LG's KU990

This is the LG KU990, with the following specs: 5.1 megapixel camera with Schneider-Kreuznach lens, image stabilization (likely digital), auto focus, 120fps video, and ISO 800 sensitivity. Sure, the camera is nice and all, but this pup is packing a 3-inch, 240 x 400 touchscreen riding on 3G HSDPA data.

This toy will be very much at home with the Philippines with HSDPA dominating our network market. Though it doesn't have the ooohh and ahhhh of the iPhone, this baby still has something on it.

Michael Bay Doesn't Want to make Transformers 2 --YEHEY!

When Paramount abandoned Blue-Ray (High Definition DVD format) for HD-DVD, Michael Bay threatened not to make Transformers 2.

In a forum post titled "Paramount pisses me off!", he states, "I want people to see my movies in the best formats possible. For them to deny people who have Blu-ray sucks! They were progressive by having two formats. No Transformers 2 for me!" -- Engadget

Well, that's good news to my ears. I never liked how he did the movie in the first place.

Pownce

If you are the type who wants to blog something but there's really not much to say about it, then you can try mini-blogging. Yup, it's much like Twitter and Jaiku, but now, there's a new mini-blogging app and it's Pownce.

Created by Digg founder Kevin Rose, Pownce is a way to send messages, files, links, and events to your friends. You'll create a network of the people you know  and then you can share stuff with all of them, just a few of them, or even just one other person really fast.

So what are you waiting for, come on and let's Pownce! Visit me at my own Pownce here.

Chikka 2.0

There's a new web 2.0 app and it's not from an American software company, it's local. Chikka the pioneer in internet to SMS communication has released a new version of their SMS application in Web 2.0 style. Before, one either has to download their application or use their Java applet to be able to use their service. Problems? Well, the application is for Windows only, and if you're using a Mac you're left with using their Java applet which takes time to load and respond. Now, anyone, with an internet connection can use their service with ease.

The web 2.0 app is still in alpha stage (meaning it's super buggy). Much like Meebo, it's now an all-in-one messaging application, where users can log on, not only with their chikka accounts but also with Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, Google Talk and ICQ.

Nokia Recalls Battery from Panasonic

It's the first time I've heard of a recall coming to the shores of our little Islands of the Philippines. Nokia is in full blast to recall BL-5C batteries. But take note, it's not going to be easy. One has to go to their website and input the serial numbers of the battery for confirmation if indeed the battery is part of the recall. It does not end their, after which, if proven valid, he/she will be forwarded to another website and will be asked to fill out an electronic form. Talk about paranoia, well, I guess we can't blame Nokia for being such, considering mobile phone batteries are "abundant" in our part of the world, and it all comes cheap!

I wonder though, it's a new battery if proven genuine, but how about those who does not know how to get into the interweb or have no money to call the Nokia hotlines? Well, by the looks of the options left, he/she is force to go to the nearest Nokia Business Center. Works for me!

Newspaper Fingerprints

I like reading the news. It keeps me updated with current events. Every morning, while having milk and before breakfast and doing anything at all, I fire up my computer and read all the local Net versions of the major broadsheets. It's the same reason why I don't subscribe to newspapers anymore. What for? I'm getting the same news articles and the added bonus of the Breaking news from the monthly bill that I get from my ISP. But whenever I have the chance, even though I already know 80% of the contents, I still read the physical broadsheets. My reason is simple, there are stuff on the physical newspaper that is not on the digital version, and those are the ads! Hahahaha I know, shallow reason, but still it's a reason.

Now, I get all too fussed up whenever I get to read these newspapers then use my notebook afterwards, I get fingerprints all over the thing. You see, I have an iBook, and it comes only in white.

Undeniably Slow or Lazy?

When ever I am challenged by something or someone, I would make sure that I won't make the mistake the 2nd time. I don't know if it's the present generation or me, but there's this class of mine who seem not too interested in passing the subject. I gave them a practical exam today and their scores were uhm, undesireable. Take note, these are a series of tests, only a few minutes apart. They consistently getting the same score, very few improvements. I wish them lots of luck though, because by the looks of it, most of them aren't going to make it.

FINALLY! Gmail on my phone

It's been months since I got my phone but since then I haven't had the fortune to figure out how to make Gmail work with the phone's email client. Tonight, while surfing, saw this blogsite that gave another twist in the settings that I have been trying before. Lo and behold, IT WORKED!

Now, the next thing that I'm going to worry is, how much will this cost me in data rates. Perhaps I would experiment on the always on PUSH EMAIL (technically it's pull email), if it's going to burn a hole in my pocket then maybe I'll just use it for important matters such as blogging! nyahahahaha

WiFi Hotspot in a school

Technology is imminent thus, what ever we do, it will come and will force itself to us. Why not just embrace it right? Well, I consider myself as an early adapter. I love technology. I am also a "pasaway"! Put one beside another and you have WONDERFUL CHAOS!

Well, anyways, I have a Linksys Compact Wireless Router lying at home (I only use it, when I go for long trips and make my own wireless hotspot in my destination), I decided to install it in one of the schools that I teach (well, this same router was installed in the other school before, the faculty was enjoying it, but it seems that they were relying on me for it, and decided not to get one for themselves, which prompted me to pull it out), anyways, here I am at the library, wirelessly connected to the interweb.

Of course there's a password, so not everyone can enjoy it, besides, I said earlier that this is made possible by a "pasaway" faculty hehehehe, it purely means that the higher ups doesn't know about it.

Now I don't have to stay at the back most of the library to get that open signal from one of the buildings close to ours. Although I'm thankful for him/her for keeping his network open for me to use. He/she need not worry, I'm not going to hijack his/her signal, I am just "sharing" their wireless network.

Enjoy!

TRANSFORMERS The Movie -- Disappointing

DISAPPOINTING! Yup, that's what I felt when I saw the movie, I don't care if it was directed by Michael Bay, well, he didn't give the movie much effort, if you're going to ask me.

I love the TRANSFORMERS! I love how they transform and of course, I love hearing that iconic transformation sound. Unfortunately, in the movie, that sound was not often heard of.

But not all was disappointing. Having to see my favorite robots interact with real human is a blast, and of course to hear OPTIMUS PRIME'S voice after missing it all these years is definitely EXCITING to the EXTREME!

Speaking of OPTIMUS PRIME, why the hell did they put lips on him?! That RESONATING voice is there because of the FACE PLATE! It's just not OPTIMUS PRIME with his lips moving!

And the transformation? Heck I can't figure out how the hell these robots transform! The kids then (that includes me), were so amazed at the cartoon series then because they (us) were able to figure out how the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS transform into robots and vice versa. Now, I can't even follow how BUMBLEBEE and OPTIMUS PRIME transform, considering they're two of the easiest way to figure out. Jazz (the original Porsche) together with RATCHET and IRONHIDE are a bit tricky even in the original series.

And what's with the PROTOFORM? Heck, if they can just choose what form they want when they get to earth, then why do they have to stick with one form? I don't get it!

Oh and the names, why not just stick to the original names and their original forms? If they have to make up a new character, why not give it a new name instead of using older names that is not match with the original ones. I'm talking about, DEVASTATOR, hey, that's the CONSTRUCTICONS merged together, he's NOT A TANK! FRENZY I would understand because he's originally a robot tape of SOUNDWAVE (who I read somewhere will be in the next movie).

MEGATRON is ok, since he really has been changing shape in different generations. And how about BUMBLEBEE, he's a VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE for crying out load, that's him. According to Michael Bay, he would be compared to HERBIE, NOT! Nothing can be compared to HERBIE! But BUMBLEBEE is a robot that transforms into a BEETLE! That's it!

Oh and where is the "...AUTOBOTS, TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT!"

Whew, what a disappointment! Although, I will surely get a DVD copy, why? Well, just for the sake of having the live action TRANSFORMERS movie!

