tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343447172024-03-18T11:03:20.887+08:00Everything else is just a toyA blog about anything mobile.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-43371734158947836692010-12-02T12:22:00.002+08:002010-12-02T12:28:17.886+08:00First touch with the HTC Desire HD<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TPcfswvpHFI/AAAAAAAACOo/jgl4fqSumYk/s1600/IMAG0098.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TPcfswvpHFI/AAAAAAAACOo/jgl4fqSumYk/s320/IMAG0098.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545936319989488722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TPcfsdarrjI/AAAAAAAACOg/y8gSJ3jM2iA/s1600/IMAG0068.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TPcfsdarrjI/AAAAAAAACOg/y8gSJ3jM2iA/s320/IMAG0068.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545936314801303090" /></a>Had a chance to feel and play with the latest HTC Desire HD recently. In a sentence, "I like it!"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com94tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-15211216168630890492010-11-15T12:24:00.001+08:002010-11-15T12:24:19.225+08:00First touch with the HTC HD7<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TOC15l6UEcI/AAAAAAAACOY/a72VE2a_xq4/IMAG0061.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TOC15l6UEcI/AAAAAAAACOY/a72VE2a_xq4/s400/IMAG0061.jpg' /></a></p><p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TOC18MWhO1I/AAAAAAAACOc/BsHw2T-hWvw/IMAG0053.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TOC18MWhO1I/AAAAAAAACOc/BsHw2T-hWvw/s400/IMAG0053.jpg' /></a></p>Was in the area and decided to POP over to DeeJay to have a feel of the famous Windows HD7. <br/> <br/> Here's some of my first thoughts... <br/> <br/> I have to say, first thing that hits you is the size and build. Beautiful. <br/> <br/> The responsiveness of the touch screen is up there with the best. Flicking around the home screen and in and out of the menu was smooth. <br/> <br/> Tried typing out message and it was so easy because of the screen size. Very promising. <br/> <br/> Photo quality is very good too. Switched in and out of the gallery and photos. So smooth. <br/> <br/> This might even give its twin brother the Desire HD a run. <br/> <br/> <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-91553955263801596622010-11-12T12:53:00.001+08:002010-11-12T12:53:55.737+08:00Meeting of the droids<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TNzIWtvgAzI/AAAAAAAACOU/mj9olI3RE6E/shot_1289537309940.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TNzIWtvgAzI/AAAAAAAACOU/mj9olI3RE6E/s400/shot_1289537309940.jpg' /></a></p>A Nexus One and a HTC Desire. Both Froyo'd. Wonder how the Nexus 2 will be. <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-9680847685189573432010-11-11T23:56:00.002+08:002010-11-12T00:15:39.060+08:00HTC Desire HD vs iPhone 4<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zQl-8Tm9AoQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zQl-8Tm9AoQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>Best of both worlds. Hard to decide when it comes down to it. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>The HTC Desire HD </b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(I still can't wait to get one)</span></span></i></div><div><i>Pros</i></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Beautiful form factor. (Who wouldn't want a 4.3" screen?) </li><li style="text-align: justify;">SRS and Dolby supported. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Latest flagship for the Android camp. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Updated HTC Sense UI </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Seamless integration with social media - You can view all your FaceBook, Twitter updates fused into your Address books. What a touch. </li></ul><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Cons</i></span></div></i></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">A terrible battery life - one site claimed only 5 hours of usage. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Insufficient Media capabilities (how do you fight against Apple's iPod features??)</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Some say a washed out screen resolution, when compared to the HTC Desire. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Heavy? (I'm on the fence with this one. Seriously, how heavy is 164g?) </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Apple iPhone 4</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b></b><i>Pros</i></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Its an iPhone. (Guess that says it all)</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Retina display. Having used one for a brief period of time. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The screen made everything look beautiful. Almost 3D popping out beautiful. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Sleeker form factor, glass front and back (not necessarily a great plus point)</li><li style="text-align: justify;">FaceTime.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Better camera capabilities (than the 3GS)</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><i>I could go on here, but really, you DON'T know about the iPhone 4? You must have been born yesterday.</i></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Cons</i></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Arguably, the iPhone 3GS would be good enough. It does everything the 4 can do, especially in terms of the new iOS 4. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Glass body isn't quite smash-proof. But then, what phone is right?</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Must sync with iTunes for everything. </li></ul></div><div>Its a tough choice. </div><div>Both cost SGD888 (or BND)<i>(if you're gunning for the 16GB iPhone 4 that is)</i>, both offer the latest from both camps. It really does come down to this question; Which camp do you support?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-77606326003205017802010-11-11T22:17:00.001+08:002010-11-11T22:17:34.852+08:00Test test with Droid-Blogger<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TNv6--R5gaI/AAAAAAAACOM/1_zZAsB8fn8/shot_1289381255172.jpg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TNv6--R5gaI/AAAAAAAACOM/1_zZAsB8fn8/s400/shot_1289381255172.jpg' /></a></p>Saw this a couple of days ago and I tried to snap a picture. Using Retro Camera on my HTC Desire, turned out alright. <br/> <br/> Uploading this post with Droid-Blogger app. Not bad so far. Not bad. <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-89619476740647728122010-10-06T12:25:00.003+08:002010-10-06T12:40:27.808+08:00HTC Desire HD and Desire Z<div style="text-align: center;"><b>HTC Desire Z</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TKv8jzskz5I/AAAAAAAACOA/UMq4VvC7sps/s1600/htcdesirez-lg1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TKv8jzskz5I/AAAAAAAACOA/UMq4VvC7sps/s320/htcdesirez-lg1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524787060002836370" /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></u></i></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>HTC Desire HD</b></u></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TKv8jzskz5I/AAAAAAAACOA/UMq4VvC7sps/s1600/htcdesirez-lg1.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TKv8jmPS2aI/AAAAAAAACN4/uwGKrUfipos/s1600/htcdesirehd-lg1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TKv8jmPS2aI/AAAAAAAACN4/uwGKrUfipos/s320/htcdesirehd-lg1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524787056390363554" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-21500074046155440842010-08-30T19:41:00.004+08:002010-08-30T19:43:38.613+08:00HTC HD2 on Android<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/THuZGbbHZVI/AAAAAAAACNg/fSAUojcaAv4/s1600/HTC-HD2.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/THuZGbbHZVI/AAAAAAAACNg/fSAUojcaAv4/s320/HTC-HD2.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511166904737686866" /></a>This really intrigues me. Running Android on a HD2. The 4.3", the form factor. One word. Beautiful. Now with Android running on it, what more could you ask for.