Archive for November, 2011

SITEX 2011 price lists: Lexmark printers

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

Heading down to SITEX 2011 (24-27 November 2011) tomorrow? Here are the offers from Lexmark.

Inkjet offers from Lexmark during SITEX 2011 (24-27 November 2011)

Inkjet printers from Lexmark

Laser printer offers from Lexmark during SITEX 2011 (24-27 November 2011)

Laser printers from Lexmark

SITEX 2011 promotions: Bose audio products

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Atlas Sound & Vision will be offering promotional discounts for many Bose audio products during SITEX 2011 from 24-27 November, 2011.

Head for the Bose@Orangecomm booth (5J42) in Hall 5 at the Singapore EXPO.

Discounted products include speakers, headphones and sound systems for docking portable music players.

Bose SoundDock Portable S$579Bose SoundDock PortableUsual: S$749
SITEX: S$579
Re-engineered for portability. Delivers all the performance of the acclaimed SoundDock digital music system – with the added convenience of portability.Slim design. Powerful performance. Proprietary waveguide speaker technology and powerful neodymium speakers – engineered specifically for the SoundDock Portable digital music system – enable a smaller, slimmer profilewhile delivering the kind of performance you’d expect from Bose.Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides more power and longer playtime than other types of rechargeable batteries, for hours of listening enjoyment.
Bose SoundDock 10 S$999Bose SoundDock 10Usual: S$1,249
SITEX: S$999
Advanced engineering and new technologies. New version of Bose proprietary waveguide technology and a newly designed Bose woofer to deliver four times the efficiency of a conventional woofer.Dock-and-play simplicity. Yet plays from the iPod or iPhone with exceptional clarity across the full musical range, and delivers the low-note performance and volume levels of much larger sound systems.New functionality. The SoundDock 10 system is “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” certified, compatible with any click-wheel iPod or iPod Touch, and the iPhone 3GS, 3G and original iPhone model.
Bose SoundDock 11 S$499Bose SoundDock 11Usual: S$579
SITEX: S$499
Compatibilewith all iPhoneTM and most iPod modelsVersatility. The iPod charges as it plays, and the improved remote
controls system power and volume, and lets users navigate among iPod playlists.
There’s also an auxiliary jack for bringing Bose sound to DVD/CD players, MP3
players or other portable devices. Slimmer profile. The SoundDock II system’s look has been softened with

smoother lines and a sleeker profile to easily fit anywhere in the home.

Bose Around Ear 2 headphones S$189Bose Around Ear 2 headphonesUsual: S$219
SITEX: S$189
Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure for music that sounds smooth and natural.Large, compliant ear cushions made of memory foam better accommodate different head shapes and distribute pressure more evenly over a larger area to reduce pressure pointsFold-flat earcups for easy storage, single detachable cable, slim overall design
Bose Around Ear 2i headphonest S$229Bose Around Ear 2i headphonesUsual: S$269
SITEX: S$229
The Bose AE2i headphones combine immersive sound and a comfortable fit with an inline remote and microphone that work exclusively with select Apple devices – including the latest iPhone, iPod, iPad, and MacBook Pro models.Engineered with an advanced acoustic design that includes the proprietary Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure for music that sounds smooth and natural.Inline microphone makes it easy for users to access voice applications and the simple remote enables users to make track
Bose On Ear headphones S$189Bose On Ear headphonesUsual: S$225
SITEX: S$189
Fold-flat earcups and a collapsible headband for increased portability and easy storage.Earcups rotate front to back and top to bottom, resulting in uniform pressure on the ears that enhances audio performance and comfortable fit of the headphones.Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure enables a wide range of sound, especially lower notes from small earcups.
Bose Quiet Comfort 3 S$629Bose Quiet Comfort 3Usual: S$699

SITEX: S$629

Designed for in-flight use and for personal listening at home, in the office and while commuting.Offers the performance of around-ear headphones with the portability and convenience of an on-ear design.Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphone technology fades background distractions for a clean audio sound signal at the ear.

Bose TriPort headphone structure allows for small earcups, a combination of noise reduction and an extended bass response.

Fold-flat earcups allows for easy, convenient storage.

Bose Quiet Comfort 15i S$539Bose Quiet Comfort 15iUsual: S$599
SITEX: S$539
• Designed for in-flight use and for personal listening at home, in the office and while commuting.Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphone technology fades background distractions for a clean audio sound signal at the ear.Proprietary QuietComfort earcup cushion design maximizes audio performance, noise reduction and user comfort.

