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Friday Fives: What's on show at Cebit 2010
CeBIT, held each March in Hannover, Germany, is one of the biggest showcases of new computer technology in the world, and this week Computeractive has been there to check out all the latest products that'll be on sale over the next six months. With thousands of exhibitors there are just too many to list, so we've boiled it all down to the the best products that represent five key trends from this year's show.
1) Loud Laptops
Laptop computers don't have a great reputation when it comes to sound quality, and with good reason: most have tiny, tinny speakers packed into the case as an afterthought. This year, though, several of the biggest computer names at Cebit have been showing portable computers that, they claim, are designed to sound great.
The Asus NX90 is certainly eye-catching: it's huge and completely covered in brushed aluminium. And, alongside some unusual features such as the two touchpads - one on either side of the keyboard - it has a powerful sound system provided by Bang and Olufsen IcePower. Its speaker enclosures have a volume of 108cc, and although it's very hard to judge the quality of sound in a busy trade show we can testify to the volume on offer.
A similar product was also on show at the stand of Asus's key rival MSI. Its GT660 gaming laptop packs a Core i7 processor, Blu-ray, two hard disks and Nvidia 285M graphics, but also a 2.1 sound system from Dynaudio - again, it's impressively thunderous.
2) Smart Storage
Network attached storage devices are to be found everywhere at the show, with the manufacturers seemingly adding new functions each and every year, but a few in particular stood out. The new Thecus N4200 has an unusual case with two displays, but there's also a lithium-ion battery in the back - if the mains power supply fails, this gives it enough power to shut down properly, saving your data.
Not to be outdone, rival Qnap was demonstrating its new QMobile tool for the iPhone and iPod Touch - this gives access to the multimedia functions of its NAS devices from any Apple mobile handset.
3) Neat Networking
Network storage aside, there are plenty of clever networking products on show. We particularly liked Devolo's new Smart+ powerline network adapters: instead of using LEDs to indicate the network status, these use an LCD display to provide far more information on the status of the network. The company was also showing this prototype of a new product due in September - this little white box will run at speeds of up to 500Mbps:
Also, good news for anyone who was tempted by our review of the AVM Fritzbox but couldn't stretch to the price: the company is launching a new, simpler model with the ISDN functions removed and a much lower price. The Fritzbox WLAN 3370 includes 802.11N networking, and should cost around £115 - it'll be available in a few months.
4) Powerful Programs
Although Cebit includes hall upon hall of new computer hardware, there are also dozens of software vendors showing off their new tools. As we reported previously, security firm Kaspersky Lab used Cebit to launch its new PURE antivirus product - read our story on that here.
Another clever new tool could be found on the Laplink stand. The company is adding a new feature to its PCMover software called the PCMover Image Assistant. This allows users to move both programs and files from a hard disk image to a new PC: so, for example, if you have an image backup of a Windows XP computer, and that fails, you can use the tool to move your programs onto a new Windows 7 PC without having to first reinstall XP. As well as appearing in future versions of PCMover, it'll be included with some disk imaging tools from O&O.
5) New and Unusual
From USB keys in every imaginable shape to foldable pianos to somewhat tasteless computer accessories (don't ask) there's all manner of odd goods on show at Cebit. Some look downright awful, but then there are a few unusual products that caught our eye. Thermaltake's Tt eSports brand may have a very strange name - that extra "t" is not a typing error - but its new keyboard might appeal to gamers or workaholics: reach around the back and there's a small fan that can be clipped onto the top of the keyboard to keep your fingers cool during frantic activities such as gaming or filling in an online self-assessment tax form at the last possible minute. The keys also illuminate in any one of 256 colours.
Also, while Asus and MSI compete to show the biggest range of unusual PCs - from 3D desktops and laptops to concept models and Asus's Bamboo range ("panda friendly", we're assured), there's one computer that really sticks out: the Eee Keyboard.
We saw a prototype at last year's Cebit, but with the finished product due in May this device finally seems to be ready for the market. It has a 5 inch capacitative touchscreen built in, runs Windows XP and can link up to your television via an ultra-wideband transmitter. It uses an Atom N270 processor, 1GB of memory and will be available with 16GB or 32GB of solid state storage - expect to see it on sale for less than £600.
