My New Blackberry Curve 8520

Finally took the dive and got myself a Blackberry, I got a Curve 8520, though Carrier-locked to Globe, but at that price who could resist. Got it for a little less than P15T, and this price was funny because I was told that they've increased the price of the prepaid kit to P15800.00 from P14995.00 but the new price includes a one month use of Super Surf, their version of unlimited data usage. But when I got the charge slip, I was only charged P14995, cool!

Anyways, I am clueless as how the Blackberry works, though I have friends that use Blackberrys I don't "interrogate" them as to how the thing works. Well, a Blackberry is just like any other phone, only, it's more focused to messaging of all sorts. Blackberry's before were intended for corporate clients, and it's just recently that the consumer market started adopting them. 

I was so excited to get the phone, it's because my aging Palm Centro is becoming boring everyday. I was planning to get this phone since I heard of the "affordable" price from Globe. Then I started to look around and snoop for information about the usage and all. Then finally, I decided to get into the BB bandwagon. Went to Globe SM Mall of Asia and was told that they have one unit left, thinking that it's the Christmas season and I may not be the only one that thinks that they're offering a very good deal, I took the unit.

The box was minimalistic black, and the phone is shiny hehehe. Couldn't resist it so I inserted the SIM that came with the kit, plugged it in the car charger and started playing with the phone. Good thing about the one month free data use, I was able to do the startup settings including email set ups and some apps download right at that moment. 

Questions that came to me were, how to use the BB messenger (well, my friends told me I have to get their PINs), it's not that different as any IM app, but it's proprietary to RIM. If the one month free data usage is up, and I have to insert my postpaid SIM, will I have to re-enroll the phone again? Then there's the automatic switching from EDGE to GPRS to WiFi. 

I was easily able to connect to my home wireless network, but the signal was choppy and the phone kept on switching from WiFi to GPRS/EDGE. Then I started to appreciate the integration of contacts and messaging on the phone. It integrated my SMS, email, Facebook, BB Messenger and Yahoo! messenger into one application and notifications come in as one. My next dilemma is whether to subscribe to a BB plan after a month and to which plan. 

The whole phone was beautiful, although I have some problem with the hard-to-press QWERTY keypad, though I'm hoping I'll get the hang of it in the future. The kit came with a 2GB microSD card, so when I installed the Blackberry Desktop Software, I was able to sync songs into the phone thru iTunes, hmm that's very convenient for me. Another thing that gave me more convenience was the synchronization of my contacts and calendar details from Google. 

Will be coming back in the next days to update on the use of this new toy of mine....

Reviving Old CPUs

During my 2 years in Residency, I was able to revive an old PC gathering dust in the female resident's quarters...I installed Ubuntu in it and from then on, we've been using it to surf the net and some occasional document creation. Just last week, I bought a new Keyboard and an optical mouse for this Ubuntu box, and with Karmic Koala installed, it feels snappier. I also replaced the monitor with a bigger one which came from another old CPU.

Speaking of this another old CPU, well, it so happen that it already go Windows XP installed...just tonight I bought another set of Keyboard and Mouse and will probably dress up that PC so it could be use for document creation and web surfing....

Prepaid Mobile Internet

I think the Filipinos are lucky when it comes to mobile broadband. It's cheap...compared to the US and the neighboring countries. I am very proud of it...well even the prepaid service gives one the best buck for the money. 

One good example is SUN Broadband Wireless...I'm an avid fan. Even if the coverage is Metro Manila-wide only, well, it gives the best result and speed compared with Globe's Tattoo and Smart Bro.

Now, in response to the more expensive plans of both Globe and Smart, SUN has given their subscribers better value for their money. Just by loading Sun's special mobile broadband prepaid card, the P50 worth prepaid card can now give one a day's full of unlimited internet...now don't you think that's a very good deal? Well I do!

Gizmo5 now owned by Google

Gizmo5 has been acquired by Google and will be integrated to Google Voice in the future. Gizmo5 engineers have now transferred to Google. Current users can still use the service but new sign-ups has been suspended.

Let's go wait and see...

Globe's SuperDuo and SuperSurf

Today, Globe launched a new service...the SuperSurf...for P2000 on
top of one's Monthly Service Fee...the subscriber gets unlimited
surfing power on their phones...though I don't know yet if it can
also be used when the phone is tethered to a laptop/notebook.

