Monster Recommends:

• August 14, 2008 — Trashing the Markers in Motion Capture (0)
• May 12, 2010 — VW Cool Way To Navigate (0)
• August 10, 2009 — Longest Slip and Slide – Lots o’ fun (0)
• June 19, 2009 — Live Email Collaboration (1)

Video uploaded on Youtube

Here’s my first attempt to put it to good use.  A head to head match between Smart Bro and Globe Tattoo – round 1 of broadband wars.  I personally own a Smart Bro unit, its been with me for quite some time now – I’m happy with it.  I borrowed a Globe Tattoo unit from my friend – he wasn’t happy with it.  In fact, its still with me.. hahaha, I’m not sure if he has plans to get it back.  Anyway… just check out the video below (Adobe Premiere to put the 2 videos side by side) – I think its obvious why I’m the happy one.

Test parameters:

• same laptop
• same video link on youtube
• restarted and cleared all temporary files before opening page
• greenbelt, makati area

Who has the one from Sun?  Can I borrow?

Monster Recommends:

• May 31, 2008 — Incredible Hulk – version comparison (0)
• March 13, 2008 — Monitors, TVs, LCDs – if you own one, cut the cables and let’s go wireless (0)

So what the hell is Uzzap?  If you haven’t been following the storm of ads that came out then you’re missing out on something that is way too convenient to pass out.  I’m saying this because its still free – of course when they start charging, economics will start to kick in.

I recently installed this mobile client application so I can start playing with it.  In a nutshell, its a one stop instant messaging mobile application that enables you to connect to your yahoo or msn accounts.  It also has its own version where you have uzzap buddies – last but not the least, you can go into chatrooms with other registered uzzap members and talk about everything and anything under the sun.

Now we all know that most popular instant messeging apps out there also have mobile versions that enables you to stay connected all the time – but if you go that route, telecoms start charging… so essentially there are 2 good reasons for using Uzzap… 1) its still free and 2) its all you need to stay connected with friends

So far, it hasn’t bugged down on me.  Every login has been successful – astig.  By the way, they also have a pc version which I plan to try out next.

Click here to lean more about uzzap.

TV Ad

Monster Recommends:

• June 28, 2009 — Best Job in The World Campaign Bags 3 Grand Prixs (0)
• June 19, 2009 — Live Email Collaboration (1)
• May 16, 2009 — Angels and Demons Movie – Tom Hanks (0)
• December 6, 2008 — Dream Match Ends at 8 Rounds – Go Pacquiao! (0)

I really believed it when I saw the video but now that its out – I guess the reality is that he was addressing the distributors when he said it will cost $199 only. Sucks right? And the new price / rates released by Globe confirms that the local distributors or exclusive partners are free to price it in whatever way they want. Brilliant! Not! They just reel you in and slap you silly. Hahaha.

Anyway, you can check out the plans from globe here.

In a nutshell, prepaid kits will hit you at 42k for the 8GB and 49K for the 16gb, easily over $1000 — way off dont you think? For the post paid plans, just take a look at it below… don’t scream – just dream.

Just to add insult to injury, check out the plans that came out in US… What the hell?! We’re paying more here in the Philippines.  Aren’t we a 3rd world country?  We can’t afford that Sh!t

…. but I’m still thinking about getting one. hehehe…

Monster Recommends:

• July 12, 2008 — July 11th – iPhone 3G at 199 dollars and its coming here! (7)
• April 4, 2011 — Apple and Lemon San Miguel Beer (0)
• August 10, 2010 — Funny Pinoy Signs / Bloopers Part 1 (4)
• August 20, 2009 — Win FREE Passes to the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (0)

When I first heard about Emotiv, they were still developing the prototype. They already developed the technology and is in the process of selecting the best materials to use for mass production. They were down to the last issue of selecting the best material that is firm, flexible and can comfortably be placed on your head. Its gone a long way since – the website is way better than the first version I saw and it has more information about the products. Absolute coolness!

Emotiv Systems, headquartered in San Francisco, California, was founded in 2003 by four award-winning scientists and executives: internationally recognized neuroscientist Professor Allan Snyder, chip-design pioneer Neil Weste, and technology entrepreneurs Tan Le and Nam Do.

These founders all shared the same inspiring vision: to introduce the immediacy of thought to the human-machine dialogue. Together they have developed a technology that utterly transforms the way we interact with computers.

While Emotiv is currently focusing on the electronic gaming industry, the applications for the Emotiv EPOC™ technology and interface span an amazing variety of potential industries — interactive television, accessibility design, market research, medicine, even security. Plans for introducing Emotiv into these and other broad realms are already in the works.

