Logitech’s G600 mouse goes button ballistic for magnificent MMOs!

If you’re a fan of massively multiplayer online games, Logitech’s new G600 mouse is specifically designed for you.

Logitech’s G600 MMO Gaming Mouse has landed in Australia, and it is “a highly customizable and easy-to-use mouse specifically designed for massively multiplayer online (MMO) gamers”.

Featuring a whopping 20 buttons, which includes “12 thumb buttons, set in two groups of six on a meticulously designed thumb panel”, Logitech says they’re all positioned for “easy reach for quick and easy no-look navigation and faster game play”.

Set up for “optimal use right out of the box”, without needing any drivers, the G600 has three default profiles, two being specifically set up for MMOs and a third for “general gaming”.


There’s also a “G-Shift function that easily doubles the number of actions you can perform with any button, giving you complete control in your favourite MMOs”, alongside programmable keys that let you “create your own commands” which can be stored in the mouse’s onboard memory!


Logitech also talks up the G600’s “sculpted shape” which “comfortably supports your hand through long gaming sessions”.

Mark Starrett, Logitech’s senior global product manager stated that: “The Logitech G600 MMO Gaming Mouse is the result of intense, direct testing with experienced MMO gamers.

“Countless hours of research went into the design of our thumb panel to make sure that it is as comfortable and easy to use as possible. And people will feel the difference in the buttons – they’re sculpted to help reduce click fatigue and miss-clicks so you can play with greater precision for as long as you want.”

The thumb panel even has RGB illumination that is “fully customisable with more than 16 million possible colour combinations that you can use to easily identify the active on-board profile”, with lights that can be set to “glow continuously, pulse on and off, continuously cycle, or dim after a user-determined period of inactivity”.

Hal Hanlin, producer of Rift stated that: “This Logitech mouse is one of the best out there – and not just because they incorporated our feedback into the design. There are so many abilities to keep track of in Rift, the difference between defeating a zone event or winding up at the graveyard can come down to seconds. Having all those G-Keys at your fingertips gives you an advantage.”

On sale now at JB Hi-Fi, Dick Smith and EB Games, the G600 is priced like a high-end game at AUD $99.95.

More information is available at Logitech’s site.

iPad Mini: camera-free rear a pain the rear?

Although the iPhone 5 has had most of the pre-launch glory thus far, one question I’ve previously asked is when fuzzy pictures of iPad mini cases would start appearing, and finally, this has happened, revealing that the iPad mini might not have a rear-facing camera.

If you thought the iPad mini would basically just be like a smaller iPad, or even a bigger iPod touch, we may only be half right.

If you remember with the original iPad, it had no cameras at all – none on the front, and none on the back. However, while the iPad 2 and new iPad 3rd-gen did indeed finally come with cameras and the ability to do Facetime, the iPad mini may well break part of the mould – and even “copy” what Google and Asus have done with the Nexus 7.

That’s because the “first” images of anything iPad mini have finally been leaked on China’s “Weibo” microblogging service, and reported on by Apple.Pro (in Chinese, English translation via Google here), where we see what appears to be the rear case of what is assumed to be the already famous and still very mysterious 7.85-inch iPad mini – without a suitable hole for a rear-facing camera, let alone any LED flash.

Apple.Pro is careful to note that the rear casings may be prototypes, or it may be Apple trying to cost-cut in the same manner that Google and Asus have done.

Or, it may be Apple’s way of guaranteeing plenty of iPad Mini 2 purchases just to get that camera when the iPad Mini 2 is presumably launched in 2013, just as Apple has done with plenty of its other products, delivering “good” reasons to want to upgrade to the next model.

Still, it’s good to see that an image of the iPad Mini has leaked, even if it’s not real, as people were expecting this to happen and wondered when it would.

Now that it has, is the case real? Is it an elaborate hoax? Is there truly no camera, or is Apple going for a front-facing camera for Facetime only?

Sadly, the answers to these questions remain unknown, and will presumably only fully answered come September 12, when Apple’s great iReveal is expected to iHappen.

So, sit tight, and keep scanning the Internets for rumours and leaks until then, because until the true launch, all we can truly do is iSpeculate!

