LAPTOPS
ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31
Aces: The Zenbook is an ultra-slim ultrabook with Bang & Olufsen-powered audio along with a high-definition display.
Vices: Are there any?
Ruling: If you are anti-apple, this should make your shortlist.
Samsung Series 9
Aces: The Series 9 is cloaked in the softest metal you could ever get your hands on. The screen is quite bright and the laptop is not very heavy.
Vices: If you are looking for a standard notebook, the price may put you off.
Ruling: If you are willing to pay what Samsung’s asking for, you will not regret it.
HP Envy Sleekbook Hero
Aces: It’s gorgeous, light and packed with the right software.
Vices: It is not an ultrabook.
Ruling: If you can do without all the super-processing powers that we hardly make full use of in other laptops, the Sleekbook is more than enough.
Aspire V3 Series — Olympic
Aces: It’s a special edition and everyone loves them. The laptop also has Acer’s CineCrystal HD display and a Blu-ray disc drive.
Vices: Quite a bulky laptop and that is only because we allowed ourselves to get spoiled with uber-thin ultrabooks.
Ruling: The Olympic is a handy combination of performance and class.
Sony VAIO T-series
Aces: Neat aluminium finish and an LED backlit display.
Vices: When compared to competitors, its screen loses points. The non-backlit keyboard does not help its case either.
Ruling: If you can overlook the cons, the VAIO is a good deal.
TELEVISION
Sony Bravia TV (KDL-55HX853)
Aces: It packs in a slick looking Metro-style UI with stellar smart connectivity, 3D, Wi-Fi direct mode,and motion flow for picture quality control.
Vices: Motion flow needs to be constant for full HD, its 3D capability suffers crosstalk with the 3D glasses offering limited viewing capability (colour shifting and ghosting occurs if head tilts or moves). Audio is a weak performer as well.
Ruling: The model takes a giant leap in 2D imaging performance, particularly motion resolution — so it’s definitely worth a look.
Philips (50PFL7956/12)
Aces: It’s the Philips Cinema 21:9 Gold series ultrawide LED TV. The TV is best suited for a widescreen experience that perfectly matches the original 21:9 movie format.
Vices: The contrast can be better.
Ruling: An economical offering from Dutch manufacturers.
Samsung LED Series 8 ES8000 SMART TV
Aces: It’s a power-packed combo of brilliant picture quality, facial recognition,voice and gesture control with online content and services. It comes with in a smart touch remote with microphone and trackpad and even provides a second screen to smartphones and tablets.
Vices: Voice and gesture controls aren’t perfect, camera doesn’t work well in the dark.
Ruling: It’s the most advanced TV in its class, leading the way for the others to follow.
Sharp Aquos (LC60LE830)
Aces: Quattron X-gen picture technology delivers excellent quality. The set also boasts internet personalisation capability and offers live internet-TV setup support.
Vices: It’s not 3D capable, sports a 120Hz panel instead of the 240Hz standard, and delivers poorer black levels and panel uniformity when compared to the competition.
Ruling: Given its exceptional quality, it ticks all the right boxes for its price range.
LG (55LM9600)
Aces: It has an excellent Smart TV navigator and colour reproduction.Notably, its passive 3D is virtually cross talk free.
Vices: Uneven black levels and shadow detailing makes it trail behind other high-end TVs in its class.
Ruling: Looks good, delivers what it promises, but compared to others the picture quality trails by a mile.
HEADPHONES
Zik Parrot by Starck
Aces: An audio-geek’s dream, it’s jam-packed with technologies such as Near Field Communications, Bluetooth, active noise cancellation, head detection, a jawbone sensor for speech, on-board capacitative touch controland Parrot’s audio enhancing DSP app for iOS and Android.
Vices: Despite the Christmas list, there is no in-line remote, no external headphones and rather loopy Bluetooth functionality.
Ruling: It’s a work of art with a couple of rough edges and at approx Dh1,500, comes with a slightly high price tag. Audiophiles will not care.
Sennheiser Amperior
Aces: It’s a comfortable fit, has an in-line remote and excellent sound quality.
Vices: The build does not scream premium and sound isolation (in crowds) are not praise worthy.
Ruling: If build quality isn’t your thing and sound is what matters, it is a worthy contender.
Philips O’Neill SHO7205BK
Aces: These lightweight headphones are beautifully styled and feature a detachable headphone cord.
Vices: The sound quality just passes muster in its class — lacking vibrancy and spunk.
Ruling: It does deliver a worthy bang for its buck.
Marshall Major
Aces: Its unique design delivers brilliant live sounds, accurate bass and a good build.
Vices: Uncomfortable for extended-wear, tendency to compress sound with lower quality sources.