It’s an ambitious plan, and to back it up, Emotiv has assembled an outstanding group of people for its Board, Advisors, and Staff.

source: http://emotiv.com/corporate/4_0/4_1.htm

I highly recommend that you check out their product videos and demos – this will blow your mind!

Just imagine the future implementation of this technology. I’m sure that once they open up their doors and share the technology to complimentary product developers – this will skyrocket!

AND check this out – it only costs $299. For this breakthrough technology – its a steal!

I can’t wait to get my hands on one. Even if its just bundled with a simple game or application at first – I just want to try it out and I’m pretty sure that development will be a breeze for future suppliers of games or applications. Besides, simply put – its just replacing your mouse, keyboard or game pad – it might even just add to the experience.

Monster Recommends:

• July 12, 2008 — July 11th – iPhone 3G at 199 dollars and its coming here! (7)
• August 18, 2009 — Red Retro – Easy way to win a new 3G Phone (0)
• June 19, 2009 — XBox Motion Capture Technology (0)
• June 19, 2009 — Live Email Collaboration (1)

UPDATE: As this slowly unfolded under our noses – it seems that the “bargain” price of $199 is attached to a partner telecom provider. And the sad part is that I think they are free to abuse this exclusive distributorship deal with Apple in whatever way they see fit. Now that is just f#@ked up…

Original post: (June 13, 2008)

Can this be true? Will it really be selling at just $199 WORLDWIDE? The answer is yes! According to Steve Jobs himself. And its also coming here in the Philippines. So telecommunications companies and content providers, roll up your sleeves and start giving us some good deals and worthwhile downloads, features, applications and GAMES!

This new iPhone 3G, aside from the obvious 3G capabilities is thinner, faster and compatibility has been improved drastically.

8GB is coming out at $199 worldwide, just a few weeks away so be patient. If it sells more than that – lets email them.

16GB is at $299, bigger space and it comes in white. Nice one!

At Php44 exchange rate, that’s a little under Php9,000 – what the hell?! And to think that gas prices keep going up. Go technology!

Honestly, I never considered purchasing an iPhone when it first came out simply because after trying out some touch screen portable gadgets, I found it difficult and you keep going back to using the keypads. iPhone didn’t have the numeric keypads so my primitive mind assumed that it would be hard. But a few of my friends already got used to it. At first, SMS text messages from them drastically reduced – they couldn’t send text messages while walking or while driving so they kept calling. After a while, it seems that they adjusted well to the new interface and texting habits slowly went back to normal. So, having said that, I’m willing to take the plunge and switch – at 9,000 pesos WHY NOT?!

“iPhone 3G will be available to Globe’s postpaid and prepaid subscribers in the Philippines later this year.”

http://www1.globe.com.ph/feature.aspx?artid=97

Watch the short video below – I’m not kidding! I just saw it on the news and I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of it already. Just in case (*wink)

Here’s a TV ad:

Monster Recommends:

• March 10, 2011 — Tapsilog at 44 Pesos, Gudsilog (0)
• August 6, 2008 — What Happened to the $199 iPhone3g – Philippines (2)
• August 2, 2008 — Digital Telekinesis – Play Games with Your Mind (2)
• July 8, 2008 — What Happened to our Electric Car? Philippines (1)

So my HP Pavilion tx1000 officially turned 6mos old! About time to write about it. I usually use my tx1000 for some work stuff that I bring home but mostly I use it as a personal laptop for entertainment purposes. For my purposes, its current specs are just about right for me.Specs: Processer – amd turion 64×2 mobile technology (1.8 GHz), RAM – 2 GB DDR II SDRAMWeight: 4.2 lbs

Here are things I love and hate about it:

(Love)

+ Sleek design

+ Since it’s only 12.1 inches wide and weighs less than 5 pounds, it’s easy to carry around

+ The monitor swivels and twists a full 180 degrees, never fails to impress my co-workers and friends. Comes handy during presentations and group discussions as well as when watching movies.

+ The monitor locks down flat when in tablet mode. Yes, it’s touch screen, but the laptop comes with it’s built-in stylus.

+ The touchpad has a unique and stylish design, looks and feels durable.

+ Speakers are Altec Lansing, perfect for listening to mp3s and watching movies while on the go.

+ Touch screen adds wow factor

+ Built in webcam

+ Removable dvd player to make it even lighter. Btw, the cd/dvd burner comes with HP Lightscribe for laser etching your own disc labels.

+ Remote control when watching dvds

(Hate)

- As a tablet, the stylus in not that sensitive. Or maybe I havent calibrated it correctly? Thus, I dont use this laptop as a tablet that often, as I find it tricky to write using the stylus.