IBM snares multi-million dollar deal

IBM has secured a multi-million dollar deal with Australian not-for-profit health insurer, HCF, to transform HCF’s IT systems, streamline processes and deliver services tailored for its members.

Under the contract, IBM will provide integrated technology to directly support HCF’s Core System transformation, encompassing IBM hardware, software and services.

HCF CIO, Patrick Shearman, said the system transformation would builds on HCF’s success and industry functional leadership with IBM’s iLog and Lombardi rollouts.

According to Shearman, HCF chose IBM for the important strategic initiative because of IBM’s “strong and growing capability in software, including recent acquisitions such as iLOG and Lombardi.”  Shearman said these platforms were already used by HCF and “assisted in IBM’s selection for the overall Core System transformation.”


"At HCF, our members are central to the success of our organisation. Our success with iLOG and Lombardi has shown a proven track record. These creative business solutions enable HCF to obtain increased customer value perspectives, turning information into insights.

“IBM, through its strategic acquisitions of these companies, will now enable us to remain at the forefront of member services by continuing to provide innovative solutions. We look forward to moving ahead with IBM and deepening our partnership. Our members will be the beneficiaries of this partnership choice.”

Paul Rivot, Acting General Manager, Software Group, at IBM Australia and New Zealand, said a key component of HCF’s continued business transformation was IBM’s Smarter Analytics Solutions (ISAS), “the first deal of its kind by IBM in Australia.”

“ISAS will provide deep customer analytics capabilities, a function chosen specifically by HCF to provide real-time analytics to member enquiries. The result for HCF will be faster and enhanced customer service.”

In addition to ISAS, the new IT agreement between IBM and HCF includes a broad portfolio of IBM software capabilities covering analytics, business process management, information management and governance. All solutions will be implemented by the IBM Software Group, and Rivot said another key component of the deal involved the upgrade of HCF’s IBM mainframe server to an IBM zEnteprise 114, to consolidate workloads and optimise the flow of information. IBM Global Technology Services Group will provide maintenance services.

“IBM has vast experience in the insurance industry globally. We understand the challenges that a fast growing business brand like HCF health insurance will face - competitive pressures such as business efficiency and customer satisfaction.

According to Rivot, IBM is in a strong position to help HCF gain “unprecedented customer insights, and therefore, competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

Cygnett case for Galaxy S III is no eggshell

The Samsung Galaxy S III is a fine phone, though at the spendy end of the price spectrum. If you're the sort of person that gives a handset a tough life, the Cygnett WorkMate case might help preserve your investment.

The key feature of the $34.95 WorkMate case is that it is made with a heavy-duty polycarbonate shell lined with "impact cushioning" silicone.

The idea is to provide protection without bulk.
Other design features include a rubberised feel and access to all ports, buttons and so on.

If the latter seems like a no-brainer, your correspondent recently witnessed the owner of a new Nokia handset return a case to the retailer because the case completely blocked the USB (charging) port, and it was exceptionally difficult to remove the phone from the case. The WorkMate for Samsung Galaxy S III comes in a choice of red and black or slate grey and black colour schemes.
WorkMate cases are also available for the iPhone 4/4S and Galaxy S II.

Does HTC's sales shortfall spell trouble for customers?

Apple and Samsung are running away with the smartphone market, but does that mean that consumers should steer clear of all the other handset makers?

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I help one reader decide if he should take a gamble and ditch Apple for an HTC One X. Will he still get the same level of service he has had with Apple?
I also explain to another reader that the Wi-Fi hotspot feature is included in the price of the new family share plans.
Steer Clear of HTC because of its financial troubles?
Dear Maggie,
I've been using an iPhone on AT&T since the iPhone 3G, but I am seriously contemplating a switch to Android after reading such positive reviews for the HTC One X and the Samsung Galaxy S III. After seeing the price drop of the HTC One X to $100, the choice seems obvious. But then again, HTC's recent financial issues worry me that support for the One X will not be as robust as I am used to with the iPhone. So if I were to leave Apple, strictly based on the current state of HTC as a company, would the One X be a good choice or should buyers steer clear?
Thanks,
Peter Dear Peter,
I wouldn't avoid the HTC One X because you're worried about the health of HTC's business. While it's true that HTC saw a nearly 60 percent decline in profits in the second quarter compared to last year's second quarter, HTC it still has a decent business that is generating cash.

