Phooey's Gadgets

HK Voted No. 8 in Top 29 Cities for Men to Live In

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:08:19 +0800

The results are out. The Top 29 Cities for Men to Live In. > Normal 0 0 2 false false false EN-US ZH-TW X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 > >--> --> >--> --> AskMen.com, the largest online men's magazine, today announced the inaugural edition of its “Top 29 Cities for Men to Live In.” Compiled by AskMen.com editors, Chicago topped the list as the best city in the world for the everyday man. Selection criteria for the top cities included, among other factors, the rate of employment, ratio of single women to men, frequency of cultural activities and sporting events and the cost of a pint of beer. The Top 29 Cities according to the article are - ChicagoBarcelonaSan FranciscoLondonSydneyNew YorkBerlinHong KongCopenhagenParisVancouverRomeBuenos AiresTokyoTorontoMiamiMadridViennaLos AngelesMontrealPanama CityPortlandLyonMelbourneTel AvivSantiagoCape TownHamburgEdinburgh When I first look at the list, I was surprised to see so few Asian cities on it. Though I only been to a third of those cities listed, I definitely do have my own list, LOL. My picks are Osaka; District of Columbia (a city?); Shanghai (really surprise that it's not on it and none from China); and last but not least, BANGKOK, hehe. -->Well, hop on over to www.askmen.com/specials/2009_top_29 for the full read. Source - AskMen

Finger - Turning Your iPhone/iPod into a Chinese W

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:55:01 +0800

My buddy, Belle Liu over at Beansbox just teamed up with Headnix and Zendesk this past week by launching one exciting application for both your iPhone/iPod and Mac (PC Support coming soon). Finger is a great application that automatically pairs up your iPhone and your Mac over WiFi and then turning your iPhone as an input tablet. Just like using your Chinese input method on your iPhone while composing email or SMS. The app currently cost US$7.99 and is available via http://thisfinger.com. Check it out, sure you’re gonna love it.

First Look Video on the Prada II Phone

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:30:27 +0800

This is definitely one of the hottest phone out this quarter. Check out the Prada watch that accompanies the phone which allows you to remote control functions off the phone and to read SMS off it.

HP Mini 2140 Video Review

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:28:55 +0800

Great 10 minutes review of the HP Mini 2140 from James Kendrick over at jkOnTheRun, check it out. Source - jkOnTheRun

Apple Online Sale (Hong Kong) - 14 January 2009

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:47:28 +0800

Well, today is the day for those in Hong Kong. Apple Online is going on sale. Check it out before it's too late.

First Look - Samsung Emporio Armani M7500

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:53:10 +0800

Love that night effect, love that GA logo, love it totally. Well, the import version of the Samsung Emporio Armani M7500 finally arrived here in Hong Kong, the price tag, HK$3,380. (click image for larger view) For more information, check out the Armani Samsung Mobile website. Source - ehop1a, Armani Samsung Mobile

Time to Clean Up That Facebook Friends' List

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:32:52 +0800

The following is an extract from my CNET Asia Community Blog Column-With Christmas and New Year around the corner, everyone probably have their Christmas Santa wish list or New Year's resolution all drawn up but how about cleaning up your Facebook friends' list? Today I finally found time to go through my friends list, literally one by one. The following is a quick look at my portfolio of friends. Of the 560 friends I have -69 are high school friends;107 bloggers;70 legitimate friends;43 internet-industry affiliated friends;137 mates from various photography groups;29 belonging to some clubs or events organizers who sends junk event notifications all the time; and105 unknowns. Well, isn't that something, roughly a quarter of those so-called friends of mine are people I hardly know or remembers and looks like I need to find sometime this weekend or next to do some major housekeeping here (should have done it as I scroll though each of them...ah... stupid me). The scary thing is that these 130+ people on my list have access to all my personal info, my pics, my wall and my life. Hmm.... what was I thinking. Maybe it's time for you to check out your list too. Have a nice week. Blogging will be light towards the end of the year as I have to clear up my desk both at work and at home. Cheers all.

Phooey on CNN digital biz

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:22:15 +0800

High-tech gifts in low-tech packages(CNN) -- This holiday season, it seems high-brow concepts are better off making their commercial debut in low-tech gadgets. "With the current economic situation, I think toys and gadgets which are too complicated, either as a concept, or to operate, will not fly," says Lawrence Cheung, principal consultant of the Hong Kong Productivity Council. Looking forward to the new year, Hong Kong tech industry analyst and blogger Victor Cheung has his eyes set on an "All-in-One computer that features a multi-touch screen, like that of the HP Pavilion IQ series." According to Cheung, "2009 will see the Tablet PC finally taking off, with more name-brand manufacturers joining the ranks of HP, Fujitsu, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba and Kohjinsha. "Expect to see them coming in all sizes and probably with a multi-touch feature by the end of the year. Don't be surprised to see a MacTablet as well." As for the mobile-phone market, he adds: "iPhone should continue to rule with a new version before Thanksgiving 2009, with missing features such as Bluetooth A2DP and a changeable battery. A higher-res camera with video recording might be thrown in as well. However, what makes or breaks it depends very much on how open Apple will be with other developers' apps." Here are some recent releases to watch for, either as holiday gifts or as new year surprises.To check out the full article, click here.The above is excerpted from CNN digitalbiz article.Source - CNN

First look at the iPhone clone - the mini iPhone

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:55:00 +0800

Back in August, I blogged about the iphone clone, Meizu M8 (aka the MiniOne). To date the MiniOne is still yet to be released but rumors said it will be launched before Christmas. This past week, another iPhone clone hit the Hong Kong market, the mini iPhone m888a. Size wise, it's about two-third the size of the iPhone. Although branded the mini iPhone, it have no multi-touch nor other features such as 3G, App Store, iTune-alike media players and zero internal storage (rely on microSD card for storage). Specification wise just a mere GSM dual-band phone which features dual SIM card, 2.4" display and a stylus. Nothing fancy. But what stirkes everyone is how the phone was packaged. Purely a rip-off I would say. Check out the following pics and see it for yourself. As for the price, HK$838 (US$107), WOW. It even comes with two back covers for your own liking, unbelievable. Check out the box and the adaptor. Really scratch my head for this one, Motorola or iPhone. Images from Apple Daily The above post extracted fom my CNET Asia Community Blog column.

