commute. Boasting details over 25,000 miles of route, including all 13,000 miles of the national cycle network, this app should definitely be one of your first downloads if you're a serious cyclist.

Outdoors Great Britain, (£1.99), with heaps of optional OS map add-ons, admittedly at steep prices for some maps, is ideal if you are planning to go off-road a lot. Using GPS and OS maps, it should ensure you never got lost but also keep you aware of the things worth seeing in the vicinity.

While the iPhone's own GPS works fine when moving at a pedestrian pace, once up to bicycle speed, it could be worth looking into a more sophisticated set up, such as CoPilot Live ($29.99), TomTom ($59.99), Navigon North America ($59.99) or Navigon Europe ($119.99) . Each one can be expanded to include European maps too, for those with Tourde France ambitions.

You'll need a mount to attach your iPhone to your handlebars. The BikeConsole Bike Mount for iPhone is a weatherproof clip that allows alt other attributes of the phone, such as the home and sleep buttons, the headphone jack and the camera lens, to remain functional. The same company also makes a BikeCharge, a 5v DC power unit that can attach to any spoked wheel and provide extra charge to any USB-powered device, for those who may be planning a longer ride and are worried about running out of juice. A Bike Charge Power Pack, expecting to retail around £39.95 and offering an extra 1.5 charges for your phone and perfect for the really long journeys, is due later this year.

For those really looking to pimp their ride and their iPhone at the same time, the iBike Dash Cycling Computer Deluxe (£279.95) turns your device into a very sophisticated on-handlebar computer, providing data such as speed, cadence, heart-rate, temperature, trip distance and time, and allowing you to combine it how you like with numbers, maps and graphs. A profile option means you can easily transfer it from bike to bike without losing any specific data, too.

Packed into a water- and shock-proof case, the touchscreen still allows full accessibility even with cycling gloves on and the Quick-Swap rechargeable battery provides back-up for longer rides.

With a price tag like this, the iBike Dash is obviously only for serious cyclists, and they may find many drawbacks to it. The case is unappealingly bulky and even with the extra battery pack, it can quickly drain the juice. Also, if part of the appeal for this device is being able to take calls while you ride, you will have to do it with a Blue-tooth headset as the earphone jack is inaccessible once in the case. The cheaper version of the iBike Dash is £174.95 and comes without the extra battery pack, heart-rate monitor or cadence sensors.

Cyclists may like to consider the Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor (£44.99), a cheaper, self-calibrating wireless option to keep track of your pedalling speed.

Author Bio:

Guest Post by Kashif Raza. Visit weightsbenchtraining.co.uk to find out tips about weight benches.

Best iPhone Apps For Swimmers and Fitness Enthusiast

Perhaps one of the things that seems most at odds with iPhone-based exercise is swimming. It's going to take quite a leap of faith to take that expensive gadget, holding so much important information, treasured tunes and precious snaps, for a quick dip. While we wait to see whether "waterproof" is one of the many new features the iPhone 5 will boast, there are still ways to take your current device to the pool.

The Interval 4GWaterproof Headphone System ($79.95) is a complete setup, enabling you to take a 4th-generation iPod shuffle into a pool. The headphones are integrated and attach to any set of swimming goggles and the outside controls allow you full control over your music, even while submerged.

Meanwhile the AmphibxFit Waterproof Armband for iPhone ($50.95) or Amphibx FIT Waterproof Armband for smaller devices like nanos and shuffles) is a lightweight, clear pouch that enables you to continue using the touch screen while boasting 100% waterproof capability. Bundle it together with the Surge 2GWaterproof Sport Headphones ($25.93) and you are ready to fearlessly dive in. As a final reassurance, it is comforting to know that should it detach from your arm while swimming, even with the device inside, the pouch will still float, so there'll be no need to fill your lungs to bursting point and scrabble desperately to the bottom of the pool.

For the basics, SwimmingLog Pro ($1.99) will chart each swim and provide you with stats and graphical breakdowns as you progress. Pool Pal (£1.49) has similar facilities as well as many clubs' contact details synced to the Apple Contacts book to help you find some local motivation and support.

If you were inspired by the achievements of Team GB in the pool in 2008, then Freestyle Swimming ($2.99) is the app for you. Ben Titley, the Great Britain Head Olympic Swimming Coach, provides a variety of tips to hone your technique in the pool, including land-based workouts that can help you target the key muscles and the core strength required to significantly improve your swimming.

If the sting of chlorine and fetid changing rooms isn't your thing, then Wild Swimming Britain ($6.99) can help. Detailing 150 hidden dips in the rivers, lakes and waterfalls of Britain, the app first entices you with its stunning photography and then provides all the help you need to get there and an online water quality update before you go. Whether you want to paddle, find a secluded spot or combine it with a cycle ride, this app is impressively comprehensive.

Author Bio:
Guest Post by Kashif Raza. Visit ellipticalcrosstrainers.org.uk to find out elliptical cross trainers online.

