Ubuntu Report: Better than Kubuntu

It's some time now that I've been using Ubuntu on my main LinBox. I was used to using Kubuntu. Some of you would say that there's not much difference between the two, but I say otherwise. For a novice Linux user like me, the difference is very obvious and big.

When it comes to adding and removing programs, it's a comparison between Apples and Oranges or Windows and Mac. With Kubuntu, the Add/Remove thingie does not work. Or, it did not work for me. Unlike in Ubuntu, well, it works.

I will be writing more and more about my experiences with my Ubuntu Box. So far so good. Some of the quirks that I am noticing are that some of the dependencies are not downloading properly. I don't know if it's mostly from my internet connection, or my LinBox, either way, I am getting frequent errors after updating.

My New Wireless Keyboard and Mouse combo...the Logitech S510

I have been itching to get a new wireless keyboard for my desktop. I'm not looking for any fancy gaming wireless keyboard, just a simple, yet elegant wireless keyboard. I'm planning to put my old Logitech Wireless Keyboard to my Ubuntu Box hooked to my HDTV. That will now compliment the design of the Media Center.

Since my first Logitech Keyboard and Mouse combo did a very good job, of course, I will have to replace it with an equally good performance combination also from Logitech. I was able to find what I want from the Logitech Cordless Desktop S510 (my old one was the Cordless Desktop EX110), my only gripe from the old one is that the letter started to fade out as time goes by. I just hope that this new one will not (although I'm planning to cover the letter with clear nailpolish for extra protection).

So yes, I got myself a Logitech Cordless Desktop S510. And yes, this thing is very hard to find. I fell in love right away with the design. It's very slim and has the right buttons. Again, this thing was very hard to find. I looked around I think 4 malls to find it, was able to find this last thing at Octagon Park Square in Makati. The box was under a stack of Wired Genius Keyboards. And the box didn't look like it was brand new (you know, the edges are peeling off and grime that is more than what one can find in a brand new box set. Anyways, I left the store and tried to look around, but the closest that came from the design was a Microsoft keyboard and mouse combo (yes, it's also wireless). But I decided to get the Logitech. Good thing though that the store yanked P500 from the price. Basically a good deal for me.

Yahoo! Mail on my Palm Centro

The other day, my wife asked me why some of her emails can be found in her Palm Centro but she can't find it in her Yahoo! Mail, I ignored it. But today, it came back to my mind and asked her if it was about her Yahoo! Mail that she was asking me the other day, and of course, she said yes, it's about Yahoo! Mail. This confused me, one because I know she's not that techno-savy as me (yabang!) and two, all the while I thought that POP forwarding is only available for Premium Yahoo! Mail accounts. 

So I checked her Centro and indeed, she was getting her Yahoo! Mail thru the Centro's Versamail application. Ok, this amuses me to the max. I asked her what she did and all she told me was she just put in her Yahoo! username and password, and clicked on the "Get" soft-button. Well, simply-put, I did the same to my Centro and lo and behold, it fetched my Yahoo! Mail. That's without entering anything on the settings. No setting-up! AMAZING!

Wireless Broadband Battle goes on....

After Globe brought down the price of the Visibility Prepaid, Smart followed suit and brought down their price to P2500 as well. This is very interesting, not only for technophiles like me, but to those people who are in the far-flung provinces of the country. Wireless Broadband will be centuries to go before it reaches these barangays, but at the moment, the platform for wireless internet connection is already in place thru these telco's cellsites.

Even as I type this article, many people are getting these thingamajig, even those who already have broadband connection and at home (including me hehehehe), simply because it's a cheap way to connect. Even those that stay in fancy coffee shops get one of these, because wifi access is not cheap in these places. A very affordable way to surf the web and check emails.

Smart is still using their ZTE USB modems, while Globe has two variants, a ZTE and a HUAWEI E160 models. Both are USB stick Modems that also function as card readers for microSD cards (once inserted in the modem will now act as a modem and a flash drive).

Globe Visibility: Globe should be paying me for marketing

I have an Indonesian co-resident. He's been asking me what's the best way to connect to the internet. He's the same guy who I was able to convince to get a Bayan Wireless Landline Prepaid. That was supposed to be a one stop shop for him. Unfortunately, he can't seem to connect to the interweb, then we found out that at the 14th floor where he lives (this is from the Bayantel CSR), there is some problem connecting data and IDD (weird), yes, super weird because, he can receive and make local calls at that level.

Anyways, I told him about Globe's Visibility Prepaid unit, but he was more convinced with the SmartBro prepaid because according to him, it's cheaper at P10/hr, which, of course I disagreed! I told him the charges are the same at P20/hr, the only difference is the speed and the way they're charging it.

Well, to make things short, I brought my Huawei E160 and showed him how to make it work in his laptop, and told him he could borrow it and test it in their place. I'll be waiting for his reaction tomorrow.

Globe Visibility: Finally with Huawei E160

I thought I got a busted unit, but when I used a Post Paid SIM in it,
I was able to connect, and when I used the USIM that came with the
unit, it worked!

Globe Visibility: Problem Connecting in Crowne Plaza

I was trying to connect using my newly bought Globe Visibility
Prepaid, Huawei E160 USB modem, but it seems like it having a hard
time connecting to Globe even if I'm getting a pretty decent signal.

I found the problem, the settings are set for PostPaid while I'm
using a prepaid USIM. Looks like I'm not getting enough signal in the
conference hall.