Safari Browser for Windows

Apple's Safari Browser is now on Windows (now, that's another browser for me). Although I might say that I am not a Safari fan on the Mac OS (I frequently use the Camino Browser from the Mozilla Foundation). Anyways, there's no harm in trying it out, I would like the check out what Steve Jobs is boasting in the WWDC 07 held a couple of days ago and that is the speed. 

I did not run any sophisticated benchmarking software, but by comparing it with Firefox on my WinBox, I can definitely say that Safari is indeed faster. And the speed is noticeable too! Check it out yourselves.

There goes my Digital Camera

I love my digital camera, it's a SONY Cybershot that pumps out 5.1 megapixel images. It has been with me for I think more than 4 years. I also love my mobile phones, I'm a SonyEricsson fan and has a handful of mobile phones in the closet, still functional and still in prestine conditions. When the Cybershot phones came out, I refused to be pulled into the foray, for I have not seen a perfect convergent device, that is perhaps until now.

SonyEricsson released a set of new mobiles and one of them is the K850i, it's the latest iteration of their Cybershot phones, what's good about it is, well, it's got a 5MP camera at the back. Damn! I was eyeing the P1 for my next phone, but this thing is irresistable. It's got a Xenon flash to boot, not those LED faux-flash on other phones, this one really works.

Well, I'll be checking out the other sites to check for early reviews, and perhaps, I will be one of those who can get my hands on the first versions of the phone in the country. Well, I did it with the K700 and the K610 so why not with the K850i.

The fuss with the Foleo

Since Palm announced it's new product line, the Foleo, a big fuss around the tech community of it's purpose? What for? What is it?

Looks like those people who are skeptic of this device are starting to have 2nd thoughts. Why would I want one when I already have a notebook PC that is more powerful than that? Then again, my notebook maybe powerful but is too big and bulky and heavy at that.

Ok then let's try to compare a laptop with the Foleo, in the real world. This means that average notebook PC users are those that use it mostly for Email, Document editing, Presentation and surfing the web (which includes watching videos in YouTube).

Email: Foleo - yes; notebook PC - yes
Document Editing: Foleo - yes; notebook PC - yes
Presentation (Powerpoint): Foleo - yes; notebook PC - yes
Internet: Foleo - yes; notebook PC - yes

By the looks of it, it's a tie! Maybe, but let's see, a typical notebook PC (windows) will have an approximately 10-20 secs to boot up after a hibernate (most windows notebook users out there doesn't even know that their laptops are capable of hibernating, they would just turn their machine on and off per session), but the Foleo has in instant on and off feature, that means, no waiting time. Apple users will argue that most macs are instant on as well, well, yeah, ok. Then there's the seamless synchronization with your smartphone, no one notebook at the present time can do this.

Whatever the argument would be, I think Palm is not trying to push the notebook computer out of the scene. This is the same reason they gave before with the Palm Pilot device, people thought that it's the laptop replacement, and eventually it made it to the top in it's category for some time. I think the Foleo is being groomed as another device (not even an accessory), that's why they called it as another "product-line".

People have been very disappointed with this device, but still it made more people think twice. Do we need to bring the notebook when we will not be using most of it's power, so why not bring the Foleo?

Perhaps it's still difficult to gauge what the device's impact until it is released to the market. We also for that matter don't know what Palm is trying to prove at this moment. But I have this feeling that there's still more to this device than meets the eye.

Foleo -- the Next Palm Pilot

We may all be fussing over the fact that the name comes with a tag line, "Smartphone companion". Yes, as the name implies, it's a device that will complement a smartphone's productivity, but it can also function as a standalone device.

If I understand the device's details clearly, then it is being positioned for mobile workers. In my profession for example, not all needs the full weight of a notebook computer, in fact majority of physicians, both young and old, uses their notebooks only for a few tasks, such as: Presentations, Word document creation/editing, some Spreadsheet work and of course checking emails and surfing the net. Heck most of us does not even use an email client, but instead uses only the available famous web-based emails ( i.e. Yahoo, Hotmail and Gmail).

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but all these can be done by the Foleo. Many of you might say, the notebook computer can do that and much more! That's my point, the "much more" is seldom utilized. I always make myself as an example. Considering that I'm more technology savy than other physicians. I have a yearold iBook, at first yeah, it was exciting to use a mac, but after a while, the hype fades out and is left only with some aesthetic reasons. Some of the reasons I like about the iBook is that it turns on almost instantly (although it's more of putting itself to sleep), now this feature I like very much, I don't have to wait for the thing to boot up, if I want to show someone something from within the notebook, we don't have to have coffee first before veiwing the document. Take note, one of the features offered by the Foleo. Then I use my iBook to lecture (of course, I get a lot of ooohs and ahhhs on my Keynote presentations, but all those begins after I bring out my iBook from the bag) but then again, I can always do that in Powerpoint right? And once in a while edit word and excel files, and browse the web and that's it.

How about the "much more" in my notebook? Well, I seldom (and it really means SELDOM) use it. iTunes? nope! I have iTunes on my Windows desktop PC (this is where I do most of the work), and I listen to my music when I'm out of the house on my iPod. Hmmm what else, movie editing -- desktop! Then there's the size and weight, every mobile professional knows that size and weight counts a lot. Plus the fact that one has to bring the power brick almost always. I guess that's about it.

So, if I'm someone who will not be using most of the "much more" on the notebook computers, then I would, by all means, get myself a Foleo, smartphone or not. Besides, with our country's "wireless broadband" speed yet to be desireable, I would rather look for a WiFi hotspot and do my computing there. And don't mention the charges. Paying 2T on my DSL at home then another 2T for mobile internet? Now that's another story hehehe

Increased Gmail Attachment Size

If you're the type of person who loves sending large files as attachments to your emails, and feels restricted by the usual 5MB limit, then fret no more, Gmail, Google's email service, has increased it's attachment size to, guess what, yes, 20MB!

I'm thinking that is one way Gmail is getting a step ahead of Yahoo! who is planning to go unlimited on it's email storage quota. Which is a way is upping up from what Google has at the moment which is an increasing storage capacity everyday (presently at around 2.8GB).

So what are you waiting for, sign up now! Gmail previously is only available on invitation only, but has since modified the sign-up process and anyone can now get their own Gmail account just by visiting Gmail.com

FREE WIFI AT ROBINSONS ERMITA...NOT!!!

It was one of those days that I get to go to Ermita these days, some of the few reasons are the traffic, no interesting place to go to and I'm not a Robinsons guy.

Anyways, I'm here because I don't have to go to and I still don't want to go home (come on, it's a friday!). I told myself that this will be the best time to try out the FREE Wireless Internet connection (WiFi) that Robinsons Malls are trying to use to entice shoppers.

I went to the TASTE BUDS, Robinsons version of the Food court. This is where the "FREE" WiFi is. I'm so excited, I can't wait to get online. I ordered a Strawberry shake and a clubhouse sandwich from San Francisco Coffee and fired up my notebook.

The first access point that was detected was that of AIRBORNE ACCESS, I'm pretty sure this wasn't it, so I asked the BARISTA and he pointed me to those things on the table that they use to advertise their products, a small paper is stuck to it with instructions on how to log on the "free" WiFi. Of course, I followed the instructions but I kept on getting rejected (I hate that feeling! Well, who does in the first place?).

I sent an SMS to the hotline on the paper, but up until I had finished typing this article, I am just getting the AIRBORNE ACCESS SSID. Goodluck to me :(

The Dreaded Globelines Broadband Erratic Connection is Here!

I have been reading quite some complaints about Globelines' erratic behavior, the way it will disconnect and re-connect after a few minutes of being logged-in. All the while I thought that this was area-related, since all the years I've been using Globelines broadband, I have never encountered the said incidence. But since a couple of days ago, whenever I use Yahoo! Messenger, I noticed that the line was acting differently, I know that get disconnected because, every time I get logged on into my Yahoo! Messenger SMS. This should only happen if I log off from YM, but in a single session, my phone keeps on getting the notice that I have been logged on into YM SMS.

