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It’s that time of the year again gadget-lovers! If you have money left from the recent payday; you might want to visit the Microwarehouse Mid-Year Sale where you can get the best gadgets in town at low, low prices. Cash and credit card payments will be accepted, but no reservations will be entertained. If you’re already decided and want to check this out, do come early as most of the good stuff fly off the shelves pretty quickly. It's still several months to go before Christmas, but it's never too early to reward yourself for the great job you've done for the 1st half of 2008. For more updates and the pricelist, you can check MWH’s Mid-Year Sale page.

It seems that Smart Telecommunications has an odd way of showing how much they appreciate their loyal subscribers by asking them to ditch their old plans in exchange for current (more expensive) plans and new handsets. This is a letter that was received by a Smart user and Podcentral member which got the ire of fellow members who can sympathize with his situation. According to the letter and a discussion with a CSR, old legacy plans are the main casualty of the upgraded post-paid billing system which requires those on it to upgrade to current (and more expensive) post-paid plans. Those who do not upgrade will have their plan terminated on April 7, 2008. Though they have already provided their reason for such a move, the greater sentiment is that Smart is just trying to close out legacy plans that are not only more cost-efficient, but also allow subscribers unlimited SMS capabilities. Whichever the case maybe, it seems that Smart is approaching the whole thing in a not-so-subscriber-friendly way. Personally, I don’t see the logic in this. I am a Globe user and am currently still on a legacy plan though certain conditions have changed due to the restrictions imposed on SMS. We didn’t have to change plans at all nor forced to upgrade. We were just informed of the new SMS restrictions that took place and from time to time, we get offers, not to upgrade but to remain locked for another year or two in our plan with monthly rebates or free handsets in exchange for our loyalty. Granted that, at the end of the day, all of these are just money -making strategies, Smart is going about it completely the wrong way. While some may be enticed by the free handsets, there are a substantial number of subscribers who are disappointed with the company.  Is this the Smart way of showing how much your treasure your loyal subscribers?

Mobile Philippines Yuletide Issue Tech geeks are in for a treat this Christmas. Mobile Philippines' New & Notable is stuffed with new gadget goodies to satisfy your tech tooth. Share your photos with your loved ones, but first, Mobile will teach you how to edit your photos online...for free! Take a peek at the luscious lappies we have in store for you. Best of all, Mobile Philippines has put together a gift guide of sorts, from point-and-shoot cameras to music phones down to portable music and video players. Mobile Philippines is definitely your ultimate gadget gift guide. Mobile Philippines is published monthly and distributed for free by Hinge Inquirer Publications. For subscriptions, call 759-2286 or 813-6848 loc. 815.

P assionate R esourceful I nnovative D ynamic E thical It takes a lot of good and reliable personalities to make all HIP titles a very strong brand with a good following. It's about talking to our readers in a clear voice and making them feel that we have indeed met their needs and wants. It's about being proud of what we've got: talent, skills, experience, drive, the works.Yes, it takes a lot of PRIDE, and we've got tons of that. Are you interested in charting a career with a talented and dynamic group of young individuals? Bookmark this page for updates in job openings. You can also send your resume and portfolio to info at hip dot ph. CURRENT OPENINGS as of November 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING Interested applicants may email their resumes to hrd_at_hip.ph or bring their resumé, two (2) 2x2 photos, Transcript of Records, and any valid I.D. to our office at Unit 330, Mile Long Building, Amorsolo corner Javier Streets, Makati City, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Tel. Nos.: 759-2284, 759-2024, 840-0196, 813-6848 Interactive Manager Qualifications: - A graduate of a 4-year communications course (or related degree) from UP, UST, Ateneo, La Salle or UA&P. - Between 23 to 32 years old. - Equipped with exceptional communication skills in both written and spoken English and Filipino. - Organized, resourceful and creative. - Willing to work overtime - Preferably with experience in digital content production and distribution. Web Administrator Assistant/Encoder Qualifications: - Knowledgeable in HTML - Knowledgeable in PHP (programming language) - Knowledgeable in Linux-based systems (server-side programming) - Must be able to install and update online PHP programs such as Wordpress (blog software) and PHPBB (forum software) - First-hand experience in creating websites is a plus (personal page or otherwise) - Basic Adobe Photoshop skills Graphic Artists Qualifications: - College graduate of a computer and/or designing course. Preferably with publication layout background. - Exceptional designing skils - Organized, resourceful, creative - Willing to work overtime and thrives under pressure. Marketing Assistant Qualifications: - College Graduate, Major in Marketing, Advertising, or Mass Communication. - Knowledge on marketing concepts. - Proficiency in basic computer operations (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) - Knowledge of basic design software applications an advantage. (Photoshop, InDesign) - Excellent communication, presentation, writing, interpersonal, analytical, planning, and organization skills. Account Executives Qualifications: - At least College Level, preferably with background in Marketing, Sales or any Business course. - Highly motivated, a team player, with good communication, negotiation and presentation skills, thrives under pressure and can work with minimal supervision. - Applicants must be willing to work in Makati City and do field work. - Preferably has at least 1 year experience in Corporate Sales/Advertising/Publication. Circulation Manager Qualifications: - College Graduate, Major in Management, Economics or Marketing. - Preferably with at least five (5) years experience in Circulation with three (3) years managerial experience. - Knowledge in product, price, distribution and promotion strategies. - Proficiency in basic computer operations (Word, Excel, Powerpoint). - Excellent communication, presentation, writing, interpersonal, analytical, planning, and organization skills.

