I Review Electronics










January 9, 2007

Nintendo Wii

Category: Gaming Systems — edgar @ 3:59 pm

Nintendo Wii

Nintendo Wii Introduction
Nintendo’s Wii video game system (pronounced “we”) is designed to attract people, regardless of their age or video game experience, to sit down and play together–whether they’re in the same room or on different sides of the globe. The system’s name reflects this simple idea. It’s easily pronounced in a variety of languages, and the distinctive spelling suggests two players side by side.

Nintendo Wii Design
The sleek Wii console is white in color and can be displayed either vertically or horizontally. Featuring a remarkable wireless controller experience. Sensors determine the Wii Remote’s position is in 3-D space, which means that racing-game steering and a tennis swing, for example, are done through movements of your hand rather than by just your thumbs. The controller also has a force feedback “Rumble” feature and an expansion port for use with accessories, such as the Nunchuck, which adds an analog thumbstick and trigger buttons. At 1.75 inches high by 6.25 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep (when oriented horizontally), it is a sleek gaming unit.

Nintendo Wii Features
* Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay
* Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI
* Backwards compatible with all Nintendo GameCube games and most peripherals
* Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service

Nintendo Wii Performance
The system boasts 512 MB of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, and a slot for SD memory expansion. Wii’s technological heart - a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named “Broadway” and a graphics chipset from ATI code-named “Hollywood” - are said to deliver stunning performance. Instead of a tray, Wii uses a single, self-loading media bay that will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system, as well as Nintendo GameCube discs.

Whats included in the package
This System includes: Wii Console, Wii Console Stand, Wii Remote, Nunchuk, Sensor Bar, Wii AC Adapter, Wii AV Cable.

Conclusion
The Wii is focused squarely on delivering fun and innovative gameplay. Whether they are young or old, expert gamers or beginners, Wii players will enjoy this system together. Two features Nintendo thinks will create even new levels of gaming community are the built-in Wi-Fi access, supported by a new online gaming service, and Wii’s intuitive, wireless, motion-sensitive game controller.

Find the best deals on new Nintendo Wii for all ages! Get customer ratings and professional price comparison before you buy. Learn how Nintendo game systems have changed a generation of children and their playing habits.

January 3, 2007

Sony PlayStation 3

Category: Gaming Systems — edgar @ 9:34 am

Sony PlayStation 3

Sony PlayStation 3 Introduction

First and foremost it is a game console. The multi-media features make the Sony PlayStation 3 a versatile home entertainment machine too. Features such as video chat, Internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video will likely make it the central component of your media set-up.

Sony PlayStation 3 Design

The Blu-ray drive is the big selling point of the PS3. Blu-ray technology uses a blue-violet laser to read information off of a Blu-ray disc. The wavelength of the blue-violet laser is considerably shorter than the one used in standard DVDs and thus can hold more information. The PS3 will also support CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats.
12.8 x 10.8 x 3.9 inches ; 11 pounds

Sony PlayStation 3 Features

The PS3 features IBM’s “Cell” processor and a co-developed Nvidia graphics processor that makes the system able to perform two trillion calculations per second. That’s approximately 320 times more calculations per second than the PS2. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, it also boasts an HDMI port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TV and projectors. The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience.

Sony PlayStation 3 Performance

The PlayStation 3 is backward compatible with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games, which means you’ll be able to play all your favorite games without keeping all the old systems. The console has slots for Memory Stick Duo, an SD slot and a Compact Flash memory slot. It comes with a pre-installed hard disc drive, which allows you to save games as well as download content from the Internet. At the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), more than 30 titles were displayed for the system. PS3 will have similar online connectivity and services as the next generation of Xbox Live. The PS3 will be constantly in touch with a “PlayStation World” network.

Whats included in the package

The basic configuration of the console has a 20 GB internal hard drive. The “premium” version of the PlayStation 3 comes with an internal 60 GB Serial ATA 2.5″ hard drive, IEEE 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity, and multiple flash memory card readers, and features a brighter silver-colored trim. Included in both versions: Playstation 3 Game Console, Playstation 3 Wireless Controller, Playstation 3 AC Power Cord, Playstation 3 AV Cable, Playstation 3 Ethernet Cable, Playstation 3 USB Cable, Playstation 3 Printed Materials.

Conclusion

With a built-in Blu-ray Disc drive, PlayStation 3 system invites you to a whole new generation in high-definition graphics and digital entertainment. Whether its high-definition gaming, Blue-ray movies, music or online services, PlayStation 3 invites you to Play Beyond. The Sony PlayStation 3 system delivers an experience beyond anything you know today.