- The shop I bought if from in Singapore gave me an extra battery pack as a freebie… which was good because my first battery got busted after 3months of use. It wouldn’t charge properly.

- The laptop came with a licensed Home Premium Windows Vista. Im not a huge fan of Vista…

- Well, I love and hate the glossy black casing, I love it coz it looks hot, I hate it coz I always need to wipe out my fingerprints.

- I’ve read other comments that this laptop gets relatively hotter than other laptops. Yah, kinda think it’s true.

Overall, I’m happy with my tx1000 although I know that the tx2000z came out shortly after I bought my laptop, I still think I got good value for my money.

Monster readers also read:

I’ve been dreaming about this ever since I first started watching movies on my PC — an ingenious gadget that I can plug to my PC/Notebook and start watching movies on my TV while lying down comfortably on my bed a few feet away (with my notebook on my lap of course).

A while back I recall hearing about this and some predictions that the technology will soon be available – they said 2008… its true.

See for yourself:

LV3500W LongView Wireless

I’m still saving up — it will set you back around $700. Is it worth it? Ask yourself, did WiFi make your life easier? Now imagine separating that small lcd screen you see attached to your notebook (laptop) and increase the size to let’s say 32 inches LCD (hehe, just like mine) and move back to a comfortable distance (like your bed) and be able to check your emails, surf the net, watch movies and PLAY GAMES! Having said all that, is it worth it?

Monster Recommends:

• May 16, 2009 — Smart Bro or Globe Tattoo – head to head video (2)
• June 1, 2008 — Watch Movies and TV Shows Online (11)
• May 31, 2008 — Incredible Hulk – version comparison (0)

I just got a new laptop – acer travelmate 6291. It comes with the usual promise of high speed processing loaded with intel core 2 duo, 1gb memory and 160gb hard disk – quite impressive. I got it for Php 62k at a TCA store in Park Square Makati.
Why this laptop? – first of all, its 12 inches. Comes in handy when travelling but one of the reasons I got it was because of the excellent customer service provided by TCA. They were patient enough to show me all the details and answer all my stupid questions. Thanks! Anyway, I was chosing between this one and another notebook with pretty much the same specs – Compaq. Price difference was like 7k only. I chose this because it was simpler and the hard drive was bigger by 40gb.

How’s it so far?

1. Speakers are weak – but what can you expect from a compact 12 inch notebook. So its all good.

2. Vista SUCKS! I’ll talk about that in another post. But my first experience with Windows Vista was a nightmare. It works great with troubleshooting especially when your looking for a wifi connection – but it checks every freaking thing you do. Some say that it adjusts to your behavior and in time it will process faster… I’m still hoping!

3. Touchpad – its small but has good sensitivity. I heard that Acer is relatively new to the notebook market and that’s why they are quite affordable. I still prefer the HP touchpad, especially the one that comes with the new hp pavillion tablet notebook – that feels about right and you won’t hesitate pressing hard on it not to mention the side scroll which comes in handy and was easy to use. Acer also has the side scroll thingy on the touchpad but I’m not impressed with how it works.

4. Webcam – it comes with a built in webcam which is relatively ok – but of course it won’t do much good at high noon outdoors. I went to camarines sur watersports complex last weekend and was showing the sites through my webcam – too much glare even when I tried adjusting it. At around 5pm in the afternoon it improved.

5. LCD – its relatively smaller compared to other 12 inch notebooks I saw. Its average. Glare is still a problem and it won’t work well with direct light.

6. Keyboard – hahaha, 12 inches – what do you think? After a week, you get used to it.

7. WIFI – the wireless connection features are great. I think the acer software that comes with it really helped a lot. It automatically detects and troubleshoots your problems and compared to other laptops I think it can detect and connect faster… but that’s just me. I have no idea on the hardware or configuration settings (*wink)

8. Other stuff – it comes with the standard card readers, 2 usb slots, dvd writer – but not the fancy one where you can actually have a laser image printed on the dvd. Its not yet hdmi but it has a svideo out for presentations which is a waste coz I have a 32 inch lcd hdmi compatible tv and hooking this up would have been great. Anyway, I plan to use my old desktop for it -I’ll post another entry when I get that working. I still need to upgrade my video card to have the hdmi out thing. Going back, the location of the earphone, speaker and mic jacks are conveniently placed right in front of you which makes it convenient to use but I think most notebooks are designed this way nowadays.
Overall, I’m happy with my new acer travelmate. I know that for the same price I could get a better one especially if I bought it in Singapore or Hong Kong… but!.. I don’t have the cash and the BPI SIP 12 month zero interest really helped.
Next move is to maximize mobility – I’m working to get this notebook hooked up with my voip phone through the vphone of vonage. Wish me luck!

Monster readers also read: