Back in the technologically impaired time stratum of 2001, Apple released their first iPod – an invention which macadamized and out-sparked a revolution in the way which people listened to music on-the-go. The concept seemed odd from the loud clanking spins of our CD players and the variable MP3 options available that were charging too high for quality that was simply too low. This CD player was history. This first generation iPod was a primitive device compared to the iPod of today but it paved the way for the basic design which has allowed Apple to create this extraordinary product that has moved way beyond the basics of listening to music but instead given a minicomputer that includes vast amounts of features and options that keeps it ahead of the curve. From the first moment that the iPod Touch is turned on, it gives the sense of having many hidden talents which will still only be found after a few weeks of getting used to all the features it possesses. It is simply a remarkable piece of hardware that is incredibly easy to use and has an impeccable design.

The sleek design of the iPod Touch is only amplified by the magnificently compact packaging it comes in hosting: the instruction manual, earphones, connecting/charging cable and the actual iPod Touch all in a 12cm x 7cm x 2.5cm box, confusing at first as to where all the cables and manuals are until the under-professionals discovered, effulgent of a professional product before it has even been switched on. The iPod Touch itself is extremely thin and while this also makes it very lightweight, it has a good feel to it so it never gives the impression of being a flimsy product. The reverse also encompasses the brilliantly polished metal backing which most recent Apple devices have mostly. This sleekness comes at a certain cost as after daily use it becomes badly scratched and marked with fingerprints which is disappointing but fortunately the same cannot be said for the front screen which holds its appearance remarkably well.

Inside the iPod Touch is the Apple A4 processor which is a very efficient processor, keeping everything running smoothly even when there is a lot of multitasking going on while also not causing a large drain on the battery. With an equally formidable processor, the PowerVR SGX GPU 535 allows games on the app store to be run very smoothly with high quality graphics and the 256MB of RAM is an additional exceptional feature, all concluding to ensure there is never any problems with the iPod Touch struggling to keep up to speed.

The immediate reaction when the iPod Touch is switched on is how responsive the 3.5 inch retina display screen is for the touch screen controls for whatever they are being used, which is a credit to Apple to keep up the consistency of a newly perfected technology. There are never any problems in usability or the fluidity of the touch controls and the retina display screen keeps everything very sharp and fresh which makes the iPod Touch enjoyable to use while being extremely functional. The standard applications that are already pre-installed include: Camera, YouTube, Maps, Clock, Calendar, Calculator, Contacts, Game Center, Photos, FaceTime, Stocks, Weather and Notes which provide a large variety of features that are useful for whatever purpose the iPod Touch was bought for. The other two icons which are immediately noticable on the main screen are the App Store and iTunes, both these are vast databases and each provide near endless possibilities for everyone’s needs. iTunes has masses of music but the range also stretches to podcasts, audio books and videos whereas the App Store has thousands of different applications for whatever extra you might want your iPod Touch to be able to do whether it is playing games, listening to radio stations or just simply checking your battery level in a graphic format. A wide array of premium content offerings in addition to a plethora of free downloads makes the possibilities endless. Let us not dapper beyond the point, the central main point being about consumer purchase. The whole point of buying an iPod Touch is to listen to music and Apple has gone with an extremely simple approach to this concept and kept most menus and such to a minimum which gets the user quickly to grips with it and creates no fuss. All the usual functions are provided such as shuffle, repeat, skipping tracks aswell as a slider for ease of changing the volume up or down which is useful. The iPod Touch also allows further mobility as the internet can be accessed through Wi-Fi which is constantly strong and allows multimedia to be sent through Bluetooth. Bluetooth does seem to have one particular and disappointing caveat: it only works with signals from other Apple products which is actually the biggest weakness of the product as only Bluetooth signals from other Apple products, a monopolization and definitely an area where Apple should look to improve in the future if it truly wants to extend open source communication in a technically apt society.

A multimedia player with a vast amount of features is the kind of product you are after, the Apple iPod Touch stops the long-awaited search by 2011 shoppers this year. The Apple iPod Touch has something for everyone and does the primary job of being a music player to a very high standard. There is really nothing much else to say about how the iPod Touch handles itself. An adept piece of hardware with incredible software inside which all adds up to being a must have product is simply something which should find itself above everyone’s past MP3 players this year and we cannot praise Apple enough for how this device has turned out and delivered exceptionally well to higher standards.

