Good thing I didn't

Good thing I didn't get the Xperia X8 even w/ d announced upgrade to Eclair - http://goo.gl/ELi3A

Cool, is re-visiting

Cool, is re-visiting Hellotxt once again, now to simultaneously update Twitter & Blogger

Got the LG Optimus One P500

Bought the LG Optimus One P500 last Saturday, November 13, 2010. Got it from the LG Store at SM North EDSA Annex. It was the same day LG launched it here in the Philippines. The same day where they had a one-hour sale. Was actually supposed to get it at half the price, but when I got the the place, when I saw the lines, I didn't bother to look for a place in that line anymore, cause I knew then that it's impossible for me to get in the sale with that long line. 

I decided to get the phone at regular price, I asked one of the LG staff if I could buy the unit earlier than 2pm at regular price, and sure enough, eh guided me inside the store and I was able to get one.

The design of the phone won't win any awards, it's got that capacitive touch screen which, after a while I noticed that it has some sort of screen protector already. And, to which I might blame some sort of sluggishness on the response of the touchscreen (though the slow 600Mhz processor can also be blamed). An earpiece on the top face, and "three" or four physical buttons at the bottom face. The reason I say this, is because, two of the icons (home and back) is in one button that rocks two ways. The layout of the buttons is not your usual Android button layout. There's a chrome highlight that wraps the whole phone. A regular 3.5mm headphone jack at the top (I tested it already using the radio app, on my Pioneer in-ear earbuds and sound quality for the radio is ok, I haven't installed any music in it yet). Two rocker buttons on the right side of the phone (haven't used it yet) for adjusting volume. And no buttons at all at the left side. At the bottom, a microUSB port for charging and syncing. The back is very simple, if not bland. It's all matt grayish black, with a 3MP camera with Autofocus (tried it outdoor and indoor with good natural light and the pictures came out pretty impressive), no flash included.

The LG UI, just like the physical design won't win any awards either, still the HTC Sense UI hands down for eye-candy. Don't know if it has the equivalent of the FriendStream of HTC and Sony Ericsson, a widget that collates all the messages, updates from SMS, email, Twitter and Facebook into one place. Though, as will all Android phones, there's that universal notification bar on top of the screen that you can pull down to check. By the way, this phone is already running Android 2.2 Froyo out of the box (though I'm not sure if this is future-proof, cause I heard Android 2.3 Gingerbread will need at least 1Ghz processor speed).

I already applied for an unlimited data plan, cause yeah, it sure hogs a lot of bandwidth transmissions. I'm still not a fan of virtual keyboards, that's why I have such a hard time typing on this one, I end up using the typical candybar phone layout. I haven't figured out how to changed keyboard layout, by default, applications are using the LG keyboard, I want to use the Android keyboard and see if it'll help.

The battery is 1500mAh, with all radios on, it lasts for around half a day, but looks like the HSDPA and cell radio is the culprit. I'm enjoying the unit as a GPS Navigation System, installed apps like Waze, Navigator, GPS Essentials and My Tracks. Used it everytime I'm on the road. Impressive machine and software to boot. Then there's Twitter, the homescreen layout is, I guess built for touchscreen, because of the large icons used. Of course Facebook. Then all the Google integrations with Gmail, Google Calendar, Latitude. Google Goggles (eventually, tried it to scan a QR code of Engadget and it led me to downloading the Engadget app). I noticed though that the email app is not integrated with Gmail, I had to set it up separately. I guess I'm just used to the messaging integration of the BlackBerry. 

Oh and the unit gets hot, especially when there's an app running and you forgot to close it. The phone interface is nice and pretty, don't know if it's an LG UI or plain Android but I liked it. The speaker phone is also great. I think I won't be needing any handsfree device with it while driving. 

I tried once the mobile hotspot function that's in Froyo, well, the iPod Touch got a wireless signal from it but can't seem to go to the internet, I'm just not sure if it's the telco, will wait til I get news on my unlimited data plan before I totally test it. 

Overall I like the phone, not a disappointment. May not be as pretty as any HTC handheld, but I guess, it's serving it's purpose and by that, I give it two thumbs up. 

