Anti-Finger Print Screen Protector from Armorz

After buying a new mobile phone, of course, you will look for the  best possible screen protector in order to ensure the maximum overall defense against possible scratches to your expensive and  beloved gadget. My biggest problem with screen protectors is the fact that they are not created equal. More often than not some
existing screen protectors do provide sufficient scratch protection,  but most of them have side effect of “clouding” your screen as the level of transparency they offer can vary widely to as low as 75 percent visibility.

Thankfully in my continued search for a screen protector that offers a lot of promises, I finally stumbled upon the newly released Armorz Anti- Fingerprint Anti-Abrade Screen Protector for iPhone 4.  Now you can protect your favorite gadgets with a full body protector! It guards against scratches, marks, dust and dirt, and
keeps your iPhone 4 in perfect condition. This Protector Covers the whole front screen including the camera hole to provides a full coverage from dust and scratches. Screen protectors provide crystal-clear visibility and do not interfere with touch-screen operation. It fits the Apple iPhone 4 4th Generation perfectly. The
film is easy to apply and can be removed and washed for reuse, without leaving residue behind!







Additional info that I learned by applying the screen protector:
• Ensure that your screen is virtually 100% free of any dust
particles whatsoever to ensure that these do not become
permanently bonded to the Clear Armor film
• Applying the film to the back of your mobile phone is always
a bit more tricky and requires some patience particularly for
the edges.

Overall there’s no doubt I am impressed with the Armorz Anti-Fingerprint Anti-Abrade Screen Protector. The way it protects against scratches and smudges is great. Without a doubt this is the best value body & screen protectors available for your mobile phone today.

Armorz Screen Protector is distributed by Tenkie Box Concept Inc here in the Philippines.

Check out their facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/Tenkiebox 
Email:  tenkiebox@gmail.com 

Armorz Screen Protector HD

Thinking of getting a clear Screen protector for you iPhone 4? You might want to consider getting Armorz HD Screen Protector for iPhone 4. There are several brands of Screen protectors out on the market today. The problem is, you've got dozens to choose from, most of which aren't worth your money.

I've had experience with numerous different brands, quite expensive but offered extremely disappointing results. Some needs to be cut to fit your device. Consistently, each offered bubbly application results,
poor clarity, and a short life span due to the fact that the protectors themselves were easily marred and scratched. But Armorz HD Screen Protector is the most elegant, cost-effective, and convenient way to protect the screen of your device. We all want that our screen protector will not interfere with color or induce extra glare on the LCD, and easy to install.


Armorz HD Screen Protector is compatible for iPhone4. The film guarantees zero-to-minimal bubbles during application. It is reusable and easily applied. Static-cling Application: Self-adhering film attaches itself to the screen. No adhesive is used this mean no sticky feeling after the application. The instructions were pretty easy to follow and have decent pictorial to show you how to install it. I recommend that you do everything the instructions ask. It makes a quick and easy application without the mess.

Armorz HD Screen Protector for iPhone 4 is designed to fit your iPhone’s screen perfectly. This will allow full access to the controls and touch screen. It also includes cutouts for the home button, speaker, and front camera which will protect your screen from daily scratches, dust, scrapes, and normal signs of wear. You don’t have to worry the film will protect your screen and take all the abuse from scratches, dust, normal
signs of wear. I am delighted with the result this product has offered. After dealing with a couple of bargain basement screen protection products, Armorz HD Screen Protector for iPhone 4 did satisfy my needs.

Armorz Screen Protector is distributed by Tenkie Box Concept Inc here in the Philippines.

Check out their facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/Tenkiebox 
Email:  tenkiebox@gmail.com

14 inch Portable LCD Monitor from Toshiba - USB Powered!

It's been awhile since I used dual monitors. I was thinking of getting a bigger one for my office but decided not to because it would become a habit again and I'll be needing to buy another one for home use.