Long ago, there was a time when 64 KB memory architecture was king and when analog computers were hailed as the premiere of the league. Innovations, however, remain endless in this industry. The Apple iPad is simply the culmination of a group of genius’ that took the ARM architecture and infused it with the SoC (system on chip) technique to deliver an experience that is new, exciting, and undeniably fresh. With a strong suite of products to fit anyone and everyone, and incredible developer support of tools and new innovation each and every day, the Apple iPad 64 GB shows us that it is okay to no longer need our laptops. The compendium of laptop dwellers no longer have to feel boiling heat on the steeps of their laps to feel like they accomplished something. The Apple iPad 64 GB is a device that is simply unheralded in both applicability, design, and most of all usability.

The Apple iPad 64 GB has an enigmatic yet brilliant design that makes us wonder why this did not happen sooner from Apple. In its simplicity, the crux substance design comes to the thin elegance and the brilliant innovation of the oleophobic coated LED-backlit IPS screen. The screen is 9.7 inches measured diagonally and measures smaller than a magazine while only weighing 1.5 pounds and .5 inches thin.  The Wi-Fi + 3G model comes a little thicker than the Wi-Fi only models but remains just as thin and less burdensome. The curve of the brushed steel on the back allows the device to comfortably sit in your hands without feeling too glacé. For recycling enthusiasts, and for unaware people across the world, most screens use heavier alkali metal bases to form the thin film between the monitor and the lighting or the LCD. Some of these screens can contain polivynl chloride, Mercury, Arsenic, or even B Flame Retardants that can be hazardous to the environment. Apple is not only taking initiative to the productivity of the screen itself for consumers, but furthering the stance to not pollute the environment in cases where the screens need to be replaced and disposed. The Apple iPad’s design shows any and everyone that simplicity in appearance outdoes the limiting factor to the purchasing things based on appearance, and shifts the focus to the real productivity of the core Operating System.

The substance of the core operating system revolves around the new A4 microcontroller innovation and begins the journey for enthusiasts worldwide. The A4 45-nm chip inside the Apple iPad 64 GB was custom-designed by Apple engineers to be tremendously powerful yet extremely power efficient. The performance is undoubtedly fast. While we wanted to see the Cortex A9-MP Core being utilized in terms of the possibilities of speed, the technology tradeoff undoubtedly seems to relate to the reality of battery life. The Cortex A8 ARM specific architecture at just a single core shows the magnitude of the Package on Package (PoP) design that has been heralded worldwide by engineers since Q4 2009, all of which makes Apple iPad 64 GB Wi-Fi + 3G fantastic for everything from productivity apps to games and far beyond the expectations of a glorified tablet.

The Apple iPad reveals the onset of a new era from the beginning of the shooting-stars background and the inception of the Apple logo on startup. The touch based controls are fluid and easy to use. Universal to all applications, the controls remain static and feel just as dynamic as the discovery of multi-touch based interfaces itself. Safari, Apples moniker for their browser, controls with the sliding of fingers to and away from each other for zooming in and zooming out chronically. The exceptionally coherent overlay of the design rests on the suite of applications possible. The default applications includes: Contacts, Calendar, Browser, iTunes, Mail, Photos, iPod, Notes, Maps, YouTube, and most importantly unlimited possibilities through developer supported App Store. The Multi-Touch screen on Apple iPad is based on the same as that on the iPhone. The technology has been completely reengineered for the larger Apple iPad surface, making it precise and responsive. So whether you are deleting an e-mail, looking at photos, or searching through the internet with Safari, the Apple iPad 64 GB Wi-Fi + 3G takes you there with incredible accuracy.

Any system starts with the basics, but few make the basics work well.  The default set of applications for the Apple iPad 64 GB provides an extensive array of easy to use tools that make use of an incredible powerhouse. Mail is incredibly exciting with the sent sounds of breezes and the pings of receiving mail. If connected to the Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, you can choose to either update both sent mails to the server and the Apple iPad itself in the same folder as the server default, or create a separate folder just for Apple iPad sent mails that are also updated to the server.  iTunes allows purchases of albums on the go either from 3Gor wireless. There is no waiting and any purchases are later transferred over to iTunes and can easily be backed up. iTune offers a way to back up your iTunes library, playlists, and iTunes Store purchases (including Applications purchased from the App Store) using the Back Up to Disc feature saves your media to a blank disc (CD or DVD) and once backed up, iTunes can use your backup disc to automatically restore your iTunes library and device. Maps is relatively straightforward, however, there have been some offset problems experienced in terms of the Skyhook services for Wi-Fi capability finder. The suite of application stretch onto the notables, but in particular one we are fond of that is not included as the basic toolset is the iBooks application. The application creates a beautiful shelf layout with book titles and supports not just protected E-Publications, but also unprotected E-Publications and purchasing books from the Bookstore is easy and simply stunning that needs to be experienced by anyone that will go out today and pick up an Apple iPad 64 GB Wi-Fi + 3G.

