Hiatus!

Wow, I had 1 post for September and 1 post for October.

Basically they were not even posts to be proud of, one was about a drink all you can place and the other was about my old and trusty Motorola Headset.

 These past two months were really busy ones for me!

I will try to be a bit more active in these next few months, even if the holidays will surely make me even busier, I’ll try to get my bearings back and write more

Drink all you can @ SG

We all know that alcohol/beer is very expensive in Singapore.

Some bars are offering +1 drink during happy hours but there are some establishments who surprisingly offers drink all you can!

One of these establishments is Insomnia at Chijmes.

Chijmes is just across Raffles City.

Insomnia offers drink all you can every Wednesday, 9-11pm for Males and 9-12 for Females.

They also have a live band performing during this time.

Insomnia is crowded during these hours but since its drink all you can I think the crowd is reasonable!

Motorola HT820

This is one of the things I actually use everyday!

It actually felt weird writing something about it just now.

Anyway, as things are better late than never, I am a proud owner of a Motorola HT820 Stereo Bluetooth Headset. How proud? Well, I guess the fact that I use it everyday is enough proof.

I had this way earlier than my Jabra BT320s Stereo Bluetooth Headset. The experience of comparing the two is definitely miles apart, especially with the fact that the Motorola did not have any wires.

The Motorola is bigger, way bigger than the Stereo Headsets available today, the newer Motorola S9 is smaller but since it’s an in-ear type, it really does not fit well for people like me with small ears.

Sound quality if good, a bit leaned towards the bass side of the equalizer. Controls are also available for Volume, Stop, Play, Next/Previous Song and Answer (if connected to a mobile phone).

Originally, my set-up is that my Motorola HT820 is paired with my Jabra A125s then at the same time connected to my ASUS P525 this is perfect since I can answer my calls easily with a touch of a button. However, after switching to the Nokia E63,  I can’t seem to pair it properly. Must be a part of the E63’s manual which I haven’t read yet.

Here are some additional things that you should know about the Motorola HT820.

Size, here’s a photo of the headphones.

Controls on the right are for Next/Previous Song, the Motorola Logo lights up in Blue which also serves as a button for Play and Pause.

Volume controls are on the left. The Motorola Logo also lights up and serves as an answer button (for calls).

Motorola also provided a jack in case you want to use this as a wired headset. None of the controls work (even volume) when the wire is used.

The only complain I have about this headset is that Motorola did not sell replacement foams (check the picture).

I had to improvise my own pads since it’s not comfortable if I have them removed.

I once read that Motorola devices are knows for being sturdy. Having used the Motorola HT820 everyday without any problems is a proof of this. It may not look as good as its competitors but for something that I have been using for more than two (2) years, this is one gadget I have I do not intend to replace anytime soon.

2009 Singapore Formula 1 Tickets

Finally! I have received my tickets for this year’s Formula 1 Race here in Singapore.

I have to say that they look better than last year’s tickets!

Telephone Number Pad!

One lazy day at the office, while browsing the internet, I saw this one question that made me think…

The question was… How many mobile phones have you owned?

And the fastest answer I can come up with is… a lot!

Now, mobile phones have gone a long way. We can now send SMS, E-mail, Pictures and some other stuff. As these mobile phones evolve, their designs change and so does the number pad!

When I first saw the Nokia 3650, I was saw so amazed with its capability to capture videos with its built in camera. Yes, during those days this was ground breaking! But then, upon seeing the phone, you ask yourself… How do I learn to use that keypad?

A phone’s number pad really didn’t bother me that much since I always had a touch screen device but now that I’m back to using a phone with an actual telephone pad, I just noticed that both my phone’s positioned the *, 0 and # differently.

Here’s a photo of my Nokia E63

And here’s my myPhone B22

I have seen my boss’ Blackberry and the *, 0 and # were also positioned differently!

Can’t telephone manufacturers standardize their phone’s number pads for the sake of us consumers?

Nokia E63

This feels really odd writing (and at times, talking) something about a device running on Symbian 60.

From my post about the Asus P525, you’ll know that I have been a Windows Mobile user for the longest time. However, if I had to write the main reasons why I bought a Symbian 60 phone instead of getting a new Windows Mobile device, my list will be focused on the negative sides of Windows Mobile.

1. Windows Mobile’s built in web browser is really bad! I know, I can always install Opera, Skyfire and other pocket web browsers available but Microsoft should start upgrading their own web browser since not all of us have the time to purchase, install and tweak our phones. I can easily forgive this issue a couple of years back. The iPhone’s Safari is great, I have not tried the Android and the Palm Pre’s web browser but the Symbian 60’s web browser has got to be one of the best.

2. I got tired of waiting for a Windows Mobile device with a Capacitive Screen. I know the E63 is not even a touch screen device but I rather use it than use a device with a resistive screen!

3. Normally, Windows Mobile Devices come in Black, Silver and White… I wanted something different! I have a red E63!

Getting the E63 over an iPhone or an HTC Dream… simple, I am a Starhub subscriber.

Now, getting the E63 over the E71 is another story, I chose the E63 because I did not want to pay extra for the E71’s HSDPA, GPS and heavier Metal Body.

Now, focusing on my new Nokia E63, I did not install anything yet except for Fring, it’s really handy to have a good web browser, e-mail and instant messenger installed to your device.

One thing that irritated me with the E63 is that you’ll have to configure your internet connection separately for the web browser, sending and receiving e-mails. For a basic user, that’s already three (3) times. Using Fring will mean a fourth (4th) setting!

Second complain will have to be the ear piece’s volume is never enough, with my line of work, I receive a lot of calls from satellite phones and sometimes their signal is not that clear. Now, the satellite phones unclear signal plus the E63’s weak ear piece will almost be equal to a complete disaster for me.

