Monday, December 20, 2010

Contact Me

Muhsin.Kakkathara
Veliancode

Mail Me: muhsin.kakkathara@yahoo.in
Mobile:   96 333 66 828


You can change your life only by yourself

Our Training

Training

SATSA (Success achieving through self-awareness) is a uniqueself-development programme to change your thoughts and change your destiny there by one can desire and deserve a wonderful life full of success joy and financial independence SATSA is based on psychology of human thought it says “if you form a picture in your mind as what you would like to be and you keep and hold that picture there long enough you will soon become exactly as you have been thinking 

So thoughts make you happy or sad
Thoughts make you popular or unpopular
Thoughts make you feel confident or insecure
Thoughts make you powerful or powerless

And so on........ and the best news of all is that they are completely under your control.
You will get the most modern tools and technologiesbiased on latest research to control your thoughts and enable you to be an extraordinary future through this workshop.

This programme will focus on

  • How to change focus
  • How to change thought
  • How to change perception
  • How to change belief

Our Trainers

Life Coach Mr. Mujeeb Rahaman (Corporate Trainer and Motivational speaker) is the Founder Chairman of Anglo-Linguistic Centre he is also the Managing Director of Life Positive Career and Management Training Centre Pvt. Ltd. He has been in the field of English training for the last many years. Thousands of students have achieved their purpose of speaking English through his two month psycho- linguistic Training. He has given a lot of contribution to the field of English education. He is an International Mind Management Trainer. He always makes people aware in his workshop that "Your outer world is the result of your inner world" he happily Married to Mumthas and they have one child Adhnan Hadi

Success Guru Mr. Shah (Corporate Trainer and Motivational speaker) He is Pilot-Faculty of Oxford-Academy. He is also the Director of Life Positive Career and Management Training Centre Pvt. Ltd. He has addressed Thousands of gatherings as a Human Excellence Trainer. He has created thousands of winners in Academic and Business world. He has also trained thousands to speak English fluently for the last many years. His seminars and workshops on Success Strategies have inspired thousands to lead a prosperous and meaningful life. He always makes people aware in his workshop that "Success is nothing, but it’s a challenge" 

Motivational Speaker Mr. Shafeek is the key resource person of Anglo-linguistic centre. He is also the Director of Life Positive Career and Management Training Centre Pvt. Ltd. He has trained thousands of members from different fields to improve their skills and help them to release their true potential. He has also proven his quality in the field of spoken English. Many get opportunity to work with renowned companies just because of his professional oriented training. Career planning is provided effectively to find out suitable career by his one day training workshop. Thousands of People have been trained so far. He happily married to Muhsina.

Motivational Speaker Mr Shaheem. The moving spirit of "SPEAK UP SPEAK OUT" a training school for psycho-linguistic skills. He is also the Director of Life Positive Career and Management Training Centre Pvt. Ltd. Son of Dr. K. K. Muhammed Unni. He has been working as a linguistic trainer for many years. He has trained thousandths of members. He strongly believes the words of Dr.APJ Abdul kalam "Dreams are not what you see in your sleep, Dreams are what make you lose your sleep. His message to people from his experience is " every person living on this planet has the potential to be a genius" realise your potential and lead your life successfully.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2



What a rush, I tell you! If you’re one to scoff at the idea of a 2-wheel drive 
Lamborghini, you ought to get behind the wheel of the new LP 550-2 and belt 
the thing down a race track. I did just that, on the Shanghai F1 circuit and t
he raging Bull galvanised every hair follicle I had!

Think blood rushes, because that’s what the 550 causes when you shift up 
and stomp on the throttle. The engine whooshes like the opening of a dam’s 
sluice gates and you are pinned to the seat. The pace picks up and your 
facial muscles automatically contort into a shakey smile. Before you know it, 
you’re approaching the braking marker, always too fast for the Lamborghini i
nstructor sitting beside you, who’s already clawing at the door in panic — and 
all of this with the Corsa mode switched off. Brake hard and your innards 
are flung forward, though you’re held in place by those seat belts. Before 
your intestines emerge through your ribcage, you attack the corner, trying to 
remember what racing lines are all about.


Enter on the outside, straighten out the corner by taking the inside near the 
apex and then exit wide. All that sounds easy, but when you're being shoved 
by 550 bhp from behind your tail and your heart’s pounding like a howitzer, 
it's a different story. The Gallardo sticks like glue, though, its potential far 
exceeding what my driving ability can ever be, and I get out of the kink with t
he car in third gear. In return, I get a thumbs up from the instructor. Maybe t
hat’s the cue that he wants to get the hell out of the car. Or maybe he’s impressed. 
Who knows? 








Skoda Yeti Review - Rare Species



 There are SUVs and then there are crossovers. Manufacturers take
pains to point out the differences between the two and tell you why 
one is better than the other (as long as they aren’t making the other). 
Engineers in R&D get into defensive positions when comparisons 
are made, while marketing honchos think offence is the best defence. 
And it’s a battle that doesn’t look like it’s going to end any time soon.

But sometimes, there are vehicles that tread both paths and find a niche 

within a niche. Well, I didn’t know such an ultra-niche existed till the Skoda 
Yeti came along. The Yeti doesn’t look traditional — it even could pass off 
as a slightly extended hatchback on stilts.

How else could one justify its rather compact 4.2 metre length? It even 

has a second row of seats that can not only be moved on its rails in all 
four directions, they can even be removed completely to create space for 
a pair of baby elephants. The Skoda Yeti then could probably be called 
the most interesting vehicle on sale this year, but is it the best? Let’s go find out. 

More Photos:

Prima-ry School - Tata Prima Truck!



At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, a Prima was unveiled at 
the Tata Motors pavilion. And it had nothing to do with the 
machine you see here. The Prima was a gorgeous executive 
saloon concept designed by Pininfarina that indicated where 
Tata was looking at entering next. But before you know it, 
barely had a few months passed that the manufacturer unveiled
the Prima in India – and the badge was affixed on a big rig, 
instead of a car! Never mind what the sedan will be called, 
we got behind the wheel of the bigger Prima instead. If you
took three Kartiks or 3.2 Kyles (I suck at math, you see) and 
stacked them one above the other, the roof of the truck and
the skull of the third would just about fall in line. It's so long 
with the trailer attached that I doubt if our entire team of eight
lying down one behind the other head to toe would measure up. 
But really that is hardly an excuse to drive it now, is it?

The true reason is simple. Think of the good ol' Tata 1612. 
Those hot interiors, an apology for a dashboard, gears that 
would refuse to stick and with a steering wheel so thin, you 
could actually use them for hula-hoops. Now place it next to 
the Tata Prima and you get the drift. The jump is monumental. 
So monumental that it is enough to change the face of trucking 
in India forever and take Tata Motors straight into the backyard 
of the Renaults, Volvos and DAFs of the trucking world.


