Gadget Advisor

Nokia 5610 and Nokia 5310 were the Xpress Music phones released by Nokia over a year ago. It took a while before both phones were released in the market but when T-Mobile finally announced that they were going to carry both models, there was no excuse to review both Xpress Music phones. For this particular article, there will be a focus on Nokia 5610. Like its twin, Nokia 5610 is equipped with awesome music capabilities however; it provides a higher-resolution camera and a more trendy design.

Highlights

Nokia 5610 is actually scores higher than its twin by more than ways than one. Nokia 5310 features the usual candy bar design while the 5610 provides a classy appearance with its slide feature and out-of-the-box controls. It doesn’t fall under super high-end phones but it is enough to compete in the market for its features and unique design. It is actually relatively bigger than its twin, 5310 and its predecessor, 5300, but Amazon.co.uk still gives a point for its other properties. Nokia 5610 features a 2.2-inch display with 240×320 pixels and font size is just enough for most users. The cool thing about 5610 is its dedicated music buttons just below the screen. It functions by sliding the bar to the left or to the right. A slide to the left takes you to the music player menu and a slide to the right brings you to the FM Radio. This feature definitely takes music controls to the next level. However, Nokia 5610 has its cons due to its physical makeup. The keypad and other buttons used for navigation give a weird plastic feel. Sometimes, misdials when calling and texting occur as well.

Most of the features of 5310 are also available in 5610. It has a volume rocker, camera control, charger port, micro USB jack and a 2.5 mm headset jack on its exterior. When using the camera, you don’t need to have the phone open, which is handy for most people. However, self portrait may be quite difficult due to the lack of self-portrait mirror. Music browsing is very convenient in this phone because of its support for equalizer, playlists, shuffle, and repeat modes, and airplane mode. Editing album arts is also possible.

Other Features

Nokia 5610 can hold up to 2,000 phonebook contacts with space for e-mail addresses, URLs, company names, formal names and nicknames, birthdays and notes. Grouping contacts is also possible and ringtones for each are customizable, as well. Other features include Bluetooth, PC syncing, voice recorder, vibrate mode, call timers, call recording, SMS and MMS messaging, alarm clock, calendar, stopwatch, calculator and many others.

Enjoy a much smaller Nokia N97 and still enjoy the perks of having an internet-capable mobile phone with Nokia N97 Mini. Although it is relatively smaller by 12 percent, it still comes with a full QWERTY keyboard that when opened, angles for optimal viewing, and a touch-enabled 3.2-inch screen with 640 x 360 pixel resolution. It can be easily navigated and using the phone’s user-friendly home screen.

Highlights

Capture unforgettable moments using the 5-megapixel camera that offers Carl Zeiss optics, DVD-quality capture and support for services like sharing in different social networking sites over WLAN or HSDPA. Amazon.co.uk users find the camera very useful at all times. Equipped with a GPS sensor and the newest edition of Ovi Maps, there is definitely easier access to directions and navigations for over 180 countries. Moreover, it is not necessary to be connected to a cellular network to avail of this service. This means that you can free yourself from the charges given by networks. You will never lose your way with the turn-by-turn voice that will help you keep moving correctly with also the aid of its electric compass.

Nokia N97 Mini is perfect for students and working people because of its functions. Get easy access to documents using Quickoffice document viewers. You can also check e-mails, download music and connect it to your personal computer. It can be also connected to a TV for photo and video viewing and it has stereo FM radio.

There will never be a lack of storage space in Nokia N97 Mini because it includes an 8 GB of on-board storage and it is still expandable with the use microSD memory cards. Always update social networking sites and check emails simultaneously using Nokia N97 Mini’s integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g). There is also an option of connecting it to various peripherals like stereo speakers using the device’s Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) capabilities. Also, you can use the phone’s Bluetooth to transfer and receive files, downloads, games from different Bluetooth enabled devices.