Couple this with uTorrent as the download speed goes to zero every once in a while, then goes back up to it's normal speed after a few minutes. I also checked my modem/router's configuration page and much as I expected it, there are lots of errors and disconnections. I have emailed Globelines' customer support and I am still clueless as to what their explanation would be.

No more Ad-Aware on Google Pack

As I recently went back to Windows XP from Windows Vista, I one by one downloaded the applications "essential" for a Windows desktop to work, and one of these software is an Anti-spyware program. Before my short-lived migration to Vista, I was using Lavasoft's Ad-Aware, which was also part of Google Pack. On Windows Vista, I was using Microsoft's own Windows Defender. Now that I'm back to XP, I was surprised to see that Ad-Aware has been replaced in Google Pack with SpyDoctor.

As a standalone application, SpyDoctor is not free. But if you download it from Google Pack, one gets a starter edition, that almost has the same properties as the paid version. Maybe I'm going to try it out for a while, and if I'm not satisfied, I might try out, AVG's Free Anti-spyware program. Now, if you're going to ask why it seems that I have confidence on AVG's software, well, that's just for the fact that I am an avid AVG Free Anti-virus user (who isn't) and that I am very well satisfied with it's performance, never had a viral infection in my desktop ever since.

Back to Windows XP

I've reinstalled Windows XP the other day. My desktop was running Windows Vista for sometime, since Microsoft released Vista Beta to RC1 to RC2. But after the notice that all pre-release softwares will "expire" on May 18, I decided to revert back to XP. I am still contemplating on really "upgrading" to Vista, but not yet. Perhaps I will wait for a year to a year and a half before totally dumping Windows XP.

Can't Use Email on my New SE M600i

I got myself a spanking new Sony Ericsson M600i, a UIQ 3 device. Got almost everything up and running with a few exceptions.
- Email (can't get it to work with Gmail and my local ISP)
- Agile Messenger (can't log in to network)
- Gmail app (can't see the connection)

Other than these, it's working fine and wonderful. Only thing I'm missing from my old SE phone (K600) is the HID Bluetooth Remote.

Rumor: Dell to Buy Palm

Here's another rumor on the mill. Dell, after shelving it's PDA Axim line, is rumored to acquire Palm as it thinks that the future is toward smartphones.

New M600 firmware

All you SE M600i owners (including me of course), Sony Ericsson has updated the firmware and can be downloaded thru SE Update Service. It fixed some bugs and made the system a bit faster. Here are most of the changes seen:

• Faster
  
• WMA supoprt!
  
• Transitions option found in control panel, device. Default is OFF
  
• Updated build of opera which seems more stable
  
• Louder through speaker
  
• 20.8mb free ram

Sony Ericsson PC Suite 1.3.11 is out

Sony Ericsson has just updated their PC Suite for Smartphones and is now version 1.3.11

Treo 750 with Windows Mobile 5 (huh?)

Recently, Palm Singapore together with Microwarehouse the Philippine Palm distributor launched the Palm Treo 750 Windows Mobile 5 thru a sassy event at the Embassy bar at the Fort Taguig city. It was attended by the Philippine Palm Users Group (MaPalad) mostly, and at some point members of the Pinoy Windows Mobile and the Philippine Mac Users Group (PhilMUG). The place was jam packed with members and was overflowing with drinks.

Palm gave the Windows Mobile platform some tweaks to "Treo-rized" it. Comparing it with other Windows Mobile Smartphones, the Treo 750 can find a contact directly from it's Today screen as compared to others which will need at least 4 steps. Overall the Treo 750 is a very nice addition to the Treo line, but the problem that I see with it here in the Philippines is in the OS itself. Microsoft just launched Windows Mobile 6, a snazzy eye-candy OS that is comparable to Vista in the desktop arena. It's usually offered as an upgrade by Networks in the US or UK to it's subscriber, but locally, I have not heard of OS upgrades from our major networks Globe and Smart. Thus, if one buys the Treo 750 today, in less than a couple of months, that OS will be old and basically the phone too. Unless Palm would offer them upgrade packages which I highly doubt.

Blogging with Flock doesn't work!

Flock is a web browser from the innards of Mozilla that has some social networking thingies working inside it's gut. One of the features being boasted by Flock is the easy blogging of sites. No more cut and paste and memorizing those kilometer long URL's. I used Flock before, but that was before Google migrated my account to the "new" Blogger engine, now blogging with Flock simply does not work. When I set up my account, it just stays at the "just double checking if your account is set up correctly" uhm hellooooo, I'm blogging right now, so I guess it's working?

It's unfortunate that it doesn't work anymore, it's been really very easy and simple to blog thru Flock, but now I guess I have to go back to the old, blogger website or email blogger for my blogs.

The CRUMPLER Launch Part

Last night, computer accessories king of the Philippines Charlie Paw together is his brother Howard "Bogs" Paw launched their first CRUMPLER store in the country at the Fort. CRUMPLER is a brand of computer and camera bag accessory. Lots of people came with three of the most prestigious user's group in the country as the major attendees, MaPalad (Philippine Palm User's Group), PodCentral (iPod User's Group Philippines) and PhilMUG (Philippine Mac User's Group). Food and drinks were overflowing and games was so excitiing, prizes where of course CRUMPLER bags. Three of CRUMPLER founders where present including their mascot, PINEAPPLE JUJU.

Yahoo! Messenger for VISTA

Under development, this is one cool interface worthy of the shiny AERO interface of Windows Vista. You can sign up to be one of the first few to be notified when it's ready for download here.

Here are some of the supposed features:

Built from the ground up specifically for Microsoft Windows Vista, this all-new version combines the reliable and easy-to-use features you've always loved from Yahoo! Messenger with the cutting-edge experience of this new operating system.

• Instant message, voice, webcam video, and more
• Use the integrated Yahoo! Messenger Sidebar gadget to keep up with the friends that matter most
• Also add Windows Live™ Messenger friends to your contact list to see when they're online and IM them
• Keep conversations organized by dragging and dropping them into one tabbed window
• Brand new emoticons, program icons and alert sounds
• Instantly change the look and feel of your Yahoo! Messenger interface
• Automatic groups are created in your contact list based on your Yahoo! interests (i.e. Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football league)

Yahoo! Widgets 4.0

Yahoo! Widgets 4.0 is now ready for download at http://widgets.yahoo.com. With the following new features:

• Speedier than ever

  • We heard you, and we've made big improvements in performance
  • Uses up less of your system memory compared to past versions

• Live, at-a-glance view

  • Mini Widgets bring updates and live info to you in a compact package
  • Keep your widgets neatly organized with the new Widget Dock

• New Widgets by Yahoo!

  • Gallery Widget: Browse the Widget Gallery without opening a web browser
  • Flickr Widget: Hooray! Upload, tag, and display Flickr photos.

• And, some things are the same as ever...

  • The most Widgets available anywhere online... over 4,000 and still growing!
  • Works on both Macs and Windows PCs

The unreachable 2Mbps of Globelines

Today, someone from Globelines came over my place to act on the complaint regarding my unreachable subscribed speed. I am currently under their 2Mbps plan and for some time now (being the pessimist that I am), I patiently waited until that incident in Taiwan has totally been fixed. But then, I noticed that I don't reach even 50% of my supposed subscribed speed.

Anyways, this guy came over and tested my speed, and for sure I was only getting around 4xxkbps to a maximum of 9xxkbps from my supposed 2Mbps, that should be around 2xxxkbps. So he checked my modem configuration (a Globelines supplied PROLINK 9300G wireless modem/router) and just as I observed before, that my line was capped at 1.5Mbps down and 512kbps up. He called up their Network Operations Center (NOC) and asked to change my settings to 2Mbps up and 1Mbps down (now this thing baffled me, supposedly, in their system, I should be, by default under the 2Mbps up and 1Mbps down setting already, for more than 3 mos. to be exact, and they're just setting it now?). Restarted the modem, and checked if it will sync with their servers, which it did NOT! So my settings were brought back to the old 1.5Mbps up and 512kbps down, which as expected synced. Now this baffled the technician more and called up other numbers and talked to a couple more peeeps. He then gave up and told me that he'd just go back tomorrow to check on the speed and told me to monitor the speed.