Globe's SuperDuo is a spin-off or a evolution of their Duo service
but this time is not limited to Landline alone, this time, the
SuperDuo subscriber can call with no time limit any Globe subscriber
where ever he/she is in the country. I have subscribed to this and so
far, it's not a 100% good service, but it's ok...perhaps I'm just an
understanding subscriber.... since I subscribed, I've experienced a
lot of difficult instances where I can't dial out of my phone or the
caller can't right away call me. But it has more advantages than
disadvantages.

With the SupeSurf...at P2000 I don't think I'll be getting one. I
already have both Globe's Tattoo prepaid mobile broadband (and so
far, has not used it for a while) and SUN's Wireless Broadband, also
prepaid (which I use most of the time if I don't have access to a
free wifi access point). But most of the time, with the places I
frequently go to, I get access to the internet, at home, the hospital
and coffee shops.

Most of the malls today offer free wifi access, so what's the point
(well, that's my opinion). But at least, now, telcos are making these
services available to the public.

The Trip Thru the Storm

Going home to bicol regularly has been deferred since I started
residency training, which means road trips are also postponed.

But this week came in as one of those days. We had the go to Daet for
the burial of the father of the wife. Though impromptu, it has to be
planned and thought of properly.

We scheduled it on a friday so that class schedules of the kids will
not be affected. Good thing I was able to convince a friend to come
with us, or else it would be just me and the two kids which is going
to be very very stressful. And on the day of the trip, good thing my
uncle decided to come with us too, so that's 5 of us in the car.

We left house at 645pm, it was a Friday, I took the wheel and expected
heavy traffic, sure enough we lost around 2hrs in traffic.

All the way, it was raining, but the rain wasn't too strong to hamper
our speed, but what slowed us down was the slippery road. About 45mins
from our destination, there was this bridge under construction, the
truck in front of us told us to back up, it gave me a bad feeling,
then we found out that cars, heck even trucks can't cross through
because of the strong current. Ok, now, there's a problem, it's either
we wait there 'till people in charge deccide to open the bridge or go
back and use the long way to the destination which will delay us for
around 6 hours. And to top it of, there was no cellphone signal and I
can't get anyone in the VHF radio. We decided to drive back perhaps
until we get a good cellphone signal. Good thing going back, we met
this car, and the driver asked us to go back to the bridge and hope
that we can pressure the person in charge to open the bridge. So we
went back, after about 45mins of convincing, we were able to cross the
river using the new, unfinished bridge.

The next day we were shocked to learn how devastating the storm was
here in the metropolis.

Sent from my iPod Touch

My New iPod Touch part 2

I love it, especially the internet device function, but I guess I can't have it all, Sean and Colleine are fighting over it for the games...hmmmm

My New iPod Touch

It's been 2 days and I'm still enjoying this new toy of mine. I use it
more as an MID (Mobile Internet Device) than a PMP (Portable Media
Player).

I've set-up all my Google accounts (Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google
contacts), and even added my Yahoo! Mail and Hotmail. Setting up all
these was very easy. All i had to do was to put in my email address
and the corresponding passwords.

Since the hospital is mostly wireless enabled, I didn't have any
problems keeping the connection and push notification is a wonder in
this device, even social networking sites such as facebook and Twitter
gives me push notification. That's why updating my status is a breeze.

Some of the qualms I have with it, well, the predictive text is
sometimes annoying, but one can get used to it. Also, it's very thin,
holding it the wrong way can give one some discomfort during prolonged
use. It's day 3 of this device and I still haven't bought it a case.
Also the scree and the stainless back is one big fingerprint magnet.

Watching Youtube is also a wonder (as long as you have a fast
connection). I like this device because in coffee shops, and in the
malls, I don't have to bring my laptop just to update my status in

Facebook hehehe.

There's still some quirks with editing and viewing Word and Excel documents, but what excited me was the syncing of notes from my Outlook.

Will post more information about my use of this wonderful device.

Sent from my iPod Touch

Mobile Prepaid Service in Malolos Bulacan

I'm here at Malolos Bulacan today, tested if SUN's mobile broadband
will have a good signal, unfortunately, NOT!!!! Didn't get any 3G
signal.

