Publication History For : Michael Fereday

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626926 Pure EVOKE Flow DAB FM Radi

Radio! Radio! Radio!

Published in Homes and Gardens on 21 Dec 2010
We tend to forget that a radio is a wireless device. As such it could access the Internet and your computer’s digital content.
Bringing together FM, DAB and Internet radio with the ability to access a cloud-based music service is the EVOKE Flow from PURE.  In the past I have looked at a number of FM/DAB radio offerings from various manufacturers (including PURE) but this is the first time that I have come across this particular combination of features and services.
626925 pulse ocr pen optical electronic in

Pulse Smartpen

Published in Misc on 18 Dec 2010
Combining the ability to take digital notes while recording audio is a product that could be said to have its finger on the pulse.
626386 canon mp640 all in one printe

A Duplex All-in-One

Published in Printers/Scanners on 16 Dec 2010
Currently occupying a portion of my available workspace is the Canon PIXMA MP640. This is an All-in-One device that offers print, scan and copy capabilities while giving you a choice of USB or 802.11bg WLAN connectivity when connecting to your computer system which can be either a Windows or Mac machine. Also included with this product is a duplex feature for those jobs that require printing on both sides of the paper.
Setting up this All-in-One device is straightforward.  Included in the box are multi-lingual guides for Getting Started and Network Setup Troubleshooting.  The PIXMA MP640 uses a five ink cartridge solution to cut down on waste.  You get cyan, yellow, magenta and black dye-based cartridges plus a black pigment cartridge for sharp black text.
629761 midnight mysteries salem witch trial

Salem Witch Trials

Published in Entertainment on 15 Dec 2010
Time to put your ghost hunting and puzzle solving skills to the test as you set about helping a wandering spirit in the Midnight Mysteries series.
626384 focusmm rig n roll king of the roa

Hit The Road

Published in Entertainment on 14 Dec 2010
Ever fancied a career as a truck driver. Now is your chance to see if you are cut out to be a real road warrior as you take to the Californian highways.
626382 coreldraw graphics suite x

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5

Published in Software on 11 Dec 2010
Over the years, and numerous versions, as it has developed from a single application into a full-blown suite of graphics titles, CorelDRAW has arrived in different types of packaging. The latest version, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5, comes in the form of a hardback book with its own rigid slip case. The actual software is on a DVD attached to the inside of the book’s front cover while the book acts as the User Guide.
As you would expect from the Suite designation, this product consists of a number of applications.  The main elements are made up of CorelDRAW X5, Corel PHOTO-Paint X5, Corel PowerTRACE X5, Corel Capture X5 and Corel Connect.  You also get SWiSH miniMAX 2 and PhotoZoom Pro 2 plus sackfuls of images, photos, font, templates and 2 hours of training videos.
628793 bosch ixo limited edition Swarovski Crystal

D.I.Y. the Bosch Way

Published in Homes and Gardens on 9 Dec 2010
When showing off your latest power tools for the home, it makes sense to select an appropriate location. In the case of Bosch, this meant a location known as Home Sweet Home. Despite the recent adverse weather conditions, I was there on behalf of Gadgetspeak.
I must admit it was a little disconcerting to be ushered into a bedroom for my initial introduction to a Bosch product.  However it was probably the right location to display the special limited edition of the company’s IXO cordless screwdriver.  This limited edition was launched to celebrate sales of 10 million IXOs worldwide.
628784 bejewled 2 popca

Bejeweled Returns

Published in Entertainment on 8 Dec 2010
With 50 million units sold over all platforms and a new sale being generated every 4.3 seconds, the original Bejeweled title makes a welcome return with version 2.
625552 brother DCP J125 multi function printer scanne

Brother DCP-J125

Published in Printers/Scanners on 7 Dec 2010
Taking over my recent printing tasks has been a new product from Brother. This particular model is the multi-function DCP-J125.
This multi-function device provides scan, copy and print functionality for both photographic and basic document hardcopy production.  The DCP-J125 connects to your computer system via a standard USB 2.0 port.
Last time I met up with Nero, the company promised support for Blu-ray. With this latest version of its software, Nero has made good its promise.
625550 adobe photoshop elements

Adobe Photoshop Elements 9

Published in Software on 2 Dec 2010
While Adobe Photoshop rules the roost as far as high-end, professional graphics is concerned, the company also has a more budget-orientated package with Photoshop Elements. The latest version of this graphics product is Photoshop Elements 9.
When firing up Photoshop Elements 9 you are presented with an option to view an introduction designed either for those coming new to Photoshop Elements or those who have used previous versions of the software.  In both cases you are shown some of the program’s features.  You could, of course, ignore both these options and head straight to the Organise or Edit features that form the main focus of this product.
627725 avanquest real crimes jack the rippe