AP Tuner
Getting an instrument in tune is often one of hardest things for beginners to learn. AP Tuner is a helpful program for beginners and experiences players alike.
It detects the note being played and shows how in tune it is. I’ve used it both with the microphone built into laptops or an instrument plugged directly into a device such as my Mobile Pre. The detection is fast and you can adjust how quickly it updates the needle.
The bar down the right-hand side of the window shows the instrument preset, in this case an ordinary six string guitar. There are other presets for a variety of other instruments including bass, violin, viola and cello. New presets can be created but the notes must be in pitch order, which is a minor irritation with instruments such as the ukulele.
Other tools include a harmonics graph and a basic recording facility.
AP Tuner is shareware, so although you can use it at no charge, the developer does ask that you pay for it. The cost is US$35, which seems a little expensive given that a dedicated electronic tuner can be bought for around £10 (the Qwik Tune QT11 from Dolphinmusic.co.uk for example) but it is certainly convenient.
Download review TimeEdition
Tracking how much time you’ve spent on a task may not sound like fun, but it can be a helpful tool for staying on top of the todo list. I also find it helpful for staying focussed on a particular task.
TimeEdition is a time tracker that offers lots of advantages over trying to keep track of time with pen and paper. It divides time by client, project and task. If that sounds a bit corporate you could divide time up between Subject, Project and essay. All of these can be selected via the drop down menus and then started with the play button.
The link above is for the Windows version but there are Mac and Linux versions on the TimeEdition download page.
There are some helpful tools to make sure that it is as accurate as possible. It keeps an eye on the computer and will automatically stop if the computer is left idle for a certain length of time. Alternatively, the timer can be set to display a countdown to give a greater sense of urgency.
One disappointment with TimeEdition is that it has no way of keeping it on top other windows, so I found it easy to forget to start the timer again after getting a coffee or lunch.
TimeEdition is also very capable at exporting the information it gathers. Files can be created for Excel, CSV, iCal or XML. If you fancy being very open (and therefore scarily accountable) TimeEdition can create appointments in iCal, Outlook and Google Calendar based on the time spent of different projects.]
TimeEdition is open source, so there’s no charge for downloading or using it. Unlike far too many open source projects, there’s a well written manual, so there’s no need to mess about with settings getting your bearings.
I have to admit that I’m using Klok, an Adobe Air program for my own personal time tracking. This is mainly because it can show how the week has been spent and it has a simple system for making template projects. TimeEdition is a much better program if you want to charge for time spent on projects and the autopause avoids forgetting to stop the timer when nipping out for lunch or a coffee. TimeEdition also has the advantage that it is self contained in one folder, so you can run it from a USB memory key or from a folder synchronised online with a service like Dropbox.
Be a Ribbon Hero!
As the comments on this blog have shown, the Office Ribbon has not met with universal approval. In a move to get people to explore the Ribbon the Office Labs has developed the Ribbon Hero
It appears in the Ribbon in Word, Excel and PowerPoint 2007 and 2010 and shows your current score out of a total of 420. With just 48 points I’ve still got some way to go. The scores don’t carry across the different programs so there’s plenty to learn.
Points are given for completing version tasks in three categories: Working with Text, Page Design and Layout and Getting Artistic. Up to 44 points are awarded for basic tasks when using the Ribbon.
It’s aware of some of the new tools in Office 2010 like Text Effects and screen shots. Challenges for all versions of Office include working with SmartArt, Charts, watermarks and line numbers.
Once the tasks have been completed you can share you score using Facebook.
Even if you’re not interested in proving your prowess with Office, the Ribbon Hero is a useful learning tool.
Windows 7 and network file storage problems
At first glance an article about getting Windows 7 to work with the Samba file server software might seem overly techie. But this software is often used by network attached hard disks.
If you have been having problems this article from LinuxPlanet.com has some helpful hints on how to fix problems in Windows 7 by changing network settings. It seems a shame that the solution is to turn off some Windows 7 security features but, as Charlie Schluting points out, it is often not possible to upgrade the software on network attached storage devices.
Look closely to install AVG Free 9
AVG Free has been a valuable tool in the battle against malware offering a decent level of protection without costing people anything. It benefits everybody in the long run because fewer unprotected computers mean fewer bots, computers that have been hijacked by hackers and used in online attacks.