Globe Visibility: Huawei E160 USB MODEM

The other day, I got myself a Globe VisibilityPrepaid USB Stick, I thought I was going to get a HUAWEI E160 (I liked how it looked like in the 3 Black Edition), but instead got a ZTE USB modem instead. I eventually gave the ZTE USB modem to my aunt (she's going to use it with her new MagicJack).

Though I don't have any use for a USB Broadband modem at the moment (I have free WiFi at work and I have DSL with a wireless network at home, the two places that I'm always at), I decided to get another one just for the sake of having one hehehe. Anyways, there is an ongoing shortage of the device at the moment, so, I asked in the Globe Business Center in Megamall, as expected, I was told that it's out-of-stock. No fret, I'm not in a hurry to get one anyway. So I ended up at the Globelines Business Center at the same mall, again, I just tried my luck, and was told that they have it on-stock (weird! hehehe), so I said that I'm getting one.

While waiting for my number to be called, I saw from that customers ahead of me that the packaging for the VISIBILITY Modem that they're getting is different from the one I got before (ZTE), I got very excited when I found out that the ones that they're selling are the HUAWEI type!

In short, I bought one, looks fancier than the ZTE, still white, and the software is pretty much the same (though not exactly the same), as the one that came with the ZTE. I have yet to test the speed of this unit, will post my experiences with it right away!

Globe Visibility Prepaid

Wasn't able to resist it. I tried getting one last week, but was out
of stock in the Globe Business Center at the SM Mall near our place. I
got a text this morning, informing me that they just got a fresh batch
of Visibility Prepaid USB Modems. Heck, it's just P2500 and it's
Prepaid! I don't have to worry about the monthly charges, because I
don't really need it.

I just want to have one. I'm so connected! I have Wireless Internet in
the hospital (I hooked up a Dlink DIR-300 wireless router on one of
the LAN cables at work), and I have a good 2Mbps DSL line at home. But
hey, it pays to be connected. I will use this between work and home.

I'm also thinking of using this at coffee shops (Starbucks, Coffee
Bean & Tea Leaf, etc) that has a P100/hr WiFi Access fee or more.

It's a nice USB modem, at first I thought it was a HUAWEI USB modem,
but it's a ZTE stick instead. It doubles as a Flash Drive too when
you put in a microSD card. This one is a lot handier than the earlier
Huawer E220 USB modem.

It comes in a DVD plastic case, very nifty. No softwares on a CD as
this is Plug 'n Play. Just pop it into one of any free USB ports,
regardless of the OS (Windows or Mac) and it will intall itself on the
computer, and you're ready to go surfing while on the move.

It's advisable to lock the modem to a 3G signal than to let it choose
between 3G and GPRS.

Now the next thing that I have to do is to remember the phone number
of this thing, shit, another set of numbers to memorize.

These pictures were sent with Picasa, from Google.
Try it out here: http://picasa.google.com/

The Nokia E71

I have never liked Nokias, for me, the OS is too buggy and has a lifespan to which it will tell you that it's time to get a new phone. Neither did I like most of their designs. I'm more of a Sony Ericsson guy. But when Nokia came out with their E-series, it's like something in the dark-side is pulling me to get one. So I find the E71 very nice and pleasing to my eyes. I feature-set is also tempting with WiFi and the Office Suite together with the QWERTY keyboard layout.

At the moment I'm still hesitant to get one, since I don't have space for a new phone, perhaps when I find it to replace my phone, I will surely consider this set of Nokias.

The Sony Ericsson W350i - I LIKE THIS PHONE

I saw this phone the other day, and I fell in-love with it right away! It's so sexy and slim, though I'm not a fan of Walkman Phones but there are other colors available to choose from. Sony Ericsson phones have very nice UI, but they haven't changed it since my T610. Hmmmm I really don't have any space for a new phone right now.

Buffalo WCR-G54

I got this the other day so I will have a wireless signal where ever I am in the hospital. I asked the IT guy to set it up for me so I could just plug it into one of the free LAN cables on any floor.

REVIEW

The Buffalo WCR-G54 Wireless Router is a capable router, but don't look for performance that you're expecting from big name routers such as Linksys and Dlink.

The form factor is definitely small. Much smaller than the Linksys WRT54GC (Linksys Compact Wireless router). It's thin and light. It also comes with a stand so you could save precious space. The trade off from the size, is that, it comes with a power brick instead of the usual wall plug adapter. This means, more stuff to carry. But for those who will use this as a home router, the looks is definitely a plus. It's matte black and it will surely blend in any room's decor.

It has the usual bells and whistles such as 3 LAN ports (1 less than the usual), it has a very visible set of indicator lights. And I would presume ample ventilation slots as I haven't experience any "overheating".

Setting it up is easy, one can just pop-in the CD and follow the prompts or if you're a little bit advance, log on to the web utility page and put in your settings and you're to go. This thing is really Plug 'n Play personified. A friend of mine borrowed it so he could test it at home, this guy is not that knowledgeable when it comes to networking, but all he did was to plug in the LAN cable from the DSL modem, plug the router to the mains and he was able to get a signal in just a few seconds after which, he's got a wireless network at home (although I had to teach him how to set up the wireless security measures (e.g. WPA passwords).

Another good thing about this router is it's hardware settings. There's a switch on one side, the user can choose between AUTOMATIC, ROUTER and BRIDGE modes. No need to dig into the web utility page.

