Install 8XXGM Series Video Driver on Windows 7 - Tutorial Tested with 855GM Chipset By Lexxion

Problem

When installing 855GM Series video driver Windows 7 reverts back to Standard VGA adapter after restart. The problem is that 855GM Series video driver is not native for Windows 7 and it will always choose Standard VGA Adapter as native video driver. A lot of older laptops have this video chipset. I read a lot of tutorials on the net and nothing worked for me. So I figured out a UNIVERSAL way to get it to work, I think :)

Solution

The only driver that worked for me is: Intel(R) Graphics Controller 6.14.10.3722 . The reason why is that Standard VGA Adapter (Win7 native) is the same version (6.14.10.3722) but it has newer release date. Newest Intel driver 14.19.50 did NOT work. So get yourself the working video driver below. After Windows 7 install you will see that Standard VGA Adapter is installed and there is an exclamation mark on the "video controller". In order to install the driver we need to get exclamation mark on "video controller (vga compatible)". This spot is occupied by Standard VGA Adapter. Even when you unistall Standard VGA Adapter and install new driver after the reboot Standard VGA Adapter comes back. We need to disrupt Standard VGA Adapter from being installed. My way of disabling the adapter is to edit the driver file for it "c:\windows\system32\drivers\vgapnp.sys". There might be another way for letting Windows stop installing Standard VGA Adapter but I did not find it.

Intel(R) Graphics Controller 6.14.10.3722 (Windows)

Download 1
Download 2

Intel(R) Graphics Controller 6.14.10.3732 (Windows)(Sleep Mode Fixed)(Thx to pc84)

Download 1
(Extract to File with WinRAR)

Download 2
(Zip File)

Instructions

STEP 1

Make sure you unistall video drivers that do not work. If you see exclamation marks on your previous drivers in Device Manager, unistall them. Your Device Manager should say that you have Standard VGA Driver installed under Display category and exclamation mark on "video controller". Make sure you restart PC when asked.

STEP 2

We will need to edit "c:\windows\system32\drivers\vgapnp.sys" file now, but there is a problem. Windows Vista and Windows 7 will NOT allow you to edit system files even when you are the admin. Changing security attributes of that file did not work either. The file is owned by "TrustedInstaller" service. We will need to own the file and give ourselves the full control to edit it.
Click 'Start' and in 'Search' type 'cmd'. The result will show on top. Right-click on 'cmd' and choose "Run as Administrator". If your account does not have admin rights you might be prompted to enter username and password. I used account that already has administrator priviledges. You should have a command prompt with administrator priviledges.

STEP 3

Lets say my logged in username is peter

First command you do is:

takeown /f c:\windows\system32\drivers\vgapnp.sys

This will give ownship to the current user. You should see a message saying SUCCESS etc..

Second command you do is:

cacls c:\windows\system32\drivers\vgapnp.sys /G peter:F

There will be a confirmation message so type 'y'. This will change the security attributes to give you ONLY all the permissions for the file. If you are paranoid as me and want original permissions restored, I will show you how to restore the permissions to the previous step later on in this tutorial :). If 'cacls' command does not work you can try using 'icacls'. If you cannot edit this file try to boot to "Save Mode" and try it again (Thx to Giuseppe Chill).

STEP 4

Open c:\windows\system32\drivers\vgapnp.sys in any text editor. Just add any character to the begining of the text. Let's say we will add character x . So the text should start with xMZ and the rest of stuff. Save the file. This edit will render that file unusable.

STEP 5

In Device Manager uninstall Standard VGA Adapter. It will prompt you to restart so do it. After install you will see a message saying that certain devices did NOT installed successfuly, which is GOOD :). Go to Device Manager and you should see the exclamation point next to "video controller" and "video controller (vga compatible)". Right-click on "video controller (vga compatible)" and do update driver. Choose "Browse for the Driver" (or something like it :) ). Point to the driver directory that you downloaded and extracted (win2000). Click "OK". Wait for the driver to be installed. It might hang for a little (It will say that window is "not responding"). Do not worry as this is still installing the driver. It will prompt you to restart so do it. (If it does not prompt click anywhere and wait for message). After restart it will finish installing the driver.

Congratulations!!! You should have a working video driver!!! :)

STEP 6

Open c:\windows\system32\drivers\vgapnp.sys in any text editor. Remove the first character you put there which was x. Save the file. Your file will be usuable again :). You can stop here if you want, but if you want to restore the permissions for the file to original state go to next step.

STEP 7

Right-click on any other file in the c:\windows\system32\drivers. Choose "Properties". Go to "Security" tab. Now compare that security tab with the security tab of c:\windows\system32\drivers\vgapnp.sys. Just make sure the security tabs of those two files look the same (all tabs and advanced options). In order to add "TrustedInstaller" it is not the same as regular usernames because it is a service.
You will need to type "NT SERVICE\TrustedInstaller" (without quotes) when adding it to own the file and to have all permissions. Once you done editing you can delete your account from c:\windows\system32\drivers\vgapnp.sys, because it was not there from the beginning. We took control over and the previous commands added it by default.

