THE BEST GPS DEVICES

MIO NAVMAN575

The Navman575 has a large screen, but no live services and no local search –an unwise omission when some

cheaper models include it.You do get free traffic alerts, safety caminfo and quick re-routing, though.

Pre-loaded European maps look mighty fine on the 4.7-inch, 480x272- pixel screen and a simple, colourful menu allows for easy navigation in every sense.The Mio learns your driving style over time and changes routes accordingly, and though it lacks the extra features of the more expensive models on test, it is a respectable budget option.

TOMTOM GO LIVE 1000

The 1000 is a polished satnav with one of the most responsive screens on test –all 4.3 inches of it.As you’d expect at this price the mapping is speedy and accurate.TomTom throws in speed camera info and its LIVE services, including HDTraffic –which offers often very accurate traffic updates, time delay estimates and alternate routes –Google Local Search and the ability to filemap corrections on the device.The first year’s LIVE services are free and cost £47.50 thereafter. TomTom’s IQ Routes has a tendency to go for the more scenic option, but this is still the best all-round satnav here.

NAVIGON 40 PREMIUM LIVE 

Navigon’s live services include Google Local Search, real-time traffic updates, safety cam info and Clever Parking,which finds you a space in packed multi-storeys. You also get weather and European map updates

via a rather ugly external module. The first 15 months is free and it’s £40 a year from then.

The Premium Live is feature-packed but the user interface is tricky, with small buttons that are lost on the 4.3-inch screen and sluggish zoom controls.The GPS routing is very good however, with lane assistance making negotiating nasty junctions a breeze.

GARMIN NÜ VI 3790T

Thinner than an iPhone 4, the Nü vi 3790T is unobtrusive and easily stowed in a pocket with a bright and responsive 4.3-inch, 800x400-pixel screen.You get a lifetime of freeTMC traffic updates via an external receiver but no live services –a rather notable omission given the Nü vi’s price tag. The 3790T provides reliably accurate mapping,while the Photo-Real function displays junctions as you see them, making it easier tospot your turning. In short: stylish and capable but expensive and lacking features.

VEXIA 480

Vexia aims to save you money on your fuel bill. Select your vehicle from the 11,000 that Vexia recognises and the 480 will track how efficient your driving is –whether you brake too much or pull too many doughnuts. It’s a worthy aim, but the 4.3-inch, 480x372- pixel screen lacks clarity and maps are sometimes difficult to follow due to all the helpful ecothemed hints cluttering the display. There are no traffic jam-busting features or Bluetooth either. If you drive long distances regularly, the Econav could save you money, but is it worth it?

THE BEST GPS DEVICES

MIO NAVMAN575

The Navman575 has a large screen, but no live services and no local search –an unwise omission when some

cheaper models include it.You do get free traffic alerts, safety caminfo and quick re-routing, though.

Pre-loaded European maps look mighty fine on the 4.7-inch, 480x272- pixel screen and a simple, colourful menu allows for easy navigation in every sense.The Mio learns your driving style over time and changes routes accordingly, and though it lacks the extra features of the more expensive models on test, it is a respectable budget option.

TOMTOM GO LIVE 1000

The 1000 is a polished satnav with one of the most responsive screens on test –all 4.3 inches of it.As you’d expect at this price the mapping is speedy and accurate.TomTom throws in speed camera info and its LIVE services, including HDTraffic –which offers often very accurate traffic updates, time delay estimates and alternate routes –Google Local Search and the ability to filemap corrections on the device.The first year’s LIVE services are free and cost £47.50 thereafter. TomTom’s IQ Routes has a tendency to go for the more scenic option, but this is still the best all-round satnav here.

NAVIGON 40 PREMIUM LIVE 

Navigon’s live services include Google Local Search, real-time traffic updates, safety cam info and Clever Parking,which finds you a space in packed multi-storeys. You also get weather and European map updates

via a rather ugly external module. The first 15 months is free and it’s £40 a year from then.

The Premium Live is feature-packed but the user interface is tricky, with small buttons that are lost on the 4.3-inch screen and sluggish zoom controls.The GPS routing is very good however, with lane assistance making negotiating nasty junctions a breeze.