More Features

Nokia N97 Mini’s unlocked version functions using a GSM network service provider. Moreover, it provides quad-band connectivity (850/900/1800/1900 MHz). The manufacturer gives full warranty but does not provide SIM cards. You can just buy one from your chosen service provider. Other services availed using the phone is usually charged by your service provider and may vary in a case to case basis.

Multimedia lovers will not get away without HTC Imagio’s support for services that are related to photography, music and videos. Imagio features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a sensitive touch screen, a 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi capabilities and an expandable microSD slot. It’s good to know that you don’t have to pay so much to go home with this beautiful HTC. At a reasonable price of £199, you can immediately have it as your own.

Highlights

Imagio may not be as attractive as the other phones however, all the rest of its features compensate for its appearance. It is not at all ugly because it has the classy feel of a touch-screen phone and feeling of being made from high-end materials. Other than that, its back is covered with a soft material that is relaxing in the hand.

HTC Imagio boasts is huge 3.6-inch touch screen that has 480×800 resolution and provides a very sharp image of what’s on the screen. This is probably due to smooth glass surface material of the screen. The touch screen is actually very responsive to taps and even when using the included stylus, the phone still responded. Imagio is equipped with an onscreen QWERTY keyboard that is easy to use, as well. During navigation, the built-in accelerometer becomes very useful because it changes the screen from horizontal to vertical and vice versa especially when you are checking e-mails, pictures and videos. Other than the accelerometer, there is also a zoom option at the bottom of the screen. This becomes very useful for reading e-mails, selecting hyperlinks, typing, etc. Other controls include Talk and End/Power keys, media keys, the Start menu key and a back key.

Video, photo and music capabilities are possible for Imagio. In fact, it is made with a kick-stand on the back for easier video viewing. Its 3.5mm headset jack is on the bottom while the camera is at the back of the phone, doubling the kickstand.

Other Features

HTC Imagio is definitely a good multimedia and business phone and can be used by anyone. It is also installed with productivity applications such as Microsoft Office Mobile Suite, Adobe Reader LE, calendar, task lists, a voice recorder and so much more. There is also an option for Microsoft Direct Push technology for e-mails, calendars, tasks and contacts. Inside the box of Imagio includes an AC adapter, a USB cable, other international adapters, a software CD, and reference manual.

Always be updated with the exclusive AT&T-provided, 3G-enabled, and Android-run HTC phone that has the shortcut for the Facebook application. This service matches the need of most people who are glued in the internet, always looking for new feeds and posts. This feature is first in the U.S.. With this feature, communication through social networking sites become very convenient and accessible to anyone—all with just one click. You will never fear of not being able to check your status, write on your friend’s wall, and poke someone, with this HTC Status.

Highlights

This phone is designed especially for people who are always connected in Facebook. The service is also connected to other applications such as calendar and photo gallery. This allows you to easily sync your calendar with your account and even upload pictures or videos directly from the device. Through this phone, you can also receive feeds from your friends and even chat with your friends using Facebook chat. With just a click, you can also “Check in” and share to your friends where you have been for vacation, dinner, shopping, etc and takes the experience to a higher level.

Other than Facebook, Amazon.co.uk believes that there is so much to say about this particular HTC model. It is described as a trendy phone with a small Facebook sign below th keypad. It features a 2.6-touch screen display and the most loved QWERTY keypad for texting and updating Facebook account. The home screen is truly customizable, allowing you to place shortcuts of your favorite applications in place. It is 3G enabled and can connect surprisingly fast to the internet and download, upload files. Multi-tasking is also possible for this phone so even if you’re downloading something, you can actually accept a phone call or reply to a text message. With AT&T as your service provider, you can also avail of its mobile hotspot that gives access to other Wi-Fi enabled services.

HTC Status is equipped with a 5 megapixel camera which is also a camcorder that can auto-focus and has flash. There is also a VGA from camera for self portraits and video chatting. Micro-SD support is available for this model, with the option of memory expansion (up to 32 GB). Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity and full HTML browsing are also supported.