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-77695039288056818822010-08-04T19:38:00.004+08:002010-08-04T19:57:08.934+08:00Sorry Empire, I've moved to the Rebel Alliance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TFlRdRAFMsI/AAAAAAAACNQ/6DZVGKXWlfU/s1600/htc-desire-apps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TFlRdRAFMsI/AAAAAAAACNQ/6DZVGKXWlfU/s320/htc-desire-apps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501517983031571138" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">I feel a fire burning in my hands, almost like an excitement I felt once before.... That's right, I've decided to give the Droid camp a go. In some ways, it was by accident really. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I sold my Storm Trooper 3GS, I had to resort to using a trusty ol'Nokia E52. A great workhorse, exceptionally good to use. Except... it wasn't a touchscreen device. It didn't have a big screen. It didn't have apps I could download freely (ok, I'm not saying OVI isn't decent enough). It made me feel... incomplete almost. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then, my brother came back from overseas and planted (<i>an inception?</i> =/) into my thoughts. <i>"Why not an Android?"</i>. I brushed it of at first, but then the seed grew. <i>"Yeah, why not an Android? Why not....". </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All the more my E52 suddenly felt so lacking. And, with the iPhone 4 so difficult to source <i>(no way was I gonna pay obscene prices for local ones)</i>, AND, a door opened for a <a href="http://galaxys.samsungmobile.com/">Samsung Galaxy S</a> deal to fall through.... I dived in. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For a day. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Long story. But I was hooked. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, I'm now an owner of an HTC Desire! Its been a week and a half of spending time with the Rebel Alliance (<i>sorry for the lingo, I'm a Star Wars fanboy</i>). There were times when I felt the force within to stick with the Empire, but no. The decision has been made. I will stick with it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And, to be honest, I am quite enjoying the life in the android world. I can still do what I used to do on my 3GS, <b>only differently</b>. Facebook is there, Twitter is there, Whatsapp is there (now). I'm reconnected to the world. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the next few weeks, I intend to write up a bit on my experience. Stay tuned!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-15603710840793286262010-06-21T01:00:00.003+08:002010-06-21T01:04:46.133+08:00IOS 4 to be released soon!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TB5J0XldO0I/AAAAAAAACNA/HfFlnL5uyxM/s1600/software-iphone-second-col-20100607.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TB5J0XldO0I/AAAAAAAACNA/HfFlnL5uyxM/s320/software-iphone-second-col-20100607.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484902560216988482" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">For those of us who can't get our hands on the new iPhone 4G, perhaps this will tantalize your tastebuds for a while. The <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/softwareupdate/">new IOS4 for iPhone</a> should be released on 21June (which is TODAY). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Can't wait to try out Folders, Multitasking, better email handling and Home screen wallpapers. The rest, will have to wait till I get my hands on the new iPhone 4G. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-29569146679150460392010-06-19T18:19:00.003+08:002010-06-19T18:22:45.049+08:00The wait begins...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TByZ08zKpXI/AAAAAAAACM4/nUD6GKw-Ss8/s1600/apple-iphone-4-91.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/TByZ08zKpXI/AAAAAAAACM4/nUD6GKw-Ss8/s320/apple-iphone-4-91.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484427581183403378" /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, its coming. Pity the leaks and photos of it prior to the official announcement spoilt it for everyone. Conspiracy or marketing genius strategy, we'll never know. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All I know is, I want one. It will be a good upgrade to Ol'faithful 3GS. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sure it'll take time to reach us here in Asia, but at least Apple will soon release the IOS4 software first. </div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-81935399065194682372010-05-26T23:51:00.004+08:002010-06-21T00:59:54.088+08:002010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/S_1GgNh9OdI/AAAAAAAACMw/F_KZEzxFal0/s1600/Awesomeness_Pix.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/S_1GgNh9OdI/AAAAAAAACMw/F_KZEzxFal0/s320/Awesomeness_Pix.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475610241154234834" /></a><br />Wow, its been a while old friend.... <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm back everyone. Thats if anyone's been reading still. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2010 is a year of refocusing for me. Think its time to narrow my focus down. Instead of being the jack of all trades (or phones), perhaps better to be a master of one (or two). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My current iPhone 3GS is still going strong!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-45248339076149933532009-09-22T18:33:00.002+08:002009-09-22T18:45:47.696+08:00The Force is strong<div style="text-align: justify;">It has truly been a while since I've last updated my blog. I have been tweaking and customizing my iPhone 3GS to <span style="font-style: italic;">perfection</span>. Since I've last used the previous <a href="http://d3xlabs.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-apple-iphone-3g-review.html">iPhone 3G here</a>, this 3GS is something else.<br /><br />Just working on a proper review to post here, but till then, here's a little collection I have.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SriqrFwpSUI/AAAAAAAACMk/5zRBc9S1AI8/s1600-h/Star+wars.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SriqrFwpSUI/AAAAAAAACMk/5zRBc9S1AI8/s320/Star+wars.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384241011778734402" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-14123117484347663802009-08-01T23:39:00.003+08:002009-08-01T23:58:00.741+08:00Loving my Storm Trooper....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SnRillHlA1I/AAAAAAAACMc/vaNdKcBC6qY/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SnRillHlA1I/AAAAAAAACMc/vaNdKcBC6qY/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365021453863682898" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SnRilWqB4lI/AAAAAAAACMU/95dJUUpzzT8/s1600-h/IMG_0008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SnRilWqB4lI/AAAAAAAACMU/95dJUUpzzT8/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365021449981649490" border="0" /></a>Ok here it is! My <span style="font-weight: bold;">Storm Trooper Bobble Head</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">(What did you think it was, a new mobile??).</span> I was in Singapore over the weekend, browsing around with my mate <a href="http://tgif173.blogspot.com/">TGIF</a> for a conference. During our free time, we stumbled across this toy shop at Suntec City Mall. Having a secret passion for toys & such (esp star wars and such...), I was thrilled when the shop had all the bits and bobs of all things Star Wars (and tons of other stuff)... but I jumped when I saw this. Hmm, this could be a start of a new collection...<br /><br />Oh yeah, the pics above were taken with my other Storm Trooper, the iPhone 3G S WHITE. <span style="font-style: italic;">Its finally here too. </span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-4345521745913573812009-08-01T15:26:00.002+08:002009-08-01T15:27:42.748+08:00Storm Trooper invasion<div style="text-align: center;">Finally, my Storm Trooper has arrived. And I love it.<br /><br />More details soon!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-59250248440716742622009-07-04T17:44:00.008+08:002009-07-11T21:21:15.245+08:00Darth N97: Build quality and physical aspects<p><span style="font-style: italic;">Its been about 10 days of using Darth N97 now.</span></p><p align="justify">For this post, I'll highlight some of the physical aspects and build quality of the N97. In short, this is perhaps one of Nokia's best efforts in creating a solid all rounder flagship. Many people who have played with the N97 <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(under my very watchful eye needless to say)</span> </span>always comment about the solid slide feature, which opens and closes with a nice "<span style="font-style: italic;">snap</span>". <span style="font-style: italic;">(Unless of course, you do it in s-l-o-w....m-o-t-i-o-n).