Coming up:Top 10 Super smartphones

Coming up:Top 10 Super smartphones

Phones to keep a watch out for this year.

After their unveiling at events like the Consumer Electronics Show and the Mobile World Congress, these new devices are all set to conquer hearts in the coming months. Keep an eye out for these super smartphones.

HP PRE3

After HP's acquisition of Palm last year, we were anxiously waiting for word on the phones powered by the Palm WebOS. HP hasn't disappointed and unveiled two of them. The HP Pre3 is a complete phone which offers a decent mix of business and multimedia capabilities. Focused at offering incredible web and multimedia experiences, it features a multi-touch screen and a slide-out physical keypad. Powered by Qualcomm's 1.4 GHz processor and 512 MB RAM, it will have two versions: 8GB and 16GB models. There are high expectations from the Pre3 as it is the only phone with an operating system other than the usual ones. It also has excellent multi-tasking powers.

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ACER ICONIA SMART

Acer is also planning to join the Android club. The Acer Iconia Smart is part smartphone, part tablet. It has an extra-wide 21:9 display measuring a big 4.8 inches, which would enthuse Bollywood fans. It will be powered by Gingerbread (Android v2.3) and will have an 8 MP camera. Sadly, it will not have a dual-core processor, only the single core, if hardworking, 1GHz Snapdragon processor.

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SONY ERICSSON XPERIA PLAY

From rumours to reality, the PlayStation phone has excited a lot of people. Named Xperia Play, this will have a slide-out game pad with PSPstyle gaming controls -- a digital D pad, two analogue touch pads, two shoulder buttons and four PlayStation icons, including the circle, cross, square and triangle. It seems an ideal marriage of a smartphone and gaming device. The Play will run on Android v2.3. Under the display will be Qualcomm's 1 GHz processor with Adreno GPU for 3D graphics. It will pack in most of the smartphone features, a 5 MP camera and Wi-Fi for instance.

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LG OPTIMUS 2X

LG surprised us with its strong smartphone lineup this year. The Korean company has announced not one but three smartphones powered by dual core processors. The LG Optimus 2x, unveiled in early January, is one of them. In this phone, a lot of new things have been put together. To start with, it has an envious spec sheet with NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor capacitive display, 8 MP camera with auto focus and LED flash and 1080p video recording. Running on Android v2.2, it will support HDMI output using which multimedia content can be played on a bigger display directly from the phone.

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OLIVE SMART

It's not just international players who are coming up with super smartphones. Indian mobile handset manufacturers, like Olive Mobile, are also joining the bandwagon. Olive is coming up with its first Android offering. Believed to be operating on Android v2.3 or Gingerbread, it will have a huge capacitive display and will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 1GHz MSM8255 processor. The innards will include a 512MB RAM. Other features comprise a 5 MP camera, HDMI support, HD video capture and 3G. The Smart is expected to launch in India soon with a price tag of under 20,000.

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HTC INCREDIBLE S

Although Google decided to dump HTC and partner Samsung for its new Nexus phone, the Taiwan company isn't sitting idle. Naming its next warrior
the Incredible, it says the phone will 'capture life in HD'. Hence, the Incredible comes with an 8 MP camera and HD video recorder. And it's not only about capturing images as its bright 4-inch touchscreen will offer great experience while browsing the web, admiring images or while watching a movie.

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LG OPTIMUS 3D

Once regarded as a minor player in the mobile market in India, LG changed the game dynamics with the launch of its Optimus One. Bouncing back, the
company announced its first ever smartphone on dual-core processor, the Optimus 2x. But at the Mobile World Congress at Barcelona last month, it
surprised the world with its Optimus 3D phone. Capable of capturing Stereoscopic 3D images and videos, this phone is powered by a dual-core
processor that has double the graphics performance and up to four times video decoding power.

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INQ CLOUD TOUCH

Aircel brought the social networking phones from INQ mobile to India. This Year, the company has announced a new Android-based Facebook device -- the INQ Cloud Touch. It will feature new apps for Facebook on mobile via
rich media feeds on the homescreen. Powered by a 600 MHz processor, it will run Android v2.2 and will have instant messaging for GTalk as well as Facebook Chat.