After he left, I checked my speed and for around 30 minutes, I was hitting 1.5Mbps! Yehey! But that was short lived since there was a brief power failure and since that time, I am now getting (again) my old 3xxkbps to 8kbps speeds. Now I know that it's not my wiring here at home and that the problem is on their side. I am just hoping that they would figure it out fast. It's not that I am not getting fast speed, heck, I'm really ok with the speed that I'm getting at the moment. But I am paying for a 2Mbps speed and just like them when they demand immediate payment for their services, then I should demand the appropriate speed that I am paying for. It's just a GIVE AND TAKE relationship, I do my part and they do theirs.

Globe Handyphone's "Loyalty" Program?

Recently, Globe (Handyphone) launched a silent "Loyalty" "Rewards" Program as a form of retention for their customers. This is not an announced promo and a subscriber has to call Globe's Customer Hotline and "inquire" for the said program. So, being a long-time Globe subscriber, I called their hotline, but to my dismay, I was told that since I did not get any call from their "Retention Team" then most likely that I did not "qualify" for the "criteria" set for the promo.

I wonder what "criteria" Globe is talking about and it looks like they don't give a shit if subscribers will leave them and shift carriers. In fact, SMART offers loyalty rewards to their subscribers on a yearly basis, and the rewards seems to be as what it is, rewards. The phones that SMART is giving away are will really be appreciated by their subscribers. Let me think hmmmm I guess will prepare changing numbers.

ADVANCES IN BUS TICKETING IN THE PHILIPPINES

It's been quite sometime since I used public transport to go to places. I got to try it again today and what a surprise. The bus conductor gave me a ticket that came from a portable printer attached to a Palm Zire 22! Forgive me if I sound really surprised because I never have thought that our local bus companies would adapt such technology.

The NEW SonyEricsson Phones

Here it goes again, new phones from Sony Ericsson, tsk tsk, everytime SE launches new phones, I get excited.

The SE W610 and entry level Walkman phone , it's quad-band with EDGE, an RDS FM Radio, an LED light for your pictures, A2DP stereo Bluetooth audio, a 2 megapixel camera, and that full suite of music management software, ships with a 512MB M2 card.

The SE K550 entry level Cybershot phone, has a 2.0 megapixel cam and LED photo light and is thin at 14-mm form factor, uses the Memory Stick M2 form factor. It is a quad-band EDGE device.

The high end K810 Cybershot phone, a feature rich 17-mm thin baby with a 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus and Xenon flash in it's heart. It has a second cam up front for video calls and goes UMTS 2100 and GSM 900/1800/1900. The K810 uses the same Memory Stick M2 that the K550 uses.

And there's the super thin Walkman phone, the SE W880, at 9.4-millimeters thin, it's SE's slimmest Walkman phone yet and packs a 1.8" QVGA 262k TFT display and 2 megapixel camera with a 1GB Memory Stick Micro (M2) card included in the box. It also comes pre-loaded with Walkman Player 2.0, Disc2Phone music management, and the TrackID music recognition applications. It also features a Flight Mode for use on the airplane and battery capable of up to 20-hours of music playback or up to 6 hours 30 mins of talk time. UMTS 2100 and GSM 900/1800/1900

So go ahead and drool people!!!!

UNLIMITED TEXTING AND AGING

With the advent of new technologies, it is imperative that society be able to adapt to these changes or suffer alienation. I am one of those people who tries and successfully cope up with this problem. But I guess, it will only be up to a certain point before things get out of hand.

A classic example is texting or internationally known as SMS. When this thing started, I had a Panasonic G-series phone (which doesn't have a caller ID that tells you the sender's name, just the number). I was using Globe Telecoms network (although I'm still using Globe up to now), and all one had to do was to pay the initial P200 fee and you're off to an unlimited texting spree, perhaps until one dies (that was then), and things change. A lot of promos and cellphones and cellphone technology after, we go to the present where everybody is complaining that Globe suddenly changed it's rules with regards to it's UNLIMITED texting promo. Well, it's hard to discuss about the repercussions of the change in the promo, but what I can say is, a lot of people has been enticed by the said add-on by these telecommunication companies, but for someone like me, a 32 year old father, this is not important anymore. I seldom text unless someone sends me one or it's really important to send a text message. Ever since these UNLIMITED texting promos, people now start to send and forward almost all spam or forwarded messages that they've received, unknowingly irritating those that receives them.

Perhaps there's a silver lining in the changing of the UNLIMITED texting scheme, and that is, less of those annoying, un-important SMSs. Happy texting everyone!

Vista Prices in the Philippines Outrageous!!!

Windows Vista will be launched officially tomorrow here in the Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia. Lots of extravaganza, but it all boils down if consumers will buy it or not. Looking at the Local Launch Website, the price of all the versions is Outrageous! No wonder majority of people would rather buy it from their "friendly neighborhood" pirates. Even the local Mac Users Group ( PhilMUG) laughs at the SRP of the rivals operating system. A few more bucks and you can buy a Mac Mini bundled with Mac OS X and iLife for the price of the Vista Ultimate edition. Although, in deference to Microsoft, Windows OS change comes every 5 years and every small upgrade comes free, while with the Mac OS, it may come out as cheap compared to the Windows version but the Mac OS charges for every incremental upgrade that they do. Good luck Microsoft!

Local Network War brought to the World Wide Web

It's Channel 2 against Channel 7 all over again (when did ever stop anyway). This time, it's in the interweb. Although ABS-CBN got a very wide lead, GMA is starting to catch up (or is it)? Last year, I noticed that the Inq7.net portal started to have 2 different banner stories, one from Inquirer.net (the online version of the local maverick newspaper The Philippine Daily Inquirer) and one from the news portal of GMA News GMAnews.tv. Then finally it happened, when I went to Inq7.net, it's become just a page that will give you a choice to be redirected to either GMA's site or to Inquirers.

With regards to the news layout, ABS-CBN wins hands down as the top stories are easy to see, while GMA's page is somewhat confusing (although, again, ABS-CBN had a head start, so I think I'm just used to their layout). With regards to the content, most of ABS-CBN stories are derived from Inq7.net (by the looks of it). GMA has more original story lines but updates are not as often as ABS-CBN's.

So for this one, I guess abs-cbnnews.com wins this battle (for the moment).

Note: From where I am right now, the post-Taiwan earthquake scenario, using a Globelines Broadband connection, connecting to ABS-CBN site is easier (would resolve faster) than with GMA's which most of the times, will not resolve.

Apple and the iPhone

After all the rumors and blogs, Apple has finally released the iPhone, the touchscreen iPod and the tablet OS X. Oh wait, the iPhone is a registered trademark of Cisco right? Well, it's confusing to be right. iPhone has been registered for Cisco but Apple Computer Inc., which is by the way now has been re-named to Apple Inc., is in talks with licensing the iPhone name from Cisco. Now that that's out of the way, let's go back to the iPod, errr iPhone. Yup, the iPhone and the touchscreen iPod is one and the same. It's a GSM/EDGE phone with an iPod connector at the bottom (where it's supposed to be in an iPod), it's an internet device because it's got safari and WiFi and it's a tablet PC err Mac because it operates on Mac OS X with a 2 MegaPixel Camera on the side.

So it's a phone, and it doesn't have any keypad/thumboard, but it has a touchscreen that Job's says is revolutionary. No need for a stylus because it is so sensitive and intuitive that it will recognize your fingers as the input device. SMS/text messages could be sent using a soft QWERTY keypad, and it's got PUSH Yahoo! Mail (so where's Gmail?), don't worry, Google wasn't left out because it's got Google Maps built-in. Though, just to make it clear, it's NOT a Smartphone, why? Because, as of the moment, you cannot install 3rd party applications in it. Though it's got Notepad if you want to jot down notes.