The trouble is that when a new version comes out, AVG Free 9 in this case, the upgrade process causes some headaches. The AVG window says that a new version is available with a large, friendly, button to upgrade. The problem is that the webpage you get taken to doesn’t appear to have any reference to the free version. Click on the image on the right to see the full page as appeared on my computer.
If you want to stick with the free version of AVG, you will need to scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen and look for the rather small text ‘update my current product only’.
I can’t blame AVG for wanting people to upgrade to the paid protection, but I don’t think it should be this hard to upgrade. At least you know now.
Has the Ribbon been accepted?
Replacing the familiar menus and Task Panes with the Ribbon in Office 2007 was a bold move. I like it, as does my wife who started using it without any introduction when she started using my notebook. But I know from the comments we’ve received on this blog that not everyone agrees with me.
It seems like the interface is here to stay, and not just with Office. The various accessories in Windows 7, like Paint, now have a ribbon as do some third party programs like MindManager.
According to Computerworld, Mozilla is considering introducing a ribbon to Firefox. And Firefox isn’t the first open source program to look in this direction, there have been some early ideas for Open Office as well.
I just hope that designers take the Ribbon properly to heart and make it a complete replacement for the old menus. It’s very frustrating to have to press Alt to display the old menu bars because an option I want isn’t in the toolbars or menus in Windows Media Player or Internet Explorer.
As a small aside, I’m less keen on the decision to move the menu button from the top left. It’s easy to miss it and click on the icon above instead. User interface design considers corners to be infinite in size because you can’t miss them. Returning the application icon to the top left hand corner is likely to introduce even more confusion.
iTunes, updated
Apple has released an update for iTunes 9. It should come through on Apple Software Update, otherwise you can download the iTunes installer.
Here are the release notes from the Apple Software Update utility (I couldn’t find them on the Apple website.)
iTunes 9.0.1 provides a number of important bug fixes, including:
• Resolves issues browsing the iTunes Store.
• Addresses a performance issue where iTunes may become unresponsive.
• Fixes a problem where iTunes may unexpectedly quit.
• Fixes a problem syncing Podcasts in playlists to iPod or iPhone.
• Fixes a problem sorting albums with multiple discs.
• Improves application syncing for iPod touch and iPhone.
• Genius is now automatically updated to show Genius Mixes.
(I still have no idea why the Update utility is anxious to install the iPhone Configuration Utility, given that I’ve never plugged an iPhone or iPod into my computer.)
Firefox 3.5.3 warns of insecure Flash Player
We’re used to Firefox checking add-ons after an upgrade but the latest update has some extra advice on the webpage opened after restarting. There’s been an update to Adobe Flash for both security and stability. Keeping add-ons and such up to date on Firefox can become a confusing business so any extra help is most welcome
Windows Live Sync
Windows Live Sync is a useful utility for keeping files up to date between different computers. It needs a Windows Live account to work (sign up with this link) but it costs nothing to sign up.
Go to https://sync.live.com and log in with your account details. Click on the Go get it link to download the installer and then run it.
Live Sync doesn’t start automatically after installation so you’ll have to find it in the Start Menu. It appears as a pair of blue arrows in the Notification Area. Right-click on it and then left-click on website to set up the account.
You can set up private and public folders in case you want to share files with friends. This screen also shows which computers in your network are only. I’ve got one as you can see with the green button.
There is an activity window (also opened via the Notification icon) so you can keep an eye on the progress of downloads.
Settings are fairly straightforward and most people will never need to even look at them. Transfers are encrypted and remote access is disabled by default. Both of which are good decisions.
There is one important limitation with Live Sync that nearly caused me some grief. It only syncs the files in the folders between your computers. There is no central area in the Windows Live to store files when the computers are off. Given that a Windows Live account comes with 25Gb of online storage space, this seems a wasted opportunity. And renders Live Sync useless if you need to sync files between computers that are never on at the same time.
There are various alternatives to Live Sync but they do require more work. A USB key is one option, but then you have to remember to keep it with you at all times. The Briefcase in Windows should keep files up to date.
Hosting the files on some web hosting space is another alternative, but then you still need software to move the files between the computer and host. Security could be a problem here as well.
Having said that, your files on Live Sync (and SkyDrive) are only safe as your password is complicated, so make it a good one.