HTC Touch HD vs HTC Touch Pro

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:15:04 +0800

With the festive season around the corner, mobile phone manufacturers are churning up new phones at full speed. This past month we saw the release of the Google G1, Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, the Porsche Design P9522 and the Samsung Omnia. HTC, in the meantime, just released the HTC Pro (HTC Diamond with keyboard) and have the HTC Fuze and the HTC Touch HD coming soon.Today, I'm gonna show you this great comparison video on the HTC Touch HD and the HTC Touch Pro from the guys over at PocketNow. If you fancy a huge screen (3.8" display) Windows Mobile 6.1 smart phone, you're gonna love the HTC Touch HD, enjoy.Source - PocketNow

Porsche Steering Wheel for Your Gaming Platform

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:09:33 +0800

For those of you without a Porsche or never owned one, do you fancy driving one? Well, with the all new Porsche Steering Wheel, now you can have a tast of what's it like. The steering wheel works on the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 platform. What's even better is that it comes in three models (the Pure Edition, the 911 Turbo S Edition, and the Clubsport Edition) and the price tags are $150USD, $250USD, $400USD respectively.Full Features Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel: Original Porsche 911 Turbo steering wheel designLicensed by Porsche Lizenz- und Handelsgesellschaft mbHAuthentic metal Porsche logo on wheelHand stitched leather wheel manufactured according to Porsche quality standardsCompatible with PC and Playstation 3 (all games which support ForceFeedback wheels)6+1 Speed gear stick with realistic shifting feelAdditional exchangeable sequential gear stick includedWireless pedals with + 100 hours battery life time (low battery warning on display and optional power supply cable for simulators)Realistic clutch pedal with declining resistanceDiameter of wheel is 300 millimetersGear sticks are interchangeable and can be mounted on the left or right sideTurning angle can be adjusted in the wheel to 900°, 360° or 180° or in 1° steps by softwarePlay with table: Strong table clamps with quick release, special non-slip rubber pads, and Velcro strips on the pedals keep everything in place. Integrated nuts allow the strong fixation on a gaming cockpitPlay without table: Attachable lap wings and the attachment of the gear sticks to the wheel allow comfortable game play in the living room without the use of a tableIlluminated button symbols switch automatically between PC and PlaystationPowerful Mabuchi RS 550 Motor as used in RC cars delivers extra strong ForceFeedback effectsAdditional 2 Force Feedback actuators in the wheel simulate motor vibrationsExtra smooth and silent belt drive without mechanical dead zoneHigh resolution wheel sensorTUNING functions with LED displaySaves up to 5 wheel set-upsAdjust ForceFeedback strength during game playAdjust sensitivity independent from the gameToo good to be true? tell you, this one's gonna be the perfect Christmas present for the gamers out there. For more info, head over to their website, link here.

Gadgets for Women - Heels

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:27:55 +0800

Been blogging gadgets here for a while and most of the gadgets/gears I covered are mostly appealing to men. This week, we're gonna check out some latest gadgets for women, heels that is.Ladies, I introduce to you all, the SoleMates High Heeler. It's a little attachment to your heels that protect your heels while falling into cracks, getting it scraped, or totally messed up especially during the rainy season. Okay, how does it work? By increasing the surface area on the base of the heel, it reduces the pressure on this area and prevents the heel from sinking into grass or falling into cracks! The patented design of the SoleMates High Heeler™ is mechanically engineered to fit snugly on most heels and yet the flexible material grips securely without damaging the heel or compromising the aesthetics of the shoe.SoleMates currently sells the High Heeler for $19.95 online for both the clear (transparent) and black version, check it out on their site, www.thesolemates.com, guarantee you're gonna love it.

Blog Action Day 2008: Poverty - 15 October 2008

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:45:23 +0800

Blog Action Day 2008 is two days away and this year, the guys at Blog Action Day is focusing on the issue on poverty. To date, over 7,793 sites with an audience of 9.478.022 readers have registered to participate. To start off, you can put up a badge or banner on your blog to support the event. Go to their resources page and you'll find different types of badges and banners of different designs just like the one below to suit your like for you to put up on your blog. Apart from the above, the organizers would like to take the opportunity to seek bloggers to take some time to think of the poverty issue and incorporating that in their posts. Alternatively, bloggers can also blog about this event so that others maybe aware of the issue. For more information on how you can participate in the event, head on over to Blog Action Day's website, link here. To quote from the organizers - What Can One Person Do? Poverty is not only a pressing issue, it is a complex one. It's easy to think that there isn’t much an individual can do. Fortunately this isn’t the case at all. With activities ranging from advocacy and professional contribution to charity and financing, there is in fact many ways that we can act. Totally agree.