March 7, 2006

XBox 360 Review

Category: Gaming Systems — Eddie @ 11:15 pm

XBox 360

Overall Rating
Design
Features
Performance

XBox 360 Review Introduction

The Xbox 360 is the future of entertainment. With the most stunning games, powerful technology, and intelligent services, Xbox 360 puts you at the center of your entertainment experience.

XBox 360 Design

The guts of the Xbox 360 comprise what is, for all intents and purposes, a very powerful computer. Aesthetically, the Xbox 360 is a dramatic leap over the original Xbox. It’s stylishly concave shape fits in well with other components. You are able to swap out the front faceplate on your Xbox 360 to customize the look of your system. Weight: 7.7 lbs. Dimensions (WxDxH): 12.15 in x 3.27 in x 10.15 in.

XBox 360 Features

In an ideal world, HD is best, but you can survive for a while without it and still enjoy the system. All games are supported in high definition at 16:9, 720p and 1080i with anti-aliasing as well as standard definition. A detachable 20 GB hard drive is available; this comes with the premium package and will be used primarily for saving game demos and profiles. There are two memory slots for saving games, gamertags, and content to 64 MB memory units and three USB ports for connecting devices or controllers. Networking is provided via an Ethernet port; an 802.11a/b/g adapter will be available. Wireless gaming is built-in and can accommodate up to four wireless controllers sold separately for $50. Progressive-scan DVD playback is standard and there’s a handy remote available for $30 that also comes with the premium package.

XBox 360 Performance

CPU: 3.2GHz PowerPC processor with three cores, Graphics: ATI custom graphics chip, RAM: 512MB GDDR3 Unified System Memory, ROM: 10MB of embedded DRAM, Optical drive: 12X DVD drive, Storage: 20GB hard drive (PE version)

What’s included in the package

There are two systems the Core System and the Premium Edition. If you’re a serious gamer looking for the ultimate console, the search ends with Xbox 360 PE. It is fully loaded. Xbox 360 Core System delivers the same powerful gaming
as Xbox 360 PE, but starts with the basics and lets you expand at your own pace. It’s everything you need to hit the ground running. Core System includes the Console, Wired Controller, and Composite AV Cable. The Premium Edition includes the Core System and many extras.

Conclusion

The Xbox 360 delivers the power and performance of a high-end gaming PC, including impressive digital media and networking features. All games are in high-definition; excellent user-friendly Dashboard interface; built-in support for wireless controllers; excellent online gaming and communications via Xbox Live; backward compatible with many (but not all) original Xbox titles (backwards compatibility is via the hard drive).

December 9, 2005

Nintendo DS Review

Category: Gaming Systems — Eddie @ 9:47 pm

Nintendo DS

Overall Rating
Design
Features
Performance

Nintendo DS Review Introduction

The Nintendo Ds is a handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. The DS has several key features: a sharp design, terrific graphics, two screens, voice recognition, wireless multi-player options, and a touch screen. The Nintendo DS provides users with a unique game-play experience using features never before offered by any other home console or handheld game system.

Nintendo DS Design

With the Nintendo DS closed, it’s 5.85″ wide, 3.33″ long, 1.13″ tall. The upper screen is a 3″ semi-transparent reflective TFT color LCD, 256×192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch. The touch screen is the same as the upper screen, but with a transparent analog touch screen. As far as its’ wireless communication abilities, it’s the standard IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo’s proprietary format, with a wireless range of up to 100 feet, depending on the circumstances. With its’ wireless abilities, multiple players can play multi-player games using just one DS game card. Input/Output: Ports for both Nintendo DS game cards and Game Boy Advance Game Paks, terminals for stereo headphones and a microphone. As for the controls, there’s a touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, the A, B, X, Y buttons and a control pad, Left / Right shoulder buttons, and the Start / Select buttons.

Nintendo DS Features

The Nintendo DS transformed the portable game industry by changing the way gamers relate to their games and to each other. Two screens offer two different perspectives of the action simultaneously. The touch screen makes accessing items, moving characters around, or navigation menus as easy as a tap or a drag on the screen. The Nintendo DS’ voice recognition abilities lets players simply tell the game what they want it to do. Chat software allows gamers to transmit text messages as well, handwriting and even drawings to one another. The wireless function links players in the same room or even across the country.

