Tuesday, May 13, 2008

The Latest PSP Games Reviewed


I’m sure a lot of you are already familiar with the Sony Playstation Portable, or PSP. It was first introduced into the market back in 2005 and has changed very little since. I think that the true test of a gadget’s greatness is its staying power. And if that’s the case, then the PSP is surely a winner.

What makes the PSP a great gaming device is its massive and diverse gaming library. Whether you’re a girl or a boy, a kid or a grown-up, a stay-at-home mom or a high-school student, there’s a PSP game that will surely entertain you. After all, a portable gaming console is just a fancy brick without awesome games. So, for this issue of Gizmo, I will focus on the latest games being offered for the PSP.


God of War: Chains of Olympus

Unleash the power of the Gods and embark on a merciless quest as Kratos, an ex-Spartan warrior driven to destroy Ares, the God of War. Armed with lethal double chainblades, Kratos must carve through mythology's darkest creatures including Medusa, Cyclops, the Hydra and more, while solving intricate puzzles in breathtaking environments… This is arguably the best title for the PSP out there. Its excellent gameplay, engaging storyline, awesome graphics and great soundtrack make it a top pick for the PSP. But because of the graphic violence in the game, this is not for little children. It is appropriately rated M (mature) by the ESRB.


Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

Set seven years prior to the events of the first Final Fantasy VII, a large number of SOLDIER members, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy more SOLDIER operatives. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth… As a prequel to the very successful Final Fantasy VII, this game stands alone on its own merits while adding considerable substance and context to the original. Despite the technical limitations of the PSP, this game still manages to push the envelope with its great graphics and animations. If you’re a fan of the Final Fantasy franchise, you won’t be disappointed with this installment.


Patapon

Behind the Patapons' cute exterior, lies a fierce warrior spirit that can only be commanded by the beat of their God’s war drum. Master up to six different drumbeats to command the Patapon troops to march, attack, defend, power up, retreat, and use magic. Combine the various chains of drumbeats to address each unique level, leading the Patapons to victory over the Zigoton enemy forces… This game may sound simple and childish but it is surprisingly not. In fact it is very challenging, enjoyable and addictive. Singing the rhythm yourself and tapping it out with your foot when your minions let you down demonstrates how hard it is to be a god and how into this game you can become.


Downstream Panic!

In Downstream Panic, players save their scaly sea-friends in more than 80 different levels with five different customizable environments. It is up to the player to protect fish from land, predators and other obstacles through the use of a variety of innovative tools as they guide fish on their descent back into the ocean. Three different game modes (adventure, free play and survival) bring more of a challenge to the aquatic mix… This puzzle game is a gem. If you want games that make you think before you act, then this one’s for you. With eighty stages out of the box, you’ll surely play this one for hours and hours.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

My Top 4 Video Podcasts

Aside from reading blogs, video podcasts are my favorite way of keeping up with tech news. You can download podcasts through Apple iTunes, RSS feeds, or through their websites. However, I understand that picking a podcast to subscribe to can be pretty daunting, since there are practically hundreds to choose from.

Being the techie that I am, I have tried watching every other tech podcast available in the internet, but I have found out that I stick to a few that I really like. I'd gladly recommend my favorites to those who are new to podcasts, and here they are:

  • Mobuzz.tv - Keeping up with tech news is a breeze with Mobuzz TV. However, this isn't just any other tech news podcast. The way it's written makes it really quirky and entertaining, while still managing to keep it's credibility and intelligence. Mobuzz is based in Spain so they have a more European approach to tech news, but they pretty much cover the whole tech world.

    Length: around 5 minutes
    Published: 5 days a week
    Host: Olivia
    Based in: Spain

  • Geekbrief.tv - This podcast aims to keep us updated on all the latest gadget news and reviews. The host Cali is a true blue techie and it shows in this podcast; she really knows her stuff. The podcast covers the whole gamut of gadgetry, from cameras to phones to iPods to computers. I love the DearCali episodes, where she answers questions sent in by viewers.

    Length: around 5 minutes
    Published: depends, mostly every two days
    Host: Cali Lewis
    Based in: USA


  • WebbAlert - This is another great tech news podcast, based in the United States. It is hosted by Morgan Webb, another real-life techie, particularly a hardcore gamer. The podcast is published almost daily and covers the latest developments in tech, gaming, gadgetry and digital culture.

    Length: around 5 minutes
    Published: 4 days a week
    Host: Morgan Webb
    Based in: USA


  • Tekzilla - This is a great podcast to watch on your Apple TV or on you computer, since it's practically a full-length tv show. Their target audience is someone who's not too much on the techie side since they keep everything "idiot-proof." However, it's still a nice show to watch even if you're already a geek.