</span><br /><br />When I took these photos, it just so happened to be in the evening, very close to sun set. So the photos turned out almost very sephia-anituque looking. Not on purpose, but hey, I like how it turned out. Almost as if Darth N97 was born in the 1950's!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">N97 Box</span><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SlhRlleHNPI/AAAAAAAACLs/vlOZCdRL3yk/s1600-h/N97-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SlhRlleHNPI/AAAAAAAACLs/vlOZCdRL3yk/s320/N97-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357121462912627954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SlhRlwiZkdI/AAAAAAAACL0/9eeV5D8wvxc/s1600-h/N97-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SlhRlwiZkdI/AAAAAAAACL0/9eeV5D8wvxc/s320/N97-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357121465883398610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SlhRmF4nzsI/AAAAAAAACL8/JIYL4JXnnmY/s1600-h/N97-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SlhRmF4nzsI/AAAAAAAACL8/JIYL4JXnnmY/s320/N97-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357121471613750978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SlhRmRaTScI/AAAAAAAACME/7IZ4iHheD7M/s1600-h/N97-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SlhRmRaTScI/AAAAAAAACME/7IZ4iHheD7M/s320/N97-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357121474707802562" border="0" /></a></p><ol><li>As you can see, the box is very simple. Totally unlike boxes of (nokia) old, where a photo of the model is splashed out on the front.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">INSIDE</span>, you will find the full-on accessories that accompany Darth N97; a USB wall charger <span style="font-style: italic;">(great move Nokia!)</span>, a USB cable for your PC <span style="font-style: italic;">(also charges!),</span> a little adapter <span style="font-style: italic;">(in case you still refuse to part ways with your old Nokia chargers),</span> a Nokia earpiece, a flat-ish sort of stylus <span style="font-style: italic;">(You probably wouldn't need it),</span> a beautiful leather case and of course, Nokia N97 assorted manuals <span style="font-style: italic;">(Note: with the 3.5mm jack, you can now use ANY of your favourite ear buds in case you rather not use the standard Nokia ones)</span></li></ol><ol><li>From the many reviews I've read: Here are the main complaints:</li></ol><ul><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A TV cable not included?</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">I personally am not fussed about this missing from my set. Even when I had my previous N95 / N95 8Gb, I don't recall even taking it out of the box... ever. </span><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">How lousy is that leather case?</span> Again, I personally don't think that this is a worthwhile niggle that should stop anyone from buying the powerful N97. As for the leather case, its fantastic. I bet people would complain even more if a case WASN'T included! <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Anyway, </span>look at this picture below.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">'Nuff said. </span></li><li><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A stylus? That's so 90's. </span>Ok, maybe this applies to those who like to poke their screens, or maybe fancy a bit of writing here and there. The majority of people probably won't use it. <span style="font-style: italic;">I sure haven't, since taking Darth out of the box. </span>But the stylus is sure nice and <span style="font-style: italic;">"stylish"</span> (pun intended), so if you don't like it, don't use it. Simple.<br /></li></ul><p></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8kz1cXa_I/AAAAAAAACKE/Ci0BCDp0u5E/s1600-h/N97-6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8kz1cXa_I/AAAAAAAACKE/Ci0BCDp0u5E/s400/N97-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354538954904792050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Physical aspects</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lfj-ElOI/AAAAAAAACKU/FQ_XB7lYQOw/s1600-h/N97-8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lfj-ElOI/AAAAAAAACKU/FQ_XB7lYQOw/s400/N97-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354539706128569570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lfw0NwCI/AAAAAAAACKc/w_p76c-hQkM/s1600-h/N97-9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lfw0NwCI/AAAAAAAACKc/w_p76c-hQkM/s400/N97-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354539709576888354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lfN3pftI/AAAAAAAACKM/DNQ39lQiZkE/s1600-h/N97-7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lfN3pftI/AAAAAAAACKM/DNQ39lQiZkE/s400/N97-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354539700196048594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lgi2PpyI/AAAAAAAACKs/nLNwnAP7KtM/s1600-h/N97-11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lgi2PpyI/AAAAAAAACKs/nLNwnAP7KtM/s400/N97-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354539723007174434" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The N97 is very comfortable to hold in hand, big or small. The weight is even spread out and doesn't feel heavier on any side (like some older Nokia models).<br />Very quickly, to walk you through what you'd find with the N97 <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(I've not included any pictures here because you can find so many galleries elsewhere)</span></span>:<br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the top</span>, you'll find the power button and a 3.5mm jack.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the right</span>, you'll find the volume rocker keys and the dedicated camera button</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the left</span>, the USB slot (for charging and PC connectivity) and the "<span style="font-style: italic;">lock switch</span>" <span style="font-style: italic;">(which Nokia 5800 users would recognise)</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the front screen</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">the BEAUTIFUL 3.5" screen I must add</span>, there are no physical buttons other than the "menu" button at the lower left of the screen. The green <span style="font-style: italic;">"call"</span> and red "<span style="font-style: italic;">end call</span>" buttons are touch sensitive are located next to the (only) menu button. <span style="font-style: italic;">(All three light up when you switch on the N97) </span><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">At the back</span>, you'll find the camera slide, which, when opened, reveals the double LED flash and of course, the 5 mp camera. Many have complained about Nokia's choice on the mega pixelcount, considering many competitors are sporting more poweful cameras these days. Its not ALL bad, given Nokia's experience with the N95 and N82. And, its still way better than any smartphone offering from competitors, Sony Ericsson or even with Apple's soon-to-be-released iPhone 3GS. Check out my previous post for the photo quality <a href="http://d3xlabs.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-day-out-with-darth-n97.html">here</a>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Its not all bad right? </span><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The keyboard</span>. I could spend a whole post on this one feature alone. This is perhaps the deal breaker with many potential N97 buyers out there. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Firstly</span>, with only 3 rows of alphabet keys, so fully incorporated with numbers and symbols, the general feedback has been why not include another row? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Secondly</span>, why has the location of the spacebar being pushed to the right, instead of the standard centre location? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thirdly</span>, the placement of the navi-pad on the left side. Why? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lastly</span>, why is the "full-stop" not given its own button?? <span style="font-size:85%;">(You have to press the symbol shift key and press the "comma" key to get the "full-stop")</span></span>. In short, in all this time using Darth N97, I've purposely made it a conscious choice to use the keyboard whenever and wherever I can, just to test the daily capabilities of the keyboard. Safe to say, it was very easy to familiarise with and took me only about a day or two just to be up to the typing speeds as my previous E71. I'm now blistering away on my SMS's and emails and (still) love snapping open good ol'Darth. So if you're an E71 or E90 user, or even a QWERTY device user, the N97 shouldn't be a problem for you to learn.