GARMIN NÜ VI 3790T

Thinner than an iPhone 4, the Nü vi 3790T is unobtrusive and easily stowed in a pocket with a bright and responsive 4.3-inch, 800x400-pixel screen.You get a lifetime of freeTMC traffic updates via an external receiver but no live services –a rather notable omission given the Nü vi’s price tag. The 3790T provides reliably accurate mapping,while the Photo-Real function displays junctions as you see them, making it easier tospot your turning. In short: stylish and capable but expensive and lacking features.

VEXIA 480

Vexia aims to save you money on your fuel bill. Select your vehicle from the 11,000 that Vexia recognises and the 480 will track how efficient your driving is –whether you brake too much or pull too many doughnuts. It’s a worthy aim, but the 4.3-inch, 480x372- pixel screen lacks clarity and maps are sometimes difficult to follow due to all the helpful ecothemed hints cluttering the display. There are no traffic jam-busting features or Bluetooth either. If you drive long distances regularly, the Econav could save you money, but is it worth it?

MOTOACTV _Review Gps_Watch

It's official, Motorola's just officially unveiled Motoactv,fusing music and fitness,The little running mate sports a 600MHz processor, runs Android and weighs a healthy 35 grams. MOTOACTV can track every part of your workout using Accusense Technology and a GPS. As you puch yourself, this smart music player will create play Iists while it also records your time, distance, pace, and calories burned. Built tough, MOTOACTV is ideal for multiple sports, such as running, biking, or working out at the gym. It also offers FM radio and audio "coaching," which updates on pace and distance.

MOTOACTV _Review Gps_Watch

It's official, Motorola's just officially unveiled Motoactv,fusing music and fitness,The little running mate sports a 600MHz processor, runs Android and weighs a healthy 35 grams. MOTOACTV can track every part of your workout using Accusense Technology and a GPS. As you puch yourself, this smart music player will create play Iists while it also records your time, distance, pace, and calories burned. Built tough, MOTOACTV is ideal for multiple sports, such as running, biking, or working out at the gym. It also offers FM radio and audio "coaching," which updates on pace and distance.

Itwin usb

iTwin doesn't rely on a remote server farm to store your files and a password-protected web interface or software package to access them.

It consists of a pair of identical USB dongles; plug each one into a different internet-connected computer and install the included drivers. Each computer then has a pair of virtual disks accessible from within Windows Explorer: Local Files and Remote Files. Any files copied to the Local Files disk on one computer can be accessed from the other computer through its Remote Files disk, and vice versa. This connection works as long as each computer has its iTwin dongle connected.

Although iTwin requires that both computers are connected to the internet, files are encrypted and transferred directly between the two. Files are stored on iTwin's relay servers only temporarily in case of adverse network conditions. Since iTwin relies on your computers to store files, there's no storage limit. The only limit to the number of files you can share is the size of the hard disk on each PC.

If an iTwin dongle is lost, disconnect the other dongle to prevent unauthorised access to your files. If you want to guard against unauthorised data access, you can set a password on the iTwin; this means files can be accessed only if you have both the dongle and password. The password can also be used to disable a dongle remotely. iTwin won't suit everyone. It doesn't work with Macs, Linux or any smartphone/tablet operating systems. It also won't work if you want to share files between more than two computers at once. Still, if you're concerned about privacy and you don't want another set of passwords to remember, iTwin is a good alternative to more conventional online storage and remote access services.

Itwin usb

iTwin doesn't rely on a remote server farm to store your files and a password-protected web interface or software package to access them.

It consists of a pair of identical USB dongles; plug each one into a different internet-connected computer and install the included drivers. Each computer then has a pair of virtual disks accessible from within Windows Explorer: Local Files and Remote Files. Any files copied to the Local Files disk on one computer can be accessed from the other computer through its Remote Files disk, and vice versa. This connection works as long as each computer has its iTwin dongle connected.

Although iTwin requires that both computers are connected to the internet, files are encrypted and transferred directly between the two. Files are stored on iTwin's relay servers only temporarily in case of adverse network conditions. Since iTwin relies on your computers to store files, there's no storage limit. The only limit to the number of files you can share is the size of the hard disk on each PC.

If an iTwin dongle is lost, disconnect the other dongle to prevent unauthorised access to your files. If you want to guard against unauthorised data access, you can set a password on the iTwin; this means files can be accessed only if you have both the dongle and password. The password can also be used to disable a dongle remotely. iTwin won't suit everyone. It doesn't work with Macs, Linux or any smartphone/tablet operating systems. It also won't work if you want to share files between more than two computers at once. Still, if you're concerned about privacy and you don't want another set of passwords to remember, iTwin is a good alternative to more conventional online storage and remote access services.