    Length: around 30 minutes
    Published: around once a week
    Host: Jessica Corbin and Patrick Norton
    Based in: USA

Do you know any great podcasts that are not included here? Let us know!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

All About the Asus Eee PC

The Asus Eee PC is finally here. For those who have been living under a rock, the Asus Eee PC is a mini-laptop of sorts which runs Windows XP or Linux. It's got a barebones system with only a 900Mhz processor, 512MB of RAM and 4 GB of flash disk space. But what makes the Eee so appealing is it's price. At barely $400, you get a light and ultraportable laptop with almost decent specs. For those looking for a backup laptop, this one just might fit your requirements.

Of course, there's more to it that meets the eye. For those who want to know more about the Eee PC, look no further. I've done the homework and gathered a bevy of info about it. Presenting: The Eee PC!

  • Official Eee PC Site - Not too much on here, just some specs, a flash "quick guide" and wallpaper for your pc.
  • Cnet Review (7.5 out of 10) - I've always relied on Cnet to give great reviews aimed at the non-technical consumer. I wasn't disappointed since their review of the Eee was comprehensive yet easy to understand.
  • PC Mag Review (4 out of 5) - This one's a bit long. Still, it gives us essential information, and goes more in-depth into the technical hardware and software specs of the system.
  • Trusted Reviews (9 out of 10) - They gave the Eee a very high rating. Still, their review wasn't written in a biased way, since they also considered the limitations of the system. It was very easy to digest, since it was divided into 4 parts and featured a lot of pics.
  • Notebook Review - Another great review of the Eee PC. It really goes into the details so if you want all the nitty gritty about the Eee, make sure to read this review. They also have a lot of pics here, including several screencaps and a shot of it's hardware insides.
  • Notebook Review's Eee PC Tweak Guide - They see great potential in the Eee and show you how to make it your own. Install software, upgrade the hardware, and basically hack it to bits. You'll find out how right here.
  • Asus Eee PC Unboxed - Here's Engadet's unboxing of the Eee PC. The pics are a bit dark, but you get the idea.
  • Tweaktowns Exclusive Inside Look - This isn't your run-of-the-mill unboxing. When they say inside look, they mean it. In this 8-part article, the Eee's hardware gets disected. Nothing is left to the imagination. If you've got a technical background, you just might appreciate seeing the components that make up this machine.

Monday, October 15, 2007

The Palm Centro Get's Reviewed


Let's get things straight, the Palm Centro isn't the most anticipated gadget out there. Heck, it doesn't look like it's anticipated at all. But anyway, it's here. Engadget has done the honors of reviewing the Centro and I'd have to admit, things are looking pretty good.

Don't get me wrong, the Centro isn't a high end smart phone. It's geared more to first-time smartphone owners which is great since the Palm OS is as simple as a smartphone can get. Simplicity is the key here, since this phone obiously doesn't have the "wow factor" everyone's craving nowadays. However, at $99 a pop, it's practically a steal. Anyway, you can read the full review here.

Credit: [Engadget]

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Reviews on the iPod Nano (3G)


The moment the new iPod Nano was announced Apple lovers rushed to their nearest Apple stores and bought themselves their very own "nano fatty". And despite the uncertainty over it's new look when it was first leaked (read the replies), based on the numerous reviews just released, people are now loving it's squat look. I'm starting to think that everything Steve Jobs touches turnes to gold. I'd have to admit that even though I have no intentions to buy one myself (I've got my heart set on the iPod Touch), it looks pretty good to me.

But the Nano Fatty isn't just great in the looks department. The reviews are in and the new iPod Nano is officially a hit. Reviewers are raving about it's long battery life, relatively cheap price, and it's sharp screen. Here's a round-up of reviews from only the most trusted sources, brought to us by Engadget.

Read - PC Mag
Read - CNET
Read - ZDNet Australia
Read - iLounge


U U U

Saturday, August 4, 2007

All About the MOTOROKR E6

Are you looking for a (non-iPhone) media-centric smartphone? The MOTOROKR E6 might be just for you. With it's surface mounted touchscreen and the lack of a keypad, it looks almost like an iPhone.

However, what makes this smartphone stand out from the crowd is its open-source Linux based operating system making this the dubbed "the incredible hackable phone." And with all the hacking and moding communities out there, you're sure to find all sorts of hacks and mods to please your techie self.

Of course, it's always wise to read everything you can about a phone (or any consumer item for that matter) before buying. I've done the the liberty of finding the most reliable ROKR E6 reviews and resources.

