Alienware 13 Review: Portable Performer

The Alienware 13 is among the Dell subsidiary’s latest offerings. Dubbed as the king of the streets and master of the house, the latest from Alienware promises to deliver gaming-level performance into a portable chassis.

Configurations

The Alienware 13 comes packed with an Intel Core i5-4210U processor as well as a discrete Nvidia GeForce GTX 860-M graphics. The base model includes a 1366x768 display, 8GB of RAM as well as a 500GB hybrid hard drive. Buyers can upgrade all the way to a Broadwell Core i7-5500U processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB solid state drive and a QHD display.

Design

With its futuristic look, the Alienware 13 is definitely a head turner. This laptop shares design cues like the gray lid and black soft-touch accents with its bigger stable mates. However, it does so in a compact chassis. At just over an inch thick and weighing in at two kilos, it’s designed for the gamer on the go.

This gaming laptop comes in Epic Silver made from carbon fiber and plastic composites. Two slanted LEDs and the backlit alien head logo make for an elegant design. As is typical with Alienware, eight lighting zones can be customized separately.

Port selection includes three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI and DisplayPort. Also included are microphone and headphone jacks and a Graphics Amplifier port at the back.

Performance

The Core i5 processor and GTX 860M graphics are certainly more than enough to handle daily tasks. The Alienware 13’s true test lies in its gaming performance. Many balk at the processor and graphics card combination, doubting its ability to handle the latest games.

It may not pack as much hardware as its bigger brothers, but it can hold on its own. Games like Batman: Arkham Origins and Borderlands 2 ran at around 45-60 fps maxed out at 1080p. However, more graphically-intense games such as Dragon Age: Inquisition needs to be turned down for playable frame rates.

The Alienware 13 does come with a solution for those graphics-hungry games in the form of Alienware’s own Graphics Amplifier. The optional extra lets users harness the power of any desktop-grade graphics card. In effect, it enables a portable gaming laptop to perform at desktop levels. The solution doesn’t come cheap though, and you’ll have to supply your own graphics card. Still, Alienware should be commended for executing the idea.

Battery life is generally good for this laptop thanks to the low-voltage processor. The battery lasts up to five hours while surfing the web and two hours and fourteen minutes under load at maximum brightness. While abysmal for an ultrabook, the Alienware 13 manages to outperform other gaming laptops.

Verdict

Excellent build quality and a good overall design are some of the strong points of the Alienware 13. The 1080p display is ideal for this size and the keyboard is well suited for gaming.

The Core i5 and GTX 860M combo make the Alienware 13 a mid-range laptop. It gets the job done in most cases, but the Core i7 option might perform better, especially if you want to plug in the optional Graphics Amplifier.

Heat and noise never reach uncomfortable levels even while under load.

While it’s true that other laptops outpace the Alienware 13 in one aspect or another, nothing else comes close with the way it blends portability and performance.

Samsung Galaxy A5 Review

When I first heard of the Samsung Galaxy A5, I was expecting a fairly mediocre mid-range handset from the Korean giant, sort of inline with a lot of their previous efforts in this space, but instead what I actually received was a premium feeling mid-range device with fairly decent hardware inside. To be honest, it was quite a surprise for me. Let us get straight to the review

The first thing to note about the Samsung Galaxy A5 is its excellent built quality it’s fairly similar to the Galaxy Alpha, it is also a fairly slim device with 6.7mm thin. It is slightly larger because it upgrades from a 4.7 to a 5 inch display. Even though this is mid-range device as opposed to a premium flagship like the Galaxy Alpha was, the metal built quality of the A5 is superior to the Galaxy Alpha. I like this phone a little more than I like the Alpha mostly because of the seamless transition between the metal around the edges and the plastic on the back. This is because Samsung has decide not to make a removable back cover for the Galaxy A5 and instead just go with a fixed of shiny plastic on the back which feels quite nice. On the front we also got some smooth and tough Gorilla Glass to protect the 5 inch 720p display.

