A New Beginning

( T_T)＼(^-^ )

Sent from my iPhone

Happy Birthday!

Dear all, <-- perasan, ada ke followers since lama tak update?

It's been a very looooooooooooooooooooooooong time since I've last update (yes that long).. but today its special as this entry is dedicated to a buddy of mine.

Today its her birthday so and I've said that I will wish her Birthday on every possible media; so far I've covered Facebook, SMS, Fixed Phone, in person and public announcement/humiliation (bunyi je gempak.. sebenarnya just org sekeliling dalam lift and on escalator kita hebohkan dia birthday girl) and now as requested by birthday gal.. via my blog.

The person I'm talking about is no other than.. Ninie!!

Happy birthday dear.. thank you for being such a good friend..

May Allah return back all the favors you've done to others..

And in return grant you all the wishes that you've wished for..

Wishing you a good year ahead filled with happiness :)

A Different Kind Of Book

Went to PC Fair today, man the place is jammed pack with people. However I don't want to comment much on the event, as this time round it is a quick operation for me. I just went there to buy a book and go home. Sounds weird huh buying books at PC Fair huh?

As pictured I did buy My Book but its is in actual fact an external hard disk drive. Specifically it's a Western Digital My Book Home Edition with 1 Terabytes of storage space. That's a whopping 1,000 Gigabytes; enough for 440 hours of DVD movies or 250,000 MP3 music files or 285,000 JPG photos. The fact figures are what is stated on the packaging box, but I'm sure everyone knows all is subject to type of compression and size of the media itself.

Like all gadgets I own, rarely will I buy something without doing "some" research on it. I choose this particular model for its multiple connection options (USB, Firewire & eSata) and auto power on/off function following your PC. The latter to me is a cool and practical functionality; one less thing to shut down and no need to worry of shutting down while the HDD is writing.



Package content includes (from left) the My Book ext HDD unit, USB cable, Firewire cable, power adapter and a quick install guide. Installing the My Book is very easy; just hook-up the data cable (I'm using Firewire for faster transfer speeds) and power cable, Windows will immediately identify the HDD and install automatically the driver. In Windows, you will see that the HDD is pre formated to FAT 32 and the total HDD space available is 931 GB.

This point forward I can use the HDD immediately just like another drive, but Western Digital also bundles some optional backup softwares (in the HDD itself); WD Anywhere Backup and Memeo Auto Sync. WD Anywhere Backup is basically a program which sort of mirror your PC content (content selectable) for backup, however it is not automated. So you would have to periodically remember to back up. The second software Memeo Auto Sync is very useful piece of software since it enables auto backup. Didn't install it as it is a trial version.



Design wise, I rather like it as it is sized similar to a paperback novel and it fits nicely on my book shelves (on the right of the monitor). Heat is not an issue as My Book has heat dissipation vents on top of its casing and a there is also a software (on your system tray) which monitors the HDD health and tempreture. The emitting lights at the front shall indicate accordingly; the HDD state whether the drive in use, on standby or power on/off.

Overall I'm satisfied with My Book; its form, practicality and price is well ballance. Snatched it at PC Fair for only RM399 and that works approximately 40 cents per Gig. Normal retail price is RM445 at Low Yat. Now I can download and store more stuff!! Should I temp you with this entry, its not too late as tomorrow is the last day for PC Fair if you want to grab it at this price. Cheers :)

PC Fair 2009 Opens Its Door Today

Dear boys and girls, today PC Fair 2009 opens its door. I'm rather excited to attend this time round as I've have a few things in mind to purchase, mostly PC necessities (ye ke ni ? >:D). However I'm currently bogged down at work unable to take half-day off; though of getting there early beating the crowd and grabbing the first offers.

OMG Friday prayers.. GTG.. will update this later! Anyhow, for those who had the opportunity to go during luch-time etc; just share some crazy offers if any :)

HP Mini 1000: Sweet Deal at Harvey Norman

If you've been eying a HP Mini 1000, now is a good time to buy as HP has reduced its price. from RM1,699 to RM1,499. Based on my observations through the web, there are 2 main reasons for the price slash:

1. Introduction of HP Mini 2140 early April (most likely during PC Fair 2009)
2. HP Mini 2140 will be priced at RM 1,699 >> same price as HP Mini 1000 (before price cut)

The swirly design on its case both contemporary and eye pleasing. A colleague of mine is currently using this Netbook and similarly to what I've said on HP Mini 2140; it's does the job well for office work, surfing and light multimedia. Only drawback is the absent of a VGA port which hinders you from using it for presentations.

