My Possible Window Mobile Phone - Toshiba TG01

This Toshiba looks good and promising, very attractive, thin, big screen, GPS, 3G etc…, my old pager is Toshiba TOA and my notebook PC is Toshiba PORTEGE R150, so I have faith with MIJ Toshiba quality...To me, this is not a perfect WM phone yet, look like no camera flash light; it is useful to be a torch light when needed… I hope that it comes with stylus, if not, hope that it is easy to manipulate, I tried iPhone but not use to its finger touch screen input…
Hope that it has good enough battery life; it would be a perfect phone for me with the following features…, I put up a modified image from http://www.gsmarena.com/toshiba_tg01-pictures-2662.php for some sharing…
With TV/ Radio antenna, Headphone jack, Mini USB, Strap, to accept stylus input, Flash light, Extra little LCD display on top to show the date and time, plus few status’indicators at there, so that no need to on the full touch screen to conserve power….

Anyway, need to find out more after its release... it might be my next WM phone for internet surfing, eboooks’ reading, etc… at any time any place…

Check it out at here: http://www.gsmarena.com/toshiba_tg01-2662.php
Cheers!

Transcend 2.5” SSD (Solid State Disk)

My Notebook PC break down a week ago due to hard disk drive failure, so I need a replacement, and I had wanted to get a SSD (Solid State Disk) HDD for my Notebook quite some time since I know some Notebook PCs already using…. After surfing the internet and read from Hardwarezone, Engadget, cnet, I found the Transcend 2.5” SSD which suit my Notebook IDE interface. Wow, I’m excited, immediately call up Memory World at Sim Lim Square (#04-12, Tel: 6333 4500), they have it in various size, IDE/ SATA interfacings and MLC/ SLC, need to order from Taiwan…. Last week I went down to place an order, but to my surprise they have 32GB MLC in stock and their service is good, so I happily get it on the spot… Do the installation at home and my Notebook PC performs much faster than before, I’m so happy. Highly recommend to people who need to replace their hard disk drives.
Here is it features: - RoHS compliant - Fully IDE compatible - Non-volatile Flash Memory for outstanding data retention - Built-in ECC (Error Correction Code) functionality and wear-leveling algorithm ensures highly reliable of data transfer - Supports up to Ultra DMA Mode 5 - Lower Power Consumption - Shock resistance - 2-year warranty

http://www.transcendusa.com/Products/ModDetail.asp?ModNo=164&SpNo=2&LangNo=0

My White Asus P320 PPC Phone

I was looking for a new PPC Phone to replace my Acer N311 PPC, first I like the Samsung i900 very much, but after compare the price, portability, brand, design, its’ usability and my needs, I finally bought this Asus P320 at AAAs Com Solution Pte Ltd 2 weeks ago, with a 2GB Micro SD card from its service centre, ASUS Royal Club at No.1 Coleman Street, The Adelphi #04-18 (Opp. Funan DigitaLife Mall), with screen protector and Agis Singapore GPS Map.

I’m a first time PPC Phone user, here are some find out about this PPC Phone, please correct me if I wrote something wrong:

Body:
It’s slim and small in size, can put inside my pants or shirt pocket easily. I can use my thumb to navigate the menus easily using the 5 ways navigation button and all the other six buttons; when there are no ways to access the menu then use the stylus. My set is of white colour, for me it look better as compared to a black one, the body quite well made and feel nice, it is a cute little PPC Phone I should say.

Screen:
It is 2.6” in size, I bought a Brando screen protector to replace the shop given SP, the Product Code is: SAGSP039300, BW PDA Screen Protector (Asus P320) from http://shop.brando.com.hk. It is an anti glares type, the reflection on the screen reduced a lot after installation. The screen border has little step on its edges, same as my Acer N311 screen and it helps the stylus to do scroll up/ down easier as compared to other flat screen devices.

Speaker:
The sound came out quite loud enough from the system when listening to music or watching video, and when listen and answering the phone, the sound is clear enough as well.

GPS:
The GPS connection speed quite alright, though I’m first time to use GPS, I manage to set up the start and the end point and let the GPS do the navigation for me while I’m driving. Quite accurate and very interesting, it is the most useful function in this P320 phone I should say.
The GPS Catcher program does not allow me to do the update for GPS data, try many times with phone GPRS connection with no success…, but this does not cause problem to the use of GPS navigation.