OpenERP 7 : Hotel Management

Hotel management module is already available in OpenERP 6.1. Now this module is available in OpenERP v7 with many extra features.

Following screen shows enhancement for Reservation process and unique identification for each reservation.

OpenERP Hotel Reservation Process

User can generate reservation report also.

OpenERP Hotel Reservation Report

Following screen will display Reservation link with one Folio even reserved more than one room.

OpenERP Hotel Folio

Now user can perform more options from Resevation form.

OpenERP Hotel Folio State

OpenERP Hotel Reservation Invoice

There is a good feature which we like to show here is Availability of Rooms. If the room is not available then it will not be visible during room selection.

OpenERP Hotel Rooms

We have developed some views for Reservation – Kanban View

OpenERP Hotel View – Kanban

Reservation – Calendar View

OpenERP Hotel View – Calendar

User can check the Room Availability between given dates in case of advance booking is required.

OpenERP Hotel Room Availability

Skrill Prepaid MasterCard^®

Your Money. Your Card. Your World.

• use worldwide, online and offline
• accepted at 35 million outlets and 1.9 million ATMs
• simple application process, no commitment and no credit check
• spend only what you load, top up instantly 24/7

Stay protected and in control

Your Skrill Card gives you the freedom to access your funds online and offline anytime and anywhere a MasterCard card is accepted. With no link to any bank account, stay safe and in control by loading only what you need and tracking your expenses easily with your Skrill account. 

Enjoy greater convenience

Get your card easily without a credit check, monthly fees or minimum top-up and use it everywhere MasterCard cards are accepted. Load your card instantly at any time using your Skrill account online. 

Get more for less

• Free online and offline shopping
• Fixed €1.80 local or foreign ATM transaction fee*
• Fixed 2.49% foreign exchange rate
• Cards available in EUR, GBP, PLN or USD for use globally
• Only €10 per year card fee

* local ATMs may apply a surcharge

           

Ready to get your Card?

HTG Explains: What is NFC and What Can I Use It For?

NFC hardware is being included in more and more devices – particularly smartphones, but also some laptops. NFC could be the future of payments, security keys, and boarding passes. NFC is also an upgrade over clunky QR codes.
Many new phones have the hardware to do all of the things here today. However, many people with NFC-equipped smartphones haven’t used their NFC capabilities.

What is NFC?

NFC stands for Near Field Communication. NFC is a set of standards that allow smartphones and other devices to communicate via radio signals when they are held in close proximity. NFC works similarly to RFID, although NFC has a much shorter range than RFID. NFC’s range is about 4 inches, making it harder to eavesdrop on.
Devices with NFC hardware can establish communications with other NFC-equipped devices as well as NFC “tags.” NFC tags are unpowered NFC chips that draw power from a nearby smartphone or other powered NFC device. They don’t need their own battery or source of power. At their most basic, NFC tags could be used as a more convenient replacement for QR codes.
To establish an NFC connection, all you need to do is touch two NFC-equipped devices together. For example, if you had two NFC-equipped smartphones, you would touch them together back-to-back. If you had an NFC tag, you would touch the back of your NFC-equipped smartphone to the NFC tag.
NFC is included in a wide variety of devices, including Android devices like the Nexus 4, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, Galaxy S III and HTC One X. Android isn’t the only platform that supports NFC – Windows Phone devices like Nokia’s Lumia series and HTC Windows Phone 8X include NFC, as do many BlackBerry devices. However, none of Apple’s iPhones include NFC hardware.

Image Credit: Jason Tester Guerrilla Futures on Flickr

Mobile Payments

NFC payments work similarly to tap-to-pay contactless payment features like MasterCard’s PayPass, included on MasterCard credit cards. An NFC-equipped smartphone could be touched to (or waved over) an NFC-enabled payment terminal to pay for something, replacing the need for a credit card. This is exactly how Google Wallet works.
San Francisco has NFC parking meters, which allow people to pay for parking by tapping an NFC-equipped phone against the parking meter.

Image Credit: Sergio Uceda on Flickr

Wirelessly Transferring Data

Data can be transferred wirelessly between two NFC-equipped smartphone. Android phones have Android Beam, a feature that allows two smartphones to quickly share a web page, contact, photo, video, or other type of information. Touch two phones back-to-back and the content being viewed on one device will be sent to the other. File transfers are handled via Bluetooth once they’re initiated, but there’s no complex Bluetooth pairing process – just tap and the rest will happen automatically.
Similar sharing features are also found in BlackBerry and Windows Phone.