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MOTOROLA ATRIX

This Motorola offering is one of the strongest contenders for best of breed in the super smartphone category. Boasting a 1GHz dual-core processor in combination with a 1 GB RAM, the Atrix can perform all tasks effortlessly. It aims at becoming the primary digital hub to create, edit and interact with documents, media and content. A laptop-like docking station and a webtop application have been specially designed for the Atrix. With its large screen, keyboard and trackpad, the laptop dock will provide a computer-like experience with the phone itself

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SONY ERICSSON XPERIA NEO

Besides LG, Sony Ericsson has also announced some interesting devices for the year. Riding high on the success of its Xperia series, the company will
bring a couple of smartphones on the Android operating system. The smart and bright Neo Android touch phone will be a complete multimedia device. The design element looks similar to the Vivaz launched last year and will be powered by single-core 1GHz processor and an 8 MP camera. The 3.7-inch display is scratch resistant and the phone will have the Sony Mobile Bravia Engine.

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Snack and stay slim!

Snack and stay slim!

We have not gone samosas! If you snack smartly, you can remain fit.

Contrary to what you may imagine, having little snacks between meals is a healthy habit that can help counter health issues ranging from obesity and diabetes to high blood pressure.

From a health standpoint, snacking is both healthy and essential.

It can help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar; keeps the energy levels up and mind alert.

What really matters, however, is your choice of snacks.

Make choices packed with high nutrient value such as a small bowl of channa or roast chicken sandwich made with wholewheat bread instead of the white kind.

Teenagers especially need more nutrients between school, homework, sports, and hanging out with friends as their bodies are still developing.

Women also need to eat more during pregnancy and during their monthly menstrual period as their bodies need extra nutrition at these times.

Those recovering from an illness also need to eat more protein to speed up the healing process.

Snacks are a boon for diabetics, too, as they stabilise the blood sugar level. Additional nutrients are provided by snacks that may be missing in our meals. Three meals a day must be intermingled with snacks, so that the total number of times you eat in a day becomes five.

Make the right choices

Prepare snacks well in advance. Create a variety, for munching, nibbling or simply mitigating that afternoon hunger. Once you have made a list of snacking options that appeal to you, stock up on the ingredients.

If you work in an office, buy some little boxes based on portion size, and fill these up with chopped fruit, nuts, or whatever else you feel would constitute a good snack for you. Since variety is the spice of life for most of us, change the snack menu often to ensure that boredom doesn't set in and drive you to that forbidden packet.

Healthy snacking doesn't have to be boring as long as you give yourself a variety of choices. A peanut and dry rice mixture, or cereal mix made with roasted oats, almonds and raisins can be kept in small pouches in your handbag or the drawer in the desk.

Keep plenty of fresh fruit and veggies in your fridge too, ready to grab and go. Half a cheese or peanut butter sandwich, or a handful of nuts or berries, or rice crackers are other healthy snack options.

Choose all food groups

Smart snacks are those that are trans- fat free, low in calories and in cholesterol. All the five food groups in the food pyramid should be included. To keep energy levels high and avoid weight gain, steer clear of food with lots of simple carbohydrates ( sugars) like candy bars or sodas.

Look for foods that contain complex carbohydrates like whole grain breads and cereals and combine them with protein rich snacks such as peanut butter or low fat yoghurt or cheese. The base should be rice, corn, dals, gram and wheatflour instead of white flour.

Read the labels

A granola bar is a good example of a snack that people think is healthy, but it certainly isn't useful for anyone trying to bring down their cholesterol. Although these can be a good source of certain vitamins and nutrients, many also contain a great deal of fat, including the harmful trans fat. On average, about 35 per cent of the calories in a regular granola bar come from fat. And there can be a lot of sugar in granola cereals and bars. So check the nutrition facts label on the package to be sure.

Source: www.wonderwoman.in

Top 10 Reasons of India’s Economic Growth in Recent Years

Top 10 Reasons of India’s Economic Growth in Recent Years

One of Asia’s powerhouse economies, India is continuing its current success for new activities that defines its move to be a world leader. While it may seem that others foresee the country as a third world status, it is the tenth largest economy in the entire global arena.  Principles on the free market, introduced in 1991, helped boosted the country to its status as a leader, and though there are still problems that society has to face, it is certainly one nation on the road to be an economic might.  Here are the 10 reasons to the growth the country’s economy.