Just this morning, I found this:

• Sleek, lightweight and portable design at only 2.8 lbs
• Travel-friendly at about the size of a slim 14” laptop
• 14” LCD screen with 1366 x 768 HD Resolution
• Powered via USB for easy setup and use (optional AC adapter sold separately)
• Video through USB, no VGA/DVI/HDMI video cable required
• Energy Star 5.0 compliant and DisplayLink certified
• Hybrid carry case/stand included
• Easy adjust brightness control buttons
• Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista®, and XP® compatible

 Click here for detailed specifications (PDF File)

iPhone Portable Charger - Using AA Batteries

This is my 2nd month searching for the ultimate iPhone portable power supply (in case I would be roughing it out in the woods soon where there are no electricity).

Well, Just last week, I purchased a portable iPhone charger from Infomax in Megamall. The packaging and unit is exactly what I will show below:


I bought it for 700 Pesos (Roughly around $15.25 USD). Before purchasing it, I tested it. It worked well as my iPhone unit indicated that it was charging.




I took it home and tried if one set of 2 AA batteries can fully charge my iPhone 3g. I started charging it at around 25% remaining battery life. Surprisingly, after charging it for 1 hour+, the battery level indicated that there was only 6.25% left!

So, instead of charing my iPhone 3g, it was draining it!

I returned the unit 2 days after and thank God that infomax refunded me cash without any questions asked. I've been a loyal infomax customer although I know that they are a bit more expensive versus other gadget shops in the Philippines.

Just yesterday, January 17, 2010, I went to Digital Hub Robinsons Galleria branch and I saw another neat iPhone portable charger! This time, it was just priced at 495.00 pesos! (roughly $10.80 USD). They clearly explained that by using 2 AA batteries, It can charge my iPhone anywhere I go.

It looked like this:


The brand was "Clik".

Compared to the charger I bought from Infomax, Clik doesn't have a cable attached where you can directly charge your iPhone/ Apple gadgets.


The advantage of Clik is, you can charge your gadgets that can be charged via USB anywhere! UNTIL, I tested it...



It Might be too good to be true. I experienced the same thing. I started charging my iPhone 3g at around 50% then, 1 hour after, the battery went down to around 30%.

It's not charging too!!!

Well, I immediately returned it within less than 2hours of my purchase. Guess what? I had to argue my way just for Digital Hub to refund my item.

See the difference with Digital Hub and Infomax? After 30 minutes of asking them for a refund because their item wasn't doing what it was supposed to do, they did refund me. I just lost 30 minutes of my lifetime asking for a refund. This is why I like infomax more even if it's a bit more expensive.

After buying 3 iPhone portable power chargers, it looks like I still haven't found a working one. I guess I really have to stick with the AC charging method? Darn it! Why is iPhone battery life so short? :s

I'm hoping that I can find the perfect portable charger for my iPhone.

I'm going to purchase next a solar charger I found somewhere and make a review of it also. It was priced at only 400.00 pesos. Worth a try, I think.

Mobile Power Station for iPod follow-up review - DO NOT BUY!

Remember the iPhone back-up battery power I bought last December? Apparently, after 2 weeks of using it, it just wouldn't work anymore! That explains the1-week warranty duration! In short, you get what you pay for. Pay for a cheap-o device, get cheap-o quality!


Actual unit - Mobile Power Station iPhone backup battery

I bought it at Greenhills last December 2009


Here is the box:


Back view of the box


Well, if you plan to use it for just 2 weeks, this might be what you are looking for. It's like renting an external battery for 400 pesos a week. UGH! expensive!

Bayan Wireless Broadband user spotted in the wild!

Bayan Telecommunications Holdings Corporation a.k.a. BayanTel has already announced before the plans of providing wireless mobile internet within Metro Manila. To date, we haven't heard of any news on when they will be launching the said service to the public.

Well, this week, we saw someone using it! Does this mean that the service will be available soon?