<br /></li><li>Ok, finally, there's the <span style="font-weight: bold;">ribbon-like component</span> found between the slide which you can read about at <a href="http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/reviews/item/Nokia_N97_Review-Part_1-First_impressions.php">allaboutsymbian here</a>, I <span style="font-weight: bold;">don't</span> think it should stop you from owning one, unless you plan to <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;">(foolishly)</span> shove a pencil in there to test how strong the ribbon is. <span style="font-style: italic;">Remember, the N97 is a powerful multimedia device that can probably replace your notebook, its not a shock/water proof construction site accessory. </span><br /></li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Size comparison with the Nokia E71</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lxKrHn1I/AAAAAAAACLE/OiENhMV0zXM/s1600-h/N97-15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lxKrHn1I/AAAAAAAACLE/OiENhMV0zXM/s400/N97-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354540008575835986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lw6nXPfI/AAAAAAAACK8/ItFXUAT9Sx4/s1600-h/N97-13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lw6nXPfI/AAAAAAAACK8/ItFXUAT9Sx4/s400/N97-13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354540004265115122" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lwuL2pqI/AAAAAAAACK0/SpBvSQIHEz4/s1600-h/N97-12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sk8lwuL2pqI/AAAAAAAACK0/SpBvSQIHEz4/s400/N97-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354540000928507554" border="0" /></a><br /><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Size wise</span>, as you can see, its not THAT much bigger than the E71.<span style="font-style: italic;"> (Unfortunately, I didn't have an iPhone handy to compare with)</span><br /></li><li>There's definitely a <span style="font-weight: bold;">thickness issue</span>, but hey, the N97 slides up, the E71 doesn't. </li><li>Someone's asked me once, whether the N97's "<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">shirt-pocketable</span>"? <span style="font-style: italic;">If I wanted to be generic about it, I'd say aren't all phones shirt-pocketable?</span> But to be honest, with Darth in my shirt pocket, its a bit difficult to forget that there's a device weighing down your shirt. You won't forget its there basically! Not a big problem I'd say.<br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">So, in conclusion, if I had to rate Darth N97 on the physical aspect on a 5 star scale, I'd give it <span style="font-weight: bold;">5 out of 5</span>. Yes, I love it. Its well built, well designed and though I've not personally experienced how well it would hold up on a drop test <span style="font-style: italic;">(I don't plan to find out!)</span>, I'm sure Darth will hold up. Its Darth remember! <span style="font-style: italic;">(Ok, that was lame....)</span><br /><br />In my next review, I'll possibly touch on some of the experiences of using Darth on a daily basis, and how my life has been taken over by this Nokia flagship. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Force is indeed strong.... </span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-73054897623000215942009-06-30T18:30:00.007+08:002009-06-30T19:14:14.997+08:00My day out with Darth N97<div style="text-align: justify;">Its been over a week spent with me Darth N97. Most of the time was spent tweaking it to perfection (to me at least) with widgets and apps testing.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I did manage to snap a few pics to test out the quality of the 5 mp camera though. Here are a few from a drive out to town, and one by the water village.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknqOEfqafI/AAAAAAAACIs/IcZmR4KP1-8/s1600-h/27062009033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknqOEfqafI/AAAAAAAACIs/IcZmR4KP1-8/s400/27062009033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353067159552158194" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknqOgtbfWI/AAAAAAAACI0/qLcBrpVSCcU/s1600-h/27062009034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknqOgtbfWI/AAAAAAAACI0/qLcBrpVSCcU/s400/27062009034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353067167126093154" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Then on Sunday, 28Jun09, as I had signed up for the charity cycleton for Heart of Borneo, I decided to take Darth out with me for the ride, all 110km of it. Here are some shots taken from our world renowned <a href="http://www.theempirehotel.com/">Empire Hotel & Country Club </a>, one of the checkpoints for the ride. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Obviously, you won't expect me to shoot pics WHILE cycling... I doubt Darth would appreciate that sort of adventure)</span>. There were almost 400 cyclists taking part in the event.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sknwx4le10I/AAAAAAAACJM/yX2b3P_diiA/s1600-h/28062009071.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sknwx4le10I/AAAAAAAACJM/yX2b3P_diiA/s400/28062009071.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353074371900397378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >This is a shot from the car</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknwxWEVvaI/AAAAAAAACI8/fVW-Ddc_Mro/s1600-h/28062009054.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknwxWEVvaI/AAAAAAAACI8/fVW-Ddc_Mro/s400/28062009054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353074362634583458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Resting at Empire. Scorching 40 degree Celsius heat</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknwyFXETEI/AAAAAAAACJU/hDZ9B6DfllI/s1600-h/28062009069.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknwyFXETEI/AAAAAAAACJU/hDZ9B6DfllI/s400/28062009069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353074375329598530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And we're off! Last leg back to the finish line.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknwxiVcRDI/AAAAAAAACJE/Ok7s7kLB2gk/s1600-h/28062009058.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknwxiVcRDI/AAAAAAAACJE/Ok7s7kLB2gk/s400/28062009058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353074365927539762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This isn't my bike. Just thought I'd snap it.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span>My personal challenge for the ride was to bust the 100km mark, which I had never done before during training from months before. In the end, I was sun burnt, had a swollen behind, sweat drenched and faced extreme energy depletion. But it was all worth it. <span style="font-style: italic;">Its for charity afterall. </span><br /><br />And what better way to reward myself? A quick carb load at my favourite Japanese shop, Kaizen Sushi.<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknwygQppUI/AAAAAAAACJc/K4Jprs2vuCw/s1600-h/28062009074.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SknwygQppUI/AAAAAAAACJc/K4Jprs2vuCw/s400/28062009074.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353074382550443330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pretty good flash shot at night I'd say.<br /></span></span></div><br />And that ends a day with good ol'Darth. Next challenge, take a video while riding? <span style="font-style: italic;">Nah, I don't think so.... </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">PS: None of the shots have been edited. Pity the lighting was a bit "overbearing", having been taken at noon day mostly. </span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-66056725929106803132009-06-21T23:49:00.003+08:002009-06-21T23:52:34.547+08:00Sneak preview: My Darth N97<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sj5W5pLPK7I/AAAAAAAACIk/ZISKsW8PkEY/s1600-h/N97.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sj5W5pLPK7I/AAAAAAAACIk/ZISKsW8PkEY/s400/N97.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349808955668245426" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Thoroughly enjoying the N97 since I got it.... More to come....