SmartMirror - The Ultimate Rear Mirror

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:17:49 +0800

Back in July this year, Azentek started shipping what they called the SmartMirror, a rearview mirror with is in fact a mirror together with a 4-inch display for the GPS, featuring touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth hands-free, turn-by-turn directions with text-to-speech pronunciation of street names and built-in maps (for US only). It also offers 3-D view of major intersections to show signage and lanes. As for hands-free calling, users only need to hit a button on the mirror. SmartMirror's suggested retail price is US$799, for more info on the SmartMirror, check out Azentek's website, http://www.azentek.com/. Source - Engadget

Dell Mini 9 Video Review

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:49:25 +0800

Wow, the NetBook market is really booming. First, we had the ASUS Eee PC series, then the HP2133, the Lenovo S10, the rumoured Sony plus the Dell Mini 9 which we're gonna look at today. What's so special about the Dell Mini 9 is the great built of this NetBook and its compact size. Size wise, way smaller than the ASUS Eee PC. Check it out and see whether you like it.Source - LapTopMag

Spotlight Vid on Youtube - Android Phone Hands On

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:39:24 +0800

Wow, been a great week in the tech world, tons of new cameras coming out from Photokina 9the biggest camera show) and on the mobile phone front, the Google Phone or The Android is announced. Below is a clip from phonedog.com giving a hands-on tour of the new T-Mobile G1 Google Android phone live at the launch event in NYC, enjoy.Source - phonedog

The Newest Touch - HP's 3rd Gen TouchSmart PC

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:04:38 +0800

Back in June, I blogged about HP's 2nd generation TouchSmart PC and three months from its release, HP rolled out the 3rd generation, only this time they added some more nice punches to it. The TouchSmart IQ816 comes with a 25.5-inch LCD, a Blu-ray drive and VESA wall mount capability. Other new features include a drive bay for HP's Pocket Drive line of portable hard drives, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M video card and a multi-color light that illuminates the space under the computer for the keyboard (previously it was just fluorescent white). Other than that, the technical specs and touchscreen technology remain the same, as does the general design. The Touchsmart IQ816 starts at US$2100 and will ship on October 12.Source - Gizmodo

Sony Ericsson Announces Launch Dates for Xperia X1

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:41:00 +0800

London, UK – 10 September 2008 – Sony Ericsson today announces 30 September 2008 as the official launch date for the highly anticipated Xperia™ X1 – initially available to consumers in the UK, Germany and Sweden. The handset will be available in other markets across Europe, Asia and Latin America throughout Q4 2008.WebcastTo start the countdown to the launch of Xperia™ X1, Sony Ericsson will host a live global webcast on September 15 at 13:00 GMT + 1, offering viewers the first in-depth demonstration of the handset. The web cast will also premiere the first episode of an alternative reality thriller Johnny X. To register to view the web cast and Q&A session with Xperia™ X1 Senior Product Manager Magnus J Andersson, please visit: www.sonyericsson.com/premiere.Source - Sony Ericsson

Diamond Case for Your iPhone

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:31:47 +0800

Yet another iPhone sleeve but this one is pure gorgeous. How you might ask, well, how about 520 diamonds, 9.01 carats, 168 grams 9K white gold, with Rhodium and Platinum plating. Available in two colurs. The price tag....US$50,000. Major ouch there, but sure beat those crystal cases from Gilty Couture I blogged about here a while back.For more info, head over to Titania's website, link here.Pics from ePriceHK

The New Ouch Phone - Treo Pro

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:55:16 +0800

Tired of all the iPhone 3G hype? Can't stand the BlackBerry data charges on the BlackBerry Bold? Can't read off the small screen of the HTC Diamond? Need yet another alternative to the above phones? and needing a finger keypad to go with the phone? Well, here's the all new Treo Pro from Palm. It's sleek, cool-looking and..... you tell me.Source - SlashGear, Palm2401

Inside the Phooey's Tech Room

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:09:47 +0800

Well, for those who wonder what kind of gadget geek I am, take a look at the tour of my tech room and maybe you'll figure out more.

"I Am Rich" iPhone Application Guided Tour

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:30:20 +0800

Just back from the Philippines, stayed at the Makati Shangri-La for couple days, had a couple meetings, drank by the GreenBelt, and swam a few at the great hotel pool.Now that I'm back and ready to blog, the first video that caught my eye was this US$999.99 application for iPhone on the Apple Store.Well, for US$999.99, it does more than telling you that you're rich, you deserve it, you're good, healthy and sucessful, or does it. I know this is dumb but still beat getting fried watching the Olympic equestiran events in Hong Kong and having Reuters catches you sleeping on video.Hmm...think I need a drink and catch up with some of my beauty zzz.

Photographs to Digital Picture Converter

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:53:46 +0800

Ever thought about what you gonna do with those boxes of old photographs stacked under your bed or hid inside some closet? Don't you just wish that you can convert them all into digital formats and have them store away in your hard disk. Well, the traditional method is just to have them all scanned to your computer but for those who have tried that, we all know that the process is long and resolution wise, not so great.On catching up with the news feeds off my RSS reader today, this photograph to digital picture converter caught my eye. It features a 5 mega-pixels CMOS sensor with up to 1,800 dots per inch and 10 bits per colour channel (which means clearer and crisper images when converting photographs to digital format). Time wise, it's also much faster than scanning them off a scanner, much like making photocopies using a feeder tray. It works on both Windows XP and Vista platforms and also comes with software that allows you to edit, crop and resize your pictures. The converter accepts photographs with sizes of 3.5"x5", 4"x6" and 5"x7". Sounds pretty neat, check them out over at Hammacher Schlemmer, listed price is US$149.95.