As for the performance, it's antenna-less, meaning the reach is acceptable, again, not comparable with the Linksys WRT54G or the Dlink DIR-300. I would suggest this to someone who would be needing a wireless network in a dorm room, a studio type apartment, or an office. But for houses with concrete walls and 5 floors to boot, then this is not for you. A room-wall-corridor-wall-room set-up will cough out about 2 bars of signal on the next room. That will give you an idea of the range this router can give.

Nonetheless, for those who are going to get a router for the first time, and for those who doesn't want to shell out too much moolah on a wireless router, then I suggest you get this baby instead. Don't bother with the ones from CD-R King, though I'm not saying that their routers are not good, all I'm saying is, for a few more bucks, you can get a branded router with easy set-up utility and a small form factor. Heck, this can even replace the bulky Linksys WRT54GC I have which I use as my travel router.

But for a few more bucks, for a home router, I would recommend, the Dlink DIR-300 instead. It has and external antenna and has a wider range. Enjoy!

Globelines Wirless Landlines Woes!

As if the very much delayed activation of my Globelines Wireless Landline was not enough, I was wondering why I kept on getting "unavailable" prompt when someone was calling me, I thought at first that Caller ID may not be a standard feature on the subscription that came with the phone. So I called up Globelines Customer Service yesterday (as much as I don't want to since they're not of any help anyways), and I was told that the Caller ID feature was not yet activated, and that she'll be submitting a report on it right away (again!).

I wonder what's going on with Globe, I know this company of being fast in installation and repair. Heck, I was surprised when I applied for my very first Globelines landline at the same time that I applied for a PLDT landline so many years back, as compared to the phone only and no dial tone PLDT installation, our Globelines phone was installed and had a dial tone on the same day. And every time I would report a problem, a technician would come in right away, the latest would be after a day. 

But with my latest experience with them, it made me think how chaotic the company is right now. Activation of the phone is so easy, all one has to do, after all the paperwork is flip a switch and whoa la! Same goes with the features! These telcos should learn how to market their product, that they should iron out kinks before launching to the public. Tsk tsk tsk, good thing this is only a 12 month subscription.

The New Sony Ericsson's hot G705 slider

Sony Ericsson's hot G705 slider gets real, YouTube video uploads - Engadget


Get your own personal assistant with the new Sony Ericsson G705 mobile phone. The 2.4” screen enhances the premium web experience, whether you are searching Google™ direct from your idle screen, checking emails through the phone’s Exchange ActiveSync™ capabilities or using Wi-Fi™ to access the latest news. The G705 lets you juggle your day the easy way.

I might say, this is one hot phone. Oh no! I don't know if I have a use for this, but I have to get one!

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Globelines Wireless Landline: Finally Activated

FINALLY! After all the frustrations calling Globelines' Hotline and after all the open-ended answers from the CSRs, after two weeks of the supposed 48 Hrs of activation, I was finally able to call from my ZTE N160 Globelines Wireless Landline Phone.

Google Chrome Chronicles: Crash with BDO site

My first Chrome Crash, last night I was accessing my bank's site  but at one point after I type in my credentials, the window would just close. I tried it 3x and it does the same over and over again.

Google Chrome Chronicles: Fast Load

So far, I am liking that fast loading of webpages in GChrome. Very fast and reliable, no crashes so far.

Google Chrome

Today I installed Google Chrome and has been using it for almost the whole day, so far it's working fine. Will be blogging about it in the coming days.

Globelines Wireless Landline Application/Activation - NOT FUNNY but IRRITATING

I applied for a globelines wireless landline last thursday Aug 28, 2008 at Greenbelt 4. It was a fairly easy process since I just asked them to link it to my existing Globelines account. I was then told that activation will take a MAXIMUM of 3 days. Now is the 3rd day and my line is not yet activated.

This frustrated me, being the eager beaver that I am, I called up Globelines Customer Service Hotline (171 for Globelines or 02 9198888 for other phones) to ask about the "SIM card slot" on the phone. Thru the course of the conversation with the CSR, I found out that my application was still pending for APPROVAL! WHAT! I said to the CSR, if it was still for approval, how come they already gave me the unit (ZTE N160)? Ok, so he told me to just wait for the call from their support group informing me of my telephone number and activation of the line.

Ok, I did not receive a call, so the next day, Aug 29, 2008, I called back and asked for the status of my application, and still the CSR told me that it was still PENDING approval and activation. Now I got pissed off, becuase from the previouse CSR, he told me that normally, activation is done within 24 hours! So as to pass along my frustrations and anger, I did not hang up and instead argued with the CSR (I worked in a call center before and talking too long to a customer will ruin the metrics of the CSR and the team), and even asked for a supervisor, to which they were not able to give me one.

Yesterday, Aug 30, I called back and still got the same answer, again, I argues for quite sometime. Today, still no call form the support services and I called back again. I will be calling again for the whole day just to pester them.

The leaflets, ads and the Globelines website, indicates that activation is within 48hours which has not happened to me. tsk tsk

HDMI

Just recently I bought a DVD player (Philips DVD6620) that has HDMI output. Ever since I got my HDTV, I was not able to utilize it's Hi-Def potential because my Pioneer DVD player was not HDMI capable, so I only use Component cables. The analog cables are ok compared with composite but when I compared the composite output with that of HDMI, there was stunning difference noted.

Globelines 2Mbps DSL line...happy

This is the speed I'm getting at the moment from my 2Mbps ADSL subscription. And I might say I'm impressed.

Can't Get Log on to Yahoo! Mail

It's already been a couple of days that we (here in the house) cannot access our Yahoo! Mail. I called the Globelines Broadband hotline, I told them my problem, and after asking me to turn the modem off and on again after 10secs, then she asked me to try and log in again. Lo and behold, I was able to log in.

Globe Visibility Prepaid vs. Smart Bro Prepaid

Both local telcos, Globe and Smart have launched their own Prepaid Wireless Broadband service. Previously a premium service from both company, they now are aiming at the prepaid market. Both are riding on each network's 3G connection.

What's funny is, this service and the unit (Globe uses a Huawei USB modem, while Smart uses a proprietory USB modem) are now trickling down to the main market, those who cannot afford a postpaid broadband connection, those who are always on the move (as long as their is a signal on each network's towers, these modems will work), and those who are just adapters.

The modems started out expensive but now are both down to the P3K mark, where Globe is the cheapest of the 2 with their modem priced at P3500 only.

My uMobile SIM

This was sent thru courier. uMobile is a new mobile phone company that is owned initially by CURE Telecoms but was recently acquired by SMART Network.

It's one cool idea, the subscriber gets free P100 load every month for the whole 12 months. A subscriber can also earn more free loads just by clicking on the ads sent on their phones.

Although I haven't seen any ads sent to my phone.

HDMI now OK with my new Philips DVD 6620

I bought a Philips DVD 6620 player the other day, it's got a slim and sexy appearance for a DVD player, other than that, it's the HDMI output that attracted me to it.

But when I tried connecting the HDMI output to my TV, it's not getting any signal. Now I was paranoid, it's either the DVD player is busted or my HDTV is busted or it's the HDMI cable that has a problem. I called SAMSUNG's local tech support number, turned out that they will come over my place to check if it's the TV that has a problem, that is, if I don't figure out what's really wrong.

So I brought the DVD player back to SM Appliance center hoping that it's the DVD player that's busted. Good thing, I was able to talk to a courteous customer service assistant, she helped me test my unit. Lo and behold, the unit I got was busted. They took a new unit, we tested it and I took it home.

I powered it up and hooked it up to my HDTV, it works with the HDMI connection! But while trying on different types of media and file formats, trying to find out if the player can handle it (as advertised). All's well, until I popped in a Region 1 DVD, and it gave me an error format. Now I have a sexy and pretty upconverting DVD player that can only handle Region 3 disks. Good thing I was able to find a hack that will change the region setting of the player to all-regions. Now I can enjoy my DVDs!

New Car Stereo and Speakers

Today I had the car's window tints changed into a more darker ones. And, perhaps out of impulse, I replaced my old car speakers (who were 8 years old and dying anyways) with new ones (Infinity and JBL). Though still perfectly working (except for the busted backlight), I also replaced my car audio headunit with an Alpine Headunit that is iPod compatible.

Now, with the new car stereo, I just plug my iPod Nano into the cable hidden in the glove compartment and control everything from the headunit.

Funny thing was, I can't seem to use the search function by folders (i.e. Playlist, Artists, Songs, etc.) during my first try (of course, I don't want to under-utilize the thing by not using the features), but was able to figure out how the thing works (the manual helped a bit, but honestly, the information was a bit on the limited side). And the best thing about it is, I'm very much impressed.

New Car Stereo and Speakers

Today I had the car's window tints changed into a more darker ones. And, perhaps out of impulse, I replaced my old car speakers (who were 8 years old and dying anyways) with new ones (Infinity and JBL). Though still perfectly working (except for the busted backlight), I also replaced my car audio headunit with an Alpine Headunit that is iPod compatible.

Now, with the new car stereo, I just plug my iPod Nano into the cable hidden in the glove compartment and control everything from the headunit.

Funny thing was, I can't seem to use the search function by folders (i.e. Playlist, Artists, Songs, etc.) during my first try (of course, I don't want to under-utilize the thing by not using the features), but was able to figure out how the thing works (the manual helped a bit, but honestly, the information was a bit on the limited side). And the best thing about it is, I'm very much impressed.

The uMobile Diary: Ads

It's almost a month since I got my uMobile SIM, first thing that happened was, my FREE load got consumed without me knowing it. I found out that my HP iPaq 510 Voice Messenger was connecting wirelessly (which app I don't know) and eating up my load. So the first month load just disappeared. Now, I made sure that when the next month came, my phone is off. Lo and behold there's my P100 load and I was able to make my first call today. But I can't seem to send text messages.

Regarding the ads, well, still hasn't received anything.

PLDT Landline Plus Prepaid SIM

There's a problem in marketing when a product is launched but the availability is scarce. That's what happened with the PLDT Landline Plus Prepaid SIM. Even their business centers doesn't carry them.

It was just a few days after they've launched this product when I went to the Welcome Rotonda PLDT Business Office, I told that they have it but doesn't have any stocks (what a way to put it right?), anyways, I tried looking for the SIM at "dealers" but this elusive SIM is not to be found.