Speed:
Manipulating the menu have some lag here and there, the response from the touch screen has some delay as well, not that bad overall, just need to get use to it.
I install CE-Star Suite 2.8 R3c to read and write Chinese text, this version supports WM6.1.
I install free Classic PocketTV player to watch mpg movie, video came out quite smooth and the sound is loud enough, but higher resolution wmv videos played in WM player have lagging.
It also take quite a long time for the phone to start up again when you do a soft-reset or replace the battery…., probably due to the slow CPU at just 200MHz….

Internet Connection:
GPRS:
I use 3G SIM card with broadband on mobile for internet connection in this 2.5G phone, not so sure about the actual speed, but quite alright for general surfing and downloading.
VoIP:
I Install Skype Ver 2.2, I do not have much chances to communicate with others, the conversation has distortion. I tried to adjust the sound recording format in the Setting under Input menu a few times, but the result still not that good…., I guess it is due to the slow processing speed of this device.
IE:
I use the built in IE to surf the internet, feel quite good already, so did not install my Reensoft IE Plus that use in my Acer N311, besides the 2.6” is rather small to surf comfortably and also because the P320 has limited memory space.
WiFi:
I still can not make a WiFi connection, fail a few times due to my network setting….., but I think should not be an issue if you setup correctly…..
Bluetooth:
I tried using the Bluetooth to pair this up with my Acer N311 to surf internet with no problem.
Wireless manager:
There is a wireless manager for you to turn on or off the connections, Bluetooth, Phone, WiFi and Data (GPRS). Surprisingly it also can set when to automatically turn-off and when to turn-on the phone.

Li-Ion Battery:
I also bought a spare battery from South Asia Computer Pte Ltd at Funan Centre on the same day. The battery is just 1100mAh, so better to have a spare incase it run out of power; in fact for normal light usage like phone calls/ SMSs, it consumes 20 to 30% of power a day; for heavy usage, need to charge up the battery the same day at night.

Memory:
The unit memory storage are 64MB for files and 128MB for programs, only a few MB are available for files storage in the main memory after I installed the programs mentioned above. People who heavily use their PPC should not store files in the main memory, instead move the files to the micro SD card.

WM 6.1:
My frequent use function is the Calendar, for me to set appointments and to remind me. It also has Newstations, for setting up few channels to update you with RSS feeds from the web, it is quite similar to the World Off-Line 2.0 which I have in my Acer N311.
People who have experience with WM5 PPC should be able to use the WM6.1 PPC Phone with no problem.

Overall:
I’m quite happy to use it for my daily communication, reminder function in the Calendar for appointments and the GPS for navigation.

Thanks.

PS,
The link to its specification:
http://sg.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=11&l2=...153&modelmenu=2
Some other links from mobile01.com:
[採訪]ASUS P320最迷你衛星導航PDA手機發佈
http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=222&t=636924
【P320輕巧上色】白色永遠當道之簡易開箱文
http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=...=3&last=7313295
傳說中的小機機，ASUS P320見參!
http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=222&t=665056&p=1

Additions:
SAR:
Asus P320 SAR values are 0.319 W/kg at ear, 0.86 W/kg on the body.
The max. allowable is at 2 W/kg for safety.

GPS Catcher:
I manage to update the GPS data by using the WiFi connection instead of using the GPRS connection last time. GPS connection speed seems not much improves, but I’m very happy with using the GPS in my P320 so far. For example, it will guide you to the Raffles City Shopping Centre’s car park entrance if you set it as the end point, I have detour several times to avoid some ERPs, it will reroute and bring you to the destination correctly. I’m impressed with this GPS in my device.

WiFi:
I manage to setup the WiFi connection, by touch and hold the SSID for the pop up menu; choose Edit to edit its setting…

Li-Ion Battery:
From the manual, be careful; don’t overcharge the device for more than 3 hours, so as not to shorten the battery lifespan.

Newstation:
Very useful program in WM6.1, I setup a few RSS channels, like Zaobao, Channel Newsasia, Singapore weather forecast, will do more explore in the future…

Task Manager:
Useful program in WM6.1, it can totally close the programs if no more in use and clear it from main memory. Besides, by clicking the x icon in each program also do the same thing.