It's an iPod, with 4GB and 8GB capacity, will sync with iTunes (of course) and I know this because it's part of the UI and it's got that very recognizable iPod connector at the bottom. It will now show Album Art and will automatically shift the display to landscape when playing movies. It will do what a typical iPod can without the click wheel of course (again).

It's a handheld computer, just for the fact that it runs on Mac OS X. Though no Dock, it's got Widgets (as of the moment it's just Stocks and Weather) but it will come! It's got Safari and tabbed browsing, now the Nokia 800 will definitely have a competition and this time, the web pages are not cropped, but is shown as is though there are some zoom functions for those of you with nerdy glasses.

And, what's a phone without it's camera. A 2 megapixel camera that is at par or a little bit ahead than the others. And the small things such as a Proximity sensor that will deactivate the touchscreen when you put it close to your face/ear when using it as a phone. This way, no accidental touches on the screen, oh and it dims the backlight as well.

My opinion? Well, it's a heck of a design, though no 3G, but WiFi is very much welcome. The lack of expansion cards is a bit disappointing but can be irrelevant considering the capacity. Hopefully 3rd party applications can be develop and installed to maximize it's use of OS X. And, if time and funds permit, I WILL DEFINITELY GET ONE!!!!

Note: This is the 2nd post I've made after the Dec. 26 Taiwan earthquake and I'm doing this thru Gmail. I'm praying together with all the internet users in Asia that our "normal" broadband speeds would go back to normal. This is the reason why there's no pic attached to this article, hopefully, I will be able to post a pic (that is, if and if Blogger will open in my browser) in a weeks time (that's when they say that everything will be back to "normal"!)

Chaos in the internet from the Taiwan Quake

Today is the 2nd day since my internet connection has been unstable. At first I thought there was something wrong with my ISP (Globelines Broadband), but after trying (in futility) calling their "hotline" which even after 30 min no one answered, I was able to connect to PhilMUG website, it was there that I found out what happened. And from that time onwards my connection was sloooooooow and intermittent, even if my modem says otherwise.

It has been just now that I am able to connect to Gmail and Yahoo! Mail, my only source of information online for the past 2 days was Inq7.net and the local users groups (which at times becomes intermittent). In a few minutes I will try to log into Yahoo messenger, hoping that it will connect to servers.

So far, Google is still not loading on my side and Yahoo mail is still dragging. Though Engadget has been loading since the beginning of this crisis.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2006

Merry Christmas to all of you!!! May we have a Wonderful Holidays!

Microsoft Redesigned Website

Software giant has redesigned their website to look and feel like it's up and coming operating system that will replace Windows XP, the sleek looking, and long been delayed Windows VISTA.

Changing Wireless Keyboard

I changed my wireless keyboard from an A4tech Wireless Mini-desktop Keyboard and Mouse set to a Logitech Cordless Desktop EX110. Some may say that it's impractical since my A4tech keyboard and mouse combo is still working, but it's a mini-keyboard and it's giving me a hard time to type and use it. Thus, the reason to change units. Now this is a wonderful keyboard and mouse because it's full-sized and no more adapting when using other normal sized keyboards and mouse.

Also, the multi-media keys are working fine on VISTA (all the while I thought I will have some problems with the software side) but when I tried to use the special keys and it all worked. So far I'm enjoying the new toy.

BitTorrent acquires uTorrent

BitTorrent has bought popular torrent client uTorrent, here's there post to the uTorrent forum:

This is Bram Cohen, the creator of the BitTorrent protocol, and Ludvig (Ludde) Strigeus, the writer of µTorrent.

Together, we are pleased to announce that BitTorrent, Inc. and µTorrent AB have decided to join forces. BitTorrent has acquired µTorrent as it recognized the merits of µTorrent's exceptionally well-written codebase and robust user community. Bringing together µTorrent's efficient implementation and compelling UI with BitTorrent's expertise in networking protocols will significantly benefit the community with what we envision will be the best BitTorrent client.

What does this mean for the µTorrent community? Not much, at least not at first. The intention is to maintain the website as it is, and keep the forums and community active. Moving forward behind the scenes, we will continue to develop µTorrent and will be using the codebase in other applications, especially ones where a fast, lightweight implementation is more suitable, such as embedded systems on TVs, cell phones, and other non-PC platforms.

The existent µTorrent and BitTorrent communities are immensely valuable to us, which is why we are announcing this here first to make sure you're all the first to know about the news. The plan is to continue to foster the health and growth of the community that has been critical to the success of µTorrent. Thank you in advance for your support.

Bram and Ludde

Palm licenses Palm OS Garnet Source Code -- So that's why!

ACCESS has announced it has entered into a non-exclusive agreement with Palm, Inc., that gives Palm a perpetual license for the Palm OS Garnet source code. ACCESS and Palm have also agreed to an expansion of the two companies’ existing patent license. Palm will pay ACCESS a total of $44 million (USD). Under terms of the agreement, ACCESS has granted Palm specific rights to modify the code base of Palm OS Garnet for use in its devices such as the Palm Treo smartphone family and the company’s other handheld computers. The agreement also grants Palm the right to use Palm OS Garnet in whole, or in part, in any product from Palm and together with any other system technologies. -- Palminfocenter

So this is the reason why! Me and my friends at MaPalad (The Philippine Palm Users Group) has been wondering why, Palm Inc. the hardware company has placed Palm OS Powered by ACCESS in their website for their handhelds.

Well, it only strengthens the theory that Palm is not dumping the Palm OS for Windows. But, it also tells us that Palm OS Garnet (Palm OS 5) is here to stay and the supposed Palm OS Cobalt and the ALP (Access Linux Platform) which I'm convinced, will be renamed as the next Palm OS 6, is still far away.

I hate my new MODEM/ROUTER

Lat week, I had upgraded my DSL plan to something like, 2Mbps. Globelines changed the Alcatel Speedtouch 511e to a PROLINK H9300G, a wireless modem/router. I guess the change is because they are now into ADSL2+. Although I don't have anything against the router/modem, it hasn't failed me yet since it was installed. The only thing that I hate about it is it's looks. Though plastic is plastic, and most routers have plastic casings, the one that PROLINK uses is the cheap looking one. I don't know, for me, the router looks like it's un-reliable (again, I'm just ranting because I don't like how it looks). What it replaced (unofficially) is a Speedtouch 580i, a wireless modem/router as well but the type of plastic used was more on the firm and stable side. I just don't like how the PROLINK looks, IT LOOKS CHEAP!!!!

Mobile Broadband or Fixed landline Broadband?

Globe's latest offering of their HSDPA mobile broadband service is very tempting, for P2000.00 one can have broadband anywhere he/she goes. That is, if they have a notebook and enough power to last for whenever.

My dilemma is that, I am a subscriber of Globelines Broadband (with a landline phone) and Globe Handyphone, so basically, I'm a Globe "subscriber". I'm shelling out almost P3000.00 for both the MSF of the landline and the DSL connection, which gives me unlimited "2Mbps" internet connection 24/7. But whenever I go out, say go to work, I still have to either get a WIZ password from my Globe Handyphone (this is built in anyway) or pray that I still have enough credits for the month from my Globe WorldPass account (which is incidentally P250.00/month - consumable).

But with Globe's Mobile Broadband service, I can have around "1.7Mbps" wherever I go (as long as there is a 3G signal) and other services as well like:

Unlimited mobile access via HSDPA, 3G, EDGE, GPRS

Unlimited Wi-Fi* and Dial-up

A Mobile browsing data card*** + data SIM for FREE!

I'm wondering now if it would be best to get another subscription (that's another P2000.00 on top of the P3000.00 that I'm shelling out monthly for the DSL subscription) of Globe Visibility or stick with WorldPass .