1.  Foreign direct investment

When it comes to PPP or the purchasing power parity, it is the fourth largest economy. Thus, it has made the country to be a favorite foreign direct investment destination for industries like telecommunications, auto components, pharmaceuticals and information technology companies.  With the reduction of licensing requirements and the restrictions on the expansion, more FDI companies are moving towards the country.

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2. Global Trade

Previously isolated from the world markets, it opened its doors to the global trading floor in 1991, and it lead to the increase in the international trade sector. Among the top trading partners of the country includes the United States, the European Union and the UAE.

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3. Banks and financial institutions

In 1969, 14 banks were nationalized by Indira Gandhi, and this led to the requirement that 40 percent of the total net credit of the banks must be used for other industries and other sectors. Overall, this helped the country overcome certain budget issues for every sector.  In the recent decades after that, a noticeable improvement in branch delivery decreased for each and an increase in deposits overall was garnered by the institutions

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4.  Farming and agriculture

Among the industries vital to the economic growth, it is the farming and agriculture sector that seems to make an impact to the locality. India is considered as the second largest in the global market when it comes to the farm output.  The sectors of the forestry and logging together with the fishing industries have been accounted at one time to 18.6 percent of the total economic GDP.  Plus, this industry employs around 60 percent of the total workforce of the country.  Among the most popular produce of the country includes milk, cashew nuts and black pepper

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5. Increase in Outsourcing services

India is considered as one of the leaders in the outsourcing services market, and it is the driving force for hiring of new college graduates that wants to get a good career. Employment of English speaking workers is rising as the entry of foreign corporate entities into the market is also increasing.  Generally, what the industry is offering is to increase the employment rate that the country seems to be suffering from quite often.  In fact, at the latest count, the sector has helped employed around 3 million jobs in both direct and indirect opportunities.

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6. Industrial and textile industries

Factory manufacturing industries of India is considered as the 14^th top producer in the world, and this sector accounts for around 17 percent of the entire employment sectors of the country. The textile industry, itself, employs around 20 million people

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7. Employment rates increase

While the industries in the country are growing, so does the demand for the professionals that are present in every aspect. Thus, the more people are employed by the different industries, the more they can be able to contribute to the overall growth of the economy, which also affects the domestic consumption issues.

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8. Investment boost

Investments have been trigged by the domestic consumption issues, and this has led people to give focus on the real property investments, which is noted to have an average increase of 17 percent per year for the last five years.

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9. Mining

A vital element to the overall economy, the sector is essential producing around 79 different minerals that are exported all over the world. In addition, the minerals are also used in the different industries all across the country.  Among the minerals most popular for export and mined by the industry include the iron ore, manganese and limestone.

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10. Domestic consumption

Typically, a growth of the country can come from within, and India is one that speaks about domestic consumption is increasing and helping. Around 6.3 percent of the consumption factors have been used by the country to boost its current economic uses.

10 Best drinking myths debunked|Health

10 Best drinking myths debunked|Health

Ten crazy drinking stories or hangover cures that simply aren't true.

Everyone's got a drinking story and everyone's got a hangover cure - but how many of these are true? There are any number of crazy facts, figures and stories that come out while we're drinking that aren't strictly based on the truth.

In fact, most of them are made up - but it would set you in good stead to have a few of the facts so you look like the smart one next time you're down the boozer and one of your mates starts spouting off about this or that.

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Drinking coffee will sober you up

Wrong! Coffee won't sober you up because NOTHING can - you simply have to wait for your system to purge itself of alcohol. What a large dose of the black stuff will do is just make you a hyperactive drunk - and probably more annoying than you were before. And you won't be able to sleep afterwards. The theory is based on opposites - alcohol, the depressant, and coffee, the stimulant - cancelling each other out. Sadly, not true. Nor is the cold shower trick, but you could try it on one of your mates for a laugh.

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Beer bellies are caused by drinking beer

Another myth that's filtered down into popular culture. A beer belly is just the moniker given to the visceral (gut) fat build up around the middle of the body and is also referred to as the 'pot belly'. Scientists aren't sure why this happens to some people, but sitting around and eating is the general suspicion. And no, standing up and eating won't make it any better.

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Drinking destroys your brain cells

How many times did you hear that from your mum, dad or teachers when you were a kid? Interestingly enough, this myth was perpetuated by the same group who insisted that having alcohol in your blood could result in you catching fire. Thankfully, recent studies have shown that moderate (yes, moderate) consumption of alcohol can improve brain function!