The deficiency is easily fixed with HP optional VGA cable for this Netbook which retails at US$19.90. However if you really need VGA out; better opt for HP Mini 2140 as not only it has a VGA out, it also boast a larger and faster HDD, 3D HDD Protection and Expresscard Slot.

If you don't mind what HP Mini 1000 lacks, then by all means get this nice Netbook. Harvey Norman is selling it at RM1,499 with 2 free gifts which you can choose (Kesington Lock, USB hub, Optical Mouse, Screen Protector and etc) plus 50 pieces of blank DVD-Rs.

My Very Own HP Mini (^-^)

At last, after a month and a half of constant internet monitoring.. I've finally got my hands on my very own HP Mini 2140. Been waiting for its arrival in Malaysia, but HP representative informed that it will only reach Malaysia by end of March or early April. Hence my main purpose of the recent trip to Singapore was to buy it from the Singapore IT Show 2009.

You might think, why to this extend this bloke would go and get this Netbook? Well.. I really needed something small and light for work; namely to check e-mails, simple document editing and do presentations. I've been hauling the office's 14 inch notebook and it is killing my back, to add insult.. the wireless didn't even work!

I chose this Netbook as it has an aluminum chassis, 92% full sized QWERTY keyboard, VGA out, large HDD (160 GB) and its minimalist design. But my other main deciding factor was the HP brand, which I fully trust on their excellent support (based on past experience). The only letdown for me is the power brick; which if the wires are all wound-up, its half the size of the Netbook itself :D It would be nice if they could do it like Dell's Mini 12 power brick, which is similar to a hand phone charger.

Anyhow, tt has been a week using the HP Mini 2140 and I'm glad to say that I am very pleased with its aesthetics and performance. It coped well with it intended purpose, which is web surfing, light office work, presentations and some multimedia playback. Setting your expectation right on Netbooks is crucial as "it is not a notebook" and people are going to get disappointed if you expect it to perform like one.

A little bit more details on the user experience; the system itself comes with Windows XP Home OS, on which I've installed Norton Internet Security and re-installed the MS Office 2007 (got enterprise license). In terms of protection and office work, everything performed well. Responsiveness of loading and editing large office files was nippy.

Web surfing on the other hand, Google Chrome is the fastest browser but IE7 which came second is my default browser. I choose IE7 as it is surprisingly fast to load, supports full screen browsing and it can be integrated with the Norton Internet Security password management. Both browsers loads and streamed multimmedia content well. Firefox on the other hand; crashed and loads very slowly, I've uninstalled it shortly.

Lastly in terms of multimedia; it played 16:9 DivX videos smoothly with perfect full screen display (without the letter box due to its resolution 1024x576). It also can play High Definition 720p and 1080 movies provided it is encoded in *.avi format. Matroska or *.mkv video simply a no no.. it jitters a lot and not watchable. I think the high compression level of Matroska is too much for the Atom processor.

Additionally apart from what I've described above; it is light at 1.2kg, well constructed and the battery lasts over 3 hours between charging. A good combo for any people who are constantly on the move. Nowadays, I carry it evrywhere in my trustee Crumpler :D Oh ya, bought the HP Mini at Singapore IT Show for approximately RM 1,850 (after tax rebate) which comes with free 2GB RAM upgrade and HP Slipcase.

Interested? Check out the upcoming PC fair in KL, should be here by then.

Singapore IT Show 2009

The view today as I waited outside the hall 15 minutes prior to Singapore IT Show opening. This is my third consecutive time I've attended this event and it has become something I look forward every year.

It is sort of become; another excuse for a trip to Singapore :) But basically I like to attend the IT Show there as it showcases many new gadgets which some may or may not reach our shores. Last year it was on GPS navigation device, companies like HP, Packet Bell, Garmin and few other which I cannot recall; put forward their latest devices. Had a chance to test almost all of them!

This year I think belongs to LCD TV, huge companies like Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic, Harvey Norman and Courts are selling the televisions like an auction format and it all went like hotcakes. Best deal I've heard is two 40 inch LCD, Full HD was sold for the price of one by Courts. However this time also its a little bit crowded and noisy with the auction going on.

On cameras, Sony still offer the best deal. Even though it is a fraction cheaper than Malaysia, it really is still a good bargain. Why? Because they've bundled item like 8GB Memory Stick plus another 2 4GB Memory Stick, Leather Case, Sony Photo Printer, International warranty!! The freebies alone cost half of the camera cost if it's in Malaysia.

If you're into Dell Mini 10, the one locked with Maxis 3G in Malaysia; you can also purchase it here at an offer price of SG$699 (approx RM1690). If you have already subscribe to 3G data plan, just pop-in your sim card in this Netbook for wireless connectivity. LG and HP Mini 1011 also offers their own Netbook with 3G capabilities built in.

If you're into personal music, there are abundance of mid-to-high-end earphones to choose from. Senheiser, Sone, Audio-Technica, Panasonic and Creative just to name a few. Basically there are many things to see if you're a technology or gadget buff. I can keep rambling with a long list but I won't.

I just would like to recommend, if you have the opportunity; take a trip next year and see the IT Show for yourself! Signing off from Lion City :)

iPhone Has Landed in Malaysia

After it's worldwide reveal in July 11th 2008, iPhone 3G has finally reached our shores. It will be offered by Maxis and will be officially available on 20th March 2009. The pricing and packages are already up at Maxis website, navigate there for details or pre-order one?

Easy Bread Pudding

This is my easy bread pudding recipe, I've improvised some of the ingredients to make it healthier.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups lowfat milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 omega 3 eggs (L)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
- pinch of salt (approx 1/3 teaspoon)
- 4-5 slices of Gardenia classic whitebread
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- some butter to rub on the dish

Pre heat oven to 220c. Whisk in a bowl all items from milk to salt in the list above. Rub some butter on inner part of a ceramic dish. Cut the bread to small cubes, approx 1.5 by 1.5 cm, layering with raisins inside the dish. Then pour the mix onto the bread dish ensuring all is covered.

Pop it into the pre heated oven in a water bath. In 45 minutes the bread pudding will be ready. We want the top slightly browned.

This is so easy to do, baked it 3 times already and once guided my niece. Give it a try, its so scrumptiously yummy :)

Optional sauce: 1/2 cup low fat milk heated in a saucepan with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cornflour and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Heat it till slightly thickens. Pour onto the bread pudding as much as the heart contempt.

-- Post From My iPhone

Affordable Full HD LCD Monitor Anyone?

If you are in the market for a new LCD monitor for your PC, perhaps you might want to consider the Dell S2409W, 24-inch Full HD LCD Monitor provided you have space on your computer desk. Being full HD; the native resolution for this monitor is 1920 x 1080, with the large desktop space it will easily fit 2 windows side by side.

16:9 aspect ratio will also provide that perfect HD video playback without that letterbox effect, 2 black horizontal lines on top and bottom of the movie. Apart from VGA and DVI connections, this moitor also fearues HDMI connector for higher quality digital connection.

Priced at only RM 699, I've stumbled upon this huge bargain while browsing Dell's website. After reading some reviews from the net and having an average user review of 4 out 5 stars (CNET, PC World, Dell) I honestly think this monitor truly gives the maximum bang for your money spent. Quote from CNET "Dell S2409W provides good quality for the money."

It may all sound good but one thing to consider in selecting any LCD monitor is the viewing angle. As mentioned in reviews; when viewed at an angle it darkens slightly however it is very crisps when viewed straight on the right angle. Despite of that, everything is reassuring when reading the user comments.

Therefore I was really tempted to get this monitor for myself but, I'm currently happy with my 22-inch Samsung 226BW LCD monitor. If you're interested, head fast to Dell's website as offer ends on 26th February 2009.

• Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution – Enjoy the latest movies and blockbusters in their highest resolution available.
• 16:9 dynamic aspect ratio – Delivers a Full HD experience seamlessly.
• HDMI – Rapid transfer of high quality video and audio in a pure uncompressed digital state for plug and play simplicity.
• Sleek new design - The glossy black bezel complements most environments and most Dell systems.

HP Mini for the Ladies

While checking for HP Mini 2140 availability at HP Malaysia Online Store, I've stumbled upon another version of the HP Mini 1000; the Viviene Tam edition. This model was release in the US a few weeks after the introduction of the Mini 1000 and retails at US$699 (appox RM 2,516), a difference of US$250 (approx RM 900) from the original Mini 1000 (US$449; approx RM 1,616).

However to my surprise, the Viviene Tam edition is relatively cheap in Malaysia at only RM 1,999 and the difference is not much with the original HP 1000 selling at RM 1,699. This may due to the fact, the Malaysian edition uses a normal HDD instead of the speedy and expensive solid state drive. All is not lost as with the normal HDD, you gain much more HDD space (60GB vs 16GB).

While the other specs are the same as an original Mini 1000, the exception with this edition is its exterior design; which is all splashed in red (including the keyboards) with floral design. and it comes with a design matching silk sleeve. In my opinion, it is a sweet looking Netbook for the ladies and nicely priced. Grab this Netbook fast if you're interested as HP does state 'limited edition'. Link to HP online store.


HP Mini 1000 (Viviene Tam Edition)

Windows XP Home Edition SP3; 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270; 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz; 128MB Mobile Intel 945GM; 60GB Toshiba 4,200rpmdesign matching silk sleeve.


Photo source : various from the web.

Drooling Over HP Mini

When HP introduced the HP Mini 1000 end of last year, I was impressed with its hip contemporary design. Being a Netbook understandably I've put my expectation for it's performance at a minimum and kept in mind that it was meant for surfing and light productivity on the go.

Nonetheless I've researched extensively on the web for its features and reviews. bwana and Dan Ankerman reviews really put the HP Mini into my serious consideration. It showed, how snappy the HP Mini was running productivity applications, web streaming and video playback.

So off to the store for physical evaluation and man, I fell in love with the look, built quality feel and it's lightness straight away. The Windows XP also performed surprisingly well with most of applications launched quite fast, videos played well, hibernates/shutdown/restart/launch Windows at an acceptable time.

Umm by the way I'm doing this tests at Harvey Norman and cheekily without shame asking the sales guy to key-in the password every time I hibernate/shutdown/restart/launch the Netbook. I especially like the large keyboard slapped end-to-end on the system, it's really comfortable and no learning curve is required to get used to.

The HP Mini 1000 does have its downside, with a smaller and slower HDD from other offerings in the market at 60GB 4200RPM and no VGA out (requires special cable). Despite these 2 minor set-backs, I was sold and ready for a purchase. RRP for the HP Mini is RM1,699.

Surveyed Harvey Norman, Digital Mall PJ and Low Yat Plaza; the best bargain from the lot is at Low Yat whereby at RM 1,700 (payment by credit card charges included), they upgrade the RAM to 2 GB and throw in 5 freebies (Mouse, USB Hub etc). Another company offers the same as above but with additional 160GB WD External HDD (worth RM175) at a total of RM 1,800.

To me the latter is the better offer even its priced higher, as I can easily sell the external HDD at RM 150 and get the system at only RM 1,650! However it was not meant to be get this Netbook on that day, the only new unit that they have, had a physical defect on the screen (probably someone poked it with a sharp object). Went for the first bargain without the external HDD, they on the other hand didn't have stock. Turns out their store manager was still on CNY holiday.

With a heavy heart, went home without my HP Mini. That night I've research some more re-run the video review and I've stumbled on something that got me really excited! It's a newer model of the HP Mini 2140. It's much more sleeker being in an aluminum chassis with PCI/54 Express card slot, 120 GB 160 GB 5400RPM HDD and VGA out.

The HP Mini 2140 was introduced in the US market early Jan 09 and it should arrive in Asia by mid-Feb 09 and as of yesterday it is just on sale in Singapore. Hopefully it will reach Malaysia by end of the moth or I'll drive down the there to get one. Actually it's a blessing in disguise that my purchase didn't went through for the HP Mini 1000 as I'm definitely would want the latter. For now I'm continuing to google everyday and joined forums to get the latest updates on its availability here.

HP Mini 1000

Windows XP Home Edition SP3; 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270; 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz; 128MB Mobile Intel 945GM; 60GB Toshiba 4,200rpm.



HP Mini 2140

Windows XP Home SP2; 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270; 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz; 224MB Mobile Intel GMA 950; 160GB Toshiba 5400rpm

Photo source : various from the web.

Happy New Year

Hi friends, yet another year passed by in a jiff. Some resolutions were met, some in progress and some didn't took off. Many costly impulse decissions, lingering work related issues but also many good news.

Looking forward for a better year ahead, keeping it sharp and focused on work and self pampering. Wishing you a happy prosperous new year.

Signing off from lion city Singapore :)



-- Post From My iPhone

Blog from anywhere with BlogPress

This is a test posting from my iPhone using BlogPress application.

So far this application is a jiffy to use. Everything is self explanatory and easy to use.

Previously I've posted an entry on my notebook also from iPhone but that is through the secret e-mail. Some key items such as labels and multiple photos support are mising from the e-mailing method.

By using BlogPress I can manage and edit posts, add labels, photos, and etc. Additional features which would make this application better are landscape authoring, spell check, geotag and url link. Other than that, this app really makes mobile blogging easier.

-- Post From My iPhone

What's Your Poison?

If you like acoustic music, the you'll definitely like this band; Boyce Avenue. Stumbled upon while searching for guitar lessons in YouTube, I've been an avid listener since. The band does cover songs of popular hits which some to me sounded much more better than the original singer.