The HTC One X and the Samsung Galaxy S III

(Credit: Brian Bennett/CNET)

Of course, HTC is no Apple or Samsung, which are dominating the market at the moment. But its NT$91.04 billion, or US$3.04 billion in revenue for the second quarter is nothing to sneeze at. I don't see the company going out of business anytime soon, and it's highly unlikely it would disappear within the next two years, which is likely how long you'll own your HTC One X. So as a potential customer, I wouldn't worry too much about this.
In fact, I'd argue that even consumers thinking of buying devices from Research In Motion or Nokia, which you could argue are in worse positions competitively to HTC in the U.S. smartphone market shouldn't avoid products from these companies either.
That said, there is a huge difference in terms of the customer service you are used to getting with Apple and the service you should expect from HTC or any maker of Google Android devices. The problem with Google Android products is that it's difficult to figure out who should support you when you have an issue with the phone. Sometimes the problem is with the software. Other times it's a hardware issue.
The trouble is that the OS comes from Google, but because it's open source it can be modified by device makers, which make several different models. Or carriers often add their own special sauce. There are also thousands of app developers, and because there is no one to make sure the apps actually work, sometimes clunky apps or apps that cause problems exist in Google's app store, Google Play.
In general, most customers turn to their wireless carriers when there is a problem with their device. But this doesn't always end in a satisfactory resolution to the issue. Sometimes phone makers lend a hand. But in general the overall support for Google Android devices is pretty poor. Most people have to rely on user forums to get a problem resolved or they beg and plead with their carriers to swap out an old phone for one that will hopefully work.

By contrast, Apple offers a much different customer support experience. Because Apple fully controls the hardware and the software, it's also able to control customer support. Plus Apple just has a different strategy than HTC or even Samsung. It has hundreds of retail locations all over the country dedicated to selling and servicing customers. And the company encourages customers to come into its stores to browse or even just to hang out.
This means that if you're having trouble with a software update or your phone starts acting funny, you can make an appointment at the local Apple store to see an expert at the Genius Bar. Depending whether you're device is still under warranty or if you've paid extra for Apple Care, often they will replace the phone or they'll help you fix whatever software issue you're having. All the accessories that come with your iPhone are also included in the warranty, and I've had several iPhone headsets replaced on the spot.
Apple also offers free workshops and classes in its stores for customers who want to learn more about their Apple products. The Genius Bar service is also free. But Apple Care, which extends the warranty a year on the iPhone, is an additional $100.
So what's my advice? If customer support is a big priority for you, and you expect to take advantage of the Genius Bar and the workshops at the Apple store, then stay with the iPhone. The iPhone 5 is expected to come out in the next couple of months. And it's likely to offer many of the same features and functionality that you find appealing on the HTC One X.
But if you are looking for a good smartphone at a bargain price, then I'd agree that the HTC One X is hard to pass up. I don't know what your financial situation is right now. For some people an extra $100 in their pockets is a big deal, while for others it's chump change. So you need to decide which one you value more -- good customer support and service or a cheaper device. If you were planning to get Apple Care with your new iPhone, then you'd be paying $200 more than you would for the HTC One X without an extended warranty.
If you're really torn, I'd recommend waiting just a little longer. That way you can see what Apple announces next month. And there are also rumors that HTC may be readying another new Google Android smartphone.
Good luck with your decision!

iPad, MacBook torpedoing ultrabook sales, says analyst

Analysts are not kind to ultrabooks. Add Tim Bajarin to that long list.
Though the Creative Strategies president offers plenty of reasons for ultrabooks' woes, one of the more intriguing is that Apple products are boxing ultrabooks into a pricing dead zone.
The mid-range, between $799 and $899 -- where an increasing number of ultrabooks are priced -- "may be going away," Bajarin wrote in a recent post.
That's the upper end of the pricing range of Apple's very popular iPad. And above that, it's a MacBook market -- which Bajarin says consumers will pay more for because they assign more value to a MacBook.
That doesn't leave a lot of breathing room for the ultrabook.
And what about the low-end? Well, unless WinTel (the Microsoft-Intel camp of PC makers) comes up with a really appealing $499 ultrabook, that market will be left to purveyors of cheap plastic laptops.
"Consumers have a threshold of $599. It's like clockwork, they're not going to spend more than that," said Bajarin in a phone interview.
Not all is lost, though. Corporations still buy plenty of pricier Wintel laptops and they'll pay for high-end ultrabooks because they tend to buy more expensive configurations that can last three years or longer, he said.