More Photos:



Ultra-Portable Dell Inspiron Mini-10 Netbook

Dell has launched in India its new 10-inch Dell Inspiron Mini-10 netbook that is powered by 1.33 GHz Intel Ultra Low Voltage ATOM Z520 with 512-KB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB on Intel US15W chipset mainboard, and it comes with 1-GB DDR2 667 MHz SDRAM (max 4-GB in 2 slots), a 160-GB  5400 rpm SATA hard drive and big size keyboard which is about 92% the size of a standard laptops.
dell-inspiron-mini-10-laptop
This Ultra-Portable Dell Inspiron Mini-10 laptop is designed for consumer who needs to stay connected, informed, entertained and productive-anytime and anywhere. The ultra-portable laptop is designed lightweight and small in size making it convenient for use at all sorts of places like in home, gym, trains, bus, planes etc. where a larger size laptop might feel inconvenient.
The ultra-low voltage Intel Atom processor uses a new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized of just 22mm, and it uses less than 1/10th of the 35 watts power used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor resulting is less heat output.
Intel ATOM ULV Processor Z520 has been specifically designed for small devices with low power consumption, besides maintaining the Intel Core 2 Duo instruction set compatibility. The new Dell Inspiron Mini-10 ultra-portable Laptop is designed as low-cost, Internet-centric mobile computing devices also called NetBooks.
Only 28.5-cm thick and weighing 1.30 kgs with 3-cell battery pack, the Dell Inspiron Mini-10 netbook comes with 10.1-inch (25.65-cm) UltraSharp Widescreen WXGA TFT display with TrueLife powered by Intel Mobile Graphics Media Accelerator GMA 500 with upto 128-MB shared video memory 256-MB shared GDDR3 video RAM offering upto 1280 x 800 pixels screen resolution with 16.7 million colors.
Built chiefly for media consumption and available in several colors including Sapphire Blue, Smoke Grey, Crimson Red and Bone White, the Dell Inspiron Mini-10 netbook offers a wide range of component upgrades – including integrated WWAN or a Blu-ray DVD burner optical drive.
Microsoft Windows XP Home with SP3 pre-installed Dell Inspiron Mini-10 laptop offers Intel PRO/Wireless 4965 Network 802.11a/g/n Dell Mini Card for wireless LAN networking and it also features integrated 10/100 Gigabit Ethernet LAN controller, built-in 56kbps V.92 Fax/Modem, 4x USB 2.0 ports, IEEE 1394, VGA video output & S-Video and integrated stereo speakers powered by 5.1 channel surround audio system.
An optional Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth module is also available with this laptop allows attaching wireless mice, keyboards, PDAs and other Bluetooth-enabled devices without the hassle of cords and cables.
The sleek Dell Inspiron Mini-10 also offers 1.3 Megapixel Webcam along with Dual Digital Array Microphone allowing fast and quick access to video chat and comes with 5.1 channel audio hardware with for true surround sound experience and internal Altec Lansing stereo speakers (4W each) delivering high quality audio.
The Dell Inspiron Mini-10 also features 3-in-1 memory card reader, 3 USB 2.0 ports, 15-pin VGA video output & S-Video and a standard Wi-Fi Catcher for connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot and it is done without powering up your notebook and it also offers standard Hyperband Multi-Antenna which allow strong and clear wireless reception. Besides, the laptop also offers a standard Consumer Infrared port which allows navigate through music, videos, photos remotely with the travel remote control located in the express card slot.
Featuring HDMI digital out port, the Dell Inspiron Mini-10 netbook PC also offers an optional A-V communications package with integrated 2.0 megapixel webcam with directional microphone, noise-isolation earbuds and Skype software and comes with Dell MediaDirect technology for fast, one-button access to videos, music or photos.
I/O Interfaces
  • 2 x USB v2.0 compliant 4-pin connectors
  • 1x eSATA/USB combo power port
  • ExpressCard 54mm
  • IEEE 1394 (FireWire) integrated port
  • VGA port for external monitor
  • RJ-45, Ethernet
  • RJ-11, fax/modem
  • Microphone-in
  • Headphone-out
  • S-Video TV-out
  • PCMCIA Card Slot
  • 3-in-1 Removable Memory Card Reader
  • HDMI port output for HDTV video
  • Dual digital array Microphones
The Dell Inspiron Mini-10 netbook comes with 3-cell 24WHr Li-Ion battery that offers upto 3.5-hours battery life, the Dell Inspiron Mini-10 also offers an optional 9-cell 85 WHr lithium-ion battery with extended 9-hours of backup life and is available for starting price of about Rs. 28,500/- with one year warranty. Please visit www.dell.co.in for more details.

Mercedes Benz E63



The weather was bleak and more suited for commuting than thrashing super sedans and coupés on the autobahn. But a job is a job and I had to bring you the story, right? After puttering around in an AMG-tuned ML, which was more like a baby elephant on banned substances, I was longing to drive what was ahead of me. I lowered the windows of the ML just to hear its potent engine crackle and pop as it sent a prodigious amount of torque to its rear wheels. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the world of the E63 AMG — pure madness in a taxi-shell!

Make no mistake, this E-Class can look the part in a Stuttgart taxi stand, if not for the minor skirting and initials revered by petrolheads around the world.


There are three women in my life whom I continuously try to impress. While my wife and my daughter give in easily, my mother-in law can be a tough act. So, to impress her, I borrowed a Mercedes-Benz E-Class fifteen years back — the occasion being the coming home of my newborn son.
Heck, I even drove one some 2,500 km on another occasion to…er…show off! Impressed in-law or not, I love the E-Class Mercedes-Benz— age no bar! And after seventeen years as a motoring scribe and editing this page for 15 years, I can tell you that there is no better overall car than the W124 Mercedes of early nineties vintage. 

More Photos:


Wipro WLG-7710 Dual Core Laptop

The Wipro WLG-7710 Dual Core Laptop is powered by 1.73 GHz Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T2080 with Mobile Intel 945GML Express Chipset Mainboard, offering 1-MB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB, and it features 512-MB PC2700 DDR2 SDRAM (2-GB Maximum), 80-GB 5400 rpm SATA hard drive and 24X DVD/CD-RW Combo Optical Drive.
wipro-wlg-7710-laptop-pcExcept the processor, the Wipro WLG-7710 laptop computer spots similar features as Wipro WLG-7710 Celeron Laptop, like 14.1-inch (35.8 cm) WXGA Widescreen TFT Display powered by integrated integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA 950 with DVMT 3.0 and up to 64-MB shared video memory offering maximum screen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels.
Wipro WLG-7710 Dual Core Laptop computer comes with Linux with limited functionality operating system software preinstalled and all device drivers are provided on a CD. Microsoft Windows XP Basic / Professional edition or Windows Vista can be purchased at extra cost.
The WLG-7710 Dual Core Wipro laptop comes with integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 3945BG WiFi 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN connection, integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN connection, and standard 56kbps V.92 fax/modem card for connectivity.
Weighing 2.50 kgs without battery pack, the Wipro WLG-7710 Dual Core Laptop computer also offers 3 USB v2.0 ports, Type I/II PC Card Slot, supports both 32-Bit CardBus and 16 bit PC Cards, IEEE 1394 Firewire port and Altec Lansing Stereo Speakers in the front side of frame.
There is option for installing Bluetooth card for which there is a slot available at the bottom side of the laptop. Both, hard disk drive and memory are upgradable by user without requiring to take the laptop to a service center.
Wipro WLG-7710 Dual Core laptop also sports integrated 8-in-1 card reader, supporting Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD), Mini SD, MS Duo, and MS Pro Duo media cards.
Linux preinstalled Wipro WLG-7710 laptop is equipped with 6-cell Lithium ion, 4400 mAh which can provide upto 2.5 hrs backup without WiFi connection.
I/O Ports
  • 3 x USB v2.0 compliant 4-pin connectors
  • ExpressCard 54mm
  • IEEE 1394 (FireWire) 4-pin integrated port
  • VGA port for external monitor, 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
  • RJ-45, Ethernet LAN
  • RJ-11, fax/modem
  • Microphone-input, mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm jack
  • Headphone-out, mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm jack
  • S-Video TV-out, 4 pin mini-DIN
  • PCMCIA Slot I/II Card Slot
  • 8-in-1 Media Card Reader Slot
wipro-wlg-7710-laptop-pc