Ruling: If you are a music lover who isn’t into extended hours of play, these can fit the bill.
TDK WR700
Aces: The wireless headphones deliver decent enough sound quality and design.
Vices: There is no noise cancelling option, it’s a battery guzzler and comes with a battery-operated large power transmitter. Sound drops do happen by the way, an obvious disadvantage of wireless.
Ruling: Priced at approx Dh731, it’s quite expensive if sound quality is considered, in the end it boils down to how much you value cordlessness.
SPEAKERS
IPOD DOCK
Philips Fidelio DS9800W
Aces: The system looks like a work of art and supports Wi-Fi and AirPlay.
Vices: You need to keep the speakers in a safe place as they are easy to knock over.
Ruling: It offers great sound quality, design and features.
Samsung DA-E750
Aces: The classiest AirPlay speaker dock available.
Vices: At Dh2, 999, the price might not appeal to those looking for an average system.
Ruling: The dock has a retractable port for iOS devices. It is a good all-rounder.
LG ND4520
Aces: Beautiful Apple docking station that supports external audio devices as well.
Vices: The dock does not have a screen.
Ruling: The combined 10-watts of output power make it ideal for modestly-sized rooms.
Tango TRX
Aces: Really cool iPhone remote application available free from the app store.
Vices: The usual Bluetooth range limitations apply to this one.
Ruling: Once again, a decent system for a small room.
HOME THEATRE
Harman Kardon HKTS60BQ speaker system and a AVR158
Aces: It’s a Harman Kardon so crystal clear audio is guaranteed. Plus, the speakers look gorgeous.
Vices: The brand’s representatives in the country, but don’t let that affect your decision. The speakers are awesome.
Ruling: Go for it!
Panasonic SC-BTT775
Aces: Articulate sound, easy to use, excellent image quality, Blu-ray with fast disc loading.
Vices: Struggles at high volumes, slight multimedia inconsistencies, plasticky build quality.
Ruling: A system where the pros equal the cons, making it just right.
LG BH7520
Aces: Easy setup, as the rear speakers can be connected wirelessly.
Vices: The receiver for the wireless speaker is a bit bulky.
Ruling: A superior system, beaten only by its bigger brother, the LG BH9520.
PORTABLE
Jabra Solemate
Aces: The right kind of loud speaker with crisp and clear audio. The Solemate can stream audio via Bluetooth and it looks pretty good, indoors and outdoors.
Vices: A few might not be impressed with its price at Dh749.
Ruling: Worth it! If you take your music seriously, this is the portable speaker for you.
Philips SB7220
Aces: The shock, splash and dust-proof little thing are compatible with Apple and Android devices.
Vices: Not a very pretty addition to the décor of a modern apartment.
Ruling: It’s the speaker for great outdoors.
Beats by Dr Dre BeatBox
Aces: The BeatBox is really loud.
Vices: It’s designed like a toolbox and the unit does not support wireless play.
Ruling: If you are a Beats fan looking out for a speaker, there’s no stopping you. For others, look around some more before making a decision.
TABLETS
iPad
Aces: The new iPad does offer good battery life; another pro is the option for 4G.
Vices: The obvious — no flash support, no USB port, average front camera and a higher price when compared to its competitors.
Ruling: Regardless of the pros and cons, it is the best tablet out there.
Galaxy Note 10.1
Aces: There are many. The new quad core powered Note comes along with the S Pen — a super stylus, a microSD card slot and superior cameras.
Vices: Despite what is inside, the plastic makes it look and feel like a cheap toy.
Ruling: Do not judge a book by its cover — the Note 10.1 is not one of the top tabs by mistake.
Google Nexus 7
Aces: The price — about Dh1, 100 to Dh1, 400. The tablet is quite fast and very light at less than about 340 gms.
Vices: Limited memory and the lack of an HDMI port.
Ruling: If you believe that Apple might actually go ahead and release an iPad mini — hold your horses.
IdeaPad K1
Aces: The latest Android 4.0 update.
Vices: Just one — the lack of a USB port.
Ruling: This is a simple and affordable tablet that does the trick. The K1 is an amazing tablet for those who could not be bothered with too much technology.
Eurostar ePad5S
Aces: The ePad5S is marketed as the world’s slimmest tab at 192x122x7.8mm. The 7-inch wonder runs on Android ICS.
Vices: A two-hour battery life on Wi-Fi.
Ruling: The best tablet in its price range.
SMARTPHONES
Motorola Droid Razr Maxx
Aces: Its powerful battery, interface and Smart Actions application make it unique… for now.
Vices: The Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) operating system update, which is not yet available in the region.
