Toshiba L500-13Z

Find the best price

We’re featuring a couple of affordable laptops today. Ultra-slim for the MSI, or an allrounder from Toshiba, both machines have enough to attract attention from those who don’t want to shell out a fortune on their computer.

The MSI X-Slim X400 is the third in this range of ultra-slim computers we’ve tested here. After the so-so X340 and the much more convincing X600, does the X400 continue the progress?

Opposite, we have the Toshiba L500, which is a much more standard machine. With a 15.6 inch panel, it is betting on its allrounder status and cut price to get attention. It will live up to the expectations of those looking for an affordable model that’s nice and comfortable to use.

> Test: MSI X-Slim X400-038UK
> Test: Toshiba L500-13Z

> Product Survey: Netbooks
> Product Survey: Laptops

After the TomTom version 1.2 of GPS for iPhone, it’s over to Navigon for an update. Everyone wants a piece when it comes to the GPS for iPhone market!

Navigon MobileNavigator iPhone

iPhone - CoPilot iPhone - Navigon iPhone - TomTom 26.99 52.99 59.99

Released on the iPhone before the TomTom solution, Navigon’s MobileNavigator GPS is now available in version 1.4. It comes with 13 welcome innovations.

Among them, the simplified search using Google Local Search, that allows you to find a place by name, even if you don’t know the address. Practical and rapid for finding a particular restaurant or shop.

You can also enter GPS co-ordinates straight in, instead of typing the address. That said, this is only really any use in precise cases as we generally remember addresses much more easily than geographical co-ordinates. Navigon says you can, for example, send your co-ordinates by mail for a friend to find you. Why not?!

Lastly, the pedestrian navigation function uses the iPhone 3G S built-in compass to help you find where you’re going on the map more easily (by default, north is normally at the top!).


So then, nothing truly revolutionary. That said, it is interesting to see that updates to GPS navigation software are now becoming available free of charge. Given the predominance of the mobile phone as the most popular mobile device out there, it’s not surprising that makers of GPS mobile solutions are doing their best to get their slice. Navigation using mobiles could indeed soon make up a significant share of the GPS market.

Product survey: GPS

Buyer’s Guide: GPS

Plantronics Voyager PRO STORES £     IT247  82.07  liGo Electronics  99.99                  Compare prices

Our survey of Bluetooth headsets for mobile phones keeps on growing, which six new very different options …

We started with LG and the rather traditional HBM-580, followed by the Swarovski partnership HBH-530 Sparkling Triangle.  Next up is the Plantronics Voyager PRO, a professional-level product, as the name suggests.  Finally, Sony Ericsson closes our selection with a trio of headsets: the VH-300, the VH-310 and the HBH-PV740.

> Test : LG HBM-580
> Test: LG Sparkling Triangle (HBM-530)
> Test: Plantronics Voyager PRO
> Test: Sony Ericsson VH-300
> Test: Sony Ericsson VH-310
> Test: Sony Ericsson HBH-PV740

> Comparatif : les casques et oreillettes Bluetooth

The announcement came from Mark Zuckerberg himself: Facebook is going to give its 350 million users more control over their profiles.  Just five years after it was launched, the site will enjoy a comprehensive makeover and a review of its privacy policy.

In an open letter dated this morning and addressed to all of the site's users, the young Zuckerberg announced the launch of several new features.  The aim is to allow anybody who wants to--or who is prepared to take the time--to better control their profile.  In short, the idea is that users will be more able to divide their private professional lives.  It has been prompted by complaints from users in recent months.

More Privacy

In two weeks, users will begin to have more control over their accounts, with the appearance of new filters.  Amongst other things, these will also users to define exactly which of their friends can see what.  This sort of ad hoc publishing seems like it might be a better way to restrict who can see 'personal' content--if there is such a thin when you publish it online for hundreds of your 'friends' to see ...