My New Switch

I've set up my own network at home. I have my wireless DSL modem/router (PROLINK H9300G from Globelines) then two LAN cables run down to the basement connected to my VoIP adapter and to my desktop PC. When my desktop PC conked-out, I replaced it with a new one (no problem so far), but I was able to fix the busted box, I installed Linux on it and hooked it up to my HDTV hoping to make it my Media Center PC. So now, I need another connection to it. Then, one of the LAN cables became food for the rats. That's why I decided to get me a switch.

I bought it from PC Express. Actually I bought a crimping tool, a cable tester (both from CD-R King) and RJ45 jacks (from PC Express).

The challenge I thought was how to arrange the tiny wires to fit in the RJ45 but after a wrong wiring and wasting one RJ45 jack, I was able to make, I think, 4 LAN cables hehehe.

Ok now with the switch. Why Dlink? Well, I was looking for a cheap switch, there were two brands under P1000, a Cnet and Dlink. Logic dictates I get the one with the better branding, and that's Dlink, it's actually P50 more than the Cnet.

Now, instead of running more cables across the house, one cable from the router will be enough, and the wirings will be split in the basement.

G.I.Joe the movie - Snake Eyes

Feast your eyes on Snake Eyes! From the live action movie GI Joe! Looks like I'm going to bring out my action figures! Hehehe I'm getting too excited on this.

G.I.Joe the movie - Page 8 - Philippine Macintosh Users Group

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SMART Bro Plug-it Prepaid

SMART has just announced the prepaid version of their Plug-it Smart Bro. This is basically a USB data card that connects via UMTS (3G), GPRS to a Smart Cell tower. The charges are the same, it's just like connecting a 3G capable handset to a mobile PC. P10/min which is reload-able pretty much like those prepaid mobile numbers. It uses a SIM card that is data-enabled, which also means, it's not capable of voice and SMS. A P300 load is good for 900 minutes or 60 days. The initial outlay is P4500.

I think I'm going to get one, just for the heck of it.

More details here

EeePC Bundle in Globelines promo

Globelines is offering a promo where they are bundling an ASUS EeePC surf to their DSL with Landline package. At P1620/month, it's quite a deal, especially for those who doesn't have a notebook computer yet.

Details here

Wireless Landlines - tempting

The problem with someone living in the outskirts of the city is that, everything that promises cheap communication to the city is always a tempting deal (aside of course for the technophobe in me).

I got myself a Bayan Wireless Landline prepaid a couple of months ago. Yup, it serves it's purpose. I can call Manila with ease, with some choppy bearable calls. I can call it free, no long distance charges because it's got a Manila area code, heck, I'm even thinking of getting a handheld type. The problems that I have with it at the moment, well, it's hard to find call cards for it. So far, I can get it from the agent that I got it from, but I can't expect him to sell me cards forever. And the next place I could get it is at SM Manila Bayan Center. Regarding the load, well, as long as reload before the expiration day, I get to keep the unused loads. The other problem is the signal. I was so happy with it the first time I tried it because I got a strong signal all the way home from Manila, but the signal dropped as soon as I entered the house. Right now, I have it near a window where I get a fluctuating 2-3 bars.Still, it's usable.

Now remember I was thinking of getting a handheld wireless landline? Looks like I'm getting one, but not from Bayantel, PLDT has just officially launched their own wireless landline prepaid service, the postpaid plans has been out for some time now. What's nice about the PLDT thing is that, it uses SMART's own cellular signal, which means, wherever there is a SMART signal, the PLDT wireless. But the caveat is, even though there's a signal, if it's out of the local area (e.g. a Manila SIM will only work in Manila), you cannot use it anymore, as in, no incoming and outgoing calls. But what's exciting is, I can use the SIM on any openlined GSM mobile phone, as it's just a cellular service in the guise of a wireless landline. I'm more inclined into getting one anyways. I'm just waiting for the regular work to resume and a visit to a business center is at hand.

The Knight Rider

Just watched the whole Pilot episode of the New Knight Rider. Hmmm well, the plot was not that good. Perhaps, biased for the original episodes with David H., but then again, the scoring and the story telling has improved. About KITT, well, it's the voice, it's really not KITT without Anthony Daniel's voice (also the voice of C3PO). Lots of loopholes, since they are continuing the story of Michael Knight. Why did they just used the old voice and the old memories. Looks like KITT is a totally new car, in a sense. And the morphing is a bit pushing it too far. Reminds me of a Knight Rider knock-off, VIPER. Otherwise, pwede ng pagtyagaan.

Sync Google Calendar with Outlook - Google solution

I've been using Google  Calendar since it came out. It's a pretty nifty application. I was very happy when I was able to synchronize iCal with it. But had problems with synchronizing Outlook. All the third party applications available for Outlook-Google Calendar synchronization cannot seem to do a very good job.

At last, Google has released it's own synchronization software and it worked! It will, by default synchronize both ways, but has options to do it one way.

I never did use Outlook before as my centralized PIM, but now, it seems that has to change. Now, I synchronize my Sony Ericsson M600i, Palm Zire 72 and HP Voice Messenger 510 with Outlook. A centralized software to do all my PIM jobs.