Nintendo DS Performance

The Nintendo DS has two processors, one ARM9 and one ARM7. These are higher-end processors used in some PDA’s and it gives the DS a lot of power. This power translates into a good quality in the graphics, which are quite impressive for a handheld, and full 3D with a very smooth frame rate.

What’s included in the package

The standard Nintendo DS video game console, AC adapter, a wrist strap, two styluses, and an instruction manual.

Conclusion

The Nintendo DS has dual screens and touch-screen technology, plus wireless communication to experience real-time multiplayer game play, plus the built-in PictoChat software that gives you the power to draw, write and send messages. Simply put, the Nintendo DS has revolutionized the way you view a handheld console. Nintendo knows that these new features present in the machine will attract developers to create unique games. This new console makes Nintendo retain its status as the leader of the handheld game console market.

November 28, 2005

Sony PlayStation 2 Review

Category: Gaming Systems — Eddie @ 1:00 pm

Sony Playstation 2

Overall Rating
Design
Features
Performance

Sony Playstation 2 Review Introduction

Since it’s launch, the PS2 has been a huge success. Primarily because the Sony PlayStation has some of the best rated games in any genre. Some of the extreme sports titles include the Tony Hawk games and SSX games. If you’re into racing games there’s Gran Turismo Series. Every heard of titles such as the Silent Hill Series, the Final Fantasy series, and Grand Theft Auto.

Sony Playstation 2 Design

The main unit’s dimensions are 30.1 cm (width) x 18.2 cm (depth) x 7.8 cm (height). Total weight is 2.2 kg. The Play Station 2 can stand on its side or lie flat to fit any space.

Sony Playstation 2 Features

First off the PS2 is a great entertainment system. It’s one of the few systems to be backwards compatible: the ps2 can play Plastation 1 / PSOne Games. A DVD player is built in and it can also play music CD’s. Online is the name of the game with the ps2. Sony really seems to really know what they’re doing here with it. Many games take full advantage of online gaming features of the PS2. The Play Station 2 offers one of the largest game libraries of any console system. The PlayStation 2 is offered in various colors and sizes: regular black, black slimline, regular silver and silver slimline.

Sony Playstation 2 Performance

Once the PS2 is installed into your home theatre, you’ll be treated to a reasonably sharp picture with high quality sound. The processor is a Toshiba and Sony Emotion Engine and clocks in at 294.9MHz, video output of 128-bit 2D/3D graphics acceleration, and a maximum resolution of 32-bit color / 1280 x 1024. The Sony PS2 is a real gamers system.

What’s included in the package

Sony Playstation 2 video game console, a set of stereo a/v cables, an AC adapter, one controller, and the manuals.

Conclusion

What usually makes or breaks a system is its library of games. If your biggest priority right now is the widest selection of games, rather than hardware bells and whistles, then the PlayStation 2 is a solid choice. This is the ps2’s strength and it’s probably the reason why its’ sales figures are so high. Besides being able to play older Playstation titles, the ps2 boasts many exclusive titles. These titles have consistently broken sales records. The Sony PS2 library is so huge you can satisfy your interest with many different titles.

November 22, 2005

Nintendo Gamecube Review

Category: Gaming Systems — Eddie @ 8:18 pm

Nintendo GameCube

Overall Rating
Design
Features
Performance

Nintendo GameCube Review Introduction

The Nintendo GameCube was created to provide you with the most entertaining gaming experience possible. With a game library numbering in the hundreds, and in all possible genres, there’s games for everyone. The Nintendo Game Cube has some powerful technical specs as well as a cast of exclusive characters unrivaled by any other gaming system.

Nintendo GameCube Design

It’s playful appealing design and small size are not the only features that set it apart from other popular gaming systems. The main unit’s dimensions are 4.3″ (height) x 5.9″ (width) x 6.3″ (depth).

Nintendo GameCube Features

The Nintendo GameCube’s best features are it’s sleek compact design, the wide variety of games for all ages you can get, and the famous Nintendo brand name so you know you’re getting a well-known trustworthy gaming system. The GameCube is Nintendo’s first video game console that can access game data through a disc as opposed to a cartridge. Each of these “discs” hold 1.5 GB of information and are only 3″ in diameter.

Nintendo GameCube Performance

The disc drive and processor work together with awesome speed, which makes load times hardly noticeable. Moving to the software disc media instead of game cartridges generally means lower development costs for the publishers which in turn has many benefits for the consumer. These benefits include: lower prices on games, an increase in the number of available titles and the quality of the games.