Third and last complain is the weak vibration alert, it just too weak.

Now to the positives, since camera does not have auto focus, it’s fast! It uses 3.5mm headphones, very convenient! It has a built in flashlight which you can use even if the phone is locked.

In a world where nothing’s perfect, the Nokia E63 works just fine for my needs, I’m really happy with it and I can see a couple of years with this phone in my pocket.

I know, that after reading this article you’ll notice that I gave the negatives a longer part than the positives. I think the most important part is that I’m presently using the device right now. Its not perfect but for me, it has everything that I need.

Here are photos taken using the Nokia E63’s camera.

Lucky Plaza

Lucky Plaza is the only place in Singapore where Filipinos can buy specific Philippine products. Ever wonder where you can buy an instant (Lucky Me) pancit canton? Bottled sardines? And even Philippine Soy Sauce and Vinegar. You can all find them in Lucky Plaza.

Shops in Lucky Plaza also offer remittance services to the Philippines, they have better rates and cheaper remittance fees.

There are also Restaurants serving Filipino Food inside Lucky Plaza, the more popular ones are Kabayan and GP Asia.

Lucky Plaza is also a home to shops selling electronic devices, although I will not recommend you to buy gadgets here, there are times when shops do offer good prices/deals.

One of the more reputable camera shops is Lord’s.

This mall’s atmosphere is very different from its neighboring malls in Orchard Rd. but if you’re a Filipino in Singapore, you must try visiting Lucky Plaza at least once.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-80mm f3.3-5.6G

Do I have the reason to call myself lucky to able to get my hands on a Nikon 28-80mm f3.3-5.6G lens?

I know, this is not hard to find since Nikon made a lot of these lenses but buying one nowadays means that I have to look for a pre-owned one.

I have checked a couple of reviews before searching for an owned copy of this lens and have made a lot of thinking before making the actual purchase.

This is a very light lens; it’s almost as small as the 18-55mm kit lens of the D40/60.

Made of plastic or as some sites call it… Polycarbonate!

Filter will also rotate while focusing.

In general, I am happy with this lens. It’s light, compact and cheap!

Here are photos that were taken using this lens.

Back from a Vacation!

July, a very quiet month for me as I was on vacation for 2 weeks!

I was in Manila on a rainy July but I have no complains.

Basically, it was just a trip to spend time with my family, relax and upgrade my wardrobe.

Speaking of upgrades, I finally found the perfect shoe for my daily commute from home to office. I was originally using Black Leather Boston from Birkenstock which was great but I always have problems during my daily commute as I sometimes need to run and chase the bus.

I was able to get boots from Sanuk which are actually Sandals.

As for my earlier post of wanting to own a Puma Lift I finally bought my first ever shoes from Puma I was not able to get the Lift as the El Rey Perf took my attention.

I also got the usual shirts from Bench and jeans from Giordano. I have no idea why jeans from Bench cannot fit me as well as  those from Giordano plus the latter’s FREE ALTERATION really helps. How I wish Giordano would release longer jeans for ladies as my wife really loves their fit but sometimes their jeans are just an inch or two too short!

It was a bit surprising for me knowing that Bench’s prices are a higher than from what I can remember.

 

 

 

*photos were all taken using my Nokia E63

Olympus FE 3000

Finally, I own a Point and Shoot camera! The Olympus FE 3000.

Actually, I was not planning to get a camera, but when my wife’s Olympus Stylus 770 got spoilt and after a series of events. I suddenly ended having this cam.

First, let’s start with the death of my wife’s Olympus Stylus 770. It’s supposed to be a shock proof and water proof camera so it was actually a big surprise for me when it just suddenly stopped working, yes it won’t turn on!

After checking with the Olympus service center, they gave me an estimate of repair costs ranging from SGD 163.00, if the lens is spoilt, to SGD 250.00 if the main circuit board got wet. Yes, you read the right thing, THE MAIN CIRCUIT BOARD GETTING WET from a water proof camera!

Actually, according to the Olympus staff, this is actually a normal reason why their cameras die, the internals get wet. They told me that the water seals of their cameras will surely work in 1 year, after that they don’t recommend you to go diving with their cameras. They also told me that it is recommended that I purchase an “underwater case” for their water proof cameras if I am really serious in getting their cameras wet!

They also told me of a possibility that MAYBE, water came in from the battery/memory card cover or USB cable cover which is a normal problem for them.

This information was really very difficult to digest for me. Imagine purchasing a camera which they advertise will work under water if their conditions are met. I understand that nothing is perfect but to the public who wishes to get a water proof camera, will be surprised too if they find out about all these Ifs and Buts by Olympus. Olympus should explain this in their advertisements/websites or maybe they should have a “watch me first” before using your camera DVD included in every purchase.

Now, enough of the complaining regarding the Stylus 770 and back to the FE 3000. I traded in my wife’s Stylus 770 and got the FE 3000 by adding SGD 202.00. I know the deal is not that good but I just want to get rid of the Stylus 770 and I really don’t want to just throw it away.

I got the black FE 3000 which seems to look better than the silver, I can’t seem to find the light blue color here in Singapore. The FE 3000 is lighter but I must say that it could have been better if they included a dedicated button to switch from still to video camera.

It has 10 mega pixels and all the other stuff you should expect from a point and shoot camera.

Honestly, I am really happy to finally own a Point and Shoot camera. It’s a lot portable compared to my Nikon D90 and since I am not expecting much from the quality of pictures this tiny camera can make. I’ll just be happy owning one by looking at all its positives. My D90 will definitely make up for all the negatives of my new FE 3000.

Here are some additional pictures from our old Stylus 770 and our new FE 3000.