Android 2.3 Gingerbread to be released on November 11, 2010? | Pinoy Tech Blog - The Philippines' Longest-running Technology Blog

Now this is a complication. If I am able to get the LG Optima One P500 on saturday...it won't be future proof as Android 2.3 Gingerbread will need at least a 1GHz processor, which the LG doesn't have. tsk

The New LG Optima One P500 Android

I'm looking for a new, slightly feature-packed phone for my Sun Cellular line. Wasn't really eyeing anything above P10k, but most sub 10k phones are so hohum that wouldn't be considered as an upgrade. Well, the Nokia C3 was an option, but after my bad experience with it, it was immediately scratched off the list. Then the Android Phones came in, initially it was the Samsung Galaxy 5, then the Galaxy 3, then the HTC Wildfire...but this thing came up...the LG Optima One P500! And they'll be selling it at P12,995 SRP. But a sweeter deal cropped up. On Saturday November 13, 2010 at selected LG concept stores, for one hour, we can get this phone at half the SRP! That means, it'll only be P6495!!!! Ain't that a deal?!?

The design won't win any awards of course. HTC Sense UI is still the best among these Android phones. But then again...who cares...at that price, heck I can get two of it! I just don't know if I can really get that phone. I bet the lines will be very very very long!

3.2″ capacitive display @ 320×480 pixels
600 MHz Processor
512MB RAM
170MB internal storage
up to 32GB via microSD
HSDPA 7.2Mbps
WiFi 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth 2.1
3.15MP autofocus camera
Stereo FM Radio
GPS w/ aGPS support
1500mAh Li-Ion battery
Android 2.2 Froyo

Upgrading my SUN Cellular Line

lately i felt that the Samsung phone I'm using for my Sun Cellular line has become too old and bland. I guess, it's not the SUN line that really bothers me, but the phone i'm using it with.

So I decided to check around and ended up decided to upgrade the phone. So temporarily, I ditched the Samsung dumbphone and used the SUN SIM on my old Sony Ericsson M600i. Problem is, the Sony Ericsson turned out to be an old phone as well.

Thus, I decided to check out the phones in the market and boiled down to Android phones. But I'm a cheapskate...I don't want to spend P20,000 just for a phone.

At first I was eyeing SUN's promo, which gives out a Samsung Galaxy 3 smartphone...but it's a hassle to apply for a new one. That's why I decided to get an HTC Wildfire or Desire (what ever my funds can afford), and just get an add-on unlimited mobile internet on my SUN line.

Now, since the SUN is not my primary line...Globe is (on an unlimited BlackBerry Internet Service), I'm thinking of upgrading the BlackBerry too! Hehehe perhaps, the new BlackBerry Curve 3G?

Automaker Logos

Automaker Logos

Of the other car logos, Aston Martin's, BMW and Alfa Romeo didn't change much over the years...

OTECH F1 handset holds four SIM cards, enables you to live a quadruple life -- Engadget

OTECH F1 handset holds four SIM cards, enables you to live a quadruple life -- Engadget

I wonder who would be using 4 SIM cards all at the same time? But this is very interesting!

BlackBerry Style Officially Announced! New Full Qwerty Flip

This thing is UGLY!!!

The iBook refresh part 1 (RAM upgrade)

After so many years, decided decided to upgrade the iBook.

Found a store that sells brand new but old DDR SODIMM RAM, bought 512MB only, but will increase the iBook's RAM to 1GB. Will be asking tomorrow how much will it cost to upgrade the HDD. At the moment, the iBook still has it's stock 40GB HDD. Then will be waiting for the replacement battery from the US.

Nokia C3-00 a lemon

Last September 25, I bought a brand new Nokia C3-00 from a Nokia store at Trinoma. A few hours after, I went back to have it replaced because there was this terrible static coming out from the earpiece and from the other line's speakers. Well, the Nokia store replaced the unit without a fuss.

A littel over 3 weeks of good use (though I found out that it's not MS Exchange Server compatible, so I can't use Google Sync with it), that static was back (though this was a different unit from the 1st one, remember, they replaced the unit with a brand new one).

Brought it to Nokia Store in Greenbelt 1 (which was the worst Nokia store I've been to, it's musty and stinking old scent), while talking with the support personel, a guy approached me and asked what I was complaining about, and told me that we have the same problem with our brand new Nokia C3-00.

I was told it will take 5-7 working days before the phone can be replaced, and 5 days has passed and when I called, the phone is not yet ready, the part is not yet available though the lady said, it will be available on monday or tuesday the most.

