The HTC Rhyme, An Impression Indeed

HTC Rhyme – body and soul

The mighty HTC tree has been dropping plenty of new fruit of late and the most recent to fall is a right plum. Not only does the Rhyme don regal plum colours but it’s new Sense 3.5 UI skin makes that Gingerbread OS sweeter than ever. The 1GHz processor glides you through tasks, never seeming to tax the handset even when zooming about on the most awkwardly non-mobile-optimised sites. Our fondlable model of HTC’s new Rhyme was pre-production, but we saw no glitches. Perhaps we were just blinded by the crisp 3.7in Super LCD display. The 5MP camera is also impressive (if slightly underspecced in a world of 8MP camphone sensors), but it makes up for lost pixels with face detection, burst shooting and an HDR mode.

HTC Sense 3.5

It’s telling of how good HTC’s long-running customisation of vanilla Android that a new version of Sense is an event on par with a hardware launch. HTC Sense 3.5 is another evolution in a system that has continually impressed us, without being buggy, nasty or restrictive. Once again, by putting the user at the forefront of the user interface, HTC has managed to outsmart Google’s custom Android platform. So now there’s a stack of up to five icon-based folders on the homescreen, with slide-out menus for quick access to mail, photos, music or the Android Market. Or whatever you choose to make them. There’s also a Facebook chat app for instant messaging without going into the full Facebook app. Another freebie is the DropBox app that lets you share files (much like Apple’s AirDrop). It comes with 3BG free storage, unlike the 2GB you’ll get with the free third-party Dropbox app… no relation.

HTC Rhyme – Charm and dock

The Rhyme makes it debut not alone but with a selection of accessories. HTC made much of these, though the company’s enthusiasm failed to warm us as much as it might have. Accessory #1 is the “Charm”, as HTC calls it. It harks back to the days of flashing fobs strung to the sides of Nokia 3310s, plugging into the headphone jack on one end, while the other end affixes to a top, bag-strap or whatever else is in eye range to give you a flashing alert signal when a call comes in. We can’t help feel it’s going to be a tangle hazard, but we’re definitely interested in the potential for the wireless version of the Charm we’ll no doubt see in future. Next up is the handsome rubberised dock, which handles the prosaic but necessary charging duties, but also activates the phone’s Bluetooth to connect itself and play music through its (rather tinny) speaker. A one-touch screen dimmer is a nice touch for bedside use.

HTC Rhyme – price and release date

At the moment a release date and price aren’t official but judging from the Verizon release details in the US, we can expect it in the next week or two.

The Sony Tablet S

The shelves in your Jumbos and SharafDGs are full up with near identical Android tablets. And Google’s Ice Cream Sandwich revision to its OS is just around the corner. So how does a relative latecomer, like Sony’s Tablet S, get potential punters interested? By being the quirky, interesting looking tablet in the corner that, of course.
With a 9.4-inch screen it’s smaller and less instantly noticeable than the likes of the Samsung Galaxy 10.1 or Acer A500, for example, but thanks to its unusual design and original PlayStation compatibility, it’s the one that promises to be both different and fun.

Sony Tablet S – curves in all the right places

Its asymmetrical, wedge shaped look isn’t self indulgent, either. The curve serves to provide a raked base when the Tablet S is lying on a desktop, and fits into the palm of your hand if you’re holding it like a book. To whit, there’s an above par e-reader app included, along with a host of other custom software tweaks for a relatively unique experience.

The asymmetrical fold results in a pleasant viewing angle  when the Tablet S is lying on a desktop, which makes it an unusually pleasant companion screen at work. It also fills the palm if you’re holding it like a book, although the dimpled rear surface looks and feels like a laptop touchpad – ie. somewhat slippy. It’s oddly easier to hold in landscape mode, where the wedge works its way firmly into your fingers.

Sony Tablet S – pixel-packing screen

Despite measuring just 9.4inches in diagonal, the Tablet S’ screen still packs in 1280×800 pixels which gives it a sharp, high def look. Colours are more natural on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 or Eee Pad Transformer, but it does have excellent viewing angles and is bright too.