Other Features

HTC is relatively light at 4.32 ounces. Its talk time can reach up to 6.5 hours and its standby time is up to 640 hours. When buying HTC Status, the box includes the handset, a rechargeable battery, USB cable, USB / travel charger, and a manual.

T-Mobile paused for a while in releasing phones but finally HTC HD2 is not in their line-up of phones. HD2 has amazing features like its large 4.3-inch capacitive touch screen, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor and finally a 5-megapixel camera. It is jam-packed with so many features and added with lots of applications, particularly from T-Mobile. But when you think about it, do people get this phone because of its features? Some people don’t because they always think that something better will come along the way, not noting that the best has passed already. HTC HD2 is a perfect example for this scenario. It is actually one of the best smart phones out in the market today.

Highlights

There is a lot to say about HTC HD2. To start with, it is definitely bigger than other smart phones because it 4.74 inches tall and 2.64 inches wide. Some people see this as a turn off. But actually, it is impressive to have a 4.3-inch touch screen plus all other features in such a “small” size and thin feeling. It is furnished with stainless steel and some soft-touch material.

The first thing you will observe in HTC HD2 is its huge screen, probably the largest ever yet, for smart phones. The screen actually gives you the awesome view of brightness in different lighting conditions. With its screen, it is normally easier to view pictures, videos, websites and messages in both landscape and portrait views since it is equipped with an accelerometer. Amazon.co.uk users most definitely enjoy the phone by installing entertainment applications to maximize the use of the screen. The QWERTY keyboard also benefits from the screen. Typing becomes natural and the large space makes it easy for first-timers to adjust to a virtual keyboard. Probably Swpe is the most useful features in the phone in terms of typing. With Swpe, you won’t need to tap letter by letter. Instead you can just drag your finger from letter to letter and do it all at once. This option also provides other tricks that are quite unusual but are truly helpful. These include circling a letter to insert it twice and automatically placing a space after a finished word. Other than Swype, it also has a proximity sensor to know when the phone should be in inactive mode and to minimize misdials when the phone placed on the cheek. Another awesome feature is the pinch-to-zoom move that easily allows you to zoom pictures, e-mails and other files.

Other Features

As expected, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB port at the bottom of the phone. Shortcut keys include Talk and End keys, a Home button, a Start menu shortcut and a back button. Volume controls are on the side, the camera is at the back (of course) and the microSD slot is seen when the battery door is opened.

Always capture the memorable videos beautifully with Sony Handycam HDR-CX130. Equipped with “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for low-light settings, 42x extended zoom and 1920 x1080 resolution, you will always get even the small details in a video recording at a very high quality.

Highlights

HDR-CX130 Handycam’s high definition resolution of 1920 x 1080 gives you the opportunity to document memories in the highest possible quality. The camcorder is also capable of replaying your captured videos via HDMI and compatible HDTV1 so you will always get the chance to reminisce memories. With Sony’s high-end quality G lens, achieve superior optical performance in color reproduction and capturing details of videos and pictures. You can also maximize your video shooting and photo shooting ability with the camcorder’s 30x optical zoom that lets you shoot from a far distance but still in a much better quality than others. More than that, the camcorder can be easily used even in low-lighting settings. Since it is featured with the back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, you will never have to always prefer bright lighting conditions and opt for a more dramatic setting of lower lighting conditions. Even with the low lights, there is still assurance of getting high quality videos and pictures because the sensor maximizes the light gathered per pixel.

Record unforgettable faces and smiles with Handyman’s Tracking Focus that follows subjects selected in the LCD. As long as you select the object in the LCD while taking the picture, you will always get the desired focus of your subject. You can also choose the appropriate settings for your videos and pictures by applying scene modes like Landscape, Backlight, Spotlight, Low light, Macro, Portrait, Baby, Walk and Tripod. Other than that, you can also edit settings for slow-motion capture capabilities for better recording.

Amazon.co.uk users praise its 3.0” touch screen LCD plus display that allows you to view videos and pictures with 230K pixels resolution. The pictures can be rotated up to 270 degrees for different angle views. Its touch screen LCD is functional for navigating through the menus, settings and of course the pictures and videos.