Includes fold-flat design, AAA battery and carrying case for easy storage while travelling.

Additional cable with inline remote and microphone is now included for convenient control of select Apple products.

Bose In Ear 2 earphones S$135Bose In Ear 2 earphonesUsual: S$149
SITEX: S$135
Enhanced acoustic design makes music sound smoother and more natural.Proprietary StayHear tips deliver comfort and greater stability on the go.Convenient case for storing and protecting headphones included.
Bose MIE2 mobile headset S$169Bose MIE2 mobile headsetUsual: S$199
SITEX: S$169
Works with most smartphones and mobile phones to let you take calls with one-touch ease.Enjoy music on your phone with high-quality audio.Proprietary StayHear tips deliver comfort and greater stability on the go.

Also available in Bose® MIE2i mobile headset exclusively designed for greater control
of select Apple products.

Bose Companion 5 S$639Bose Companion 5Usual: S$749
SITEX: S$639
Surround sound experience. Gives your computer much of the surround sound performance you might expect from a conventional five-speaker system. When you’re sitting at the keyboard, music, games and movies come to life with rich detailed 5.1- channel sound that seems to surround you.USB simplicity. Connects to your computer through a single USB port. No sound card upgrade required. No adaptors needed. No complicated wiring. Just one simple USB connection and you’re enjoying a surround sound experience.Simple, elegant design. Delivers a surround sound experience from just two visible speakers that sit neatly on your desktop. Hideaway Acoustimass® module provides deep, accurate lows.
Bose Companion 20 S$539Bose Companion 20Usual: S$539
SITEX: S$539

*Purchase Bose AE/AE2i headphones at 20% off

Each speaker fits neatly to the right and left of a laptop or monitor, with the acoustic image being expanded by Bose TrueSpace stereo digital signal processing.Additional proprietary digital signal processing and active electronic equalisation ensures accurate sound reproduction. At the highest listening levels, there is no distortion – and when played quietly, music still can be enjoyed with detail and realism.A small, circular control pod lets users adjust volume and access one-touch muting. It also offers a headphone jack and input for an additional audio source; for example an iPhone, iPod or other portable devices.
Bose Companion 2 S$159Bose Companion 2Usual: S$199
SITEX: S$159
Bose® TrueSpace stereo signal processing technology for a spacious, dramatic soundstage that seems to extend beyond the desktop speakersSleek and compact speakers fit easily in their surroundings to save desk spaceDual inputs make it simple to connect the computer and portable audio sources at the same time with both volume and the headphone jack situated on the front of one of the speakers to provide easy control over the listening experience.

SITEX 2011 promotions: Nissin Di866 Mark II flash

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Designed in Japan, the Di866 Mark II (S$499) is compatible with Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras.  Customers buying any Nissin product at the RedDotPhoto Booth (6A18) during SITEX 2011 (24-27 November) will receive a free Lenspen LP-1.

The LP-1 is a lens cleaning pen for cleaning camera lenses, binocular lenses, spotting scopes, telescopes, eyepieces and other optical lenses.

The Nissin Di866 Mark II professional camera flash (S$499) has a powerful guide number of 60 and sub flash of 12 (ISO100, 105mm), as well as a colour display with rotation sensor.

The external service port includes a USB port for the latest firmware update, while the synchronisation contact and power pack port extend the usability of connection to different lighting and power systems.

Nissin Di866 Mark II flash for Canon, Nikon and Sony camerasNissin Di866 Mark II flash for Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras Key features include:Colour and Auto Rotating Display. The colour display will automatically rotate from horizontal to vertical as the flash is rotated and has a user-friendly six-icon interface that represents the operation modes – Auto, TTL, Manual/Av, Multi, Wireless TTL (Master/Remote) and Custom Setting.Digital TTL. Supports Canon ETTL / ETTL II, Nikon iTTL and Sony ADI . The flash light is automatically controlled by the camera but the flash exposure value can be compensated.Wireless TTL. Supports Canon ETTL / ETTL II, Nikon iTTL and Sony ADI. It  can be used in combination with Sony original flash units as either Master or Remote (Slave). The Di866 Mark II also supports digital (pre-flash system) and analogue.

Technical specifications:

– Fast recycle: 3.5 sec

– Focal length coverage: 24-105 mm (35mm equiv.)