Great Bluetooth Bracelet Buzz

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:58:57 +0800

As the new generation of phones gets more smaller, fancier and sleeker, I tend to find their ringers softer than ever and their vibration alert basically non-existent. Well, if you feel the same way, I might have the best solution for you - the sleek looking, Bluetooth vibrating bracelet (US$45) which supports the iPhone (Bluetooth hands-free) as well. The Bluetooth vibrating bracelet features the following -Bluetooth v1.2, compatible with 1.1, 1.2 and 2;Appears as Headset and Hands-Free device;2.4GHz Frequency;3 hour charge time;100 hour stand-by time;Resizable neoprene band fits wrists from 7.5" to 9.5" around; andBluetooth pairing code "0000" (four zeroes).It is now available from Mobile Brando Hong Kong, check it out.

The Road Warrior - Celio Redfly

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:45:37 +0800

REDFLY is a smartphone terminal with a large screen and full keyboard with no OS, no CPU, and no storage that lets you use your smartphone like a laptop. REDFLY links to your smartphone via a USB cable or wireless Bluetooth connection.Easily do email, read attachments, view web sites, and use applications that reside on your smartphone with 8 hours of battery life.REDFLY gives you anytime, anywhere full-screen access to Web 2.0 and line of business applications that reside on your company network or the Internet.Since the unique REDFLY terminal architecture has no OS, CPU or storage, it lowers TCO, provides data loss protection, and improves corporate security.REDFLY is unlike any sub-compact laptop, netbook, UMPC or the Palm Foleo because it has no CPU, memory or OS. There’s no need to sync with a smartphone or manage the REDFLY in any way. Just install the OTA driver on your phone, connect to REDFLY and you see your smartphone in a whole new way.What Can You Do With REDFLY? Thanks to REDFLY’s large screen and full keyboard, you can use your smartphone more and your laptop less. Most people don’t take full advantage of their smartphone’s high-speed data connection, powerful hardware and robust applications due to the limitations of smartphones’ tiny screens and cumbersome keyboards. REDFLY unleashes your smartphone making it easy to type long emails, check attachments, work with spreadsheets, make presentations, view websites, fully utilize CRM applications and connect to remote servers, desktops and applications from anywhere using your smartphone’s data connection. Use REDFLY’s two USB ports to connect a mouse, charge your smartphone directly from REDFLY’s powerful battery, or access data on USB Flash drives. Need an easy way to make presentations on the road without a laptop? REDFLY has you covered. Just plug a projector or large monitor into REDFLY’s VGA port and use PowerPoint Mobile to run the presentation. Have you ever tried to look up a contact, respond to a text message, forward an email or just get work done while having a mobile phone conversation at the same time? With REDFLY, you can use both hands on its large screen and full keyboard to fully access your smartphone and get the job done while talking to someone on your smartphone.The REDFLY now available on Expansys Hong Kong (http://www.expansys.com.hk) for HK$3,780.

The New Definition to Bluetooth Headset - Jawbone2

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:49:32 +0800

Jawbone eliminates real world noise better than any other headset because it is the only headset that can accurately separate speech from ambient noise. The mobile phone is the prevailing communication tool for business and personal productivity, and people expect to be able to use their phones in all environments without sacrificing audio quality. Jawbone's patented NoiseAssassin™ technology is unique in its ability to separate speech from ambient noise with remarkable precision.Jawbone detects when and how a person is speaking, models the noise, and aggressively eliminates it. Some of the nice features of the Jawbone 2 are -The invisible buttonThe "invisible button" policy at Jawbone accomplishes a clutter-free look. Touch-surface technology allows the user to operate switches by lightly pressing the outside shield. Awesome constructionConstructed with ultra-smooth medical-grade plastic, the new Jawbone also comes with optional fine leather earloops. Ultimate wearing experienceThe outer shield, curved and rectilinear to follow the face, is lightly textured in a sound-reflective progressive relief, a three-dimensional texture visually representative of noise abatement surfaces. This unique surface becomes animated as light creates highlights and shadows when worn. The inner surface, the one touching the face and creating contact with the Voice Activity Sensor, is gently curved to be ergonomic and comfortable on the skin.The Jawbone 2 supports more than 4 hours of talk time and can be put on standby for up to 8 days. Available in 3 colours, the Jawbone 2 is retailing at US$129 and is also available from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com).For more information, check out Jawbone 2's website, http://us.jawbone.com/.Before I go, I'll leave you with this review from SlashGear.

Sowine, the Home Wine Bar

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:25:22 +0800

What to do with that bottle of unfinished wine is always a headache especially after dinner parties. Mine always ended up in the kitchen for my maid can always make the best use with them for cooking. The only problem is, I drink more than I dine at home and most of the time, my maid just have to end up pouring them down the drain.Well, now with the Sowine Home Wine Bar, it sure save us the headache. The Sowine Home Wine Bar can bring 2 bottles of wine, be it red or white, to the correct serving temperature at the same time and on the other hand, it also function as an air-tight refrigerated unit which can store your opened bottle for up to 10 days.Sounds pretty neat right? check it out or ask about them at your favorite wine cellar. The going price is around US$600. For more information, check out Sowine's website @ http://www.sowine-bar.com/sowine.php?lg=enSource - Sowine via Gizmodo