What’s included in the package

Nintendo GameCube video game system, one controller, manuals, cables to connect to TV, 4-game controller ports built in, AC adapter.

Conclusion

The Nintendo GameCube game library has hundreds of games in many genres so every gamer is bound to find something they like. A few games currently available are the Lord of the Rings series, Soul Calibur II, Ghost Recon, Madden Football NBA Street Volume 2 & Tony Hawk’s Underground. The Mario classics are still here with: Mario Sunshine, Wario World, Super Mash Bros and Mario Party. If you’ve previously owned a Nintendo or a Super Nintendo, the Nintendo GameCube is the next logical step up in the gaming system ladder.

November 19, 2005

Sony PSP Review

Category: Gaming Systems — Eddie @ 6:36 am

Sony PSP

Overall Rating
Design
Features
Performance

PSP Review Introduction

The Sony PSP debuted in late 2004 to rival Nintendo’s handheld gaming system. Games currently available for the Sony PSP are Need For Speed Underground, Spiderman 2, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, Tony Hawks Underground 2 and many more. The Sony PSP retails for about $250.

PSP Design

The Sony PSP screen is a 4.3-inch LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution, perfect for widescreen movies and video games. The product dimensions are approximately 6.7 inches (width) x .9 inches (height) x 2.9 inches (depth) Weight: .62 lbs (including battery).

PSP Features

The Sony PSP comes with wireless internet capabilities, video and digital music play-back, and of course the gaming. The Sony PSP supports the Universal Media Disc (UMD), which holds up to 1.8GB of data, more than enough for games and movies. If you need data storage, the Sony PSP comes with the Memory Stick Duo media where you can store your saved games, downloaded online content, personal video and audio files, and more. (comes with 32MB Memory Stick Duo)

PSP Performance

The Sony PSP comes with a 333 MHz processor, dwarfing other handhelds currently on the market. The games don’t freeze up and it can even load 2+ MB JPEG images in under 2 seconds.

What’s included in the package

Sony PSP, AC adapter, battery, 32MB Memory Stick Duo, headphones with remote control, soft case & hand strap.

Conclusion

The Sony PSP is a must buy for gaming enthusiasts looking to take their gaming on the road.

June 27, 2005

Nintendo Gameboy Advance

Category: Gaming Systems — Eddie @ 1:02 am

Nintendo Gameboy Advance

Overall Rating
Design
Features
Performance

Nintendo Gameboy Advance Review Introduction

The Game Boy Advance SP is deep on the free-style gaming. With its back-lit flip screen, smooth lines, and color selection, this classic system gets you in on the portable fun revolution.

Nintendo Gameboy Advance Design

Light Source: Front light integrated with LCD
CPU: 32-Bit ARM with embedded memory
Memory: 32 Kbyte + 96 Kbyte VRAM (in CPU), 256 Kbyte WRAM (external of CPU)
Size (closed): Approximately 3.3″ height/3.23″ width/0.96″ depth
Screen: (diagonal) reflective TFT color LCD
Resolution: 240 x 160 pixels
Weight: Approximately 5 ounces
Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery Life: 10 hours continuous play with light on, 18 hours with light off, 3 hours recharging
Hardware colors: Onyx, Flame, Platinum and Cobalt.

Nintendo Gameboy Advance Features

The clamshell design allows you to easily adjust the angle of the screen to cut down on glare, as well as protect the LCD by simply flipping the unit closed. Another plus: Because the 5.6-ounce (with cartridge installed) SP is more compact than the original, it’s also more pocket-friendly but retains the same 1.61-by-2.41-inch screen. A major selling point is the built in lighted screen allowing you to play games in poorly lit environments.

Nintendo Gameboy Advance Performance

Like the original GBA, the SP runs on a 32-bit RISC-CPU with embedded memory, and its screen offers a 240×160-pixel resolution and support for 32,000 colors. The Game Boy Advance SP is essentially a sleeker looking, better designed Game Boy Advance. It boasts exactly the same capabilities as far as processing power, graphics, sound, etc. as the GBA, but with a completely reworked exterior design as well as the addition of a few convenient extras.

What’s included in the package

Basic system: Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP, Wall Adapter, Instructions

Conclusion

The world’s most popular video game system brings you the ultimate in portable fun with Game Boy Advance SP. For gaming on the go, nothing beats Game Boy Advance. Optimized for gaming, Game Boy Advance provides powerful performance, responsive play and a beautiful display, plus it fits in your hip pocket. The Game Boy Advance SP addition of a beautiful front light screen and rechargeable batteries makes it a must have.