Image Credit: LAI Ryanne on Flickr

NFC Tags

Anyone can purchase NFC tags, which are fairly cheap. You can configure the action that occurs when your smartphone comes in contact with the NFC tag.
For example, let’s say you always put your smartphone into silent mode when you go to sleep. Instead of doing this manually each night, you could put an NFC tag on your bedside table. When you go to bed, you can place your smartphone onto the NFC tag and your smartphone will perform an action you can configure, such as automatically enabling silent mode.
You could also create an NFC tag that contains your Wi-Fi network’s SSID and passphrase. When people visit your home, they could touch their phones to the NFC tag and log on rather than keying in the Wi-Fi network’s details manually.
These are just a few examples – you can perform any action an app on your smartphone can execute.

Image Credit: Nathanael Burton on Flickr

More Possible Uses

NFC has a wide variety of other possible uses, including:

• Quickly Downloading Information: Many businesses, advertisements, and products have QR codes, which have to be scanned with a smartphone’s camera. NFC could function as a much-improved QR code – just tap or wave the smartphone over an NFC chip where the QR code would be to access the information.
• Transit & Boarding Passes: NFC-equipped smartphones could also replace transit passes on transit systems or boarding passes at the airport.
• Security Passes: An NFC-equipped smartphone could be tapped against a reader to access secure areas. Car manufacturers are even working on NFC-equipped car keys.

Image Credit: mac morrison on Flickr

---

This is just a snapshot of what NFC is currently being used for. It’s a standard for near-field communication, and many more things could be built on top of this standard.

How to Create a Password Protected Folder without any Extra Software

There are a lot of methods that you can use to create a password protected folder, most of which require the use of some third party software. Using this neat method you can hide your folders with a quick batch script.
It’s important to note that this will not actually conceal your data from somebody that knows what they are doing.
Note: if you are a beginner you should be careful with this script.

Create Your Password Protected Folder

Before you get started you need to create a folder that will house your password protected folder, this is just an ordinary folder and can be located anywhere and named anything.

Navigate into your newly created folder and create a new Text Document. This can easily be done from the context menu.

Open the document, now paste the following code into the contents of the document:

cls 
@ECHO OFF 
title Folder Private 
if EXIST "HTG Locker" goto UNLOCK 
if NOT EXIST Private goto MDLOCKER 
:CONFIRM 
echo Are you sure you want to lock the folder(Y/N) 
set/p "cho=>" 
if %cho%==Y goto LOCK 
if %cho%==y goto LOCK 
if %cho%==n goto END 
if %cho%==N goto END 
echo Invalid choice. 
goto CONFIRM 
:LOCK 
ren Private "HTG Locker" 
attrib +h +s "HTG Locker" 
echo Folder locked 
goto End 
:UNLOCK 
echo Enter password to unlock folder 
set/p "pass=>" 
if NOT %pass%== PASSWORD_GOES_HERE goto FAIL 
attrib -h -s "HTG Locker" 
ren "HTG Locker" Private 
echo Folder Unlocked successfully 
goto End 
:FAIL 
echo Invalid password 
goto end 
:MDLOCKER 
md Private 
echo Private created successfully 
goto End 
:End

Change the PASSWORD_GOES_HERE text to the password you want to set. Now go ahead and save the file as locker.bat.

Once the file is saved as a batch file you can delete the original text file.

Now run your batch file by double clicking on it–the first time you run it, it will create a folder called Private. This is where you can store all your secret things. When you have finished adding all your stuff to the Private folder, run locker.bat again.

This time you will be asked if you sure that you want to lock the folder, press the “Y” key and hit enter to lock your folder.

You will see that your Private folder quickly disappears.

If you run the script yet again, you will prompted for a password.

If you enter the same password as you set in the script the Private folder will reappear if you enter the incorrect password the script will just Terminate.

Warning

Most people don’t know how to show system files, but anybody who has some experience will probably be able to quickly figure it out in the Folder Options.

Also, any ordinary user who unchecks the box will most probably be scared off by the warning message that appears.

The second way someone could comprise the folder is to open the batch file and read your password. It’s definitely not a really secure way to hide your files, but it is fun.
Attribution note: We found this script on dozens of different web sites going back many years. We have no idea who first created the script, so we’ve omitted any sort of attribution link. If you do have proof that you first created the script, contact us and we’ll adjust the article accordingly.