Here was the photo I took when I saw it:

Apparently, as announced, the Bayan Wireless Broadband utilzes the EV-DO technology. According to evdoinfo.com,

>Evolution-Data Optimized or Evolution-Data only
>Rides on CDMA signal- 1x data capability
>Up to 10 times the peak data rate of the next best public wireless solution - 800 - 1,000 Kbps (kilobits per second) average download speeds, comparable to DSL speeds
>1xRTT: 50Kbps - 100Kbps Upload and Download (bursts to 144Kbps)
>EVDO Rev 0: 400kbps-1000kbps Download (bursts up to 2.0Mbps), 50kbps-100kbps Upload (bursts to 144Kbps)
>EVDO Rev A: 600Kbps-1,400Kbps Download (bursts to 3.1Mbps), 500Kbps-800Kbps Upload (bursts to 1.8Mbps)

For the rates? A blog post dated April 06,2009 said that it would be P699.00. It was also mentioned there that it would provide around 256kbps. But from the info I got from an insider just today, January 08, 2010, the one I saw was subscribed to the 512kbps. I haven't asked if higher speeds would be also available.

It was really fast! We streamed videos as if we were using a wired broadband connection. For a 512kbps, it seemed like 2mbps! Well, I think that the reason behind it is, the Bayan Wireless Broadband isn't saturated yet.

The Bayan Wireless Broadband speed just annoys me. Why? I am subscribed to a 3mbps Globe Broadband, A wired DSL service by Globe yet, my "modified" Sun Broadband wireless and this 512 Bayan wireless is way faster than what Globe provides.

*Globe Broadband did improve a bit when 2010 entered, still, not fast enough for a 3mbps sub.

Bayan Wireless Broadband profile settings:
Access number: #777
Username:
Password:

Invisible Shield by Zagg (Philippine review)

A few months back, I made a post about a similar product.. or so I thought.

Gmask is not same with Invisible Shield after all. Gmask offers to protect your gadget from scratches BUT Invisible Shield actually protects your gadget. This is a situation which proves that action speaks louder than words.

After checking out my cousin's Nokia e71, also installed with Zagg Invisible Shield, I noticed the rubbery-feel that makes the gadget less slippery. Also, the demo AND the actual demo presented to me was convincing enough that I had my gadget also protected.

I went to SM Megamall Cyberzone (4th floor) and saw the Zagg booth in front of Case Logic (also near CDr-King)

This is not a paid post by Invisible Shield. I spent my own hard earned money to had my Apple iPhone 3g to be protected by Invisible Shield.

Installation photos (I know they don't allow video recording so I just took some photos):

Below is a demo video I found on Youtube:

1)



2)



3)


So far so good. It's been already a month and I'm contented with it. Let's wait for a couple of months more for another set of updates and see if this would still be my perspective towards Invisible Shield.

Apple Updates MacBook With LED-Backlit Display, Multi-Touch Trackpad & Built-in Seven-Hour Battery

CUPERTINO, California—October 20, 2009—Apple® today updated its popular MacBook® with a new, durable polycarbonate unibody design featuring a brilliant LED-backlit display, a glass Multi-Touch™ trackpad and Apple’s innovative built-in battery for up to seven hours of battery life. Inheriting technology and design features from the MacBook Pro line, the new MacBook is an ideal consumer notebook for students and new Mac® users, and is available for Php 54,990.

“The new MacBook includes many of the great features found on the innovative MacBook Pro, such as an LED-backlit display, glass Multi-Touch trackpad and built-in long-life battery,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With the only lineup of notebooks all featuring unibody enclosures, LED-backlit displays and long-life battery technology, there’s never been a better time to switch to a Mac.”

The new MacBook features a unibody, polycarbonate enclosure that makes it lighter and more durable. The new design includes a unique non-skid bottom surface and at just 2.13 kg , the sleek MacBook slides easily into a backpack or briefcase. MacBook comes standard with a bright, LED-backlit display with the same wide-angle viewing technology used in the MacBook Pro line. The new MacBook has a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, a 250GB hard drive, and powerful NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics.

The new MacBook includes Apple’s innovative built-in notebook battery for up to seven hours of wireless productivity on a single charge, and up to 1,000 recharges.* At nearly three times the lifespan of conventional notebook batteries, Apple’s built-in battery results in fewer depleted batteries and less waste. Battery replacement service is available at Apple Authorized Service Providers.