Sony Tablet S – storage niggles

The Tablet S has the same Tegra 2 processor as most of its Android peers, but the storage is split into two separate drives. Only 10GB appears in the rather poor file manager, and on the whole it feels slightly slower and buggier than other similarly equipped tablets. This could be patched out in time though.

You only get an SD card reader and a mini-USB slot with the Tablet S, but the latter can be used for a joypad to go with your PS games if you buy an adaptor. It’s a shame there’s no HDMI out, though..

Sony Tablet S – universal remote function

There are a few customisations to the Android interface, like an extra app launcher at the top, but they really weren’t worth the effort. On the other hand, Sony’s own apps – including PlayStation games like Crash Bandicoot, Social Feed Reader, the onscreen keyboard and a stunningly useful universal remote which uses the built-in IR transmitter – are some of the best on a Google tablet so far.

Sony Tablet S – sizing up the competition

The Tablet is lighter than its major rival – the iPad 2 – but the Apple tablet’s strong aluminium back feels worth carrying the extra weight for. Android is catching up in terms of apps, and Sony’s music and video services look like real iTunes rivals. The Tablet S is agonisingly close to being the proverbial iPad-beater, but for now something cheaper and more utilitarian like the Asus Transformer is a better buy.


The Tablet S has an innovative design and Sony’s exclusive apps give the desktop a iPad-ish flair. Its compact size also means a smaller battery than most, however, and it will deliver just five to six hours of fun compared to the double-digit capacity of rivals. It’s pricey too, forcing you to choose pound for pound against an iPad 2, where other equally equipped Android tablets are now much cheaper.

Apple MacBook Air

Apple’s original 2008 Macbook Air was like a human beatbox – a crowd-pleaser that quickly turned out to be, well, just plain annoying. The then ‘world’s slimmest notebook’ slid from Steve Jobs’ manila envelope promising a new era in ultraportable computing. It delivered a measly one USB port, two-hour battery life and lethargic user experience.

Review: Black Berry Bold 9900

The latest BlackBerry at first glance looks like a throwback to the first Bold. It’s noticeably wider than the most recent models  – strange when compactness is valued so highly in a mobile. But RIM seems to have prioritised the new handset’s slimness and it’s noticeably thinner from front to back than any of its previous phones.

Asus Lamborghini VX7

Would you drive a car because it had an Apple logo on it? Then perhaps you’re the kind of person who’d be interested in a laptop with with the famous fighting bull of Automobili Lamborghini on the lid. In which case, ASUS has just the notebook for you.

The rest of us will be a little more careful with our purchase, thanks, and look at what makes it stand out (or not) as a PC rather than a brand.

Physically, it’s very, very similar to ASUS’ 15in high end gaming laptop, the G53. A hard wedge of plastic, it feels surprisingly cheaper than that machine, despite costing quite a bit more. Where the G53’s rubber-like coating feels like it would bounce along a tarmaced surface, the VX7’s ultra glossy finish doesn’t even like fingerprints, let alone being slammed into a corner.

There are plenty of design tie-in with the car, though.  The lid looks like a bonnet, and around the back, the large vents which keep air flowing to the fast Core i7 processor are topped with mock brake-lights. It’s deeply disappointing that these don’t actually light up. The wrist rest has a leatherette finish too, just like a Lambo’s dash. The power button, meanwhile, is marked ‘Start Engine’ rather than ‘On’.

The problem, though, is that the supercar association isn’t even skin deep. That fancy wrist rest doesn’t fit flush to the keyboard, which itself is a flimsy and too flexible affair. The screen isn’t anywhere near the kind of quality that Signor Lamborghini would approve of either. As far as supercars go, this is more DeLorean than anything that has ever come out of Sant’Agata Bolognese.

Under the hood things aren’t much better. The CPU is a top end part, yes, but the GeForce GTX 460M graphics card is more like a track-tuned Ford Focus than playboy plaything. It is a gas guzzler, though. There’s no way to fall back on the CPU graphics for extending battery life, so you’ll be lucky to get three hours on a full tank with it. Not that you’ll want to travel far – for a 15-incher it’s very heavy.

