The reborn Deep Blue H1 carries a familiar ultra-portable design that features a 1.0 GHz Via Esther processor, 1 GB DDR2 RAM, 40 GB HDD, Wi-Fi and Linux OS (Windows XP optional). It isn't Intel Inside, but so is HP's Mini-Note which just goes to show that it isn't the processor that ultimately dictates the success of a product (though it does play a vital role).
Prior to its latest iteration, the H1 was the Blue's UMPC unit that carried a touch-screen interface with a slide-out full QWERTY board underneath it. However, due to its more sophisticated design, it carried a relatively higher price tag with a difficult configuration to work with due to its small size.
It’s priced at P 16995 which is just about right for a laptop of its caliber. Maybe this time around, the H1 can be more of a success as opposed to its UMPC predecessor.
April 2008 Archives
The reborn Deep Blue H1 carries a familiar ultra-portable design that features a 1.0 GHz Via Esther processor, 1 GB DDR2 RAM, 40 GB HDD, Wi-Fi and Linux OS (Windows XP optional). It isn't Intel Inside, but so is HP's Mini-Note which just goes to show that it isn't the processor that ultimately dictates the success of a product (though it does play a vital role).
Prior to its latest iteration, the H1 was the Blue's UMPC unit that carried a touch-screen interface with a slide-out full QWERTY board underneath it. However, due to its more sophisticated design, it carried a relatively higher price tag with a difficult configuration to work with due to its small size.
It’s priced at P 16995 which is just about right for a laptop of its caliber. Maybe this time around, the H1 can be more of a success as opposed to its UMPC predecessor.
Now comes the F-A50. Probably trying to pull one out of Apple’s old think-tank, Fujitsu has come out with their new all-in-one desktop. This latest desktop solution from Fujitsu looks like a throwback to those early and bulky iMacs of yesteryear. The F-A50 comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.1 GHz processor with 2GB RAM, 250GB SATA storage, Intel X3100 graphics and a 16-inch widescreen display. Connectivity is provided with Wi-Fi (b/g) and Bluetooth. For more pics and details, head on over to Akihabar News.
While it is indeed a step forward design-wise for Fujitsu (especially when compared to their prior model), it's still no match to the current crop of iMacs Apple has out in the market today, both design and specification-wise.
Oh well, you can’t blame them for trying.
For those not yet familiar with the N82, it’s one of Nokia’s more advanced imaging handsets. It has a whopping 5-megapixel camera that is complemented by an equally powerful Xenon flash and Carl Zeiss optics. It provides ultra-fast camera activation, autofocus with a dedicated assist lamp, fast reloading between shots and DVD-like video capture quality even in low light conditions. This is definitely one of the best phones ever to come from the Finnish company.
The Nokia N82 Black Edition is now available in Nokia stores around the nation.
The S2 ‘Pebble’ is a straight forward compact mp3 player that comes with 1 GB of storage and is available in a variety of colors. Obviously in the same division as Apple’s iPod Shuffle, this diminuitive DAP doesn’t come with a display or a whole lot of features, but offers a multicolor LED status indicator that glows in a very discrete and fashionable manner. PC connection is made available through a specifically-made USB dongle that fits into the 35-mm jack. Design-wise, Samsung's probably got a winner here though a clip of some sort would have been great so the ‘Pebble’ won’t easily fall out of one’s pocket.
The S3, on the other hand, is capable of audio (mp3, WMA) and video (mpeg4) playback. Aside from the various color choices, it’ll also be available in 4- and 8GB capacities. Style factor is provided by the LED-lit controls that automatically disappear when not in use. It also comes with a 1.8-inch 240x320 TFT display, FM tuner, screensavers, and flash games.
Both have target release dates in the US in the 2nd quarter of 2008. If ever it becomes locally available, I’m guessing it’ll be middle of this year.
Thanks to Lifehacker, there are simple ways of going green with regards to your computer without exactly having to purchase a new one. From taking advantage of the Power Scheme tools of Windows/Applications to something as simple as turning off unused peripherals, these tips can make a world of difference in the fight to save Mother Earth.
Come to think of it, there’s really no excuse for us not to be able to do our share in the green movement. Ordinary stuff as those suggested above or unplugging fully-charged mobile phones/devices not only save energy, but also saves you from unwanted expenses in this financially-challenging times. Spread the word and let these simple yet effective practices become part of your daily routine.
The Nokia 1680 classic, according to Nokia, is their most affordable camera phone to date. It offers essential mobile phone functionality and a VGA camera to boot. It also comes with phone sharing functionality and access to email on the go. The Nokia 1680 classic is expected in the second quarter of 2008.
The Nokia 5000, meanwhile, boasts of a 1.3 megapixel camera, FM radio with recording functionality, and various multimedia capabilities. It likewise supports email, Bluetooth and GPRS connectivity. Looking like a twin of the popular 5310 XpressMusic phone, the Nokia 5000 is set a raise the bar with regards to functional yet affordable handsets. The Nokia 5000 is also expected to start shipping in the second quarter of this year.
The Nokia 2680 slide, on the other hand, is a slim camera phone that offers a balance of ease of use and entertainment functionality. It also comes with an FM radio with recording capability, MP3 playback, and an expanded phone book. The integrated digital camera ensures that every moment is captured and shared. The Nokia 2680 slide begins shipping in the third quarter of 2008.
The stylish Nokia 7070 features a distinctive geometric pattern design with external light effects. This baby is targeted at people who wish to express themselves through their mobile phone. The Nokia 7070 offers a variety of personalized content which includes themes, wallpapers, and MP3-grade ringtones. The Nokia 7070 is due in the third quarter of 2008 as well.
With these new models set to hit the local market pretty soon, buying a replacement for your aging and outdated mobile phone need not burn a hole in your wallet.
Trying to pull a Vertu on their maiden unit, the Meridiist does a good job in matching the steep price, but fails miserably in providing an equally beautiful and sophisticated design. Clothed with either leather or rubber accents, it features a 1.9-inch QVGA screen, an OLED diplay at the top, a 2-megpaixel camera, and Bluetooth. As expected, feature-wise, there's nothing impressive about it, but how we wished that at least it looked snazzy and worthy of carrying the Tag Heuer name. It's a good thing though that they didn't skimp out on materials such as the scratch-resistant glass sapphire for the display and stainless steel for the body which helped jack up the price, but design-wise, they could have done a better job.
Admittedly, the Vertu is no powerhouse either, but at least it looked worthy of its hefty price tag and has managed to create a name for itself in the competitive mobile phone industry. Tag Heuer, on the other hand, already has a reputation for quality craftsmanship and design in the watch industry; but, sad to say, is a great disappointment when it comes to mobile phones.
I guess it's a bit unfair comparing the Meridiist with Vertu considering it's Tag Heuer's first attempt in making a mobile phone, but Vertu has set the standard in luxury phones, and they've set it pretty high. If Tag can’t match or outdo Vertu when it comes to design, it’s best that they stick to watch making (or at least lower the price and offer more features).
This works with jail-broken iPhones only and is still considered as a preview of the final version so you might hit a few snags along the way. The good thing about Fring’s iPhone VoIP is that it won’t limit you to Wi-Fi connections, but will also work via EDGE. Once a 3G iPhone comes out this year, I’m pretty sure that a new version from Fring will be released as well which will support 3G connectivity for faster data transmissions. Best of all, it’s free. Installation instructions are likewise available for those who are still clueless on how to install apps on their iPhone.
I’ve used Fring on a variety of S60 and Windows Mobile-running smartphones, and I have to admit, it's a nifty application to have so you’ll always be connected to your IM buddies.
Personally, I don’t agree with how weight became part of the criteria. True, in the context of things, over-all weight is significant, but not to the point that it becomes a determining factor on which is the best. Picture quality (color saturation, white balance, etc.) and performance (start-up time, shutter lag, special features, etc) would rate as being the primary things to consider when judging the value of cameras. It’s a good thing they included sample shots so readers can judge for themselves which one does a good job at which task. I just wish they provided more test shots at varied conditions and included the exact settings, not just high/low f-stop labels.
Anyway, photo-centric sites such as Digital Review have yet to come up with their own comprehensive comparison between these SLRs. So let’s just take what Gizmodo has dished and judge the four by our own standards for the time being.