As the Galaxy A5 is just 6.7 mm thin and under a 130g light, it’s a very portable device despite its 5 inch display size. It’s not the most ergonomic design I have ever seen although including things like the power button on the right hand edge in the perfect position for general use does improve the usability of the device overall. It’s another huge fan of the physical home button that is included below the display with on screen buttons now being the major feature of android, I tend to think that is a better implementation this days, but it’s not too bad on the Galaxy A5 because it’s not a massive device. On the left hand you will find the volume key and on the top, just a microphone. On the bottom edge you will also find a micro USB port and 3.5mm audio jack.

As I mentioned earlier, the back cover of the device is not removable so there are no sim cards slots in under the back panel or a removable battery. Instead on the right hand edge just below the power button you will find two sim card slots or at least two on the Duos model of the Galaxy A5. One of the sim card slots is just a sim card slot that is used for your primary sim, but the other slot is used also for Micro SD card slot. So you have the opportunity to choose between using this as a dual seem device with either two sim cards in each of the slots or a single sim device with expanded storage to that Micro SD card. The device does come with 16 GB of storage out of the box which is not too bad if you decide to use it as a dual sim handset.

As well as fantastic built quality on the device, we also get an excellent AMOLED display. It is 5 inches in size and come with a 720p resolution which is fairly typical for this type of mid-range class device. It is built using the same AMOLED technology as the Galaxy Note 4 and the Galaxy Alpha which makes it look simply fantastic. It offers a fantastic contrast ration and better outdoor visibility than we typically see from AMOLED panels. LCDs are still slightly ahead in this respect but the brightness you get and the viewing angles from this AMOLED panel are quite good and it makes the Galaxy A5’s display one of the best in this class.

Looking on the performance of the Samsung Galaxy A5, it is one of the first devices I have seen to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 SOC which exceeds the Snapdragon 400. It is a 64bit capable of Quad Core cortex A53 CPU clocked at 1.2 GHz as well as the Adreno 306 GPU. We are getting around 20% more CPU usage even in simple 32bit applications however there hasn’t been too much improvement on the GPU side. Generally the performance and the operating system is fantastic, we should see that improved once this device is upgraded to Android 5.0. It is actually one of the downsides of the Galaxy A5; they were not running Android 5.0 out of the box, it’s still Android 4.4 with very similar software addition to the Galaxy Note 4 and the Galaxy Alpha.

It also has a quite good battery life although it’s not excellent because the device only comes with a 2300mAh battery to help it become so slim and you cannot remove the back covers for easy battery replacements.

The device has a fantastic camera. Inside the Galaxy A5 is the 13 Megapixel SONY EXMOR R sensor, the very same sensor that we have seen in flagship device like the LG G3, G2, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and also the Galaxy S4. So what we have been set up for is a fantastic sensor coming down to the price port of a mid-range device. Generally speaking, the camera produces excellent results especially in strong lighting and also when you are using HDR mode. It’s not as good in indoor conditions and low light because we are missing things like optical image stabilization but definitely superior to other devices that I have seen in this price range and in its category. It’s actually an excellent thing to see that Samsung has managed to bring a high quality camera down to price range of something like the Galaxy A5. On the front we also get a 5 megapixel selfie camera which is actually good for a selfie since most mid-range devices have something like 2-3 megapixels

Samsung Galaxy A5 Specifications

Screen	5-inch AMOLED display
	720pixels resolution, 294 pixels per inch
Size	139.3mm x 69.7mm x 6.7 mm
Weight	123 grams
Camera	13 MP primary camera
	5 MP secondary camera
Memory	2 GB RAM
Storage	16 GB storage, expandable up to 64 GB
Processor	1.2 GHz quad core
	64bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 410
GPU	Adreno 306
Sensors	Compass, Proximity, Accelerometer, GPS
Network	3G & 4G LTE
Wireless	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual band, hotspot
	Bluetooth 4.0
Ports	micro-USB 2.0
Battery	2,300 mAh
Talk time	15 Hours
Music play	68 Hours
OS	Android 4.4 KitKat

Tips, Tricks and Strategies on how to keep your Cell Phones

There are a lot of different cell phones out there. Each model has some tips and tricks to make them very useful. In this article, I have compiled a list of tricks and strategies that will make your phone last longer and also help you understand how you can make the best out of your mobile.