Wipro WLG-7710 Dual Core Laptop Specifications:

  • Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T2080, 1.73 GHz
  • 1-MB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB
  • Intel Mobile 945GM Express Chipset
  • 512-MB DDR2 533/667 MHz SDRAM ( Maximum 2 GB)
  • 80 GB Serial-ATA hard disk drive, 5400 rpm
  • 24X DVD/CD-RW Combo Optical Drive
Display & Graphic
  • 14.1-inch (35.8 cm) WXGA Widescreen TFT LCD display, 200nits brightness
  • Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA 950 Graphics Chipset with 64 MB of shared memory
  • 1280 x 800 pixels screen resolution
Network & Communication
  • Intel PRO/Wireless 3945BG WiFi 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN connection
  • 10/100/1000 mbps Ethernet LAN Card
  • 56kbps v.92 fax/modem
Other Features
  • Linux OS
  • Type I/II PC Card Slot
  • AC’97 Integrated High Defination Audio with Stereo Speakers
  • Built-in Microphones
  • 8-in-1 card reader, supporting Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD), Mini SD, MS Duo, and MS Pro Duo
  • 6-cell 4400 mAh Li-ion battery, 2.5 hours backup
  • Dimension: W x D x H – 340 x 255 x 28.7/38 mm
  • Weight: 2.5 kgs
Price and Availability
Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T2080 powered Wipro WLG 7710 Dual Core laptop with 14.1-inch WXGA Widescreen display is available for the price of Rs. 31,999 with a one-year international travel warranty. Visit www.wipro.com for more details.

Wipro WLG-7710 Celeron Laptop PC

The Wipro WLG-7710 Celeron Laptop is powered by 1.73 GHz Intel Celeron Processor M725 with Mobile Intel 915GML Express Chipset Mainboard, offering 1-MB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB, and it features 512-MB PC2700 DDR2 SDRAM (2-GB Maximum), 80-GB 5400 rpm SATA hard drive and 24X DVD/CD-RW Combo Optical Drive.
wipro-wlg-7710-laptop-pcThe Wipro WLG-7710 Celeron laptop computer features 14.1-inch (35.8 cm) WXGA Widescreen TFT Display powered by integrated integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA 950 with DVMT 3.0 and up to 64-MB shared video memory offering maximum screen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels.
Wipro WLG-7710 Celeron Laptop computer comes with Linux with limited functionality operating system software preinstalled and all device drivers are provided on a CD. Microsoft Windows XP Basic / Professional edition or Windows Vista can be purchased at extra cost.
Wipro WLG-7710 Celeron Laptop PC comes with integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 3945BG WiFi 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN connection, integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN connection, and standard 56kbps V.92 fax/modem card for connectivity.
Weighing 2.50 kgs without battery pack, the Wipro WLG-7710 Celeron Laptop computer also offers 3 USB v2.0 ports, Type I/II PC Card Slot, supports both 32-Bit CardBus and 16 bit PC Cards, IEEE 1394 Firewire port and Altec Lansing Stereo Speakers in the front side of frame.
There is option for installing Bluetooth card for which there is a slot available at the bottom side of the laptop. Both, hard disk drive and memory are upgradable by user without requiring to take the laptop to a service center.
Wipro WLG-7710 Celeron laptop also sports integrated 8-in-1 card reader, supporting Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD), Mini SD, MS Duo, and MS Pro Duo media cards.
Linux preinstalled Wipro WLG-7710 Celeron laptop is equipped with 6-cell Lithium ion, 4400 mAh which can provide upto 2.5 hrs backup without WiFi connection.
I/O Ports
  • 3 x USB v2.0 compliant 4-pin connectors
  • ExpressCard 54mm
  • IEEE 1394 (FireWire) 4-pin integrated port
  • VGA port for external monitor, 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
  • RJ-45, Ethernet LAN
  • RJ-11, fax/modem
  • Microphone-input, mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm jack
  • Headphone-out, mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm jack
  • S-Video TV-out, 4 pin mini-DIN
  • PCMCIA Slot I/II Card Slot
  • 8-in-1 Media Card Reader Slot
wipro-wlg-7710-laptop-pc

Wipro WLG-7710 Celeron Laptop Specifications:

  • Intel Celeron Processor M725, 1.60 GHz
  • 1-MB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB
  • Intel Mobile 915GM Express Chipset
  • 512-MB DDR2 533/667 MHz SDRAM ( Maximum 2 GB)
  • 80 GB Serial-ATA hard disk drive, 5400 rpm
  • 24X DVD/CD-RW Combo Optical Drive
Display & Graphic
  • 14.1-inch (35.8 cm) WXGA Widescreen TFT LCD display, 200nits brightness
  • Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA 950 Graphics Chipset with 64 MB of shared memory
  • 1280 x 800 pixels screen resolution
Network & Communication
  • Intel PRO/Wireless 3945BG WiFi 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN connection
  • 10/100/1000 mbps Ethernet LAN Card
  • 56kbps v.92 fax/modem
Other Features
  • Linux OS
  • Type I/II PC Card Slot
  • AC’97 Integrated High Defination Audio with Stereo Speakers
  • Built-in Microphones
  • 8-in-1 card reader, supporting Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD), Mini SD, MS Duo, and MS Pro Duo
  • 6-cell 4400 mAh Li-ion battery, 2.5 hours backup
  • Dimension: W x D x H – 340 x 255 x 28.7/38 mm
  • Weight: 2.5 kgs
Price and Availability
Intel Celeron Processor M725 powered Wipro WLG 7710 Celeron laptop with 14.1-inch WXGA Widescreen display is available for the price of Rs. 26,999 with a one-year international travel warranty. Visit www.wipro.com for more details.

Toyota Etios Review - Finally!



It’s been four years in the making. It has made the second-largest automotive manufacturer in the world go back to the drawing board again and again. It has made them do things they have never done before. At the end of it, Toyota has this to show, the Etios sedan (the hatchback follows next year). This is the car they have pinned their hopes on, to get the volumes in a country where car sales have been shooting through the roof.

While Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Ford and even General Motors have accelerated their activities in the country, Toyota has been slow and late in bringing in a mass-market model.

But try telling them that and they say that they cannot be hurried. They set their own pace. Well, that comes out of some sort of confidence, I would say. It’s the same sort of confidence they had when they introduced the Qualis in the country — all of us knew it was a dated vehicle, but that did not stop us from buying it, right? Even though it was a dinosaur in automotive terms, it was the best machine in its category. So: is the Etios worth the wait? Let’s find out what the Toyota for India is all about.  



More Photos:

    

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Top 5 Reasons to Learn a Foreign Language

Over the past years, English has become a global language. With some 380 million native speakers, it is currently the most widely spoken and written language in the world. However, this doesn’t mean that English is the only language that must be learnt by people who want to make their life easier, and transform it into a great experience. I say this whilst bearing in mind the statement of American President, Obama- that he is embarrassed by the fact that he doesn´t speak a foreign language. English is his native language, but in the 21st century, speaking just this language isn´t enough anymore.
So, if someone’s ever said to you that learning another language is a waste of time and it´s unrewarding, you should know that the person telling you this did to you a great disservice. You should take advantage and learn a language as long as you´re still young…Here are five reasons to convince you of the importance of foreign language learning.

1. To increase your employment potential
Knowing languages will open up employment opportunities that you wouldn´t have had otherwise. Most companies nowadays are multinational and international companies who do business abroad. Therefore, they need bilingual or even multilingual employees. In fact, all sectors demand people with foreign language skills, and having these kind of skills will certainly give you an edge over monolingual people, who are competing for the same job as you do.

2. To enhance your travel experiences
I’m not saying that it’s impossible to travel to foreign countries without speaking their native language. Just that by speaking the language spoken in the country you travel to, you can get the most out of your experience. When you know the language, you don´t feel embarrassed anymore, and are able to communicate and participate in their daily lives and to understand their cultures by surpassing the language barrier. Moreover, people are much more receptive if they see you making an effort to speak their language, and that can only turn your experience into the trip of your life. Nowadays there are many possibilities to combine traveling with learning a language. For example, there are many language schools spain that offer the possibility to learn Spanish and they organise sightseeing trips throughout the country.

3. To improve your chances of studying at a great college or University
The majority of universities believe that knowing a foreign language (and, of course, a bit about its culture) is a requirement for admission, so they ask for language diplomas or they give you exams to test your knowledge. Most educational institutions require you to have studied a foreign language for at least 2 years, as this is a part of what every educated person should know.

4. To make friends
By learning other languages you can communicate with a great number of people. Through meeting foreign students while studying abroad or through establishing a connection with a pen-pal, you connect to another world, to other traditions and cultures, and you become friends of these people, in one way or another.

5. For your personal satisfaction
Any process that requires all your effort and hard work will at the end bring you a lot of joy and a feeling of having achieved something. Learning a foreign language isn´t easy at all, you´ll have a lot of small issues and problems to tackle along the way, you´ll have to focus on spelling, grammar, reading, and so forth, but at the end, you will be pleased and proud of yourself as learning a foreign language is one of the highest intellectual goals that one could have, and you have achieved it.
Are you still thinking of learning a foreign language? What are you waiting for? Do it!

Created by
Raheesh.V.C

Visioin Kerala 2025

The 'Vision Kerala 2025, a study commissioned by the Confederation of Industries - Kerala State Council, has called for a green and sustainable development model which will ensure globally comparable living standard for the people of the state.
The Vision Kerala 2025 was released by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, at a function here.
Speaking on the occasion, he said there is need to ensure food security, homes for all and employment.
Kerala was dependent on neighboring states for rice, milk and eggs. This situation needs to change, he said.
The Vision Kerala 2025 envisages that by 2025, Kerala would be a vibrant,sustainable modern state providing its residents globally comparable quality of life and opportunities to excel in their chosen walks of life dents globally comparable quality of life and opportunities to excel in their chosen walks of life.
CII, Kerala Chairman, Umang Patodia said the vision Kerala 2025 was prepared after careful analysis of the macro economic situation in the state and after extensive discussions with nearly 200 people, including 100 students.
The study focussed on issues like economic growth, social development, analysis of performance, issues impacting specific sectors, factor advantage of the state and aspirations of the people.Extensive discussions were held with principal stakeholders in the state, including political leaderships of both ruling and opposition fronts, key government officials, industry leaders, farmers, academicians and students.
Dr B V R Mohan Reddy, Deputy chairman, CII(Southern Region) was among those who spoke.

IT professionals from Kerala forms global alliance, KITA

Around 150 Indian-American Information Technology professionals from Kerala came together in New York last November to launch the Kerala Information Technology Alliance (KITA), a platform for IT professionals of Kerala origin worldwide, to help "accelerate the growth of Kerala." Speaking to reporters here today, George Abraham, Chief Technology Officer, United Nations Pension Fund, and one of the masterminds behind the initiative said the vision of KITA was to enable Kerala to become a premier global technology hub.

"This initiative is all about bringing together IT professionals of Kerala origin in the US and leverage their knowledge and skills to help Kerala achieve growth," he said.
Even though Kerala has the highest literacy rate,the state was lagging behind other southern states in attracting IT investment and also in setting up IT infrastructure, he said.
Abraham said on January 7 a briefing session will be held at nearby Kakkanad and people from government, business, academia and the general public will be invited to attend the session, he said.
He said KITA had identified the "gaps" which prevent the state from becoming a global technology hub at a macro level and has come up with a 12-point programme to address it.

Practice Test to Evaluate Your CNA Exam Preparation

If you are looking for the best ever job opportunities then, CNA training and passing of cna certification test can avail you quickest employment. The Certification requires clearing of Federal and state specified Certified Nursing Aide Evaluation Test. Once the student pass out the Evaluation Test, he/she can find jobs in different health care centers, long term care centers, hospitals, nursing homes, adult care units etc.
It is generally found that nursing aide students tend to get nervous during CNA Competency Evaluation Test and achieve results, which are below their competency level. The reasons which lead to their actions are their poor knowledge of cna exam practice test questions and their lack of understandings about the different way, how they can prepare themselves for such tests.
A CNA student, who is keen to tender compassionate, nursing care to the sick people, must undertake Practice Test to review their readiness for the CNA exam and various types of questions usually asked during the Certification test. The Practice Test is also the way to enhance the confidence level, which is necessary for the Competency Test. A student must also know that appearing for the Practice Test also inform them about the situations they tend to face during the actual state and federal approved CNA Exam.
To sit and appear for the Practice Test, a CNA student is needed CNA training of 75 hours, which includes classroom theory learning and clinical trainings, which are duly approved by state and federal agencies. But, it is also essential to remember that, different states have their own training program duration and their completion varies from 75 hours to 15o hours, as per specific state requirements.
There are online sites, which offer Practice Test to CNA students and they are required to respond to the questions based on their CNA training programs. The Practice Test questions, which are asked are also alike to the questions given to the students during CAN Exam.
If you are also willing to evaluate your test skills by sitting for the Practice Test, you can find Test Hand Book from NNAAP website. For any additional information, you can get in touch with your State Board of Nursing and Nurse Aide Registry.