Kik Messenger

Today you can download cool messaging app Kik from Nokia Store (Ovi) for free. Kik Messenger is available not only for Nokia Symbian N8, 701, 700, Nokia 603, 500 but for Windows Phone handsets too. This means you cat get it for your new shiny Nokia Lumia 800. Kik is the same cool messenger such as WhatsApp, which already has been available for Symbian Anna and WinPhone 7. With Kik's super easy to use UI you can fast text your friends for free. It has real-time notifications about message status and peer typing. Kik IM also allows you to send media files like photos to your friends.

Kik Messenger

Today you can download cool messaging app Kik from Nokia Store (Ovi) for free. Kik Messenger is available not only for Nokia Symbian N8, 701, 700, Nokia 603, 500 but for Windows Phone handsets too. This means you cat get it for your new shiny Nokia Lumia 800. Kik is the same cool messenger such as WhatsApp, which already has been available for Symbian Anna and WinPhone 7. With Kik's super easy to use UI you can fast text your friends for free. It has real-time notifications about message status and peer typing. Kik IM also allows you to send media files like photos to your friends.

Android Player for Windows

You can download the application from bluestackfi. While free to download and use, there are some drawbacks such as a limited number of apps that can be installed. A paid version, BlueStacks App Player Pro, which allows unlimited app installs, as well as the ability to run premium applications like Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja and Cut the Rope is also in the works. The main selling point of the BlueStacks Android Player is that it allows for an almost seamless bridge between the two computing platforms without any complicated requirements like trying to run Android OS on a PC or setting up multiple operating systems in a dual-boot configuration. All it takes is to download the software, and install like any other Windows application.

Android Player for Windows

You can download the application from bluestackfi. While free to download and use, there are some drawbacks such as a limited number of apps that can be installed. A paid version, BlueStacks App Player Pro, which allows unlimited app installs, as well as the ability to run premium applications like Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja and Cut the Rope is also in the works. The main selling point of the BlueStacks Android Player is that it allows for an almost seamless bridge between the two computing platforms without any complicated requirements like trying to run Android OS on a PC or setting up multiple operating systems in a dual-boot configuration. All it takes is to download the software, and install like any other Windows application.

PC Tools Antivirus Free 2012

PC Tools Antivirus Free 2012 provides a decent level of system protection, including real-time, on-demand and scheduled scanning.it's fast, reasonably thorough and can be set to sweep your system on start-up.

There are three scanning methods: Full, Custom and Intelli-Scan, which checks for active malware. Adjust the scanning speed using the slider bar, and choose between Performance, Balanced or Protection mode.

There are various other configuration options. You can help to improve PC Tools' protection by agreeing to let suspicious files be forwarded to the Malware Research Centre, and the Global Action List lets you set up rules to automatically block or allow particular files, cookies and websites.

The Report Card button at the bottom of the screen provides details of recent activity, including the number of database updates and scans performed in the last seven days, or since installation. It also shows the total number of items scanned and protected, along with information about infections and suspicious items.

When installing the software, be sure to select the Custom option so you can choose between a large or small database (large provides better protection but slower download and scan times), and disable the bundled toolbar.

PC Tools Antivirus Free 2012

PC Tools Antivirus Free 2012 provides a decent level of system protection, including real-time, on-demand and scheduled scanning.it's fast, reasonably thorough and can be set to sweep your system on start-up.

There are three scanning methods: Full, Custom and Intelli-Scan, which checks for active malware. Adjust the scanning speed using the slider bar, and choose between Performance, Balanced or Protection mode.

There are various other configuration options. You can help to improve PC Tools' protection by agreeing to let suspicious files be forwarded to the Malware Research Centre, and the Global Action List lets you set up rules to automatically block or allow particular files, cookies and websites.

The Report Card button at the bottom of the screen provides details of recent activity, including the number of database updates and scans performed in the last seven days, or since installation. It also shows the total number of items scanned and protected, along with information about infections and suspicious items.

When installing the software, be sure to select the Custom option so you can choose between a large or small database (large provides better protection but slower download and scan times), and disable the bundled toolbar.