Adjusting Zoom Level on your Browser

Here is a quick guide on how to reset your browser zoom level to 100%.
Keyboard Shortcut (Ctrl + 0)
The quickest way to return your browser to the original zoom setting is to press and hold Ctrl while pressing 0 (for Apple, use the Command key and 0).
Internet Explorer

• click on the Tools icon in the upper right corner
• select Zoom from the menu, then select 100%

Firefox

• Press the Alt key to temporarily bring up the traditional Firefox menus
• At the top of the Firefox window, click the View menu'
• Select Zoom
• Select Reset

Chrome

• Click on the wrench icon in the upper right corner
• Set Zoom to 100%

Safari

• Click on the page icon in the upper right corner
• Select Zoom
• Select Actual Size

Review Prestigio MultiPad PMP5080B Tablet/MID

Apart from the known, big manufacturers, only few brands like Archos or the branch Arnova, who has specialized in very low-priced devices, have accomplished building up a large fan community with a series of solid devices and good service, including regular firmware updates until now. Now, the electronic brand, Prestigio, still rather unknown in Germany, makes an attempt at conquering the hearts of customers. In contrast, the brand Prestigio is a big-wig in Eastern Europe. For example, Prestigio is the market leader in navigation systems in Russia.

The company Prestigio launches a very price attractive 8 inch tablet based on Android v4.0 (Ice Cream) with a weight of about 510 grams called Multipad PMP5080B for under 200€ onto the market. We also snatched the interesting Prestigio Tablet Multipad PMP5080B because it has the ARM Cortex A8 based system-on-a-chip (SoC) RK2918 from the company Rockchip.

The Rockchip RK2918 is a single-core processor, but the ARM fan base almost ascribes magical abilities to the fingernail-sized application processor in terms of Full HD video playback. Thus, the Rockchip RK2918 can allegedly decode HD videos up to 1080p with 60 frames/s from the hardware-side and is thus also to be apt as a Full HD player for the HD TV set. That sounds exciting and that's why we snatched the Prestige Multipad PMP5080B and tested it extensively.

Case

Already the first contact with the Prestigio Tablet feels good. The fingers feel a soft and rubberizedsurface when holding the 203.1 x 153.4 x 11.2 millimeter and approx. 490 gram Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B. That feels good and the tablet doesn't slip out of the hand very quickly. Overall, the tablet PC, Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B, makes a very solid-manufactured impression and is well-balanced in the hand in both landscape and profile mode.

Our 8 inch tablet test candidate doesn't show any manufacturing flaws. The gaps on the front, between the virtually frame-less screen and case, are narrow all over. The tablet's flipside looks like it's been made from one piece. Apart from the openings for "reset", both loudspeakers and the microSD card slot, there are no further maintenance covers or flaps here.

Front: No interfaces

Connectivity

When the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B is held in landscape mode, then the buttons for volume"Vol+" and "Vol-" are found on the left. The buttons regulate or disable the internal speakers located on the flipside's top and bottom. The power button, for turning the Multipad PMP5080B tablet PC on and off, is located above both volume buttons.

The Multipad PMP5080B's right has quite a few more interfaces on the right. Thus, the 4 sensor buttons for "ESC - return to previous page", "menu - show menu options", "start - home screen" and "search - go to Google search homepage" are on the front. The keys aren't illuminated and therefore the occasional typo can happen in dimmed rooms until the user has accommodated. The built-in 2 megapixel camera is hidden in the right upper corner on the tablet's front.

The socket for the power adapter, a mini HDMI video out, the opening for the built-in microphone, theminiUSB 2.0 port (host) and a jack for head or microphone is on the Multipad PMP5080B tablet'sright side. The interfaces are unprotected, the Multipad PMP5080B from Prestigio doesn't have any covers or caps for the ports.

Prestigio's Multipad PMP5080B has the mandatory "reset" hole that restores the tablet to state of delivery when nothing is working properly or when the screen freezes on the flipside's bottom right. The user can also use the slot for microSD cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB in its vicinity. The card reader's cover can easily be pushed back and forth without much fiddling.

Communication

In addition to USB and HDMI connections, the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B bids wireless communication via WLAN 802.11 b/g/n for connecting to peripherals and the world, as well as data sharing. The wifi connection worked very well with WPA2 and AES and without delay in the test in the editorial offices. After entering the required data, the WLAN network was available within seconds. The data connection was stable and excelled with a very good reception. Wifi accessed public hotspots perfectly even on the go in various cities.

On the other hand, the Multipad PMP5080B doesn't have Bluetooth and fast mobile radio via UMTS/HSDPA for Internet access on the go. In return, Prestigio's PMP5080B has a basic webcamwith 2 megapixels (1600x1200 pixels) for video chats and telephony. The camera's picture quality is rather modest though.

Prestigio has not set up access via SMB network shares and UPnPmedia server for the Multipad PMP5080B ex-factory. For example, the Archos tablets only need a tap of a finger on the file icon to access external memories/UPnP and other computers or to share streams, pictures, music and videos in the network (SMB) fast and directly via WLAN. But the user either has to remedy this with a USB cable or set up the functionality accordingly in the Multipad PMP5080B.

A mini HDMI adapter or a corresponding HDMI cable (mini HDMI C-connector to HDMI socket) is required for using the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B as a video player for the TV. Once it's plugged in, the resolution of up to 1920x1080p (50 or 60 Hz) can be selected in the tablet's control menu under "HDMI mode". Our Full HD TV detected the HDMI connection to the tablet without delay and the Multipad PMP5080B's menu appeared on the TV right away. The tablet screen is however turned off in TV mode. Inputs on the dark touchscreen become a guessing game.