The Importance of Education

I´ve decided to write this article because I am totally amazed with the large number of people that don´t realize how important education is to our lives. While searching something on the internet, I´ve found a lot of topics on forums, started by people that were asking if education is important and if having a bachelor degree is worth the pain. Well people, you should know that the world we live in is constantly evolving and we really need a solid education upon which to base our skills and knowledge.

It´s true that in deciding to seek a graduate degree you are making a commitment of time and money, so it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. In fact it is a decision of huge importance in ones life. Earning a graduate degree will help you improve your career, as most careers nowadays require at least a Bachelor´s degree. Studies have shown that people with degrees earn more than those without. Also, have you ever noticed that the word ¨learn¨ contains the word ¨earn¨ in it? And we all know that money is one of the most important things in our life. Those with degrees are much more employable than those without them. If there was a time when companies used to employ people who had experience, nowadays employers search for people who have been highly educated. However, not all careers pay equally so you must think wisely when choosing a subject to study. However there are plenty of Universities (also abroad) that are likely to match your preferences. You could for example choose to study at one of the universities in Madrid. There are many places where you can find all the support you need and all the sources of knowledge that can help you build a career.

I strongly believe that education also brings a healthier lifestyle, as doctors recommend that people keep their brains challenged and active. It also brings confidence. At least personally, I feel that there is nothing like believing in yourself and this feeling can be achieved through only education.

By attending school, one´s able to learn from the academic and life experience of those around them, as well as knowledge passed from century to century. School also allows you to interact with other people, to refine your communication skills, and to find out more about different cultures and different places in the world. Education is the key that allows people to move up in the world, to seek better jobs, and especially to succeed in life. As education is so important, no one should be deprived of it, but, unfortunately, we have places in the world where not everyone has the opportunity to receive it.

These are only a few reasons of why education is important. I hope you´ve understood my point and that you agree with me. Good luck in your future educational endeavors!

Where to Learn Good English?

There is no doubt that if you think of where the best place to learn English is, London tops the list as the most appropriate destinations. It is obvious why. The city is the capital of Great Britain, the birthplace of the English language and the country where people speak the purest English. London is a fabulous place to visit and study in. Reasonably, thousands of people from all over the world and all ages choose to improve their proficiency with English courses in London and live and study in the thriving environment of the city. Thousands of teachers also choose London to improve their careers and gain a valuable experience by working in one of the most magnificent world capitals. It is a fact that studying and teaching in London has countless benefits. The city is home of some of the most modern schools, universities and study centers where students learn with the newest methods and programs in language education. In London everyone will find something interesting to visit or experience, which is a natural motivator for each student to interact around the city and practice their English while exploring London. The native speaking ambience is a benefit for the language courses and eases the work of the teacher. But together with the advantages of London, it also raises some challenges to teachers in the learning process. One of the difficulties for teachers is to keep the students focus on the studying. London is full of entertainment opportunities and things to do and experience, which will possibly distract students from the learning process. To avoid this side effect, make sure you include curious facts of the current reality of London and different role play games that resemble real situations in your lessons. Another motivational technique especially effective is to use interactive facilities for your lessons and make the learning visual and more understandable. Films and videos that you can discuss later will provoke students to express their opinion and share ideas in English. Make the learning process fun and enjoyable and you will outrun your expectations. Be creative and use your sense of humor, it will make the atmosphere friendlier and both yourself and the students will feel better for it. English courses in London will enrich students’ proficiency, but they will also give them a better understanding and knowledge of English traditions and London’s reality. You can capture the students not only with the English language, but with the most interesting places and highlights in the city, by holding some of the lessons outside the classroom. It will encourage them to speak English freely and will help them explore London like never before.

MBA, MBA Colleges In Noida, BBA College In Delhi NCR

Taking the step to do an MBA is indeed a big decision because it requires huge investment in terms of your time as well as money. Your career goals should be well defined and you should be able to answer the 10 brownie points question “Why an MBA?”

Hence it is imperative that you rather invest your time in doing adequate research to know all about MBA, the different types of specializations available, the B-schools that offer such programs, the fees, the rankings, the curriculum, the infrastructure, the placement offers, the teachers etc.

Let us accept the fact that getting admission into an MBA course in a good B-school is not as easy. It requires rigorous practice and grooming on your behalf. One needs to prepare for various entrance exams such the GMAT and the TOEFL. There are many students who take these exams without preparation thinking that since it is basic math and English, they will be able to crack it. However, practice and training is necessary. The more you practice, the more you will prepare yourself thoroughly for the exams.
 
Also, what is necessary is to accumulate good amount of work experience. This is a great benefit for people who want to pursue their MBAs especially in the US. Work experience adds a lot of credibility to your portfolio and since you have some amount of relevant skills required in an organization, your chances of getting through a good B-school increase to a large extent.

While considering MBA admissions, keep in mind the budget constraints that you have. Calculate the amount that you will have to pay back in case you are taking a loan. Check whether the university gives scholarship and try to apply for the same.

Once admission to an MBA institute is fixed, do not consider life to be easy. One has to work hard for several hours together and this is indeed ‘the’ course that will develop your overall personality and make you not just a good manager but a good leader.

Hierank School of Management Technology Programmes are benchmarked against best Business Schools & Institutes in the world. Master of Business Administration is a post graduate degree in business communication. Master of Business Administration (MBA), BBA is one of the most important post graduate courses in Noida India. BBA, MBA Students are young manager entering the world of business and these young minds need optimal guidance to excel in administering business successfully.

Our BBA course trains the students to adapt and excel simultaneously as well as local environment. MBA stands for Masters of Business Administration and is a very popular course for business administration students in the world.

The BBA, MBA colleges in Noida are renowned for their high quality of teaching and excellent edification environments. The Institute for International Management & Technology The fact that BBA, MBA programs enhance the basics of managerial procedures and reinforces your existing persona with some unique and fundamental traits makes them stand out from the horde of other career alternatives, accessible elsewhere. But it is highly imperative to do a back check on the educational establishment’s history.

The BBA is three year full time regular programme affiliated to CCS (Meerut) University / (A Govt. recognized UGC degree). MBA - Bachelor of Business Administration is one of the courses provided by Hierank Group of Institutes. Hierank offers approved full time and part time PGDM programmes Specialization is available in the areas of marketing, international business, banking and financial services, human resources, operation management, and information technology. 

For details:
raheesh_vkd@yahoo.com
+91 9539756179

Best Spoken English and Personality Development Training Center in chennai Anna Nagar

Basic(Basic fundamentals and Grammar)=course duration 1 month

Excel(Spoken English grammar fluency group discussion)=course duration 1 month

Skills(Personality Development and interview techniques)= course duration 1 month

Our center is one of the Best center in chennai and We are giving a quality education for all and We are having a Well Trained Faculties and we are trained more than 500 students.

Our Interview techniques and Group Discussion courses and helped many students to get a job in First Attempt itself and they are get placed in top IT and Other Companies. We are having Certificate courses for the college students who are going to finish their final year. 

Office:
Diamond Plaza No-995-P, 2nd avenue, 12th main road,
Anna Nagar chennai-600040.(opp.Hot chips) 

Contact:
raheesh_vkd@yahoo.com
+91 9539756179

Anglo - Linguistic Centre - Edappal

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* Anglo SATSA - For Personality Development

* Anglo Linguistic - For English Learning

* Anglo Cafe - For Speaking Club

* Anglo Theatre - For Beautifying Presentation

* Anglo Euphorea - For Revitelizing You

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* Anglo Library - For Leading You to be Creative

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Friday, October 29, 2010

Role of Education in Developing Creativity Among Children

Creativity is a blessing from nature but we can develop it by careful planning through education.
This is all the more important in a democratic country like India, where we accept even the mediocres to contribute their best and create something new.
Hence, it is necessary that parents and teachers provide healthy conditions at home and the school. This would enable children to express themselves and contribute something new for the society, which may be termed as creativity.

Our suggestions

1. Freedom of Response:

Children generally respond teachers in a usual and routine manner. Parents and teachers should encourage children to respond in their own way. They may be allowed to say what they would like to say. This would lead to creativity. If there is problem in the class, let every child respond in his own way. The teacher should keep in view that every child has a contribution to make. Allow them to think in various directions and express their creativity.

2. Satisfy the ‘Ego’ of the Child:

All of us have a ‘self ego’. We want to be recognized by others. This ‘ego’ is all the more stronger during the childhood stage. We, as parents and teacher should try to provide opportunities to satisfy it.

3. Encourage Original Ideas:

If we find that a child achieved his original ideas about a particular aspect of life, we should encourage it. Constant submission to facts suppresses the opportunity of the child. It has been correctly said, ‘Uniformity is the enemy of originality’.

4. Remove Hesitation and Fear:

Children are generally kept under strict control. They fear their parents and hesitate in speaking their mind. This kills the initiative of the child. Originality is only possible when we give enough freedom and space to children to express their own views.

5. Provide Suitable Atmosphere:

The watchwords for the provision of this type of atmosphere are: Sympathy, liberty, and the proper provision of co-curricular activities in the school.

6. Development Special Habits:

Children require special habits to be creative. These habits are hard work, persistent effort, self reliance and self confidence. We should encourage children to develop these habits. We can then expect any thing that is creative from them.

7. Let the Children Meet Creativity:

Every community has centers where creativity can be seen easily. We may organize excursions to centers of art, art galleries, museums, and places of artistic excellence. Thus the children will come in contact with creativity and get an inspiration to create something new.

8. Avoid the Stumbling Block to Creativity:

Certain factors like conservative outlook, an unsympathetic attitude towards children, fixed and rigid habits of works, unnecessary anxiety, over emphasis over school works, authoritarian attitude of teacher, etc. are some of the stumbling blocks in the path of creativity. We should try to avoid these stumbling blocks as far as possible.

9. Reorganize the Curriculum:

Certain principles should be kept in view while reorganizing the curriculum. These are:
a) The Curriculum should be a child-centered
b) The Curriculum should highlighted ideal concepts then facts
c) It should highlight that children have the capacity to find out truth and discover things.
d) It should reduce the importance of annual examination.
e) It should allow the child to do something in the academic field freely without the fear of examination.

10. Reform the Evolution System:

Much has been said about the reforms in the system of evaluation. We can say that the child’s progress should be judged for what he dose during the entire year and not on the basis of his achievement in the annual examination. The day to day progress of the child should be properly assessed and entered in the cumulative card. Any other observation showing the creativity of the child should be clearly indicated in the card.

11. The use of some Special Techniques:

Mention may be made for special psychological techniques to find out the creativity of the child.
These are:

a) Brain Storming:

It implies storming the brain of the child with new ideas and nothing down the reactions and techniques of solving them as suggested by the child. This reaction takes place in the classroom where every child gets an opportunity to express his ideas. When the reactions of the entire class are noted down, a free discussion follows. Common suggestion are weaned out and these lead creativity.

b) Using of Teaching Models:

Certain teaching models suggested by psychologists are of immense value form locating the creativity of the child. Mention may be made of such two models:
i)

Bruner’s Concept Attainment Model

and
ii)

Suchman Inquiry Training Model.

c) Use of the gaming technique: Children like pay. We should like to find out their creative talent through games. We may organize games of this type in the class. Some examples of such games are
1. Name all the square things you can think of.
2. Name the new type of programs you will like to have on T.V.
3.Tell all the aspect in which a cat and a dog are alike.
4. What will do if you get oil paints and a brush, etc.
They may also be given some materials like. They may also be asked to play with wooden cubes and construct some new and novel designs. They may be asked to color a picture, etc.

12. Self Example is Better than Precept:

Parents and teacher may keep in view that if they want their children to create something new they themselves should be devoted persons and put forward an example before their children in the field of creativity.

Created by
Raheesh V.C

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Toyota Prius

2010 Toyota Prius - OVR 2010 Toyota Prius - FT 
The good: Getting around 50 mpg on average, the 2010 Toyota Prius is a stellar car for fuel economy, and you can choose accelerator sensitivity. Traffic reports are integrated with the navigation system.

The bad: The Prius isn't designed for handling. There isn't full iPod or USB drive integration for the stereo. The DVD-based navigation system reacts slowly.

The bottom line: The 2010 Toyota Prius is a better car than its predecessor, although there are some areas, especially in the cabin, where we would have liked to see more improvement.
 
2010 Toyota Prius - SD 
 
After the success of its predecessor, the advent of the 2010 Toyota Prius created a lot of expectations. But instead of incorporating sought-after features such as a lithium ion battery pack or plug-in capability, Toyota opted for incremental changes, tweaking the power train to get more power and better fuel economy.
On the cabin tech side, we expected big advances, as competitors have stepped up the game with such options as external data sources, which provide useful location information, and better compatibility with electronic devices. In this area, the 2010 Prius takes a few steps forward, but not as many as we hoped.
The new Prius model can be had in four trim levels, which Toyota dubs II, III, IV, and V, apparently preferring simple Roman numerals to arcane combinations of S, E, and L. Our test model was the Prius IV, which included navigation, upgraded JBL audio system, Bluetooth phone system, a back-up camera, and, most interestingly, the solar-roof option.