The battery life of the Apple iPad 64 GB Wi-Fi + 3G is incredible no matter what anyone does and remains to be very efficient unlike a similarly thin Macbook Air. While the Apple engineers took the same lithium-polymer battery technology they developed for Mac notebook computers and applied it to the Apple iPad 64 GB Wi-Fi + 3G, they were sure not to make the dangerous mistake of going with the Macbook Air design. With the Screen Sleep/Wake feature with the top button, battery is hardly used even if the device is technically still powered on. We did a series of battery stretch tests to see just how well the battery handles on load and idle sleep capacity. We left the battery untouched while doing nothing, and while constantly looping music at Apple Lossless. Noticeably, the iPad lasted literally more than 24 hours with depleting less than ¼ of the power indicator. On load while browsing videos constantly and having music play with the screen set to full brightness, the iPad lasted more than 14 hours in our tests, 4 hours more than Apple’s own humble results. Keep in mind, that these results an battery life depends on device settings, usage, and many other factors. Battery tests are conducted using specific iPad units and as such actual results may vary.

In terms of the core Wi-Fi capability and the 3G bands, the iPad performs exceptionally for a few things. The 3G capability of the iPad in a 4G evolving world is interesting to ponder, but phone usage will always remain with the iPhone and further mobile-only devices. The 3G channel method access supports IMT-DS air interface CDMA primarily in UMTS and GSM/EDGE on the typical quadband support from 810 to 1900 MHz. Wi-Fi has N capability (47Mbps+). We had a chance to test this out and for the most part achieved an optimal speed of 30 Mbps using a HD speed test, but the speeds for Wi-Fi definitely seemed a bit erratic and problematic at times, which can definitely be a detriment to a product that bases itself on these types of connections.

The primary concern anyone with an iPad has is which accessory to buy when it comes to screen protection. The answer? None.  The fact of the matter is that Apple has built this screen and product, like all products, to be resistant to hairline scratches. In order to make a scratch to begin with, people need to apply a strong enough force to breach the coating to begin. The best accessory any Apple iPad owner can buy for themselves is the Apple iPad Case. The brushed metallic back seems to be more prone to scratching due to the dock connector port and the weirdly offset connector port at the bottom of the iPad which is shifted to the left a bit and hence making an easier fit difficult. With soft microfiber interior and reinforced panels to provide structure, the iPad Case is the perfect way to carry around your iPad. The Apple iPad Case also acts as a stand that holds iPad at an ideal angle for watching videos and slideshows or for typing on the onscreen keyboard. After prolonged use the case might tend to fall down, but a simple flattening of the base while the iPad is in use should alleviate the issue.

The Apple iPad is revolutionary, innovative in application, contemporary futuristic by design, and undeniably subversive to being glorious. Even though the Apple iPad comes with its shares of little issues and quirks with Wi-Fi, Mail Settings, and dock port placement, it remains a stunning stroke of ingenuity and illustrious design. We can continue to speak about the vast array of applications that further make the iPad incredible, but that is beside the point. The central focus being that anyone and everyone remotely interested in the iPad should get one and experience their own reason for why the iPad is incredible.

Intel recently launched the Nehalem based Core i7 as in their 7th architectural generation this year. A name that will catch on quickly and you will get used to it just as quickly as well. These Core i7’s work great, but the question on everyone’s minds is: are they any better than the Quad’s and are they furthermore worth it? The answer to come. For now let’s outline the general assumptions and expectations for the purpose of something that Intel always heralds as new: high quality parts, great efficiency, and dependable inextricable power.

As anyone who would read our reviews knows, we love plain and simple for the simple fact that beautiful things at most times come in very simple ways. “Experience the power of V8” is a daring phrase that Coolermaster takes to use in their new cooler, but it’s one that pays off. With a great cooling capacity for the CPU and reliability with support strength, the Coolermaster V8 is a cooler to be reckoned with in a sea where CPU heatsinks are far from few. While support is a great factor of reliability, the mount solutions prove troublesome at times where it requires the end-user to practically remove the entire motherboard for maintenance purposes. Thankfully with efficiency, maintenance is not needed in such a top-tier level.