The energy-efficient MacBook joins the industry’s greenest lineup of notebooks, with every Mac notebook achieving EPEAT Gold** status and meeting Energy Star 5.0 requirements. The entire Mac notebook line now comes standard with energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. Mac notebooks contain no brominated flame retardants, use internal cables and components that are PVC-free and are constructed of recyclable materials.

Every Mac comes with Mac OS® X Snow Leopard®, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife®, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto®, to easily organize and manage photos; iMovie® with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand® which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.


Pricing & Availability

The new MacBook is available immediately through the Apple Store® (http:store.apple.com/ph) and Apple Authorized Resellers. Build-to- order options are available from Apple Store (http:store.apple.com/ph)

The new MacBook, for a suggested retail price of Php 54,990 includes:
• 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;

• 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 1066 MHz front-side bus;
• 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
• 250 GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive® with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);

• Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme® 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• built-in iSight® video camera;
• two USB 2.0 ports;
• one audio line in/out port, supporting optical digital out and analog in/out;
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad;
• built-in, 60WHr lithium polymer battery; and
• 60 Watt MagSafe® Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, or 320GB 5400 rpm, 500GB 5400 rpm hard drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

*A properly maintained MacBook battery is designed to retain 80 percent or more of its original capacity during a lifespan of up to 1,000 recharge cycles. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. For more information
visit www.apple.com/macbook/features.html.

**EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

Apple Unveils New iMac With 21.5 and 27-inch Displays

Features LED-Backlit Displays, Available Quad-Core Processors & the New Wireless Magic Mouse

CUPERTINO, California—October 20, 2009—Apple® today unveiled an all new iMac® line featuring brilliant LED-backlit 21.5 and 27-inch widescreen displays in a new edge-to-edge glass design and seamless all aluminum enclosure. The new iMac line, starting at Php 65,990, is the fastest ever with Intel Core 2 Duo processors starting at 3.06 GHz, and Core i5 and i7 quad-core processors for up to twice the performance.* Every new iMac ships with a wireless keyboard and the all new wireless Magic Mouse, the world’s first mouse with Multi-Touch™ technology pioneered by Apple on the iPhone®, iPod touch® and Mac® notebook trackpad.

“The iMac is widely praised as the best desktop computer in the world and today we are making it even better,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With brilliant LED displays and the revolutionary Magic Mouse, the new iMac delivers an amazing desktop experience that we think customers will love.”



The new iMac features stunning LED-backlit displays with a 16:9 aspect ratio, ideal for watching high definition movies or editing and watching your own videos or photos using iLife®. The new 21.5-inch iMac features a high resolution 1920-by-1080 pixel display. The 27-inch iMac features a beautiful 2560-by-1440 pixel display that offers 60 percent more pixels than the previous 24-inch model. Both 21.5 and 27-inch displays use IPS technology to deliver consistent color across an ultra wide 178 degree viewing angle.

The iMac comes standard with a wireless keyboard and the new Magic Mouse featuring Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch technology. Instead of needing mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface. Using intuitive gestures, a user can easily scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. The Magic Mouse can be configured as either a single button or two button mouse, according to the user’s preference. The wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse work seamlessly with the iMac’s built-in Bluetooth capabilities to provide a clean, cable-free desk top.

The iMac features improved graphics across the line with NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics or ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics in the 21.5-inch model, and ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics or ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics in the 27-inch model. The new iMac line now also features 4GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory and capacity up to 16GB across four SO-DIMM slots. Every iMac features a built-in iSight® video camera, mic and stereo speakers integrated into the thin aluminum and glass design. iMac includes built-in AirPort Extreme® 802.11n Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a total of four USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire® 800 port and a new built-in SD card slot.

