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.

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.

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.

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.

ASUS P525

I have written a couple of articles about various gadgets in this blog but I have never written anything about my “primary phone”. Yes, to people who have two or more phones in the bag, there is always 1 phone which does all the heavy lifting.

In my case, I use the Asus P525. Not one of the prettiest devices if you see it. I even use it with a leather case which makes it even bulkier.

This phone has been with me for the longest time; it has been with me for more than 2 years and for a time, I have built a small accessory list around it.

This includes a Bluetooth Headset,

a Stereo Bluetooth Headset

and a Bluetooth Keyboard.

The Bluetooth Keyboard was one of the hardest things to find, I once used an IR Keyboard but it’s not as reliable as the Bluetooth version.

Now back to the Asus P525. Once upon a time, this was the most reliable Windows Mobile Device available in the market! While other devices froze or had screen alignment problems, the Asus P525 just kept working. One Major complain about this device is the positioning of the joystick. Some people got used to it but there will always be people like me with fat fingers who can’t seem to get the hang of using its phone pad.

The Asus P525 was also the first Windows Mobile Device with a usable camera that has Auto Focus! When this phone went out, everyone was surprised with the photos its camera can produce. Today, no one will be happy with its 1.3 mega pixel camera, but for small chores, it is more than enough for me.

Here are the most useful apps installed on my phone (not including games):

Don’t Sleep Wifi – This prevents the phone from “sleeping” when using wifi or Bluetooth

Lextionary – Dictionary

Novi Remote – Universal IR Remote

Peek Pocket – Scans available wifi hotspots

Pocket CM Image Viewer

Pocket CM Keyboard – On-screen virtual keyboard

SyncMate – Enables me to Sync my phone with my Mac. It also allows me to organize songs using iTunes

TCPMP – AVI player

Although the Asus P525 is in no way able to compete with the new Windows Mobile devices coming out, I will have to say that this might be the last Windows Mobile Device for me, not unless a manufacturer finally decides to release a Windows Mobile device with a capacitive touch screen.

Reliability wise, it has got to be the best phone I have ever used. It never fails! Definitely one of the best gadget purchases I have made!

For the Asus P525’s specifications, please click here.

Here are additional pictures of my Asus P525.

My New Nikon MB D80

Finally, I was able to purchase a MB D80 battery grip for my Nikon D90!

I know a battery grip is not that important but it really helps give you a more comfortable grip of your cam and a better shooting position when shooting portraits.

This is the initial reason why I sold my older Nikon D40, I can’t seem to find a battery grip for it here in Singapore. There is this 3rd Party brand Ownuser that made battery grips for the D40 but I can’t seem to find a store selling it (as you know, I don’t like purchasing stuff from Sim Lim).

So back to my MB D80, I was so pleased playing with it, it gave me a feel that I had a new camera again. Without batteries, it did not add much weight to my gear but adding the 2 batteries inside and you’ll feel the extra weight.

It came with all the buttons I needed although I was hoping Nikon considered adding a function button too.

Here are some pictures of my new battery grip!

Please note that photos were taken using my mobile phone.

Gadget Review: Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 Lens

This is the newest addition to my photographic equipment.

The Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)

As usual for gadgets, this too has a sophisticated long name printed on its box, but basically, the most important information is the 17-50mm f2.8. That said this is an upgrade from the 18-55mm lens you get when purchasing a dSLR Kit.

Di stands for Digitally Integrated, which was specifically designed for digital cameras with image sensors equivalent to APS-C Size.

IF stands for Internal Focusing, making this lens work with the Nikon D40, D40x, D60 and the new D5000.

This lens is very well built, holding it actually feels better compared to my old 18-55mm Nikon Lens.

It has a metal mount, uses a 67mm filter which will not turn as the lens focuses.

Another great feature of this lens is that it has a lock which will prevent your lens from creeping out when stored in a bag.

The lock can only be used when the lens’ zoom is at 17mm.

The Aperture of this lens is constant, it will not change no matter how you zoom in and out. This is very helpful as you focus more on framing the subject that checking if there were changes in your settings.

This lens also has a switch just incase you want to focus manually.

There has been a lot of reviews about some focusing issues on the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens so I suggest that you test the lens before making an actual purchase.