</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-55659915767851086172009-06-19T20:35:00.005+08:002009-06-19T20:53:28.396+08:00The Dark Side: Nokia N97<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This is just a sneak preview...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">For days, I have been pondering on whether to I should go with the masses and be a Storm Trooper, <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >because as you know, Storm Troopers are just so uber cool</span>... but the force was always strong within.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SjuJbSwfIVI/AAAAAAAACGc/LBkLrlE277o/s1600-h/sT.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SjuJbSwfIVI/AAAAAAAACGc/LBkLrlE277o/s320/sT.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349020084417274194" border="0" /></a>But then, as a <a href="http://adityasphones.wordpress.com/">friend</a> said, there are many Storm Troopers, but only <span style="font-weight: bold;">one Darth Vader</span>...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SjuHVXm-b7I/AAAAAAAACGE/7eaUY-_j9eY/s1600-h/darth-vader-face1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SjuHVXm-b7I/AAAAAAAACGE/7eaUY-_j9eY/s320/darth-vader-face1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349017783617089458" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So behold, my newly arrived <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nokia N97 Black</span>....<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SjuIMV1pyRI/AAAAAAAACGU/dBAMOfw-9ig/s1600-h/nokia-n97-black.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SjuIMV1pyRI/AAAAAAAACGU/dBAMOfw-9ig/s320/nokia-n97-black.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349018728034584850" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the next few days, I will be posting my thoughts and experiences with the N97. I absolutely love what I see so far... <span style="font-style: italic;">with the exception of a minor setback earlier</span>... but, more on that later....<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I'll be back, after the commercials..... </span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-72835136125342514402009-06-02T23:02:00.005+08:002009-06-02T23:19:42.700+08:00Nokia N97 finally starts shipping.... (Yes, I'm alive)<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SiVAC1E7iAI/AAAAAAAACFs/Jxjr8qN2Tr0/s1600-h/first_impressions_of_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SiVAC1E7iAI/AAAAAAAACFs/Jxjr8qN2Tr0/s320/first_impressions_of_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342746950296635394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.symbian-guru.com/">www.symbian-guru.com</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Its official. The <a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_n97-2615.php">Nokia N97</a> has begun shipping today. To 75 countries worldwide, uncommon of Nokia given that they usually release new products in spurts to selected countries. Hopefully, Brunei is one of those 75 lucky countries.<br /><br />There are so many good (p)reviews of the N97 already flying around the world wide web. Many claim that this is THE Nokia flagship to wait for. Reading so many, I can only say the only way to know is to try it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SiVBBsQQsLI/AAAAAAAACF0/VwObEy_gKIs/s1600-h/nokiaN97.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SiVBBsQQsLI/AAAAAAAACF0/VwObEy_gKIs/s320/nokiaN97.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342748030259998898" border="0" /></a>But dang, it looks good.<br /><br />I've been so held up with my daytime job lately, that I have not been able to post a decent phone review. I just realised, I haven't done one since my last Nokia E63 review. This sucks.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thing is, I still can't see the light at the end of the tunnel just yet.... </span><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-40216888528662495362009-04-25T12:19:00.004+08:002009-04-25T12:23:17.478+08:00Dilbert nails it on the head...<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SfKPhelgv7I/AAAAAAAACFc/ceMsvu_y_e4/s1600-h/44412.strip.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 99px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SfKPhelgv7I/AAAAAAAACFc/ceMsvu_y_e4/s320/44412.strip.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328479114441572274" border="0" /></a>I've always been a fan of Dilbert, somehow for those of us who work in a daytime "<span style="font-style: italic;">9 to 5</span>" job, you'd totally relate to the things that he goes through. I bumped into this strip <a href="http://dilbert.com/strips/comic/2009-03-10/">courtesy of this site here</a> and I knew I had to share it. <span style="font-style: italic;">It says it all, doesn't it? </span><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-37364737768690427792009-04-07T00:29:00.008+08:002009-04-07T01:01:02.397+08:00Its only April...<div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, its been a month of sheer silence. Like a month of April Fool's day everyday. It almost seems as if nothing much was happening in the market. <span style="font-style: italic;">Nothing great to look forward to, nothing worth selling everything you own for... uninspiring you could say.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />From the looks of things, everyone's just waiting for mid-2009, for more news on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Palm Pre</span> or the now-rumoured new <span style="font-weight: bold;">iPhone</span> form factor. Either way, its still a good 3 months away, at least, especially for us here in Asia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SdoxHDny0eI/AAAAAAAACFE/4oQc0IFdQq8/s1600-h/avp-iphone-pre-pairing-rm-eng-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SdoxHDny0eI/AAAAAAAACFE/4oQc0IFdQq8/s320/avp-iphone-pre-pairing-rm-eng-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321619906992722402" border="0" /></a>For one thing, it will be a great battle. And there can only be ONE winner. But a new iPhone though? Who really knows? Apple sure has a great knack for keeping things hushed. We can only wait. One thing's for sure, Apple had better make sure it does everything and more!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SdowqielNRI/AAAAAAAACE8/y-LBZQAGaZI/s1600-h/iphone+spoof.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SdowqielNRI/AAAAAAAACE8/y-LBZQAGaZI/s320/iphone+spoof.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321619417059374354" border="0" /></a>But, for me, I think I know what my next purchase will be, the new <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nokia E75</span>. <a href="http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/9272_Nokia_E75_stars_shipping.php">Allabout symbian has reported that today</a>, the E75's have started shipping! <span style="font-style: italic;">FINALLY! </span>From the many <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">(excellent)</span> reviews I've read <a href="http://www.mobile-review.com/review/nokia-e75-en.shtml">here</a> and <a href="http://www.symbian-guru.com/welcome/series/e75-review">here</a> and <a href="http://www.nampblog.com/2009/03/nokia-e75-review-part-i.html">here</a>, I think it will suit my needs very well. Time to replace my E71 and E66 soon anyway ;) If none of you have ever heard of FP2, read <a href="http://www.mobile-review.com/review/nokia-s60-fp2-full-en.shtml">here at mobile-review</a> for a good write up about it. If anything, personally, its reason enough to upgrade!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sdoyr0-YGnI/AAAAAAAACFM/xcFHmm_hRGA/s1600-h/nokiae75.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/Sdoyr0-YGnI/AAAAAAAACFM/xcFHmm_hRGA/s320/nokiae75.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321621638227696242" border="0" /></a>Now the question begs, what <span style="font-style: italic;">colours</span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(black? bronze? red? all?) </span>will arrive here in Brunei? And then... <span style="font-style: italic;">what colour should I get?!</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Decisions decisions....</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-81432331034641866042009-02-23T22:51:00.006+08:002009-02-24T00:03:53.772+08:00Nokia E63: Better to go economy or business class?<div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;">First of all, a very happy holiday to all Brunei readers, being our 25th Silver Jubilee National Day today.