Ultimate iPhone 3G Cases

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:57:58 +0800

Now that you probably got your new iPhone 3G, or in line for one, what's next? How about an iPhone case which bordered in brilliant metal and dazzling stones, which compliment the curves of the device while adding seductive detail? Take a look at the following cases from Gilty Couture, these cases adds class and style to the already sexy iPhone 3G, definitely a must have especially for party-goers.iPhone 3G - 14k Gold Silhouette Bezel & Clear Swarovski Features• 14k Gold plated jewelry quality finish.• 138 hand set Swarovski Crystals.• 1 piece bezel design with side wraps.• Retains full access to all controls and ports without removing the iPhone.• Protective EVA foam interior lining.• Crafted to meet the specifications of the Apple iPhone 3G.• Decorative rear tab with Gilty Couture engraving.• Micropolish storage and cleaning pouch.• Gilty Couture Wardrobe Box.™Price: US$159.99iPhone 3G - Silver Silhouette Bezel & Clear Swarovski Features • Silver plated jewelry quality finish. • 138 hand set Swarovski Crystals. • 1 piece bezel design with side wraps. • Retains full access to all controls and ports without removing the iPhone. • Protective EVA foam interior lining. • Crafted to meet the specifications of the Apple iPhone 3G. • Decorative rear tab with Gilty Couture engraving. • Micropolish storage and cleaning pouch. • Gilty Couture Wardrobe Box.™Price: US$129.99iPhone 3G - Silver Silhouette Bezel & Pink Swarovski Features • Silver plated jewelry quality finish. • 138 hand set Pink Swarovski Crystals. • 1 piece bezel design with side wraps. • Retains full access to all controls and ports without removing the iPhone. • Protective EVA foam interior lining. • Crafted to meet the specifications of the Apple iPhone 3G. • Decorative rear tab with Gilty Couture engraving. • Micropolish storage and cleaning pouch. • Gilty Couture Wardrobe Box.™Price: US$129.99For more info, visit Gilty Couture @ http://giltycouture.com/.

Comparing Prices: Mac vs. Windows Laptops

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:14:57 +0800

Couple days ago, I blogged about my cross-over to Mac from PC after 20+ years of computing experience over at my personal blog, Hong Kong Tech Phooey: I Crossed Over to Mac, WOOT. This morning as I was reading my RSS feeds, I came across this awesome article from James A. Martin over at PC World that outlines the Mac and their Windows-based equivalents. It comes as a useful guide especially if you're considering a switch-over to Mac or just considering getting another laptop. The following are extracts from the article (all prices in US$) -MacBook vs. Dell XPS M1330 The MacBook is Apple's most mainstream laptop, and Dell's XPSM1330 seems to be a reasonable counterpart. Both have 13.3-inch displays and built-in Webcams, and are aimed at general-purpose users who like multimedia features. I configured online a MacBook and Dell XPS M1330 with specs as closely matched as possible. Both had 2GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive running at 5400 rpm, a 2.4-GHz Intel Core Duo 2 processor, Intel integrated graphics media accelerator (X3100), and Bluetooth 2.0. I chose the Dell 56Whr battery option (an extra $79), which is comparable to the MacBook's standard 55Whr battery. I also added the $99 optional bundle of Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements to the Dell laptop. The MacBook ships with Apple's iPhoto and iMovie applications, part of its iLife suite, at no extra cost. The bottom line: The Dell laptop that I configured cost $1308. The MacBook was $1299. Worth noting: When I upgraded the hard drive in both computers to 250GB, the Dell laptop cost $1358 and the MacBook, $1399, tipping the balance slightly in Dell's favor. Also, Dell offers more configuration options than does Apple. Price advantage: Apple, by a hair.MacBook Air vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X300 Lenovo has gone head-to-head with Apple with its ultra-thin ThinkPad X300, going so far as to creating a TV ad spoofing the MacBook Air. The ThinkPad X300, compared to the Air, is a "no-compromise ultraportable," Lenovo's ad claims. Our reviewer agreed. Darren Gladstone wrote: "What the ThinkPad X300 lacks in style, compared with the Air, it more than makes up for with better features and more functionality." It seemed fitting to compare the Air to the X300 in configurations as closely matched as possible. Still, there were differences. When I configured these systems, the X300 was available only with an Intel Core 2 Duo chip at 1.2 GHz, while the Air could be configured with 1.6-GHz or 1.8-GHz versions of the Intel chip. In the X300's favor, that laptop can be configured with a built-in optical drive, but not the Air. Here's what my configurations of both laptops had in common: a 13.3-inch display, 2GB of memory, light weight (the ThinkPad X300 weighs about 3.4 pounds vs. the Air's 3 pounds), a built-in Webcam, and a 64GB solid-state drive. The bottom line: The X300 cost $2612 as of 6/20/08. Add $99 for Adobe's photo and video editing software and the total cost was $2711. In comparison, an Air with the 64GB solid-state drive is $3098. Add another $99 for an external optical drive and the Air costs $3197, or $486 more than the X300. Worth noting: When I configured these two systems, Lenovo had a "limited-time offer" of 20 percent off the X300. Without the discount, the X300 I configured would have been $3370, plus $99 for the Adobe software, or $3469. That's $272 more than the Air. Also, if you're not wedded to a solid-state drive, you can buy an Air with an 80GB-hard drive for $1799. Add the $99 external drive, and this Air costs $1898 compared to the X300's discounted total of $2711. That's a difference in the Air's favor of $813 with Lenovo's 20 percent-off discount and a whopping $1571 without it. Also, a standard hard drive is not an option with the X300. Price advantage: The X300, but only if you get the discount. If you don't, the Air gets the nod. MacBook Pro vs. HP's Compaq 8710w Mobile Workstation As its name implies, Apple's MacBook Pro is designed for professional users. It's a particular favorite among still image and video editors as well. So I compared it to HP's Compaq 8710w Mobile Workstation, also built for professionals. My configurations had this in common: 17-inch displays with 1680 by 1050 pixel resolution, dedicated graphics cards, 250GB hard drives at 5400 rpm, 2GB of memory, and 2.6-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors. There were some differences, of course. For example, the HP computer features a biometric fingerprint scanner, which the MacBook Pro lacks. The bottom line: The MacBook Pro that I configured was $3049. The HP Compaq 8710w was $3561. Adding the Adobe image and video editing software brings it to $3661. The HP Compaq 8710w came standard with a three-year HP extended warranty. A similar warranty from Apple costs an extra $349. If you factor that in, the price difference makes the MacBook Pro just $263 less than the HP notebook. Worth noting: HP offers similarly configured laptops marketed to consumers for less. For example, I configured an HP dv9700t for consumers with specs similar to the MacBook Pro and the HP Compaq 8710w for $1818 (I configured this system on 7/7/08, so it may not provide an apples-to-apples price and spec comparison to the systems I configured on 6/20.) The dv9700t I configured didn't include an extended warranty, however, which would have added $249 or $349, depending upon the warranty option chosen. Price advantage: The MacBook Pro.Other Considerations Price aside, there are other factors in the Mac vs. Windows debate. Among them: Windows computers are perpetual targets for spyware and viruses. Macs are targeted, too, but not to the same degree.The Mac OS and Apple computers both come from the same company. While Macs aren't trouble free, you're less likely to experience as many unexplainable crashes and incompatibilities as you might on a Windows PC. Apple has earned top scores from PC World readers in reliability and service. The Mac OS X Leopard is a clever, nimble operating system and a pleasure to use. Windows Vista is a behemoth. While not the demon it's often made out to be, it ain't the Mac OS, either. Apple laptops have thoughtful design touches, such as keyboards that illuminate automatically in dim lighting. There are many more laptop choices in the Windows world, and at a greater variety of price points. There are still plenty of software applications available for Windows only. (You can run Windows on Macs, of course, using Apple's Boot camp, which is included in Mac OS X Leopard, or a third-party virtualization program such as Parallels Desktop for Mac.Adding It All Up Don't buy into the old argument that Mac laptops are categorically more expensive than Windows machines. Sometimes that's true--but they're often on par with, or cost less than, their closest Windows laptop equivalents. Source - Mac vs. Windows Laptops - Do you still pay a premium for Apple's laptops? Not always, as I found when comparing Windows and Apple models by James A. Martin (PC World).