The New Treo 680 -- Not so Affordable after all

Looks like the new Treo 680 won't be as affordable as everybody had expected. It's debut in the Philippines has it at P29,800 (from the Philippine Palm website). A few more bucks and you've got the Treo 650 Black Tie edition already. It's approximately P10,000 more than what the US Palm Website is offering.

Others are arguing that it's just in the right price range, considering the software available in the Palm libraries, then perhaps it's worth it. But others say that it's short-changing the consumers. With only a VGA camera in a time where megapixel cameras are all over the place. No WiFi, in almost the same price range the SonyEricsson P990 has WiFi and a megapixel camera at that. Then of course, the aging operating system. This has not been updated for years and Palm has just been tweaking it for survival.

I guess the antennae is worth P6000.00 huh? Because other than moving some of the buttons and slots around, slapping in a little bit more RAM, and chopping off the antenna, it's just the Treo 650 in disguise.

Opera Mini 3.0 Released

For those Opera fans out there. Opera Mini, the versatile web browser that can be installed in any mobile phone that is JAVA capable, has released version 3. Now RSS feeds can be easily added and Photo blogging has been made easy. 
To download, just point your WAP browser to http://operamini.com

RP approves cervical cancer vaccine

RP approves cervical cancer vaccine
By Oliver Teves
Associated Press
Last updated 07:35pm (Mla time) 11/29/2006

THE Bureau of Food and Drugs has approved a vaccine to combat the virus that causes cervical cancer and related diseases, an official of the company that distributes the drug said Wednesday.

The vaccine, Gardasil, is designed to prevent diseases caused by four strains of the human papillomavirus -- HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 -- with HPV 16 and 18 accounting for about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, said Dr. Cesar Recto II, medical director for Merck Sharp & Dohme.

The vaccine also prevents genital warts and low-grade cervical lesions in girls and women ages 9 to 26, Recto said, adding that an ongoing study is aimed at expanding the coverage of the vaccine to benefit "mid-adult" women.

The Philippine Cancer Society says 7,277 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2005, when 3,807 deaths were recorded from the disease.

In June, the U.S. government approved Gardasil, which needs to be administered over a six-month period, costing US$360 per course of treatment.

A spokeswoman for Merck Sharp & Dohme said the vaccine will be available in the Philippines for about P15,000 (US$306) but will be dispensed only by doctors and will not be available over the counter.

US-based drug company Merck & Co., which developed the vaccine, is known as Merck Sharp & Dohme outside the US.

Democracy Player -- my Favorite of the Month

I just downloaded and installed Democracy Player after some time of contemplating. I usually use VLC Media Player and has been satisfied with it. But, I also watch Video Podcasts from iTunes, which, after installing the latest iTunes version 7, has not been quite an enjoyment. Then I found out about Democracy. After installing it, and viewed a stored TV series in my HDD, it immediately took me away.

With VLC on Windows Vista, every time I would open an .avi file, Vista would change the display settings which should really not be bothersome had it not take a lot of RAM space. With Democracy Player, the Vista video settings remains untouched, meaning, it keeps the Aero interface.

With regards to iTunes comparison, Democracy Player would download and play Video Podcasts and plays it seamlessly. iTunes 7 is the buggiest iTunes so far and whenever I play podcasts on it, my RAM usage shoots beyond the meters on my PC.

Hopefully thought, Democracy will not fail me.

ANC using Globelines Broadband

The other day I was watching the ANC channel, it's a Business update and a reporter was at the Philippine Stock Exchange giving updates on the financial market, when at the bottom of the screen, it says that they are using Globelines Broadband to transmit that report to the station. I wonder why ABS-CBN is not using their sister company's (Bayantel) network to transmit their signal. I guess the telecom industry is a bit confusing.

Blogged with Flock

I don't see see point of their argument

    AFTER public discussions on the House bill on free and open source software (FOSS), the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) urged lawmakers to “step back” and rethink its position, the organization’s leader said.“As the representative organization of the Philippine software industry, the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) strongly opposes House Bill 5769, the Free Open Source Software Act of 2006, as sponsored by House Representative Teodoro Casiño,” PSIA president Fermin Taruc said in an e-mail to INQ7.net.
   
“Government has no business or expertise mandating the use of one technology platform over the other. Are they crazy!!!! What do they mean that the Government doesn't have any business mandating the use of Open Source software? This just show how GREEDY these software companies are. They say that the Government must not force people to use Open Source software and yet, they BULLY and DICTATE the progress of each and every company that uses their software.

"Government’s role is to partner with the private sector in providing the environment and business framework in which innovation, creativity and freedom of informed choice can thrive, especially in the area of technology which is characterized by dynamism and disruptive change,” he said in behalf of the PSIA.Taruc said mandating the use of open source software in government is nothing but “myopic” and “a disservice to both users and developers of software -- as well as to the Filipino people. -- I don't think it's the Government that is being Myopic here. This is a lot of bullshit, are these people undermining the capabilities of Open Source software programmers? Using Open Source software will definitely save the Government a lot of money than using their software. Open Source softwares are more stable and offers the same functionality as the paid ones.

”PSIA fears that the bill will “compromise” the local software industry's target to generate revenues and employment for the country by 2010.

“By limiting government agencies to a technology platform, government prevents a level playing field in which various technology providers can compete and establish an experience and revenue base in the domestic market," it said.
"In this context, imposing restrictions on what kind of training can be offered defies all logic and reason," the group said.

RP software association opposes open source bill - INQ7.net

Blogged with Flock

Skype 3.0 Beta for Windows

Skype 3.0 Beta for Windows is out! Now has some major upgrades to the user interface and added nifty features that will be very helpful for users.

Skype now has browser extensions for Internet Explorer and Firefox. You can choose at install time if you want to install these or not. They automatically convert phone numbers on web pages into Skype links. You can simply click them and Skype starts a SkypeOut call to that number.

Introducing Skype 3.0 Beta for Windows - Skype Blogs

Blogged with Flock

Firefox 2.0 Spell Checker

Ever since Firefox has been launched, it has become my primary browser of choice. Before, not because of anything else, but simply because of it's very neat feature, the tabbed browsing. This keeps my desktop neat and uncluttered. Now, it's on version 2.0 and still retains (of course) it's tabbed browsing feature, but this time, it has added a feature that has caught my attention, Spell Checker. Before, I only see this feature on Word processors such as MS Word and OpenOffice, but now, with the advent of online office suites and blogs, spell checker within a browser has become a very useful tool. Although this feature may have been present in some other application that I have been using for a while, with Firefox's spell checker, I don't have to dig into the menus to find it. It's just there and it works. One good reason to download Firefox 2.0. Enjoy!

DivX Suite NOT working on VISTA RC2

Last night, I downloaded DivX Pro 6.4 to see if it will really shrink the file size of my home movies (which incidentally is taking up too much space in my HD), today I decided to try it out. I choose a small file ( around 650MB ) to convert, you know, just to get the feel of it and would give me an approximate time of conversion. But after maybe a couple of minutes of converting, VISTA suddenly reports an error and that DivX converter is not functioning properly. I re-tried it a couple more times and just like the first one, it stops and gives me that error report. Well, I guess I just have to wait until these programs are VISTA compatible.

Vista Sidebar OUT!!!!

It's been almost a month since I've installed Windows VISTA on my WinBox and it's been the same time I've resisted installing Yahoo! Widgets (Konfabulator), but after a while I decided to turn Windows Vista Sidebar off and stay with Yahoo! Widgets. Though it's basically the same, I like Yahoo! Widgets better in appearance and variety. I've more choices with Yahoo! Widgets than with Sidebar. Oh and Widgets hug less memory than Sidebar.

2nd Windows Vista update in 2 days

What's this? It's early in the morning and it's just a few hours after the first update I had after installing VISTA in my WinBox and the Windows Update icon is present again on the taskbar and is downloading update files. I wonder what could these updates be. 

iTunes updates itself to 7.0.2

iTunes has an available update which offers support for the new iPod Shuffle and fixes some bugs that still lurk within the music program.

iTunes 7 is the buggiest of all iTunes released.