Packaging & Accessories

The packaging does not clutter and simply focuses on the actual functions of the unit: to cool. “Experience the power of V8” reminds anyone of a revved up engine that is there to do a powerful job. Above the slogan, you are also going to see that the cooler is rated to cool 180W, more than enough for your overclocked CPU! When you take a look at the back of the cooler you will find all of the specifications for the Cooler Master V8 CPU Cooler, along with the main features Cooler Master wants you to know about. Not much more can be said of the package other than there is no marketing gimmick here.

What’s that? Wait..it is…it is a QX9770. Yorkfield didn’t see this coming. Full of life and energy, it is time for the QX9770 Core 2 Extreme to take the spotlight in the public’s gleaning and teary eyes. Get ready to make this baby your pride as it can handle all your gaming and application needs to the fullest. People go from processor to processor, question to question, only to end up on the same conclusion from their demands: What’s the CPU that can deliver the best possible experience for someone with my needs? Something that works for me? The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 speeds in at 3.2 GHz with a 1600MHz FSB to the rescue! Whether you are the most demanding of users, or one that just wants every bang for his/her buck, the QX9770 delivers without a problem.

Placing the CPU in to the LGA775 socket, you can feel the connection you just made with your computer to give it the best in its digital lifespan. The 45nm manufacturing technology allows for a vibrant burst of life from the processing unit, and then comes the Windows screen. Where’d it go? What the heck? Exactly. It’s just that fast. We could barely catch the loading screen as the energy elixir was being effused into our motherboard from this processor. The CPU-Z shows a beautiful speed of 3.2GHz at a rated FSB of 1600FSB. A hidden feature of these processors, for those of you who do not know, is that the multiplier is unlocked up until 31. Actually getting there is a whole another matter. With the processor from the Core 2 Extreme series, this should not get you sweating.

]]> http://whatifgaming.com/intel-qx9770-review-feel-the-surge/feed 28 http://whatifgaming.com/show-me-the-change-intel-q9300-review http://whatifgaming.com/show-me-the-change-intel-q9300-review#comments Wed, 28 May 2008 00:55:44 +0000 Usman Ihtsham http://whatifgaming.com/?p=944 York. Field. Yorkfield. The Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 processor is the sexy, sleek, new 45nm quad-core ‘Yorkfield’ termed processor. It is also the entry level 45nm quad-core processor, which is followed in towards a low price point. Even though it’s a bit pricey at ~$300, the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 puts a race compared to the $240 AMD Phenom 9850 quad-core processor. The Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 Processor is everywhere. No, seriously. Take a look. There’s bundles this, bundles that…DDR2 this with that, that OCZ with this that this this that. You get the idea. Good. So, what’s a person like you to do in such a haze like this? Read our review, of course! Intel’s latest addition to the Core 2 Quad family built using Intel’s 45nm technology gives that hafnium-infused circuitry the electron pumping power it’s always been seeking since 65nm.

The Yorkfield processor is efficient and doesn’t give headaches when it comes time to boot up. We can see our the processor is identified at 2.50 GHz along with a 1333MHz FSB and 6MB L2 cache (12MB shared). At first look, the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 is a decent overclocker, with a 7.5 multiplier (333MHz FSB x 7.5 multiplier = 2.5GHz). Even if it’s low, the FSB will have to be increased beyond 450MHz to break the 3.5GHz mark. Prep the liquid cooling. Now there are 2 ways of looking at this. If you have a dilapidated motherboard combined with a great processor such as this one, it needs FSB speeds above 450MHz that can give the system a good huff of smoke. If you increase the FSB to 400MHz that will make the CPU 3.0GHz, which is more than enough for common applications. But that’s yet to be seen.

All testing was done on Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit. All benchmarks were completed on the desktop with no other software programs running. All of the modules were run in dual channel mode with a 120mm fan placed on top of them to keep them cool. The XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB used NVIDIA ForceWare 169.28 video card drivers and the ASUS P5E3 motherboard using BIOS version 1009, which was the most recent available when testing was done. The AMD Phenom test system was done on the MSI K9A2 Platinum motherboard with BIOS v1.4 installed along with ATI system driver version 8.452.

Sandra XII SP1 showed that the Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 has decent memory bandwidth, but with just a 1066MHz FSB the DDR3 memory is operating at 1066MHz with CL7 timings. This is not enough to compete with the other platforms at higher memory frequencies.

With stock BIOS settings, the Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 runs with a 266MHz bus speed and has a 9.5 multiplier that are used to reach the final core clock of 2.53GHz. As you can see above, the ASUS P5E3 Deluxe motherboard FSB runs at 267.3MHz, so right out of the box we were running slighty higher than this at 2.54GHz. Overall, something truly remarkable.