Today, I went to the Pasay City Business Office to check if they have the SIM, but lo and behold, I was told that they don't have it anymore and that they're not selling it in their office (even when there's this big tarpauling advertising the product), that I should check out the dealers. YEAH RIGHT, looks like this very promising product was outed very early to provide confusion and congestion on the network, since it's really a GSM SIM with some limitations to it.

myGlobe iPhone

Globe has customized postpaid plans for you to enjoy and maximize the features of the iPhone 3G. Globe's iPhone 3G Plans include free call minutes, free text messages and free internet both mobile (using Globe's network) and Wi-Fi (using WiZ Wi-Fi). You can get the iPhone 3G for free at Plan 4999! This comes with 100 hours of mobile internet and unlimited access using Wiz Wi-Fi.

The 8GB and 16GB are available under the Prepaid Kit offer. The 8GB retails for P41,899 and the 16GB retails for P48,899. While the price may be steep, the price is a result of increase in dollar exchange rate as well as tax. This is why Globe is giving you P1,000 worth of load for every purchase. Plus, you even get P1,000 discount when you are one of the first 1,000 who avails via reservation!

myGlobe iPhone

Will you look at this, the hype is too much and so is the Price! Too much!

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Chain Emails

It's unfortunate that chain letters did not stop when snail mail became obsolete. They're still here and taking the form of legitimate emails from families and friends who still fall prey to these kinds of belief, that bad luck will come if you don't pass it on.

I was thought in my religion class that this can be a form of false idolatry. But what's more worrisome is that they apply it even on real prayers. People! God does not anything in return when He gives. Neither will he punishes you if you don't pass forward a prayer, though you will definitely be blessed.

Home : Globe Corporate

Home : Globe Corporate

I read an article the other day stating that Globe is lacking some improvements on their services. I agree 100% Nothing exciting has been released from this telco for some time. Things are getting boring. And it spans to all it's subsidiary...Globelines, Innove, Handyphone, TM etc.

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Be Funky

Here's a very easy way to "cartoon-ize" your picture. It's an online app that will transform your pictures into cartoons. Check it out.
www.befunky.com

Mozilla addons

I think I found a good addon for Firefox3, gives me easy access to blogging within the browser. Now that I have this ScribeFire, blogging is a lot easier.

I can do this before with the Flock browser, but I use Firefox more often. I can even update my Twitter account with the TwitterFox addon.

Globelines

Globelines

Globelines has not updated their speeds for more than a year now. Their maximum speed is 3Mbps on a data only package and 2Mbps on a data + phone package.

But let me just emphasize that my 2Mbps connection has been stable for more than a month now. Consistent speed and uninterrupted connection. I just hope that this is not a dream.

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Globe Visibility Now on Prepaid

Phone Tools : myGlobe

This is inevitable. If Smart has their SmartBro Prepaid, this is Globe's answer to that. Basically the same price, Globe just made the price "affordable".

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ASUS EeePC 1000H sale on Taiwan

Engadget
The ASUS' 10-inch Eee PC 1000H on sale this soon after being introduced at Computex is like a breath of fresh air. NT$18,988 (or around $625).

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No PowerPC Snow Leopard

Engadget

Mac user's of PowerPC processors are surely disappointed that they will not be able to upgrade to the latest Mac OS 10.6 since it will only support Intel processors.

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Sony Ericsson's Cyber-shot C905

Engadget

Sony Ericsson's Cyber-shot C905, codenamed "Shiho." It has an 8.1megapixel camera with both xenon and LED flashes (for still and video capture, respectively), GPS, TV out, DLNA certification, and HSDPA . The screen's just QVGA, to be released some time in the 4th quarter of this year. Nice!

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iPhone 3G is finally official, starts at $199, available July 11th - Engadget

iPhone 3G is finally official, starts at $199, available July 11th - Engadget

Thinner edges, full plastic back, flush headphone jack, and the iPhone 2.0 firmware. Obviously 3G is at the forefront, but they're also making sure it's available all over internationally, works with enterprises, runs 3rd party apps... and does it all for cheaper. Battery life 300 hours of standby, 8-10 hours of 2G talk, 5 hours of 3G talk, 7 hours of video and 24 hours of audio. GPS is also a go. Apple is using A-GPS, which supplements regular satellite GPS data with info from cellular towers. WiFi data is also worked into the mix, which should give users a pretty solid lock on where the heck they are on this planet. Unfortunately, there's no front-facing cam. Apple hopes to launch in 70 countries this year. 8GB is available for $199, 16GB for $299 -- and the 16GB comes in white.

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Avantgo today

New Palm Centro, meaning reminiscing of old Palm softwares that are kept up to date, and one of them is Avantgo. As I logged on to my account (good thing I remembered my userID and password), I am now contemplating if I will install Avantgo into my phone or not. Hmmm?

To iPhone or not to iPhone

Lately, a lot of my friends have been asking about how good the
iPhone is, is it worth buying or not. My answer is, it depends.

The iPhone is surely a head-turner. The Omph factor is definitely
there. But after a while, it goes away. I mean, yeah I would like to
get one but perhaps, not the current generation.

Weeks ago, I was in a dilemma too, as to what my new phone should be,
and I ended up picking usefulness against, form. Same with the
iPhone, if you're wanting a phone (PHONE), then get the iPhone, it's
very classy and the wow-factor is very much there. But that's as far
as you can get. Use it as a phone, to dial and converse with people,
because if you go beyond calling, then the frustration sets in. Why
do I say this? You see, the input option for the iPhone is mainly (or
is ONLY) thru the touch screen, thru the "multi-touch" that Apple has
been bragging since day 1 of the iPhone. That means, no tactile
feedback, but, again, if you're after the interface, then the iPhone
is the way to go. The display and the UI is very amusing and
attracting at the same time. Again, it all ends there. Because when
the device tries to guess what letter you're trying to press and the
errors are up there. And that's even if the predictive text is off.

