Android "netbook"

Apparently, (since I wasn't able to keep my hands to myself) this little device is running on Android 2.1 and is super slow!

Globe Broadband in an unusual place

Was surprised to see this Globe Modem...after checking my phone and saw that I'm only getting EDGE signal, I wonder how frustrating it is to browse using that modem

Curious lil tech

I'm really really tempted to toucha and play with it...but it's not mine and not my house hehehe

My little set-up at the Clinic

Slim and connected

Wi-tribe in Casimiro Las Pinas

Here in clinic 2, and still with very good signal reception, even indoors. All 3 LEDs lighting up. Will do a speed test later and will prob call customer service in a while #witribetesting

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Signal Testing of Wi-Tribe...update

So far so good, last night tried it in Greenbelt Makati, I was satisfied, today in clinic 1, I'm getting very strong signal on the device!

From the time I got the Wi-tribe 4G Pocket Router, I immediately tested it's signal...from Shanri-la EDSA to the stretch of EDSA, to Macapagal Blvd, Coastal Rd., Aguinaldo Highway and the house.

That night, I went here to clinic 1 and was suprised to get strong Wi-max signal considering this is officially not part of the covered area. But I wasn't able to try it indoors that night. Today, I didn't get any signal in the reception, but when I went up to the 2nd floor, I got a very good signal strength.

I'm left with clinic 2 later to test the signal.

sent using Gmail on a Motorola Xoom

The Road to Wi-tribe Pocket Wifi

Today I didn't stop until I got what I want, and that is a Pocket Wifi. Either a SmartBro Pocket Wifi or a Wi-tribe Pocket Wifi.

It's one of those days, when the itch of getting a new device is there. This time, it's getting a MiFi (pocket wifi). I already have an unlimited data account with Globe (using it with my Blackberry), I can use it too with my BlackBerry Playbook. But Globe has been inconsistent with their 3G connections the past few months, though I can't say I'm not satisfied...when I get a 3G signal with Globe, it's blazing fast!

My other line is from SUN (I consider this as an investment coz pretty soon they'll be integrating with Smart's network...which is very intensive), I use it on my HTC Desire Z Gingerbread phone. This one is my workhorse. I tether my tablets with it in the car and in the clinic. But the trade off is, it drains the battery fast. That's why, whenever I use it as a portable router, I make sure it's attached to a charger, but somehow, I feel restricted whenever I do that.

When our DSL line conked out a couple of weeks ago, I bought a SmartBro Power Plug-it and was very much satisfied with the speed that I got from it. That was when I was emboldened to get another wireless device so I can be connected. At first I thought the SmartBro Power Plug-it was ok, if I use it together with my Sapido Mobile Router, then it can be as good as a pocket router, but then I found out that I have to lug a bag every time and depend on an available electric socket. Besides, it's a prepaid dongle, and I have to worry if I have load and where to load.

Then I thought of getting the SmartBro WiMax...but it's bulky! Still, I considered it. Especially that I can use it when I'm in the province. Then I thought of Wi-tribe, it's a new provider...from Liberty Telecoms, which is owned by San Miguel Corporation, a newbie in the telco sector, but aggressive in their marketing. At first, Wi-tribe was negligible, since they were offering tiered pricing at speeds not even comparable with those of the established networks. And their prices were expensive for the speeds they were offering. But then again, now they are offering speeds and plans that compares with the other telcos. 

I was ready to get the USB modem from Wi-tribe, heck I was even convinced of getting the bigger modems. I've psyched myself to it. I even went to one of their business center and was surprised with the speed they showed me. The only downside is, well, the coverage...only parts of Metro Manila. But the plus side is, well, no lock-in period! I can return the modem & have the line disconnected any time!

I found out that they have a pocket wifi modem too...not as pretty as Smart's or Globe's but a pocket wifi altogether. So I researched the web (not a lot of info about wi-tribe though). And convinced myself to get one. Then the other day, saw an ad about Smart's Pocket Wifi, so it went back into the choices.

So I said, which ever will not give me difficulty getting a device, that's what I'm getting. I went to Eastwood before lunch coz that's what @witribePH from twitter pointed me to get my device. Unfortunately, their store was closed and there was no Smart Wireless Center there too. So I went to Shangri-la EDSA this afternoon (since it's one place where Smart & Wi-tribe have showrooms), went to Smart Wireless Center 1st, I only have a copy of my Billing info, no financial document, but the girl at the counter insisted on the financial docs, so I went next door to Wi-tribe...they didn't ask for any financial document...I got the device! 

Moshi Moshi Handset from Beyond the Box

Won this last night during the opening of Beyond the Box opening of their flagship store at One Rockwell.

It's a novelty handset in the shape of a classic telephone than can be plugged to either a computer or any mobile phone with a standard plug.

Introducing Google Currents - YouTube

Introducing Google Currents - YouTube: ""

I've been waiting for Google to release this. Was initially rumored to be called Google Propeller. Finally! But I was expecting more polished eye-candy UI. More like a competition for the Flipboard, but I guess Google's after the Feedly market instead...will try this out today (if I can download it), since I heard it's initially available in the US only.

'via Blog this'

Globe Tattoo DSL modem

Here's what the Globe tech guy installed when my DSL connection was down last week.

I haven't checked the whole whole thing, but while I was mounting it, the modem felt cheap and light, not like the previous modems I had.

Even the LED indicator lights look cheap! Perhaps it's the same reason why I feel like I'm not getting the right speed that I'm subscribed to.

Globelines DSL Downtime

Yup! I still call it Globelines DSL instead of Tattoo since I still have the @globelines email hehehe. Anyways, I've been a subscriber of Globelines ever since they started rolling out in our area in Cavite...my very 1st "broadband" modem was a Speedtouch USB modem...which gave I think around 756kbps (I think). Well, they have very few downtimes...the longest before this one was I think when the subterranean cables where cut by the earthquake in Indonesia.

Most of the times, when I call their "hotline", they can either solve the problem immediately or admit that there's a network downtime but the last few months have been difficult between me and Globe.

I have been happy with the speed and the wireless modem/router that Globe issued me. It's a Prolink H9300G...and have been very consistent with the connections. I'm subscribed to their 2Mbps plan bundled with a phone. But lately, around a month ago, i've noticed that the modem would restart all by itself. Initially it was tolerable then it became frequent and irritating. I called the hotline and a tech guy went to our place the next day and with a little prodding I was able to convince the guy to replace the modem (although I was hesitant as replacing the modem might compromise the speed that I'm currently enjoying...which I still am not sure if it was a valid fear though).

After a couple of weeks of enjoying the new modem (which by the way I moved to a location that is directly connected to the phone line box), last friday, when I got home, I didn't have any internet...restarted the modem more than a couple of times and still no connection. Called the hotline and a tech guy (the same guy who replaced my modem) was in the house the next day...Saturday, but unfortunately, even after changing ports and numerous changing of the password, they were not able to connect even with the DSL light on (means my modem is synced with the network). I was told that another techguy will come the next day, Sunday, and as unreliable as their customer service, no one came. And from that time until Wednesday I was able to to call their hotline and berate every broadband tech specialist I've talked to. 

Globe's current customer service is outsourced to a BPO and these call center agents does not have any direct communication with the Globe people in the field and take not too that these field people are sub-contractors and not directly Globe people. So, it's really frustrating for a customer since the internal communication really sucks as the frontliners really just receive calls and that's it! They can't even update the irate customer unless the field personnel would create a report.

It's unfortunate that a company like Globe would be brought down by their after-sales and technical people who are, in reality not part of the company.