Apple today also announced that the Mac mini, the world’s most energy efficient desktop,** is now faster, offers more storage and comes standard with double the memory. Starting at $599, the entry level Mac mini features a faster 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, a 160GB hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and a SuperDrive®. The $799 Mac mini features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of memory and a larger 320GB hard drive. Apple now offers a $999 Mac mini that is specially configured with Mac OS® X Snow Leopard® Server. Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server features two 500GB hard drives for a total of 1TB of server storage in the tiny 6.5-inch square by 2-inch tall Mac mini enclosure.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to the environment, both iMac and Mac mini extend their leadership in green design. iMac and Mac mini meet the new, more stringent Energy Star 5.0 requirements and achieve EPEAT Gold status.*** The new iMac now features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. Both iMac and Mac mini use PVC-free internal components and cables, contain no brominated flame retardants, use highly recyclable materials, and feature material-efficient system and packaging designs.

Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto®, to easily organize and manage photos; iMovie® with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand® which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.

Pricing & Availability

The new 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo iMac and Mac mini lines will be available on November 11, 2009 through the Apple Store® http://store.apple.com/ph and Apple Authorized Resellers. The Intel Core i5 and i7 quad-core iMacs are available for order and will begin shipping this November. Mac mini with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server is available from the Apple Store online. Build-to- order options are available from Apple Store (http:store.apple.com/ph)

The new 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of 65,990 pesos includes:

• 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display;
• 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
• 500GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);

• Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;


• one FireWire 800 port;

• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

The new 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of Php 81,990 includes:

• 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display;
• 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics; with 256MB GDDR3;
• 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);

• Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

The new 27-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of Php 92,990, includes:

• 27-inch 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display;
• 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics; with 256MB GDDR3;
• 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);

• Mini DisplayPort for video input and output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

The new 27-inch 2.66 GHz Core i5 iMac, for a suggested retail price of Php 108,990, includes:
• 27-inch 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display;
• 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5 quad-core processor with 8MB shared L3 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics; with 512MB GDDR3;
• 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);

• Mini DisplayPort for video input and output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;


• Gigabit Ethernet port;

• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

Build-to-order options for the 27-inch Core i5 quad-core iMac include a 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 quad-core processor.

*Based on estimated results of industry-standard SPECint_base2006 and SPECfp_rate_base2006 rate tests. SPEC® is a registered trademark of Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC). Testing conducted by Apple in October 2009 using preproduction 27-inch iMac Intel Core i5-based 2.66 GHz units and shipping 24-inch iMac Intel Core 2 Duo–based 3.06 GHz units. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of iMac.

**Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA ENERGY STAR 5.0 database as of October 2009.

***EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Manhattan MM3 Optical Mobile Micro Mouse -Review

Okaaay.. Manhattan MM3 Optical Mobile Micro Mouse is not a so micro name! Anyway, this is a mini-review I made for a micro mouse I bought a few days back. I decided to make a blog post for it since I was contented with it. I hope this mouse would last long because my last mice was less than 3-months old! It was an A4tech (A4 tech) run on shine X5-60md mouse. Don't buy the a4tech mouse! I never dropped it or dipped it nor abused it. It just gave up on me without any explanation. Poor quality. (oh and guess what? the silver part on the a4tech easily fades!)

First Impressions

Well, as I was scouting for a mouse, this thing got my attention. Other than the left/right click and scroll wheel, it has 2 extra buttons right above the scroll wheel.

AND what attracted my attention more was the price! At just 350pesos (roughly 7 US dollars), it was worth the risk! I bought my previous mouse (the a4tech) at around 600 pesos (around 12 US dollars).

It was smaller than the a4 tech X5-60md mouse. although the body looked like it was made of cheap materials, it felt compact and solid enough for everyday use. (wait for my updates on how long will this mice last me)

Upon opening the blister pack packaging (which, by the way, is my hatest type of packaging), I was surprised to find out inside that there was a cd installer, a pouch for the mouse and an instruction guide. Who would read a guide on how to use a mouse, right? I liked the simple pouch no matter how simple it was.

But then, I think that they are just being age-friendly to us consumers. Not all would know how to operate one, eh? Just don't feed it to the cat and your good to go!