AVG Free will not be FREE anymore

STAY PROTECTED: Your AVG Anti-Virus Free 7.1 will be discontinued on 15. January 2007!

This is what is posted in the AVG website. Looks like they've caved in and is very typical of these usual FREE offerings in the internet.

AVG is a very capable anti-virus software, ever since I used it, virus has been inexistent in my PC. But with this turn of events, it looks like PC users will now have only AVAST and KASPERSKY for their FREE anti-virus needs.

The reason why I don't use the very famous NORTON anti-virus is because of the simple reason that it's a memory hog and has a very big footprint. Besides, there are free alternatives that are as effective as NORTON.

UPDATE: MY BAD -- looks like I didn't read the notice that clearly, but thanks to Mgee (reader), who pointed out that only version 7.1 will be removed from the FREE option and would instead be replaced with version 7.5.

AVG Anti Virus: Stay protected with AVG 7.5

Blogged with Flock

Google acquires JotSpot

Wiki editor JotSpot is now part of the Google empire. When I opened my local internet news, I read that JotSpot, the wiki editor which offers Office suite online, was acquired by Google. Then when I opened my email, there was an email from JotSpot, informing me of the acquisition (being a registered user of JotSpot).

Before the Google acquisitions, there JotSpot was one of the companies that offer collaboration softwares like spreadsheets and word processors in the form of wikis. The other company that offer the same form of collaborative application was Writely, which are now both been acquired by Google.

If one will closely look at these actions of Google, it is very obvious that the big G is planning to monopolize all of the online office applications to directly face Microsoft's Office suite. Now this is competition.

Blogged with Flock

New Packaging for Windows Vista and 2007 Office System

Here are some pictures of the supposed "new" packaging for Windows VISTA and Windows Office 2007. Much like the software that they will be carrying inside, these packages looks sweet and very much of an eye candy.

Here are the pictures:

OmniPage Pro 15 not VISTA compatible

Looks like Nuance's OmniPage Pro 15 still has issues to iron out with Microsoft. I got myself an OmniPage Pro 15 to complement my new all-in-one printer (Brother DCP-115c), this after upgrading the supplied software PaperPort 9 to PaperPort 11, all were developed by ScanSoft now owned by Nuance. PaperPort 11 works fine but Windows Vista RC2 gave me a prompt at the start of OmniPage Pro 15 installation. Well, I guess I'm stuck with the built-in OCR of PaperPort 11.

Out-of-the-box: Brother DCP-115C

Ok, finally I've decided to retire my EPSON CX20 (which for that matter, decided for itself after not being detected by the PC, which from my research, EPSON printers are known for) and my Plustek EPP scanner (which I might say has been very cooperative all thru different Windows versions).

Today, I got myself a Brother DCP-115C. After long hours of convincing myself to get an all-in-one printer. Why this one? Well, I was choosing between, an HP, an EPSON, this one and a CANON Pixma MP160. the CANON definitely wins in the looks division, but much like an HP it falls on the ink price and practicality since it uses a tri-color cartridge, which at this point in time is not advisable. HP, Brother, EPSON wins in photo-printing, though I must admit that I'm very much biased for HP. EPSON and Brother on the other hand wins on the practicality side, both using an individual cartridge for it's inks. And of course the price, all of these printers are on the same price range but the Brother was a bit ahead on the features, for it has card-readers built-in (aside of course from the usual scanner, copier, printer modes).

Here are some pictures of the unboxing of the printer:

A CD/DVD burner for VISTA

Ever since I've installed Windows Vista (Beta, RC1 and RC2), I was limited to the built-in burner software or ImageBurn for my burning needs. Though these are capable softwares, there was still that void that I've been feeling. So I decided to try out NERO, but even after a "successful" install, whenever I launch it, it simply closes and VISTA gives me an error of "incompatability". Then I tried ROXIO, I thought it was ok, until at the end of installation, another error, something was missing from the installation file or something was corrupted. Then I decided to give it another try, this time, I copied it to my internal drive (since I kept it in my external drive). So lo and behold, it installed and is now running. Was able to burn an ISO image from it already. Whew!

Finally...a MOVIE from Windows Movie Maker

At last, I was able to create a movie from WINDOWS MOVIE MAKER. 

This is after years of wishing that I would be able to transfer my home videos into DVD, but eversince I was not satisfied with the quality of the movies that are produced. But after some tweaking I was able to make it and to consider I am using it in Windows Vista. Now to look for those old miniDV tapes and start the transfer.

ABS-CBN and INQ7 sleeping together?

Recently I've noticed that ABS-CBN news website has the same (almost identical) news to those found in INQ7.net Previously, most of the news came from either the news people of ABS-CBN or from their alliance with MANILA TIMES. INQ7 being partly a GMA network company, don't you think now it's odd (although not impossible) that rival networks are sharing the same stories?

Everybody's using iTunes? Maybe they should try out Songbird

Is it just me or most people with a computer has replaced their default music player from Windows Media Player and Winamp to iTunes? Well, I've observed it that even those who does not own an iPod has iTunes installed in their computers and are using it as their default music player.

Incidentally, in case you're one of the iTunes user that I'm talking about. Haven't you observed that iTunes7 would sometimes hug most of the resources of your RAM and Processor while surfing the net simultaneously? Well, a group of individuals built a Music Player that looks somewhat like iTunes but with a twist, it has a built-in browser in it. The browser is not just your typical browser, it's made from Firefox inards. And they called it SONGBIRD

Why not try surfing and listening to your favorite tunes at the same time with just one application open. The only gripe I have with SONGBIRD is it lacks the ever-famous Firefox feature, tabbed browsing. Hopefully, the developers would include it in the final release.

The "new" Yahoo! Mail (beta)

As a techie, as much as possible, I would like to be one of the early adapters, but sometimes, it gets the most out of me. IN the case of Yahoo! Mail (beta), well, yeah it's got a nice UI, but it's sloooooowwwwww! And most of the time, it hugs the resources of my web browser. Well, I guess that's what I get for trying out a BETA service. Nonetheless it's the only gripe that I have for the moment.

INQ7.net News?

Recently, INQ7.net has not been very updated with their "news". Only the Headlines are updated while the other stories are left in their old states.

Is this a ploy to make the reading public back into physical newspaper or the webmasters are just upgrading to something larger and better?

My Desktop

Ok, so this is how my desktop looks at the moment. It's on Windows VISTA RC2 (of course running AERO/GLASS interface). I've added the free ObjectDock for some Mac look although I don't think it's going to stay there for long.

Palm has announced it's "competitively" priced smartphone that will be the cheaper version of the Treo 650. The Treo 680 is a Palm OS powered GSM/GPRS/EDGE smartphone. It now lacks the antenna but features an internal antenna instead and a hardware design similar to the Treo 750v.

It is powered by Palm OS Garnet v5.4.9. It runs a 312 MHz Intel processor and has 64MB of user available storage memory and 64MB of SDRAM. The screen is a 320 x 320 pixel color touch-screen display. The 680 features a full size SD slot for memory expansion. It has a slimmer 1200 mAh rechargeable battery for up to 4 hours talk time. Bluetooth v1.2 wireless and IR are included as well as a VGA digital camera (Palm's way of bringing down the price).

The phone is a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Class 10 device and has a internal quad-band (850/900/1800/1900) antenna.

An unlocked version of the Palm Treo 680 will be made avaiabe with four different color options exclusively from Palm.com or Palm Cafe retail locations. The colors include graphite, copper, article and crimson.

Now I wonder, which one to get. The Treo 680, the Sony Ericsson K800 or the Nokia E61. Soooo many choices.

Installing VISTA RC2

I'm currently installing WINDOWS VISTA RC2 on my desktop.

Thanks to my external drives, I don't have to worry that my files/documents will get lost, by keeping one hard drive only for the OS and programs, I can install and re-format my PC as often as I like.