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Men and women of the same size can drink the same amoun

We're all for equality over here at MSN Towers, but sorry girls - you just can't drink as much as the boys. Women have less alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes, which break down alcohol, in their blood. Thus, 'drinking like a girl' is a valid and scientifically based insult. It might be a bit mean and won't do you any favours with whoever you're chatting up though.

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Never mix the grape and the grain

My granny always advised me not to mix drinks, while pouring us both a large brandy and soda mid-afternoon ("It's six o'clock somewhere in the world," she'd always say). The truth - health experts and doctors agree that mixing your drinks won't make you any better or worse than sticking to one drink; nor will avoiding dark drinks in favour of lighter ones. The solution to not getting ill when drinking or the morning after? Don't drink to excess in the first place.

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The custom of clinking glasses was to avoid poisoning

In truth, nobody knows where the custom of clinking glasses together comes from, despite all the myths surrounding it. One idea was that to make sure your ally/partner/new acquaintance hadn't drugged your drink you would bang your glasses together, slopping some of your drink into his or hers. Another was that the loud 'clink' would serve to ward off evil spirits. The custom is far more recent than the days of scaring demons and poisoning by drink (although there was never a time when this was particularly prevalent) - and some experts believe it merely became popular because of the pleasant noise it makes.

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Alcohol makes you a better lover

Alcohol doesn't make you a better lover but it certainly makes you think you're one. It actually just has a major effect on your inhibitions, making you feel more confident and more comfortable - and prepared to go the extra mile. You'll be running round the pub chatting up girls in no time - something you'd probably never do when sober. Alcohol can have major side effects on your, ahem, performance in other areas though - slowing down the communications across your synapses and making you less able to control your physical actions.

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Taking painkillers before drinking will stop a hangover

You're probably getting the message by now - there are no hard and fast preventions or cures for hangovers. Rumours have circulated about medical students putting themselves on drips overnight to rehydrate and cleanse - but no evidence exists. The myth about aspirin preventing hangovers couldn't be further from the truth - it actually slows the rate at which your body breaks down alcohol, prolonging both the effects of being drunk and getting over it. And don't forget, the effects of an aspirin only last a few hours, not all night.

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You can beat a breathalyser test

You don't need to be told it's a bad idea to go anywhere near a car when you've been drinking - even as a passenger, as recent studies have shown they are highly likely to cause accidents when intoxicated. But whatever anyone tells you, you can't beat a breathalyser. If you've been that idiotic to get into a car and you've been stopped by the police, hold your hands up. Myths about sucking pennies, sweets - even eating your underpants as one American driver tried - won't cut it. You cannot beat a breathalyser

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Exercising on a hangover is a bad idea

This is a bit of a grey area, but exercise physiologist Giles Webster says that through mild exercise we "raise the metabolic rate and so dispose of the poisons (ie. the alcohol) more quickly". Do remember to keep your fluid (water, this time) intake up though. The headache with a hangover is reduced blood flow and spasm around your head, but mostly what makes you feel awful is your body trying to metabolise the poisons

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The wonders of cinnamon Controlling diabetes

The wonders of cinnamon Controlling diabetes

Cinnamon is one must-have spice in your kitchen. It has numerous health benefits that you can easily combine in your everyday meal.

Cinnamon and its nutrients

It has a spicy, sweet flavour, and is used to flavour a variety of savouries. Besides its fiery aroma and flavourful kick, cinnamon is loaded with numerous health benefits.

This spicy bark is a great source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese and magnesium. It also contains high amounts of vitamin-A, niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine.

Cinnamon contains loads of anti-oxidants, in addition to fibre -- that can do wonders for your body.
Health benefits of cinnamon:

Helps lower cholesterol: Studies suggest that adding half a teaspoon of cinnamon can help lower bad cholesterol, aiding your heart health.

Treating infections: Cinnamon is known to have anti-bacterial, anti-microbial properties that can help stop infections, particularly yeast infections and bacterial infections. In fact, adding cinnamon to food inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

Controlling diabetes: Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with type-2 diabetes.

Anti-clotting quality: Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

Reduce inflammation: Studies have shown that one tablespoon of cinnamon a day can help provide significant relief in arthritis pain and swelling.