Then I tried Globe Visibility using the ZTE modem, hmmm, got a good
3G signal and the speed is ok. I'm actually posting this using
Globe's Visibility

Nothing New in the Telecom Industry

No new exciting news on the Telecom Front, even Globe’s WiMax announcement has become passé. Even Smart has not announced anything new on their side. Sun Cellular is still crappy (although I have an account with them). Bayantel, well, they have a new poster, but nothing really new.

Mobile Internet in the Philippines

Thanks to competition, the major Telecoms players, Globe, Smart,
Digitel and Bayantel are giving consumers the best choices to connect
to the internet.

Globe, Smart and Digitel all has their own versions of mobile
broadband with Bayantel rumored to be coming out with their own in
the coming months.

The major 3 all uses 3.5G with Globe and Sun now using mainly HUAWEI
USB Modem Sticks and Smart with their ZTE models.

These modems have become cheap over the years. They all started above
P2000 per stick with now priced a little less than P2000 and the per-
minute charging is very competitive too!

Most of those who will buy these mobile modems are laptop owners, who
will opt to buy a P100 load, at 3.5G speeds (comparable to entry-
level DSL speeds), than shell out P100 for an hour in Starbucks.

Although major malls now are offering free WiFi access (Mall of Asia,
Rockwell, Greenbelt 5, Robinsons, and Eastwood Malls), having one or
three (one for every major carrier) would offer much convenience for
the consumer.

These USB modem sticks can also be used by subscribers who doesn't
have DSL lines at home (perhaps they are not covered by the telcos
service areas). It's a good way to spread the power of the net to the
provinces. SMART will definitely lead this one because they have the
most number of cell sites all spread out in the country. The only
question there is, are these cell sites all at least 3G capable, or
else, the subscriber will crawl on 2G speeds (GPRS/EDGE).

It's very easy to get and use. One only has to purchase one of these
sticks (or two or three), and just plug it in one of any available
USB ports and, as long as it has load in it, it's off to the interweb.

Reloading is very easy too! One just have to go to their suking
tindahan (if available), just give manang the phone number of the
modem (the modem is actually a phone with a SIM card inside it
without a keypad and a screed) and it's ready.

The price is very affordable at P20 per hour, it definitely beats the
P100 per hour in a coffee shop. This separates us from our US
counterparts, although they have a very good subscriber penetration,
their broadband is very expensive compared to ours. What we're
lacking is mostly penetration. As this technology is dependent on
cell site towers.

I suggest students who are living in apartment and dorms, who cannot
get a wired broadband line (maybe because their stay is just
temporary), get one of these (depending on which has a better signal
in the area).

DTH TV in RP

I have cable TV at home, the problem I have with it is that, I don't
get clear channels on them, specifically Cartoon Network. And
watching Standard Def on an HDTV is something like the old times.

I thought of changing to DTH (direct-to-home) Satellite TV. They say
it's a lot clearer because of the digital nature of the channels.
Hmmm sounds promising. Dream Satellite TV was the mainstream pioneer
of consumer DTH Sat TV in the country. And by the looks of their
recent actions, they're getting ready for HD.

The problem I have with DTH or Dream was the expandability. Each TV
will need their separate set-top box to access content. Unlike
regular cable, one would only need a cable splitter and each TV will
be able to choose their own channel liking.

Now comes Cignal TV, it's from MediaQuest, a subsidiary of PLDT, and
has big potential of growing and offering affordable rates, just look
at SMART. Right now, rates are, well, competitive, but the problem,
aside from not being able to share the signal to other TV sets in the
house, is the lack of channels. Understandably, they're just
starting. But it's really tempting. Maybe I will just wait for a
while for their channel line up start to increase.

SUN Wireless Broadband Prepaid

Today I got myself a SUN Wireless Broadband Prepaid (I would like to give SUN a chance on the data side, because their voice service is not so advisable). 

Got it at the SM Mall of Asia SUN shop. I was supposed to get one yesterday, at the SM Bacoor SUN Shop (it's close to our place), but they didn't have the stock. Then I was supposed to get the SMART Bro prepaid stick (also at SM Bacoor), but it too was out of stock.