Other Features

On top of the high quality videos and pictures, you are assured of reduced noise with Wind Noise Reduction. This feature allows you to record videos with minimal interference from other sources except your subject. You can also directly copy your files from the camcorder to your external hard disk drive, even without the use of a PC. If you wish for a USB file transfer, then it is also possible. Just connect the built-in USB 2.0 cable and transfer files directly.

Everything is worth the wait, as the saying goes. The same goes with HTC Desire because before it finally was released, it took several months. Some people thought that it was not going to be a good performing phone. However, as it turns out, it is actually a commendable phone for its features and its design. To start off, it actually has a huge 3.7-inch capacitive screen for the users’ benefit. It is almost alike with some of HTC’s handsets but of course there is a slight difference.

Highlights

HTC Desire’s actual size is not really big like HD2 but it is not really small at all. It falls under the range of the right fit for human hands. It’s a good thing that it has rounded edges, making it easier and comfy to hold in the hand. It is not practically made of plastic and its outside design gives a very classy and still trendy look. The phone features a generous 3.7-inch capacitive touch screen. It provides a wonderful view of pictures, messages, e-mails and videos. Using the touch screen is nearly effortless because it easily detects taps and holds. In addition to that, pinch-to-zoom option is also possible so zooming becomes really quick and easy. There is also a built-in accelerometer that allows you to change the orientation in either portrait or landscape. Changing orientation takes a little more time than usual but it’s good enough according to some Amazon.co.uk users. Launching apps is relatively easy in this device. The onscreen QWERTY keyboard is actually good but needs little tweaks when used in the portrait mode. The screen is actually customizable depending on your interests and likes—what your priority applications are and others.

Desire has several physical features similar to other HTC handsets. This includes a home button, a back button, and search buttons. There is also a volume control located on the left part and a power button. Unlike other HTC phones, the 3.5mm headphone jack is located on top of the phone and there is a Micro-USB port at the bottom. As expected, the flash and camera are located at the back.

Other Features

Included in the box of HTC Desire are an AC adapter, a USB cable, a wired stereo headset, an 8GB microSD card, and of course the manual. Other cell phone accessories are actually bought separately from the handset. There are certain specialty shops that sell such accessories.

What you get is more than the price you pay. This saying goes for Canon Vixia HF G10 that only costs over £1000 but still gives its consumers more than the manual setting and HD CMOS Pro sensor. The sensor equipped in this device is also the same as the ones featured in Canon’s entry-level pro models. Definitely, this camcorder is an eye-candy for amateur photographers and videographers who want to get as much features at a reasonable price.

Highlights

Canon’s larger pixel sensor of 2.75 micron pixels rather than 1.7 micron pixels, and its first-class lens records HD videos for a usual camcorder. The colors that it captures are well in terms of brightness, contrast and accuracy. The camcorder features an 8-blade iris that allows manual focusing for better video and photo results. On top of all that, Canon equipped this model with the state-of-the-art HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor that provides excellent video resolution even at low-light conditions. Its wide dynamic range allows you to capture moments and get life-like results. You can also get away with shaky hands while using this device because it’s enhanced with optimal image stabilization that records pictures and videos in a very accurate manner that minimal instability is maintained.

Amazon.co.uk users like Canon Vixia for its 24 Mbps recording which documents the highest bit rate in AVCHD. It records in full HD and views at 1920 x 1080, still giving you the HD experience. Audio qualities of recordings are also outstanding given that this device is equipped with sensitive stereo mics that records subjects’ voice carefully and minimizing any other noises. You can also conveniently set the focus of your recording or your picture with the 3.5” touch panel LCD screen. With just touching the screen, you will be able to set your focus on the subject immediately.

Other Features

Face detection is made easy with this model. Faces and smiles are tracked automatically and exposed in the result picture or video. This feature can find a maximum of 35 faces and can give you nine (9) detection frames all at the same time. Frame modes can also be easily set to Cinema mode, Native Progressive, and Progressive. With this setting, you’ll be able to capture better videos and photos either moving or still. Transfer of photos and videos from the camcorder to a computer is as usual: via USB connection and card slots. Another innovative way of downloading and uploading files from this camcorder is the Eye-Fi SD memory card. After you set up this service, you can easily connect to the internet and share your files.