Aids digestion: Cinnamon helps reduce indigestion, flatulence and nausea. The high fibre content in cinnamon can provide relief to people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Natural warmer: In winters, adding some cinnamon to your diet can help increase your body temperature.

Boosts memory: Cinnamon helps cognitive function and boots memory.

Cancer-fighting properties: Since cinnamon has both calcium and fibre, it helps remove bile (a yellow-green fluid made by the liver) and prevent one of the potential causes of colon cancer.

Advisory against cinnamon

Excessive use of cinnamon stick may cause inflammation of taste buds, gum swelling and mouth ulcers. Also some people can be allergic to cinnamon.

Source: www.mdhil.com

Top 10 Best Canada Day Gifts|Greeting cards,Fridge magnet for wife

Top 10 Best Canada Day Gifts|Greeting cards,Fridge magnet for wife

Hey Guys, so it’s Canada Day near and I have this amazing list about the top 10 gifts that you can give to your family and friends this Canada day. Canada Day is the day full of love, joy and patriotism. And when you have your family and friends not just around but far away then you can be together by sharing small gifts to remember them on the Holiday.
So let me proceed with the list, I am sure you will like it

T-shirts

Flag painted t-shirts or different things painted on a tank are perfect gifts for this particular day. The t shirts especially designed for the event no doubt look awesome. Even baby t shirts are also available in which they look adorable.

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Badges

Badges are one of the traditional ways of celebrating a patriotic and joyful day. So you can gift a Canada Day badge to your family and friends on this Canada Day

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Self-made cap

You can knit a perfect cap or can purchase a cap with Canada’s flag painted on it. It also looks cool and is among the perfect options for Canada Day

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Greeting cards

Either you can send a purchased greeting card or you can make a handmade greeting card this Canada Day. Your loved ones will love it!

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Fridge magnet for wife

Fridge magnets are always a best way to say things to your wife, well you can get a fridge magnet especially for this holiday for your wife.

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Personalized mug

A mug with flag or anything related to this particular event will be a great option for a gift which is not expensive but of a great use.

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Key chains

Key chains with Canada’s flag can be a reasonable gift for this particular event.

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Hand bags

Hand bags are of a great use, but if you gift a handbag particularly for the Canada Day, then it will be an awesome gift which can be used in our daily lives.

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iPhone 4 Case

You can now gift an iPhone Case especially for this particular day, the person you gift it will surely love it!

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Family hangout at an event

There is not any gift that one can give other than a family get-together, you can hang out and enjoy the events and fireworks of this holiday together and make it memorable.

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Six Laptop Brands under Rs.45,000 that you could buy for college | Review

For those with ‘good news’ at the end of the college admissions season starts an entirely new and bigger phase of money-bleeding — for paying tuition fees, living expenses and buying that inseparable appendage of modern education: the Laptop.

Believe it or not, the laptop will be both the source of stress as well as its antidote in college. When you are not using the laptop for rigorous class assignments and presentations, it will be your all-in-one tool for watching movies, playing games, haunting social networking sites and staying in touch with your near and dear ones.

We looked up some of the best college-friendly laptops out there in the market and are briefly reviewing them for you. But before we begin, some de-jargonizing of typical computer terminology is in order.

The Processor

It being the brain of the computer, we suggest you opt for the most powerful multiple core processors for the best computing performance. 'The more the merrier' couldn't have been more applicable than while selecting processors. Look out for the generation of the processor as your laptop's efficiency depends on it. You can find out the generation of the processor by simply looking at its code. A code that read like 2xxx, means that the processor belongs to Intel's latest 'second-generation' of processors. These line of processors offer better graphics and video processing capabilities while consuming lesser power over its first generation counterparts. Your laptop will thus work for longer hours.

Here is how to interpret a processor's nomenclature. Suppose a processor is named 'Intel Core i3-380M Processor (2.53GHz, 4 Threads, 3M cache)'. Then,

i3-380m is the processor code. This is an Intel first-generation core processor (a second generation processor will have codes along the lines of 2xxx, for example '2130').

2.53 GHz is the clock Speed; higher this number, better the performance.

4 Threads indicates the multitasking capabilities of your processor. The more the number of threads, better the processor.