Hasselblad H3DII-50 Announced

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:29:56 +0800

For those camera freaks and professional photographers out there, great news this week as the all new Hasselblad's H3DII-50 was announced by Hasselblad. The new 50 mega pixel camera features a 36mm x 48mm Kodak sensor; CompactFlash memory cards as the storage medium and fireWire connectivity. The H3DII-50 camera system produces the most detailed, highest resolution files available, providing: 300 MB filesMore creative freedom when cropping and alteringIncredible enlargement potentialLess moiré1 fps capture rate thanks to 4-channel read-out structureISO 50 to ISO 400ISO 800 with Hasselblad’s Phocus software Full access to all Hasselblad lensesNo word on pricing yet but expect no less than US$37,000 (price on previous model). For more info, check out Hasselblad's US site at http://www.hasselbladusa.com/promotions/50-promotion.aspx.

Nikon D700

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:41:02 +0800

Earlier this week, Nikon Europe announced the all-new FX-format digital SLR: the 12.1 megapixel Nikon D700, which resembles much of their flagship model, the Nikon D3, but in a smaller form factor.According to their press release, "the D700 inherits the ‘must have’ image quality of the D3. Using the same core technologies such as the highly-sensitive 12.1 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor with large pixel pitch and gapless micro lens array that affords bright, clean files across a broad ISO range. The D700 also features the same innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit processing pipeline to provide the detail and smooth gradation necessary for outstanding print enlargement and reproduction."For those camera freaks out there who's interested in knowing what the major differences are betweenthe D700 and D3 and the D300, "the D700 incorporates an image sensor cleaning system that uses high frequency vibrations to reduce the accumulation of dust on the image sensor surface. A responsive 5fps is possible with the compact 1500mAh EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery, with up to 8 fps possible by attaching the optional MB-D10 battery pack to use the powerful 2500mAh EN-EL4a battery if desired. This offers complete power supply integration for those already using the D3 and D300. Another first is the practical i-TTL built-in pop up flash with 24mm lens coverage, ideal for discrete flash lighting when a full size Speedlight might be too cumbersome.The acclaimed accuracy of the 51-point MultiCAM3500 AF system, DX Crop Mode and Live View with contrast-detect AF displayed on the same high-definition 3-inch TFT monitor used on the D3 and D300 are here. One of the most important advantages of FX format cameras is the viewfinder experience and the D700 features an outstanding solid glass pentaprism, 95% coverage and adjustable AF point LED illumination for a bright, uninterrupted view. A clever new feature is the ability to display the Virtual Horizon level indicator during Live View mode to determine camera orientation at arms length.The D700 is supplied with battery EN-EL3e, charger, and Nikon Software Suite and will go on sale from 25 July 2008 with a MSRP guide price of €2599."As for us in Hong Kong, expect shipment to be here around August.