There are worse branded computers out there. Calvin Klein recently lent his signature to a decidedly average Froyo tablet. But the only thing that the VX7 really has in common with a supercar is the price tag.

Why on Earth would you buy this when ASUS’ own G53 is better and almost US$750 less?

TECHY GADGETZ SAYS 

You’d have to be a big fan of Lamborghini’s to consider this over other high end laptops

PURE MUSCLE!

September 13 - 2011 Maybach Edition 125  In the year of the 125th anniversary of the automobile Maybach is displaying the Edition 125! at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. This unusual one-off piece presents exquisite new possibilities for individually styling the high-end saloons. The highlights include contour lighting and the laser-engraved light motif featuring the double-M in a curved triangle in the front armrest. The wide-ranging new individualisation options perfectly complement the confident air of the legendary Maybach saloons. 2011 Maybach Edition 125 September 13 - 2012 AC Schnitzer BMW 1-Series M Coupe  The heart of the 1-series M Coupé by AC Schnitzer is the power upgrade from a standard 340 to 400 hp. The increased power is balanced by the AC Schnitzer high performance brake kit for the front and rear axles.  The 1-series M Coupé by AC Schnitzer also comes with aerodynamic components, including a carbon front spoiler, chromed front grille, carbon rear diffusor and the AC Schnitzer design elements on the front wings. 2012 AC Schnitzer BMW 1-Series M Coupe September 13 - 2012 AC Schnitzer BMW 650i Cabriolet  The 650i Cabrio by AC Schnitzer has been given a performance upgrade taking it from 407 to 540 hp.  Front spoiler, chromed front grille and chrome decor strips can be fitted individually or as a harmonious set to realize the dream of an individual sporting vehicle. AC Schnitzer also offers a rear skirt insert and loading lip protection film to give the bodywork of the 6-series cabrio that finishing touch. 2012 AC Schnitzer BMW 650i Cabriolet September 13 - 2012 Audi RS 5  The 450 hp RS 5 Coupé is the star athlete of the A5 family. It offers the power and handling of a powerful sports car packaged in the body of an alluringly elegant coupe. The design has now gained several new, sharp accents, with numerous features that characterize the other A5 models also making their way to the RS 5. 2012 Audi RS 5 September 13 - 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic  Based on the Jeep Wrangler Sahara model, the Arctic’s winter theme is immediately recognizable. The new special edition features exclusive styling cues. 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic September 12 - 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Trofeo Stradale  Limited to 150 examples, the 570 hp Trofeo Stradale is the most extreme Gallardo ever.  2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Trofeo Stradale September 12 - 2011 Gullwing America Ferrari F-340 Competizione Design  The new F-340 Competizione is a one-off creation based upon the striking 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlinetta that raced in the Carrera Panamericana. 2011 Gullwing America Ferrari F-340 Competizione September 12 - 2012 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition  Following on from the success of the DBS Carbon Black, introduced in 2009, the 2011 DBS Carbon Edition will be available in two new colours including Flame Orange and Ceramic Grey together with the existing Carbon Black. Immediately distinguishing the Carbon Edition from a standard DBS is the carbon fibre facia with a carbon weave that has been positioned exactly to follow the form of the dashboard. 2012 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition September 12 - 2012 TopCar Porsche 911 Carrera 991  On the eve of the Porsche 991 appearing in Frankfurt, the well-known manufacturer and Porsche modifier TopCar presents the official drafts of their new model, which will be a wide-body version of the Porsche 991. 2012 TopCar Porsche 911 Carrera 991 September 12 - 1919-1924 Slaby-Beringer Electric Car  Dr. Rudolf Slaby built a small electrically propelled car for his personal use in 1919. The design aroused such interest that he decided, together with Hermann Beringer, to establish a company and begin volume production of the car. 1919-1924 Slaby-Beringer Electric Car September 8 - 2011 Audi A2 Concept  The all-electric A2 concept has such features as drive-by-wire technology and an opaque glass roof that becomes transparent at the push of a button. 2011 Audi A2 Concept September 8 - 2011 Jaguar C-X16 Concept  A new hybrid sports car design with 469 hp and 505 lb-ft of total power. 2011 Jaguar C-X16 Concept September 8 - 2012 Jaguar XJ  The latest version of Jaguar's flagship luxury saloon. 2012 Jaguar XJ September 8 - 2012 Arrinera  Arrinera will be a Polish-British car in the “supercar” segment, which in terms of driving parameters, quality of workmanship and performance can compete with the cars manufactured by the most renowned companies.  Power for this super sports car will come from a 650 hp V8, with expected performance figures of 3.2 for a 0-62 mph run, and a top speed of 211 mph. 2012 Arrinera September 7 - 2011 Peugeot HX1 Concept  Peugeot offers this vision of a sporty yet practical concept.  Features include four reverse-opening half-scissor doors for ease of access.  The seven vanes in each wheel rim spike, fashioned like a turbine, open to create a flat disc surface. At the same time, a spoiler and two side skirts located at the top of the tailgate are deployed above 62 mph. 2011 Peugeot HX1 Concept September 7 - 2012 Afzal Kahn Design Range Rover Vesuvius Edition Sport 300  A new bespoke stylistic package for the Range Rover Sport. 2012 A Kahn Design Range Rover Vesuvius Sport 300 September 7 - 2011 Kelleners Sport KS1-S BMW 1 Series M Coupe  Power up to 410 hp, unique handling characteristics, improved aerodynamics and the high-grade interior are the distinguishing features of the KS1-S. 2011 Kelleners Sport KS1-S BMW 1 Series M Coupe