Real Crimes Part Two

Published in Entertainment on 1 Dec 2010
It is time to visit the Whitechapel area of London in the late 1880’s as you attempt to solve the murders that continue to confound the experts.
If asked what I would consider to be the greatest unsolved crime then I would probably opt for those perpetrated by Jack the Ripper (I’m sure I would not be alone in this) closely followed by “Who took the last chocolate biscuit?” (I have my suspicions regarding the latter but the editor continues to protest his innocence).  But, like with many others, the Jack the Ripper crimes have a certain morbid fascination.
627184 acer aspire one happ

A “Happy” Experience

Published in Laptops/PCs/Apple on 30 Nov 2010
Those kind people at Laptops Direct were responsible for supplying this next product from the Acer stable of netbook/notebook catalogue.
When you add the suffix “Happy” to the title of a product, as has happened with Acer and the latest version of its Aspire One, you could be accused of tempting fate.  After all while users might be happy when everything works as it is meant to; any mishap or connection issue could bring about a complete change of emotion even if the problem was the result of elements outside the direct control of Acer.
623370 dymo cardscan executiv

Gathering Contact Data

Published in Misc on 27 Nov 2010
If you have built up a collection of business cards then you will know that the card you want is never the easiest to find. Dymo have a solution to this problem.
Despite the capability of Bluetooth to beam personal information over short distances, the more traditional business card continues to hold sway when it comes to delivering contact details to others.  One example of this situation could be seen at a Bluetooth awareness event when delegates were observed to be busily exchanging business cards rather than use the Bluetooth technology.
626383 roxio creator 2011 multimedia softwar

Creator Goes 3D

Published in Software on 25 Nov 2010
The presence of a pair of cardboard glasses gives you the clue that the latest version of Roxio Creator is venturing into another dimension.
Where as in the past Roxio and Nero have indulged in the game of leapfrog as they set about enhancing their products along similar lines, this year sees a divergence in the paths taken by each company.  Nero has been working hard on developing Blu-ray functionality while Roxio, with Creator 2011, offers users the tempting bait of creating 3D photos and videos.  A pair of cardboard red / cyan glasses is included in the package so that you can view your creations.
626924 avanquest 10000 game

Games Galore

Published in Entertainment on 24 Nov 2010
Games at ten-a-penny might seem like wishful thinking but that is what you get with an offering in the GSP Click & Play series.
Over the years I have reviewed a large number of games but this is the first time I have been faced with the task of looking at 10,000 games in a single package.  The title in question is the appropriately entitled 10,000 Games which is available on Avanquest’s GSP Click & Play label.

For Chocoholics

Published in Misc on 23 Nov 2010
Unlike most of my reviews, this next product requires an oven and a bowl of water rather than a computer and a mouse.
You either love the product or just can not resist the temptation it offers.  Opinions are divided as to any health issues and hostile take-over bids have been fought over the ownership of our favourite brands.  If you have not already guessed (there is a clue in the title) then I will reveal that the subject matter is chocolate.  However I am not referring to those tempting bars that are available from numerous shops we tend to visit on a daily basis.
622336 alawar Graces Ques To Catch An Art Thie

Art and Crime

Published in Entertainment on 20 Nov 2010
Put together famous paintings, kidnappers and a criminally inclined collector of works of art results in a new game published by Alawar.
Developed by Blitpop and published by Alawar Games, Grace’s Quest: To Catch an Art Thief takes you on a journey to various cities as you enter the world of art, museums and criminal activity.  All this is encased within a hidden object environment.  You take on the role of Grace, who is an American art graduate, although at times you will need to switch persona and act as Grace’s best friend, Chloe who makes a habit of getting captured by the criminal element.
623369 magix mp3 deluxe 1

MAGIX MP3 Deluxe 16

Published in Software on 18 Nov 2010
Having built up a store of digital music you might like to consider a software title that offers to help manage and make the most of your collection.
Although probably better know for its various video and graphics software titles, MAGIX’s original expertise and reputation was built up in the area of audio.  The company still retains its interest in the particular field with various software and hardware solutions aimed at transferring and managing digital music.  One of these solutions is MAGIX MP3 Deluxe 16 which offers to get the most out of your music collection.
626385 avanquest witches curse collectors editio

A Witch’s Curse

Published in Entertainment on 17 Nov 2010
An evil witch, broken mirrors, a helpful fairy and a cursed castle all play their part in a Gogii title now available on the Avanquest GSP label.
It is time to gird your loins (or the nearest equivalent) as you set out to help a young lady to remove the evil presence that is threatening her forthcoming marriage.  The young lady is none other than Princess Isabella and her bridegroom-to-be is Prince Adam.  Unfortunately when Princess Isabella returned from a trip she discovered than an evil curse has been placed on her castle by a mysterious witch.
623368 plextor PX PH500US external hard dis

Hard Drive with Dual Connections

Published in Misc on 16 Nov 2010
My first external hard drive, still in active service as a backup device, has a fairly substantial presence with its own power supply. More recent models have decreased in size while offering plenty of storage capacity and accepting power via the USB connection. Now a drive arrives with a choice of connectivity.
Lets start off with a little history lesson which, I must admit, came as a bit of a surprise to me and maybe it will be the same with you.  Plextor, the company responsible for the external hard drive, currently occupying one of the ports of my trusty workhorse of a computer, was founded back in 1918.  Back then the company was better known as the Shinano Kenshi Corporation and, quite naturally, was not involved in the computer industry as it did not exist at that time.