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK62jY0FII/AAAAAAAACEM/oBI9N3kDIN0/s1600-h/D3Xe63-21wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK62jY0FII/AAAAAAAACEM/oBI9N3kDIN0/s320/D3Xe63-21wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008757370885250" border="0" /></a><br />I have received many queries from readers and friends on what its like to use the most recent and latest messaging device from Nokia, the Nokia E63. I've actually had the opportunity to use one for a good many weeks now, and of course, while I'm back to my trusty ol'Nokia E71, I do miss the E63 at times.... why you ask? <span style="font-style: italic;">Read on...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Unlike my other reviews, I'm attempting to make this one slightly different basing my conclusion by doing more of a comparison between a E63 and her classier sibling, the E71)</span><br /><br />We all know and love the E71 don't we? HSDPA, front facing video camera, 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus, wifi, email client support and a gorgeous QWERTY keyboard all enclosed in a very slim and metal clad body. Initially just launching the Grey steel and White steel variants, Nokia's thrown another curve ball at us with the new Black and Silver/Red editions. <span style="font-style: italic;">Even MORE of a reason to love it. </span><br /><br />And then, almost out of nowhere, a reserved and quiet E63 appears, seemingly with the same looks, similar features, but also very different.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Unboxing - the hardware</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK62rl1f4I/AAAAAAAACEE/zuRQOketkMM/s1600-h/D3Xe63-19wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK62rl1f4I/AAAAAAAACEE/zuRQOketkMM/s320/D3Xe63-19wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008759572987778" border="0" /></a><br />After opening up the box of the E63 <span style="font-style: italic;">(my unit was Ultramarine Blue)(Ruby Red being the other only colour so far)</span>, I half expected to pull out the same contents as the E71. To my surprise, there were <span style="font-style: italic;">no leather pouches</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">no wrist lanyards</span>! All that it contained were the E63 unit, a battery, a travel charger and assorted manuals. Oh yes, there was a 1Gb microSD card thrown in too, <span style="font-style: italic;">fortunately</span>. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Some other sites have reported that their E63's do NOT come with any memory cards). </span><br /><br />Well, <span style="font-style: italic;">I guess we get what we pay for</span>. The E63 is significantly cheaper than an E71 anyway. And from its weight (very light), this also give you an indication of the quality of materials used. There were plastics and rubber galore. It is noticably wider too, with the usual array of QWERTY buttons like the E71. Until I realised, upon closer inspection, that there are differences between the two. The E63 sports different characters and symbols at some different places, and, the space bar is smaller too (with a tiny flashlight symbol on it). A very neat and useful feature I have to add.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK62o11l5I/AAAAAAAACEU/1YQyoGBX9tY/s1600-h/D3Xe63-23wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK62o11l5I/AAAAAAAACEU/1YQyoGBX9tY/s320/D3Xe63-23wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008758834796434" border="0" /></a><br />Moving on, taking the E63 out and switching it on <span style="font-style: italic;">(press and hold the Call End button)</span>, there wasn't a button at the top to switch on. There certainly wasn't a red button sticking out anywhere. Why was this an issue on the E71 I have no clue. I never did understand why people made such a fuss over a little red button. I always thought it provided some element of colour to a grey or white steel clad body. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK6puwFDeI/AAAAAAAACDc/pKvszLbYbK4/s1600-h/D3Xe63-2wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK6puwFDeI/AAAAAAAACDc/pKvszLbYbK4/s320/D3Xe63-2wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008537082957282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK62WWscyI/AAAAAAAACD8/JMcmkXepTZg/s1600-h/D3Xe63-15wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK62WWscyI/AAAAAAAACD8/JMcmkXepTZg/s320/D3Xe63-15wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008753872335650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK6p6jmIAI/AAAAAAAACDk/kA0IzqoibqY/s1600-h/D3Xe63-4wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK6p6jmIAI/AAAAAAAACDk/kA0IzqoibqY/s320/D3Xe63-4wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008540251824130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK6p_sjjGI/AAAAAAAACDs/Js4d10fNfnM/s1600-h/D3Xe63-5wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK6p_sjjGI/AAAAAAAACDs/Js4d10fNfnM/s320/D3Xe63-5wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008541631581282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK6qNujE8I/AAAAAAAACD0/JSSWa2pKwfI/s1600-h/D3Xe63-8wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK6qNujE8I/AAAAAAAACD0/JSSWa2pKwfI/s320/D3Xe63-8wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008545398035394" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Display / Call features / Connectivity - Software</span><br />I won't dwell too much into these areas as both the E63 and E71 are very similar. Both have the <span style="font-style: italic;">same</span> landscape 2.36" 16M QVGA resolution screens, the <span style="font-style: italic;">same</span> menu layout, the <span style="font-style: italic;">same</span> call feature performances but, in the connectivity department however, the E63 does lack two main things which is present in the E71; <span style="font-style: italic;">HSDPA</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">a front facing camera for video calls</span>. For the average person though, this might not be such a big deal. Besides, the E63 does have 3G at least, so you can still surf on the Web, chat on Fring or even download new apps from Nokia's Catalogue etc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK62iLaA1I/AAAAAAAACEc/xlkrG0b7uUE/s1600-h/D3XScreenshot0006wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK62iLaA1I/AAAAAAAACEc/xlkrG0b7uUE/s320/D3XScreenshot0006wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008757046215506" border="0" /></a>The E63 also has themes which the E71 does not curently own <span style="font-style: italic;">(the themes correspond to the matching Ultramarine Blue or Ruby Red editions)</span>. But otherwise, if you were just shown the menus for both the E63 and E71 without being told which was which, you'd probably not notice the difference anyway.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Camera performance / Multimedia </span><br />In a word, the camera performance for the E63 is <span style="font-style: italic;">"mediocre"</span>. Being a 2 megapixel <span style="font-style: italic;">(non-auto focus)</span> camera, the E63 will simply do what you want it to do; <span style="font-style: italic;">take simple snaps</span>. Forget about indoor shots though even though there is a flash to light up your shots. The E71's 3.2 megapixel snapper already has its own problems, in other words, it isn't quite a role model either, so in this department, there's not much to comment for both. I included a sample of the E63's outdoor shot, in an overcast day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK6pixLrxI/AAAAAAAACDU/-L2bUpisKi0/s1600-h/D3X23022009%28001%29wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SaK6pixLrxI/AAAAAAAACDU/-L2bUpisKi0/s320/D3X23022009%28001%29wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008533866360594" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What I liked about the E63</span><br /><ul><li>I actually enjoyed using it for a good number of weeks. It was surprising to me too. It was lighter, and its <span style="font-style: italic;">size was just nice</span> for my big hands.<br /></li><li>The E63 could match everything my E71 could do too (minus any video calls of course). The Calendar's the same, the Contact's the same, the Messaging's the same...<br /></li><li>The <span style="font-style: italic;">QWERTY keyboard experience</span> was different to use, compared to the E71's. Maybe because it was wider, it felt a bit better to use too. Don't get me wrong, the E71's keyboard is still one of the better ones out there.