25 best mobile phones ever

And the best mobile phones ever, in no particular order, are…

Motorola StarTAC (1996)

The StarTAC wasn’t just the first clamshell phone; it was the first cool phone. In the same way that the intrinsic coolness of the iPod fuelled the popularity of MP3 players, so the StarTAC’s jazzy design helped establish mobiles as a must-have.

Nokia 1011 (1992)

Yes, Motorola set the mobile ball rolling, but Nokia gave it real momentum with this, the first mass-produced GSM phone. It could receive text messages but not send them, and stored 99 numbers – so one each for the number of  people you knew with mobiles and 98 for the rest of your friends.

Apple iPhone 3G (2008)

For all its wow, the original iPhone lacked the speedy on-the-go connectivity to make it truly world-changing. 3G was the fuel that finally launched the iPhone into the smartphone stratosphere.

Motorola DynaTAC 8000x (1983)

This is it – the mother of all mobile phones. Where would we be without the Motorola DynaTAC? Constantly in search of phonebooths and internet cafes, that’s where.

Nokia N70 (2005)

For anyone who’d rather tear their own eyeballs out than wrestle with Windows Mobile, the Nokia N70 was the ideal alternative. The speed of 3G combined with the versatility and usability of Symbian 8.1 and the S60 UI resulted in a pocket powerhouse.

Sony Ericsson W880i (2006)

The W800 may have been Sony Ericsson’s first Walkman phone, but the W880i was the first one we coveted. Sleek, brushed-metal and great for playing music, it was a gadgety dream.

Motorola RAZR V3 (2004)

Originally intended to be a limited-edition premium phone, the RAZR’s demand became so great that eventually everybody had one, in one of the zillion colours it got released in while Moto milked its success. The phone itself was a pain to use, but boy was it a lovely object.

Sony Ericsson T610 (2003)

One of our all-time favourite candybar mobiles, the T610 was tiny yet classy. Despite its teensiness, it crammed in a camera and Bluetooth, while the nub-like joystick was great for games.

Nokia 8110 (1996)

Yes, it’s the Matrix phone. After we’d watched Neo purposefully pop the slide down on his 8110, we all wanted one. Shame the spring-loaded slider was a custom addition to Keanu’s and we had to wait for the later 7110 before we could get a similar push-button slide action. Still, the 8110 looked far cooler.