Vodafone Blue 555 _vodafne 555

Designed in collaboration with Facebook, it is crafted out of matte silver and white plastic and sports a 2.4-inch display and QWERTY keypad.Except for an 'f' key placed on the bottom right, there isn't any Facebook branding on this device. Turing on the Blue 555 reveals a Vodafone logo but the homescreen is domi­nated by the social networking site. The homescreen is the FB status update bar. At the bottom of the display is a row of short-cuts including FB friends, FB news feeds, favourites, etc. and is customisable. The f key lets user access the FB stream that looks similar to the updates from friends that shows up on the FB homepage. By hitting op­tions, you can directly post a picture on the wall. When scrolling through friend's feed, the options allow user to download images (if any], comments, likes, send message, call friend, view friend profile or even use URL. Most of the FB features are accessible from the homescreen.

Tech Specs: 

2.4-inch display;

2 MP camera;

40 MB internal, 

16GB expandable storage; 

EDGE, Bluetooth; 

1000 mAh battery

Vodafone Blue 555 _vodafne 555

Designed in collaboration with Facebook, it is crafted out of matte silver and white plastic and sports a 2.4-inch display and QWERTY keypad.Except for an 'f' key placed on the bottom right, there isn't any Facebook branding on this device. Turing on the Blue 555 reveals a Vodafone logo but the homescreen is domi­nated by the social networking site. The homescreen is the FB status update bar. At the bottom of the display is a row of short-cuts including FB friends, FB news feeds, favourites, etc. and is customisable. The f key lets user access the FB stream that looks similar to the updates from friends that shows up on the FB homepage. By hitting op­tions, you can directly post a picture on the wall. When scrolling through friend's feed, the options allow user to download images (if any], comments, likes, send message, call friend, view friend profile or even use URL. Most of the FB features are accessible from the homescreen.

Tech Specs: 

2.4-inch display;

2 MP camera;

40 MB internal, 

16GB expandable storage; 

EDGE, Bluetooth; 

1000 mAh battery

TomTom Nike Sports Watch GPS

TomTom Nike Sports Watch GPS This wrist-based personal trainer logs your location, time, distance, pace, and calories burned as you run. Sync it to your PC or Mac via USB and it'll map your course and upload stats for others to see. If that's not encouragement enough, It motivates you verbally and gently chides you If you haven't run for five days.Unfortunately we’ll have to wait until February 2012 for a local debut.

TomTom Nike Sports Watch GPS

TomTom Nike Sports Watch GPS This wrist-based personal trainer logs your location, time, distance, pace, and calories burned as you run. Sync it to your PC or Mac via USB and it'll map your course and upload stats for others to see. If that's not encouragement enough, It motivates you verbally and gently chides you If you haven't run for five days.Unfortunately we’ll have to wait until February 2012 for a local debut.

D-Link Boxee Box_ lnk boxe box

D-Link Boxee Box Like the idea of Apple TV but not so keen on being pinned to iTunes? D-link's rhomboid media whore flaunts YouTube, iPlayer, 40D. Five. Indie Movies Online and MUBI movies at your telly via Wi-Fi or ethernet. The bundled remote control's intelligent interface makes accessing content a breeze. There are USB and SD card slots as well, and new services are added regularly via firmware updates.

D-Link Boxee Box_ lnk boxe box

D-Link Boxee Box Like the idea of Apple TV but not so keen on being pinned to iTunes? D-link's rhomboid media whore flaunts YouTube, iPlayer, 40D. Five. Indie Movies Online and MUBI movies at your telly via Wi-Fi or ethernet. The bundled remote control's intelligent interface makes accessing content a breeze. There are USB and SD card slots as well, and new services are added regularly via firmware updates.

Recon Zeal Transcend_ rocon zel trenscand

Recon Zeal Transcend These awesome ski goggles have GPS and a unique heads-up display to locate you on the slopes and bring a host of vital stats to your attention in real time - speed, altitude, temperature and more - without causing any distraction. There's storage space for several days worth of runs; sync with your PC to see your routes layered over Google Maps.

Recon Zeal Transcend_ rocon zel trenscand

Recon Zeal Transcend These awesome ski goggles have GPS and a unique heads-up display to locate you on the slopes and bring a host of vital stats to your attention in real time - speed, altitude, temperature and more - without causing any distraction. There's storage space for several days worth of runs; sync with your PC to see your routes layered over Google Maps.