Ø  In the event you drop your phone in water or some liquid, don't quickly assume that it's ruined beyond repair and throw it away. All you will need to do is to remove the battery from the device and place your cellphone into a bowl with dry rice or on warm slices of bread. These will absorb some moisture from the device and in no time, you will be using your device in no time. NB: Do not dry your phone with direct sun heat

Ø  Don't always rush to update to the latest phone on the block. Sometimes it is not worth it. Many manufactures make a lot of consistent changes but usually they are not major changes. Go for some in-depth mobile reviews from many cell phone review blogs and sites before deciding to buy a new one. Often, an upgrade will not be necessary.

Ø  Be aware that smartphones actually slowdown in performance over time. Downloading updates is very important. The problem with this is that new phones come out that are a lot more faster and great processing power. Therefore, at times it will be eventually necessary to upgrade.

Ø  It is likely that your smartphone is on for most of your waking hours. Make sure to switch it off some of the times. Mobile cell phones, like computers, require a restart or reboot to function flawlessly. When we restart it or switch it off, we free up some memory and this helps to keep the device running smoothly. Try to do a couple of resets a week and that should help boost performance.

Ø  When purchasing a new smartphone, you should decide carefully when considering extended warranty. These are usually just unnecessary additional costs with no much added value. Odds are good that in the case your smartphone will die then it is going to happen whilst the original manufacturer’s warranty is still covering. Also, most people these days upgrade to new cellphones every year, meaning that an extended warranty will be much more worthless.

Ø  Cell phones tend get slower with age. Mostly because as we update our softwares and applications will more and more memory will be consumed and they also take more space as we use them. This means that updates will then become a bit difficult. Usually when this happens, it most advisable that you update to a more advanced cellphone because clearly the current one cannot contain all the apps you need. You will then need to choose whether to keep it as it is or go for the upgrade.

Ø  If your smartphone is not water resistant, avoid going near water with your phone. Accidents and mistakes do happen no matter how alert you are, people drop their phones in water most of the time, which can ruin them. Don’t take it to a swimming pool or near the sink or in the bathroom. Do not put your smartphone on dusty surfaces or putting it out in the open in dusty winds, I would suggest you should get your phone an affordable. For less than $10 you can yourself a cute pouch.

Ø  Before buying a smartphone, you should first consider how you intend to use it. A lot of people have got smartphones, mostly because they use for sending emails, online browsing, some for gaming, for their high quality cameras etc. If you only want to use your phone for making voice calls and sms texting only, then I think buying a smartphone will a bad idea, it will be pricey and it requires costlier monthly plans, which is not an option for folks who just wanna talk.

Ø  You should recharge your phone battery before it completely runs out. Batteries were not designed for that, continuous charge of a dried up battery will lower the capacity of the battery to hold power for long periods. Try always to charge your phone battery whilst it still has got power.

I hope you will take advantage of these free tips on how to keep your smartphone and how to make the best of your cell phones. When shopping for a new cell phone, don't be overwhelmed by the numbers out there, go for deep review of the devices.

The Best Android Racing games 2015

Many racing games are available on the Google Play Store, and more are added on a regular basis, but finding the best android games worth downloading is usually the challenge. Here we are going to highlight some of the best quality android games 2015 that are fun to play, mostly free (some with in-application purchases) and which are also worth spending your funds on, or waiting intended for big downloads of about 1.5GB to finish.

Whether you’re searching for ultra-realistic racing, some casual arcade fun or desire to be ripping through water with some NOS turbo boosts, we have got all of it covered below. Some of them are and the others are for free, but they are all worth trying at least one time

Asphalt 8: Airborne

Our first game is from Gameloft, they have now released 8 versions of the flagship Asphalt car racing games for Android. Asphalt 8: Airborne brings out all the simulator realism and high speeds, NOS boosters, getting airborne while you race through realistic street roads. All of that while having the best quality graphics around.

Asphalt 8 gives life-like crashes and car damages, arcade mode and multiplayer mode, and a there is a carrier mode to be best driver around and then unlock a great deal of new cars. This is one of my favourite games since release; Asphalt 7 was also one of my favourite games. To me, it’s a clear show off on how far cell phone gaming has come. It’s still going to be one of my all-time favourites that will be found on every phone or tablet I own.