iPhone 3G Video Guided Tour and Local HK Tariffs

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:54:03 +0800

Bet you heard all about the upcoming iPhone 3G, or probably heard enough, (and I even promised the Editor that I won't be blogging more about it until it is released) but, this is just too good to pass over. The iPhone 3G video guided tour which tells you all the features and functions, all in the following videos. In case you're wondering about the tariffs here in Hong Kong, I also attached the tariffs plan table below for your reference.Source - TheAppleBuzzClick the pic to read or head over to 3 Hong Kong’s website here for complete details on tariffs pricing. 3HK also put up a FAQ page to answer SOME useful questions such as - Will 3 Hong Kong customers be given any priority when pre-register for the iPhone 3G? As a token of thanks to our long term customers, 3Supreme customers will enjoy priority when pre-registering for the iPhone 3G. We also have a hassle-free online pre-registration programme in place for mass customers. Simply register here and we will contact you phase by phase subject to stock availability. Will standalone iPhone 3G handset be available for sale? No. The iPhone 3G needs to go with a series of data-centric tariff plan in order to perform its best. 3 Hong Kong has tailor-made a series of data tariff plans, coupled with unique contents and applications, allowing 3G users to fully indulge in the mobile Internet world. You can find the FAQ page here.

The New Touch - HP's 2nd Generation TouchSmart PC

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:28:03 +0800

18 months after the launch of their TouchSmart PC, HP announced the second generation TouchSmart earlier this month at their world launch event, "Connecting Your World", in Berlin, Germany.So what's so special with the new TouchSmart? Well, it features the touch-controlled user interface and the HP software designed specifically for touch like the previous model and the specifications are much improved in this new release. Users can play music and create playlists, zoom in or out of photos, and quickly check the weather or watch TV without the use of a mouse or keyboard.It comes in two models priced at US$1,299 and US$1,499 respectively. Inside the PC, you can find a 22-inch high-definition widescreen display, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and whopping 4 gigabytes of memory. In addition, it also comes with a wireless keyboard, a built-in webcam, a media card reader and a large-capacity, high-speed hard drive.Models are expected to be available in retail outlets on July 13 (in US). More information is available at www.hp.com/touchsmart.

Sony Ericsson C905 8-megapixel Cameraphone

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:15:53 +0800

Wow, did you see that 8-megapixel cameraphone Sony Ericsson announced last week? Now it really makes me wonder why anybody needs that kind of camera specs on a mobile phone but nonetheless, take a look at the video and see whether it suits your taste.Features per Sony’s press release from last week here - Complete digital camera experience on a phone – true digital camera styling and an 8.1 megapixel camera with Xenon flashOutstanding picture quality – complete with face detection auto-focus, smart contrast and image stabilizerFrom baby’s first steps to an amazing sunset; store them all on the 2GB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2®) includedThe USB adaptor (CCR-70) provided in-box allows for easy transfer of your photos to-and-from your PC.View high-quality pictures on the phones impressive 2.4” scratch-resistant mineral glass displayShare your memories – send your photos wirelessly from your phone to your TV via Wi-Fi™ (using DLNA), or connect with wires using the TV-Out Cable ITC-60, also announced todayUpload photos to your own online blogsite or print your photos with fantastic resolution up to A3 sizeMuch more than a camera phone - GPS-enabled for geo-tagging of photos and navigation support. For full specs, check out Sony’s press release here. Tentative release date is fourth quarter this year. Source - MegaWhatTV, Sony Ericsson

New iPhone Cradle for Mercedes-Benz

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:50:54 +0800

With the release of the new iPhone 3G around the corner, what's better than having your dream phone fully integrated with your dream car. Last Thursday, Mercedes-Benz (MB) announced the new generation of their integrated iPhone cradle. "Whether it be a quick call to a business colleague for an important discussion, listening to favourite music tracks or checking home and office e-mails whilst on the move - the Apple iPhone® is a leading-edge business tool with multimedia capability, available in Germany and other markets. Now Mercedes-Benz allows the iPhone® connection to be fully integrated into the vehicle architecture for the first time - once again pointing the way ahead for the automotive industry. The new Apple iPhone® cradle allows simple switching between the telephone and audio functions. What's more, thanks to the location of the cradle in the centre console, the iPhone® is within easy reach of both the driver and the front passenger. For ease of use, the iPhone® is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel, while the vehicle display is used to indicate the phone status or music functions and information such as the track title and artist." ~ extracted from MB's press release on 19 June 2008. According to MB, the fully integrated iPhone® is available now for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Eâ�'Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class, CL-Class, SL-Class, M-Class and R-Class. The product will also be offered for the new GLK-Class when this model is launched in October. In Germany, the Apple iPhone® cradle retails at € 249 (including VAT) and is obtainable from all Mercedes-Benz dealers.Go check it out at Zung Fu (HK MB dealer).

Comparison - HP Voodoo Envy 133 vs MacBook Air

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:01:09 +0800

Following up to my last post, seems like people are interested to see more on the comparison between the upcoming HP Voodoo Envy 133 and the MacBook Air. Here it is, the comparison I compiled, read on.DimensionsVoodoo -> Width: 32.2cm (12.65 inches); Depth: 23cm (9.04 inches); Height (front & rear): 1.79cm (0.7 inches); Weight (including SSD & battery): 1.53kg (3.373lbs)MacBook Air -> Width: 32.5cm (12.8 inches); Depth: 22.7cm (8.94 inches); Height (side to centre): 0.4-1.94cm (0.16-0.76 inches); Weight: 1.36kg (3.0lbs)ProcessorBoth uses Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology featuring Intel® Core™2 Duo processor SP7700 (4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB) with 1.6GHz as standard and 1.8GHz as optional.DisplayVoodoo -> 13.3" WXGA High-Definition Widescreen LED Backlit Display (1280x800)MacBook Air -> 13.3-inch (diagonal) glossy widescreen TFT LED backlit display with support for millions of colorsStorageBoth have choices of 64GB Solid State drive or 80G HDD 4200RPMBatteryVoodoo -> 3-Cell, 33 Whr Lithium ion polymer, user replaceable (claims up to 3 hr 45 min battery life, depending on usage)MacBook Air -> Integrated 37-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery (claims up to 5 hr with wireless on)OthersOther specs regarding wireless, Bluetooth, backlit keyboard and webcam are all pretty standard on both machinesExtrasVoodoo -> Voodoo IOS - Boot up in seconds. Unique to the Voodoo Envy 133, this feature gives road warriors instant access to Skype and Internet browserReplaceable batteryAn ID-coordinated external optical drive is included with every Voodoo Envy 133HDMI video port (max resolution 1920x1080)Two USB ports (one function as a shared e-SATA connector/USB2.0)34mm ExpressCard slotMacBook Air -> Mac OS X v10.5 LeopardBeing a MacConclusionWell, seems like the HP Voodoo Envy 133 wins out on the specs, tell me what you think. Source - Pic from Vantan.org