In the middle of this year, we reported the status of Apple in terms of their dedication to making the planet a greener place to live in. Now, as the year closes, Greenpeace has released their latest ranking of companies in the green race.

 

Apple has improved and is now above the half way mark, and it’s apparent that while Nokia maybe leading insales department, Sony Ericsson and Samsung are the one leading in the green category. Microsoft, on the other hand, is third to last with lowly Nintendo being at solo last place.

So does this mean Nintendo hates the Earth?  Not entirely so. They got a zero rating for not disclosing their plans on going green so the environmental group had no choice but to flunk them. Greenpeace based their rankings on the companies decision to use non-toxic materials in their products, and coming up with take-back plans and recycling progrma to rid of existing units that contain hazardous materials.

 Stay tuned in 2008 (hopefully) to see who gets to reach the green finish line first in this amazing race!

I'm currently reviewing Apple's new iPod Touch, the so-called neutered iPhone, and while that's technically correct, I'm finding it to be a unique and completely different creature in and of itself. In fact I'm typing this on one online from a movie theater while watching the Pacquiao fight live. The many preliminary bouts are a bit long and wearying. Bored, I pulled out the iPod and found a free signal labelled Gateway Cinema (why they'd have one here is beyond me) and began surfing. The mere fact I can do this on an iPod and not a laptop or smartphone or Blackberry is no less short of amazing. That this is even doable underscores the usefulness of such a device that is neither a laptop or a smartphone. It's way handy and convenient for times like these so you can surf, blog or email easily anywhere with wifi with just this one gadget. I'm liking this thing more and more and I'm beginning to think that its most significant weakness - not being a phone - is actually its greatest strength. More in the forthcoming review. In the meantime I have to go. Manny's fight is about to start. Kyla's singing.

Mobile Philippines' September-October issue brings you the sexy and sassy MTV VJ Andi Manzano on the cover. Get our roster of hands-on reviews featuring Nextbase SDV185-SD, HTC Touch, Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1A, Nokia 5700, LG KU-250, Toshiba M200, Olympus FE-240, plus tons more. The battle of the minis rages between the Apple second-gen shuffle and Creative Zen Stone. We also give you the coolest, no-nonsense toys for the big boys in our New and Notable section. Mobile also gives you the Top 11 coolest (or weirdest) and smallest gadgets imaginable. Plus learn how music became mobile. While you're at it, read our step by step on how to maximize storage by reducing the size of your MP3s. Grab your latest copy of Mobile Philippines available in your favorite newsstands for only 100 pesos!

It’s Smart Telecommunication’s turn to come out with their solution to the growing headache of the daily MRT commuter: the long lines at the ticketing booth. It’s been almost a year now since Globe made its G-Pass chip available to the public as an option to the common MRT ticket, and now Smart, in collaboration with MetroPass, has developed its own alternative. The Smart Money PayPass card be purchased at MetroPass booths at selected MRT stations and can electronically be reloaded via Smart Money. Specific turnstiles are equipped with card readers where you can use the PayPass card for easy entry. What makes this card unique is that it will integrate all Smart Money services such as money remittances into the card as well. Metro Pass booths will not only serve as sales stations for the card, but also as encashment centers for those who wish to avail of the Smart Money services. Talk about coming up with a full-featured card! Though it took Smart several months after Globe ventured into this business, as they say, it’s better late than never, and with the PayPass card being more than just an MRT ticket alternative, they sure got their act together in coming up with a great product for the MRT commuter.

It’s official! Well, for now, at least. Nokia is still No. 1 with Samsung coming in at second. Motorola has finally been bumped down to No. 3 while Sony Ericsson and LG round up the top five. This is according to the 2^nd quarter worldwide sales that shows all manufacturers are experiencing a boost this year with the exception, of course, of Motorola, who last year had 22.1 percent, much better than this year’s measly 13 percent. Surprised? Well, yeah! I’m surprised that Motorola held on to No. 2 for 4 years! Probably due to the popularity of the brand in the US, a significant market to consider. Product-wise, Samsung and Sony Ericsson offer a lot of better products to choose from. Just goes to show you really can’t rest on your laurels especially in the competitive market of mobile phones. Congratulations, Nokia!

After all the hoopla on various sightings of different symbols found all over the country, all the speculation was finally laid to rest last night when a TV station finally announced who was behind all the fanfare: Globe. It was all part of a huge marketing scheme by Globe for the re-launch of its brand and presence with a new and hipper logo to represent not only the company but also the various services it offered. Except for the logo, Globe really had nothing new to offer, but upon visiting its site, what caught my attention was how its marketing epople positioned its Mobile TV service so that it would be noticed more. They probably did this to rival Smart’s MyTV service, but Globe’s Mobile TV is a far cry from MyTV (for a more comprehensive comparison of the two services, check out the primer on Mobile TV in the July-August issue of Mobile Philippines out now). For those who got hooked in the whole mystery thing, it was kind of a bummer to find out that Globe was just getting everyone excited over the redesigned logo. In my opinion, it would have been better if they had something new to offer than just a logo.