The point? Well, the iPhone is a very nice phone, nice feature-set
but for practicality, nah! If you're a person who uses his/her phone
mainly for text, DIFFICULT! At the moment, ebooks (e.g. novels,
medical books, etc) cannot be installed. Applications are still on
their way.

For me, I'm definitely getting one, but not yet! I will still go on
using my Palm Centro. Maybe when they have a much better feature-set
that will suit my needs, then and when the local telcos support it,
maybe then, but again, NOT YET!

Globe Visibility Time-based Pricing

This is Globe's new offering on their wireless broadband service, the time-based pricing of their Visibility service. Still comes with the Huawei E222 usb modem, works with Windows, Macs and Linux.
Tempting but I don't know if it's practical or not.

Phone Tools : myGlobe

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Palm OS SkinUI

I tried this and didn't like it. It made my Centro sluggish. But for
a freeware, it's something to be thankful for.

Palm Centro Files: the Email client

The Palm Centro is a very capable phone, without considering that the
operation system is aging, it gives you most functionalities and use it.

There are phones that offer users new functions, but very seldom will
users be able to use it. One of the reasons why I chose this phone
instead of the Sony Ericsson P1i, because with the Palm Centro, I can
use the features that come with it.

One of these features is the capability to send and receive emails.
Though I've done it with my Sony Ericsson M600i, I don't know if I
can replicate it again on the P1i.

But with the Centro, it's very easy. Just input the email address and
the wizard will help you with the settings. And it simply works.

iPhone in RP by Globe

According to Globe's website, they will be bringing in the iPhone to the Philippines. This is a fairly good news especially to Apple die-hards.

At the moment, there are plenty of iPhones in the Philippines mostly from the grey market or from relatives from the US, either way, all of these iPhones in the market does not enjoy any official support from Apple. With this development, many people who have been holding off in buying their own iPhone will surely dig deep in their pockets to enjoy the rich interface of the Apple cellphone.

Microsoft XP to continue only for budget notebooks

While Microsoft has seen it fit to keep XP around as its "relatively non-bloated OS" alternative to the Linux that has dominated this new category of "ultra low-cost PCs" (ULPCs), they're certainly not giving away the farm. Microsoft doesn't want this version of XP Home creeping into mainstream laptops and desktops, where it might compete with Vista sales and high-margin machines from PC manufacturers. To that end, Microsoft is setting the limits for ULPCs at 10.2-inch screens, 80GB of storage, 1GB of RAM, 1GHz processors (with some exceptions) and no touchscreens. The upshot is that licenses for XP will go for $26 in developing nations and $32 elsewhere.

Engadget

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Smart Broadband seeks NTC nod for expansion into Internet TV

Smart Broadband seeks NTC nod for expansion into Internet TV
By Mary Ann Ll. ReyesSunday, May 11, 2008

Smart Broadband Inc. (SBI) is seeking additional frequency bandwidth from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for the expansion and enhancement of its wireless broadband services, including a planned foray into Internet protocol television or IPTV.IPTV is a digital TV service which delivers television content to the viewer, not through traditional broadcast and cable formats, but through the technologies used for computer networks such as IP.For residential users, IPTV is often provided along with video on demand and may be bundled with Internet services such as Web access and VoIP (Voice over IP). The commercial bundling of IPTV, VoIP and Internet access is referred to as “Triple Play” service.

Philippine Star - Articles - -

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iCall - FREE calls to the US

When I was searching the net for cheap ways to call people from the internet, I stumbled upon, iCall, it's a VoIP type of calling that uses the broadband connection of the user. What set's it apart from the other VoIP services like Skype and Gizmo, is that, it offers free calls to any type of phone to the US and Canada. No fees required.

But I was disappointed when I used it tonight for the first time. The other end cannot hear me, or if we were lucky enough, the line was choppy. I could have ignored the delay, but a choppy line would be unacceptable. I will still try to call other numbers since I just called a New York number, hopefully I will be lucky with other numbers.

Hyundai i800

Looks familiar? It's because it the Hyandai Grad Starex. Introduced abroad as the i800. The i800 sports captain's chairs up front with two three-passenger benches out back. That makes a grand total of eight seat belts thanks to its totally accommodating third-row. Hyundai's big van is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder CRDi diesel engine, so we expect acceleration is an afterthought in this cavernous cruiser. The i800 does, however, feature a coil-sprung rear suspension for a more minivan-like ride than some of its commercial transport competition.

Autoblog

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Price of the MSI Wind

I've been waiting for more details on the MSI Wind to come out, and I guess it's starting to trickle down, sketchy reports are saying that it will sell at $610 dollars, that's roughly P25T. I don't know if it's worth since I haven't personally seen it, but if they are going after the eeePC market, I don't think it's the way to go.

Recent specifications are a 10-inch screen, 1.6GHz processor (supposedly an Atom), 1GB of RAM, an 80GB disk and XP. I think they're going after the HP mini-note rather than the eeePC

Engadget

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Camera Phone

It's been a while since I used a "usable" camera phone. Now, I don't have to worry about filling up my phone's memory. a 2GB expansion card (microSD) is more than enough to store a days worth of fun pictures.