A horizontal crease in its rear gives the Prius a spoiler and lends a unique look to the taillights.
From the outside, the 2010 Prius shows some subtle, but smart, body changes. When spotting the new Prius in the wild, you will want to look for the notched back, a horizontal rear crease that lets the hatchback lip stretch out a little, creating a spoiler effect. Less obvious will be the roofline change, which moves the peak back a few inches for better aero efficiency and to add a little headroom for rear passengers.
Looking inside, Toyota adopted the floating console that Volvo started using a few years ago, creating an airy feeling in the cabin and a little storage space. Strangely, Toyota chose to put the Prius' seat heater controls in that open space, so you'll have to reach down in cold weather. Otherwise, the dashboard is still bare of analog gauges, retaining the monochrome digital strip just below the windshield. The steering wheel has a slightly flattened bottom, something more commonly seen on sports cars.
Hybrid driving
As with the previous version, the 2010 Prius starts out under electric power, creeping forward silently at low speeds and with light acceleration. And light acceleration is all you get with even half throttle applied--the Prius doesn't feel like it wants to move at all, which is one way to save gas. It takes almost full pressure on the accelerator to feel some pull from the front wheel drive, but that also takes the Prius out of electric drive. We found a constant tension while driving the 2010 Prius between playing the maximum mileage game and actually trying to get to a destination.
Initial acceleration may be unsatisfying, but Toyota gave Prius drivers options with the 2010 model in the form of three buttons labeled EV, Eco, and Power. While driving city streets, we tried the EV button, a program designed to maximize the use of the electric drive. The first time, a message on the car's display said our speed, 27 mph, was too high. The second time we tried it, a similar message gave the excuse that the battery was too low. We wondered if the car would cite a headache as the next excuse.

The buttons control programs that remap the accelerator, changing its sensitivity.
As we expect, Eco mode makes that slow acceleration even worse. But Power mode is tolerable. These modes are merely throttle programs, so a light touch on the accelerator when in Power mode can still produce good mileage. Although we enjoy getting the Prius moving under electric power, in the real world, we found it necessary to stab the accelerator to get moving from a stoplight, engaging both gas engine and electric motor and working toward the peak hybrid system's 134 horsepower. Once up to speed, easing back on the accelerator lets the Prius cruise at speeds of 25 to 30 mph under electric power.
Traffic conditions
Before getting on the freeway, the navigation system shows us the traffic conditions, a new feature for the 2010 Prius. But this unit is still DVD-based, and searching through the points-of-interest database to find a destination takes some lengthy pauses to retrieve information. New, nice-looking graphics indicate the different means of destination entry through the touch-screen LCD, but most of these are locked out while under way.
However, the voice command system does an excellent job of recognizing our inputs, and offers feedback on the LCD showing which commands are available at each step. With route guidance active, the navigation system shows familiar graphics mapping out upcoming turns and which lanes to be in for freeway junctions. We also discover another new feature for the Prius' navigation: it does text-to-speech, reading out the names of streets.
While driving on city streets, we noticed the new Prius still had the wobbly feeling in turns from which its predecessor suffered. On the freeway, the Prius wanders in its lane as wind buffets it around. The steering feels solid, making it easy to control, but it doesn't have that stable road feeling offered by similar midsize cars.
At freeway speeds, we fight to keep the instantaneous fuel economy gauge above 50 mpg while maintaining reasonable freeway speeds of 65 to 70 mph. Toyota has migrated its various power and fuel economy displays to the monochrome instrument screen, from their former placement on the LCD. Although not as graphically rich, it's safer. We find ourselves settling on the Eco screen, which uses a horizontal bar to show how much throttle we are applying. 
The Eco screen shows our average fuel economy, but doesn't show range to empty. We have to dig through a few other screens to find that information. You can't get average fuel economy and range to empty on the same screen--an annoyance. These screens are informative, and let you maximize mileage, but they are a far cry from the hybrid instrument display Ford uses in the Mercury Milan Hybrid.
Tech tricks
Another instrument display feature in the new Prius is a graphic that mimics the steering wheel buttons when you press them; the idea being that you don't have to look down at the wheel when you press a button, keeping your eyes closer to a front view. In concept it's pretty cool, but in practice we find it unnecessary. After a few minutes of driving, we remember the button positioning, and don't bother to look at the instrument display feedback.

These graphics activate when you touch a steering wheel button, offering visual feedback.
The freeway is a good spot to listen to the stereo characteristics. We were disappointed on getting into the 2010 Prius to find no iPod port, but Toyota built in stereo Bluetooth support for MP3 players. And, as luck would have it, the new OS for the iPhone includes stereo Bluetooth. We paired an iPhone to the car's Bluetooth phone system when we first got in, and were happy to see the car ingested the phone's contact list as well.
But using the iPhone as a music player meant we had to pair it again, this time to the stereo. You can't use the iPhone for music and phone at the same time with the 2010 Prius. We thought this lack of integration would be a real problem, but switching from Bluetooth music player to Bluetooth phone proves fairly easy, merely requiring a touch on the car's onscreen connect button. Still, if you were to get a call while using the phone as a music player, it wouldn't switch to the car's hands-free system. Also, the Bluetooth audio source screen in the car doesn't show what music is playing and offers no music browsing capability. You only get a play and a pause button. Toyota really should have put in true iPod support.
With the navigation option in our car, the disc changer goes from six slots to four, and is hidden behind the LCD. This arrangement is the same as is in the previous Prius model, and we would have expected some improvement here. That disc changer can, of course, read MP3 CDs. There is also satellite radio and a simple auxiliary input.
Our car includes the upgraded, eight-speaker JBL audio system, which sounds surprisingly good, especially considering what we are used to hearing in Toyota cars. Although lacking a subwoofer, this system puts out bass strong enough to feel, yet still retains well-modulated highs and mids. Instrument definition is good, making the different layers in a recording distinct. This is an above-average audio system.
Proceeding along our route, the navigation system pipes up, warning of slow traffic ahead. It doesn't offer a detour, but looking at the map, we see the freeway marked in yellow, indicating speeds of 20 to 40 mph. This navigation system is supposed to find a route around any red sections, which would mean traffic moving under 20 mph.
The art of braking
As in the previous model, using the brakes is an art in the 2010 Prius. Hit them too hard, and you use the actual pads and calipers. The trick is to anticipate stops and slowdowns and lightly apply the brakes well in advance, which uses the car's regenerative braking system only, thereby feeding the battery and saving wear and tear on the pads.
We employ this braking technique as we get off the freeway and approach our destination. Leaving the car in a parking lot on a hot day, we get to experience one of the more unique features of the Prius: the optional solar roof, which on our car powers a fan in the cabin, so when we get back to the car it's a little cooler than it would be otherwise. We also had a rearview camera on our car, but Toyota implemented a back-up beeping, similar to what you find on big trucks. This gets kind of annoying, although it's probably a pedestrian safety feature, as the Prius will usually be running under quiet electric power when it reverses.