Nokia N95 (2007)

GPS, a 5MP camera, dual-sliding form factor, HSDPA and expandable storage via a MicroSD slot all added up to make a formidable device. If it weren’t for that dastardly iPhone redefining the smartphone genre, the Nokia N95 may have reigned supreme for years.

HTC Hero (2009)

It wasn’t the first Android phone – that honour lies with the T-Mobile G1 – but the HTC Hero was the first to seem a real threat to the iPhone’s dominance. And that kick-out chin gave it some personality that’s largely been lacking in other Android handsets, even if it did draw comments about Jimmy Hill.

BlackBerry 7230 (2003)

The so-called BlueBerry (any guesses why?) was the first colour-screened BlackBerry and the breakthrough that led to the CrackBerry addiction. Email was never to be a purely deskbound pursuit again.

Nokia 9300 (2005)

Sure the iPhone generation might laugh now, but those of us who used Nokia Communicators still yearn for a natural successor. It was as if someone had wedged a Psion organiser on the back of a dependable Nokia business mobile – and we mean that in a very good way. The 9300 may have been a cut-price 9500, but the reduced size also gave it the edge.

Samsung Galaxy S II (2011)

The best Android phone yet, with a simply amazing AMOLED screen and plenty of grunt. Make no mistake, if the Android Market were as good as the App Store, this would be the one handset to rule them all.

Sony Ericsson P800 (2002)

A mammoth smartphone, the P800 had a massive touchscreen as well as a traditional number pad that flipped across part of the screen. It was a giant among smarties, but also an impressive widescreen gaming handheld. Shame the subsequent P900 and P910 didn’t slim down to keep the P-series from sinking under the weight of their own blubber.

Samsung SGH-X820 (2006)

We still thought Christopher Biggins was just big boned before the X820 came along and redefined skinny. Every other handset suddenly seemed like a bloater on a diet of heavy batteries and surplus plastic.

Nokia 6300 (2007)

If anyone needed a reminder of how well Nokia made basic, anyone-can-use-it mobiles, the 6300 was the perfect example of the simple-phone art. Stylish, solid and superb.

BlackBerry Bold 9000 (2008)

The 9000 was the ultimate evolution of the original BlackBerry, before they got all touchscreeny. The addition of 3G and a 2MP camera made it more friendly and less businessy.

Nokia 3210 (1999)

It was a toss-up between this and the 3310, but this mini gem left more of a lasting impression – and isn’t tainted by the memory of a million tacky Xpress-on covers. This was the phone that really brought Snake and T9 predictive texting to the masses.

O2 XDA II Mini (2005)

Also known as the i-mate JAM, this was one of HTC’s finest Windows Mobile devices and an awe-inspiring exercise in miniaturisation.

Sony Ericsson K800i (2006)

Before this Cyber-shot mobile winked its shutter at us, we didn’t take camera-phones that seriously. Sure they were okay for silly snaps, but you wouldn’t capture important memories on them. A 3.2MP sensor, sliding lens cover and proper Xenon flash meant this was as much camera as phone.

Orange SPV C500 (2004)

Also known as the HTC Typhoon and T-Mobile SDA, among other things. This WinMob smartphone was the Nokia N95 of its day, offering so much power that it gained the admiration of geeks everywhere.

Nokia 6310i (2002)

The 6310i wasn’t about features or wow; it was the paramount business phone because it was super-reliable and had a battery that needed charging less frequently than new series of Big Brother would roll round.

Sony CMD-Z5 (2000)

Before Sony joined forces with Ericsson, it was already making some of the tastiest handsets around. This ickle flipper was the best of them, and featured a handy side-mounted jog dial for scrolling menus and, more importantly, playing the built-in fishing game.

T-Mobile Sidekick 2 (2004)

BlackBerry might be the king of mobile email, but for a time the Sidekick was the queen. Also known by the ridiculous moniker of Danger Hiptop2, the Sidekick 2 relied on cloud data storage and became popular for its excellent Qwerty keypad and easily scrollable messages. Paris Hilton’s Sidekick 2 famously had its address book hacked, and problems with the cloud service doomed later models.