Supplies

The Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B is delivered in an attractive packaging. The device's box is supposed to imply fast insides with its red bottom part and the box lid in carbon design. The first thing that is noticed during unboxing is the black leather cover for the tablet. It has a soft and high-quality feel. The red stitching and the slightly roughened inner lining as well as the Prestigio coat of arms look more like a special edition from a designer device than a low-cost, 200€ tablet.

Warranty

Apart from that, the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B is naturally found inside the intricate box as well as the usual supplies such as a quick start manual, the mandatory safety advisories, a USB cable and a 5 volt power supply with 2 amperes. The manufacturers usually don't include a HDMI cable for the tablet in this price range and it doesn't belong to the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B's scope of delivery either. A digital user's manual is installed on the tablet. Prestigio grants a 2 year warrantyon its Multipad PMP5080B.

to top

Keyboard

Touchpad

Input Devices

Keyboard

The Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B accepts inputs, such as rotate, zoom in and out, browse via the capacitive and quick responding 8" multi-touchscreen. Elements on the user interface, like files and apps and the corresponding icons and symbols can be opened or moved with a finger tap. Writing on the Multipad PMP5080B tablet is accomplished over a virtual QWERTY keyboard.

The virtual keyboard fades in automatically in browser, email or office document text fields. A pressure point, respectively haptical feedbackby means of vibration for example, is hardly found in tablets until now. The PMP5080B isn't an exception. Nevertheless, we manage quite well after a short accommodation period in the test and even typing somewhat longer texts is comparatively easy.

The positive overall impression of the keyboard is especially due to thevery agile working touchscreen of the PMP5080B. It responds very fast to all kinds of finger acrobatics. Inputs like browsing, scrolling and zooming are implemented quickly and without noticeable delay. We were often surprised that the PMP5080B really responded very fast in our tests and that it was possible to work comfortably and smoothly with the Gingerbread tablet.

Sensors

The PMP5080B uses the Freescale MMA8451Q (accelerometer, G sensor) and the Asahi Kasei AK8973 as an electronic compass (3 axes) as sensors. Thus, the tablet, respectively the user is always in control even when the crash barrier comes dangerously close in a curve drift during a game of Raging Thunder. Moreover, the Multipad PMP5080B quickly detects the direction of the tablet. No matter if inprofile or landscape mode, the Multipad rotates the content accordingly and swiftly into the right display position.

Display

Prestigio's Multipad PMP5080B incorporates a glossy 8 inch display with a native resolution of800x600 pixels in the still popular because compact 4:3 format. Even Apple's tablet, iPad, still uses the 4:3 aspect ratio. Although this conjures a thicker black bar on the screen when looking at multimedia contents, such as new HD movies in wide screen format (16:9), many users find the "picture frame format" for looking at and reading e-books, e-papers and documents more comfortable.

150.1 cd/m² 160.1 cd/m² 149.2 cd/m² 165.9 cd/m² 181.2 cd/m² 171.4 cd/m² 200.0 cd/m² 199.0 cd/m² 194.0 cd/m²

Information Gossen Mavo-Monitor USB Maximum: 200.0 cd/m² Average: 174.5 cd/m² Brightness Distribution: 75 % Center on Battery: 180,1 cd/m² Black: 0.43 cd/m² Contrast: 421:1

Distribution of brightness

The Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B has to show how bright its screen is on the precision measuring unit and professional luminance measuring system, Mavo Monitor USB in the measuring lab. We determine a maximum rate of 200 cd/m² in the lower left and 181.2 cd/m² in the center screen with our 9 zone luminance measurement. The Multipad PMP5080B's brightness was turned up to full. We measure a black value of 0.35 cd/m² in the lower center. The LCD's center shows 0.43 cd/m². This results in a contrast of 421:1 in the crucial screen center for the Multipad PMP5080B - a very good rate for this price-performance range. The PMP5080B need not hide behind higher-priced tablets.

In terms of maximum screen brightness, the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B is in the midfield of entry level tablets. While the upper range radiate strongly with the iPad 2 and a maximum of 368 cd/m² and the Motorola Xoom with 304 cd/m², the PMP5080B has to accept about 100 cd/m² less. The brightness difference between the Motorola Xoom and the PMP5080B is very obvious in a direct view comparison indoors. This difference lessens outdoors because both tablets are simply extremely reflective. The Xoom again becomes more comfortable to read in the shade.

Viewing angles: Prestigio MultiPad PMP5080B

The Multipad PMP5080B doesn't manage any miracles in terms of viewing angles either. While expensive IPS screens with wide viewing angles can be read well up to very well from every position, the low-end TN screens quickly fade and only little can be recognized remote from the ideal position. When looking directly onto the PMP5080B's display, crisp colors and a good contrastmake it fun to look at pictures and videos.