I already have two (2) USB wireless broadband sticks, both from Globe (a Huawei E160 and a ZTE), but Globe has no 3G signal here at Ospital ng Maynila, and I saw a Junior Intern with a SUN wireless modem and the speed was impressive. And the signal was strong. That made me decide to get a SUN (and to shell out P1850). I can't stand not being connected to the internet in a day (talk about an addict!!!!). 

Anyways, the new USB stick is a HUAWEI e155 or e1550 (as written on the box). And the box is smaller than their previous modem. The box too was funny, there's a typographical error on the description at the back. It goes "Sun Broadband Wirelss has the Most Advanced Mobile Broadband internet technology. Utilizing 3.5G High-Speed Packet Access technology on an All-IP network. Sun Broadband Wireless gives you superior mobile broadband experience. And because it's backed by EDGE/GPRS technology, you can access the internet even in areas where 3.5G is now yet available." 

It comes with a SIM card and that's it. No USB extension cables, no frills. I had a problem confirming how the loading system works, even the girl on the counter was not sure on the validity of the loads goes.

The USB stick comes with 5 hours of free load, that means, I don't have to load to get me thru the night and the whole day tomorrow.

When I got back, I immediately plugged the USB modem into my mac and here I am now, a couple of hours later, enjoying the speed and connectivity this little wonder has given me.

So why did I choose SUN? Well, my primary choice was Globe (since I have the modems already), but was disappointed to find out that only 2G signal was available here at the hospital. I was also supposed to get SMART Bro when the SUN shop at our place didn't have the stocks of their modems. I thought that it would be nice to have a SMART Bro Modem too so I can use it when we go to the province. Admittedly, SMART has a wider coverage than Globe or SUN. But that will be for another year or so, because I still don't have plans to go to the province anytime soon. 

Within the Metropolis, I guess having both SUN and Globe's mobile internet modems at hand will give me seamless connectivity. 

So far, so good with SUN here at the Ospital ng Maynila, I don't know in other places. Some of my friends recommend SUN, and others say, it's not doing good. But I say, it's always about the location. If I get a poor signal with SUN then there's always Globe, who has a very good coverage here in the city.

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen

Saw the movie last night, I was as excited as my son Sean when the movie started, when I saw Sideswipe transform, when I saw that Backhoe crane transform and when that Audi R8 started to move. But there were mixed feelings on the movie itself. 

Before the movie, I heard that someone was going to die, and was anticipating every scene in the movie, and when we got to that point, I was optimistic that it's just going to be temporary, heck even Megatron was brought back to life right? And if they would really kill him, then what's the point of doing another movie without him right? 

Anyways, ok the movie was exciting, may be because I am a really big fan of the Transformers but the plot was thin and confusing, perhaps that's how they made the movie, so that there will be lots of places where they can connect to for the next movie.

The disappointing and corny parts were, the Micro-Transformers, the kitchen appliances that turned into robots where reminiscent of the gremlins or goolies of the 80's. That Bumblebee started to shed loads of tears when Sam told him he's leaving him. Oh and the human never leaves the Autobot behind. And what the hell was the character of the twins and wheelie about? Why give them such a cartoonish character? Wheelie humping like a dog? Hmmmm not so appealing, take note that a lot of kids are going to see this movie. And parents will have a hard time explaining what the funny thing about the scene is all about. And robots are not suppose to leak out secretions, in all the fight scenes, the robots would spit out fluid like blood, oh come on! They were even spitting on Sam! Naman! And the alien concept thing, where's Sigourney Weaver? Now they turned organic? Having Jetfire in the movie and how he bares the Decepticon mark but has long been with the Autobots was another fun idea, but he was too cartoonish and outright incomprehensible. Devestator was a disappointment, what is he? Rotating neck? hmmmm ugly! one cannot even distinguish the different constructicons in him. 

Then there's Megan Fox's lips, my! They have grown! What gives? She's not too hot yet? Tsk tsk

Oh well, next stop, GI Joe the movie

SMART offers “ultimate unlimited” calling to 38M subscribers

Smart Communications Inc. (SMART), the country's leading wireless services provider, launched today a new service that enables SMART Buddy and SMART Gold subscribers to make unlimited calls to over 38 million mobile phone users on the SMART network.