– Wide angle diffuser: 18 mm (built-in)

– Number of flashes: 150-1500 times (NiMH battery)

– AF Assist Light Dist: 0.7-10 m

– Weight: 380 g without battery

SITEX 2011 promotions: Lexmark printers

Monday, November 21st, 2011

Lexmark will be at SITEX 2011 (24-27 November 2011) at Hall 4B, Booth 4A01. Discounted printers include:  Lexmark Genesis S815 (S$299), Lexmark Prevail Pro 708 (S$199), and the Lexmark X5650 (S$79).

In addition to price discounts, free NTUC vouchers will be given away for purchases of the promotional printers below.

Lexmark Genesis S815 (S$299)Lexmark Genesis S815
Usual: S$499
COMEX: S$299

*free S$30 NTUC voucher

Speed. A4 web-connected all-in-one inkjet printer with Flash Scan technology – scan from “document to digital” in as fast as three seconds.

Touch screen. 4.3-inch touch screen to customize, install and use one-touch SmartSolutions; with instant previews of documents loaded for scanning.

WiFi N. The WiFi N wireless technology provides users with three times the coverage and faster transfer speeds.

3-year LexExpress Warranty. One-for-one printer replacement, if the on-line service technicians are not able to fix printer problems over the phone.

Lexmark Prevail Pro 708 (S$199)Lexmark Prevail Pro 708
Usual: S$399
COMEX: S$199

*free S$20 NTUC voucher

A wireless 4-in-1 printer for environmentally-conscious and budget-conscious users with 3 years LexExpress Warranty.

Offers the industry’s lowest black printing cost at S$7.90 for 510 pages.

Delivers Wireless-N capability for longer range and more reliable signals for faster file transfer rates along with a business card scanning feature.

Lexmark X5650 (S$79)Lexmark X5650
Usual: S$149
COMEX: S$79

*free S$10 NTUC voucher

A wireless all-in-one with Quick Connect laptop port for easy connectivity and set-up.

Delivers print speeds of up to 25 ppm black and 18 ppm color with 25-page automatic document feeder.

Easy-print from a camera or memory device with lab-quality sharpness.

SITEX 2011 (Nov 24-27) at Singapore EXPO

Monday, November 21st, 2011

This week, the last of four large annual IT exhibitions in Singapore rolls into town on Thursday at the Singapore EXPO. For four days from November 24-27, SITEX will open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

SITEX 2011, 24-27 November, Singapore EXPO, 11am to 9pm, Halls 4B, 5, 6, Admission Free.

SITEX 2011, 24-27 Nov, Singapore EXPO, 11am to 9pm, Halls 4B, 5, 6, Admission Free.

First established in 1988, SITEX 2011 will be spread over three exhibition halls – Halls 4B, 5 and 6 – at the Singapore EXPO. Admission is FREE.

Date 24-27 Nov 2011
Time 11am to 9pm
Venue Singapore EXPO
Halls 4B, 5, 6
Admission Free

Organised by SiTF, this year’s SITEX will see more than 200 exhibitors pushing infocomm and consumer electronics products from over 500 brands. The organisers anticipate more than 900,000 visitors to trawl through the 269,000 sq ft of exhibition hall space.

Looking ahead, the four major IT exhibitions in Singapore are:

Exhibition Dates Venue
SITEX 2011 24-27 Nov Singapore Expo
IT Show 2012 8-11 Mar Suntec Singapore
PC Show 2012 7-10 Jun Suntec Singapore
COMEX 2012 30 Aug – 2 Sep Suntec Singapore

Maiden run: TomTom VIA 280

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

I tried out the TomTom VIA 280 for the first time during my drive from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (KL) today after receiving the review unit yesterday. Here are the initial impressions.

TomTom VIA 280 on its maiden run on the Malaysian North-South expressway.

TomTom VIA 280 on its maiden run on the Malaysian North-South expressway.

Set up was straightforward. Plug the main unit to the cigarette plug using the USB cable, attach the main unit to the windscreen and you’re set to go.

Once you start the engine, the TomTom VIA 280 switches on. Switching off the engine, switches off the VIA 280 automatically.

Only three components in the box: the main unit, the USB cable and the cigartette plug.

Only three components in the box: the main unit, the USB cable and the cigarette plug.

The user-interface was real easy. The route chosen was optimal. Changes to the route was simple. What impressed me most was how fast the recalculation took place.

I started off using the VIA 280 for a short journey running an errand round the neighbourhood. Just press “Navigate to” icon on the main menu, select “POI” (Point of interest), followed by “POI near you”, and then browse the various categories.