So, it's basically possible to easily accept the PMP5080B's screen in view of this price-performance range. Nothing better can be found among the competition in this device category either. The Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B easily pockets previously tested tablets, such as the Archos 101 ITand Viewsonic ViewPad 10s, with a contrast of 421:1, for example.

Performance

The Multipad PMP5080B calculates with a very interesting application processor or so-called system-on-a-chip (SoC) from the Chinese manufacturer, Fuzhou Rockchip Electronics Co. Ltd. The PMP5080B is based on a single core RK2918 from Rockchip instead of one of the popular dual core SoCs, OMAP4 from TI or Tegra 2 from Nvidia. In keeping with the motto: It doesn't always have to be a dual core, the RK2918 exploits the potential of the Android v4.0 (Ice Cream) in the test. The tablet runs very stably and quickly in the test. Here are the details:

The Rockchip RK 2918 is manufactured by TSMC in a 55 nm process. It incorporates a Vivante graphics processor IP, model GC800, as a 3D/2D GPU in addition to an ARM Cortex A8 CPU core with a NEON SIMD engine and a clock rate of up to 1.2 GHz (PMP5080B 1 GHz), 512 KB L2 cache. The graphics unit also bids hardware acceleration for Adobe Flash Player 10.1. The Rockchip RK 2918 however integrates hardware based 1080p HD decoding from Google's Open Source VP8 Videocodec as a feature. The codec VP8 is used by the open WebM video format. WebM Projects is also the provider of the G Series 1 Video Decoder IP Design that Rockchip uses in its RK2918.

That sounds exciting because WebM Projects' Video Decoder Hardware IP G Series 1 allegedly manages with a clock frequency of less than 100 MHz and is nevertheless able to decode a 1080p video with 30 frames/s. The G Series 1 manages a maximum of up to 60 frames/s according to WebM Projects. The G Series 1 also supports unlimited multi channel decoding, which should enable a simultaneous playback of up to 10 SD video streams on one chip. And all that at a verylow power consumption of less than 50 milliwatts in HD video decoding and less than 10 milliwatts in SD videos. We'd like to take a closer look at that.

System information: Prestigio MultiPad PMP5080B

Memory

The Multipad only has an internal memory capacity of 512 MB RAM and a very tight 4 GB internal flash memory. High definition pictures of the last vacation, the MP3 music collection and video clips and movies let the Multipad PMP5080B's memory capacity dwindle very quickly. Thememory configuration of the PMP5080B is scanty, but manufacturers have to save somewhere in this category. At least it's possible toexpand the memory up to 32 GB with a microSD / microSDHC card, which is now available at a very affordable price.

Benchmarks

Synthetic benchmarks are a tricky thing. And even more so for Android. The current situation among the benchmarks for Android allows everything but reliable and actually reproducible results among the various devices and OS versions. This is because of the partly very high dispersion of results, different optimizations, etc. Nevertheless, we sent the Multipad PMP5080B from Prestigio through the "standard" test programs that are also currently used by other publishers. However, we ran every test several times and considered the dispersion.

It quickly becomes obvious: The Rockchip RK2918 can't keep up with Tegra 2 tablets in the standard benchmarks in terms of overall performance. Tablets with a dual core SoC, such as the Tegra 2, however are also usually in a different price range. There are only few exceptions. The Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B still managed to reach 30410 points in Rightware Browsermark and, for example, leaves the Creative Ziio with a ZMS-08 behind. It nevertheless lags behind the Tegras. The PMP5080B with the RK2918 from Rockchip achieves 181 points in Google's V8 Benchmark Suite Version 6 and manages to put Ziio and Archos 101 IT, with OMAP3630 in the shade.

The PMP5080B counters the Creative Ziio and the Archos 101 IT with 14600 MFLOPs in Linpack for Android. According to the Quadrant Bench scores, the Multipad has to let the ZMS-08 pass by due to1562 points but the Archos stays in the back with 1464 points. The Smartbench 2011 result is interesting. While the Multipad PMP5080B can keep up with the Archos 101 IT (745) and Creative Ziio (661) in the Productivity Index, the RK 2918 is clearly defeated in the Game Index with 598points. Both other tablets accomplish 1143 with OMAP3630, respectively 643 with ZMS-08. Apparently, the Vivante GPU GC800 of the RK2918 doesn't compute as good as the PowerVR SGX 530 of the TI.

Unsurprisingly, a similar picture is shown in the SunSpider 0.9.1 JavaScript benchmark: The Multipad PMP5080B with a Rockchip RK2918 (7182.5 ms) and the Archos 101 TI with anOMAP3630 (6978 ms) are almost on a par. The Creative Ziio, with a ZMS-08, clearly lags behind with 8695 ms. Finally, the PMP5080B also reaches an average score of 439 in Vellamo.