Called Smartalk, the new service will be available starting June 26, does not require any changes in SIM or cell phone number, and can be enjoyed by SMART Buddy and SMART Gold subscribers.
                                                                                     
SMART subscribers will be able to avail of the service by purchasing loads for unlimited calls which come in two denominations. The first is "Smartalk 100" which for P100 offers 5 days of unlimited calls to any subscriber on the SMART network anywhere in the country, at any time of the day.

Another variant, "Smartalk 500", offers 30 days of unlimited calls to any subscriber on the SMART network for only P500 – effectively reducing the cost to as low as P17 for a whole day of unlimited calling to any number within the country's largest mobile subscriber base.

"With this new service, SMART subscribers all over the country need only one phone, one SIM, and one number, to be able to make unlimited, crystal-clear calls to over 38 million SMART numbers anytime, anywhere," said Orlando B. Vea, Chief Wireless Advisor of SMART, and also one of its founders.

"This is our way of helping out our subscribers in these difficult times and is our response to the government's call for more affordable telecommunications services," added Vea.

"This is the ultimate unlimited. Smartalk re-writes the rules in the way 'unlimited' mobile services are made available to Filipinos -- no other service offering provides unlimited, nationwide calling to a subscriber base as large as SMART's, while assuring callers of crystal-clear signal quality anywhere in the country," said Danilo Mojica, head of SMART's wireless consumer division.

SMART Buddy prepaid subscribers may avail of Smartalk through registration. A subscriber just needs to send Talk100 to 6400 for a Smartalk 100 package, or Talk500 to 6400 for a Smartalk 500 load. The payment for the package bought will be automatically deducted from subscriber's prepaid load, and they just need to have a P1 maintaining balance.

They can also buy these Smartalk packages as a load from any of over a million SMART Load retailers all over the country.

When making a call using the Smartalk unlimited package, SMART Buddy subscribers just need to dial *6400 plus the 11-digit subscriber number being called, eg., *640009181234567.

Subscribers of SMART Gold, the telco's pioneering postpaid brand, may also stretch their monthly budget for mobile services by availing of Smartalk.

All SMART Gold subscribers from Plan 800 and up may avail of 30 days of unlimited calls to any number within the SMART network, with Smartalk 500. They just need to send Talk500 to 6400 to purchase the package, and the 500-peso charge will be billed on top of their monthly service fee (MSF).

SMART Gold subscribers can also purchase Smartalk 100 or Smartalk 500, from any of over a million SMART Load retailers all over the country. This is best for post-paid subscribers who prefer to stay within their MSF cap yet need to avail of unlimited calling service through the convenience of a prepaid package.

SMART is widely credited for having made mobile phone services much more affordable and accessible, when it introduced sachet-size packets of prepaid airtime through Smart Load. The electronic load platform has also enabled SMART to offer a wide variety of call and text packages that are specially designed to be affordable, and made available through a wide network of retailers present in every corner of the country.

"Over the years we have progressively lowered the costs of our services and designed our offers to truly meet the varying needs and purchasing power of our subscribers. By offering Smartalk -- a service that's easy to understand, ubiquitous, and affordable – SMART once again transforms the playing field and offers real value to mobile subscribers," Vea said.

Smartalk will be offered nationwide until September 30, 2009. For more information, visithttp://www.smart.com.ph/.

HTC Magic

Looks like there's something going on with the official launching of HTC Magic locally (Philippines). Globe made an earlier announcement in their website about releasing the smartphone locally, but only on a specific Business Center. 

Then Smart claims they have the exclusivity on the said handset. By the way things are, looks like Smart was surprised by Globe's move, since the local distributor of HTC was only in talks with Smart.

There are speculations that Globe got hold of the smartphone thru it's partner, SingTel.

Sun Cellular's So So Service

It's almost a month since I got my Sun Cellular Postpaid subscription. It was more of a "need" decision since the hospital is requiring everyone to have a Sun Cellular line for ease of communications. 

At first it was fun, to talk to someone at the other end of the table thru mobile phone (something that wouldn't be fun for an ordinary subscription, from Globe or Smart, not even Red Mobile matches the Unlimited mojo of Sun Cellular). 