People love their tablets, report says

Compared to smartphones, people are more satisfied with their tablets -- and of all tablets, they especially love the iPad, according to a new report by ComScore.
"New TabLens data showed that tablet owners were highly satisfied with their respective devices, with the average overall satisfaction rating reaching 8.6 on a 10-point scale," the ComScore report says. "In comparison, smartphone owners rated overall satisfaction with their device an 8.1."
Surveying 6,000 U.S. tablet owners over three months, the research company found out that iPad owners have the "highest level of satisfaction," closely followed by Kindle Fire owners. Android tablet (excluding the Kindle Fire) users marked the lowest levels of satisfaction but still scored strong with their tallies coming in higher than smartphone users.

Other interesting factoids out of ComScore's report are that iPad owners more often tend to be male, younger, and richer, while Kindle Fire users skew toward a female audience that is less wealthy. "Both Android and Kindle Fire users saw household income below that of iPad owners, aligning more closely with household income reported by smartphone owners," the report says.
The iPad's high satisfaction ratings could be why another report by ChangeWave Research found in June that Apple's tablet is favored among the vast majority of would-be tablet buyers with it being on the wish list of 73 percent of people who planned to buy a tablet in the near future.

Malfunction, not iPad, played greater role in Galaxy returns

Confusion with the iPad appears to have played less of a role in returns of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 than previously suggested.
Device malfunction was cited nearly three times more than a desire to exchange for one of Apple's tablets, according to a study conducted by Samsung at Best Buy Stores in 2011. The study, entered into evidence today in the high-stakes patent trial between Apple and Samsung, seems to suggest that that unhappy customers returned Samsung's Android-powered tablet because buyers originally thought they were buying an iPad, only told part of the story.
The study, conducted last year at 30 Best Buy stores in New York, Los Angeles, and Florida to determine why consumers were returning the tablet, found that 25 percent cited malfunctions such as browser freezes, lack of screen sensitivity, and poor Wi-Fi connectivity. Another 17 percent cited issues such as screen lagging, short battery life, and inability to sync with PCs.
Ten percent returned the tablet because they found Google's Honeycomb operating system difficult to use, while 9 percent were exchanges for iPad 2s. Some 8 percent were frustrated by a lack of support for apps such as Hulu, Netflix, or Skype, while only 6 percent cited insufficient speed and performance for their return.

Apple filed a patent-infringement lawsuit against Samsung in California in 2011, accusing the Korean electronics giant of copying "the look and feel" of its iPad tablet and iPhone smartphone. It's been alleged that the design similarities create confusion in the minds of shoppers.
Apple said in a pretrial brief last month that it would "rely on Samsung's own documents, which tell an unambiguous story." However, the survey results seem to contradict the notion that consumer confusion brought on by design similarities between devices was a significant factor in buyer returns, something Samsung has already attempted to prove during the cross examination of Apple's expert witnesses during the past week.
CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.

Apple's iPhone 4S drops to $149 with Sprint

Apple fans may be quick to read into this: over the weekend, Sprint dropped the price of its iPhone 4S from $199 to $149.
Could this be in anticipation of the iPhone 5?
Sprint's $50 price cut, first reported on by AllThingsD, comes before competing carriers have dropped their prices. AT&T's iPhone 4S is still $199, as is Verizon's.

According to AllThingsD, rumor has it that the price slash is a Sprint promotion but with Apple's approval. A spokesperson for the carrier told CNET that the price drop is simply a back-to-school promotion.
Apple is planning a major event in mid-September and, according to recent iPhone chatter, it will be announcing the new iPhone there and could possibly release the device just a few days later.