Thus, the Rockchip RK2918 presented a solid performance on a par with comparable SoCs like the OMAP3630 from TI in the benchmarks - but not more. In return, the RK2918 occasionally is evendefeated in 3D and 2D performance.

Operating system (OS) and Apps

Unlike many other tablets in this price range, the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B doesn't use Google's OS, Android version 2.1 or 2.2. It rather more already uses the Android v4.0 (Ice Cream), including access to Google's Android market where now more than 500000 apps are available for Android devices.

Android v4.0 (Ice Cream) supports the WebM video container format and integrates a SIP client forVoIP, among other things. The Multipad PMP5080B noticeably benefits from this when playing Full HD videos, for example, because the Prestigio tablet computes with the RK2918 application processor from Rockchip. More about that in the section "Performance" in the course of the review. Flash contents: The PMP5080B also supports Adobe Flash 10.1.

Prestigio has developed its own, well-designed user interface (UI) for the apps and desktop of the 8 inch Android Multipad PMP5080B tablet. What may appear to be an old hat for hardcore Android geeks, enables Windows newcomers to immediately find their way around on the tablet intuitively. Thus, 20 icons are arranged in the Prestigio logo design on the tablet's home screen and allow the user to access and execute everything that may be needed quickly, in a clearly arranged 2 level navigation.

Thanks to the simple navigation with grouping in main categories, e.g. "Life", "Business" and "Entertainment", even the inexperienced user will easily find the digital "guide", the email program, the calendar, the camera menu or just the game section. Moreover, the user stays informed about allstatus updates, such as the latest news, weather and time via Prestigio's RSS widget.

In addition to the native apps for Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, our PMP5080B also has apps for conveniently downloading and reading e-books, apps for e-shopping, financial experts, GoogleFinance, Mail and Maps, contact management and personal organizers, games like Raging Thunder Lite and Angry Birds, a translator, and a weather app, but also a player for music and video on the tablet memory. Documents from Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as PDF files can be edited with the installed version of OfficeSuite Professional Edition 3.0 from Mobile Systems.

Video Performance

Actually, this should be the Rockchip RK2918's big moment and consequently also that of the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B. The PMP5080B can allegedly manage AVI, 3GP, MP4, RM, RMVB, FLV, MKV, MOV up to 1080p and also render Full HD movies smoothly. And the PMP5080B is also supposed to be able to play flash contents in HD and YouTube clips without stuttering. We will check that.

We start our practical video performance test with the websites of ARD and ZDF. They are stuffed with animated elements and therefore we first torture the Multipad PMP5080B with the websites of the German broadcasters. The websites need a bit of time to boot, but the PMP5080B doesn't haveany visible problems with displaying and rendering all web elements. The PMP5080B deals with both ard.de and zdf.de unhesitatingly. The next visit is made to the ARD media library, where we consume "Wildes Deutschland" (wild Germany) for a short while. No trace of video stuttering here. The PMP5080B also plays the clips smoothly in the ZDF media library - great.

Next stop: YouTube. Even YouTube clips in HD resolution aren't a problem for the PMP5080B in the test. It slowly dawns on us that the PMP5080B, and the Rockchip RK2918 inside, can now show its strengths. We dare a try with the HD clips in 1080p. Unfortunately, the Internet connection, respectively T-Online, upsets our plan because the tablet repeatedly has to wait for the data. Then, late in the night, we can record that the PMP5080B can also play 1080p clips from YouTube smoothly.

Subsequently, we fed the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B with all kinds of movies in various resolutions and bit rates. This includes Nvidia's HD trailer for PureVideo with about 20 MB/s and a1080p video (60 Hz) from the video camera with 25 MB/s. We didn't notice any video jerking or even stuttering during its playback on both the tablet as well as via HDMI to an external Full HD TV. Our PMP5080B did an excellent job with video playback. Merely the tablet screen's deactivation during external TV rendering via HDMI is annoying.

Games

The Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B doesn't prove to be a full-fledged game board in the benchmarks. However, a few nice games, which should provide a pleasant pastime on trips, are included ex-factory. The pre-installed race game, Raging Thunder Lite (demo version) can be played smoothly on the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B. However, the game belongs to the more undemanding games in terms of quality. The cult game Angry Birds, a Solitaire card collection and Free Chess are also included. But also games from Google's Android Market, such as the sci-fi shooter Star Legends or Lane Splitter, where the user races over a partly heavily frequented highway, are fun to play on the PMP5080B.

to top

Emissions

System Noise

Even sensitive user ears won't be bothered while working with the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B. No noisy and annoying fan and no hard disk noise - simply heavenly peace. The Android tablet workswithout a fan and therefore remains absolutely unobtrusive even in quiet surroundings.