But I guess all good things must come to an end, as the signal and voice deteriorated thru that short time. It wasn't fun anymore when I have to talk to a consultant but gets a very choppy reception. Neither is it fun when the signal strength drops when I am inside a room. 

Overall, I hope that this will help bring down my monthly bill from Globe, so, a lot of luck to me.

is trying out Hellot

is trying out Hellotxt to send updates to a handful of Social Networks he's got an account in

Sun Cellular Wireless Broadband now on Prepaid

Sun Cellular

Well, this was inevitable. Yup, Sun Cellular Wireless Broadband now has a Prepaid option in their line-up. Another score for the consumers. That means, one more choice in deciding on which wireless broadband to get. If asked which one is better to get, I always say, it depends.
It depends on the area of use, it depends on which network offers better signal in that area.

This Sun Cellular Wireless Broadband uses almost the same USB Stick Modem as Globe does. A Huawei 160. Pretty nice to look at for a device. And very capable too! The difference between Globe's Tattoo is the pricing scheme. Sun has three (3) options, while Globe and Smart offers only one. With Sun, the more value is loaded the cheaper the per minute charge becomes.

Updated Visibility ZTE Modem Firmware

I just update the firmware of my ZTE Globe Visibility USB modem, the only visible change were the "Visibility" Icon instead of the "3G" icon before and the SMS capability for the Mac.

Unfortunately though, the SMS function for Mac seems a bit buggy, I inquired about the remaining balance of the device, it received a message but nothing was in it.

The unit is functioning properly, in fact, I'm using it now to post this.

Globe DUO part 2

Globe Telecom - Home

Finally took the dive! I activated my DUO line, that means for 3 months I'll be paying for the P399 extra on my mobile phone bill and another P599 on my Globelines Wireless Landline.

Calling from my DUO activated phone to a landline gave good reception and worked flawlessly. But I can't say the same for incoming calls.

The first problem I encountered was the landline number that the system gave me, well, it's a bit long. So, when I dial that number from a regular landline, I get a busy or error tone after the 8th number. But after calling a phone with Caller ID display, I was able to retrieve my "true" landline number (but later this night, a system text was sent to me and gave me the same corrected landline number.

2nd problem was that, when I try calling the landline number of my DUO, 3 out of 4 will give me a busy number. I just hope Globe can correct this problem immediately.

And the 3rd (it's actually not a problem), well, the system knows when I am outside the area code subscribed and prompts the caller (landline) to call my mobile number instead.

The End of Point and Shoot Cameras

Engadget

Nikon is gearing up to release this "entry-level" DSLR, if it's true and this will eat up the market for point-and-shoot buyers. Though I must admit that not all will be enticed to get a DSLR, maybe because of the bulk of it. But for conscious shoppers, if the price difference will be very small, then I would definitely suggest getting one of these than a point-and-shoot.

Just now, many "capable" people are getting themselves a DSLR, even if they already own a point-and-shoot and most of these people use their DSLR as point-and-shoot cameras, tsk what a waste of features. Just to be seen holding a DSLR can perhaps boost one's ego.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Globe Telecom - Duo

Globe Telecom - Duo

Here's new Globe's offering, it's a mobile phone and wireless landline in one. It's P399/mo on top of your monthly fee. The subscriber will be given a landline number while retaining his/her old mobile number, it's on a monthly basis, and can opt out anytime.

I would get one but I'm still tied with Globe's Globelines Wireless Landline, perhaps when this line expires, I'm going to get this, more convenient, using only one handset and perhaps, no limitations on areas that are not very well covered.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

SMART Bro Powered EeePC

SMART launches BRO-powered netbooks for mobile broadband fans

[March 18, 2009/ Manila] - From the company which offered SMART Bro Prepaid, the country's first prepaid wireless broadband service, comes a new product designed to be the perfect companion for highly mobile and increasingly tech-savvy individuals.

Leading wireless services operator Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), through its wholly-owned subsidiary SMART Broadband, Inc. (SBI), just launched the country's first netbook with built-in, high-speed broadband connectivity, powered by SMART Bro.

SMART Bro wireless broadband modems now come embedded on units of the Asus Eee PC™ 904 GO, one of the newest models from the Taiwanese PC maker's trend-setting line of 'netbooks' – or small but full-featured laptops that are built primarily for computing on-the-go.