Riptide GP2

Stay with me here, I know most people have heard of this game. Riptide GP2 is quite old, but nonetheless it still has a plenty to offer. Even old model devices can still enjoy the Riptide GP2 experience.

It costs $0. 99 which is nothing compared to the fun experience.  You will be racing through the rich waters in this great arcade mode game in order to unlock higher levels, watercrafts and more points. If you haven't played this, that is a must-buy for virtually any mobile gamer.

Beach Buggy Blitz

Here is another one from the very same game developers who made the award winning Ripitide GP2 above. It’s a remarkable game, Beach Buggy Blitz. It offers almost the same experience; you will be cruising all-around beaches, via tunnels as well as under and over bridges in little buggy cruisers.

Drive your little hot-rod beach buggy so far into the uncharted depths of the mysterious tropical island

Swerve and break through a gorgeous and absolutely destructible place packed with Tiki statues, shacks, huge crabs, lava "things"... also yetis! Explore the sun-swept beaches, mysterious caves, fog-shrouded swamps, ruined buildings or temples as well as erupting volcanoes in this particular action-packed pursuit.

Enough said? It is by one of the best game developers all-around. This is one more that will keep you, your mates, the little ones busy for some time.

Slingshot Race

Now to alter things upward a little bit, I bring you an android game which is not known to many of you but will keep you busy, fired up, even feeling discouraged for some hours. The game can be a bit challenging of which "that will be the fun part" It requires, experience, some skill as well as finesse. When you do, you will be the best and fastest racing all-around.

It’s a bit difficult to describe, you will have to engage in order to "slingshot" your vehicle on corners, and it’s about timing, finding a groove as you rush past competition. It's designed for touchscreen displays, so you are unable to start using a controller like in the three stated earlier, however it's incredibly fun, can be addictive too. Customise your race car and get on to the slingshot corners.

Real Racing 3

Here we are at regular racing and i bring you one which is much more of a simulator and intensely realistic (and a bit hard). A third release in the iconic REAL RACING games, and another you definitely need to try if you like simulator racing games.

Real Racing 3 is an award-winning game which sets a new level standard for mobile games. It features a continuously broadening roster of licensed tracks, the 22-car grid, as well as over 100 meticulously in depth cars by different manufacturers as Bugatti, Mercedes Benz, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche and many more. Also Real-Time Multiplayer, Ghost Challenges, Period Trials, Social Leader boards and also the Time Shifted Multiplayer™ (TSM) which allows you to race any person, anywhere and anytime.

The game is free and has much to offer, however as an application produced by EA; expect to come across plenty of in-app purchases in order to speed up progress.

Fast and Furious 6: The game

Instead of racing in realistic as well as arcade mode game, give a try to something different like Fast and Furious 6.It is drag race game which draws attention from the well-known racing movie. Much like Brian O'Connor players need to adjust gears at just the optimal time to get to higher speeds and win. And then rise up your ranks within international boards, multiplayer contests and more.

Fast 6 even offers a mini version drifting game built-in. 1 which is intended for touch screens displays, you will need to tap and hold at the optimal time (just like Slingshot Racing) to get a great drift experience. It takes some getting used to, but all worth it for those hard-core gamers. This is yet another fantastic free game

Shine Runner

The third racing game in this particular listing by Vector Unit is Shine Runner. It takes some concept of Riptide GP 2 and again some Beach Buggy Blitz to bring you to some swaps of the southern for some air-boat race. You will be going through some rich waters in the backwoods bayou as well as breaking through destructible docks, some beach houses and more as you contest for the lead spot.

Fill your air-boat full with some moonshine and fly through the muddy waters in an attempt to beat time for better points and more. This is also another fantastic game, as is actually from VU. It really another you wouldn't want to miss.

Angry Birds Go

Here is one from the developers of the famous Angry Birds, with some Mario Kart nostalgia you are going to enjoy this game. It offers a great game play for iOS and Android smart phones, it's a perfect game for both grownups and kids.

It is about angry birds stuck on the piggy island wanting to race all their way to victory, offering the same looks and experience as that of the regular Angry Birds but this time with classic cart racing. Practically nothing may actually compare to Mario Kart, but Angry Birds Go comes close.

Well it’s about time you visit the app store and enjoy the games.