It was easy enough to find the neighbourhood shopping centre and set it as the destination. The map display was clear and the estimated distance to the next turning was accurate.

For the KL trip, I first set it as a “Favourite”. Next I set the route for it under “Plan route”. The recommended route was through the Causeway. But I preferred the Tuas Second Link.

By choosing the “Change route” option, you could ask for alternative routes, to travel via the Second Link or to avoid using the Causeway – which I did.

As I approached the second link, I realised that for the first time in my life, I’d forgotten to top up. The fuel gauge read just more than half-tank.

The Singapore government requires Singaporean drivers driving to Malaysia to have their petrol tanks at least ¾ tank full, otherwise if you’re caught in a spot-check, you’re fined S$500.

First impressions:

For a maiden run, the VIA 280 made a very positive impression.

The VIA 280 strikes me as a no-frills PND which is more than competent to handle all the functionalities one would expect for helping the driver navigate from point A to point B.

Now where’s the nearest petrol station?

Tapping anywhere on the map on the screen activated the main menu.

The following menu options: “Change route” > “Travel via…” > “Point of Interest” > “POI near you” > “Petrol station” revealed a list of petrol stations nearby, according to distance. 15 minutes later, we were back on track to hit the customs.

The drive on the North-South expressway was uneventful. En route, I deliberately deviated from the recommended route to see how the VIA 280 reacted. Both times, it came up with a new route in less than 3 seconds – impressive.

After the four-hour drive, we finally reached our destination 2 minutes before the time of arrival initially estimated by the VIA 280 at the beginning of the journey.

New luxury TV: Metz Primus 3D LED

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

Elegantly designed in wood, glass and metal, the Metz Primus 3D Media twin R comes in 55” (S$11,700) and 42” (S$8,000)  screens and will be available from December 2011.

Metz Primus 3D Media twin R comes in 55” (S$11,700) and 42” (S$8,000)  screensFeeling generous this Christmas, or just want to pamper yourself after a good, industrious year?

The new Primus 3D LED TV from luxury German brand, Metz, will be the anchor of 3D and multimedia entertainment in the living room, and a conversation piece for that TV dinner night.

Wall-mounted without the sound module.

Wall-mounted without the sound module.

The Primus 3D comes with both modern 3D LED technology as well as the new Metz media system with numerous networking opportunities.

Programmes can be conveniently recorded and archived in 3D using the integrated 750 GB digital recorder. That’s 150 hours of HDTV quality video or 750 hours in traditional SDTV quality.

Superior picture quality is offered through a combination of mecavision HD+ technology and 200 Hz technology – using energy-efficient LED technology. Movements and rapid panning shots on-screen are handled with ease and appear vibrant yet natural.

Metz Primus 3D LED mounted on table

Metz Primus 3D LED mounted on table

The 3D technology is based on the use of circular polarisation. A wafer-thin polarisation film on the LED panel simultaneously sends the differently polarised pictures to the right and left eyes – clockwise-polarised for one-eye and anti-clockwise for the other.

This eliminates flickering and restrictions in horizontal view when turning the head. The first two pairs of 3D glasses comes free with the TV.

The TV also converts 2D films to 3D.

Via an Ethernet connection, the Primus can access video, photos and music stored on other digital devices such as notebooks, PCs and network hard drives, and play them.

A USB port allows USB storage media to be directly plugged into the TV.  Live programmes can be recorded directly onto external USB hard disks.

Physically, the Primus can be positioned free-standing on its stand or placed on a table stand. It can also be mounted on the wall with or without the visually separate sound module.

Metz Primus 3D LED on its stand

Metz Primus 3D LED on its stand

Sound wise, viewers can enjoy high-quality sound via a two-way bass reflex system or through headphones. Surround sound is produced by the reproduction of multi-channel sound (eg. 5.1 Dolby Digital) via the system decoder through the optical digital audio output.

At the back of the TV, there are four HDMI sockets, a DVI-I interface and a USB port. There are also two external access CI+ and HD+ compatible slide-in slots for CA modules – for receiving different Pay TV channels and operating them in the usual OSD.

Digital in and output allows peripheral digital audio devices to be connected.

Metz LED TVs are only available at the Schmidt store at #05-06/07 in Ngee Ann City Tower A.

New headphones: Bose AE2i

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

Atlas Sound & Vision has launched the Bose AE2i audio headphones (S$269) in Singapore. The New design features inline remote and microphone for Apple products.

Bose AE2i audio headphones at S$269 from Atlas Sound & Vision in Singapore.