3M Cache - the L3 (Level 3) Cache Memory of the CPU.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The higher the RAM, the lesser a computer's tendency to hang while you multitask between multiple software applications. For a new laptop, a DDR3 RAM of 3GB is sufficient for running Windows 7 and other ancillary applications that you will use extensively in your b-school curriculum. We are talking about applications such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS or Minitab. Make sure that the RAM in you laptop is upgradeable, as you never know when you might want to pimp the machine up.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A GPU in a laptop is quite like the power-windows feature in a car: it is good if you have one, but it is not necessary. Most modern processors powering today's laptops have an in-built GPU which allows them to produce decent graphics. But if you would like to use your laptop for high-end gaming or watching high-definition movies, you should consider adding an external GPU. You will have to shell out more, but it will significantly enhance your gaming and multimedia experience. Oh and yes, GPUs tend to be battery drainers and cause laptops to heat up. So do look up reviews of the particular GPU model on the Internet before buying the laptop.

But if you're going to largely keep your laptop usage limited to b-school-related software and watching standard quality movies, you can give an external GPU a miss.

Make sure your laptop has a VGA-out port. You will need it to connect to projectors for showing those dazzling Picasso-shaming Powerpoint presentations that you will subject your professors to.

After-sales Service

To limit the damage caused by malfunctions for a longer period of time, opt for the 'extended manufacturer warranty' at an additional cost. Ask your seniors how good their service experience has been with various brands in the city your b-school is situated in.

Onwards ho to the laptops. We are suggesting a few laptops priced below Rs 45,000 for,

1. Running academics-related software

2. Watching movies in hi-definition and

3. Playing the occasional game (like Need For Speed (NFS), Grand Theft Auto (GTA), CounterStrike, Warcraft III, etc)

Best Laptops under Rs 45,000 for Indian college students

#5 Acer AS4820TG - 5463G50Mnks

Specifications:

Processor: Intel i5-460M - 2.53 Ghz 3M Cache

RAM: 3 GB DDR3 (Upgradable to 8 GB)

Hard disk: 500 GB SATA 5400 Rpm

Screen Size: 14' Active Matrix TFT Colour LCD Resoultion: 1366 x 768

GPU: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 1 GB

OS: Genuine 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium

Weight: 2.20 kg

Price: Rs 42,500-ish

The goods: Fast processor, ample HDD space, very good GPU, Windows 7 home premium (better multimedia capabilities), Thin and light form factor.

The bads: Better deals available at lower prices, glossy screen makes it difficult to see in the sun.

Why is it here?

This is is a good laptop which can easily transform from a business laptop to a gaming one. However it is a little too pricey for its configuration as you will find out.

#4 Dell Inspiron 14R New Laptop

Specifications

Processor: Intel Core I3-380m (2.53 GHz, 4 Threads, 3M)

RAM: 4GB DDR3

Hard disk: 500 GB SATA 5400 Rpm

Screen Size: 14? (35.6cm) HD WLED Glossy Display with TrueLife™ (1366×768)

GPU: Intel HD Graphics

OS: Genuine Windows 7 Home Basic SP1 64bit (English)

Weight: 2.25 kg.

Price: Rs 34,400-ish.

Pros: RAM, and HDD, lower price, easily portable (14'' screen). Accidental Damage cover by Dell in the warranty period, which can be extended to second year at an extra cost of Rs 3235. Recommended if there is almost no need for gaming and/or viewing HD content.

Cons: No GPU, basic 1st generation i3 processor.

Why is it here?

This is a laptop that is purely for people who are looking for something that matches the rigours of a curriculum; nothing more, nothing less. This laptop can easily take the load of the applications needed in the MBA course, but might tire out if used for gaming or extensive multimedia. Recommended if you absolutely do not need a laptop for gaming or viewing HD content.

#3 Hewlett-Packard HP G6-1017TU

Specifications

Processor: Intel Core i5-2410M (2.30GHz, 4 threads, turbo boost up to 2.93 Ghz, 3M cache)

RAM: 4 GB DDR3 (Upgradable to 8 GB)

HDD: 320GB SATA 5400 Rpm

Screen Size: 15.6? (39.6cm) HD LED HP BrightView Display (1366×768)

GPU: Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Internal)

OS: Genuine Windows 7 Home Basic SP1 64bit (English)

Weight: 2.4 kg

Price: Rs 40,500

Pros: 2nd Gen i5 processor (fast, really), decent RAM.

Cons: No separate GPU.

Why is it here?