 It's a very good way to document things as they happen during the day. Here's a link to where the pictures are posted.

Check it out here.

Palm Centro Files: Battery Life and Charger

I don't know if it's because I didn't charge the battery for more than 8 hours in the first charging from the box, or it's really the battery but the battery life on my Centro does not reach the whole day. I mean, half way through the day, I'm already on my half power on the battery, makes sense?

Well, I have to bring the charger with me all the time to make sure that the batteries don't drain out on me mid of the day.

Oh and speaking of chargers, I don't like how it looks like. I like the charger for my Palm Zire 72 better. It looks like the charger of my cheapo portable DVD player hehehehe.

Palm Centro Files: Phone re-starts after Hotsync

I've upgraded my Palm Desktop to 6.5 and I've noticed that every time I hotsync, the phone part of the Centro turns off or the whole unit re-starts. Is this a bug or what?

Also I've noticed that the Hotsync log, always reports that there are errors during syncing but I can't seem to find the errors.

Palm Philippines - Products - Palm Centro Smartphone

With the launch of the newest Palm OS based smartphone, people are asking, what's wrong with Palm, and some are answering, it's because Palm is dying if not dead.

Hmmmm, it's been years that people have been saying how stupid Palm is for not listening to what people wants. Because Palm lacked the new features found in newer smartphones, I would like to agree with them, with one observation.

HEY Palm is still here!

Palm Philippines - Products - Palm Centro Smartphone

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eeePC 900

The eeePC 900 will be launched anytime this week, it's an upgrade of the very famous eeePC 701 just with a bigger screen, a bigger hard drive, bigger RAM, bigger trackpad, but still with the small, cramped keyboard. Oh and much more expensive.

I'm still not sold getting one. I have a 701, got it because of it's sweet price. But with the 900 coming out with a more than Php20T price tag, I don't think it will catch more fans. People would rather get a full-sized laptop than this one, except of course if they are after the size, most UMPC's available at the moment are very expensive and not so practical.

Engadget

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Microsoft Outlook

I am not a fan of Microsoft Outlook, but lately, I found myself using it more often. In fact for the past months, it has been my primary PIM application.

The frequency of using it increased when Google Calendar released a sync program that will let Outlook synchronize with Google Calendar. That was a great relief for me as it will shorten the process of putting my calendar entries into my mobile phone (Google Calendar is my primary calendar). And now that I have a new phone, a Palm Centro, instead of me synchronizing my PIM data on Palm Desktop, I am synchronizing with Microsoft Outlook. MS Outlook has become the center of my synchronization for my devices.

AVG 8.0 is out

Having a broadband connection opens up your computer to external attacks, including it's susceptibility to virus, trojans and worm attacks. Ever since I had broadband, I made sure my anti-virus software is always update and I make sure I scan my computer as frequent as possible. I've never had an infestation since then.

I have Spyware Doctor (the one from Google Pack), for my spyware protection, and I use AVG for my anti-virus software. AVG is as reliable as any other anti-virus software out there. Best of all, it's got a FREE version. Now, there's a new AVG in verison 8.0. Go get it from here.

The Centro files: Text input

It's a day after I got my new Centro, and it's a day of satisfaction and some surprises. I've never owned a Treo but I've had lots of experiences with a Palm OS device. There are differences of course on the thumb board layout from my previous M600i, but it's something to learn than to complain about. What surprised me was, I can't enter text using the touchscreen (or I think I can't, because I still haven't figured out how to), all text input (for the meantime) is through the thumb board.

Setting up the email was fairly easy (easier than the M600), so I think on this part, I've made a better decision on getting it than the P1i. But, I still have to get used to the smaller screen as compared to my Zire 72.

So far, I'm amazed at this phone, this is going to be a, exciting daily experience (hopefully not an expensive one).

My New Phone

Ok, so I've finally gave in to my cravings, and bought the Palm Centro. Forgetting about the higher camera resolution and wifi from the Sony Ericsson P1.
What turned me off the P1 was the difficulty in accessing the local wifi signal here at work, and how difficult it is to configure settings especially how Gmail would work.
I will be back to write on my experiences on this new toy of mine.

Posting simultaneously to Twitter and Pownce

If you're like me who has both Twitter and Pownce account and is wondering how you could simultaneously post on both accounts? Worry no more! Use Hellotxt, it's a web-based service where the user can post one update to a different micro-blogging networks such as Twitter, Jaiku, Pownce, Facebook, MySpace and Bebo. The also have a mobile version. Try it, it works!

P1i vs. Palm Centro

If I'm going to get the Centro I will have one less clutter in my pocket because I will ditch my Zire 72 (which holds my ePocrates Drug Database, MedCalc, Archimedes Med Calculator, Merck Manual), but I won't have any WiFi capabilities. While if I get the P1i, I will have the familiar QWERTY thumboard (no more learning curve), and Wifi (less charges for the DATA from Globe), but will not lessen the load in my pocket. Hmmmmm Dammit!

Twitter on the Left Sidebar

I've added my Twitter updates on the sidebar. It's a small version of my Blogs, it's simple.