Bose AE2i audio headphones at S$269 from Atlas Sound & Vision.

The AE2i features an around-ear design and includes an application of proprietary Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure.

Accessing voice applications is easy using the new inline microphone – from taking calls on an iPhone, to using FaceTime on a MacBook Pro.

The simple, three-button remote allows users to adjust volume, select tracks, and seamlessly switch between calls and music.

Proprietary ear cushions and an ergonomic design distributes weight evenly, reducing irritating pressure points to allow hours of comfortable listening.

The Bose AE2i works exclusively with Apple iPhone, iPod, iPad, and MacBook Pro.

The Bose AE2i works with Apple iPhone, iPod, iPad, and MacBook Pro.

For lasting quality and durability the AE2i is  designed with features such as fold-flat ear cups and a single, detachable cable.

A carrying bag is included for added convenience.

BoseÒ Corporation was founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar G. Bose, professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Today, the company is primarily known for its research in acoustics, which has produced inventions that have improved the performance of sound systems.

Mr Postman delivers: TomTom VIA 280

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

The courier dropped off the TomTom VIA 280 GPS portable navigation device (PND) for review. The VIA range is the new family of PNDs that TomTom just introduced to Singapore this week.

TomTom VIA 280 (Click to see the other accessories), the screen display here is a sticker.

TomTom VIA 280, the screen display here is a sticker.

TomTom has been selling the XL 250, XXL 550 and GO 750 PNDs in Singapore.This week, it introduced the GO 2050 and GI 2050 World, as well as the VIA 220, VIA 260 and VIA 280.

Only three components in the box: the main unit, the USB cable and the cigartette plug.

Only three components in the box: the main unit, the USB cable and the cigartette plug.

Compared to the GO family of PNDs, the VIA range represents the lower end, no-frills selection of PNDs.

I’d tried the GO 750 before and was impressed by it, but I was curious whether the VIA would cut it. Over the next week, I’ll be driving to Kuala Lumpur and back with the VIA 280 – and then I’ll let you know whether the VIA 280 is any good.

For now, a look at the new box of VIA 280 shows three parts: the main unit itself, the plug for the car’s cigarette lighter, and the USB cable which connects the main unit to the plug.

The same USB cable is also used to connect the main unit to the computer for software and map updates.

The integrated mount behind the TomTom VIA 280 comprises an adjustable suction disc.

The integrated mount behind the TomTom VIA 280 comprises an adjustable suction disc.

Behind the main unit is the integrated mount, with a suction disc. After connecting the cable, bend the suction disc outwards, press it against the windscreen and turn the knob around the disc to tighten the grip of the disc on the windscreen.

Then adjust the angle until the screen of the main unit is at the right viewing angle from the driver’s seat.

Press the power button behind the main unit and it’s ready to operate.

Tomorrow, I’ll be driving up to KL in the morning. We’ll see how it fares then.

Microsoft nurtures government-community interaction with GovCamp Singapore

Friday, November 18th, 2011

Microsoft marries the desire of the citizenry for a bigger voice and the Government’s post-election impetus to better cultivate social media – by bringing the community together to examine the role that technology plays in oiling the interactions and engagement.

Panel discussion at GovCamp Singapore

Panel discussion at GovCamp Singapore

Thought leaders, citizens, students, government officials, developers, public servants, web 2.0 advocates, bloggers and community members concerned with technology, open data and open government converged to The Rock Auditorium in Suntec City.

Breakout sessions mooted and voted by participants.

Breakout sessions mooted and voted by participants.

The multi-track conference started at 3pm and will end at 10pm.

Following the opening speech by Jessica Tan, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore; speech by Guest of Honour, Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts; Jane Fountain delivered the keynote speech.

One of the breakout discussions at GovCamp Singapore

One of the breakout discussions at GovCamp Singapore

This was followed by a panel discussion between Jane Fountain, James Kang, Prof Ashish Lall, and Dr Pallab Saha – moderated by Rodrigo Becerra Mizuno, Managing Director, e-Government, Microsoft.

The detailed agenda for GovCamp and the full designations of the speakers can be found here.

Another of the breakout discussions at GovCamp Singapore

Another of the breakout discussions at GovCamp Singapore

After the break, participants broke into smaller discussion groups to focus on topics that they had earlier proposed and voted upon. The list of topics for the sessions can be found here.

Overall, the impression I got from the event was that it was well-attended, with good levels of interaction and discussion. Hopefully, there’ll be more of such engagement sessions in the future.