Clad in a high-gloss black body, the P300 is available in both Intel and AMD processors. Multimedia functionality is provided by the built-in Harman Kardon speakers, DVD SuperMulti drive and the HDMI port. The most expensive model even comes with dedicated 256 RAM for the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 graphics card.
For starters, it’s the first and only portable prepaid broadband service that I know of that’s available in the market. It’s not as fast as the average DSL service, but at least you can get bring it with you anywhere and you don't have to go through the stringent process of applying for one as such is the case in most post-paid services. Smart had previously made available a portable solution to their broadband service via a USB modem, but this time around, this new service makes use of a prepaid SIM that can easily be loaded just like a regular SIM only this time around, it’s dedicated for data transmissions only. It also makes use of the existing 3G network which is the first real-world application I’ve seen so far that really highlights the value of the high-bandwidth network for everyone. The rates are similar to data calls made which is P 10 per 30 minute block.
The availability of this new prepaid service is indeed helpful in making the internet accessible to more people. Of course, this is only as good as the 3G signal in your area, but neverthless, kudos to Smart for this simple yet effective innovation.
While the i450’s specs alone already speaks volumes about its value, the S60 OS adds a new dimension as others who have grown accustomed to Nokia S60 phones will surely find it a lot easier to switch to Samsung knowing that it now sports the same platform.
Since they’re a relatively new company, their line-up of products is quite limited. For the 1st half of this year, they are releasing three laptops that will cater to various users depending on their needs.
Most of you might be familiar with the CMPC which is the identical twin of the Neo Explore X1 albeit the different brand name. This obviously targets the students and tech-savvy youth of today, but don't expect this to last very long because according to Stephen Lim, Axioo managing director, they are set to launch a new UMPC come 2nd half of 2008.
The Zetta TEN, on the other hand, is their entry level full-sized laptop. Powered by an Intel Dual-Core processor with 120 GB HDD capacity, this Vista-running mobile computer has a 13.3-inch TFT display and is set to make its debut with a variety of colored options available.
Likewise, the more powerful Zetta TEC series comes in varied colors as well. This one has an Intel Core 2 Duo running under the hood with 160 GB storage capacity and a variety of connectivity options available such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and modem.
Pricing and availability is yet to be determined, but one thing I'm looking forward to is their after-sales support which sounds very enticing with service such as data recovery and loaner units to be lent to customers who have their laptops repaired for a prolonged period of time. Exclusive software was also reported to be bundled with their laptops which might just give them the edge their looking for over the rest of the pack.
With the entry of this upstart company into the local scene, 2008 is truly shaping up to be a very competitive year for notebook computers.
It was also demonstrated at the Intel Developer’s Forum in Shanghai and they announced that they were on track with its scheduled release in the 2nd quarter of this year. Those lucky few who have used it testify to the strengths of this upcoming product. Some got even addicted to it they had difficulty switching back to the traditional hard drive when they had to return the demo unit already.
For those still not familiar with the technology, here’s a little backgrounder. SSD, as opposed to traditional hard drives, is completely flash-based which does away with any mechanical parts. In turn, it provides faster performance as it is purely electronic, but unfortunately costs more. Right now, SSDs have yet to break the 500GB barrier while conventional hard drives are already at the TB level.
The GX-20 is a 14.6-megapixel SLR that supports Live View via its large 2.7-inch LCD display. It also has a built-in Optical Anti-shake function which is similar to how the Canon IS and Nikon VR lenses work except that this time it’s part of the camera and not the lens. Maintenance is kept at a minimum with its Dual Dust Removal function that keeps the image sensor clean at all times. One of the best and more unique qualities that I like about this SLR is that it’s also dust and water resistant which means no more worrying when the rain suddenly starts to pour. This is perfect for those who love the great outdoors.
It’s Earth month once again and looking at how we have progressed since last year, there's no denying that much still needs to be done for our planet and environment. Unfortunately, partly due to the frantic pace of modern life, we sometimes have difficulty fitting our role as stewards of the environment into our busy schedule, but now, there's a simple way of letting others know how much you truly appreciate our dear planet and do your share in helping preserve Mother Earth for future generations.

