The PC Pro Father’s Day gift guide

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

Father’s Day is this Sunday and, as the big day looms ever closer, there’s now little time left to go out and hunt for the ideal gift. Just turn to the PC Pro A List, then, for the perfect presents that you can rush out and buy before it’s too late.

Those with photographic fathers are spoilt for choice: there are superb choices available no matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s a compact, DLSR or video camera.

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Panasonic’s Toughbooks get tougher

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

Panasonic are today launching the latest updates to their Toughbook laptop range. The fully ruggedized CF-30 and CF-19 Tablet models have now reached mk3 status, while the semi-ruggedized CF-52 crashes the party in its newly revamped mk2 guise.

Take a quick glance at the photographs and even the most avid of Toughbook laptop-spotters would have trouble noticing any revolutionary changes, but as Panasonic were keen to stress, the new models show the all the hallmarks of a subtle, careful evolution.

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All the week’s reviews

Friday, December 12th, 2008

This week’s the reviews desk has been in a professional mood, with some high-end peripherals dominating proceedings.

The monstrous NEC MultiSync LCD3090WQXi was set up in the Labs for all of eight seconds before a drooling crowd had gathered to marvel at its stunning colour reproduction and ginormous 30in, 2,560 x 1,600 H-IPS panel. Yes, it’s a £1,400 investment, but if you compare it to the main professional-level competition we reckon it actually looks like quite a bargain.

Continuing the professional theme was the Epson Stylus Photo R2880, the flagship of its A3 range. Remarkably quiet in use, extremely simple to use and maintain, and using not one but three separate black inks (surely Light Light Black is just Grey?) it’s a photographer’s dream. Even at £357 plus VAT it’s a quality investment for any semi-pro.

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Top 10 Christmas gifts

Monday, December 8th, 2008

The second Monday in December has become known as “Cyber Monday”, when internet shopping levels peak ahead of Christmas.

In the current issue of PC Pro you’ll find a full Christmas gadget guide, with 41 products tested and reviewed, from photo frames to cameras to USB guitars. But to help you beat the rush this year, we’ve plucked out ten of the best from the feature and from our A List.

Samsung NC10 – £300

Hands-down the best netbook on the market right now. It feels as sturdy as a proper laptop, offers a hefty seven-and-a-half hour battery life and features an almost full-width keyboard. Stylish, strong and hugely portable – and all this for less than £300.

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First look: Panasonic’s 8-series Toughbooks

Thursday, October 23rd, 2008

Panasonic has today unveiled the latest refresh of its Toughbook range. Three models have been launched – the 12.1in CF-W8 and CF-T8 models and the all-new 14.1in CF-F8.

They don’t just look tough, however. All the Toughbooks boast the usual 76cm drop resistance, and are rated to cope with 100kg of weight bearing down on their lids. Meanwhile, the keyboards and trackpads are designed to withstand accidental water spillages thanks to a neat drainage system which funnels water away from the delicate components.

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