  • Slashphone has a brief rundown of the phone's features:
    • 2.0 megapixel camera
    • CIF and QVGA video capture for up to 5 hours
    • Ffull screen video playback
    • Integrated MP3 player with dedicated music keys and built-in FM radio
    • PDA featuring Business Card Reader, POP3 e-mail, Document Viewer to view PDF, Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT, etc.
    • Connectivity includes Integrated Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, HTML Browser, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 EMU, 3.5 mm stereo jack
    • Removable SD memory card slot, up to 2GB SD Card support
    • 8MB dynamic user memory
  • Mobileburn has one of the most in-depth reviews of the ROKR E6. It spans 9 pages and discusses several aspects of it like the physical aspect, features, and it's user interface. I've read the review and discovered that one of it's biggest drawbacks is text input. You can use the onscreen qwerty keyboard or handwriting recognition, both of which would have to be done using a stylus. So if you're a big with text messaging or email, then this phone is definitely not for you.
  • One more valuable resource is the forum at MotorolaFans.com. A lot of the members there are very knowledgeable and helpful, and there are a lot of discussions about modding and troubleshooting.
  • And finally, Youtube reviews:

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Friday, July 27, 2007

All About the Sony Ericsson P1i

The P1i is Sony Ericsson's latest high-end smartphone. Technically, it's an updated version of the P990 but it looks very similar to the m600 (particularly the keypad). The specs are almost drool-worthy... 3g, wifi, and a 3.2 mp camera.

I know someone who has been waiting for this phone since forever. However, I am still a bit skeptical about this one. I do think that it looks great. It doesn't look as bulky and clumsy as it's predecessors. That's a good sign. The keyboard does make me nervous... it looks very hard to type messages on, with the whole crammed qwerty keypad situation.

Anyway, here's a barage of information and links about this smartphone... everything you ever wanted to know and then some more. Enjoy.

  • Here's the trusty Cnet review of the SE P1i. They rated it 8 out of 10, which is a pretty good review. However, they did say that the keypad was hard to get used to. No surprises there.
  • Mobile Review is another great review site. I must give you a warning though, their review of the P1i is very in-depth. It isn't something you can casually browse over. It is however, a great resource for detailed information about the phone's features and usage. They also have a whole lot of pics of the phone in every angle possible.
  • Here's a nicely made presentation video. Of course, it's a promotional video and shows the P1i in the best light posible.

  • Here's a great video review of the P1i by PhoneArena. In the short 4 minute review, the reviewer manages to discuss a lot of the important features as well as show how the actual UI works.

  • Here's an interview of Jens Greve from Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. He talks about the P1i and does a short demo too.

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Thursday, July 26, 2007

All About the Nokia n800

Nothing interesting in the tech world to talk about today. Nothing that interests me, that is. So, I'm going to blog all about the Nokia n800. Sweet.

The Nokia n800 for those who don't know yet is not a cellphone. It's not even a pda. It's a portable internet device. That's it. But that's what makes this gadget so great. It does one thing and does it very well. Besides, everything we tech geeks need can probably be accessed through the internet these days, making this device very powerful.

If you're pondering on getting this gadget (I know I am), here are some very useful links for you...

  • I always check Cnet first for reviews. They're pretty reliable in providing great overviews and their opinions are often unbiased. Here's their Nokia n800 review. There's even a video.
  • Thoughtfix seems to me like an Nokia n800 expert. He has a blog dedicated to internet tablets and several Youtube videos about the n800. His online review is quite exhaustive but still easy to digest. Here's his intro Youtube video to the n800...

  • The official Nokia n800 page is very useful too. It's got lots of info like an overview video as well a great presentation of all the features of their product.

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Friday, July 20, 2007

iPhone Reviews on YouTube

YouTube is crawling with people wanting to show off their iPhones. Of course, while some videos are total rubbish, some are pretty good reviews of the phone. If you still haven't bought the iPhone but are thinking of getting it at some point in time, you'd definitely want to watch the more constructive reviews to help you with your decision. I've gone through most of the videos for you so you won't have to put up with the crap that's out there. Here are the best ones so far...

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This review shows you most of the iPhone's great features like using the camera, texting, playing YouTube videos and websurfing through edge and wifi. It also shows how easy it is to navigate the interface using the multi-touch screen. However, if you want a pros and cons type review you won't get it here as the reviewer manages to concentrate on all the best parts of the phone without showing the negative.

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This is a great review of the iPhone from David Pogue of the New York Times. It shows you both the positive and negative along with loads of humor. It's short and simple. You'll be convinced (or not) in no time.

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No gadget review is complete without a stress test. In this video, the iPhone's ruggedness is put to the test. If you want to know if the iPhone will still work after being dropped on the pavement (several times), check this video out.

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