Mass Effect 3 Review

The best tales of conflict are emotionally charged. It’s a fact. Think of Band of Brothers, as an example… the plot was tempered by battles in this excellent series, but the real meat and bones of the story came from the strong connection the viewer could establish with the characters, thanks to their inherent humanity. While the emotions they went through certainly were extreme, they were still feeling that the viewer could very solidly identify with. The emotions expressed in the episodes were the thing that created a strong bond between the characters and the viewer.

Well, that’s one thing that Mass Effect 3 does very well. Here is a game that will (particularly if you have played the previous two) tug at the heart strings with stirring tales of sacrifice, loss and camaraderie. Heroic actions see characters set aside their personal goals, making sacrifices for the greater good. It’s the stuff of epics, and BioWare made excellent use of various storytelling techniques to truly suck the player in and make them not only experience the game, but feel it too.

It is this story that will pull the player forward through this rather long and complex game. It starts off with the hero, Shepard, returning to active duty when the nefarious Reapers turn their attention to Earth, as part of their ‘function’ to destroy all organic life in the galaxy every 50 000 years.

With the human home planet in ruins, Shepard must take to the stars aboard the Normandy once more, trying to rally support for a war effort that has been left idle for far too long.

Anyway, I am pretty sure you can figure out from that that Mass Effect 3 leaves plenty of room for heroics and heartfelt emotional outbursts. The story is, as expected, expertly told. They have had two previous games to refine their tales of galactic intrigue, (both of which told their stories admirably) so it is hardly surprising that Mass Effect 3 manages to weave a strong plot, complete with all the subtleties and gentle twists that one would expect from the series.

What is quite remarkable about this series is the way that the developers allow for decisions made in the very first game to still affect events in the third title. The player’s actions really do span the whole thing, which is really rather impressive.

Because of this, it is better to have played all of the previous games, although you can happily get by just playing this title. It does a lot to fill in the back story, so anyone jumping in here will, at least, be able to piece together what happened before.

Speaking of all those choices and all, it does bear mentioning that the game’s ending is… well, controversial is a fair description. It seems that many of the folks who rushed their reviews out failed to realise that the ending BioWare worked into the game would leave a sour taste in the mouths of many, many gamers. I don’t want to give away any details and, while I actually didn’t mind the ending, I can see where the problems arose. You cannot promise gamers these far reaching options and choices, only to almost completely disregard then in the final moments of the game.

Add to that the fact that it just feels too open, too loose, and you have a finale that is potentially disappointing… particularly after all that hype, and the brilliant conclusions of the previous two games.

Not that a less-than-expected ending is any reason not to play this game. In truth, Mass Effect 3 is well worth the effort, despite how you may feel about its final moments.

It’s a kind-of “journey rather than destination” thing, which makes sense, really. The ending may be weak, in some opinions, but the game that takes you to that point is rocksolid. The experience you have while rushing headlong to the conclusion is really rather sublime.

See, BioWare hit on a good thing when they came up with the whole Mass Effect franchise, and they have had two previous titles to refine the whole thing. While the second part showed improvements over the first in terms of controls and the like, this game shows even more refinement. The developers went with what worked in the previous two games, and left what didn’t out. The long periods of scanning planets for minerals, for example, are a thing of the past, allowing the player to concentrate their efforts on finding objects hidden in the galaxy that aide their war effort. It’s a far more focussed method of finding hidden treasures, which is great; instead of leaving the searching out, BioWare refined it.

Each found object adds to a score that defines the player’s war effort. In addition, finishing main missions and side quests does the same. The player needs a certain degree of force to take on the massive reaper threat, so tooling about the galaxy doing odd jobs and looking for hidden items helps to lengthen the game and improve the player’s chances.

In addition to this rating, the player has a degree of galactic readiness. This percentage divides the number rating of their war effort, so getting a better standard of galactic readiness is, in theory, a great idea. This is done through playing the multiplayer game, which is a first for the series. It reminds one very much of Gears of War’s Horde Mode, just maybe a bit less refined. Players get to take on waves of enemies with a variety of upgradable characters. These characters can be augmented with once off special equipment and more permanent additions.

While it isn’t the meat and bones of the title, it is a welcome addition, and adds even more game time to the Mass Effect 3 experience. And playing it boosts the galactic readiness rating. Play a few games, and your readiness will shift higher, which is great. At least, it is in theory. I must be honest and say that I could not see the impact of this in the single player game. Theoretically, you can finish this game without ever changing that rating. Does improving it make the final battle easier? I doubt it. Does it change the end? Not at all, from what I have seen. That makes the multiplayer fluff, to a degree. But it is still fun.

The addictive, cover-based third person action of the series is back in full force in this game. It is an excellent experience, overall, even though some elements keep it from rising even higher. If you played the first two games, you simply have to experience this one. Ending aside, it really is a great game.

Verdict:

While many may find the ending disappointing, it is getting to that point that makes Mass Effect 3 well worth playing.

Developer: BioWare

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Distributor: EA South Africa

Platform:

PC

PS3

Xbox 360

Image Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3a/ME3cover.jpg/250px-ME3cover.jpg