Canon VIXIA HV30D DVIA is a very useful and useful camcorder that is familiar in the market. The company takes old and users to the next level of photography and videography. Even though many other companies have already released camcorders of this size and type, Canon VIXIA HV30 has its own perks, especially for a budding photographer. This device allows users to record HD videos and provide first-class outputs with the use of HD CMOS Image sensor. With the sensor, high-resolution images and videos are produced. Aside from the sensor, recording is captured as minimal as possible and as accurate as possible, as well.

Highlights

Add the 10x HD video lens to the image sensor and you will always get the desired HD results. This extra special feature creates a better exposure most importantly in situations where high lighting is present. Colors are also accurate and defined, as detailed as possible, with the use of this camcorder model. It actually uses an RGB Primary Color Filter that separates the reflected light to red, green and blue to give out the brightest and the most meaningful colors in videos and pictures.

With HV30, you are safe with instability or possible shaking when camcorders not placed in a tripod. This model features SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization that keeps your pictures stabilized and even sometimes accurate even when there is movement. Amazon.co.uk suggests the use of focus assist function that helps you to get a wonderful shot of your subject automatically. During manual setting, you can just select the Focus assist button and you can immediately use this function. Right after capture of videos and pictures, you can also playback your files with the 2.7 Multi-Angle vivid widescreen LCD. With this LCD, you can view your files in any angle, meaning you can rotate it as often as you like to check to photos and videos. More that that, you are assured that the colors in the LCD are accurate and at least close to perfection.

Other Features

XV30D also has a built-in flash to record moments that are taken in low-light situations and in indoor settings. Microphone and headphone terminals are also available in the camcorder in checking and using playback in videos. Moreover, during playback of videos, you can easily select pictures and save them automatically to your memory cards. This can be done by simple clicking the “grab” in the video footage. For printing purposes, you can otherwise select the Print &S Share Button for easy printing at home or in the office.

Canon is known for manufacturing different models of cameras and camcorders, all together. However, unlike their competitors, they sell their products at a higher price. Sometime in the past, Canon released the Vixia HF M5xx series of camcorders that consists of almost identical models. Their main differences lie on their memories and lenses. Although all of them are good camcorders, this review is going to be about Vixia HF M141 only.

Highlights

In general, the camcorder’s capacity for video coverage is good and this can be further appreciated when the device is connected to the television. With the television view, you will be able to see the vivid colors and resolution of the videos. The colors produced are accurate and it does not appear too aggressive. The camcorder can also be used for low-light situations because it does not really have a strong bad effect on the videos taken. Amazon.co.uk users give it a try because of its HD CMOS Pro that records larger pixels and captures more light, thus producing brighter pictures even during dim situations. Color and noise reduction is also possible for images and videos, respectively. There is a definite enhanced video capture due to the 24 MBPS recording which is highest as of the moment (in AVCHD). Details are recorded very carefully thanks to the Full HD capacity of Canon HF M141. Although it is recorded in HD, it is viewed at 1920 x 1080 resolution to still provide the HD experience.

Taking pictures is made possible for this particular model. You will feel professional with the 6-blade iris effect that surely gives you the outstanding image quality. Canon’s touch and track allows you to easily select and focus on your subject with just a click on the screen. The camera also comes with face detection that never fails to find faces and smiles in pictures and accentuate their faces in the output. Other than mentioned this model of Canon is capable of zooming automatically setting minimum object distance to 1.3 ft to provide the best quality picture and still have room for dramatic effect.

Other Features

This particular model of Canon also features a stereo microphone for video recording. This stereo microphone is receptive to sounds yet it is discriminative to interferences brought about by winds and other environmental causes. It is also possible to set levels in recording of sounds to maximize high quality capturing of videos.