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New Tests: Two 2.5'' external hard drives from LG and Verbatim

Pierre-Jean Alzieu
December 3, 2009 5:37 PM
Today, we've added two new 2.5'' external hard drives to our selection of tests.  Both models offer 500 GB of extra storage.

First up is the LG XD5 500 GB, which replaces the XD2 which we also tested recently.  Along the way, LG has slimmed down the drive's external dimensions, but the sleek, elegant design is just as attractive.

The second model we've tested if from Verbatim, which has released a gold version of its 2.5'' external hard drive to celebrate its 40th anniversary.  The biggest change--apart from the colour--is the new Verbatim Sync software, which replaces Nero BACKITUP 4 Essentials found on Verbatim's other drives.

> Test: LG XD5 500 GB

> Test: Verbatim Gold Anniversary Edition 2.5'' USB 2.0 500 GB

> Product Survey: External Hard Drives
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Are these two TVs the same?

Vincent Lheur
December 3, 2009 4:43 PM
Here's a message from a reader:

After reading your tests, I'd like to buy a Panasonic TX-P50V10.  What I don't understand, though, is that I can find two different models online: the Panasonic TX-P50V10 and the Panasonic TX-P50V10E ...

Is that the same model?

The last figure of a model number, which we often leave out of our tests, usually indicates one of two things:
  • The same product comes in several different colours.  For example, when we looked at the Philips Brillance 225B1C monitor a couple of months ago, we noted that two different versions were available: one with the model number 22B1CS, which is silver, and the other with the model number 22B1CB, which is black.
  • The manufacturer wants to localise the product for a specific market.  For instance, the maker might want to include a compatible TV tuner for a particular region or make some other distinction.
In some rare cases, these characters at the end of product model numbers can suggest a new version of a product that has already been released, but this only represents a minority of cases.

With the TV you want to buy, you can rest assured that the two models are exactly the same.  We still checked with Panasonic though a couple of months ago when we did the test, and their response was loud and clear: 'that doesn't change anything, just pretend that the last letter isn't there!'

> Product Survey: 50'' and larger TVs
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Photos: getting the built-in flash settings right

Franck Mée
December 3, 2009 4:23 PM
Used since the dawn of photography, flashes are now built in to almost all cameras on the market (the exceptions being pro SLRs and the Olympus Pens). There are various modes and settings to get to grips with, from the simplest (turning it off) to the more subtle (rear curtain sync). Lets take a closer look.

Note, we’re not covering on-cameral flashes (hotshoe mounted) here or other lighting methods used by more advanced photographers for the additional possibilities they offer, such as, say, orientating the flash towards the ceiling to give a more homogenous effect.

> Photos with a built-in flash
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HDMI Accessories: some more useful than others

Florent Alzieu
December 3, 2009 3:40 PM
As you can tell from the title, we're not convinced that all HDMI accessories are all that useful.  Why do we insist on that point though?

Well, a HDMI cable--even when no extra accessories are involved--can already go wrong all by itself.  Adding all sorts of adapters, extensions and convertors can only make the chain longer and introduce more room for error.  If you think of accessories as just that: extras, rather than essentials, then you won't go far wrong.  That doesn't stop some of them from coming in very handy.

Here's our list, but it's by no means conclusive--we've deliberately left splitters and switches out, by the way:

HDMI - DVI

As you can see in this photo, this convertor is available in both directions: DVI > HDMI and HDMI > DVI.  Make sure you choose the right one!  It's most useful attached to your graphics card to connect a TV or an LCD monitor.		 Amazon.co.uk: £3.97


Mini HDMI - HDMI

This one is useful if your digital camera or camcorder only has a mini HDMI output.  You can use it to connect your imaging equipment straight to your TV.


HDMI Right-angle

The benefit of the male-female version of this right-angle adapter is that you can keep your TV right up against the wall and still connect HDMI devices.  We're less sure about the female-female version: perhaps it's to add as an extension in a tight corner.  You'll have to use with short cables, however, as it doesn't include a repeater.


Mini DVI - HDMI

If you need a cable like this, that means you're a Mac user who wants to connect your computer to an external monitor or a TV that has a HDMI input.


Mini DisplayPort - HDMI

And if it's a cable like this, it's because you're somebody with a very recent Mac and you want to connect it to an external monitor or TV that has an HDMI input.


HDMI Repeater

This repeater allows you to increase the distance between your video source and your display equipment by up to 30 metres.  Note that it needs to be plugged in to electricity.


HDMI - RJ45 - HDMI

Our last adapter is an unusual choice: it converts HDMI signals to RJ45 (CAT 5/6) and back again.  The manufacturer allows you to carry a 1080i signal for 60 m or a 1080p signal for 30 m in passive mode (without electricity).  That said, we can't really see what the benefit is for home user:  who really needs to keep their games console 60 m away from their TV?

Some of these fixed adapters can be replaced by individual cables with different attachments at each end that can do the same job.  That's true of mini HDMI to HDMI adaptors, as well as DVI to HDMI.  They're often more expensive than an individual adapter (although there are some exceptions)--but we often think the quality is much better ...
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