This monochrome power animation shows when the engine and motor are driving the wheels.
Other tech options available at the V trim level include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and an automatic parking system. We had the opportunity to try these features in a different Prius earlier. The cruise control and lane departure work well, similar to what we've seen in much more expensive cars. The parking system is hit or miss: it does an excellent job of guiding you into well-marked parking spaces, but requires too much adjustment for others.
Driving in the city and on the freeway, we see our average fuel economy range between 48 and 52 mpg, in keeping with the EPA's rating for the 2010 Prius of 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway. Where the previous model had a 1.5-liter engine, Toyota bumped the displacement up to 1.8 in the 2010 Prius, and also made some refinements in the electric drive system. Toyota claims the larger engine actually gets better fuel economy in some circumstances than the smaller one.
In sum
We can't say that we really enjoy driving the 2010 Toyota Prius, but as an economical means of transportation, it's hard to beat. Fuel economy is its major virtue, and we give it a high performance rating for showing an average of around 50 mpg. For cabin tech, Toyota has made a few improvements, but the lack of good MP3 player support is an oversight. Live traffic reports and the JBL audio system are worthwhile improvements. It gets a high score for design, partly because of its body style, which makes it stand out in the crowd while giving it an extremely low drag coefficient. Design also benefits from the nice graphic treatment for the navigation system.
Spec box
Model 2010 Toyota Prius
Trim IV
Power train 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder with hybrid system
EPA fuel economy 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway
Observed fuel economy 50 mpg
Navigation Optional DVD-based with live traffic
Bluetooth phone support Standard
Disc player Four-disc CD changer, MP3 CD support
MP3 player support Bluetooth streaming, auxiliary input
Other digital audio Satellite radio
Audio system Standard JBL, eight speakers
Driver aids Rearview camera
Base price $25,800
Price as tested $30,709
2010 Toyota Prius - INT

Lenovo G560 Review

Review Summary:
The Lenovo Essential G560 is a solid consumer budget notebook with a weak touchpad.
Pros
  • Good build quality and keyboard
  • Lots of ports
  • Four hours of battery life
Cons
  • Horrible touchpad
  • Glossy plastic lid
  • Subpar screen quality
Click here to Buy a G560 Direct from Lenovo.com

Lenovo G560 Full Review

The Essential G560 is Lenovo’s entry-level 15.6” notebook. It sports an Intel Core i3 processor, full-size keyboard with number pad, and a starting price around $600. Read our review to find out more.
Our Lenovo Essential G560 review unit has the following specifications:
  • 15.6-inch 720p (1366x768) glossy panel with LED backlighting
  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
  • Intel Core i3-330M dual-core processor (2.13GHz, 3MB L3 cache, 2.5GT/s QPI, 35W TDP)
  • Intel HM55 chipset
  • Integrated Intel HD graphics w/ shared video memory
  • 4GB DDR3-1066 dual-channel RAM (2x 2GB)
  • 320GB 5400RPM Western Digital hard drive (WD3200BEVT)
  • Broadcom 802.11n wireless LAN card
  • DVD burner (Optiarc DVD RW AD-7585H)
  • 1-year limited warranty
  • 6-cell Li-ion battery (11.1V, 48Wh)
  • Weight: 5.73 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 14.8” (L) x 9.8” (D) x 0.7~1.4” (H)
  • MSRP: $699
Our test unit has specifications appropriate for what it was designed for – basic use. The Core i3 processor and 4GB of RAM ensure smooth multitasking. Something this machine will not be able to do is play 3D games since it has integrated graphics.
Build and Design

The G560 has a modest-looking exterior with a few high-quality touches. The palm rest area is inlaid with brushed aluminum, which feels cool to the touch. The G560 is rather thin and light given its 15.6” screen, coming in at a shade under six pounds and about 1.3” thin. Despite its all-plastic construction the G560 has a solid feel. The palm rest and areas surrounding the keyboard have good support and do not flex, even under abnormal pressure. The plastic used in the construction has satisfactory quality; it is thick enough to not feel brittle yet not something I would classify as durable.

Unlike the chassis, the lid is covered in smooth glossy plastic, which attracts dust and fingerprints. This is a con – the glossy plastic gets messy quickly unless a microfiber cloth is kept handy at all times.  The build quality of the lid itself is average and not as good as the chassis. It flexes easily when twisted by the corners and I made ripples appear on the screen when I pushed in on the back. The G560’s overall build quality is satisfactory; my only real complaint is the glossy plastic used on the lid.
Screen and Speakers

The G560 has a 15.6-inch screen with a 720p (1366x768) resolution and LED backlighting; this is the only available screen. While its glossy mirror surface helps colors stand out and improves sharpness, it also acts as a mirror, especially when there are light sources behind it. Cleaning is also difficult.
The picture quality of the display is passable at best; it has a low contrast ratio of 150:1 and lacks sharpness. Colors appear somewhat washed out. We measured brightness at 210nit at its peak, which is average for a notebook of this size. Side-to-side viewing angles are also average; colors start to shift about 40 degrees off-center. Vertical viewing angles are narrow; it is viewable about 20 degrees up or down off-center before serious color inversion.

The 1366x768 resolution is the number one problem with the display; it makes multitasking difficult and limits productivity in general. Only about one-half of a page in a Microsoft Word document is visible at a time; additionally, lots of scrolling is required in web pages since there are only 768 pixels of vertical space. Using two windows side-by-side is more or less impractical since only 1366 pixels span the horizontal.
Overall, the display is typical of a low-priced notebook; it is hard to find budget 15.6” notebooks with better. To get a better resolution than 1366x768 one needs to go with a business class notebook, and even then higher resolutions are a rarity.
The G560 has two stereo speakers above the keyboard. They actually sound respectable; tinny, yes, and without much bass however quite usable for casual listening; the sound is fuller than I expected. The touch-enabled volume buttons above the keyboard work well.
Keyboard and Touchpad

The G560 has a full-size keyboard with separate numeric keypad. The keyboard is one of the highlights of this notebook; it feels solid and is pleasing to type on. Even under significant pressure there is little flex. The keys are quite communicative thanks to the just-right travel (the distance between pressed and un-pressed positions) and moderate actuation force (the amount of pressure needed to depress a key); both of these factors help accuracy. The layout of the keyboard takes some getting used to. Lenovo was only able to fit in a number pad by squeezing the keys to half their normal size – this means a bit more precision is required to hit them.

The touchpad is the polar opposite of the notebook – that is, terrible. After reviewing several dozen notebooks, I can safely say this is the worst I have used. The positives first: the touchpad’s mildly-textured surface is a cinch to track on with moist or dry fingers. It is also appropriately-sized for a 15.6” screen. The negatives: its usability; only about half my intended clicks actually registered, which was quite frustrating. There are no dedicated touchpad buttons; this is a “clickpad”, where the entire surface can be pressed down anywhere (supposedly) to register a click. Pressing the very bottom-right simulates a right-click and everything else is left-click. I had to apply an abnormal amount of pressure to get any sorts of clicks to register, especially towards the edges and center. On top of all this, the clicks are loud.
When I use a touchpad I have one hand to click and one hand to track; this does not work with the G560’s touchpad. It gets confused when there are two fingers on it and works sporadically; I had to change the way I used a touchpad to work with the G560. All in all, the G560’s touchpad was aggravating; those planning to purchase this notebook should also invest in an external mouse.
Ports and Features
The G560 has an impressive amount of ports for a budget notebook. It includes e-SATA for fast connections to external hard drives and HDMI, which is handy for connecting to HDTVs. Also included is ExpressCard/34, which can be used for add-on cards like USB 3.0 adapters. All picture descriptions are left to right.

Front: wireless on/off switch, status lights, media card reader (MMC/MS/MS Pro/SD/xD)


Back: battery pack


Left: Kensington Lock slot, cooling exhaust vent, RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet, VGA, USB 2.0, e-SATA, HDMI, ExpressCard/34


Right: microphone and headphone jacks, optical drive, USB 2.0, AC power