<br /></li><li>The <span style="font-style: italic;">battery life is commendable</span>. Keeping in mind, both use the same battery, but minus a few features on the E63, this means that the battery life is longer than the lifespan of the E71. Any objections here?<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">The 3.5mm jack</span>. Many have argued that if the E71 had this in the first place, it would probably be THE best smartphone out there today <span style="font-style: italic;">(of course, personally it'd be even better if it was a touchscreen too)</span>. I'm not much of a music buff myself, but knowing I can use my own earphones was a good option to have.<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">What I didn't like about the E63</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Note: I have to be subjective here. Remember, there is a significant price difference between the E63 and the E71, so I approched this with a "you-get-what-you-pay-for" mindset)</span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-style: italic;">No front facing camera</span>. I video call every so often, so missing this feature was a big deal to me.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">The camera qualities were disappointing</span>. But then, if you want to just snap photos (not for printing obviously), then it should satisfy you.<br /></li><li>There's this <span style="font-style: italic;">little rubber cover</span> protecting the 3.5mm jack at the top. Let's just say that if you ever lost this, just be prepared to have an exposed little jack hole. Its just not connected to the body in any way.<br /></li></ul>Overall, I really like the E63. I think its more of a successor to the E61i than the E71 is. I even contemplated owning my own unit, if it wasn't for the lack of the front facing camera. Sure the camera performance is lacking, sure its made of plastic and feels almost like a toy, sure it doesn't have 3.5G HSDPA but at the end of the day, it is still one serious business device very befitting of the Eseries range. If you currently own a E61i, and not too sure about upgrading to the more expensive E71, then give the E63 a consideration. You won't be disappointed.<br /><br />I'd rate this <span style="font-weight: bold;">4 stars</span> (out of 5).<br /><br />Available at all Incomm branches throughout the country, its going for <span style="font-weight: bold;">BND428-00</span>.<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Remember to use your DST privilege card for better discounts. </span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-23553389650754254902009-02-19T23:30:00.006+08:002009-02-20T00:27:08.480+08:00Nokia - New releases for Eseries and Nseries<div style="text-align: justify;">The year is beginning to have a bright outlook for Nokia. In Barcelona recently, there were a few key updates which promises to take the world by storm yet again. <span style="font-style: italic;">Not surprising really, considering they were not very-well-kept secrets. </span><br /><br />We've all known and loved each of their Eseries models from popular best sellers like the E61's to E61i's to E51's to E90's and especially the current E71's that have flooded out markets, Nokia's hold on the business segment continues to remain strong.<br /><br />Let me introduce to you.... the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nokia E55</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nokia E75</span> and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nokia N86</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nokia E55</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ17-886u8I/AAAAAAAACCk/VV1UYyucVro/s1600-h/nokia-e55-mwc-rm-eng-09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ17-886u8I/AAAAAAAACCk/VV1UYyucVro/s320/nokia-e55-mwc-rm-eng-09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304532257556052930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ17-hpMlzI/AAAAAAAACCU/-LRgm6grMIM/s1600-h/e55-nokia-white.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ17-hpMlzI/AAAAAAAACCU/-LRgm6grMIM/s320/e55-nokia-white.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304532250225579826" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ17-hFgeJI/AAAAAAAACCM/9oCnxlOAdws/s1600-h/e55-nokia-back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ17-hFgeJI/AAAAAAAACCM/9oCnxlOAdws/s320/e55-nokia-back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304532250075887762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs for the E55</span><br /><ul><li>Touted to be the upgrade for the ever-popular E51<br /></li><li>Most prominent feature, the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> QW-ER-TY keyboard</span> (very reminiscent of the Sony Ericsson P1)</li><li>Quad band GSM/GPRS./EDGE with (tri-band) HSDPA 10.2Mbps speeds</li><li>Very stable and well known S60 3rd edition OS with FP2</li><li>2.4" QVGA TFT 16M display with 240 x 320 pixel resolution.</li><li>60MB onboard storage with a shipped 2Gb micro SD card inbox.</li><li>Available in Black and white aluminium </li><li>Some sites report a one month standby time (???!!!)<span style="font-style: italic;">(I've yet to believe that)</span><br /></li></ul><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nokia E75</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ18LKBtxmI/AAAAAAAACC0/x-Vhp6uhGW0/s1600-h/nokia-e75_black_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ18LKBtxmI/AAAAAAAACC0/x-Vhp6uhGW0/s320/nokia-e75_black_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304532467224266338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ17_BKJAKI/AAAAAAAACCs/S-UQMTR-efM/s1600-h/nokia-e75-red.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ17_BKJAKI/AAAAAAAACCs/S-UQMTR-efM/s320/nokia-e75-red.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304532258685255842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs for the E75</span><br /><ul><li>Expected to be the forefront for the Eseries range</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Full slide out QWERTY keyboard</span> and a regular alphanumeric keypad <span style="font-style: italic;">(Both existing E71 AND E51 would probably find this appealing)</span></li><li>Most complete Messaging device to date from Nokia.<br /></li><li>Connectivity features - Wifi 802.11 b/g, A-GPS support with Nokia Maps</li><li>3.2megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash</li><li>Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE with tr-band HSDPA (3.6Mbps)</li><li>Very stable and well known S60 3rd edition OS with FP2</li><li>2.4" QVGA TFT 16M display with 240 x 320 pixel resolution.</li><li>50MB onboard storage with a shipped 4Gb micro SD card inbox.</li><li>Available in Silver Black, Red and Copper Yellow colours.<br /></li></ul><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"> <p><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"><p><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;">Nokia N86</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ17-xCcpTI/AAAAAAAACCc/V24hlHDuFR4/s1600-h/n86-official-01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ17-xCcpTI/AAAAAAAACCc/V24hlHDuFR4/s320/n86-official-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304532254358021426" border="0" /></a></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ2DOgUQ1JI/AAAAAAAACDE/qKPOJdflDZA/s1600-h/n86-8mp-6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ2DOgUQ1JI/AAAAAAAACDE/qKPOJdflDZA/s320/n86-8mp-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304540221328643218" border="0" /></a></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ2DOtS0CcI/AAAAAAAACC8/KD-ZRBodtIM/s1600-h/n86-8mp-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ2DOtS0CcI/AAAAAAAACC8/KD-ZRBodtIM/s320/n86-8mp-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304540224812222914" border="0" /></a></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ2DOzUOgMI/AAAAAAAACDM/EHz-s33CMw8/s1600-h/n86-8mp-7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SZ2DOzUOgMI/AAAAAAAACDM/EHz-s33CMw8/s320/n86-8mp-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304540226428764354" border="0" /></a></p><p style="font-weight: bold;">Specs for the N86</p></span></p></span><ul><li>Very similar to what the existing N85 already offers</li><li>Most outstanding feature - the first 8 megapixel camera which possesses<span><span><span><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"> shutter speeds of up to 1/1000 of a second, f-stop range of 2.4-4.8 and a 28mm wide-angle lens that Nokia claims is equal to that of a wide-angle 35mm SLR! It also sports a </span></span></span></span></span></span>3rd generation dual LED flash which should work at distances of up to 3.5m. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Shutterbugs might drool at this)</span><span><span><span><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li>Quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA support</li><li>Very stable and well known S60 3rd edition OS with FP2</li><li>2.6" AMOLED QVGA display (also present in the N85)<br /></li><li>8GB internal storage</li><li>A 3.5mm audio jack and TV out</li><li>Available in black and white<br /></li></ul><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"><p><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"> <p><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"> <p><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt">All 3 phones should start shipping by 2Q09.<br /></span></p><p>So, if any of you are keen for an upgrade (even for those who own E71's), these new releases could very well stroke your interest.<br /></p></span></p></span></p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-25348479827984187362009-02-03T23:15:00.004+08:002009-02-04T23:54:56.857+08:00Sexier E71's and a Pre.<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SYhg_1oywzI/AAAAAAAACBU/tARS5ozp4tE/s1600-h/E71_01_lowres.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SYhg_1oywzI/AAAAAAAACBU/tARS5ozp4tE/s320/E71_01_lowres.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298591611447591730" border="0" /></a>For those of you who loved the white edition of the hugely popular Nokia E71 and thought nothing could ever be sexier.... hold on to your breath.... Nokia's just made it EVEN more sexier, releasing new colours, in BLACK and RED. <a href="http://europe.nokia.com/A41146122">Click here to view them on Nokia's site.</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SYm6GJwV4ZI/AAAAAAAACBs/Tryb1sBttn8/s1600-h/nokia-e71-black.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SYm6GJwV4ZI/AAAAAAAACBs/Tryb1sBttn8/s320/nokia-e71-black.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298971051438760338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SYm6FtZ4VyI/AAAAAAAACBk/e7OWEj-nXZ4/s1600-h/nokia-e71-red.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SYm6FtZ4VyI/AAAAAAAACBk/e7OWEj-nXZ4/s320/nokia-e71-red.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298971043828356898" border="0" /></a><br />There's no news (yet) on the release, but you can be sure I'm trying to find out! Especially on release for Brunei. More updates once I hear about it.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And then, there's the Palm Pre. More and more reviews are surfacing on the web and more and more of them reveal that Palm is now giving Apple a fight. (Finally). Anyway, <a href="http://blog.treonauts.com/2009/01/palm-pre-smartphone.html">read here at treonauts for lowdown on "Top 10 reasons to love the Palm Pre"</a>. Well, I certainly don't need convincing.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34344717.post-64385888344067880392009-01-16T23:44:00.004+08:002009-01-17T00:20:30.907+08:00My LG X110 review<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SXCtygeu04I/AAAAAAAACAQ/xLwm2sP1PzE/s1600-h/D3Xx110-4wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SXCtygeu04I/AAAAAAAACAQ/xLwm2sP1PzE/s320/D3Xx110-4wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291920645384229762" border="0" /></a>Ok, I know this is a mobile blog, and so far, I've limited myself to the (already vast) world of mobiles, but every so often, I do get asked to review the occasional gadget. Usually I'd decline, but for this one, I didn't refuse. Why? First, let me introduce to you, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">LG X110 Netbook. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span> <a href="http://simpurgadgets.blogspot.com/2008/12/lg-x110-netbooks-internet-on-go.html">SimpurGadgets has nicely done a short write up on this here</a>. I've also spent some time with it myself and it has to be said, <span style="font-style: italic;">I thoroughly enjoyed using the X110</span>. I don't use alot of Netbooks, but I will say also, the X110 is very decent for its price. <br /><br />On the <span style="font-weight: bold;">physical aspects side of things</span>, the build quality is truly impressive and as my review unit came in glossy white, the thing that struck me most was <span style="font-style: italic;">how compact it felt</span>. Opening the lid reveals a white keyboard which is surrounded by a silver case around the keyboard and the screen. With my large hands, I did not have any problems using it at all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SXCtyl4A-dI/AAAAAAAACAI/j7gwuG02IS8/s1600-h/D3Xx110-5wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SXCtyl4A-dI/AAAAAAAACAI/j7gwuG02IS8/s320/D3Xx110-5wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291920646832454098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SXCtyanWnGI/AAAAAAAACAA/z3B7iq743NI/s1600-h/D3Xx110-6wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SXCtyanWnGI/AAAAAAAACAA/z3B7iq743NI/s320/D3Xx110-6wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291920643809778786" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> On the <span style="font-weight: bold;">display and hardware front</span>, the X110 sports a 10-inch screen with 1024 x 600 pixels and weighs just a little over 1kg; 1.19kg to be exact. This is small enough to carry easily in any bag without knowing its even there. LG has thrown in Windows XP Home as standard and is coupled with a 160GB hard drive. There are also 3 USB ports, a VGA out port, Ethernet connector, flash card reader for SD and Memory Stick formats, and headphones and microphone connectors. For those who like to see who they are chatting with, the X110 also comes with a 1.3 megapixel webcam for video calling.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On the <span style="font-weight: bold;">sound quality</span>, the speakers simply blew me away. It is extremely loud for something this small. I compared it with my MacBook and it was quite obvious which was the winner here. But then, I realised, with the location of the speakers being on the underside of the casing, LG might have anticipated for this. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ok, so what makes this Netbook stand out then? </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It is the inclusion of a SIM card slot for your broadband surfing needs. Simply insert your 3G enabled SIM <span style="font-style: italic;">(you have to open up the battery cover first)</span>, and you're good to go, anytime and any place, without the need to rely too much on Wifi spots. (However, make sure that you subscribe to a broadband package to enjoy the benefits). I tested out the speeds on my 3G surfing compared with the built in Wifi, the results were unnoticable. Both were extremely fast and half the time, I had to check whether I was still on 3G or not. Bluetooth does comes as standard. Surfing with the broadband lasted me about 3 hours, which I think is quite reasonable for its battery life.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SXCty-F7GJI/AAAAAAAACAY/4vvFa4x3nbA/s1600-h/D3Xx110-3wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SXCty-F7GJI/AAAAAAAACAY/4vvFa4x3nbA/s320/D3Xx110-3wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291920653333239954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SXCtyZ0sHtI/AAAAAAAAB_4/EMnTLjHf3FA/s1600-h/D3Xx110wtmk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BNLnzeZn2I4/SXCtyZ0sHtI/AAAAAAAAB_4/EMnTLjHf3FA/s320/D3Xx110wtmk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291920643597278930" border="0" /></a>On the downside, there is a lack of an optical drive which might be a deal breaker for some.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> Overall, I was really impressed with the size mostly of the X110. It is small. So small. I even managed to stuff it into my DSLR camera bag too. So, if anyone asks me about the X110, I'd recommend it instantly.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">The LG X110 is available at Incomm at the Gadong Branch. It retails at a very reasonable price of BND1,099. Don't forget to use your DST privilege card for further discounts.</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5