Temperature

We measure a maximum temperature of 32.9 degrees on the screen's lower right corner after one hour of full load operation in a climatic chamber kept at a constant room temperature of 23 degreesCelsius (device's front side). The average of all 9 measuring fields is only lukewarm 29.4 degreesCelsius. The maximum measured temperature on the flipside (in the according temperature field to the front with the highest temperature) is 38.2 degrees Celsius. The tablet's processor is also located here and the increased temperature is normal because of the construction. The average temperature is an inconspicuous 30.6 degrees Celsius.

Basically, it's possible to comfortably read an e-book on the Prestigio Multipad PMP5080B without scorching the fingers or the lap even on longer train rides. The tablet doesn't show any abnormalities or even negative outliers while determining emissions in the test laboratory. The power supply's temperature also is absolutely acceptable with a maximum of 35 degrees - very good.

Max. Load	26.8 °C 28.1 °C 29.1 °C 27.1 °C 29.8 °C 30.6 °C 28.1 °C 32.4 °C 32.9 °C		29.6 °C 29.3 °C 26.8 °C 30.9 °C 30 °C 27.9 °C 38.2 °C 34.5 °C 28.4 °C
	Maximum: 32.9 °C Average: 29.4 °C		Maximum: 38.2 °C Average: 30.6 °C

Room Temperature 23 °C | Voltcraft IR-364

Speakers

Prestigio builds in two little speakers on the flipside of the Multipad PMP5080B for listening to music. As common in this device category, the built-in transducers aren't able to supply more than a solid, basic sound without differentiation. Hardly any mids, slightly tinny and without any real bass - the PMP5080B doesn't sound better than the tablets from the competition located in this price range. The user should use a headphone, which can be connected to the side via a 3.5 mm audio jack. The music from the headphone jack sounds good with our high-quality in-ear headphone from the company Bose in our ears.

Battery Life

Prestigio states a maximum battery life of 4 hours for video playback with the lithium polymer battery with a capacity of 5400 mAh used in its Multipad PMP5080B. The tablet is to last for about 6 hourswhen the user uses the PMP5080B as a music player to listen to favorite tracks. As we found out in several test runs, Prestigio makes pretty exaggerated understatements in terms of the PMP5080B's battery life. The PMP5080B runs a lot longer in battery mode than Prestigio's specifications would indicate in the test. But one thing after the other.

In the performance measurements, we determine the Rockchip RK2918's maximum power consumption to be about 400 mW under full load in the synthetic benchmarks. In return, the Rockchip RK2918 SoC settles to about 200 mW in more realistic operating load, such as video playback. But, depending on the used video codec and frame rate, this can also vary strongly in either direction (see screenshots).

Current consumption

Off / Standby	/ 0.1 Watt
Key: min: , med: , max:         Energycheck 3000

The Multipad PMP5080B's screen consumes between approx. 500 and 900 mW depending on the brightness level. The tablet screen's power consumption is about 730 mW in medium brightness. However, the measured rates have to be taken with a pinch of salt as the other practical battery life tests show. None of the single results can be seen as an effective value. The representation in the chart is fairly "rough" excerpts with quite long intervals.

Measuring results: The Multipad PMP5080B always needs about 6 hours to charge the big 5400 mAh battery. The Multipad PMP5080B lasted for an average of 9 hours and 30 minutes in three runs in idle mode and active (!) WLAN connection (about 568 mW). The PMP5080B achieves 9 hours and 15 minutes when rendering an SD video clip. The PMP5080B can play a video loop from the ARD media library for almost 6 hours (5:55).

Battery runtime

Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)		9h 30min
DVD		6h 00min

to top

Verdict

Prestigio delivers a solid presentation in the low-cost Internet and multimedia range with its Gingerbread tablet PC, Multipad PMP5080B. With a battery life of up to 9.5 hours, a throughout smooth operation, a smooth playback of Full HD videos and crisp colors with high contrast, the Multipad PMP5080B is recommendable as a multimedia all-round tablet at an attractive price-performance ratio.

The Multipad PMP5080B quickly finds fans in the test. The tablet is comfortable to hold, working with the UI designed by Prestigio is easy thanks to a responsive touchscreen and simple navigation. Accessing Google's Android market and the pre-installed apps are a delight - the Multipad PMP5080B is a welcome computing companion.

However, the user will always have to find an alternative for checking emails or social networking news, for example, via a hotspot / WLAN access, smartphone tethering or a portable WLAN hotspot router, because the tablet doesn't support UMTS. The low basic brightness and the extremeviewing angle dependency, the RK2918 processor's meager 3D performance in games and the tablet's low memory configuration are things that we find disagreeable in the PMP5080B.

If the tablet-optimized Android 3.x Honeycomb, a dual core processor, fast Internet access via 3G/UMTS and the latest Honeycomb apps aren't a must-have, the Multipad PMP5080B is anaffordable entry model at a current price of 199€.