The built-in SMART Bro modem and the SMART Bro data SIM that comes with the bundle allow the Asus Eee PC™ 904 GO to connect wirelessly to SMART's nationwide HSPA network, offering fans of mobile broadband a complete, ready-to-run Internet experience in an all-in-one device, right out of the box.

HSPA is the latest evolution of the GSM technology, and is likened to having the high-speed, cable broadband experience delivered right to a mobile device.

The SMART Bro-powered Asus Eee PC™ 904 GO is available via the Plan 799 monthly subscription, which comes with up to 60 hours of Internet access, at speeds of up to 2 mbps in key cities in the country. Usage in excess of 60 hours will be charged P10 for every 30 minutes.

Initial cash-out for the 24-month subscription is P1,000 for the laptop plus P799 for the first monthly service fee, for a total of P1,799. The same amount goes for the monthly fee for the package. Interested subscribers may apply for the plan at selected SMART Wireless Centers in Metro Manila.

"As we innovate and offer more and more services under our mobile broadband portfolio, we hope to advance our 'Internet for All' agenda, to bring the benefits of broadband Internet to the grassroots," said Orlando B. Vea, Chief Wireless Advisor of SMART.

Progress Notes: STABLE program part I

These were during the very 1st S.T.A.B.L.E. Program at FDMMC. Slots were full at 40 individuals from Consultants, to Residents to Nurses.

The New Globe Broadband Tattoo

Globe Broadband Tattoo, formerly known as Globe Visibility, uses a USB stick that works as a modem. Users simply plug the stick into their PCs or laptops to surf the Web anytime, anywhere. 3G and High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) technology enables high-speed connectivity and fast downloads. With Globe Broadband Tattoo, users can experience speeds of up to 2 Mbps. That makes activities like social networking, chatting, blogging, emailing and even streaming music and movies much more enjoyable yet still affordable.

Globe redesigned Globe Broadband Tattoo not just as a connectivity tool for its users, but a lifestyle tool as well. Users can now choose from a range of three hip and trendy Globe Broadband Tattoo USB designs, featuring artwork in black, orange, or blue. Depending on the user's personal style, they can choose the skin that reflects their personalities and lifestyles the most.

The Globe Broadband Tattoo Prepaid Kit comes with a free P100 load that is equivalent to five hours of free Internet time. On top of that, users pay only P5 per fifteen minutes on the Internet.

And once users have consumed their free load, reloading the Globe Broadband Tattoo Prepaid SIM is easy because it can be loaded like a regular prepaid SIM, whether through Share-A-Load, Globe Load or prepaid call cards

Users may also opt for a postpaid plan for Globe Broadband Tattoo; there is a range of plans for as low as P 799/month with 60 free mobile internet hours each month.

Aside from using Globe Broadband Tattoo as a mobile Internet modem, the SIM card inside the USB can also be used for calls and sending text messages at regular cellphone rates. The USB also comes with a built-in expansion slot where users can insert their own Micro SD card for additional file storage.

With a funkier look and free Internet time, the new Globe Broadband Tattoo Prepaid Kit is a steal for only P1895.

--
Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/

Sony to introduce 'pocket-style' netbook this month

Article posted February 03, 2009 - 04:23 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Sony will soon introduce a "pocket-style" laptop that will be small enough to be held by one hand and as thin as a cellphone. 

The VAIO P will weigh 594g to 620 grams, depending on the model. 

However, unlike the netbooks, the new notebook has discarded the mousepad and will use a pointing stick, the Philippine office of Sony said. 

The laptop, which already made its worldwide debut at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, will become commercially available in Manila on February 25.

The laptop will have two models, a 60-gigabyte HDD-based VGN-P13H priced at P49,999 and a 64-gigabyte SSD-based VGN-P15G which is being retailed at P69,999, the Philippine office of Sony said. 

The unit has a 1600 x 768, LED backlit 8-inch display and also incorporates LCD technology with anti-reflection coating. It is available in four colors: red, green, black, and white.

Based on Windows Vista, the VAIO P has Instant Mode that directly launches into Sony's Xross Media Bar interface for quick boot up and access to music, video, photos, and the Web.