Memory:
Clear the files inside IE’s visited sites will free more main memory file storage space. Steps: IE\ Tools\ Option\ Memory…

The above find outs are based on firmware version: 4.10.0_0718_WWE, date: 12/06/2008.

04 Feb 2009:
ASUS P320 New Firmware Version V4.15.0

I successfully updated this firmware to my P320, seem more responsive a bit than V4.10.0
Go to http://sg.asus.com/ , Download/ General Download, select product then seach for the firmware …
From ASUS Singapore web site:
ASUS PDA Phone firmware P320_V4_15_0_V4_10_V1_12_0_ZHI only for Singapore version
Additional features and improvements:
1. Improve Day and Night Theme switch.
2. Improve system stability.
Caution:
1. Please refer to "P320 Singapore V4.15.0 release note" in the zip file for the firmware upgrade caution and procedure.
2. Please refer to "P320 Singapore V4.15.0 release note" in the zip file for the SD card you use for upgrade.

My Silver Swift

I changed to a SUZUKI Swift 1.5 (AT) not long ago and been driving it for 3 months, over all I’m very satisfied with this car. I have test drive the Mazda 2 SP and Nissan March before decided to buy this. Here are some experience and find outs from this Swift:

The auto gear:
It’s a nice car to drive, power and performance just so so only, do not expect fast pick up speed from standstill, however, the auto transmission is very smooth, that’s the main reason I chose it. It has the zigzag gated gear lever, and is fun to shift, some time, I just put at 2, let the rpm climb up then shift to 3 and then D, in this way the pickup is faster than usually at D all the time. But I do not know will this practice cause any damages to the gear box or not…

Under the bonnet:
The engine system under the bonnet is neat, clear and well arranged, the layout of pipes, hoses, wiring cable are routed neatly, Suzuki engineers have done a very good job here, the air-con is factory fitted.

The handling:
Easy parking and maneuvers, that’s also the reason I like, it has a short wheel base as compared to others, go through humps and uneven surface will feel jerk and bouncing, not so comfortable. Good handling with little body rolls during cornering, and nice steering feel, even at high way speed, it feels quite stable.

Safety:
The brake system is quite adequate, it comes with ABS and EBD. Dual front airbags are standard.

Sound system:
It has neat integrated sound system at the dash board, can play MP3s, with steering wheel mounted buttons for easy control. Plastic panel rattling if the bass is set at high during playback, overall not so entertaining, though the noise are well insulated inside the cabin.

Interior and exterior:
It has a neat and simple interior layout, did not have much compartments to put things in, just ferry 4 normal passengers and the boot space is limited. The out look is unique, a bit short compared to Mazda 2 SP.

Fuel Consumption:
It can use RON 91 and above, I pump SHELL 95 instead, not 98 for some saving, in future may be 3 years later, will try the 92. As I have only traveled about 4500 km, normally in start-stop general driving situation, the average FC shown is around 11.5 km/ liter at the gauge. With full synthetic Castrol 5W40 engine oil.

There have much useful information about SUZUKI Swift at the following forums:
http://www.swiftclubsg.com/forumv1/ http://forum.suzukiclubsingapore.com/viewforum.php?f=25

My Digital Camera - Panasonic TZ3

Bought this Panasonic TZ3 to replace my Nikon 3700, like it very much. Initially want to wait for the Sony H9, but consider that H9 bigger body size and not that handy to carry around. Also the TZ3 has built in lens cover. Find it quick and easy to use, because the buttons are located nicely; LCD screen menu selections are simple to set, plus a quick FUNC button to display and setting the essential: ISO, Picture size, Burst rate, White balance, Picture aspect ratio and its quality, to suit the needs.

It is a wonderful point and shoot camera:
Can remember the last zoom setting;
Very fast burst rate of 3 fps;
Very responsive;
10x optical, 28mm wide-angle zoom lens, 4x Digital zooms, from 10x up to 60x possible;
Tele Macro mode; Image stabilizer (2 modes available);
4x and 8x zoom review to inspect the captured pictures instantly;
2x, 4x, 8x, 16x zoom in the picture playback;
Excellence built quality with reasonable picture quality;
Big LCD screen; 30 fps video at 16:9 is quite satisfying;
Able to use SDHC card, it means larger capacity memory (32MB) are available in future for longer video.