Actual Usage

After installing the CD included in the package, I quickly reconfigured the two extra buttons using the program (see figure 1).

Figure 1

You can choose from several programmable options (see figure 2 below) like:

Figure 2

Conclusion
Just like what a mouse should be. Easy to configure, easier to use. but what's more important is, I hope this would last long. Promise, I will update this post as soon as this mouse gives up on me.

For photos of the mice itself, check out some photos below:




Official Site: Manhattan Computer Products

Wireless Landline Services Comparison in the Philippines

Hi everyone. In this blog, I will help you choose the mobile landline that fits best to your needs. Disclaimer: This is not a paid ad nor sponsored by anyone. This is my own personal review. More photos to follow on another post.

Of all these offerings from different Telcos, I've tried 4, namely:
1. Mango (Wireless Landline - Simcard-less phone)
2. Globe Duo
3. SunTel
4. PLDT Landline+ (PLDT LL+)

1. Mango (Wireless Landline - Simcard-less phone)

Ever since back in the last quarter of 2006, I applied for this to be used in my store. There are several advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:
-Cheaper than getting a PLDT business landline (We are paying around 440+ pesos a month)
-I can get it out of the store and bring it anywhere around Metro Manila (Metro Manila only)
-Built-in Phonebook
-This phone can also send SMS text messages. 1 Peso per SMS sent.
-Can also receive SMS

Disadvantages:
-Big. Not as portable and mobile as it was suppose to be. (There are smaller units that you can choose too if you want. I just chose this because it looks more like a real landline for a real office)
-Battery problem. Since every battery has a charging cycle, keeping this plugged-in all the time will damage the battery cycle. Result? Less battery life.
-Hard to receive and do call when it's raining very hard. (Remember Ondoy? My personnels wasn't able to make a single phone call from it)
-The antenna attached is prone to loss-threading.
-Hard to type in SMS
-Buttons sometimes get stuck

2. Globe Duo
Advantages:
-It uses only 1 simcard. Your globe handyphone + landline in 1 sim. You just have to add 399 pesos on top of your current G-plan billing per month.

Disadvantages:
-Prepaid version of the Globe Duo is whopping expensive. P125 pesos for 5 days.
-After registering for the prepaid Globe Duo, you must maintain it. Meaning, every 30 days, you must at least use it for 5 days. Otherwise, you get the risk of having your number used by another person. Number will expire if not used for 30 days.
-Versus SunTel landline, Globe is a disadvantage. SunTel only charges P249 pesos a month on top of your SunCellular mobile bill. SunTel now also offers 1 simcard for both landline and mobile numbers.
-Available in NCR and Cebu only!

3. SunTel Landline
Advantage:
-Cheaper version of the Globe Duo. For only 249 pesos, you add a unlimited landline to your current plan. (Example: You are currently subscribed to Sun's Plan 350. Just add P249 pesos and you also get unlimited landline calls PLUS, your own landline number in just one sim.)

Disadvantages:
-Since this is using the Sun Network (Which I think is expanding very very fast), signal won't be a problem very soon.
-For the meantime, Metro Manila only (Not sure. Need to confirm this statement.)

4. PLDT Landline+ a.k.a. (PLDT LL+)
Advantages:
-Only 250 pesos a month on top of your regular PLDT landline at home.
-Clear. Just like using a landline.
-Affordable. Same as the SunTel.
-Uses the Smart Network signal. (Smart has a good reputation with regards to their mobile signal nationwide.)
-Use it anywhere in the Philippines. (e.g. You are in Boracay. You can call home in Metro Manila for no additional NDD charge since this is unlimited landline calling)

Disadvantages:
-You must be a PLDT subscriber because your number will be attached and billed at the same time with your home number.
-Unlike Globe Duo and SunTel, you will be forced to use another phone to accomodate the PLDT LL+ simcard.