The Nokia C3-00 has a beautiful and sturdy design, too sturdy for it's price range. Though I was a bit disappointed with the software, less tech savy individuals that will jump into the QWERTY keypad bandwagon would definitely like the phone.

But I guess, Nokia knows about the problem and they're just keeping mum about it. Well, this is the same reason I don't like Nokia phones...they're very well known to break down. I've been a Sony Ericsson guy, but unfortunately, SE hasn't been churning out enough innovations on design and features with their new phones. Perhaps this will be my last Nokia phone.....sayang, the N8 looks nice though.

YouTube - BlackBerry PlayBook - Preview

This is the much-awaited BlackBerry tablet. From the press-release from RIM, the PlayBook is one "heavy" tablet. Heavy meaning it's packed with features and the internals are not flimsy either.

Was already eyeing the Android powered Samsung Galazy tab, but the PlayBook has the bonus of being able to access the native apps in the BlackBerry (in case the user also owns one). Hmmmmm and the best thing about it, well, it'll come out by the time I am fully "capable" of getting one wahahahaha

Problems with Windows 7 and MS Office 2010

Did an upgrade on the desktop this month, Windows 7 from Vista, MS Office 2010 from 2008. So far problem encountered is when printing on the SAMSUNG ML-1610 laser printer, multiple printouts doesn't push thru, don't know if re-installing the driver will correct the problem.

Technology and Transportation together

Bought a Nokia C3-00 yesterday (our 2nd Nokia) at the Nokia store in Trinoma. The store is a little bit off from where the people are. Had a bit of a hard time to look for it.Though I saw a store that sells the unit cheaper than the official Nokia store was offering, I opted to get the unit from the Nokia store because of the no fuss warranty that the unit comes with.

About midway home, when we tested the phone, there was this very loud static coming out from both the recipient and the caller.  So I called the store, asked if I could bring it to the Nokia store in Bonifacio High Street, but was told that the store in BHS doesn't have a tech support, so I asked if the Nokia store in Mall of Asia is a better option, was told that the best thing to do still is to bring back the phone to Nokia Trinoma. If we do that, it would take years to get there and back. 

So we decided to park the car in Parksquare One in Makati, took the MRT to Trinoma. Nokia store there replaced the C3 without fuss and we were back in Makati in less than an hour. 

Am thankful for the presence of MRT.

The New Ford F-150 SuperCrew Raptor

I never liked F-150s before, they're big and gas guzzlers. Oh and the design is like always wanting. But this one, I got to ooooh and ahhh at it. Very nice and big and hopefully will have a very good off-road performance.

An Office in the Forest: The Workspaces of SelgasCano

An Office in the Forest: The Workspaces of SelgasCano

these kinds of architecture that I like, minimalist with a touch of modern art...(very nerdy hehehehe)

The New Apple TV

This is the new Apple TV, yup it's small, and it's because, it doesn't have a hard drive in it. It's purely a streaming device. You can watch movies from Netflix and iTunes Store (which both is not available locally). You can't even plug in a USB hard drive and watch music from there.

Hmmmm maybe I'll stick with my Popcorn Hour, or perhaps ask a relative to give it to me as a gift (it's only $99). Then perhaps I'll just use it to stream my iTunes music to my AV receiver....hmmmm.

The New iPod Touch

This is the new iPod Touch...they say, it's an iPhone 4 without the phone.

It's a lot thinner and smaller than the iPhone though the screen size is the same. It's also thinner than it's predecessor. What's new is, the Retina Display, HD video recording, Facetime, Dual Cameras.

Will I get one, maybe...we'll see

This is the NEW iPod NANO

More like it's a novelty toy than a serious thing. I don't like the form factor...but I might say, I love the screen, though small...but then again, they've experimented on the size and screen before with the 3rd Gen Nano (square-ish design) but that was a flop.

But I guess the size will be a hit with the athletes...no need for a case, it's got it's own clip, a screen capable of multi-touch (though no pinch and zoom), with FM radio and Nike +.

The New iPod Shuffle

These are the new iPod Shuffle...looks familiar? Yup! Cause they look exactly like the 2nd Gen Shuffles...except that they're tinier. It's cute but doesn't really give me that "I want one" feeling. I like the 3rd Gen Shuffle better.