Other specs include a built-in webcam, noise-canceling technology/headphones (only VGN-P15G), built-in wireless LAN 802.11b/g/Draft n, and Bluetooth.

The VAIO P marks Sony's entry into "unchartered" territory, boldly proclaiming that it is the first to put out a pocket-size full-featured notebook that is small enough to grip with one hand.

The new product "will cultivate a new category that will bring expansion to the VAIO business," Komei Nosaka, senior sales manager at Sony Philippines, said in a press statement. 

"We believe that there is demand and we can create the demand for taking out the usability of PC outdoors," stated Nosaka, adding that the product development for VAIO P started 18 months ago. - GMANews.TV

G.I. Joe Super Bowl Trailer

Oooh! I can't wait for this to come out, first in the Movie Theaters then on DVD then on Blue-Ray. It will sit beside the Transformers on my shelf hehehe.

CD-R King HDMI Cables

Today, I bought two (2) 3 meter HDMI cables from CD-R King for only P300 each. And not like the 10 ft VGA cable I bought from them before, these two worked!

Now the two cables are connecting my HDTV to my DVD player and Popcorn Hour A-110

It's Popcorn Hour part 2

I was so eager to post about my Popcorn Hour unit that I forgot to explain what it is. It's basically a Media Player. So what does it do? Well, if you have media in your PC (e.g. videos, music, pictures, etc.) then this baby can play it and display it on your TV. So what? you might ask. Well, the advantage of having one is, you don't have to turn your computer on just to look at your pictures, your videos and listen to your music, this is a small device and has a very small power consumption, unlike most CPUs.

This is recommended to those individuals that has an HDTV in the house. Just imagine viewing your vacation pictures and watching your home videos in Hi-Def on your HDTV! Wonderful isn't it? Definitely! But videos are not limited to the ones made by you, you can also rip your DVDs and either stream it from your PC or store it in the Popcorn Hour itself. This way, you don't have to stand up and look for the physical disc everytime you feel like watching a movie from your collection. All you have to do is turn the Popcorn Hour on and watch until your eye pop out!

Then there's the add-on. A very big add-on at that! It is a stand-alone torrent downloader. If you're the type who loves to watch shows from the Internet (DLTV, Diggnation, Tekzilla) then this one is for you (and did I mention that you can watch these shows in HD?). Again, you don't have to boot up your PC just to watch these shows, just leave the Popcorn Hour do it's job and you'll have tons of fun and excitement everytime.

It's Popcorn Hour part 1

When my Ubuntu box finally died last week, I wasn't able to watch my favorite "tv series" at my own time. I was thinking of a solution to watch all those "tv shows" saved in my hard drive.

One solution is to plug it into my desktop PC and watch it from there. But the experience is different from watching it in a small screen monitor as compared to watching it on a widescreen HDTV. Then came the Popcorn Hour to mind.

I have been thinking of getting one of these before Christmas, but there was no compelling reason at the time to get one. But yesterday was a different day, I finally decided to get one.

I got the bare A-110T, no HDD installed. I was surprised when I opened the box and found an HDMI cable with it. Most hardware I bought almost always, didn't come with a cable with it. I have to buy one. But this time, the only thing missing in the box was the HDD, which I got from a PC Express near our place. I got myself a SEAGATE 500GB SATA HD. The capacity is a test one, to see if I will be able to fill it up with media content.

The Popcorn Hour is a very simple device. Inside, there's a small board, it's so small that it didn't even occupy the whole area of the unit. Made me wonder how it can process the upscaling of the videos/media that is thrown it's way. When I got home, I plugged in the HDD in the unit, screw the cover back, plugged in the HDMI cable (from the HDTV), and plugged it into the power socket.

Then there it was, the home screen, giving me options on the media in the unit, web services and settings. I reformatted the HDD, downloaded the NMT apps, and I started to fiddle around the functions on the remote control. The fist badside I noticed was the lack of a User Manual. Good thing I am technologically inclined, but how about those who's going to get one that is on the late side of the techie world?

In short, I was able to figure out how to directly download to the internal HDD, locate the Popcorn Hour in my network and transferred files to it.

I haven't put it in it's paces but hopefully in the coming days, I can spend more time with it and perhaps this site will be able to help those that are looking for knowledge about the device as well.