Ruling: This is a smartphone for those who couldn’t be bothered waiting around and doing nothing while it charges itself!
HTC One X
Aces: The lightning fast Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor and the phones build quality.
Vices: The Beats-audio powered loudspeaker is incredibly clear, but not very loud.
Ruling: The HTC One X is an amazing Android phone and definitely one to consider.
Sony Xperia ion
Aces: Its high-definition 12-megapixel camera, ICS operating system and compatibility with the Xperia SmartTags that is simply awesome.
Vices: Its price — about Dh2, 299.
Ruling: Among the numerous Xperias flooding the market right now, the ion is the one to pick up, if you are a Sony fan.
BlackBerry 9790 Bold
Aces: It’s a very slim phone for the BlackBerry Bold range.
Vices: The compact keyboard and the smaller screen when compared to the previous Bold — the 9900.
Ruling: The best of both worlds. The power of the Bold meets the compactness of the Curve.
Nokia Lumia 900
Aces: The interesting and new AMOLED clearblack display and the Windows Phone 7.5 operating system.
Vices: There are better phones out there.
Ruling: If it has to be a windows phone — this one would make the final cut.
CAMERAS
PRO/SEMI-PRO
Nikon D800
Aces: Hands down the camera’s 36.3MP CMOS sensor, advanced video mode and the scene recognition system.
Vices: Slightly pricey, no in-built image stabilisation, no flip-out screen, not enough battery juice.
Ruling: With its groundbreaking technology, the D800 is still one of the best creations from Nikon’s stable.
Canon EOS 7D
Aces: It’s an all out refresh with a new sensor (18MP), viewfinder and shutter mechanism (8fps continuous shooting). Do not forget the dual Digic 4 processors, wireless flash control and HD recording.
Vices: The video compression stunts edit possibilities, ISO12800 is a challenge to use automatic exposure and viewfinder are hurdles during image capture.
Ruling: Despite the kinks, the EOS 7D is an impressive DSLR and definitely hits the home run.
Sony Alpha SLT-A37
Aces: Boasts good low-light performance, packs in 7fps capability and an autofocus system.
Vices: Its LCD screen is smaller and not impressive and it lacks a premium feel and extra control.
Ruling: Given its price point and nifty tech packed into the body, the SLT - A37 is a worthy contender for a first user.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G5
Aces: Its revved up image engine, top sensitivity to ISO 12800, special effect filter and automatic functions with newbie guidance.
Vices: Hitches include a disappointing touch screen and slightly noisy standard shutter.
Ruling: Not a game changer but an improvement on its predecessor. It’s worth investing in.
Fujifilm FinePix SL300
Aces: New tech upgrades include high-quality optical zoom, 14MP CCD sensor, electronic viewfinder, an ISO of 100-6400 and a Lithium-ion battery.
Vices: Exposure issues, HD movie capture capped at 720p, disappointing build.
Ruling: It is a respectable option for an affordable bridging camera.
POINT-AND-SHOOT
Canon EOS M
Aces: Perfect crossover for compact camera upgraders, easy to use interface and rear touchscreen.
Vices: Does not have a built in flash, viewfinder or nor connector for an external unit (features a hot shoe for external flash).
Ruling: Looking to make the jump from amateur photography without the training wheels? Then this is it!
Samsung DV300
Aces: The camera’s Wi-Fi capable! So it’s social-sharing and email ready. Other winners — an auto PC back-up and cloud functionality, intelligent auto-smart feature, a USB cable that doubles up as a charger and its TV Link.
Vices: Video resolution is not up to spec, no dedicated record button, HDMI connection missing.
Ruling: If you get a good deal on this one — go for it.
FujiFilm FinePix F770EXR
Aces: Packs in enhanced GPS functionality, a fast processor, high contrast three-inch LCD screen that’s visible in sunlight, auto focus speed at just 0.16 seconds, 360° motion panorama mode and gyro sensor image stabilisation.
Vices: User interface and menu is a bit confusing, but not impossible to figure out.
Ruling: It holds its own against the big names and is worth a look.
Samsung WB850F
Aces: Wider than normal 21X zoom lens, has a great rear display and mature Wi-Fi capability.
Vices: The button layout is a bit taxing; it also has a few focus issues and doesn’t do so well at ISO 400.
Ruling: While the usability issues might hamper the shooter’s experience, its pros outweigh the cons.
Sony Cyber-shot WX100
Aces: It features Sony’s latest Advanced Aspherical (AA) lens, captures 1080i video files and offers good low-light performance.
Vices: As the thinnest and lightest compact, rear controls and screen are sacrificed.
Ruling: Despite drawbacks, it packs a punch for its size and price.