What's Thinner Than MacBook Air? The Voodoo Envy

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:40:09 +0800

Think the MacBook Air is most hot and sleekest notebook ever came out? well, that was true until last week when HP unveiled the all new Voodoo Envy 133 at the HP's Connecting Your World event in Germany.The Voodoo Envy 133 features strong specs such as -1.8cm thick compare to MacBook Air's 1.94cm at the rear end;13.3" widescreen backlit LED display (1,280 x 800);two USB port (one act as an e-SATA connector as well);HDMI video output;integrated 3G HSDPA mobile broadband;removable battery (boasts up to 3.45 hours of battery life);multiple gesture touchpad;express card slot;comes with external drive;integrated webcam;backlit keyboard; andwith price starting at US$2,099.Amongst all, the most intriging feature is the Voodoo IOS environment which according to Laptopmag, "launches users into an environment where they can surf the Web and make Skype calls within a mere 10 seconds. This environment is powered by Splashtop and gives you the full Internet without having to run Vista in the background. Not only does this feature save time, it should also save battery life. You can also instant message your buddies (via Pidgin) in AOL, Google Talk, MSN, Yahoo, and more, and access photos and music–but not movies on the optical drive."Wow, too much to be true, launch date is targetting on 20 June 2008 for US and this summer for rest of the world. For detail specs, head over to http://www.voodoopc.com/.

iPhone 3G Wrap Up (HK Edition)

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:40:33 +0800

"So, as we arrived at iPhone's first birthday, we're gonna take it to the next level and today we're introducing the iPhone 3G." That was Steve Jobs' opening statement at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2008 (WWDC 2008) on the past Monday (Tuesday morning, HK time). Below you can watch the highlights of the keynote speech by Steve Jobs and get a pretty good idea on what the iPhone 3G is offering.Prior to the WWDC 2008, Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited (also known as "3 Hong Kong") announced that it has signed an agreement with Apple to bring the iPhone to Hong Kong with Chinese language support on July 11. The price tag on the iPhone 3G will be US$199 for the 8GB memory version and US$299 for the 16GB. Local retail price should pretty much aligned with the prices announced, however, expect a rather long 3G data/voice contract on top of it, say 18 or 24 months. Indicative price for a out-of-contract price for the iPhone 3G according to Engadget (www.engadget.com) is close to €499/€569 (US$773/US$881) for the 8GB/16GB models, ouch. Size wise, if you're wondering how the iPhone 3G is compared with the first generation EDGE version, check out the following pic from iPhone User Group Hong Kong (www.iPUG.hk). The guys at iPUG.HK made a mock up of the iPhone 3G and you can tell that the edges are a lot thinner and smoother for the new version.Apart from the iPhone, Apple is also lauching the Apple MobileMe, the total solution to get the Mac or PC in sync with the iPhone, just like the Microsoft Exchange. Personal yearly subscription at US$99 for 20GB of combined email and file storage, 200GB of monthly data transfer, and full access to everything MobileMe has to offer. Family Pack includes one individual account plus four Family Member accounts, each with its own email address, 5GB of combined email and file storage, and 50GB of monthly data transfer and is priced at US$149 per year. Extra storage of 20GB and 40GB priced at US$49 and US$99 respectively. Watch the guided tour below for more info.If there's anything else you want to know about the new iPhone 3G, post a question here and I'll get you the answer.

Must Have Gadgets - R2D2 Digital Projector & More

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:50:52 +0800

To hit off with my first post here at Lifestyle.hk, I would like to show you the two latest gadgets from Nikko which are so cool and you would definitely crave for it especially if you're a Star Wars fan. Before we start, take a look at the product video below first.First up is the all new R2D2 digital audio & video projector which was first featured at this years' CES show in Las Vegas back in April. The projector can project any digital media up to 260 inches (21 ft and 8 inches) onto walls or ceilings and can connect to external devices such as Xbox, PS3 and Wii and even better, an iPod dock as well. The projector comes with an awesome Millenium Falcon remote where not only can you control all the playback functions but moving the R2D2 as well (as seen in the video).The price tag to it, US$2,900.The second gadget is the R2D2 wireless webcam with Skype. Unlike other webcams, this one can move forward, reverse and even make a full 360 degrees turn via WiFi and even a remote location over the internet. It also work as a nanny cam and with its built-in speaker, you can talk with the kids or wife remotely. Even cooler, the webcam comes with a Anakin Skywalker's Lightsaber which doubles up as a remote and as an IP phone. All this for just US$400.Indeed great Father's Day presents. For more information, visit Nikko's site at http://www.nikkoamerica.com/nhe/.