Conclusion, Please see below what suits your preference and needs:

Lowest Charge - SunTel (250) and PLDT Landline Plus (250)
Widest Coverage - PLDT Landline Plus
Can send and receive SMS - SunTel, Globe Duo and Mango Wireless
Single Simcard for both Mobile and landline - SunTel and Globe Duo
Seperate Simcard - PLDT LL+
No Simcard - Mango Wireless (Powered by Digitel, sister company of Sun Cellular)
Prepaid Version - PLDT Landline Plus and Globe Duo

My verdict for landline usage (My Choice)

Number 1 - PLDT Landline + (PLDT LL+)
Number 2 - SunTel
Number 3 - Globe Duo (For businesses and restaurants, Mango Wireless is very ok since it acts like a real landline)

This review has been made on October 9, 2009 11:50am

Slowest Broadband Internet Service Provider

How ironic is this flier avertisement? If you ask me, it's so ironic that when the facts are placed on the table, you'll immediately see that this company is lying.

"Sa negosyo, bawal ang mabagal". In English, it's similar to saying "In business, slowness ain't allowed".

What's so funny here is that, the company who produced this flier advertisement is, from my experience the slowest Internet broadband service provider here in the philippines!

This doesn't stop from my experience. I've know tons of people who can testify to what I'm saying. In fact, when they started serving Globe Visibility (now called Globe Tattoo), I was even recommending it to friends. Turns out that they have been the most problematic service provider to us.

That flier also implicates that if you want a faster Internet conection, get their service. (refer to the photo).




Unsuspecting customers and business people who saw their misleading ads could get further misleaded by what this flier is stating.

Our Globe Broadband has been down for already 2 months. We had made a series of calls and several complaints on their globe tattoo complaint website but, unfortunately, they have been deaf about this matter.

I mean, I completely understand. Why would you even care for one measly subscriber when you have tons of more important corporate accounts?

I pity your customer support. Ever since we transferred to your service, all we have been experiencing are nightmares. Not one single praising moment.

Globe cares -- for large accounts only.

Thank you Globe for misleading us and not caring for us. One day, when you need to close because of I-don't-know-what-reason, maybe you'll start to care and feel our problems.

You are numb when you are at the top.

Smart's Unlimited Call Service: Smart Talk (Part 2)

After making a short review for Smart's unlimited call service called Smart Talk, this is now a follow-up review on the service itself.

As I have previously mentioned in other post, it's very hard to get through and register for this service. An average of ten attempts would be needed for you to be able to register and avail of this promo.

After registering for my 3rd week right now, problems keep getting worst. It was Deja vu all over again! The service is comparable to Sun Celluar's unlimited call service when they were just starting!

For example, last night, I kept a log on how many call would go through over how many calls. From 9:00pm (+8gmt) to around 9:45pm, only 3 out of 70 calls went through! Frustrating, right? After 9:45pm, it improved a bit as 1 out of 10 calls went through.

So Smart, what's the big deal of offering such services when your network can't handle the heavy load?

Lesson Learned: Just Reserve!

(click image to download)

While I wasn't that excited to watch G.I. Joe, I cannot expect the others to feel the same way I do. This is what I learned that night when I was so frustrated, I just bought something quickly (closing time 10pm already) in the department store just so I would not waste my time going to Trinoma doing nothing.

Checking out sureseats.com, I found out that the 9pm was already full. Naturally, I'd check the next available time and it was the 10pm one. It was just 30% filled and for this reason, I opted not to reserve my seats via sureseats.

We arrived around 9pm so that we would have enough time to line-up to buy tickets, stroll around the area then buy snacks before entering the cinema.

Alas! The line was so long you would think that it was the first showing day. Although A-Card holders have a priority line when purchasing tickets, it didn't help even a bit! It was already full!! The frustration struck us both and I regretted not reserving the seats because I wanted to save the 20 pesos reservation fee!!

A week after, we watched UP. I logged-in around 11am and reserved 2 seats for the 8pm show. 20 bucks each is nothing compared to the frustration and regret you would feel.

Just reserve! Kuripot kasi!

Smart's Unlimited Call Service: Smart Talk

Enjoy SMART’s ultimate unlimited calls
from June 26 to September 30, 2009!