A very well-rounded package for business needs, with a fast processor and ample RAM. Well suited for delivering rich multimedia experience coupled with superb performance in routine tasks. The lack of a separate GPU means that avid gamers might want to look for some other options, but it can handle casual games quite well with Intel HD Graphics 3000 integrated GPU.

#3 Lenovo IdeaPad Z570 59-067847

Specifications

Processor: Intel Core i5-2410M (2.30GHz, 4 threads, turbo boost up to 2.93Ghz, 3M cache)

RAM: 4 GB DDR3 (Upgradable to 8 GB)

HDD: 640GB SATA 5400 Rpm

Screen Size: 15.6 HD LED Glare (1366×768)

GPU: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000

OS: Win7 Home Premium( 64 Bits)

Weight: 2.5 kg

Price: Rs 40,990+tax

Pros: Good processor, RAM and HDD config, Windows 7 Home Premium

Cons: Price, absence of a separate GPU will cause problems for gamers.

Why is it here?

This model has slight edge over the Hewlett Packard HP G6-1017TU as it offers an additional 320GB HDD space and Windows 7 Home premium, which offer better multimedia capabilities over Windows 7 Home Basic. But because of its price the Lenovo ties with HP for #3.

#2 Lenovo IdeaPad Z570 59-069600

Specifications

Processor: Intel Core i3-2310M (2.10 GHz 3M cache)

RAM: 4GB DDR3 (Upgradable to 8 GB)

HDD: 640GB SATA 5400 Rpm

Screen Size: 14? (35.6cm) Widescreen HD WLED Glossy Display with TrueLife™ (1366×768)

GPU: Nvidia GeForce GT 520M - 1GB

OS: Genuine Windows 7 Home Basic SP1 64-bit (English)

Weight: 2.6 kg

Price: Rs 38,990+tax

Pros: 2nd Gen i3 processor, ample RAM and HDD space, and a separate GPU too!

Cons: The processor could have been faster, like a first generation i-5.

Why is it here?

A gaming laptop, akin to the #1, albeit with slightly downscaled performance parameters. However, the price is lower as well.

The only difference between this and the #1 laptop is the processor. The i3 second generation here, we feel is slightly underpowered. Both of them are at par as far as graphics is concerned with Lenovo's Nvidia 520M only slightly losing out. However with Nvidia's optimizer solution Optimus, the GPU power consumption is regulated for giving an optimum battery life. All in all a very good buy. Let us say Lenovo lost in a photo finish.

#1 Dell Inspiron 14R

Specifications

Processor: Intel Core i5-480M (2.66GHz, 4Threads, turbo boost up to 2.93Ghz, 3M cache)

RAM: 4 GB DDR3 (Upgradable to 8 GB)

HDD: 320GB SATA 5400 Rpm

Screen Size: 14? (35.6cm) Widescreen HD WLED Glossy Display with TrueLife™ (1366×768)

GPU: ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 5650 - 1GB

OS: Genuine Windows 7 Home Basic SP1 64bit (English)

Weight: 2.25 kg

Price: Rs 40,626 for this configuration, Rs 35,400 without Graphics card and 3 GB RAM.

Pros: Everything. Accidental Damage cover by Dell in the warranty period, which can be extended to second year at an extra cost of Rs 3235..

Cons: HDD space could've been larger.

Why is it here?

An i5 processor with 4GB RAM, coupled with a high-mid range separate GPU we guess that the configuration speaks volumes. And as stated earlier, Dell is known to have a superb after-sales service. It edges out the Lenovo Ideapad Z570 mainly because of its processor and its graphics handling capabilities are far better than the others in this range. The best laptop at this price, for b-school requirements, high definition movie watching and occasional gaming.

PS: For people willing to put a graphics card in their laptops and run the machine for more than 12 hours a day, you might want to invest in a laptop cooling stand. And if you want to use/play unplugged, a 9-cell battery would take care of the extra power consumption.

PPS: Apple makes excellent laptops. It's just that they never bother to come down to this price range.

Advisory

We have observed some people considering the Apple iPad or other tablet devices as a substitute for a full-fledged laptop. If you ask us, tablets such as the iPad or the Blackberry Playbook have not been designed and are not intended to replace a laptop. So please don't think of the iPad as a substitute to a laptop. Tablets for now are niche media consumption devices not geared up for complex spreadsheet or presentation-creating activities.