Revisiting Worx

Published in Homes and Gardens on 13 Nov 2010
Many of our often-used gadgets and tools have shrunk in size over the years. In line with this concept Worx has developed a range of tools for the handyman.
The last time I met up with Worx, the company was demonstrating its gardening tools.  However gardening is not the only category of tools available from the company.  Worx also develops a range of power tools for the D.I.Y. and home improvement enthusiast.  The latest range of handyman power tools to emerge from Worx form the company’s Icon Series which is currently available as a B & Q exclusive.
622338 winzip 14

Compressing and Encrypting Archives

Published in Software on 11 Nov 2010
While faster Broadband speeds have reduced the need to compress files prior to transfer, archiving software does have more to offer.
A long-time resident on my various systems, running under different flavours of Windows, has been WinZip.  This compression software, which has served me well, has been part of the Corel family for a number of years and is now up to version 14.5.  As is standard with WinZip software, the product is available in Pro and Standard editions with this review being based on the former version.
625549 focusmm prince of persi

Prince of Persia

Published in Entertainment on 10 Nov 2010
As computers have become faster and capable of displaying realistic graphics so our virtual heroes have developed muscles and gymnastic moves we can only dream about. Yes the Prince is back.
622335 doro 750x dect handse

A Handyman Phone

Published in Phones on 9 Nov 2010
While perhaps not the first item you would think you might find in a handyman's tool kit, a DECT phone could prove to be a useful addition.
Rather than aim for the fashion conscious market or pile feature upon feature as some manufacturers can plead guilt to, Doro prefers to develop more utilitarian products with a strong ease-of-use feel for specific user groups.  Large buttons, clear uncluttered displays and easily accessed emergency calling options are just some features of previous Doro handsets that immediately spring to mind.
622145 focusmm disney pixar u

Disney Plays Disney

Published in Entertainment on 6 Nov 2010
Robots, a flying house and cartoon graphics all come together in a couple of games developed from two popular films.
One of the first names that tend to pop into my mind when thinking about animated cartoons is that of Disney Pixar.  While better known for its cinematic offerings, such as WALL-E and UP, some Disney Pixar’s creations have made the transition from the big screen on to the much smaller computer monitor in the form of games.  The previously mentioned Disney Pixar film titles are two examples of this trend.  WALL-E and UP are games developed by Asobo Studios.
622146 buffalo blu ray usb 3 external driv

A Blu-ray USB 3.0 Product

Published in Misc on 4 Nov 2010
A telephone call alerted me to the possibility of being one of the first to check out a new Blu-ray drive from Buffalo.
With more and more companies providing support for Blu-ray technology, it is perhaps time to consider adding a Blu-ray drive to your computer system.  You could, of course, opt to just add a drive with read capability but why stop there when there is the greater storage capacity available with Blu-ray burning calling out to you.  Maybe a drive with read/write features would be more appropriate.  One solution could be the Buffalo Blu-ray  product.
624539 popcap escape winter valle

Time to Escape

Published in Entertainment on 3 Nov 2010
While you may have thought that after escaping from Rosecliff Island, you would be able to relax for a period but you would be wrong. Those diabolical and inventive people at Spintop Games have other ideas for your immediate future. Allowing you to believe that you were merely on a peaceful trip through the countryside, the developers came up with the idea of an earthquake which leaves you trapped in an abandoned village. Your only hope for survival is to Escape Whisper Valley.
622144 iluv vibe plus ipod alarm cloc

Time to Rise and Shine

Published in Entertainment on 2 Nov 2010
My early morning slumbers have been interrupted recently as I have been testing a radio alarm clock with iPod and bed shaker features.
This is one of those big red bus occasions when two products with similar functionality turn up in close proximity.  The functionality concerns a bed-shaking alarm facility.  Following the arrival of Doro’s vibrating amplified alarm clock, it is the turn of the bed shaker alarm clock from iLuv.
621237 avanquest hidden mystery game computer pc softwar

A Choice of Games

Published in Entertainment on 30 Oct 2010
While the majority of titles in the Avanquest Click & Play catalogue consist of a single game per product, some more recent additions include a bonus title. In fact the latest Click & Play title I have been looking at has four different games.
This bundled collection of four games is entitled Hidden Mystery Triple Pack.  To avoid any confusion over the “Triple” part of the title and the earlier reference to “four”, I should point out that there is a bonus free game (previously available at £9.99) included on the DVD.