- No need to buy a new SIM or change your number!
- Call all you want to the biggest network!
- Enjoy Nationwidest coverage!

Get SMARTalk load at your favorite retail outlets now.
You can also convert airtime load and register* by texting TALK100 or TALK500 to 6400

To call, just dial *6400 + 11 digit SMART number. Ex. *640009191234567
*P1.00 airtime balance must be maintained. Cannot register concurrently with other unlimited call offers.

• Promo is open to all Buddy Subscribers nationwide.
• Subscriber must have the minimum balance required
(P100 for SMARTalk 100 and P500 for SMARTalk 500) in order to register.
• Unlimited calling only applies to local calls made within the Smart network.
Unlimited calls can be made anytime of the day.
• SMARTalk’s unlimited calls do not apply to roaming, international transactions
and to calls made to other networks.

Source: http://smart.com.ph/buddy/promos/SmarTalk.htm

===
There is only one problem with this service.... it's soooooooooo hard to register!!! I mean, I started sending talk100 to 6400 around 9am in the morning. It kept on replying that it isn't available!!!

I was confirmed to be subscribed to SmarTalk at around 10pm that same day after around 20-30 attempts. Although I finally got through, how convenient can that be, right? My hunch is that they are limiting the registered users to a certain limit only to prevent network clogging.

I hope they improve their SmarTalk registration process and I do hope that they extend this nice promo :)

Worst Service of the month goes to... Active Travel and Tours Megamall

Last Saturday, after talking with several people inside the Megatrade Center (Philippine Business and Entrepreneur Expo 2009), me and my siblings were walking around and I remembered that my mom asked me to canvass for our December 2009 trip.

The first agency we noticed was Active Travel and Tours in SM Megamall. At first, we looked around their office and checked out the posters. After a while, I stood by their counter and waited for one of the 3 female employees of the said travel agency. Unfortunately, we looked like commoners and this made us invincible to them.

I really hate it when stores act this way. Very unprofessional. So what if we were not dressed with coat and tie and we look young? We are also customers! Now, we should have been customers of Active Travel and Tours in Megamall. Never will I recommend it to any of our relatives.

We travel twice a year with unc's and aunt's and my cousins and I was looking for an alternative travel agency. Looks like they have a lot of customers already and I think should take my business elsewhere.

For the owner's reference, we were there around August 1, 2009 around 11:00am.

Gmask - Not So Good Investment

Living in the Philippines where everyone is gadget-conscious, owning an old phone that has dents and scratches makes me hesitant to use it at times. This was the last phone that I ever bought and after 5 years, it's still with me. But for the past year or so, it's at least for gaming purposes.

Well, a year or two back when Gmask was still a big hit, I tried it to my phone to at least "disguise" it and cover the scratches. I got to have my phone Gmasked for around 2,200 pesos. But now, it makes me think.. Was it worth it?

At first, I was contented obviously. I gained more confidence in using that mobile phone and was even proud of the design it wore. After a year or so, it started to transform to an uglier version of it. The Gmask was starting to peel-off on the corners. After that, everything was like dominoes. A little peel here, a little peel there.

So know, it looks dirtier even though the scratches aren't very visible. To tell you the truth, unless you apply the double layer, the scratches would still be visible but not all would have the budget to have it double-layered. Double layer means applying a silver or white coat first before applying the sticker design of your choice. This also mean that the price would be doubled.

So there, I am in a way regretting I had my phone Gmasked. If I just purchased the original McCoy casing from Sony Ericsson, it would have cost me around 2,500 pesos! Some might say that it has been years so damage is expected. No, that phone is just a sitting duck at home. I only play games with it around once a week. I just wanted to make it look nice. After having it Gmasked, I changed mobile phone unit after a month or two.

So there. After referring 2 or 3 friends there, I think I did enough favor for them already and unless they improve the quality of it, I won't ever go back there.

By the way, I also blogged about them before and praised Gmask Philippines Greenhills branch about their service after I had my phone Gmasked.