One of the downside is, I have to reinstall my programs. Oh, not to worry though, I've kept copies of these programs in my other hard drive and all I have to do is to double-click them to intall and that's it. I'll be waiting for some time before I could really give out an opinion on VISTA. But so far, with my experience with RC1, all I can say is, it's eye candy. Most of my programs work, but I'm having problems with networking, and those pop-up warnings are too annoying!!!!

UPDATE 1: I've said before this is the fastest Windows Install that I've ever done. The user inputs are right at the beginning of the installation process and after that it's all done. Now I'm waiting for it to update the performance settings.

UPDATE 2: Ok, I can't seem to find the AERO/GLASS option even though I have completed the requirements for it to run, still waiting for some changes. I had my 1st restart after the install. Oh and when I installed a new version of the Computer Associates Anti-Virus it cannot install on a VISTA machine, good thing I have a copy of the previous EZ-Trust software.

UPDATE 3: Finally, was able to load AERO/GLASS. After all the tweakings, all I have to do was to update the RATINGS of my system. Sheez!

UPDATE 4: There's a drawback in buying cheap peripherals, you don't get driver support from Windows VISTA hehehe. That's what I found out when I was installing the cheap Bluetooth USB dongle I bought at CD-R KING. Good thing I still have my trusty BILLIONTON Bluetooth Dongle and yup, as I've guessed it, VISTA recognized it. Now the next thing is to make my VEO Webcam work.

Blogger Widget acting up

Just checking if this widget is still acting up. It's been sometime after I posted from this. Well, I guess it's working. Back to the regular posting then hehehehe

A Humbling Milenyo Experience

During the 3 days of TOTAL NO POWER caused by storm MILENYO, I has some sort of "withdrawal" syndrome from technology. I checked my email and read news from my SE K600i mobile phone (good thing Globe did not lose signal in our place during the storm and post-storm event).

I charged my phone and the iPod from the cigarette socket in my car. In the span of those non-technology days, I was reliant on Opera Mini in my mobile phone. It's been very interesting how it render the usual web page into a small screen-size such as the K600i. Also Widsets were a lot of help when it comes to reading my usual Tech-sites such as Endgadget and Gizmodo.

Installing Windows Vista Beta

Ok, I know, but the GEEK in me had to do it. I am planning of upgrading my 20GB hard drive in a couple of days, and since I've already sentenced my files and programs their untimely demise, might as well play around while waiting for that final urge to get a new hard drive.

I've installed Windows VISTA beta 2 on my desktop PC. I made sure I am ready to encounter bugs and stressors along the way, but then again it's still beta right.

First off, my VISTA is AERO-less, since the built in video graphics card of my motherboard is not VISTA-compatible. Well, it's only AERO that I'll miss. Then after the quite "quick" installation process, then starts the "re-installation" of my apps and drivers. Was able to install almost all except for my Bluetooth dongle which VISTA forcefully shuts down and NO drivers where available on the net. Speaking of missing drivers, there are no AVG Free VISTA compatible apps. So I have to do with Computer Associates' EZ Trust for the meantime. Though Palm Desktop installed without a hitch, it can't seem to recognize my Palm Zire 72 and the iTunes shortcut icon seem to have wondered away, all I can see on my desktop is the generic icon of windows. Then there was the annoying NOTIFICATION feature of VISTA. Everytime a software would do something, VISTA would ask or inform me about it and would ask if the process is permitted. Heck even the moving of an icon to the Trash Bin is being confirmed.

Then when I tried to re-map my Documents folder to the other internal HDD, yeah it re-mapped it but that's about it. It re-mapped only the Documents folder but not it's sub-directory. So when I thought that the Music folder is within Documents and I started to copy all my music files into it, the shock that I felt was unexplainable as my HDD got full of the mp3 files. Heck I found out that I still have to manually re-map that Music folder for it not to save in my OS HDD.

Buggy iTunes 7

Right after it was announce and available in the Apple website, I downloaded the new iTunes 7 to both my PC and Mac. And of course, coupled with that, I immediately tried to update my 5G iPod with the new firmware hoping to increase my battery life, but most importantly, I wanted to personally find out if the new firmware will include the new "search" function of the new generations of iPod and iPod Nanos.

Since most of my music library is in my Windows PC Desktop, I decided to update my iPod in Windows (also because my iPod is configured to sync with my Windows Desktop). The first problem I encountered, after plugging my iPod into the USB port is, iTunes DID NOT recognize the iPod, so I pulled it out and plugged it again but this time, I closed the iTunes program. This time, my iPod was detected. So I proceeded and clicked the UPDATE button, after a minute or so, an error popped-out telling me that there are some errors in my iPod. Shit! I tried it again without closing iTunes and just like the first problem, iTunes did not launch automatically and thus my iPod was NOT detected again. So I decided to use my Mac, and with iTunes 7 installed, it did not detect my iPod, after some pulling out and plugging in again it finally detected my iPod and said that the software needs some updating. Of course I clicked yes and waited, then another error. I decided to go the RESTORE option and luckily (again) it went ok. Now I have the new firmware in my 5G iPod. I pulled it out from the Mac and plugged it in again in my WinBox to restore the music files lost during the "restoration" of the firmware. Yup the Windows iTunes 7 can now detect my iPod and updating went on. After some time (around 1600++ mp3's), I yanked it out from the USB port to check the improvements. NO SEARCH option!!!!! My Video Podcasts were not synchronized!!!! That is still up to now!!!! How buggy can one get?!!!!

FREE WiFi at Figaro Legaspi Village

I've taken a rest from my usual "lunch" at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and had it instead at Figaro Legaspi Village Makati. It's supposed to be a WIZ Hotspot but today I cannot seem to get any signal from the shop's WIZ routers. But lo and behold, I was able to get a "faint" wireless signal from another router (although I'm not sure if it's the same router that Figaro uses, but I find this unusual since the signal is very weak) this is perhaps coming from one of the condos in the area. Anyways, as always, I tried connecting using that router and I'm CONNECTED. The speed is enough to let time pass as I wait for my next class. Faster than dial up but definitely not blazing fast. The only downside is, I can't move to the more comfortable couches for fear of loosing the coveted signal.

And APPLE did it again!!!

And once again, software and hardware manufacturer did it again.
Apple, in their September 12 Showtime event launched 3 kinds of new iPods, iTunes 7, Movies downloads from iTunes Store (no more "Music" in the middle) and a Media Center wireless hub.

Apple bumped the specs of the 5G iPod with brighter screen, a search function, longer battery life, new 80GB capacity and capable of playing games (well actually all 4G and 5G iPods can play the downloaded games from iTunes). But the design is still the same as the version 1 of the 5G iPod.

On the other hand the iPod Nano has been "remastered" and now sports an iPod Mini-like aluminum anodized case. And it comes in 5 colors too (Silver, Pink, Green, Blue and Black). It comes in 2GB (silver only), 4GB (all colors except black) and 8GB (black) versions. Brighter screen, can play games downloaded from iTunes Store, has a Search function and longer battery life, from the 14hours in the 1st Gen Nano now battery time lasts for 24hours.

The 2nd Gen Shuffle is the big surprise. Nobody predicted this coming. Apple has gone away with the USB stick design and instead shifted to a clip with an mp3 player. The new shuffle is smaller, thinner and prettier. Still doesn't have a screen, in only one model, 1GB capacity, instead of USB connectivity, it now comes with it's own teeney-weeney cradle. At $75, this portable player is going to be a hit. Even those who already own big capacity iPod had hinted that they are going to get one of these babies (including me of course).

Then Steve Jobs, announced a preview of a product that will compete with Microsoft's Windows Media Center. They've given it an iTV codename. The box looks a lot like Apple's Mac mini but a lot thinner. It has all the multimedia connections at the back and can connect to a computer (PC or Mac) that has iTunes thru wired ethernet or wireless 802.11 connectivity and access it's contents and play it on a TV that is attached to the box. It's basically Front Row on TV.