Boyce Avenue, a Florida-based band popular for its strong acoustic roots and constant drive toward a melody- and harmony-driven rock sound, consists of the three brothers Alejandro, Fabian, and Daniel Manzano, and Stephen Hatker. The band first came together in 2000, when Alejandro (lead vocals, guitar, piano) and Fabian (guitar, vocals), then 14 and 16 years old, respectively, started playing guitar. ~ Boyce Avenue Official Website ~

Don't let the boy band look deceive you, the lead singer Alejandro (second from right) has a strong, grunge vocals which is well suited for acoustics paired with basic instruments; it is truly something refreshing to hear. Current favorites includes the following cover songs:

1. The Freshman - the verve
2. Viva La Vida - coldplay
3. With You - chris brown
4. Don't Look Back in Anger - oasis
5. Closer - ne-yo

You can find out more about the band at their official website or listen straight at their YouTube channel. They do sell their cover albums in iTunes store, however it is currently unavailable in Malaysia. But there is an alternative to download a slighty lower quality mp3 ripped from their official YouTube videos from this site. Happy listening :)

Fwd: So Long My Friend

You have been a good pal to me and others you have touched. may you serve your new owner well; as well as you did to me and be treated as just. Thank you my shiny steed.

Sent from my iPhone

nyummy.. Japanese Miniature Chili Crabs

Been craving this snack for months.. search almost all major supermarket and japanese speciallity store from Ampang, KLCC, PJ and finally today found at The Garden's Cold Storage. 

These tiny critters, measuring not more than an inch packs mouthful of flavor. Everything could be consumed, from the tiny legs, claws and even the whole body shell. To discribe the taste, easiest to explain; it taste similar to the chili ikan bilis from Pangkor. A pack of 200 grams costs RM 14. Why not give it a try? It's nice.

Burrpp.. excuse me.. but I'm full from eating a dozen of this crab :) 

Get The Right Gear

I’d always believe that having a proper gear in any line of work is necessary to do things efficiently, less effort to get it right and more focused on the task at hand. Growing up in a house of five brothers, we had a fair share of DIY projects, may it be motoring, gardening, carpentry and plumbing amongst others. One thing in common among all those projects, we love tools; with the proper and quality tools tasks becomes less of a burden and you’ve work smarter.

Same should go to the men and women who are protecting our country round the clock; the police, military, fire brigade and other agencies. Their gear should be up to date, spick and spank; as proper gear to them could mean life or death. We always see in the movies, especially from Hollywood like; SWAT, Blackhawk Down or reality TV police videos, they all have the proper tools.

Not only have they made them more agile, but it keeps them well protected too. These are top of the line equipment, purpose build to keep up with ever demanding job which you think is off limits for civilians. Guess what, I’ve stumbled upon this website called TacticalPantsUSA.com where they are selling 5.11 Tactical series gear. Now civilians like us can benefit the technology and research done for each of the product on sale.

5.11 Tactical series is a superior product that enhances the safety, accuracy, speed and performance of law enforcement, military and firefighting professionals. Built on a foundation of durability, quality and value, 5.11 Tactical leads the industry by delivering functionally innovative gear, head to toe. At TacticalPantsUSA.com we are spoilt with choices as they carry almost everything within this category, may it be tactical pants, shirts, knives, boots, eyewear, jackets, watches and many more. To fully check out the items available and how to shop, head over to TacticalPantsUSA.com to find out more on the 5.11 Tactical series.

This entry is written for http://www.tacticalpantsusa.com

Item Arrived (^-^)

Haha.. Finally it arrived yesterday at 3.55pm.. So whats in the bag?

Its another packaging inside of it.. which..


Fast forwarding opening up the content you'll find this on top of the wrappings.. hmm.. whats that?


Yeazzaaa!! Finally, my very own iPhone 3G!!! My most anticipated gadget which I've want since it launched.


Been watching this phone since it was first introduced (iPhone 1st Gen), but was bummed with exclusivity offering tied to a service provider. Hacked version doesn't compel either as it would be difficult to do periodical updates.

However since the introduction of the 3G version, more and more of these phone flooding the market with officially unlocked versions and now with version 2.0 firmware which supports MS Exchange; I was very tempted and started "researching" for the last 2 1/2 weeks on my free time.

Since placing an order on eBay, made payment, received the tracking number; it was worth the effort and wait to get this phone. Never had I bough a phone that excites myself and half of the office; its like a mini Apple "unveiling" event.

Anyhow, just "played" around for a day now and I'm very pleased with it. It can't beat a full QWERTY keyboard of my previous phone, but overall its awesome :)

iWonder What is Coming?

On Schedule Delivery : 24/11/08


*Updated 23/11/08 @ 9.55 am - Flight diverted to HK

Rescheduled delivery : 25/11/2008