Although this lens has an Internal Motor, focusing is a bit slow and noisy! The noise was actually enough to make me think that the lens will transform to a Decepticon after focusing. I bet you won’t mind the noise when shooting outdoors and just remind yourself of this lens’ price when you think the focus motor is too noisy indoors.

The package only came with a lens hood, front and rear covers and an owners manual which states that you should not hold/force the focus ring when the Auto Focus mode is activated.

This is a very good lens and a cheap one compared to the OEM lenses.

Here are samples of pictures taken with this lens.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/37412600@N00/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/507559@N21/

Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery Software

Data recovery software, this is not a software you need everyday but for all those times when you corrupt/format your drive/memory card, this software is very useful.

 

I will not cross the border and say that every household with a computer should have data recovery software, but we all need to salvage lost data every now and then.

 

All you need to know about the Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery Software can be found here.

 

This article is all about my personal experience about this software.

 

To install this software, you will be required user privileges. I was able to install it in my Macbook running VMWare Fusion. I had my settings running with only 1gig of RAM and a single processor. Stellar Phoenix ran pretty well in Windows Vista Home Premium.

 

The user interface was simple to use. I used it for the first time without using the help menu.

 

 

As you place your mouse pointer on top of each button, you will find a text on what that button is for. Here’s some screen shots from my experience.

 

For my review, I tried to recover files from my 4gig SDHC card. The card was formatted using my dSLR, I had 44 pictures in it before I had it formatted.

 

When the program starts, it will give you a “tip for the day”.

 

 

Then it will give you tips for a successful data recovery.

 

 

The Software did not automatically detect my memory card when I had it plugged in my USB. I had to refresh the available drives. Surprisingly, there is no “refresh button” available. You will have to enter the program’s Drives menu.

 

 

You will be able to see the drive after refresh.

 

 

After seeing the drive you want to recover a double click will allow you to choose the available options.

 

 

I tried the advanced scan and this program did not disappoint!

 

 

It took almost 2 hours for the program to completely scan my 4 gig drive, I’m not sure if this will be shorter if I had a more powerful machine but for my Macbook’s VMWare setup, I was pretty happy with the performance.

 

After an hour, you will be able to see subfolders and the files inside it.

 

 

From here, you will be able to view each file and choose which one you want to recover.

 

I was only hoping to recover my 44 files before formatting my memory card, I was happy to see a number of files which was long deleted.

 

If you would notice, I first tried to recover a corrupted SD Card. Stellar Phoenix Partition Recovery Software also can recover Hard Disks even if they were partitioned or formatted to another file system.

 

I have limited my review on a regular PC user’s point of view. Honestly, I think that the regular person will only need to recover files from a removable drive or a hard disk.

 

We all know that replacing a spoilt drive is easy, but the files saved inside that drive is priceless. As memory card/drive’s capacity become bigger, the more reason we need to have software like this to at least salvage our data when we fail to back up our drives manually.

 

I’m sure everyone would want to use a user-friendly program during those stressful times when your data is lost. Stellar Phoenix very easy to use and its very gratifying to know that you don’t have to be a geek to recover lost pictures from a vacation, lost data for a report and lost files you use for your personal finances.

 

There are some files which are too private. It always helps if you can recover your lost data with the privacy of your own home.

 

For more information, please check this link:

 

http://www.partitionrecovery-software.com/

Globe’s SPAM… 2346!

Don’t get me wrong, I still love Globe! I still feel their better than Smart and Sun!  Although I also keep Sun thanks to their unlimited calls and text (SMS).

 

I have been a Globe user for the longest time and even now that I am based abroad, I still keep a Globe SIM roaming just incase someone from the Philippines needs to reach me.

 

Just a couple of months ago, I realized that my phone credits were zero by the end of the month. This really felt strange since I only use my Globe SIM to receive SMS, no other use for it.

 

Then making a couple of calls to their customer service (+632-730-1000) I found out that they were charging me PhP 2.50 per received message.

 

This may not sound like a lot of money but they were sending almost 10 useless messages per day! Since my phone was roaming, I cannot reply to deactivate the subscription as a reply will cost me more than PhP 40.00.

 

Thankfully, their customer service was able to cancel my subscription which I did not apply for in the first place!

 

I just hope people with authority (like NTC) in the Philippines realize that a big company is stealing from the people!

 

Sending SPAM e-mails is annoying, this is a type of SPAM we receive on our mobile phones and we even have to pay for it even if it contains useless information!