There are some to improve on the Firmware (Update): When connect to a TV at Playback mode to watch pictures or videos, the camera LCD screen does not allow to be switch off, hence it consume battery unnecessary, as the information on the camera screen can be seen on the TV screen already;
When the camera at other mode with its lens extruded, when switched to Playback mode, the lens does not retract back with its built in lens cover closed, the unnecessary exposure of lens during long duration viewing the pictures or videos will cause more chance for the dirt to enter into the lens, also the lens barrel to knock other objects. Have to off the power then switch to Playback mode, on the power again, so as to let the lens stay put to view the pictures or videos for long hours.

Some functions that I hope the next (TZ4?) to be included in are:Wireless remote control; Manual and Auto focusing selection; Zoom able during video recording; LCD screen able to tilt or rotate; Voice recording; As compact as possible; Longer battery life.

There is a forum about digital cameras; users could find very useful information at there:
http://forums.clubsnap.org/

PS, The DMC-TZ3 Receives 2007 TIPA Award for Best Superzoom Digital Camera in Europe:
http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/lumix/pressrelease/index.html

My Pocket PC - Acer N311

I bought an Acer N311 Pocket PC two months ago, It’s slim and small, can put inside my shirt pocket easily, I carry it every time wherever I go and I find it very useful after two months of usage. It Looks beautiful, quite well made and feel nice. The screen is protected by Martin Field screen protector that I got it from Doml, its clarity is as good as without having it after the installation. It has a 3.7” VGA screen, but has reflection on its surface, I might want to change it to an anti glare screen protector, to see will it help or not the next time.

This Pocket PC can do many wonderful things:

It can be an mp3 player; the sound came out from the speaker quite good enough, not very loud although the volume had set to its maximum level. But not a problem, I use it to listen music and songs personally at short distance, quite pleasant without the headphone.

It can be a video player; I use it to watch mpg videos with no problem, only some videos that with higher resolution has lagging. It is also a viewer, I use it to see pictures and graphics files and they can be played as slide show.

It is also a web browser, I use the built in Pocket Internet Explorer (PIE) to surf Internet, to get information from the web, it has wifi b and blue tooth wireless connection, I use it to surf Internet or download some web contents whenever I can access the wireless hotspot. When I’m off-line with no access to the wireless connections, I still can read the downloaded web contents anytime I want. The WiFi detects and connects not as good as usual notebook PC, you need to have a good signal to get it connected.

It’s a VoIP phone as well; I use Skype and SkypeOut making phone calls with no problem. It also has Pocket MSN Massager for me to chat, read and send emails.

It has voice recorder, the built in microphone can record voices in Note, depends on your voice recording format, for near distance, the result is ok.

Its basic function is a PIM, with WM5 OS, there are 3 alarms to set, each from Monday to Sunday, can use Reminders to remind you the things to do inside the Calendar, even when the device is not on, the alarms and reminders will still be activated. It has mobile version of Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel to write documents, view presentation, do worksheet wherever I go.

There are much software available, either in freeware, shareware or need to be purchased from the Internet. Each to enhance and make the Pocket PC more equipped, like in Communication, Database, e-Book, Education, Entertainment, Games, Health, Multimedia, Productivity, Professional, Ringtones, Software Tools, Sports, Themes, Travel, Utilities, Wireless, etc…
Examples are at:
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/
http://www.pocketgear.org/

There is a Singapore Pocket PC forum at: http://www.ppcsg.org/, readers could find very useful informations about Pocket PC.

PS,
May 2007, I got an anti glare screen protector from Brando, to replace my 1 year old MF SP.
Product# : PASCR01560
Product : Brando WorkShop Screen Protector (Acer n300)
http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php
So far so good, just that stylus feel a bit diff, need to get use to it...

Preventive maintenance for notebook PC and its Li-Ion battery pack

Here are some preventive maintenance to notebook PC and its Li-Ion battery pack:

To defragment the notebook PC hard disk at least once per 1 to 2 months, it depends on the usage of the hard disk.

For daily use, use notebook PC together with AC and battery power, but use battery power once per month, fully drain it and charge it up again.

When battery is fully charged 100% and notebook PC is OFF (Not in use), do not leave AC power ON and overcharge the battery for more than 3 hours; If notebook PC is ON (In use), can continue charge the battery even the battery is 100%, ie. Use your notebook PC together with AC and battery power.