Torn Between the Sony Ericsson P1i or the Palm Centro

A year has passed since I got my SE M600i, I like it, it's still stylish even today. But the SE P1i, the M600's successor has it's price down, and I'm eyeing to get it. But then, Palm has released the Centro, at the same price point as the P1i. Now I'm torn between the two. With the P1i, it's got WiFi and a camera with of course an expansion card, and a touchscreen, the problem I have with the P1i (actually with the UIQ interface), is that I had a hard time to make the JAVA softwares work! Heck, I didn't get it to work. But with the Centro, it uses the aging Palm OS, and it doesn't have WiFi! But the Centro got lots of softwares that I can use for work. Now that's my dilemma.

Well, you can't have it all huh?!

Connecting to a Linux Box from Windows XP

All the while I thought that using Linux would be easier, especially if I use it as a server, but then again, I was wrong. I can't seem to see my Kubuntu box from my WinXP machine. Now I am forced to transfer files from XP to Kubuntu manually, as in, putting files on a flash drive and then moving it into the Kubuntu box. What a way to network machines huh? I guess, multiplatform network is not yet as easy at it looks, not time for mainstream yet!

Connection is acting up again

Torrents are back, I guess, shooting went back after the writer's strike was called-off. Anyways, this means that I'm back to downloading TV series. Well, after filling up my torrent client with downloads, my DSL connection started to act up. The frequent disconnection problem is back. Called Globelines Broadband hotline and they confirmed it. I was told to observe and the problem is a "remote" problem, meaning it's not on my side.

Before this, I noticed that my connection would slow down after some time of being connected, but a restart of the modem would bring me back to the speedier connection.

Globe's Version of Wholesale Data

For some time now, SMART has been offering it's subscribers a way to surf the net wirelessly either thru the mobile phone browser or using the phone as a modem. They are charging P10 for every pulse of 30mins. That's P20 for an hour, pretty good for an area without any WiFi hotspot. But don't expect blazing speeds as it will use whatever data signal is available, and at the moment, it can vary from GPRS to EDGE to HSDPA (still unconfirmed).

And now, Globe went and splashed their way into the wireless broadband arena (I've been waiting for this, actually I've been itching to get the SMART's plug-it prepaid version of their SMART Bro wireless broadband). Though I am still contemplating in getting one of these, convincing myself that I need it. My connectivity needs is actually complete, broadband at home and in the hospital. No gaps at the moment. But hey it's cool to be connected anytime I want to.

Globe's version, charge P5 for every P15minutes of usage. But then again, if you're going to look at it, it's just the same as that of SMART's. But the advantage I see with connecting thru Globe is that, Globe does not block ports, unlike that of SMART's.

My New Switch

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

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

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

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

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

G.I.Joe the movie - Snake Eyes

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

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

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SMART Bro Plug-it Prepaid

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

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

More details here

EeePC Bundle in Globelines promo

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

Details here

Wireless Landlines - tempting

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

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

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

The Knight Rider

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

Sync Google Calendar with Outlook - Google solution

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

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

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

My Kubuntu Media Box

As a resident physician, a weekends off is just like summer vacation
for students. It's a time that is relished and loved.

It's my weekends off and I'm not letting anyone take it away from me.

Anyways, I decided to fine tune my Kubuntu box, I installe KDE 4 into
it and it looks very sleek on my HDTV. But since I installed it, I
can't seem to figure out why the fonts are too small. I tried
adjusting the fonts from the Appearance option but a small increase
of the font size reflects a very large increase on the display. Just
when I was about to shift back to KDE 3, I tried one last option, by
checking on the force font size to 120dpi and that fixed it. The
fonts and the display are awesome.

Then I transferred AVI files to it and officially made it my Media Box.

Linksys WUSB54GC

It's been a long time since I wanted to buy a USB Wireless Adapter. I
was thinking of just buying one of those cheap adapters but decided
to do otherwise.

I bought a Linksys WUSB54GC because I wanted the security of a
dependable product. I actually have different Linksys product such as
a compact router (WRT54GC), a signal repeater WAP54G (I think).

Kubuntu on HDTV, Finally!

I replaced my aging Pentium 4 CPU who suddenly cannot recognize a re-install of WinXP. So I decided to install Kubuntu into it. Why Kubuntu and not Ubuntu? Well, I've gotten used to KDE, because this is what's in Xandros in my EeePC. Anyways, I didn't want to throw away the CPU, as it still has a good processor, I think the problem is the RAM, a PC266 RAM, which is hard to look for nowadays. So, I said I would use the CPU as a Medica Center type of computer, I hooked it up to my HDTV, and because it too has an nVidia Video card (it's AGP so I can't use it on my new CPU which uses PCI Express), I think I can use it to my advantage.

At first, I bought a Linksys WUSB54GC USB Wireless Adapter. Which I can't seem to make it work with Kubuntu, even with the updated repositories. And since I only have 2 LAN cables running in my basement, this became a dilemma. I have 3 units, that will be using the LAN cables. Two computers and one VoIP adapter. So, I decided to move the LAN cable to the Kubuntu unit and used the Linksys adapter to the WinXP box.

Now everything is running, except for audio, I have to route an audio line from the Kubuntu unit to my HT amplifier, at the moment, I don't have a long audio cable that could reach the AV receiver, hopefully, I would have time tomorrow or this week to get one and I'm off, right now, I'm downloading HD content from Tekzilla and Diggnation.

Next project is to get a NAS to store all the media that has been downloaded to be available to all the computer users in the house.